Walla Walla Valley
R - Biographies

Copyright  2001, 2002
Janine Strickland Bork
Back to Walla Walla AHGP Site


Lewis RANDALL

Leonard RATTLEMILLER

John Redman

REED Biographies

Raymond Ringold REES

A.H. Reynolds

O.M. RICHMOND.

James W. and Walter W. RIGSBY

James C. ROBERTS

Frank  C. ROBINSON

A.B. Robley

C.R. ROGG

ROMAINE Biographies

John A. ROSS

Charles RUSSELL


LEWIS RANDALL, a native of Baltimore County, Maryland, was born September 19, 1825. At an age when events leave no impression upon the mind his parents died, and left him to the care of his grandparents, with whom he remained until eighteen years of age.  When he was about fifteen he removed with them to Licking Co., Ohio. In 1848, January 26, he was married to Miss Mary Lloyd; in 1856, they removed to Des Moines County Iowa; and in 1862, with his family, consisting of wife and six children, he crossed the plains with an ox team to Walla Walla valley, where he arrived September 14. With hope, energy, and a companion capable as well as willing to help, he started life in the west without a cent of money in the world, having spent his last two shillings in the Grand Ronde valley to buy a pound of onions for his children to eat raw. The struggle for a start, with sickness to discourage, and poverty to contend with, is but one of the many instances of a like nature that mark the history of pioneer life; but as the years passed by, little by little the constant striving brought to this worthy couple the reward of success. Such a success as belongs to a reasonable competence, gained honestly, honorably, and in a manner that leaves in the community where they are known a character that challenges the respect of their neighbors. Their home, nestled among the hills skirting the Blue Mountain base, is a picturesque little nook that reminds one of a summer scene in Switzerland, or a shadowy retreat in some dell at the base of the grand old Alps. A view of it can be seen in this work. The farm contains 320 acres, all inclosed, 125 of which are under cultivation; and with an orchard containing apples, peaches, pears, etc., more than sufficient for home use.

     In their family, Mr. and Mrs. Randall have been especially fortunate, as the grave has claimed none of their eight children. The eldest of them is Mrs. Elizabeth J. Bouren, now a widow lady living in the City of Walla Walla. Miss Hannah R. is the wife of Dr. J.M. Boyd of Walla Walla. George W. is now living in the valley; John B. left home in 1879, and traveling East, has not been heard from since; William R. is living in the valley; Miss Mary E. is the wife of Albert Turner and lives in Walla Walla. The two youngest, Edwin L., born November 17, 1865; and Susie M., born March 16, 1874, live with their parents. Bessie E. is the little one year old in July 5, 1881, an adopted waif that floated to a home nest with these kind hearted people.

Gilbert's Historic Sketches
Biographical Supplements
1882
Page 31, 32



LEONARD RATTLEMILLER is a native of Bavaria. His father lived at the city of Ausbach, in that country, where he was a merchant and near which he owned a farm. Leonard was born there February 10, 1819, and at the age of 25 left his native land and sailed for America. For about two years he remained at Baltimore, Maryland, after which he took an extended tour through the Northern and Southern States, arriving in New Orleans in the fall of 1846. In 1852 he reached the Pacific coast, and for the next ten years sought the "golden fleece" in the gulches and cañons of the Sierras. Few mining camps were left unvisited by this traveler between the Stanislaus river in the San Joaquin county, and the south line of Oregon. In 1862 he reached Washington Territory, and the same year the mines in Idaho, where he remained eight years. He then came to Walla Walla, and settled down upon the farm where he now lives to enjoy a reasonable competence.

     He has left him from those years of wandering, besides the gold wrested from where nature had deposited it, a memory of strange adventures and singular escapes from imminent peril, where death had looked him in the face and then passed on. He had married in 1849, and lost his wife by death in 1852, leaving him with one child named John. In December, 1858, he was again married, this time to Miss Barbara Klein, the lady that is now his wife. His farm consists of 160 acres of land, all fenced, all under cultivation; situated three and a half miles southwest of Walla Walla city. The improvements can be seen by reference to view of his home in this work.

