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 1 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA j 
 AT LOS ANGELES j 

 
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 1 1
 
 EDMUND SYLVESTER 
 The Founder of Olj'mpia
 
 EARLY HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 Thurston County, Washington 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 BIOGRAPHIES AND REMINISCENCES 
 
 OF THOSE IDENTIFIED WITH 
 
 PIONEER DAYS 
 
 COMPILED AND EDITED 
 
 BY 
 
 MRS. GEORGE E. BLANKENSHIP 
 
 OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 
 1914
 
 
 ...Qavnxtavh 
 
 "1 
 
 Upon presenting this modest volume to the public the 
 >^- author desires to present a few facts regarding the aims and 
 ^ purposes of its publication, 
 j^ As I am not myself a pioneer or, in the proper conception 
 
 of the term, an early settler, it may be necessary to explain 
 why I should intrude in a field more properly the work of 
 others. As one who crossed the plains three times in an ox 
 wagon, and whose parents were inured to the hardships of 
 frontier life, I myself took a deep interest in this subject. Upon 
 jjo coming to Puget Sound I found the ranks of the pioneers 
 S decreasing rapidly. With the modesty characteristic of this 
 „ race of hardy empire builders, they had not appreciated the 
 1^ value of their work and its import to their posterity. They did 
 on not appreciate the fact that those who were to reap where 
 —' they had sown would be eager to learn of the vicissitudes 
 1^ and hardships endured bv their antecedents in this new em- 
 c=> pire for which they had laid the foundation — so vast that Atlas 
 must needs' square his shoulders to bear the burdens of an- 
 other world — and without leaving proper records of their 
 heroie and self-denying lives, they have one by one gone 
 to a well-deserved rest, leaving but few today to detail the re- 
 miniscences here related. The compiler, then, encouraged in 
 the work, by many who desire to see a task accomplished, which 
 they themselves had no inclination to undertake, offers this 
 volume, with a sincere hope that it may to some extent endure 
 as a record of the lives of many who made history in Thurston 
 County in the early days. 
 
 This publication makes no claim to literary merit, ])ut 
 aims to relate the simple annals of the pioneers' lives and 
 vicissitudes in the language of the actors of that time. 
 
 Tlie work has been at once interesting and edncating. 
 Thrown in coiitact with th(ise survivors of the late '40's and 
 
 O 
 
 601/10
 
 early '50 's one is astonished at the physical vigor and men- 
 tal brilliancy encountered. 
 
 In one instance, in quest of facts regarding the early ex- 
 periences of one old family, I was compelled to interview the 
 maternal ancester, who complied cheerfully but said that in- 
 asmuch as it was early Spring and she had her gardening to do 
 she must ask her interviewer to call later in the evening when 
 the day's tasks were done. 
 
 Another old lady, who furnished a fund of information, 
 was found vigorously sewing upon her own dresses and much 
 interested in her wardrobe, which, however, contained no nar- 
 row and slit skirts. 
 
 These instances are presented not as exceptional in char- 
 acter, but as typical of the people who left homes in the East 
 to endure a perilous six months' trip over the trackless plains 
 for a destination of which they knew nothing except that it 
 promised a hard and perilous existence, with problematical 
 results. They came, leaving their trail marked with mute evi- 
 dences of severed family ties ; they saw, and before their vision 
 unrolled a panorama of vast possibilities ; they conquered, first 
 the savage Indian and then the none less wild forests and 
 laid wide and deep the foundation for a State that must in 
 time take rank with the first in this great Union. 
 
 Then it was, that the wild nature of the country having 
 been subdued, transcontinental railroads built and the country 
 became a fit habitation for man, the work of these hard}- 
 pioneers was done, their proud, erect forms were bent with 
 age and hardship endured. The flashing eyes were dimmed 
 the heads ripened for the grave, and they must reap slight re- 
 ward for their self-denial and hardships. Even the United 
 States Government was tardy in acknowledging their worth 
 and bestowing a well-deserved pension upon these empire 
 builders to aid them in their declining years. Indeed, the 
 great majority had sought their reward in another world, when 
 the Federal Government passed a law granting Indian war 
 veterans pensions. Few there were then to receive it and they 
 not long to be beneficiaries. 
 
 Let posterity, then, do its duty in granting th^ early settle^ 
 his just due in respect and homage.
 
 WAIL OF AN OLD SETTLER. 
 
 Some say this country's improving 
 And boast of its commerce and trade, 
 But measured by social enjoyment, 
 I find it has really decayed. 
 
 In the pioneer days on the Sound 
 When the people had little to wear. 
 And subsisted on clams the year 'round, 
 We'd hearty good fellowship here. 
 
 The thoughtful, industrious old settler 
 Was so fond of obliging a friend. 
 That if anyone wanted his tools 
 He'd always quit working to lend. 
 
 At our gatherings for pastoral pleasure — ■ 
 Dance, picnic or social knockdown. 
 One man was as good as another, 
 No kind of distinction was shown. 
 
 And even the climate is changing. 
 For only some ten years ago. 
 Strawberries got ripe in December 
 Whilst now it brings four feet of snow. 
 
 — Francis Henry.
 
 Qtstortral @k0trl| 
 
 It is not necessary to the purposes of this brief historica: 
 sketch to detail the events connected with the early voyages 
 of discovery to the Northwest, although they constituted the 
 basis upon which Spain, Great Britain and the United States 
 asserted claims to the Northwest Coast. 
 
 Russia claimed north of the 51st degree, with all adjacent 
 islands ; Spain claimed to the 55th degree by right of discovery ; 
 Great Britain asserted no exclusive right to particular portions 
 of the coast, but maintained that the voyages of Drake, Cook. 
 Meares and Vancouver to the coast ; the overland voyages of 
 ^Mackenzie and Thomson, followed by the formation of estab- 
 lishments within the territory "conferred a right of joint oc- 
 cupancy with other states, leaving the right of exclusive do 
 minion in abeyance." 
 
 At the outset of the controversy the United States' claim 
 was two-fold : First, in its own right, based upon the dis- 
 covery of the Columbia river by Captain Gray; the explora- 
 tion of that river by Lewis and Clark, followed by settlements 
 by its citizens upon its banks. Upon the principal that the 
 discovery of a river followed by acts of occupancy, secured a 
 right to the territory such river drained, the United States 
 asserted claim to the territory west of the Rocky Mountains 
 lying between 42 and 51 degrees north, subject, however, to 
 the rights of Spain of prior discoveries of islands and lands 
 I'pon the coast. Second, as successor to France. 
 
 By the Louisiana purchase of 1803, the United States ac- 
 quired the right of continuity of the territory west of the 
 jMississippi river to the Pacific Ocean, of the breadth of that 
 province, its north line being the boundary between the Hud- 
 son's Bay territory and the French provinces in Canada. Ne- 
 gotiations between the United States and Great Britain were 
 commenced early in the century; the war of 1812 intervened;
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 7 
 
 Astoria, captured during that war, had been restored. In 1818. 
 the condition was slightly changed by the convention which 
 permitted a joint occupancy of the territory by citizens and 
 subjects of both nations, really a non-occupancy by the nations 
 ttiemselves, for they but agreed that they would not exclude 
 the citizens of the other, nor gain any right or claim by virtue 
 of the occupancy by their own citizens. On the 22nd of Feb- 
 ruary, 1819, the United States, by the Florida treaty, acquired 
 from Spain all that nation's rights to land upon the Pacific 
 Coast north of 42nd degree north latitude. In 1824 and 1825 
 the United States and Great Britain haa respectively con- 
 cluded treaties with Russia by which 54 degrees 40 minutes 
 north latitude was established as the south boundary of Rus- 
 sian possessions on the Northwest Coast. 
 
 In 1827 the joint occupancy treaty was renewed, with 
 the modification that either nation could abrogate it by giving 
 twelve months' notice. The Oregon question continued to be 
 agitated until June 15. 1846, the United States Senate advised 
 President Polk to accept the treaty of limits then offered. By 
 that treaty 49 degrees north was fixed as the northern bound- 
 ary. But the treaty of 1846 proved but a temporization. not m 
 settlement. It yielded to Great Britain all of Vancouver Island, 
 but was vague as to water boundaries. The indistinct recog- 
 nition of the possessory rights of the Hudson Bay and Puget 
 Sound Agricultural Companies, almost wholly in Washington, 
 left much for controversy. In 1859, war was imminent, grow- 
 ing out of dispte as to sovereignty as to San Juan Island. 
 This difficulty was temporized by a military joint occupancy 
 A special treaty enabled the United States to secure by pur- 
 chase the extinguishment of the possessory rights of the Hud- 
 son Bay Company and Puget Sound Agricidtural Compan.w 
 Not until 1872, by the award of the German Emperor, was the 
 Avater boundary adjusted and the Oregon controversy finall\' 
 settled. 
 
 What was known as the provisional government of Oregon 
 was organized in July, 1845, and all that country north of 
 the Columbia River formed a single County known as Van- 
 couver District. Sir James Douglas, M. T. Simmons and John 
 Forrest were the first County Commissioners. Douglas was 
 connected witli tlie Hudson Bay Company <tnd' Simmons came
 
 8 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 into the country in the year 1844, with a company from 
 Missouri. 
 
 Lewis County was organized in 1846, and embraced all 
 the territory lying north of the Columbia river and west of 
 the Cowlitz River. Dr. W. T. Tolmie, of Xisqually, wan elected 
 the first representative. 
 
 In April, 1845, at Washougal, i\Irs. ^l. T. Simmons gave 
 Inrth to the first white child born north and west of the Co- 
 lumbia River. In March, 1846, ]\Irs. James McAllister gave 
 birth to a son, the first born in the Puget Sound region. In 
 the Summer of 1846, Mrs. Sidney S. Ford gave birth to a 
 daughter, the first American girl born north and west of the 
 Columbia River. The child after became Mrs. John Shelton 
 
 The first marriage recorded in the Colony was at ''New 
 Market. Puget Sound, at the house of ^Ir. Davis, on the 6th 
 day of July, by Judge Simmons. Mr. Daniel F. Kinsey to ^liss 
 Ruth Brock of the former place." 
 
 In August of 1847, Jesse Ferguson, Col. Simmons, Frank 
 Shaw, E. Sylvester, A. B. Rabbeson, Gabriel Jones. A. D. Carne- 
 fix and John Kindred formed a company for the purpose of 
 building a sawmill at New Market, named the Puget Sound 
 Milling Company. The site was the northwest part of the 
 Lower Falls. The mill was completed during the winter of 
 that year. 
 
 On August 24, 1847, a trail was made between Smithfield 
 (Olympia) and New Market (Tumwater). 
 
 In the Fall of 1847, there arrived in this section Thomas 
 ]\I. Chambers and his sons. David, Andrew, Thomas J. and 
 McLain, also a Mr. Brail and Geo. Shaser. 
 
 The last election held in Lewis County under the Pro- 
 visional Government w^as in 1848, when Levi Lathrop Smith 
 was elected Repreesntative to the Oregon Provisional Legisla- 
 ture and A. B. Rabbeson was elected Sheriff. Mr. Smith did 
 not live to enter upon the duties of his office. While in a 
 canoe on his way to New Market in August he was seized 
 with an epileptic fit and dro-wned. This was the first recorded 
 death of an American in this section. 
 
 Mr. Smith was a partner of Edmund Sylvester in joint 
 claims owned by them. Under the partnership clause of the 
 land laws of Oregon's Provisional Government the occupancy
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 9 
 
 of claims by each party for the benefit of the firm was per- 
 missa])le. Smith resided on the Smithfield claim and Sylvester 
 occupied a prairie farm near the Sound. Thus, upon the death 
 of Smith, Sylvester, as the survivor of the firm, became owner 
 of the present site of the City of Olympia. He moved thereon 
 and built the first hotel. It was 16x2 J:, built of logs and con- 
 tained two rooms. 
 
 Rev. Pascal Rieard and a small party of Oblat mission- 
 aries in June, 1848, established the St. Joseph ^lission. on 
 the site of the present city park, on the east of Budd's Inlet. 
 The Mission continued for several years. Hence the name by 
 which the point has since been known, and which name is 
 now g-iven to Olympia 's splendid playground — Priest Point 
 Park. Another settlement was made about this time almost 
 directly across the inlet from Priest Point by Samuel Han- 
 cock. This claim later became the property of Conrad 
 Schneider. 
 
 The Territorial Government of Oregon was established on 
 August 14, 1848, and included all the Pacific possessions of the 
 United States north to the 32nd parallel, this line being fixed 
 by treaty between the United States and Great Britain. 
 
 The development of this section of the Oregon territory 
 was greatly retarded soon after its organization by the gold 
 discoveries made in California, which caused a stampede from 
 the Northwest, and considerably reduced the male popula- 
 tion, who preferred to try their fortunes in the gold fields 
 rather than continue the pursuit of fortune along slower bu!, 
 more certain lines. Farms were abandoned ; in many eases 
 crops were not planted, or, if planted, were left neglected and 
 unharvested. 
 
 After the arrival of Governor Lane to assume the duties 
 of his office as first Governor of Oregon Territory, Judicial 
 districts were proclaimed and Judges assigned in two, luit 
 the third Judicial district which constituted Lewis Countx', 
 was left without an official clothed with authority to afford 
 protection in all the territory north of the Columbia River. 
 
 The first American vessel owned by Wasliington Tei'i-i- 
 tory residents hailed from Olympia, on Puget Sound, and was 
 called the Orbit. She arrived at Olympia on New Years day.
 
 10 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 ISoO, and loaded with piles for San Francisco. Her owners 
 were ]\Iessrs. Sylvester, Jackson, Moore, Shaw and Ebey. 
 
 The first Legislature under Oregon Territorial Government 
 convened at Oregon City, July, 1849. Lewis County was then 
 included in a Representative and Council district with Clat- 
 sop County (now Oregon), and was represented by Samuel 
 T. McKean, of Clatsop, as Councilman, and M. T. Simmons, 
 as Representative. The session continued one hundred days. 
 
 Thomas W. Glascow settled on a claim at what is known 
 as Ebey's Landing, Whidby Lsland, in 1848, and after some 
 l)reliminary work returned to New Market (Tumwater) and 
 induced A. D. Carnefix and A. B. Rabbeson to return to his 
 liew home with him. At the head of Hood's Canal, which thev 
 desired to explore, while on their way, they found Indians, 
 many of whom had never beheld a white man. Though Carne- 
 fix returned home at the head of the Sound, Rabbeson and 
 Glascow continued their voyage and in July reached the new 
 liome of the latter. 
 
 About this time there was held in this vicinity a council 
 of Puget Sound Indians, called together by the Chief of the 
 Snoqualmies. Patkanim. The object of this meeting was to 
 induce all the Sound Indians to combine and annihilate the 
 white settlers. Patkanim was the leader in the effort to 
 bring about hostilities. He urged that it was only a matter 
 of a short time when the whites would outnumber the In- 
 dians, and the latter would then be transported to a land 
 where the sun never shone, and would there be left to die. 
 One of the great arguments used by this crafty statesman 
 and warrior, however, was that by conquering the whites the 
 Indians would acquire a large amount of property. 
 
 This war-like spirit was strongly opposed by the Indians 
 from the Upper Sound, who felt quite friendly to the whites. 
 This pacific attitude of the Indians about the head of the 
 Sound was due to the fact that the stronger tribes on the 
 lower Sound had made war on the weaker ones and made 
 slaves of those of the Indians that they took captives. The 
 presence of the white in and about Smithfield and New Market 
 had proved a protection to their Indian neighbors. More 
 than this the whites had thus far proven themselves scrupu- 
 lously honest in their dealings with the Indians and thus had
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 11 
 
 the "King George" or "Boston ]\Ien" won their confidence. 
 
 This opposition to hostilities came near causing a fight 
 on the council grounds. Rabbeson and Glascow, seeing that 
 it would be unsafe to remain in the neighborhood left, the 
 latter abandoning his claim. 
 
 In the Spring of 1849, a party of Snoqualmie Indians 
 made an attack on the Hudson Bay Company's fort at Xis- 
 qually, in which Leander C. Wallace was killed and two men, 
 Lewis and Walker, were w^ounded. 
 
 From accounts derived from various sources the following 
 appear to be the facts : A force of Snoqualmies visited the 
 fort, ostensibly to settle a dispute with the Xisqually tribe. 
 There appears to have been a force varying according to sev- 
 eral accounts, from 100 to 150. Patkanim was within the fort 
 conferring with Dr. Tolmie, the Agent, while the gates were 
 closed against the other Indians. Wallace, Lewis and Walker, 
 visitors at the fort, together with one, Chas. Wren, outside 
 the fort, noticed hostile demonstrations on the part of th.' 
 Indians, and apprehending danger, retreated towards the 
 gates. Wren reached it and tried to enter, but was pre- 
 vented from within. The discharge of a gun at this timi^ 
 precipitated an attack. It was fired into the air by a guard 
 on the inside, preparatory to reloading, and was used as a 
 pretext for the attack. A volley was then fired from the fort 
 and the Indians retreated. 
 
 Wallace was the first white man killed by Indians on 
 Puget Sound. The Indians were induced for a consideration 
 of eighty blankets, to deliver up the murderers for trial. This 
 method of dealing was strongly resented by Governor Lane, 
 as it could be construed as putting a premium rather than 
 a punishment on such outrages. 
 
 However, before he could prevent it the deal, which had 
 ])een authorized by an Indian Agent for this district, had been 
 consummated and six Snoqualmie Indians given up by the 
 crafty Patkanim. 
 
 At a special term of court held in Ft. Steilacoom the six 
 prisoners were indicted, tried, and two convicted, who were 
 leaders in the attack. The remaining four were acquitted. 
 A vast conclave of Indians were present at the execution, 
 which occurred the day following conviction.
 
 12 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 This was the first United States court held North of the 
 Columbia River. It was convened on the 1st day of October. 
 the trial continued through the second day and upon the third 
 day the two Indians were suspended, as mute object lessons 
 to the Indians that the law must be respected. Some of the 
 jurors who participated in this trial traveled two hundred 
 miles from their homes to reach the court. The summary 
 justice then dealt out could be well used as object lessons 
 for more modern courts. 
 
 Chief Justice Bryant presided at this trial. The prosecu- 
 tion was conducted by Judge Alonzo A. Skinner and the Court 
 assigned David Stone, then Prosecuting Attorney for the 
 Third Judicial District to defend the Indians. 
 
 Edmund Sylvester, who by the death of his partner, had 
 become sole owner of the claim they had located at the head 
 of Budd's Inlet, in 1850, laid off the claim as a town site and 
 named it Olympia. The name suggests the idea that even in 
 this remote region with rude environments, there were those 
 conversant with the classics. The name was bestowed by 
 Charles H. Smith, who together with IMr. Simmons, had that 
 year established a store in the new settlement, at the corner 
 of Main and Second Streets. The name was doubtless sug- 
 gested by the beautiful views spread out before them at the 
 head of the Sound, where to the North the Olympic Range was 
 visible and to the East old Rainier reared his majestic head. 
 
 At this period, of course, the methods of living by th-'- 
 inhabitants were most primitive. Little in the way of house- 
 hold necessities had reached the new settlement and luxurier> 
 were not missed by these hardy pioneers. 
 
 Only the necessaries of life and those fancy articles which 
 appealed to the Indians were dealt in at the time. However, 
 in 1852, George A. Barnes opened a general merchandise stor:^ 
 at the West end of First Street, from which time business as- 
 sumed more pretentious proportions. Later business houses 
 were opened by A. J. ]\Ioses, J. G. Parker, Sam Coulter, L. 
 ■ Bettman, Goldman & Rosenblatt, and Louisson & Company. 
 As Olympia was the only town on the Sound a customs house 
 was established here in 1851. 
 
 Upon the reciept of news of the discovery of gold on 
 Queen Charlotte's Island, this year, a schooner was chartered
 
 THURSTON COUNTY' 13 
 
 by Samuel Williams, J. Colvig, "William Billings, S. D. Howe. 
 Charles Weed, S. 8. Ford and three Sargent Brothers to go 
 to the new fields. The schooner was wrecked on the East 
 side of the island, i)lundered by the Indians and the gold- 
 seekers taken prisoners. They were rescued by a revenue 
 cutter and troops frojn Steilacoom and returned home after 
 two months' absence. 
 
 The year 1852 found the settlers in fair condition with 
 brighter prospects, for coal had been discovered and saw- 
 mills had been established on the Sound, and these indu.stries 
 had caused a few shipments to be made to San Francisco, the 
 l^eginning of a trade that was destined at a later date to grow 
 to such dimensions. 
 
