USA > Washington > King County > History and progress of King County, Washington > Part 5
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Fresh water bathing stations on Green Lake, Lake Union and Lake Washington and a salt water bathing beach half a mile in length and a modern bath house at Alki Beach afford delightful facilities for bathers.
At Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill an eighteen-hole mu- nicipal golf course is maintained, which, on account of its scenie surroundings, is regarded by visiting golfers as the most beautiful golfing site in the United States.
Page Twenty-three
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON
KRIST KNUDSEN Comity Commissioner for North District
Krist Knudsen, the present member of the Board of County Commissioners from the North District of the county, was born in Norway April 26, 1860. At the age of twenty years he came to America, and atter sojourning in the states of Connecticut, New York, Illinois, Kansas and Colorado, he came to the state of Washington, arriving in Seattle, April 20, 1887. In May of the same year he was married and shortly atter took up a homestead at Juanita, then a wilderness at the north end of Lake Washington, but now almost a suburb of the City of Seattle.
in the fall of 1892 he was elected road supervisor for King County in the district in which he lived, and for nine years thereafter was reelected each year. Through legisla- tion the office of road supervisor then became one of appoint- ment by the Board of County Commissioners, and he was appointed and reappointed for nine successive years, by the different Board of County Commissioners, serving in their turn.
In the year of 1912, he decided to become a candidate for county commissioner from the North District, and was sule- cessful, being elected for a term of two years. At the close of this term he became a candidate for reelection, and in No- vember, 1914, was reelected to serve four years.
Mr. Knudsen's record as commissioner during his three years' service has been along progressive lines, working in harmony with Chairman M. L. Hamilton and Commissioner M. J. Carrigan on all measures of county legislation required to keep pace with the rapid development that has taken place in recent years. His familiarity with the roads and bridges of bis district gained from his long service as road supervisor has enabled him to render very efficient service in that line of his duty as commissioner. He superintends the expenditure of approximately $600,000 each year on the various highways and bridges within his commissioner's district. His term will expire in January, 1919.
Krist Knudsen is a living example of what a man may accomplish in this land of the New West. Coming to Amer- ica as an unlettered, but not an ignorant foreigner, he has steadily climbed the ladder until he has attained a place in the community of which he may be justly proud. Great credit is due knudsen for his tenacity and honesty of purpose.
THE LEGAL PART OF THE COURT HOUSE BOND ISSUE By ROBERT H. EVANS, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
In November, 1912, the Board of County Commissioners submitted a bond issue of $950,000 for the erection of the new Court House on Block 33, C. D. Boren's Addition to the City of Seattle, at the intersection of James Street and Third Avenue.
This bond issue carried by a heavy vote over the neces- sary three-fifths. Subsequently the county commissioners offered the bonds for sale and they were readily purchased. Prior to delivery, however, an injunction proceeding was brought restraining the commissioners from proceeding with the sale of the bonds or with the letting of any contracts in connection with the proposed construction.
On June 6, 1913, Judges Everett Smith and R. B. Albert- son of the Superior Court of King County granted an injune- tion permanently enjoining the county commissioners from proceeding with the delivery of the bonds or the construction of the Court House on the theory that the people had been misled as to the character of the building which could be con- structed with the funds available. This case was carried to the Supreme Court of the state by the prosecuting attorney's office, the case being argued and presented by Robert H. Evans for the board. A decision was rendered December 6, 1913. reversing the opinion of the trial court holding that the proceedings leading to the bond sale were in strict compliance
with the statutory requirements and that the commissioners bad in all respects complied with the law in conducting their proceedings.
Subsequently the honds were resold and a contract was entered into with the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Com- pany for the construction of a court house to cost approxi- mately the amount of the bond issue. The contract contained a clause securing to King County the option of requiring the contractor to erect two additional stories to the building in the event the commissioners saw fit to go ahead with the additional construction.
In 1913, the Legislature passed an act authorizing cities of the first class and counties to jointly construct and own public buildings. At the state election in 1914, the commis- sioners submitted a further bond issue of $350,000 for the purpose of securing funds to construct two additional stories upon the building as originally planned. The bonds were sold and the construction was carried out under the contract with the Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Company.
The city then entered into a contract of lease for the joint use of the building, separate offices being assigned to the various departments of the city. This lease runs for twenty years from the completion of the building and is con- sidered highly advantageous to both city and county and city affairs under one roof will save much in the way of rentals.
