A. G. LLOYD.
Fifty-eight years ago A. G. Lloyd became a resident of Walla Walla county and in a little log cabin began life in true pioneer style. He had, however, been a resident of the west for a much longer period, the family home having been established in Oregon in 1845. He was born in Missouri, July 25, 1836, his parents being John and Nancy (Walker) Lloyd, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. At a very early period they removed westward to Missouri and in 1845 crossed the plains with ox teams, making the long wearisome journey across the hot stretches of sand and over the mountains, three years before gold had been discovered in California, at which later time the trails to the west were more definitely marked and more easily followed. They located in Benton county, Oregon, where the father took up a donation claim of six hundred acres. There he built a log cabin covered with a clapboard roof and the chimney was built on the outside of the primitive dwelling. Hardships and privations fell to their lot but with stout hearts and undiminished courage they put forth every effort to establish a home on the western frontier and were active with those who were planting the seeds of civilization in Washington. The mother died while the family resided upon the homestead farm and the father afterward removed to Colfax, Washington, where he passed away in 1875. In their family were nine children, but one of whom is now living.
A. G. Lloyd was reared and educated in Oregon, having been but a little lad of nine summers at the time of the removal to the west. There was no phase of pioneer life with which he was not familiar. He served in the Indian war on the Walla Walla river and was in the Seven-Day fight. He became familiar with all of the methods of treacherous warfare practiced by the savages and he aided in reclaiming the region for the purposes of civilization. He was mustered out in July, 1856, and returned to the work of the farm.
In 1858 he was united in marriage to Miss Lois Jasper, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of John and Mary (Heath) Jasper, who were also natives of the Blue Grass state, whence in 1842 they removed to St. Joseph, Missouri. The father died in that state and the mother with her family of six children afterward, in 1854, crossed the plains and became a resident of Benton county, Oregon. In the family were eight children, of whom three are now living.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd began their domestic life in Oregon, but in July, 1859, removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he secured a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres two and a half miles from Waitsburg on the Touchet river. Upon his land he built a log cabin with puncheon floor and door. The home was most primitive but it sheltered stout hearts and willing hands. They bravely faced the conditions of pioneer life in order to secure a home for themselves and for eight years they lived upon that place without change. At the end of that time Mr. Lloyd was able to purchase more land and his widow now owns two hundred acres, for some of which she has been offered three hundred dollars per acre. The rapid settlement of this section of the country, together with the improvements made upon the farm, have greatly enhanced the value of the property, which returns to Mrs. Lloyd a very gratifying annual income. In his business career Mr. Lloyd displayed marked diligence and determination and his farming interests were wisely and carefully managed, so that he became recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists of this section of the state. As the years went on eleven children were added to the family, of whom six are now living, namely: J. C., who is in California; G. M., a resident of Waitsburg; Wesley A., who is occupying the old homestead; Gilla Ann, the wife of C. C. Milinger, of Spokane, Washington; Ralph G., also living in this state; and Angeline, the wife of F. G. Aldridge.
The death of the husband and father occurred January 5, 1915, since which time Mrs. Lloyd has personally managed the farm. Mr. Lloyd not only figured as one of the leading representatives of agricultural life in Walla Walla county but was a most prominent and influential factor in other connections. He attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and held all of the chairs in the different Masonic branches with which he was affiliated. His political allegiance was given the democratic party and he was one of its recognized leaders. His opinions carried weight in its councils and his efforts were an element in advancing its success. Five times he was elected to represent his district in the general assembly of Washington and he left the impress of his individuality upon many important legislative measures which were enacted during that period. He closely studied the questions and issues of the day and gave his aid and support to any measure or movement which he believed would promote the interests of the commonwealth and stood with equal firmness in opposition to any cause which he believed would be detrimental to the welfare of the community at large. His position was never an equivocal one and he loyally supported every measure in which he believed. None questioned the integrity of his opinions or of his actions. He served as a delegate to both county and state conventions and did much to mold public thought and opinion. Mrs. Lloyd is a member of the Eastern Star and also of the Rebekah lodge and in these organizations has filled all of the chairs. She is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, while Mr. Lloyd was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was prominent as a man whose constantly expanding powers took him from humble surroundings to the field of large enterprises and continually broadening opportunities. He was reared upon the western frontier and the effort required to live in those ungenerous surroundings, the necessity to make every blow tell and to exercise every inventive faculty developed powers of mind and habits which made him a forceful and resourceful business man and citizen. The early rising, the daily tasks, the economical habits of the country boy prepared him for the struggle that most precede ascendency and step by step Mr. Lloyd gained success in business and prominence in public life.
W. M. TAYLOR.