An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 140

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

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Mr. Chambers is an active member of the I. O. O. F. and Encampment, and has filled all the chairs of the order. "He is ever ready to encour- age all worthy enterprises tending to the de- velopment of his native State and favorite city, whose phenomenal growth and advancement is one of the wonders of the age.

In 1878 Mr. Chambers was married in Olym- pia to Miss Mary Connell, a native of Massa- chusetts, and they have four bright and active children: Flora, Ida, Faith and llope.

A W. ANDERSON, one of the successful business men of Vancouver, was born in La Portecounty, Indiana, May 31, 1858, a son of P. J. and Charlotte Anderson, natives of Sweden. The parents emigrated to America in 1854, but both are now deceased. A. W. Anderson was educated in his native State, where he early learned the dairying bnsi- ness. He spent several months in North Dakota, and about eight years ago located in Portland, Oregon. In the former place he fol- lowed his trade, and in the latter place con- ducted a wood yard, grocery store and express

business. In July, 1891, Mr. Anderson pur- chased the creamery of Osborn & Preston, located on the Columbia river, five miles east of Vanconver, Clarke county, Washington. The milk is purchased from the neighboring farms, and the plant is run by water power, making from forty to ninety pounds of butter daily, which is of the best quality, and finds ready sale in the Portland market. Although this is not a plant of great magnitude, it is not ex- celled for neatness and cleanliness in the North- west, and the product is second to no creamery in the State. Mr. Anderson owns valuable timber land in Clackamas county, Oregon, takes an active interest in all public enterprises, and is a worthy and progressive citizen.

Ile was married in Portland, Oregon, Octo- ber 20, 1889, to Huldah C. Peterson, a native of Sweden. They have one child, Ernest J.

C HIARLES M. ANDERSON, one of the active young business men of Seattle, was born in Lexington, Illinois, January 3, 1868, the eldest son of Prof. Alexander J. and Maria L. (Phelps) Anderson. The education of our subject, with the exception of two years. was pursued in institutions of learning under the direct management of his father, and, being a boy of more than natural brightness, his prog- ress was very rapid. His studies were com- pleted at the Pacific University, at Forest Grove, Washington. During his summer vaca- tions, and when opportunity offered, he took up the practical duties of civil engineering. Com- pleting his studies in 1874, Mr. Anderson fol- lowed clerking in Portland and steamboating on the Williamette and Columbia rivers until January 1, 1878. He then came to Seattle, as instructor in mathematics at the University of Washington, and also to establish and build a commercial department at the University. After three and a half years in this occupation, he opened an office in Seattle, engaged in sur- veying in a general line of city and county work, and was also Deputy United States Min- eral Surveyor. Mr. Anderson has ever since continued in this line of work, with the excep- tion of two winters spent in Walla Walla, while relieving his brothers in their work. One of those seasons was passed in the bank, and the other in filling the chair of mathematics in

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Whitman College. Our subject served one term as Surveyor of King county, and has es- tablished for himself the reputation of careful and accurate workmanship, and, although now not as active in the line of engineering as for- merly, is frequently called upon where the work requires close calculation. Of late years he has been more particularly engaged in the buy- ing, selling and handling of real estate, mining interests and loan investment business.

In military matters Mr. Anderson has been especially active. His military education was received in Portland, from General Howard's staff officers. After coming to this city he worked up a battalion at the University, of which he was elected commander. He was one of the organizers of the Seattle Rifles, and took an active part in the Chinese riots of 1886. During the period of martial law, he was sta- tioned at the front door of the courthouse, and controlled all exits and entries. He was appointed Assistant Adjutant General, with rank of Major, on the staff of General O'Brien, and became organizing officer of eastern Wash- ington, organizing the Second Regiment, N. G. W. He was elected Colonel, and became the first commanding Colonel of Washington, his commission preceding that of the Colonel of the First Regiment. Mr. Anderson resigned from this office when he returned to Seattle.

He was married in this city, September 19, 1889, to Miss Laura B. McPherson, a native of Canada. They have one child, Mary Isabella.

