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 173

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 173
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 173

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The marriage of Mr. Anderson and Matilda Swenson, the daughter of Swen Pehrson. was solemnized at Seattle November 4, 1887, and

marked the close of a romance which had begun years before in Sweden, Mrs. Anderson crossing the ocean to join him. Mr. Pehrson is still living in Sweden, aged eighty-seven years. The mother died when Mrs. Anderson was but seven years old. .After passing through the vicissitudes and hard- ships of pioneer life to the rewards that followed, Mrs. Anderson was called to the future life April 22. 1905, mourned as a personal loss by all who knew her. To this marriage five children were born. all of whom are living: William, Anton, Bettie. Lottie and Lawrence. The family are af- filiated with the Lutheran church. Politically, Mr. Anderson is a Republican, and attends the caucuses and conventions of his party regularly. He is a director of his school district, on whose board he has served seven years, and is an ardent advocate of good roads, clean, honest government and other public measures that will benefit the country. He is one of the forceful citizens of his community and county.

WILLIAM H. WESTOVER, operating and owning one of the finest farms in the fertile sec- tion lying between Edgecomb and Marysville, Sno- homish county, is one of the original pioneers of the Big Marsh to which he came in 1884. Since that date he has devoted his best abilities and energies to the upbuilding and development of this portion of the sound country with not only substantial financial results but also with credit to his public spirit and unselfish endeavors to promote the gen- eral good.

Of German descent on the paternal and English on the maternal side, William H. Westover was born on the Nova Scotian peninsula, Canada. April 15, 1855. the son of Daniel and Lucy (Silver) Westover. The elder Westover, who followed shipbuilding and farming, was also a native of Canada, born in 1823. His grandfather came to the United States from Germany during the eighteenth century and served with the American patriots in the Revolutionary War. After that conflict the family settled in Canada. Daniel Westover passed away in 1871. Mrs. Westover, the mother of Will- iam H., is living in Seattle in her eighty-fourth year. Of six boys and two girls constituting her family, the subject of this sketch is second in age. Ile worked with his father and attended school in Nova Scotia until twenty-one years old, at that age taking up life's responsibilities alone. He was first employed seven years in the great saw mills at St. Jolis, New Brunswick, at the conclusion of which service he went to Wisconsin. Three years passed in the pineries of that state. In 1884 Mr. Westover determined to come to the Pacific coast and ac- cordingly made his way across the continent t. Seattle. Thence he came direct by boat (there were then no railroads) to Marysville, a little trad-

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ing village near the mouth of the Snohomish river at that time, and in company with other hardy spirits-Seymour Shoultez, Charles Murphy, John W. Dalgleish and one or two others-blazed a trail through the Big Marsh, buried deeply in the forest north of Marysville. There all took land. These men were truly pioneers in every sense of the word, dauntless in their courage, optimistic in their hopes, and willing in the sacrifices they made toward the development of the county. For many years Mr. Westover was obliged to work out for others to obtain a start, but gradually his clearing grew, the water was drained and considerable produce re- warded his annual toil. During the second year of his residence, Blackman Brothers established a log- ging camp between his place and Marysville, and for them he worked a short time. He also spent a period in the coal mines at New Castle, King county, but practically since then he has devoted his entire energies to his place with substantial results. His land is of the very best quality, consisting of one hundred and fifty-two acres, of which eighty are cleared (an unusually large amount for this region), which raises a fine grade of oats and hay. He also maintains a dairy herd and considerable other stock. Mr. Westover has served as a school director of his district, and assisted in building the first schoolhouse erected in the community, cedar "shakes" being used in its construction. Politically. he is a Republican.

In 1893 Mrs. Celinda Avery, a native of Mich- igan, who came with her parents to Washington in 1892, was united in marriage to Mr. Westover. Her mother still resides with her on the farm. Mrs. Westover is a member of the Baptist church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Westover are esteemed by all who know them and honored as pioneers of the commu- nity of which they form so substantial a part.

