Bonneville County ID

Bingham County

Bingham County, once the largest in Idaho, spans approximately 14,000 square miles and is characterized by its fertile Snake River Valley, conducive to agriculture. In 1893, the county’s size was reduced with the creation of Bannock and Fremont counties. Rich in resources and irrigation systems, the region supports diverse crops and livestock, while its mild climate prevents severe weather setbacks. Key towns include Blackfoot, the county seat, and Idaho Falls, both growing communities with robust educational and infrastructure systems, contributing to the county’s development.

Biography of Carlyle L. Pelot

Carlyle L. Pelot, born in Kentucky in 1854, became a significant figure among Idaho Falls pioneers. After relocating to Missouri, he pursued farming and horse-taming before moving to Idaho Falls in 1879 with a group of settlers. He established the town’s first livery stable, eventually transitioning to coal dealing. A public-spirited individual, Pelot witnessed the transformation of the Snake River valley and contributed to its development. He married Alice Buck and has five children, while being actively involved in local organizations and the Democratic party.

Biography of Clarence W. Brooks

Clarence W. Brooks, born June 22, 1848, in Royalton, Vermont, exemplifies the pioneer spirit in his successful hotel ventures across the western United States. His career began in grocery and transitioned to prominent hotel roles in New York City and Colorado. In 1884, he acquired the Eagle House in Idaho Falls, later enhancing his reputation through various hotel developments, including the remodeled Brooks Hotel. A successful businessman, Brooks also managed substantial farmland and was supported by his wife, Mary Wallace, a respected landlady.

Biography of Benjamin A. Jenne

Benjamin A. Jenne, born on October 22, 1855, in Poor Mans Gulch, California, is a notable figure in Bingham County, Idaho. He faced numerous challenges throughout his life but demonstrated perseverance. After various jobs, including as a sailor and lumberjack, he ventured into the hotel business, becoming well-known for establishments like the Grahel House. A Democrat, Jenne served as justice of the peace and was later appointed deputy sheriff. He married Kittie E. Sutor, with whom he has four children.

Biography of James Bishop Thomas

Bishop James Thomas, born in Wales on April 29, 1848, was a significant figure in the Church of Latter Day Saints and a successful businessman. After moving to Utah with his family, he established a tailoring business that became prominent in Idaho Falls. Ordained a bishop in 1885, he dedicated himself to both spiritual and community service, ensuring the welfare of the needy. Politically active as a Democrat, he served on the town council. He was married to Elizabeth Richardson and had two children who also contributed to the community.

Biography of Hon. Burdice J. Briggs

Hon. Burdice J. Briggs, born on November 21, 1859, in Bellevue, Nebraska, is a distinguished lawyer and influential politician in southern Idaho. A resident since 1881, he has made significant contributions to irrigation legislation and served in both the Republican and Populist parties. Partnering with Judge William T. Reeves in a successful law firm, he remains active within the Masonic community. Married to Isabelle W. Gordon, they have four children and reside in Idaho Falls, where he also manages a farm.

Biography of George H. Storer

George H. Storer, born on February 17, 1860, in England, immigrated to America with his family in 1871. After settling in Utah, he moved to Idaho in 1879 and cultivated a successful business career, ultimately becoming state treasurer in 1896. Known for his integrity and executive acumen, Storer contributed significantly to local politics as a Democratic leader and served in various public offices, including mayor and justice of the peace. He’s also an esteemed Mason and is recognized for his community involvement and support for his family.

Biography of Louis Elg

Louis Elg, a pioneering druggist in Idaho Falls, introduced gas lighting, the first telephone, and the town’s initial soda fountain. Born in Sweden in 1853, he faced challenges, including language barriers, after immigrating to the U.S. in 1874. His early career spanned various trades, including blacksmithing and saloon management, before establishing a successful drug store in Idaho Falls. A community-minded Democrat and active Mason, Elg married Charlotte Salstrom in 1887, and they had one son, Edward August.

Biography of Addison V. Scott

Addison V. Scott, a prominent financier and real estate operator in southern Idaho, was born on January 14, 1858, in Madison County, Iowa. He married Adelia B. Dugan in 1883, who notably was Idaho’s first female justice of the peace. Scott moved to Idaho Falls in 1890, where he established a successful real estate and insurance business, contributed to local irrigation efforts, and actively supported community improvement projects. Both he and his wife were deeply involved in enhancing the town’s development and church initiatives.

Biography of Hon. Samuel F. Taylor

Hon. Samuel F. Taylor, a pivotal figure in the early development of Idaho Falls, arrived in 1870 to help construct the area’s first bridge, significantly boosting local immigration and commerce. Born in Kentucky in 1848, he was the son of a Confederate captain killed in battle. Taylor thrived in the stock business, later breeding fine horses and establishing a livery stable. An active Democrat, he served two terms as sheriff and participated in Idaho’s last territorial legislature and constitutional convention. He married Bettie Hays, with whom he had five children.

