Lewiston Idaho

Biography of Robert E. McFarland

Robert E. McFarland, born on November 21, 1857, in Missouri, distinguished himself as Idaho’s attorney general through his adept legal abilities and dedication to public service. A member of a notable family with ancestral ties to early American history, he was educated at Central College and studied law under prominent figures before beginning his legal career in New Mexico. He moved to Idaho in 1894, engaged in diverse legal roles, and became renowned for his expertise in criminal law. McFarland, a Democrat, married Marie Pendy and had three children.

Biography of Lambert L. Strong

Lambert Leroy Strong, born on August 8, 1849, in Franklin County, Ohio, became a prominent citizen of Lewiston, engaging in the undertaking and embalming business for over fifteen years. He grew up in Iowa after his family moved there when he was five. A Civil War veteran, Strong settled in Lewiston in 1879, improving a 160-acre land claim. He married Ester A. Blackington and became an esteemed member of the community, serving as a councilman and twice as coroner of Nez Perces County.

Biography of Lemuel C. Neal

Lemuel C. Neal, born on June 12, 1845, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was a prominent figure in Lewiston’s mercantile sector, specializing in furniture and undertaking. A Civil War veteran, he served in the Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry, participating in key battles such as Vicksburg and Atlanta. Post-war, he engaged in agriculture and business in Wisconsin and North Dakota before relocating to Lewiston for health reasons. A respected community member, he was actively involved in church and fraternal organizations, celebrating a successful family life with four children.

Biography of Charles A. Thatcher

Charles Albert Thatcher, born in 1826 in Pennsylvania, was a significant figure in the development of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. After studying briefly at Oberlin College, he traversed the Oregon Trail in 1852, becoming Washington’s first school superintendent the following year. Thatcher laid the groundwork for the state’s educational system over nine years. He later served as postmaster in Lewiston and engaged in various business ventures. A devoted family man and esteemed community member, he passed away on September 18, 1897, leaving a lasting legacy.

Biography of Charles F. Leland

Charles F. Leland, born in Portland, Oregon in 1858, moved to Lewiston, Idaho as a child and has dedicated his life to the city. He became a notable figure in local journalism as a partner in The Teller and later served as marshal of Lewiston. In 1893, he became the general stage agent and in 1894 was appointed as agent for the Northern Pacific Express Company. Leland has been a devoted Democrat and is well-respected in the community, where he lives with his wife and child.

Biography of John Green

John Green, born in Virginia on September 30, 1860, descends from Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene. After graduating from Hampden-Sidney College, he studied law under prominent jurists and practiced in Virginia for ten years before relocating to Lewiston, Idaho, in 1895. Green has garnered a reputation for his legal acumen and active civic involvement. Married to Annie Alice Russell, they have two daughters. A dedicated Democrat, Green has participated in local politics and various fraternal organizations while maintaining a successful legal career.

Biography of William A. Caldwell

William A. Caldwell, born in Newford, New York, on December 10, 1832, was a prominent pioneer in Idaho’s early settlement. He learned the boat-building trade and participated in the Panama railroad survey before traveling west during the gold rush. His ventures included mining, packing supplies, and cattle ranching, leading to significant financial success. Caldwell settled in Lewiston, where he owned substantial land and livestock. Married in 1871 to Maria Reddy, he had four children and remained politically active without seeking office, eventually retiring after a successful career.

Biography of John Q. Moxley, M. D.

Dr. John Quincy Moxley, born April 15, 1846, in Scioto County, Ohio, was a notable druggist and physician in Lewiston. After his education at Ohio Wesleyan University and Miami Medical College, he practiced medicine in Ohio before moving to Idaho in 1873. Moxley purchased the town’s pioneer drug store and successfully expanded his practice. He served as a director at the Lewiston National Bank, invested in local mines, and was involved in educational initiatives, advocating for community improvements throughout his career.

Biography of Charles W. Shaff, M. D.

Dr. Charles W. Shaff, a distinguished physician in Idaho and current president of the State Medical Association, has built a notable career rooted in merit and expertise. Born on July 6, 1855, in California, he pursued medical education at Iowa State University, graduating in 1881. After initial practice in Brownsville, he established himself in Lewiston in 1883, achieving considerable success. An active community member and educator, he has contributed significantly to local education and healthcare. He is married to Rena M. Poe, with whom he has a daughter.

Biography of James N. Stacy

James N. Stacy, born on March 10, 1839, in North Adams, Massachusetts, is a prominent businessman and state senator in Lewiston. He has held several leadership roles, including president of the Gold Bar Mining Company and engagement in real estate. His career began in land surveying, and he served in the Civil War. Moving to Lewiston in 1894, he successfully pursued mining and real estate ventures while also playing an active role in local politics as a dedicated Republican. He is married to Augusta E. Granger and has one surviving child.

