USA > Washington > History of Washington the evergreen state : from early dawn to daylight with portraits and biographies Vol. II > Part 38
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During the infancy of Tacoma, when there were few to lay the foundations and mould and advance the character of the commercial and business enterprises of the city, he was always found vigilant and prominently in the lead, leaving the impress of his thought and energy in all directions. He is President of the Pacific Coast Unitarian Conference, and has been prominently identified with the Unitarian Church in matters pertaining to liberal Christianity.
From early childhood he has been a great lover of books. From these he derived his principal recreation when a lad, laying the foundation for intellectual sociability in later years and distinguishing him as a " man of ideas." His many and absorbing business affairs have not prevented his taking a constant and lively interest in educational matters. The superb public-school system in the State is largely indebted to him for its present perfection. He has donated $20,000 for founding a manual training department to the public schools of Tacoma. This act fully demonstrates the interest lie takes in the subject of public-school educa- tion. The philanthropic tendencies of Mr. Thompson are not confined to purely educational lines. In any benevolent movement for the public good his name is invariably enlisted, and rarely is it second in place or importance, nor is his liber-
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ality confined to matters public. He served as a member of the National Repub- lican Convention which nominated Mr. Harrison at Chicago, being on the Com- mittee on Platform and Resolutions as a delegate from Washington Territory to that Convention. He was induced to allow his name to be used as a candidate for the Legislature, was elected in 1886, and served one term, at the expiration of which he was elected to the Senate (1888).
In the Legislature he was prominently identified as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and as a member of the Committee on Corporations, Education and Judiciary. It was here that he developed the strong elements within him, soon becoming the acknowledged leader of the House, admired by friends and respected by opponents. The fruits of his labor there reflected great honor upon himself, and he was instrumental in effecting many immediate reforms and benefits for the new State of Washington. The high sense of honor and conscientious purpose which always accompanied his acts know no compromise or swerving from his convictions of rectitude. This was strikingly demonstrated when he refused to co-operate with or truckle to corporate influences which desired certain measures advocated in the United States Senate, when he was a candidate for that body before the first State Legislature. He preferred to suffer defeat than an election at such a cost. Mr. Thompson was married in 1878 to Miss Clara A .. Stewart, who died January 4th, 1888, leaving a son, Ray Walter, born October 8tlı, 1879, and a daughter, Clara B., born in 1887, and who survived her mother but eight months. Two years later Mr. Thompson married Miss Amaryllis Crain, of Spring Prairie, Wis., a former schoolmate of his.
His genial hospitality has made his home a rendezvous for not only his fellow- citizens, but many a traveller to that far-famed City of Destiny. Progressive and public-spirited, Mr. Thompson has borne a leading part in all the enterprises which for many years past have aided the general prosperity of Tacoma. He is a large property-holder throughout the State. As a business man he is especially noted for the quickness with which he grasps the most complicated details, and the steadfastness with which plans once determined upon are pursued. No one is more careful and conservative than he, but when he fully determines on a course of action he is as firm as a rock, and has no lack of courage to face every consequence which may arise. He is now in the very prime and vigor of man- hood, full of life, energy, and enterprise, and with abundant' means to carry on his rapidly increasing enterprises and support his financial responsibilities, it is safe to presage that still greater emoluments and honors wait him in the years to come.