Page Twenty-four
HISTORY AND PROGRESS of
NORMAN M. WARDALL
Deputy County Auditor and Clerk Board of Commissioners.
Norman M. Wardall was first appointed deputy county auditor and clerk of the Board of County Commissioners in January, 1909, by County Auditor Otto A. Case, and has served continuously ever since, having been reappointed by County Auditor Byron Phelps in 1913.
All the details of the commissioners' office falls on his shoulders, one of the principal items being that of the large number of bonds voted by the people of King County during the past six years, amounting to over $6,000,000. Every dol- lar of this vast sum must depend on the correctness of his records for its validity. The preparation and sale of the bonds themselves are details that require the most accurate and efficient service and knowledge, for no set of men in the world are so exacting, so critical and gun-shy as are bond buyers. Not only must the pedigree of the bond be perfect and without a flaw or blemish, but the appearance and neat- ness of execution in lithographing it, must meet their dis- criminating fancy.
When the validity of the bonds voted for the erection of the new Court House was questioned and taken into court by the advocates of a Civic Center, it was largely due to Mr. Wardall's records and testimony that they were finally de- clared legal by the Supreme Court, and made possible the construction of the new county building.
The drawing of all contracts for the construction of county buildings, roads and bridges running into many mil- lions of dollars, are matters that come under his supervision and require his signature.
The compiling of the County Budget, calling for some $2,500,000 each year and the adjustment of the annual tax levy to raise that sum, are matters that demand painstaking work and intimate knowledge of county affairs.
The vouchers on which this money is expended all pass through his hands and are shown on his office records, many of which must have his approval before being allowed and paid.
It is he who meets the general public, and the calls for information on every conceivable subject relating to the county average over fifty per day, most of which he is able to answer on the spot without reference to files or records.
By reason of his long service in his present position, Mr. Wardall is considered by many as the best informed man in the city on county affairs.
he was born in Mitchell County, lowa, in 1870, and came to Seattle from South Dakota in 1906. He lives in West Seattle, is married and has one daughter, who is attending the University of Washington.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURT HOUSE
The building in design is commercial rather than monu- mental; classical forms and ornaments are introduced and a pleasing result is obtained, in a manner characterizing the best commercial work of the leading buildings of the country.
The utilitarian purposes of the building are given the major consideration, and therefore large window openings versus massive wall construction is the keynote of the struc- ture, and yet, the design is so well balanced as to possess dignity and good proportions.
While the structure is of the sky-scraper type, and strict- ly fireproof throughout, it cannot be called a stilted or un- stable looking structure, but with its granite base, and col- umnar lower stories, it impresses the beholder as a public building.
The upper stories, the topmost one being typical of addi- tional stories, are faced with glazed terra cotta in imitation of the granite, and though a reasonably good match is ob- tained, it is to be regretted that the design could not be car- ried out in granite for the full height, giving the added dignity and durability of that superior material. The building, as now constructed, is provided with foundations to carry seven more stories, anu with additional five stories, when completed. will make a handsome and pleasing structure.
The interior arrangement provides for the various de- partments of the city and county, along the practical lines of large business corporations. City and county treasurers are located on the ground floor, and fitted up after the man- ner of large counting houses to expedite the public business.
Throughout the plan is that of a first-class business structure with partitions so arranged as to be flexible, allow- ing of easy removal when larger areas are desired, or sub- divisions can be made to accommodate most any demand.
The interior is simple and practical throughout. The walls of court rooms require some mural decorations, which it is to be hoped will be applied in the future, such as would be in keeping with the marble wainscotted corridors, and the general dignity of the structure.
In this building, it can truly be said that the taxpayers receive more for their money than any other public building of equal cost, throughout the country. It was constructed at a time when building materials were at their lowest cost, and labor was plenty. This coupled with the design conceived on lines of economy and practicability, have made possible this achievement.
Page Twenty-five
KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Proceedings of the Early Day Commissioners
The writer has little or no imagination ; he can write little else than an epitome of that which comes within his actual range of vision. Of romance he knows noth- ing; of ancient history little, so he may not take up the excerpts copied from the musty County records and weave about them the romance that justly is their due.
Think of the possible thrillers: of the exciting per- iods: of the items of intense interest even to us of the present day, were one able to dream back into the re- cent Past.
