W. A. COUGHANOUR PASSES SATURDAY
Pioneer Resident and Prominent Citizen is Buried Monday
William A. Coughanour, 85, died at his home here Saturday morning after several months illness. Funeral services in charge of the I. O. O. F. lodge were conducted from the Methodist church Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock.
He was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1850. At the age of 27 he came to Idaho where he managed the Gold Hill mine at Quartzburg for 15 years. While he was superintendent and secretary-treasurer of this company, ore valued at three millions of dollars was mined.
In 1885 Mr. Coughanour came to Payette where for many years he was in the lumber business and fruit growing. He was the owner of many acres of farm and grazing land and had as many as 500 head of cattle at one time.
For seven terms he served as mayor of Payette while the town was growing from a village of a few wooden buildings to a small city. During his terms many of the original ordinances of Payette were written.
Many of the business buildings in Payette were constructed by Mr. Coughanour, as well as several houses in the residential district. Property northwest of town, belonging to him, has for many years been used as a public cemetery.
He was a close personal friend of the late Gov. James H. Hawley who appointed him on the board of regents of the state university at Moscow. According to historic data, he was the owner of one of the rarest collections of minerals in the United States.
Mr. Coughanour was prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and holding a number of high offices in Idaho Odd Fellows. He was a past master, grand representative, and held the office of grand treasurer for 20 years.
Mr. Coughanour's wife, who was Miss Galena Bunting, died several years ago. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Emma Hamilton of Payette, and his son, William of North Powder, Oregon.
Enterprise Independent , Thursday, January 09, 1936
==
It would be to give an inadequate and one-sided picture of William Albert Coughanour to mention him merely as a banker and stockman, active and successful though he has been in these lines. While his business interests have been and are extensive and at all times have been most carefully and wisely conducted, he has at the same time found opportunity to assist in promoting public interests and has done valuable service for his city and state as mayor and as senator. Mr. Coughanour was born at Belle Vernon, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1850, and acquired his education in the common schools of that place, after which he followed the profession of teaching for two terms. In March, 1870, he made his way westward to Quartzburg, Idaho, where with his uncle, David E. Coughanour, he purchased the Goldhill mine, Mr. Coughanour, however, not securing his interest until after he had earned sufficient money to make the investment. The company was organized under the name of the Goldhill Gold & Silver Mining Company and during Mr. Coughanour's association with it they took out three million dollars in gold He disposed of his interest in 1886, but the mine has continued to be a big producer and only recently bodies of ore which are very rich have been opened up. In 1886 Mr. Coughanour went to Boise and a year later came to Payette, where he engaged in the manufacture of lumber for twelve years, his mill having a capacity of twenty-five thousand feet in ten hours. The timber for this mill was secured in the Garden valley, one hundred miles distant, and was driven down the river to Payette. The market for lumber at that time was limited and the greater portion of his output was sold in eastern Idaho. It was in payment of a debt that Mr. Coughanour was forced to take this mill and thereby entered upon the business of lumber manufacturing. A man of keen sagacity and foresight, profiting by his milling operations, he made investment in real estate and in this way has accumulated considerable property, including farm lands, of which fourteen hundred and forty-seven acres are located on the North Powder river, Oregon. Twelve hundred acres of his land are under cultivation and he has stocked his ranch with cattle. His son is now manager of the ranch, upon which Mr. Coughanour raised the largest range steer in the world. The animal, hay and grass fed, weighed thirty-two hundred and thirty pounds. Mr. Coughanour also owns ranches comprising twelve hundred acres or more in the vicinity of Payette and thereon is engaged in raising horses, mules and cattle, having about one hundred head of each. He likewise raises Shetland ponies and his extensive operations in this direction have made him one of the most prominent stockmen of the state. There is no other man perhaps to whom Payette owes her upbuilding and development along modern lines to a greater degree than to Mr. Coughanour. He is the possessor of two of the largest brick business blocks in the town and is also interested in the First National Bank building. He has likewise built and owned a great many residences here which add to the beauty and attractiveness of the city. In banking circles, too, he is a prominent figure and is now the vice president and chairman of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Payette, is president of the Lower Payette Ditch