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 200

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 200
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 200

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tectural design. A stream of water runs near by, forming a picturesque addition to the grounds, and supplying the family with the finest varieties of fish.

The marriage of Mr. Phelps and Miss Mary E. Foye was celebrated in Seattle, September 13, 1880. Mrs. Phelps was born in Iowa, and was the daugh- ter of .A. W. and Margaretta ( Buffington) Foye, both natives of Maine. The father is now a resi- dent of Tualco valley ; the mother died here some years ago. The death of Mrs. Phelps, July 20, 1895, occasioned profound sorrow to the entire community in which she had spent so many years of her life and made so many warm friends. Her gifts of mind and heart and her charming person- ality made her everywhere a welcome guest, a fit- ting companion for her honored husband. For the past twenty-eight years Mr. Phelps has been promi- nent in Masonic circles, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandry and Mystic Shrine. He is also identified with the Odd Fellows' frater- nity. The Republican party claims him as one of its most enthusiastic adherents, and has frequently elected him to positions of honor. He has twice held the office of county commissioner, from 1895 to 1892, and from 1899 to 1901. discharging the duties incumbent upon him in a manner highly satis- factory to his constituents. Perhaps to no one man does the valley of Tualco owe a greater debt of gratitude than to this broad minded, public spirited citizen who has cheerfully contributed of his time and wealth to the promotion of every public enter- prise. He was one of the principal promoters of the Tualco Valley Telephone Company, and is at present the largest stockholder. But for his timely assistance doubtless this and many another projected improvement would have failed of consummation. He is also one of the heavy stockholders in the State Bank of Monroe. Uniting with his remarkable bus- iness capabilities the sterling virtues that command . universal esteem, Mr. Phelps is in every respect worthy of the exalted position that he holds in the hearts of his fellow citizens.

PETER PERSON. Among the well known agriculturists and dairymen of Snohomish County, Washington, l'eter Person occupies an honored po- sition. Like so many of the prosperous farmers of the Northwest he claims Sweden as his native land, his birth having occurred there April 4, 1846. He is the son of Peter and Elsa ( Person) Johnson, who were also born in that country. The father followed various occupations in early life, but in later years devoted his attention more exclusively to agriculture, in which he was very successful. He died August 11, 18:4. The mother's death oc- curred February 8. 1878. Peter Person acquired his education in the common schools of his native land, remaining at home till nineteen years of age, when he started out for himself. He was variously

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employed in the lumber camps and on the farms of his native country for many years; but at length deciding that the land across the waters held greater opportunities for an energetic, ambitious man, he made the necessary arrangements, and in 1888 came to the American continent, landing at Quebec. He then crossed the continent to Vancouver, British Columbia via the Canadian Pacific railroad, and procceded thence to Seattle, Washington, arriving July 31, 1888. He spent the fall in the lumber camps of King county, and having taken out his naturalization papers December 4, of that year, hic filed on a homestead near Cathcart Station, on the Snohomish river, which he farmed until 1901, when he sold out and moved to Snohomish county. Pur- chasing the Spurrel ranch situated in Cherry valley, six and one-half miles south of Monroc, on the banks of the Snoqualmie river, he took up dairying on a large scale, and he has demonstrated his ability to make a splendid success of the industry. His fine ranch embraces one hundred and fifty acres, de- voted mainly to raising hay and potatoes.

Mr. Person was married in Sweden, December 5. 1875, to Miss Bertha Nelson, also of Swedish nativity, the daughter of Nels and Golin ( Ander- son) Aaronson. The father, a successful farmer. died in 1865; the mother is still living at the ad- vanced age of seventy-seven. To Mr. and Mrs. Person two children have been born, both natives of Germany. Of these, Nick, born December 29. 1875, acquired his clementary education in his native land, completing his training in the schools of Snohomish county. Fond of agricultural pursuits he has remained at home, working with his father on the farm, and sharing a large part of the re- sponsibility. The daughter, Ingla, born January 28. 1881, was married to David E. Glover. December 27, 1904, and is now residing in Monroc. Mr. Per- son is a prominent man in the ranks of the Demo- cratic party, and has been honored by being elected to many precinct offices. A wide-awake. practical farmer, he has achieved an enviable success, and is known throughout the community as a man of abil- ity and sterling worth.

