The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and
Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 254

ROBERT L. MAINS.

In the death of Robert L. Mains, Yakima county lost one of its honored pioneers
and a substantial orchardist who also took a great interest in the intellectual
and moral development of humanity, having given much time and effort to Sunday
school and similar work. He was ever a champion of the cause of education and
very active in church work and in fact any movement undertaken for the
betterment of the public. He had the greatest confidence in the future of this
locality and by assisting, irrigation projects and developing his land greatly
stimulated prosperity here.

A native of Michigan, Mr., Mains was born near Olivet in Eaton county, February
22, 1865, a son of John and Lois (Walker) Mains, who were natives of Maine and
became early agriculturists of Michigan, settling in that state during its
pioneer epoch. Robert L. Mains was carefully reared by his parents, who
instilled into him the best principles in regard to life's conduct, and in the
acquirement of his education he attended public school in his native state. He
then turned to farming as suited to his tastes and ambition and continued along
that line in Michigan until 1884, becoming thoroughly acquainted with
progressive and efficient agricultural methods. In 1884, having heard glowing
reports in regard to the opportunities presented in the far west, he decided to
remove to this district and came to Washington, locating in Roslyn, where later
he conducted the Northern Pacific Hotel. In 1891 he took up a homestead claim
about five miles south of what is now Sunnyside, which district was then but
sparsely settled, the nearest store being at Prosser and from there water had to
be hauled. That this commodity was precious at that time is evident from the
fact that he had to pay one dollar per barrel. He was one of the first settlers,
his nearest neighbor being two miles away, while the nearest school was at
Prosser, fifteen miles distant. Mr. Mains assisted in organizing a school about
1895. the building being located near his ranch. He also organized the first
Sunday school and later assisted in founding the Bethany school in 1901. The
Presbyterian church and Sunday school were established and Mr. Mains gave
valuable assistance in starting them. At first mail had to be brought from
Prosser but now delivery is much facilitated and in a comparatively few years a
wild country has been developed into a garden spot and orchard. Much of this
development was due to the ceaseless activity, energy and progressive spirit of
Mr. Mains. He never lost sight of the intellectual and moral phases of life but
on the contrary took a deep interest in the same, being ever active in church
work and serving for several years as Sunday school superintendent. A stanch
champion of education, he served for years on the school board and his
activities resulted in many improvements and facilities that were introduced in
order to supply the children with a better and more efficient means of
education. He also was a director of the Water Users Association, being
thoroughly convinced of the value of irrigation. His great confidence and faith
in the country were rewarded by ready returns. In his political affiliations he
was a republican, stalwart and faithful in his support of the candidates and
measures of that party.

On the 12th of February, 1888, Mr. Mains was united in marriage to Annie Bryant,
a native of Wales and a daughter of David and Annie (Edwards) Bryant, who in
1865 came to the United States, taking up their abode in Pennsylvania, where
they remained until the early '70s, when removal was made to Boone county. Iowa
The father was a taxidermist by profession and trade his home in Newton, Iowa,
whence later he removed to Roslyn, Washington, where in 1886 he engaged in
mining until 1890, when he took up a homestead on the site where Grandview now
stands. Upon this place he died in 1915. His widow afterward made her home with
a daughter in Ellensburg, where she passed away. They were among the honored
pioneers of this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Mains four children were born: Ethel
married Oliver Beckes, a resident of Tacoma, and they became the parents of two
children, Richard and Ralph, but the latter was drowned. Edward, who resides
upon the home farm, married Bessie Martin, of Yakima. Anna is the wife of
Rudolph Syverson, who is manager of the White River Lumber Company. They reside
at Grandview and have a daughter, Evelyn. Mae, the youngest member of the
family, is at home with her mother.

In the death of Robert L. Mains on the 4th of December, 1910, Yakima county lost
one of its true and honored pioneers. Upon coming here he used all his energy,
intelligence and vigor in order to plant civilization in a western wilderness
and how well he succeeded is evident from the fact of his later prosperity.
Moreover, the welfare of his neighbors and friends as well as humanity at large
was ever near his heart and he cooperated throughout life in movements which
were of great value to the community. Here he had many friends, all of whom
spoke of him in terms of great reelect and esteem and who acknowledged his
unselfishness and kindness. To his family his loss was a great blow but to them
his memory has remained as a benediction. Open and above board in all of his
dealings, he left behind him an untarnished name -- a possession which is truly
to be more highly prized than great riches. While Mr. Mains largely lived up to
high ideals, he was a man of practical mind who in his business affairs did not
pursue rainbow schemes but ever followed conservative methods, utilizing modern
discoveries which he found of value. He budded carefully and therefore builded
wisely and well He was a substantial man whose word was as good as his bond and
he will long be remembered by all who had the honor of his acquaintance.

********************************
Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer.
Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.