Steffeyb
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.
B. F. STEFFEY, who resides at
Creston, was born in Washington county, Virginia, on June 18, 1863.
His parents, Benjamin F. and Nancy (Snavely) Steffey, were also natives
of Virginia. The father fought in the Civil War and died during service.
Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native state then
took up saw milling. He became very proficient in this industry and
is master of every part of the business. In 1889, he emigrated from
his native country to Creston and settled on a farm. He now has a
half section of good land which has been well improved. In addition
to overseeing this property Mr. Steffey devotes his attention to drilling
wells, having a fine plant for this business and being very skillful in
the work. He has drilled many wells throughout central Washington
and is prepared to do any work in this line. It is very interesting
to note that when Mr. Steffey came to this country, he had no finances
ahead and his present very enviable holding has been gained entirely from
his labors in this part of the country.
In 1887, Mr. Steffey married Miss Margaret
A., daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Widner, natives of Virginia.
Mrs. Steffey was born in Virginia in 1870. To them the following
children have been born, Josephine, William Henry, Myrtle R., Nannie E.,
and Lily.
Mr. Steffey remarks that the real facts of
the case are that when he landed here, he had but thirty dollars of capital.
The first five years were those of trial and hardship. A small cabin
had to suffice for a dwelling, provisions were scarce and were to be hauled
a long distance. Mr. Steffey cut wood and hauled it eleven miles
selling at two dollars and fifty cents per cord, to get provisions to subsist
on. But by long self denial and strenuous effort he he and his wife
got their first start toward the competence they now enjoy.
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