An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1, Part 1

Author: Steele, Richard F; Rose, Arthur P
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: [Spokane, Wash.] Western Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 652


USA > Washington > Lincoln County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1 > Part 1
USA > Washington > Adams County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1 > Part 1
USA > Washington > Douglas County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1 > Part 1
USA > Washington > Franklin County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1 > Part 1


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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88



REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION


AN ILLUSTRATED


HISTORY


OF THE


BIG BEND COUNTRY


EMBRACING


LINCOLN, DOUGLAS, ADAMS


AND FRANKLIN


Co. Wach.


Pt.1


Sc


979.7 Il 6 pt.1


COUNTIES


STATE OF WASHINGTON


WESTERN HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY PUBLISHERS 1904


COPYRIGHT WESTERN HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY 1904.


1823102


DEDICATED


To the


Pioneers of the Big Bend, Who Have Overcome Most Formidable Difficulties, Stood Like the Rock of Gibraltar Against Prejudice and False Report, and Made This Now Famous Country to Blossom as the Rose.


Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored .- Daniel Webster.


If boundless plenty be the robe, Trade is the golden girdle of the globe. Wise to promote whatever end He means, God opens fruitful- Nature's various scenes. Each climate needs what other climes produce, And offers something to the general use; No land but listens to the common call, And in return receives supplies from all. -Couper.


PREFACE.


N compiling a History of the Big Bend country-one of the most important sections of the State of Washington, the authors of this work have encountered, of course, those obstacles that are inseparable in the construction of any pioneer History of the West. Territorial legislative acts and the records of early county commissioners were vague and indeterminate in those days. In many respects they are conflicting and confusing. This, more particularly, applies to political history and educational affairs.


But from this mass of data-official records, state and county documents, combined with interviews with the earliest and most reliable pioneers-the authors have endeavored to mine facts and smelt them into an accurate and conscientiously written history of pioneer days, avoiding as far as possible doubtful statements and conflicting reports. This has been done with a full realization of the responsibility attending the writing of an original county history.


Part I., which concerns itself directly with the prominent events in the history of the Territory and State of Washington since 1550, is a comprehensive abridgment of the earliest history, from the most authentic data obtainable, written by eminent historians of the United States, England and Spain. In this connection we acknowledge our indebtedness to the late George Bancroft; Hon. Hall J. Kelley; the "Journal" of Captain Lewis; letters and other docu- ments written by the ill-fated Dr. Marcus Whitman; "Oregon: the Struggle for Possession, " by William Barrows; "Astoria, " by Washington Irving; Congressional Reports on the Oregon Question; Washington's Correspondence with John Jay; the Colfax (Washington) Commoner; correspondence af James Douglas; Barton's "Washington Legislative Hand Book and Manual"; correspondence printed in the Olympia Pioneer; the eminent Western historian, Hubert Howe Bancroft; state papers of Governor Isaac Ingalls Stevens; Archibald Mc Vickar and Hon. A. A. Denny.


Many have been the friendly co-adjutors who have kindly and cheerfully assisted us in the compilation of this volume. We desire to here frankly state that in no instance has any one of these pioneers, business men or even temporary residents, of the vast country tra- versed-the great wheat belt of Washington, bearing on every hand undeniable evidence of thrift and prosperity-refused to assist us or failed to greet our work with encouragement. We cannot too cordially thank each and all of them.


The editorial fraternity has been exceptionally friendly. To L. A. Inkster, Lincoln County Times; James Odgers, Davenport Tribune; Howard Spining, Wilbur Register; R. D. Anderson, Sprague Times; H. L. King, Franklin County Register; C. T. Geizentanner, Franklin County News-Recorder; Joseph G. Tuttle, Big Bend Empire; Benjamin Spear, Douglas County Press; Dan J. Jones, Coulee City News; Pettijohn & Swenson, Ritzville


vi


PREFACE.


Times; W. H. Hughes, Hartline Standard; Gibson & Thompson, Adams County News; Al P. Haas, Lind Leader; J. F. Dealy, Hatton Hustler; Gale Smith, Washtucna Enterprise, due acknowledgment is made for valuable assistance in our work upon this History.


To Judge N. T. Caton, County Auditor A. L. Brown, of Davenport; A. T. Greene, L. E. Kellogg, R. S. Steiner, John R. Lewis, S. C. Robins, Douglas County; J. M. Snow, of Spokane; George R. Roberts, Douglas County; Charles Rankert, Franklin County; Mrs. J. G. Bennett, George Sinclair. J. F. Cass, Jr., George W. Bassett, Otis Algoe and J. J. Mer- riman, Adams County, and many others, our thanks are sincerely tendered for the many . courtesies extended by them.


