USA > Washington > King County > Seattle > A volume of memoirs and genealogy of representative citizens of the city of Seattle and county of King, Washington, including biographies of many of those who have passed away > Part 15
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success which has attended the enterprise and brought it into a place of prominence and to the controlling of a business of wide scope and import- ance. To the original foundry was added a machine shop, and later a black- smith and boiler shop, and the plant was well equipped at the time of the great fire which devastated the city in 1889. This memorable conflagration practically wiped out the property of the company, as it did many other of the most prominent and important business concerns in the city, and the loss entailed to the Washington Iron Works Company reached the aggregate of about eigh- ty-five thousand dollars, over and above the insurance indemnity. At the time of the fire the company controlled a large business and gave employment to a corps of one hundred and sixty-five workmen. With that indomitable spirit and courage which animated the business men of the city after this disaster and which eventuated in the more substantial upbuilding of its ma- terial resources, the company forthwith began the construction of a new plant, and the same now covers two blocks, while its equipment and access- ories are of the most modern and improved type. The business has con- stantly increased in scope and represents today one of the important industries of the state, while employment is afforded to two hundred work- men, so that the enterprise has distinct bearing upon the public welfare of the community, while furthering the individual prosperity of the interested principals.
Mr. Frink has ever stood as one of the loyal and public-spirited eiti- zens of the great state of Washington, to whose material development and civic progress he has contributed in no small measure, and he is honored as one of the sterling pioneers of the commonwealth. He was one of the organizers of the first electric light companies in Seattle, in :886, but event- ually disposed of his interests in the same. Other public enterprises of the greatest importance have received his co-operation, notably that involving the construction of street railways, in which he has taken a very prominent part, being at the present time president and manager of the Seattle City Railway Company, in whose stock he has a controlling interest. He has also been conspicuously identified with the building interests of the city, having erected a large number of business and residence structures and being the owner of property in all divisions of the city. He erected what is known as the Washington Iron Works Block, at the corner of Occidental and Jaek- son streets, the original site of the iron works, and he has built a number of fine residences, including his own beautiful and distinctively modern home, at the corner of Weller street and Thirtieth avenue, south, the same
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being of attractive architectural design and equipment and standing as one of the handsomest places in the city, its erection having been completed in 1882. In politics Mr. Frink gives a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and has been prominent in its councils in the state of his adoption. He was a member of the board of aldermen of Seattle at the time when the first cable and electric street railways were installed, and he did all in his power to facilitate the construction of this important municipal improvement, while at all times his aid and influence have been given in support of every enter- prise and project for the general good. In 1891 he was elected to represent his district in the senate of the state legislature, was chosen as his own suc- cessor, and thus served for a period of eight years, proving a capable and loyal legislator and being very active in guarding and protecting the inter- ests of his district, and those of the state at large. His prominence in the ranks of the Republican party in the state, and the appreciative estimate placed upon his abilities and character led to his nomination for the dis- tinguished office of governor of the state in 1900, but his defeat was com- passed through a split in the ranks of the party, owing to a disaffection on the part of a certain faction. Mr. Frink was for a number of years a most active and zealous member of the board of education in his home city, having been president of the body for two out of the five years of service in this ca- pacity. During his term of service all save two of the fine school buildings of the city were erected. He has ever stood as one of the progressive busi- ness men and public-spirited citizens of the state of Washington, and his course has been such as to command unequivocal confidence and esteem. He has attained a high degree of success in his business operations, being dis- tinctively a man of affairs, and this is the more to his credit since it represents the results of his own efforts, which have been directed on a high plane of honor and integrity. Ile is a prominent member of the First Presbyterian church, with which his family are also identified.
Mrs. Hannah ( Phillips) Frink entered into eternal rest in 1875, five years subsequently to her marriage, and in 1877 Mr. Frink was united in marriage to Miss Abby Hawkins, who was born in the state of Illinois, be- ing a daughter of Almon Hawkins. They have five children: Egbert I. is treasurer of the Washington Iron Works Company; Gerald is assistant superintendent and master mechanic of the works; and Francis Guy is secre- tary of the company ; the two daughters, Helena and Ethena remain at the parental home, which is a center of gracious and refined hospitality, the fam- ily taking a prominent part in the social life of the city.
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LUTIIER A. DYER.
Though no land is richer in opportunities or offers greater advantages to its citizens than America, success is not to be obtained through desire, but must be persistently sought. In America "labor is king" and the man who resolutely sets to work to accomplish a purpose is certain of success if he but has the qualities of perseverance, untiring energy and practical common sense. Captain Luther A. Dyer, president of the Forty-fifth Con- solidated Mining Company, through his diligence and persistent purpose, has won a leading place in the financial circles of King county.