 The Soinid country, which then constituted the Northern 
 part of the Territory of Oregon, w^as isolated. I\Iany of the 
 towns and settlements were five hundred miles from the 
 seat of government, and under such conditions the settlers 
 here received little attention or consideration from the Ter- 
 ritorial Legislature, though at this period it was considered 
 that Lewis County, that section north of Cowlitz County, con- 
 tained a little over three hundred inhabitants, of which 180 
 were citizens. 
 
 Pacific County was created in 1851 and in 1852 a imw 
 County was created to include the territory west of the Cas- 
 cade ^Mountains and north of the Cowlitz divide. The new 
 County was named Thurston, after Samuel R. Thurston, a 
 highly cultured gentleman who liad b(nMi elected to Congress 
 by the factions opposed to the Hudson Bay Company. Thurs 
 Ion died at sea April I), 1851, while returning from the Na- 
 tional Capitol His remains were buried at Acapulco, tliough 
 1hey were afterward brought to Salem, Oregon, and buried, 
 nuirked with a stone l)earing this inscription: "Here rests 
 Oregon's delegate, a man of genius and learning, a lawyer and 
 statesman, his Christian virtues equalled by his wide philaii- 
 throphy. His public acts are his best euloguim." 
 
 In accordance with the act creating the new County of 
 Thurston an election was held in June, 1852, at which the fol- 
 lowing officers were elected: A. J. Simmons, Sheriff; A. 'SI. 
 Foe, County Clerk; D. R. 15igclow, Treasurer; H. S. {'.alley,
 
 U HrSTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 Assessor; Eilnmiul Sylvester, Coroner,- A. A. Denny, S. S. Ford 
 jiiul David Shelton, Counter Commissioners. 
 
 The records of the first session of the Connty Coraimis- 
 sioners, shows the following- business transacted: 
 
 The tax levy was fixed at 4 mills for County purposes, 
 1Y2 mills for schools, IV2 mills Territorial, and sf'l poll tax. 
 
 T. F. IMcElroy and Geo. Barnes were appointed Justices: 
 of the Peace. 
 
 Eoad districts were established and Wm. Packwood was: 
 authorized to establish a ferry on the Xisqually River. 
 
 Precincts were established as follows: Skagit precinct, 
 Whidby Island and all islands north. Port Townsend pre- 
 cinct, territory north of Hood's Canal on the west side of 
 the Sound. Duwamish precinct, east side of Sound north of 
 Puyallup River and all south of Hood's Canal to the parallel 
 of the north parallel of the Puyallup river on west side of 
 Sound. Steilacoom precinct, territory north of Nisqually 
 River to the Puyallup on the east side of the Sound and thence 
 due west to mouth of Xiscpially River to the parallel of the 
 mouth of the Puyallup. Olympia precinct, territory south of 
 Steilacoom precinct. 
 
 For school purposes: Olympia precinct contained dis 
 tricts 1 and 2 ; Duwamish was designed as one district, Skagit 
 precinct, one district; Port Townsend precinct as one district. 
 
 The first term of the district Court was convened at Olym- 
 pia this year and Elwood Evans. D. R. Bigelow. Quincy A. 
 Brooks and S. H. ]\Ioses were admitted to practice. 
 
 Thornton P. McElroy and J. W. Wiley printed the first 
 newspaper published in Thurston County. It was called the 
 Columbian and the first issue appeared on September 11, 1852. 
 
 The regular district school opened this year and was 
 taught by David L. Phillips. 
 
 The pioneer settlers now began to feel the absolute ne- 
 cessity for a division of the territory and desired to be set aside 
 from Oregon. Agitation along these lines resulted in a call 
 for a convention to meet at Montieello November 25, 1852. 
 Monticello was then a considerable settlement on the Cow- 
 litz River. 
 
 Thurston Countv sent as delegates to this convention M.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 15 
 
 T. Simmons, S. D. Ruddle, S. P. Moses, Adam Wylie. Q. A. 
 Jrooks aiid C, H. Hale. 
 
 The result of this convention was that Congress was mem- 
 orialized to create the Territory of Columbia out of that jior- 
 tion of Oregon lying north and west of the Columbia River. 
 There was no opposition on the part of the people of Oregon 
 to this separation, and the result was that the new^ territory 
 Avas created by an Act signed by the President on March 3. 
 1853. Congress, however, oTerruled the people in the mattei 
 i<f a name for the new territory, and inasmuch as there was 
 iilready a District of Columbia, it was decided to honor the 
 Father of His Country — hence the Territory of Washington. 
 
 A school house was erected in the Fall of 1852 on the now 
 northwest corner of Sixth and Franklin Streets, Olympia. The 
 f<tructure was a frail one and succumbed under a heavy fal; 
 of snow during the winter. It was rebuilt later. 
 
 The tide of immigration now set in quite strong, and de 
 mand for lumber increasing, a mill was built at Xew ^Market 
 by Ira Ward, N. Barnes and S. Hays, wnth a daily output of 
 3,000 feet per day. 
 
 In January, 1853, before the new Territorial Governmenl 
 became effective, the Oregon Territorial Legislature created 
 the Counties of Pierce, King, Island and Jefferson, all out of 
 Thurston County, leaving the latter to include only the pres- 
 ent Counties of Thurston, Chehalis and ^lason. 
 
 President Pierce, soon after his inauguration, appointed 
 Isaac I. Stevens as Governor of the new Territory; Chas. H. 
 ]\Iason, Secretary ; J. S. Clendennin, Attorney ; J. Patton An- 
 derson, Marshal; Edward Lander, Chief Justice; Victor ]Mon- 
 roe and 0. B. McFadden, Associate Justices. 
 
 Marshal Anderson's first official act was to cause a cen 
 hus to be taken, and a population of 3,965 was reported, of 
 which 1682 were voters. 
 
 Transportation and mail facilities in 1853 were very un- 
 satisfactory for the residents of the Sound region. At this 
 time connection was made with Portland by means of a stage 
 which left Olympia every Tuesday, connecting with boats on 
 the Columbia. Later, how(;ver, B. F. Yantis and A. 15. Ralv 
 beson formed a partnership for the purpose of running a
 
 16 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 .stage line, and advertised to put their passengers through in 
 twelve hours. 
 
 In 1853 the resources of the County began to be devel- 
 (pped. A little coal was mined, a bed of natural oysters was 
 discovered on Budd's Inlet, and hewed timber was quoted at 
 16 to 18 cents per cubic foot, shingles $4.50 to $5.00 per thous- 
 and and cordwood $4.00 per cord. 
 
 The necessity for an emigrant route over the Cascades 
 led to a public meeting being held in Thurston County and 
 a committee appointed to view out a route, and a road through 
 the Natchez pass was the result, which was a means of greatly 
 stimulating emigration. 
 
 In the Summer of 1853, a census taken for Thurston 
 County showed a population of 996. The first grand and 
 petit jurors were drawn at this time. 
 
 Governor Stevens reached Olympia on November 25, 
 1853, five months and nineteen days from St. Paul. Secretary 
 Charles H. Mason had already arrived. 
 
 Among those ready to welcome the new Governor to th? 
 Sound were Colonel William Cock, Shirley Ensign, D. R. Bige- 
 low, Geo. A. Barnes, H. A. Goldsborough, Jno. M. Swan, C. 
 H. Hale, Judge B. P. Yantis, Judge Gilmore Hays, Jno. G. 
 Parker, Quincy A. Brooks, Dr. G. K. Willard, Col. M. T. Sim- 
 mons, Capt. Clanrick Crosby, Ira Ward, James Biles, Joseph 
 Cushman, S. W. Percival, Edwin Marsh, R. M. Walker, Levi 
 and James Offut, J. C. Head, W. Dobbins, Isaac Hawk, Rev. 
 Geo. F. Whitworth, Jared S. Hurd, H. R. Woodward. B. F. 
 Brown, and M. Hurd. 
 
 The arrival of the new Governor was the most momentous 
 event that had occurred in the history of Olympia, and on his 
 appearance in the garb of a hardy frontiersman he was given 
 a hearty welcome and reception at the Washington Hotel 
 (now standing) at the corner of JMain and Second Streets, 
 and when, a little later Governor Stevens delivered a lecture, 
 giving the results of his explorations for a Northern trans- 
 continental route, the enthusiasm of the pioneers was 
 boundles.'?. 
 
 Immediately upon arrival of the Governor, he issued ;; 
 proclamation establishing election districts, and appointing 
 January 30, 1854, as the time for holding an election for dele-
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 17 
 
 gate to Congress, and members of the Legislature, -which was 
 to meet in Olympia Febrrary 28th. 
 
 The Governor appointed M. T. Simmons Indian Agent for 
 the Puget Sound Indians and sent him to visit the various 
 tribes, and bear a message of friendship fr;)m tlie White 
 Father. 
 
 Tlie first political e;)mpaign in Thurston County was an 
 exciting one, in which three parties participated, the Demo- 
 cratic, AVhig and Union. The Legislative nominees on the re- 
 spective tickets were as follow\s : 
 
 Democratic — For Councilman, D. R. Bigelow and S. D. 
 Kuddell ; for Representatives. L. D. Durgin, George Gallaher, 
 David Shelton and A. J. Chambers. 
 
 Union — For Councilman, D. R. BigeloAv and B. F. Yan- 
 tis; for Representatives, A. W. Moore, F. W. Glaseow, S. S. 
 Ford, and James H. Roundtree. 
 
 Whig — For Councilman, B. F. Yantis and E. J. Allen; 
 for Representatives, Ira Ward, C. H. Hale, J. L. Brown. Galla- 
 tin Hartsock. 
 
 After a short but hard-fought campaign the following 
 were elected: Councilmen, B. F. Yantis and D. R. Bigelow; 
 Representatives, L. D. Durgin, David Shelton, Ira Ward, and 
 C. H. Hale. 
 
 Judge Columbus Lancaster was elected first Delegate to 
 Congress. 
 
 TTpon convening of the Legislature in a small two-story 
 building on Main Street, between Second and Third, the Gov- 
 ernor delivered an able message, in which he predicted a Ijril- 
 liant future for the new territory, much of which has already 
 been realized ; urged County and school organization and the 
 organization of a militia. He dwelt on the importance of 
 extinguishing the Indian titles and the claims of the Hudson 
 Bay and Puget Sound Agricultural Companies and settling 
 the boundary line of the British side, and advised the Leg- 
 islature to memorialize Congress for the appointment of a 
 Surveyor-General to facilitate the survey (vf the lands, and 
 advocated many other salutary measures which were promptly 
 adopted by the Legislature except the recommendation re- 
 garding a militia. This proved a bad oversight as later de-
 
 18 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 velopments showed, when two years later the Indians became 
 hostile. 
 
 Governor Stevens purchased Block 8-i, Olynipia, for his fu- 
 ture home, and a tract of ten acres in what is now known 
 as Maple Park. He also contracted for the purchase of the 
 north half of the Walker donation claim, between Olympia 
 and Tumwater. 
 
 Governor Stevens, amid his other duties, worked with 
 zeal on the reports of his exploration for the Northern trans- 
 continental route and was assisted by Capt. IMcClellan (after- 
 wards Gen. Geo. B. McClellan) and others. Governor Stevens' 
 offices were in two one-story building's on the West side of 
 Main Street, between Second and Third Streets. 
 
 The Governor reported to Secretary of War Jefferson 
 C. Davis on his exploration and later received peremptory 
 orders to bring his operations along- these lines to a close, 
 which he did, but not without urging their continuance at a 
 later day. The opposition with which Governor Stevens met 
 in this regard was doubtless due to the eag'erness of the future 
 President of the Southern Confederacy for a Southern trans- 
 continental route. 
 
 The acts of the first Legislature affecting Thurston County 
 was that of creating Chehalis County out of the southwest 
 part of the former and Sawamish out of the northwest sec- 
 tion, thus materially reducing the area of Thurston. The 
 name of the latter County was afterward changed to Mason, 
 after the first Secretary of the Territory. 
 
 Also a road was ordered located between Olympia and 
 Shoalwater Bay; from Cathlamet to S. S. Ford's in Thurston 
 County; Olympia to the mouth of the Columbia River, and 
 Olympia to Monticello. 
 
 The Legislature also appointed County officers for the 
 various Counties, and the following were assigned for Thurs- 
 ton County: County Commissioners, S. S. Ford, David J. 
 Chambers and James McAllister ; Auditor, U. E. Hicks ; Sher- 
 iff, Frank Kennedy ; Assessor, Whitfield Kertley ; Probate 
 Judge, Stephen D. Ruddle; County Treasurer, D. R. Bigelow; 
 School Superintendent, Elwood Evans ; William Plumb, Nathan 
 Eaton and Joseph Broshears, Justices of the Peace.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 19 
 
 Stephen Ruddle deelining the Probate Judgeship, Joseph 
 Cushmau was appointed in his place. 
 
 The County Commissioners adopted measures protecting 
 the school interests in the matter of public lauds; fixed the 
 license fee for retailing liquor at $100 for six months, and 
 bowling alleys at $25 per annum, and accepted a report from 
 Thos. J. Chambers, who had been appointed to mark out a 
 quarter section of land for the benefit of a County seat to be 
 the most valuable unclaimed laud within the limits of the 
 County. Mr. Chambers reported in favor of section 19, town- 
 ship 18, range 1 West. 
 
 The tax rolls for 185-1 showed a valuation of $418,140 
 and the rate of taxation was fixed at 3 mills. 
 
 The Commissioners this year authorized the construction 
 of a bridge across the Bay on the Eastside at a cost of $500, 
 and (me across the Skookumchuck, for which they appropriated 
 .$1,000. The former bridge was built at a cost of $1,500, $1,000 
 being subscribed for that purpose. 
 
 Up to this time no proper provision had been made for 
 County offices and records were kept in a very temporary 
 manner. The Commissioners now authorized a contract for 
 a Court House to cost not to exceed $1,200 and ordered the 
 Auditor to procure suitable books for the records. 
 
 At the election in 1854 three tickets were in the field, 
 Free Soil, Democratic and Whig. 
 
 There were no local issues involved and the battle was 
 fought along the lines agitated in the East. The straight 
 Democratic County ticket was elected, as follows : 
 
 Representatives, Wm. Cock, B. L. Henness, Stephen Guth- 
 rie, Wm. P. Wells; Count}^ Commissioners, Levi Shelton, S. S. 
 Ford, John Low ; Probate Judge, Joseph Cushmau ; School 
 Superintendent, D. R. Bigelow; Auditor, U. E. Ilicks; Treas- 
 urer, Wm. Rutledge; Sheriff, A. B. Rabbeson ; Assessor. Wm. 
 Packwood ; Coroner, A. J. Baldwin. J. Patton Anderson, who 
 had come to tlie Territory as United States Marshal, was 
 elected as Delegate to Congress. 
 
 During this period Governor Stevens retununl East, spend- 
 ing much of his time at the National Capitol, in the interests 
 of. his Territory. IMuch of the legislation secured for Wash- 
 ington was due to his efforts, which included needed amend-
 
 20 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 liients to the land laws and the creation of the ofiPee of Sur- 
 veyor General, and making- appropriations for surveys and 
 mail service. 
 
 Governor Stevens and his family left New York City for 
 the Territory September 20, 1354, and arrived at their new 
 home in December. A pen picture of the impression gained 
 by the familj', upon their arrival, as described by General 
 Stevens, showed conditions as they then prevailed : 
 
 "It was a dreary dark December day. It had rained 
 considerably. The road from Tumwater to Olympia was ankle 
 deep in mud and thrided a dense forest with a narrow track. 
 With expectations raised at the idea of seeing the Capital and 
 chief town of the Territory, the weary travelers toiled up a 
 small hill in the edge of the timber, reached the summit and 
 eagerly looked to see the new metropolis. Their hearts sank 
 with bitter disappointment as they surveyed the dismal and 
 forlorn scene before them. A low, flat neck of land, running 
 into the bay, down it stretched the narrow, muddy track, 
 winding among the stumps, which stood thickly on either side 
 twenty small wooden houses bordered the road, while back of 
 them on the left and next the shore were a number of Indian 
 lodges, with canoes drawn up on the beach, and Indians and 
 dogs lounging about." The little hill mentioned is where the 
 Masonic Temple novv^ stands, opposite the new Federal building. 
 The site of the Indian camp is now Columbia Street, between 
 Third and Fourth. There were only one or two buildings 
 above, or south of Sixth Street. The public square was a 
 tangle of fallen timber. Main street terminated in Giddings' 
 wharf, which was left high and dry at low tides." 
 
 It is not a matter of surprise that the Governor's family 
 were appalled at the appearance of their future home, accen- 
 tuated as it was by the hardships of the trip from the East, 
 the latter part of which is thus described: 
 
 "* * * The party took canoes (at a point named Rainier), 
 manned by Indians, crossed the Columbia and paddled a few 
 miles up the Cowlitz to Monticello, where they spent the night. 
 At daylight the next morning the Governor and family em- 
 barked in one canoe, while the trunks and baggage followed 
 in another, and pushed up stream against a swift current. 
 There were in the canoe the Governor, his wife and four
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 21 
 
 children, the nurse and a erew of four Indians, two on each 
 end. It was a dark, drizzling' day. with frequent showers. 
 The passengers sat upon the bottom of the canoe upon plenty 
 of Indian mats and well wrapped in blankets, and, except for 
 the strained and irksome position were fairly comfortable. 
 The Indians, urged by promises of extra pay, paddled vigor- 
 ously. At the rapids (and it seemed that nearly all the stream 
 was in rapids) they laid aside their paddles, and, standing 
 up, forced the canoe ahead with poles, Mdiich they Avielded with 
 great skill and vigor. * * * It was dark Avhen they reached 
 Cowlitz Landing, thirty miles from ]Montieello.^' 
 
 ]\Irs. Stevens continues the narrative, here quoted, as a 
 vivid description of the methods of travel in this section at 
 that time : 
 
 "* * * We walked ankle deep in mud to a small log 
 house, where we had a good meal. Here we found a number 
 of rough, dirty-looking men, with pantaloons tucked inside 
 their boots, and so much hair upon their heads and faces that 
 they all looked alike. After tea we were show-n a room to 
 sleep in, full of beds, which were for the women. I was so 
 Avorn out with the novel way of traveling, that I laid down 
 on a narrow strip of bed, not undressed, all my family along- 
 side on the same bed. The Governor sat on a stool near by, 
 and. strange to say, slept sound through the long, dismal night 
 He had been shown his bed up through a hole on top of the 
 shanty. He said one look was sufficient. IMen Avere strewn 
 as thick as possible on the floor in their blankets. The steam 
 generated from their wet clothes, boots and blankets was 
 stifling. One small hole cut through the roof Avas the only 
 ventilation. As soon as breakfast was over the next morn- 
 ing, we mounted a wagon without springs and proceeded on 
 our journey. There surely were no worse roads in the world 
 than this. The horses went down deep into the mud every 
 step ; the wheels sank to the hub, and often had to be pried 
 out. We forded rivers, the w^ater coming above our ankles in 
 the wagon. jMany big, deep holes th(\v would .iump over, 
 making the horses run quick, when the wagon woiihl .jump 
 across, shaking us up fearfully. In one of these holes the 
 horses fell down, and we stuck fast in the nuid. We wcvo 
 taken from the Avagon by men of our party, plunging up to
 
 22 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 their kneos in iiiud, jijkI carrying lis out by sheer force of 
 their strength. After seating us upon a fallen h)g, the horses 
 were, with difficulty, extricated from the mud. After an- 
 other long day's tiresome travel we stopped at a log' house 
 for the night." 
 
 The Governor's party proceeded the following day through 
 a drizzling rain, with the roads all but impassible. At Saun- 
 ders Bottom, wdiere the Town of Chehalis now stands, the mud 
 was knee deep for two miles. This day the party made 25 
 miles. The travelers reached Olympia the next day, after 
 80 miles' travel, upon a somewhat better road. Such were 
 the hardships endured by those looking for new homes in the 
 far Northwest, but harder yet were the experiences of those 
 reaching here by way of the Natchez Pass, as many were com- 
 ing that way. 
 
 An idea of the cost of living during this period, ma.y be 
 gleaned from the following market report, published in the 
 only paper printed in the Territory at that time : 
 
 Potatoes, per bushel, $3 ; flour, $10 per 100 pounds ; pork, 
 20 cents ; butter, $1 per pound ; onions, $4 ber bushel ; eggs, 
 $1 a dozen ; beets, $3.50 per bushel ; sugar, 12^,4 cents ; coffee, 
 18 cents; tea, $1; molasses, 75 cents; salmon, 10 cents. Sawed 
 lumber for $20 per thousand; cedar, $30; shingles, $-1.50; piles, 
 per foot, 5 to 8 cents ; square timber, per foot, 12 to 15 cents. 
 
