USA > Washington > Thurston County > Early history of Thurston County, Washington : together with biographies and reminiscences of those identified with pioneer days > Part 28
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any denomination might hold divine service. The Methodists were the first to build a church.
In 1855 my mother visited her relatives in Massachusetts. She made this trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and returned by the Nicaruaga Route, accompanied by her young- est sister, Emma E. Cleale (now Mrs. H. F. Cornwall, of Oak- land, Cal.), and the adopted infant daughter of a sister, who had been called from earth shortly before her arrival at her old home. A diary account (extracts from which are given) of the return trip, plainly shows that more hardships and peril attended this trip than the one "Around the Horn."
Memoranda of voyage from New York to San Francisco, in 1855. (The person alluded to as Gershom was the child's father, who accompanied his sisters-in-law to the Pacific Coast) :
Me noranda of Voyage from New York to San Francisco in 1855 Left the wharf in the good steamship Northern Light, on the evening of September 20th. Emma seasick; baby worri- some.
September 21-Cloudy, but fine breeze. Baby seasick. Weather getting warm as we come south.
September 22 .- Weather very warm. Many passengers seasick. September 23-Sunday-a very fine day. No preaching. Sea- sick passengers getting better.
September 24-A large number of passengers on board, over 800, great many on deck now, some watching the water, some the moon, some playing cards, whilst other pass re- marks upon them. Babe asleep.
September 25-Very warm; passed some of the West Indies today.
September 26-Passed the Isle of Cuba this morning and this eve watched the sun sink behind the mountains of Ja- maica-a very beautiful sight. Babe begins to pick up a little.
September 28-Commenced weighing baggage. I had to pay $15.65 for two trunks.
September 29-Left the Northern Light at Greytown ; went on board a small steamer, E. L. Hunt, and proceeded up the river. Arrived at Castillo Rapids at three a. m. Got breakfast at the National Hotel. Very poor fare.
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From there walked about half a mile and went on board another small steamer and proceeded up the river twelve miles farther, then exchanged for the lake boat. the San Carlos, a new and very comfortable boat. Dropped anchor at Virgin Bay and commenced landing passengers. We went to the National Hotel and got some supper, which our Indians wouldn't eat, and then had to pay $12.50 for one dirty little room, full of spiders and other insects too numerous to mention-tried to clean it out a little- killed about twenty tarantulas and made up some beds on the floor as best we could.
October 1-Still at the hotel and likely to be here for some time, as the steamer from San Francisco has not got into San Juan yet. We had to pay $1.00 per meal, which takes off the cash quite fast, but today have got tickets from the company for the whole time we may be detained here. Very poor fare; everything filthy so cannot eat and am obliged to go hungry.
October 2-Babe six months old today and has two teeth. Fare rather better today. The men are amusing them- selves outside, getting the natives to run races.
October 3-Very warm. At noon heard the joyful news the Cortez had arrived at San Juan. Some of the passengers are coming in now. Presume we will start tomorrow. I fear the dear little babe has the whooping cough.
October 4-A great many of our passengers left this morning to cross over to San Juan, and a great many left behind vet. There are not carriages nor mules enough to take them across. One wagon came back and thirteen women and children got in, but had not got out of sight of the house before we were told we must get out and walk, as the mules were so tired they could scarcely drag the wagon. Most all got out and walked but myself. I walked with the babe over very bad places and down hill, but when I thought there was no danger I would sit in the wagon with the child. It was so much easier for the baby. Sometimes it rained and I had to walk with the baby wrapped in heavy shawls to protect it from the rain, and a heavy umbrella besides. I thought the saving a true one that we don't know how much we can endure until
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we are tried. We travelled till long after dark and I thought we would have to stay out of doors all night, when one gentleman came back with three mules and Emma and another young lady got on and rode off for the half-way house some two or three miles distant. In about another half an hour Greshom and another man came back to see what had become of us and found us in the middle of the road, the mules determined not to go another step. The question was, what was to be done? One thing was cer- tain, we must have some food for the child and shelter. I got on Gershom's mule and he took the child in his arms and we started off for the half-way house. Sometimes I walked and he rode and carried the carpet bag. We walked this way until we came to the house at 10 o'clock, covered with mud, and so dark we could scarcely see the road. Were very glad to find shelter. The dear little one never cried once all that long afternoon and hard journey. First thing was to get something warm for her and then for ourselves.
