Planks
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.
SHERMAN P. PLANK, who resides
about two miles south from Creston, is one of the prosperous agriculturists
that have won success in their labors in the Big Bend. He is to be
classed with the early pioneers of this part of the state, and since coming
here, his labors show plainly the industry which characterize him, while
his excellent holdings now demonstrate the thrift and sagacity that have
been dominating his actions.
Sherman P. Plank resides on the land he took
as a preemption in 1886. Since, he has added by purchase until he
has a generous estate. He was born in Laird, Minnesota, on November
20, 1864, the son of Joseph and Diantha (Schmerhorn) Plank. The father
was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, followed farming, and came as a pioneer
to Minnesota when a young man. The mother was born in Albany, New
York, came to Wisconsin when seven years old and then to Minnesota in 1854.
Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native state and
labored with his father on the farm until twenty-two. Then he came
to Walla Walla and engaged as a hand on the farms there. In 1885
he came to Lincoln county and did farm work. The next year he preempted
his place and since that time has devoted himself to improving and cultivating
his own estate. He has gained a goodly competence and has the farm
well improved and receives annually bounteous returns of crops.
In 1897, Mr. Plank married Miss Mary, daughter
of Eli and Mary A. (Oliver) Wonch, natives of Canada and Wales, respectively.
Mrs. Plank was born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, in 1871. To this
marriage the following children have been born, Mary A., Francis C., Ida
R., and Eli L.
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