A native of Maine, he was born at Addison Point, Washington county, on the 27th of February, 1840, and is a member of a prominent old family of that commonwealth. The progenitor of the family on American soil was T.emuel Dyer, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, who came to this country from old England. The grandfather of our subject, also named Lemuel Dyer, was born in Maine, and became a ship builder and sea captain, the Dyers for many generations having followed a sea-faring life. Captain Luther Dyer, the father of him whose name introduces this review, also claimed the Pine Tree state as the place of his nativity, and he, too, fol- lowed the sea, his career as a sailor covering a period of fifty-five years. In 1863 his ship, the Fannie W. Bailey, was wrecked outside the bar at San Francisco, and with the exception of two all on board were lost, the brave captain going down with his ship. He had married Miss Delana A. Look, who was born at Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, and was descended from an old American family. They became the parents of two sons, the brother of our subject being G. C. Dyer, an employe of the American Rub- ber Company at Boston.
Captain Luther A. Dyer received his primary education in the public schools of his native locality, and later became a student in the Washington Academy, there receiving superior advantages. When fourteen years of age, following the footsteps of his ancestors, he went before the mast, his first voyage being from New York to Australia, and during his career of fifteen years as a sailor he visited all parts of the world and was in many shipwrecks. For the subsequent fifteen years he was the master and owner of ships, and after a sea-faring life of thirty years he sold his ships at Boston and in 1887 came to Seattle, Washington, where he has since been interested in the discovery of the rich mineral deposits of this locality. The company of which he is now president own property in the Sultan district, in the Cascade Mountains, where they have taken out one hundred and ninety thousand 9
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dollars worth of ore, the ore running from fifteen to one hundred and twenty-six dollars a ton in silver and gold. The mine which they are now operating is a very valuable one, and in addition they have thirty-two claims. Mr. Dyer is one of the leading miners of the locality, and in both business and social circles he is well known. His political support is given to the Democracy, but he has never been an aspirant for public honors.
The marriage of our subject was celebrated in 1867, when Miss Direxa J. Leighton became his wife, but after a happy married life of nine years this union was dissolved by the hand of death, the wife being called to her final rest in 1875, leaving one son, Luther If., who is now at sea. From early life Mr. Dyer has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, and he is also a member of the Red Men.
JAMES TONKIN.
As the progress and prosperity of the nation and of any community represents the aggregate result of the endeavors of the individual citizens. so the history of the nation is the record of the composite achievements of Its people. Biography thus becomes the very foundation on which must rest the general history of mankind. The importance of making a per- manent record of the life-work of men who are worthy such distinction, can not be overestimated. The subject of this review stands forward as one of of the honored and representative citizens of the thriving little city of Renton, with whose progress and development he has been intimately identified, having been the pioneer merchant of the place and having gained a high position in the esteem and confidence of the people of the community. The busi- ness which he established so many years ago is now carried successfully for- ward by his sons, who conduct a well equipped general merchandise estab- lishment, under the firm name of Tonkin Brothers.
Mr. Tonkin is a native of Cornwall. England. and in his makeup have been signally manifested those sterling characteristics for which the Cor- nishman has ever been recognized and honored. He was born on the 29th of September, 1834, the son of William and Phoebe (Knight) Tonkin, both representatives of stanch old English families. The father was iden- tified with the great mining industry in Cornwall and passed his entire life in his native land. passing away at the age of sixty-five years. He was a man of upright character and sterling worth, and both he and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, she having sur- vived him a few years. They became the parents of eight children. and the
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subject of this sketch is the only member of the family in the state of Wash- ington.
James Tonkin was reared to maturity in his native land, where he re- ceived a good English education, after which he became identified with quartz mining in Cornwall. In the year 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Stanton, and to them have been born three sons and one daughter. The daughter, Amelia, is the wife of Thomas Tonkin, of Cornwall. Of the sons we enter the following record: William is identi- fied with the operation of the Renton mine; Edwin is an attache of the office of the Great Northern Railroad, in Seattle; and Josiah is associated with his father in conducting the mercantile business, in which the other sons are also interested. The children are all married, and our subject has twelve grandchildren.
In April, 1866, Mr. Tonkin made a trip to South Africa, and there passed a year, being employed in the mines at Capetown. He then returned to England, and in 1867, in company with his young wife, he started for America, landing at Castle Garden on the Ist of May, and thence proceed- ing to Colchester, McDonough county, Illinois, where he was employed in the coal mines, and where he continued to reside until 1882, in November of which year he came to Washington and secured employment in the Ren- ton mine, being thus engaged until 1884, when he opened a grocery in the town, which was then scarcely more than a hamlet of a few houses, and he inaugurated operations in a very modest way, carrying a small stock of groceries and provisions. With the growth of the town his business enter- prise increased in scope and importance, and the establishment pow has a select and comprehensive line of general merchandise and controls a trade of representative order. the fair dealing and honorable methods ever brought to bear in the conducting of the enterprise having brought a popular ap- preciation and confidence and insured the steady expansion of the business. Mr. Tonkin's success has been due to his close attention to business, to his unvarying courtesy and to his absolute integrity of purpose, and he retains the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people of the community, being known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen and as one who has done his part in furthering the advancement and material upbuilding of the little city with whose history he has been identified for a score of years.
