An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington, Part 167

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1172

USA > Washington > Skagit County > An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington > Part 167
USA > Washington > Snohomish County > An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington > Part 167

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).

914

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

can relate many interesting reminiscenses of those early days when one needed rubber boots or a boat to go from Riverside to Bayside. The story of why Mr. Angevine came west clearly exemplifies the truth of the saying that "a single stone may turn a river." Immediately after marriage he went to Boston, intending to buy lots and locate in that metropolis of the Bay state. However, the real estate man with whom he was dealing, thinking he had Mr. Angevine safely in his grasp, raised the price $200. This so provoked the latter that on seeing a large poster advertising "Cut Rates to San Francisco," he and his wife immediately decided to come west without having ever seriously considered such plans before. Nor has Mr. Angevine ever had occasion to regret that quick decision which so sud- denly and clearly crystallized his opinions of the east and his desires.

At Boston, Massachusetts, in June, 1889, Miss Rachel Tuttle, a native of the Nova Scotian penin- sula, born in 1861, became the bride of John Francis Angevine. Her father, James Tuttle, and her mother, Ellen ( Cox) Tuttle, were both born in that province of eastern Canada, the former in 1815, the latter in 18 ??. James Tuttle was a farmer of sub- stantial position ; he passed away in 1890. Mrs. Tuttle is still living, residing with Mr. Angevine in Everett, and although far advanced in years is hale and hearty in the mellow sunset of life. One son, Lorin, born in skagit county, June, 1891, is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Angevine. Mrs. Ange- vine is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is affiliated with the Ladies of the Maccabees. Politically, Mr. Angevine is a life-long Republican. His present position of influence in the community has been obtained through meritorious endeavors in the business world and the recognition of his obligations and responsibilities as a citizen. As a pioneer he underwent the vicissitudes common to those who pass through that period in a commu- nity's life and as a present day citizen he is recog- nized as a force in the local business world.

BERT JAY BRUSII, the popular, widely known Everett photographer has established a repu- tation as an artist of rare talent that might well be the envy of any member of his profession on Puget sound. Many of the finest illustrations in this work came from his studio and give ample testimony of his skill. Mr. Brush comes of a family known for its artistic abilities, his father, James A. Brush, being at the present time a successful photographer in the city of Minneapolis. The elder Brush was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1846. Mrs. Alice (Sprague) Brush, the mother of the subject of this biography, is also a native of Detroit, born in 1847. Her father, now retired from active business pur- suits, was a stove manufacturer in the Peninsula state. The beautiful "City of the Straits" became the

birthplace of Bert Jay Brush in 1870, but as the family soon removed to Minneapolis, he received his education in the public schools of that northern city. Later he attended business college, thus fit- ting himself thoroughly for the practical side of life. Upon leaving the latter institution he went on the road as a traveling salesman for Douglas & Stewart, Cedar Rapids, manufacturers of cereal foods, remaining so engaged for two years. At the end of that time he entered his father's studio and applied himself to mastering the business he now follows. After two years of training he opened a studio in southern Minnesota, which he conducted successfully three years, leaving there in 1903 to establish his present studio in Everett, deeming the western field a broader and more satisfying one. HIis business has increased steadily from time to time in a most gratifying manner, necessitating the enlargement of his quarters, and quite recently lead- ing him to purchase the Westfall, formerly the Bart & Cantwell, studio at 2801 Wetmore avenue, which he now occupies. This purchase consolidated two of the strongest studios in this section of the sound, the Bart & Cantwell scenic plates being a noted col- lection.

Mr. Brush and Miss Alice Isabelle Moore were united in marriage at Minneapolis in 1891. Her father, Theodore L. Moore, born in 1850, and formerly a car repairer by trade, is still living in Minneapolis ; her mother, Sarah E. (Jones) Moore, was born in New York state in 1850 and is the daughter of a farmer. Mrs. Brush is a native of Winona, Minnesota, born in 1873, at a time when that city was still in its earliest days. Two children have blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brush : Ethel, born in 1892, and Hazel, born two years later, both of whom are attending the Everett schools. Fraternally, Mr. Brush is connected with the Modern Woodmen, Woodmen of the World and the U. of F .; Mrs. Brush is a member of the Wom- en of Woodcraft. In political matters, Mr. Brush has always taken his stand with the Republican party, though he is liberal in all his views. He is thoroughly devoted to his work and to him has come a deserved success, while his genial, sub- stantial personal qualities have won to him a host of loyal, admiring friends and well-wishers.

