Part 8

Mr. Paine not only figured in the business and public activities of the city but also in its social organizations. He became a member of the Inquiry Club on its organization twenty-six years ago, a club which is still in vigorous existence. Its membership has included many of the brightest minds in Walla Walla--men from various professions and callings in life. Whitman College has been largely represented on its roster. The workings of the club certainly have a great charm for its members, for its discussions cover the widest possible range of subjects and any member called upon expresses his views upon the subject under discussion with entire absence of restraint and accepts with good grace whatever he may get in return. Mr. Paine was also connected with an association of gentlemen of literary attainments which was organized in 1877. Among its members were Dr. George M. Sternberg, later surgeon general of the United States army, Judge J. K. Kennedy, Dr. J. E. Bingham, Colonel H. E. Holmes, Ex-Governor M. C. Moore, Colonel W. H. Miller, J. F. Boyer, Major R. R. Rees, F. W. Paine and a number of other prominent citizens. The objects of this association, as expressed in its articles of organization, were to maintain a scientific and useful library, to promote science and to cultivate and improve its members. Mr. Paine is also a member of the Archaeological Association of Walla Walla, which under Professor Anderson maintains a good degree of activity, bringing to the city many able lecturers on arts and sciences. On the list of the members of the Symphony Orchestra is also found the name of Frank W. Paine, who has been its honored president for many years, an association which has done much to cultivate and promote musical taste in Walla Walla.

Most pleasantly situated in his home life, notwithstanding the extent and importance of his business and public and social activities, the interest of Frank W. Paine, yet has ever centered in his home. He married Ida B. Illsley, a daughter of Jonathan H. Illsley, a merchant of Harrison, Maine, the wedding being celebrated in the Presbyterian church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D. C., April 3, 1876. After a brief visit to their old homes in Maine they turned toward Walla Walla, visiting the Centennial at Philadelphia while en route and thence proceeding to San Francisco, to Portland and on to their destination, where they arrived on the 6th of July, being soon domiciled in the home which they yet occupy. Mrs. Paine comes of a family of superior musical and literary talent, finding its highest exponent perhaps in her eldest sister, the late Mrs. Caroline A. Tolman, who possessed unusual literary ability and devoted much time and talent to advocating the emancipation of women, contemporaneous with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Abigail Scott Dunniway. They labored to make a place for woman side by side with man. Theirs was scant praise in their day but already the harvest of their labors is being garnered.

To Mr. and Mrs. Paine were born four daughters. Elizabeth, the eldest, passed away at the age of twenty-four years. Josephine became the wife of Timothy A. Paul, a graduate of the University of Virginia and now a resident of Walla Walla, by whom she has three children, two sons and a daughter. Mary became the wife of Ben G. Stone, a real estate and insurance man and farmer of Walla Walla, and they have two sons. Frances is the wife of R. Douglas Ball, who is engaged in the wholesale paper business in Seattle, and they have three children, a daughter and two sons. Mr. and Mrs. Paine are happy in the possession of their three daughters, their generous, manly husbands and their promising children. They stand to them a full measure of reward for any and all sacrifices it may have been their duty and pleasure to make for them and an ample assurance of continued happiness in them, for all of which they duly return thanks to the "giver of every good and perfect gift."

JOHN N. FALL.

John N. Fall was one of the pioneers of Walla Walla county who reaped the reward of his labors, being at the time of his death the owner of large tracts of fine wheat land, the operation of which he supervised, although a resident of Walla Walla. He was born in Indiana, September 13, 1836, a son of Asa and Agnes (Davis) Fall, the former a native of North Carolina. Both parents passed their last years in Walla Walla county.

John N. Fall received the education usually afforded boys in pioneer communities and remained with his parents until he reached mature years. In 1861 he decided to take advantage of the opportunities offered the ambitious young man in the Pacific northwest and crossed the plains with ox teams. He at once settled in Walla Walla county, buying a farm on Mill creek, on which he resided until 1867. He then removed to Walla Walla but continued to operate his farm and, although as the years passed his holdings increased rapidly, he never ceased to exercise direct personal supervision over his agricultural interests. He was at once practical and progressive, being ready to adopt any new method or implement whose value had been reasonably well proven. He gave careful study to the problems of increased production, the conservation of soil fertility and advantageous marketing, and it was recognized that he was an authority on everything pertaining to wheat raising.

