MILFORD H. BROUGHTON.
The northwest with its pulsing industrial activities, its unlimited opportunities and its many resources which constitute a call for action, has drawn to it a large number of progressive men who have achieved success in this field. Prominent among the number is Milford H. Broughton, the president and manager of the Walla Walla Iron Works of Walla Walla, Washington. He was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on the 8th of June, 1875, his parents being Edward and Jennie (Hersey) Broughton, the former a native of New York, while the latter was born in the Badger state. They were married in Wisconsin, to which state the father had migrated as a young man. He was a farmer by occupation and he lived in the middle west until 1879, when he came to Washington, establishing his home in Walla Walla county. Subsequently he removed to Umatilla county, Oregon, where he operated a farm for ten or eleven years, and then took up his abode in the city of Walla Walla in order that he might give his children the benefit of education in the city schools. Here he passed away in 1900 and is still survived by his widow, who yet makes her home in Walla Walla.
Milford H. Broughton is indebted to the public school system of Walla Walla for his early educational opportunities. He afterward became a student in Whitman College, which he attended for four years, but his course was interrupted by the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, which made a strong appeal to his patriotic spirit and to this appeal he responded, enlisting for active service in April, 1898. He went to the Philippines as a member of Company I, First Washington Volunteer Regiment, and was mustered out in November, 1899, after having done active duty in the orient.
During the spring following his return Mr. Broughton began work in the plant of the Gilbert Hunt Manufacturing Company of Walla Walla, where he was employed for four years. He next became instrumental in the organization of the Severance-Broughton Company, which was incorporated for the manufacture of iron products and agricultural machinery. In 1909 Mr. Broughton acquired the interest of his partner in the business, which was reorganized at that time under the firm name of the Walla Walla Iron Works, Mr. Broughton becoming the president and manager of the business, in which dual capacity he has since served. Under his control the business has become one of the most important productive industries of the city, the trade extending over a vast territory, the output being shipped as far south as San Jose, California, and as far east as Battle Creek, Michigan. The volume of their business, however is done on the Pacific coast, there being a liberal home market for all their product. The plant is thoroughly equipped with the latest improved machinery and is operated according to the most modern processes. The business is carefully systematized with the result that there is no loss of time, labor or material.
On the 10th of December, 1900, Mr. Broughton was married to Miss Mandana Bryant, of Walla Walla, a daughter of John P. Bryant, one of the pioneers of this city, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Broughton have become the parents of two children, Viretta and Loree.
In his political views Mr. Broughton is an earnest republican but has never been an aspirant for office. He has membership with the Spanish-American War Veterans and with the Loyal Order of Moose. He is also connected with the Commercial Club of Walla Walla. He and his wife are of the Christian Science faith and in social circles of the city they occupy an enviable position, having the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. In business circles Mr. Broughton is recognized as a strong man, strong in his honor and his good name, strong in his ability to plan and to perform. Persistency of purpose has been one of the strong factors in his growing success, combined with a thorough understanding of the business in which he engages and a close study of trade conditions at large. His efforts, too, have ever been of a character that have contributed to public progress as well as to individual prosperity.
RICHARD J. TOMPKINS.
Seemingly insurmountable obstacles have at times barred the path of Richard J. Tompkins, but with resolute purpose and determination he has sought out paths which would lead him around his difficulties and enable him to continue on the road to success. Many a man of less resolute purpose would have become utterly discouraged. He has never been afraid of hard work and his determination and energy have carried him steadily forward to the goal of prosperity. Mr. Tompkins is now residing in Walla Walla, from which point he controls his farming interests. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.
Mr. Tompkins was born in Pike county, Missouri, August 20, 1862, a son of William and Melinda (Carter) Tompkins. The father was a native of Missouri, while the mother was probably also born in that state. William Tompkins died when his son Richard was a youth of fourteen years. He was the fourth in a family of eight children and at seventeen years of age he took charge of the home farm, which he managed until he reached his twenty-fourth year, when a younger brother became old enough to take care of the mother. Then our subject, in the spring of 1887, made his way westward to Washington. Here he entered the employ of A. C. Wellman on the Eureka Flats, Mr. Wellman having been an old friend of his father in Missouri. During the first summer he worked for a dollar per day. The following summer he received thirty dollars per month, working for J. C. Painter, and that summer he purchased a team, harness and wagon and went to work on the construction of the Washington & Columbia Railroad.