Multnomah-Clackamas County OR Archives Biographies.....Wortman, Hardy C. January 20, 1859 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Ila Wakley iwakley@msn.com November 10, 2009, 12:45 am Source: History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. III, Published 1928, Pages 220 - 223 Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company No history of the Columbia River Valley would be complete or authentic without a record of the career of Hardy C. Wortman, a retired merchant and capitalist, who for thirty-four years was an outstanding figure in business circles of Portland and has also been active in civic affairs. A native of Oregon, he was born January 20, 1859, in Canemah, Clackamas county, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Stumbo) Wortman. His father was born in St. John, in the province of New Brunswick, Canada, and the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. They were married in Iowa in 1850 and came to Oregon in 1852, making the long and hazardous journey in a covered wagon drawn by oxen. They established their home on a donation claim eight miles above, on the Willamette river, and experienced all of the hardships and privations incident to life on the western frontier. Later they moved into the town of Canemah and for eight years the father was identified with navigation activities, owning an interest in the steamers Franklin and Clinton. Later he cultivated a farm near Barlow, in Clackamas county, for a time and then returned to Canemah, afterward establishing a grocery store in Oregon City. In 1876 he located in Junction City, where he embarked in merchandising, and was also the proprietor of a store in Monroe, Oregon. Prosperity attended his efforts and later he removed to McMinnville. In association with D. P. Thompson, he opened the First National Bank, of which he was president until his death and he was recognized as a financier of high standing. In the office of mayor he also rendered service of value to McMinnville, filling the position for several terms. Death summoned Mr. Wortman in 1904 and his widow passed away in 1914. After completion of his high school course Hardy C. Wortman enrolled as a student in the University of Oregon, which he attended in 1876, and then returned to his home. For several years he was associated with his father in merchandising at Junction City and in 1883 he accepted a position in the Portland Savings Bank. At the time of the organization of the Commercial National Bank he was made assistant cashier of the institution and acted in that capacity until 1891. Mr. Wortman then returned to the mercantile field, purchasing an interest in the business which had been founded in 1852 by McLaren Brothers. They were succeeded by John Wilson, who sold the business August 1, 1878, to William P. Olds, formerly an employee. He organized the firm of Olds & King and in 1890 the junior partner sold his interest to John Wortman, a brother of Hardy C. Wortman. In 1891 the firm name became Olds & King, Inc., and in 1901 the style of Olds, Wortman & King was adopted. The business was originally conducted on Third street between Morrison and Alder and in 1881 it was established on First street, between Yamhill and Taylor. In 1887 it was transferred to the corner of First and Taylor streets and on November 1, 1891, removal was made to a building on the corner of Fifth and Washington streets. This structure, owned by W. S. Ladd, was four stories in height and one hundred feet square. It was then considered far out as most of the business was transacted on First street in those days. The firm rapidly outgrew its quarters and secured an adjoining building, which soon proved inadequate, necessitating the erection of a building on the ground next to it. As time passed these accommodations became too small and in 1910 the firm secured a fifty year lease of the property at West Park, Tenth and Alder streets, erecting thereon a substantial building two hundred feet square and five stories in height, with a full basement underneath. Through honorable, straightforward dealing and efficient management the firm of Olds, Wortman & King created the largest department store on the Pacific coast, with the exception of those in California, and had a force of twelve hundred well trained employes in March, 1925, when the partners sold the business. Mr. Wortman has since lived retired and devotes much of his time to study, constantly adding to his store of useful knowledge. He resides in a beautiful home, situated at No. 245 Vista avenue, and is well preserved in mind and body, for his life has been rightly lived. In 1887 Mr. Wortman married Miss Mary E. Test, daughter of Daniel Test, of Eugene, Oregon, and they are the parents of two children. The son, Everett, who is married and has a daughter, Nancy, is engaged in the steamship business and lives in Portland. His sister is the wife of Henry Allen Russell, of Portland, and they have a family of three children. Mr. Wortman is an adherent of the republican party and served on the executive board of Mayor Williams. Along social lines he is connected with the Auld Lang Syne Society, the Waverly Country Club and the Multnomah Athletic Club. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner and a worthy exemplar of the order. To all movements for the growth and betterment of the community he lends the weight of his support and the years have strengthened his position in public esteem, for the principles of truth and honor have constituted his guide throughout life. Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/multnomah/photos/bios/wortman990gbs.jpg 49 Kb File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/or/multnomah/bios/wortman990gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/orfiles/ File size: 6.0 Kb