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 174

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 174
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 174

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community. He is identified with the Ancient Order of American Workmen, and is known as one of the strong men of that fraternity. A man of wealth and influence, broad minded and public spirited, lie holds an honored position among his fellow citizens.

LOUIS P. ARP. Among the sturdy pioneers of Edmonds, Washington, who have been permit- ted to witness the growth of this busy, energetic town, is numbered the one whose name initiates this biography. Born in Denmark, September 2, 1865, he is the son of William and Sophie (Chris- tianson) Arp. He was but thirteen when he crossed the water and found a home in Omaha, Nebraska. His father's death occurred in Denmark, in 1902, after he had passed his seventy-second birthday. The mother, aged sixty-eight, still makes her home there. Louis P. Arp acquired his education in the schools of Nebraska, making the most of the limited opportunities afforded him. The fourth of a family of thirteen children, he assumed life's responsibili- ties at an early age, being only thirteen years old when he found a home with his uncle and began working in a clothing store. Several years later he took up railroading, on the Burlington system, and so valuable an employee did he prove himself to be that he was advanced to the position of bridge foreman, remaining with the company for five years. He then decided to follow the advice of Horace Greeley, "Go west, young man," and at once started for Seattle, Washington. After a brief stay there he came to Edmonds, arriving here March, 1888. Two houses and a store comprised the town at that remote date, and the only team in town was a yoke of oxen owned by G. Brackett. In the following May Mr. Arp took up a homestead three miles northeast of the present site of the town. It was all densely covered with timber, and to a less reso- Jute and energetic settler the task of clearing and getting it in condition for cultivation would have seemed a formidable one, but Mr. Arp had been so favorably impressed with the climate that he was willing to endure hardships and privations. With rare insight he predicted the rapid growth that would take place when the advantages of this lo- cality became more generally known, and has lived to see his judgment vindicated. For the first two years he spent a part of his time in the employ of the Puget sound and Grays' Harbor railroad, as bridge builder,-working his claim during the win- ter months. Thus year by year he toiled on, and now has a fine piece of property which he rents, while he and his family reside in town. For a number of years prior to leaving the ranch he cut and hauled shingle bolts. In 1900 he purchased an acre of land in town, moving his family hither in hopes that 'a change and the freedom from the manifold duties of farm life would prove beneficial

to his wife's health which had been gradually fail- ing. Here he has a cosy home, surrounded by a fine little orchard. Very soon after coming to town he accepted a position with the Western Shingle Company, and for four years prior to February, 1905, was engineer of their plant. At that time he became a member of the firm, purchasing an in- terest in the mill which now has a daily capacity of 120,000.

In April, 1897, the marriage of Mr. Arp and Miss Maud Depeu was celebrated. Mrs. Arp, a native of Hart, Michigan, came west with hier par- ents, H. W. and Nellie ( Black) Depeu, who now reside in Okanogan county, Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Arp have two children, Alpha and Neva. Mr. Arp is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows lodge, Number 96, of Edmonds, and almost every year since 1895 has been honored by being elected as a delegate to the Grand Lodge. Both he and his estimable wife are identified with the Rebekahs. In political belief he adheres to the doctrines of the Republican party, always taking an active part in its councils, and advancing the cause in every hon- orable way. He is now serving his second term as city councilman, and had previously held the po- sition of road supervisor for three years. This latter work claimed him as a voluntary toiler in the early days when he assisted in opening up the first roads in this locality. The first school was also established largely through his influence. Thus, from the time he first came to this part of the county to the present date he has been constantly contributing to the growth and welfare of the town, and has therefore won for himself the abiding re- spect and esteem of all who have been in any way associated with him. Although not a member of the Congregational church which claims Mrs. Arp as a devoted worker, Mr. Arp contributes liberally to the support of its various departments.

