USA > Washington > History of Washington the evergreen state : from early dawn to daylight with portraits and biographies Vol. II > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
SHARP, FRIEDEL D., farmer, of Prescott, Walla Walla County, Wash., was born in California in 1858. His father was born in New York in 1825, and his mother was a Miss Basker, of the same State. He came to California by ox-team, crossing the plains in 1849. He follows farming, and enjoys the distinction of having encouraged the keeping of Thanksgiving Day in California by bringing the first turkeys ever imported into Siskiyou County of that State, for which he was offered $25 each. His wife died in 1877. His mother was an example of extraordinary longevity, living to the wonderful age of one hundred and nineteen years. The subject of our sketch received his early education in California, where he first began work for himself. In 1880 he came to Washington and took up a homestead four miles west of Prescott, where he now cultivates twelve hundred and forty acres which average twenty-five busliels to the acre. He takes great pride in his fine stock, and owns a thoroughbred Clyde stallion. Still unmarried, Mr. Sharp devotes himself to his farm, which amply repays his care. Thoughi beginning life with scarcely anything, he is now known as one of the wealthy farmers of Washington. So much for energy with a wise application of means to ends.
SHAW, HARVEY, farmer and stockman, of Walla Walla, was born in Illinois in 1837, his parents being natives of Virginia. What little education he received was obtained in the public schools of his native State. He came to Oregon in 1851 with teams, making the long and tedious journey across the plains by that most wearisome method. Their cavalcade consisted of forty wagons, Captain Williams being in command of the party. They reached their destination with- out serious adventure with the Indians, and Mr. Shaw became for a time a miner in Southern Oregon, where he afterward farmed. In 1861 he came to Washing- ton and located at Walla Walla. Here he " packed" for seven years, and then took up a homestead about ten miles west of Prescott, where he now owns twenty- two hundred acres. He was married in Washington to Miss Martha Harris. Two children grace their union-a son, now in business college, and a daughter, preparing herself for future usefulness as a teacher. While Mr. Shaw must natu- rally regret thie deficient education of his early youth, he has proved that energy and perseverance can make a little go a long way, for, judged by the outcome of his life, he has no reason to complain of the result. Your self-made and self- taught man is always a power in the land.
618
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
SHEETS, JOHN H., M.D., physician and surgeon, of Buckley, Pierce County, Washington, youngest in a family of five born to Dr. O. H. P. and Lucian Hay- ward Sheets, was born in California in 1858. His parents were natives of Ohio and New York, respectively. Young Sheets lived at home until 1879, then en- tered college and studied medicine for three years at the University of California Medical Department, graduating with the Class of 1881. He was appointed House Physician and Surgeon three months before graduation, a position which he filled for fifteen months after taking liis degree. He was Surgeon for the Pacific Steamship Company for two years and a half, then served as Surgeon, in Washington Territory, for the Carbon Hill Coal Company, of Carbonado, Wash., from 1885-87, when he left for California to engage in private practice. Two years and a half later he returned to Washington and located at Buckley, where he has continued in professional pursuits ever since, and has built up a most lucrative practice. Dr. Sheets is a man of property, owning some lots and build- ings. He was married in 1883 to Miss Emelie Maurer, daughter of H. G. Maurer, a prominent architect of California. Three children have been the result of this union. The doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being not only a Past Master Mason, but Past Grand of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican in politics.