S H. PILES .- Attained eminence in that profession which demands of its follow- ers not only a marked native ability of specific order, but also the according of careful, prolonged and discerning study, stands ever as an unmistakable evidence that the demands in either particular have been recognized and ful- filled. He whose biography is here briefly con- sidered is conceded to be one of the representa- tive and most able attorneys of Seattle, and snch recognition never comes save when merited.

S. H. Piles was born in Livingston county, Kentucky, December 28, 1858, his parents, Samuel H. and Gabriella (Lilliard) Piles, being also natves of that same old State. Samuel Piles was a lawyer by profession, but also operated a large plantation in the famous blue

grass region, and was for many years Sheriff and Treasurer of Livingston county. Ile was a inan of considerable prominence in both local and State affairs. Our subject secured his pre- liminary education in the public schools of his native State, and, while in adolescent years, commenced the study of law in the office of his father, at Paducalı, being admitted to the bar in 1875, when only seventeen years of age. Ile remained with his father until 1876, when he went to Washington, Kansas, and entered the office of T. J. Humes, the present Superior Judge at Seattle. IIere he remained until 1881, giving his attention so the routine work of the office and to general practice. He then ini- grated to the Black hills of Dakota, and in that section taught school for a period of eight months, at the end of that time again "pulling up stakes" and going to Arizona, where he de- voted himself to teaching and prospecting. Here he remained until 1883. In that year he gave full indulgence to his roving propensities. With two companions and a mining outfit, he proceeded to Juneau, Alaska. There the party secured the services of a guide and of an expert miner and proceeded to the interior. The pros- pecting tour resulted only in the " discovery " of all manner of privations, hardships and con- stantly increasing expense, incidental to the work and maintenance of the venturesome little party, and after a few months, deeming " discre- tion the better part of valor," Mr. Piles deter- termined to retrace his steps and to set sail for "the lower country " and to once more take up the practice of his profession. The Alaska trip had entailed a considerable pecuniary outlay and Mr. Piles found it expedient to uplift his some- what supine fortune. With this end in view, he located in Snohomish, Washington, in Octo- ber, 1833, being equipped at that time with the munificent cash capital of $5. The town had a population of about 400 individuals, but onr subject applied himself diligently to the practice of his profession and secured a generous quota of the legal business of the section. In the spring of 1886 he removed to Spokane Falls, being desirons of establishing himself in a larger town, affording a wider field of labor. However, after passing the summer in Spokane Falls, he returned to the Puget Sound country, and located permanently at Seattle, where he entered into a copartnership with J. T. Ronald, the Prosecuting Attorney of King, Kitsap and Snohomish counties. Mr. Piles was appointed

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Deputy Prosecutor and filled that position with signal ability until the expiration of Mr. Ronald's term, in March, 1889, when they both engaged in an active general practice in the courts of the State. They have since had a representative clientage in King and the ad- joining counties, and have been professionally and successfully concerned in many of the most notable litigations in the State.

September 15, 1891, at Henderson, Kentucky, Mr. Piles was united in marriage to Miss Mary Barnard, one of those interesting and aecom- plished young ladies who have given so peenliar a distinction to the State which is famed for its beautiful women. One child, Ross Barnard, has blessed this happy union. Mr. Piles affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of the uniform rank of that order, and he is also a member of the local organization of the Improved Order of Red Mem. Ilis eareer in Seattle has been one of successful practice and financial advancement, and he has obtained an enviable reputation among the professional men of Seattle and the Northwest. being highly es- teemed in both business and social relations.

C YRUS F. YEATON, an important mem- ber of the business fraternity of Seattle, Washington, being half owner of the iron works in that city under the firm name of West- erman & Yeaton, was born on the extreme eastern side of the American continent, at Summersworth, New Hampshire, in February, 1837. He comes of one of the oldest and best known families of New Hampshire, his parents, Leavitt H. and Mary J. (Wentworth) Yeaton, having been born in the same town as himself, on the site of which their ancestors settled in the early history of the State and where the forefathers followed agricultural pursuits.

