An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 147

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 147

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I N. BIGELOW, President of the Seattle Dime Savings Bank, was born in Canning, Nova Scotia, in 1838. His American ancestor, John Bigelow, emigrated from Eng- land to New England in 1630, and located at Watertown, Massachusetts. The parents of our subject, David and Martha (Weaver) Bigelow, removed to Nova Scotia about 1768, and there Mr. Bigelow followed his trade of ship-build- ing as proprietor of a large ship-yard: he also conducted the village store. I. N. Bigelow was edneated in Nova Scotia, and there learned the trade of ship building, and after the decease of his father he continued the yard and store up to 1868, when he sold out and removed to Lynn, Massachusetts, and engaged in stair build- ing and also operated in real-estate.

In 1875 he came to the Puget Sound district and located at Seattle, which was then a little hamlet of about 2,000 inhabitants. Mr. Bige- low engaged in contracting and building, and for a number of years was the representative builder of the city. He operated a grocery store for about two years, and in 1882 began to deal in real-estate, as he then realized that the little village would soon become the commercial center and lands would rapidly inerease in value. Hle then bought and platted 120 acres, and laid off three additions, all of which were sold for residence purposes. In 1883. in partnership with C. P. Stone, he purchased 270 acres and laid off the Lake Union addition. He has since

conducted a general real-estate business, having handled some of the valuable properties of the city. In 1888 he established the Mechanics' mill, combining a sawmill and sash and door factory, which he condueted successfully until sold. He is President and one of the largest stockholders in the Bryn-Mawr Land & Impove- ment Company, who own 100 acres of land on Lake Washington near Renton. He also owns valuable interests in Seattle, and has done much toward the development of that beantiful city.

He was married in Nova Scotia, in 1863, to Miss Emeline Davison, her ancestry also dating back to the Puritan settlement of New England. Three children have blessed this union: David E., E. Vietor and Clara.

In August, 1892, Mr. Bigelow purchased the stock of the Seattle Dime Savings Bank, and was duly elected the president. This bank was organized and incorporated in June, 1892, with a capital of $50,000, E. C. Frost being the first president and E. J. Landers cashier. The latter still continues in the same official capac- ity. The bank has advanced steadily to the front rank and already holds a position of prom- inence amongst the institutions of that char- aeter, its purpose being to encourage the pres- ervation and accumulation of small savings.

J OHN CRAMER was born in London distriet, Canada, on the 18th day of July, 1830. His parents were Jeremiah and Susanna (Chase) Cramer, the former a native of New Jersey, but of German extraction, the latter a native of Canada. His father was a carpenter by trade, and when about eighteen years old, went to Canada, where he lived until 1838, when he removed to Kalamazoo county, Michi- gan, locating near the town of Comstock. Ile lived there about eight years, and then located near Monmouth, in Warren county, Illinois. The family moved to Iowa in 1856, and located near Brush Creek, in Fayette county, where his father and mother died. The subject of this sketch lived in Iowa until he was married, and in 1861 removed to Vernon county, Wiscon- sin, and there resided, following farming for a living and raising a few sheep. The farm was located in the woods and they were compelled to make their own clothes. He lived there until 1875, when he came to Washington and

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bought a place abont fourteen miles northeast of Vancouver, cantaining abont 160 acres. Here he started in the dairy business, which he now continues. He has now a large dairy ont- fit, which contains the latest and most improved methods of prosecuting the business, the capac- ity of the plant being about 1,500 pounds of butter an hour. IIe makes butter for Portland, Oregon, and other local markets.

Mr. Cramer was married in Fayette county, Iowa. July 5, 1858, to Miss Roxy Dillon, nee Brooks, a native of Canada, and born about five miles from where he was. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Olive (IIains) Brooks. She was first married in Muscatine county, Iowa, to Jeremiah Dillon, who died in 1856, leaving her with three children,-Francesco, now living at Kelso, Washington; William Henry, living at Salem; and Olive, who is married and living at Spurgeon, Washington.

Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have seven children, viz .: Susan Jane, wife of James Johnson; Jere- miah; Mary, wife of Charles Dailey; John: Ed- win; Ann, wife of Alonzo Cook; Emma, wife of Charles Alexander.

Mr. Cramer is a Democrat, politically, and a member of several societies and secret lodges.

