MR. AND MRS. JAMES C. ROBERTSON
In 1888 was celebrated the marriage of James C. Robertson and Miss Ollie M. Swank, of Garfield county, a daughter of John Swank, who is now in Orofino, Idaho, but was one of the earliest of the pioneer settlers of Garfield county. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have become the parents of seven children, as follows: Rosella, who is the wife of C. E. Lewis, a farmer of Garfield county, Washington; Elvira, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Rucket, an agriculturist of Garfield county; Fay, who is the wife of W. A. Lewis, a farmer of Garfield county; and Floyd, Belinda, Sybil and Byron, all at home. The wife and mother passed away February 13, 1905, and is laid to rest in the Petowa Flats cemetery, her demise causing deep sorrow to family and friends.
Mr. Robertson usually exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party yet is liberal in his views and does not hesitate to vote for a candidate of the opposing party if his judgment dictates this to be the best course. He belongs to Harmony Lodge, No. 16, I. O. O. F., of Pomeroy; and to Pomeroy Lodge, K. P. He ranks with the leading farmers of Tatman Gulch and he well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held, for his has been an active, useful and honorable life. He has concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business interests, has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a business transaction, but along legitimate lines has won the success that places him among the substantial residents of his section of the state.
ALEXANDER RAY.
Alexander Ray, one of the largest grain and stock raisers of Walla Walla county, residing on what is known as the Sharp farm, on the Touchet river, was born in Hamilton county, Illinois, September 21, 1867, a son of A. M. and Rachel (Upton) Ray, both natives of the Prairie state, where they passed their entire lives. To them were born ten children, of whom five survive.
Alexander Ray remained at home until he was seventeen years of age and during that time acquired a common school education. In 1884 he crossed the plains of Walla Walla county, Washington, and for seven years was employed as a common laborer. He then bought land near Dayton and for twenty years gave his undivided time and attention to the cultivation of his farm there. In 1911 he disposed of that place and for five years rented land, but in 1916 bought twelve hundred acres of the old Rodgers ranch, which he operates, together with the farm where he now resides, which comprises twelve hundred and forty acres. That place is on section 16, township 10, north, range 35, and is known as the Sharp farm. He raises wheat and stock and derives a good income from both branches of his business.
In 1890 Mr. Ray was united in marriage to Miss Laura Bates, who was born in Nebraska, and they have become the parents of eight children: Alfred, who is a graduate of Whitman College and is now assisting his father; Ethel, the wife of William Kyme; Irl, who is now a student in Pullman College; Myrtle, the wife of Earl Jamison, of Montana; Ivory, who married A. McLaughlin; and Goldie, Wanda and Alton.
Mr. Ray supports the democratic party at the polls and takes the interest of a public-spirited citizen in governmental affairs, has never been an aspirant for office however, and always casts his influence on the side of right and justice. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. In addition to his extensive holdings in Washington he owns a quarter section of land in Idaho which is also well improved. He possesses great energy and is a hard worker, giving the most careful personal supervision to all phases of his extensive agricultural operations.