PETER GRAVELLE, for the past thirty years a resident of Mukilteo, and among the earliest pio- neers of Snohomish county, is of French Canadian descent, a race that has produced frontiersmen so lavishly, and that for courage and ability to make its way in a new country has probably no superior. History's pages are filled with records of their valiant deeds and daring explorations into wild regions and in the far west they have generally laid the foundations of white settlement, largely due to their connection with the old fur companies. The subject of this sketch was born in Canada February 17, 1830, and is the son of Charles Gravelle, who died in 1894, and Jennie (Rabbeau) Gravelle, also dead. Peter Gravelle was denied the privilege of attending school, but by reason of extensive read- ing and careful observation he is nevertheless an educated man and speaks English, French and three or four Indian languages fluently. He left home early, roved far and wide throughout the great un-

settled western country, eventually reaching Puget sound, and followed varied lines of activity to make a living. His first visit to Snohomish county was in 1864, when he made a short stay at the little post of Mukilteo, founded only a few years previously by Frost & Fowler. However, Mr. Gravelle did not decide to settle permanently in Snohomish- county until ten years later, or in 1877. Then he took up his residence at Mukilteo, which has since been his home. As he was one of the first white men to make permanent settlement at that point and has remained steadfastly by the town so many years, he is entitled to be called one of the founders of the place. He built a house, set out fruit trees, planted garden and conducted a large trade with the In- dians for many years, also hunting and fishing ex- tensively all along the shore. Quite well he re- members when the only communication between this point and the outside world was through boats from Victoria, and often not more than one trip a year was made directly between that city and Muk- ilteo. Mr. Gravelle was united in marriage to a native woman, who passed away several years ago .. He assisted in laying the foundation of the present prosperous, progressive Snohomish county, endur- ing hardships and contributing the better part of his life to the cause of civilization and for these serv- ices to mankind he is deserving of substantial recog- nition in this history and his name is justly enrolled among the honored, esteemed pioneers of this sec- tion.

JAMES BRADY .- Among the most prominent citizens of Edmonds, Washington, is numbered the one whose name gives caption to this biography, James Brady, the popular mayor of the town, who succeeded himself at the last election. He needs no. introduction to the readers of this history, as by reason of his long and successful career as a pro- fessor and superintendent of schools in the various towns and cities of Washington his name has be- come widely k known. Born in Rio, Columbia county, Wisconsin, September ?, 1857, he is the son of John and Rosa (Nuggent) Brady, who were both natives of county Cavan, Ireland. The father spent his life as a farmer ; the mother, in caring for her husband and family. James Brady early in life gave evidence of a studious nature and after acquir- ing a rudimentary education in the common schools, completed his education by a course in the Wiscon- sin State University, being graduated in the class of 1882. Going to Minnesota he there took up the- profession which was to claim so many years of his life. Natural aptitude and thorough training hav- ing fitted him for this calling, he very soon at- tracted the attention of the older educators of the state, and became known as one of the talented young men of Houston county. For two years, prior to coming West, he held the office of county

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BIOGRAPHICAL

superintendent there, and established for himself an enviable reputation. In 1888 he made his first visit to the coast, locating in Seattle, then enjoying its first boom. Deciding to embark in the real es- tate business, Mr. Brady opened an office there, which he paid a man $100 to vacate, but, convinced after a year's experience that his former profession yielded a greater amount of satisfaction, he re- turned to it, and spent a number of years in King and Kitsap counties. Later he accepted the prin- cipalship of the schools of Edmonds, a position which he retained for seven years. During this time he spent his leisure hours in the study of law, and was admitted to the bar, but has never followed it as a profession. While residing in Edmonds Ire was actively identified with the municipal life of the city, serving one year as city clerk, and the ensuing year as city attorney. Elected a principal of the Everett schools, he removed thence and made that city his home for two years, when he resigned that he might engage in business in Edmonds. Forming a partnership with his brother, he opened a shingle mill of sixty thousand capacity in 1901, and since that time has devoted his attention almost exclu- sively to building up the enterprise, meeting with gratifying success.

The marriage of Mr. Brady and Miss Mar- guerite Zenner took place in 1888. They came West on their wedding trip, finding a home on the beauti- ful shores of Puget sound. Mrs. Brady is the daughter of Peter and Mary Zenner, both of whom are deceased. Her father was for many years a well known farmer in the state of her nativity- Minnesota.