Gilbert's Historic Sketches
Biographical Supplements
1882
Page 32



  JOHN T. REDMAN. - The subject of this sketch was born in Linn county, Oregon, January 3, 1856. He is the second son of B.W. Redman,
who was a prominent citizen of that county, and a staunch Union man, who upheld the old flag during the early part of the sixties, when it
required more than ordinary courage to take that stand. In the great flood of 1861-62 the family lost everything in the way of property, except
horses. Early in February, 1862, John moved with his family and settled on a farm near Scio, in Linn county, and there worked the remainder of
the year, and attended the public school during the winter. The next four years he was occupied in teaching and clerking in the general
merchandise house of A.J. Houston in Scio. His father dying in 1876, he settled the estate and also was co-administrator with J.B. Miller in
settling the estate of John Miller.

     His health becoming somewhat impaired, he was advised to seek a drier climate, and in 1877 came to Walla Walla, and attended Whitman
Seminary for a short time. February 14, 1878, he accepted a position as book-keeper with Saling & Reese, dealers in general merchandise at
Weston, Oregon. He remained with that firm as book-keeper and head salesman until 1883. June 6, 1880, he was married to Fannie M. Reese,
eldest daughter of J.T. Reese, Jr., partner of the firm. Mr. Reese is one of the pioneer merchants and wheat dealer of Eastern Oregon, and is well
and favorably known as one of the first pillars upon which has rested the prosperity of the Walla Walla and Umatilla region. In July, 1883, J.T.
Reese and John T. Redman opened a general merchandise store in the town of Adams, under the firm name of Reese & Redman, where they
have done an immense business, and are now the largest shippers of wheat from Eastern Oregon. Mr. Redman is a Republican in politics, and
stands very high as an earnest worker for his party, having been a delegate to the state convention in 1886. He is a prominent member of the
order of F. & A.M., and holds his membership with Weston Lodge. He will shortly remove to Tacoma, where with his old partner he will conduct a wholesale grocery business.

     The union of John T. Redman and Fannie M. Reese, has been blest with two beautiful and attractive children, Grace and Herbert. Mrs.
Redman was born in Walla Walla City, March 13, 1862, and is a faithful and efficient member of the Episcopal church, and is greatly beloved by
all who know her.

History of Pacific Northwest - Oregon and Washington
Volume II
Page 533


RAYMOND RINGOLD REES.

     A man who has contributed to the upbuilding of a city in one line of development is considered worthy of honor, but that man who has a part in the promotion of his city's interests in many fields of activity has a still greater claim upon the gratitude of his fellow citizens, and such was the record of Raymond Ringold Rees, pioneer newspaper man, prominent merchant and man of affairs.

     He was born in Reily, Ohio, June 17, 1833, and was taken by his parents to Delaware, that state, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. During his youth he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and in 1854 he came west with a brother by way of the isthmus of Panama, their destination being Portland, Oregon, in the vicinity of which a third brother lived. After a short time Mr. Rees of this review secured work as a typesetter on the Christian Advocate and as he had the distinction of being the only man in Portland who could set book type, he did that work on McCormac's Almanac, the first book published on the Pacific coast. He was also employed as a typesetter on the first issue of the Daily Oregonian, Portland's famous newspaper. With the exception of eighteen months spent with a brother in the Colville mines, he was identified with newspaper publication in Portland until 1861, when he came to Walla Walla, reaching here on the 21st of November.

     Mr. Rees formed a partnership with Nemiah Northrop and established the first newspaper in this section - the Washington Statesman. The firm sent to Portland for a press, which arrived on schedule time, and the first issue of the newspaper appeared on November 27th. The publishers therein made the following announcement to the public: "We send forth this morning with our congratulations the first number of the Washington Statesman, and respectfully solicit the attention of the people of Walla Walla and county to its pages . . . That a weekly publication devoted to the various interests of the country, containing all the news which may be gathered from different quarters, is essentially needed in the Walla Walla valley we premise no permanent resident will deny. This admitted, we have no misgivings as to the disposition of the people to come forward and promptly sustain an enterprise so materially calculated to further their interests as a community." In the meantime the firm of Rees & Northrop learned that two brothers named Smith intended starting a democratic paper in Walla Walla and had sent to Portland for a press, which, however, reached The Dalles just as the Columbia river, at that time the only highway, froze over, with the result that it could not be delivered for three months. Mr. Smith desired to become a member of his competing firm and his wish was granted. The first subscriptions did not come in to the new paper as readily as had been expected. Accordingly Mr. Smith made a tour on horseback of Walla Walla county and Umatilla county and succeeded in obtaining two hundred subscriptions at five dollars per year, the circulation list containing the names of practically all the men of the two counties. The Statesman was the first newspaper established in eastern Washington, then known as the "upper country," and was a factor of great importance in the early development of this region. Mr. Rees was one of the owners of that journal until November, 1865, when he sold his interest therein to W.H. Newell, and the following five years were devoted to farming in connection with his father-in-law. In 1870 he returned to Walla Walla and formed a partnership with H.E. Johnson for the conduct of a mercantile business under the style of Johnson & Rees. Two years later W.P. Winans bought into the firm and the name was changed to Johnson, Rees & Winans. With Mr. Johnson's subsequent retirement from the business the firm became Rees & Winans and so remained until 1887, when the business was sold. In the meantime a two-story building was erected where now stands the Farmers Savings Bank. Plans were subsequently made for the erection of the Rees-Winans building but before construction work was begun Mr. Rees was called by death. His widow, with Mr. Winans, however, carried out the plans already made and the building was erected in due time and was an important addition to the downtown section of Walla Walla. As a merchant Mr. Rees was enterprising, progressive and sound of judgment, managing his affairs carefully and giving much thought to anticipating the demands of his customers. He based his success upon the firm foundation of the best service possible and full return for all money received.