Mr. Fall was married in Missouri in 1858 to Miss Sarah E. Williams, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Williams, both of whom were born in Kentucky, but for a number of years resided in Missouri, whence they finally removed to Iowa, where the father passed away. The mother then came to Walla Walla county, where she spent her last years. To Mr. and Mrs. Fall was born a son, Dr. E. E. Fall, who died in February, 1917, leaving a son, Edmond E.

Mr. Fall supported the democratic party at the polls and manifested the interest of a good citizen in public affairs. Fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the spirit which characterized his life was that of fraternity and consideration for others. He passed away in 1900 and was laid to rest in Mountain View cemetery. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, to the support of which he contributed generously, and his sterling worth gained him a warm place in the regard of those who were closely associated with him. Mrs. Fall was also a member of that denomination and was likewise keenly interested in its various activities. After the death of her husband she owned and personally managed the operation of two thousand and forty acres of wheat land and two hundred and forty acres on the mountain, a part of which was wheat land and a part pasture. In looking after her extensive interests she manifested an executive ability and keen insight into business that was far above the average and she was recognized as a factor in the development of the county along agricultural lines.

ELMER L. WOODS.

Elmer L. Woods, who resides on section 7, township 9 north, range 27 east, is one of the leading horticulturists of Walla Walla county, his apple orchard comprising almost four thousand trees of the finest varieties. He was born in that township, November 4, 1888, and is a son of Joel and Viola M. (Hull) Woods, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared at home and during his boyhood and youth attended the Waitsburg public schools, thus receiving a good education. On reaching man's estate he became associated with his father in the operation of the home farm, and this relation was continued until the father's death. In 1911 forty acres were planted to apple trees, ninety-six to an acre, by Walter & Morris, the administrators of the estate. This orchard of three thousand eight hundred and forty trees is now bearing, and is one of the finest fruit orchards in the county. At the time the estate was settled Mr. Woods of this review acquired title to the orchard, and it yielded about two thousand boxes of apples in 1917. He has given the orchard the most thorough and systematic care and is ever businesslike in solving problems of packing and marketing.

Mr. Woods belongs to Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., of Waitsburg and is in hearty sympathy with the ideals of the fraternity upon which that organization is based. He possesses in marked measure the enterprise and self-reliance characteristic of the western man, and he has the utmost confidence in the future of his county and state.

FRANK SINGLETON.

There are few residents of Walla Walla who can claim connection with the city from 1857. The memory of Frank Singleton, however, harks back to the period when this was a frontier fort and the work of progress and civilization had scarcely been begun in all this section of the country. The Indians were more numerous than the white settlers and only here and there had some venturesome spirit penetrated into the western wilderness to plant the seeds of civilization. Frank Singleton, who is now extensively interested in mining and is engaged in the real estate business in Walla Walla, was but six years of age at the time of his arrival in Washington. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, November 7, 1850, and after the removal of the family to the northwest pursued his education in the public and parochial schools of Walla Walla. On reaching manhood he engaged in the live stock business, with which he was prominently identified for many years. At one time he was a heavy holder of farm lands, but in 1916 he sold his farm north of Prescott, comprising six hundred acres, which was the last of his farm possessions. For the past twelve years he has been prominently identified with mining and has large holdings in mining property. For six years he has been engaged in the real estate business in Walla Walla and has negotiated many important realty transfers. In a word, he is a progressive business man, alert and energetic, his activities guided by sound judgment, while his laudable ambition has brought to him gratifying success.

In July, 1907, Mr. Singleton was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha White, who in her maidenhood was Miss Kidwell, a daughter of James Kidwell, who in 1863 cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Walla Walla. By her former marriage Mrs. Singleton had two sons; Walter, who is engaged in farming in Walla Walla county; and Vivian, who is a farmer of Franklin county. Mr. and Mrs. Singleton are widely and favorably known in the city and surrounding country, having an extensive circle of friends, while the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. With every phase of pioneer life and of the later development and progress of the county they are familiar, having been interested witnesses of the growth and upbuilding of this section of the state from early pioneer times.

WILLIAM D. PAUL.

William D. Paul was successful as a farmer and his personal qualities were such that he made and retained friends readily. He was recognized as a man of worth and there was much sincere regret when he passed away at his home in Walla Walla. His birth occurred in Walla Walla county, October 21, 1864, and his parents were Thomas and Susan F. (Ellis) Paul, both of whom were born in Iowa. In 1861 they crossed the plains with ox team to Washington, and the father took up a claim in Walla Walla county, on which they resided until called by death.