 In December, 1854, W. B. Goodell established a stage line 
 between Olympia and Cowlitz via Grand ]Mound, leaving 
 Olympia on Tuesdays and Fridays of each week. At Cowlitz, 
 near the present site of Toledo, it made connections with 
 boats for Monticello and Portland. Olympia to Grand IMound, 
 .$3.50; to Cowlitz. $10.00. 
 
 W. W. Miller built a saw mill the latter part of 1854 on 
 the East side of Budd's Inlet, a short distance below the 
 town, and the old Masonic hall was built on the site of the 
 more pretentious Temple of today. In this old building the 
 Legislative session of 1855 was held. Edward Giddings built 
 a wharf, 300 feet long, at the foot of Main Street, which was 
 used for many years. Later it was extended to deep water 
 and was used until the Government deepened the channel for 
 a nearer approach to the town. 
 
 In 1855, Samuel Coulter, who had been appointed As-
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 23 
 
 sessor, reported the valuation of taxable property at $396,825, 
 and a levy of 4 mills was made. The County debt, at the same 
 time amounted to $4,888.29. 
 
 Among other duties devolving upon the Legislature of 
 1855 was that of permanently locating the seat of Govern- 
 ment. Hon. Arthur A. Denny was a member of the House 
 from King County, and spoke as follows upon the subject: 
 
 "Mr. Speaker: — I propose to do now what I have not 
 done before : I propose to say now what I have not heretofore 
 said to anyone (if my memory serves me) relative to my 
 views upon this location question. I now for the first time 
 announce my purpose to vote for the location of the territorial 
 capital at or near Olympia ; and for my vote upon this ques- 
 tion I shall briefly assign a few reasons. 
 
 "Justice to all sections of the territory require at our 
 hands patient and careful investigation as to the proper place 
 at which to locate the Territorial capital. Its location should 
 be central both as to its geographical position, as well as to 
 its center compared with our population. In my investigation 
 of this question, I have arrived at the conclusion that Olympia 
 is nearer the geographical center than any other point I 
 have heard mentioned during the discussion on this subject — 
 and that it is also nearer the center of our present popula- 
 tion. If, Mr. Speaker, you take Thurston County, with its 
 population and add it to the Counties north, there will be 
 found a clear and decided majority of the population of our 
 Territory in those Counties. If you will take Thurston from 
 the northern Counties and unite her with the Counties south. 
 then it will show a still more decided majority south. Thus it 
 is clearly demonstrated that Olympia is about the center of 
 population in this Territory. It is as easily accessible from 
 all parts of the Territory as any place which has been named 
 during the pendency of this question, or that could have been 
 named. It is at the head of navigation at a point the farthest 
 inland, accessible from all Counties north by all manner of 
 watercraft from steanu'r down to the Indian canoe. It is in 
 a direct line from the Counties south to the Counties north, 
 of the Territory. If you travel from the northern to the 
 southern Counties, you must go through Thurston or travel 
 out of your course. If you travel from the southern to the
 
 24 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 northern Counties you have to pass through Thurston. Then 
 as to the particular hieati'ai — the site is ehjarly eligible, the 
 land selected is elevated and overlooks the placid waters of 
 l^uget Sound for many miles to the northward. The scenery 
 is grand and imposing — to the north the Coast Range is seen 
 looming up in the distance, Mount Olympus standing out in 
 bold relief amidst the hundreds of less elevated peaks iu the 
 vicinity. 
 
 "Indeed, Mr. Speaker, I know of no other place combin- 
 ing anything like the claims, all things considered, to the Ter- 
 litorial capital as does this immediate vicinity; hence I shall 
 most willingly give my support to the bill under consideration. 
 In doing so, I am influenced by no motives of a pecuniary 
 character — I own no town lots or landed estate in Thurston 
 County and such is the poor estimate of my vote or influ- 
 ence that I have not had even the offer of an oyster supper 
 from tiie good citizens of Olympia as an inducement for 
 either." 
 
 Even as early as 1855 the question of prohibition was, to 
 some extent, agitated. This year the Legislature submitted 
 the question of the maruifacture and sale of ardent spirits to a 
 vote of the people of the Territory at the next election in 
 July. Quite a vigorous campaign was had, Elwood Evans 
 being appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee, who 
 issued a call upon temperance people to form societies. 
 
 A Democratic County Convention was called for April of 
 this year. The Whig convention was held ]\Iay 5, and the 
 Free Soil convention May 26. At the election Thurston County 
 gave J. Patton Anderson, Democratic candidate for Delegate 
 to Congress nine majority. Wm. Cock was elected Council- 
 man ; R. M. Walker, C. B. Baker, D. J. Chambers, Repre- 
 sentatives; T. F. Berry, Surveyor; Assessor, W. B. D. New- 
 man; Commissioner, J. S. Broshears; Fence Viewer, R. ]\[. 
 Walker; Lieutenant Colonel, Joseph Miles; ^Major, J. K. Ilurd. 
 
 The vote of Thurston by precincts will give the reader a 
 practical idea of how the population was scattered through- 
 out the County : Three hundred and seventy-three votes were 
 cast as follows: Olympia precinct, 260; South Bay, 18; Black 
 Lake, 15; Yelm Prairie, 18; Grand ]Mound, 39; Miami,
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 25 
 
 9 ; Coal Bank, 18. Prohibition received a majority of 14 votes 
 lu this County, but failed to earrj^ in the Territory. 
 
 In August, 1855, a two story school building was erected 
 to replace the one that had been crushed by snoAv a few years 
 previously. This building has served various purposes. Erected 
 as a school house originally, it was so used for years ; from 1871 
 to 1892 it was the Court house, and latter became a newspaper 
 office. It has since been moved off the property at Sixth and 
 Franklin and is now occupied as a lodging house. 
 
 A history of the year 1856 is almost exclusively a story 
 of Indian troubles. All the serious difficulties that Thurs- 
 ton County experienced in this regard, or during which much 
 apprehension was felt, was during this year. Reports were 
 coming to Olympia of troubles in the White River valley, which 
 aroused considerable apprehension. The Yakima tribes were 
 the troublesome element, and it was presumed then, and has 
 since been accepted as reasonably certain, that they were en- 
 couraged in their depredations by the Hudson Bay Company, 
 which, in this way, hoped to discourage immigTation. 
 
 The first overt act to occur in Thurston County, -and 
 from which trouble may be said to date, was early in 1854, 
 when a Kake (a Northern tribe) Indian was killed by a man 
 named Burke, both of whom worked for H. L. Butler, at But- 
 ler's Cove. Subsequently the Northern Indians frequently 
 visited the head of the Sound and committed depredations. 
 The acts at least became so flagrant that Commander Swart- 
 out, then in command of what United States navy there was 
 in these waters, was notified. On November 20th, he made 
 an attack upon their camp at Port Gamble. About thirty 
 were killed and twenty wounded, their camp and canoes 
 destroyed. The remainder were taken to Victoria. This act 
 l)ut served to whet the appetite of the Indians for revenge. 
 
 The Indians on the Sound, including those on the Straits, 
 numbered about 8,000, divided into many tribes and bands. 
 
 Governor Stevens, early in his administration, outlined 
 a very wise and pacific policy toward the Indians, and one 
 which he devoted himself to actively and sincerely, the fea- 
 tures of which were : 
 
 1. To concentrate the Indians upon a few reservations
 
 26 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 and encourage them to cultivate the soil and adopt civilized 
 habits. 
 
 2. To pay for their lands in annuities of l)Iankets, cloth- 
 ing, and stable articles during a long term of years, rather 
 than in money. 
 
 3. To furnish them with schools, teachers, farmers and 
 farming implements, blacksmiths and carpenters, with shops 
 of their trade. 
 
 4. To discourage wars and disputes among them. 
 
 5. To abolish slavery. 
 
 6. To stop, as far as possible, the use of liquor. 
 
 7. They were to retain rights of hunting and fishing on 
 vacant lands. 
 
 8. That at some future date, when they were deemed 
 fitted for it, the reservations were to be allotted to them in 
 severalty. 
 
 The first Council in Thurston County was held on ^IcAl- 
 lister Creek, a mile above its mouth, on the right bank. 
 
 The Indians, to the number of 650, assembled, and Gov- 
 ernor Stevens made an address, at once pacific and appealing, 
 in which he made plain to the Indians his policy as outlined 
 above, and invited their co-operation. 
 
 The treaty was then read, section by section, and the 
 Indians given every opportunity to discuss it. After which, 
 there being no objections, the treaty was signed b.y Governor 
 I. I. Stevens and the Chiefs, Delegates and Headmen on the 
 part of the Indians. Provisions and presents were then de- 
 livered to the Chiefs, who divided them among the Indians. 
 
 Following is a synopsis of the treaty: 
 
 1. The Indians to cede their lands in Thurston, Pierce 
 and parts of Mason and King to the United States. 
 
 2. Set off as reservations : Squaxon Island, containing 
 about 1280 acres ; a square tract of two sections near and 
 south of the mouth of McAllister Creek and another equal 
 tract on the south side of Commencement Bay, Avith accessible 
 roads to and through them. 
 
 3. Conceded right of fishing and hunting on other than 
 claimed lands. 
 
 4. Twenty-two thousand five hundred dollars to be 
 paid in annuities in staple and useful articles.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 27 
 
 5. Thirty thousand two hundred and fifty dollars to 
 be expended in placing the Indians on their reservations. 
 
 6. Empowered the President to remove the Indians when 
 the interests of the Territory demanded, by reimbursing the 
 Indians for improvements. 
 
 7. Prohibited use of annuities to pay personal debts. 
 
 8. Prohibited wars, and provided for arbitration of dif- 
 ferences by the Government. 
 
 9. Excluded licjuor from reservations on penalty of for- 
 feiture of annuity. 
 
 10. Provided for a General Agency and instruction in 
 useful trades for twenty years. 
 
 11. Abolished slavery. 
 
 12. Prohibited trade by the Indians outside of the UniteJ 
 States, and forbade foreign Indians residing on the reserva- 
 tions except by consent of the Agent. 
 
 Sixty-tv/o Indians signed. Leschi, an intelligent and de- 
 signing Indian, who has since been immortalized by having 
 a Seattle park named for him, being the third. The first signer 
 was Qui-ee-muth, Leschi 's brother. Both these Indians met 
 death as a reward for their treachery. 
 
 On October 14, 1855, Acting Governor Mason issued a 
 proclamation, stating conditions and called for the enrollment 
 of two Companies, and Vancouver and Olympia were named 
 as places of enrollment. 
 
 The Company enrolled at Olympia was called the Puget 
 Sound IMounted Volunteers, which elected officers as follows ; 
 Captain, Gilmore Hays; First Lieutenant, Jared S. Hurd ; Sec- 
 ond Lieutenant, Wm. Martin; First Sergeant, Joseph Gibson; 
 Second Sergeant, H. D. Cock; Third Sergeant, Thomas 
 Prather ; Fourth Sergeant, Joseph White ; First Corporal, Jo- 
 seph S. Taylor; Second Corporal, Whitfield Kirtley; Third 
 Corporal, D. T. Wheelock; Fourth Corporal, John Scott. 
 
 The people were disappointed in receiving arms that were 
 expected at that time, which necessitated a visit b.y Surveyor 
 General Tilton to Seattle with a view to securing arms from 
 the Decatur, a sloop of war, and the revenue cutter Jefferson 
 Davis, both then in the harbor. He was successful to the ex • 
 tent of securing 30 muskets, 40 carbines, 50 holster pistols, 50 
 sabers and belts and 3500 ball cartridges.
 
 28 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 Nathan Eaton, a settler in Thurston, was authorized bv 
 Acting Governor IMason, to organize a Company of Rangers, 
 which was officered as follows: First Lieutenant, James Mc- 
 Allister; Second Lieutenant, James Tullis; Third Lieutenant. 
 A. ]\L Poe ; First Sergeant. John Harold ; Second Sergeant, 
 Chas. E. Weed; Third Sergeant, W. W. Miller; Fourth Ser- 
 geant, S. Phillips ; First Corporal, S. D. Reinhart ; Second 
 Corporal, Thos. Bracken ; Third Corporal, S. Hodgdon ; Fourth 
 Corporal, James Hughes. 
 
 Both Companies proceeded to White River valley on Oc- 
 tober 20. 1855. 
 
 A Company was organized on IMound Prairie and the 
 citizens then built a blockhouse for protection. A Company 
 was also formed on Chambers Prairie. 
 
 As a precautionary measure it was deemed wise to hold 
 a reserve force and four more Companies were called for. By 
 the terms of this call. Lewis, Thurston, Pierce and Samamish 
 were to furnish one Company to enroll at Olympia. This 
 Company enrolled 110 men and elected the following officers: 
 Captain, Geo. B. Goudy; First Lieutenant, W. B. Affleck; Sec- 
 ond Lieutenant, J. K. Hurd ; First Sergeant, Francis Lindler ; 
 Second Sergeant, A. J. Baldwin; Third Sergeant, F. W. Sealy; 
 Fourth Sergeant, James Roberts. Jos. Walraven, E. W. Austin, 
 Hiel Barnes and Joseph Dean, Corporals. 
 
 Stockades for the protection of families were built in 
 this County, one on Chambers Prairie and one on Mound 
 Prairie. Business was practically suspended in town and 
 claims Vv^ere abandoned in the country. IMen were either pre- 
 paring to leave for the scene of the trouble or were engaged 
 in the erection of forts and stockades for protection. 
 
 The Rangers left home on October 24th, to seek the wilv 
 Chief of the Nesquallys, Leschi, who was the instigator of 
 much of the trouble and hostile attitude of many of the na- 
 tives, but they found he had gone to the White River Valley. 
 and the troops immediately started in pursuit. At Puyallup 
 Crossing, Captain Eaton, Lieutenant McAllister and Connell, 
 together with a friendly Lidian, went ahead of their Com- 
 pany to have a conference with the Indians. The Indians, 
 with characteristic treachery, professed friendship. Upon re- 
 turning to camp, i\IcAllister and Connell were fired upon and
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 29 
 
 killed. An Indian rode to the IMeAllister claim and told the 
 family of IMeAllister's death and helped them to the fort on 
 Chambers' Pi-airie. A few days later Cols. A. B. Closes and 
 Joseph ]\Iiles were killed. It was for the mnrder of these 
 men that Lesehi was afterward executed. 
 
 Emissaries from the hostiles on the East side of the moun- 
 tains visited the Sound Indians, and by ingenious argument in- 
 cited the natives on this side to hostility. Straggling bands 
 Avere perpetrating outrages here and there, and thus were 
 families intimidated and forced to take refuge in Olympia 
 A town meeting was held, at which Wm. Cock was chosen 
 chairman and Elwood Evans, secretary. After discussing 
 the situation it was resolved to build a stockade. Rev. J. F 
 Devore, R. M. Walker and Wm. Cock were constituted a com- 
 mittee to proceed at once on works for defense, and. if neces- 
 sary, to detain the brig Tarquina, then in the harl~»or, as a 
 means of refuge. 
 
 W^hile this condition existed and a sable cloud lay Ioav 
 over the little town, the bodies of ^McAllister, Closes and 
 ]\Iiles were brought in, and during a dismal fall of rain, the 
 little community bared their heads in grief over the mortal 
 remains of their first martyrs. The three young men were 
 buried on Chambers' Prairie. 
 
 A stockade was erected along Fourth Street, from bay 
 to bay, with a block house at the corner of Main, on which 
 was placed a cannon. 
 
 These Avere merely precautionary measures. Actual fight- 
 ing occurred only in the White and Puyallup Valleys, and iri 
 December, the ^lilitia Companies Avere disbanded. 
 
 An attack on Seattle occurred January 26, 1856, an 1 
 CoA'ernor Stevens then issued a proclamation calling for six 
 Companies, tAvo of which Avere to enroll at Olympia. 
 
 The entire Avhite population of the Sound at this tim: 
 Avas barely 4,000 souls and all the male population fit to bear 
 arms had been and Avere noAv devoting their time and energies 
 1o defense, rather than in the pursuit of their occupations; 
 they were destitute and discouraged, and Avere receiving little 
 or no help from the Government. 
 
 The first Company here to respond Avas officered as fol- 
 loAvs: Captain, Gilmore Hays; First Lieutenant, A. B. Rabbe-
 
 30 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 son ; Second Lieutenant, AVni. ]\Iartin ; Orderly Sergeant, Frank 
 Ruth; Sergeants, A. J. ]Moses, D. ^lartin, M. Goddell; Cor- 
 porals, N. B. Cotfey, J. L. ^Myers, F. Hughes, H. Horton. 
 
 A Company of Mounted Rangers elected officers as follows : 
 Captain, B. L. Henness; First Lieutenant, Geo. C. Blanken- 
 ship; Second Lieutenant, F. A. Godwin; Sergeants, Jos. Cush- 
 man, W. J. Yeager, Henry Laws, Jas. Phillips ; Corporals, Wm. 
 F. Kady, Thos. Hicks, S. A. Phillips, H. A. Johnson. 
 
 On February 8 there was organized a company of minei*s 
 and sappers under Captain Jas. A. White; U. E. Hicks, First 
 Lieutenant ; McLain Chambers, Second Lieutenant ; D. J. Hub- 
 bard, C. White, ]\Iarcus Mc^Millan, H. G. Parsons, Sergeants, 
 Corporals, Isaac Lemon, Wm. Ruddell. Wm. Mengle. This 
 Company was organized to cut roads, build fortifications, guard 
 stock, etc. 
 
 Adjutant General Tilton, on March 1, issued a call for 
 100 more men for service under jMajor Hays, with headquarters 
 at Olympia, and in April a block house was built, sufficient to 
 accommodate the whole population, on a site now known as 
 Capital Park. The spot is indicated by a stone, erected by the 
 Daughters of the American Revolution, to mark the end of 
 the Oregon trail. 
 
 The Indians now seemed tiring of the unavailing struggle, 
 although a Peace Commission composed of M. T. Simmons and 
 Ed. C. Fitzhugh. appointed by the Governor to treat with the 
 Indians, was unable to bring about satisfactory results. But 
 the Indians were disbanding and the soldiers returned home, 
 subject to call and were finally mustered out in August. The 
 horses, stores, etc., were sold at public auction. An incident 
 which shows the characteristic integrity and regard for honor 
 prevalent among the pioneers is here given. An officer of 
 one of the volunteer Companies had captured a mule in Grand j 
 Ronde Valley. While in the service, he rode it home to 
 Olympia, and turned it in. He desired to bid it in and own 
 if, but the highest bid was $475 and the faithful volunteer, 
 impoverished by ten luonths' military' service, was unable to 
 meet the raise. 
 
 During the struggle stockades and block houses had been 
 built in Thurston County by settlers as follows: Stockade 
 at Cochran's, Skookumehuck; stockade, Fort Henness, Grand
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 31 
 
 ]\r()und Prairie; stockade at Goodell's, Grand ^lound Prairie; 
 block house. Tenalqiiot Prairie; block house, Nathan Eaton's. 
 Chambers Prairie; two block houses, Chambers Prairie; block 
 house at Ruddell's, Chambers Prairie; stockade at Bush's. 
 Bush Prairie; block house at Eutledge's, Bush Prairie; two 
 block houses in Tumwater; block house at Doffelmeyer's Point. 
 
 Forts and block houses built in Thurston County by the 
 Volunteers were: Block house at Skookumchuck, Fort ■Miller. 
 Tenalquot Plains; Fort Stevens, Yelm Prairie; block house at 
 liowe's. Chambers Prairie; block house and stockade at 
 Oh'mpia. 
 
 No stockades were built by the Federal troops in Thurs- 
 ton County. 
 
 The Volunteers had acquitted themselves credita])ly. 
 Though a sturdy type of the Western pioneer, they had sulv 
 jected themselves to strict discipline. All captured property 
 was turned over or accounted for. No case of wanton kill- 
 ing of Indians had been reported. 
 
 At the close of hostility the settlers justly felt that the 
 murderers among the Indians should be tried and subjected 
 to punishment. In this they were firmly supported by Gov- 
 ernor Stevens. In a letter to Col. Casey, the Governor asked 
 his assistance to this end : 
 
 ''I have, therefore, to request your aid in apprehending 
 Leschi, Qui-ee-muth, Kitsap, Slahi and Nelson, and other mur- 
 derers, and to keep them in custody awaiting a warrant from 
 the nearest magistrate * * *. 
 
