Part 59

George F. Mottet is a retired stock man of Walla Walla who at the age of twenty-seven years came to the new world and established his home in this section of the state. Throughout the intervening period he has been connected with the sheep industry but has now largely put aside the active cares of business life to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He was born in France, February 17, 1859, and is a son of Francis and Virginia Mottet, who were also natives of France, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven children, but George F. is the only one now living. He was reared and educated in France, enjoying liberal opportunities. He completed a high school course and afterward served for four years in the French army. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he came to America, making his way at once to Walla Walla. He has since been identified with the interests of the northwest. He was engaged in the sheep industry for twenty-four years and his affairs were wisely and successfully managed, so that he derived therefrom a handsome competence. After almost a quarter of a century he sold out and retired from active business life, making his home at the present time at No. 440 Chase avenue in Walla Walla, where he occupies a fine residence.

In 1895 Mr. Mottet was united in marriage to Miss Leonie Vincent, a native of France, and they have become parents of three children: George, who died at the age of eleven years; Anna, who is a high school graduate of Walla Walla; and one who died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Mottet has always been a stanch republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen but has never been an aspirant for office. He and his wife belong to the Catholic church. He is a self-made man--one who deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has acquired a handsome fortune. In addition to the home which he occupies in Walla Walla he has seven other residence properties there, from which he derives a gratifying annual income. His business interests have been carefully managed, his methods have been characterized by the utmost integrity and the results which have accrued are most satisfactory and creditable.

JOSEPH UTTER.

Joseph Utter, residing in Prescott, is identified with several important business enterprises of the town and is also actively and successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla county. He was born in the state of New York, February 22, 1855, a son of Alex M. and Alida (Putman) Utter, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They removed to Wisconsin in 1859 and there resided until 1861, when they became residents of Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. In 1862 the father enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic spirit prompting his ready response to the country's call for aid. He joined Company G of the Third Minnesota Infantry and served until the close of the hostilities, after which he returned to Minnesota, where both he and his wife passed away. In their family were nine children, eight of whom are yet living.

Joseph Utter was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1882 arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up his abode on a farm near Prescott which he still owns. His place comprises eight hundred and five acres of rich and productive land, all of which is improved. It is largely devoted to the cultivation of wheat, for his farm is situated in the midst of the rich wheat belt of Washington, famous throughout the entire country. The methods which he employs in his farm work are productive of excellent results. In addition to the growing of wheat he is also engaged in stock raising and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He is likewise a stockholder and manager of the Prescott Warehouse Company and is the president of the Prescott Telephone Company. In all business affairs he displays keen discernment and unfaltering industry and his carefully directed labors are bringing to him substantial returns.

In 1878 Mr. Utter was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Pettijohn, a daughter of Thomas and Charity (Wisby) Pettijohn, both of whom were natives of Ohio but spent their last years in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Utter became the parents of eleven children: Arabelle, who is the wife of W. H. James, now of California; Thomas H., who is living on the home farm; Carrie May, the wife of A. W. Reser; Richard, who is married and follows farming; Mildred, the wife of Henry Goe; Juliette, the wife of John Reid; Ralph, who is married and resides in Prescott; Lilian and Walter Wayne, who are living at home and two have passed away. The wife and mother died in July, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and was most devoted to the welfare of her family. Her loss was also deeply regretted by her many friends.

Mr. Utter holds membership in Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a republican but not an office seeker. He has through individual effort and determination become one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county and one of its representative business men. His worth is widely acknowledged by all with whom he has come in contact and his business career is characterized by a forcefulness and resourcefulness that is most resultant.

DAVID W. MILLER.