SHERWOOD, S. F., of Colville, Wash., County Auditor of Stevens County, was born at New Rochelle, Westchester County, N. Y., and is a son of Lawrence' and Ann Eliza (Winship) Sherwood. His father was a ship-builder of New York City, where both his parents were born. He comes of a very old New York family, his paternal grandfather having taken part in the Battle of White Plains, while the same relative on the maternal side served as a Captain under the great Napoleon, and was murdered during the negro insurrection in St. Domingo. Young Sher- wood received his early education at Hagerstown (Md.) Academy. He left this institution in 1844 or 1845, and in 1846 enlisted in the First United States Artil- lery ; served in the Mexican War under General Scott, remained three years in the army, was wounded in the lead at Contreras and laid up with brain fever, but recovered without permanent injury, and received a medal for distinguished bravery. Returning to New York in 1849, he entered the Novelty Iron Works, where he spent three years learning the trade of a machinist. In 1854 he entered the United States Navy as Third Assistant Engineer, and served for four years. Happening to be in San Francisco in 1858, the year of the Fraser River gold ex- citement, he went to the mines, but was disappointed, and returned, going to Portland, Ore., where he was elected First Assistant Engineer of the Portland Fire Department. In 1860 he again fell a victim to the mining fever, and became a miner and prospector in Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia, pursuing that occupation with varying fortunes until 1867, when he went to Colville, Wash., and became Quartermaster's Clerk at Fort Colville. He was soon after appointed Local Agent of the Colville and neighboring Indian tribes, which position he held until 1872, when he was made Auditor of Stevens County by the County Commissioners, and duly elected to that office soon after, serving for three years. He was given the position of Indian scout under General Jefferson C. Davis, which he filled at intervals until 1879. He called the Indians together at Spokane
619
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
Falls in 1877 for the grand council held at that time, and has been more or less connected with Indian matters up to the present time. He was instrumental in making the treaty for the Moses Indian Reservation in 1883, accompanying Chief Moses and a number of his braves to Washington, D. C., for that purpose. He served subsequently as Deputy Auditor for two years, and was then elected County Auditor of Stevens County, a position which he still holds. Mr. Sher- wood owns a hay ranch of one hundred and sixty acres at Chewelah, which he homesteaded himself. In 1853 he was appointed by the Carthagena Dyke Com- pany to superintend the building of several steamers on the Orinoco in South America, remaining there six months. He has been a very extensive traveller, having made the trip to Europe six times. He is also an enthusiastic sportsman, spending two months of each year in the wilds of the Rockies in pursuit of large game. He was appointed Game Warden for Washington July 22d, 1890, and is using his best efforts to prevent the unlawful destruction of the game in the ter- ritory over which he has authority.
SHINN, M. H., A.B., a refined and cultured gentleman and an esteemed citizen of Latah, Wash., was born in Illinois in 1851. His father, James Shinn, though born in Virginia, was one of the pioneer settlers of that State and a representative for two years in its Legislature. His mother was a Kentuckian. The tenth child in a patriarchal list of twelve born to his parents, Mr. Shinn's earliest education was received at Quincy, Ill. He became a student of Quincy College in 1865, took a classical course, and graduated in 1869 with the degree of B.A. Enter- ing the Gem City Business College, he graduated from that institution in 1871. Thus fully equipped, he located at Quincy and took a book-keeper's position. Removing to Springfield in 1879, he engaged in cattle-buying. He left Illinois in 1882, coming directly to Washington, where he joined his father, who had pre- ceded him, and became a leading citizen of Spokane. Here he finds abundant employment in speculating in land and looking after his extensive real-estate and mining interests. He was married in 1875 to a native of Illinois. They have four children. Mr. Shinn has served as delegate to various State conventions. He is a prosperous real-estate holder, owns his delightful home in the city of Latah, is Town Clerk, a Methodist, and a Mason. An upright business man, he has won the confidence and esteem of the community in which he resides. His home bears all the evidence of refinement and taste, where, in the society of his wife and surrounded by a lovely group of children, he finds that repose his out-door life renders doubly desirable.
SHINN, WILLIAM J., banker, of Kent, Wash., was born in Linn County, Ia., October 3d, 1851 ; received his education in Marion, in his native county, and began life as a drug clerk, in which occupation he continued for several years until his removal to Truckee, Cal., where he engaged in the drug business on his own account. In 1878 he went to Seattle, where he engaged in the same occu- pation until 1889, when he came to Kent and opened a real-estate and insurance office, which still flourishes. In April, 1892, he was elected Vice-President and Manager of the Bank of Kent. He was also the originator of plotting farms into lots and acre tracts in that vicinity. He was, moreover, a member of the first
620
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
State Legislature of Washington. He was married in 1877 to Miss May Rose, of Jamestown, N. Y., by whom he has six children. Mr. Shinn is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a Knight Templar.
