USA > Washington > Spokane County > Spokane > History of the city of Spokane and Spokane County, Washington : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume II > Part 45
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Mr. Harris was married at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in June, 1882, to Miss Caroline Hanson, a native of Decorah, Iowa, and they had one daughter, Louise, who was born at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, May 6, 1883. His wife and daugh- ter accompanied him to the Coeur d'Alene district and in all of his wanderings they were together. In the Coeur d'Alene district, at the Argentine gulch about two and a half miles from Wallace, Mr. Harris built a cabin and there the little daughter received her first education. Schools at that time were not very numer- ous in the district, so the father would mark the letters on the door of the cabin with chalk in the morning, and when he returned at night from his work, the little one would copy the examples set her. Later excellent educational privileges were accorded her, her studies being pursued in Brunot Hall, an Episcopal school of Spokane, and later in Los Angeles, California. She was regarded as one of the most beautiful and accomplished young ladies on the Pacific coast and in addi- tion to her intellectual and social graces she displayed great musical talent. In January, 1904, she left Spokane for a visit in Victoria and was one of the passengers on the ill-fated steamship Clallam, which sank in the straits near Port Townsend
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on the 8th of January, on which occasion Louise Harris and fifty-one other people lost their lives. After speaking of the storm which brought disaster to this ship and death to Miss Harris, one of the local papers said:
"Miss Harris was one of the most popular women in Spokane. She was beau- tiful, amiable and sole heiress to a fortune estimated at about two hundred thou- sand dollars. She had many accomplishments and had the faculty of making and retaining friends. Miss Harris would have been twenty-one years old next May. She was born at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on May 6, 1883. When she was less than a year old her parents emigrated to Idaho. Her father carried her in his arms on horseback into the Coeur d'Alene mining district to Murray during the stampede of 1884. In 1889 her parents removed to Spokane and her father en- gaged in business here. The child, then six years old, was educated in the public schools of this city and at Brunot Hall, the local seminary for girls conducted by the Protestant Episcopal church. The last seen of Louise Harris in life, she was in the lifeboat bravely seeking to comfort and cheer the frightened women and children who shared the boat with her. Then the lifeboat disappeared from the sight of those on the doomed steamer Clallam. Apparently the others in the life- boat had been washed out by the great waves or blown from their places by the heavy gale. When the lifeboat was found the body of the brave and beautiful Spokane girl was found lying lifeless under the seat. The water which had swept into the boat more than covered her body. Whether she succumbed to the chill and exposure or was drowned in the boat will never be known. Survivors of the wreck remember Miss Harris well. They were able to do this through her absolute com- posure and self-assurance. They say she was the bravest person on the boat and that while she undoubtedly was frightened she would not show it for a single mo- ment. While the small boat was being filled with women and children, Miss Harris did everything in her power to assist and cheer them. She would take little babies from the arms of their mothers and hold them until the women were safely seated in the boat. At all times she talked encouragingly to those who were among the last to leave the Clallam for the smaller crafts. Men were found who stated that they felt like cheering Miss Harris to the echo for her bravery and composure. It is said that she was the calmest and most self-possessed person on the boat and that had it not been for her the chances are there would have been a serious panic among the women. Miss Harris was well known in Seattle and was a favorite with all who knew her. Two funeral services were held, one from All Saints' Cathedral, Spokane, and at the same hour the friends of the dead girl and her mother in Los Angeles, California, where they spent several winters, held me- morial services in the First Presbyterian church of that city. The music at the two services was identical."
