JOHN BLESSINGER.
For more than forty-two years John Blessinger was a resident of Columbia county and was one of its most esteemed citizens, manifesting throughout his entire life those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. He was born in Pennsylvania on the 8th of March, 1838, and when he was but a young child accompanied his parents on their removal to Hancock county, Indiana. It was there that he was reared to early manhood and in the common schools of that locality he acquired his education. About 1859, however, he left the middle west and made his way to the Pacific coast, settling in the Willamette valley near Salem, Oregon. During the following ten years or more he devoted his attention to mining and then came northward to Washington, arriving in Dayton on the 1st of November, 1872. This section was then a largely undeveloped and unimproved district. He purchased land and turned his attention to farming, his home ranch being located about five miles east of Dayton. It comprised six hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land and he developed it into one of the most valuable wheat farms of Columbia county. The soil is splendidly adapted to the production of that crop and Mr. Blessinger's methods were at once practical and progressive. In addition to that property he owned other land and was classed among the county's most successful and enterprising farmers. His labors brought splendid results and his methods constituted the last word in progressive agriculture. About 1900 he removed to Dayton, turning over the operation of his farm to his sons, and he then became one of the organizers of the Broughton National Bank, of which he was made a member of the board of directors.
On the 21st of April, 1872, Mr. Blessinger was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Byrd, of Marion county, Oregon, a daughter of Luther Byrd, who crossed the plains with ox teams from Arkansas to Oregon in 1854 or 1855. He took up his abode in Marion county, that state, and there engaged in farming to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Blessinger became the parents of seven children, five of whom survive, as follows: John B., who follows farming in Columbia county, Washington; Albert E., who is an agriculturist of Columbia county and resides in Dayton; Myrtle, at home; Leo, who is engaged in farming in Columbia county; and Fred, who operates the home place.
Mrs. Blessinger resides in a comfortable home in Dayton, her husband having left her in easy financial circumstances. She is a devoted member of the Congregational church and her aid and influence are always given on the side of reform and progress. She is a member of the Halpine Society and is also a member of the Red Cross Society. She is a lady of culture and refinement and is constantly extending a helping hand where aid is needed, taking a most active part in charitable work. Mr. Blessinger was numbered among the esteemed citizens of Dayton, being a man of sterling character, and when death called him the deepest regret was felt throughout the community in which he lived.
HENRY F. WATROUS.
Prominent among the self-made men of Columbia county is Henry F. Watrous, whose life has been principally devoted to agricultural pursuits, and success has attended his well directed efforts. He was born in Green county, Wisconsin, January 26, 1848, his parents being Levi W. and Elmira (Fish) Watrous, natives of Canada and Ohio, respectively. On leaving the Dominion the father removed to Wisconsin, where he was married and where he continued to make his home until 1850. The following five years were spent in Iowa but at the end of that time he went to Minnesota, where he lived for the same length of time. He then returned to Iowa and in 1875 came to Washington, settling in Old Walla Walla county. He took up a soldier's claim of one hundred and sixty acres a mile and a half from Dayton and built thereon a box house, making his home upon that place until the required improvements were made; he then sold the farm and brought his family here. There were eleven children and nine of the number are still living.
During his boyhood Henry F. Watrous accompanied his parents on their various removals but was principally reared and educated in Iowa, attending the common schools there. At an early age he began earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand at seventeen dollars per month and was thus employed for two years, during which time he saved enough money to come west. It was in 1871 that he crossed the continent to Salt Lake City, which was then the terminus of the railroad, and from there continued his journey on horseback in company with an uncle and his family who rode in a wagon. On reaching Dayton, Washington, he found employment on a farm at four hundred dollars per year and at the end of that time was able to send for his father. After the latter's arrival they contracted to purchase a sawmill near the mouth of Jim creek, agreeing to pay for the plant with lumber, which was the principal medium of exchange in those days. Whenever enough clear lumber had been cut to warrant a trip to Walla Walla, Henry Watrous would start with a load drawn by oxen and would sell the same for thirty-five to forty dollars per thousand. After operating the mill for four years it was traded for the farm still owned by our subject but he has added to the original tract until he now owns nine hundred and fifty acres of land, all improved and devoted to wheat. Until 1914 he operated his land but has since rented the place and is now living retired in Dayton, where he owns a fine residence. He is a stockholder in a grain warehouse there and is today one of the prosperous citizens of the community.
