Page:Pen Pictures of Representative Men of Oregon.djvu/217

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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OREGON.
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less. Arriving in Oregon, Mr. Bobbins at once commenced teaching music, as before, and very soon became known as one of our most proficient instructors. He was again married in 1864 to Miss Mary M. Harvey, daughter of the well-known Amos Harvey, and a few years afterward founded his present popular music house. Mr. Robbins' establishment to-day is a very extensive as well as attractive one, and his stock of organs, pianos, picture frames and artistic goods is one of the finest outside of San Francisco. He is the agent for the celebrated Whitney & Holmes organ, and although this instrument was comparatively unknown a few years ago, Mr. Robbins has introduced it to such an extent that now he can scarcely fill orders. Although not being a member of any society, our subject is temperate in all his habits, and his best friends know that he is an enthusiast against the use of tobacco and liquor. Mr. Robbins has a beautiful home, ornamented with all the beauties of art and blessed with happiness and contentment. He is, thanks to his own exertions, now in independent circumstances, and enjoys the friendship and esteem of our best citizens.



H. Y. THOMPSON.

One of the most prominent barristers, enjoying an extensive practice in Portland, is H. Y. Thompson. Mr. Thompson was born in Zanesville, Ohio, and there received his first knowledge of the world and its mysterious ways. He was favored with a liberal education, and well-fitted to struggle with life and win for himself positions of trust and prominence. He came to Oregon in 1865, and, settling in Portland, soon became an active member of the legal fraternity. He has also taken an active part in the politics of the State, and has been identified as a leader in the ranks of the Republican party. He served one term as City Attorney of Portland. He is a social, trustworthy gentleman, who always commands the respect of the community at large. He was married in 1871 to Miss Anna B. Smith, daughter of Hon. Joseph Smith, an estimable and accomplished young lady, and the happy couple count a host of friends amongst their acquaintances. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and takes an active interest in that organization.



J. K. GILL.

The popular dealer in books and stationery in Portland, was born in Yorkshire, England, in the year 1841. In 1854 he crossed the Atlantic and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. At that age he entered the Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbergham, in the same State, and graduated therefrom in the class of '66. In the same year he started for Oregon, and in the month of August arrived in Salem, where he immediately established himself in the book and stationery business, continuing there until August, 1871, when he removed to Portland, where he entered into a co-partnership with Mr. George Steel. The new firm purchased the stock and business of Messrs. Harris & Holman, who were at that time the leading book-sellers in the State. In 1872 Mr. Gill purchased Mr. Steel's interest, and has been in charge of the busi-