His daughter, Mrs. Wolfe, was reared and educated in Walla Walla county and is familiar with many phases of pioneer life here. In 1883 she became the wife of W. H. Buroker, a pioneer of this county, having come here in 1864. Through their united thrift and industry they acquired a large and valuable property, which at the death of Mr. Buroker in 1902 was equally divided among the legal heirs. To Mr. and Mrs. Buroker were born five children: Zenna, the wife of L. O. McInroe; Ina J., the wife of Frank McInroe, of Walla Walla county; Forrest L., who is a resident farmer of Walla Walla county; one who is deceased; and Mary E., the wife of R. W. Rigsby. Several years after the death of her first husband Mrs. Buroker became the wife of L. R. Wolfe in 1906. Her father died on the 29th of May, 1916, having long survived his wife, who passed away about thirty-nine years ago. They were both laid to rest in this county.
Mrs. Wolfe is now the owner of several hundred acres of fine land which has been brought under a high state of cultivation and returns splendid crops annually, thus providing the family with a very substantial income. Mr. Wolfe belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Pythias and Mrs. Wolfe is connected with the Rebekah lodge, the ladies' auxiliary of the Odd Fellows. She is also a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes a very active and helpful part in church work, contributing generously to its support. Her entire life has been passed in this county, where she is most widely known, and she has a very extensive circle of warm friends, who enjoy her companionship and entertain for her the highest regard.
JOHN F. ABBOTT.
John F. Abbott, of Walla Walla, is one of the pioneers of eastern Washington, arriving here in 1859, and for many years he was prominently connected with transportation interests as the owner of a stage line from Walla Walla to Boise, Idaho. Later, when the country became more settled, he turned his attention to farming and was also successful in that connection. His birth occurred in Rome, New York, March 25, 1823, and he remained in that state until he was thirteen years old. He then went to work and for the next few years was employed in various states. On removing to Wisconsin he became connected with a stage line and so continued until 1849, when he, like so many others, made the long and dangerous journey across the plains to the California gold fields. He devoted two years to mining and then went to La Fayette, Oregon, where he established a stage line between that point and Portland and another between Jacksonville and Sterlingville. He operated the two lines until 1859, when he came to Walla Walla, Washington, and at once became a factor in the business life of the town as the proprietor of a stage line from Walla Walla to Wallula. He also engaged in the livery business and later, in connection with Thomas & Ruckle, established a stage line from Walla Walla over the Blue mountains to Boise, Idaho. At that early day stage coaches furnished practically the only means of communication from one part of the western country to another and stage lines were as important to the development of the section as railroads are today. In 1873 Mr. Abbott sold his interests in that business and began farming and stock raising. He met with unusual success as an agriculturist and at the time of his death had extensive farm holdings in Walla Walla county and also held title to valuable city properties.
Mr. Abbott was married in Oregon, April 24, 1853, to Mrs. Susan (Snyder) Creighton, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of three children: John H., who is one of the prominent farmers of Walla Walla county; Belle, the wife of H. G. Mauzey, of Walla Walla; and Anna A., who is the widow of Colonel W. H. Miller and is caring for her aged mother. Mrs. Abbott was born in New Lisbon, Ohio, October 22, 1824, and is a daughter of Stephen Snyder. She lost her parents when quite small and in 1845 came west with her aunt, Amelia Risley. They traveled by ox teams across the plains and settled in Yamhill county, Oregon. At the age of twenty years Susan Snyder was united in marriage to Nathaniel Creighton, by whom she had one child, Minnie, who married D. B. Day, of Walla Walla, but is now deceased. Mr. Creighton died in 1849 and his widow subsequently became the wife of John F. Abbott. In 1859, in company with their four children, they came to Walla Walla, and here Mrs. Abbott has since made her home. She is still alert of mind and active of body.
Mr. Abbott was prominent in the work of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was generous to a fault, contributing liberally to all deserving enterprises and charities. He was progressive and public-spirited and did all within his power to further the advancement of his community. His death, which occurred March 14, 1896, occasioned widespread regret, as it was generally recognized that his energy, sound judgment and civic spirit were valuable assets of Walla Walla.
JOHN K. RAINWATER.
The history of Dayton is to John K. Rainwater a matter of personal experience, as he settled upon the site of Dayton when it was government land as yet untouched by the hand of man. For years he engaged in farming but has now disposed of the greater part of his land, which is included within the city of Dayton, although he retains the ownership of seven acres, upon which he resides. His birth occurred in eastern Tennessee, January 3, 1834, and he is a son of James and Dalila (Keifer) Rainwater, natives of that state. The family removed to Arkansas, where the mother passed away, and subsequently the father went with his children to Missouri. His last years, however, were passed in Dayton, Washington, and here his death occurred. Four of his five children survive.