Death again entered the Harris household when on the 29th of September, 1911, Mrs. Harris was called from this life. She died very suddenly, after an illness of two days, at Quartz Creek, near Pierce, Idaho, where she had accom- panied her husband on a visit of inspection to the extensive placer diggings he owned in that section. Mrs. Harris had been a resident of Spokane since shortly after the great fire and was thoroughly familiar with the pioneer history of this section of the country. She had personally become a large property owner, al- though, like other pioneer women, knew the hardships and difficulties of frontier life in the mining camps. She accompanied her hubsand to the Coeur d'Alenes
LOUISE HARRIS
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during the boom on the north side in the middle '80s and when the mines proved disappointing and conditions were such that work for men was exceedingly diffi- cult to obtain, she herself established a business in Murray. Again she engaged in business after the removal of the family to Mullan. Soon after their return to Spokane, Mr. Harris made a fortunate investment in the stock of the LeRoi mine, and her share of the profits Mrs. Harris invested in property that eventually made her one of the wealthiest women in Spokane. About twelve years prior to her death they purchased the Aberdeen Hotel and four years later built the Victoria and five years ago the Westminster, which they designed themselves. In addition they had minor realty holdings having a valuation of between three hun- dred and fifty and five hundred thousand dollars. It is said that Mrs. Harris was not only the brightest business woman in Spokane but also one of the most beloved women of the city. She was sympathetic, kindly and cordial and the innate refine- ment of her nature was manifest in the tact with which she met every individual, no matter in what station in life. Her death was a great blow to many friends as well as to her husband.
In political affairs Mr. Harris has never been deeply interested nor has he held public office. He belongs to Corinthian Lodge, No. 27, A. F. & A. M., of Rossland, British Columbia, but has largely concentrated his efforts upon his business interests and is numbered among those whose perseverance, faith, courage and industry have at length been crowned by substantial reward. His efforts, too, have been of a character that have contributed to the development and upbuild- ing of the northwest and in the capable management and enterprising, honorable control of his interests he has commanded the respect and enjoyed the confidence of all his associates.
CHARLES T. GOODSELL.
Charles T. Goodsell, a Spokane attorney, who in his practice has specialized in law work involving land titles and mining patents, was born at Watkins, Schuyler county, New York, June 16, 1880, a son of Samuel J. and Adelia Goodsell. The father came to Spokane in 1881 and the following spring was joined by the mother and their son Charles. Samuel Goodsell engaged in farming in Spokane county and in merchandising in this city for a few years, afterward turning his attention to real-estate operations. His well directed activities at length brought him a com- fortable measure of success and with a substantial competence he is now living re- tired. He has been quite prominent in political circles here as a member of the people's party and at one time served as deputy sheriff of Spokane county.
Less than two years of age when brought to the northwest, Charles T. Goodsell pursued his education in the public schools of Spokane and afterward read law in the office of William M. Ludden and several other prominent attorneys, his thorough preparatory work at length winning him admission to the bar upon passing the required examination in May, 1905. Since 1900, however, he has practiced before the department of the interior, making a specialty of land cases, mining patents and legal work of a similar character. To this field he still directs his efforts and is particularly successful in that department of the law. He has never been actively
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identified with politics nor aspired to public office, preferring to concentrate his energies largely upon his professional duties.
Mr. Goodsell, however, takes an active and helpful part in the Young Men's Christian Association, being much interested in its plans and its work. He belongs also to Spokane Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., and to Spokane Camp, No. 99, W. O. W. His pleasant home life had its inception in his marriage on the 24th of December, 1902, to Miss Theresa Ethyl Leathers, a daughter of John and Myra Leathers, of Vancouver, Washington.
SAMUEL M. WHARTON.
What has often seemed to be irreparable disaster has frequently proven to be opportunity. The feeling of hopelessness and horror that swept over Spokane with the great conflagration of 1889 soon lifted and in its place came a spirit of determination and resolution which has builded the city upon a larger, better plain than before. Samuel M. Wharton became a resident of Spokane in that year-1889-and was thereafter to the time of his death closely associated with the business development and progress of this section of the northwest.
He was born December 11, 1847, in Charleston, South Carolina, and although he passed away at the comparatively early age of sixty years, his death occurring June 25, 1908, he had accomplished much within his life's span. His parents were George C. and Louisa Wharton, who were natives of South Carolina, where the father became prominent as a contractor and builder. He had the contract for the building of Fort Sumter, taking his men across each day in boats from Charleston to the island on which the fort was located.