October 5-Fine morn. All rose in good spirits and had a good breakfast and clean dishes to eat from, a luxury we had not enjoyed for a long time before. Orange, lemon and tamarind trees looked fine in a cultivated state. The wagon just arrived that I left the night before. All that were left were obliged to spend the night in the wagon. They all looked like the last roses of summer. Brought in some fresh mules and we are commencing our journey again. But fresh as our mules might have been we are all obliged to walk over two-thirds of the way into San Juan. We went to the Pacific House. Babe seems quite sick today. Her upper gums are swollen very badly and makes her head very hot. This afternoon I thought she was going into a fit. It frightened me very badly. Called a physician. October 6-Babe has the whooping cough sure enough. We all feel about tired out. The cholera is on board the steamer and we do not feel in any hurry to go on board. Four died before we came here and two today, and it is reported many are sick. Things do not look very favor- able for us. All we can do is put our trust in God. Many would stay here until the next steamer, were things
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pleasant, but the place is full of Walker's fillibustering party and it is hard to get enough to eat. The Cortez is a very small boat and I cannot think where they can stow so many people. All the beds we have had to sleep on since we left the Northern Light is a narrow cot, with- out any pillow or clothing except one dirty sheet spread over. Just think, one dollar per night for cot and sheet. and fifty cents for a hammock. One of Walker's men was shot on the beach this morning for stealing cattle.
October 7-Two more deaths on board last night. We saw a man and his wife come on shore this morning to bury their child. They dug a hole in the beach and laid the child in and covered it over. About tea time a gun was fired from the Cortez as a signal for us to go on board. Found things very black and dirty.
October 8-Proceeded to sea at 2 p. m. Very much crowded, very poor fare and a slow boat. Got our baggage today and arranged our room quite comfortably.
October 9-Very warm. One of the butchers was kicked over- board by an ox. Stopped steamer and got him safely again. This evening one of the boats got loose and had to stop again to pick it up. Emma seasick. Baby troublesome and sick. If I had time would be about sick myself.
October 10-Baby growing very sick and the weather exceed- ingly hot. Don't make much headway. Crossing the Gulf of Tehauntepec, which makes it very rough and most all seasick.
October 11 .- Warmest weather we have had. One little baby died this morning and I saw it thrown overboard without any ceremony at all. It makes me feel very bad, for I am afraid mine will soon have to follow. She seems very low. The doctor says the only chance for her is a good breast of milk. I find one lady on board kind enough to do it-Mrs. Irvine. She has nursed her twice this evening. Poor little thing, she seems so hungry for it.
October 12-A little more air today. Babe seems much brighter and has excellent appetite. At 2 p. m. went into Acapulco for provisions and water. It is a very pretty looking place. Would like to go ashore if I could. Babe does
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not seem so well this eve. Cannot nurse well. Mouth is growing sore very fast.
October 13-Babe very low. I don't think she can possibly live through the day. We have done everything mortals can do for her. The doctor comes to see her every half hour and all the officers are exceedingly kind. The engineer has offered me the use of his room on the upper deck where we can have better air and be more by ourselves. At five o'clock babe seemed to see the spirit of her angel mother awaiting to receive her. She sweetly smiled, the most Heavenly smile that mortal ever put on, and then her Spirit fled to Him that gave it. She has gone to her own dear mother and her Maker. May the Lord's will be done is my prayer. Mrs. Irvine dressed our little pet for the burial and a sweeter corpse never was seen. The dear little hand, so beautiful in life, is beautiful still, and that sweet smile lingers about the lovely face. At 7 o'clock she was taken on deck and Mr. Smith, the Purser, read the funeral service. The Captain, himself, held the lifeless form and consigned it to the deep. It is the first ceremony that has been said over anyone on board this ship and I feel truly thankful for the respect shown our feelings. I know no difference in my feelings than if I had given life to the child.
October 14 .- Very warm. The fourth Sunday since we left New York. One man buried this morning. I am very lonely and cannot tell what to do with myself.
October 18-Fine day. One woman died, a steerage passenger. October 18-Spoke a whale ship today and laid by three hours to get some water and provisions as we were very short. One man died in the steerage. The poor wife is nearly crazy. She has lost two children and her husband on this trip.
October 18-Quite cool. Young girl-steerage passenger-died in the night.
October 19-Weather very cold.
October 20-Hope to get in tomorrow for we are very short of everything-have to wash in salt water.