SHIPLEY, SILAS N., attorney-at-law, of Seattle, was born in Princeton, Green Lake County, Wis., August 27th, 1859. He was a pupil of the public schools of Berlin, Wis., and at the age of fourteen removed with his parents to Forest Grove, Ore., where he received an academic and collegiate education, graduating from the Pacific University in 1885. He then attended the Law Department of the State University, whence he graduated in 1888, and left at once for Seattle, in which city he opened offices in partnership with Mr. Alfred Battle, a rising attorney, which partnership still continues. Mr. Shipley was married January 6th, 1891, to Miss Julia Graves, of Seattle. He was elected a member of the first City Council under the Freeholders' Charter of Seattle October 1st, 1890, an office which expired in March, 1892. Mr. Shipley is an earnest Republican and takes an active interest in politics.
SHOUDY, DEXTER, merchant, of Ellensburg, Wash., is a son of Jolin A. Shoudy, the founder of the city. He was born at Seattle August 21st, 1868, and is, therefore, entitled to call himself a native of the Evergreen State. Edu- cated in the public schools of Ellensburg, he began life as a book-keeper for his father at the early age of fourteen, a position which he filled for eight years. He then became manager of the electric light plant at Ellensburg, which le after- ward sold out to the city. His start in his present business was characteristic of the father, who went to his store early on New Year's morning and quietly re- moved the sign bearing his own name from the window and substituted that of his son. The surprise of the young man may be imagined, when upon his arrival his father told him the business was now entirely under his own control, at the same time expressing the hope that he would prove himself worthy of the gift. He has proved himself both able and intelligent and well worthy .of the con- fidence so generously bestowed. The capital invested is considerable, and the establishment is one of the largest wholesale and retail groceries in the city. Mr. Shoudy was married at Seattle in 1890 to Miss Hattie Johnson, a native daughter of Washington. He has one of the prettiest homes in the city, and is the owner of property in various parts of the State, besides a branch store at Swauk Mines, some twenty miles from Ellensburg. He is President of the School Board, to which he has just been re-elected. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is Chancellor Commander. He is a Republican in politics, and a shrewd business man.
SICKELS, A. C., of Tacoma, Wash., son of Hon. N. Sickels, now District Judge of Buena Vista County, Ia., was born in Jefferson County, near Waterloo, Wis., June 15th, 1862, and at the age of seven moved to Waterloo with his father, who engaged in manufacturing brick at that place. By diligent study after the labors of the day were over, he fitted himself for college ; but circum- stances compelled him to forego the advantages of a collegiate training and enter into business. At the age of seventeen he engaged in brick-making, afterward
621
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
adding contracting, and continued to follow these occupations until his removal to California in 1881. After a sojourn of one year in that State he came to Tacoma and engaged in the real-estate business, in which he is still extensively interested. He has been very active in real-estate matters in this State ; was one of the organizers of the P. & P. C. Company and the Palouse Irrigation Company, both of which control large real-estate interests. He was Secretary and Manager of the former company for two years. He takes a lively interest in matters of a political nature, and is in all respects a progressive, public-spirited citizen. His name was prominently mentioned as candidate for State Senator from the Twenty- first District, and he failed of nomination by only one vote. Mr. Sickels is yet young, and his successes are, it is believed, merely an earnest of what he will ac- complish in the future. He has already shown what ability and energy can ac- complish. He is at present interested in important irrigating enterprises in East- ern Washington, which give flattering promises of successful issue. Strong in intellect, in the full vigor of life, and buoyant in hope and aspiration, there can be but a career of usefulness and prosperity before this gentleman, especially in a region where the greatest scope is open to one possessing the prescience to per- ceive and the talent to improve his opportunities. Mr. Sickels was married to Miss Catherine Ida King, of Iowa, August 8th, 1888.
SINCLAIR, HUGH K., of North Yakima, farmer in Nachess Valley, was born in Nova Scotia in 1840, the eighth in a family of twelve born to John and Elizabeth (McKensie) Sinclair. His parents were natives of Scotland and Nova Scotia, re- spectively. After receiving such education as the common schools of his native section could afford, and some instruction in blacksmithing, young Sinclair left home at the age of sixteen and went to learn his trade, and spent three years in mining. He then moved to Halifax, where he worked at blacksmithing, and thence to Guysborough, Nova Scotia, where he remained sixteen years working at his trade. He then made the overland trip to California, visited The Dalles, and fiually settled on the farm which he now cultivates, and where for upward of thirteen years he has been identified with the progress and development of Nachess Valley. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres is all that could be desired. He raises hay and alfalfa, has a herd of one hundred and fifty head of superior stock, with the best specimens of fruit and vegetables that a good orchard and garden can produce. Mr. Sinclair was married in 1865 to Miss Frances C. Bishop, daughter of John Bishop, a well-to-do carriage-builder, of Nova Scotia. They have four children. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Sinclair has for more than twenty-four years been an elder.