company and otherwise has business connections with the city which have proven of great value and benefit thereto.For a long period Mr. Coughanour has maintained his residence in Payette. He was married in 1874 to Miss Galena Bunting, of Belle Vernon,. Pennsylvania, and they have two children. Emma L. is the wife of Dr. W. R. Hamilton, the present mayor of Weiser, in which office he is serving for the second term. He is also a past grand master of the Masonic fraternity of Idaho and is a recognized leader in democratic circles, having served as chairman of the democratic state central committee. The son of the family is William M. Coughanour, who has charge of his father's ranch.Mr. Coughanour is also a well known figure in fraternal circles. In 1904 he served as grand master of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows in Idaho and since that time has been grand treasurer. He is the seventy-sixth member of Lodge No. 310, B. P. O. E., of Boise, which now has a membership of thirteen hundred. Mr. Coughanour is well known to many of the most prominent and distinguished men of the state. He is an old and fast friend of Ex-Governor Hawley and it was Mr. Coughanour who nominated James H. Hawley for the office of governor on two different occasions, although he was elected but once. He has in his possession a letter from Governor Hawley expressing his friendship and stating that he very much regretted his inability to appoint Mr. Coughanour to the United States senate owing to the latter's lack of some of the essential requirements for that office yet assuring him that from a point of friendship and integrity he was really his choice. He served as a member of the governor's staff, the chief executive giving the grounds for his appointment in the fact that "he was invincible in peace and invisible in war." There is no feature of public progress and improvement in the state that has not received the endorsement of Mr. Coughanour and to the extent of his ability he has cooperated therewith. He presented the city of Payette with an electric lighted drinking fountain for animals, of which a life size oxidized copper elk is the ornamental and central figure. This gift was made at a cost of one thousand dollars and is the visible evidence of his love for animals. It is located on Fourth street near the depot. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his highpersonal worth and ability, elected him seven times to the office of mayor within a period of eleven years and to the city he gave a most businesslike and progressive administration that brought about various needed reforms and substantial improvements. In 1896 he was elected to the fourth senate of Idaho and while thus serving promoted the state horticultural inspection bill, while for six years he served as president of the state horticultural inspection board by appointment of Governor Steunenberg. While conducting his mining operations Mr. Coughanour filled the office of commissioner of Boise county for two years. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. His loyalty is one of his most marked characteristics and he has ever fully recognized and met the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship, while at the same time he has fully enjoyed the privileges of being a one hundred percent American.
Published in History of Idaho: The Gem of the Mountains Vol. 2
by James H. Hawley 1920) Left by J.A. & D.S. on 26 Feb 2012
Pioneer Resident and Prominent Citizen is Buried Monday
William A. Coughanour, 85, died at his home here Saturday morning after several months illness. Funeral services in charge of the I. O. O. F. lodge were conducted from the Methodist church Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock.
He was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1850. At the age of 27 he came to Idaho where he managed the Gold Hill mine at Quartzburg for 15 years. While he was superintendent and secretary-treasurer of this company, ore valued at three millions of dollars was mined.
In 1885 Mr. Coughanour came to Payette where for many years he was in the lumber business and fruit growing. He was the owner of many acres of farm and grazing land and had as many as 500 head of cattle at one time.
For seven terms he served as mayor of Payette while the town was growing from a village of a few wooden buildings to a small city. During his terms many of the original ordinances of Payette were written.
Many of the business buildings in Payette were constructed by Mr. Coughanour, as well as several houses in the residential district. Property northwest of town, belonging to him, has for many years been used as a public cemetery.
He was a close personal friend of the late Gov. James H. Hawley who appointed him on the board of regents of the state university at Moscow. According to historic data, he was the owner of one of the rarest collections of minerals in the United States.
Mr. Coughanour was prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and holding a number of high offices in Idaho Odd Fellows. He was a past master, grand representative, and held the office of grand treasurer for 20 years.
Mr. Coughanour's wife, who was Miss Galena Bunting, died several years ago. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Emma Hamilton of Payette, and his son, William of North Powder, Oregon.