H ON. ALBERT BRIGGS, the oldest liv- ing resident of Port Townsend, was born at Sholam, on the borders of Lake Cham- plain, Vermont, August 26, 1813, a son of Benjamin L. and Electra (Trippman) Briggs, natives also of that State. At the age of seven years Albert moved with his parents to Penn- sylvania, and one year later to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he was reared to farm life. At the age of sixteen years he began learning the carpenter's trade at Cambridge. In 1835 he removed with his family to Seueca county, Ohio, followed his trade there until 1884, in that year moved to Indiana, a few months later to Chicago, and finally located at Andrew, Jackson county, Iowa, of which State his brother, Ansell, was the first elected Governor. In the spring of 1847 Mr. Briggs, with his wife and four children, started with an ox team to make the weary march across the plains to Oregon. Crossing the river at St. Joe, Missouri, a company of 115 wagons was organized with great pomp and display, but it was soon determined that the train was

too large, and they ultimately divided into ten parties. In the same train as our subject was the Hon. L. B. Hastings, now deceased, and David Shelton, a respected citizen of the little city which bears his name. The journey was successfully accomplished without serious acci-

dent or adventure. They passed through the Dalles, thence down the river to Portland, ar- riving there October 14, 1847.

Jannary 1, 1848, Mr. Briggs and family proceeded to Oregon City, where he followed his trade until the following fall, and then located a claim on the Santa Anna river. In 1849 he went to the gold mines of California, but after a short absence returned to Oregon, where he followed his trade and farming until the spring of 1852. Mr. Briggs then decided to remove to Puget Sound, and, sending his family by schooner, drove his stock across the country to Tumwater, where he built a flat- boat, 13 x 52 feet, on whien he loaded his cattle, numbering thirty head, and started with the tide for Port Townsend. Fifteen days were consumed on the journey, the nights having been passed on the shore, and the cattle allowed to graze. He passed through Long bay, but that name was then unknown: he called it Scow bay, which it still retains. Duly arriving at Port Townsend, then a city of one house, Mr. Briggs located his donation claim adjoining the town, where he engaged in farming, stock-rais- ing, cutting piles, squaring timber, and such pursuits as offered for gaining a livelihood. Through the development of Puget Sound his land became very valuable, and he has since sold his estate with the exception of fifteen acres, where he still resided in a comfortable, modern cottage, surrounded by the comforts of life.

Mr. Briggs was married at Cambridge, Ohio, August 13, 1833, to Miss Isabell Cook, grand- daughter of Captain Thomas Cook of Revolu- tionary fame. November 22, 1888, our subject suffered the loss of her who had been the com- panion of his life for over fifty-four years. The union had been blessed with seven children, all now deceased. Three grandchildren by his daughter Sarah, who was the wife of R. S. Robinson, are now living. Mr. Briggs affiliates with the Republican party. He first held the office of County Superintendent of Schools, was next County Commissioner, was fourteen years Probate Judge, from 1861 to 1864 represented Jefferson and Callam counties in the Territo- rial Legislature, and all of these positions he

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filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Mr. Briggs was one of ten ehil- dren, and is the survivor of his name and fam- ily. At the advanced age of eighty years he is a wonderful type of manhood, unbroken by the hardships of pioneer life and still preserving his genial ways and generous disposition, which won for him the confidence and esteem of the entire population of Puget Sound.

C H. RICKER, who has done so much toward the development of the fruit in- dustry in the vicinity of Vancouver and Clarke county, Washington, is entitled to some personal mention in this work. A sketch of his career is as follows:

C. H. Ricker was born in Bangor, Maine, De- cember 21, 1841, his parents being Ezekiel and Catharine P. (Bnker) Ricker. Ezekiel Ricker, a native of Berwick, Maine, descended from one of the early families of that State, his ancestors having participated in the Revolutionary strug- gle. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born at Ellsworth, Maine, and her mother, whose maiden name was Wardwell, was a lineal de- scendant of Miles Standish. When C. H. Ricker was four years old the family removed from Bangor to Bradford, and in his native State he was reared, early in life being inured to hard work. When he was only eleven years old he hauled tanbark, and two years later he became a logger. At the age of seventeen he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and for three years was engaged in lumbering in the pineries. Young Rieker was at work in the pine forests of Min- nesota when the war broke out, and August 14, 1862, we find him with five of his chums en- listing in Company A, Ninth Minnesota Infan- . try, under Colonel Wilkins. Colonel Wilkins was killed in battle at Tupelo. Of Mr. Rieker's chums we record that Richard Barrows died at Memphis; Daniel Hutchins was killed at Gun- town, shot down by Mr. Ricker's side; Charles Sehorrod died at Andersonville; Edmund F. Warren also died at Andersonville; and James A. Woodcock, who became Corporal, died at Memphis-Mr. Ricker thus being the only one of the number left.

