Part 5

William Martin was reared and educated in Missouri, where he resided until 1852, when at the age of nineteen years he came to the Pacific coast country. He outfitted with an ox team and wagon and started upon the long journey to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast and the business opportunities which it opened up. He was six months in crossing the plains and then concluded to locate in Oregon, but after spending three months in Oregon City went to Thurston county, Washington, where he was employed in a sawmill for three years and a half. On the expiration of that time he took up a claim. Upon that land, which was entirely wild and undeveloped, he built a little log cabin with a clapboard roof and began life there in true pioneer style, experiencing the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. Upon that place he lived for several years and his labors wrought a marked change in its appearance, for he broke the sod, tilled the fields and in course of time gathered good harvests. He afterward purchased more land in that locality. The years were fraught not only with much hard labor but with other experiences of pioneer life. In 1855 and 1856 Mr. Martin was engaged in fighting the Indians and became familiar with all of the treacherous methods of Indian warfare. Later he concentrated his efforts upon farming and as the years passed his labors were crowned with a substantial measure of success.

On December 14, 1856, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ann E. Yantis, who was born in Missouri in 1840 and by whom he had five children, as follows: John F.; J. A.; Catherine, who is the wife of L. H. Koontz, of Pasco, Washington; William E.; and one who died in infancy.

It was in 1872 that Mr. Martin brought his family to the Walla Walla valley, where he has since lived, covering a period of forty-five years. Here he was engaged in the stock business until 1880 and then removed to Walla Walla and turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1886 he entered a railroad office at Wallula, where he remained for nine years, and at the end of that time located on a ranch on Snake river, living there for three years. The following year was spent in Walla Walla and he next owned and occupied a ranch on Hudson Bay in Oregon for three years. On selling that place he returned to Washington and has lived in Touchet since 1901. He purchased a store in Touchet which he carried on for some time but at length sold that property and retired from active business life, so that he is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He owns seven acres of land in the village of Touchet, upon which he has a comfortable and attractive residence and is now pleasantly situated there.

His has been an active and useful life and one which, by its integrity and honor, has gained for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and upon that ticket he was elected to represent his district in the general assembly of Washington in 1877. He has served on the school board, has filled the office of justice of the peace and at all times has been most loyal to the trust reposed in him. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church and have guided their lives by its teachings, being always careful to conform their actions to high standards. In a word they have ever endeavored to follow the golden rule doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.

RAYMOND RINGOLD REES.

A man who has contributed to the upbuilding of a city in one line of development is considered worthy of honor, but that man who has a part in the promotion of his city's interests in many fields of activity has a still greater claim upon the gratitude of his fellow citizens, and such was the record of Raymond Ringold Rees, pioneer newspaper man, prominent merchant and man of affairs.

He was born in Reily, Ohio, June 17, 1833, and was taken by his parents to Delaware, that state, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. During his youth he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and in 1854 he came west with a brother by way of the Isthmus of Panama, their destination being Portland, Oregon, in the vicinity of which a third brother lived. After a short time Mr. Rees of this review secured work as a typesetter on the Christian Advocate and as he had the distinction of being the only man in Portland who could set book type, he did that work on McCormac's Almanac, the first book published on the Pacific coast. He was also employed as a typesetter on the first issue of the Daily Oregonian, Portland's famous newspaper. With the exception of eighteen months spent with a brother in the Colville mines, he was identified with newspaper publication in Portland until 1861, when he came to Walla Walla, reaching here on the 21st of November.