PRITCHARD, HON. WILLIAM H., of Tacoma, Superior Judge of Pierce County, Wash., is a native son of the Buckeye State, having been born in Richland County, O., July 18th, 1851. After attending the common schools of his native county he entered the Greentown Academy, at Perrysville, O. The next six years were spent in attendance at this institution and in teaching in the country schools of Richland and adjoining counties, with an interval of one year at the Otoe University, of Nebraska City. He then entered the Sophomore Class of Dennison University, at Granville, O., and two years later, on account of the death of the president of that institution, changed to the University of Woos-
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ter, O., from which he was graduated in 1874. Being appointed First Assistant Principal of Greentown Academy, he served as such for one year, and then re- moved to Shelby, O., where he was Superintendent of the city schools for three years. In the mean time he began a systematic course of legal studies, and was admitted to the Bar in 1878, immediately thereafter beginning the active practice of his profession at Mansfield, O., where he remained until 1884. He then re- moved to Colfax, Wash., and in 1888 came to Tacoma, where he has since resided. Here he at once entered upon a large and lucrative practice, and took a foremost rank in the profession. In 1892 the Bar of Pierce County determined as far as practicable to take the judiciary out of politics, and at a Bar meeting called for the purpose of nominating a non-partisan judiciary ticket, Mr. Pritchard, without any solicitation on his part and against his protest, was almost unanimously called upon to head this ticket. Actuated by a sense of duty he accepted the nomina- tion, and in the ensuing election the three non-partisan judges were triumphantly elected. It is confidently believed that this movement will prove an event of historic significance, as other counties in the State will surely follow the example of Pierce, and it is very probable that in the near future the judges in this State will be selected solely on the ground of fitness for the office without regard to political influence, and that their nomination and election will be entirely removed from the degrading influence of ordinary political scrambles. As a lawyer Judge Pritchard is earnest and honest in the assertion of the rights of his clients, careful in the preparation of cases, well versed in the principles of his profession, dis- criminating in the application of precedents, and skilful in the conduct of his causes. To these elements are combined those mental and moral qualifications requisite for an accomplished and successful advocate and counsellor. As a judge he is noted for his courtesy, industry, and acuteness, as well as for his learning and firmness. His opinions bear indubitable evidence of careful and extended research and show the possession of an honest, clear, logical mind, the grasp of legal principles, the unfailing purpose and independent courage which surely lead him to right conclusions. It is but simple justice to say that during the time he has occupied the position of Superior Judge he has fully justi- fied the confidence of his friends and firmly established an enviable reputation as a jurist.
Judge Pritchard was married July 18th, 1874, to Miss Sophia Leiter, of Lucas, O. Four children have been born to them, two sons and two daughters. The elder son graduated from Bishop Scott Academy in 1893. Whole-souled, generous, and sympathetic in nature and true as steel in his friendships, Judge Pritchard has surrounded himself with a host of friends, whose attachment he warmly reciprocates. He is a man of polished address and of naturally courteous manner, one who would win respectful recognition anywhere and easily gain the good-will and confidence of his fellows.
STALLCUP, HON. J. C., of Tacoma, Judge of the Superior Court for Pierce County, was born in Columbiana County, O., February 26th, 1841. He received bis education at the schools of New Lisbon, O., and Mt. Union College. After leaving college lie began the study of law, and was admitted to the Bar at New Lisbon in 1864. He practised for about ten years in Stark County, O., spending
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three winters during this time in the South and Texas, on account of ill health. In 1877 he removed to Denver, Col., and continued the practice of his profession there until 1886. In that year the Supreme Court Commission was created, and Mr. Stallcup was appointed by Governor Adams as one of its members, serving one term. In 1889 he came to Tacoma, where he has since practised. Mr. Stalleup is well read in his profession and a prudent and safe counsellor, He has ample learning and a logical mind, well cultivated. Mr. Stalicup was elected as one of the three judges of the Superior Court for Pierce County at the election in November, 1892, being one of the Bar nominees for that position, in which office he is now serving.
BREWER, J. F., of Seattle, Wash., a man of many pursuits, but eminently suc- cessful in all, was born in Scotland County, Mo., November 9th, 1842. At the age of ten he crossed the plains with his parents, who were then emigrating to Salem, Ore. He there received such education as the common schools could afford. He resided in Salem and Marion County for eighteen years, until 1871. Mr. Brewer was married in Salem, Ore., to Miss Adora B. Stanton, March 31st, 1872. Nine children were the result of this union, four sons and five daughters. He removed with his family to Whitman County, Waslı., in 1872, locating where now stands the town of Garfield. From there he migrated to Walla Walla in December of the same year, where he resided until 1890, engaged in farming and teaching school, when he came to Seattle, where he has since made his home and devoted himself to real estate, loans, and insurance.
The first election held in Whitman County made him its Assessor, but he failed to qualify. He was elected a member of the Lower House of the Legislature from Walla Walla County and served one term (1885-86), also one year in the Walla Walla City Council (1889). He was elected a member of the Board of Aldermen at the Seattle city election in March, 1892, for four years.