Enterprise Independent , Thursday, January 09, 1936
==
It would be to give an inadequate and one-sided picture of William Albert Coughanour to mention him merely as a banker and stockman, active and successful though he has been in these lines. While his business interests have been and are extensive and at all times have been most carefully and wisely conducted, he has at the same time found opportunity to assist in promoting public interests and has done valuable service for his city and state as mayor and as senator. Mr. Coughanour was born at Belle Vernon, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1850, and acquired his education in the common schools of that place, after which he followed the profession of teaching for two terms. In March, 1870, he made his way westward to Quartzburg, Idaho, where with his uncle, David E. Coughanour, he purchased the Goldhill mine, Mr. Coughanour, however, not securing his interest until after he had earned sufficient money to make the investment. The company was organized under the name of the Goldhill Gold & Silver Mining Company and during Mr. Coughanour's association with it they took out three million dollars in gold He disposed of his interest in 1886, but the mine has continued to be a big producer and only recently bodies of ore which are very rich have been opened up. In 1886 Mr. Coughanour went to Boise and a year later came to Payette, where he engaged in the manufacture of lumber for twelve years, his mill having a capacity of twenty-five thousand feet in ten hours. The timber for this mill was secured in the Garden valley, one hundred miles distant, and was driven down the river to Payette. The market for lumber at that time was limited and the greater portion of his output was sold in eastern Idaho. It was in payment of a debt that Mr. Coughanour was forced to take this mill and thereby entered upon the business of lumber manufacturing. A man of keen sagacity and foresight, profiting by his milling operations, he made investment in real estate and in this way has accumulated considerable property, including farm lands, of which fourteen hundred and forty-seven acres are located on the North Powder river, Oregon. Twelve hundred acres of his land are under cultivation and he has stocked his ranch with cattle. His son is now manager of the ranch, upon which Mr. Coughanour raised the largest range steer in the world. The animal, hay and grass fed, weighed thirty-two hundred and thirty pounds. Mr. Coughanour also owns ranches comprising twelve hundred acres or more in the vicinity of Payette and thereon is engaged in raising horses, mules and cattle, having about one hundred head of each. He likewise raises Shetland ponies and his extensive operations in this direction have made him one of the most prominent stockmen of the state. There is no other man perhaps to whom Payette owes her upbuilding and development along modern lines to a greater degree than to Mr. Coughanour. He is the possessor of two of the largest brick business blocks in the town and is also interested in the First National Bank building. He has likewise built and owned a great many residences here which add to the beauty and attractiveness of the city. In banking circles, too, he is a prominent figure and is now the vice president and chairman of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Payette, is president of the Lower Payette Ditch company and otherwise has business connections with the city which have proven of great value and benefit thereto.For a long period Mr. Coughanour has maintained his residence in Payette. He was married in 1874 to Miss Galena Bunting, of Belle Vernon,. Pennsylvania, and they have two children. Emma L. is the wife of Dr. W. R. Hamilton, the present mayor of Weiser, in which office he is serving for the second term. He is also a past grand master of the Masonic fraternity of Idaho and is a recognized leader in democratic circles, having served as chairman of the democratic state central committee. The son of the family is William M. Coughanour, who has charge of his father's ranch.Mr. Coughanour is also a well known figure in fraternal circles. In 1904 he served as grand master of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows in Idaho and since that time has been grand treasurer. He is the seventy-sixth member of Lodge No. 310, B. P. O. E., of Boise, which now has a membership of thirteen hundred. Mr. Coughanour is well known to many of the most prominent and distinguished men of the state. He is an old and fast friend of Ex-Governor Hawley and it was Mr. Coughanour who nominated James H. Hawley for the office of governor on two different occasions, although he was elected but once. He has in his possession a letter from Governor Hawley expressing his friendship and stating that he very much regretted his inability to appoint Mr. Coughanour to the United States senate owing to the latter's lack of some of the essential requirements for that office yet assuring him that from a point of friendship and integrity he was really his choice. He served as a member of the governor's staff, the chief executive giving the grounds for his appointment in the fact that "he was invincible in peace and invisible in war." There is no feature of public progress and improvement in the state that has not received the endorsement of Mr. Coughanour and to the extent of his ability he has cooperated therewith. He presented the city of Payette with an electric lighted drinking fountain for animals, of which a life size oxidized copper elk is the ornamental and central figure. This gift was made at a cost of one thousand dollars and is the visible evidence of his love for animals. It is located on Fourth street near the depot. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his highpersonal worth and ability, elected him seven times to the office of mayor within a period of eleven years and to the city he gave a most businesslike and progressive administration that brought about various needed reforms and substantial improvements. In 1896 he was elected to the fourth senate of Idaho and while thus serving promoted the state horticultural inspection bill, while for six years he served as president of the state horticultural inspection board by appointment of Governor Steunenberg. While conducting his mining operations Mr. Coughanour filled the office of commissioner of Boise county for two years. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. His loyalty is one of his most marked characteristics and he has ever fully recognized and met the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship, while at the same time he has fully enjoyed the privileges of being a one hundred percent American.
