An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 94

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 94

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

went to the Fraser river mines, remaining there one season, at the end of which time he re- turned and again engaged in carpentry. The last contracting and building he did was the erection of the Freeport mill in West Seattle, Washington. He then bought a merchandise store on the Tulalip reservation, which he con- ducted two years, when he sold it and removed to the Stillaguamish river, where he opened another store of general merchandise, which he also conducted two years.

In 1868 he came to Whidby island and bonght one-half of the Ebey donation claim of 640 acres, on which he engaged in farming, which ocenpation he followed successfully for several years. Ile then leased his farm and bought 320 acres more near Crescent Harbor, besides which he entered forty acres adjoining the latter tract, all of which he now has under good cultivation; but it is rented, as he does no farming himself, having retired from active pursuits. In addition to the land mentioned he also owns a large farm on the Evey landing. All his farms are rented.

Although not a politician in the strict sense of the word, Mr. Gould has enjoyed some prominence in public affairs, and has served his county efficiently as Commissioner and Treas- urer, gaining in the various walks of life the universal esteem of his fellow-men.

C L. FORD, who is well known in com- mercial circles throughout Columbia coun- ty as the leading merchant of Covello, was born near Fayetteville, Washington county, Arkansas, July 26, 1865. Young Ford grew to maturity in his native county, and there be- came familiar with agricultural pursuits. Dur- ing three summer vacations he was employed in a flouring mill, but retained & taste for farming.

In the spring of 1884 he came to Columbia county, Washington, and entered the employ of W. A. Muncy to do farm work. This occupa- tion he followed five years, and at the end of this time purchased a tract of 160 acres near Covello. This he cultivated for two years, and then sold ont and came to Covello, where he bonght the stock and good will of the business started by J. W. Stevens, now a resident of Dayton, Washington. J. T. Turner purchased a half interest in this business, and afterward

became sole proprietor, selling out to Mr. Ford. [le carries a general stock of goods, and has built up a large business, drawing his patron- age from a territory within a radius of twenty miles. Ile possesses excellent qualifications for conducting the business, and has a wide circle of personal friends among his patrons.

He was married in Columbia county, Jan- nary 20, 1892, to Miss Lottie Childers, a native of Colorado. Of this union one child has been born, a daughter named Edith. Mr. Ford is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Dayton. Politically, he adheres to the prin- ciples of the Republican party.

F P. MILLER, a prosperous farmer of Oak IIarbor, Island connty, Washington, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, February 14, 1844. Ilis father, K. Miller, was a native of Massachusetts, where he was born in the year 1805. In 1830, he was united in marriage to Esther Pierce, who was born in Massachusetts, in 1806. The father was engaged in farming and in working at his trade, that of carpentry, until 1853, when he determined to leave his eastern home and seek his fortnne in the West, the land of promise. Accordingly, in company with his family, consisting of his wife and his four children, C. H., Nancy, A. J., and F. P., he set sail from New York for San Francisco. The voyage was made via Cape Horn and was six months and ten days in duration. Arriving in San Francisco, the family were compelled to remain there for about one mouth, waiting for transportation on a boat bound for Puget Sound. They finally took passage on a sailing vessel, whose destination was Whidby island. In 1554, they landed on the spot where Oak Harbor is now situated, and in the following spring the father and mother took up a donation claim of 311 acres, near Crescent IIarbor, and subsequently the father purchased another farm on Dngualla bay. IIe resided on Whidby island until his death, and the mother also died there.

F. P. Miller remained with his parents until their death, and he now owns and occupies the old homestead, upon which he has always re- sided, with the exception of a period of five years, which he passed on a farm in Stanwood, Snohomish county, having, in the meanwhile, leased the home farm.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

Angust 9, 1886, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Inga Fottland, who was born at St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1872, being of Swedish ex- traction. Her parents finally removed to Wash- ington, whither she accompanied them.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two children: Christina, Gertrude and LaFayette W. Mr. Miller is a member of the Grange and also of the Farmers' Alliance.

W ILLIAM JAMES, a prosperous farmer and esteemed citizen of Whidby island, Washington, residing near Oak Habor, was born in Somersetshire, England, February 12, 1844. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Bowden) James, were also natives of the "tight little isle," the former born in 1813, and the latter in 1815. William James, Sr., was a cooper by trade, which occupation he followed uninterruptedly in England, being esteemed a good workman and honorable citizen.

