Smith Owens Gwinn is successfully engaged in farming on section 20, township 11 north, range 40 east, in Columbia county. He was born in Putnam county, Missouri, February 17, 1855, his parents being William and Nancy (Triplett) Gwinn, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, where they were reared and married. Soon afterward they removed to Putnam county, Missouri, where they resided until 1864, when they heard and heeded the call of the west. The stories which reached them concerning the opportunities on the Pacific coast led them to the determination to try their fortune in Washington. With ox teams and wagons they traveled across the plains, being six months on the journey, and at length they established their home in Walla Walla county, six miles east of Walla Walla, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he paid eighteen hundred dollars. Today the same property is worth forty thousand dollars. He lived upon that farm for a number of years and then sold the property, after which he took up his abode in the city of Walla Walla, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He had acquired a comfortable competence sufficient to meet all of his needs and also sufficient to supply him with the comforts of life. He passed away in 1897, while his widow survived for about twelve years, her death occurring in 1909. In his political views Mr. Gwinn was a democrat, giving stalwart allegiance to the party. He served as county assessor of Walla Walla county before it was divided, occupying that position for three or four years. He was widely known throughout the county, ranking as a representative business man and progressive citizen, and as a pioneer he contributed much to the early development of his section of the state. He and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were people of the highest respectability, enjoying the goodwill and confidence of all with whom they were associated. They left the impress of their individuality for good upon the material, political and moral development of the community.
Smith O. Gwinn was a lad of but nine years at the time of the removal of the family to Washington, so that he pursued his education largely in the schools of this district. He attended the Maxson school on Russell creek and on reaching his majority he began farming on his own account, renting land for that purpose. He raised two crops in Walla Walla county and in the fall of 1877 removed to Columbia county, where he homesteaded eighty acres. He failed, however, to get water on his land and therefore sold his right, after which he purchased another eighty acres with water on it. About 1880 he disposed of that farm and invested in his present home place of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1895 he leased this farm to Charlie Thronson and removed to Dayton, where he turned his attention to the livery business, with which he was identified for four years. Later he was engaged in various lines of business and retained his residence in Dayton until 1904, when he removed to Portland, where he resided for two years. He then went to Spokane, where the following year was passed, after which he returned to Portland, Oregon, where he again lived for three years. Once more he took up his abode in Spokane, where he remained until July, 1917, when he returned to the old home farm in Columbia county. Upon this place he has recently erected one of the most commodious and beautiful country homes in southeastern Washington and he has added many other modern improvements which add to the value and attractive appearance of the place. He also owns four hundred and eighty acres of land which constitutes one of the valuable wheat ranches of Columbia county. His business affairs are carefully managed and his unfaltering energy has carried him steadily forward to the goal of success.
Mr. Gwinn votes with the democratic party, of which he has been a stalwart champion since attaining his majority. He belongs to Touchet Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is one of the well known citizens of Columbia county who has gained a gratifying measure of success owing to his close application and indefatigable energy. His efforts have been a contributing factor in bringing about the splendid results that have been achieved in making southeastern Washington a notable agricultural belt, especially adapted to wheat raising.
W. H. YOUNGER.
W. H. Younger, who superintends the operation of the Prescott mills as agent for the Portland Flouring Mills Company, the largest concern of the kind in the northwest, was born in Stockton, California, on the 29th of January, 1889, a son of Thomas W. and Nannie (Welch) Younger. For a period of forty-three years the father was connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as superintendent of motive power but has recently retired and now makes his home at Forest Grove, Oregon.
In the acquirement of his education W. H. Younger attended the public schools of Portland and also the Portland Academy. When a youth of sixteen years he entered the employ of the Portland Flouring Mills Company, securing a position as office boy in their Portland offices. With this important enterprise he has been connected continuously to the present time, becoming thoroughly familiar with every phase of the milling business, and that his services have been recognized as of value is indicated by his steady promotion. In 1909 he was made bookkeeper under E. H. Leonard, agent of the Prescott mills, serving in that capacity for four years or until the 1st of April, 1913, when he was appointed agent of the mills at Dayton, Washington. He had charge of the mills there for four years and on the 1st of May, 1917, was transferred to Prescott as agent at this point, in which connection he is making an excellent and most commendable record.
On the 28th of June, 1910, Mr. Younger was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Grace Anderson, of Portland, Oregon. Mr. Younger gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is deeply interested in matters of civic concern, having served as president of the Dayton Commercial Club and as a member of the Dayton Board of Trade. Fraternally he is identified with Dayton Lodge, F. & A. M., and he is also a charter member of Whetstone Lodge, No. 157, K. P., in which he has passed through all the chairs. His wife belongs to Trinity Episcopal church of Portland and both enjoy an enviable position in the social circles of Prescott, where they now make their home.
WILEY L. ARNOLD.