Mr. Rees formed a partnership with Nemiah Northrop and established the first newspaper in this section--the Washington Statesman. The firm sent to Portland for a press, which arrived on schedule time, and the first issue of the new paper appeared on November 27th. The publishers therein made the following announcement to the public: "We send forth this morning with our congratulations the first number of the Washington Statesman, and respectfully solicit the attention of the people of Walla Walla and county to its pages.... That a weekly publication devoted to the various interests of the country, containing all the news which may be gathered from different quarters, is essentially needed in the Walla Walla valley we premise no permanent resident will deny. This admitted, we have no misgivings as to the disposition of the people to come forward and promptly sustain an enterprise so materially calculated to further their interests as a community." In the meantime the firm of Rees & Northrop learned that two brothers named Smith intended starting a democratic paper in Walla Walla and had sent to Portland for a press, which, however, reached The Dalles just as the Columbia river, at that time the only highway, froze over, with the result that it could not be delivered for three months. Mr. Smith desired to become a member of his competing firm and his wish was granted. The first subscriptions did not come in to the new paper as readily as had been expected. Accordingly Mr. Smith made a tour on horseback of Walla Walla county and Umatilla county and succeeded in obtaining two hundred subscriptions at five dollars per year, the circulation list containing the names of practically all the men of the two counties. The Statesman was the first newspaper established in eastern Washington, then known as the "upper country," and was a factor of great importance in the early development of this region. Mr. Rees was one of the owners of that journal until November, 1865, when he sold his interest therein to W. H. Newell, and the following five years were devoted to farming in connection with his father-in-law. In 1870 he returned to Walla Walla and formed a partnership with H. E. Johnson for the conduct of a mercantile business under the style of Johnson & Rees. Two years later W. P. Winans bought into the firm and the name was changed to Johnson, Rees & Winans. With Mr. Johnson's subsequent retirement from the business the firm name became Rees & Winans and so remained until 1887, when the business was sold. In the meantime a two-story building was erected where now stands the Farmers Savings Bank. Plans were subsequently made for the erection of the Rees-Winans building but before construction work was begun Mr. Rees was called by death. His widow, with Mr. Winans, however, carried out the plans already made and the building was erected in due time and was an important addition to the downtown section of Walla Walla. As a merchant Mr. Rees was enterprising, progressive and sound of judgment, managing his affairs carefully and giving much thought to anticipating the demands of his customers. He based his success upon the firm foundation of the best service possible and full return for all money received.

Mr. Rees was married March 12, 1865, to Miss Augusta Ward, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Michael V. Ward. She was born near Chicago, in De Kalb county, Illinois, in 1843 and in 1853 accompanied her parents to Oregon, the journey being made by ox team. The family settled near Lebanon, in Linn county, but the long wet season proved unhealthful and Mr. Ward developed serious throat trouble. On the advice of a physician he removed to Walla Walla county, bringing with him three hundred head of cattle. That winter, however, there was an unusually heavy snowfall and owing to the unfavorable weather conditions he lost all of his cattle but forty-four. However, the increase in prices enabled him to realize so much from the remaining cattle that his net loss was inconsiderable. He bought the Lewis McMorris ranch a few miles south of Walla Walla and operated that place for some time but at length disposed of it. He then removed to Walla Walla and erected there the most pretentious home in the city at the corner of East and Poplar streets. At the time of the visit of President Hayes and party the president and his wife were entertained at the home of Mr. Ward, as there were no suitable hotel accommodations to be found in the city. Mrs. Hayes insisted in helping with the house work and at her request fried apples were served at breakfast. The democratic spirit manifested by the president and his wife made their visit a genuine pleasure as well as an honor. To Mr. and Mrs. Rees were born three children: Frank W., a well known dentist of Walla Walla; Elma R., the wife of H. H. Turner, cashier of the Baker-Boyer Bank of Walla Walla; and Lora R., the wife of Paul Compton, of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Compton is a son of General Compton, who for years had command of the garrison at Walla Walla.

Mr. Rees was a prominent democrat and for many years took an active part in politics. He represented his district at two different times in the state legislature; for several years served as county treasurer, and his record as an official was highly creditable alike to his ability and his public spirit. He was always called upon with a certainty of response for aid in carrying out projects for the development of Walla Walla city and county and his demise, which occurred July 12, 1889, was recognized as a great loss to his community.

His widow survives and resides in one of the handsomest residences of the city, in which she takes great pride, for it was built in accordance with plans drawn by herself. After the death of her husband she carried on the business of the estate. She is one of the honored pioneer settlers of Walla Walla and her reminiscences of the early days when the present rapidly growing city was a little frontier settlement are much appreciated by the younger generation, who find it hard to realize that conditions have changed so radically within a half century. When she came to this region there were not more than twenty white women in the valley and she is one of the very few of the number now living.

JOHN H. ROMAINE.