It must be a gratification in Mr. Brewer's evening of life to know that he holds the respect and enjoys the confidence of his fellow-citizens, winning the good opinion of all who know him.
CHURCHILL, DR. F. A .- The subject of this sketch is one of the leading physicians of Seattle. Frederick Arthur Churchill was born in Lansing, Mich., thirty-seven years ago. When he was a child his parents removed to Oberlin, O., where for thirty years his father has been a professor in Oberlin College. It was in that institution Frederick acquired his classical education, graduating in 1877. Four years later the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater. After graduation at Oberlin he entered the Chicago Homeopathic Medical Col- lege, where he took the regular medical course, graduating at the head of his class. He was then appointed Home Physician of the college hospital and Attending Surgeon of the Lying-in Hospital connected with the institution. He was also Demonstrator of Chemistry in the college staff. He was there afforded a fine opportunity for gaining praetieal knowledge in his profession, an oppor- tunity which years of office practice might not have afforded. The doctor was engaged in practice in Chicago for several years, and in 1884 came to Seattle, where he opened an office, and has been actively engaged in professional work
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ever since. At the time of his arrival Seattle had a population of not more than seven thousand people ; the city now has fifty thousand. In this marvellous growth Dr. Churchill has taken the interest of a public-spirited citizen, contribut- ing in no small degree to its accomplishment. In 1890 Dr. Churchill was ap- pointed one of the members of the Board of Health for two years, becoming Chairman of the Board the second year, which position he filled to the great satis- faction of the citizens of Seattle, In 1883 he was married to Miss Martha Blanke, a German lady. Their union has been blessed with two children. Mrs. Churchill is an accomplished musician, having been a pupil of the famous Listz. Their residence is one of the most beautiful in Seattle, situated on an eminence, in Queen Ann Hill, overlooking the city and bay. There the doctor has made for himself an ideal home, and no one comes within the charmed precincts of his family circle without envying him. The doctor finds a solace from professional cares in practising the photographic art, and as an amateur is very successful.
CARROLL, HON. THOMAS .- Toward the prosperity which the city of Tacoma has enjoyed during the last decade this estimable citizen has contributed no small share. Coming to the place when it was a struggling village, he was among the first to devise and put into operation plans which inaugurated an era of phenom- enal growth and prosperity which has continued until the present. He has gained a position of well-earned affluence through the successful culmination of his plans, but the city and State have been the greater sharers in the work he has accomplished. Mr. Carroll was born in the city of Philadelphia, June 30th, 1842, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Stuart) Carroll, who emigrated from Ireland at an early date. The early years of our subject were passed in the city of his birth, where he attended the public schools. When he was twelve years old his parents moved to a farm in Waupaca County, Wis., and here he spent the next five years assisting his father in clearing the land and tilling the soil during the summers, and in winter attending the little log school-house. His parents had arranged to send him to Philadelphia to take an academic course, but the war of the Rebellion breaking out he enlisted, August 11th, 1861, as a private in Com-
pany A, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, known as the Eagle Regiment. Going to St. Louis, Mo., his company was immediately sent to Big River Bridge and en- gaged in battle with Jeff Thompson's forces. He afterward participated in the battles of Fredericktown, Mo., New Madrid, Point Pleasant, Island No. 10, Farmington, Corinth, Iuka, Danville, Second Corinth, Holly Springs, Jackson, Miss., Raymond, Vicksburg, Mechanicsburg, Richmond, La., and many minor engagements. He was severely wounded in the right arm at the battle of Vicks- burg, and was sent to the military hospital at Keokuk, Ia. After his recovery he was appointed Recruiting Officer by Governor Lewis, of Wisconsin, and served as such until the close of the war. In 1865 he returned to Keokuk, and after spend- ing about a year in the Commercial College as student and teacher, he settled in Salem, Ia., and engaged in the lumber business.
