James E. Short was reared and educated in Iowa, pursuing his studies in the public schools through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields. He was thus employed until he was twenty-three years of age. In the meantime the family had removed to Texas and in the Lone Star state he was married to Miss Martha E. Vickers, who was born in Texas. They began their domestic life there and after thirteen years removed to Oklahoma, where they resided for a number of years. On the expiration of that period they sold their property in the southwest and came to the Pacific coast country with Washington as their destination. In 1905 Mr. Short purchased land in the Walla Walla valley, becoming owner of six hundred and forty acres. This is wheat land, all under a high state of cultivation. He ranked with the leading and prosperous farmers of the county and followed the most progressive methods in all of his work. His place ever presented a neat and thrifty appearance, which indicated the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
To Mr. and Mrs. Short were born nine children, namely: Adelaide T., who is a graduate nurse; James V.; Amie E., who is the wife of William F. Dolling; William E.; John W.; Oscar N.; Susan Eva; Elma M. C.; and Martha S.
MR. AND MRS. JAMES E. SHORT
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, as did Mr. Short, and his influence was ever on the side of right, truth, reform and progress. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and of its principles he was a stanch champion, but he never sought nor desired political office. He served, however, as a school director and was interested in all that pertained to the intellectual advancement of the community. He died May 7, 1917, and was laid to rest in Mountview cemetery in Walla Walla, leaving a widow and nine children to mourn his loss. His death was also the occasion of deep regret to many friends, for he had become widely and favorably known during the period of his residence in this section of the country. He had many substantial traits of character, was thoroughly reliable in business and was a public-spirited citizen. His widow and sons now operate the farm and the family occupies a prominent social position in this section of the state.
JAMES P. NEAL.
James P. Neal, deputy prosecuting attorney of Walla Walla county and a resident of the city of Walla Walla, was born in Westfield, Indiana, November 12, 1883, a son of the Rev. A. G. Neal, who is pastor of the First Methodist church of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and of Laura (Johns) Neal.