An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 138

Author: Hines, Harvey K., 1828-1902
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1056

USA > Washington > An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 138

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

and every facility for the mannfacture of house- fuanishing supplies, and with a force of sixty hands Mr. Littell commenced operations on an extensive scale to supply the jobbing trade of the State, with considerable shipments to Alaska.

Mr. Littell was married in 1875 to Miss Tillie T. Duncan, of New Albany, Indiana. He is a member of no societies, and gives little attention to politics; but by honesty, perse- verance and eternal vigilance has built up an extensive and lucrative business.

G EORGE D. SHANNON. for many years a prominent railroad contractor, is now a resident of Olympia, retired from active life. As a representative citizen of the Northwest, it is eminently fitting that honora- ble mention be made of him in this work. Fol- lowing is a résumé of his life:

George D. Shannon was born in Watkins, at the head of Seneca lake, New York, in 1832. llis parents, Thomas and Mehitabel (Corwin) Shannon, were also natives of the Empire State. At the age of fourteen years, he left home and entered upon his carcer in railroad work, first being employed as teamster in grading the Can- andaigua & Elmira railroad. His next step was as foreman in grading for the New York & Erie railroad, and in enlarging the Erie canal near Rome. His first contract was in grading and building plank roads for the city of Geneva. In 1854 he went to Minnesota and was employed as agent for J. G. Rowe & Co., prominent lum- ber and logging merchants upon the Mississippi river, with headquarters at St. Paul and St. An- thony. Subsequently he was engaged with Chapman & Thorp, of En Claire, in the same character of work, in looking after lumber in- terests, buying, shipping and acting as general agent. In 1859 he was superintendent of con- struction of the Winona & St. Peter railroad, and after completing his road he ran the first train of cars started in Minnesota. He remained with the company until 1866, when he returned to Buffalo, New York, and as contractor helped to build the New York, Buffalo & Philadelphia railroad. Returning to Winona in 1868, he built the road from Winona to La Crosse, a dis- tance of nineteen miles. In 1870 he came to Kalama, Washington, as superintendent of con- struction for the Northern Pacific Railroad

Company, but after about six months he en- gaged in contracting at different places along the line, employing from 600 to 800 hands, and continuing the work about two years. He then came to Olympia and purchased 1,100 acres of land on the Nesqually bottoms, chiefly tide lands, 150 acres of which he has brought under cultivation in hops, hay and grain, the rest of the ranch being stocked with cattle and horses. In 1875 he went to New York and built the Buffalo & Jamestown railroad, a distance of forty miles, which he completed for the running of trains. From that time until 1888 his home was on his farm, and since that year he has lived in Olympia, retired from active life, still, however, continuing his agricultural pursuits.

For eight years Mr. Shannon served as vice president of the First National Bank, of Olym- pia, and is still a member of its board of direc- tors. He is largely interested in the Olympia Light & Power Company, being treasurer of the incorporation. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Western Hospital for the Insane, at Steilacoom. since 1887, and was superintendent of construction during the erection of the building.

He was married in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1875, to Miss Mary A. Kennedy, a native of that State.

Mr. Shannon is a member of the blne lodge, chapter, commandery, consistory and shrine, F. & A. M. In politics he is Democratic. A man of broad experience and wide-spread ac- quaintance, having traveled extensively in every State of the Union; possessing keen foresight and sound judgment, his conclusions are well founded, and he is justly recognized as one of the able, executive business men of the State.

G EORGE CROFTON, a prominent farmer living eight miles west of Goldendale, is one of the pioneers of this section, hav- ing located on the beautiful little prairie which bears his name, about twenty years ago. He was born in Ireland, in November, 1837, a son of John and Celia ( Madden) Crofton, who remained in that country until their death. Our subject crossed the waters to the United States in 1861, after which he made his home in New York until 1873. In that year he came to Astoria, Washington, thence to this county, where he took a homestead of 160 acres, By

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

frugality and industry Mr. Crofton has added to his original purchase until he now owns 322 aeres of well-improved land, all of which is fenced and watered by perpetual springs.