 "In conclusion I have to state that I do not believe that 
 eny country or any age has afforded an example of the kind- 
 ness and justice which has been shown towards the Indians 
 by the suffering inhabitants of the Sound during the recent 
 troubles. They have, in spite of the few cases of murder which 
 have occurred, shown themselves eminently law-abiding, a just 
 and forbearing people. They desire the murderers of the In- 
 dians to be punished, but they complain, and they have a 
 right to complain, if the Indians, whose hands are steeped 
 in the blood of the innocent, go unwhipped of justice." 
 
 There had arisen a question between the Governor and 
 llie military as to wether any promise of protection had beer, 
 nuide to the Indians when they delivered themselves up to
 
 32 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 Colonel Wright in Yakima, Col. Casey claiming that to attempt 
 to hold any on a charge of murder would be a violation of 
 good faith. The Governor positively controverted the assump- 
 tion of protection to the Indians, as he had received positive 
 assurance from Col. Wright that he had made no terras with 
 them and promised them no immnnity. The Governor, rely- 
 ing upon this statement made to him by Col. Wright, in the 
 presence of creditable witnesses, refused to receive and take 
 charge of a party of about 100 Sound Indians until the mur- 
 derers were arrested, claiming that Leschi and the others had 
 committed murders in time of peace, in a barbarous Avay. 
 when their victims were unaware of danger. 
 
 However, the accused murderers were arrested and in- 
 dicted and received by Col. Casey for custody at Fort Steila- 
 coom. whereupon the Governor took charge of the other In- 
 dians and returned them to their reservations. At the first 
 trial of Leschi the jurj^ disagreed, but at a subsequent trial he 
 Vv^as convicted. The case was appealed to the Supreme 
 Court, where the judgment of the lower court was affirmed, 
 and the murderer was sentenced to be hanged on January 
 22, 1858, at Fort Steilacoom. Petitions were circulated for 
 jjardon and numerous remonstrances were filed with the Gov- 
 ernor, but the Governor declined to interfere. Time for th<^ 
 execution passed and Leschi still lived. A committee, ap- 
 jiointed by indignant citizens, inquired into the cause for de- 
 lay. The report of this committee disclosed interference by 
 the military authorities at Fort Steilacoom, and severely cen- 
 sured the Sheriff of Pierce County. At a session of the Su- 
 preme Court February 12, 1858, Leschi was re-sentenced to 
 hang February 19. Sheriff Hays was ordered to carry out 
 the order of the court. In the absence of the Sheriff, Deputy 
 ^Mitchell went, with a posse of twelve men, to Steilacoom. where 
 the sentence was carried out and Leschi was made to pay tli":- 
 penalty of his crimes. 
 
 Yelm Jim. who had been charged with the murder of 
 Wm. White in March, 1856, came to trial April, 1859. He 
 was found guilt}^ and was sentenced to be hanged. Before 
 the time set for the execution arrived, however, two Indians 
 came to Olympia and confessed to the crime. Yelm Jim was 
 pardoned.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 33 
 
 Qui-ee-muth, Lesehi's brother, was captured near Yelm 
 and broug:ht to the Governor's oflfice in 01ymi)ia late at night. 
 The Governor stationed a guard over the Indian, with strid; 
 orders for protection until morning, when the prisoner would 
 be removed to Steilacoom. About daylight, while the guard 
 slept, a man burst into the room, shooting the Indian in the 
 arm and then stabbing him. The deed was done and the 
 assassin gone before the guard was thoroughly aroused. Tin- 
 man making the attack was not identified, and no testimony 
 could be found against anyone. The impression gained cred- 
 ence, however, that Joseph Bunting, son-in-law of McAllister, 
 committed the deed, thus revenging the death of McAllister. 
 
 As has been before stated, the Indians, in their hostilities 
 toward the settlers, were much encouraged by the Hudson 
 Bay Company. During the war there lived in the country 
 back of Steilacoom, a number of ex-employees of the Com- 
 pany, who had Indian wives and half breed children. It was 
 reported to the Governor that these men were giving aid and 
 comfort to the Indians. The Indians who killed White and 
 Northcraft in Thurston County, were tracked straight to the 
 houses of these men, who, when asked concerning it, admitted 
 the fact, but denied any knowledge of their acts. 
 
 As a precautionary measure, the Governor ordered these 
 men to remove either to Steilacoom, Nisqually or Olympia. 
 until the end of hostilities, where they would be harmless to 
 the interests of the settlers. Accordingly twelve of them 
 moved in. They had taken out their first papers and had 
 located donation claims. A few lawyers who had not dis- 
 tinguished themselves by assisting, or even been identified 
 with, the worthy settler in resisting the Indians, here saw -i 
 chance for serving their own purposes, and incited these men 
 to resist the Governor's order in the courts, and in the mean- 
 time return to their claims, which five of them did. On 
 learning this, the Governor ordered them arrested and turned 
 over to Col. Casey at Fort Steilacoom. 
 
 Then the designing lawyers sued out a writ of habeas 
 corpus. To forestall an effort on the part of the conspirators 
 to seriously impair the plans of his administration, the Gov- 
 ernor declared martial law on April 3. The prisoners were 
 brought to Olympia and incarcerated in the old block house
 
 34 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 en the public square. Judge Chenoweth, whose place it was 
 to hear the proceedings, plead illness, and asked Judge Lander, 
 whose district included Thurston County, to hear the habeas 
 corpus cases. Lander hastened to Steilacoom and opened court 
 May 7. The Governor had urged the Judge to adjourn court 
 until Indian troubles were over, which must necessarily be 
 soon, and all trouble thus averted. But Lander proceeded 
 to open court, whereupon Col. Shaw walked into court and 
 arrested the Judge and the officers of his court and brought 
 them to Olympia, where they were released. 
 
 Lander, being then at home, and the time for holding 
 court in his own district having arrived, he opened court on 
 the 14th, and summoned the Governor to answer contempt 
 proceedings. The Governor ignored the order and accordingly 
 United States Marshal Geo. W. Corliss proceeded to the Gov- 
 ernor's office to arrest him. The ]Marshal and his party, how- 
 ever, after failing to execute their errand, were ejected from 
 the office by a party composed of Major Tilton, Capt. Cain, 
 Jas. Doty, Q. A. Brooks, R. M. Walker, A. J. Baldwin, Lewis 
 Ensign, Chas. E. Weed and J. L. Mitchell. 
 
 Mounted volunteers entered the Town and Judge Lander 
 hearing of their approach, adjourned court, and, in company 
 with Elwood Evans, went to the office of the latter and locked 
 themselves in. Captain IMiller, with his men, approached, and 
 finding himself barred, remarked: "I will here add a new 
 letter to the alphabet, let 'er rip," and kicked in the door 
 and arrested the occupants of the room. Evans was re- 
 leased at once. Lander was held in honorable custody until 
 the war was over. 
 
 Much was made of this act by the enemies of Governor 
 Stevens to injure him and his administration. A mass meet- 
 ing was held in Olympia on the public square (now Capital 
 Park), which was presided over by Judge B. F. Yantis, J. W. 
 Goodell, Secretary, which heartily endorsed the course of th^ 
 Governor in declaring martial law. 
 
 The proclamation revoking martial law was promulgated 
 May 24 and Lander held court in July following. The Gov- 
 ernor appeared in court by counsel disclaiming any disrespect 
 to the Court, was fined $50, which he paid, and the incident 
 was closed.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 35 
 
 At the election which occurred in July, Thurston County 
 elected the entire Democratic ticket, except Sheriff, which 
 was as follows : Councilman. J. W. Wiley ; Representatives, 
 
 B. L. Henness, C. B. Baker, J. A. Longmire, Daniel Kiper, G. 
 
 C. Blankenship. Wm. Rutledge ; Auditor. Wm. Wright ; As- 
 sessor, T. W. Glascow; Treasurer, G. K. AVillard; Coroner, H. 
 
 D. Morgan. Isaac Hays, on the Whig ticket, defeated Samuel 
 Coulter. The Democratic ticket was opposed by the Whigs 
 and Free Soilers. 
 
 The Puget Sound Institute, a private school, was organ- 
 ized this year by Rev. J. F. Dillon, a IMethodist minister, as- 
 sisted bj' his wife. 
 
 The end of the year 1856 found confidence restored 
 among the settlers, who had returned to the pursuit of their 
 avocations. Settlers had returned to their claims without 
 fear. The first threshing machine was brought into the County 
 and a cabinet and chair factory was opened in toAvn. 
 
 J. M. Swan platted his donation claim adjoining the 
 Sylvester tract, on the East side of the baj', which was 
 known for many years as Swantown. 
 
 The Northern Pacific Railroad Company was incorporated 
 by the Legislature of 1857. Under the terms of the charter 
 the road was to commence at one of the passes in the Rocky 
 Mountains between the Territories of Washington and Ne- 
 braska and connecting with such road passing through Min- 
 nesota and Nebraska as the Company might select, thence to 
 the Sound. The following residents of the Territorj^ were 
 incorporators : I. I. Stevens, C. H. Mason, E. Lander, Geo. 
 Gibbs, B. F. Kendall, Wm. Cock, R. M. Walker, W. W. ]\Iiller. 
 W. H. Wallace, Lafayette Balch, M. T. Simmons, Elwoud 
 Evans, A. A. Denny, David Phillips, Alex Abernethy, J. P. 
 Keller, Jas. Tilton, E. H. Fowler, S. D. Howe, E. C. Fitz- 
 hugh, Walter Crockett, L. H. Davis, C. C. Pagett, Jno. R. 
 Jackson, Seth Catlin, Wm. Strong, Wm. Dillon, Sumner 
 Barker, Wm. Kelly. Ira Patterson, H. D. Huntington, N. Os- 
 trander and B. B. Bishop. 
 
 The Legislature also authorized the appointing of a Board 
 of Commissioners with authority to build a bridge across the 
 Western arm of Budd's Inlet. Wm. Cock, Edwin IMarsh. W. 
 W. Miller, Wm. McLean, J. K. Kurd, Jos. Cnshnian, S. W.
 
 36 HISTORICAL, SKETCH 
 
 Percival and Elwood Evans composed the Commission. The 
 report favored a bridg-e 1803 feet long, with a draw, at an 
 estimated cost of $3000. 
 
 At the March term of the Conntj' Commissioners the 
 election precincts of Coal Bank. Rabbeson's Prairie, Xisqually 
 Prairie and Miami were abandoned and the territory attached 
 to adjoining precincts. This was due, in a great extent, to 
 the depopulating of the country by the Indian War. 
 
 Notwithstanding the fact that the country showed a falling 
 off in population, Olympia continued to improve and a number 
 uf small industries were started in 1857. 
 
 The rate of taxation was 3 mills for County purposes. 
 1 for court, 1 for territorial, and 2 mills for school purposes. 
 
 On July 13 the annual election occurred. The opposition 
 to the Democrats of the year before had united under the 
 name of Republican. The Democrats carried the election, 
 losing only the School Superintendent and Prosecuting At- 
 torney. The following officers were elected : Representatives 
 W. W. Miller, Stephen Guthrie, B. F. Shaw, C. B. Baker. T. W 
 Glascow ; Joint Representative, W. M. Morrow ; Probate Judge. 
 G. K. Willard ; Assessor, J. R. Smith ; Countj^ Commissioner, 
 James Biles ; School Superintendent, G. F. Whitworth ; Prose 
 cuting Attorney, C. C. Hewitt; Coroner, C. H. Hale. 
 
 Governor Stevens was elected delegate to Congress thi*; 
 year, and Fayette McMullan was appointed to fill his plact 
 as Governor. McMullan arrived in September and was en- 
 thusiastically received. 
 
 A contract was awarded the Pacific Mail Steamship Com- 
 pany to carry the mail from San Francisco to Olympia. 
 
 The steamer Fairy, owned and operated on Puget Sound 
 by A. B. Rabbeson, plying between Olympia and Steilacoom 
 blew up when leaving the wharf at the latter place, October 15. 
 
 The year 1858 was distinguished by the Frazier River ex- 
 citement. Settlers in Washington and Oregon again abandoned 
 their claims in quest of riches, as ten years before California 
 had attracted them. 
 
 Olympia. being at the head of tidewater and the only 
 town north of the Columbia, Avas an outfitting point for the 
 miners.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 37 
 
 Wells Fargo & Co. established an office in Olynipia this 
 year, with T. M. Reed as agent. 
 
 The election of 1858 resnlted in the choice of the entire 
 Democratic ticket as follows: Councilman, W. W. ]\Iiller; 
 Representatives, E. Sylvester, B. L. Henness, Wm. Rntledge 
 J. M. Hawk, Jas. Longmire, Oliver Shead; Prosecuting At- 
 torney, B. P. Anderson ; County Commissioner, Jas. Cornell ; 
 Treasurer, G. K. Willard ; Auditor, Richard Lane ; Sheriff. 
 G. C. Blankenship ; Assessor, Wm. ]\Iartin ; Coroner, A. J. 
 Baldwin. 
 
 As early as 1858 the matter of a transcontinental railroad 
 began to be actively agitated. A meeting was held in Masonic 
 Hall, September 29th, and Congress urged to make a land 
 grant to the Northern Pacific Railroad. At this meeting 
 Elwood Evans presided. 
 
 Fruit growing as an industry began to attract attention 
 and two nurseries were established in the County. 
 
 A postal agent visited 01.ympia in the fall of this year and 
 arranged for the mail steamer Constitution leaving on Monday 
 instead of Friday. Connections were made at San Francisco 
 by which overland mail reached Olympia from St. Louis in 
 24 days. 
 
 In May of 1859 the Commissioners called a special election 
 to vote a 4-mill tax to build a new Courthouse. It was ho])ed 
 to derive a revenue of $5,000, $2,500 to be applied to existing 
 indebtedness. The proposition was decidedly defeated. 
 
 At the election in July the Democrats and Republicans 
 had tickets in the field, the former being successful. For 
 Councilman, Jas. Biles ; Representatives, B. L. Henness, G. K 
 Willard, Oliver Shead, A. S. Yantis, Chas. E. Weed, Levi 
 Shelton ; County Commissioner, A. J. Chambers ; Assessor. 
 Jno. Chambers. 
 
 Secretary C. H. IMason died in July of this year, at tlif 
 age of 29. He was universally loved and respected. 
 
 Immigration into Thurston County received a decided 
 impetus at this time and resulted in much encouraging tlic 
 earlier settlers. 
 
 In October General Winfield Scott visited Olympia. iu' 
 having come to the Northwest in connection with the inter- 
 national boundary question. 
 
 260140
 
 38 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 At the session of the legislature this year a bill was intro- 
 dneed removing the Capitol from Olympia to Vancouver, which 
 passed the house by a vote of 19 to 9, but met defeat in the 
 Council by one vote. 
 
 In the winter of this 3'ear, as a result of frequent fires, 
 the first steps toward protection were taken by the organiza- 
 tion of the Alert Hook and Ladder Company — Foreman, C. E. 
 Williams ; 1st Assistant, J. L. Head ; 2d Assistant, H. D. Mor- 
 gan ; President, T. M. Reed ; Secretary, A. J. ]\Ioses ; Treasurer. 
 W. G. Dunlap. 
 
 The Puget Sound University was chartered this year, with 
 the following officers : D. R. Bigelow, Chancellor ; Gr. A. Barnes 
 Vice President; Rev. B. C. Lippincott, President and General 
 Agent. 
 
 The town of Olympia was incorporated January 29, 1859. 
 the election to be held in April following. The Act designated 
 G. A. Barnes, T. F. McElroy, Jas. Tilton, Jos. Cushman and 
 Elwood Evans as Trustees. Jos. Cushman was elected Presi- 
 dent of the Board. 
 
 At the April election U. G. Warbass, Geo. A. Barnes 
 Edwin Marsh, W. D. Dunlap and Isaac Lightner were elected 
 Trustees. Geo. A. Barnes was elected President and Richard 
 Lane Clerk of the Board. Dr. Warbass declined to serve and 
 Elwood Evans was appointed. 
 
 Contracts w^ere let for cisterns at the intersections of 
 Second, Third and Fourth Streets with Main Street. The old 
 blockhouse on the square was fitted up for a jail. 
 
 A reaction from the good times of the previous years was 
 experienced in 1860. The war cloud was looming large in 
 the East, and helped to a degree the depression. The Capitol re- 
 moval w^as again agitated in every County, which, together 
 with a heavy assessment, on the previous year's boom valua- 
 tions, did not help to relieve the feeling of discouragement. 
 
 William Wright resigning as County Treasurer, T. F. 
 3IcElroy was appointed to fill the vacancy. 
 
 At this time Olympia w^as served by four religious de- 
 nominations : Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic and Epis- 
 copalian. 
 
 At the election this year the realignment in political parties 
 began, as a result of the war issues, though the Democrats
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 39 
 
 elected most of their ticket. The following County officers 
 were elected for the ensuing year: Representatives, D. L. 
 Phillips, B. F. Ruth, B. L. Henness, U. G. Warbass, Gilmorc 
 Hays and C. H. Hale; Sheriff, AVm. Billings; School Superiti- 
 tendent, R. i\I. Walker ; Auditor, Richard Lane ; Treasurer. 
 Wm. Wright; Commissioner, S. S. Ford; Probate Judge, R. ^I. 
 Walker; Assessor, A. W. Sargent. 
 
 At the legislative session this year steps were taken 
 toward the erection of a capitol building. A Commissioner 
 was appointed and bids called for. The matter went by de- 
 fault, however, as no satisfactory bids were received. 
 
 The Federal census of this year showed a population of 
 1489 for Thurston County — 967 males, 522 females. Real prop- 
 erty valuation was $942,990; personal, $586,710. 
 
 Henry Winsor was awarded a daily mail contract between 
 Olympia and Montieello. 
 
 The Washington Standard was this year started by John 
 Miller Murphy as a Republican paper and the Pioneer and 
 Democrat was sold by Wiiey & Furste to James Lodge. 
 
 Swantown was connected with the main town by a foot- 
 bridge early this year. 
 
 The following Town Board Avas elected in 1860: G. A. 
 Barnes. Elwood Evans, W. G. Dunlap, Isaac Lightner, Edwin 
 Marsh. Wm. Billings was elected Marshal and D. R. Bigelow, 
 Police Judge. 
 
 When the legislature of 1860-61 convened it was quite 
 apparent that Portland, Oregon, w^as taking part in Washing- 
 ton Territory's Capital fight, in her own interests. Under the 
 great influence brought to bear the bill for removal to Van- 
 couver passed both houses and was approved. However, it 
 Avas discovered, after adjournment of the legislature, that the 
 bill had no enacting clause, and, as enrolled, bore no date. 
 At a session of the Supreme Court at Olympia, a plea as to the 
 jurisdietion of the Court, in one case, w^as entered. This 
 brought the question squarely before the Court. The plea was 
 (■verruled, and Olympia has since remained the Capital. 
 
 The legislature attached the south part of Thurston County 
 to Lewis County. 
 
 In July the question of Capital location was submitted 
 to the people with the following result : Whole number of
 
 40 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 votes cast 2315, of which Olympia received 1239, Vancouver 
 639, Steilacoom 253. Scattering votes went to Port Townsend, 
 Walla Walla and Seattle. 
 
 In 1861 the people of Tnmwater offered, as a bonus for 
 the location of the County seat at Tumwater, a considerable 
 amount in lumber, shingles, labor and land. C. Crosby and 
 wife filed with the Commissioners a bond in the sum of $-4000. 
 conditioned on the delivery of a deed for four blocks of land. 
 At the same session Olympia offered to donate the public 
 square to the County on condition that the County seat remain 
 undisturbed. 
 
 The matter being submitted to the people at the annual 
 election following, Olympia received 344, Tumwater 104, West 
 Olympia 4. Upon a delivery of a conveyance of the public 
 square to the County a call was made for bids for 200,000 
 bricks, wnth which to build a jail. 
 
 By the attaching of a portion of Thurston County to 
 Lewds, Commissioner Biles was disqualified from acting, though 
 by failure of his successor to qualify^ Mr. Biles presided at the 
 next meeting of the Board, fixing a rate of 7 mills for school, 
 court and Territorial purpose.s. 
 
 The legislature of 1861 had extended the terms of County 
 officers to two years, hence only Representatives to the legis- 
 lature and County Commissioners were elected this year. 
 
 B. F. Ruth. A. S. Yantis, Wm. Cock and Wm. ]\IcLain 
 were elected Representatives. G. W. ^Miller and G. W. French 
 were elected Commissioners. 
 
 In the Summer of 1861 A. M. Poe established the Overland 
 Press in Olympia. 
 
