Risleyj  
 
 

Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.


     JOSHUA M. RISLEY is one of the leading property holders in Okanogan county and he has demonstrated that he is possessed of commendable ability and keen business judgment during his residence here, in that he has handled successfully the various enterprises with which he has been connected.  He has a beautiful residence in the eastern portion of Twisp and also owns a large portion of the townsite, besides a quarter section of land adjoining the town on the south.  It is well irrigated and produces abundance of alfalfa and other crops.  Mr. Risley also has valuable mining property, among which may be mentioned the Gold Standard and the Bonanza Chief mines, both of which only await transportation to be paying shippers.  Mr. Risley devotes himself to the management of his properties and also to doing a general real estate and mining business.  He has a good office in Twisp and transacts annually a large business.
     Joshua M. Risley was born in Clay county, Illinois, on January 5, 1857, the son of Nat C. W. and Rebecca E. (Smiley) Risley, both still living.  When Joshua M. was ten he went with his father to Nebraska and thence to Marion county, Kansas, where he worked on the farm until he was eighteen.  During these youthful years, he had been favored with a common-school training and at the budding age mentioned left the parental roof for the wide west.  He landed in Oregon in due time and was soon carpentering.  Three years after that he was in Pullman, Washington, and there for three years he did contracting and carpentering.  Later he went to Viola, Idaho, and started a planing mill and sash factory.  Next Mr. Risley came to Douglas county, and for two years did stock raising.  In August, 1888, he came to Okanogan county and located a squatter's right on land which he sold later for five thousand dollars.  This sale was five years since, and he sold only the right.  Then he came to the present location of Twisp and bought the townsite of Gloverville, which is now the thriving town of Twisp.  Since then, Mr. Risley has been prominently connected with the upbuilding and growth of this town and is one of the progressive and public minded men of the place.  Mr. Risley is a stanch Republican and is justice of peace.  He is a member of the F. 0. A.
     April 8, 1879, Mr. Risley married Miss Hattie L., daughter of David Lowry, and to them three children have been born, Maud and Victorine, both deceased; Loleta, a bright girl in school.  Mr. Risley and his wife deserve the esteem and confidence bestowed by the people, as they are worthy people whose labors in social and business life have been faithful and wise.