CLEMENT O. BERGEVIN.
Clement O. Bergevin, who is actively engaged in farming on section 35, township 7 north, range 34 east, was born on the old Bergevin homestead in this part of Walla Walla county, his natal day being March 16, 1891. He is a son of Damase and Mary P. (Allard) Bergevin, the former a native of Canada and of French extraction. He is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Clement O. Bergevin spent his youthful days in his father's home and acquired his education in the old French town school. In 1912 he began farming on his own account. He had been reared to that occupation and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He thus brought broad experience to his work when he started out independently. He is now cultivating three hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which he now resides and which is a part of his father's estate. He also owns a third equity in a farm of three hundred and twenty acres elsewhere in the same township and a third equity in a five hundred acre tract. His farming interests are thus extensive and important and in all of his business affairs he displays marked energy and determination. His industry has enabled him to overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path and capable management has brought him substantial reward.
On the 12th of May, 1915, Mr. Bergevin was united in marriage to Miss Hazel Johnson, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Edward Johnson, one of the prominent coal dealers of that city. Mr. Bergevin is a member of the Catholic church and is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He has comparatively few outside interests, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He is yet a young man who has only passed the twenty-sixth milestone on life's journey, but already he has made for himself a place in business circles that many a man of twice his years might well envy. He displays good judgment in all that he does and his careful management of his property and his progressive methods of farming are bringing to him merited success.
NELSON McSHERRY.
Nelson McSherry made for himself a creditable position in the business and political circles of Prescott, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret when on the 27th of July, 1916, he passed away. He was then but sixty-one years of age, his birth having occurred on the 31st of July, 1855. He was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of J. J. and Margaret (Mitchner) McSherry, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. At an early day they removed with their family to Missouri, settling near Warrensburg, where they spent their remaining days, and there Nelson McSherry was reared and educated. He was a young man of twenty-five years when in 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harvey, of Warrensburg, and to them were born five children: Lulu, who is the wife of J. D. Walter; Robert, who is living in Nevada; Joseph C., whose home is in Prescott; Urie D.; and Hester.
Mr. and Mrs. McSherry began their domestic life in Missouri and there resided until 1888, when they came with their family to the northwest, establishing their home in Prescott, where Mr. McSherry embarked in business as proprietor of a small mercantile establishment. He adapted himself and his affairs to this part of the country and the conditions here existing and in the course of years he built up a growing and gratifying business. He closely studied the needs of the people in relation to the line of goods which he carried and by reason of his carefully selected stock, his reasonable prices and his straightforward dealing he won a very liberal and well deserved patronage, so that his business became one of the profitable enterprises of the town.
In public affairs Mr. McSherry also took a deep and helpful interest. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him the first mayor of Prescott. He was always ready to advance the interests of the town in every possible way and stood at all times for progress and improvement. Fraternally he was connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was reared a Methodist, but Mrs. McSherry is a member of the Presbyterian church. In 1913, because of failing health, he retired from active business and turned the management of his store over to his sons. Death called him in 1916 and at his passing deep regret was felt for he was a progressive business man, a loyal and patriotic citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. He counted it his greatest happiness to provide for the welfare and comfort of his wife and children and in every relation of life he manifested those sterling qualities which command respect, confidence and honor in every land and clime.