The general and introductory history is the production of Richard F. Steele. The special histories of Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin Counties were written by Richard F. Steele, assisted by Arthur P. Rose.


Spokane, Washington, 1904.


THE PUBLISHERS.


ENDORSEMENTS.


We, the undersigned, citizens of Adams County, Washington, having been selected as a committee to examine the manuscript of a History of this County to be published by the Western Historical Publishing Company, certify as follows:


We, as pioneer residents of the County, have read the narrative of the events recorded, and to the best of our knowledge find it to be a true, impartial and candid record of the leading historical incidents that are woven into the annals of Adams County. The treatment of the subject is fair and comprehensive, and, to the best of our belief, accurate. As such we give it our cordial endorsement.


MRS. JAMES G. BENNETT, GEORGE SINCLAIR, SR., EDGAR DEWITT GILSON, Committee.


Ritzville, Adams County, September, 1904.


We, the undersigned, citizens of Douglas County, Washington, having been selected as a committee to pass judgment on the merits of the History of said County to be published by the Western Historical Publishing Com- pany, do hereby certify as follows:


We are pioneer residents of the County, have always taken especial interest in its development, and have been active participants in many of the incidents described in said History. We have read the manuscript narrative of these events, and it has our unqualified endorsement as a conscientious History and literary work of merit. In the treatment of the subject it is impartial, accurate and reliable, and we cordially recommend it to all.


A. T. GREENE, L. E. KELLOGG, C. J. STANLEY, J. M. SNOW,


Committee.


Waterville, Douglas County, July, 1904.


We, the undersigned, residents of Franklin County, Washington, having examined a portion of the manuscript of a History of Franklin County to be published by the Western Historical Publishing Company, and made such corrections as were deemed desirable, cordially testify that the work gives evidence of careful research and conscien- tious attention to facts.


D. W. PAGE, Mayor of Pasco, CHARLES RANKERT, W. S. HELM, HENRY L. KING,


Committee.


Pasco, Washington, August, 1904.


We, the undersigned, having examined that portion of the History of Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin Counties to be published by the Western Historical Publishing Company relating to Lincoln County, bear testimony that it gives evidence of extensive reading, research and conscientious adherence to facts, and presents, to the best of our knowledge, an accurate, comprehensive and impartial record of events. As such we endorse and commend it.


H. SPINING, L. A. INKSTER, N. T. CATON,


Committee.


Lincoln County, May, 1904.


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


PART I.


CHAPTER I. DAWN OF DISCOVERY.


Juan Roderiguez in the Waters of the Smiling Pacific-His Mantle Falls Upon the Shoulders of Bartolme Ferrelo-Francis Drake Reaches as High as Latitude Forty-three Degrees-He Abandons the Search for Anian and Returns to England-Spain Becomes Aggressive in Northwest Exploration-Early Voyages of Urdaneta-Juan de Fuca Sails from Spain in Search of the Strait of Anian-Advance Guard of Inland Explorers Led by Sir Alexander Mackenzie-Speculations on the Origin of the Word "Oregon"-Story of M. Le Page du Pratez


2-6


CHAPTER II. MISSISSIPPI TO THE COAST.


President Jefferson's Scheme to Traverse the Continent to the Pacific Ocean-Selection of Merriwether Lewis and William Clark for the Enterprise-Their Achievements After Entering the Territory of Oregon- Major Joshua Pitcher's Description of This Terra Incognito in 1800-The Willamette River and a Section of the Mighty Columbia-Lewis and Clark Start Up the Missouri-Fourteen Months from Their Departure-Party Endures Innumerable Hardships-Topography of the Country-Explorers Interview Various Indian Tribes-Across the Mountains-Compelled to Eat Horses and Dogs-Arrival at "Hungry Creek"-Pow-Wow with Savages-Down the Snake to the Columbia River-Dangerous Rapids Interfere with Navigation-From Tidewater to the Sea-Lewis and Clark's Party Pass the Winter in Camp at the Mouth of the Columbia and Set Out on Their Return.


7-13


CHAPTER III. THE OREGON CONTROVERSY.


