Rev. Olds gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has long supported. He is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; and Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane. He is likewise a member of Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., and Walla Walla Encampment, No. 3, I. O. O. F., and in June, 1917, a high honor was conferred upon him, for in that month he was made grand chaplain of the grand lodge of Washington. He also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. He is one of Walla Walla county's most esteemed and representative citizens and enjoys the respect, goodwill and trust of all with whom he has come in contact. Ever ready to extend a helping hand where aid is needed, his character and work have been such as have shed around him much of life's sunshine.
Arthur P. Bloomfield, who is living retired in Columbia county after many years of successful farming, was born in New Jersey, February 6, 1840, a son of Jonathan and Theodosia (Foster) Bloomfield, the former born in England and the latter in New Jersey, in which state they were married. The father passed away in New Jersey and subsequently the mother became a resident of California, where her demise occurred. To them were born three children, of whom only our subject survives.
Arthur P. Bloomfield was reared in his native state and enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the common schools. In 1861, when he had attained his majority, he went to California, where for about twenty years he devoted his time to farming and gardening, but in 1880 he came to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up as a homestead the farm on which he still lives. Here he met with success and was able to increase his holdings until he now owns one thousand and ten acres of wheat and pasture land, all within what is now Columbia county. At length, feeling that he had earned a rest, he retired and now leaves to others the active work of the fields. He also owns a half interest in the Palace Hotel at Pullman, from which he receives a rental of two hundred and fifty dollars per month.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR P. BLOOMFIELD]