 Rev. B. C. Lippincott this year assumed charge of the 
 public school in Olympia. 
 
 At the Spring election Elwood Evans, T. M. Reed, B. 
 Harned, A. Frankee and S. W. Percival were elected Trustees 
 R. Lane was chosen Clerk. Wm. Billings, Marshal, and W. G. 
 Dunlap, Magistrate. 
 
 Upon the abandonment of the military post at Steilacoom. 
 Avhich occurred this year, some uneasiness was felt due to the 
 prevalent idea that the absence of troops might encourage 
 the Indians ^o resume hostilities. But the vear closed with
 
 THOMAS OTCHIN
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 41 
 
 bright prospects for the Count}'. Of 53 postoffiees in the 
 'J'erritory, Thurston County had nine. 
 
 Early in 1862 the erection of a Courthouse was agitated. 
 During the discussion of the matter it was discovered that 
 the County had no title to the public square, which it had 
 been reserving for County purposes. It will be recalled that 
 a few years previously, after Tumwater had offered a bonus 
 for the location of the County seat there, that Olympia made 
 a deed to the County for the public square (bounded by Sixth. 
 Seventh, Main and Washington Streets). Later it was found 
 that Edmund Sylvester had donated this to the city for park 
 purposes exclusively, hence the conveyance by the city to the 
 County was invalid. 
 
 At the May term of the Commissioners this year they 
 purchased property on the northeast corner of Union and 
 Washington streets, which had formerly been used for school 
 purposes, and awarded a contract to B. Harned to fit up the 
 building for courthouse purposes. 
 
 F. M. Sargent resigned as County Treasurer and S. W. 
 Percival was appointed to fill the vacancy. 
 
 The election this year resulted in the choice of the follow- 
 ing : Joint Councilman, 0. B. IMcFadden ; Representatives, 
 Wm. McLain, T. Hunt, II. Kandle, Jas. Longmire ; Sheriff. 
 R. W. Moxlie ; Auditor, A. W. Moore ; Treasurer, S. W. Perci- 
 val ; Surveyor, Edwin Marsh ; Attorney, B. F. Dennison ; Com- 
 missioner, S. D. Ruddell. 
 
 News of the death of Isaac I. Stevens, who was shot in 
 the battle of Chantilly on September 1, was received in Olympia 
 October 18. Proper memorial services were held here. 
 
 Up to October of this year $2,210.08 had been raised in 
 Thurston County to aid the F'ederal cause. 
 
 In 1862 B. F. Kendall, a man of marked ability, though 
 combative and vindictive, had become publisher of the Over- 
 lend Press. In a December issue he charged a man named 
 Horace Howe with burning the buildings of the Puget Sound 
 Agricultural Company, in Lewis County. Later Howe met 
 Kendall at the corner of Main and Third Streets, Olympia, and 
 during a controversy struck Kendall with a switch he wai; 
 holding. Kendall ran, Howe following, for a short distance, 
 then turned and fired four shots at his pursuer, one entering
 
 42 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 the left side of Howe, which proved a serious but not fatal 
 wound. Kendall's version, as published in his own paper, gave 
 offense to Howe's friends, and on January 8, 1863, Howe's son 
 entered Kendall's office and asked to see him privately. The 
 two retired to an adjoining room, when a pistol shot was heard 
 and Howe came from the room saying. "I shot him in self 
 defense." The young man was put under bail for his appear- 
 ance for trial, but he later disappeared. The case was dis- 
 missed, when some time afterward the news of Howie's death 
 reached Olympia. The pistol used by the assassin was one be- 
 longing to a prominent Territorial official, which gave some 
 color to the belief at the time that Kendall was the victim of 
 & plot among political enemies. 
 
 Town Council elected this year: G. A. Barnes, Jos. Cush- 
 man. Jas. Tilton, C. E. Williams, W. G. Dunlap. R. Lane, 
 Clerk; H. M. McGee, Magistrate; W. B. Gosnell, Marshal. 
 Dunlap died soon after election and David Phillips succeeded 
 him. 
 
 Logging had begun to be engaged in cjuite extensively in 
 and about Olympia, the output finding ready market at good 
 prices. 
 
 In 1863, being an off year, only a Legislative ticket, a 
 Commissioner and Probate Judge were elected. The Unionists 
 defeated the Democrats, with the following result : Repre 
 sentatives, C. Crosby, H. D. i\IcGee, Wm. McLain ; Commission- 
 er, Joseph Gibson ; Probate Judge, F. M. Sargent. 
 
 At the Town election Jos. Cushman, C. E. Williams, B. 
 Harned, S. Holmes and Wm. I\Iitchell were elected Trustees; 
 R. Lane, Clerk ; F. M. Sargent, IMagistrate, and John Sealy. 
 Marshal. W. J. Yeager succeeded the latter later. 
 
 The Fall of 1863 John Paul Judson was elected teacher of 
 the public school and was authorized to collect from the 
 scholars, or parents, a sum sufficient to make his salary $80 
 per month and for an assistant at $120 per cpiarter, in addition 
 to the $50 allowed by law. The only examination to which 
 teachers were submitted at this time was that made by a com- 
 mittee of the Town Board. 
 
 The year 186-1 was one of unusual ([uiet, little transpiring 
 of sufficient importance to chronicle
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 43 
 
 A tri-weekly mail contract direct to Portland was awarded 
 Henry Winsor. 
 
 At the election Republicans and Democrats placed tickets 
 in the field. The result was a victory for the Republicans, 
 losing only their candidate for Auditor. Representatives, C. 
 Crosby, S. D. Ruddle, F. M. Rhodes; Sheriff, J. H. Kellett; 
 Commissioner, J. Dunlaj); Auditor, R. Lane; Treasurer, S. \V. 
 Percival. 
 
 The Fourth of July was enthusiastically celebrated this 
 year, at the close of which a Lincoln and Johnson Club was 
 organized, and notwithstanding the fact that the people had no 
 vote for choice of President, the political interest was intense. 
 
 A slight flurry was occasioned the latter part of 1864 by 
 the report that gold had been discovered in the Nachez Pass, 
 about 70 miles from Olympia. This little community furnished 
 its quota of gold-seekers, who soon returned to their homes 
 disappointed. 
 
 Town officers elected : Trustees. L. D. Durgin, Jesse Chap- 
 man, H. M. McGill, A. J. Brown, Edward Giddings ; Clerk, R. 
 Lane ; Treasurer, Jesse Chapman ; ^larshal, J. L. Head ; I\Iagis- 
 trate, F. M. Sargent. 
 
 The first Sunday closing ordinance was passed by this 
 Board. 
 
 The Committee on Streets was instructed to build a reser- 
 voir about a spring on the northeast corner of Main and Fourth 
 streets and establish a pump for the convenience of the general 
 public. This spring, which furnished pure and cold water had 
 long been a village institution, and this corner a gathering 
 place in the evening when alike politics and village gossip 
 were discussed. 
 
 On Sunday evening, September 4, 1864, the telegraph was 
 completed to Olympia. The following congratulatory dispatch 
 was sent by the Territorial executive to President Lincoln. It 
 and its reply were the first messages sent between this Terri- 
 tory and the National Capital : 
 
 AVashington Territory, Executive Office, 
 Olympia, Sept. 5, 1854. 
 To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the LTnited 
 
 States : 
 
 Washington Territory this day sends her first telegraphic
 
 44 HISTORICAL SKETCIJ 
 
 dispatch greeting yourself, Washington City and the whole 
 United States, with our sincere prayers to Almighty God that 
 his richest blessings, both spiritual and temporal, may rest 
 upon and perpetuate the Union of our beloved country, that 
 His own omnipotent power may bless, protect and defend the 
 President of the United States, our brave army and gallant 
 navy, our Congress, and every department of the National 
 government. 
 
 For and on behalf of Washington Territory. 
 
 WILLIAM PICKERING, 
 
 Governor. 
 
 (Reply) 
 
 Washington, D. C, Sept. 6, 1864. 
 Gov. Pickering, Olympia, W. T. : 
 
 Your patriotic dispatch of yesterday received and will be 
 published. * ' A. LINCOLN. 
 
 For the first term of school contract was made this year 
 with J. P. Judson ; for the two succeeding terms with D. J. 
 Hubbard as principal. 
 
 Olympia celebrated with great patriotic fervor the news 
 which reached the West of the success of the Union armies. 
 The news of Lincoln's assassination was received here, as else- 
 where throughout the United States, with sincere grief. 
 
 In the Summer of 1865 the wagon road across the Cascade 
 IMountains was completed. This had long been a dream of the 
 jjioneers on both sides of the mountains. Thurston County had 
 contributed $800 toward the project and every means was 
 resorted to to help the project. Even the ladies of Olympia had 
 put their hands to the wheel, and on July 4 gave a Calico Ball, 
 turning the proceeds, $120, over to the road project. 
 
 At the election this year Thurston County polled 362 votes, 
 Denny (Republican) for delegate to Congress, receiving 220 
 votes, and Tilton (Democrat) 142. 
 
 The entire Republican County ticket was elected as follows: 
 Councilman, S. S. Ford ; Representatives, Wm. McLain, G. W. 
 Miller, S. D. Ruddell ; Commissioners, A. Tilley, W. S. Parsons ; 
 School Superintendent, D. R. Bigelow ; Coroner, Robert Frost. 
 
 Schuyler Colfax, Speaker of the National House of Repre- 
 sentatives, visited the Sound in July of this year and addressed 
 the people of Olympia.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 45 
 
 The close of the war found the business affairs of the 
 Sound region in good condition. Demand for lumber was actiw 
 iit good prices. 
 
 Up to this time the male population had far exceeded 
 the female in number. In view of this fact A. S. INIercer con- 
 ceived the idea of chartering a vessel and bringing to the Sound 
 a large number of women. On receiving notice from ]\Iercer 
 that the ship Continental was soon to leave Boston, with a large 
 passenger list, Olympia appointed a committee, consisting of 
 Elwood Evans and wife, D. R. Bigelow and wife, T. F. ^IcElroy 
 and wife, T. ]\I. Reed and wife, Francis Henry and wife, George 
 Barnes and wife, James Biles and wife, Henry Winsor and wife, 
 to receive and provide for the newcomers. Homes in the 
 County were found for 80, of the 300 that arrived. 
 
 Panic struck the lumber industry, owing to a decision of 
 a California Court that the export of lumber and spars cut 
 from U. S. lands must be taxed $2.50 per M. 
 
 Tax levy this year: Four mills for County, 2 for School and 
 2y2 mills for road purposes. 
 
 Owing to a lack of funds no public schools opened this 
 year. For the purpose of running a private school, IMisses 
 Giddings and Slocum leased the school house. 
 
 Town Trustees elected this year: Chas. Weed, U. E. Hicks, 
 J. R. Wood, B. F. Yantis, Robt. Frost. U. E. Hicks was elected 
 Treasurer; R. Lane, Clerk; W. J. Yeager, ]\Iarshal. 
 
 This Board levied a tax for school purposes of IV) mills 
 and purchased a hand fire engine. 
 
 Three tickets were put in the field at the election in 1866. 
 The split in the Republican party was due to the disaffection 
 between President Johnson and Congress. 
 
 Change in the Republican party resulted in the election 
 of the Democratic ticket with the exception of Henness for 
 Sheriff. The following County officers were elected: Repre- 
 sentatives, Jas. Longmire, B. F. Ruth, F. Henry; Sheriff, J. H. 
 Kellett; Auditor, P. F. Turpin ; Probate Judge, C. P. Judson ; 
 Treasurer, I. Lightner; Commissioner, R. Waddell. 
 
 The faithful old town pump gave away to a water system 
 that was installed this year. 
 
 The County Commissioners appropriated $800 toward the 
 Swantown bridge, and provided bounties for the following
 
 46 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 animals: AVildcat $1, Coyote $2.50, Wolf $4, Cougar $5, grown 
 Bear $2, Cub $1. 
 
 S. S. Ford, Sr., who was a joint Councilman with Lewis 
 County, died this year. In the election to fill the vacancy Wm. 
 H. Mitchell defeated Geo. A. Barnes by 23 votes. 
 
 On December 20, 1866, the stores at the lower end of Main 
 Street, were flooded by the highest tide that had been known 
 up to that time. 
 
 Columbia Fire Engine Company was organized this year 
 and formally took possession of the new hand engine. A. J. 
 Baldwin was foreman. 
 
 Town Trustees elected this year: Geo. A. Barnes, T. M. 
 Reed, Isaac Lightner, B. Harned, A. J. Baldwin. T. M. Reed 
 was elected Treasurer and Richard Lane, Clerk. 
 
 L. P. Venen was this year elected principal of the district 
 school. 
 
 An exciting County election occurred in 1861 and resulted 
 in the selection of the following officers : Wm. McLane, 
 Councilman ; F. Henry, Ira Ward and J. E. Baker, Representa- 
 tives ; J. H. Kellett, Sheriff ; A. W. Cairnes, J. M. Shotwell and 
 Jas. Dunlap, Commissioners; P. Turpin, Auditor; I. Lightner^ 
 Treasurer; D. R. Bigelow, Probate Judge and School Superin- 
 tendent. 
 
 Jas. Longmire contested the election of McLane for the 
 Council, which was again referred to the people, and Islr. Long- 
 mire lost. 
 
 In November of this year E. T. Gunn and J. N. Gale, com- 
 menced the publication of the Olympia Transcript, as a Re- 
 publican paper, the Washington Standard having been drawn 
 into the Democratic field during the political evolutions now 
 taking place. The Pacific Tribune was also established by 
 Chas. Prosch & Sons. 
 
 The Town Trustees serving this year were : F. Henrj', 
 G. A. Barnes, Albert Robb, J. G. Parker, J. M. Hawk. 
 
 On November 15 occurred the death of M. T. Simmons, 
 who lived in Lewis County. His death was mourned as a great 
 loss. He had been identified with the history of the Sound 
 country from the first, and was highly regarded as an upright 
 citizen.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 47 
 
 A contract was awarded to E. L. Finch to build a new 
 Swantown bridge. 
 
 Coal Bank precinct was re-created this year, the population 
 of the southeast corner of the County having increased to 
 justify it. 
 
 The session of the Legislature of 1868 was a most acri- 
 monious one. Personal altercations within and without the 
 legislative halls made a very lively town out of the Capital. 
 then a village of 500. So bitter was the feeling that personal 
 encounters were frequent in the saloons and about the town 
 of Olympia. 
 
 The Marshville bridge to the Westside was completed 
 this year. 
 
 L. P. Venen was elected principal of the district school, 
 assisted by I\Iisses Slocum and ]\Iary O'Neal as assistants. 
 
 Town Trustees were elected to serve for the year as fol- 
 lows: G. K. Barnes, Wm. Mitchell, C. E. Williams, Benj. 
 Hamed, C. H. Hale. Richard Lane was elected Clerk and Mr. 
 Williams, Treasurer. 
 
 The County Commissioners this year discovered that they 
 were being systematically robbed by the wily Indians, who 
 were taking animal scalps wherever they might be found and 
 cashing in over Thurston County's counter. The practice was 
 stopped by rigid regulations. 
 
 At the August term the County Commissioners ordered the 
 Auditor to advertise for bids for a two-story jail. 
 
 The historical old blockhouse on the corner of the public 
 square was razed this year and the lumber in it put upon the 
 streets. 
 
 At the organization of the Territory there was established 
 at Olympia as the Capital a Territorial library, for which Con- 
 gress had made an appropriation. But the first town library 
 was established in 1869. On January 1, 1869, D. B. Finch, a 
 wealthy steamboat man, commanding the old Eliza Anderson, 
 running between Olympia and Victoria, donated to the Lodge 
 of Good Templars of this city what was then known as the 
 Olympic building on the site now occupied by the K. of P. hall, 
 on condition that the Lodge w^ould maintain a library and free 
 reading room. The conditions were complied with and the first 
 town library opened July 19th. The first librarian to take
 
 48 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 charge was John B. Allen, a young attorney just from 
 ]\Iinnesota, who was one of the first U. S. Senators from the 
 State of "Washington. IMr. Allen, telling his early experiences, 
 related that the Lodge, having defaulted in part of his salary, 
 he was given an old silver watch, in lieu thereof. In a trip 
 down the hay later Mr. Allen met with an accident and the old 
 watch went to the bottom of Budd's Inlet. Thus, the librarian 
 was illy recompensed for his labors. 
 
 As an indication of real estate values it might be stated 
 that in February. 1869, C. J. Allen sold five acres of land adjoin- 
 ing the Capital grounds for .^5000. This is now known as the 
 ^Tottman addition. 
 
 Early this year Wm. Billings took the contract to build a 
 timV)er jail 16x20. two cells, on the County property. Union 
 (Mid Washington. Streets. 
 
 In iVugust 1869 Rabbeson & Clark were awarded a contract 
 to build a Town Hall on Fourth Street, between Washington 
 and Franklin. The building was completed November 26, and 
 dedicated by ball and supper. The ground floor rooms were 
 occupied for municipal purposes, while a hall, with ante room 
 above, was utilized for many years as ball room, theater, etc. 
 With other relics of the past the Town Hall, so familiar to the 
 "old timer," is no more, as such, but has passed into private 
 hands, and was recently torn down. 
 
 In the Spring of 1869 the Columbia River and Puget Sound 
 Railroad Company desired a terminus on Puget Sound. A com- 
 mittee, composed of 0. B. McFadden, C. H. Hale, Joseph Cush- 
 man, S. D. Howe, James Biles, G. AV. French, H. Hartley, 
 Clanrick Crosby, A. J. Chambers, W. H. Mitchell, C. C. Hewitt, 
 P. D. Moore and J. H. Cleale w^ere appointed to solicit for 
 donations of land to induce the company to locate its terminus 
 on Budd's Inlet. 
 
 Society at the Capital city was revolutionized after the 
 inauguration of President Grant. As many of the inhabitants 
 of the small community were Federal employes, the new ap- 
 pointments made many changes. 
 
 At the County election in 1869 the full Republican ticket 
 was elected, as follows : Councilman, J. Scammons ; Representa- 
 tives, L. A. Treen, W. Packwood; Commissioners, G. A. Barnes, 
 C. Crosby, S. Hodgdon; Sheriff, Wm. Billings; Treasurer, B.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 49 
 
 Bettman; Auditor, A. A. Philips; Probate Judge, D. R. Bigelow ; 
 School Superintendent, D. R. Bigelow; Surveyor, F. W. Brown; 
 Coroner, C. Wood. 
 
 Thurston County had increased her assessed valuati3n in 
 the last year by $123,267 and was $911,129. 
 
 The Commissioners appropriated $1000 for a bridge across 
 the inlet to Tumwater. This amaunt was increased by private 
 subscription to $326G. 
 
 The grovv'th of the town now made an imperative demand 
 for a definite location of streets and the Council so ordered. 
 Cattle were restrained from running at large and a tax of $2.50 
 was put upon each dog. 
 
 There was considerable building activity this year and saw 
 mills were kept busy meeting the demand. 
 
 The first bank building to be erected in the Territory of 
 Washington was commenced this year by G. A. Barnes, who 
 for several years conducted a banking business here. 
 
 The Town Trustees this year were G. A. Barnes, F. Henry, 
 S. W. Percival, H. Frost, J. M. Murphy ; S. W. Percival Treas- 
 urer; R. Lane, Clerk. 
 
 Jacob Hoover was principal of the public school this year, 
 assisted by Jlary O'Neil. ^Ir. Hoover later practiced law, an 1 
 became a wealthy capitalist of Spokane. 
 
 The Federal census of 1870 showed a populati -n of 1203 
 for Olympia and 2246 in the County. Tumwater contained 206. 
 By way of comparison it may here be stated that at this time 
 Seattle contained 1142, with 2164 inhabitants in King County. 
 Olympia had a public school of 75 pupils, taught by two 
 teachers; fully 75 more pupils were taug'it in private schools. 
 
 March 1, 1870, the town paid the County $1333 for the 
 public square, which the town had deeded to the County in the 
 early days, when the County seat question was agitated. Al- 
 though the deed then given was invalid this settlement was 
 reached, and the amount paid to assist the County in building 
 a Courthouse at the corner of Washington and Sixth Streets. 
 
 At the Town election in April the following Trustees were 
 elected: F. Henry, A. A. Phillips, B. Bettman, C. C. Hewitt, 
 Levi Shelton. 
 
 At the County election the following were chosen : Council- 
 man, L. P. Smith ; Representatives, D. R. Bigelow, B. L.
 