William D. Paul was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended the pioneer schools. His entire life was devoted to farming and he became in time the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of fertile land, from which he received a gratifying income. He made many improvements upon his place and was careful and systematic in the conduct of the farm work. He also held title to valuable city property and for a number of years resided in Walla Walla.

In 1895 Mr. Paul was married to Miss Kate Loney, a native of Canada and a daughter of Charles and Charlotte (Cole) Loney, who were born in Ireland but emigrated to Canada in young manhood and womanhood. In 1880 they came to Walla Walla, Washington, and here they passed their remaining days. To Mr. and Mrs. Paul were born four children: Thomas N., who is farming in Walla Walla county; Winifred and Ruth, both high school students; and Geneva.

Mr. Paul endorsed the principles of the republican party, and gave his loyal support to its candidates at the polls. His religious faith was the determining principle in his life and he gave freely of his time and means in furthering work of the Baptist church, in which he held the office of deacon and also that of treasurer. He passed away August 24, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Mountain View cemetery. His unswerving integrity and his consistent regard for the rights and feelings of others gave him a place in the warm regard of many, and those who were privileged to know him intimately still cherish his memory. Mrs. Paul owns the family residence in Walla Walla and there makes her home. She rents the farm and personally attends to the management of her affairs and displays in that connection unusual business qualities. She, too, is a faithful and active member of the Baptist church and is a woman of many admirable qualities.

WILLIAM S. CLARK.

William S. Clark, who is living retired in Walla Walla save for the management of his extensive farming interests, has passed his entire life in the northwest and is a son of pioneers who came to "Old Oregon" in 1843, when this region was wild and uninhabited save by Indians and fur traders and when it was still a mooted question whether it was British or American territory. The birth of William S. Clark occurred in Portland, Oregon, April 9, 1857, and his parents were Ransom and Lettice Jane (Millican) Clark. The father was born near St. Johnsbury, Vermont, July 22, 1810, and was descended from a long line of Puritan ancestors. The first one of the family to emigrate to America was Lieutenant William Clark, who became one of the first settlers of Dorchester and Northampton, Massachusetts. Smith College at Northampton is situated upon land that was a part of his homestead.

Ransom Clark received his education in Vermont and remained there for a considerable period after reaching mature years. At length, however, he manifested the pioneer spirit that had characterized his ancestors and removed to the west, where he believed there were better opportunities. He first located in Wisconsin and then went to St. Louis and later to New Orleans. He was in St. Louis in 1843 at the time Lieutenant Fremont was fitting out his company for his trip to the Pacific coast and although the greater part of his men were French and Canadian frontiersmen, Mr. Clark and about a half dozen other Americans enlisted for the expedition. Mr. Clark remained with the Fremont party until The Dalles were reached and then, with two other Americans, left the command and joined the American emigrants just coming into the country. In the spring of 1844 he took up his residence upon a farm near Lafayette and was successful in adapting himself to the conditions of that frontier locality, growing good crops and also engaging in stock raising. The Oregon Spectator of July 4, 1846, contained the following advertisement: "Ransom Clark, at his home on Yamhill river, offers for sale wheat, oats, corn, white beans, peas and potatoes, also bacon, salt pork, hogs and breeding sows." At the time of the discovery of gold he went to the mines in California, where he spent two years, after which he conducted a hotel in Linn, Oregon, and still later became one of the proprietors of the Columbian Hotel in Portland. In 1855 he went to the Colville country, in which gold had been discovered, and returning by way of Walla Walla, took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres just south of the present site of Walla Walla. However, the country had not yet been formally opened for settlement and he was compelled to leave by Nathan Olney, Indian agent. In 1888, however, he learned that the country would soon be opened up and in that spring went to his claim with a full outfit of farming implements, fruit trees, nursery stock, etc. He took with him John Haley to fence and care for his place and, leaving him there, soon returned to Oregon. The following spring he again came to this region, and this time was accompanied by his son, Charles W., whom he left on the place. In May he returned to Portland to make final arrangements for removing to his land, but while there became ill and died on the 24th of May, 1859, at the early age of forty-nine years. He was a member of the famous Lyceum and Debating Society of Oregon City and, as he wrote to a friend, "always advocated those principles which are best calculated to promote the cause of education, to promote the greatest good to the greatest number." He was quite prominent in civic affairs, served as a member of one of the early legislatures and in 1844 was one of three commissioners to view out and survey a road from the Willamette falls to the falls of the Yamhill river. He realized that a great future was in store for this section and was among the men who laid broad and deep the foundation for its future development.

