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 52
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
In the fall of 1867 Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Anme M. Peebles, a native of New York, and the same fall they erected their cottage on the corner of Front and Spring streets, which district was then almost an unbroken wilderness. In the family were five children : . Alson L .. of the firm of Kinnear & Brown, real estate agents of Seattle: Brownie. the wife of R. M. Kinnear, her brother's partner; Ora, Anna and Helen, all at home. The children were provided with liberal educations and the success of the father enabled him to leave his family in independent finan- cial circumstances. Mrs. Brown has erected a magnificent residence ir one of the best districts of the city and this handsome abode is celebrated for its attractive social gatherings.
When death claimed Mr. Brown, one who knew him wrote of him: "In the passing away of Amos Brown the sound country loses one of its best pioneer citizens. For over forty years a citizen and actively identified as he was with the growth of the country, his death cannot be considered in
479
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
any other light than as a loss to the community. He was public-spirited and interested in any movement for the promotion or advancement of measures for the general good and he was scrupulously honest and upright in his deal- ings with his fellow men. The punctual liquidation of a debt or obligation was one of the cardinal principles of his character. Liberal and benevolent, he was well known for his generosity, yet his giving was always without ostentation or display. When but a boy he exhibited this same generous spirit and kindly solicitude for others, and often when wet, cold and hungry himself. he would carry wood and food to a poor widow, who lived neighbor to his parents, before providing for his own comfort. He always took a lively interest in young men and aided many in securing positions where they could advance their own interests through diligence and ability. In the early days of his residence in the northwest he was known as the friend of the Indians and as he never took advantage of them or betrayed their confidence he was loved and trusted by them. He always had a kindly feeling for the unfor- tunate and erring and often when men were arrested for vagrancy or trifling offences he secured their release, pledging himself to furnish them employ- ment and become responsible for them. It is pleasing to know that his kind- ness was appreciated and seldom abused." Fraternally Mr. Brown was con- nected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, but he had few ties of that character. He found ample opportunity to do good through other channels, and many have reason to remember him with gratitude and love. He belonged to that band of strong, self-reliant, energetic and courageous men who laid the foundation for the wonderful development of the northwest, and Mr. Brown also lived to take an active part in building the superstructure of the great commonwealth through the advancement of one of the leading cities west of the Rockies.
ROBERT WOOD.
For nearly a score of years Mr. Wood has been identified with mercan- tile activities in Renton, and thus may well be considered one of the pioneer merchants of the city, where he located when it was but a small hamlet, and where he has contributed his due quota to the legitimate advancement of public and commercial interests and has built up one of the most important business enterprises in the place, the same having had a modest inception but having expanded in scope and importance with the growth of the town; and now it stands a credit to the able and discriminating methods brought to bear and bespeaks that unswerving integrity and honor through which
48c
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF
alone are begotten public confidence and support. Such is Mr. Wood's posi- tion in the community that he is peculiarly entitled to definite consideration in this compilation, which has to do with the representatve men of King county.
Mr. Wood is a native of Northumberland, England, where he was born on Christmas day of the year 1836, coming of stanch old English stock. His parents, William and Catherine ( Tate) Wood, were born in the same section of the fair English isle, where the father was engaged in mining during the greater portion of his active business life, having been a man of true Chris- tian piety and noble character and having instilled into the minds and hearts of his children the valuable lessons of honesty, industry, sobriety and integ- rity. To the precepts and examples of his honored parents the subject of this sketch feels that he is indebted for all that he has made of his life, and that it has been a worthy one none who know him can deny. The mother of our subject passed away in her sixty-hrst year and her husband at the age of sixty-two, and of their two sons and four daughters Robert is the only representative in the state of Washington.
Robert Wood was reared and educated in his native land, where he de- voted his attention to agricultural pursuits until coming to America. In Northumberland county, England, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Susan Henderson, who was born in the same parish as he was, and in 1882. in company with his wife and their ten children, he came to America, be- lieving that here were to be found better opportunities for the attaining of success through individual effort and that here wider advantages would be afforded his children. They proceeded at once to the state of Texas, where Mr. Wood was engaged in the sheep business for two years and also in farm- ing. but his success was of a rather negative order and he finally disposed of his interests in the Lone Star statc, whence he came directly to Renton, Wash- ington, where he opened a small grocery store, the town having then but few inhabitants. With the era of development and prosperity his business grew in scope and soon demanded larger quarters, while the careful and honorable methods have continued to hold to the establishment a representative patron- age. To pass through the commodious and well equipped department store now conducted by Mr. Wood and his sons, it would be difficult for the aver- age observer to believe that the business had been developed from so small a nucleus, for the establishment would do credit to a much larger city. Four stores are utilized in the accommodation of the enterprise and these afford a frontage of one hundred feet, with a large floor space, while all classes of merchandise demanded by the trade of Renton and its tributary territory are
481
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
handled, the stock being at all times select and comprehensive in the various departments.
