The Wind Cowan Story: The Pioneer History of the Wind, Cowan, Olds Family.
The Life story of three families as told by Susan Wind Simpson, family genealogist. First with the Wind family, then the Cowan family and finally the Olds family. All carried on in grand tradition. This is their story
Wilhelm Wind, first wife Karen, and their 4 children (one son had died a few months previous). Taken 1878 in Racine, WI.
George and Christina Cowan visiting daughter Minnie in Spokane, 1921. They were married in 1893 when she was 30 and newly widowed. He was an "old bachelor" of 45. Five Wind children (and two step-children) were brought to the marriage, and soon four Cowans followed. They were all brothers and sisters, regardless of surname or parentage... a real tribute to Grandma Cowan. George died in 1923 and Christina in 1954. These Clayton pioneers are buried in the family plot in Spokane.
One very impressive document, the original deed for the Wind/Cowan ranch. It was sent to us by Susan Wind Simpson.
From the time Wilhelm Wind arrived on our shores, the Cowan family cleared the land and built their farm from scratch. Then slowly the family and the buildings grew old. But in the meantime there was life lived to the fullest. It was recorded by this simple little device called a camera. The following are some of those golden moments for all of us to share.
Stump Wind is driving the family Farmall. Toots Harry Cowan, Rose Cowan and Vickie Wind are on behind. The South side of Susan Simpson is heading north.
Root cellar and out-house on the Wind/Cowan ranch in 1967... when both were still operational. Photo by Robert Simpson.
This picture shows a group of carpenters on the "Ranch." George Cowan is on the far right.
George Spaulding, Son of Vera Wind and Jack Spaulding had this tractor running about 4 years ago. Its now 71 years old.
1967 photo of Susan Wind Simpson.(In Bert Melanders boat) on Loon Lake. From the large Wind/ Cowan/Olds family, only Susan, her two Sisters familys and cousin Vera Spaulding's family remain. HERE IS SUSAN WIND SIMPSONS BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF HER TERRIFIC FAMILY. "WIND AND WIFE CAME TO AMERICA. WIFE DIED. WIND MARRIED FAMILY HELPER/NANNY.WIND AND WIFE CAME TO CLAYTON. WIND DIED. WIFE MARRIED COWAN" Susan added. It took me a looooonnnngg time to figure that out.
George Spaulding, Son of Jack and Vera Wind Spaulding. He must make a living as well as caring for his Mother and her farm, the old Wind Cowan Ranch. George is an accomplished mechanic. His goal is to restore many of these antique vehicles. The beauty of it is He has the will and ability to do it. To my knowledge he is the only living direct male descendant with Wind Cowan blood in the area. If I'm wrong I'll hear from our friend who is diectly responsible for every one of these family photos. Susan Wind Simpson now residing in Colorado.
Stump must have had some muddy roads, so he brought the tractor to town. Mud was more responsible for school closures than snow. This was before any country roads were graveled or paved.
L-R. Gay Norby, Ida Olds Norby, Frances McNeil Olds, Vera and Larry McNeil with their son Darrell. Larry, Vera and Darrell are related to Susan's grandmother Frances, a whole other branch of the family tree.
Fred Wind and his Graduation classmates 1930-31. Far right is Hazel Shonfeld Renner. Photo contributed by Susan Wind Simpson.
The farm has remained in the same family for well over 100 years. This family was a successful family, from farm and ranching, their very own clay pottery plant including kiln. They were heavily involved in the Clayton Mercantile for many years. They raised their families to be good straight enterprising citizens. They lived hard played hard and sadly so many died very young. Some of whom lay buried in a small plot back in the trees on a hill, secluded and quiet. So after the fun and laughter, the reunions the memories there are few precious loved ones to enjoy this little piece of Heaven on earth. Thank you Susan and Bob Simpson
Emma Cowan Melander in 1967, in front of the old original barn.
|
This is The City of Antwerp, the ship that brought the first Wind family to the USofA.
