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An Illustrated History of Klickitat, Yakima, & Kittitas Counties
Interstate Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., published 1904

Part IV
History Of Klickitat County

Bickleton

The central town of eastern Klickitat county is Bickleton. It enjoys an unusually favored location in one of the finest wheat-growing regions of Washington. The same cereals which bring wealth and prosperity to its citizens also add a charm to the landscape in their season, presenting an almost unbroken sea of verdure during the spring and early summer and a sea of gold in the fall. The natural beauty of the country is likely to be the first thing to appeal to him who visits it for the first time, but it has other characteristics which present them selves even to the superficial observer. The broad, regular areas of farming land, green with the growing crops or brown from the action of the plow and cultivator, the miles of well-kept fences, neat farm buildings, and here and there a schoolhouse or a church, all bear eloquent testimony to the energy of the people, and proclaim that, rich though the country may be in natural resources, the prosperity apparent on every hand did not come gratuitously, but is the result of thrift and well-directed effort.
The town, in its characteristics, is akin to the country. As one enters it, the fresh looking, substantial, well-painted buildings make a favor able impression upon his mind, an impression which further investigation tends only to deepen and confirm. The people will be found alert and progressive, and to possess a certain geniality of disposition which, combined with brightness and intelligence, makes them companionable indeed.
The town is situated upon the upper edge of the prairie at its junction with the pine timber belt of Simcoe mountain. Its altitude is approximately three thousand two hundred and seventy feet. It is about twenty-five hundred feet higher than the valley of the Yakima at Mabton, twenty-three miles northeast, and three thousand feet above the Columbia at Arlington, an equal distance almost due south. While this height above the sea renders the region subject to a much severer winter climate than is found in the lower altitudes, it makes the summers pleasanter and gives healthfulness and innervating power to the atmosphere.
From the timber's edge the famed wheat plateau, at this point thirty-five miles in width, sweeps northeastward seventy miles to the bend of the Columbia river. At Bickleton the view is a commanding one. To the south, beyond the Columbia, the shadowy outlines of the rugged Blue mountain range in Oregon is an ever attractive sight; from a point a little higher up the mountain west of town, the distant peaks of Mts. Jefferson and Hood in Oregon may be seen, while the nearer prospect has a beauty and a charm of its own.
Upon the prepossessing site of Bickleton, Charles N. Bickle, from whom the town derives its name, settled in the month of May, 1879, and soon he had built the first store in the county east of Rock creek. Le Roy Weaver assisted him in the enterprise. Mr. Bickle had come. To Alder Creek in 1878, but on account of the Indian troubles had returned temporarily to Goldendale. Owing to the laws in force at that time, Mr. Bickle was unable to secure title to his claim, so his brother-in-law, John Skiller, took the land as a homestead, and from him at an early date Mr. Bickle acquired the property.
Time soon proved that Mr. Bickle had exercised good judgment in selecting a site for his trading post, for the settlers of that region heartily welcomed him and his business. The little store, which stood on the corner near where the town well now is, soon became the trading point of the region for miles around, while the Bickle home furnished shelter and temporary accommodations to many a traveler. The store also became a species of rendezvous for the Indians, who were wont to come either on business or to lounge and engage in sports. In October, 1880, Samuel P. Flower, an Alder Creek pioneer of 1878, joined Mr. Bickle in his enterprise, organizing the firm of Bickle & Flower. The same fall Mr. Flower built a blacksmith shop near the store, which four years later he sold to James C. Sigler. About the same time William Twitchell opened a like business, but he shortly afterward removed it to the newly organized village of Cleveland. Charles E. Flower erected a drug store in 1882, increasing the business houses of Bickleton to four, namely, a general store, a hotel, a blacksmith shop and a pharmacy. That year also Mr. Bickle formally platted his town, while the government did what it could to help along by granting the settlers' petition for a postoffice. C.N. Bickle was its first postmaster.
Bickleton's second general store was erected by J.C. Chamberlain in 1883. He sold out to Robert M. Graham some two years later. In 1885 Dr. Hamilton Blair, the pioneer physician, came to the hamlet, and the next year Harvey Emigh opened the pioneer meat market.
April 27, 1887, the town of Bickleton experienced its first great disaster. About noon of that day fire broke out in Samuel Flower's new dwelling, and before the flames were extinguished, every business house in the town except the blacksmith shop and nearly every dwelling were burned. The aggregate loss was not less than twenty-five thousand dollars, of which Flower & Bickle's loss was fifteen thousand dollars with six thousand dollars insurance, and R. M. Graham's, six thousand dollars with twenty-five hundred dollars insurance.