In New York, in September, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Maloney, a native of Ireland. They have two children, Celia and Mollie, both of whom still reside in New York. Too much cannot be said in praise of those who leave their homes and friends and come west to develop a wild country, as in the case of Mr. Crofton, who has been untiring in putting forth every effort for the good of his connty and State, and has sneeeedcd in gaining the confidence and esteem of all who know him. In political matters he acts with the Demo- eratic party, and takes an active interest in the public affairs of his township and county.

P UGET SOUND PIPE COMPANY .- The manufacture of wood water pipe was first started in the west at Tumwater, a mile and a half above Olympia, by Mr. W. H. Horton, twenty-eight years ago, and was operated by water power. In 1885 the demand for thin shell wood water pipe with iron couplings increased to such an extent as to necessitate a much larger plant which would re- quire more capital, so on August 8, the present company incorporated under the laws of Wash- ington Territory with a capital stock of $50,000, and purchasing the machinery of the old fae- tory, together with Mr. Horton's patents, they located in East Olympia on the water front, and on two and a half aeres of ground they erected commodious buildings that eover an acre; put in a new steam plant, remodeled and rebuilt all the machinery, so that now they have the most complete mannfactory, in fact the only one of its kind west of the Mississippi. ^

From the time the red fir timber is cut down at the logging camps of the company to the finishing toneh at the rollers and coupling ma- chine, the work is carried on with the least hand- ling possible until the completed pipe is ready for transportation.

The amount of the pipe turned out of the factory is about six miles of assorted sizes per month.

They now have pipe in use all through the west-in British Columbia, Montana, Idaho,

Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado and Utah, and in completing contracts they employ all the way from fifty to 150 men, according to the amount of pipe to be put in, and at the factory they have steady employment for from ten to thirty hands.

The officers of the company are John Cork- ish, president and general manager; C. Z. Mason, vice president and superintendent of mannfactory; and E. S. Hamlen, secretary and treasurer.

The company is sole proprietor and manufae- turer of " Horton's patent iron coupling, thin shell, wood water pipe," which is suitable for a water conductor, either as an irrigating pipe or for water mains under high pressure; they are especially well adapted for pumping columns in mines or for pump discharge pipe, the elastie- ity of the pipe and spiral banding being favor- able for receiving the pulsations of the pump withont any damage. Water can be brought any distanee or from any elevation without leakage. The tube or shell is made from care- fully selected Puget Sound red fir, only the heart of the timber being used, the sappy por- tion being entirely removed. It is banded spirally with steel; the amount of such banding is always governed by the pressure such pipe has to sustain. They make the pipe to success- fully stand a working pressure of 400 pounds to the square inch when required, and will war- rant the pipe to stand whatever pressure is named in the order as required. The whole exterior is coated with a bath of boiling hot asphaltum which preserves the wood from insects and the metal banding from rust or alkalines in the soil. All their pipes are made in eight feet lengths, making it convenient to handte and load. The sizes run from two to twelve inches inside dianı- eter. The wood shell varies from one and a fourth to one and a half inches, making it very light to ship long distances. All the joints are connected with an iron coupling, the action of water making each joint perfectly tight without any calking or any other process. In point of durability this pipe excels any metal pipe in the market, and if it is kept in constant use will last for ages. Considerable of their mann- facture has been in use on the Sound for twen- ty-eight years and is still perfectly sound and tight under high pressure, while over 400 miles of their manufacture is distributed over the Northwest States and Territories, and all giving the most approved satisfaction,

SPDawsonmp.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

The company carries a full line of supplies, including street hydrants, water gates and valves, cast iron fittings and extras of all kinds, and makes a specialty of contracting and con- structing water works.

L EWIS R. DAWSON, M. D., medical prac- titioner of Seattle, was born in Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, June 23, 1856. His father, Isaac N. Dawson, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was there reared and educat- ed, learning the process of manufacturing lin- seed oil at New Castle. He then removed to Warren, Ohio, to continue his business, and was there married to Miss Nancy L., daughter of John Reeves, one of the first settlers of Trum- bull county. Isaac N. Dawson was one of the in- fluential citizens of Warren, and for many years was a member and president of the Board of Education, Justice of the Peace, and for twelve years Mayor of the city.

