Illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties, state of Washington, Part 92

Author:
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Spokane, Wash. : Western History
Number of Pages: 992

USA > Washington > Chelan County > Illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties, state of Washington > Part 92
USA > Washington > Ferry County > Illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties, state of Washington > Part 92
USA > Washington > Okanogan County > Illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties, state of Washington > Part 92
USA > Washington > Stevens County > Illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties, state of Washington > Part 92

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Another early pioneer in Loomis was Jacob Neiderauer, known more familiarly among his friends as "Dutch Jake," although no relative

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HISTORY OF NORTH WASHINGTON.

of the other "Dutch Jake," formerly of the Couer d'Alenes, now of Spokane. Jacob Nei- derauer discovered the Q. S. (Quantum Suf- ficit ) mine and located his homestead at the base of Mt. Aeneas. On his ranch are two small lakes, one of which is plentifully stocked with carp. . It appears that "Okanogan" Smith made the original location near Mr. Ellme- ham. He named it the "Julia," but it has since been re-located as the "King Solomon," and is now owned by people residing in Spokane. The first stakes on Palmer Mountain were driven by Joseph Hunter. He discovered the Black Bear mine in 1887. One year subse- quently he disposed of the property for $12,000. The five-stamp mill at Loomis is named the Black Bear.

A typical western mining town is Loomis. Its main street of three blocks in length was laid out in perhaps the worst place in the val- ley. It rises abruptly north and south from a deep ravine which intersects the theoretical townsite. This ravine has been partially filled in and "Main" street graded. In 1888 George H. Noyes arrived from Springfield, Massachu- setts and purchased Guy Waring's interest in the trading post. Through the efforts of Mr. Noyes a postoffice was established at Loomis and he became the first postmaster, holding the office until the incoming of President Cleveland's administration in 1893. Guy WVaring returned to Boston where, after a res- idence of a few years, he drifted back to Ok ?- nogan county, subsequently locating near Win- throp, in the Methow country. At present Mr. Noyes is located at Loomis and holds the office of United States Commissioner.

A large number of prospectors and mining operators were attracted to this district in the early 90's by the rich mineral discoveries, es- pecially those on Palmer mountain. Samuel I. Silverman was among the first to arrive, com- ing from Spokane, where he was recognized as a prominent mining promoter. Mr. Silver- man organized the Oro Fino Placer Mining

Company, and also platted what he termed the townsite of "Loomistown." J. A. Loomis and a Spokane real estate firm, Tilton, Stocker & Frye, were associated with Silverman. They undertook to secure a title to the projected townsite, but owing to internal dissensions the enterprise, so far as a proper title was con- cerned, failed.

Loomis improved rapidly during 1891-2, affording an embarrassment of riches in the way of business; there being three general stores, eight saloons, two dance halls, and other business concerns. Mining development, though in many instances woefully misman- aged, employed hundreds of men and proved the immense value of the ledges. At enormous expense mining machinery was rushed into the district. Some of it yet lies on the hillsides, never having been erected; silent yet eloquent testimony to the disastrous results of the finan- cial depression of 1893. Mills and concentra- tors were erected before the over-sanguine own- ers knew what treatment was required for the most economical extraction and conservation of ore values. Then came 1893-after that the deluge. Mines employing many men were closed down peremptorily. The district re- mained dromant up to the fall of 1898.

During the summer and fall of 1899 a won- derful change for the better passed over Loomis. From a sleepy, unprogressive settle- ment there sprang into life a bustling, hustling mining camp where the sound of the hammer was heard from morning until nightfall; only the scarcity of lumber retarded the erection of many buildings badly needed, and which would otherwise have been added to the town. Every hotel and lodging house was crowded to the point of discomfort. It was a daily occur- rence to meet men going from one hotel to another in search of a bed. The underlying cause of this new-born prosperity may be signi- fied in two words, "mining development." Conservative mining men reinforced by ample capital, injected new life into the district by

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opening up long neglected properties in a man- ner calculated to insure the prosperity of Loomis for a long time to come. Many of the old prospectors who had staked their claims in the vicinity of Loomis did not abandon their holdings when the "boom" collapsed in 1893. They had remained and the better days of 1899 found them able to dispose of their claims at fair prices and reap the reward which they had felt sure was to come .