But the set-back given the town was only temporary in its effect. Ten days after the fire Bickle & Flower were doing business in a tent. Soon Mr. Bickle began the construction of a commodious hotel, while Charles Flower rebuilt his drug store, and several others erected new buildings, all better than those destroyed. In 1892 Charles W. Chapman opened a second general store, but the next year the village lost Samuel P. Flower, who removed to Mabton. However, his brother took his place in the firm of Bickle & Flower.
Since the hard times Bickleton has grown very rapidly, the principal development being during the past five years. It is said that the population has doubled during the last two. This growth has not resulted from any booming, but has been abundantly justified by development in the surrounding country.
Mr. Bickle has long since disposed of his interests in Bickleton and is now residing in the lower Yakima valley. The principal portion of the town site, which consists of about seventy blocks surrounding the intersection of sections fifteen, sixteen, twenty-one and twenty-two, township six north, range twenty east of the Willamette meridian, is now owned by George W. McCredy. Last fall the property owners replatted the site, renamed the streets, and otherwise prepared for incorporation in the near future, and it is expected that the town will very soon be granted corporate powers.
In the year 1880 the settlers around Bickleton organized school district No.28 and built, by voluntary subscription, a small box schoolhouse, in which, during the winter of 1880-81, about a dozen pupils were instructed by H.C. Hackley. A widow, Mrs. Osborne, taught the second term. About this time the settlers formed a stock company and built a public hall, twenty by forty feet in size, across from Bickle's store. In the course of the next two or three years, all the stock came into the possession of C.N. Bickle and S.P. Flower, who, in 1884, very generously donated the building to the school district. At the same time Mr. Bickle gave an acre of land for school site purposes. Another site was also offered by J.C. Sigler, but not accepted.
To the Bickle site, a commanding knoll on the eastern edge of the town, the old hall was removed, and there it was converted into a schoolhouse. It served the district until 1897, then the building was moved off the land to make room for the present sightly, two-story frame structure. The contract for this building was let for thirteen hundred dollars, but a much better building was constructed than can usually be secured for that amount. Eight grades are taught, seventy pupils in all being enrolled. T.C. Anderson is principal; Miss Jessie Forker, assistant.
By no means an unimportant factor in the town's recent rapid development has been the Bickleton News, established August 2, 1902, by its present proprietor and editor, S.G. Dorris, formerly of Oregon. The first few issues were only in part printed in the town, but gradually the "patent" portion has been reduced, and finally it was discarded altogether. The News occupies a two-story building especially erected for its use, has one of the best equipped country offices in southern Washington, and is an able, progressive, influential paper.
The only bank in the eastern part of Klickitat county is the Bank of Bickleton. This invaluable institution was organized by eastern Klickitat's most substantial business men, farmers and stockmen, August 9. 1903, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, and at the end of a year's growth its affairs are in a highly satisfactory condition. The bank occupies a fine home, costing three thousand dollars, on Market (or Main) street, and is equipped with modern fixtures, a vault, safety deposit lockers, etc. Its business connections are excellent. George W. McCredy, the well-known Bickleton pioneer, is president of the bank; Stephen Matsen, another well-known pioneer, is vice-president, and Samuel A. Rossier, a man of successful experience in the banking business, is cashier.
The town's other business men and institutions are: General store, Clanton, Mitty & Company, composed of George W. McCredy, W.T. Mitty, A.F. Brockman and John McCredy, carrying the largest stock in eastern Klickitat; drug store, Dr. A.F. Brockman hotel, The Grand, Wilbur C.S. Nye, proprietor; livery stables, Wilbur C. Nye; paints, oils, etc., E.B. Pyle; meat market, Flower & Coleman; blacksmith shops, Miller & McLean, Richardson & Wommack; harness shop, Walter Baker; billiard hall, H.A. Hussey; lumber yard, George W. McCredy: physicians, Dr. A.F. Brockman, Dr. P.C. West; veterinary surgeon, A.D. Robbins; barber shop, B.M. Wristen; contractors, Philip McCully, George W. Jordan, W.F. Keyes; sawmill (on head of Pine creek), George W. McCredy, proprietor; real estate, insurance, Samuel A. Rossier; photographer, John Lodge; stock dealers, Flower & Coleman; postmaster, W.T. Mitty; stage lines, Arlington-Bickleton, daily, operated by George Van Nostern, Mabton-Bickleton, tri-weekly, C.O. Wommack, Cleveland-Bickleton, daily, George Van Nostern, connecting with the Goldendale line.
April 15, 1904, rural free delivery postal route No. I was established with headquarters at Bickleton, Roy McMurray, carrier. This route is twenty-nine and one-quarter miles in length and distributes a daily mail to the region lying immediately east, north and west of Bickleton. Other routes have been asked for and will probably be created in the near future.
