Vanskikew
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.
WILLIAM J. VANSKIKE was born
in Kentucky, on August 3, 1865, being the son of Samuel and Jane (Lyle)
Vanskike, natives respectively of Missouri and Kentucky. The father
was a veteran of the Civil War and brought his family to Walla Walla when
our subject was a child. In that city William J. was educated and
remained until 1890 when he moved to the vicinity of Wilbur. After
prospecting the country thoroughly, Mr. Vanskike purchased a section of
land where he now resides about four miles northwest from Wilbur and immediately
set himself to the pleasant task of making a home. He has accomplished
this in a commendable manner and has a very valuable and pleasant place.
Mr. Vanskike has given his entire attention to the improvement of his estate
and to general farming since coming here and is one of the skillful and
successful wheat producers of the Big Bend country.
In 1893, Mr. Vanskike married Miss Ruby, daughter
of Frank and Mary (Wilson) Hire, natives of Illinois, where Mrs. Vanskike
was born also. The fruit of the marriage has been one child, Carl
E. It is of interest to note that when Mr. Vanskike came to Lincoln
county his assets were less than nothing, he being in debt; but owing to
his energy and the wise management of the resources here, he has accumulated
a fine property and a good competence.
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