October 21-This Sunday morning in sight of the entrance to
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San Francisco Harbor. All on board seemed so glad to get in.
When my mother arrived in San Francisco in October, 1855, she found letters from her husband, requesting her to remain there until the Indian war was over. In 1856 the do- mestic and social life of the pioneer settlement was resumed and she worked with unflagging zeal for state and school and church, wherever woman's aid was needed, that the coming generation might find a foundation worthy of the superstruc- ture which she firmly believed they would erect. Her faith, pride and interest in the State of Washington. and all that pertained to its welfare and advancement, remained with her to the closing moments of life.
My father took charge of the Kendall Company's affairs. which were so extensive and varied, that he was able to em- ploy many who arrived with their fortunes sadly depleted, and, for a span of years, this western part of the state was largely peopled by settlers who to the present day take pleas- ure in reminding members of the family that "Your father gave me my first work." Mr. Percival afterwards bought the property on the corner of Main and Second streets from the Kendall Company, where he carried on business until 1876. when the partnership of T. N. Ford & Company was formed. Prior to entering the mercantile business he built and operated a saw mill, which was located at the mouth of Percival Creek. He also built the dock for the accommodation of the first steamers running to Olympia.
In the early years of business life, I am confident that he never failed to extend a helping hand to his less fortunate fellow man. A man of quiet tastes, loyal to his state, town, church and lodge, ever foremost in any movement for the de- velopment and advancement of the state, the future of which he saw with the eyes of faith. desiring no political preferment, he filled positions of trust, was custodian of moneys and valu- ables, and in the large warehouse, corner of Second and Colum- hia streets, built July. 1857. now owned by Mr. W. J. Foster and Mr. S. M. Percival, (and I will state in passing that vessels lay alongside and discharged directly into the Columbia street doors of this warehouse) he housed property of the Territory as well as of individuals; he shirked no duty, evaded no re-
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sponsibility, was free from prejudice and lived and died true to the religious and political convictions he had espoused in youth. Notably among the many services rendered to the Territory by him in those early days was a trip to California to get supplies to carry on the Indian war of 1855 and 56. Many sections of the country were impoverished at that time, and our military operations were liable to failure for want of supplies. Conditions became so grave that Governor Isaac I. Stevens called Captain Percival to his assistance and com- missioned him to go to San Francisco and arrange with the merchants there to furnish the Territory with the needed sup- plies and for this purpose Captain Percival was authorized to charter vessels to bring the supplies to Puget Sound, which was done.
Soon after the Indian war, while on Squaxon Island over- seeing a crew of men, who were cutting piles for the build- ing of the sea-wall of San Francisco, my father was struck by the top of a tree, which was broken off by the descent of the tree that had just been felled; he was bruised and scratched and his leg was broken. Late in the afternoon of the next day my mother was startled by a roll of blankets being hurled into the middle of the room, and saw an Indian standing in the open doorway. Recognizing the blankets, she asked, "Where is the Captain?" The Indian drew up his leg and passed his finger across it; my mother rushed to the door in time to receive Mr. J. R. and John Wood carrying my father on a blanket; these neighbors were engaged in shingling the roof of the brewery which for many years stood on the corner of Fifth and Columbia streets, and from that height they could look down into the canoe as it was drawn up on the beach and discover the form of a man lying in it. He had been brought home by two Indians who had paddled the en- tire way without taking rest.
This was the best that could have been done, for the only way of getting from place to place was by canoe or rowboat. My father's foot was turned around, and the limb and foot so badly swollen that the toes were not visible, five indenta- tions marking the place where they should be. My mother and the friends used their best judgment in setting the limb, and some one, (I regret that the name has escaped me), went on
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horseback to the military post at Steilacoom, to ask aid of the surgeon. Army regulations prevented him from leaving the post although he could, and did, attend anyone who could come to him; he gave the messenger such advice and direc- tions as it was possible for him to do. The Rev. Mr. Close had brought from his eastern home a quart bottle of home- made hartshorn liniment, which he hastened to bring to my mother, this and embrocations of salt and water, were used to reduce the swelling and my father made a quick recovery- he was about on crutches in three weeks' time. His limb was perfectly united, he could leap, run and dance as well as ever and his rapid walk and active movements were not altered in the least. My father's fine constitution, good habits of life, heroic courage, the wholesome living in the open air con- tributed to his restoration.