In May, 1897, Rev. J. T. McArthur, of Waterville, Douglas county, and Rev. C. H. Phipps, of Spokane, visited Loomis and orga- nized the First Presbyterian church. The foundation for this event had been laid by Rev. J. E. Stewart, now resident pastor, and a num- ber of other communicants of that denomina- tion. Services are held in the school house. The trustees elected were William McDonald, O. S. Stocker and Dr. S. M. Willard. Occa- sional services are held by the Methodists in the school house. The Catholic is the only church society in Loomis having a house of worship. Services are held once a month.

October 29, 1897, the Palmer Mountain Prospector, referring to educational matters in Loomis, said :

"There are between fifty and sixty scholars in the school and that is too many for one teacher to handle and do justice to herself or to the children. It has been necessary to send for additional seats to accommodate those now in the room. There are a number who yet expect to attend. There is no place to put them under present conditions. It is deplorable that the finances of the district are at so low an ebb that another department cannot be opened for a portion at least of the younger scholars. We have a progressive school board, alive to the best interests of our educational establishment, anxious to do all in their power to supply school facilities to all who apply, and they may yet be able to remedy the present congestion.". A recondescence of animated prosperity was in evidence in Loomis during the autumn

of 1897. In November of that year immense volumes of freight were pouring into the town. These large invoices of merchandise were indi- cative of growing consumption and a better demand for goods than had been experienced in several years. At the steamer landing, Riverside, a large quantity of general merchan- dise was awaiting transportation to Loomis, which was at this period an active distribut- ing point. Confidence in the increasing pros- perity was thus voiced by the Palmer Moun- tain Prospector :

Somehow or other there is a marked improvement in the camp. The vivifying ozone coupled with encourag- ing prospects of renewed activity in mining circles has touched the spot like a bumper of champagne and there is more spring to the footstep, a brighter sparkle in the eye, a clearer ring to the voice than for a long time. People seem in a better humor, there is a pleased smile hovering about every countenance and a touch of good fellowship prevails. There are open discussions of prospective and pending deals, and vague rumors and hints of extensive development under consideration, a restoration of confidence among the weak-kneed, its solidification among the always hopeful, and a general feeling that the clouds are rolling by. Added to this on every hand come in the most encouraging reports of improvement in the character of quartz encountered on every property under development. It is the first ray of the coming up of the refulgent sun of prosperity, and it is light that gladdens the heart and injects new life into the veins of every resident of the county. It is the first real rejuvenating health throb of the pulsations that are to pump quickening blood into Loomis, and the adjacent mining districts, and will eventually make of this the center of the greatest mining enterprises and more of them than were ever set on foot in the north- west. The going out of the old and coming in of the new year will be a great epoch in the history of the upper Okanogan, or no faith can be placed in the signs of the times which just now point that way very distinctly.

During the month of December, 1897, there was considerable indignant protest against apparently needless delay in inbound freight transportation. It was asserted, and with excellent proof, that from six to eight weeks were required in which to ship goods from Spokane and Seattle to Loomis. One humorously inclined individual claimed that he

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was "afraid to order iron castings from the outside as there is danger of their being spoiled by decomposition before arrival." This became a new classification of "perishable freight."

The same month a Ladies' Aid Society was organized. Mrs. F. M. Dallam was chosen president, Mrs. James O'Herrin, secretary, and Mrs. S. M. Willard, treasurer. Meetings were held at the residences of members. The Christmas of 1897 was celebrated by elaborate exercises at the school house under the auspices of the local Sabbath school. They included a Christmas tree from which presents were gen- erously distributed, music and literary exer- cises.

The summer of 1899 was accentuated by a marked improvement in property values. Build- ings sold at high prices which only a short time previous had been considered nearly worthless. James Henderson refused an offer of $2,000 for a building on Main street which he had recently purchased at a remarkably low figure from John Boyd. The same day an offer of $2,500 was refused for a building on Main street. The reader should take into considera- tion that these prices included the buildings alone, as the real estate was unsalable, not hav- ing been patented.

