MR. AND MRS. GARRIT ROMAINE
Garrit Romaine was reared at home and obtained his education in the public schools of New York city. When twenty years old he went west to Wisconsin, where he remained for many years, or until 1877, when he removed to California. After remaining there for a short time he took up his residence in Harrisburg, Oregon, but in 1881 removed to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, locating in what is now Columbia county, on a farm six miles from Dayton. He at once began the improvement and development of his place, which he continued to operate until called by death. It comprises three hundred and twenty acres of good wheat land, and his industry and good management were rewarded by large crops, from the sale of which he derived a good income.
Mr. Romaine was married in Wisconsin in 1852, to Miss Martha L. Harbaugh, by whom he had seven children: William B., deceased; John H., a farmer; Jerome W., now a resident of Bellingham, Washington; Franz Sigel, a farmer; Charity, who is the wife of Newton James, and has three children, Louis Homer, on the old farm, Lois, now Mrs. H. L. Gritman of Columbia county, and Frida Ellen, now the wife of A. W. Munford of Ironwood, Michigan; Freeman C., deceased; and Rachel, the wife of Henry James, of Dayton.
Mr. Romaine gave his political allegiance to the republican party, and while not an office seeker was always keenly interested in everything affecting the general welfare. No project looking toward the advancement of his community failed to receive his heartiest support and cooperation, and he was particularly interested in the upbuilding of the local schools. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and took an active part in the work of the lodge. He passed away October 23, 1900, and was laid to rest in the Dayton cemetery, leaving to mourn his loss, besides his family, many warm friends. Mrs. Romaine resides with her daughter, Mrs. Newton James, and holds title to the homestead. She belongs to the Christian church and has exemplified its teachings in her daily life.
CHARLES F. KIBLER.
Charles F. Kibler, one of the prominent farmers and stockmen of Walla Walla township, is with his brothers operating forty-four hundred acres of fine land. He is a native son of Walla Walla county and has resided here throughout his entire life. He was born September 24, 1874, of the marriage of Jacob and Louise (Buroker) Kibler, natives respectively of Virginia and Iowa. The father removed to Missouri when a young man and in the early '50s made the long journey overland to California, where he resided for five years. In 1858 he came to Walla Walla, Washington, and for some time worked as a farm hand. He then took up land on Mill creek but for several years gave the greater part of his time and attention to freighting by ox team. Subsequently, when the country became more thickly settled and there was not so much need for freighting supplies from a distant market town, he began the cultivation of his land. His farming operations yielded him a good profit and he acquired additional land, being at the time of his death the owner of fifteen hundred acres. He made excellent improvements upon his place and was one of the substantial men of the county. He passed away in 1908 and is survived by his wife, who has reached the age of sixty-six years. Five of the six children born to their union survive.
Charles F. Kibler passed the days of his boyhood and youth in his native county and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education. Through working for his father he received thorough training in the best methods of farming and stock raising and on attaining his majority he began farming on his own account. He and his brothers have added to their holdings from time to time and now own forty-four hundred acres of good land finely improved. They have systematized their work and conduct their ranch in the same careful manner that a business man manages his interests. Their progressiveness and good judgment are manifested in the excellent return which they receive from their land and they have never had occasion to regret their choice of an occupation.