A group at the Clayton Hotel in1910. Mr Phillip Lippy, tall man with hat, on the left. Mr Lippy is Great Grandfather of Susan Wind Simpson. The Lady in white is Olga Westby, later the wife of Ole Wind. The other lady is the Hotel owner and Olgas Mother, Kjersta (Kate) Westby. Einer Westby is third from right. This photo was tattered and torn but restored by Susan's husband Bob.
This Kiln was located on the Wind Cowan Ranch. Stump Wind on the right and Fred Wind on the left. This is a Susan Wind photo
Susan Wind Simpson on a hill behind the Wind/Cowan ranch just north of Clayton. Property was the original homestead of George W. Cowan over 100 years ago and remains in the family to this day. An old Farmall tractor, an old car and several pieces of antique farming equipment was still in the barn and old sheds when this picture was taken.
Thanks to cameras like this that recorded the trials, tribulations, and victories of these early pioneers. .
A picture of the Olds sisters and their husbands at Loon Lake. Left to right- Gay and Ida Norby, Joe and Mary Kline, and Helen and Fred Wind.
Mary Mildred Olds and her second husband Joe Kline, after a good day fishing on Loon Lake.
Ida Olds and Husband Gay Norby having fun on Loon Lake in 1943.
A car wash with a little elbow grease and I'll bet this baby would purr like a kitten.
L to R. Olga Westby Wind holding Gayle Spaulding, Olga’s hand is in front of Oscar Westby, Francis Wind Weishaar with Blanch Westby peeking from behind her. Grandma Christina Cowan with Son Frank Cowan behind her, Harry (Toots) Cowan, Emma Cowan Melander, Reinhold Weishaar, Mike Cowan and Frank Frey. Front row. Stanley Weishaar, Alfred "Stump" Wind, Vera Wind Spaulding, George Spaulding and Ole Wind.
Fredrick Wind Jr. is seated third from the rear in the first row) in this class room in Spokane, WA. It is also noted that the little blond girl, in front of the second row may be Frances Wind, Vera's older sister. They were in the same grade and lived at the same address at that time.
Harry and Rose Cowan, wintering in California, February 2, 1933. "Toots" was the son of George and Christina Cowan. Rose was the daughter of Ernest and Bridget Grant of Loon Lake. They were married in Spokane in 1924, They lived in Clayton first, then Idaho and then California for many years.They returned to Clayton eventually and are buried in Spokane in the Wind Cowan family plot. They were undoubtedly two of the most fun loving and well loved people in Susan Wind Simpson's family tree.
Fred Wind Jr, and his Bride Helen Olds met at a dance at the old Clayton Moose Hall about 1929 when they were each 16. Their courtship was built on letters and occational visits since Fred moved to Los Angeles in 1932 and ended with a ring and proposal in 1937. Helen who was principal of the Loon Lake School, said yes and left home and job to marry on October 1 of that year in Hollywood, California. Their ties to this area stayed strong and they brought their growing family for visits when possible. Eventually after retirement Helen and Fred owned a home on Loon Lake where their family fished, played and bonded. Fred died at 87, (last of the Winds) and Helen died at 90. The family this couple created continues to have an abiding connection to Loon Lake, Clayton and Deer Park. Fred and Helen were the parents of Susan Simpson.
First Pottery Plant on old Ranch at Clayton about 1914. First person left. Fred Wind, Second person Stump Wind (Alfred) Note: this inscription was written by Susan Winds father which means its Scripture.
Introducing Bob and Susan Wind Simpson on their arrival at Spokane International Airport on Oct. 6th. 2007. Their last visit in 1987 and prior to that 1967. Although neither was born here, Susan's entire family called both Clayton and Spokane home since the late 1800s. That is what as now known as ROOTS. They are the family Genaologists. Precice and with ultimate in accuracy. I can almost guarantee the Wind Cowan Story on these pages are not complete. I can see in the future a new album named " The Wind is a Gentle Breeze"
After all these years and such a huge family of Winds, Cowans and Olds. This little oasis in one tiny corner of the world, rests on the shoulders of this wonderful lady, Mrs Vera Wind Spaulding, wife of the late Jack Spaulding and mother of George Spaulding plus two lovely Daughters as well as several Grandchildren, cousin to Susan Wind Simpson.
|