Published in History of Idaho: The Gem of the Mountains Vol. 2
by James H. Hawley 1920) Left by J.A. & D.S. on 26 Feb 2012
W. A. COUGHANOUR PASSES SATURDAY
Pioneer Resident and Prominent Citizen is Buried Monday
William A. Coughanour, 85, died at his home here Saturday morning after several months illness. Funeral services in charge of the I. O. O. F. lodge were conducted from the Methodist church Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock.
He was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1850. At the age of 27 he came to Idaho where he managed the Gold Hill mine at Quartzburg for 15 years. While he was superintendent and secretary-treasurer of this company, ore valued at three millions of dollars was mined.
In 1885 Mr. Coughanour came to Payette where for many years he was in the lumber business and fruit growing. He was the owner of many acres of farm and grazing land and had as many as 500 head of cattle at one time.
For seven terms he served as mayor of Payette while the town was growing from a village of a few wooden buildings to a small city. During his terms many of the original ordinances of Payette were written.
Many of the business buildings in Payette were constructed by Mr. Coughanour, as well as several houses in the residential district. Property northwest of town, belonging to him, has for many years been used as a public cemetery.
He was a close personal friend of the late Gov. James H. Hawley who appointed him on the board of regents of the state university at Moscow. According to historic data, he was the owner of one of the rarest collections of minerals in the United States.
Mr. Coughanour was prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and holding a number of high offices in Idaho Odd Fellows. He was a past master, grand representative, and held the office of grand treasurer for 20 years.
Mr. Coughanour's wife, who was Miss Galena Bunting, died several years ago. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Emma Hamilton of Payette, and his son, William of North Powder, Oregon.
Enterprise Independent , Thursday, January 09, 1936
==
It would be to give an inadequate and one-sided picture of William Albert Coughanour to mention him merely as a banker and stockman, active and successful though he has been in these lines. While his business interests have been and are extensive and at all times have been most carefully and wisely conducted, he has at the same time found opportunity to assist in promoting public interests and has done valuable service for his city and state as mayor and as senator. Mr. Coughanour was born at Belle Vernon, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1850, and acquired his education in the common schools of that place, after which he followed the profession of teaching for two terms. In March, 1870, he made his way westward to Quartzburg, Idaho, where with his uncle, David E. Coughanour, he purchased the Goldhill mine, Mr. Coughanour, however, not securing his interest until after he had earned sufficient money to make the investment. The company was organized under the name of the Goldhill Gold & Silver Mining Company and during Mr. Coughanour's association with it they took out three million dollars in gold He disposed of his interest in 1886, but the mine has continued to be a big producer and only recently bodies of ore which are very rich have been opened up. In 1886 Mr. Coughanour went to Boise and a year later came to Payette, where he engaged in the manufacture of lumber for twelve years, his mill having a capacity of twenty-five thousand feet in ten hours. The timber for this mill was secured in the Garden valley, one hundred miles distant, and was driven down the river to Payette. The market for lumber at that time was limited and the greater portion of his output was sold in eastern Idaho. It was in payment of a debt that Mr. Coughanour was forced to take this mill and thereby entered upon the business of lumber manufacturing. A man of keen sagacity and foresight, profiting by his milling operations, he made investment in real estate and in this way has accumulated considerable property, including farm lands, of which fourteen hundred and forty-seven acres are located on the North Powder river, Oregon. Twelve hundred acres of his land are under cultivation and he has stocked his ranch with cattle. His son is now manager of the ranch, upon which Mr. Coughanour raised the largest range steer in the world. The animal, hay and grass fed, weighed thirty-two hundred and thirty pounds. Mr. Coughanour also owns ranches comprising twelve hundred acres or more in the vicinity of Payette and thereon is engaged in raising horses, mules and cattle, having about one hundred head of each. He likewise raises Shetland ponies and his extensive operations in this direction have made him one of the most prominent stockmen of the state. There is no other man perhaps to whom Payette owes her upbuilding and development along modern lines to a greater degree than to Mr. Coughanour. He is the possessor of two of the largest brick business blocks in the town and is also interested in the First National Bank building. He has likewise built and owned a great many residences here which add to the beauty and attractiveness of the city. In banking circles, too, he is a prominent figure and is now the vice president and chairman of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Payette, is