HENRY FRIDAY .- Few families are as well known or as prominent in the history of Everett as the one of which the subject of this sketch is a member. From the earliest beginnings of the city more than fifteen years ago down to the present day the Fridays have been actively interested in promoting Everett's welfare and growth and the names of Henry Friday and his estimable. talented wife, Mrs. Electa Friday, will ever be linked with the story of this community's progress. Henry Friday was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April

915

BIOGRAPHICAL

11, 1859, of German parentage, the son of Fred J. and Mary Elizabeth (Joost) Friday. The paternal ancestor was born in Germany, in 1820, and immi- grated to America about 1851, settling in Milwau- kee. He was a miller by trade and erected a mill in that metropolis which he operated until 1862. when he sold out and removed to Hartford, in the same state, and was there actively engaged in busi- ness until his death in 1887. Mrs. Friday was born in Germany also in 1822, the daughter of a mer- chant; she passed away in 1902 at a ripe age. Henry Friday received his early education in the public schools of Hartford. He further prepared for a business life by taking a course in a business college at Milwaukee, and after finishing there ac- cepted a position as clerk in a general merchandise house in that city. He was nineteen years of age at this time and had been reared on a farm. Soon, however, he took up railroad work and a little later went on the road as a traveling salesman for an implement house, being so engaged for five years. Owing to a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism he finally resigned and went back to the old homestead near Hartford on which he spent about two years. In 1893 he came west to Everett and engaged in buying and selling real estate and building houses, several of which he still owns to- gether with many others he has since erected. He has dealt extensively in city property since. his advent into the community. In 1896 he was elected secretary of the Board of Education of school dis- triet No. 2. and until December. 1902. filled this responsible position continually, in itself the best token of his fidelity to the trust and to his abilities. Mr. Friday has also served two years as conneil- man from the second ward, further indicating his public spirit and the position he holds among his fellow townsmen. Since 1902 he has given his attention entirely to looking after his private busi- ness interests. Politically he is a Republican, zealously devoted to his party's interests, and is at present serving as the second ward's member of the county central committee. Mrs. Friday holds an appointment as deputy sheriff. made necessary by reason of her caring for certain classes of pa- tients at the hospital mentioned further along in this review. Mr. Friday is prominent in the Masonie fraternity, being a Knight Templar and a Mystic Shriner, besides belonging to the Eastern Star of which his wife is also a member ; she is also affiliated with the Daughters of Isis. Ile also be- longs to the Odd Fellows and was the third man to sign the charter roll of Everett Lodge No. 3, B. P. O. E. Both Mr. and Mrs. Friday are adherents of the Episcopal church.

Mr. Friday and Miss Electa Rossman, the (laughter of George C. and Lydia ( Mowry) Ross- man were united in marriage in 1884. Iler father was one of the most influential citizens of his sec-

tion of the state, owning much property, conduct- ing a bank, operating mills, farms, etc. He was born in 1811 in New York state and with his brother became the founders of Hartford, Wisconsin, origi- nally called Rossman's Mills. Ilis father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and Mrs. Friday has in her possession many papers of parchment signed by James K. Polk as president when Wisconsin was a territory. George C. Rossman passed away in 1859. Lydia Mowry was also a native of New York, born in 1836. She died in 1879. Mrs. Fri- day was born at Hartford in 1856. After obtaining a thorough education in the public schools, the am- bitious young woman matriculated at Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, from which she received her degree in 1878. Two years after her arrival in Everett, or in 1895, she was appointed by the board of lady managers of the old Everett Hospital superintendent and general manager and while so engaged established Everett's first training school for nurses, graduating the first class ever grad- uated in Everett in September, 1898. She resigned her position with the hospital in 1900, and in 1904 again took charge of the Everett Hospital upon her own responsibility, conducting it with marked success until October, of that year, the building at that time being sold to the Bethania High school corporation. Mrs. Friday, however, immediately removed her business into the present commodious, modern quarters it now occupies on Hoyt avenue, these buildings having been erected and equipped by herself especially for the purpose. There are four buildings, the main hospital, the maternity hos- pital. the training school for nurses and the home of Mr. Friday and herself. It is one of the largest and best equipped private institutions on the lower sound, and the largest in Snohomish county. Mrs. Friday has exceptional executive ability and by her thorough methods and courteous treatment has placed her institution upon a most substantial basis. It is interesting to note that this property stands upon the old Friday homestead, a claim taken by Frank P. Friday in the later 'eighties at the time the Ruckers and Swalwells settled on the peninsula. Both Mr. and Mrs. Friday have long since won the respect and esteem of the community at large and because of their genial, unselfish personal qualities are blessed with innumerable friends and regarded as influential citizens of the county.