Mr. Brady is prominent in the councils of the Democratic party, and has always sought most earnestly to maintain the dignity of the party. In 1900 he was prevailed on to be a candidate for the office of secretary of state under Rogers. That he was defeated was a matter of profund regret not only in the ranks of his own party, but among a large number of voters in the other parties who recognized his special fitness for that position. In 1901 he became mayor of Edmonds, and so faitli- fully and ably did he discharge the duties devolving on him that at the expiration of his term he was re- elected. Fraternally he is identified with the Ma- sons and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. As a broad-minded, public-spirited citizen, Mr. Brady has contributed materially to the welfare of the city which now claims him as one of her hon- ored residents.

JAMES W. CURRIE, a widely known lum- berman of Washington, now residing three-fourths of a mile north of Edmonds, Washington, is a na- tive of Canada, born in Northumberland county, New Brunswick, July 25, 1836. IIc is the son of

Hugh and Mary (Walsh) Curric, both of whom died many years ago. The father was born in Glasgow, Scotland; the mother, in New Brunswick. Of a family of eleven children, James W. is the fourth, and is now the oldest surviving member. He has a brother living in Shelton, Washington. Very meager were the educational advantages with- in the reach of Mr. Currie, and he was obliged to leave school when he had but barely mastered the alphabet. His subsequent career illustrates the fact so frequently noted that the stern struggle with ad- verse circumstances in early life often develops the strongest characters and insures the largest meas- ure of success in mature years. Leaving home at the age of twenty-three, he engaged in logging till he left his native country in 1860, and located in Maine. There he followed the same line of activity for some time, going thence to Michigan, where hc accepted the position of superintendent of the cx- tensive logging interests owned by Whitney & Remick, of Detroit. Being thoroughly familiar with the details of the business, he discharged his duties in such a satisfactory manner that he was retained for thirteen years, at the end of which time the work in that location was completed. After log- ging for himself for a few years he decided to in- vestigate the lumber regions of the northwest, and came to Washington in 1815, making the trip via San Francisco. Seattle had not then a foot of side- walk, and gave no promise of the marvelous growth which recent years have witnessed. He remained there six months, and then returned to Michigan, where he resided until 1883. Again seeking a lo- cation in Washington, he, in partnership with An- derson, White and McDonald, formed the Satsop Railroad Company, which was the first company in the state to introduce logging by horse power. He was elected manager of the company, retaining this position until at the end of two years' work in Shel- ton, Washington, he sold his interest to his partners. His residence in Edmonds dates from this time, 1888. when he first settled here, pursuing his former occupation, lumbering, and also milling. For two years he was superintendent for the well-known firmi of Masher & McDonald. He continued in the business for several years after severing his con- nection with that firm, but in later years disposed of his mill and logging outfits.

The marriage of Mr. Currie and Miss Matilda Teabo occurred in 1865. Mrs. Currie, a native of Detroit, Michigan, is of French descent. Mr. and Mrs. Currie have one child, Charles, born in Febru- ary, 1885. Fraternally, Mr. Currie is well known, holding membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Hoo Hoos lodge. The Demo- cratic party claims him as a loyal supporter, al- though he has never cared to participate actively in political matters, nor to accept any official honor. He and his family are prominent members of the

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Catholic church. Mr. Currie's splendid business abilities have won for him a large measure of pros- perity which he is well fitted to enjoy. By his fel- low citizens he is justly considered one of the strong, influential members of the community.