WINSLOW B. STEVENS. now a resident of Everett, is not only among Snohomish county's carly pioneers but he is also among the white men who, nearly half a century ago, cast their fortunes with those of Puget sound, and have ever remained faithful. That their faith and judgment were not ill founded is becoming every day more and more apparent. Born at Wellington, Piscatiquis County. Maine. December 9, 1837, the son of Phineas and Abagail (Hamm) Stevens, he comes of colonial American stock, tracing his ancestry back on the paternal side to the arrival of three brothers at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1640. His grandfather fought three years in the Revolutionary war.

Phineas Stevens, born in 1199 at Hodgdon, Maine, followed farming until his death in 1856. Mrs. Stevens, also a native of Maine, born in 1811, came of Hugenot ancestry. Her father, Thomas Hamn, was the third settler at Wellington, coming before Maine was admitted as a state. She died in August, 1872. Winslow B. is the sixth of fourteen children, one of them, Hiram, now residing in Seattle. After a common school education Winslow took an acad- emic course with a view of entering Borden col- lege, but in this ambition he failed for at the tender age of twelve he began to make his own way in the world. He remained in the state until 1859, spend- ing the last two years at Machias in the lumber industry, then came to Port Townsend via the 1sth- mus of Panama which he crossed by rail, the trip occupying a day. In all forty-three days were consumed in the journey to Pugent sound. From Port Townsend he immediately went on to Port Gamble, entered the mills July 11th, and there made his home until January 1, 18:1. However, as carly as October, 1863, he made his first trip into Snoho- mish county, entering the employment of Smith & Wilson, loggers on the site of Lowell. Here Mr. Stevens says he felled with an axe the first tree that was floated down the river as a sawlog and person- ally had charge of the first raft, taking it to Priest's Point. After six months with Smith & Wilson, he engaged in making ship's knees on the river flats. turning out those used in building the S. S. Cyrus Walker. In 1866, he left the Snohomish to log on Hood's canal for the Port Gamble Lumber Com- pany, where he was occupied until January, 1821. At that time he sold out and went to Kalama to take charge of a crew constructing the first portion of the Northern Pacific in Washington. In 1872 he removed his family to Tumwater to enable his children to secure better school advantages, and after the great Jay Cooke failure had suddenly cut short the building of the Northern Pacific, Mr. Stevens returned to Snohomish county, arriving in 1814. Since that date he has resided here contin- uously, removing from the old home at Snohomish to Everett in 1900. In 1843, Hat island, in Port Gardner bay, was the scene of the murder of the county's oldest settler, a Frenchman, says Mr. Stevens. This pioneer had taken a claim at Tulalip, but upon the creation of the reservation bearing that name, had been forced to move, which he did, go- ing to the island. Mr. Stevens, Hugh Ross and Harry Spithill appraised his property at the time the estate affairs were settled. Salem Wood, Mr. Stevens remembers as being the first settler in the valley of the Snohomish as far inland as Monroc. and John Cochran he says came about the same time. For the past fifteen years, in a business way, Mr. Stevens has devoted himself entirely to timber cruising with great success, and at present does all the cruising for the H. O. Seiffart Lumber Com- pany, also being in the service of S. A. Buck of

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Monroe, the Sultan Lumber Company and many others. Hale and hearty, unusually well preserved, Mr. Stevens today appears nearer two score and ten years than his three score and ten.

His marriage to Harriett M. Berry, the daughter of Adkins and Sarah Berry, took place in 1863, she braving the perils and hardships of a journey to the Pacific alone in order to join the faithful young lover who had won her affections before leaving the Fine Tree state four years previously. She is a native of Machias, Maine, and was reared on a farm. Her mother was born at St. Stephens, New Brunswick. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, the oldest, Mrs. Flora Floyd, died at Reno, Nevada, in July, 1905; Winslow B. Jr., is at present a resident of Snohomish; Jerome is dead, his death having occurred in November, 1882 ; and Nellie is married and living in Seattle. Although Mr. Stevens is a staunch Republican and has been since he began voting, he has been content to re- main in the ranks, never holding office. He has contributed freely of his energy and skill to the upbuilding of the different communities in which he has resided, Snohomish county in particular, is a pioneer among pioneers, and in his declining years enjoys the confidence and hearty good wishes of his fellow men.