     Mr. Rees was married March 12, 1865, to Miss Augusta Ward, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Michael V. Ward. She was born near Chicago, in De Kalb county, Illinois, in 1843 and in 1853 accompanied her parents to Oregon, the journey being made by ox team. The family settled near Lebanon, in Linn county, but the long wet season proved unhealthful and Mr. Ward developed serious throat trouble. On the advice of a physician he removed to Walla Walla county, bringing with him three hundred head of cattle. That winter, however, there was an unusually heavy snowfall and owning to the unfavorable weather conditions he lost all of his cattle but forty-four. However, the increase in prices enabled him to realize so much from the remaining cattle that his net loss was inconsiderable. He bought the Lewis McMorris ranch a few miles south of Walla Walla and operated that place for some time but at length disposed of it. He then removed to Walla Walla and erected there the most pretentious home in the city at the corner of East and Poplar streets. At the time of the visit of President Hayes and party the president and his wife were entertained at the home of Mr. Ward, as there were no suitable hotel accommodations to be found in the city. Mrs. Hayes insisted in helping with the house work and at her request fried apples were served at breakfast. The democratic spirit manifested by the president and his wife made their visit a genuine pleasure as well as an honor. To Mr. and Mrs. Rees were born three children: Frank W., a well known dentist of Walla Walla; Elma R., the wife of H.H. Turner, cashier of the Baker-Boyer Bank of Walla Walla; and Lora R., the wife of Paul Compton, of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Compton is a son of General Compton, who for years had command of the garrison at Walla Walla.

     Mr. Rees was a prominent democrat and for many years took an active part in politics. He represented his district at two different times in the state legislature; for several years served as county treasurer, and his record as an official was highly creditable alike to his ability and his public spirit. He was always called upon with a certainty of response for aid in carrying out projects for the development of Walla Walla city and count and his demise, which occurred July 12, 1889, was recognized as a great loss to his community.

     His widow survives and resides in one of the handsomest residences of the city, in which she takes great pride, for it was built in accordance with plans drawn by herself. After the death of her husband she carried on the business of the estate. She is one of the honored pioneer settlers of Walla Walla and her reminiscences of the early days when the present rapidly growing city was a little frontier settlement are much appreciated by the younger generation, who find it hard to realize that conditions have changed so radically within a half century. When she came to this region there were not more than twenty white women in the valley and she is one of the very few of the number now living.

Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 48, 53, 54

***********************

RAYMOND R. REES is one of the old and successful merchants of Walla Walla, senior member of the firm of Rees, Winans & Co. He was born in Butler Co., Ohio, in 1833, and emigrated to Oregon in 1854. In 1864 he went to Walla Walla and became one of the founders of the Washington Statesman, having been a printer for a number of years. In 1865 he abandoned journalism and entered the mercantile business, being now one of the leading merchants of the city. He served two terms as County Treasurer, and in 1880 was chosen to the lower house of the Legislature. In 1855 he was one of those who, seeking gold, found themselves in the Colville mines, when the Indian war broke out, cutting them off from the settlements; and with a few comrades he remained during the winter in that section of country. We have learned little of Mr. Rees except in an indirect way through the general public, as he was in San Francisco at the time we were investigating for biographical notes. Through sources such as were at our command, we learned that he was a member of the Board of Trade, a front rank man in all matters of a public nature either political or financial, a free thinker with a philosophical turn of mind, a liberal Democrat, a genial companion, and a gentleman of generous and honorable instincts.