David W. Miller, one of the representative and prosperous agriculturists of Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he has spent almost his entire life, makes his home in the city of Walla Walla. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of productive land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres. His birth occurred in Wyoming on the 22d of August, 1874, his parents being David and Isabelle (King) Miller, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. About 1870 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and in subsequent years resided in Pennsylvania, Utah and other states but eventually came to Washington and about 1877 took up their abode in Walla Walla county. Here David Miller gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits, locating in Spring Valley, where he acquired a section of land and in his undertakings won gratifying prosperity. He was chosen to represent his district in the state senate for eight years, being first elected in 1893 and making a splendid record that gained the approval and continued support of his constituents. He was one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Farmers Alliance and was always foremost in any movement instituted to promote the interests and welfare of the community. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His demise, which occurred on the 6th of October, 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for in his passing the community lost one of its most valued and esteemed citizens. His widow, surviving him for a number of years, was called to her final rest in November, 1911.

David W. Miller, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the district schools and also spent one year in study in Whitman College. He then devoted about six years to farming and on the expiration of that period embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at Waitsburg, conducting an enterprise of that character for two years. At the end of that time he engaged in the coal and wood business at Walla Walla, being thus occupied until 1910, when he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which have since claimed his time and energies. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres, his interests being thus extensive and important. Success has attended his efforts in this connection by reason of the fact that he utilizes the most modern and progressive methods of agriculture and has ever manifested industry, enterprise and unremitting energy.

On the 12th of August, 1903, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ida Breeze, a daughter of R. M. Breeze, of Waitsburg. They now have three children, namely: James T., Earl W. and Ella Isabelle. In his political views Mr. Miller is a democrat and fraternally he is identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F., and with Columbia Lodge No. 70, K. P. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and he well merits the warm regard and high esteem in which he is uniformly held.

SILAS W. SMITH.

For almost sixty years Silas W. Smith made his home upon the Pacific coast and was long identified with its mercantile interests, conducting a store in Walla Walla during the last years of his business career. He was born in Monmouth, Illinois, August 16, 1844, a son of Isaac and Margaret (Butler) Smith, who were also natives of that state. In 1853 the family crossed the plains and located on a farm near Dallas, Oregon. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by horses and experienced the usual hardships of such a journey. Upon a claim of three hundred and twenty acres the father built the first log cabin in that locality and he became one of the prominent and influential men of the valley where he and his wife continued to make their home until called to their final rest. He always took a very active part in politics and for two terms was an honored member of the legislature. In his family were nine children, only four of whom are now living.

Silas W. Smith was about nine years of age when he came with the family to the far west and he was reared and educated at Dallas, Oregon, graduating from the academy at that place. After leaving school he was engaged in mercantile business at Independence, Oregon, for several years, but in 1888 removed to Waitsburg, Washington, where he conducted a store for some time, and later engaged in the same business in Walla Walla in partnership with John Fitzgerald. He finally sold out and lived retired until his death in 1912.

On the 5th of November, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Esther M. Barney, a native of Keokuk, Iowa, and a daughter of Harlow and Mary A. (Curtis) Barney. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Vermont. They were among the pioneers who crossed the plains with ox teams in 1853 and settled near Dallas, Oregon, where Mr. Barney took up six hundred and forty acres of land, making his home thereon until his death. His wife also died there. Two of their three children are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born five children, namely: Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of W. W. Maxwell; E. H., also deceased; O. B., a resident of Waitsburg, Washington; Lenna, the wife of Laverne Bartlett of Walla Walla; and Milan W., a merchant of Waitsburg.

Mrs. Smith owns a valuable ranch of five hundred and forty acres, all in a high state of cultivation. She is a faithful member of the Christian church, to which her husband also belonged, and he took quite an active part in all church work. He also held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a stanch republican in politics, exerting considerable influence in local affairs and serving for two terms as mayor of the city with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In his death the community realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen--one devoted to the best interests of the community. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Rebekah Lodge at Waitsburg and has filled all the chairs in the same. Like her husband, she makes friends wherever she goes and is held in the highest esteem by all who know her.