Cyrus F. Yeaton was educated in the schools of his native town and also at South Berwick Academy, one of the noted institutions of learn- ing of that period. He resided with his parents on the home farm and followed agrienltural pursuits until 1857, when, inspired by ambition and a desire to see the world, he went to Bos- ton and entered a wholesale grocery store as clerk, remaining there two years. He after- ward spent one year in learning the provision business, and then started a store on his own

account in Malden, a suburban town of Boston, where he continued with snceess until he closed out in 1864. He was married about this time and with his wife shortly afterward embarked for the Pacific coast, to seek his fortune in the far West, of which so many favorable reports had been circulated. They took a steamer at New York city and went via the Panama route, arriving in the course of several months in Portland, Oregon. From there he proceeded, after a few months to Salem, the same Territory, at which latter point he engaged in the station- ery business, which he successfully continned until 1872. At this time, owing to the general excitement in anticipation of the "boom" to land values and commercial interests, which was to be realized from the building of the Northern Pacific railroad, then in course of construction through Washington, Mr. Yeaton removed to the present site of Spokane Falls, and in part- nership with J. N. Glover and J. N. Matheny, both of Salem, formed the firm of Matheny, Glover & Yeaton. They, then, purchased the squatter right of Downing & Scranton, who were at that time operating a small mill at the falls, and they erected a new mill with in- proved machinery, opened a small store, and founded the town of Spokane. Three months later, the failure of Jay Cooke stopped the rail- road enterprise, and the business outlook be- came exceedingly discouraging. Still, they struggled along and, by trading merchandise with the Indians for furs, the firm secured a seanty support. At the time of the Govern- ment survey of the land in 1874, the firm ob- tained 160 acres by pre-emption, which area covered a proportionate part of the water power. With meager prospects for a town, however, and little opportunity for business, the firm dis- solved in 1876, and Mr. Yeaton gave up his in- terest, on condition of being relieved from all indebtedness, and "flat broke" returned to Salem. In the summer of this year, two com- panies of soldiers were stationed at Spokane and established the Government port, and in the following fall, Mr. Yeaton returned with a small stoek of goods and opened a post store, for the purpose of trading with the soldiers and Indians. In the summer of the following year of 1877, Mr. Yeaton was appointed Post Trader at Fort Sherman, on Coeur d'Alene lake, in Idaho, to which point be removed his stock and there successfully operated a large store for five years. Then, owing to the failure of his wife's

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health, he sold out and removed to California, where he followed ranching for two years, near St. Helena, in Napa county. In 1885, he once more removed to Washington Territory, this time settling in Snohomish, where he engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there about three years. He then, in 1888, removed to Seattle, his present abode, where he engaged in buying and selling city real-estate and also attended to the development of valuable silver mines in Utah. Some time later, in May, 1892, he bought a half interest in the Westerman Iron Works, in Seattle, the firm becoming Westerman & Yeaton, and engaged in the man- nfacture of heavy forgings, steamboat work, and bridge contracting and building in stone, wood, and iron. This is one of the largest enterprises in the State and has had much to do in the de- velopment of Seattle and vicinity, increasing their growth and adding to their prosperity.

In 1864, Mr. Yeaton was married to Eliza- beth C. Bates, of Portland, Maine, who has been a faithful helpmeet, sharing the hardships of frontier life and contributing by her devotion and assistance to her husband's prosperity. They have one child: Lulu, the wife of War- ren L. Gazzam, a prominent insurance man of Seattle.

Although not an aspirant for political honors, Mr. Yeaton has served twice as Postmaster, first at Spokane, at a salary of $1 a month, and after- ward at Fort Sherman, his incumbeney of both positions being marked by thoroughness, promp- titude and integrity. Fraternally, Mr. Yeaton affiliates with the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. Hle is careful and conscientious, strictly honest in his dealings, and is a valuable adjunet to the business interests of Seattle.

H ON. MICHAEL S. DREW, a well- known and honored pioneer of the Puget Sound country, in the develop- ment of which he has played a promin- ent part, has placed a whole continent between himself and the city of his birth, that event having occurred in Machias, Maine, January 5, 1827. His parents, Alexander and Zylpha (Small) Drew, were also natives of the Pine Tree State and were distinguished for their in- dustrious habits and high moral character. The father of the subject of this sketch was a car-

penter by trade and gained a modest income. Having a large family, however, and many de- mands on his support, he was unable to give his children those educational advantages, which, with the present system of public schools, are in the reach of all. lle and his worthy wife took the place of other teachers, and taught them those principles of industry, economy and honesty, which have raised the subject of this sketch to financial prosperity and universal esteem of his fellow men.