 50 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 Brewer, ^Campbell ; Sheriff, \Ym. Billings ; Auditor, A. A. Phil- 
 lips; Commissioners, Wm. McLane, Ira Ward, Wm. James; 
 Treasurer, L. G. Abbott; Assessor, W. M. "White; Probate 
 Judge, A. R. Elder; School Superintendent, D. R. Bigelow. 
 
 C. Etheridge this year commenced operating a sash and 
 door factory between Second and Third streets, near the 
 West end of Swantown bridge. 
 
 The prospects of the location of the Northern Pacific 
 Railroad terminus at Olympia was the cause of considerable 
 real estate activity in 1870. In April T. I. McKenny and Geo. 
 Barnes platted the town site of Puget City, this County. 
 Later the plat was vacated. 
 
 C. B. Mann was chosen principal of the district school 
 this year. 
 
 A franchise was granted to the Washington Water Pipe 
 Manufacturing Company to lay pipe and supply the inhabi- 
 tants with water. 
 
 Wm. H. Cushman was elected Town Clerk to fill a vacancy. 
 
 The Barnes Hook & Ladder Company w^as organized to 
 supplement the Fire Company. 
 
 In September of this year, Olympia and vicinity was 
 visited by the most violent earthquake ever experienced here 
 before or since. The fact that the prevailing style of archi- 
 tecture was one and two-story frame buildings saved immense 
 damage. 
 
 This year the citizens of Olympia experienced their first 
 disappointment relative to the location of the Northern Pa- 
 cific terminus, which it was now reported would be located 
 on the Columbia River. A committee, headed by E. P. Ferry, 
 was appointed to confer with the railroad officials as to the 
 best terms on which railroad connection could be had at 
 Olympia. Little wa,s gained by the conference. 
 
 In December, 1870, Marshall Blinn, C. H. Hale, A. J. 
 Miller, James Pattison, E. Marsh, G. A. Barnes, W. H. Mitchell, 
 C. Crosby, J. M. Murphy and E. P. Ferry organized a Com- 
 pany with a capital of $400,000 capital to construct a branch 
 of the Northern Pacific Railroad. It petitioned for 1337 acres 
 of the mud flats conditioned that the Des Chutes channel 
 should be opened. It was the intention to obtain possession 
 of these and offer them to the Northern Pacific Railroad Com-
 
 Thurston county 51 
 
 pany ou condition that their terminus be located on Budd's 
 Inlet, but the petition did not receive favorable action by 
 Congress. 
 
 In 1871 the location of the Northern Pacific Railroad ter- 
 minus was the paramount question. 
 
 The Northern Pacific Railroad Company had been ap- 
 prised of the effort to secure the tide lands and present them 
 to the Railroad Company. General Sprague of the Company 
 replied by sending blanks necessary for making the donation 
 
 The Branch Railroad Company recommended that the citi- 
 zen property owners on Budd's Inlet donate one-half their 
 holdings to the Northern Pacific on condition that it would 
 build and operate a railroad into Olympia before January 1, 
 1875, and locate the road before May 1, 1872. This most re- 
 markable proposition did not meet with great favor with all 
 classes, many feeling that if the Company desired to come 
 here they would come anyway; if not. no reasonable bonus- 
 would be an inducement. 
 
 Railroad contractors were working during the Summer 
 in the Cowlitz Valley, and expected to have 25 miles built 
 from Kalama by October 2, and connection made with the 
 Sound by 1872. 
 
 By November, 1871, the road was within 15 miles of 
 Olympia, and still the matter of terminus was an uncertainty. 
 On Christmas day Olympia citizens experienced great relief 
 when a communication was received over the signatures of 
 Goodwin and Sprague by Marshal Blinn accepting the propo- 
 sition of the Branch Railroad Company, stating that the 
 Northern Pacific Company would comply with the first con- 
 dition by causing a railroad to be located before May 1 next, 
 connecting the Columbia river with a point on the navigable 
 waters of Budd's Inlet. They also asked a right of way from 
 Bush Prairie. This seemed to the expectant citizens of Olym- 
 pia that Budd's Inlet was to be the Western terminus of the 
 Northern Pacific Railroad. To many then living this seemed 
 a realization of their fondest hopes which they had enter- 
 tained since they emigrated here in the early '50 's. Their 
 real estate holdings were to assume a value that meant to 
 them a competence. And, indeed, on this vague promise real 
 estate did go to fabulous values, but little changed hands.
 
 52 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 Building in and about Olympia was reasonably active, 
 and consideraUle progress was made along the line of general 
 improvement. At Tumwater D. Barnhart had installed a 
 lurnitiire factory, and Leonard & Cooper were also operating 
 a sash and door factory at the same place. To add to the 
 general tension of expectancy, the usual report of discovery 
 of gold in the Black Hills became current. 
 
 In December, Geo. A. Barnes, Ben Harned and A. H, 
 Stelle were elected School Directors. N. Crosby Clerk. 
 
 A farmers' organization was effected this year for the 
 purpose of the advancement of agricultural interests, though 
 it was short lived. 
 
 On the death of Wm. James, County Commissioner, G. 
 W. French was chosen to fill the vacancy. 
 
 In this year Mrs. Case and Miss Churchill, two Eastern 
 ladies, leased the old Court House on Union and Washington 
 Streets and started a Young Ladies' Seminary. 
 
 During the Summer of 1871, a newspaper plant was 
 brought from Port Townsend and the Puget Sound Courier 
 was started. This was the organ of the Federal officeholders. 
 
 Town Trustees this year: F. Henry, S. W. Percival, John 
 M. Murphy, A. H. Steele. 
 
 Mr. Boynton, assisted by Miss Mary O'Xeil and Mary 
 Post taught the public school. 
 
 Owing to the still prevailing hope that Olympia would be 
 a railroad terminus, the year 1872 opened up with much ac- 
 tivity. Streets and bridges were improved, a fire alarm sys- 
 tem installed ; while building was active rents were very high. 
 
 The fact that a man named Ira Bradley Thomas was in 
 Olympia buying up land seemed significant. In fact, he had 
 secured title to several thousand acres on the East side of the 
 inlet. While still in pursuit of his business he died suddenly 
 
 In this year occurred the revolt against the so-calletl 
 Federal ring. Selucius Garfield, a man of splendid ability and 
 a magnificent orator, on the Republican ticket, was defeated 
 for Delegate to Congress by 0. B. McFadden, on the Peoples' 
 ticket. 
 
 The full People's Party County ticket was elected as fol- 
 lows: Councilman, Wm. McLain ; Representatives, B. F. Yan- 
 tis, Ira Ward, Frank Henry; Auditor, A. A. Phillips; Sheriff,
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 53 
 
 Wm. Billings; Treasurer, W. J. Grainger; Surveyor, D. S. 
 B. Kenry; School Superintendent, C. A. Huntington; Pro- 
 bate Judge, J. M. Lowe; Coroner, I. V. Mossman. 
 
 A vote on the question for a State Constitution was de- 
 feated. 54 to 141. 
 
 The Burmeister building, on Third and Main, was built 
 this year. 
 
 At the municipal election the following officers were 
 elected: Mayor, W. W. Miller; Councilmen — First Ward, A. 
 J. Burr, B. Bettman ; Second Ward, M. Blinn, T. F. McElroy , 
 Third Ward, J. S. Dobbins, D. S. B. Henry; A. A. Phillips, 
 Clerk ; E. W. Eyerson, Treasurer ; A. E. Elder, Magistrate ; 
 J. J. Westbrook, Marshal. 
 
 On December 14th, of this year, Olympia and vicinity v/as 
 visited bj' a severe earthquake, resulting in little actual 
 damage. 
 
 As the year 1872 drew to a close it became evident, even 
 to the most sanguine, that the Northern Pacific Eailroad Com- 
 pany was not going to keep faith with Olympia, but proposed 
 to locate the terminus of its road at a point lower down on 
 the Sound. As the time had arrived for some evidence of good 
 faith. Marshal Blinn wrote to ]\Iessrs. Goodwin and Sprague, 
 asking when the line would be located. They replied: "The 
 line of railroad runs to the East side of Budd's Inlet to the 
 Billings or Wylie donation claim, sections 25, 26, 35, 36, town- 
 ship 19, range 2 West, and a point will be selected on one of 
 these claims for a freight and passenger depot, where said 
 line will terminate." 
 
 This restored confidence for a time until it was evident 
 the road was being continued through Yelm toward Tacoma 
 
 The following statement may serve to throw some light 
 on the inside history of the location of the terminus of the 
 first transcontinental line to reach the Northwest. 
 
 Included in the directorate of the Northern Pacific Eail- 
 road Company were men who composed the Lake Superior 
 and Puget Sound Land Company. They were suff'iciently 
 strong in the railroad company to dictate its policy. The 
 railroad company was not interested in town sites ; the land 
 company was — ^so they had sent a man West to secure title 
 to lands at the prospective terminus. That man was Ira
 
 54 HISTORICAL SKETCH 
 
 Bradley Thomas, before ineuti;.ned. After havinj? secured 
 title to large tracts on Budd's Inlet he died. Thus, consid- 
 ering the time that would be consumed in probating the 
 estate of i\Ir. Thomas, with the law's delays, this land was 
 withdrawn from the market indefinitely. Time was all in all. 
 The result was that in order to realize their financial expecta- 
 tions the Lake Superior & Puget Sound Land Company se- 
 cured lands a few miles from Old Tacoma, and went into the 
 Northern Pacific directorate! and located the terminus of the 
 Northern Pacific Railroad. 
 
 On what seeming insignificant circumstances do great 
 things depend. Had Ira Bradley Thomas lived but even a 
 short time longer, in all probability Olympia would have been 
 the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and the site 
 of the present City of Tacoma still a wilderness. 
 
 ******* 
 
 Thus, briefly sketched, is the history of Thurston County. 
 First, as a part of the Territory of Oregon, and later an 
 integral part of the fast-growing Territory of Washington. 
 It was the intention of the compiler of this volume to trace 
 merely the pioneer history of the County. The line of demark- 
 ation between early history and the later was arbitrarily fixed 
 by the Society of Thurston Countj^ Pioneers, which made eligi- 
 ble those who had taken up residence in the County before 
 1872. Though the people who came to Washington Territory 
 in the early 70 's seem as "Che Chacos" to the pioneers of 
 '49 or '50, yet the line as fixed by the Society seems a con- 
 servative placing of time to mark the difference between old 
 and new. The laying of the foundation, by a few sturdy 
 pioneers, of a great commonw^ealth to be, who, after a life full 
 of privation and hardship, were laid to rest in the soil of the 
 new country, giving way to a young and sturdy race of new 
 comers, no longer "pioneers" but "early settlers," until the 
 year 1872 arrived, which closed the door, and all later ar- 
 rivals must fall under the head of "Che Chacos." 
 
 From 1873 to 1889, that period during w^hich Washington 
 remained a Territory, Olympia and Thurston County made slow 
 progress. The location of a railroad terminus at Tacoma de- 
 tracted greatly from the head of the Sound. Seattle made a
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 55 
 
 start and has experienced a phenomenal growth, which in a 
 way, too, affected Olympia. 
 
 However, since admission of the Territory as a State in 
 1889, Olympia and Thurston County has experienced a steady 
 improvement. The ability to command some attention in Con- 
 gress, has resulted in appropriations for the improvement of 
 the harbor, which has alwaj's been a deterring influence. 
 Notwithstanding frequent attempts to move the Capitol, it 
 seems at last a fixture, the State's investments here preclud- 
 ing the possibility of a change. But what is of greater im- 
 portance, the difficulties of transportation in and out of 
 Olympia have to a great extent been, or are being, overcome. 
 The Northern Pacific, after years of neglect, saw a territory 
 in the Southwest that could no longer be ignored and the 
 Tacoma and Grays Harbor branch of that road resulted. At 
 this writing the Oregon & AYashington Railway is making 
 preparations to connect the Capital City with their line, with 
 further possibilities of transcontinental connection in the near 
 future. 
 
 Substantial fireproof buildings are taking the place of 
 the old frames, paved streets are being actively extended and 
 a spirit of enterprise has been the result of the advent of the 
 new blood that is to take up the fight where the pioneer, after 
 a hard fought battle, for which his successors delight to honor 
 his memorv, laid down his burden and entered into his rest.
 
 56 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Qtmmannns 
 
 ISAAC INGALLS STEVENS 
 
 Isaac I. Stevens, the first Governor, as well as the m:)s: 
 prominent man identified w^ith the early history of Washing- 
 ton, was born in a farm house belonging to his father, Isaac 
 Stevens, at ^Marble Ridge, Massachusetts. He first saw the 
 light of day March 25, 1818, and sprang from an honorable 
 line of ancestry, one of whom, John Stevens, was among the 
 original founders of Andover, Essex County, jMassachusetts. 
 
 Even from tender infancy the little Isaac gave promise of 
 more than ordinary mentality. Before his fifth year t'le lad 
 was sent to school and soon astonished his teacher with his 
 remarkable power of memory and his application and devotion 
 to study. After his tenth year he attended Franklin Academy' 
 in North Andover, where he studied t'.ie usual English branches. 
 But about this time Isaac decided to leave school for a time to 
 enter the woolen mills owned by his uncle near Andover. At 
 the end of a year spent in the weaving room he became so 
 proficient in his work that he was able to manage four looms 
 at a time, thus excelling the most experienced workmen in that 
 department of the factory. 
 
 Having reached the age of fifteen years the young Stevens 
 entered Phillips Academy in Andover. Here, while leading 
 his classes in his studies, he paid for his board and lodging 
 by making the garden and doing the chores about the place 
 of a citizen of that town. 
 
 One of his school mates in describing Stevens' first ap- 
 pearance at the academy said: "The door opened and there 
 ({uietly entered an insignificant appearing boy carrying in his 
 arms a load of books nearly as large as himself. But the im- 
 pression of insigiiificance vanished as soon as one regarded his
 
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 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 57 
 
 large head, earnest face and firm and fearless dark h;)zel 
 eyes. ' ' 
 
 After a little over a year at this academy, through his 
 excellent record for ability and scholarship, as well as the 
 recommendations and efforts of his uncle, William Stevens, 
 Isaac was appointed a cadet at West Point. 
 
 Here he distinguished himself by rising to the head of his 
 class in mathematics and during the entire four years' course 
 so well did the young man bear himself that when the academic 
 board came to review the standings of the memDers of the 
 class to award to each his proper grade it was found that 
 Cadet Stevens stood at the head in every one of his studies. 
 Upon graduation Stevens was promoted to be Second 
 Lieutenant of Engineers and was ordered to proceed to 
 Newport, R. I., to take part in the building of Fort 
 Adams. At Newport the social life was much enjoyed by the 
 young man, and it was while at a social gathering at this 
 town that Lieutenant Stevens met the young lady who was 
 afterwards to become his wife, Margaret Lyman Hazard. On 
 July 1, 1840, Stevens received promotion to be First Lieutenant 
 of the corps of engineers. His marriage to Miss Hazard occurred 
 in September of the year following. Soon after his marriage 
 Lieutenant Stevens was sent to Bedford to take charge of the 
 repairs to the old fort there. And on June 9. 1842, a son 
 was born to the young couple. This child was named Hazard, 
 after the maternal grandfather. 
 
 For the ensuing few years Lieutenant Stevens was in 
 charge of engineering works at Portsmouth and later at Bucks- 
 port, Maine, and it was while engaged in this work that he 
 received his orders for service in the Mexican war. Stevens' 
 first work upon arriving at the seat of war was to seek out 
 covered ways to allow the troops to pass to and from the bat- 
 teries at Vera Cruz without loss from the enemies' fire. 
 
 After taking this city by the IT. S. soldiers, Stevens ac- 
 companied the troops into the interior of ]\Ie.xico and was made 
 Adjutant of the Corps of Engineers. At the battle of Chapul- 
 tepec a severe gunshot wound in the foot required his retiring 
 from active service for the rest of the campaign. He was 
 finally relieved and returned to the States. 
 
 Again was he put in charge of military works at various
 
 58 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 places in ]\Iaine and New Hampshire, continuing here for the 
 next five years. 
 
 When the brevets were announced from the war depart- 
 ment Lieutenant Stevens was brevetted Captain, August 2. 
 1847, for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of 
 Contreras and Churubusco and Major for gallant and meritor- 
 ious conduct in the battle of Chapultepec. 
 
 ]\Iajor Stevens from now on for the following few years 
 was engaged as assistant to Professor A. D. Boche, chief of 
 the United States Coast survey. But in the Spring of 1853, 
 President Franklin Pierce appointed Major Stevens Governor 
 of the newly organized Territory of Washington. 
 
 Save for a handful of settlers on the lower Columbia and 
 on the shores of Puget Sound, and a few mining and trading 
 posts in the interior, the whole vast region of Stevens' place 
 of administration Avas unsettled and for the most part unex- 
 plored by civilized man. It contained man}' thousand Indians 
 who regarded the settlement of the territory by the white man 
 with jealous eyes; the Indian title to the lands had not been 
 extinguished and there were many troublous questions to be 
 settled with the Hudson Bay Company, which still held its posts 
 in the territory and claimed extensive rights as guaranteed 
 by treaty. 
 
 To govern a territory under these conditions would have 
 appalled most men, but Major Stevens not only applied for the 
 appointment as Governor, but also asked that he be placed in 
 charge of the exploration of the most feasible route for the 
 railroad from the JMississippi River to the Pacific Coast. Con- 
 gress had recently appropriated $150,000 for the explorative 
 survey of the proposed railroad. 
 
 AVhen the appointment as Governor to Washington Terri- 
 tory was confirmed, IMajor Stevens was 36 years of age and in 
 the full prime and vigor of his manhood. Besides the stupen- 
 dous task involved in the administration as chief executive in 
 a new and unknown territory, with surroundings and experi- 
 ences totally different from any he had met in previous ex- 
 periences, Governor Stevens was also, by virtue of his appoint- 
 ment, made Superintendent of Indian affairs in the West. 
 Surely the reader must be impressed with the courage and 
 mental strength exhibited by Isaac I. Stevens in undertaking 
 these duties and responsibilities, in addition to the formidible
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 59 
 
 undertaking of exploring a railroad route to the Pacific Coast, 
 through a totally unknown wilderness. How ably he re- 
 sponded to the demands laid upon him is a matter of history. 
 
 Assembling an outfit at St. Paul, Minnesota, in which task 
 Governor Stevens was called upon to overcome what to many 
 would have been unsurmountable difficulties, the exploring 
 party started for the far off Pacific Coast. A history of this 
 famous exploring trip, compiled by the Governor's son. Hazard 
 Stevens, from the diary kept by his illustrious father, reads 
 like a romance of adventure, so many exciting experiences 
 were encountered and so many hardships and dangers suc- 
 cessfully overcome. 
 
 Arriving at the Columbia River, Governor Stevens fol- 
 lowed the only route at that time to reach Olympia, the capital 
 of the new Territory. Up the Cowlitz river by canoe, where 
 the Indian crew had to progress foot by foot against the cur- 
 rent of the flooded river, sometimes pulling the frail craft along 
 by the overhanging bushes, then over a muddy trail by horse 
 back, Stevens reached Olympia November 25, 1853, just five 
 months and nineteen days since starting from St. Paul. 
 
 He found waiting for him his new Territorial Secretary, 
 Charles Mason ; EdM'ard Lander, Chief Justice ; J. V. Clen- 
 dennin, District Attorney; J. Patton Anderson, Marshal, and 
 Simpson P. Moses, Collector of Customs. 
 
 These officials had reached Olympia, coming via the Isth- 
 mus to San Francisco, then by boat to Portland, and then up 
 the Cowlitz River and over the trail. 
 
 To quote from Hazard Stevens' "Life of Isaac I. Stevens": 
 
 "It was indeed a wild country, untouched by civilization. 
 A scanty white population numbering 3,965, were widely scat- 
 tered over Western Washington and the Strait of Fuca. Among 
 the settlers were Columbus Lancaster, on Lewis River; Seth 
 Catlin, Dr. Nathanial Ostrander and the Huntingtons, on the 
 Cowlitz; Alexander S. Abernethy, at Oak Point, and Judge 
 William Strong at Cathalamet." 
 
 The Governor's first act was to issue his proclamation 
 for the election of a delegate to Congress and members of the 
 first Territorial Legislature and summoning that body to meet 
 in Olympia on the 28th of February, 1854. 
 
 His next official act was to visit the Indian tribes around 
 the Sound and to generally explore the waters of Puget Sound,
 
 60 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Elliott Bay and the Straits, to learn of tlie general character 
 of the harbors, etc. As this cruise was taken in an open 
 sailboat, it could hardly be regarded as a holiday excursion 
 in that stormy season, and among the swift tides and fierce 
 gales of the lower Sound. 
 