L. R. Dawson was educated at the public schools and at the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio, assisting in defraying the ex- penses of his education by teaching in the pub- lic schools of Warren, Ohio. In 1878 he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. John R. Woods, of Warren, and subse- quently entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, and, after three years of close application, graduated therefrom in June, 1882. He then accepted the position of assistant surgeon at the Quincy copper mines, at Hancock, Michigan, and remained one year. After a short visit with friends in Ohio and Chicago he then came to the Pacific Northwest, stopping in Walla Walla, Portland and Tacoma. He arrived in Seattle in January, 1884. After a brief period spent in looking about the city he opened an office, in the February following, and entered into a general practice. Continu- ing alone up to January, 1887, he then formed a copartnership with Dr. Thomas T. Miner, an able physician and skillful surgeon. This as- sociation was terminated in December, 1889, by the sudden death of Dr. Miner. Dr. Dawson then practiced alone for one year, when, owing to the sickness of his family, he decided to re- tire from practice for a period, and accordingly spent a year on a raneh in Mason county. After about ten months of outdoor exercise with

health restored, they returned to Seattle and the Doctor resumed his profession, forming with Dr. James B. Eagleston a copartnership which has since been continued. The Doctor holds a prominent position among the professional men of Seattle, and enjoys a large and lucrative prac- tice.

He was married at Seattle, in August, 1888, to Miss Mamie O. Coffman, native of California, and granddaughter of William N. Bell, one of the pioneers and founders of Seattle. Two children have blessed the union: Lewis R., Jr., and W. Ralph C.

Dr. Dawson affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, is a thirty-second degree Mason of A. A. & S. R. degree; is a member of the State and the King county medical societies and of the American Medical Association. In De- cember, 1884, he enlisted in Company B, Seattle Rifles; was elected Second Lieutenant in Sep- tember, 1885, First Lieutenant in May, 1888, and, in June, 1890, was appointed Surgeon of the First Regiment, National Guards of Wash- ington, with rank of Major.

L P. OUELLETTE, Surveyor-elect of Thurston county, Washington, was born in Sandwich, Ontario, Canada, in 1855, the son of a prominent merchant in Sandwich, whose ancestors had long been residents of that locality. He was educated in the schools of On- tario, giving especial attention to the study of civil and mechanical engineering. Mr. Ouellette lived with his parents until 1877, when he started out in life to do for himself. Hepushed west- ward across the United States, first locating at Denver, Colorado, where, finding business dull in his profession, he passed the first year in the harvest field and at work at anything that pre- sented itself. In 1880 he engaged in Govern- ment surveying, and afterward filled the office of Deputy County Surveyor up to 1883, when he came to Olympia.

Soon after his arrival here Mr. Quelette ac- cepted the position of surveyor and draughts- man in the office of W. MeMicken, Surveyor General of the Territory, and there continued until the Cleveland administration, when he resigned. He next engaged in an extensive logging enterprise, organized the Puget Sound and Chehalis Railroad Company, a railroad

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built from Mud bay to a large traet of timber lying between there and the Chehalis river. Mr. Onelette was also actively engaged in rail- road interests in distriets adjoining the head waters of Puget Sound.

In the fall of 1890 he was the Republican nominee for County Surveyor and was elected with a rousing majority, and in the county con- vention of 1892 was renominated by acclama- tion, which evinced the perfect satisfaction of the people. During the year 1892 he success- fully united the surveyors of the State, who will submit an act before the coming Legislature that shall compel the county commissioners. regardless of political preferences, to give all county work to the surveyor especially elected to perform the work of the county.

Mr. Oulette was married in 1891 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Judge O. B. MeFadden, ex-Congressman of Washington Territory, and a prominent man throughout the State. Mr. Omelette is a member of the B. P. O. E. In his profession he is an earnest, persistent worker thoroughly competent in every department.

M RS. SARAH L. BAKER, widow of William H. Baker, was born at New Providence, Clark county, Indiana, May 10, 1840, her maiden name being Denny. She owns a farm of 110 aeres near Sumner, Pierce connty, Washington, and is en- gaged in the dairy business quite extensively. Her farm is managed by her son-in-law, Har- vey Johnston, who raises a large amount of hay and gives considerable attention to the breeding of draft horses.

Harvey Johnston was born in Marietta, Ohio, March 11, 1859, and when he was abont eighteen years of age came to Washington. Here, Oc- tober 23, 1882, he married Lena Baker, the first white child born in what is now Tacoma. She went by the name of Lena Tacoma Baker until she was a young lady, when, of her own accord, she discarded the middle name. Mr. and Mrs. Johnstou are now living on the farm with Mrs. Baker.