Michael was thus early inured to exertion, his first work being in a lath mill, where he commenced with light tasks at 25 cents a day, from which, with inereasing years and strength. he passed through the several experiences of logging and milling, until he became an ex- pert in every department of the lumber busi- ness. Arriving at the age of twenty-one, he joined, in 1848, the western tide of emigration, going to Minnesota, then on the frontier of civilization, to which place he made his way overland and by the rivers and lakes, camping on the present site of Chicago when the land there was an unimproved swamp. Thus travel- ing, he arrived in due time at St. Anthony Falls, Minnesota, where he engaged in the log- ging business, which he followed four years. In the meantime, California had suddenly sprung into prominence through the gold excitement, and many men of energy and intelligence were seeking fortunes in the West. Accordingly, Mr. Drew also determined to visit the Pacific coast and with that end in view, went from Wis- consin to New York city, where he embarked, via the Panama route, for California, arriving at San Franciseo October 26, 1852, with bnt 25 eents in his pocket. Mining was the prevailing industry at that time, but Mr. Drew preferred to follow his accustomed business, and, going from San Francisco to Grass Valley, he found employment in that town in a sawmill at the munificent salary of $400 a month, where he remained two years, Ile then spent one year in the red woods, near Redwood City, after he visited the southern and midland mines of Cali- fornia, where he exhausted his means and met with no success. From there he returned to San Francisco, where he secured passage on the bark Live Yankee, on which he came to Puget Sound, landing at Port Gamble, September 22, 1855. He here began work for the Puget Mill Company as filer of saws, and after two years in their service was promoted to the position of

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assistant foreman under Cyrus Walker, another old and respected pioneer, and Mr. Drew thus continned until 1871. He was then appointed Collector of Customs of the Puget Sound Dis- trict, by President U. S. Grant, and the public service thus begun has been continued in vari- ons capacities until a short time ago, his public career being distinguished by a prompt dis- charge of his duties and thorough integrity in in every detail. Ile removed to Port Townsend in pursuance of the requirements of his office, where he acted in that capacity for two years. Ile then passed about eighteen months in Olympia, after which he once more returned to Port Gamble as foreman of the Pnget Mill, where he conninued until 1890. He then re- signed his position and was elected a member of the first State Legislature, and removed to Se- attle, the capital, where he has since resided. Since the expiration of his term of office he has been engaged in looking after his private in- trests with an occasional deal in real estate.

October 13, 1864, Mr. Drew was married in Tumwater, Washington, to Miss Isabella Biles, daughter of James Biles, the pioneer tanner of the State, who came to Washington in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Drew have three children: Ed- ward L., Abbie A. and Cyrus W.

Fraternally, Mr. Drew affiliates with the I. O. O. F. and the F. & A. M. Socially. he is nnostentatious and retiring, although easily ap- proached, and no one is more worthy to share Washington's prosperity than Mr. Drew, who is one of her foremost citizens.

C APTAIN JOHN B. LIBBY, Manager of the Puget Sound Tug Boat Company and a prominent citizen of Port Townsend, Washington, was born at West Liberty, West Virginia, in 1852. Ile was the youngest of fonr children, and accompanied his mother to San Francisco in 1854, to join his father, Will- iam Brown, a California pioneer of 1849. Shortly after her arrival on the western coast, Mrs. Brown died, and the father, being unable to give proper attention to his four children, placed them in the Protestant Orphan Asylum, in San Francisco. In 1857, when five years of age, the subject of this sketch was adopted by Captain S. D. and Sarah A. Libby, and assumed their name. His foster parents were natives of