John H. Romaine, who has been engaged in farming in Columbia county, was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, April 15, 1857, a son of Garrit Romaine, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject grew to manhood in his native state and there received a good common school education. When twenty years old he accompanied his parents to Washington and not long after his arrival in this state took up a homestead on section 25, township 11 north, range 38 east. He brought his land to a high state of development, and gained recognition as a progressive and capable farmer. He raised both wheat and stock and his annual income reached gratifying proportions. He added to his holdings as the years passed until he owned fourteen hundred acres of fine land but sold out in the fall of 1917 and purchased a ranch of seven hundred and fifty-five acres in Umatilla county, Oregon, nine miles south of Walla Walla, Washington, on which he expects to locate.

In 1882 Mr. Romaine was united in marriage to Miss May McKellips and following her death married Miss Ella Davis, a daughter of Cyrus and Nancy (Holly) Davis, natives respectively of Vermont and Ohio. They removed to Old Walla Walla county and here her father passed away in 1910. Her mother survives and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Romaine. The latter have become the parents of four children: Jean M., deceased; one who died in infancy; Garrit; and Jean Henry.

Mr. Romaine gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never sought office, his farming interests requiring his undivided time and attention. His wife belongs to the Congregational church and takes much interest in its work. During the forty years of his residence in Old Walla Walla county Mr. Romaine has witnessed a remarkable transformation and has kept pace with the development of the county, at all times giving his support to progressive measures.

ZIBA DIMMICK.

For a quarter of a century Ziba Dimmick has been a resident of Walla Walla county and is now numbered among its most prosperous farmers, being extensively and successfully engaged in the growing of wheat. His place is situated on section 27, township 8 north, range 34 east of W. M. He is a western man by birth, by training and by preference, and the spirit of western enterprise finds exemplification in his life. He was born at The Dalles, Oregon, on the 8th of March, 1868, and is a son of H. R. and Ann (Cooper) Dimmick, the former a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Scotland. It was in the year of 1853 that the father crossed the plains with ox teams, meeting all the hardships and privations of that strenuous trip in the early days. He located first on the Umpqua river in southern Oregon, where he lived with his parents until the spring of 1862, when he and his wife moved to The Dalles. His remaining days were spent in that state, and his widow, who still survives is now a resident of Hood River county, Oregon. In her family were ten children, of whom Ziba is the eldest son and six of the number are now living.

Ziba Dimmick was reared and educated in Oregon, no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of life for him in the days of his boyhood and youth. At the age of sixteen years he started to work for the Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked until 1892. When a young man of about twenty-four he came to Walla Walla, Washington, and commenced his career as a farmer, working for different men, until 1900, when he invested his savings in the farm upon which he now resides. He today owns seven hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive wheat land and has always made a specialty of raising that crop, for which the soil and climate are particularly adapted. Success has therefore attended his efforts, for in all of his methods he is practical and progressive and through the summer months the broad fields of waving grain give promises of abundant harvest in the autumn. In addition to this property Mr. Dimmick owns one hundred and ten acres of valuable land in Hood River county, Oregon, where he is engaged in raising alfalfa and clover.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Dimmick is a Woodman of the World and an Odd Fellow, politically a republican. His energy and determination have made him what he is today--one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county, and his substantial traits of character have won for him the warm regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. Walla Walla county gained a substantial citizen when he removed from Oregon to this state, for his labors have contributed much to its agricultural development.

FRANK S. DEMENT.

It was in the quaint and picturesque little city of Oregon City, Oregon, that Frank S. Dement, prominent miller and grain dealer of Walla Walla, was born November 3, 1853, a representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families upon the Pacific coast. His father, W. C. Dement, came to Oregon from Virginia in 1843 in the train with Marcus Whitman. He engaged in merchandising at Oregon City, the little town that was founded above the falls of the Willamette river, and he was one of the four who built the railway around the falls at Oregon City, which was one of the first, if not the first railway on the Pacific coast. With many events which shaped the pioneer development and later progress of that section of the country he was closely associated. He served as captain of volunteers in the Rogue River Indian war in 1856 and there was no phase of frontier development with which he was not thoroughly familiar. He became a resident of Oregon before the city of Portland was established and he lived to witness many remarkable changes as the work of settlement was carried forward. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Olive Johnson, came to Oregon in 1845 and was a daughter of the Rev. Hezekiah Johnson, a Baptist missionary of that state.