Struggle of Five Nations for Possession of "Oregon"-Question Becomes Important and Far Reaching-One Hundred Years Punctuated with Many Wars-Part Played by the Hudson's Bay Company-Results of Mackenzie's Explorations-Monotony of the Fur Trader's Life-Boundary Commission of 1841-Ash- burton-Webster Treaty-Commission of 1846-Eyes of England Opened by the Expedition of Lewis and Clark-First English Settlement Made by Fraser in 1846-John Jacob Astor Establishes a Trading Post at Astoria -- Supremacy of Commercialism Over Sentimental Statesmanship-Twenty-Seven Years of Diplomatic Delay Over International Boundary Affairs-Continuance of Joint Occupancy of Oregon for Ten Years-Americans Strike Oregon Where the English Fail-Oregon is Left Out of the Ashburton- Webster Treaty-Dr. Marcus Whitman Arrives in Washington, D. C., With the Facts in the Case- Establishment of the Forty-Ninth Parallel as the International Boundary


14-26


CHAPTER IV. TRAGEDY OF WHITMAN'S MISSION.


Visit to St. Louis, Mo., of Four Flathead Indians -- They Come for the "White Man's Book"-President Fiske Calls on Missionaries to Go to the Indian Tribes of the Great Northwest-Prompt Response by Whitman, Rev. Parker and the Lees-Sketch of Dr. Whitman by an Acquaintance-Significant Letter Sent by Whitman to Secretary of War Porter-Savage Details of the Whitman Massacre-Horrible Superstition of Indian Tribes-Names of the Victims-Miraculous Escape of Mr. Osborne and Family-Harsh and Cruel Treatment of Refugees by McBean-Christmas of 1847 Passed in the Midst of Hostile Savages .. 26-33


ix


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER V. THE CAYUSE WAR.


Explanations of Mr. McBean's Treatment of Survivors of the Whitman Massacre-Americans Take the Initiative in the Cayuse War-James Douglas Writes to Governor Abernathy-Intense Excitement Among People in the Wallamet Settlement-Spokane and Nez Perce Indians Refuse to Join the Cayuse Tribe-Colonel Dilliam Sets Forth from The Dalles-Death of "Swallow Ball" and Wounding of the "Wizard"-Indians Fall Back to the Snake River-Escape and Final Capture of the Assassins of Dr. Whitman. 34-38


CHAPTER VI. OTHER INDIAN OUTBREAKS.


Indian Wars Immediately Affecting Washington-Expedition of Major Granville O. Haller-Discovery of Gold Causes a Stampede to Fort Colville-Defiance of Chief Pierre Jerome-Kamiakin Declares War the Whites-Campaign Against the Yackimas-Indian Tragedies in the Puget Sound District-Assas- sination of Lieutenant Slaughter-Renewal of Hostilities in the Yackima Country-Some Blunders of General Wood-Campaign of Colonel Cornelius-Memorable Siege of the Cascades-Steptoe's Cam- paign-Failure of the Council with the Cayuses, Des Chutes and Tyghes-Governor Stevens Recommends Enlargement of the Puyallup and Nisqually Indian Reservations-Arrest, Trial and Execution of Leschi-Indemnity Claims Following Indian Troubles are Lodged with Congress-Horace Greeley Favors Repudiation of Them-Defeat of Steptoe-Triumph of Industry and Intelligence Over Barbaric Ignorance and Indian Squalor. 38-50


CHAPTER VII. TERRITORY AND STATE.


Topography of Washington -First Inroads of Civilization-Washington Might Have Been Columbia-Creation of Lewis County-Agitation for Territorial Division-Congress is Memorialized-Isaac Ingalls Stevens Appointed First Territorial Governor-Sketch of His Life and Heroic Death-First Washington Terri- torial Legislature-A State in All But Name-Struggle for Capital Removal-Political Operation of Victor Smith-A Customs House Imbroglio-Removal from Port Townsend to Port Angeles-Death of Victor Smith-General Wright in Command of the Department of the Pacific-Congressional Delegate Jacobs Introduces Bill for the Admission of Washington Into the Union-Adoption of a Constitution Declared Void and Nugatory-Administration of Governor Watson C. Squire-Chinese Riots-Proclama- tion by President Cleveland-Fiscal Condition of the Territory in 1886-Administration of Governor Eugene Semple-Washington Territory Admitted as a State-Munificent Land Grant-First State Officials 50-63


PART II. LINCOLN COUNTY.


CHAPTER I. CURRENT EVENTS-1854-1887.


