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 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
Horace Hastings Chesbro is a native of the state of Connecticut, hay- ing been born on the 21st of May, 1875, the son of Dr. George Edward and Della (Cook) Chesbro, who now maintain their home in Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, the father having devoted his entire business life to the practice of medicine and surgery and being an able and honored member of his pro- fession. His wife was born in the state of Maine and is a representative of one of the old and distinguished families of that commonwealth. Of the seven children of. Dr. and Mrs. Chesbro five are living at the present time, the subject of this review having been the second in order of birth. Horace H. received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Portland, Oregon, and he completed the scientific course in Valparaiso, Indiana, being graduated as a member of the class of 1897, while he also received a very thor- ough musical education in Valparaiso, Indiana, having a comprehensive the- oretical and technical knowledge and showing marked facility and talent in luis interpretations. He became a successful teacher of pianoforte music and his interest in all that touches this great art, which embellishes all phases of life, is insistent and enthusiastic. Mr. Chesbro arrived in Seattle in May, 1889, two weeks prior to the ever memorable fire which so nearly obliterated the business section of the city, and he was for a time in the employ of the firm of Venen & Vaughan and later in that of Winter & Harper, both promi- nent music firms of this city. In 1897 he entered into business on his own responsibility, becoming associated with Charles H. Harper in the establisli- ing of the same, and this alliance continued until the death of Mr. Harper. in 1890. the relations having been most harmonious and the strongest mutual confidence and friendship having existed between the interested principals Upon the death of Mr. Harper our subject admitted to partnership his brother. Harry N. Chesbro, who is also a talented musician, and they have built up a successful business in the handling of pianos, organs and other musical instruments and merchandise, having an eligibly located, well
145
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
equipped and attractive establishment at 1207 Second avenue, and receiving a supporting patronage of representative order, the personal popularity of the two principals contributing not a little to the advancement of the business. They handle the Weber, the Henry F. Miller, the Kurtzman and the Kohler and Campbell pianos, of New York, being exclusive piano and organ dealers. In politics Mr. Chesbro maintains an independent attitude, giving his support to tliose candidates whom he considers most eligible and best fitted for prefer- ment, and fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World. The firm has gained an excellent reputation in the city and the business is con- ducted with that ability and fairness that insures a continuous expansion in its scope and importance.
On the 16th of February, 1901, Mr. Chesbro was united in marriage to Miss Ella Holm, who was born in the state of Minnesota, the daughter of Charles Holm, one of the well known citizens of Seattle.
FRANK V. MORGAN.
One of the prominent and representative business men of Seattle, Wash- ington, is Frank V. Morgan, the present manager and one of the stockhold- ers of the Seattle Ice Company, which was established in that city in 1882 by WV. B. Bushnell and was purchased by the present corporation in 1897. Their plant is located on the corner of First avenne south and Charles street, and they also have a factory in Tacoma. They manufacture distilled water ice, and in connection with that business conduct a cold storage and are largely engaged in fish freezing. Their ice is shipped to all parts of the Sound. and so large is their trade that they can hardly manufacture ice enough to sup- ply the demand.
Mr. Morgan, the experienced manager of this enterprise, was born in Newton, Massachusetts, on the 7th of April. 1867, and is of Welsh descent. The progenitor of the family in America first located in Connecticut, but shortly afterward removed to New Hampshire, in which state our subject's father, Henry B. Morgan, was born in 1828. His maternal ancestors were members of the Avery family, which can be traced back to the fourteenth century. They were among the early settlers of Massachusetts and were quite prominently identified with the early history of that state, many of the family being distinguished ministers. Our subject's father was for many years engaged in the express business, and was a stanch Republican in poli- tics, being one of the organizers of the party in his locality. He married Miss Martha Ann Jones, also a native of the old Granite state, who departed this
I46
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF
life when in her thirty-fourth year, while he lived to be sixty-six years of age. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are still living.
During his boyhood and youth Frank V. Morgan attended the public schools, completing his education, however, at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio. On coming west he first located at Sacramento, California, where he was en- gaged in the ice business for six years, while his brother, Fred, who is now bookkeeper of the Seattle Ice Company, was engaged in the same business in Sacramento for nine years. At that time they shipped ice from Tincker, Colorado, as there were then no ice plants in successful operation. Together our subject and his brother came to Seattle and purchased their present busi- ness, and being men of experience and ability in that line they are now meet- ing with marked success. They are members of the Manufacturers' .Asso- ciation, and occupy a foremost position in the business circles of the city with which their lot is now cast.
In 1895 Mr. Frank V, Morgan was united in marriage with Miss Ger- trude Holt, and this union has been blessed by a little son, to whom they have given the name of Percy Avery. In his social relations Mr. Morgan is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in politics is identified with the Republican party. Public-spirited and progressive, he takes a deep inter- est in the affairs of his adopted city, county and state, and does all in his power to advance the public welfare, but he has never cared for political honors. HIe applies himself closely to his business, and has made for himself an envia- ble record as an upright, honorable business man.