This story is not given as an isolated case, but as an example of what splendid heights the pioneer woman rose to, when occasion demanded it. I could cite instances where small women far removed from aid dragged and lifted heavy men, who had received injuries, to a place of safety, and cared for their wounds alone. To the woman of today, surrounded by antiseptics, and the wonderful appliances of modern sur- gery, relieved from the suspense of watching for "proud flesh" to appear in the wound, with physicians and trained nurses ready to respond to a call. this experience, which my mother passed through, will appeal (it has seemed to me) more than any other I can give.
In March my mother, with my brothers S. M. and J. C. and myself, visited the relatives in Massachusetts. We went and returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama from San Francisco. having reached that city by sailing vessel, and the memory of that trip is a joy to me still. The steamers were palatial. for the times, (we were in advance of the railroad) the service above criticism; twice a week concerts were given on deck by the dining saloon waiters (who were colored men) sports and entertaining features were arranged by the ship's officers, for no one retired until midnight. on account of the heat. I was in my twelfth year, but a pioneer child was much older in the capacity of receiving impressions and appreciat- ing opportunities, than a child of the same age today, and
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the matchless beauty of the phosphorescent ocean, the South- ern constellations, the gracefulness of the natives on the Isth- mus, the water sports and diving of the natives for coins at Manzanillo, where we made a stop, have been a vivid life-time pleasure and were as thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated as they could be today. My father joined us in the Summer (leaving his large business in the hands of his confidential young bookkeeper, Mr. A. A. Phillips), and we all returned in November, accompanied by three sisters, the Misses Cushman. We children were made happy by the gift of a fine piano, which father had purchased in Boston, and which had to be shipped "around the Horn."
No piano ever contributed more to the pleasure of the family and the neighborly children than that one. The first brass band, Mr. S. C. Woodruff, leader, organized and prac- ticed three times a week in the kitchen of our home, after the Chinese servant had finished his after-dinner work and joined his brethren at the "Wash House," which was the Chinatown of that day. The boys had received instructions on their various "horns" from Dr. Eggers, a German scholar and musician, a member of the House of Hanover, who lived alone in a small house, and cultivated the entire block on which the Y. M. C. A. building now stands. He had a beautiful orchard and raised small fruits.
My youngest brother, Horace, born September, 1870, would be put to bed, in an adjoining room and sleep calmly Through the evening's practice.
My brother, John, gave me instruction on an alto horn, and we formed an "orchestra" with S. C. Woodruff Eb cornet, j. C. Percival Bb cornet, myself Bb alto, S. M. Pericval, tuba and Stella Galliher, my girl friend, who possessed extra -. ordinary musical talent, at the piano. We worked indefatigably, were very ambitious, and rendered selections from "Faust" and from operas to an appreciative audience made up of mother and baby, and whatever girls and boys happened to come in, among this number Mr. Samual L. Crawford of Seattle was usually to be found. The concerts began at an early hour and the masterpieces were reserved until the "audience" had put the baby to bed. No valuable time was lost, however, for it was the invariable custom to employ the intermission in
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refreshing ourselves from the pantry. On other evenings we had "candy pullings," making molasses candy or white taffy, the boys gave minstrel performances, and we frequently arranged tableaux and charades, one of the favorite tableaux being the "Presentation of the Jewels from Rebecca to Rowena," and always concluding with some girl imperson- ating the "Goddess of Liberty." In this tableaux Ada Wood- ruff, a clever actress, was especially fine. I think we would have considered ourselves disloyal if we had omitted that one. Either Miss Galliher or my brother, John, furnished appro- priate music on all occasions. Whatever had been used was put away when we finished. There was no confusion or "upset house" the next morning. Something of this sort was carried on in any home where there were children, perhaps oftener in our own on account of the piano, although ours was not the first one in town.
Our mothers, in addition to making all of our clothes, (ready-made clothing was not dreamed of then, and boys wore daintily made clothes as well as girls; my brother's "best" shirts were made with rows of hand-made fagoting between each tuck) lent a willing hand in the fashioning of costumes, boating suits, etc., but we were expected to carry out our plans for amusement ourselves, and we were a happy, contented group, working with painstaking diligence, out of school hours, and when the "chores" were attended to, perfecting our plans, for the standard was high, and no slip- shod work was recognized.