August 18, 1862, the Indians broke out in Minnesota. The command of which Mr. Ricker was a member reported in citizens' clothes, were

given Springfield rifles, and on the 20th of Au- gust relieved Fort Ridgeley; next weut to the relief of Birch Coolie, where more than half of the defenders were either killed or wounded; was at the battle of Wood lake. That same fall he was in an expedition against the hostiles, and helped to bury fifteen Indians in one grave. They went to Camp Release and liberated about 150 women who had been captured; camped that winter at Fort Ridgeley, and the next spring went across the Dakotas as far as Bis- marek, having in the meantime several engage- ments with the Indians-battles at Big Mound, Dead Buffalo lake, Stony lake, and the fight on the Missouri river. All this occupied the time until August, when they went via Fort Abercrombie to. Fort Snelling, and in October they proceeded to Missouri, where they were on general duty. They went to Benton Barracks, Jefferson City, and thenee four companies pro- ceeded to Rolla. In the spring of 1864 the regiment reunited at St. Louis, thence went to Memphis, Tennessee, and from there immedi- ately went out in the expedition commanded by Sturgis. In the fight at Guntown, when great destruction was inflicted on the Union arms, his company was detailed as pioneers; he was one out of four who got back into Memphis with accountrements, out of a company of seventy inen. In reaching Memphis he had been com- pelled to subsist on leaves and such edible sub- stances as could be found in a hostile country. At Memphis he broke down with chronie diar- rhæ and was taken to hospital, where he lay until the Tupelo raid, in which he started. Later he went to a convalescent eamp, but it was so distasteful to him there that he got the sur- geon to recommend his return to the regimental camp, and started out one rainy morning, but although it was very disagreeable to him, he staid with it. He went with General A. J. Smith to White river, but was taken with ague on the boat. At Duvall's Bluff he had a fresh complication of troubles, and was returned to the convalescent camp at Memphis, thence went to Nashville, and when his regiment arrived there he rejoined it. He was in the two days' fight at Nashville, and was in the thick of the combat, his gun getting so hot from rapid firing that he could hardly handle it. They pursued Hood down to Pulaski, and struck across the country to Eastport, Mississippi; it was winter and they marched in snow a foot deep. He went to hos- pital at Memphis; all Minnesota troops were

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ordered to their regiments, but he broke down, was sent to the soldiers' home, from there was sent home, and on the 16th of June, 1865, was discharged by orders of the War Department.

He then went to Missouri, remaining about Kansas City and vicinity, but his health was not good and he went to Iowa, bought 100 acres of land, and started to make a home. In February, 1867, he went to Vermillion, Dakota Territory, bought about 400 acres of land, and would have been successful but for one of the pests which have injured so many localities. The grass. hopper plague of 1874 started him for the Black Hills, but he could not get in on account of the soldiers. He then proceeded to Oregon, arriving at Portland on New Year's day, 1875. He looked around for a time, got on a boat and went up the Willamette river. Ile was advised to look for work among the farmers, but got a job in Albany at $1.50 a day and board; worked fifty-four days, and was then getting $3 a day and board. The next summer he spent in lum- bering near Gardiner, at $60 a month. He had now saved $500, which he sent back to pay up debts in Dakota. He went to Portland about the middle of October, and thought he would go to California and spend the winter there. He went to San Francisco, then to Santa Cruz, and from there to Los Gatos, where he arrived "broke." At Los Gatos he got temporary em- ployment building a fence, and that winter he spent in chopping cordwood in the mountains. Next summer he hired ont to work on the coast, but quit after a month, went to the Sierra Ne- vada mountains and made $100 a month chop- ping eordwood. When snow came he went baek to the place where he had spent the previous winter, seeured a similar job, and in the spring was several hundred dollars ahead, and traded a place in Dakota for one there. He fixed up the place, whitewashed the buildings. and sold it for $1,100, realizing $400 on the deal. He then went back to Dakota, where he was married that fall, aud upon his return he engaged in the wood business, which he followed about three years. Then the grasshoppers eame again and stripped the country, and in 1880 he again deemed it best to seek a change of location, and came to Washington.