William H. Baker was born in Clark county, Indiana, March 27, 1827, and met his death May 23, 1890, being thrown from a wagon by a team of runaway horses. He was one of the pioneers of Washington, was an honorable and

upright man, having the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and his sudden death was a source of great bereavement not only to his family but also to his many friends here.

Of Mrs. Baker's father, Mr. Denny, we re- cord that he was one of the first settlers of Se- attle. After coming to this coast he went baek to Indiana nine times, crossing the plains both ways each time.

D R. C. H. SPINNING. As a pioneer of Washington, the subject of this sketch deserves particular attention. He was born January 23, 1821, in Oxford, Indiana, son of Isaac W. and Elizabeth (French) Spinning.

His father was of English descent and was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1792. After he grew up he was for some tinie engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods; but, growing tired of the factory, he moved to Wabash valley, In- diana, and settled down at farming. At the time he settled there were only ten families in the county. He was a neighbor of Steven Voor- hees for forty-eight years, and the first court ever held in that county was in Mr. Spinning's house.

C. H. Spinning attended the common schools of Indiana until he was twenty-one years of age. He then went to Franklin College in Johnson county, one year, after which he taught school two years. Then he attended the Indiana State University at Bloomington. From there he went to Cincinnati where he attended a full course of medieal lectures at the Eclectic Insti- tute. He taught school at Perryville, Indiana, for five years.

March 24, 1851, the subject of our sketch, bought an ox team and started across the plains for the far West, landing at his destination, Oregon City, September 21, 1S51. From there he went to Portland, where, although he had no knowledge of engineering, he applied for a posi- tion as engineer, and in a few days received work. In the mean time he stayed in the shops and watched the workmen, so that by the time he was given employment he had a fair idea of what was expected of him. And we may fur- ther state that he successfully accomplished the work he undertook. In 1852 he took up a donation claim of 320 acres in Lewis county, Washington, five miles north of Claqnato, he

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and his wife each taking claim to 160 acres. Ile came up Cowlitz river from Oregon in a canoe, being six days in traveling thirty-five miles, and arrived at Monticello. From there he went to Olympia. When the Indian war came on he and his wife abandoned their claims and went to Fort Claqnato, and soon afterward to Oregon. After remaining in Oregon for a short time they returned to the Sound county and have lived here ever since. September 28, 1858, Dr. Spinning bought a farm near Fern Hill. While there he was appointed Doctor for the Indian reservation, and served as such for nine and a half years. At the end of that time be moved to Tacoma in order to educate his chil- dren. Subsequently he located on the claim of J. R. Meeker, near Lake Vern, and finally came to Stuck valley and settled on a farm of 450 acres. Here he has since resided.

Dr. Spinning has practiced medicine about twenty-five years in the various places in which he has been located, his professional career be- ing a successful one. He was a member of the first Territorial Legislature, as Representative from Lewis county.

He was married February 3, 1852, to Miss Mildred Stewart, and they have five children living, namely: Lida M. (wife of F. Gloyd), Fred W., William N., Frank R. and Charles S. Mrs. Spinning was born in Pennsylvania, August 10, 1833, daughter of William M. Stewart. Her father, also a native of Pennsyl- vania, was born April 23, 1794, of Scotch par- ents. Ile and his wife had eleven children, all living at the present date. Mr. Stewart came across the plains with his family to Washington and resided here about twelve years prior to his death, which event occurred November 12, 1886.

S THOMPSON, one of the enterprising young men of Klickitat county, was born in Missouri, in 1862, a son of J. T. and Anna (Kell) Thompson, natives of Madison county, Indiana. The parents emigrated to Illi- mois, later to Missouri, and in 1875 located near Centerville, Klickitat county, Washingon. In 1892 they took up their residence five miles northeast of Block House, where the father is engaged in the stock business, principally in the raising of sheep.

