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.
JOHN W. MAIB, who is conducting
a merchandise establishment in Creston, was born in Clay county, Missouri,
on December 10, 1853. His parents were Morris and Mary C. (Hixon)
Maib both natives of Clay county, Missouri, and agriculturists. John
W. received his education in the public schools of Missouri and then engaged
in farming near the old home place. He continued this until 1871,
then moved to Kansas and gave his attention to tilling the soil in that
state for eleven years. This made it 1882 in which year Mr. Maib
came to Portland. In the metropolis of the Webfoot state, he took
up the coal and wood business and also contracted on street grading, being
thus occupied until 1894 when he journeyed to Lincoln county. Mr.
Maib was impressed with the resources and excellence of this country and
purchased land adjoining the town of Creston. He has bought since
until he owns two hundred and forty acres of first class wheat land adjoining
the town. In 1902, in partnership with John A. French, Mr. Maib bought
a sawmill at Creston. He traded his interest in it to Mr. French
for land the following year. In July, 1903, Mr. Maib determined to
add another chapter to his enterprises, consequently he opened a general
merchandise establishment in Creston, being in partnership with H. B. Kinney.
They have started out very nicely in the business which promises to become
one of the large ones of the county. The long experience in various
lines heretofore has fitted Mr. Maib to take hold of this otherwise than
a novice and his excellent standing in this part of the country will draw
to them a goodly share of patronage.
In 1874, Mr. Maib married
Miss Amanda J., daughter of William and Malinda (Collins) Archer, natives
of Tennessee. Mrs. Maib was born in Tennessee, on November 15, 1858.
To this union seven children have been born, named as follows, Charles
M., Henry, Arthur, Lottie, Grace, Gertrude and Virgil.