Indiana

Biography of Joseph H. Landrus

Joseph H. Landrus, born February 25, 1839, in Crawford County, Indiana, became a prominent figure in Wallowa County, noted for his agricultural contributions and community involvement. After a brief stint in Kentucky and Illinois, he enlisted in the 61st Illinois Infantry during the Civil War, facing significant hardships, including imprisonment at Andersonville. Post-war, he married Lydia A. Alexander and had four children. Landrus eventually settled near Paradise, Oregon, where he thrived as a farmer and sawmill operator, exemplifying hard work and commitment to his community.

Gaede, Baker & Co.

Gaede, Baker & Co. is a general dealer in fancy dry goods, clothing, and livestock, established on January 1, 1882, with a stock valued at $6,000 and one clerk. The firm comprises Richard Gaede, H. C. Baker, and S. H. Fields. H. C. Baker, who moved to Dodge City the same year, has a background in mercantile work, having previously been involved in businesses in Nebraska and Missouri. He is married to Bertha Renner and has two daughters, Nellie and Zora.

Biographical Sketch of Moore, O. S.

O. S. Moore, born in 1848 in Brown County, Ohio, established the Golden Rule steam flouring-mills in Bunker Hill in 1880. The stone structure, measuring 3252 feet and 45 feet high, has a capacity of 100 barrels per day and was built at a cost of $22,000. Moore, who employs six men, focused solely on custom work. He married Carrie S. Edwards in 1879 and they have two children. Additionally, he is affiliated with Russell Lodge No. 115, I. O. O. F.

Biographical Sketch of Harshbarger, C. M.

C. M. Harshbarger, born in 1841 in Indiana, moved to Russell in 1870, becoming its first settler. He engaged in farming and was elected County Clerk in 1873, holding the position with one term of absence until 1880. A Civil War veteran, he served in the Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was married in 1876, having four children. Harshbarger remains actively involved in local governance as Deputy Clerk of the District Court and is a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge.

Biographical Sketch of Oliver, J. W.

J. W. Oliver, born in 1840 in Wabash County, Indiana, began his career in dry goods by opening a store in 1879 in Russell, Kansas. Initially engaged in the hotel business, he transitioned to merchandising, changing his firm name in 1882. A veteran of the Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he served in significant campaigns during the Civil War, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant. Married in 1881 to Rebecca Billingsly, they have one son, Benjamin M. Oliver is also affiliated with the A. O. U. W. in Russell.

Biographical Sketch of Banks, W. E.

W. E. Banks, born in 1855 in Putnam County, Indiana, moved to Kansas in 1877, where he established a drug store in Russell with a stock valued at $5,000. He began his career in 1874 as a clerk in a drug store and became Mayor of Russell, as well as a member of the City Council in 1878. Married to Emma Crist, they have two sons, Emmett E. and Eugene O. Banks is also a member of the Russell Lodge, No. 119, I. O. O. F.

Biography of J. P. O. Lownsdale

J. P. O. Lownsdale, born on January 1, 1830, in Indiana, is a prominent figure in Portland’s business landscape. His reliable real estate operations and civic contributions have profoundly impacted the city. After moving to Portland at 21, he initially engaged in merchandising, later fulfilling significant public roles, including city council member and county commissioner. Lownsdale, known for his integrity, is married with four children, two of whom are successful in their own ventures. His commitment to business and civic duty underscores his lasting legacy in Oregon.

Biography of Joseph Schoewaiter Smith

Joseph Schoewaiter Smith, born in Pennsylvania in 1824, became a prominent figure in the early history of Oregon and Washington. After an arduous journey to Oregon in 1844, he studied law while supporting himself through various jobs. Smith held several significant positions including prosecuting attorney and U.S. District Attorney, and he was elected to Congress. Notable for his advocacy of Oregon’s interests, particularly in railroad development, he also contributed to local industry. Despite health challenges, he left a legacy of public service and strong community values before his death in 1884.

Biography of Daniel H. Lownsdale

Daniel H. Lownsdale, born in Kentucky in 1803, was a notable pioneer who played a vital role in the development of Portland, Oregon. He married Ruth Overfilled at age 23 and later relocated to Indiana before moving to Oregon amid the excitement of the Oregon question. Lownsdale purchased land in Portland in 1848 and promoted growth by keeping property prices low. He served in various public roles and contributed to the community, ultimately witnessing Portland’s rise as a key metropolis before his death in 1862.