As his able coadjutors in conducting the business Mr. Wood has his three sons, William, Edward and Joseph, and they are known as active and capable young business men, sharing in the esteem which is so uniformly accorded their father. The other children are: Susan. the wife of Robert Harris, of San Diego, California; Annie, the wife of John Marlow, of Ren- ton; and Catherine, Richard. Mary, Ellen and Robert, who remain at the parental home. The family all hold membership in the Christian church, of which Mr. Wood has been for many years an official, while he has also rendered most effective and devoted service as Sunday-school superintendent, having been a deacon of the church prior to his removal from England. while his interest in the cause of religion and morality has ever been shown by goodly words and deeds. His sons have made an excellent business record and enjoy the good will and esteem of the people of the community in which they have so long maintained their home and in which they have ably co- operated with their father in the building up of a successful and noteworthy business. Mr. Wood has from time to time made investments in local real- ty and is the owner of a number of valuable properties in the town to whose upbuilding and material advancement he has so largely contributed. He has a high appreciation of the dignity of honest toil, and with him character is the significant thing, not mere wealth or social prestige, which are so often the result of fortuitous circumstances. He takes a proper interest in public affairs of a local nature and is one of the representative citizens and business men of Renton, which now holds precedence as one of the attractive and prosperous little cities of the beautiful Evergreen state.
FRANK M. DUGGAN.
The subject of this sketch, one of the best known lumbermen on Puget Sound, was born in Gardiner, Maine, September 22, 1856. He came from a pioneer family, his father having resided at Gardiner for many years. Mr. Duggan came to Mendocino county, California, in 1874, and for one year worked in the woods of that state. Coming to Washington in 1875, he was for six years in the employ of W. S. Jameson of Port Gamble, one of the lead- ing loggers of the state. The five years following he had charge of the oper- ations of the Pacific Boom Company on the Skagit river. Locating in Seat- tle in 1893 he has since followed continuously the occupation of log scaler until to-day he is probably the best known scaler on the sound.
482
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF
In addition to the work in scaling. Mr. Duggan in conjunction with Messrs. William and Hugh Studdert and M. F. Brown established the Seattle Tug Company, of which Mr. Duggan became manager. This company operates boats on the sound, engaged principally in towing logs, and has built up a most profitable and successful business. Mr. Duggan can point with pride to a proof of his well known integrity and fairness, in this, that there is scarcely a mill or logger in the state who will not accept his scale with- out question.
In 1886 he was married to Miss Kathryn Kiernan of Port Gamble. They have one child and reside on Fourteenth avenue in Seattle. Mr. Dug- gan is a firm believer in the future greatness of his city and state, and evi- dences the fact by judicious investments in real estate.
MILTON DENSMORE.
The fitting reward of a well spent life and useful business career is re- tirement from labor so that in a season of rest one may enjoy the fruits of former toil. This has been vouchsafed to Mr. Densmore, one of the early settler: of Seattle. He arrived in this city on the 22d of December, 1872. and from that time to the present has taken a deep and helpful interest in its welfare and progress.
Mr. Densmore was born in Chelsea, Vermont. October 30, 1839, and is of English lineage. Joel Densmore, his great-grandfather. emigrated from England to Deering, Massachusetts, and ilenry Densmore, the grandfather, was born there. He became one of the best Methodists living in that part of the country and was a man of considerable prominence and influence in his community. His son, William Densmore, was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Ann Davis, who was born in Chelsea and was the daughter of Nathan- iel Davis, descended from an old New England family. By trade he was a stone mason, and in religious faith was a Methodist. To the parents of our subject were born four sons: Jason, now residing in Hanover, New Hamp- shire: William, of Royalton, Vermont. Milton; and Colonel Edson S .. youngest of the family. for twenty-one years served as officer and usher in the executive mansion, Washington, D. C .: he died during Harrison's ad- ministration. The mother died in 1854, and the father passed away in 1858.
Milton Densmore was educated in the public schools of Chelsea, Ver- mont, and was reared upon his father's farm, working hard in the summer months amid field and meadow, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies. By the time he was nineteen years of age he had lost both of his
483
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
parents, and since that time has provided entirely for himself. As the archi- tect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in the business world. He continued to work upon the home farm until the ist of September, 1862, when he vol- unteered for service in the Union army as a member of Company D, Twelfth Vermont Infantry, and was with the First Army Corps in the army of the Potomac. He was in the battle of Fairfax Courthouse and Rappahannock. and also in the great decisive battle of the war at Gettysburg, escaping without injury in that sanguinary struggle where so many brave soldiers fell, although he was in the thickest of the fight. His brother Jason, who was a member of the Tenth Vermont Infantry, was wounded in the hip at Petersburg. Mr. Densmore's term of enlistment having expired, he re- enlisted in October, 1863, and from orderly sergeant was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant of the company. After this the regiment was held in reserve in Vermont until the close of the war. He returned to his home a veteran and victor and resumed the peaceful vocation of farming.