HIRAM H. BURLESON, a well known agri- culturalist residing four miles east of Edmonds, Washington, is one of her honored pioneers. He was born in Potter county, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1855. His father, Chester Burleson, a native of New York, born in 1818, was the direct descendant of Revolutionary stock. His death occurred in Pennsylvania in 1899. Laura (Kyle) Burleson, the maternal ancestor, born in 1835, was also a Penn- sylvanian. She died September 6, 1892, after a life of devotion to husband and children. Hiram H. Burleson is the second of a family of ten. He has two sisters residing in Washington. As a boy he attended the common schools, there acquiring his education. Possessed of unusual strength and abili- ty for one of his years, he drove oxen on his father's farm before he was twelve years old. Having attained his majority he started out for himself,

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renting farms and also working in the woods when opportunities presented themselves. Influenced by the reports of the wonderful fertility of Washing- ton soil, and the manifold natural advantages of the state, he decided to investigate the country, and in March, 1887, went to Scattle. A few months later he came to Edmonds, and located the homestead he still owns. The four rude dwellings which then comprised the town were occupied by the five families that had braved the wilderness to find a home in the west. In a few months he built a tiny cabin on his claim and hither over a rough trail he brought his family to the little home that awaited their coming. The necessary supplies he packed on his back. Almost three years clapsed before a road reached his land, and that the occasion might be duly celebrated, the family indulged in the luxury of a cook stove. He was obliged to seck employ- ment in the lumber camps during the first years of his residence that his family might be provided with the needful food and clothes, and many a time during his enforced absence the brave wife herself packed in supplies. For her there must have been many lonely hours when she longed for the com- panionship of other days, but she, too, was in- spired by the noble spirit of self-sacrifice, and no complaining word fell from her lips. Her nearest neighbor lived two miles away, and the calls cx- changed between them were few and far between, for both led strenuous lives that left little time for social intercourse. To clear off the heavy timber that covered his land required years of toil. After disposing of a portion of the claim, he now owns fifty acres, ten of which are in cultivation. Hc makes a specialty of raising berries, and cultivates such fine varieties that the demand far exceeds the supply. The proposed interurban railroad will cross the corner of his land, and when completed will add greatly to his comfort.

Mr. Burleson was married September 21, 1882, to Miss Della Bartholomew, who is a native of Pennsylvania. Her parents, Ira and Julia (Chand- ler) Bartholomew, both born in New York, are now living in Edmonds. the father in his eighty- fifth year ; the mother, in her seventieth. Mr. and Mrs. Burleson have four children as follows : Ed- ward W., Grace, Lillian and Harrictte. The son, a young man of much promise, has just fitted him- self to take up a university course. Although a loyal Democrat, Mr. Burleson has never taken an active part in political matters, and has never cared to hold office. The subject of education has always been one of deep interest to him, and he, with three neighbors, secured for this community its first edu- cational advantages. He is one of the most promi- nent members of the Free Methodist church, always found in his place at the public services. His pro- fession and daily life being in harmony, he com- mands the unbounded confidence of his many ac-

quaintances. Surrounded by the many comforts and luxuries that are theirs to-day, Mr. and Mrs. . Burleson recall those early years so full of the deprivations incident to pioneer life, and by reason of the contrast are able to appreciate the changed con- ditions that years of arduous labor have wrought.

SAMUEL HOLMES, whose identification with the history of Edmonds, Washington, dates from the year 1887, is one of the most prominent pioneers of the county. Ile is a native of Marshall county, Illinois, born June 25, 1853. His paternal ancestor, Samuel Holmes, was born in 1818, and was of English descent. Settling in Illinois in early life, he became one of the well known lawyers of that state. His death occurred December 13, 1902. Sarah ( White) Holmes, the mother, was born on Albemarle sound, Currituck county, North Carolina, in 1830. When but a chikl of five years she was brought by her parents to Illinois, the journey being made with a team. She died in 1865, leaving four children to mourn the loss of a wise and devoted mother. Samuel Holmes acquired his rudimentary education in the schools of his native state, sup- plementing this by a course at the private college at llenry, Illinois. He then attended Law's Vet- crinary College, from which he was graduated at the early age of seventeen. Although so young in years he at once began practicing, and for several years also had charge of his father's livery barn. At the age of twenty-three he left the old home, going to Harrison county, Iowa, and there follow- ing his profession. In 1827 he embarked in the butcher business as a side line, a step that proved unwise, and before the expiration of the year he found himself financially embarrassed. Closing out his interests there he moved to Woodbine in 1878. and with a capital of thirty-four dollars invested in a meat shop, he made his second business venture. Profiting by his former experience he gradually increased his stock and in the course of a few years was conducting a general market business, buying and shipping stock often by the train load. So closely did he apply himself to the ever increasing demands of his business that in 1886 his health gave way, and a change of occupation was impera- tive. He sold out all his interests and at once started for the Pacific coast, believing that an entire change of climate would hasten his recovery. After visiting Portland, Oregon, for a few weeks, he went to Seattle, thence to Tacoma. remaining in cach city but a short time. Coming on to Ed- monds he found a home with the hospitable Mr. George Brackett, who kindly offered to share his tiny home with Mr. and Mrs. Holmes until they were able to locate a claim and build a cabin for themselves. By January 11, of the following year, Mr. Holines had so far recovered his health that he moved on his homestead, which was all in heavy

