MRS. WILLIAM M. KEISER
Jerome L. Keiser, whose name introduces this review, was reared amid the conditions and environments of pioneer life and has for sixty-seven years been a witness of the growth and development of the northwest. He was educated in the district schools of Clackamas county, Oregon, and in early manhood began learning the carpenter's trade, which he has followed for many years. He was closely identified with that business until 1906, when he established a furniture and undertaking establishment in Waitsburg and was thus connected with the commercial interests of the town for six years. He then disposed of that business and has since worked at his trade when he so desired, although he has practically lived retired. Indolence and idleness, however, are utterly foreign to his nature and at times he cannot resist again taking up the tools and doing some work along the line of trade in which he embarked in early manhood. The success, however, which attended him has obviated the necessity of continued work, for he is now in the possession of a handsome competence that supplies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
In his political views Mr. Keiser is a democrat, having supported the party since attaining his majority. For several years he served on the school board and the cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion. He is a member of Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., and he has a twenty-five year gold medal, indicating connection with the organization for a quarter of a century. He also belongs to Coppie Encampment, No. 73, I. O. O. F., and he has membership with the United Artisans. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Old Ladies' Home at Walla Walla. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church and his belief has actuated him in all of life's relations, making his an honorable course and one which has ever commended him to the confidence, good will and high regard of those with whom he has been associated.
THOMAS DURRY.
In the days when Walla Walla county was famous throughout the west as a stock country Thomas Durry was a leader among the cattle and sheep men of this section. He was born in Williamstown, Glengarry county, Canada, April 20, 1849, a son of John and Isabelle Durry, also natives of the Dominion and descendants of Irish and Scotch ancestry.
Thomas Durry was reared in Williamstown and there received his education, but in 1868 he left home and made his way to California, where he remained for three years. In 1871, in company with his mother and two sisters, Mary and Isabelle, who had joined him in the meantime, he came north to Washington territory, locating in Walla Walla county. He formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, D. McGillivray, and they turned their attention to the stock business, acquiring a ranch near Ritzville. They were there extensively engaged in stock raising for about a quarter of a century and at the end of that time by mutual consent they dissolved their partnership and Mr. Durry continued in business alone until 1903, when he retired from ranching and took up his abode in Walla Walla. He erected a handsome residence at the corner of Birch and Palouse streets and his last days were spent in well earned leisure in the enjoyment of the comforts and luxuries of life. Although during his active career he had extensive herds of cattle, his chief interest was in sheep raising and he was one of the best authorities on everything pertaining to that industry in the northwest. For several years he served as sheep commissioner for the Walla Walla district. On removing to the city he sold his stock ranch, comprising five thousand acres, but retained his extensive holdings in wheat lands, which properties are now owned by his widow.
It was in 1886 that Mr. Durry was united in marriage to Miss Alicia Lane Thomas, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, of Walla Walla. To this union were born two children, Homer and Marie.