Think of Port Orchard, then within the bounds of King County, sening men in a crude canoe to Seattle for rifles to defend its citizens against the ravages of the red man! White men, who are indigents are sold into slavery for their upkeep to the one who would agree to feed them for the least money !
From the organization of the Board of County Com- missioners down to 1880, a period of nearly 30 years. was probably the most interesting in King County's history.
If you do not care for the romance of your own county, do not read the "minutes of the boards" which follow :
"Be it remembered that on this 5th day of March, A. D. 1853, the County Commissioners' Court of King County was convened at the house of D. S. Maynard in the town of Seattle and duly organized in accordance with the act of the Legislature Assembly of Oregon Terri- tory.'
"Present, L. M. Collins and A. A. Denny, Commis- sioners, and II. L. Yesler, Clerk."
"The following business was transacted: Ordered that the following named persons be summoned to serve as grand jurors. to-wit: George Holt, Jacob Mapel. Samnel Mapel, Henry Pierce, Henry Smith, David A. Clark and James Wilson. And as petit jurors, David Denny, Win. Bell. John Sampson. John Mass, Wm. Carr, David Maurer, John Strole and Henry Van Asselt."
"Ordered that the Court adjourn to meet on the first Monday in April.
"Signed, A. A. Denny, L. M. Collins, Commissioners. " * * *
April 4. 1853. Win. Bell was appointed supervisor of Road District No. 1. George Holt, supervisor of Road District No. 2.
Ordered that all of King County lying north of the Duwamish River be included in District No. 1 and all ly- ing south of the same be included in District No. 2.
L. M. Collins was the first to secure a license for a ferry on the Duwamish River, paying the sum of 2.00 as the first year's tax and by giving a bond in the sum of $100.00.
The meeting of July 4th, 1853, was adjourned to
July 5. L. V. Wychoff appointed assessor for King County. J. N. Avers appointed treasurer.
Jacob Mapel and E. C. Terry appointed JJustices and Henry Smith, Constable.
September 5, 1853. Ordered that a tax levy of four mills on the dollar be levied for County revenues.
July 5th. 1854. D. L. Maynard was appointed super- intendent of schools in King County.
December 4. 1854. Court ordered H. Butler paid $25 for boarding Indian prisoners.
C. D. Boren paid $75 for keeping Indian prisoners and acting as Sheriff.
January 15, 1855. Ordered that John Henning, Wm. Gilliam and (. E. Brownell be appointed viewers of a road to be laid out running from claim of John M. Thomas to Joseph Foster, thence down the Duwamish River on the south side to eross near the east side of the elaim of Henry Van Asselt.
March 5. 1855. Dr. 1. Williams paid for services to Mr. Nurve, a pauper.
The election for the town of Seattle was held in the office of D. L. Maynard, July, 1855.
June. 1855. David Maurer appointed Road Super- visor for District No. 1. John Henning appointed super- visor for Road District No. 2, Henry Fee for Road Dis- triet No. 3, Moses Kirkland for Road District No. 4, Ed- ward Carr for Road District No. 5. Wm. C. Webster for Road Distriet No. 6.
Roads from Seattle to Ross and Strickless Mill and also from Henry Van Asselt claim, east line to intersect the Territorial road at the claim of John M. Thomas ap- proved and lawfully opened as county road.
Ordered that the Road Supervisor be required to en- ter bond with the County Commissioners with securities, the sum of $250.
March, 1856. Eleven muskets ordered sent to Port Orchard for the use of the citizens.
Owing to the Indian War road matters were stopped in the County.
New election precinet was established at the home of Renton O. Howard at Port Orchard and the precinet at Alki be anmulled.
The Treasurer's report was found correct and a bal- anee of $183.42 still found in the tresaury of the schools.
June 3, 1856. Ordered that Edward Moore, the pau- per now in Seattle, be sold at public auction to the lowest bidder for his maintenance to be paid out of the County Treasury, said bid to be left with the commissioners to E. A. Clark, Clerk.
September 1. 1856. Ordered that a tax of two mills be levied for school, four mills county tax, one mill terri-
Page Twenty-six
HISTORY AND PROGRESS of
torial tax. Sheriff elected in and for King County until the next regular election.
December 1, 1856. Thomas Mercer appointed Chair- man of Board of County Commissioners.