On coming to Washington, Mr. Ricker selected a location adjoining the city limits of Vancouver, and in August, 1880, purchased a traet of land here, comprising 108 acres. At that time there were only about half a dozen

fruit trees on this place. Since that date he has inaugurated a wonderful transformation here. He subdivided the tract, sold off parts of it, and now there are nine families on the place, and four-fifths of it are devoted to fruit. He first set out about 150 trees and some small fruits, and year by year he added to the acreage thus utilized, in 1887 planting fourteen acres more in fruit, and since that time planting what remained of the twenty acres he yet retains. Hle makes a specialty of Italian prunes, having thirteen acres devoted to prunes alone. Pre- vious to 1893 he sold his prunes in Portland, undried, but from this time forward will dry them himself before shipping. He also has forty acres of fine land on Vancouver lake, which he purchased in February, 1889. This tract was covered by timber at the time he pur- chased it, but under his management it has been cleared and planted entirely in Italian prunes, sixteen acres set out in 1890 and the rest in 1891.

Mr. Ricker was married December 22, 1877, to Miss Matilda A. Williams, a native of Sid- ney, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Mary (Turner) Williams. They have had three chil- dren, two of whom, Mary and Mabel, aged re- speetively six and four years, died of diphtheria. Mattie is now (1893) eleven years of age.

Politically, Mr. Ricker goes on the indepen- dent line. Since coming to Washington he has not taken an active part in public affairs, but while he was in Dakota he served for a time as Deputy Sheriff, and in 1868-'69 was a member of the Territorial Council.

H O. HOLLENBECK, of Seattle, was born in Clinton county, Indiana, December 25, 1852, the oldest son of William and. Rosanna (Reinhart) Hollenbeck, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. The primary education of our subject was received in the schools of his native county, and at the age of sixteen years he began teaching school in the spring terms, and attended school during the fall and winter. With only $50 in money, Mr. Hollenbeck continned his studies, and com- pleted a three years' course at the Industrial Uni- versity, of Champaign, Illinois. A part of that course was carried on while teaching, keeping up with his elasses by private study, and only

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attending the university during examinations. He completed the course in June, 1876, and in the following August accepted the position of Commissary Clerk at the Malheur Indian res- ervation, Oregon, where he remained three years and during that time was engaged in reading law. In 1879 he entered the law office of Johnson, McCowan & McCrum, at Oregon City, and was admitted to the bar in 1882.

By the death of his father, Mr. Hollenbeck was called to his former home to look after the settlement of the estate, he being the only son, and spent eighteen months in running the farm, teaching school and closing the business affairs. In 1883 he returned to Oregon City, accepted the position of Principal of public schools, in the spring of 1885 went to California for the benefit of his health, was recalled to accept the position of vice-principal of the high school of Seattle, served four years in that position, and the following two year as principal. During his regime the school increased fron eighty to 180 pupils, and was vastly improved in all its branches. In the spring of 1891 Mr. Hollen- beck retired from teaching, and purchased an interest in the printing establishment of In- graham & Coryell, in which capacity he is now engaged. The firm own and publish the North- western Journal of Education, the Mining News, Ingraham & Coryell's Seattle Guide, the Occidental Congregationalist, the Pacific Boys and Girls, and also do the press work on the Seattle Standard, Seattle Democrat, Democratic Star, Merchants' Review, besides a varied job business.

Mr. Hollenbeck was married in Seattle, in July, 1887, to Miss Anna Penfield, a native of Connecticut. She came to Seattle in 1871, was educated in the Territorial University, and taught four years in the public schools of this city. They have two children: Norman Knox and William Harold. Socially, our subject affiliates with the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W., and the Ancient Order of Foresters.

