JOHN K. RAINWATER
John K. Rainwater grew to manhood in Arkansas and acquired his education in the public schools there. In early manhood he decided to try his fortune in the west and in 1861 made the long journey overland by ox team to Albany, Oregon. He rented a farm in that locality but in 1869 removed to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, settling on a farm now within the city limits of Dayton. He has now disposed of all of his land save seven acres but for a considerable period he was actively engaged in the operation of his farm and proved successful as an agriculturist. It has been a great pleasure to him to witness the steady and rapid development of this section and especially of Dayton and he has gladly given his aid to all projects seeking the public welfare. He is now living retired after a life of well directed industry and he is deservedly held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen.
Mr. Rainwater was married in 1854 to Miss Mary Sparks, also a native of Tennessee, and to them were born six daughters and one son: Dalila, the wife of George Munsey; Susan J., who married O. C. White, now of Olympia, Washington; Alice, the wife of Colonel F. Green, a resident of California; Ellen, who married William Robinson; Arthur L., who is living in Montana; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Charles Door; and Nancy, the wife of Frank Desersy, of Seattle. The wife and mother was called to her reward December 30, 1889, and was laid to rest in the Dayton cemetery.
Mr. Rainwater is a stanch republican in politics and served ably as member of the city council of Dayton and for a number of years was a member of the school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order and is also affiliated with the Mystic Shrine. He has filled most of the chairs and is well known as a Mason who exemplifies in his life the beneficent teachings of the craft. For fifty-six years he has resided in this locality and his record has always been that of a public-spirited citizen, willing at all times to subordinate personal interests to the good of his community, county or state. The success which he gained and which enables him to enjoy the comforts of life was the direct result of his hard work and good management, and he is entitled to the praise that is given a self-made man.
ADAM FUDGE.
For almost thirty years Adam Fudge was identified with the agricultural interests of Walla Walla county and took a prominent part in its development. The greater part of his life was passed on the Pacific coast and he was thoroughly familiar with pioneer conditions in this section of the country. He was born in Illinois, May 26, 1845, a son of Adam and Catherine Fudge, who were natives of Virginia and early settlers of Illinois. In 1847 the family crossed the continent to Polk county, Oregon, where the father secured a farm and engaged in its operation for some years. His death occurred in Astoria, Oregon, and his wife died in Independence, that state.