The first Methodist sermon preached in eastern Klickitat county, R. M. Graham tells us, was preached at his ranch on Alder creek in 1876 by Rev. J.H. Allyn. In the fall of i88o Mr. Allyn became the first pastor of the Methodist society which was that year organized at Bickleton. The records show that the first church service held was the quarterly meeting, September 18 and 19, 1880, at which Rev. G.C. Roe, presiding elder, officiated, the meeting taking place in the schoolhouse. Robert M. Graham was appointed class leader; Simeon Bolton and H.C. Clark, stewards. Rev. Allyn was succeeded in 1882 by Rev. Richard Barrett, and the latter's place on the circuit was taken in 18&4 by Rev. John Ostrander, under whose pastorate the present comfortable, substantial church was erected in 1884. Mr. Bickle donated as a building site four lots in the heart of the town. Rev. J.W. Helm came to the Bickleton circuit in 1885 (he and Rev. F. R. Spalding held the first revival services that year which resulted in twenty additions to the church); the next year Rev. H.F. Williams came; in 1887 Mr. Helm returned, remaining two years, and in 1889 the society built-the parsonage. Rev. A.S. Mulligan came to the church in 1839, Rev. T.W. Atkinson in 1892, Rev. Brannon in 1893, Rev. J.W. Rigby in 1894, Rev. G.R. Moorhead in 1895, succeeded for a short period by Rev. J.W. Helm, Rev. C. Ellery in 1897, Rev. H. Moys in 1898, Rev. F.L. Johns.in 1900, Rev G.W. White in 1901, and the present pastor, Rev. S.E. Hornibrook, in September, 1903. Until recently the Bickleton minister had charge of services at Bickleton, the Glade, Enterprise and Pleasant Ridge. Since Mr. Hornibrook assumed charge of the Bickleton church, the membership has increased from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five. They have just raised a hundred dollars with which to improve the parsonage.
Bickleton's other church organization, the five. They have just raised a hundred dollars First Presbyterian, came into existence April 19, 1903, with the following members: Mr. and Mrs. L.I. Coleman, Mrs. Emma McCredy, Arthur Trenner, Mrs. Sarah Trenner, H.I. Coleman, Mrs. Lavell Coleman, Mrs. Florence Coleman, W.T. Mitty and W.T. Lingo. The society was organized by Rev. James M. Thompson, of North Yakima. Last fall (1903) the Bickleton society erected one of the handsomest and most substantial church buildings in the county, the structure costing twenty-five hundred dollars. Rev. William Douglass assumed the pastorate April 1, 1904, succeeding Rev. J.G. Hodges. The church has thirty~three members.
Seven thriving lodges represent Bickleton in the fraternal world, quite a strong showing for a place of its size. Their names, officers, dates of establishment and other data concerning them are given below:
Excelsior Lodge No. 111, I.O.O.F., was instituted January 1, 1892, by McDonald Pierce, D.D.G.M., with eighteen charter member's. Since its establishment the lodge has been served by the following past grands: C.N. Bickle, A. H. Bromley, A.F. Erockman, J.S. Donoho, C.E. Flowers, George W. McCredy, W.F. Mitty, J.C Nelson, J.C. Sigler, C.E. Skiller, Guy Walling, C.G. Wattenbarger, E.O. Spoon, E.F. Flower, H.I. Coleman, H. Jepson, W.T. Coleman, J.N. Jensen, J.F. Coleman, L.J. Larsen, Chris. Larsen, W.T. Lingo, A.J. Adams, V.W. Harshbarger, Delbert Gunning, John Lodge and Dwight Belknap. At present Excelsior Lodge has forty-seven members, whose officers are: N.G., I.S. Stone: V.G., Chris Ward, Jr.; financial secretary, A.F. Brockman; recording secretary, Delbert Gunning; treasurer, George W. Mccredy; trustees, A.F. Brockman, J.C. Nelson, A. Sharrard; A.F. Brockman, D.D.G.M.
Alder Rebekah Lodge No. 80, I.O.O.F., is the only auxiliary lodge in town. It was instituted March 8, 1898, by G. H. Baker, D.D.G.M., with twenty-two charter members, of whom the following were the first officers: Anna E. Brockman, N.G.; Eliza A. Bromley, V.G.; Alice G. Skiller, treasurer; Lizzie C. Donoho, secretary. Since then Eliza A. Bromley, Alice G. Skiller, Alice M. Flower and Bell Cooley have served as noble grands; Mrs. Anna B. Brockman has also served as D.D.G.P. The lodge now has forty-two members: its present officers are: N.G., Ella D. Mitty; V.G., Lulu Sharrard; treasurer, A.W. Sharrard, and secretary, D. Gunning.