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timber, and in a few days erected a cabin, a tent serving as a shelter until this was completed. The first night spent on the claim was one long to be remembered. Wearied by the journey over the rough trail, in spite of cold and discomfort, Mr. Holmes and wife had just fallen asleep when they were surprised from their dreams by the approach of an immense cougar which came seeking shelter from the fierce snow storm raging in the forest. Convinced that his welcome was exceedingly doubt- ful he retired speedily, and never repeated his call. Year by year the forest has given way to the in- vincible energy of this hardy pioneer, and he now has eighteen acres under plow, and an additional forty acres in pasture. He is largely interested in dairying, has a fine herd of thoroughbred Jersey cattle, and operates the Deer Ridge Creamery. He also breeds Durock-Jersey hogs, and is recognized as an authority on matters relating to stock in gen- eral.

Mr. Holmes was married in 1885 to Miss Anna E. Towne, a native of Minnesota. She is the daugh- ter of Salem Towne, who was born in Connecticut. When she was but a child he moved his family to Iowa and there spent the remainder of his life. Eliza Towne, the mother, was born in Ireland, although her parents were of Scotch descent. She was a physician, and for many years practiced her profession, meeting with gratifying success. She died in Bandero, Texas, in 1889, while there on a visit. Mrs. Holmes enjoyed the best of educational advantages, having been graduated with honor from Tabor College, Iowa. She is also a gifted musi- cian, and previous to her marriage had a large class of students. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, as follows: Mrs. Mae Pearl Sweet, whose husband is now holding a claim in Prosser, Washington, but soon to return to Ed- monds ; Guy S., Anna, and Fred. Inheriting from both parents many admirable gifts of mind and heart, it is a family of whom any father and mother might well be proud. Fraternally Mr. Holmes is identified with the Odd Fellows lodge, Number 405, at Woodbine, Iowa. His political beliefs are in harmony with the Democratic platform, and he is one of the most active workers in the ranks of his party. He has twice held the office of deputy as- sessor. Mr. Holmes is planning, in the near future, to desert the present cosy comfortable home and erect an elegant new residence near the new inter- urban line that runs only a quarter of a mile from his house. The situation is one of remarkable beauty, being on the divide between the sound and Lake Washington, and commanding a view of both. In addition to meeting the manifold demands made on his time by his extensive farm, dairy and stock interests, Mr. Holmes has practiced his profession ever since stock was brought into this locality, and his reputation as a skillful practitioner has ex-

tended far beyond the boundaries of his home coun- ty. Few men in the county have a wider circle of acquaintance than has Mr. Holmes, and that he is held in the highest esteem is a guarantee of his upright, manly character.