When quite young, William James, Jr., of this notice, was taught the cooper trade by his father, which vocation, together with farming, young James followed in England until No- vember, 1868. Ile then left home and friends and embarked at Plymouth, England, for Vic- toria, British Columbia, making the voyage alone. He is at present the only one of his family in America and has no relatives in this country. He came via the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in Victoria, in January, 1869. He thence proceeded to Whidby island, where he arrived July 12, the same year, and there rented a farm and for several years lived on various places on the island. Ile eventually engaged in grain and stock raising, in both of which lines he was very successful, and in course of time he bought 160 acres of choice land, situated five miles from Oak Harbor. Ninety acres of this farm are now under good cultivation, and on the place he has a large, comfortable resi- dence and substantial barns, with other valuable improvements. He is essentially a self-made man, and justly deserves the success he enjoys. which is attributable to unflagging industry and intelligent management, combined with integ- rity in his dealings with his fellow men.

March 10, 1871, Mr. James was married to Florence Sweetman, a native of London, Eng- land, where she was born April 10, 1555. She

accompanied her parents, Benjamin and Sarah Sweetman, to America, and with them settled on Whidby island. They are now residing in Spokane, Washington. Mr. and Mrs. James have nine children living: Fred, Mrs. Nellie Smith, Ada, Hattie, Grace, William, Sadie, Walter and Ethel, all of whom are typical young citizens of Washington, full of energy and en- terprice.

Fraternally, Mr. James is a member of the A. O. U. W., belonging to Lodge 18, of Coupe- ville. He is progressive and public-spirited, taking a deep interest in everything pertaining to the advancement of the community of which be is a worthy resident.

A D. BLOWERS is one of the most prom- inent men of Whidby island and is closely identified with many of her most important enterprises. He is President of the Island County Bank, owns a half interest in the large mercantile establishment of Blow- ers & Kineth, is business manager and half owner of the Island County Times, is manager and chief stock-nolder of the Glenwood Im- provement Company, owns one-half interest in the town of Brooklyn on the west side of Whidby island, and owns some of the best lots in Whatcom and Spokane. IIe has platted and laid off two additions to the city of Post Falls, Idaho. To him is due part of the credit for the erection of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Conpeville. He is a member of Whidby Island Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., of Lodge No. 18, 1. O. U. W., and Lodge No. 107, I. O. G. T.

Mr. Blowers is a native of the State of Penn- sylvania, born April 26, 1851, a son of George W. and Lydia E. ( Marryott) Blowers. When he was a lad of thirteen years he went to New York city and secured a position in a mercan- tile establishment; a few years later he was manager of a leading grocery store in that city, and conducted a successful business.

Ile was married April 26, 1871, to Mary E. Jenkins, who was born, reared and educated in New York city. The date of her birth was April 30, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Blowers became the parents of four children: Rignold E., Ada M., Edith L. and Eva. The little son was drowned off the wharf at his father's store, and Eva died of a fever.

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Mr. Blowers left New York city in October, 1871, and came to San Francisco, and thence to Victoria, British Columbia, and afterward to Whidby island. After his arrival in the latter place he secured employment as manager in the dry goods store of D. Pearson, at Coupe- ville, and at the end of eight years became partner in the business, the firm name being Pearson & Blowers. At the end of the first year he with A. R. Kineth bought out the in- terest of John Robertson and have since con- dneted a successful business. The firm is now Blowers & Kineth, and theirs is one of the most important and extensive establishments in Island county ; their stock is valued at $15,000, and exhibits a choice selection of all lines rep- resented in the various departments."

Since his residence here Mr. Blowers has served two terms as Probate Judge of Island county, has served as County Treasurer two terms, and has been the incumbent as Post- master and held other local offices of minor im- portance. Ile takes a deep interest in the edu- cational facilities afforded the youth of Island county, and no man on Whidby island has done more to advance the welfare of the community than he.