Immensity of Walla Walla County in Early Territorial Days-Officials Fail to Qualify-Creation of Spokane County and Its Abandonment-Organization of Stevens County-Cottonwood Springs on the Overland Trail-J. R. Whitaker and "Okanogan Smith"-Early Settlers-"Wild Goose Bill"; His Biography, Adventures and Death-Indians Under Chief Joseph Take Up Arms-Early Chinese Miners-Original Settlers in Egypt-C. C. May-Establishment of Fort Spokane-Vast Number of Live Stock Perish in Severe Winter of 1881-The Cricket Scourge of 1882-3-Creation of Lincoln County and Bill Drafted by N. T. Caton-The Name of Sprague First Suggested for New County-Organic Act-Davenport the Temporary County Seat-First County Seat Contest. 65-84


X


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER II. CURRENT EVENTS-1887-1896.


Railroad Enthusiasm-Telephonic Communication-Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway Reaches Daven- port-Northern Pacific Builds Another Branch, the Central Washington-Fire Destroys Saw-Mill at Fort Spokane-Crop Failure in 1889-Northern Pacific Company Buys Up the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Road-Fatal Railway Accident Near Almira-Severe Snowstorm of 1890-Wilbur Cut Off from Rail Communication for Thirty-One Days-"Hard Times"-The Memorable Squirrel Pest-County Seat Contest of 1890 Between Davenport and Sprague-Wilbur Throws Her Vote to Sprague-Indian Scare of 1891-Lincoln County Achieves Distinction at the Tacoma Grain Exposition-Great Northern Railroad Company Builds Through the County in 1892-Proposed Abandonment of Fort Spokane is Earnestly and Successfully Opposed-Lieu Lands Thrown on the Market-Coxey's Army Invades Lincoln County-Great Strike of the A. R. U. on the Northern Pacific Lines-War Between Railroads and Sheepmen .84-106


CHAPTER III. CURRENT EVENTS-1896-1904.


Agitation for Removal of County Seat from Sprague to Davenport in 1896-Harrington Comes to the Front as a Candidate-Official Vote by Precincts-Citizens of the New County Seat Erect Public Buildings- Bumper Wheat Crop of 1897-Garrison at Fort Spokane Leaves for the Seat of Spanish-American War-Severe Blizzard-Smallpox-Mysterions Disappearance of Little Ruth Inman-Death of Billy Gibbons-Organization of Lincoln County Pioneer Association-Meeting Between Presidents of the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and Oregon Railroad and Navigation Companies and Big Bend Farmers-Man Hunt for Outlaw Tracy-His Suicide in the Barley Field-Quarrel Over Distribution of Rewards-Brutal Murder of Judge and Mrs. Lewis-Assassination of C. F. Thennes-Arrest and Con- viction of Young Victor-New Trial Granted by Judge Neal. 106-126


CHAPTER IV. CITIES AND TOWNS.


Davenport the County Seat-Its Favorable Location-Early Settlement-Pioneer Business Men-First Issue of the Lincoln Leader-Rapid Upbuilding of the Town in 1888-Rumor That Title to Townsite is Defective-Opening of the Big Bend National Bank-First United Efforts for Fire Protection-Incor- poration of the Town -- Advent of Central Washington Railway-Organization of the Grand Army of the Republic-Construction of Wagon Road from Davenport to the Cedar Canyon Mines in Stevens County-Financial Panic of 1893-Many Citizens Enlist for War with Spain in 1898-Organization of a Militia Company-Inauguration of a Water Works System-Electric Lights-Another Blaze-Churches and Fraternal Societies-Building of Auditorium and Armory Hall- 126-142


CHAPTER V. CITIES AND TOWNS-CONTINUED.


Creston an Eligibly Located Town-Surrounding Country-Advent of the Central Washington Railway-Wilbur One of the Most Enterprising Cities in the Big Bend-Saw-Mills-Boom Strikes the Town-Incorpora- tion-Fire-Almira-Rapid Growth of the Village-Incorporation-Harrington-Once a Candidate for the County Seat-Downs-Edwall-Moscow-Odessa-Reardan-Mondovi-Govan-Sprague-Sensa- tional History-Disastrous Conflagration-Irby-Mohler-Other Towns. 142-189


CHAPTER VI. DESCRIPTIVE.


