Joseph Clark Fair was reared at home, and in the acquirement of his education attended the common schools of Arkansas and the Elm Springs Academy, in Washington county, that state. For two terms he engaged in teaching in Benton county, Arkansas, but because of the low salary paid teachers gave up the profession. In 1898 he decided to try his fortune in the far west and located at Condon, Gilliam county, Oregon, where he was connected with lumber interests. He remained there for five years and during the last year helped to build the courthouse. During that time he acquired title to seven hundred and twenty acres of land, which he has since sold at a profit. In 1903 he became a resident of Dayton, Washington, where he has ever since remained, and he is well known throughout Columbia county as a grain-buyer. He is expert in judging wheat and keeps in the closest touch with the grain markets and has been very successful in his business affairs.
Mr. Fair was married in 1908 to Miss Nellie Virginia Gregg, who was born in Washington county, Arkansas, but at the time of her marriage was county superintendent of schools of Columbia county. To them was born one child, who, however, is deceased. Mr. Fair is a stanch democrat in politics and has served with ability as a member of the town council. He is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Alki Lodge, No. 136, I. O. O. F., of which he is past grand; Franklin Encampment, No. 13, I. O. O. F., of which he is past chief patriarch; Dayton Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of which he is now worshipful master; and Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P., of which he is past chancellor. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, and in his business dealings, as well as in the private relations of life, his conduct measures up to high moral standards. He feels that his decision to come to the west was one of the wisest that he has ever made and he is confident that a greater future is in store for this section.
CHARLES CLAGUE.
Charles Clague, a prosperous farmer residing on section 2, township 9 north, range 36 east, Walla Walla county, was born on the Isle of Man in March, 1860, a son of Richard and Isabella (Quirk) Clague, also natives of that island, where their entire lives were passed. Our subject's education was received in the public schools and he remained in his native country until he attained his majority but in 1881 came to the United States. For six months he worked in a grocery store in Olean, New York, after which he decided to see the west. There for a month he worked in Colorado and then continued his journey, arriving in San Francisco on Christmas day, 1881. He only remained in that city for two days, however, and then came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He took up a homestead two miles south of Prescott and for twenty years lived upon that place, which he operated successfully. He also purchased other land, becoming the owner of seven hundred and eighty acres. In 1902, in partnership with T. F. Dice, he bought five hundred acres of land and later they purchased the old Samuel Erwin home farm, where both have since resided. Mr. Clague has sold his homestead and the land adjoining and has also disposed of the equity of the five hundred acre tract but retains his interest in the farm of eighty acres, where he and Mr. Dice reside. He also is the owner of fifty-two acres of irrigated land near Patterson, Stanislaus county, California. He has gained financial independence and, having disposed of the greater part of his holdings, is now enjoying a period of comparative leisure.
Mr. Clague is a progressive republican in politics and has always been most loyal to the interests of his adopted country. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and in its teachings are found the principles which guide his life. For thirty-six years he has resided in Walla Walla county and has done his part in bringing about the wonderful development that has taken place during that time. He has a wide acquaintance and a large number of warm personal friends.
FRANK W. PAINE.
Frank W. Paine is a capitalist of Walla Walla whose name is inseparably interwoven with the history of city and state. Coming to the west in pioneer times, he is familiar with every phase of frontier life and with the processes of development which have brought the state from pioneer conditions to its present stage of progress and prosperity. His individual labors have contributed much to the results achieved, and no account of Walla Walla's development would be complete without extended reference to him.