Almost every family employed a Chinaman, three inviting substantial meals were well served daily, the cake and cookie boxes, the doughnut jar, were never allowed to bcome empty, that these staples might always be at hand to "pass around" in the evening, or to assist a neighbor in case of need. We did not lack for delicacies, or "frilly" things upon occasion, for all the women of that day were able to achieve wonderful results in cookery that would grace the most elaborate func- tion today. This, I think, explains the leisure the women of that day enjoyed, they did not allow themselves to "get behind."
During the summer the evenings were spent on the water. Words fail me to describe the beauty of this bay, as I know it,
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entirely free from piles or obstruction, spanned by the bridge from Fourth Street to West Olympia, with a pebbly beach wherever one might choose to land; and it was an enrapturing sight on a summer's evening, dotted with boats from the landing to the falls at Tumwater, with sailboats in the distance with one of our gorgeous sunsets casting a glow over the water, and the sound of music greeting the ear. The boat house and float was located at the west end of First Street and owned by my uncle, Mr. J. H. Cleale. There were boats of all sizes from very large sailboats with a seating capacity of about twenty-five, to two of the daintiest racing shells, thirty feet in length I have ever seen. The boats were the Whitehall pattern, built by my uncle, and most beautifully kept. He equipped a small scow with music racks, lighted it with torches, for the use of the band. Two boats were reserved, one for a girls boat club (Annie Stevens, Jessie Lowe, Belle Evans, Fanny Steele, Lizzie Ferry), and one for boys (James Ferry, S. M. Pereival, S. C. Woodruff, Frank Treen. J. C. Percival). Immediately after dinner young and old strolled down to the landing and embarked. Many families owned a boat and it was the custom for the entire family to go out for a "row on the bay"; the rowing was often drifting, the boats keeping near each other, while we sang, or some one recited, as the spirit moved us, for we sang whenever we got together, on the water, around a camp fire, or in a home. There was no "younger set". we enjoyed our elders and they enjoyed us. We felt no restraint in their presence and were all happy together. So united were we that it was quite the usual cus- tom for a youth of eighteen or twenty years to follow men like Governor Ferry or Elwood Evans in contributing to the pleasure of the evening, and he did it (if called upon) without diffidence or hesitation, merely a conscientious desire to "do his part." Illustrative of the capability of the young "to carry the thing through," for some reason, one year there were no preparations made for the celebration of the Fourth of July. The Band boys set to work, raised the money, almost $1000, and the result was a day's program, commencing at 9 a. m. which "went off" without a hitch or any delay, and which entertained and amused the citizens of the town and all the surrounding country. In the "Calathumpian Parade," Mr.
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Woodruff as the "Goddess of Liberty" on a pretentious float, was resplendent in a blonde wig made from large hawser rope; the other details of his costume were as original as the wig. (No one was improvident, costumes and trappings were always carefully "put away for the next time.")
Charles B. Hopkins, grandson of the late Col. E. D. Baker, was (if I mistake not) Marshall of the Day. The usual exer- cises took place on the Public Square, the Rev. Mr. Utter, Chaplain. Every other position throughout the day was filled by boys, the eldest of whom could not have been over eighteen years of age. S. C. Percival read the "Declaration" and was coached in his rendition by the Hon. Elwood Evans. S. C. Woodruff, a humorist of no mean order, was Orator of the Day. He advanced to the Speaker's stand, with an armful of shingles, upon which his "oration" was written. As he warmed to his subject he would absent-mindedly (?) bring a shingle down upon the table, with such emphasis, that it was splintered and when he concluded, he stood ankle-deep in kindling wood; the expression of astonishment and dismay which overspread his face whenever this happened was worthy of the "Inimitable Woodruff", as he was called in after years. Lest some captious person might imagine that he had been disrespectful to the great and glorious day, when the laughter and applause had died away, Mr. Woodruff drew a neat manuscript from his pocket, and, with great dignity. delivered a short but well written address. (In late years Mr. Woodruff has found a field for his talent as leader and organizer and has succeeded in training and developing the poor deficient little ones, whom he has in his care, as no one else has been able to do. For several years programs have been received of the Christmas week Cantatas and plays -usually three days-in which the children at the School for Defective Youth, of which Mr. Woodruff is Superintendent, have taken part). A "Glee Club" of boys assisted, the water sports and boat races were very interesting, performed as they were by boys who had spent a large portion of their lives in and on Budd's Inlet. I do not wish to give the impression that our elders had no festivities except those they shared with the young. The "Merry Bachelors" Club was in existence for several years, and their winter club dances were very
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