The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 295 SIMEON DELOS VAN DUSEN. The early settlers who penetrated into the Yakima valley could scarcely have dreamed that within a few short years its once uncultivated and arid lands would be transformed into fine orchards or farm property. The change has occurred so radically as to seem almost magical and today fruit from the valley is regarded throughout the entire country as of standard excellence. Devoting his attention to the raising of apples, pears and cherries, Simeon Delos Van Dusen is meeting with well merited success. He was born at Pine Island, Minnesota, November 29, 1876, a son of Oliver and Electa (Mentor) Van Dusen, who were for many years residents of Minnesota, where the father followed the occupation of farming. He was born in Ohio and removed to Minnesota in 1854, there spending his remaining days. The youthful experiences of Simeon D. Van Dusen were those of the farm-bred boy who divides his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. After his textbooks were put aside he continued to engage in farming in Minnesota until 1904 and then came to Yakima county, taking up his abode on a five-acre tract of land given him by his father-in-law and situated four miles west of the city of Yakima. He rebuilt the house upon the place and replanted the orchard and now has fine bearing apple, pear and cherry trees, He also is the owner of fourteen acres six miles west of Yakima. He is a member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union, also of the Yakima County Fruit Growers' Association and is interested in everything that tends to promote the welfare of the horticulturists of this section and to safeguard their interests. Or the 15th of September, 1902, Mr. Van Dusen was united in marriage to Miss Lattie Lodema Irish, a daughter of Harrison Arthur and Lattie E. (Smith) Irish. They now have three children: Arthur Simeon, Ella Lodema and Helen Melissa. Mr. Van Duven is a republican in his political views but at local elections casts his ballot rather for the candidate whom he regards as best qualified for office than for a party choice, as at local elections there is no political issue involved. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of America and is loyal to the teachings and purposes of these organizations. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.