EARNEST A. NICKERSON, vice-president. manager and treasurer of the Mukilteo Lumber Company, operating the largest mill in Snohomish county and inferior in size and equipment to none on Puget sound, may deservedly be classed as among the leaders in the development of this sec- tion. While others have sought out the country, established civilization upon its borders and to some

916

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

extent laid bare its wonderful resources, a no less honorable, and highly beneficial work in pioneer industrial development has been done by the type of men to which he whose name heads this sketch belongs. The Nickersons are of Scotch descent, though by reason of long residence in America, fully entitled to be known as Americans. Thomas Nickerson, the father of Earnest A. of this review, is a native of Maine, born in 1826, and is living in retirement in Los Angeles, California, after a long life unusually well filled with broad activities. He is one of Minnesota's pioncer lumbermen who arose to a high place among his associates in that indus- try. His wife, Dora ( Nickerson ) Nickerson, passed away at Elk River. Minnesota, in 1895. She, too, was born in Maine in 1830, and was the daughter of a sea captain.

Earnest A. Nickerson was born in 1868 and is a native son of the most northerly of the great trio of lumber states, Minnesota, in which he was reared and educated. After finishing the public schools he matriculated at the University of Minnesota, and as a member of the class of '91 received his B. S. degree. Immediately he entered the lumber business in Minnesota and was thus engaged until he came to Puget sound in 1900 and, in association with Governor Clough. of Minnesota, built the Clark-Nickerson mill at Everett. This plant, which is still being operated, is one of the largest on the sound and one of Everett's main industries. Two years ago, however, Mr. Nickerson organized the Mukilteo Lumber Company whose plant is situated on the sound five miles south of Everett. A full mention of this mammoth plant is made elsewhere in this volume, so that it is unnecessary to re- iterate the details here. It may be said in passing that this mill has a capacity of 200,000 feet of lum- ber every ten hours, besides an enormous amount of bi-products, and employs a small army of men. being practically the life of Mukilteo.

The marriage of Miss Minnie R. Rexford, the daughter of Edwin W. and Alzuma Rexford, to Mr. Nickerson was solemnized in Minnesota in 1893. Mr. Rexford and his wife are Canadians. born in 183; and 1817 respectively, and are at pres- ent residing with their son-in-law and daughter in Everett. Mrs. Nickerson is a native of Minnesota and was a member of Mr. Nickerson's class in the University of Minnesota. While attending that in- stitution he became affiliated with the Delta-Kapa- Epsilon fraternity and she with the Kappa- Alpha- Theta, another Greek letter society, these being the only fraternal orders with which they are connected. Two children, Marjorie and Randolph, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nickerson. The family home on Rucker avenue is one of the handsomest and sightliest in the city and no less richly endowed with culture and a warm hospitality that draws and holds friends.

Politically, Mr. Nickerson is a Republican and always has been. His broad-guaged views in pub- lic and private matters, keen, thorough grasp of business affairs generally and of the lumber indus- try in particular, and his democratic bearing com- bined with his recognized integrity make him a young man of force in the community, respected and popular to a degree seldom accorded men occupying his position in life.