Biography of John J. Jones

John J. Jones, born around 1835 in Virginia, moved to Illinois as an orphan and established himself in Douglas County. Starting as a clerk, he co-founded a grocery store in Camargo before transitioning to general merchandising in Tuscola. A successful businessman, he was twice elected mayor and became president of Baughman, Orr & Co. before his death in 1893. A self-made man with a quiet demeanor, he was married to Lizzie Ketchum and actively involved in his community and church.

Biography of Fields, W. I.

Colonel W. D. Fields, born on March 2, 1834, in Kentucky, moved to Texas after living in Indiana. He engaged in expeditions against Indian raids and developed innovative farming techniques. Fields had a successful military contract during the Civil War but faced financial hardships in cotton farming. He was a prominent Democratic organizer during Reconstruction, contributing to local politics in Fort Bend County. Fields passed away on January 15, 1903, leaving behind a legacy as a notable planter and family man.

Biographical Sketch of Wheeler, R.G. Hon. R. G. Wheeler

Hon. R. G. Wheeler is a warm and engaging figure, known for his friendly demeanor that uplifts those around him. Born in Pennsylvania, he was educated there and gained admission to the bar in 1868. His journey took him through Illinois, Iowa, and Nevada, before settling in Malheur County, where he currently serves as the mayor of Vale. Though not deeply involved in politics, he has dedicated himself to his legal practice. He is married to Annie M. Neal from Iowa.

Biography of Rev. Augustus H. Tevis

Rev. Augustus H. Tevis was born on May 13, 1841, in Rush County, Indiana, to Dr. Daniel H. and Phoebe Tevis. After his father’s death, he managed family farms and later enlisted in the Civil War as a second lieutenant, serving over three years. He graduated from Asbury University in 1868 and married Sallie A. Webster, with whom he had one daughter. Tevis had a diverse career, serving as a pastor and educator while also publishing works on theology and education. He was recognized for his artistic talents and commitment to community service.

Biography of Hon. O. H. Frink

Hon. O. H. Frink, born on May 26, 1848, in Elkhart, Indiana, is a notable civic leader and businessman in Page County. Orphaned at a young age, he began working early, serving in the Civil War, and later transitioning to farming and mercantile ventures. Elected as county treasurer and later to the state legislature, he contributed to significant reforms. Now serving as Shenandoah’s mayor, Frink is committed to public service and community improvement, earning respect for his dedication and contributions to local governance.

Biography of Jacob Holland Powers

Jacob Holland Powers, born September 24, 1807, in Virginia, was a key figure in the development of Page County, Iowa. After moving to Indiana in his youth, he established a successful mercantile business in Clarinda and became a significant landowner. Powers was known for his generosity and community support, engaging in various civic activities, including membership in Masonic organizations. He was twice married and had several children. Powers passed away on February 14, 1884, leaving a lasting legacy in the region’s history.

Biography of N. P. Damewood

N. P. Damewood, born on November 9, 1852, in Dubois County, Indiana, has played a significant role in Nebraska township’s agricultural development for over fifty years. His family moved to Iowa in 1857 and later settled in Nebraska township, where he has maintained a 102-acre farm. Married to Clara Harrington in 1876, he has been actively involved in farming and livestock management. His parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Damewood, contributed to the community, with Isaac serving as sheriff in Page County.

Biographical Sketch of J. T. Payne

J. T. Payne, born in 1851 in Clay County, Indiana, was the son of William Benjamin and Malinda Payne. Educated in Boone County, Iowa, he purchased land in Hayes Township, Ida County, in 1875, where he became an important early settler. He played a significant role in organizing Hayes Township and establishing local school districts. Payne married Georgiana Friott in 1880, and they had five children. His contributions to the community and family life reflect his commitment to the region’s development.

Biographical Sketch of Henry Lee

Henry Lee, born on March 17, 1833, in Pennsylvania, became a prominent figure in Ida County, Iowa, as the proprietor of Summit Heights stock farm. He married Maria Fishburn in 1863, with whom he had four children. A veteran of the Civil War, Lee served as a captain in the 209th Pennsylvania Volunteers, enduring captivity in several Confederate prisons. After the war, he moved to Iowa in 1882, later residing in Arkansas before returning to Ida County, where he became known for his exceptional horses and was active in the G.A.R.

Biographical Sketch of R. C. Newland

R. C. Newland and Catherine J. Swan were married on March 20, 1856, in their birthplace of Bedford, Indiana. They had five children and moved to Galva, Illinois, in 1864, before relocating to Ida County, Iowa, in 1881. Their daughter, Mrs. B. M. Miller, played a role in renaming Clarendon, Iowa, to Galva. R. C. Newland was born on December 24, 1836, while Catherine was born on August 17, 1834.