president of the Lower Payette Ditch company and otherwise has business connections with the city which have proven of great value and benefit thereto.For a long period Mr. Coughanour has maintained his residence in Payette. He was married in 1874 to Miss Galena Bunting, of Belle Vernon,. Pennsylvania, and they have two children. Emma L. is the wife of Dr. W. R. Hamilton, the present mayor of Weiser, in which office he is serving for the second term. He is also a past grand master of the Masonic fraternity of Idaho and is a recognized leader in democratic circles, having served as chairman of the democratic state central committee. The son of the family is William M. Coughanour, who has charge of his father's ranch.Mr. Coughanour is also a well known figure in fraternal circles. In 1904 he served as grand master of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows in Idaho and since that time has been grand treasurer. He is the seventy-sixth member of Lodge No. 310, B. P. O. E., of Boise, which now has a membership of thirteen hundred. Mr. Coughanour is well known to many of the most prominent and distinguished men of the state. He is an old and fast friend of Ex-Governor Hawley and it was Mr. Coughanour who nominated James H. Hawley for the office of governor on two different occasions, although he was elected but once. He has in his possession a letter from Governor Hawley expressing his friendship and stating that he very much regretted his inability to appoint Mr. Coughanour to the United States senate owing to the latter's lack of some of the essential requirements for that office yet assuring him that from a point of friendship and integrity he was really his choice. He served as a member of the governor's staff, the chief executive giving the grounds for his appointment in the fact that "he was invincible in peace and invisible in war." There is no feature of public progress and improvement in the state that has not received the endorsement of Mr. Coughanour and to the extent of his ability he has cooperated therewith. He presented the city of Payette with an electric lighted drinking fountain for animals, of which a life size oxidized copper elk is the ornamental and central figure. This gift was made at a cost of one thousand dollars and is the visible evidence of his love for animals. It is located on Fourth street near the depot. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his highpersonal worth and ability, elected him seven times to the office of mayor within a period of eleven years and to the city he gave a most businesslike and progressive administration that brought about various needed reforms and substantial improvements. In 1896 he was elected to the fourth senate of Idaho and while thus serving promoted the state horticultural inspection bill, while for six years he served as president of the state horticultural inspection board by appointment of Governor Steunenberg. While conducting his mining operations Mr. Coughanour filled the office of commissioner of Boise county for two years. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. His loyalty is one of his most marked characteristics and he has ever fully recognized and met the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship, while at the same time he has fully enjoyed the privileges of being a one hundred percent American.
Published in History of Idaho: The Gem of the Mountains Vol. 2
by James H. Hawley 1920) Left by J.A. & D.S. on 26 Feb 2012
Pioneer Resident and Prominent Citizen is Buried Monday
William A. Coughanour, 85, died at his home here Saturday morning after several months illness. Funeral services in charge of the I. O. O. F. lodge were conducted from the Methodist church Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock.
He was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1850. At the age of 27 he came to Idaho where he managed the Gold Hill mine at Quartzburg for 15 years. While he was superintendent and secretary-treasurer of this company, ore valued at three millions of dollars was mined.
In 1885 Mr. Coughanour came to Payette where for many years he was in the lumber business and fruit growing. He was the owner of many acres of farm and grazing land and had as many as 500 head of cattle at one time.
For seven terms he served as mayor of Payette while the town was growing from a village of a few wooden buildings to a small city. During his terms many of the original ordinances of Payette were written.
Many of the business buildings in Payette were constructed by Mr. Coughanour, as well as several houses in the residential district. Property northwest of town, belonging to him, has for many years been used as a public cemetery.
He was a close personal friend of the late Gov. James H. Hawley who appointed him on the board of regents of the state university at Moscow. According to historic data, he was the owner of one of the rarest collections of minerals in the United States.
Mr. Coughanour was prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and holding a number of high offices in Idaho Odd Fellows. He was a past master, grand representative, and held the office of grand treasurer for 20 years.
Mr. Coughanour's wife, who was Miss Galena Bunting, died several years ago. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Emma Hamilton of Payette, and his son, William of North Powder, Oregon.
