Greenwoodr
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.
RAPHAEL GREENWOOD resides two
miles south from Creston, where he owns eight hundred acres of the finest
wheat land in this section. He is one of the leading and respected
citizens of Lincoln county and has gained his excellent holding by virtue
of industry and sagacity. He was born in Three Rivers, Canada, on
July 15, 1841, the son of Alexander and Margaret J. (De Sieve) Greenwood.
The father's ancestors were among the very earliest settlers in Canada,
coming from France. They participated in the earliest wars and were
in the country long before the Arcadian exile. Our subject received
his education in the public schools of his native land and in 1862 went
thence to Illinois. There he farmed until 1893, when he migrated
to Lincoln county and secured his present estate by purchase. Since
coming here he has identified himself with the interests of the country
and has always given his aid to further all projects for building up and
improving the country. He is a broad minded man, public spirited,
and progressive.
In 1868, Mr. Greenwood married Miss Celina
Raboin, who was born and reared in the same neighborhood as our subject.
To this union there have been born the following named children, Ralph,
deceased, Alexander, deceased, Joseph Frederic, deceased, Lewis Cousaque,
Carrie Isabelle, Esther Leah, Phoebe Alice, Morris Ezra, Leonard, Ida May,
and Elijah. Carrie and Esther have been teachers in the public schools
and Lewis C. rendered to his country good and valuable service. He
enlisted in Company L, First Washington Volunteers, on June 25, 1898.
After his discharge, he reenlisted in the Thirty-sixth United States Infantry
at Pasig, on July 25, 1899. He was discharged on January 23, 1901,
and the same day was mustered into the police force. On April 30,
1902, he was discharged from this service, and immediately entered the
engineer force in Manila, serving until June 8, 1903, when he was discharged
on account of sickness. He spent five and one half years in active
service for the United States government in the Philippines, and marked
bravery, wisdom, and valor were characteristic of him during this entire
time. He was under the command of Generals King, Lawton, McArthur,
Wheaton, and Bell. He captured many prizes during this extended service
among which may be mentioned a commission and sword which he took from
an officer in the service of the natives. This commission was signed
by Auginaldo. He was a close observer of the customs of the people
and while abroad learned the native language of the Philippines, also the
Spanish and became acquainted more or less with other languages spoken
in that country. He visited China, Japan, and the Sandwich Islands.
Coming to the Big Bend country when the great
depressions swept over the entire United States and when a winter of unexpected
and unusual severity fell upon them, Mr. Greenwood had a most trying time,
both for himself and for his family. However, they were all of that
stanch and sturdy blood which could face and overcome difficulties and
hence they surmounted all obstacles and endured all deprivations, thus
winning their way to the best of success.
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