JOHN E. WEBB.
Having gained financial independence John E. Webb is now living retired in Walla Walla, save for the supervision which he gives to his extensive landed interests. He was born in Illinois, August 13, 1870, and was reared in that state. He received a public school education and was also trained to agricultural pursuits during his boyhood and youth. In early manhood he went to Nebraska, whence, several years later, he came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He readily adapted himself to the crude conditions here, and as the years passed he purchased additional land and now owns about nine thousand acres. His property affords him double pleasure in that it is the direct result of his own business insight, resourcefulness and enterprise. He is one of the largest land holders in the county and he has always been among the first to adopt new methods or improved equipment.
In 1906 Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Mrs. Annie Pickard, the widow of Charles F. Pickard. By her first marriage she had six children, namely: Clara, who married O. L. Compton; Thetford; Anita; Russell; Olive, the wife of C. W. Cornelius; and Beatrice. To Mr. and Mrs. Webb has been born a son, Harry E.
Mr. and Mrs. Webb spend their winters in California and all the comforts of life are theirs. Mr. Webb has never been ambitious to hold public office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his individual interests. However, in developing his large farm holdings, he has played an important part in the upbuilding of Walla Walla county along agricultural lines. He has a number of fraternal connections, belonging to the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Elks. Few men are more widely known or more highly esteemed in Walla Walla county than he, and it is largely recognized that his integrity, as well as his ability, is above question.
JOHN CHANDLER.
John Chandler, for many years a resident of Whitman county, where he still owns twenty-five hundred acres of fine land, is now living retired in Walla Walla, enjoying well deserved leisure. His birth occurred in Gloucestershire, England, January 14, 1854, and he is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Surman) Chandler, also natives of that country, where the father passed away. In 1882 the mother and her family of eight children came to America and proceeded at once to Washington, as at that time our subject's uncle, William Yend, was living six miles north of Walla Walla. Mrs. Chandler continued to make her home with her children in that region until her death, which occurred in 1904. Of the eight children five still survive.
John Chandler received his education in his native land and there grew to manhood. In 1882 he accompanied the family on their emigration to the United States and on reaching Washington took up a homestead in Whitman county. As soon as possible he placed his land under cultivation and was so successful in his farming operations that from time to time he was able to purchase more land until he now owns twenty-five hundred acres. For a few years after locating here he engaged in the cattle business to quite an extent but since then has given his attention principally to the raising of wheat. His holdings consist of some of the finest wheat land in the county and he now derives a good income from the rental of his property. In 1909 he retired from active labor and removed to Walla Walla, where he erected a fine residence on Roosevelt street, and here he has gained a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Chandler was married in 1901 to Miss Ada Fowler, also a native of England, and they have five children, namely: John F. and Ruth, both of whom are high school students; Dorothy; Theodore W.; and Elizabeth.