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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
GILBERT S. ASBURY. Waterville
has shown to the world that a class of very progressive and wide awake
business men are pushing her to the front; and not least among these is
the gentleman mentioned above. Mr. Asbury is known throughout Douglas
county as one of the most progressive and practical men that we have.
He is an untiring worker and is always guided by upright principles and
sagacity.
Gilbert S. Asbury was born in Vernon county,
Wisconsin, on July 29, 1867. His father, Thomas H. Asbury,
was a farmer in that state, having come thither in the early days from
his native state, Virginia. He enlisted in the Forty-third Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, under General Banks, in 1863 and served for fourteen
months, being honorably discharged at the close of the war in 1865.
He married Miss Emma Roberts and this worthy and faithful couple are still
living at the home place in Wisconsin. The public schools of Wisconsin
supplied the educational training of our subject and he remained at home
until fifteen then began work on an adjoining farm, where he continued
until 1889, when he journeyed on to Iowa. For two years he was engaged
in various employments there, after which he went to Nebraska, settling
in Dickinson county. Eight years were spent there in farming.
It was 1900 when he moved to Douglas county and bought one-half section
of land, two miles northwest from Waterville, which he improved well and
then sold. At the present time Mr. Asbury is associated with L. G.
Wright in the construction of a fine flourmill in Waterville. The
plant is to be equipped with the finest machinery and processes known for
the manufacture of first-class flour, in this enlightened age. It
will have an output capacity of seventy-five barrels each twenty-four hours
and will be operated entirely by electricity and the process used in this
is known as the pansifter. The knowledge that Waterville is becoming
the center for the manufacture of flour is very gratifying, since it is
well known that the broad prairies of Douglas county produce some of the
finest wheat in the world. It is commendable also that this enterprise
is in the hands of a man of knowledge and real business ability and much
is expected from our subject and it is certain that he will not disappoint
the expectations of the people.
Mr. Asbury has the following brothers and
sisters, Edward, Irvin L., Reuben T., Mrs. J. E. Chamber, Mrs. Rilla A.
Pittenger, Mrs. Delila E. Manning and Mrs. Lavina Clark.
The wedding of Mr. Asbury and Miss Anna E.
Wright occurred in Dickson county, Nebraska, on February 15, 1889.
Her parents were Lyman G. and Ella (Quimby) Wright, natives of Michigan
and Wisconsin, respectively. Mrs. Asbury was born in Waukon, Iowa,
on June 30, 1875 and has one sister, Ella Q., living in Waterville.
Mr. and Mrs. Asbury are the parents of the following named children: Earl
W., born in Nebraska, on December 21, 1900; Agnes Fern, born near Waterville,
August 5, 1901; Ella Fay, born near Waterville, on December 1, 1902.
Mr. Asbury is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and was raised under the
influence of the Seventh Day Adventist church.
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