Samuel M. Wharton pursued his education in the schools of Charleston and when he had mastered the branches taught in the graded and high schools there he spent several years in college in that city. When his education was completed he became an apprentice under his father and there learned the trade of a brick- mason, which he followed for four years. He afterward took up contracting and building on his own account, removing to Baltimore, where he remained for three years, and during that period he erected several fine buildings there. He next went to New York city, where he remained as a contractor for several years, and then spent a number of years in Georgia and in Texas. In the former state he was interested in the old Calhoun mines, the first gold mines which were opened in the United States. In Texas he began rauching and engaged quite extensively in buying and shipping horses, living at different times in Dallas, Belton and San Antonio. In the last named he became widely known as an extensive and prosperous horse buyer and shipper and also owned a large ranch near the city, which he afterward sold.
As previously stated Mr. Wharton was numbered among Spokane's pioneers of 1889. Following his arrival here he established a brick-manufacturing business. which he continued for a year, and then sold his plant. He next engaged in min- ing in the Slocan country of British Columbia. He became one of the original own- ers of the famous Reco mines, the first mines located in that country, and also discovered and located several mines of the Reco group. He likewise erected the
SAMUEL M. WHARTON
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first sawmill in that country, hauling the material into the interior for a distance of twenty-two miles. Throughout his remaining days his time and energies were given to mining and real-estate operations. Several years before his death he sold his interest in the Calhoun mines but retained the ownership of valuable property in the northwest.
It was on the 15th of July, 1870, in Dallas, Texas, that Mr. Wharton was united in marriage to Miss Marion C. Crumpton, a daughter of John A. and Caro- line Lucy Crumpton, who were natives of South Carolina, where her father car- ried on general agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Wharton gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and was a valued and exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity. He attended and gave liberally to various churches but was a member of none. He could well be termed a pioneer for often he blazed the path which others followed. He was always searching the vast wilderness and interior for opportunities and developing the country as he saw a chance to utilize its natural resources. His labors were in- deed an element in progress and improvement, counting for much in the history of the northwest. Those who knew him personally found him a most congenial com- panion. He was fond of outdoor life and was familiar with nature in its various phases. He also loved music and travel but most of all he loved his home and the companionship of his friends and at his own fireside was a most hospitable and genial host.
WALTER G. MERRYWEATHER.
Quiet and retiring in manner, Walter G. Merryweather is withal popular in social and business circles and his ability in the management of important industrial and financial affairs places him in a creditable position among the business men of Spokane. Here he is perhaps best known through the operations of the firm of McCrea & Merryweather, real estate, insurance and rentals, with offices at Howard and Sprague streets. Mr. Merryweather was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 13, 1871, his parents being George Neave and Ellen L. (Beaman) Merry- weather, who were pioneer residents of Cincinnati, where the father engaged in the wholesale and retail tea and coffee business, being proprietor of the oldest house in that line in the city. For a long period he occupied a leading position in commercial circles but both he and his wife have now passed away.
In the public schools of Cincinnati Walter G. Merryweather mastered the common branches of learning and then started in business life with an elder brother in the wholesale grocery and sundries trade, Walter G. Merryweather acting as bookkeeper. In 1889 he decided to try his fortune in the west, of the opportunities and advantages of which he had received favorable report. He came to Spokane to join another brother, William G., in the lumber business. In 1891 he formed a partnership with W. S. McCrea in the real-estate, fire insurance and loan busi- ness under the firm style of McCrea & Merryweather. They are today leaders in this field with a business that probably exceeds that of any other firm or individual in this line in the city. They are also joint owners, on equal shares, of the Wash- ington Safe Deposit & Trust Company, of which Mr. Merryweather fills the office
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of vice president and secretary. In other connections Mr. Merryweather is a director of the Spokane & Eastern Trust Company, of the Grote-Rankin Company, Inc., of the Prairie Development Company and the Spokane Savings & Loan Society.