With a view of preparing himself for the legal profession, he devoted his leisure time to the study of law, often sitting up until midnight, reading by the light of an oil lamp. In 1872 he was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Iowa and immediately began active practice. His abilities were soon recog-
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nized, and he quickly won a position as one of the leaders of the Bar in that sec- tion of Iowa. In the beginning of his career he took a somewhat active interest in politics, and his fitness for public office was early recognized. He was a mem- ber of the City Council for eight years, and also served as President of the School Board. He took a deep interest in matters of public import, and was justly regarded as one of Salem's most enterprising citizens. It was largely through his influence that the Keokuk and Northern Railroad, now a part of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy system, was built. He also erected the first public hall or theatre in Salem.
In 1883 Mr. Carroll first came to Tacoma on a business trip connected with the settlement of the estate of Dr. F. B. Wing, and becoming so well pleased with the climate and convinced that the resources of the country were such that it must speedily develop, decided to locate here. Returning to Iowa he at once began the settlement of his affairs there, and in the following spring removed with his family to Tacoma, where he has since resided. Here his natural talent, steady application to his profession, and strict reliability of character inspired confidence, and he was soon doing a large business.
Upon his removal to Tacoma, Mr. Carroll at once became a leading factor in political and business affairs. In 1886 he was elected City Attorney. It was during his administration that the city experienced its first vigorous start toward its present greatness. It was the period of transition from a frontier town toward the beginnings of a great commercial city. Many miles of streets were graded, sidewalks built, and other important improvements made. Although the city was largely Republican, Mr. Carroll was three times elected City Attorney on the Democratic ticket. During the anti- Chinese excitement of 1885 fifty-three promi- nent citizens of Pierce County were indicted by the United States Grand Jury, sitting at Vancouver, on the Columbia River. Mr. Carroll was engaged to defend them, and his efforts resulted in the dismissal of the indictments. He was a member of the commission which framed the Tacoma City charter, and was Com- missioner from Washington to the centennial celebration of the adoption of the Federal Constitution at Philadelphia in 1887. In 1890 and again in 1892 he was the candidate of his party for member of Congress, and in the winter of 1891 re- ceived the full support of his party in the Washington Legislature for United States Senator. He is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows fraternity and of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Carroll was married July 29th, 1867, to Miss Annie J. Frazier, of Keokuk, Ia. Their union has been blessed with three children : Frank S., Arthur T., and Maude, two of whom are living. The younger son, Arthur, died in 1889, at the age of fourteen.
During his early residence in Tacoma, Mr. Carroll acquired extensive property interests in the city, which with his lucrative law practice have made him a hand- some competency. No man could have attained and held the position which he has occupied for so many years without being a man of decided ability and reputa- tion. He is a man who possesses in an unusual degree the confidence and respect of his associates. His charming personal qualities, his rugged integrity, and his frank, open-hearted manner attach him to all those who come in contact with him.
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BRICKELL, E. J., was born in Liberty, Ind., September 22d, 1820, and was seventy-one years old the day before his death. In 1824 his parents emigrated to Michigan, but he left home shortly afterward, going to Schuyler County, Ill. There he obtained employment with a farmer, at first receiving the small pittance of ten cents a day for chopping wood, but was soon rewarded for his industry by an increase of salary to fifty cents and steady employment on the farm. By saving his earnings during the summer months, and doing chores for his board and lodging in winter, he was enabled to attend school and obtain a common- school education. In 1845 he was united in marriage to Rozannah Gragg, of Illinois, the mother of his five surviving children.
In 1850 Mr. Brickell went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. After a long and stormy voyage, in which the steamer was disabled, a part of the passengers, including Mr. Brickell, induced the drunken captain to land them on the coast two hundred miles above the present city of San Francisco, to which place they journeyed on foot, arriving there before the vessel. For eighteen months Mr. Brickell carried on placer-mining very successfully. On his return from the East, whither he had gone for his wife and family, he became engaged in the mercantile and lumbering business. With his assistance a grade for a rail- road was established over the Sierras or. Summit, which previous to that time was considered impracticable or impossible.
In 1868 Mr. Brickell removed to Truckee, becoming largely interested in the manufacture of lumber, sash, doors, etc., and taking large contracts for furnish- ing ties and lumber to the Central Pacific Railroad. After a flourishing business there he soon established branches at Verdi, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Merrimac. Seven years ago he removed to the State of Washington, where he became largely interested in business enterprises in Spokane, among which were Spokane Mill Company, of which he was President ; Traders' National Bank, of which he was one of the original incorporators ; Holley, Mason, Marks & Co., Old Dominion Mining Company, Columbia Mining Company, and Spokane Water Company.