Maine and were California pioneers of 1849. His foster father was engaged for a few years in the mines of California, after which he was em- ployed at pile driving and wharf building in San Francisco. During the Frazer river gold excitement, in 1858, he brought his pile-driving machinery to Whatcom, Washington, where he constructed the first wharf on Puget Sound, and later built also the wharves at Steilacoom, Tacoma, Seattle and other important points. In 1861, he built a boat at Utsaladdy, which he called the "J. B. Libby," with which he en- gaged in the tug business, and was thus em- ployed in various parts of the Sound until his death, in 1889, sincerely lamented by all who knew him. Both he and his worthy wife were noble specimens of humanity and enjoyed the universal respect of their fellow-men.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the Territorial University at Seattle, and, in 1869, began the practical study of navigation on his father's boat, on which he remained four years, and became proficient in every department of his chosen calling. In 1873, he entered the em- ploy of the Port Madison Mill Company, as master of their tug boat, with whom he con- tinned to March, 1877. He then went to San Francisco and fitted up a tug boat for G. W. Prescott & Company, of the Freeport mill, and brought it to the Sound, continuing in their employ for one year. He then engaged in the tng boat service of the Port Blakeley Mill Com- pany, with whom he continued in that capacity and other positions of trust for nine years. In 1887, he entered the stevedore business at Port Townsend and, in 1888, entered the employ of the Tacoma Mill Company as captain of their tug boat, with other duties in buying logs, shipping lumber, etc., remaining with them un- 1891. He then organized the l'uget Sound Tug Boat Company, with headquarters at Port Townsend, and became manager of the business. The stock of this important enterprise is largely owned by the Tacoma Mill Company, Port Blakeley Mill Company, Puget Sound Mill Company and Washington Mill Company. The Puget Sound Tug Boat Company conducts a general tugging business, having six large tugs, which are kept cruising off the straits and tow- ing ships from the sea to the various ports on the Sound and British Columbia shore. The company also owns six smaller tugs, which are employed in the service of the various mills. Indeed, this enterprise fills a long-felt need and

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is meeting with deserved prosperity, the result of efficient and honest service, directly traceable to the excellent management of Captain Libby, than whom no more capable boat man exists.

The Captain was married at Seattle, in 1872, to Miss Mary E. Collins, a native of Maine, and eldest daughter of IIon. John Collins, of Seat- tle. Captain Libby was called upon to mourn the death of his wife in March, 1884, who left two children to his care: Emma K. and Granville F.

Fraternally, the Captain affiliates with the endowment rank of the K. of P. and the A. O. U. W. In his various relations with his fellow- men he has been found to be just and capable, and deservedly enjoys the respeet of all who know him.

H ENRY BASH, United States Shipping Commissioner at Port Townsend, Wash- ington, a capable business man and esteemed citizen, was born in Stark coun- ty, Ohio, May 18, 1825. His parents, John and Margaret (Bloom) Bash, were natives of Maryland and England respectively. Their marriage occurred in Maryland, whence they removed, about 1811, to Ohio, then on the west- ern frontier. Here the father followed farm- ing, and subsequently engaged in exponnding the doctrine of the United Brethren society, of which denomination he was an active and earn- est minister for thirty years.

The subject of this sketch received his edu- cation in the common schools of Ohio and en- joyed the added blessing of a cultured and refined home, where were laid the foundations of a character which has wrought success out of difficulties. At the age of eighteen Henry began mercantile life as a clerk in a store at Navarre, Stark county, where he subsequently engaged in business for himself. He was later on married, and in 1855 removed to Roanoke, Indiana, where he followed mercantile and other pursuits. During the war he was an ex- tensive purchaser of horses and cattle for the Federal troops, conducting a successful and profitable business. In the spring of 1883 Mr. Bash removed to Port Townsend, where his son, Albert W. Bash, was acting as Collector of Customs. Shortly after his arrival Mr. Bash, of this notice, was appointed Inspector of Cus- toms, and, on the passage of the Dingley bill

in 1883, establishing the office of United States Shipping Commissioner at Port Townsend, he was appointed to that position in by President Arthur. So well did he perform the duties in- cumbent on him that he was not removed dur- ing the Cleveland administration of 1885 to 1889, and still retains his office, which facts are a lasting tribute to his capability and honesty.

In 1845 Mr. Bash was married, at Navarre, to Miss Susan Weimer, a native of Stark conn- ty, Ohio. Both her father and grandfather were born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They have nine children, four sous and five daughters, and seventeen grandchildren, whose merry prattle enlivens and keeps young the hearts of the grandparents.

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An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 140

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