Appreciation of his personal worth has gained for Mr. Merryweather the pop- ularity which he now enjoys among his many friends and his close associates in fraternal and club circles. He has attained high rank in Masonry and is a mem- ber of El Katif Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to Spokane Lodge, No. 228, B. P. O. E., and holds membership in the Spokane Club, the Spokane Country Club and the Spokane Amateur Athletic Club.
On the 9th of December, 1901, Mr. Merryweather was united in marriage to Miss Cleora M. Amsden, a daughter of Charles and Lilla Amsden, of Windsor, Vermont. They reside at 1525 Eighth avenue and their home is a hospitable one, which fact is attested by all who know them. Mr. Merryweather is a bright- minded business man who accomplishes what he undertakes. Forceful, sagacious and resourceful, he is recognized as a member of the circle of those who are most closely connected with the business and financial interests of the city and have therefore most largely conserved its growth and progress.
ROBERT W. BUTLER.
Robert W. Butler bears the peculiar distinction of being one of the few men in the state of Washington, who have been elected to political position without opposition when four political parties have had tickets in the field. This remark- able result is due to the personality of the man, whose courteous treatment of all, in both business and private life, has made him one of the most popular residents in the county. His conduct of the office meets with general approval, for he em- ploys there the same business sagacity and forms that insure success in the com- mercial world. He believes that punctuality is one of the first attributes of suc- cess and a comparison of the records of the various auditors' offices in the state proves beyond all question of doubt that his ideas are not simply theories.
Mr. Butler was born in Boston, Massachusetts, April 9, 1859, a son of Daniel and Margaret Butler, who were prominently connected with the history of that state. He acquired a common-school education in Boston and when sixteen years of age removed westward to Champaign county, Illinois, where he engaged in farm- ing. In the fall of 1888 he became a resident of Spangle, Washington, and for twenty-three years has made his home in Spokane county. For five and a half years after his arrival in Spokane he engaged in farming and then entered the mercantile business, with which he was connected for nine years. Selling his inter- cst in the store, he became receiving clerk in the office of the county auditor, on the 12th of January, 1903, and held that position for four years. He was then appointed chief deputy, in which capacity he remained for twenty-seven months and upon the resignation of Auditor Greene on the 1st of May, 1909, he was ap- pointed to the office of auditor. So ably did he administer the affairs of the position that the republican county convention in 1910 placed his name upon the ticket and there was no opposing candidate, although the democratic, socialist and labor parties all had tickets in the field. None named a candidate for the office of anditor and
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therefore the election of Mr. Butler, on the 8th of November, was unanimous. It is said that figures are more powerful than words and those of the 1910 report of the Bureau of Inspection and Supervision of Public Offices, tell an interesting tale of the ability of Spokane's anditor. Statistical information from that report shows the following per cent of expenditure of every dollar received in auditors' offices: King county, Washington, 96.17 per cent; Spokane county, Washington, 73.48 per cent; Pierce county Washington, 101.10. This deals with the operating ex- penses of the offices named and further comment is unnecessary.
At the sixth annual meeting of the Washington State Association of County Auditors, held in Walla Walla, in June, 1910, Mr. Butler was elected president and the address which he made before that body was most widely and favorably commented upon. On that occasion he said in part: "An auditor should give the same time and attention to the duties of the office as is expected of a like posi- tion in commercial life and by so doing not only gain the confidence and respect of his deputies and the public at large, but also cause to remove the feeling which largely prevails that a public office is a snap and a place for graft." In the con- duct of his office, Mr. Butler demands that his deputies and other employes give the best that is in them and when credit accrues to the office they all share in it alike.