JOHN E. STONE, of the firm of Westland & Stone, real estate, insurance and investment agents, Everett, among Snohomish county's leading and most conservative agencies, is a native of Canada, born in York county, Ontario, July 17, 1861. Ilis ancestry is distinguished on both sides of the house. Henry Stone, the father, was born in the province of Ontario in 18?1, of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, one of his fore-fathers having been a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1726. Mrs. Edith ( Brown ) Stone, mother of John E., was also born in Canada. Her American ancestors originally came over from England. where the family was an eminent one. She is still living in Canada, surviv- ing her husband who passed away in 1900. After finishing the public schools and taking a course at the Rockwood Academy, in his native county, John E. Stone entered his father's office. The elder Stone was at that time and had been for many years county clerk. In 1829 the young Canadian went to Detroit, Michigan, where he entered the offices of the Michigan Central railroad as a telegrapher. Later he arose to the post of train dispatcher. Af- ter two and a half years' service he returned to Canada and engaged in the general merchandise business at Tottenham, Ontario, his old home. There he resided until 1888 in which year he sold out and came west to Vancouver. There he accepted a position with the Canadian Pacific, as general store- keeper. However, before entering upon his duties he crossed the border into Washington Territory on a visit to relatives in Snohomish and so pleased was he with the country and opportunities offered that he determined to remain. During the first eight months of his residence in this county he was with the Seattle. Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad Company at Snohomish. Then he resigned to be- come cashier of the Lumberman's Bank, of Snoho- mish. Subsequently he resigned as cashier of this institution, having acquired a considerable body of land at Sultan and there in 1890, erected the first sawmill or wood manufacturing plant east of Snoho- mish. This was before the Great Northern system came through the valley. He overated this saw- mill until the disastrous flood of 1894 destroyed it and left him stranded. He then became Great North- ern agent at Sultan and shortly afterward was pro- moted to the train dispatcher's office at Leaven- worth. After serving in the capacity of dispatcher

917

BIOGRAPHICAL

for some time he was appointed general ticket and freight agent at Everett and this position he was filling with marked capability at the time of his re- tirement in 1901 for the purpose of forming his present business partnership with A. J. Westland. In addition to the large agency business this firm transacts annually, Mr. Stone has substantial per- sonal interests in realty on Puget sound. He is a firm believer in a future for the sound and for Everett whose greatness is but barely discerned to- clay ; in fact his whole career in this section proves his faith to be steadfast and every year sees his judgment verified.

Mr. Stone and Miss Jessie Wingard, daughter of I. and Catharine ( Laverock ) Wingard, were united in marriage at Tottenham, Ontario, Decem- ber 21, 1889. Mrs. Stone was born in Morris, near Montreal, and finished her education in the noted Ladies' Wesleyan College, at Whitby, Ontario. Three children have been born to this union : Cath- erine Laverock, William Edward and Jessie Edith. The family are Presbyterians.

Fraternally, Mr. Stone is affiliated with the Ma- sons, Odd Fellows, Elks and Modern Woodmen of America. He is an active Democrat, influential in the local councils of his party. In 1903 he was the Democratic nominee for mayor of Everett, an hon- orary nomination in view of the party being in the minority. As one of the county's pioneer business men he has assisted in laying the foundation for the community's present stability at personal self-sacri- fice, and to-day is numbered among the city of Everett's public-spirited, aggressive and successful business men.

FREDERICK K. BAKER, of the widely known Ferry-Baker Lumber Company, Everett, one of the most aggressive and prosperous concerns of its kind on the sound, naturally occupies a substantial position of influence in the lumber trade of the Northwest. No one of his associates in the lumber industry is more cognizant than he of the unex- celled opportunities offered by the wonderful forests of this section taken in connection with its shipping and marketing facilities, and the success he has at- tained since his advent here is conclusive proof that he has risen to those opportunities with a rapidity and an ability indicative of his power in the business world.

Fleming, New York, is the birthplace of Freder- ick K. Baker, the date being 1861. His father, Elijah P. Baker, a physician by profession, was a native of the Empire state also, born at Owasco. Ile (lied in 1893 at the age of seventy-four years after a long, useful career in the humanitarian work to which he devoted his life. Elizabeth ( Spingler ) Baker, the mother of Frederick K. Baker of this review, was born in Weedsport, New York; she