In politics Mr. Tonkin formerly gave his support to the Republican party without reservation, but he now maintains an independent position. exercising his franchise in support of those men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment. He has never sought or held office, preferring
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to devote his entire time and attention to his personal business. Fraternally he is an honored member of the Masonic order, having been raised to the master's degree in St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 35, A. F. & A. M., of Renton, of which he has held the office of treasurer for years. Ile is also a member of the auxiliary branch, the Order of the Eastern Star, and he was one of the charter members of Colchester Lodge, No. 30, .Ancient Order of United Workmen, in Illinois. His life has been one of signal usefulness and honor and the success which is his has come as the result of his own efforts. He and his wife have a pleasant home in Renton, and their children are all established in homes of their own, the family having ever been prominent in the social and business life of the city and well meriting the esteem in which the various members are held.
GEORGE ALFRED HILL.
George Alfred Hill has for eighteen years been a member of the Seattle bar and the distinction which comes through merit and ability has been won by him. Ile was born near Nashville, Tennessee, on the 24th of Decem- ber. 1842, and is of Scotch-Irish lineage. His ancestors cmigrated to Vir- ginia prior to the war of the Revolution, and later became residents of Ten- nessee and Kentucky. The subject of this review was also connected with the IIanks family, equally prominent and well known in Virginia. George llill, the great-grandfather, and George Fair Hill, the grandfather of our subject were both heroes of the Revolution, who valiantly aided in the strug- gle for independence, and the latter became one of the early settlers of Ken- tucky. Reuben C. Hill, the father of him whose name introduces this review, was born in Kentucky, but spent the greater part of his life in Tennessee. Ile studied medicine and for many years successfully practiced his profes- sion. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California and earned a large amount of money. Ile was a skilled physician of generous impulses and humani- tarian principles and his aid was never solicited by the poor and needy in vain. Every movement for the general good received his support and co- operation and for many years he was a much beloved and zealous minister of the Baptist church. Ile took a deep interest in educational matters and en- dowed the MeMinville Baptist College, in McMinnville, Oregon. He mar- ried Miss Margaret Lair of Kentucky, who was associated with him in much of his work in behalf of humanity. The journey across the plains to Cali- fornia was made with oxen and for two years he remained on the Pacific coast, meeting with excellent success in his labors. In 1852 he returned to
S. A. Hill and Family
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his wife and children and the following year brought them with him across the plains, this time taking up his abode in Benton county, Oregon. Sub- sequently he removed to Albany, where the remainder of his days were passed in the active practice of the medical profession and in preaching the gospel of peace and good will to men. He was thus closely identified with two of the most important calling's to which man can devote his energies-the al- leviation of human suffering, and the work of preparing men, not only for the duties of this life, but also for the glories of the life to come. He died in Albany at the ripe old age of eighty-four years, but his memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him and his example is yet a potent influence in the lives of those with whom he came in contact. He was so- licited by his fellow citizens to represent them in the legislature of Oregon and held that position of honor and trust for a number of terms, always putting forth his best efforts for the good of the young state. He left the impress of his individuality upon many lines of life, promoting lasting prog- ress and improvement, and high on the roll of honored pioneers of the Pa- cific coast is his name enshrined. His wife was a brave pioneer woman, who met courageously the conditions of frontier life and shared with her husband in the good work which he accomplished and the influence which he exercised. She departed this life at the age of eighty-three years. Nine children were born unto theui, three daughters and six sons, of whom two of the sons and one daughter have passed to the great beyond. The surviving sons of the family are: W. Lair, an eminent attorney of San Francisco; J. L., a physi- cian of Albany, Oregon ; Taylor, a capitalist residing in Prineville, Oregon; and George Alfred.
George Alfred Hill was a youth of only eleven years when, with his parents, he crossed the plains to Oregon in 1853. He was educated in the common schools of the Sunset state and was reared upon the home farm, assisting his father and continuing his education until nineteen years of age, when he became a school teacher. He was twenty years of age when the country became excited over the discovery of gold at Boise, Idaho, and mak- ing his way to that place he there engaged in placer mining for three years, . also in prospecting and digging, enduring all the hardships, dangers and ex- posures that come to the miner who invaded a new region, where the com- forts of an older civilization were unknown. Like all miners he met with success and reverses and after these experiences he returned to his home in Albany, Oregon, where he was engaged in the drug business. He also read medicine, acquired a knowledge of chemistry, and successfully continued in the drug business for six years. While living in Albany he also served as a
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member of the city council for two years and was recognized as one of the leading and influential men of the community. In 1874 he was elected county clerk of Linn county, which office he satisfactorily filled for two years.