CHRIS WILSTED, a successful horticulturist residing one and one-fourth miles north of Ed- monds, Washington, was born in Denmark, April 28, 1856. He is the son of Christ N. and Margaret Wilsted, who spent their lives in their native land, Denmark. The father, a butcher and farmer, died in 1894, at the age of seventy-eight. The mother's death occurred in 1899, when she was in her eighty- third year. There were nine children in the family, Chris being the sixth child. Two brothers, Nels Sorsensen and Nels Fisker, live in the state of Wash- ington. A sister is residing in South America. Chris Wilsted enjoyed the benefits of a common school education, and remained at home till he had passed his twentieth birthday. He then determined to cross the ocean and find a home in the United States where the possibilities for making a fortune were far greater than in the fatherland. Reaching the land of promise, he settled first in Minnesota, and worked on farms for four years, during which he made a careful study of the new conditions sur- rounding him, and acquired a greater familiarity with the English language. He then went to Oma- ha, Nebraska, there engaging in teaming for sev- eral years. Having for sometime been desirous of locating in California, he went thither in 1884, but found it far below his expectations, and after a two-months' stay, started for Washington. Ar- riving in Seattle he worked there a few weeks, coming thence to Edmonds, which was then prac- tically a wilderness. Only three families had set- tled here then, and boats touched the landing only when they carried passengers who wished to stop. After he had travelled over a great deal of terri- tory in the vain search for a satisfactory location and spent the $200 that was the sum of his capital, he returned to Edmonds and worked out for a year. He then located a claim on which he resided until in 1891 he sold all but twenty acres of it, retaining the latter as a home. In 1898 he leased the proper- ty where he now lives, and has devoted his entire attention to raising fruit and vegetables. He has a fine eight-acre orchard, and by a careful and thor- ough study of the requirements of the various fruits, he is able to produce superior qualities of the same that command the highest market price.

Chris Wilsted and Miss Anna Anderson were united in marriage in 1885. Mrs. Wilsted, a na- tive of Denmark, came to the United States on the same vessel that carried her future husband. Eight children have been born to this union, Andrew, Chris N., Fred, Theodore, Holgar, Anna, Elsa and

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Otto. The family is yet an unbroken one, as all the children are at home. In political matters Mr. Wilsted occupies an independent position, casting his ballot in each instance for the man whom he deems most capable of filling the office, irrespective of the party by whom he is nominated. He is deeply interested in educational movements, and it was largely on account of his tireless energy and enthusiasm that the first school was established in the locality where he took up his first claim. Sur- rounded to-day by all the modern comforts and con- veniences of life, Mr. Wilsted recalls those carly years when he packed all his supplies in on his back, making a trail as he went. Throughout all the trying experiences of those pioneer days, one friend, Mr. G. Brackett, stood by his side, render- ing invaluable assistance. It is but fitting that such a man as Mr. Wilsted should be held in the highest respect by his friends and neighbors, who have wit- nessed his mastery over adverse circumstances, and who now rejoice in his present prosperity.

RICHARD L. OAKE, manager of the Western Shingle Company at Edmonds Washington, was born in Jackson county, Iowa. November 6, 1861. He is the son of W. Royal and Mary ( Barrick ) Oake, both natives of England, who are spending their declining years in lowa, where the father set- tled in early life. He recently celebrated his sixty- third birthday : his wife is two years his junior. Of their six children, four are living, Richard 1., being their first born. As a boy he attended the com- mon schools of his native state. evincing such a fondness for study that he later entered the high school. and completed the course at the age of fourteen. Ilaving decided very early in life to take up railroading, he at that age entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy as call boy, and although so young, won rapid promotion because of his faithfulness and ability. Six years later when he gave up the road he was occupying the position as fireman. Returning home, he remained there a year. and then started for the west. In 1887 he came to Washington for the first time. locating in Castle Rock, where he found employment as a sawyer in a shingle mill. Ile retained this position until 1897 when he determined to seek his fortune in the gold fields of Alaska. The hidden treasures eluded his eager search, so after prospecting for a time he secured a position on the Yukon and White Pass railroad, which, however, he soon gave up. and came to Edmonds. Three months later he pur- chased an interest in a mill located on the Willapa river, in Pacific county, and for three years devoted

mere, forming a partnership with F. W. Smith and Mr. Gates of Ballard. The business was con- ducted under the firm name of Fred W. Smith & Company. On returning a second time to Ed- monds. Mr. Oake bought an interest in the Western Shingle Company, of which he became secretary and manager. The company is now incorporated, with a capital stock of $10,500, the par value of the shares being $100. The president is C. M. Johnson, a well known resident of the town. This firm owns one of the largest plants of its kind in this locality, having a daily capacity of 125,000.