JOSEPH LINDLEY, who resides two miles south of Monroe, Washington, is numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of that locality. Com- paratively few of the grown men now living in the state of Washington can claim the distinction be- longing to him, that of having been born within its boundaries. His birth occurred in Jefferson county, March 19, 1875. His father, John J. Lindley, was of English nativity. In early life he thoroughly mastered the stonemason's trade, and he successfully followed that in connection with farming until his death in Jefferson county, in 1887. The mother, Mary (James) Lindley, was born on the Pacific coast, hence was thoroughly familiar with early pioneer experiences. After a life of service for others, she died in 1883. Joseph Lindley attended the common schools of his native county, and by making the best possible use of his limited oppor- tunities acquired a practical education in the few years he spent in the school room. He assumed life's responsibilities at a very early age, being but eleven when he left his father's farm and started out for himself. Utilizing the practical knowledge he had picked up while working with his father at home, he found employment on the farms of that region, and although but a boy gave evidence of a thrifty, industrious nature which won approval from his elders. Later, he abandoned farming and took up lumbering, working in the camps of Puget sound. By careful economy lie laid aside each year the larger part of his wages, and was thus able in 1899

to purchase the fine forty-acre farm on which he now lives. He took up dairying, believing that to be the most remunerative branch of farming for him at least. His neat, comfortable home bespeaks his thoughtful care for the happiness and welfare of his family.

Mr. Lindley and Miss Mary Johnson were united in marriage in Port Townsend, December 8, 1894. Mrs. Lindley has the honor of being the daughter of Andrew Johnson, one of the most prominent pioneers of Snohomish county, whose residence in Tualco valley dated from 1860. Hav- ing died in 188S, he was not permitted to see the greater transformations that have occurred in the adjacent territory within the past fifteen years. Ellen (Johnson) Johnson, the mother, who was born on the Pacific coast, is still living in Tualco valley. To Mr. and Mrs. Lindley three children have been born : Clarence, Earl and Blanche. Mr. Lindley is an enthusiastic member of the Foresters of America. The principles of the Republican party agree substantially with the political beliefs of Mr. Lindley, and he therefore gives to that party his undivided support, asking no reward in the way of personal preferment. A young man of exem- plary habits and upright character who brings to each task in life a resolute determination to perform it as perfectly as possible, he is destined to achieve a still more enviable success in the years to come than has rewarded his efforts in the past.

GEORGE JOHNSON. Among those who might readily be pardoned for being proud of their ancestry is numbered the one whose career forms the theme of this biographical review, George John- son, the son of the distinguished pioneer, Andrew Johnson. The latter spent his early life in Sweden, his native land,-but, having reached years of maturity, decided to find an opening in the land of promise that lay across the waters. Dissuaded for a time from his purpose to settle immediately in the United States, he followed the sea for ten years, landing at many of the principal ports, and acquir- ing thereby an extended knowledge of the habits and characteristics of the people of other nations. Landing eventually at San Francisco, he proceeded to Puget sound, and there having previously de- termined to abandon the sea found employment in the saw-mills at Port Gamble for the following year. In 1860 he came to Snohomish county, and located at the forks of the Snoqualmie and Skyko- mish rivers, which later became known as Johnson's Landing. He was a prominent factor in the history of that locality, and was known widely as a man of sterling worth. At his death which occurred Jan- uary 15, 1888, his original pre-emption claim was divided among his children. His wife, a native of the Pacific coast. is now residing in Tualco valley, her home for many years. Of their seven children,

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George Johnson is the second. He was born in Snohomish county, July 20, 1867. After acquiring his education in the common schools, he farmed with his father on the homestead, assuming much of the responsibility. When the estate was divided to him fell the forty acres on which he now resides, situated two miles south of Monroe. This is now in a high state of cultivation, and reflects great .credit on the owner who so thoroughly understands the various phases of the work. His dairy is one of the finest in the neighborhood.