SLATER, JOHN B., attorney-at-law and Prosecuting Attorney for Stevens County, residing at Colville, Wash., born in Siskiyou County, Cal., April 10th, 1860, is a son of James and Sarah Jane Slater, pioneers of Oregon, who arrived there in 1853. They were married June 29th, 1859, and immediately removed to Yreka, where Mr. Slater, Sr., engaged in mining. They returned to Oregon in 1862. Young Slater had the misfortune to lose his mother when he was but seven years old, where upon his father broke up housekeeping"; and being then deprived of a home, the son rambled about till he reached the age of sixteen, when he began
31
622
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
working on a farm during the summer seasons, attending the winter terms of the academy at Lebanon, Ore. In 1881 he left Oregon, working for two years as a tinsmith in the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In the fall of 1883 he moved to Heron, Mont., and engaged in the drug business. In 1884 he returned to Washington, locating at Medical Lake. Here he purchased the Medical Lake Banner and became a publisher. Shortly after he removed his newspaper plant to Colville and issued the first number of the Colville Miner October 17th, 1885. He was appointed Postmaster at Colville in 1886, holding that position for three years. In the mean time, in the fall of 1886, he was elected Probate Judge of Stevens County, and was re-elected in 1888, being an active Democrat and Secre- tary of the State Convention. After holding the Probate Judgeship for two terms he was elected in 1890 Prosecuting Attorney for Stevens County, having been previously (in 1889) admitted to the Bar in Colville. He still holds this office, but is not a candidate for re-election. He has refused the nomination for this office and also for the more important ones of Superior Judge and Congress- man, as he desires to devote himself exclusively to his practice, which is large and steadily increasing. He is a member of the Democratic Central Committee and also of the State Executive Committee, positions which he has held for the last two years, leaving a two years' term to expire. He was married in 1889 to Miss Florence E. Ballard, of Lebanon, Ore., one of his early schoolmates at that place, and the eldest daughter of ex-Governor D. W. Ballard, of Idaho. They have one child, a boy. Such a record as this needs no comment and requires no endorsement at the hands of the biographer ; it speaks for itself.
SLAUGHTER, SAMUEL C., was born in Culpeper, Culpeper County, Va., on March 4th, 1848, and received the benefits of an academic education in his native town. In 1868 he removed to the city of New York, where he engaged in the banking and commission business, doing mostly a Southern trade. He remained in New York until 1882, when he came to Tacoma, Wash., and embarked in the real-estate business, which he successfully carried on until April, 1892, when he was elected City Controller, of Tacoma for a term of two years. By his courtesy to those having business with the department, and his experience and wisdom in all matters connected therewith, he has commended himself to his associates and to the public. His success in life has been but the natural result of an upright life and persistent, well-directed effort. He was married in 1888 to Miss Julia C. Widgery, of Devonshire, England. He is a member of the fraternal order of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
SLOAN, M. M., than whom no more energetic, popular, and thorough business man dwells in Tacoma, was born in Cadiz, Harrison County, O., June 27th, 1852. When the subject of our sketch was but two years of age, his family re- moved to Peoria County, Ill. Raised on a farm, young Sloan had the misfortune to lose his parents when but fifteen years old. He attended school in the town of Peoria, and then with characteristic energy began life for himself as a clerk for W. A. Willard & Co., of Peoria, wholesale and retail dry goods, with whom he continued for three years. Going thence to St. Louis, Mo., he took a position with Frank Field & Co., wholesale confectionery manufacturers, till they discon-
623
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
tinued business, when he transferred his services to his brother, W. G. Sloan, senior partner of the firm of Sloan, Johnson & Co., wholesale grocers of Peoria, with whom he remained eleven years, for the most part as travelling salesman, though he began in the much more humble position of porter to the firm ; but his merits being recognized, was quickly promoted. Then forming a partnership with Mr. Charles E. Hale, they established the firm of Hale, Sloan & Co., and continued to do a grocery business for five years, but disposed of their interests in the summer of 1888 and came to Tacoma, where they organized the Tacoma Grocery Company, one of the most flourishing and leading houses in that line in the State of Washington, which still continues to extend its trade. Mr. Sloan was married September 3d, 1876, to Miss Sallie Chandler, of Galesburg, Ill. Three children, two sons and one daughter, have blessed this union. Mr. Sloan is a member of the Masonic order and the Knights Templars. He is also the Vice- President of the Tacoma Grocery Company.