In the year 1867, however, Mr. Densmore left New England and re- moved to Beloit, Wisconsin, where he was married on the 25th of Sep- tember, 1867, to Rosamond S. Merwin. They lived in Beloit until 1871, at which time they came to Seattle, bringing with them their first-born child, Herbert Milton, who was the joy of his parents' hearts for twelve years and then passed to the home beyond. James Worth, their next son, was born in Seattle, received an excellent education and is now a professor of music : on the 28th of August. 1901, he married Miss Olivia C. Peck; they are prominent young people of the city and have many friends.
After his arrival in Seattle Mr. Densmore aided in laying the first iron rail in the Puget Sound country. After a short time he engaged in steamboating for the Seattle Coal Company, as captain of the Ada and other steamboats, being connected with that work for four years. He then opened a grocery store at the corner of Union and Third streets, conducting that enterprise for twelve years, meeting with gratifying success, a liberal pat- ronage being accorded him. He safely passed through the hard times and had the satisfaction of being able to pay one hundred cents on the dollar when many men were forced into financial ruin by the stringency of the money market at that time.
Mr. Densmore has been a life-long Republican and served for two terms on the Seattle city council, while for seven years he has been a member of the school board. He has always taken a deep interest in the educational ad- vancement of the city and his efforts in this direction have not been without
484
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF
result. In 1801 he built the pleasant and commodious home in which he is now living with his family, spending the evening of a useful, active and hon- orable life there in practical retirement from labor. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been made a Mason in George Washington Lodge No. 51, F. & A. M., in Chelsea, Vermont, in 1860. He is also a charter member of the Grand Army. Stevens Post, of Seattle. \ loyal soklier, a faithful and enterprising citizen, a reliable business man. a trustworthy friend, a devoted husband and father and a consistent Christian,-such is the life record of Milton Densmore.
IRVING T. ALVORD.
Irving T. Alvord is one of the native sons of Washington and for a number of years has been prominently identified with the interests of King county. Ilis well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life. his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him a handsome property, and his life demonstrates what may be accom- plished by the man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of seemingly discourag- ing circumstances. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact. and the history of King county would be incomplete without the record of his career.
Born on his father's farm near Kent. Washington, on the 6th of August. 1865. Mr. Alvord obtained his elementary education in the public schools of that place. after which he received a four years' course in the Washington State University at Seattle. Returning to Kent in 1886. he worked one year for his father, after which he started for himself as a renter. Although Mr. Alvord is now possessed of a two hundred and seventy acre farm, and owns a dairy of two Inmdred and forty cows, he still rents two large farms in con- nection with what he has. He early made dairying his specialty, although doing some general farming on the side. and from a paltry begining has built up a handsome business, whose general sales exceed twenty thousand dollars per year.
Mr. Alvord is possessed of great determination of character, and is essentially a self-made man. He was married at Kent in 1891 to Miss Dora M. Jones, a native of Georgia. Two children have graced this union, Eugene and Dorothy. Mr. Alvord is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and has at all times a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellow man.
485
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
WILLIAM J. COLKETT.
The name of William John Colkett has been inscribed high on the roll of Seattle's honored pioneers and eminent citizens, and the part which he has taken in the development of the city well entitles him to prominent mention in this volume. During the past twenty years he has held the position of assis- tant postmaster of Seattle, and throughout this long period his fidelity to the public trust in the discharge of his official duties has been most marked. Mr. Colkett was born in Burlington county, New Jersey, in 1857, and is of Eng- lish and Scotch ancestry, but for six generations members of the family have resided in the United States. Joseph Colkett, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of New Jersey, was a life-long farmer, and was one of the prom- inent early Methodists. His son, Goldy Colkett, was born in Burlington county, New Jersey, and was there married to Miss Mary Ann Engle, also a native of Burlington county, and they were worthy and consistent members of the Methodist church. He was a painter and decorator by occupation and was called to his final rest at the age of sixty years, and his wife reached the age of sixty-four years, when she, too, was called to the home beyond. . This worthy couple became the parents of five children, but only two of the number still survive, the daughter being Sarah, now the wife of J. S. W. Shelton of Shelton. Mason county, Washington.