On March 17, 1897, Mr. Johnson and Miss Lil- lian Hayes were united in marriage. Mrs. Johnson, a native of Pennsylvania, born October 23, 1868, is the daughter of Henry and Sallie J. (Brown) Hayes. The father was born in Vermont, but later found a home in Pennsylvania where he followed his trade, shoemaking, and also engaged in farming to some extent. In 18944 he severed the ties that bound him to the East and accompanied by his fam- ily, crossed the intervening states, locating on Puget sound. His death occurred in Monroe, six years later. The mother is now living in Monroe. Mrs. Johnson is a genial woman, devoted to her family and friends. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are as follows: George Dewey, born April 6, 1898; Mildred and Miles, twins, born Feb- ruary 16, 1900 ; Thelma, May 18, 1903. Mr. John- son is prominent in the ranks of the Republican party, giving it his hearty support, and advancing its interests in every possible way. He is the worthy son of his father, possessing the ambition, energy and dauntless courage of that hardy pioneer. He is widely known throughout the county, enjoying the confidence and respect of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

GRANIS W. AUSTIN. Few pioneers of Snohomish county are deserving of a more honored position in her history than Granis W. Austin, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Monroe, Wash- ington. He was born in Balton, Canada, Deceni- ber 23, 1834, to the union of Benjamin and Sarah (Peasly) Austin. The father, a native of Mainc, was the direct descendant of the Austin family of colonial history, the members of which were Eng- lish Quakers, who sought a home in this country to escape persecution. The mother was born among the New Hampshire hills, and there spent her girl- hood. Of her six children Granis W. is the second. Availing himself of the somewhat limited educa- tional advantages afforded by the schools of the lo- cality, he acquired a practical training which was supplemented by careful study and observation in life's broader school. Working with his father on the farm till he had passed his eighteenth birthday, he there became familiar with the work that in later years has engaged his entire attention. When he was no longer needed at home he went to the

lumber regions of Wisconsin, and made his start in life, remaining in the state from 1852 to 1859. Fairbault County, Minnesota, then became his home for a year, which was spent on a farm. Finding this less satisfactory than life in the woods, he mi- grated to the northern peninsula of Michigan in 1860, and again engaged in lumbering. Two years later, finding himself in position to carry out a long cherished plan, that of visiting the Pacific coast, and perhaps locating there, he went to San Fran- cisco, via the Isthmus of Panama, and settled in Sierra county, where he was engaged in lumbering and mining for seven years. Thereupon returning to Wisconsin, he resided in that state a couple of years, then recrossed the continent to California over the Union Pacific railroad. Arriving in San Francisco he took passage in the old blockade run- ner, "Prince Albert" to Victoria, and reached Sno- homish county, June 10, 1873. He soon took as a pre-emption claim the land that now con- stitutes his fine ranch, one hundred and sixty acres situated one mile south of Monroe. Only the prophetic eve could discern in the dense forest the smiling landscape that to-day greets the beholder's eye; and only the dauntless pioneer spirit that laughs at hardships and courts Nature in her wildest moods, would ever have un- dertaken to effect the transformation. Accompan- ied by his brave young wife who was one of the first white women to cross the trail from Snohomish to Tualco valley, he reached his homestead and there, miles from the nearest white settler, erected a rude cabin and began the formidable task of clearing the land. The years that followed were fraught with perils and hardships that can only be understood by those who have undergone similar experiences, but gradually the forest gave way to Mr. Austin's indomitable energy, other settlers fol- lowed in his wake, and life became less primitive.

Miss Amelia Wellman, a native of Joliet, Illi- nois, born January 3, 1849, became the wife of Mr. Austin November 16, 1865, the marriage taking place in California. Mrs. Austin is the daughter of John and Rachel (Taylor) Wellman, who were both born in Pennsylvania. Her father, after fol- lowing the carpenter trade for many years in the East, crossed the plains to California with an ox team in 18-19, to seek his fortune in the gold fields. He returned to Illinois for his wife and children in 1851, bringing them to their new home via the Isthmus of Panama. Mrs. Austin was then an in- fant. In crossing the isthmus, the men went on foot while the women and children were carried by the natives. To Mr. and Mrs. Austin eight chil- dren have been born, of whom only three are now living, namely John P., born in Wisconsin, May 25, 1868 ; George, in Tualco valley. November 16, 1874; Ernest. June 6, 1876. Mrs. Austin is prominently identified with the Good Templars and the Macca- bees, also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal churchi.

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Few residents of the county are more enthusiastic Republicans than is Mr. Austin, who is always prominent in political matters. In territorial days he held the office of county commissioner and dis- played his characteristic ability in the discharge of his duties, his varied experiences with men and af- fairs rendering his opinion on the various points at issue especially valuable. After a life of unceasing toil, Mr. Austin is now reaping the prosperity he so richly deserves, surrounded by a host of friends and acquaintances who esteem him for his upright character, and appreciate the part he has played in opening up the great Northwest.

