Ventzkee
Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
EMIL VENTZKE is one of the pioneer
settlers of Okanogan county and has shown a spirit and industry in his
labors here for over fifteen years. To such men as he, who came to
the wild country and took hold with their hands to open up the ranches
and develop the resources of the country, are we indebted for the prosperous
and thriving condition of this portion of Washington. It is with
pleasure, therefore, that we grant to Mr. Ventzke representation in this
chronicle of Okanogan county.
Emil Ventzke was born in Germany on February
4, 1867, the son of Theodore and Caroline Ventzke. The former is
deceased and the latter is still living. The family made their way
from New York to Portage, Wisconsin, and there made permanent settlement.
The father worked at his trade, shoemaking, and our subject received his
education in Portage, remaining there until 1886. In that year he
took a long trip westward and finally located in Crook county, Oregon,
where he followed farming and stock raising. Eighteen hundred and
eighty-eight was the year when Mr. Ventzke came to Okanogan county and
took up land where he now resides, six miles north of Winthrop, by squatter's
right. He has since secured title by homestead to his valuable farm.
It is well fenced and improved and produces abundant crops annually.
Mr. Ventzke devotes himself to handling cattle and is now interested in
several promising mining properties.
Fraternally, he is affiliated with the F.
0. A., being also a member of the order of jolly bachelors.