B C. IIANNAH, a retired farmer, stock- man and fruit-grower of Island county, Washington, residing in Oak Harbor, was born in Randolph county, Missouri, March 4, 1831. Ilis parents, Benjamin and Delia (Hornbock) Hannah, were born June 15, 1794, and May 19, 1796, respectively, and were married April 28, 1818. Shortly after the birth of the subject of this sketch, his parents removed from Randolph county, Missouri, to Ray county, the same State, where they resided on a farm the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1845 and the devoted mother expiring in 1859, both being followed by the universal regret of the community, which knew and appreciated their many estimable qualities.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and attended the schools in his vicinity, where he laid the foundation of a good practical education. Hearing of the gold ex- citement in California, he started in 1850 for this new El Dorado, making the journey in the usual manner of the day, by ox team across the long and weary stretch of plain. Ile was four

and a half months on the way, finally arriving in Hangtown, or Placerville, California. He was here engaged in mining and farming for eight years, when, during the Fraser river gold excitement, he left California for the mines in British Columbia. He, however, proceeded only as far as Whatcom, Washington, where lie remained a few months, at the end of which time he went to Whidby island, where he ar- rived August 1, 1858. Ile secured employ- ment in logging, which occupation he followed two years, when he began to farm on rented land, in the mean time consummating a marri- age. He continued to rent land for several years, when he took a homestead of 160 aeres near Crescent Ilarbor, where he now has a fine fruit farm, and where he is extensively engaged in stock-raising besides general farming. His prosperity is the direct result of untiring indns- try and continued perseverance, and he is now justly numbered among the most substantial farmers of his community.

April 5, 1869, Mr. Ilannah was married to Amanda J. Doss, a worthy lady, who is a native of Virginia, born December 8, 1835, and daughter of William and Jane (Mullen) Doss. She resided in Virginia until 1868, when she came to Whidby island and soon afterward married Mr. Hannab. They have five children : Mrs. Ilannah F. Wallsburg, now residing in Santa Clara valley, California; John W., George B., Chase and Edgar P. Mr. and Mrs. Hannah have improved their leisure and prosperity by traveling extensively throughout California and the United States, and to their natural culture and refinement have added that polish which comes from contact with the world in its vari- ous phases of life.

J IIOMAS NESBIT, an old settler of Whidby island, Washington, whose farm near Oak Harbor is one of the best in the county, was born in Scotland, De- cember 9, 1851. Ifis parents, James and Jeannette (Archibald) Nesbit, were also natives of the bonny land of the thistle, the former born in 1821 and the latter in 1824.

James Nesbit, well remembered by the pion- eers of Washington, was a miner in his native country across the sea. in which occupation he

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

was exclusively employed until 1853, when, in response to a requisition sent to Scotland by the Hudson Bay Company, of Victoria, British Columbia, he and his family, with 300 other miners and their families, started from the Old World to Victoria, via Cape Horn. After being at sea for several months, provisions became scarce, trouble and mutiny arose, and the ship was obliged to put in to Valparaiso, Chili, on the South American coast. After recourse to law, it was finally decided that the crew should have the privilege of either going on to Vic- toria or remaining in South America; and as Mr. James Nesbit had secured work at the small town of Lota, near Valparaiso, he and his family remained there three years, during which time he worked in the mines. They then re- moved to Valparaiso and from there set sail for Puget Sound, arriving in due time at Port Townsend, where they remained two months. They then, in 1857, came to Whidby island, where Mr. Nesbit rented a farm of Dr. Kel- logg, which he engaged in working, cultivating it one year, at the end of which time he removed to a farm near Oak Ilarbor. In 1859 he settled on a claim of his own, containing 160 acres, and situated near Crescent Harbor. This he cleared and assiduously cultivated, until in a few years he had an excellent farm. To this he subsequently added, until it now comprises 435 acres of the choicest land in the county, 100 acres being under a high state of cultivation. James Nesbit, after his stormy and laborious life, found rest and prosperity in his western home, where he and his worthy wife passed the remainder of their days, she dying April 3. 1887, and he surviving until January 21, 1891, both being sincerely mourned by all who knew them. They were the parents of two daughters and one son. One daughter, Mrs. Jane Vos- burg, and Thomas Nesbit, the subject of this sketch, now survive.

