Page:Portland, Oregon, its History and Builders volume 1.djvu/575

Rh Mr. Shipley always took an active interest in the cause of education, and in later years he became a member of the board of regents of the Oregon Agricultural College. He resided in Corvallis until his death July 14, 1893, and was buried in the cemetery at Oswego, Oregon.

Thomas A. Savier was something of a musician, played the flute for the choir, and was one of Portland's pioneer merchants. In 1853 he and D. W. Burnside did a large jobbing business. Their store was then located at the southwest corner of Washington and Front streets. In later years they established a flouring mill at Oregon City. Mr. Savier died March 22, 1876, and was buried in Lone Fir cemetery.

Miss Sarah Abrams was the daughter of W. P. Abrams, who, in partnership with Cyrus A. Reed in the winter of 1849, constructed and operated the first steam sawmill in the northwest (i. e., Oregon, Washington and Idaho). This mill was located in Portland, on the west side of the Willamette river, between Jefferson and Madison streets. In these days logs were not rafted 20, 30 or 75 miles; such a proceeding was unnecessary, as the "raw material" was within a stone's throw of this mill—giant fir trees were cut on Front, First, Second and Third streets. In December, 1854, this old "pioneer" mill was destroyed by fire.

Miss Abrams was a good musician and played the melodeon; was a student of the old Portland Academy, graduating in April, 1861. There were two other graduate classmates, viz., Miss Anna Pentland (who married Samuel L. Brooks,now of The Dalles) and James W. Poe. "Jim" Poe, as he was familiarly called in after years, became "Hon." After his graduation, Mr. Poe took up his residence in Lewiston, Idaho, and became one of the leading lawyers of the "panhandle" section of that state.

Miss Abrams afterward married H. A. Hogue, a pioneer lumber and mill merchant. Mrs. Hogue (mother of H. W. Hogue, attorney), after the death of her husband, made a trip abroad, and after visiting many foreign lands, is content to call Portland her home, and in which city she now resides.

J. B. Wyatt, the popular and talented conductor, comes last in this chronicle, but he is by no means least. He is now residing in Vancouver, Washington.

Mr. Wyatt has had a long and varied experience in the musical world. When only 18 years old, he began his career as a conductor, and for 47 years he sang and successfully filled this important position.

Mr. Wyatt left his home in Vermont in the fall of 1849, destined for the gold mines of California, traveling by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He arrived at the mines in the spring of 1850, locating on the North Uba river. On account of failing health, his physician advised a change of climate and recommended Oregon. He at once started for that state, arriving in Portland in the fall of 1850. Remained here but a short time, his destination being a farm near Hillsboro.

We next find Mr. Wyatt leading a choir of school children in a log church at West Tualitin, now Forest Grove, in 1852-53. These children were scholars in the Tualitin Academy. A collegiate department was afterward added in January, 1854, called Pacific University. The Rev. Harvey Clark, an independent missionary to the Indians, was pastor of this log church, and J. M. Keeler was principal of the school. Mr. Wyatt also taught music in this school.

In 1856 Mr. Wyatt returned to Portland and soon after entered the employ of Allen & Lewis; this firm is the oldest wholesale grocery establishment in Portland, and its business has remained in one family from its inception in 1851 until now. When C. H. Lewis died in 1897 his son Allen became the recognized head of the firm.

The last Sabbath that Mr. Wyatt sang with the choir, before leaving Portland, was an eventful one. The church was full of people. There were two ministers in the pulpit with the Rev. Chamberlain. The choir was in excellent