THOMAS SPAULDING, an extensive agricul- turist, residing two and one-half miles northeast of Monroe, Washington, on Hazel farm, was born in Calais, Maine, October 14, 1850. His father, Still- man Spaulding, was a native of Massachusetts. Go- ing to Maine in early boyhood he there followed farming and logging until 1863, when he moved to California, and he made that his home the remainder of his life. Clara A. (Chase) Spaulding, the mother, who was born in New Hampshire, passed away in 1884. She was the mother of nine chil- dren, Thomas being the eighth. One son, Joseph, is living in Santa Clara County. California, aged sev- enty-three. Mr. Spaulding attended the common schools of Maine in his boyhood, completing his education in California after the family settled there. The trip thither was made in 1863 via the Isthmus of Panama to San Francisco, which at that early date had not been reached by railroads. After a brief residence in the state, the elder Spaulding died, leaving his son to care for the widowed mother. He at once decided to take up dairying and was thus employed until he removed to Seattle in 1883. In a short time he located in Skagit county, and for several years he and a brother, Colan, fol- lowed logging there and at Port Susan in Snoho- mish county. In 1890 they purchased the land which is now known as Hazel Farm, and at once began clearing off the dense timber that covered it. It is now one of the finest ranches in the county. comprising four hundred acres, one-half of which is now in cultivation. The brother's death in De- cember, 1904, came as a great shock to all, he hav- ing passed away on account of heart failure with- out a moment's warning.

Mr. Spaulding and Miss Nellie Jakins were mar- ried in 1887. Mrs. Spaulding, a native of Fairfield County, Maine, is the daughter of William Jakins, who for many years prior to his death was light- house keeper at Point No Point, on San Juan. The mother, whose maiden name was Robinson, is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Spaulding. The lat- ter is a gifted musician. Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding have one child. Della E., aged nine years. Mr.

Spaukling is a prominent member of the Odd Fel- lows' fraternity, while his wife is numbered among the enthusiastic Rebekahs. In political faith he is a Republican, but like many loyal members of the party, he prefers to have others do the active work and hold the offices. His chief interest is centered in his splendid farm, and to it he devotes his best en- ergies. Believing that dairying is one of the most remunerative branches of farming, he is especially. interested in it, and keeps a fine herd of forty cows, besides a large number of young cattle. Mr. Spaul- ding's land was originally taken up by Salem Woods, deceased, who was the earliest settler in Snohomish County, Washington. Although he might justly feel proud of the success he has achieved, Mr. Spaulding is known as a quiet, reticent man, whose life and character are such as to command respect and confidence.

ANDREW BENGTSON, an energetic farmer residing two miles northeast of Monroe, Washing- ton, was born October 14, 1853, in Christiansalane, Sweden, on an island seven miles long and three and one-half miles wide. He is the son of Bengt- son and Anna ( Olson) Anderson, also of Swedish nativity. The father, born in 18?1, is still living; the mother died in 1891. Andrew Bengtson grew to manhood in his native country, acquiring his ed- ncation there, but in young manhood decided to seek his fortune in the United States, of the won- derful advantages of which he had so often heard. He reached Omaha, Nebraska, May 3, 1888, and remained there eighteen months, engaged in laying mains for a gas company, and in the meantime learning the English language as rapidly as pos- sible. Lured by tales of the still greater opportuni- ties to be found in the Northwest, he went to Seat- tle in December, 1890, and at once found employ- ment in a brick-yard where he worked every day from that time till the Fourth of July with the ex- ception of Christmas. When he left there, it was with the intention of securing a homestead, so he came to Snohomish county and took a one hun- dred and sixty acre claim near Lake Rose- gar. By careful management he had accumu- lated sufficient means to purchase transporta- tion for his family who had remained be- hind while he made a home for them in the new country. As the road only extended as far as Machias, the task of getting his supplies and the necessary furnishings for the little home to his claim was a difficult one indeed. After having them brought as far as possible with horses, he was obliged to pack them on his back for long, weary miles, but a year later a road was built to his ranch, and other improvements followed. When at length he had his family of six once more with him, he found he had but fifty cents in cash with which to face the future. Undismayed. however, he left his

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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 200

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