 One of the objects accomplished on this cruise was the 
 decision that the little settlement of Seattle was the logical 
 terminus for the proposed transcontinental railroad. 
 
 At the assembling of the Legislature, when Governor 
 Stevens delivered his first message, after reviewing the natural 
 resources of this territory, he recommended the adoption of a 
 code of laws, the organization of the country east of the Cas- 
 cades into counties, a school system with military training in 
 the higher schools and the organization of the militia. 
 
 The Legislature adopted all these resolutions with the 
 exception of the one regarding the militia, which omission 
 proved to be unfortunate, as it left the people defenseless when 
 the Indian war broke out less than two years later. After the 
 close of the Legislature Governor Stevens returned to Wash- 
 ington, D. C. to make his report to the Department of the ex- 
 ploring and engineering expedition, and also to urge upon 
 Congress the claims of the new territory. 
 
 Completing his Avork in the National Capitol. Governor 
 and Mrs. Stevens, with their four children, the two youngest 
 being only two and four years old, respectively, sailed from 
 New York, September 20. 1854, en route for their far western 
 homo. 
 
 The rough experiences of this refined and cultured family 
 in coming up the Cowlitz and over the trail and their bitter 
 disappointment when beholding the capital city is graphically 
 described in a letter written by I\Irs. Stevens and reproduced 
 in the historical sketch of Thurston County in the opening 
 chapters of this volume. 
 
 The Governor's family were installed in quarters consist- 
 ing of tAvo long, one-story buildings, one room wide, unplas- 
 tered, but lined inside with cotton cloth. In the rear was a 
 large yard extending to the beach. An Indian camp began at 
 the corner of the j^ard. 
 
 In the midst of these novel scenes and experiences the 
 family soon began to feel at home and enjoy the western life.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 61 
 
 The Governor"'s days were now filled with strenuous labor, 
 making treaties with the Indians, holding council with the 
 Chiefs and endeavoring to cultivate their good will. 
 
 A history of the various treaties entered into between Gov- 
 ernor Stevens and the Indian tribes, the councils held and the 
 long, dangerous and fatiguing expeditions taken by the Gov- 
 ernor, would more than fill the pages of this volume, conse- 
 quently only a brief mention is all that space will allow, and 
 that of the most important ones. 
 
 Governor Stevens was in the Blackfoot coiuitry holding 
 t'ouneil with the assembled bands and had just taken up his 
 homeward march Avhen a messenger, dispatched by Acting 
 Governor ]\Iason, reached him with the startling intelligence 
 that all the great tribes of the upper Columbia country, includ- 
 ing the Cayuses, Walla Wallas, Yakimas, Palouses, Umatillas. 
 and all the Oregon Indian bands down to Tlie Dalles, had 
 broken out in open warfare. 
 
 Stevens at once, and with incredible difficulty, hastened 
 back to Washington, and after doing what he could to establish 
 peace with the warring savages, undertook to reach Puget 
 Sound by forced marches. This trip was. taken in the dead 
 of vrinter over and through deep snows in the mountains, 
 fording icy rivers and with scant provision and no comforts. 
 
 When Olympia was finally reached he found the entire 
 country was overwhelmed. The settlers had fled for refuge 
 to the small villages, with no resources of food or money. 
 Starvation stared the pioneers in the face if prevented from 
 planting and raising crops. There was also a deficiency of 
 arms and ammunition. It was small wonder that the settlers 
 were discouraged, and nothing kept many of them from leav- 
 ing the country but their inability to get away. 
 
 The Governor, by proclamation, raised 1,000 volunteers, 
 called upon the people to build block houses and proceed with 
 tilling the soil. He reijuired all Indians on the eastern side 
 of the Sound to move into reservations, sent agents to Port- 
 land, San Francisco and Victoria with urgent appeals for 
 arms, ammunition and supplies. He issued territorial certifi- 
 cates of indebtedness to pay the volunteers, he freely resorted 
 to impressment of teams, supplies, etc., wherever necessary, and 
 vviiile he appealed to the patriotism and good feeling of tho
 
 62 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 voluuteers he enforced strk-t discipline jmd punished miscon- 
 duct. Tlie people responded to the Governor's appeal with truer 
 American spirit and patriotism. 
 
 The Governor's policy during the war which followed was 
 an aggressive one. His volunteers pursued the bands of In- 
 dians, routing them and keeping them from uniting with other 
 bands. 
 
 The history of the Indian war of 1855-56 is not within 
 the scope of this work, but vivid pen pictures of individual ex- 
 periences are given from time to time in the reminiscences of 
 the pioneers interviewed by the compiler. At the close of the 
 war Governor Stevens disbanded the volunteers and disposed 
 of the animals, equipment and supplies on hand at public auc- 
 tion. Owing to the large number captured there were more 
 animals sold at the several auctions than the entire number 
 purchased for the volunteer service. The sales of property 
 netted more than $150,000. As the expenses of the volunteers 
 had been paid in scrip the sales were made for scrip and many 
 of the settler volunteers were glad to purchase stock, wagons 
 and supplies in that way, although scrip money depreciated 
 but little below^ par value. 
 
 Owing to the discouraging condition of the territory after 
 the Indian war and owing to the stand taken by the agents 
 of the Hudson Bay Company, Governor Stevens w^as compelled 
 at this time to issue a proclamation of martial law. This called 
 for considerable censure from the enemies of the young Gov- 
 ernor, but at a mass meeting held at the block house in the 
 capital city, the course of the executive w^as fully endorsed with 
 but 12 dissenting votes. Judge B. F. Yantis presided at this 
 mass meeting and J. W. Goodell acted as secretary. 
 
 During the time of the Indian trouble the Stevens family 
 remained in Olympia, the children attending the public school, 
 presided over by Rev. George F. Whitworth and his wife. 
 
 Upon the return of peace the Governor began the con- 
 struction of a home on the block of land he had purchased 
 soon after his arrival in Olympia, which building is standing 
 to this day. still in the possession of the son. Hazard Stevens. 
 
 Upon completion of the house. Governor and j\Irs. Stevens 
 gave a house warming, to which were invited the members of 
 the Legislature, and all the townspeople. A description of this 
 first Governor's reception to be held in Washington, is given
 
 PIONEER KEMINISCENCES l!5 
 
 in the reminiscences contributed by ]\Irs. J. G. Parker. The 
 Governor, soon after his arrival in the West, adopted the garb 
 of the country, slouch hat, woolen shirt and heavy ridint* 
 boots — a garb suital)le for one constantly undertaking long and 
 arduous journeys horseback and by canoe. 
 
 Li 1857 Stevens was elected Delegate to Congress, and in 
 the Fall of that year resigned as Governor of Washington, re- 
 1 inning with his family to the X;itional Ca])ital hy way of 
 I'anama. 
 
 Congress adjourning, the Stevens family again returned 
 to their Olympia home, where they lived in peace and happi- 
 ness until Stevens was again elected for a second term as 
 Congressman. 
 
 .At this second term the Governor devoted his best ener- 
 gies to securing payment of the Indian war debt. He was suc- 
 cessful in securing good appropriations for military roads be- 
 tween Fort Benton and Walla Walla and between Steilacoom 
 and Vancouver, secured $4500 for a boundary survey between 
 Oregon and Washington, $95,000 for the Indian service, and 
 also secured a new land office and district for the southern 
 part of the territory. 
 
 The war shadow was now hovering over the land and 
 Stevens, upon his return to Washington, was instrumental in 
 raising a company in Olympia. known as the Puget Sound 
 Rifles, of which company he was elected Captain. 
 
 Stevens now engaged in waging the third campaign for 
 election as Delegate to Congress, in which he was opposed 
 l)y Selucius Garfielde. but before the election was held, news 
 of the attack on Fort Sumter reached the Pacific Coast. 
 
 Governor Stevens at once withdrew his name as candidate 
 for re-election to tender his service to his country. 
 
 Here properly ends the life story of Isaac Ingalls Stevens 
 as connected with the early history of Washington. A record 
 of his military careei" and the soldier's death at the l)attlc 
 of Chantilly belong by rights to the historian of the Civil War. 
 
 General Stevens fell in battle at the moment of victory, 
 lie had grasped the colors from a dying standard bearer, and 
 was charging to the front, cheering to encourage his men, 
 when the fatal shot found its mark. As he lay in death his 
 hand gras])ed the flag staff, with the colors, for which the nobh^ 
 life had been freely given, resting upon his head and shoulders.
 
 64 
 
 THURSTON COUNTV 
 
 A brief resume of the results aeliieved by Governor 
 Stevens' seven years management of the affairs of the new 
 territory show that he had made exploration of the northern 
 route for a transcontinental railroad, had made treaties with 
 30,000 Indians, had extinguished Indian titles to many thous- 
 ands of acres of Washington land, established peace among 
 hereditary enemies over a larger area than New England and 
 the Middle States, and by waging an aggressive warfare against 
 the savage foe had saved the settlements from extinction. In 
 Mddition to this Stevens took such a firm stand against British 
 aggression at the time the controversy over possession of the 
 San Juan Islands arose that this valuable group was saved 
 to the United States. At the end of the war he disbanded the 
 volunteers and adjusted financial claims to the satisfaction of 
 the majority. Over three quarters of a million dollars were 
 disbursed for the government, all accounts for which were 
 found to be correct. 
 
 In his career in Congress he secured the ratification of his 
 Indian treaties, payment of the Indian war debt, the opening 
 of the interior to settlement and the punlshmexit of Indian 
 murderers:.
 
 Ei,ISHA P. FERRY 
 
 SElvUCIUS GARFIEIvDE 
 
 EI.WOOD EVANS JAMES BII,ES 
 
 FOUR MASONIC PAST GRAND MASTERS
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 65 
 
 ELISHA P. FERRY 
 
 Elisha P. Ferry, the first Governor of the State of Wash- 
 ington, and Territorial Governor for two consecutive terms 
 l)eginning witli April, 1872, is remembered among the pioneers 
 as the greatest of all Governors, I. I. Stevens alone excepted. 
 During his many years' residence in Olympia Governor Ferry 
 was acknowledged to have been a man of good business ability, 
 prudent, tactful, painstaking, in thinking as well as in action, 
 possessed of rare good judgment and great firmness of char- 
 acter, as well as a good lawyer. He possessed all the acquire- 
 ments as well as the natural qualities that go toward making 
 a good executive. 
 
 A native of IMichigan. E. P. Ferry studied law there and 
 later in Fort Wayne, Indiana, being admitted to the bar in 
 1845 at the age of 20. His first start in life after his gradua- 
 tion was made in Waukegan, Illinois, where he practised law 
 until 1869. He was first Mayor of this town, twice Presidential 
 Elector, a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1861 
 and afterwards a Bank Commissioner. 
 
 When the Civil war began. Ferry served for a time as As- 
 sistant Adjutant General and helped materially in organizing 
 and equipping many of the early Illinois regiments and getting 
 them ready for the field. While engaged in this service he be- 
 came acquainted with U. S. Grant, which acquaintance soon 
 ripened into friendship, and after Grant became President he 
 appointed Ferry Surveyor General of the rapidly developing 
 Territory of Washington. This appointment was made in 
 1869, and Ferry brought his family to Olympia, which city 
 they regarded as their home until the removal of Governor 
 Ferry to Seattle a few years before his death. 
 
 In 1872 President Grant appointed ]Mr. Ferry Territorial 
 Governor, and at the expiration of that four-year term re- 
 appointed him to the same position. At the expiration of 
 eight years as territorial executive Governor Ferry began the
 
 66 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 practise of law in Seattle, continuing' until the admission of 
 Washington into statehood, when he was elected Governor by 
 an overwhelming vote of the people. 
 
 Governor Ferry returned to Seattle, but was claimed by 
 death within a few years after the end of his term. 
 
 His widow made her home with their daughter, i\Irs. John 
 Leary, until the past few years, when she, too, passed away. 
 
 Besides Mrs. Leary, there are remaining of the Ferry 
 family, Pierre and James Ferry.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 SAMUEL L. CRAWFORD 
 
 My father, Ronald C. Crawford, and my mother, Elizabeth 
 Jane ]Moore. came to Oregon in 1847, my father from New 
 York, and my mother from Illinois. Father's elder brother. 
 Medorum, was of the immigration of 1842, and my maternal 
 grandfather, Robert ]\Ioore, was of the Peoria expedition of 
 1840, and both were members of the Champogue meeting, 
 wiiere the provisional government of Oregon was formed, 
 my grandfather being Chairman of the Committee on Reso- 
 lutions, and drafted the organic law which, when adopted by 
 the convention, became the law of the provisional government 
 of the territory of Oregon, or more particularly what was 
 called the Or-egon country. 
 
 Mother w^as a little girl of 10 years of age when she 
 reached her home in the West and the lad who afterwards 
 became my father, ten years older. In the course of time the 
 young couple became acquainted and were married, seven 
 children having been born to them. Only five of these children 
 are still living. I. Samuel L., being the second child. 
 
 My early youth was spent in Walla Walla, Oregon City 
 and Salem, in all of which towns I attended school. When 
 while quite a young lad, and still living with my parents, 
 I attended school in Olympia. My teacher here was the late 
 Professor L. P. Venen, w4io, at that time, was conducting a 
 private school in Olympia. Then I went to the public schools 
 of the town, and enjoyed the companionship of lads and 
 lassies who, many of them, have become among the prominent 
 men and women of the now prosperous State of Washington. 
 Among those whom I am able to recall at this writing are: 
 Levi Shelton, noAV a prominent citizen of Tacoma; Cynthia 
 Shelton, who afterAvards became the wife of P. B. Van Trump, 
 who with Hazard Stevens, made the first complete ascent of 
 Mt. Rainier in 1870; Clarence AV. Coulter, now prominently 
 connected with Seattle business affairs; Bradford W. Davis,
 
 68 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 now with the railroad mail service; Anna Pullen. afterwards 
 ]\lrs. Matthew A. Kelly. Mr. Kelly was formerly a prominent 
 druggist of Seattle. George E. Blankenship, who took up the 
 printing business, and has stayed on the old stamping ground ; 
 Fannie Yantis, who afterwards married Capt. J. J. Gilbert, 
 prominent in the Coast and Geodetic Survey : Anna Stevens, 
 who afterwards became the wife of the Hon. John F. Gowey, 
 who was connected with the United States land office in 
 Olympia and later was made minister to China, where he 
 was residing at the time of his death, in the early part of the 
 present century; S. C. Woodruff, Superintendent of the Hos- 
 pital for Defective Youth at Medical Lake; Georgia Pereival. 
 now the widow of the late T. X. Ford, at one time Treasurer 
 of the Territory of Washington ; her brother, Samuel ]\I. Per- 
 eival, being until recently connected with the state road bu- 
 reau and whose wife, Druzie Pereival. is well known in all the 
 Sound cities as a musical composer of more than ordinary 
 talent ; Francis A. Treen, who afterwards developed a beau- 
 tiful tenor voice, wnth which he gave much pleasure to his 
 friends and acquaintances for many years ; Emma Clark, who 
 afterwards married her teacher, the late L. P. Venen; Josie 
 Clark, afterwards Mrs. Dellie Woodard ; Nellie Parker, now 
 Mrs. Herbert McMicken, and many others whose names are 
 now but a dim and cherished memory. 
 
 After graduating from marbles in the field of amusements, 
 at which game I was proficient and kept my pockets well filled 
 with the winnings from the other boys when we played "for 
 keeps," base ball demanded my attention for several j'ears. 
 In our team were Clarence Bagley, L. A. Treen, Cal. Jim and 
 Frank McFadden and many other Olympians. 
 
 In September, 1871, I entered the office of the Washington 
 Standard, published by John Miller Murphy, as "devil," to 
 learn the printer's trade. There I worked until 1875. when I 
 left the office to accept the position of assistant Clerk in the 
 Lower House of the Legislative Assembly, of which my father 
 was a member from Lewis County. 
 
 At the expiration of the term of the Legislature I worked 
 for Clarence Bagley. who was at that time public printer. Wheri 
 the public work was finished I went to work for Francis Cook, 
 at that time publisher of the Morning Echo. Cook had i
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 69 
 
 chicken ranch on a place called Hardscrabble, in IMason County. 
 The skunks were numerous and detracted from the financial 
 returns of tlie chicken ranch, and as he found it difficult to 
 be at both places at once he arranged with me to run the 
 paper so he could devote his energies to the chickens. The 
 paper could only afford one salary and that, of course, to go 
 to me, and I was left to rustle my own assistance as best I 
 could. 
 
 Now, I developed a regular Tom Sawyer genius for work- 
 ing my boon companions, and with such jolly spirits as Harry 
 K. Struve, Ren Patterson, Yakima Jimmie and Peter Stanup, 
 T managed to get along very well. The work was rather 
 strenuous, as I commenced rustling news early in the morning, 
 wrote up the paper in the late forenoons and early afternoons. 
 then helped the boys set the type, and in the evening worked 
 off the forms, and finally distributed the paper throughout 
 the city myself, getting to my bed (which was located in the 
 banking house of George Barnes & Co.) about two o'clock in 
 the morning, after eating up everything in the way of fruit 
 and cake that Mr. Barnes had remaining from his lunch at 
 noonday. 
 
 During the summer of this year I arrived at my majority. 
 Mr. Cook, who had visited the paper from his chicken ranch. 
 had inserted an item to the effect that on June 22 the Echo 
 man would be 21. Imagine my surprise on reaching the office 
 that morning to find a table loaded down with all sorts of 
 presents. My old friend and Sunday school teacher, the Rev. 
 John R. Thompson, had sent me a handsome copy of Bunyan'^ 
 Pilgrim's Progress, George A. Barnes a copy of Hill's Business 
 Forms, and a number of other books from Francis H. Cook 
 and other friends. Mr. and ^Irs. L. A. Treen, then living in 
 Olympia, sent me a can of milk, ]\Irs. T. M. Reed, wife of the 
 lamented Hon. Thomas Reed, the well remembered and loved 
 pioneer, sent me a large fruit cake, all decorated with frosted 
 flowers, together with this little note: 
 
 "To the Echo man of twenty-one 
 This little token's offered. 
 May the joys of life, like Summer sun, 
 E'er shine on Sammy Crawford." 
 I still cherish this kindlv token from Mrs. Reed, and I am
 
 70 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 sorry that both she and her husband have passed to the Great 
 Ijeyond. 
 
 While these joyous days, fraught with hard work but 
 plenty of fun, were passing in Olympia, things were also do- 
 ing in Seattle. While a Clerk in the 1875 Legislature the whole 
 assembly of Legislators made a trip to Steilacoom and to 
 Seattle, the latter place to investigate the needs of the TJni- 
 versity. The "fast and commodious" steamer, the Zephyr, had 
 been chartered for that junket, and was to leave Olympia 
 at 7 :30 in the morning, stopping first at Steilacoom. When 
 I got up that morning I found the steamer had left — so was 
 L While wondering what I was to. do, I met Bob Abrams 
 and several other members of the Legislature, who were in 
 my predicament also. We rushed to interview Ed. Harmon, a 
 well remembered Jehu of Olympia, and after telling him of 
 our troubles, arranged Avith him to beat the steamer to Steila- 
 coom, He agreed to forfeit a considerable consideration if he 
 failed. But he didn't fail. We came on from Steilacoom to 
 Seattle with the rest of the bunch — my first visit to the Queen 
 City. 
 
 The citizens gave a dance that evening in honor of the 
 visiting Legislature in Yesler's Hall. Bailey Gatzert was 
 mayor. All the old settlers, including Mr. and Mrs. Yesler, 
 turned out. Seattle then had a population of L500, but they 
 vrere all alive and kicking. There was not hotel accommoda- 
 tions enough to care for the visitors, and the members and their 
 vx'ives were entertained at the homes of the private citizens. 
 Father and mother were entertained by Mr. and ]Mrs. L. N. 
 Robbins, whose beautiful home then stood on the block directly 
 south of the late old Hotel Rainier. 
 