March 1, 1899, one of the warehouses of the Loomis & Company's store building was removed to Spectacle Lake by S. J. Hall and E. W. Pember. The edifice having been loaded upon two wagons was transported in- tact, the motive power being twelve horses. This building was a portion of the property recently purchased by Rev. J. E. Stewart for his farm near the lake. The novel transporta- tion of this structure through Main street at- tracted no little attention and comment.

Saturday, March 25, 1899, there was en- acted in the streets of Loomis a tragdey re- sulting in the death of James O'Connell, otherwise known as "Pinnacle Jim." He was shot to death by John O'Herrin on the side- walk in front of Woodard's saloon. The body

of the dead man was removed to an empty store building and left for the night. On the fol- lowing morning the body was examined by Dr. Willard and three bullet wounds discovered. One had entered the right breast below the col- lar bone, passing through the body and con- ing out near the spinal column. Another had entered the left shoulder, ranged downward and was removed from near the surface by Dr. Willard. The third bullet passed through the fleshy part of the left forearm. Near the scene of the killing a knife was found.

At the examination of O'Herrin which took place Monday evening following, the circum- stances of the shooting were detailed and the facts appeared to fully justify O'Herrin. He pleaded self-defense and the plea was appar- ently well substantiated by witnesses. The de- fendant, testifying in his own behalf, said that he had known O'Connell about eight years and had frequently loaned him money. On Saturday, the day of the shooting, O'Herrin claimed that O'Connell had abused him and had continued the abuse in Woodard's saloon, and invited him to go outside. Defendant had done so and observing O'Connell reach behind his back as though in search of a weapon, he had shot in self-defense. This version of the affair was corroborated by a number of witnesses, and the court, taking the matter under advise- ment until Tuesday morning, discharged O'Herrin from custody.

"Pinnacle Jim" was one of the best known old-time prospectors in the Palmer Mountain mining district. His funeral occurred Monday afternoon, March 27, and the body was fol- lowed to the grave by a long procession of friends. During the week following O'Con- nell's death Mr. D. G. Chilson received a letter from a Mrs. O'Neal, of San Francisco, inquir- ing the whereabouts of James O'Connell who, the letter stated, was Mrs. O'Neal's uncle. The letter was dated and postmarked two days be- fore O'Connell's death. From the contents it appeared that nothing had been heard from

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O'Connell since 1884, and that his presence was desired in the settlement of a family estate.

Sunday, October 6, 1899, Oscar McClure, a young man about sixteen years of age, was drowned in the slough near Golden Zone, in the vicinity of Loomis. The unfortunate youth was attempting to ride a log when it rolled suddenly, precipitating him into the water. Al- though his companion, George W. Loudon, made strenous efforts to rescue him, they proved unavailing there being no boat at the point where the disaster occurred. The body was buried Tuesday near the scene of the accident. The lad's parents resided at Clover, Washing- ton.

In October a petition was circulated by Deputy Sheriff Murphy among the business men for the purpose of securing means to erect a city jail. Sufficient money was subscribed to erect a structure 14 × 14 feet in size.

In December, 1899, a gratifying increase was noticeable in the business of the Loomis postoffice. During the months of September, October and November $16,000 worth of post- al orders were issued and the cancellation of stamps had increased $200 per month over the report for the preceding quarter. So heavy was the incoming mail that the contractor barely arrived on schedule time.

A romantic legend is connected with the death of "Humpy," an aged Indian squaw, who was drowned in the Sinlahekin in Decem- ber, not for from Loomis. The name "Humpy" was bestowed on her after her back had been seriously injured from cruel blows at the hands of a jealous Indian lover many years before her death. It is claimed on substantial authority that her white admirer of whom the red lover was jealous, was none other than a distin- guished "remittance man," from England, who could, if so disposed, trace his genealogy high in the British aristocracy. The unfortunate woman was well and favorably known through- out the northern Okanogan country. She was invariably kind to her people who mourned

deeply at the time of her accidental drowning.

Joseph H. McDonald, one of the pioneer prospectors of Okanogan county, who came to Loomis soon after the county was organized, died at midnight, January 28, 1899. Mr. Mc- Donald had been closely identified with all the prominent mining camps in this section of the country during the "boom" days, first at Ruby and Conconully and, toward the close of his life he had divided his time between Loom- is and Republic. He had been for a number of years well acquainted with "Okanogan" Smith, "Tenas George," Henry Wellington, James Palmer and other well-known frontiersmen and prospectors. The funeral took place Mon- day, December 4, and a large concourse of friends and fellow citizens followed the remains to the cemetery where the last sad rites were performed by J. O. Calhoun.

