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.
HON. JOHN RAYMER. In 1890,
John Raymer came to Reardan and engaged in partnership with O. A. Menger
in the hardware business, theirs being the first hardware store in the
town. Four years later he purchased the interest of his partner,
since which time he has been in business alone. In 1901 he built
his present large brick store building, also three warehouses, and the
following year added a line of furniture to his hardware business, his
being the only furniture store in Reardan. He is a stockholder, director
and vice-president of the Exchange Bank of Reardan, and is one of the wealthiest
men of the town, a fact of which he might well be proud, coming as he did
to the county almost without a dollar.
Born in Calhoun county,
Michigan, June 15, 1856, he was the son of Peter and Mercy (Bates) Raymer,
both natives of New York. They came to Michigan in an early day when
the Indians were so numerous that the tilling of the land was a most hazardous
occupation. Mr. Raymer has a brother and a sister still in Michigan,
Charles Raymer and Mrs. Estella Telfer.
At the age of fifteen
he left home to try his fortunes in the lumbering districts of Michigan.
He worked here for one company seven years, the last four years in the
capacity of foreman. In 1884 he came to Seattle, thence to Vancouver
Island, and from there to Spokane. In December, 1885, he came to
Davenport, and engaged in breaking raw sod. Later he engaged in lumbering
north of Davenport, and in the fall of 1888 he bought a half interest in
a saw-mill which he removed to Mondovi. He sold this business in
1890 when he engaged in his present occupation.
In the fall of 1900
he was elected to the House of Representatives from his county, holding
the office one term, and ever since the town of Reardan was incorporated
he has served on the city council. He has ever been a liberal subscriber
to all enterprises and a generous supporter of everything having a tendency
to develop his town, and country. He is an active member of the I.
O. O. F., of which he is a past grand.
May 4, 1892, John Raymer
was married to Hattie Latham, a native of Canada, and three children, Norman,
John C., and Nelson, are the issue of this marriage.