Outline Description of Lincoln County-Topography and Elevation-Sketch of the Big Bend-Railway Lines-Boundaries-Agricultural Lands-Fruits, Grain, Stock and Minerals-Cultivation of Domestic Grasses-Rich Bottom Lands Along the Columbia and Spokane Rivers-The Crystal Mining Com- pany-Physical Aspect of Country-Egypt-Orchard Valley-Hellgate-Crab Creek. 189-198


CHAPTER VII. POLITICAL.


First Commissioners of Lincoln County-Officials Serving in 1885-Political Complexion of Candidates Cuts But a Small Figure in the Early Days -- Election of 1896-Election Held May 14, 1899, to Choose Dele-


xi


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


gates to Constitutional Convention-Hon. H. W. Fairweather, Frank M. Dallam and B. B. Glasscock Elected-Farmers' Alliance Goes Into Politics-Party Lines are Loosely Drawn-Result of Election of 1890-The People's Party-Exciting Contest in 1892-Concerted Efforts to Remove Sheriff S. E. De Rackin-Memorable Campaign of 1896-Populists Achieve a Sweeping Victory-Prolonged Campaign of 1898-Elections of 1900 and 1902. 199-209


CHAPTER VIII. EDUCATIONAL.


First County Board of Education Convenes at Davenport August 13, 1884-Second Meeting in Sprague in 1885-First Teachers' Institute in Sprague in August of the Same Year-Organization of First School District in 1883-School Superintendent Pryor's Report for 1887-Cortland Academy-School for Indian Children at Old Fort Spokane-Graphic Description of This Institution by Superintendent Avery-Most Successful Teachers' Institute at Davenport in 1904-Roster of Lincoln County Teachers in 1904. .209-214


PART III.


DOUGLAS COUNTY.


CHAPTER I. CURRENT HISTORY-1871-1886.


Genesis of the White Man's History-Romance of the Love-Sick Chinaman-Earlier Pioneers-Report of Lieutenant Symons-First Survey of the County-The Columbia River-Settlers of 1883-Philip Mc- Entee-Dan Paul-The Urquharts-Indian Scare-Roster of Douglas County Pioneers-Organization of the County Through Influence of J. W. Adams-Organic Act-Okanogan-The Badger Mountain Com- munity-Early Assessment Rolls-Settlement of Foster Creek-Waterville Made the County Seat. .... 521-544


CHAPTER II. CURRENT EVENTS-1886-1904.


Many Settlers Arrive in 1887-Rival Railway Lines Fight for Position-First Grand and Petit Jurors-Crops Damaged by Dry Weather-Times of Financial Depression-Formal Opening of the Court House at Waterville-The Squirrel Pest-Hard Winter of 1890 Kills Off Stock -Sheep and Cattle Men Fight Bloody Battle-Land Office Located at Waterville-Saw-Mill Men Arrested for Timber Trespass- Financial Condition of 1893 Wrecks Industries-Floods in the Columbia-Gold Excitement-Industrial Exposition-Coulee City-Adrian Cut-Off-Old Settlers' Association. .545-557


CHAPTER III. CITIES AND TOWNS.


Coulee City-Curious and Picturesque-Original Name was McEntee-Early History-Advent of the Central Washington Railway-Pioneer Business Men-Round House Burned-Hartline-Outgrowth of the Town of Parnell-Located by J. W. Hartline-Great Wheat Shipping Point-Stephen Boise the First Settler-Pioneers of 1883-Plans Laid to Remove County Seat from Okanogan to Waterville-Early Building Operations-Celebration of Fourth of July-A Government Townsite-Wilsoncreek-Rapid Growth of the Town-Destruction by Fire-City is Incorporated-Bridgeport Located by Connecticut Men-Quincy-Ephrata-Krupp-Douglas-Stratford-Other Towns. 558-586


CHAPTER IV. DESCRIPTIVE.


Douglas County Emphatically a Wheat Section-Soil and Climate-Grand and Moses Coulees-Wild and Awe-Inspiring Scenery-Steamboat and Pilot Rocks-Ruins of Old-Time Railway Enterprises-Situa- tion, Area and Altitude-Famous Alkali Lakes-Moses Lake-Haystack Rocks-Crops Without Rain- Cool and Temperate Latitudes-Scientific Analysis of the Soil-Average Precipitation-Waterville and Orando Tramway 586-605


xii


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER V. POLITICAL.


Pioneers Who First Served Douglas County-Commissioner Meyers Removes from the County-Initial Elec- tion-Party Lines are Loosely Drawn-First Republican and Democratic County Conventions-The 1888 Election-The 1892 Election-Populists Come Into Power-Republicans Recover Lost Ground in 1902.606-614


CHAPTER VI. EDUCATIONAL.