Gilbert's Historic Sketches
Biographical Supplements
1882
Page 32



A.H. REYNOLDS. - This pioneer of Walla Walla, Washington, is a bank director, a large real-estate owner, and has been active in many of the early enterprises, not only of that city, but of Oregon and California.

     He was born in 1808, in St. Lawrence county, New York; and his memories of early life are deeply tinged with the exciting events of the war of 1812, in which his parents had an active part. Receiving the rigid and economical training of the old times, he added to his education by efforts of his own, and qualified himself for active life by learning the trade of a millwright. After a number of years spent in the old West, he crossed the plains to California in 1850 by the old trail. His health failing, he decided to go to Chile, but by the persuasion of a friend came to Trinidad.

     Drifting up the coast, he came through Yreka to Oregon, and so far recovered his health as to engage in building mills. He put up flour mills in Benton and Polk counties, and did extensive work on the first woolen mill at Salem. With the money thus earned he went to Portland and engaged in financial enterprises and money-loaning. In 1859 he came to Walla Walla, on the second trip that the Colonel Wright made to Wallula. In that valley he set to work with his hands and brain, building flour mills, for which he received a one-third interest in the various mills he constructed. Near Walla Walla he built the Symes mill, the first one east of the Cascade Mountains.

     His period of mill-building ending in the early sixties, he went into the money-loaning business, opening a private bank in 1872. That was the ancestor of the present First National Bank. His interest in some of his mills, notably the one at Dayton, still continues. Although not now in active business, he is a director of the First National Bank at Walla Walla, and of the bank at Dayton, and interested in that at Pendleton.

     He was married in 1861, his wife being an Oregonian who had crossed the plains in the famous company of 1843. He was two sons, - Harry, who graduated recently at Michigan University, Ann Arbor and Allen, who is now in attendance at Whitman College, Walla Walla. He gives his sons the best of advantages, and is known and respected in all parts of the Inland Empire.

History of Pacific Northwest - Oregon and Washington
Volume II
535
********************

A.H. REYNOLDS was born in Madrid, St. Lawrence Co., New York, October 21, 1808. His father, Nicholas Reynolds, a native of Vermont, was a mill-wright, and A.H. learned the same trade from his father. After a temporary residence at several localities, the elder Reynolds moved to Aurora, Erie Co., New York where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. In 1838, he went to Illinois, and from there to Iowa, where he lived most of the time in Davenport, until 1850, when he went to California. In 1851 he crossed the mountains to Oregon, where he followed mill building as a business until he came to Walla Walla in May 1859, where he now lives. His operations in the line of his trade in Washington Territory have been noted elsewhere; but, in addition to the two mills built by him in the vicinity of his home, he also erected, and for several years owned, the woolen mills at Dayton in Columbia Co., of this Territory. In connection with Dr. J.H. Day he established the first bank in Walla Walla, known as the Reynolds and Day's. At present he is one of the prominent stockholders of the First National Bank of this city, which has branches in Pendleton, Oregon and Dayton, Washington Territory; but he has retired from the arena of trade, and proposes to pass the remainder of his days free from the complicated cares of active business. Standing to his credit among the industries and business pursuits of this locality, is the successful pioneer establishment of milling, manufacturing of woolen goods, and banking; a list that places him among the front rank of those whose efforts, business tact, and capital have developed the country.

Gilbert's Historic Sketches
Biographical Supplements
1882
Page 33


O.M. RICHMOND.

     O.M. Richmond, a well known resident of Walla Walla, owns twelve hundred acres of fine land in Walla Walla county and derives a gratifying profit from its rental. He was born in Illinois, July 12, 1860, a son of Andrew J. and Mary J. (Lane) Richmond. The father was born in Ohio but for a number of years resided in Illinois. In 1880 he came to the Pacific northwest and took up his home in Oregon, where both he and his wife passed away. All of their six children survive.

     O.M. Richmond was a student in the public schools of his native state and thus obtained his education. He was nineteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on the long journey across the plains and he assisted his father in developing the homestead. He continued to farm in that state until 1913, when he came to Walla Walla county and now owns twelve hundred acres but rents it to others, preferring to live retired. he has gained the success which is his through industry and sound judgment and the rest which he is now enjoying is well deserved.