H ON. NATHANIEL DAVIS IIILL, a prominent and respected pioneer of Port Townsend, Washington, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, Jan- nary 25, 1824. His parents, Dr. John II. and Eliza

L. (Davis) Hill, were natives of Delaware and Pennsylvania, respectively. Dr. Hill, father of the subject of this sketch, practiced medicine in Montgomery county until 1836, when he re- moved to Philadelphia and engaged in the drug business.

Nathaniel Hill, of this notice, was educated in the schools of Philadelphia, and when fifteen years of age entered his father's drug store, where he engaged in the study of pharmacy. Some time later, having become thoroughly ex- perienced in his chosen profession, he formed a partnership with a friend under the title of Hill & Wright, and successfully conducted a drug store in the same city for three years, until the spring of 1850. Having by this time heard of the discovery of gold in California, which occurred in 1849, and becoming seized, like many others, with a desire to visit that country, he sold out his interest in the drug business and, in company with his father and two brothers, he embarked via Panama for San Francisco, where they arrived in July of the same year.

He here accepted the position of foreign entry clerk at the customhouse, under Colonel Collyer, the official collector, in which ex- pacity Mr. Hill remained until 1851. He then resigned his position to fulfill his original design of mining gold. After a brief experience, however, on the north fork of the American river. he decided that this occupation was too laborious, and he subsequently went to the Sonoma valley, where he engaged in ranching and stock-raising. He was thus occupied until 1852, when he sold out and returned to San Francisco, at which point he embarked on the brig Cabot for Puget sound. Ou landing at Whidby island, Mr. Hill found old friends in the Crawford family, Colonel Eby and family, Dr. R. R. Lansdale, John Alexander and others, who were comfortably settled on land. Follow- ing their example, Mr. Hill soon located a claim of 160 acres for himself, consisting chiefly of prairie land, and purchasing a log house from a person about to leave, he settled down, once more engaging in farming and stock- raising. He was, in 1855, appointed Indian Agent over six of the friendly tribes and removed to Skagit Head in the interest of his new position. He did able service in this ca- pacity and was the means of holding 1,600 Indians in check during the wars of 1855 to 1857, and by his humane and just treatment of

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his charges created a friendly feeling toward the white people. In 1857, he resigned his posi- tion to return to Philadelphia, where he was married, after which he again embarked for Puget sound, via the Panama ronte. Arriving at San Francisco, they took passage on the old steamer Constitution, and after suffering in- minent shipwreck and throwing away many valuables in the effort to lighten the ship, they finally arrived at Whidby island in July, soon after the murder of Colonel Eby by the north- ern Indians. Mr. Hill then onee more resumed his agricultural pursuits, continuing to be thus occupied at the island until 1868. During his residence ou the island, he served in various official positions of trust, having been a sehool elerk ten years, United States Commissioner five years, and Justice of the Peace, and County Commissioner, besides filling various other minor positions, in all of which his actions were characterized by ability, integrity and energy. Much eredit is due him for shaping the early conditions in that vicinity on lines of justice and progression, the impression of his influence continuing to the present day and contributing to the present prosperity enjoyed by the people of that community.

In 1868, Mr. Hill removed to Port Townsend, where he engaged in the drug business, in which he successfully continued until succeeded by his two sons in 1885. Mr. Hill has been promin- ently identified with all the importent com- mercial interests of his vicinity, and by his en- ergy and wise counsel has done his share toward advancing them to their present prosperous con- dition. He assisted in organizing the First National Bank, of which he was elected vice- president, in which position he has ever since ably served. He helped to start the Port Town- send Southern Railway Company, in which he is secretary; was a prime mover in organizing the Puget Sound Telegraph Company, with lines from Port Townsend to Seattle; as well as being an instigator in the Port Townsend Saw Mill Company; the Quincy Street Dock Com- pany; Mount Olympus Water Company; Port Townsend Foundry; Port Townsend Steel & Wire Nail Company, in which he holds the office of vice-president; and has aided exten- sively in the development of residence and busi- ness property in the city. Few men have con- tributed more largely to the public welfare and few more justly enjoy a wider and deeper pros- perity and more universal esteem.

In 1857. Mr. Ilill was married in Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, to Miss Sallie H. Had- dock, a lady of superior attainments, who was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, and is a member of an old and honored family. They had tour children, two of whom survive, Daniel H. and Howard H., each retaining the mother's sur- name, and both enterprising and capable eiti- zens of Washington.

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An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 147

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