passed away in 1862, while still a young woman. Frederick K. received his early education in the Cayuga Lake Academy, at Aurora, New York, one of the leading institutions of its character in that section of the country, and upon leaving it took up his first independent work in life, that of teach- ing. When twenty years old he went to New York City, where he entered the Mercantile National Bank as a clerk. A year and a half later he resigned to accept a position with the Fourth National Bank of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in which he eventually arose to the assistant cashiership. However, bank- ing appealed to him more strongly as a fine course of training than as an occupation for one without large means, so in 1888 he resigned from the Fourth National and entered the lumber business at Me- nominee, Michigan, to which industry he has since tlevoted his energies. Ile came to Everett, Wash- ington, in 1901, at that time taking charge of the Rice Lumber Company's interests, since succeeded by Mr. Baker's own company, of which he is now one of the principal owners. He gives his personal attention to the management of the large institu- tion, to which no doubt much of its success is duc.

Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Lynne Edie, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1886. She is a native of the Peninsula state, born at Lowell, to the union of James Orton Edic and Laura (Gaskill) Edie, the latter of whom passed away in 1883. Dr. Edie is still residing in Grand Rapids, where he is a practicing physician. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker, Elizabeth. Katherine and Dorothy, all of whom re- side at the family home in Everett.

Fraternally, Mr. Baker is affiliated with the Ma- sonic order in which he has taken all except the 33rd degree. Ile is also a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, four of his ancestors having fought in that memorable conflict. While a resident of Menominee his keen public spirit and characteristic energy led him to take an active in- terest in public affairs, as the result of which he was elected an alderman and later president of the city council. In 1898 he was nominated by his party, the Republican, as state senator for the Thir- tieth district, and was elected, serving one term in the legislature of Michigan. He declined a re- nomination as his business interests had been re- moved to the west. For six years he was chairmin of the Republican county committee of Menominee county and he also served on the state central com- mittee. He was recognized as an able man by his party and no doubt would have been given still higher honors by his fellow citizens had he remained in Michigan longer. He is recognized in Snoho- mish county as no less able a man along whatever line his activities lead him, and is deservedly popu- lar and esteemed. the kind of man who is a distinct force in his community.

918

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

WILLIAM RUTHERFORD PRATT, proprie- tor of Pratt's Cash Pharmacy, one of the oldest established business houses in the city of Everett, has won an enviable standing in his profession, and substantial commercial success during his fifteen years of residence in Snohomish county. Ile has witnessed the entire growth of the city of Everett, partaking personally in its progress, and was for years prior to his removal to Port Gardner bay. identified with the business interests of Snohomish City.

The subject of this biographical sketch comes of Colonial American stock and was born at Syracuse. New York, in 1854. His father, Amasa Pratt, was born at Waddington, the same state, in 1821, and was the son of a Revolutionary patriot who attained honorable distinction in that confliet. Amasa I'ratt was a farmer and followed that line of activity with success during a long, useful life, which terminated in 1887. Mrs. Marintha (Goodrich) Pratt, the mother of William R. of this article, is a native of Florence, New York, born in 1824, of pioncer American ancestry also. She resides with her son in Everett. William R. Pratt was educated in the public schools of Syracuse, attending until eighteen years of age. Upon finishing his school work, he entered the employ of C. W. Snow & Company. druggists, of Syracuse, and in that house acquired his primary knowledge of the profession of phiar- macy. After four years of service with that firm he resigned to broaden his experience with other houses and thus worked in different parts of the state. Eventually he became manager of a drug house in Jacksonville, Florida, remaining in that store until 1884, when he returned to Syracuse and opened an establishment on his own responsibilty. That city was his home and the scene of success- ful labors until 1891, when the call to the Pacific Northwest became so strong that he could not re- sist but sold his business and started. He located at Snohomish: City, where he entered the employ of the well known pioneer druggist, Lot Wilbur. With Mr. Wilbur he remained three years or until 1894, when he came to the thriving little town of Everett and assumed the management of the Pioneer Drug Store, owned by G. W. Swalwell. A year later Mr. Pratt opened a store of his own at the corner of Hewitt and Maple avenues and later removed to his present central location, 1811 Ilewitt avenue, corner of College Lane, in the heart of the city. Mr. Pratt on resuming his own business in 1895, adopt- ed the cash system which was at that time unique in Everett, and so successful did it prove that he has ever since retained it. He owns his business realty.

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.

An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington, Part 167

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1906 Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1172

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1172