     Mr. Richmond was married in 1889 to Miss Nellie Preston, who was born in Illinois and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Hatch) Preston, natives of Illinois. In 1879 the Preston family removed to Oregon
and for a number of years resided on a farm in that state. The father died in Oregon and the mother subsequently came to Walla Walla and is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Richmond. The latter have two daughters: Gladys, the wife of O. Taylor, of Walla Walla county; and N. Bernice, who is a graduate of Whitman College and is teaching music.

     Mr. Richmond belongs to the Baptist church and seeks to further its work in every way possible. In politics he is a democrat and has served capably on the school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Artisans. Although he has resided in Walla Walla for only a few years he has already won the sincere friendship of many, his salient characteristics being such an invariably command respect and regard.

Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 775, 779



JAMES W. and WALTER W. RIGSBY are residents of Garfield county, W.T. James Rigsby, their father, was born in North Carolina about the year 1797. He was eighteen years of age when he fought under Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. He soon after moved to Kentucky and married Sarah Thompson, born in that State in 1801. They had a family of thirteen - Susan, Mary, John W., Festus W., Louise, Martha, James W., born February 4, 1831, Walter W., born July 31, 1832, David T., Talbert S., Sarah, Nancy, and Frances. of these, five girls and three boys are still living. The family moved to Missouri in 1822, James being born in Randolph county, and Walter in Marion county, of that State. In 1839 the family went to Iowa, where the boys grew to manhood. In 1852 James crossed the plains to California, and the same year John and Walter went with another train to Oregon. James went into the mines near Hangtown (Placerville), and afterwards journeyed to the mines in the northern end of the State, reaching Yreka in the fall of 1854. In the spring of 1856 he began merchandising with his brother Walter, on Beaver creek. Four months later they went to Jackson county, Oregon, and mined and ranched for several years. In 1858 James was carried away by the Frazer river excitement, and went to the Carriboo mines, having a severe fight with the Okinagan Indians on the road thither. He remained in British Columbia until the spring of 1864, when he went to Idaho and spent the summer in the mines at Elk City. After wintering at Walla Walla, he went to the Blackfoot country with cattle in the spring of 1865. In the fall of that year he came to Pataha creek and took up a ranch just above the one then and still occupied by his brother Walter. Two years later he sold this and took up another on Pataha flats, now occupied by Robert Montgomery. In about wo years he also sold that place and went to Whitman county, where he settled on some land and lived there about five years. He then sold that ranch and settled on some land and lived there about five years. he then sold that ranch and settled where he now lives, four miles from Pataha City. He is dealing quite extensively in cattle and horses, and has 160 acres of fine land, his place being illustrated in this volume. March 4, 1878, he married Mrs. Nancy White (nee Crumpacker.) They have a son named James W. Since his birth they have suffered the loss of a little girl named Martha L. Mrs. Rigsby was the widow of Charles White, by whom she had four children, Lillie, Olive, William and Cassander.

     When John and Walter came to Oregon in 1852 they stopped in Yamhill county. The next June they went to Lane county, and in June, 1854, to Yreka, Cal., where John died. Walter had a hay ranch there until the spring of 1856, when he began merchandising on Beaver creek, with his brother James. They went to Jackson county, Oregon, the same year, where Walter mined and ranched until 1862. In the spring of that year he went to Florence, Idaho, and mined three summers. He then made a trip to Oregon, and in the spring of 1865 purchased his present ranch on the Pataha, just above Pataha City. The ranch was taken up by James Hathaway in 1861, and came into the possession of John Wilkins in 1863, who sold it to Mr. Rigsby. This has been his home ever since. We give a view of it on another page. He has 200 acres along the creek, some of it meadow, and is raising grain, hay and stock. He also has 160 acres two miles north of Pataha City. December 14, 1871, he married Miss Annie Crumpacker, a native of Missouri. Their daughter, Sarah Ann, was born February 14, 1873, and the young mother died January 14, 1874. Mr. Rigsby's residence is pleasantly situated amid a grove of trees, just on the edge of Pataha City.

Gilbert's Historic Sketches
Biographical Supplements
1882
Page 33, 34


JAMES C. ROBERTS.

     James C. Roberts, a well known and prosperous farmer residing on section 4, township 7 north, range 35 east, was born in Lee county, Virginia, July 17, 1866, a son of Robert and Mary Roberts, also natives of that state, where the mother is still living.

