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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.
LEWIS L. BLACK is a young man
of prominence in Lincoln county. He came to Ritzville in 1899 and
although not one of the early pioneers, yet he is a man who has shown such
energy and good judgment in his labors here that he has become one of the
respected citizens of this wealthy country. He landed here without
any money and went to work in the vicinity of Odessa on the range.
He soon was promoted to foreman of the Buchanan property, where he remained
for two years. As soon as possible after this, he bought a section
of railroad land and has added to it since until he now owns nine hundred
and twenty acres of choice wheat land in the vicinity of Odessa.
He has given his attention to handling real estate and doing a loaning
business in addition to overseeing his farm property and now dwells at
Odessa where he has his office and does a first class business. The
farm is well supplied with improvements and stock and other sources of
fine income.
Lewis L. Black was born in Pike county, Illinois,
December 22, 1879. His father, John S. Black, was born in Owen county,
Indiana, moving to Illinois when a young man and there becoming a wealthy
and influential citizen. His father, John S. B., the grandfather
of our subject was a captain in the Mexican war. The mother of our
subject was Miranda (Baker) Black, a native of Pike county. She is
descended from prominent American people and was a highly respected lady.
The common schools of Pike county furnished the educational training of
our subject, then he worked with his father on the farm until 1899, when
he came to Ritzville, as stated above. Today he is worth many thousands
of dollars. In 1899 he had no capital whatever except his hands.
The entire amount has been made by his wise efforts and he may well take
a pardonable pride in his excellent success.
In October, 1903, Mr. Black married Miss Anna
Peterson, a native of Sweden, whose parents were leading people in that
country. Mr. Black has the following brothers and sisters, Frank,
Oscar, James E., W. C., George W., Mrs. May Reeder, Mrs. Etta Lippencott,
Mrs. Emma Stout and Mrs. Hannah Stout.
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