Mr. Brickell was a member of the Odd Fellows Order and also a Mason of high rank, the thirty-second degree, Scottish Rites, having been conferred upon him. He was a man of great mental and physical power-in fact, a perfect ex- ample of a strong-minded man of common sense, correct judgment, and tenacious memory. He was resolute and determined, and was never easily turned from his purpose when once convinced that he was right.
HOUGHTON, MRS. ALICE, born in Montreal, Canada, August 18th, 1850, is the daughter of F. J. and Atlanta Ide, the latter of English extraction. Her father, a prominent architect of Montreal, is a nephew of Rev. George B. Ide, of Boston. When eight years of age Mrs. Houghton removed with her family to Durand, Peppin County, Wis., and was educated at the Young Ladies' Seminary of that city. January 16th, 1866, she was married to Mr. Horace E. Houghton, of Durand. One son and one daughter have blessed their union. In September, 1884, Mrs. Houghton came to Spokane, and in the spring of 1887 began specu- lating in real estate. Shortly afterward she opened a real estate office, and since that time has pursued that vocation with success and profit, demonstrating the
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fact that a woman can be as successful in this line of business as a man. After becoming firmly established she branched out into mining, insurance, and other securities, handling property in Olympia, South Bend, Ocosta, Seattle, and other places.
She is Vice-President of the Northwestern Mining and Agricultural Company (incorporated), dealing in mining property and farm loans, and Treasurer and Secretary of the Bonners Ferry Company. Mrs. Houghton was one of the Board of Lady Managers for the Columbian Exposition, was unanimously ehosen Super- intendent of the State Women's Department, and enthusiastically engaged in the duties of this position, in many ways aiding by her wise counsel the Central Board of Chicago. Although her extensive business interests absorb the greater portion of her time, Mrs. Houghton is not unmindful of the duties of a wife and mother, and she possesses all of those admirable qualities which make a popular social leader.
PUGH, FRANCIS MCKINNEY, Sheriff of Spokane County, was born in Linn County, Ore., April 7th, 1860, and received a common-school education in his native county. He was reared on a farm, and up to 1889 his time was princi- pally devoted to agricultural pursuits. In the spring of 1878 he removed to Dayton, Wash., and about one year later to Athena, Ore. In the spring of 1881 he located at Saltese Lake, twelve miles east of Spokane, where he remained until 1888, engaged in farming and stock-raising. In the latter year he came to Spokane, where he has ever since resided. He was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and after serving in that .capacity for about two years, Mr. E. Hinchliff, High Sheriff of the county, resigned August 6th, 1890, and Mr. Pugh was appointed to fill the unexpired term. In November, 1890, he was elected to the same office, and two years later was elected for another term. Sheriff Pugh is an efficient and deservedly popular public officer. He possesses the executive ability, capa- city for hard and continuous work, keen sense and shrewdness which admirably fit him for the position he fills, and give promise of higher advancement. Per- sonally he is pleasant and affable in manner, easily wins and holds friends, while his standing as a citizen is of the highest.
: Mr. Pugh was married June 27th, 1881, to Miss Hughbanks, of Linn County, Ore. Their union has been blessed with three children, two daughters and one son.
JENNER, CHARLES K., attorney-at-law, of Seattle, Wash., was born in Mil- waukee, Wis., September 15th, 1846, and received his early education in Cali- fornia, whither he removed in 1850 with his parents, who settled in San Fran- cisco. He entered the Sotoyome Institute in Healdsburg and graduated in 1865. He then taught school for five years, devoting his leisure time to the study of the law, and in February, 1871, was admitted to the Bar. He immediately began practice, and in 1876 removed to Seattle, where he resumed his professional work, his specialty being mining and land cases. He is a member also of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, and takes an active part in politics. He was married June 9th, 1870, at Mendocino City, Cal., to Miss Cornelia E. Com- stock. This estimable lady died in Seattle December 4th, 1891, leaving six chil- dren. Mr. Jenner is an able advocate and enjoys a large and lucrative practice.
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