Not until October, 1900, was Loomis con- nected with the outside world by long-distance telephone. At present the service is all that could be desired.

There are in Loomis four secret societies. A camp of Woodmen of the World was or- ganized July 21, 1900, beginning its existence with a membership of twenty-seven. In 1902 the first Odd Fellows lodge in Okanogan coun- ty was instituted here. Puritan Circle Women of Woodcraft has a strong membership and is in a flourishing condition financially and so- cially. During the autumn of 1903 Aerie No. 522, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was organized and at present has a good working member- ship.

The government census of 1900 gave Loomis a population of 428. The altitude is 1,300 feet.

CHESAW.

In the northeastern corner of Okanogan county, in the Meyers Creek Mining District, is a group of four little villages, all within a few miles of each other, and chief among them is Chesaw. The town is located on Meyers

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Creek, only a short distance south of the Inter- national Boundary line between the United States and British Columbia. The surround- ing country is rich in mining prospects. and with promised transportation facilities, Che- saw, as the center of the Meyers Creek Mining District, is destined to become one of the prin- cipal towns in Okanogan county. It is con- nected by daily stage with Republic, in Ferry county, and with Oroville and points west by stage three times a week. The town is also connected with the outside world by the Pa- cific States telephone lines.

For many years prior to the opening of the "North Half" of the Colville Indian reserva- tion to mineral entry in 1896, there lived on the site of the present town of Chesaw a Chinaman named Chesaw, with an Indian wife. Chesaw devoted his time to agricultural pursuits and living in a cabin on Meyers Creek. His hum- ble "bungaloo" was on the trail through the north country used by the Indians and the few early settlers. This trail passed through Oro- ville, on the Okanogan river, to Chesaw's cabin, and to the east through Rock Creek and Midway, on the Kettle River in British Colum- bia, thence to Marcus in Stevens county. The spot where now stands the thriving town of Chesaw was known in those early days as "Chesaw's ford," of Meyers Creek, and when the town first sprung into life it was named Chesaw in honor of the old Chinese settler. This is believed to have been the first instance of an American town named in honor of a Chinaman.

When the reservation was thrown open, in February, 1896, many prospectors flocked to the Chesaw crossing of Meyers Creek, which was known to be rich in mineral. Among the prospectors who came in 1896 were Dennis McCarthy, Louis Larson, Robert Allison, John Mulhollen, Philip Pingston, J. W. Shrowdy, J. H. Murphy, Jerome Henkins, D. W. Ferrel, John McEachen, Frank Curry, John Mc Neil,

James Long, D. L. Webb, Daniel McLung, William Fahsbender, James Lynch, James Grant, John Grant and Frank Eiholtz. The best strike made during 1896 was the Reno, located by Robert Allison and John Mulhollen, which proved to be very rich in gold. When the town was platted the townsite was located on this mining claim. These prospectors spent the winter of 1896-7 at this point, a few erecting log cabins, and the majority living in tents. The following spring more prospectors came into " the land of gold," and in June the first store in Chesaw made its appearance. It was opened by U. L. McCurdy, who brought in a stock of goods and started up for business in a tent 10 x 20 feet in size. A thriving business resulted and Mr. McCurdy decided to make the business permanent. Ac- cordingly in the fall of 1897 he erected an 18 x 36 log cabin for a store building and in- creased his stock of goods. A few years later the business increased and a fine frame build- ing took the place of the log structure.

In the spring of 1898 more people came to the new town and other business enterprises were put on foot. The citizens succeeded in securing a post office and U. L. McCurdy, the pioneer merchant, became the postmaster. An assay office, which is always one of the first business enterprises in a new camp, was started in a tent. Joshua Clary opened a saloon in the new town the same spring. These were the only business houses established in 1898, but many cabins were erected during the year and a lively camp sprung into existence. In 1899 E. E. Stowell established the second general merchandise store. Price's blacksmith shop was also put into commission. A Sunday- school was commenced this year and has ever since been continued. There is no church building in the town.

Chesaw was platted November 14. 1900, by the Jim Hill Consolidated Gold Mining Com- pany, by its vice-president, J. C. McCurdy.