CHARLES P. PETERSON .- It is a fact fre- quently observed, that many of the successful men of this country, in all walks of life, claim some for- eign country as their birthplace. Such is true of Charles P. Peterson. whose biography we are pleased to give a place in this history. He was born in Sweden, February 9, 1860, to the union of Gust P. and Carolina (Erickson) Peterson, who still reside in the fatherland. The father was born in 1849, the mother in 1850. Of their three chil- dren Charles P. is the eldest. His two sisters reside in their native land. Like most young men of that period, young Peterson acquired his education in the common schools, and spent his vacations on his father's farm, becoming practically familiar with the diversified work, and laying the foundation for the sturdy manhood that was to follow. The land across the ocean with its wonderful opportunities for winning fame and fortune became the home of Mr. Peterson when he had reached his twenty- fourth year. He spent the first year and a half in Steuben county, New York, near Buffalo, working on a farm. Going thence to Muskegon, Michigan, he worked in the mills for three years, carefully hoarding his wages until he had sufficient to pur- chase transportation to Washington, which had been the goal of his ambition from the time he severed home ties and sailed for New York. He reached Seattle on a memorable day for the States. it being the time when her history as a state had its beginning. Coming on to Edmonds. he proceeded at once to find employment in the woods and mills of that locality, impelled by the longing to be able to make a home for the brave young wife whom he had left in Michigan. Toiling early and late he accomplished his purpose, and during the years that have intervened has had the satisfaction of reaping the fruits of his years of strenuous labor. In 189: he became identified with the firm of Johnson, John- son & Anderson, in the manufacture of shingles, purchasing an interest in the business which was conducted by a stock company. In 1903, it was in- corporated under the name of the Edmonds' Shingle Company, officered as follows: Charles P. Peter- son, president : C. Johnson, treasurer ; Chris Ander- son, trustee : C. Erxston, secretary. This mill has a daily capacity of 50,000. Few firms in this part of the state are doing a more extensive business than is this one, which rests on a splendid financial basis. That its present standing is largely due to Mr. Peterson's zeal and careful supervision, is a fact that his native modesty might render him un-

willing to acknowledge, but one, nevertheless, that others readily grant.

Mr. Peterson and Miss Mary Johnson were united in marriage, July 5, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson grew to manhood and womanhood in the old country in homes separated by less than seven miles, and never had known of each others' existence until they met in Michigan, where they were married. Mrs. Peterson's mother still lives in Sweden; the father is deceased. Three children have been born to the Peterson's, Walter E., Olga, and Gladys A. In fraternal circles Mr. Peterson is well known, being a member of the Odd Fellows and the Foresters of America. His political be- liefs are embodied in the principles of the Repub- lican party, which claims his loyal support, and his unwearied efforts. During nine years of continued service on the city council of Edmonds, Mr. Peter- son has won for himself the distinction of being one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of that thrifty little city and has materially con- tributed to the general welfare of the entire com- munity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are influ- ential in church circles, the former being a member of the Lutheran church; the latter, of the Metho- dist. A keen, practical business man, a loyal, ener- getic citizen, a kind husband, father and friend, Mr. Peterson is worthy of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow men.

F. H. DARLING, editor and one of the owners of the Edmonds Review, published weekly at that thrifty business center of southern Snohomish coun- tv, was born in New York state September 8, 1854, of New England stock. His father, Elijah Darling, a chemist by profession, was a native of Massachu- setts, the son of Scotch parents. He died in that state in 1856. The mother of F. H. Darling, Mrs. Nancy E. (Stiles ) Darling. was born in New York state in 1824. and there obtained a thorough edu- cation. In 1856 she crossed the continent to the new state of California, becoming one of its early white women pioneers and among the earliest teachers in the gold fields. There she was later united in marriage to E. B. Cooper. In 1861 they removed to Nevada, where she taught in the Aurora schools and of that city her husband served for some time as mayor. Mrs. Cooper, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-two, well preserved and en- joying the many blessings that come of a long life, well spent, is now living at Alameda, California.

The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the public schools of San Francisco after which he matriculated in the University of California, class of '76. When twenty years of age, having completed his preparation, he engaged in teaching. a profession which he pursued with marked success in different portions of the state during the next ten years. As rapidly as possible