Thomrs bought his sister's interest in the homestead, subsequent to his parents' death, and he now has the entire farm of 435 acres of the best land in the country, 100 acres of which is under cultivation, being largely grown to grain, besides which he is extensively engaged in the stock business and has an excellent dairy, from all of which he realizes a good profit. Ever since his arrival in Washington, Mr. Nes- bit has resided on Whidby island, to which he is irrevocably attached by every tie of as- sociation.

January 31, 1889, Mr. Nesbit was married to Asenath Martin, an estimable lady, who was born in Missouri, February 17, 1870. She resided in the State of Illinois until three months prior to her marrige, when she came to Whidby island, Washington. Both enjoy the highest esteem of their community, where Mr. Nesbit has every prospect of continued prosper- ity and happiness.

HOMAS CRANNEY, a prominent citi- zen of Island county, Washington, was born in New Brunswick, June 11, 1830, a son of Martin and Ann (Waddleton) L Cranney. Ilis father was the proprietor of a large mercantile establishment and was also In- spector of Customs for the Government. Thomas assisted his father in both commercial and offi- cial dnties, the two working together until 1850. Martin Cranney then resolved to see the West, and carrying this resolution into effect he and his son started for California, leaving the other members of the family in New Bruns- wick. They made the trip via Cape Horn, and, arriving in the Golden State, at once began work in the mines. This ocenpation did not prove agreeable to the father, and he soon be- came ill, and concluded to return to New Bruns- wick. Thomas Cranney continued his search for gold until 1853, when he left California and came northward to Puget Sound. In 1834 he located on Whidby island at Coveland, and opened a general stock of merchandise, and also did a small Inmber business. In 1858 he went to Utsaladdy, Washington, and there built the first mill erected on Camano island. Ile also embarked extensively in the fishery business, and the following year disposed of his interests in Coveland. Ile now devotes his entire time and attention to the fishery and lumbering in- dustries, carrying on the business with a part- ner until 1869; he was then alone until 1876, and for three years subsequent to that date was variously occupied. In 1879 he removed to Coupeville, Whidby island, where he has since resided.

Mr. Cranney has been prominently connected with the political history of the country, and has discharged his dutles as a public officer with a marked executive ability and promptitude that have won the entire confidence of his constitu- eney. He has held the office of Postinaster,

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Justice of the Peace, County Commissioner, Auditor, Clerk of the Court, and in 1871 was a member of the upper house of the Legislature, Joint Representative from Snohomish and Island counties. In 1880 and 1890 he was Census Enumerator for the United States Census De- partment.

He is a member of Stanwood Lodge No. 19, A. F. & A. M., and is Past Deputy Grand Master of this jurisdiction.

Mr. Cranney was married December 25, 1859, to Sarah E. Coupe, a native of New York, born April 20, 1841. IFer father, Captain T. Coupe, was the founder of Coupeville, having taken the site as a donation claim in an early day. The Captain was born in 1818, and died in 1870; he married Maria White, who was born in 1816, and died in 1889. They were married at Bos- ton, Massachusetts, in 1840. From early youth the Captain followed the sea, and for many years was Captain of a vessel. In 1849 he came with his family to the Pacific coast, making the voyage via the Straits of Magellan. For several years he owned and operated a vessel between San Francisco and the Sound. He served as pilot on the revenue cutter, Jeff. Davis, which was afterward owned by Thomas Cranncy, who loaded it with piles and lumber and sent it to China, where it was sold. Captain Coupe built the first frame house erected on Whidby island.

Mr. and Mrs. Cranney are the parents of a family of seven living children: Mrs. Mary A. Clapp, Mrs. Alinda T. Empy, Mrs. Ida M. New- berry, Flora E., Leila E., Sena Loleta and M. F.

E J. HANCOCK, ex-vice-president of the Island County Bank of Coupeville, Washı- ington, was born November 4, 1854, in Lynchburg, Virginia. His father, A. G. Han- cock, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, in 1815, and died there in 1888. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth C. Hewitt, was also a Virginian, born in 1825, and is yet living. A. G. Hancock was a manufacturer of all kinds of tobacco and was the owner of large planta- tions. Ilis son, E. J., was a member of the household until he was twenty-two years of age. Ile received a good education, and assisted in the management of the factory. After 1876 he was engaged in planting until 1879, when he emigrated to the west, coming to Washington

and locating on Whidby island, where he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits for two years, then returned to his old Virginia home and until 1883 resided there. Arranging all his business for a permanent absence he came back to Whidby island, and bought the old donation claim of William E. Engle, where he at once began the task of clearing ont forty-five acres. He made many other improvements, erecting the most elegant residence on the island, the same being of modern style of architecture and fitted with all of the latest conveniences. He has a large orchard of choice fruits, and has continued the cultivation and clearing of the land until he has one of the most desirable farms in the county.

