Whitesidei
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.
IDA WHITESIDE. Everyone
who resides in the northern portion of Lincoln county knew Michael Whiteside,
one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of the Big Bend country.
He came here in early days and wrought with great skill in acquiring property
and in the upbuilding of the country. He succeeded admirably.
Owing to his geniality and accommodating ways, he was exceedingly popular
and had hosts of friends. His death occurred in 1902. The home
estate is one mile south of Hesseltine, where his widow, the immediate
subject of this article, resides. She was born in Missouri, the daughter
of Josiah and Nancy (Mahar) Spencer. The father was a native of Virginia
and came to Missouri when a young man. He settled there and became
a prominent and well to do miller. The mother of Mrs. Whiteside was
born in Ohio. Her people were wealthy and influential. Mrs.
Whiteside came to Oregon with her parents when a child and received her
education in that state and in Washington. In 1888, she married Michael
H. Whiteside, a native of Illinois. She shared with him the pioneer
life in the west until his departure. During this time they accumulated
a large estate of sixteen hundred acres, divided into four first class
farms, each of which is supplied with all buildings, improvements and equipment
as needed. At the time of his death, his property was valued from
twenty-five to thirty thousand dollars. To them were born the following
children, Mrs. Mary Vanburen and Jesse Whiteside.
Mrs. Whiteside is now residing in a beautiful
house, one mile south from Hesseltine. It is of modern architectural
design, commodious, and well finished. The surroundings are pleasant
and tasty, while a beautiful orchard, running water in the yard, and other
desirable things make it one of the choice rural abodes of the Big Bend.
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