January 8, 1857. Ordered that the following officers be elected at the July election, : One delegate to Congress, one joint councilman, with Slaughter County ; two repre- sentatives, one Probate Judge, one assessor, one Coroner, one Wreckmaster, two Justices of the Peace, one Con- stable, one Superintendent of County Schools.
Ordered a tax of three mills on County, two school and one territorial tax be levied, also twenty-five dollars road tax on each one hundred dollarss, and nine dollars on each person liable to pay road tax, also one mill of county tax to be paid in cash for court funds.
Ordered that County Script be received by Super- visor and Treasurer in payment for road tax at par for the year 1858.
Dec. 6. 1858. Petition of C. C. Lewis and B. S. Johns asking for a license to run a ferry on the Duwamish River was granted for the term of one year for the sum of $1.30, and the rates shall be as follows :
Man and horse 50c, footman. 25c, loose cattle, except hogs and sheep. 15c, hogs and sheep 10c, wagon and span of horses 75c, each additional span 371/2c, yoke of oxen 50c.
April 19, 1859. Assessor appointed to fill vacancy. Appointed Butler P. Anderson, prosecuting attorney.
May 2, 1859. Ordered that H. Butler's bill as sheriff in arresting and conveying Wm. Sharp, a prisoner, to Fort Steilacom, $21, paid.
June 6, 1859. County Assessor, W. White. David Hillorey Batters paid $11.50 For furnishing jail for pris- oner Wm. Sharp.
November 2, 1863. Report of viewers on account of county road from Black River Bridge No. 1 to Military road leading to Seattle accepted and road established.
Ordered that A. G. Terry be and is hereby licensed to sell spiritnous liquor for three months and keep one bil- liard table for the term of six months from Dec. 10, 1858, to March 10, 1860.
October 3, 1863. Ordered that the election precinct known as Snoqualmie voting precinct be so enlarged as to include the Samamish or Squak Valley and that the election be held at the house of E. Walsh in the Sqnak Valley.
Sept. 10, 1863. License granted N. B. Judkin to keep groeery and billiard table for six months.
February, 1864. E. Richards paid fifty dollars for county map.
May 2, 1864. Ordered that Freeport be made a voting precinct and elections to be held at the Miller's store in said precinct.
Ordered a new road distriet to be known and num- bered No. 11 and to inchide the Alki Point road and the
road leading from Freeport Mills to terminate at Holt's west line.
Total assessment for 1864, $300,966.00.
May 3, 1864. That an order be drawn on the County Treasurer for the sum of $300 in favor of S. V. Combs, to be expended as soon as ean be negotiated for-in the purchase of a safe for the use of the county. Said S. V. Combs to pay all freights on the same from San Fran- eisco or from any place where it may be brought, pro- vided he has the use of the same.
Nov. 3, 1864. Ordered that a notice for sale of all school lands in section 36 near Hladan's donation claim be made pursuant to law.
Ordered that E. Richardson be and is hereby appoint- ed to locate all school lands that have been taken by do- nations and prescriptions prior to the survey thereof.
Nov. 15, 1864. Ordered that a committee be appoint- ed to seleet a location and make arrangements for build- ing a concrete jail.
March 3, 1865. Ordered that O. C. Shovey be paid $70 for making a coffin for John Buck.
Taxes for the year 1865: County, 4 mills on the dol- lar : school, 2 mills on the dollar ; territorial, 4 mills on the dollar ; road, 2 mills on the dollar.
Nov. 14, 1865. Mr. Hall was appointed attorney or legal advisor for the county. Appointed for one year at a quarterly sum of $50 to be paid at the end of each quar- ter by the County Auditor.
Ordered a committee of three, D. L. Denny, James J. Jordan and Frank Mathias, to find a suitable place for the court house and county jail.
Nov. 13. 1866. Bill of Kellogg and Maddocks for medicine for county siek allowed. Amount, $129.25.
Ordered that the amount of school funds in the hands of the County Treasurer in County Seript be exchanged for greenbaeks and deposited as a school fund.
Dee. 22, 1866. Ordered that in case H. J. Stevenson fails to serve as surveyor of roads, Mr. Richardson serve in his stead.
May 7, 1867. Ordered that 30 per cent of all money paid into the County Treasury for county purposes be set aside as a road fund for building bridges and roads in King County.
May 25, 1867. Contract awarded to Daniel Brackett for constructing the Snoqualmie wagon road. His was the lowest and best bid, being $120 per mile, making a good passable road.