In the meantime Mr. Hill began reading law and acquired a taste for the profession, but his health becoming impaired he was advised by his physician to seek outdoor employment and he removed to eastern Oregon, where he engaged in stock raising, which proved a very profitable source of income, as well as giving him the necessary outdoor exercise, which soon restored his health. For three years he was engaged in that pursuit, but re- reverses overtook him and Indian depredations also robbed him of his profits. so that he abandoned the business after losing nearly everything that he had saved from his former business undertakings. In the fall of 1880 he passed an examination before Judges Hanford, White and Jacobs, whereby he was admitted to the bar. He then actively entered upon the practice of his pro- fession and soon secured a good clientage. For a number of years he was in partnership with Harold Preston, of whose ability Mr. Hill speaks in the very highest terms. This partnership was terminated in 1884, at which time Mr. Hill was elected police magistrate. He proved a most capable official and at the close of his term resumed the private practice of law, in which he has gained distinction, owing to his comprehensive knowledge of the prin- ciples of jurisprudence and the clearness with which he applies his learning to the points in litigation. He has likewise become largely interested in real-estate transactions and has done much for the improvement of the city along building lines. He has platted several additions to the town, which his foresight told him would be in time a good source of income, for he be- lieved that the future would witness the rapid development and substantial growth of the west and time has proven the wisdom of his opinions.
In 1870 was celebrated the marriage, in Albany, Oregon, of Mr. Hill and Miss Julia A. Driggs, a daughter of Jeremiah Driggs, a brave Oregon pioneer of 1847. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill have been born three children, two of whom are living: Victor, who is clerk in a drug store in Seattle, and Donald V. S., who is yet in school. Recently Mr. Hill has erected a nice residence in the southern part of town on a five-acre tract of land, and has made it a valuable and pleasant home. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known, and their home is celebrated for its courteous hos- pitality. As the years have passed Mr. Hill has taken a very active and influ- ential part in many lines of activity that have contributed to the progress, improvement and prosperity of Oregon and of Washington. While in the
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former state he was a member of the Albany Volunteer Fire Department, from 1872 until his removal from the city, and on coming to Seattle lie en- tered that service here, remaining with it up to the time that it became a paid fire department. During the great fire which destroyed the city in 1889, he rendered valuable service in saving the building in which his office and books were located, his previous experiences as a fireman enabling him to take up the work on the spur of the moment. Of the Masonic fraternity Mr. Hill is a representative, having been made a Master Mason in Corinthian Lodge, No. 17, F. & A. M., in Albany, in 1869. He is a past master of Ionic Lodge. No. 90, and became a member of Bailey Chapter, No. 8, R. A. M., while at the present time he belongs to Seattle Chapter. No. 3. He like- wise holds membership relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Ancient Order of United Work- inen. He is an agreeable and cordial gentleman and is a worthy and esteemed citizen and pioneer. To the soldier who, upon the field of battle has risked life in defense of his country, the United States owes a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid, but she is equally indebted to the brave pioneers who faced the dangers, hardships and trials of the west in carrying civiliza- tion into frontier regions. Their tasks demanded courage and resolution, and their work has been a benefit, not alone to themselves, but will be en- joyed by generations to come, and it is fitting that their name should be found upon the pages of history.
HORACE H. CHESBRO.
Among the successful and popular young business men of the city of Seattle is the subject of this sketch, who is senior member of the firm of H. & H. Chesbro, here engaged in the handling of all kinds of musical instru- ments and merchandise, while both members of the firm are skillful musicians and have taken a prominent part in the development of the interests of the "divine art" in the community, being held in high estimation in both busi- ness and social circles.
The family of which our subject is a representative in the agnatic line is one which has been long identified with the annals of American history. the original ancestor in the new world having come hither from England and taken up his residence in the colony of Massachusetts in the early part of the seventeenth century, while he later became the founder and first white settler of Killingly, Connecticut. Representatives of the name, which has been variously spelled by different branches of the family,-Cheesebrough, Chese-
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brough, Chesbro, etc.,-became prominent in the history of New England, while from a comprehensive genealogical work to be published within the present year by a descendent of the line in New York city, it is shown that the family now has representatives in nearly all sections of the Union, while on the list are many in the various generations who have become distin- guished in connection with the political, professional and civic affairs of the nation. (For the benefit of Mr. Chesbro, the writer would say that he is in the maternal line of this same family and knows these facts to be true, the work mentioned having been compiled in extenso by Mrs. Cheesebrough- Wildey, of New York, and being very comprehensive .- Editor).
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