William J. Colkett received his early education in the schools of his native county, and later supplemented the knowledge there gained by a one year's business course in the University of Washington, he having been the first male graduate of that institution, the year of his graduation being 1880. His father had settled in Washington in 1866, and on the 3d of November. 1876, lie joined the family in this state, making the journey by rail to San Francisco, and thence by boat to Port Madison. In the town of Coupeville he at once secured employment in the store of Major Haller, in which the postoffice was also located, and it was there that he first became familiar with the duties of that position, continuing in that capacity for two years. After the completion of his business course in the university he had charge of the postoffice of this city for five months during the absence of the postmaster. and for a time thereafter he clerked in the store of Corliss P. Stone. From that time forward he was employed at intervals in the office, each time re- ceiving a raise in his wages, and he finally became a permanent employe there- in, in which he has acted in every capacity with the exception of that of letter carrier. When he first assumed the duties of his present position the office was allowed twenty-seven dollars a month for clerk hire, and Mr. Colkett re-
486
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF
ceived the entire amount, he performing the entire work in the office; includ- ing that of sweeping the floor. Close study has given him a keen insight into the important duties of his position, and he has literally "grown up" with the office and is now the able assistant of this great office, with its immense busi- ness and its many clerks and letter carriers. He has witnessed the growth of Seattle from a town of thirty-six hundred inhabitants to one of over one hundred thousand, and during this time he has labored to goodly ends and is leaving the impress of his individuality upon the public life, the substantial growth and the material development of the city.
The marriage of Mr. Colkett was celebrated on the 28th of August, 1884. when Miss Clara E. Lombard became his wife. She is a native of Maine and a daughter of R. R. Lombard, who came to Washington in 1860. They have four children, Emory E., Marion L., William J., Jr., and Burton R. all born in the pleasant home in Seattle which their father erected about seven- teen years ago. Although Mr. Colkett was reared in the faith of the Dem- ocracy he now votes independently of party ties, casting his ballot in favor of the men whom he regards as best qualified to fill positions of trust and repons- ibility. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend. and for six years he has served as a member of the school board, while for two years of that time he was president of the board. He aided materially in the erection of the school buildings, one hundred rooms having been added during his two terms of office, and was active in adding to the city schools the department of manual training. For a number of years he has also been an active member of the chamber of commerce, of which he is now a trustee. In his social relations he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while religiously he is a member of the First Baptist church. Devotion to his family and friends. fidelity to every trust reposed in him and advocacy of all that. tends to benefit mankind .- these are the salient characteristics of William J. Colkett.
HARRY R. JACOBS.
Throughout his entire life Harry R. Jacobs has been a resident of the Pacific coast, and he is now accounted one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of King county. His integrity and uprightness are beyond question. and every public measure having for its object the betterment of mankind in general and this state and vicinity in particular is certain to receive his earnest support.
He was born near Salem, Oregon, on the 2d of October, 1864. When hut four years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seattle.
487
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY.
Washington, and to the public school system of that city he is indebted for the early educational advantages which he enjoyed. Later, however, he be- came a student in the Washington State University, leaving that institution at the age of twenty years. After putting aside his text books, he served a two years' apprenticeship at the plumber's trade, while for the succeeding four years he followed that occupation as a journeyman. His father, Judge Orange Jacobs, a well known pioneer of King county, purchased in 1884 a small farm in the White river valley, near Kent, as a home for his family, and since 1894 our subject has made his home thereon, devoting his time and at- tention to general farming and fruit-raising. In political matters he exer- cises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Repub- lican party, and is an active and influential worker in its ranks. For a num- ber of years he has served as a delegate to the nominating conventions, while for a period of seven years. he was school clerk of school district No. 12. For two years he was also a member of the drainage commissioners for drainage district No. 1. of King county. Thus it will be seen that he has long been identified with the public interests of the county, and he stands to-day as one of its most honored and highly esteemed citizens.
The marriage of Mr. Jacobs was celebrated in Seattle in 1894. when Miss Helen R. Young became his wife. She is a native of Nova Scotia, born in 1874. and since 1890 she has been a resident of Washington. Three children have come to brighten and bless their home, Lucinda Margaret, a maiden of six years; Rolland Davenport, a promising lad of three years; and Helen June. a babe of one year. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs is an attractive one, and their numerous friends are always made welcome.
HENRY FUHRM.IN.
In the extension of Seattle's boundaries and the improvement of its prop- erty interests a number of business men have been concerned. Among this number is Henry Fuhrman, who has platted one of the additions to the city and who in the control of his real estate interests has manifested marked busi- ness ability and executive force. He was born in Germany in 1844. belong- ing to one of the old families of that land. In his native country he acquired his education and then when nineteen years of age crossed the Atlantic to the new world, believing that he might have better business opportunities in this country where labor is not hampered by caste or class but where every avenue is open to diligence and enterprise. He located in Fremont, Nebraska. and he not only had no capital but had very little knowledge of the language of
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.