Thomas Mercer, Probate Judge, gave bond for $1,000.
Bond of Sheriff being $5.000.
Justice of Peace, H. N. Steele, of the Seattle precinct.
Bills allowed for the keep and medieine for the pau- pers, by name of Crew and Charles Curtis.
February, 1868. Roards ordered to be 30 feet wide. Board ordered all persons through whose land the Sno-
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KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Page Twenty-seven
qualmie road runs on the Snopuahnie River or Ranger's Prairie, be authorized to keep gates across said road for one year from date.
Ordered by the Board that the rate of taxation in King County, Washington Territory, for the year 1868 shall be as follows, to-wit: Poll tax for county purposes, $2.00 per poll; poll tax for road purposes, $4.00 per poll ; county tax, 8 mills on each $1.00 of valuation : territorial tax, 31% mills on each $1.00 of valnation; school tax, 3 mills on each $1.00 of valuation ; road tax, 8 mills on each $1.00 of valuation.
In accordance with the provisions of the act of the Legislature of Washington Territory approved Jan. 28th, 1867, entitled, "An act authorizing the County Commis- sioners of King County, Washington Territory, to borrow money for the purpose of building bridges and opening roads in King County.
In May, 1868, when the Board of County Commis- sioners adjourned at the close of a day's session it was to meet again the next morning at seven o'clock.
June, 1866. Henry Yesler authorized to keep and maintain a wharf in the town of Seattle at the foot of Mill Street for the term of 10 years, said wharf to run into the water a sufficient distance for all praetieable and nav- igable purposes. Rates for landing and shipping freight, per ton, 50c ; plungers and small vessels, per month, 50c ; for the landing of all small vessels of 100 tons and over, $5.00; for the landing of all steamers, month, $5.00; for all cattle and horses shipped or landed, per head, 25c; for all hogs shipped or landed, per head, 121/ge ; for all sheep shipped or landed, per head, 6c; single packages to be charged at reasonable rates; for a horse and wagon, 50c ; for other vehicles, including wheelbarrows, 121/2c.
February, 1869. E. Carr paid twenty-five dollars for services as county sebool superintendent.
November, 1869. Bridges ordered to be built across Squag Creek.
February, 1870. H. P. Lewis appointed to select and locate lands for school purposes, said land to be taken to make up any deficiency that may be in school sec- tions by reason of lakes and other lands are at present worthless or taken by persons holding lands in school sections prior to the public survey.
May 2, 1870. Petition from Freeport asking to be declared a separate voting precinet, including Vashon Island, Alki Point and all the settlements on the west side of the mainland residing along the coast to Moore's place, inclusive.
Election precinct established at Cedar River, inelud- ing all the settlements on Cedar River.
Election precinet established on the east side of Lake Washington to be known as the Lake Washington branch, to embrace all the settlements from Black River along the lake north.
At this time Mr. Willes was Bridge Commissioner.
E. Carr allowed $50 for year's work as County Su- perintendent of Schools. County Auditor C. Kellogg paid $86 for year's services.
1871. The county received $75, gold coin, for the lease of the County Farm to A. C. Shivey.
Rate of license for King County inside the city limits for the future and until otherwise ordered shall be $300 per annum.
County road from Snoqualmie River to Seattle was accepted and viewers appointed.
District 10 changed so as to inelude claim of Henry Adams. District No. 17 divided to form District No. 18.
Paid $40 to Mr. Yesler for the rent of the court house. County Attorney at this time was James MeNaught.
In 1871 Samuel D. L. Smith was Justice of the Peace for the Seattle Precinct. Wm. Goldmyer, supervisor of Distriet No. 19, resigned and Wm. Kenny appointed.
Bridges ordered across Cedar River.
An additional appropriation of $200 was made for Stuck River bridge.
A new road distriet commencing at the north line of the city limits, running thenee north to the north line of King County and extending east of the west line of Dis- triet No. 19 and west to Puget Sound. Thomas Mercer, supervisor.
The Coroner for 1871 was J. S. Settle.
County office rented from G. Kellogg.
Bridge report of bridge over Cedar River accepted. M. P. Smith, supervisor.
1872. O. C. Shorey was Treasurer of King County at this time. Bill for the care and burial of pauper allowed.
March 30, 1872. Special meeting called to fill the vacancy in the office of the County Surveyor. Geo. F. Whitworth elected to this office. Hle qualified according to law.
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