Bickleton Camp No. 6,249, Modern Woodmen of America, was instituted with nineteen charter members, March 30, 1899. Its first officers were: A.F. Brockman, V.C.; J.E. Story, W.A.; W.H. Bierwell, banker; H.H. Flower, clerk; E.O. Spoon, escort; Ezra Miller, watchman; E.E. Collins, sentry; J.B. Story, D.S. Jordan, R. Dorothy, managers; examiner, Dr. A.F. Brockman. Since then D.S. Jordan and O.J. Wommack have served as consuls. This camp now has a membership of fifty; its officers are: V.C., A.F. Brockman; W.A., D.S. Jordan; banker, W.D. Hoisington; clerk, S.G. Dorris; escort, J.G. Hoisington; watchman, J.C. Richardson; sentry, P.P. Chamberlain; managers, R. Dorothy, B. Gleason and G.W. Jordan; examiner, A.F. Brockman.
Bickleton Homestead No. 420, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, was instituted by W.J. Lippord, December 27, 1899, with sixteen charter members, of whom the following were chosen as the first officers: A.F. Brockman, foreman; R. Cousin, overseer; E.E. Collins, correspondent; P. Matsen, M.C.; J.N. Jensen, M.A.; A. Hansen, guard; R. Peterson, watchman. The present corps of officers is: Foreman, A.F. Brockman, who has served continuously since 1899; overseer, J. Piendl; correspondent, Robert M. Graham; M.C., P. Matsen; M.A., J.N. Jensen; guard, Dule Shattuck watch man, K. Peterson. The lodge has twenty-three members.
Simcoe Lodge No. 113, Knights of Pythias with fourteen charter members, was instituted by Nelson B. Brooks, D.D.G.C., January 2, 1899, and the following chosen as its first officers: Richard Buckley, P.P.C.; E. Clanton, C.C.; S. Cooley, V.C. ; E. Demond, P. Isaac Van Nostern, M. of W.; J. Noblet, K.R.S.; T.H. Hooker, M. of E.; George Van Nostern. M. of F.; F.W. Sanders, Al. of A.; E. Hooker, I.G. J. Hooker, O.G. The roll of past chancellors includes Richard Buckley, Edward Clanton, S. Cooley, T.H. Hooker, Joseph Noblet, F.W. Sanders, A.F. Brockman, George Van Nostern and H.H. Faulkner. At present Simeoc Lodge has twenty-seven members, and its officers are as follows: C.C., A.F. Brockman; V.C., J.G. Hoisington; P., J.E. Shoveland; M. of W., Isaac Van Nostern; K.K.S., Richard Buckley; M. of E., T.H. Hooker; M. of F., F.W. Sanders; M. of A., George Van Nostern; I.G., O.J. Wommack; O.G., C.A. Zyph; trustees, Richard Buckley, O.J. Wommack, C.A. Zyph; D.D. G.C., F.W. Sanders.
Bunchgrass Lodge No. 81, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was established in February, 1897, with a charter membership of twenty four. J.W. Rogers became the lodge's first master workman; James Nelson, its second. The lodge now has twenty-six members. Its officers are: Past master workman, James Story; master workman, Stephen Matsen; foreman, 'I'.H. Hooker: financier, E.F. Flower; recorder, J.W. Rogers; overseer, Chris Larsen; receiver, J.N. Jensen.
Wheatland Union No. 175, Order of Washington, was instituted January 14, 1903, by Captain Leonard, its charter roll containing the names of eighteen members. The lodge has twenty-three members at present. Its first and present corps of officers is as follows: President, A.F. Brockman; vice-president, J. Piendl; treasurer, Anna E. Brockman; secretary, S.G. Dorris; chaplain, Emma Piendl; escort, F. Markel; guard, Paul Sholtz; examiner, Dr. A.F. Brockman.
It is estimated by reliable authorities that in 1903 the region within a radius of ten miles of Bickleton raised five hundred thousand bushels of wheat, besides a large amount of barley and oats and some hay. The wheat sold at an average price of between sixty-five and seventy edits a bushel, from which it will be seen that the grain product alone brought the farmers of the wheat region more than three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The crop was only an average one. Fully fifty thousand head of sheep are owned by Bickleton residents and grazed in this region; also hundreds of meat cattle.
The business men of Bickleton may feel secure in the knowledge that, with a surrounding country of such capabilities, their town will never lack an abundant support. Its growth in future mat be slow, as it has been in the past, but it can hardly fail to be steady and substantial. Although the town will probably never gain, unless something unforeseen happens, a rank among the larger cities of the state, it will at no distant day, hold a place among the best of the secondary cities of Washington. Let us hope that as its wealth and its population increase, it will lose none of the geniality and good-fellowship which today appeal so strongly to the sojourner within its bounds.