     There James C. Roberts was reared and received his education, but when twenty-one years of age he crossed the continent, locating in Walla Walla county, Washington. For some time he was employed as a farm hand but in 1888 he took up a homestead on Dry creek and remained there until 1905, when he purchased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres and is improved with excellent buildings. The place is all fine alfalfa land, valued at three hundred dollars per acre, and it produces such excellent crops that it yields a good profit on the capital invested.

     Mr. Roberts was married in 1889 to Mrs. Martha Kelly, also a native of Virginia. In 1886 she came west and has since resided in this part of the country. By her first union she had five children, all of whom survive, and by her marriage to Mr. Roberts she has become the mother of twins: Elnora, deceased; and James Austin.

     Mr. Roberts is a republican and for three terms served on the school board, during which time he did effective work for the local schools. His wife is a member of the Congregational church. Both are well known in the county and the prosperity which they have gained is the result of their own industry and good management.

Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 813


FRANK C. ROBINSON, M.D., F.A.C.S.

     Prepared by comprehensive study at home and abroad, Dr. Frank C. Robinson has won for himself a distinguished position in the ranks of the medical profession in Walla Walla and the northwest. He has wisely utilized his native talents and as the years have gone on his reading and research have kept him in touch with the trend of scientific attainment. He was born in Blandinsville, Illinois, May 24, 1874, a son of Campbell and Elizabeth (Hungate) Robinson, both of whom were natives of McDonough county, Illinois, where they were reared and married. There they resided until 1875, when they removed to Taylor county, Iowa, and in 1892 they became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington. The father purchased land at Bolles Junction, where he engaged in farming for ten years, and in 1902 he retired from active life, taking up his abode in the city of Walla Walla, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1913, while his widow survived until 1916. He was for a long period one of the most extensive and successful agriculturists of his locality, owning and cultivating two thousand acres of land at Bolles Junction. In his family were six children, namely: Frank C., of this review; Charles D., connected with the Lincoln Trust Company, of Spokane, Washington; Samuel E., a farmer of Imperial, California; Lillian M., who is teaching in the high school of Hilliard, near Spokane, Washington; Harry H., a physician now on duty as a captain in the Medical Reserve Corps at Waco, Texas; and Myrtle V., the wife of William R. Howard, a teacher in the high school of Spokane.

     Dr. Frank C. Robinson was very young when the family went to Iowa and was a youth of about eighteen years when the removal was made to the northwest. He has since taken a most active interest in the development of the Inland Empire and has contrubuted in substantial measure to the work of progress and improvement along various lines. He was educated int he public schools and in the Waitsburg Academy, being graduated from the latter institutuion with the class of 1897. The following year he began preparation for the practice ofmedicine and surgery, entering Rush Medical College of Chicago in the fall of 1898. He graduated from that institution on the completion of the four years' course as valedictorian of the class of 1902 and immediately afterward served as interneship of a year and a half in the Presbyterian Hospital of Chicago, thus gaining broad and valuable practical experience along professional lines. He was afterward appointed superintendent of the Monroe Street Hospital in Chicago, in which capacity he served for a year. Desirious of further advancing in his profession, he went abroad in August, 1905, for post-graduate work in Europe, pursuing his studies and his research work in Vienna, Austria, where he remained until May, 1906, coming under the instruction of some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world. He then returned to his native land and opened an office in Walla Walla, where in the intervening period of eleven years he has won a place in the front ranks ofmedical practitioners. His ability is pronounced and he has gained a most creditable name and place in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit.

     In 1905 Dr. Robinson was married to Miss Jessie Adelle Morgan, a daughter of J.W. Morgan, a pioneer druggist and the formost citizen of Waitsburg, Washington. Mrs. Robinson is a graduate of the Washington State Normal School at Ellensburg and later was graudated from the University of Washington with the class of 1903. She is a lady of culture and refinement.

     Dr. Robinson is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F.&A.M.; also to Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A.&A.S.R., of Spokane. He has likewise crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, having membership in El Katif Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., of Spokane. He belongs to Columbia Lodge, No. 8, K.P. Dr. Robinson belongs to the Walla Walla County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. At the annual convocation of the American College of Surgeons in Chicago in October, 1917, fellowship was conferred upon Dr. Robinson.He makes his practice his chief interest, allowing nothing to interfere with the faithful and conscientious performance of his professional duties, and his comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine, accuratley applied, has gained him place witht he eminent representatives of the profession in this state. In July, 1917, he entered the United States service and was commissioned captain in the Medical Officers Reserve Corps and is now awaiting summons to the front.

Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 13, 14



   A.B. ROBLEY. - The figures which express the business of the Eastern Oregon shipping points are instructive and almost startling. Thus, by the record of Mr. Robley, Centerville shipped in 1888 seventeen thousand tons of wheat and seven hundred tons of barley. The average yield of wheat per acre of a belt of the country extending twelve miles around Centerville is about thirty bushels. The other grains and the vegetables are grown to advantage; and the fruit is a good crop. Centerville has excellent railroad facilities, being on the direct line of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company's road, which passes from Pendleton to Walla Walla; and it also is now reached by the O.W.T. Ry., giving connection with the Northern Pacific, - the first town in Oregon thus touched. The gentleman of whom we write is engaged there in the forwarding and commission business, and is well qualified to render a just and accurate view of its business.

     He is himself one of the guaranties of the progress of the place. Born in Illinois, in 1845, he received his education in Iowa, and began life as a schoolteacher. In 1867 he started across the country to Oregon, wintering in Tintic valley, south of Salt Lake. Reaching Walla Walla the next year, the company with which he came was disbanded; and Mr. Robley continued his professional work, teaching for three years. Seeking a permanent location, he went to the Palouse country, reaching and stock-raising through one administration. He then returned to Walla Walla, soon finding his choice at Centerville. Walla Walla is, however, a favorite place with him. There, in 1875, he found his wife, Miss Eva Paul. Their three children are boys.

History of Pacific Northwest - Oregon and Washington
Volume II
539



C.R. ROGG

     C.R. Rogg, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business ion Dayton, has in his business career ever followed the admonition of the old Greek philosopher, Epicharmus, who said: "Earn thy reward; the gods give nought to sloth." In other words he has ever been diligent and determined and his close application and his energy have brought him the measure of success which he now enjoys. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, May 17, 1876, and is a son of Raymond and Katie (Toy) Rogg. The father was a native of Germany but came to America when a young lad and settled in Connecticut, where he was reared and married. In 1877 he removed with his family to Kansas, where he established his home upon a farm and in that state both he and his wife passed away. In their family were seven children, six of whom are now living.

     Although born in New England, C.R. Rogg was only about a year old when the family home was established in the Sunflower state and there he was reared and educated, prusing his studies in the public schools. He was a young man of about twenty-seven years when he determined to leave the middle west and try his fortune upon the Pacific coast. He arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1903 and there remained for a year, after which he removed to Dayton, where he established a furniture and undertaking business, in which he has now been engaged for thirteen years, building up a trade of large and gratifying proportions. He has a well appointed furniture store, carrying a large and carefully selected stock, and his reasonable prices, progressive business  methods and earnest desire to please his customers have brought to him a very gratifying patronage.

     In May, 1906, Mr. Rogg was united in marriage to Miss Ollie Landon, who was born in Kansas, a daughter of R.E. Landon, who is still living in that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogg have been born three children: John Vern, whose birth occurred October 23, 1907; Erma B., who was born January 29, 1910; and Caroline Bernice. Mrs. Rogg is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Rogg has membership witht he Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. He is also connected with Dayton Lodge, No. 3 K.P. His political support is given to the democratic party and he has been elected a member of the city council by the vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability and felt that public interests would be safe in his hands. The years of his residence in Dayton have brought him a wide acquaintance and his sterling worth has gained for him the high regard of those with whom he has been associated.

Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 12, 13


JOHN A. ROSS.

     In the death of John A. Ross, Walla Walla county lost a representative agriculturist, a loyal citizen ad a man whose worth in every relation was widely acknowledged. He was born in Pennsylvania, July 16, 1860, and was reared and educated in that state. He there remained until 1879, when, at the age of nineteen years, he bade adieu to friends in the east and started for the Pacific coast. On reaching Walla Walla county he here took up his abode and remained a resident of this section until life's labors were ended in death.

     It was in the year 1882 that Mr. Ross secured a faithful companion and helpmate for life's journey in his marriage to Miss Florence Cauvel who was also born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of John and Matilda (Ketner) Cauvel, who always remained residents of the Keystone state. In their family were fifteen children, of whom eleven are yet living.

