HON. ELISHA PING. – In this kindly face we see another of the honored pioneers of the Pacific Northwest. Born in Pulaski county, Kentucky, March 13, 1819, Mr. Ping’s early years were spent in the chase after the fascinating phantom of “Out West” which lured so many of our best people to these pleasant shores.
His early years were spent in Illinois and Indiana. In the latter state he was married in 1840 to Miss Lucretia Kuykendall. She died in December,1863. In 1851, Mr. Ping, with his young family, went to Wisconsin; but they still yearned for the “Westmost West,” and the next year set out across the plains for Oregon.
Reaching his destination in safety, he made St. Helens his first stopping-place. After short residences in St. Helens, and in Douglas and Linn counties successively, Mr. Ping removed in 1860, to Dayton, Washington Territory. His original homestead is now part of the townsite of Dayton. That beautiful and fertile region was then part of Walla Walla county, Columbia not having yet been created. Mr. Ping served his county two terms as county commissioner, with conspicuous ability. His first term began in 1864. He was first elected to the legislature in 1867, again in 1871 and again in 1873. He was elected to the council in 1875 and also in 1877, and again to the assembly in 1883. He was a member of the first Republican convention of Washington Territory.
As a legislator, Mr. Ping was always prominent in his advocacy of measures which would conduce to the good of the people, and to the maintenance of honest government. Not less active has he been in the government of the town where his lot has been cast. He was a councilman three years, during which time the expenses of the city were reduced about half, and retired only because of his wish to cease active work.
He was married to his present wife, Sarah E. Alley, in March, 1882. Her native state is Maine.
Mr. Ping is now enjoying in his elegant home the well-won rest from his life of toil. His five children, three daughters and two sons, are all married and happily settled in life. In his foresight, enterprise and patience, Mr. Ping is one of the finest examples of the pioneers of this great northwest. He merits his success.