On the 1st of January, 1882, occurred the marriage of Robert W. Butler and Miss Hattie Deere, of Sydney, Champaign county, Illinois, a daughter of Moses M. and Harriet (Thomas) Deere. Her father was a pioneer and well-to-do farmer of Champaign county, where he was held in high esteem. His birth occurred in Henry county, Kentucky, but much of his life was spent in Illinois, where he died about twelve years ago. Mrs. Deere, who still survives, is a representative of one of the early families of Champaign county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Butler have been born four children: Ella, the wife of Van N. Murphy, bailiff of Judge Hinkle's court; Olla A., wife of F. M. Boyce, of Spokane; Orie D., who is em- ployed by the Chicago Clothing Company ; and Edmond H., a student in the Bryant school.
Mr. Butler's social nature finds expression in his membership in several fra- ternal organizations. He holds membership with the Woodmen of the World at Spangle; is a member and past grand of Samaritan Lodge, No. 52, I. O. O. F., of Spokane; and for three consecutive terms has been treasurer of Spokane Lodge, No. 228, B. P. O. E. Wherever he goes he wins friends, because of the sterling traits of his character, his high principles and his fidelity to duty.
WILLIAM DAVID VINCENT.
William David Vincent needs no introduction in financial circles, for he is widely and favorably known among colleagues and contemporaries in the banking world. his present position being that of cashier of the Old National Bank. He was born at Macon, Missouri, December 3, 1866, a son of Joseph and Augusta (Mclaughlin) Vincent, the former a railroad contractor and coal operator of Macon. In his youthful days the son was a pupil in the public schools there but when only twelve years of age left the schoolroom, desirous of making for himself a place in the
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business world. He first obtained employment in a grocery store where lie re- mained for four years, and later was connected with a wholesale and retail drug business. His identification with banking interests dates from April, 1885, at which time he entered the employ of the First National Bank of Macon as in- dividual bookkeeper. Promotion followed and he was serving as assistant cashier at the time he resigned to come to Spokane in 1891. He at once became iden- tified with the banking business here and aided in obtaining the charter for the Old National Bank, for which he acted as bookkeeper and teller until 1894, when elected assistant cashier. The following year he was called to his present posi- tion as cashier and in this connection has proven a most popular and obliging official, who at the same time has carefully safeguarded the interests of the in- stitution which he represents. He is indeed one of the best known figures in the Inland Empire and his courteous treatment of the bank's patrons has won him many friends.
Mr. Vincent was married twice. On the 14th of September, 1898, he wedded Mary Allen Speidel, of Wallace, Idaho, whose death occurred in Spokane, June 1, 1907. She is survived by two children, Josephine and Allen. On the 20th of Sep- tember, 1910, Mr. Vincent was again married, his second union being with Miss Neen Hawley McVey, of Chillicothe, Missouri. Society in its usually accepted sense of the term has little attraction for him and yet he has a keen appreciation for friendship which he ever holds inviolable. His leisure time is largely given to work for the benefit of his fellowmen in various lines. He is now a member of the Associated Charities and has taken a great interest in that organization. He also belongs to All Saints Episcopal church and is a member of the Library Board. He is likewise interested in the business development of the city to a large extent and cooperates heartily in the projects and plans of the Chamber of Commerce. He is likewise loyal to the teachings of Masonry and has attained high rank in the fra- ternity. His right of franchise is exercised in support of republican principles but his political activity is only to the extent of his use of the ballot. He has cer- tainly won the proud American title of a self-made man, having started out in life on his own account when but twelve years of age and demonstrated his worth and ability in various ways, developing character and well earned reputation, as well as winning success.
KIRTLAND KELSEY CUTTER.
Kirtland Kelsey Cutter, an architect of national reputation and a member of the firm of Cutter & Malmgren, enjoys the distinction of having contributed more freely than any other man to the architectural beauty of Spokane,-a city generally acknowledged to be without a western superior in the artistic beauty of its homes and the metropolitan appearance of its business buildings. Coming to Spokane, as he did, in its earliest formative days, over twenty-five years ago, Mr. Cutter established an architecturel standard that inspired his professional brothers who came later, and has resulted in the present civic standard of artistic architect- ure. Mr. Cutter brought with him to the then young Pacific northwest an intense love of nature, trained to expression by an extended visit to art centers of Europe.
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