Frank S. Dement, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, acquired his education in the Oregon City Seminary and in early life took up the printing business, learning the trade, after which he engaged in general printing and in publishing of the Oregon City Enterprise. He figured prominently in public affairs in that locality and served as county treasurer of Clackamas county, Oregon, which position he resigned in 1879 and removed to Walla Walla on account of his health. In the following year he organized the Dement Brothers Company and has continuously served as its president. He and his partners purchased the Eureka flour mills of the firm of Welch & Schwabacher Brothers in 1880. These mills had a capacity of one hundred and fifty barrels daily and something of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that the present capacity is six hundred barrels daily. In a word they have developed one of the most important milling industries of this section of the state and they are also well known as extensive grain dealers. It was Frank S. Dement who in 1882 imported the first bluestem seed wheat from New Zealand to the Pacific northwest and it is today the leading wheat grown in this section of the country. Through this channel and his other business activities he has contributed in marked measure to the material development and consequent prosperity of his section of the state. In the conduct of his business affairs he has amassed a considerable fortune, much of which he has invested in Walla Walla real estate, thus indicating his faith in the future of this district.

In Oregon City, Oregon, on the 1st of August, 1877, Mr. Dement was married to Miss Frances Miller, a daughter of Captain J. D. Miller, who was a pioneer steamboat operator on the Willamette and Columbia rivers. To Mr. and Mrs. Dement have been born two sons: Charles F., who is county auditor of Walla Walla county; and Frank Bingham, who is now in the National army at Camp Lewis. He was graduated from the Shattuck Military School of Minnesota in 1914 and was a student in Whitman College with the class of 1918.

Frank S. Dement has long been a recognized leader in republican circles in his county and was chairman of the county republican central committee. He has done much to further the interests of his party, believing firmly in its principles and recognizing the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship; yet he has never sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a prominent Mason, having taken the degrees of both the York and Scottish Rites. He is a member of Oriental Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane and of El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. For the past thirty years he has been a very active and prominent member of the Commercial Club of Walla Walla and is now one of its directors and the treasurer. He stands for progressiveness in all public affairs and his efforts in behalf of general progress and improvement have been practical, far reaching and effective. Men who know him--and he has a wide acquaintance--speak of him in terms of the highest regard both as to his relationship with business affairs and in matters of citizenship.

JOSEPH LEDGERWOOD.

Joseph Ledgerwood, deceased, spent the last years of his life in honorable retirement from business in Pomeroy, enjoying the fruits of his former labor. For many years he had been identified with farming in southeastern Washington and his well directed business affairs brought to him a very substantial competence, enabling him to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life and also to leave his family in very easy financial circumstances. He was born in Clay county, Missouri, July 17, 1836, and was a son of Joseph and Rachael Ledgerwood, who were natives of Tennessee and afterward became pioneer settlers of Clay county, Missouri.

Joseph Ledgerwood acquired his education in the common schools of Clay and Daviess counties of Missouri and on reaching manhood took up the occupation of farming. In 1864, with little money to outfit him for so hazardous and extended a journey, he started across the plains for the Pacific coast country, and while he endured many hardships and privations while en route, he ultimately in safety reached the Umpqua valley, where he made a home for his family and continued to reside until 1877. He then disposed of his property in that region and removed to Garfield county, Washington, settling about nine miles east of Pomeroy. There he prospered and from time to time, as his financial resources increased, he added to his land until at his death he was the owner of about one thousand acres of valuable farm property. In the later years of his life he retired from active farm work and removed to Pomeroy, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his many years of successful labor. For a long period his life had been one of untiring industry and perseverance, during which he was watchful of every opportunity and indication pointing toward success. At all times he based his advancement upon the sure foundation of industry and persistency of purpose.

In 1859 Mr. Ledgerwood was united in marriage to Miss Louise O'Keef, a native of Illinois, who was a faithful helpmate to him and shared with him in all of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, when Oregon and Washington were still frontier states. She still survives her husband and cherishes his memory, for he was most devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family. To Mr. and Mrs. Ledgerwood were born nine children, seven of whom are yet living, as follows: William T.; J. Joseph; John T.; Lou Emma, who is the wife of W. A. DeBow, a grain dealer of Pomeroy; Martha R., who is the widow of James B. Carter and resides in Pomeroy; Rosa, who gave her hand in marriage to Lou Jurgens, of Asotin county, Washington; and Clara B., the wife of Edward Davis, of Okanogan county, Washington.