     Following his marriage Mr. Ross purchased a farm near Pendleton, Oregon, and the family resided upon that place for some time. Eventually, however, he sold that property and removed to Camas prairie, where he again purchased land and followed farming for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and invested in a farm at Sunnyside, where he made his home for five years. Once more he disposed of his property and this time bought a farm near Walla Walla comprising fifty acres, to the further development of which he at once bent his energies, his labors being attended with excellent results. He added many improvements to the place, erected fine buildings thereon and his labors wrought a marked transformation in the property. He was progressive in all that he did, was an energetic farmer and his labors were at all times intelligently directed and characterized by sound business judgment.

     The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ross numbered five children: Winifred, who is the wife of George Calhoun; Mabel, the wife of Dale Babcock; Carl, who is now in Idaho; Royal, who is with his mother; and Pauline, the youngest of the family.

     The family circle was broken by the hand of death when in July, 1912, Mr. Ross passed away, his remains being interred in the cemetery in Walla Walla. His death was the occasion of sincere and widespread regret of the many who knew him and of deep sorrow to his immediate family, for he possessed attractive social qualities, a genial disposition and a kindly manner that endeared him to those with whom he was brought in contact. He belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was also a consistent member of the Congregational church, with which his wife is connected, and in the work of the church they ever took a most active and helpful part. Mr. Ross was a man whom to know was to esteem and honor for his life was ever upright and straightforward in its purposes and in its dealings and he was a worthy representative of high standards of manhood and citizenship.

Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County - 1918
Page 122, 123



CHARLES RUSSELL was one of the first settlers in the Walla Walla valley. The missionaries were here before him, so were the Hudson's Bay Company's servants, Canadians, and prior to the war of 1855-6, the Americans had attempted a settlement here and had been driven away by the Indians. When the soldiers came to chastise those Indians, Mr. Russell came with them as Wagon Master, and has been here continuously since. He is a native of Boston, Mass., where he was born September 18, 1828. His father was a doctor; but the boy saw no luring light in the future of a professional life, and longed for the free open sea and to look upon the scenes of other lands and countries, where his youthful imagination pictured castles of hope and a life of excitement and adventure. At ten years of age he left home and went to sea, and in 1846 enlisted in the Marine Service and sailed on the sloop of war Dale for the Pacific Coast. He participated in the war that gave California to the United States, and finally was discharged from service in New York in 1850. He then came again to California by the Isthmus route, where he soon entered into the U.S. Quartermaster department, and was connected therewith most of the time up to 1855, with General Allen. In 1855 Lieutenant Robert Williamson in command, accompanied by Lieutenants George Crook, Horatio Gibson, Phil., Sheridan, and Abbott, visited Oregon for the purpose of finding a railroad route through the Cascade range of mountains, and Mr. Russell accompanied them in charge of the pack train. In November of that year the party disorganized at the Dalles, and Mr. Russell took charge of the transportation to Walla Walla, under Colonel Steptoe, where he arrived in August, 1856. From that time until 1859 he was in charge of transportation for the Government, under the Quartermaster, in this section of country, having from 50 to 120 citizens in his employ most of the time. Under his supervision all the war parties were fitted out, including the ill-fated Steptoe reconnaissance, and the famed raid of Colonel Wright. Farming was introduced into the country by him, while acting for the Government; as is more particularly noted under the head of "Agriculture." In making this statement we do not forget that Dr. Whitman had tilled the bottom land around his mission years before, and that the Canadians had raised little patches of grain and herbs. He has been an active man, and his operations have become a part of Walla Walla's history, and will be found woven into various places in this book. To avoid repetition they are not recorded in this connection.

     The farm where he now lives consists of 720 acres, lying along the creek bearing his name, and there is no finer locality between the two great ranges of mountains. It is all fenced and mostly cultivated, and has sufficient orchard for all except market purposes. It is situated three miles in an air line east of Walla Walla city. The soil is black bottom land and very productive. In 1881 Mr. Russell raised 9,500 bushels of oats, 5,000 bushels of wheat, 1,000 bushels of barley, and 500 tons of hay upon his farm. In 1860, November 21, he was married to Miss Annie Sheets, daughter of John Sheets, of Walla Walla, and their children's names and ages are as follows: Charles, born September 12, 1861; Mary, born January 2, 1863, died March 12, 1863; William, born May 20, 1864; Harry, June 8, 1866; Davinia, August 26, 1868; Nellie, December 31, 1872.

Gilbert's Historic Sketches
Biographical Supplements
1882