Many articles have appeared in the press of our land on the “corruption in politics.” but, while this may be found to some extent in the largest cities, the majority of our American citizens are too practical and public-spirited to wish to entrust their affairs in unscrupulous hands, and especially in the selection of one to manage the financial interests do they show great discrimination in choosing a man of known integrity and unimpeachable honor. It was these qualities which secured to Mr. Hixon election to the responsible position of county treasurer of Washington County. His record in the walks of public and private life had been as an open book, and his honesty, combined with excellent business ability, led to his selection for the office which he is now so acceptably filling.
Mr. Hixon was born in Ashland County, Ohio, Tune 3, 1854, and is the third in order of birth “of the five children of Jacob and Casandre (Stonebreaker) Hixon, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Subsequently they became residents of Indiana, and thence went to Holton, Kansas. The father is accounted one of the leading and influential citizens of the community and has been honored with a number of county offices. He is a man of the highest integrity; fully meriting the confidence reposed in him. Holton is still his home. He has been a successful farmer, following progressive methods in the management of his agricultural interests. In the Presbyterian Church he holds membership and takes a very active part in its work, having served as elder for many years. His estimable wife lived to the age of sixty-eight years, and three of their children yet survive, the brother and sister of our subject being still residents of Kansas.
Columbus M. Hixon of this review acquired his education in the Holton graded schools, and for a number of years engaged in teaching both in Kansas and Idaho. His marked ability in that direction made his services very acceptable, and his labors were very effective in advancing the intellectual standard of the state. He arrived in Idaho in 1877 and conducted schools for about ten years, since which time he has been extensively engaged in stock-raising. This is one of the most important industries in the state, the rich and fertile valleys offering abundant pasturage, and enabling Idaho to furnish large quantities of cattle to the markets of the country. Mr. Hixon is also a stockholder and director in the Weiser Bank, of which he is now assistant cashier, and in business affairs he manifests a persistence in the pursuit of his purpose, and an energy and sound judgment which readily account for the fair measure of prosperity which is attending his efforts.
Mr. Hixon came to Weiser to reside in 1878, and on the 13th of June, 1879, was united in marriage to Miss Adrietta Applegate, a native of Oregon and a daughter of John Applegate, an honored pioneer of that state. The marriage of our subject and his wife was the first celebrated in Washington County after its organization, and was solemnized at Mann Creek. Their union has been blessed with two children. Clyde and Clarence B. The parents are valued members of the Congregational church, of Weiser, in which Mr. Hixon is serving as deacon and trustee. Socially he is a Mason, having received the degrees of the blue lodge in Holton, Kansas, in 1877. He there served as senior deacon, but his membership is now in the lodge in Weiser. In politics he is a Republican, and served as a member of the first state legislature of Idaho after its admission to the Union. That was a very important session, and he took an active part in its proceedings, manifesting marked patriotism in his efforts to advance the best interests of the commonwealth. He was postmaster of Weiser during President Harrison’s administration and was elected treasurer of Washington county in 1894 and re-elected in 1896, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. He is a man of broad general information, well informed on the issues of the day and a reliable, public-spirited and loyal citizen who withholds his support from no movement calculated to advance the moral, material, educational or social welfare of his city, state or nation.