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he secured the higher state diplomas for excellence in teaching, until he finally possessed the highest recognition the state could give. In 1881 Mr. Darl- ing entered the Customs service, being appointed as chief inspector at Port Costa, a position which he filled for five years. San Francisco then be- came his home for three years, or until 1888 when he came north to Washington Territory, locating at Edmonds. A year later he was appointed as a mem- ber of the board of education in which capacity he served two years. For fully twenty-five years past he has been connected in various way with news- paper work, for a time writing for the San Fran- cisco Chronicle. Thus, it was only natural that he should have entered newspaper work at Edmonds, when the opportunity was presented and he was urged to take it. up by those who recognized his talents. The Review had been established August 1, 1904, by Richard Bushell Jr., a minister's son, but after conducting it six months, or until Janu- ary 1, 1905, he sold out to Mr. Darling and Mrs. T. M. B. Hanna. Mr. Darling immediately as- sumed charge of the editorial department while she assumed the business management, and together they are issuing one of the brightest, ablest weeklies on the sound. Edmonds is fortunate in possessing the Review, and it is unquestionably a strong factor in promoting the development of the community. Mrs. Hanna is ably demonstrating a business woman's ability in a line of endeavor not often occupied by women. Talented, public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Darling is a man of recognized influence among his fellows as also one of Edmonds' pioneers.

ALLEN M. YOST, who is numbered among the most successful and progressive business men of Edmonds, Washington, was born January 19, 1856, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Dechler) Yost, also born in his native state, were of German descent, and be- queathed to him the thrift, energy, and indomitable will that have played so important a part in his carcer, enabling him to overcome every barrier. The father was a well known builder and contractor ; the mother, a typical German wife and mother, de- voted to her family and friends. Both are deceased. They were the parents of two sons, Allen M. and James W., the latter now a resident of Everett. After acquiring an education in the schools of Penn- sylvania, Allen M. Yost learned his father's trade. following it for a number of years during which he accumulated a bank account amounting to $6,000. Deciding to engage in agricultural pursuits, he went to Kansas, purchased a farm, and for two years bent every energy to the work in hand. He found, however, as so many others have, that the best laid plans sometimes fail to materialize. The first year of his residence there his growing crops which gave evidence of such careful attention. were utterly de-

stroyed by the devastating hail storms that some- times visit that state. The following spring he went through the same round of preparation for an abundant harvest, undismayed by his former ex- perience. For a time all went well, and that he would retrieve the losses of the previous year seemed almost an assured fact. But again he was doomed to disappointment. Over the waving corn and grain fields swept the hot, desolating winds, replacing the verdant freshness with dry, withered stalks that told, at a glance, of another year's wasted labor. To realize that the carefully hoarded earn- ings of years have been entirely swept away through no fault of his own, is a supreme test of any man's character. Unlike many, however, who, under these circumstances, succumb to disappointment and spend the remainder of life simply drifting, Mr. Yost was but nerved to greater effort, assured that sooner or later the tide must turn. Resolved to seek an opening in the northwest, he came to Ed- monds in 1890, and resumed his former trade. Two years later he began contracting for timber and shingle bolts in that locality, and having again made a start in business, the future assumed a brighter outlook. In 1894 he rented a mill located in the woods, and after operating it for a few months was in position to purchase and move it to the water front. He still owns this property, but is now plan. ning to soon tear down the mill and erect a larger one that will accommodate his ever increasing trade. Since embarking in the lumber business in this state he has been visited by fire but once, when a kiln within ten feet of the mill burned. Notwithstand- ing the fact that a bucket brigade was the only means of protecting the mill, with the timely aid of his friends he succeeded in saving the building.

Mr. Yost was married in Pennsylvania in 1875, before he had reached the age of twenty, his bride being Miss Amanda C. Roth, also of Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of John Roth, who died many years ago. Her mother, formerly Miss Hinkle, died in 1900, at the age of eighty. Both parents were of German ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Yost's nine children, all residents of Edmonds, are as follows : Daniel M., Joseph S., John F., Carrie Estelle, Elsie, Jacob, Edward, George, and Samuel. The sons all assist the father in the mill, and share in its earnings. In political persuasion he is a Socialist. believing that the hour has come for a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor, and being a man of strong convictions, he takes a deep interest in the questions of the day, throwing the weight of his influence and personality on the side which he deems right. He has served one term as mayor of Edmonds, and has several times been a member of the city council. Educational matters have also claimed his attention, and as a school director he has been of practical assistance in securing good advantages for the youth of the

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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 173

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