HENRY OWEN SHUEY.
In financial circles the name of Henry O. Shuey is an honored one and stands as a synonym for integrity. This gentleman is proprietor of the H. O. Shuey & Company Bank of Seattle, and also the Bank of Ballard. He is likewise the manager of the Equitable Building, Loan & Investment Asso- ciation of Seattle, and his labors have ever been of a character that has con- tributed to public progress and improvement and to the general prosperity as well as to his individual success.
Mr. Shuey is a native of the state of Indiana, where his birth occurred on the 29th of April, 1861. His father, Daniel Shuey, was a native of Vir- ginia, and in 1827 removed to Indiana, where he was married to Miss Nancy Owen, whose birth occurred on May 5. 1821, in the state of North Carolina. In the Hoosier state they became prominent farming people, the father own- ing large tracts of land and in addition to its cultivation he was extensively
.
I47
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
engaged in stockraising. His wife was a valued member of the Methodist church for twenty years, but later in life she became a member of the Chris- tian church and remained one of its adherents until called to the home pre- pared for the righteous. She died in 1899 at the age of seventy-eight years, having long survived her husband, who departed this life in 1868, at the age of fifty-nine. The three sons of their family are as follows: Rev. Thomas J. Shuey, a minister of the Christian church located in Rock Island, Illinois ; James B., a prominent and influential farmer living on the old home- stead in Indiana; and Henry Owen.
After his father's death the last named remained with his mother upon the home farm until nineteen years of age, attended the schools and on leav- ing home went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he worked his way through the Northern Indiana Normal School, providing for the expenses of the course by sawing wood and by following any honest pursuit that would en- able him to acquire an education. He was graduated in 1885. and soon afterward was married to Miss Hessie Sherrill, who was born in his own county and was a daughter of the Rev. James W. Sherrill, a Baptist minister of Indiana.
Mr. Shuey engaged in farming in the east for two years and in Feb- ruary, 1888, arrived in Seattle, where he embarked in the insurance and loan business, in which he met with a splendid degree of success. As his financial resources increased and his opportunities broadened he became iden- tified with the various interests of the city and state and acquired a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout Washington. He has made hosts of friends among all the people with whom he has come in contact and with whom he has transacted business, and his record is a most creditable one, for no one has ever sustained a loss through him on account of poor loans. His reliability and integrity are beyond question and his efforts while bring- ing to him prosperity have also been of great benefit to his fellow men, he having assisted hundreds of people to acquire homes or enable them to en- gage in business for themselves. He has worked his way up through the most honorable methods and he is now one of Seattle's most highly respected citizens, having acquired wealth, which returns to him an annual income of over twenty-five thousand dollars. He is now the heaviest stockholder in the two successful banking houses previously mentioned. He takes great de- light in his business, possesses unflagging energy and keen discrimination and is notably prompt and reliable. His business policies have been perfect system, careful economy, and the strictest punctuality, and to such a course his success can be justly attributed.
148
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF
In his political views Mr. Shuey is a Republican, but is not an office- seeker. He is an active and earnest member of the Christian church, in which he is serving as elder and has been largely instrumental in the building of the several mission churches of the city, while lie deserves the credit of liav- 111g built one of the best churches of his denomination in the state at Everett. Hle has also taken a deep interest in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association and of the different religious societies of the state. His influ- ence is ever on the side of the right, the true and the beautiful.
Mr. and Mrs. Shuey have had two sons: Charles E., who died when six years and nine months of age, and Clyde S., who was born April I, 1897. They have a beautiful home in Seattle and a host of warm friends in the city of their adoption, where Mr. Shuey has won such brilliant success that is so worthily earned.
ARTHUR A. SEAGRAVE.
Arthur Amasa Scagrave, thie proprietor of the Occidental Hotel, at the corner of Third avenue and Cherry street, has been a resident of this city since 1887. He was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, on the 25th of July, 1841, and he traces his descendants back to Lord Seagrave, of England. His ancestors were among the brave and heroic band of Pilgrims who landed on the rock-bound shores of Massachusetts from the Mayflower, coming to this country in search of that religious liberty which was denied them in the mother country. They were participants in all the early history of the col- onies, and the great-grandfather of our subject. John Seagrave, was a mem- her of that noble band of patriots who fought so valiantly for the liberty of the colonies. The father of Arthur Seagrave was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, on the 20th of January, 1808, and he was there married to Miss Almena Ross, who was born in Connecticut in 1812. Her father, Ziba Ross, served his country as a drummer in the War of 1812. During the early years of his life Mr. Seagrave was engaged in agricultural pursuits. but later he became a contractor and manufacturer of building stone. He had also followed the profession of teaching, and was a surveyor of much ability. .At the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and ever afterward remained a loyal supporter of its principles. Ile departed this life on the 8th of March, 1880, at the age of seventy-two years. Two of his sons, Austin and Orville, served in the United States navy during the Civil war, the former as paymaster and the latter as assistant in that capacity.
