LAWRENCE O. McINROE.
Lawrence O. McInroe is the owner of one of the well improved farms of Walla Walla county, his place being situated on section 34, township 8 north, range 36 east, where he has four hundred and forty-two acres of rich and valuable land. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred within its borders December 29, 1874. His parents were James and Cordelia (Nelson) McInroe, the former a native of the state of New York, while the latter was born in Iowa, where their marriage was celebrated. The father crossed the plains in the year 1852, assisting Mr. Sharpstein in bringing a herd of horses across the country. He remained for some time but afterward returned to Iowa and it was subsequent to that event that he was married. The spell of the west, however, was upon him and soon after his marriage he brought his bride to Walla Walla county. Here he took up a homestead and later he purchased more land, becoming actively and prominently identified with agricultural interests. Adding to his possessions from time to time, he was at his death the owner of eight hundred and eighty acres of valuable wheat land and was numbered among the prosperous farmers of this section of the state. Both he and his wife died in this county. In their family were but two sons, the younger being Frank, who now resides southeast of Walla Walla.
Lawrence O. McInroe was reared and educated in the county where he still resides, supplementing his public school course by study in a business college. After attaining his majority he began farming on his own account on the land which he now owns. He had been reared to the occupation of farming and had early become familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He has always kept in close touch with the trend of modern progress along agricultural lines and his valuable farm property of four hundred and forty-two acres indicates his careful supervision and his progressive methods. He has added splendid buildings to his place and all modern equipments and improvements. He makes a specialty of raising wheat, to which the soil is splendidly adapted, and he is also successfully engaged in stock raising, keeping high grade cattle, horses and hogs upon his farm.
In 1902 Mr. McInroe was united in marriage to Miss Zenna Buroker, a native of Walla Walla county and a daughter of William and May (Gallaher) Buroker. Mr. McInroe belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his wife is connected with the Rebekahs. He is also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but he has never sought nor desired office. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church and they are widely and favorably known in the community where they reside. Since starting out in the business world he has made steady progress. His industry and perseverance are among his salient characteristics and upon these qualities he has builded his success. He is not only progressive in all that he undertakes but is thoroughly reliable and his business integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career.
SAMUEL WALTERS.
Samuel Walters, a well known merchant and assistant postmaster of Starbuck, Washington, was born in Australia on the 24th of May, 1869, his parents being John T. and Elizabeth (Neil) Walters. His father was a native of Pennsylvania but in 1853 went to Australia, where he was married, the mother being of Scotch descent but born in Australia. They continued to reside in that country until 1871 when they came to the United States and took up their abode in Iowa, where they made their home for nine years. In 1880 they arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, but after living here for about three years removed to Whitman county and later to Stevens county, where their last days were passed. To them were born eight children and six of the number still survive.
Samuel Walters was only two years of age when his father returned to America, bringing with him his family, and the son was principally educated in the common and high schools of Whitman county, Washington. After putting aside his textbooks he entered the service of a railroad company and continued in that line of work for six years. In 1910 he came to Starbuck and has since engaged in mercantile pursuits, carrying on business under the name of the Starbuck Trading Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. He is a progressive, energetic business man of sound judgment and keen discrimination.
Mr. Walters was married in 1908 to Miss Alberta Gerking, of Waitsburg, Washington, and to them has been born a daughter, Elizabeth. Mrs. Walters is a member of the Episcopal church, and Mr. Walters is identified with the Woodmen of the World and the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Lodge No. 106, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all the chairs. The democratic party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles and he is now serving as chairman of his precinct. For the past five years he has served as city treasurer of Starbuck and is also filling the position of assistant postmaster. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree and he well merits the confidence of his fellow citizens.