Biography of William Sargent Ladd, 1899, State of Oregon
Surnames: Ladd, Mead

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - December 2001
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Oregon Native Son, Vol. 1, May 1899, page 55-57

WILLIAM SARGENT LADD

William Sargent Ladd was born in Holland, Vt., October 10, 1826. His father,
Nathaniel Gould Ladd, was a physician whose ancestors came to New Hampshire in
1633. His mother. Abigail Kelley Mead, was a native of New Hampshire. In 1830
he moved with his parents to Meredith Village, N. H., and in 1833 to
Sandbornton Bridge, now known as Tilton. At the age of 15 he began farm labor
for a neighbor, then his father gave him fifteen acres of very rough, rocky,
wooded land, which he placed in a good state of cultivation. At 19 he taught
school, at which time it was considered the proper thing for the big boys to
throw the teacher out and run things to suit themselves. Such an attempt was
made in this instance, but young Ladd was too much for them, and compelled
entire submission to his rule, after which there was no trouble and his school
was a great success. About this time the Boston, Concord & Montreal railroad
was built, and he secured a position as freight clerk, in which capacity he
served until he started West. On February 27, 1851, he left New York on a
sailing vessel for the Pacific coast, arriving at San Francisco in due time,
where he met on old school friend, Charles E. Tilton. He remained in San
Francisco but a short time, when he left for Oregon. Prosperity did not smile
upon him at first, and when called upon to pay a road tax of $6, he preferred
to earn it by grubbing several stumps at Front and Morrison streets. About
this time W. D. Goodkin arrived with a cargo oi goods, which Mr. Ladd disposed
of at a profit to himself of $1,000, and many times that for Mr. Goodkin. This
money was invested in articles of ready sale, which were disposed of at a good
profit. In 1854 he married Miss Caroline A. Elliott, of New Hampshire, who
still resides in this city. In 1852 he associated himself with Mr. Tilton in
mercantile operations, which continued until the spring of 1855, when he
bought out his partner. In 1858 they again entered into partnership, and in
April, 1859, opened a bank, of which the capital was small until 1861, when it
was increased to $150.000 and later to $1,000,000. This partnership was
dissolved in 1880, at which time bills receivable amounted to $2,500,000. Mr.
Ladd put up the first brick building in the city of Portland, possessed
unbounded faith in the future of the city, and invested largely in real
estate. His interests were diversified, however, and for many years before his
death every subscription of a public nature bore his name at the head. This
finally began to be looked upon as a matter of course by the community at
large - so much so that such a paper without his name at the head was looked
upon with suspicion. He controlled the flour interests of the North Pacific,
was one of the main supporters of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company. at
one time being vice-president and at others acting as a director. He was
deeply interested in educational institutions, manufacturing and all that
tended to improve the conditions of the community morally or commercially. He
endowed the chair of practical theology in the Presbyterian theological
seminary of San Francisco, in 1886, with $50,000, as also several scholarships
in the Oregon state university; extended financial and personal support to the
Portland library, Y. M. C. A., to many churches and charitable institutions,
and was always ready with a kind word to the worthy poor. Being a pioneer
himself, he was deeply interested in the welfare of that association and a
cheerful contributor from the time of its organization to the time of his
death.

He was one of the main supporters of the City Board of Charities and kindred
institutions, and for many years extended important financial aid, besides his
personal interest and active co-operation. During the early days of the board
his quiet acts of benevolence were a constant source of discovery, until he
learned the value of systematic investigation, after which work of this nature
was largely subject to reports from that institution. The board discovered
numerous instances in which he was being systematically deceived by unworthy
mendicants, and reported accordingly. At first he hesitated to accept these
reports, but the following incident convinced him: A woman with nine children
was found in North Portland whose house rent was being paid by him, besides
which a grocery firm was authorized to deliver to her goods sufficient to
maintain her, which bill he paid from month to month. The woman posed as a
widow, but her husband was found in a beastly state of intoxication. Her
children were being taught to beg from door to door, while she received aid
from Multnomah county and the following churches: Catholic, Unitarian,
Methodist and Congregational. A job of sawing wood was found for her husband.
This was spurned by him and he was promptly arrested as a vagrant, and Chief
of Police Parish provided him with a job in the city park, under the
protection of a healthy popoliceman. - The woman proved to be a common
drunkard, but actress sufficient to win the sympathy of any stranger. Steps
were taken to place the children in proper hands. when the family left for
parts unknown. Another incident shows the kindness of Mr. Ladd's heart. One
day, when out driving, he saw an Irishman at work in the street with a shovel.
His left hand was bandaged and badly swollen, and the handle of the shovel was
rested on the forearm every time it was raised Stopping the carriage, he
inquired what was the matter, and learned that Pat had a finger crushed the
day before and then amputated. “You are not in condition to work here, said
Mr. Ladd; "why don't you go home and let your hand get well?" "Bedad, an in
little family's got to eat, an' I've got no money. I never stole anything an'
I never begged, an' I ain't afraid to work." Mr. Ladd called the
superintendent and arranged so that tat should not lose pay for the day, then
told him to come down to the bank, as he had a better place for him. Pat
called and was given very light work at very good pay, and kept thus employed
until his hand was entirely well. Many years before his death Mr. Ladd was
stricken with paralysis, after whicn he was unable to walk. He continued the
active management of his various interests, however, and his carriage soon
became a familiar object on the streets. He took great pleasure in driving
over all portions of the city and suburbs, noting every effort to add to the
welfare of the community. No manufacturing industry was too insignificant to
attract his attention, and if he learned it was in competent hands he was
quick to encourage it by word and deed.

On January 6, 1893, Mr. Ladd died at his residence in this city, and thus
closed a long and useful career. In his will he provided for a fund of
$450,000 for benevolent purposes, to be used as thought best by his wife and
sons.