Arthur Amasa Seagrave is indebted to the public school system of his
149
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
native town for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent on his father's farm, and during the period of the Civil war he was employed in the Burnside Rifle Manufactory, where they were engaged in making guns for the government, they having manufactured several hundred thousand rifles while he was there employed. He was drafted for service during the struggle, but the company rather than spare him from their shops paid three hundred dol- lars for a substitute, which amount the state of Rhode Island afterward re- turned to the company, for it was believed he performed better service for the government in manufacturing guns than he could have possibly done in the field. After the close of the struggle Mr. Seagrave engaged in the sale of woolen goods which had been manufactured by his relatives, many of the Seagraves being prominent woolen manufacturers, and later he re- moved to Omaha, arriving in that city on the 21st of May, 1868. In con- nection with his brother and a cousin he there established a private school, which he conducted for a number of years, and then entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railway Company, first as an express messenger and was later placed in charge of the construction department. He was subsequently transferred by that company to the Oregon Short Line, where he had charge of the material department and construction train, and to him is accorded the honor of being the first conductor on that division. Removing to Port- land, Oregan, in 1882, lie issisted in the establishment of the Northern Pa- cific Express Company, in which he was associated with Superintend- ent Browning. After two years spent in that connection Mr. Seagrave re- moved to Olympia, Washington, where he organized a company for the manufacture of wooden pipes, of which he was made the president, and he was also one of the leading stockholders of the company, remaining with it for a number of years. Since 1887 he has made his home in Seattle and immediately after his arrival here he began investing in city property, but during the great fire of 1889 he suffered 'a loss of several thousand dollars. He had previously built and was the owner of the Seagrave block, at the corner of Virginia and Third avenues, and after the destruction of the city by fire he was urgently requested by the mayor and the councilmen to con- vert this into a hotel, which he did, and thus became the proprietor of the Seagrave Hotel. He subsequently removed into a large brick building, erected by Jesse W. George, at the corner of Main and Occidental avenues, and there he conducted his hotel for about seven years, but about this time, owing to reports published in the newspapers, the building was considered unsafe, and Mr. Seagrave thus lost many thousands of dollars. In 1894 he
150
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF
came to his present location, where he is the proprietor of the Occidental Hotel. He is a kind-hearted and obliging host, and his hotel enjoys a large and lucrative patronage. Ile is also the owner of a ranch just outside the city limits, where he raises a large variety of small fruits and vegetables and also poultry and hogs, and thus he not only furnishes his table with many of the delicacies of the season but gains that healthful exercise which he so much needs and enjoys. In addition to supplying his own table with meat he has also sold as high as fifty swine in a single year.
The marriage of Mr. Seagrave was celebrated in 1874, when Miss Selina S. Glass became his wife. Several children came to bless their union, but only one daughter. Mabel A., now survives, and she is now a student at Wellesley College, of Massachusetts. She graduated in the Seattle high school as the valedictorian of her class. and she is also a fine equestrian and a member of the Seattle Equestrian Chib. Mounted on her black horse, Frank, she has won many prizes for fine riding. She is also an active and valued member of the Methodist church, and she has hosts of warm and admiring friends in this city. After eleven years of happy married life the union of Mr. and Mrs. Seagrave was dissolved by the hand of death, the wife and mother being called to the spirit world. On the 19th of May. 1888. Mr. Seagrave married Sarah Chattam, a descendant of Lord Chattam, of England. For ten years prior to her marriage she had been a popular and successful teacher in the public schools of Seattle, and religiously she is a charter member of the Second Presbyterian church of this city. In his fra- ternal relations Mr. Seagrave is a Mason and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while in his political affiliations he is a stanchi and unwavering Republican.
J. HENRY HEMER.
Few men of Seattle are more widely known throughout the state of Washington and the northwest than J. Henry Hemer, the grand recorder of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of this state. He maintains his residence and office at Seattle, where he is known as a citizen of integrity and a man of sterling worth, having many friends in this state. . As his name im- plies. Mr. Hemer is of German lineage, and was born in the fatherland No- vember 29, 1857, his parents being Conrad and Catherine (Goebel) Hemer. Both were natives of Germany and the father served throughout his entire life there as a revenue officer. He and his wife held membership in the Luth- eran church and were people of the highest respectability. His death occurred
15I
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
in 1884, when he was seventy years of age, and his wife departed this life in 1897, at the age of sixty-eight years. They never left Germany, but con- tintied to be residents of the land of their nativity until called to the home beyond. In their family were eight children, of whom seven are yet living.