Ransom Clark was married in 1845 to Miss Lettice Jane, the eldest daughter of Elijah and Lucinda (Crisp) Millican. She was born in Canehill, Arkansas, October 3, 1830. In 1843 the family joined the Whitman train and after a journey of weary months reached Oregon. The following year the Millican family settled near the town of Lafayette, Yamhill county, and there in 1845 Lattice J. Millican became the wife of Ransom Clark. Following the death of her husband in 1859, she made the journey to Walla Walla in order to make arrangements for subsequently locating upon the farm which Mr. Clark had taken up and which was known for many years as the Ransom Clark donation claim. She was given a place in the government ambulance from Wallula to Walla Walla and her first night in the latter place was spent in the fort. The following morning she was driven out to her claim and remained there for two weeks. She then returned to Portland, where the birth of her daughter occurred the following summer. In October, 1859, she again came to Walla Walla in company with her family. They were passengers on the first stage from The Dalles to Walla Walla, with John F. Abbott as driver. Later she received a letter from Judge E. D. Shattuck of Portland advising her to sell her claim for two hundred and seventy-five dollars and abandon the idea of developing it. However, she disregarded this advice and continued to reside upon the farm with her children. On the 23d of May, 1861, she married Almos H. Reynolds, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. She was one of the earliest pioneer women at the head of a ranch in Walla Walla county and the fact that she had been privileged to witness more of the growth of the northwest than others seemed to give her an added interest in everything pertaining to public welfare. She contributed much to the upbuilding of the various institutions of the city and by reason of her force of character and her many liberal and well advised benefactions she was recognized as a most prominent citizen of Walla Walla. The erection of the Young Men's Christian Association building was made possible by a twenty thousand dollar donation from her and after its completion she was one of the chief contributors toward its upkeep. At the rally and jubilee held when the association had raised the forty-five thousand dollars necessary to pay off its debt the speech that she made expressing her great joy in the knowledge that the association was free of all debt will long be remembered by all who heard her. She was also a loyal friend and patron of Whitman College, contributing generously at various times to the support of the institution and paying off a debt of six thousand dollars on the girls' dormitory, which is named in her honor Reynolds Hall. She was a woman of the highest ideals and also had the keenness of intellect and strength of character to realize her ideals and the memory of Lettice J. Reynolds will long be held in honor in Walla Walla.

William S. Clark received his education in the public schools and Whitman Academy, his parents realizing the value of liberal training and giving their children the best advantages possible. After leaving school he went to work in the drug store of Dr. J. H. Day of Walla Walla, and there studied pharmacy. Later he was for two years clerk in a drug store in Portland and then returned to Walla Walla and continued to engage in the drug business here until 1877. He was then employed for some time on the railroad from Walla Walla to Wallula, owned by Dr. Baker. The latter recognized that with the settling up of the country land would rapidly increase in value and advised Mr. Clark to invest his savings in land. Accordingly he began buying farm lands, to the operation of which he gave close personal supervision for many years. He now, however, leaves all the actual work of cultivation to others, confining his attention to the business management of his properties.

On the 6th of June, 1900, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Ella H. Seelye, a teacher for seventeen years in the Walla Walla public schools. She was born in Minnesota and is a daughter of Stuart Seelye, who had the distinction of building the first lumber, shingle and flour mills in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Seelye family have been prominent in educational circles in the east, Julius Seelye being president of Amherst College and Clark Seelye president of Smith College. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark has been born a daughter, Evelyn.

Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Congregational church and its work profits greatly by their material and moral support. Mr. Clark is a republican in politics and has taken quite a prominent part in public affairs. He was assistant secretary of the constitutional convention of Washington territory which met in 1878 and has never ceased to be an earnest student of the questions and issues of the day. For two years he was president of the Farmers Union of Walla Walla and in 1873 he was a member of the party under the leadership of Major Truax which surveyed the land around Colfax. He also saw military service, serving in the Nez Percé Indian war in 1877 and in the Bannock war in 1878. His record proves that he is in all respects worthy of his ancestors. among whom were numbered soldiers of the Revolutionary war, and he has taken advantage of the privilege which his descent affords of joining the Sons of the American Revolution. The first member of the family in America, Lieutenant William Clark, who came to this country in 1630, also participated in Indian fighting, taking part in a war which occurred in the year of his arrival. Mr. Clark is a member of the different Masonic orders. He feels the greatest loyalty toward his city and state and nothing gives him more pleasure than to cooperate with movements for the public benefit.

JOHN SINGLETON.