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June 23, 1903, Trenton's addition to Chesaw was platted by the Yakima Gold Mining & Milling Company.

Barker's hotel was built in 1900, and the year following Monson Brothers erected an- other hotel. Other business enterprises fol- lowed later and Chesaw is now the metropolis of eastern Okanogan county with a population of about 250.

The only fire that ever visited Chesaw was in October, 1902, when the Hotel Barker was destroyed. The loss was partly covered by in- surance. Chesaw has a good public school, about fifty scholars being enrolled. There are Odd Fellows, Eagles and Woodmen of the

World lodges, and a miners' union. In the vicinity of the town there is quite a good acre- age of agricultural land from which fine crops are being gathered. Most of this land has been taken under the homestead law. Its qual- ity is much better than that found in some other parts of the state. At present the prin- cipal crops are grasses, wheat and oats. They are mostly used for home consumption as it has been found that transporting them to the outside market has been unprofitable. Stock- raising is another industry which is carried on to some extent. In the neighboring hills bunch grass grows in abundance.

CHAPTER VI.

CITIES AND TOWNS-CONTINUED.

RIVERSIDE.

Riverside is located on the west bank of the Okanogan river, at the mouth of Johnson creek, eighteen miles east of the county seat and forty-five miles above Brewster. Though only a few years old the town has a population of about 200 people, and is gaining rapidly. The buildings of Riverside are all new and sub- stantially constructed.

Many years previous to the settlement of the town Uriah Ward located on the land now oc- cupied by the present town site. Subsequently John Kendall secured a patent to this land, but it was not until September 5, 1902, that the townsite, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, was platted by James E. Forde. Forty acres additional were recently deeded by the Riverside Townsite Company.

In 1898 F. J. Cummings, colloquially known as "Pard" Cummings, established a store about half a mile above the present town. Forde & Ellis built a warehouse near this store. Later both buildings were removed to the pres- ent town and Forde & Ellis opened a second store. In 1900 the postoffice was established and Kate Edwards became postmistress, which position she still holds. There are at present in Riverside two stores, two warehouses, two saloons, one hotel, one restaurant, one black- smith shop and two lawyers. At this point there is a ferry across the Okanogan river. McLauthlin rapids, just above the town, make Riverside the terminal of navigation up the river from Brewster. It is also the "hub" and supply point for the north half of Okanogan county, and the outfitting point for the "South Half" of the Colville reservation. The amount

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of freight handled for the northern part of the county is increasing annually. In 1902 the total amounted to $1,250,000.

So early as 1897 an attempt was made to establish a town at this site to be known as Okanogan City. Quite a spirited movement was made in this direction, but the scheme was abandoned almost at its inception. June 18, 1897, the Palmer Mountain Prospector said of this progressive town :

"A new town is springing up in the county of which but little has been said and not a great deal known even by those living within a radius of a few miles. The fledgling that is gradually coming into existence without blare of trumpets, an elaborate blue print plat, and a gilt-edged prospectus that promises abundant riches to every lot investor, is to be known upon · the maps as Okanogan City, and is located at the junction of Johnson Creek with the Okano- gan river, the highest point of navigation reached by the steamer Ellensburg. A Seattle syndicate is back of the enterprise, and is fur- nishing the capital for the first buildings in the place. The townsite is all that could be de- sired so far as topography is concerned, and well chosen as a central point in the upper part of the county. There is no good reason-with the opening up of surrounding mines, light craft navigation of the river and the occupancy of the agricultural lands in the valley-why Okanogan City should not in time become quite a flourishing place. Carpenters are now busy on the town site putting up the first structures that are to be the nucleus about which is to spring into existence the future metropolis. The improvements under way are a large, two- story hotel, which is to be complete in all its appointments ; a building in which is to be placed general merchandise; another structure where the interior of man may be irrigated with such fluids as may suit the fancy, and a livery stable. This combination meets the wants of the travel- ing public, and as the demand grows for accom- modation the saw and hammer will supply the

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Illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties, state of Washington, Part 92

Author: Publication date: 1904 Publisher: Spokane, Wash. : Western History Number of Pages: 992

Author:
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Spokane, Wash. : Western History
Number of Pages: 992