Biography of John L. Chapman

John L. Chapman, born December 27, 1850, in Evansville, Wisconsin, became a prominent figure in Lewiston, Idaho, serving as postmaster and city treasurer. His father, Timothy S. Chapman, was an anti-slavery advocate and a music teacher, who played a significant role in the underground railroad before settling in Idaho. John worked in saw milling for 16 years before being appointed postmaster in 1892. A staunch Republican, he also engaged in community service, maintaining a respected presence both in public office and private life. He and his wife Emma have eight children.

Biography of George E. Erb

George E. Erb, born April 26, 1866, in Lafayette County, Missouri, is a multifaceted leader in education, business, and politics. After moving to Oregon and then Lewiston, Idaho, he became a teacher, county superintendent, and mayor. Erb also engaged in stock-raising and various business ventures while serving as a special agent for the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company. A prominent Democrat, he was appointed to the State Normal School board and is active in fraternal organizations. He married Mary E. Dowd and is a father of two.

Biography of Robert Grostein

Robert Grostein, born in Poland in 1835, became a prominent merchant in Lewiston, Idaho, after arriving in the United States as a child. He started his business journey in California before relocating to Lewiston in 1862, where he established a successful store amidst the gold rush. Grostein was known for his integrity and enterprise, eventually expanding his business and investing in real estate. A community leader, he contributed to local stability during lawlessness and supported various public initiatives. He was married to Rachel Newman, and their family remains active in the community.

Biography of Alfred Damas

Alfred Damas, born in Brussels, Belgium, on July 18, 1835, has had a distinguished career in the mercantile sector of Lewiston, Idaho, for twenty-six years. After an early naval apprenticeship, he migrated to the U.S., engaging in mining and trading. He settled in Lewiston in 1872, successfully running a general merchandise store. Damas also held several public offices and became a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, attaining high ranks. Married to Maria Frances Sperling, he has one daughter and enjoys a reputation as a respected pioneer in Idaho.

Biography of James W. Poe

James W. Poe, born January 15, 1838, in Missouri, was a prominent lawyer and Idaho pioneer. After moving west with his family in 1853, he became the first male graduate of the Portland Academy. He arrived in Idaho in 1861 and engaged in mining and mercantile work before studying law. Admitted to practice in 1869, he served as a district attorney and participated actively in the territorial legislature and state constitutional convention. A dedicated public servant, he also promoted horticulture in northern Idaho. Poe was a lifelong Democrat and prominent member of the Masonic fraternity.

Biography of John Lane

Colonel John Lane, born on May 17, 1837, in Indiana, has established himself as an esteemed lawyer in Lewiston, Idaho, after relocating there two years prior. A descendant of notable military figures, he served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, participating in 23 battles. Post-war, he engaged in stock-raising and mining in Oregon before becoming a lawyer. He served as an Indian agent under President Cleveland and later resumed law practice. Married to Hattie Sherrard, they have five children and are respected members of the community.

Biography of Aaron Freidenrich

Aaron Freidenrich, born on February 24, 1851, in Germany, is a notable merchant in Grangeville, Idaho, managing the successful Alexander Freidenrich firm, which operates the town’s largest general merchandise store. After emigrating to the U.S. at seventeen, he gained business experience in New York, Portland, and Lewiston before establishing his own stores. Freidenrich has also invested in local farmland, raising crops and fruits. Married in 1883, he has one son and is actively involved in community organizations, illustrating his significant impact on northern Idaho’s commerce.

Biography of Benjamin F. Morris

Benjamin F. Morris, a respected business leader in Lewiston, Idaho, was born in Missouri in 1843 into a family with a rich American heritage. His career includes roles as auditor, recorder, clerk, and land attorney, alongside his involvement in real estate and insurance. He served as president of the Commercial Club and is known for his sound judgment and energy. A Democratic loyalist and prominent Mason, Morris married Harriet F. Graham in 1881, and they have three children, contributing to Lewiston’s social fabric.

Biography of Edwin R. Sherwin

Edwin R. Sherwin, born on January 26, 1821, in New York, was a significant figure in Idaho’s early business landscape after arriving when Lewiston was a mere tent settlement. Educated in blacksmithing, he worked in various places before traveling to California and then mining in Idaho. Sherwin pioneered quartz mining, discovered rich ore deposits, and faced hardships during the Nez Perces War. He later established a successful ranch and is recognized as a respected pioneer, living a quiet life in Grangeville with his family.

Biography of Peter J. Pefley

Peter J. Pefley, a pioneer who arrived in Idaho in 1864, established himself in the harness and saddlery business in Lewiston. Born on June 6, 1830, in Virginia, he was educated and learned his trade before traveling to California in 1851. After settling in Idaho, Pefley engaged in stock farming, mining, and local politics, serving as Boise’s mayor and participating in drafting Idaho’s state constitution. A dedicated Democrat, he has actively contributed to the community’s growth and welfare throughout his life.