J. Henry Hemer acquired a college education in his native land and also mastered the business of bookkeeping there, but to a young man of an ambi- tious nature, strong purpose and a keen outlook for future possibilities, the new world was more attractive than the old, and in 1872 he sailed for the American metropolis. For eight years he remained a resident of New York city, being employed there in various occupations but spending most of the time as a stationary engineer. In 1882 he removed to Denver, Colo- rado, and first secured a position in the Windsor hotel. Later he was en- gaged in business on his own account and met with gratifying success. In 1889 he disposed of his business interests there and made a trip to his native country, taking with him his wife and daughter. He spent seven months abroad, visiting his relatives and numerous friends and also looking upon many scenes of historic interest in the old world.
Through the advice of J. WV. Clise Mr. Hemer, upon his return to Amer- ica, canie to Seattle, arriving in this city in November, 1889. He then en- tered the employ of Mr. Clise, having supervision of the men's work under that gentleman. He received the appointment to the position of deputy as- sessor of King county, filling the position very acceptably for two years. He then turned his attention to the barber business and for six years was a member of the firm of Hemer & Noyes. During this period he saved his money and successfully passed through the financial panic which this city underwent after the great fire, being able to retain possession of his prop- erty during that epoch. Mr. Hemer had joined the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Colorado, and, transferring his membership to Seattle, he took a very active part in the work of the order here and became thoroughly posted in all departments connected with the organization. He became one of its most active representatives and was appointed deputy by Grand Master Jones, after which he traveled extensively over the whole of the western part of the state in behalf of the fraternity, visiting every town and meeting with great suc- cess in his undertakings, and doing much for the good of the order, adding many members thereto. So effective were his efforts that in April. 1890, he was elected grand recorder, filling that office to the satisfaction of all con- cerned. In I891 he was re-elected on the first ballot, and in 1902 he re- ceived the unanimous vote of the grand lodge, a fact which indicated how highly his services were appreciated and how valuable were his efforts in
152
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF
behalf of the society. He is likewise a member of the Knights of Macca- bees and the Degree of Honor. In politics he affiliates with the Democracy. Mr. Hemer is ever zealous and earnest in his advocacy of what he believes to be right, and the same devoted loyalty is manifest in his connection with the political party of his choice. He has been endorsed by the Democratic Chul for office, but has not cared to seek public preferment in recognition of his party fealty.
Mr. Hemer was happily married in 1883 to Miss Robina Cumming, a native of Scotland, and their union has been blessed with one daughter, Anna, now a beautiful young lady. She is a valued member of the Episcopal church and with her parents enjoys the confidence and high esteem of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance. They have a very attractive home on Queen Ann Hill, one of the most beautiful residence portions of the city, and Mr. Hemer also has valuable property in Ballard. Mr. Hemer has made good use of his opportunities. He has prospered from year to year, has con- ducted all business matters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts dis- plays an aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the accumulation of a competence to affect in any way his actions toward those Jess successful than he, and has always a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact.
LEWIS S. ROWE.
Lewis Solomon Rowe is a pioneer settler of the Pacific coast, having established his home in California in 1854, and now he is the treasurer of the pioneer society of Washington. A wealthy and respected citizen of Seattle, there is much in his life history of interest to his many friends throughout this part of the country. He was born in Madison, Maine, on the 31st of August, 1834, and is of English and Scotch ancestry, the fam- ily having been founded in New Hampshire at an early period in its his- tory. Solomon Rowe, the father of our subject, was born in the old Granite state, and married Miss Betsey Richardson, of Maine, a lady of Revolu- tionary ancestry. Their union was blessed with nine children, but only four are now living. The father was an industrious farmer, and had large tracts of land, which were largely operated by his sons, while he devoted his time to the work of the ministry as a preacher of the Baptist denomination, leav- ing his home in order to pronounce a wedding ceremony or perform the last sad rites over the departed. His life was an honorable and helpful one and he made many friends, who deeply mourned his loss when at the age of sixty
L& Rowy,
153
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
years he was called to his final home. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-seven years.
Mr. Rowe of this review was the youngest of the family. He attended the public schools and when about fourteen years of age left home to make his own way in the world, walking fifty miles alone to Bangor, Maine, where he bound himself for three years to John Wingate to learn the carriage makers' trade, being paid thirty dollars for the first year and sixty for the second, but during the third year he concluded that his employer was not treating him fairly and left him. He then went to work in a locomotive fac- tory, in which he was paid a dollar and a half per day. After remaining there for two years he took passage on a sailing vessel for San Francisco. The ship was the Orizaba. He had gone aboard as a stowaway, intending to work his passage, and washed dishes during the voyage. When he ar- rived in San Francisco he blacked boots, for which he was sometimes paid a dollar, but soon he got employment which offered better opportunities.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.