Our subject was thirteen years of age when he came with his parents to Klickitat county, where he was reared to farm life. Ile is now the owner of a shingle mill, located on Bowman creek, which is one of the leading industries of the county, and is valued at $1,200. The mill, is run by water power, with a turbine wheel, has a capacity of 10,000 shingles per day, and is surrounded by an inexhaustible supply of pine and fir timber, besides much fine cedar. Mr. Thompson is an esteemed citizen and a good mill man, and is now in shape to increase his business and make it one of the best in the county.

Ile was united in marriage with Miss Chloe Kell, a native of Missouri and a daughter of William and Sarah Kell, natives of Indiana and Missouri, respectively. The parents emigrated to Klickitat county, Washington, in an early day, there having been only six honses in the valley at that time. In political matters, Mr. Thompson affiliates with the Republican party.

E S. SMITH, one of Klickitat county's progressive young farmers, was born in Missouri, a son of W. D. and Mary (Owens) Smith, natives of Kentucky, but now of this county. Our subject moved with his parents to Sacramento valley, California, and later went to Willamette valley, Clackamas county, Oregon. With an ambition that could not be satisfied in the old-settled country, Mr. Smith turned his attention toward Washington, where greater opportunities were offered. Klick- itat county was chosen as his ideal, and to this place he came with his family in 1877, where he is among the pioneer settlers. Since locating here he has taken an active part in public affairs. He owns 240 acres of fine land two miles south of Centerville, where he has a good dwelling, windmill, and numerous ontbuildings for the convenience of his stock. Mr. Smith is actively engaged in the raising of wheat and oats, the former averaging twenty-five bushels per acre, and the latter sixty bushels per acre.

He was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Wheelis, a native of this county, and a daugh- ter of Isaac and Nannie (Braggs) Wheelis, both born in Missouri. They removed to California in an early day, but now reside in Spokane county, Washington.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

Mr. Smith votes with the Democratic party, is now holding the office of County Assessor, is active in any enterprise for the benefit of his county or State, and is respected by all who know him. In his social relations, he is Master Workman in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, at Centerville.

D R. J. S. KLOEBER, President of the House of Delegates, and medical prac- titioner in the city of Seattle, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, March 1, 1862. His parents, Charles E. and Mary E. (Smith) Kloe- ber, were natives of Virginia. Major George S. Smith, the Doctor's maternal grandfather, was an early resident of Culpeper, Virginia; and, although a Southern gentleman, he was in sympathy with the Union cause, and in 1861 when the war broke ont he joined the Union army and performed valiant service in defence of the constitution. Charles E. Kloeber was a dentist by profeesion, which he followed in Baltimore and Norfolk, Virginia, for many years. Upon his retirement from business, he removed to Washington, District of Columbia, where he still resides.

J. S. Kloeber was educated at the Lynchburg Academy, gradnating in 1878. He then en- tered the Medical Department of the University of Maryland, and as financial support by per- sonal effort was necessary to complete his course, he also entered the Dental Department, in which he graduated with honor at the end of the first year, receiving the University medal. He then accepted the position of Demonstrator of Histology while continuing his medical studies, and gradnated with the degree of M. D. in 1885. After that he conducted a hospital practice and took a post graduate course, re- ceiving the post graduate certificate in 1887. At that time broken health, caused by over-exer- tion, obliged him to seek rest. Ile did not. however, entirely cease work. Removing to Chicago, he conducted a somewhat intermittent practice in the Hospital of the Northwestern University, and also a professorship on Ilistol- ogy in the Chicago Dental College.

In January, 1889. Dr. Kleober came to Seat- tle and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession, which he has since continued, giving particular attention to office practice,

which has become very extensive. The Doctor first entered politics in 1890, as candidate for State Senator on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated by George Kinnear, the candidate of the Republican party, then in power. In March, 1892, Dr. Kloeber was the successful candidate of his party to the House of Delegates, and by that body was honored by election to the posi- tion of President.

He was married in Washington, District of Columbia, in September, 1889, to Miss Mattie I'. Walker, niece of ex-Senator Pomeroy. Dr. Kloeber resides on Temperance street, Queen Ann Hill, where he has recently built a hand- some home. Socially, he affiliates with the F. & A. M., 1. O. O. F. and the K. of P. He is ac- credited a prominent position among the rising practitioners in the " Queeu City " of the Northwest.

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An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 138

Author: Hines, Harvey K., 1828-1902 Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 1056

Author: Hines, Harvey K., 1828-1902
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1056