SMITH, DR. EDWARD LOOMIS, deceased, of Seattle, was born in Pittsford, Mon- roe County, N. Y., in 1840, and died July 12th, 1893. His early education was obtained in the public schools and at Geneva Wesleyan Seminary, in Lima, N. Y. He studied medicine at Buffalo, N. Y., and afterward at the Medical College of the Pacific, in San Francisco, Cal., from which institution he was graduated. He served with the Twelfth United States Infantry at Angel Island, Cal., during 1873 and 1874. In 1878 he settled at Seattle and pursued his profession in that city until his death. He was a member of the State Medical Society of California and the American Medical Association. He was the last President of the Wash- ington Territory Medical Society and the first President of the State Society. He was Surgeon-General on the staff of Governor Ferry, and also served as surgeon to Providence Hospital. Dr. Smith stood in the front rank of liis profession in Seattle, and during his whole residence here enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. His death occurred at a time when he was in the full meridian of his powers and usefulness, and was indeed sincerely lamented. Dr. Smith was mar- ried in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth N. Hamilton. Two children were born to them, of whom one daughter survives-Miss Mary H. Smith, a graduate of the Univer- sity of Michigan.
SMITH, ROBERT M., a leading business man of Pataha, Wash., was born in Pennsylvania in 1840. His father, J. B. Smith, was a master mechanic of the Keystone State, and is at present engaged in mercantile pursuits. Eldest in a family of seven, the subject of our sketch was educated in the public schools of his native State, and upon the completion of his studies removed with his parents to Indiana. In 1889 he went to Pike's Peak, meeting with Horace Greeley on the summit. We next find him at Salt Lake City, going with the first teams in the Government employ that made a survey west of the Sink of the Carson (Simp- son's outfit). He reached California about the time of the discovery of tlie Com- stock Lode, and worked for awhile in the city of Sacramento. In 1861-62 he mined in Northern California, and in 1864 in Oregon, his partner being W. Lair Hill, who compiled the code of that State. In 1865 he ran the pony express from Umatilla to Auburn via Independence, and afterward tried steamboating on the
624
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.
Columbia. In 1866 he was book-keeper for the Oriental Hotel in Walla Walla, then tried journalism, first on the Statesman and later as proprietor of the Walla Walla Union, which proved a successful and remunerative venture. He edited it for eleven years, then sold out and migrated to what was then Columbia County, but now Garfield. Here he engaged in farming. Three years of this convinced him it was not his forte, so he returned to his business in the city, which he still follows with success. Mr. Smith was one of the organizers of the Walla Walla Fire Department. He was married in 1868 to Mrs. Virginia Holz, a widow. He has held various offices of a local character, and has been a member of all the State conventions and of the State Central Committee. He is a large property holder and especially interested in the town site of Patalla. He is a Republican, and one of the oldest practical printers on the Pacific Coast.
SMITH, WILLIAM, whose farms lie four miles east of Fairfield, Wash., is a strong type of those who follow earth's oldest trade, appointed by God Himself after the expulsion from Eden-that of a tiller of the ground. He comes, too, from the "Land of Cakes," the farmer's best school of industry-Scotland- where he first saw the light in 1846. His aged father, not yet past labor, though born in 1812, lives with him and works about the farm. His mother also still survives. His educational advantages seem to have been exceptionally good, supplementing his common-school work at sixteen with a year of academic teach- ing. He then became a traveller by sea for a mercantile house in Glasgow, going as far as Africa, where his stay lasted for five years ; but becoming a citizen of the world's garden spot, Washington, is now the possessor of two fine farms of one hundred and sixty acres each, all under cultivation, for when did the canny Scot ever suffer fertile land to lie idle ? Here, with his aged parents, his orchard trees, and fields laden with remunerative harvests, Mr. Smith has little cause to regret the determination which induced him to change the Old World for the New.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.