Wisconsin

Biography of William F. Coon, M. D.

Dr. William F. Coon, born on September 20, 1875, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was a prominent physician in Caney, Kansas. After earning his M.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1903 and gaining experience as an intern in Minneapolis, he practiced in Elysian, Minnesota, before relocating to Caney in 1909. Dr. Coon was active in local medical societies and owned a successful general medical and surgical practice. He was married to May Prescott in 1905, and they had one daughter, Zula Evelyn. Dr. Coon was also involved in various community organizations, including the Masons and Elks.

Biography of Chester D. Ide

Chester D. Ide, a significant figure in Spokane Falls, Washington, was born in Vermont in 1830 and initially settled in Wisconsin. After a long journey westward, he began his career in Dayton as a carpenter before claiming land in Mondovi. Recognizing Spokane Falls’ potential, he shifted his focus to real estate, contributing to the city’s development with significant property investments and public benefactions, including donations to Spokane College and local churches. Ide’s contributions have been pivotal to the city’s growth and prosperity.

Biographical Sketch of Alexander C. McClelland

Alexander C. McClelland, born in Indiana in 1842, has had a diverse career path. After being educated in Wisconsin, he moved to Montana in 1863 as a gold-seeker but found teaching more rewarding. He later worked in the mines and stock business before marrying Mary Chambers in 1874. Following a stint in Olympia, he moved to Baker County for health reasons. Currently, he serves as the registrar of the U.S. land-office in La Grande, Oregon, appointed by President Harrison.

Biography of Syrenous Burnett McCord

Syrenous Burnett McCord, born in 1842 in Pennsylvania, was a prominent hardware merchant in Eastern Oregon. After moving to Wisconsin and apprenticing as a blacksmith, he traveled west in 1864. He established himself in the blacksmithing trade before founding the town of Wingville and later transitioning to hardware in Baker City. A civic leader, McCord served as the first mayor and county treasurer, advocating for public control of the city’s water system. He married Angie Speelman in 1871 and had seven children.

Biography of David Lister

David Lister, born in England in 1821, emigrated to the U.S. in 1847. After working in various roles, he established a foundry in Pestico, Wisconsin, which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1871. With support, he rebuilt his business until relocating to Tacoma in 1875, where he recognized its potential for growth. Lister developed a successful foundry and pioneered coke-making in Washington Territory, significantly contributing to the region’s industrial landscape. He remains active in his business at sixty-five, showcasing his enduring influence.

Biography of Elisha H. Lewis

Elisha H. Lewis, born in New York in 1824, began his life as a farmer before venturing to Chicago and then Wisconsin as a millwright. He moved to California during the Gold Rush in 1849, experiencing varied fortune in mining. In 1852, he settled in Oregon, contributing to the growth of Union by building its first log cabin and subsequent structures. Married to Harriet L. Barlow, they had five children and witnessed Union’s transformation into a thriving town. Lewis’ legacy includes significant contributions to the community and local development.

Biography of George Benson Kuykendall, M.D.

George Benson Kuykendall, M.D., born in Indiana in 1843, overcame significant hardships during his family’s migration to the Pacific. They faced cholera and personal losses before settling in Oregon. Kuykendall developed a passion for reading and medicine, ultimately graduating at the top of his medical class. He served as a government physician at Fort Simcoe, gaining recognition for his research and skills. In 1882, he established his practice in Pomeroy, Washington, where he became a respected physician and advocate for education. He married E.J. Butler and has eight children.

Biographical Sketch of Clinton W. Mumford

Clinton W. Mumford, born on April 30, 1866, in Crawford County, Wisconsin, became a prominent figure in Wallowa County through his successful ventures in farming and the furniture business. After moving to Oregon in 1883 and marrying Margaret A. Osborn in 1886, he established a thriving farm before partnering in a general merchandise store in Summerville. In 1900, he launched a furniture business in Wallowa, which flourished under his management. Actively engaged in community organizations and the Methodist church, he is highly regarded by his peers.

Biographical Sketch of George H. Furgason

George H. Furgason, born on August 13, 1859, in Wisconsin, significantly contributed to the agricultural and stock-raising development in Wallowa County. His family settled in the Grande Ronde Valley in 1862, and Furgason later homesteaded in Wallowa County before establishing a successful estate on Prairie Creek. He married Annie Gillaspie in 1882, and together they raised a family while he engaged in community affairs and various fraternal organizations. He exemplifies the qualities of dedication and integrity that have shaped the county’s prosperity.

Biography of James D. Halsey

James D. Halsey, born in 1839 in New York, exemplifies the pioneering spirit of Wallowa County. After his family’s relocation to Iowa and Missouri, he enlisted in the Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War, serving under Sherman. Post-war, he migrated west, arriving in Oregon in 1877, where he established a successful farm in Wallowa County. A devoted family man, Halsey married Candis Nelson, fathering six children. He is respected in the community for his agricultural achievements and civic engagement, particularly in education.

Biographical Sketch of Arba Adams

Arba Adams, born on December 8, 1842, in Vermont, became one of the early pioneers of Wallowa County, Oregon. After serving in the Civil War with the Ninth Vermont Volunteers, he relocated to Wisconsin before settling in Oregon in 1876. As a homesteader on Prairie Creek, he engaged in stock raising and farming, eventually expanding his estate to 440 acres. Married to Mary Bickel, he has two children and is recognized as a respected and prosperous citizen with a lineage tracing back to John Adams.

Biography of Lorenzo Bacon

Lorenzo Bacon, born on December 23, 1858, in Pleasant Grove, Minnesota, was a pioneering settler in Wallowa County, recognized for his contributions to the area’s development. He traveled with his family across various states before arriving in Baker City and ultimately settling in the Wallowa Valley in 1884. Bacon established a well-improved farm and married Hattie Rogers in 1897, with whom he had two children. His integrity and dedication to the community have made him a respected figure in the region.

Biographical Sketch of Tusten, H. W.

H. W. Tusten, a farmer and businessman, arrived in Kansas with the Northwestern Colony in 1871. He established the first general store, operating it for six years while cultivating 200 acres of his 320-acre farm, primarily focused on cattle and horses. Born in Ontario County, New York, in 1833, Tusten lived in several states before settling in Kansas. He married Matilda de Neveu in 1867, and they had four children. He served as president of the town site and was a City Council member.