Mr. Oake was married in Jannary, 1893, to Miss Marie Erben, of Iowa. Her parents, William and Sophie Erben, still live in her native state. Mr. and Mrs. Oake have two children. Raymond, born November 25, 1893, and Hazel, born March 25, 1895. Mr. Oake is an influential member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he ad- heres to the doctrines of the Republican party, but has never had any desire to hold office. He and his family attend the Congregational church. Mr. Oake is fulfilling the bright promises of his boy- hood, for although still a young man. he displays remarkable business acumen. and is rapidly win- ning an enviable success in the business to which he is devoting the best energies of his life. His upright principles and sterling worth are apparent to all who are associated with him, and command lasting respect.

ALBERT E. HILL. Among the thriving in- dustries of Edmonds, Washington, is that conducted by Albert Hill. the well known florist, whose biogra- phy we are pleased to give a place in this history. He was born in Rock Island, Illinois, September 6, 1850. lle is the adopted son of James and Mary Ifill, who were both natives of England. The for- mer, born in Herefordshire, immigrated to Illinois, and later, founded the town of Hillsdale, where for many years he was a prominent merchant. lle and his wife died many years ago. Albert Hill secured an excellent education in the schools of Blooming- ton, Illinois, and after completing his high school course followed his natural bent which lay along mechanical lines. While still a boy he entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton railroad, and having mastered the machinist trade, became an engineer. At the age of twenty-four he accepted a position on the Chicago. Milwaukee & Saint Paul road. oc- cupying the right hand side of the cab until 1894. when he gave up a passenger run to locate in the west. Ile retired from the road with a reputation of which any man might justly be proud. Having his attention exclusively to milling. Selling out his | invested his salary in Chicago real estate while interest at the end of that time, he moved to Sum- mit. Chehalis county, and made that his home for a year. During this time he built a mill near Cash-

railroading, he had accumulated valuable property. Locating in Seattle, Washington, on coming west, he engaged in the wood and coal business for ten

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months, when he was offered a price far in advance of that which he had paid, and considered it the part of wisdom to sell. He then embarked in the real estate business, handling city property in Everett and Edmonds, and also some farm lands in the adjacent localities. He met with flattering success, but notwithstanding this fact he closed out his business in 1904, that he might locate perma- nently in Edmonds. In deciding on his future line of activity, it occurred to him that here was a fine opening for a greenhouse and conservatory, and he at once proceeded to investigate the conditions. He was soon convinced of the feasibility of the project and in the course of a few months had es- tablished himself in business. He has 8,000 square feet under glass at the present time, and will con- tintie to add more as his trade increases. In the near future he will also raise hot house vegetables for which there is an ever increasing demand. He already has what is pronounced the largest business of the kind in the county, and that under his skill- ful management it will rapidly increase in the next few years is an assured fact.

The marriage of Mr. Hill and Miss Sarah J. Clapp occurred in 1871. Mrs. Hill, who was born in her husband's native eitv, is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Clapp, both natives of Ohio. They are now spending their declining years with this loved daughter. The father is in his eighty- fourth year; the mother, in her seventy-ninth. In political belief Mr. Hill is independent, allying him- self with no particular party. Although frequently asked to allow his name to come before the public as a candidate, he persistently refuses to even con- sider the matter. He and his wife are Spiritualists. Not only is Mr. Hill a man of unquestioned busi- ness ability, but he also possesses a pleasing per- sonality that insures goodwill and renders him popu- lar among his fellow men. In the promotion of every public enterprise his influence is always sought, and his judgment is relied on in the dis- cussion of all public measures. He thus contrib- utes materially to the welfare of the town, and is known as one of her strong, influential men.

OLE C. SORENSEN, a prosperous and well known business man of Edmonds, Washington, was born in Norway, March 8, 1862, to the union of Erik and Maren (Hansen) Sorensen. The father was a skillful blacksmith in his native country till his death in 1899, the mother still lives there in her seventy-first year. Of her nine children three have found a home in the United States. The second child, Ole C. Sorensen, received a careful and thor- ough education in the common and military schools of Norway. He remained at home till twenty years of age, then, having decided to seek his for- tune in America, he left the fatherland with bright dreams of the success that awaited him across 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 174

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