Biography of De Forest Chamberlain

De Forest Chamberlain, born in Illinois in 1843, witnessed and contributed to the transformation of southeastern Idaho from a wild frontier to a thriving agricultural region. After serving honorably in the Civil War, he ventured westward, navigating perilous landscapes and experiences. He settled in Idaho Falls in 1879, establishing a saloon and the Chamberlain Hotel while actively engaging in local agriculture and horse breeding. A respected community leader involved in various organizations, Chamberlain is recognized for his contributions and integrity in Idaho Falls.

Biography of Frank T. Martin

Frank T. Martin arrived in the Snake River valley, Idaho, in 1871 at seventeen, traveling from Missouri with cattle. He initially settled on an island above Idaho Falls, where he worked for two years before returning to Missouri and later Utah. In 1885, he returned to Idaho Falls, establishing himself as a successful businessman, running various ventures, including a meat market and coal dealing. Born on September 6, 1854, in Missouri, he married Susie Chowning in 1880, with whom he had four children.

Biography of Theron J. Smith

Theron J. Smith, born July 22, 1844, in Wayne County, New York, significantly impacted the settlement of families in Idaho Falls, Idaho, through his role as an immigrant agent for the Oregon Short Line Railroad. Since relocating to Idaho Falls in 1885, he has been pivotal in real estate development, promoting local growth. A Civil War veteran, Smith has held the position of justice of the peace and has a family of six children with his wife, Sarah E. Bradt. His efforts have greatly contributed to the prosperity of the region.

Biography of Daniel H. Clyne

Daniel H. Clyne, born in 1857 in Indiana, is a prominent figure in Idaho, known for his engaging personality and ability to forge strong connections. Raised in Nebraska and starting his career as a cowboy, he eventually opened a successful livery stable in Idaho Falls. A lifelong Republican, Clyne served as town marshal before being elected sheriff of Bingham County in 1898. Married to Mary Watson, they have seven children. His personal warmth and professional dedication have significantly contributed to his achievements.

Biography of Benjamin Bennett

Benjamin Bennett, born January 1, 1846, in Wales, emigrated to the U.S. in 1863 with his family. After assuming responsibility for his family’s farm at sixteen, he progressed through various mercantile roles, including managing cooperative stores in Utah. Bennett’s two-year missionary work in England marked his dedication to his church, the Latter Day Saints. In 1894, he moved to Idaho Falls to manage the Zion Cooperative Mercantile Institution, which flourished under his leadership. A Democratic figure, he held local political offices and raised a large family with his wife, Emma Jane Holman.

Biography of Edward Fanning

Edward Fanning, born in County Carlow, Ireland, in 1844, became a successful merchant in Idaho despite early challenges. After working as a salesman in Ireland and then in Omaha, he moved to Wyoming, where he held several railroad positions before co-founding the Clark Fanning Company in Idaho Falls in 1895. Known for his public spirit and deep community involvement, Fanning served on the board of trustees and had a prominent family life, marrying twice and raising six children.

Biography of Nathan H. Clark

Nathan H. Clark, born May 11, 1869, in Indiana, has established a notable career in Idaho Falls as mayor, town council member, and currently, prosecuting attorney for Bingham County. He gained legal credentials through self-study and a course at Michigan State University, becoming a successful lawyer known for handling civil and criminal cases. Active in local politics, he supports the Democratic Party and promotes clean governance. A family man, Clark married twice, first to Lottie Bonney, then to Evaline Rosenberger, with several children from both marriages.

Biography of Hon. Ruel Rounds

Ex-Senator Ruel Rounds, born in Vermont on September 3, 1841, served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War before pursuing various business ventures in the West. He established a trading post, worked as a stage guard, and engaged in mining and merchandising across multiple states. In 1890, he settled in Idaho Falls, where he played a pivotal role in local development and served as Bingham County commissioner. Elected to the state senate, he contributed to significant legislation and later became postmaster of Idaho Falls, earning widespread respect.

Biography of Ed. F. Winn

Ed. F. Winn, born on October 29, 1857, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, became a pivotal figure in Idaho’s law enforcement. Initially a carpenter, he transitioned to deputy sheriff and later to deputy U.S. marshal, where his relentless efforts against rampant crime helped establish law and order in Oneida County. Beyond law enforcement, Winn contributed to local development by founding Winn’s Addition to Idaho Falls and building the Odd Fellows Orphans Home. A Republican and active Odd Fellow, he was also successful in various business ventures, including grocery and cattle trade.

Biography of William H. B. Crow

William Henry Byron Crow, born in 1852 in Illinois, descended from early English settlers. Educated in Iowa, he became a prominent teacher before moving to Idaho Falls in 1880, where he developed land into the Crow Addition and contributed significantly to the community. His key roles included organizing the Idaho Falls Waterworks Company and serving on the school board. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected to the last Idaho territorial legislature. Crow married Sarah E. Murphy in 1882, and they have an adopted daughter.