E. E. Brown First Superintendent-Galifornia Settlement the Original School District-First School Taught West of the Coulees-Names of the Pupils-Third District Created August 4, 1886-The Waterville District-Pioneer School-Douglas County Teachers' Institute-Waterville School House-Total Value of School Property. 615-616


PART IV.


ADAMS COUNTY.


CHAPTER I.


EARLY SETTLEMENT-1865-1904.


George Lucas the First White Man to Locate in Adams County-Tribute to the Pioneers-Dissensions Between Stockmen and Farmers-Earliest Settlement in Adams County Along Cow Creek-Pioneer George W. Bassett-He Locates at Kahlotus Springs, Afterwards Washtucna-Indian Legend Concerning the Name of These Springs-Earliest Attempts at Farming in the County-Philip Ritz-Many Settlers Come from South Dakota-Death of James Gordon Bennett-Severe Winter of 1880-81-Advent of the Northern Pacific Railway- First Marriage in Adams County-Legislative Act Creating the County- Initial Meeting of the Commissioners-Taxes are Levied-Citizens Attempt to Secure Water by Sinking Artesian Wells-The County is Bonded for $20,000 to Build a Court House-Sudden Rise in Price of Railroad Land.


753-770


CHAPTER II. CITIES AND TOWNS.


Early History of Ritzville, Capital of Adams County-Settlers Flock In on the Trail of the Northern Pacific Railway-Church History-Congregationalists Build a House of Worship-Initial Fourth of July Cele- bration in Ritzville-Origin of Ritzville's Name-Scanty Supply of Water Causes Apprehension-Plan to Remove the Townsite Fails to Materialize-Status of the County Seat in 1888-Incorporation-Water Works System Introduced in 1894 at a Cost of $20,000-Citizens of Ritzville Organize a Volunteer Fire Department-History of Fraternal Societies-The Flouring Mill-Many Town Additions are Platted. . 771-781


CHAPTER III. CITIES AND TOWNS-CONTINUED.


Lind a Thriving and Enterprising Town-Pioneer Charles Jell-Ten Voters in the Precinct-Establishment of a Postoffice-New Impetus Given to the Town in 1899-Dirstine Brothers Open Their Store in 1898-Proposition to Incorporate the Town of I ind is Carried by a Large Majority in 1902-Washtucna, an Indian Name of Which No One Knows the English Equivalent-George W. Bassett the First Settler-Wheat Platform Built in 1891-Large Shipment of Grain the Same Year-Hatton, a Compara- tively New Town in Eastern Washington-Mrs. John Hackett Becomes Postmistress-Growth of the Town-Cunningham-Original Name of the Place, Scott-Elder W. R. Cunningham the Father of the Town-Paha-Townsite Located by George A. Miller-It is Subsequently Vacated, But Relocated and Platted by the Northern Pacific Railway Company in 1889 -- Gigantic Swindle in Connection With "Cascade City"-Other Places and Postoffices. 781-789


xiii


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER IV. DESCRIPTIVE.


Area and Geological Formation of Adams County-Description of the Soil-Railway Facilities-Early Settlers Believed That the County was Only Suitable for Grazing Horses and o Cattle-Climate-Rainfall-De- scription of Present Methods Prevailing in the Agricultural Industry-Principal Products-Large Wheat Shipment in 1902-Irrigation-Construction of a Ditch from the Palouse River is Attended]With Diffi- culties-Evidences of Thrift and Comfort on Every Hand. .789-797


CHAPTER V. POLITICAL.


First Commissioners and Other Officers of Adams County-Initial Election Held in 1884-Three Voting Pre- cincts in the County-Election of 1886-Result of County Election of 1890-Sweeping Victory for the Populists in 1896-Republicans Reverse This Result in 1898-Democrats Carry the Day in 1900-Popu- lists and Democrats Fuse in 1902 and Elect a Majority of the County Officials. .798-802


CHAPTER VI. EDUCATIONAL.


Organization of First School District in Adams County-Pioneer School Building in the County-Mrs. James Gordon Bennett is Appointed Superintendent of Schools-Pioneer Teachers-Roster of Teachers in the County in 1888-Mrs. Bennett Apportions School Moneys-Increase of School Districts Under the Administration of Superintendent Egbers-Present Condition of Schools 802-804




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