Clerff
Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
FRANK H. CLERF. It is with
pleasure that we mention this enterprising and successful young stock grower,
since he has wrought with a display of sagacity and thrift that have brought
him a magnificent success, and also since his conduct has been such as
to command the respect and esteem of all who know him. He is the
largest wool grower in Okanogan county, and is now handling twenty-five
thousand sheep. His headquarters are located fifteen miles northeast
of Loomis, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres of land and rents
much more. The land is all devoted to raising hay for his sheep.
Frank H. Clerf was born near Pawnee City,
Nebraska, on April 5, 1878, the son of John P. and Mary (Mullen) Clerf,
natives of Germany. The father came to the United States when a boy,
and located in Nebraska. Later they came west, and in 1885 located
in Kittitas county, Washington. Our subject is the oldest of a family
of nine children and received his education from the public schools of
his native place and the business college at Tacoma. The father is
one of the wealthy land owners and prosperous stock raisers of Kittitas
county. As soon as our subject came to manhood he engaged in the
stock business himself. He shipped about eight thousand sheep to
Montana, and after handling them there for some time, he sold out and located
his present place. He then bought sheep in different localities and
brought them to Okanogan county, and since that time has devoted himself
to the wool growing industry. Much to his credit, it may be stated
that he has manifested excellent wisdom and intelligence in this line,
so much so that success could but attend his affairs.
Fraternally, Mr. Clerf is affiliated with
the I. 0. 0. F., being the first one initiated in the Okanogan lodge, Number
186; and with the W. W.
On February 15, 1902, Mr. Clerf married Miss
Mary McDonald, of Spokane, where the nuptials were celebrated. Mr.
Clerf is a strong Republican, of the kind that is able to give a reason
for the hope that is in him. He has overcome the obstacles in the
path of the wool grower and is esteemed and respected by all who know him.