Enterprise Independent , Thursday, January 09, 1936
==
It would be to give an inadequate and one-sided picture of William Albert Coughanour to mention him merely as a banker and stockman, active and successful though he has been in these lines. While his business interests have been and are extensive and at all times have been most carefully and wisely conducted, he has at the same time found opportunity to assist in promoting public interests and has done valuable service for his city and state as mayor and as senator. Mr. Coughanour was born at Belle Vernon, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1850, and acquired his education in the common schools of that place, after which he followed the profession of teaching for two terms. In March, 1870, he made his way westward to Quartzburg, Idaho, where with his uncle, David E. Coughanour, he purchased the Goldhill mine, Mr. Coughanour, however, not securing his interest until after he had earned sufficient money to make the investment. The company was organized under the name of the Goldhill Gold & Silver Mining Company and during Mr. Coughanour's association with it they took out three million dollars in gold He disposed of his interest in 1886, but the mine has continued to be a big producer and only recently bodies of ore which are very rich have been opened up. In 1886 Mr. Coughanour went to Boise and a year later came to Payette, where he engaged in the manufacture of lumber for twelve years, his mill having a capacity of twenty-five thousand feet in ten hours. The timber for this mill was secured in the Garden valley, one hundred miles distant, and was driven down the river to Payette. The market for lumber at that time was limited and the greater portion of his output was sold in eastern Idaho. It was in payment of a debt that Mr. Coughanour was forced to take this mill and thereby entered upon the business of lumber manufacturing. A man of keen sagacity and foresight, profiting by his milling operations, he made investment in real estate and in this way has accumulated considerable property, including farm lands, of which fourteen hundred and forty-seven acres are located on the North Powder river, Oregon. Twelve hundred acres of his land are under cultivation and he has stocked his ranch with cattle. His son is now manager of the ranch, upon which Mr. Coughanour raised the largest range steer in the world. The animal, hay and grass fed, weighed thirty-two hundred and thirty pounds. Mr. Coughanour also owns ranches comprising twelve hundred acres or more in the vicinity of Payette and thereon is engaged in raising horses, mules and cattle, having about one hundred head of each. He likewise raises Shetland ponies and his extensive operations in this direction have made him one of the most prominent stockmen of the state. There is no other man perhaps to whom Payette owes her upbuilding and development along modern lines to a greater degree than to Mr. Coughanour. He is the possessor of two of the largest brick business blocks in the town and is also interested in the First National Bank building. He has likewise built and owned a great many residences here which add to the beauty and attractiveness of the city. In banking circles, too, he is a prominent figure and is now the vice president and chairman of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Payette, is president of the Lower Payette Ditch company and otherwise has business connections with the city which have proven of great value and benefit thereto.For a long period Mr. Coughanour has maintained his residence in Payette. He was married in 1874 to Miss Galena Bunting, of Belle Vernon,. Pennsylvania, and they have two children. Emma L. is the wife of Dr. W. R. Hamilton, the present mayor of Weiser, in which office he is serving for the second term. He is also a past grand master of the Masonic fraternity of Idaho and is a recognized leader in democratic circles, having served as chairman of the democratic state central committee. The son of the family is William M. Coughanour, who has charge of his father's ranch.Mr. Coughanour is also a well known figure in fraternal circles. In 1904 he served as grand master of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows in Idaho and since that time has been grand treasurer. He is the seventy-sixth member of Lodge No. 310, B. P. O. E., of Boise, which now has a membership of thirteen hundred. Mr. Coughanour is well known to many of the most prominent and distinguished men of the state. He is an old and fast friend of Ex-Governor Hawley and it was Mr. Coughanour who nominated James H. Hawley for the office of governor on two different occasions, although he was elected but once. He has in his possession a letter from Governor Hawley expressing his friendship and stating that he very much regretted his inability to appoint Mr. Coughanour to the United States senate owing to the latter's lack of some of the essential requirements for that office yet assuring him that from a point of friendship and integrity he was really his choice. He served as a member of the governor's staff, the chief executive giving the grounds for his appointment in the fact that "he was invincible in peace and invisible in war." There is no feature of public progress and improvement in the state that has not received the endorsement of Mr. Coughanour and to the extent of his ability he has cooperated therewith. He presented the city of Payette with an electric lighted drinking fountain for animals, of which a life size oxidized copper elk is the ornamental and central figure. This gift was made at a cost of one thousand dollars and is the visible evidence of his love for animals. It is located on Fourth street near the depot. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his highpersonal worth and ability, elected him seven times to the office of mayor within a period of eleven years and to the city he gave a most businesslike and progressive administration that brought about various needed reforms and substantial improvements. In 1896 he was elected to the fourth senate of Idaho and while thus serving promoted the state horticultural inspection bill, while for six years he served as president of the state horticultural inspection board by appointment of Governor Steunenberg. While conducting his mining operations Mr. Coughanour filled the office of commissioner of Boise county for two years. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. His loyalty is one of his most marked characteristics and he has ever fully recognized and met the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship, while at the same time he has fully enjoyed the privileges of being a one hundred percent American.
Published in History of Idaho: The Gem of the Mountains Vol. 2
by James H. Hawley 1920) Left by J.A. & D.S. on 26 Feb 2012
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