F. J. ALDRICH.

F. J. Aldrich is a representative farmer of Columbia county who utilizes the most progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring for his crops. Western enterprise finds expression in his life. He is a western man by birth, by training and by preference. He was born in Walla Walla county, Washington, July 1, 1872, and is a son of Milton and Sarah (Stanfield) Aldrich, the former a native of Michigan, while the latter was born in Iowa. In 1850 the father crossed the plains to California, where he engaged in prospecting and mining, continuing his operations from California clear into Canada. In 1860 he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up a homestead on Dry creek, seven miles east of the city of Walla Walla. Later he acquired other lands until he became owner of eight hundred and fifteen acres in the home place and nine hundred and twenty acres on Coppei creek, five miles from Waitsburg. He devoted many years to the development and improvement of his farm land and about five years prior to his death removed to Walla Walla, where he passed away about 1912. His widow is still living and yet occupies the home ranch. Mr. Aldrich was a republican in his political views and was twice elected county commissioner of Walla Walla county. He took an active and helpful interest in community affairs and was actuated by a public-spirited devotion to duty. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and a lady of many admirable qualities which have gained for her the high esteem and goodwill of all with whom she has been brought in contact.

F. J. Aldrich was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the common schools and in Whitman College, where he won his academic degree, although he lacked three months of graduation. On attaining his twenty-first year he began farming for himself and has since been prominently identified with agricultural interests in Walla Walla and Columbia counties. In 1902 he removed to his present farm in Columbia county, where he owns one thousand acres of land and in addition to that tract he also operates another thousand acres under lease. He is thus one of the extensive farmers of his section of the state, his great, broad fields annually producing excellent harvests, while the methods that he employs are of the most progressive character. In fact his farm work is an indication of the last word in modern scientific agriculture.

In 1895 Mr. Aldrich was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Lloyd, a daughter of Albert G. Lloyd, now deceased, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich have become parents of two children, Elmo and Erick.

In his political views Mr. Aldrich is a stalwart republican, always supporting the party at the polls yet never seeking office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and also to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He ranks with the foremost citizens of Columbia county and is honored and respected by all, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business methods which he has ever followed. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of another in any business transaction and through legitimate channels has won his prosperity.

WALLACE R. COPELAND.

Wallace R. Copeland, residing in Walla Walla, is actively identified with the agricultural development of this section of the state. He is a western man by birth, training and preference and in his life exemplifies the spirit of enterprise which has ever been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, March 26, 1860, a son of Henry S. and Mary Ann (Morton) Copeland, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was but two years of age when his parents removed from Yamhill county to Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he was reared to manhood upon the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1882 his parents left the farm and removed to Walla Walla, where both died.

Wallace R. Copeland pursued his education in the district schools and began his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses with a puncheon floor, slab benches and sod roof. The methods of instruction were also somewhat primitive, but he has lived to see marked development in the educational system of the state until Washington stands foremost in many respects in regard to its public school work. He remained at home through the period of his youth and continued to assist his father in the farm work until he reached the age of twenty-two years. He then started out independently as a farmer and as time has passed on has made for himself a most creditable and enviable position among the leading agriculturists of the state. He at first rented land from his father, cultivating four hundred and fifteen acres on the Cottonwood creek. This was in 1882. For ten years he farmed that place successfully as a renter and during the financial panic of 1892-3 he bought the farm of his father and has since extended his farming interests by the purchase of one hundred and seventy acres, so that he has in all five hundred and eighty-five acres. This is very valuable wheat land and upon it are produced some of the finest wheat crops that are grown in this section of the state. About 1911 he purchased five hundred and eighty-four acres of wheat land on Mill creek, for which he paid one hundred dollars per acre. He also owns a section of grazing land in the foothills. In the year 1916 he planted five hundred and sixty acres to wheat and there was an excellent yield. He is most progressive in his methods and has closely studied every phase of wheat cultivation, so that sound judgment directs his efforts and produces splendid results.

