Nicholas S. Sullivan, manager of and partner in the business conducted under the name of the Whitehouse Clothing Company in Walla Walla, is thus active in control of one of the leading enterprises of this kind in the city. Alert and energetic, his purposes are well defined and are carried forward to successful completion.
He was born in Marysville, California, April 3, 1872, a son of John E. and Jane (Richardson) Sullivan. The father was born in Ireland and the mother in East India and both have now passed away. The former was a civil engineer, following that profession throughout his entire career. The family numbered eight children, two sons and six daughters, but only three of the number are now living.
Nicholas S. Sullivan was educated in the La Salle school, a parochial school of Walla Walla, and also in the public schools. His father removed with the family to Walla Walla county about the year 1884, when the son was a youth of twelve years. He made his initial step in the business world as a cash boy in the dry goods and clothing store of Doheny & Marum. When his employers sold out he became a clerk in the service of Al Goldman, who was proprietor of a clothing store, and with him remained for about twelve years. He then became connected with R. E. Guichard, owner of the Whitehouse clothing store, with whom he acted as assistant manager during Mr. Guichard's life. Before his demise he purchased stock in the business and upon the death of the senior partner took over the management of the store and has since been active in its control. The company carries a large and carefully selected stock of men's clothing and furnishings and their business has reached a gratifying figure. They put forth the most earnest efforts to please their customers, recognizing ever that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. Their business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and energy, enterprise and integrity have gained Mr. Sullivan a place among the leading merchants of Walla Walla.
On the 16th of October, 1905, Mr. Sullivan was married to Miss Flora Hobkirk, of Portland, Oregon, her parents being Peter and Maria Hobkirk, the former a pioneer contractor of Portland. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan have one son, Nicholas Peter, born September 15, 1906.
The parents hold membership in the Catholic church and Mr. Sullivan is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Commercial Club and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his time, energies and attention upon his business affairs. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, however, and his co-operation can be counted upon to further every plan and measure for the general good. He has many sterling traits of character and his pronounced qualities have won for him personal popularity.
JOHN N. THOMPSON.
John N. Thompson became a resident of what is now Columbia county in the early days of its settlement and went through all the unpleasant experiences of pioneer life but also had the satisfaction of knowing that he was a factor in bringing about the transformation that has made this county the rival of the older localities in the east in all that pertains to the highest type of civilization. He was quick to recognize the unequalled opportunities offered in the unclaimed frontier land of the Walla Walla valley, and from time to time added to his holdings, becoming eventually the owner of three thousand acres, of which more than nine hundred acres is excellently adapted to the raising of wheat. He accomplished much during his long and busy life, and his demise was recognized as a loss to his community.
Mr. Thompson was born December 20, 1836, in New York state, and was a son of Elisha D. and Anne Thompson, the former born in New Hampshire and the latter in Massachusetts. At length the family removed to Wisconsin and there the parents resided until called by death. To them were born ten children, of whom only one survives.
John N. Thompson grew to manhood in the Badger state, and his education was that afforded by its public schools. In 1860 he decided to try his fortune in the west and for some time engaged in gold mining in Colorado. Later he removed to Oregon, whence he came to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, homesteading land in what is now Columbia county. He at once began the improvement of his place and his labors proved so profitable financially that he was able to purchase more and more land, holding title at his death to three thousand acres. He engaged in both wheat and stock raising, nine hundred and twenty acres of his holdings being wheat land, and about two thousand acres comprising a stock farm. The management of his extensive interests required marked executive ability as well as a thorough knowledge of the best methods of cultivating the fields and caring for the stock, but he proved more than equal to all the demands made upon him and was thoroughly businesslike in the direction of his affairs.