Mr. Hancock was chiefly instrumental in the organization of the first bank established in the county. July 14, 1892, the Island County Bank of Coupeville, Washington, was organ- ized with a paid up capital of $25,000. Mr. Hancock was elected vice-president, a position which he was well fitted to hold. He is a man of excellent judgment and is considered one of the most clever financiers in the State. IIe is Trustee of the Puget Sound Academy at Coupe- ville, and is also School Director. He has taken an active interest in the educational facilities that are being afforded the youth of this great commonwealth, and has always encouraged those enterprises calculated to elevate the intel- lectual standard. He is a member of Whidby Island Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to the Eastern Star, No. 26, of which Mrs. Hancock is Worthy Matron.

Mr. Hancock was married, March 3, 1886, to Julia E. Kinney, who was born in Nova Scotia, October 15, 1859, a daughter of T. F. and Mary E. (Houghton) Kinney. Her parents were also natives of Nova Scotia, the father born in 1829, and the mother in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Han- cock have three sons: Eugene A., Justice L., and Virgil K. In addition to the farm men tioned Mr. Hancock owns an immense amount of city property, and has many other profitable investments.

N. E. RAYBURN, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Columbia connty, is one of the substantial and thrifty farmers of Eastern Washington. He was born in Decatur county, Indiana, June 4, 1832, and

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reared in his native State until eighteen years of age. His father, William Rayburn, a native of Kentucky, settled in Indiana early in the '20s, and subsequently removed to Davis county, lowa, about 1851. The mother of our subject, nee Esther Phillips, was born in South Carolina, moved to Kentucky and thence to Indiana, and thence to Towa in 1850, and finally to Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1865. Both she and her husband are now deceased.

The subject of this sketch, the twelfth in order of birth in a family of seventeen chil- dren, was brought up to farm life and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. After a residence of some four years in Walla Walla county, he located at his present place, near Waitsburg, which now comprises 440 aeres of beautiful farm land,-forty acres in timber and 380 in cultivation, and devoted to some ex- tent to stock-raising.

With reference to the great public questions of the day, Mr. Rayburn is a zealous Democrat. He was elected County Commissioner in 1890, and re-elected in 1892. He represented his party at their first county convention, and has ever since been a delegate to nearly all their county conventions. For several years he was Director of School District No. 30. He has. also been Road Supervisor for five yoars. He affiliates with the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W., both at Waitsburg.

September 11, 1852, in the State of Missouri, he was joined in marriage with Miss Sarah M. Tull, of Madison, Indiana, and they have three children, all married. Their names are Hamlin R., Isadora (now Mrs. Lafayette Cox, of Day- ton) and Isaac N.

J OIN F. KIRBY, a prominent citizen of Columbia county, now retired from active business, has passed more than a quarter of a century in the Evergreen State. Having been a successful farmer for a number of years, about eight years ago he retired to his beautiful home at Huntsville, and is yet in the prime of life, being but fifty-three years of age.

Ile was born in Jennings county, Indiana, September 1, 1840, the youngest of five chil- dren born in the family of David and Eliza (Brown) Kirby. The parents were natives of Kentucky, descending from old and influential

families of that State. The mother died when the subject of this sketch was a child, and his father re-married; and consequently the boy be- gan the battles of life for himself at a prema ture age. In 1852 he crossed the plains to Washington county, Oregon, where he spent the first eight years of his life on the l'acific coast. July 13, 1859, in Yam Hill county, Oregon, he married Miss Mary Teel, an Oregon pioneer of 1853. They had six children, three of whom are yet living, namely: Mary A., now Mrs. P. B. Bateman; Frances, now the wife of James H. Fudge; and Abbie L., now Mrs. O. W. Pollard. Two sons and a daughter are de- ceased.

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An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 94

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