On the 9th of March, 1884, Mr. Copeland was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Kaseberg, of Walla Walla, a daughter of John and Henrietta Kaseberg, natives of Germany, who came to this country when children and were married here. For a time they made their home in Illinois, but in 1882 came west and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington. By trade the father was a wagon maker but his last years were devoted to farming. He died in 1905 and the mother passed away about three years later. In their family were eight children, of whom six are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been born five children: Henry, who is engaged in farming in Walla Walla county; Laura, the wife of Chester Offner, of Walla Walla; Elizabeth, the wife of Mathew Ennis, a farmer of this county; Ella, at home; and Edwin, who attended school at Pullman and later engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, but in December, 1917, he enlisted as machinist mate in the aviation service of the United States navy and went to San Diego, California.

Mrs. Copeland is an active member of the Presbyterian church and its auxiliary societies and is also an earnest worker in the Red Cross service. In his political views Mr. Copeland is a republican and gives stalwart support to the party, but is not an office seeker. He belongs to the Farmers Union of Walla Walla and there is no resident of this section of the state who is more able to speak with authority upon agricultural questions, especially those relating to the cultivation of wheat. His career has been notably successful. He had no assistance at the outset but has steadily worked his way upward and his persistent energy has brought him to a most enviable position. He has extensive holdings and his labors have been the foundation of his present prosperity.

J. R. AULT.

J. R. Ault, residing on section 26, township 11 north, range 37 east, is well known as one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of Columbia county. His birth occurred in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, on the 7th of May, 1884, his parents being John N. and Rebecca (Kinnear) Ault, who were born, reared and married in that province. The father was for a number of years engaged in wool buying at Cornwall, where he is now living retired. The mother, however, is deceased, having been called to her final rest in 1898.

J. R. Ault was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the city schools of Cornwall. In 1904, when a young man of twenty years, he came to the state of Washington and took up his abode in the vicinity of his present home, here beginning farming as a renter. In 1909 he came into possession of his first property, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in association with his brother, S. C. Ault, in partnership with whom he operated the place until the fall of 1916, since which time he has carried on his agricultural interests independently. He now owns three hundred and sixty acres of land and leases one hundred and sixty more, and in the conduct of his farming operations he has won a well deserved and gratifying measure of success by reason of his enterprise, close application and progressiveness.

In the exercise of his right of franchise Mr. Ault supports the men and measures of the democratic party and fraternally he is a prominent Mason, belonging to Tucanon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 5, K. T., of Walla Walla; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He has already won a most creditable position as an agriculturist of Columbia county, and all with whom he comes in contact recognize him as a young man of sterling personal worth and many commendable qualities.

JAMES P. SEITZ.

James P. Seitz, who from the age of sixteen years has been a resident of Walla Walla county, is now actively engaged in farming, his land being situated on section 9, township 6 north, range 36 east. He is a progressive man, alert and energetic, and his well defined plans have been carried forward to successful completion. He was born in Missouri, April 13, 1870, and is a son of John P. and Lydia J. (Chambers) Seitz, whose family numbered eight children, five of whom are yet living. The father was a native of Germany and when a young boy came to America, the family home being established in Illinois, and for a time they also lived in Indiana. Subsequently a removal was made to Missouri and there John P. Seitz met and married Miss Chambers, who was a native of Ohio and was of English descent. For twenty-five years he continued his residence in Missouri and in 1886 came to the northwest with Walla Walla county as his destination. After reaching this section of the country he invested in farm land, which his son James now owns. Here he continued to devote his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in 1911. His wife had passed away in 1910. In early life Mr. Seitz had learned the trades of millwright and blacksmith, possessing much natural mechanical skill and ability. He was a soldier of the Civil war, responding to the call of his adopted country for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south, and upon the field of battle he proved his loyalty to his adopted land. He was also greatly interested in the cause of education and insisted that English should be more thoroughly taught in our schools even if it was necessary to exclude foreign languages.