 I had been invited to spend the night with my boyhood 
 friend, George E. Blankenship, then employed on The Dis- 
 patch, by Brown & Bell, who roomed at the house of M. A. 
 Kelly on Third and Seneca Streets. On reaching his room some 
 time after midnight, we found the bed occupied by Ed. Pullen, 
 a brother of JMrs. Kelly, who had "dropped in unexpectedly." 
 We returned down town and after visiting the various hotels 
 and not finding acconnnodations, decided to spend the re- 
 mainder of the night on the hay stored in the open warehouse 
 at the end of Yesler's wharf. We found this hay literally
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 71 
 
 covered with sleeping men, and after amusing ourselves .'i 
 Avhile tying some of them hand and foot with heaving lines, 
 we again started up town. George to seek his rest on a pile 
 of paper in the office and I to fare much better. During the 
 day my friend, the late Howard W. Lewis, had told me his 
 room was the third door on the left hand side from the head 
 of the stairs in the Wyckoff House, and I could sleep with him. 
 About two o'clock in the morning those kind words recurred 
 to me very prominently and going to the Wyekoff House, which 
 stood on the present site of the Alaska building, 1 climbed 
 the stairs, opened the third door on the left, and found 
 my friend sleeping in a spacious bed, and there ended my 
 first night in Seattle. 
 
 During this brief visit I was so impressed Math the business 
 enterprise of Seattle, although it was then a smaller town 
 than Olympia. that I told my mother I would venture my 
 fortunes here at the first opportunity. This chance came the 
 following year. The Daily Intelligencer was launched on the 
 first daj' of June, 1876, by the late David Higgins. I had 
 gained some reputation as a pressman in Olympia, and as 
 Mr. Higgins had introduced a power press in his establish- 
 ment, he wrote and offered me charge of his press room, to- 
 gether with what composition I could do when not occupied 
 about the press. As the salary offered was satisfactory, I ac- 
 cepted the offer, and on the 24th of June I left Olympia and 
 took up my work on the Intelligencer the following morning. 
 After I had boarded the steamer Alida at Olympia, Mr. Cook 
 sent two of the ]\Iilroy boys to the wharf to induce me to de- 
 fer my trip. I hid away to avoid temptation till after the 
 steamer had left the wharf, and there was never thereafter 
 an issue of the ]\Iorning Echo ])u1)lished. Mr. Cook moved his 
 plant to New Tacoma and pul)Iisiied the Tacoma Herald for 
 some time, after which he again moved his plant to Spokane 
 Falls, where he founded the Spokane Chronicle. 
 
 The oft'ice of the Intelligencer at this time was in a two 
 story and basement wooden building belonging to II. L. Yesler. 
 on First Avenue, at the foot of Cherry street. The First Pres- 
 byterian church, corner of Third and Madison Streets, had 
 recently been completed and was staggering under a load of 
 debt and was heavily mortgaged. My old friend, Rev. John
 
 72 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 R. Thompson, of Olyinpia. out of the bigness of his heart and 
 his love for the Christian organization with which he was 
 allied, had taken it vipon himself to relieve the church of this 
 burden, and he travelled from Portland to Seattle, soliciting- 
 funds from his personal friends, whom he numbered by the 
 liundreds. Arriving at Seattle he told me of his mission, and 
 asked me what I was willing to do. I told him I had just 
 finished my tirst week's work in this town and when I got 
 my pay I would settle my board bill and give what was left 
 to help him in his cause. 
 
 Rev. Thompson, years afterwards, accompanied the First 
 Washington Volunteers to the Philippines as Chaplain of the 
 regiment. He was dearly beloved by all the brave soldier boys, 
 but was stricken with the fever prevalent in that country, and 
 did not live to return to his adopted State of Washington, 
 which he so dearly loved. 
 
 When I came to Seattle I brought a baseball and bat with 
 me and at odd times would go out on what was then known 
 as Occidental Square and pass the ball around. I soon found 
 a number of congenial spirits, but no organization of a nine 
 was effected for several weeks. One day a challenge appeared 
 in a paper from an organization in Newcastle, offering to play 
 any nine in King County, Seattle preferred, on any day in the 
 future, on any grounds selected by the challenged team. I 
 tailed this to the attention of my friends of Occidental Square, 
 who arranged for some practice games on the old University 
 grounds, and we found we could play some ball. They au- 
 thorized me to accept the challenge, on behalf of the Alki Base 
 Ball Club of Seattle. The game was played two weeks from 
 the following Saturday. I do not remember the score, but I 
 do remember that no one of the challenging team ever got be- 
 yond second base. The Alkis at once sprung into prominence, 
 and for years met all comers from Olympia to Victoria. In 
 those days amateur ball was played exclusively, and each 
 community had its team made up of its young citizenship, and 
 took great pride in their performances and success. It was 
 through baseball that I went from the mechanical to the news 
 department of the Intelligencer. The Alkis had been to Vic- 
 toria on the Queen's birthday of, I think, 1878, and won a great 
 victory over the fanu^us Amity team of that Citj'. On our re-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 73 
 
 turn I asked the managing editor if tliey had arranged for a 
 report of the game. He said, in apparent great distress, that 
 the matter had been overlooked and asked me who he could 
 get to write the story. I told him I didn't know. "Can you 
 do it?" he asked. ''I can try," I answered. So well pleased, 
 apparently, was he with my brief account of the game, that 
 he sent for me the next morning and requested me to take 
 charge of the local page of the paper. I remained in that de- 
 partment during the remainder of my career "on the paper, 
 and its successor, the Post-Intelligencer, extending over a 
 period of about 13 years. 
 
 A couple of years after my connection with the Intelli- 
 gencer Thaddeus Hanford, a j^oung college man, and brother 
 of Judge C. H. Hanford, bought a half interest in the paper 
 and assumed its editorial control, and later acquired the Hig- 
 gins interest. Soon afterwards I induced Mr. Thomas W. 
 Prosch, an experienced newspaper man of Olympia, Tacoma 
 and Seattle, to buy a half interest in the paper. He and Han- 
 ford were so unlike in their tastes and ideas and manner of 
 operating a daily publication, that they decided to agree to 
 disagree almost immediately and Hanford agreed to sell his 
 interest in the paper for $5000. Prosch came to me to buy it. 
 "But," said I, "I have only $960; where am I to get the 
 balance of the purchase price?" He answered, "I think if 
 you rustle around a little, you can borrow it. I will let you 
 have, on your note, $540, to be paid out of the earnings of the 
 paper. This leaves you only $3500 to borrow." I went to 
 Judge Orange Jacobs, who had just returned from a term as 
 Delegate to Congress, and told him of my wants, and to my 
 joyous surprise, he lent me the money, taking as security my 
 stock in the paper secured by an insurance policy on the 
 plant. I paid him the then going rate of interest, IVo per 
 cent, a month, and paid 10 per cent premium on the fire in- 
 surance policy to secure him. By hard work and careful man- 
 i'gement I succeeded in discharging all my debts, principal 
 «nd interest, besides a lot of indebtedness against the paper, 
 some $3000, for white paper and telegraphic services, of which 
 neither Mr. Prosch nor I knew anything at the time of our 
 purchase, within two years. 
 
 In 1882 the Intelligencer was consolidated with the Post,
 
 74 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 a daily, owned by John Leary and George AV. Harris, but 
 which was proving a losing venture. This was the beginning 
 of the long and glorious career in the newspaper field of the 
 Post-Intelligencer. About this time trouble arose with the 
 Printers' Union, and I Avas unwilling to accede to terms de- 
 manded by this body of workmen, so sold my interest in the 
 P.-I. to Mr. Prosch and became an employe on the paper. 
 
 On the 30th day of October, 1888, I finally severed my 
 connection with the Post-Intelligencer, to enter the real estate 
 business in partnership with Mr. Charles F. Conover, who had 
 been associated with me on the paper for a couple of years 
 previously. Owing to our wide acquaintance, growing out of 
 our long connection with the paper, our new venture prospered 
 almost from the start. We opened an office in the ncAv Yesler 
 block, on Yesler Avenue. That evening we gave a banquet 
 to our late associates on the paper, the members of the edi- 
 torial, neAvs and business staff, and it Avas some banquet, too. 
 It Avas given at the Occidental, Avhich Avas on the site of the 
 present Hotel Seattle. 
 
 We busied ourselves during the next 25 days in listing 
 properties and publishing advertisements and announcements. 
 By that time our capital was pretty Avell exhausted, and we 
 had not taken in a cent. On the 27th a stranger came to the 
 office to have some notary work done, and Ave charged him a 
 dollar. AVe put that dollar in an envelope, marked it our 
 first dollar, locked it in the safe and have the identical coin to 
 this day. The next day Ave sold 11 lots and eight houses to 
 the late Ursula Wyckoff for $20,000. Her son, J. V. AVyckoff. 
 still OAvns four of the lots, valued at over $120,000. From 
 that time on business Avas quite active and at the expiration 
 of our first year our commissions amounted to upAvards of 
 $50,000. In the summer of 1889, we placed the Renton addi- 
 tion on the market for Capt. AV. H. Renton, of Port Blakely, 
 and sold fifteen lots the first day at prices ranging from $700 
 to $1,000 each. 
 
 The next day the great Seattle fire took place, and burned 
 our office, together Avith the greater part of the business por- 
 tion of Seattle. I Avas in Port Blakely Avhen I Avas told that 
 Seattle Avas burning, and induced the captain of the steamer 
 Success to leaA^e a half hour earlier than schedule time for
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 75 
 
 home. Fr^-e's Opera House was l)urning when I got Seattle 
 en the wire at Blakely. When I reached our office I was mad 
 to find all of our furniture piled out on the sidewalk in front 
 of the Yesler building. I demanded to know why it was not 
 hauled to safety, and was told of the impossibility of getting 
 teams. I rushed across the street where was the owner of 
 teams and who had for years expressed the warmest friend- 
 ship for me. But he said he could do nothing for us. I was 
 \ery angry and went on down to Yesler 's wharf, where I found 
 a man unloading brick. I hired him for $5 to go with me 
 to move my furniture. While standing in the wagon with 
 him, directing where to drive, and when we left the wharf 
 excited men began rushing up to my driver and began shout- 
 ing, "$50 a load, $75 a load, $100 a load," etc. The man 
 asked me what they meant and I told him to drive on, they 
 were all crazy. We rushed the furniture onto the wagon and 
 J directed the man where to drive. Then I rushed to the Post- 
 Intelligencer office, where I met the business manager and 
 asked him if the bound files of the paper had been saved. He 
 said they had not and would not be, as no effort would be 
 made to save them. I notified him that I would undertake the 
 task and would brook no interference. The fire was then 
 burning the building between Cherry Street and Yesler Avenue. 
 Unaided, I carried those files, four volumes at a time, up to 
 Third and James and placed them in the custody of Mrs. 
 Bailey Gatzert. The next day I met Mr. Hunt and asked him 
 if he had saved his files. He replied that they had been burned 
 with the office, and that no money could reimburse him for 
 their loss. I then told him I had saved them for him and gave 
 him an order on Mrs. Gatzert for their return. I judge the 
 files which I saved of daily, weekly and tri-weekly from the 
 beginning of the paper up to that time weighed in the neigh- 
 borhood of a ton and a half and they were almost worth their 
 weight in gold. The paper afterwards published the fact 
 that the files had been saved and gave me due credit for their 
 preservation. The next morning the paper was published in a 
 much condensed form and contained but two advertisements — 
 one announcing the change of location of the Puget Sound 
 National Bank and the other notifying the public that Craw- 
 ford & Conover had temporarily moved their real estate of-
 
 76 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 fice to 615 Union Street. A couple of days later my mother 
 sent me word that if were going to continue to advertise our 
 office at her home she wanted me to send some one there to 
 show property, as customers were constantly calling and she 
 knew nothing about the real estate business. 
 
 The firm of Crawford & Conover recently celebrated their 
 25th anniversary in business by moving into spacious quar- 
 ters in our own building near the corner of Third and Pine. 
 In a book descriptive of the thriving City of Seattle and the 
 rapidlj^ developing State of Washington, which we published 
 for public distribution at an expense of $15,000, entitled, 
 "Washington, the Evergreen State, and Seattle, Its Metrop- 
 olis," we gave this commonwealth the soubriquet of "Ever- 
 green State," which has since been adopted as Washington's 
 universal and most appropiate name." 
 
 Mr. Crawford has always been a public spirited man and 
 has performed many acts of kindness and benevolence, which 
 fias made his name entitled to honorable mention among the 
 list of philanthropists of the State of Washington. His enter- 
 prise of collecting funds for the erection of the monument over 
 the last resting place of the late Princess Angeline was a 
 praiseworthy undertaking and one which gave Mr. Crawford 
 much satisfaction. Angeline and Crawford had for years been 
 close tillicums, the white man frequently calling on the prin- 
 cess to be sure she was not suffering for the necessities of life. 
 During her latter years, after she was unable to help herself, 
 many a timely gift of money or provisions were sent by the 
 kindly man. When the weight of years was heavy upon 
 Angeline and it was evident she would soon join her father, 
 Chief Seattle, in the Happy Hunting Ground, Mr. Crawford 
 asked her where she wished to take her long sleep, in the w^hite 
 man's graveyard or beside her father's remains. "Oh, let 
 me be buried with my white tillicums, who have been so good 
 to me!" and her wish was respected. 
 
 Mr. Crawford started a movement among the children of 
 Seattle to raise a fund for the erection of a monument by 
 10 cent contributions. The children responded gladly, al- 
 though the promoter of the scheme had to supply part of the 
 expense from his own pocket. Granite from the mountain 
 of that name in the Cascades, was employed in the handsome
 
 PIONEER KEMINISCENCES 77 
 
 itnd appropriate monument which marks the resting place oi" 
 the Princess Angeline, and J\Ir. Crawford tells that even to this 
 day her grave is covered with bouquets of daisies and other 
 common flowers, sometimes tied with white twine string, 
 placed there by childish hands whose owners feel a personal 
 interest in the spot because they had helped to build the 
 monument. 
 
 For several years after Mr. Crawford had retired from 
 active newspaper work the itch remained with him and a 
 column of '"Reminiscences" contributed to the Sunday edi- 
 tion of the Post-Intelligencer, was one of the features of that 
 l)aper. When Mr. Crawford had been writing these reminis- 
 cences for several years. Mrs. Crawfod collected all her hus- 
 band's writings in a large scrapbook and presented it to him 
 as a valentine present. The columns of this scrapbook are 
 replete with interesting and amusing incidents of pioneer his- 
 tory, not only of Seattle, where Mr. Craw^ford has spent the 
 greater number of years of his majority, but also of Olympia. 
 The compiler of this book spent a most delightful evening 
 skimming over Mr. Crawford's scrap book and listening to the 
 author of the sketches elaborate on the printed stories and 
 relate the circumstances w^hieh gave rise to a particular event. 
 Such a bewildering richness of material was offered the com- 
 piler that it was difficult to select a limited number of the most 
 typical sketches. But among those which interested the writer 
 most were the following: 
 
 During the Republican campaign of 1869 Selucius Gar- 
 fielde was a candidate for Representative to Congress. In 
 order to secure his election Mr. Garfielde, as is the custom to 
 this day, made many pre-election promises. Candidates for 
 office seem to have been as plentiful in those good old days as 
 they are at this later day. Came the election and the men who 
 had been promised a friendly word in high places worked 
 tooth and nail for ]\Ir. Garfielde 's election, with the result that 
 he was winner by a good majority. Rejoicing, the candidates 
 who had pinned their faith to the Congressional Delegate, hur- 
 ried to bring him enough endorsements and testimonials of 
 their peculiar fitness for political jobs to which they aspired, 
 to stuff a good-sized trunk to bursting. Garfielde suavely 
 accepted all the papers and Avith smiles and promises to see
 
 Ig THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 the powers on behalf of his Washington Territory friends as 
 soon as he arrived in the National eapitol. It took a long time 
 in those days to make the trip to Washington, D. C, bnt the 
 Olympia politicians awaited word from their political sponsor 
 with what patience they might. Days rolled into weeks and 
 then months rolled over the men who were impatient to be- 
 gin on their official duties — also their official salaries. Letters 
 were sent Congressman Garfielde, but no answer was received. 
 Finally, quite desperate, a telegram was sent Garfielde de- 
 niaiidiiig to know why the appointments were not forthcominaf 
 "Trunk and all endorsements lost!" was the ans^ver wired 
 back. Mr. Garfielde had found, as do Western Congressmen 
 ever, that when they arrive in Washington, D. C, keeping pre- 
 election promises are not always possible. The town wit, but 
 whether that was Francis Henry or Fred Eltze is a disputed 
 question, drew a caricature of a mammoth trunk flying through 
 the air and in this trunk, with grotesque expressions on their 
 faces, which, although caricatured most fantistically, were yet 
 plainly recognizable, w^ere pictured the disappointed politi- 
 cians. Although that caricature was made almost 45 years 
 ago many of the old timers, on being shown the j^hotograph 
 which John Yantis made of the drawing, recognize their 
 friends and smile over the remembrance of Mr. Garfielde 's 
 lost trunk. There were L. P. Beach, Randall Hewitt, Cherokee 
 Smith, Judge Dennison, Rev. Whitworth, Judge Struve, of 
 Vancouver; Elwood Evans, W. W. Miller, A. R, Elder and 
 Hon. P. D. Moore — the latter perfectly recognizable to the 
 friends of the present day. Struve 's feet were sticking out 
 the side of the trunk, a reference to his large extremities. In 
 fact, the most characteristic feature of each of the men pictured 
 in the trunk was prominently brought out and enlarged on. 
 
 During a later and still more famous campaign between 
 Selueius Garfielde and Hon. Obadiah B. McFadden for election 
 as Delegate to Congress in the year of 1872, Mr. Francis Henry 
 contributed several columns of his brilliant writings each week 
 to the Washington Standard, under the head of "Chronicles." 
 In these contributions the most prominent men were dubbed 
 titles which, owing either to their fitness, or the pleasing allit- 
 eration of the words, clung to their recipients, in many in- 
 stances, to the day of their death. As for example: Judge
 
 PIONEER BEMINISCENCES *? 
 
 McFadden, "Obadiah, The Faithful"; Garfielde, ''Sehieiiis thi- 
 Babbler"; B. F. Dennison. " Benjamin the Stiff'' ; T. M. Reed. 
 '' Thomas the Good": E. P. Ferry, "Elisha the Prophet"; S. 
 Coulter. "Samuel the Smiler"; C, B. Bagiey, "Clarence the 
 Amorous"; Rev. John R. Thompson. "John the Joeky'''; ^Mar- 
 shal Blinn, "Marshal the Headstrong." 
 
 When Mr. Crawford was still serving his apprenticeship 
 of printer on the Washington Standard, the proprietor. Mr. 
 John i\Iiller ]Murphy. was a candidate for the office of Terri-^ 
 torial Auditor. Mr. Miller was opposed by the Hon. Jos. Kuhn 
 of Port To\\aisend, The latter man being a member of the 
 Legislature of 1873, there was occasion to put his name in type 
 many times in each issue of the Standard during the time 
 the Legislature was in session. Murphy, holding his grudge 
 against his opponent, told young Crawford never to allow 
 Kuhn's name to appear in the paper correctly spelled. The 
 ingenuity with which the printer carried out the commands 
 of his superior are worthy of preservation: "Cun, '* "Coon," 
 "Cune," "Kun," "Knne," "Koon," "Kunne," "Keun," 
 "Khunne," and "Keunn" were among the variations Craw- 
 ford managed to ring on the name "Kuhn." 
 
 While working on the daily Echo in Olympia I had as an 
 apprentice an Indian boy named Peter C. Stanup, son of Jonas 
 Stanup sub-chief of the Piiyallup Indians. 
 
 Unusually bright and well educated, young Stanup had 
 been converted to the Christian faith and had studied theology 
 and preached to the Indians for six or seven years. After 
 graduating from the newspaper business Stanup studied law 
 and became very able in that profession. About this time the 
 Government granted the Puyallup Indians their land in several- 
 ty and Peter's holdings were estimated to be worth from 
 $50,000 to $60,000. 
 
 Peter, while working for the development of the reserva- 
 tion, against the wishes of the more ignorant Indians of his 
 tribe, was thrown off a foot log into the Puyallup river ami 
 droAvned. 
 
 During the time the late lamented John H. McGraw w;i>< 
 M candidate on the Republican ticket for Governor of the State 
 he was bitterly opposed by the Tacoma papers and it looked 
 as if he would not l)e able to Crirry a single precinct in Pierce
 
 80 
 
 THURSTON COUNTTY 
 
 Cunnty. In talking over the matter, lie asked me if I thought 
 there was any chance for him to carry even one precinct in that 
 County. I told McGraw and Mr. L. S, Hunt that if we could 
 enlist Stanup 's services we might earrj the reservation precinct, 
 
 Stanup was sent for but when he arrived he told us that 
 a strong feeling had been worked up against McGraw in all of 
 Pierce County owing to a plank in the Republican platforn* 
 favoring" construction of the Lake Washington canal. How- 
 ever, if I was willing to give the Indians a feast the night be- 
 fore election and a talk after the feast and have U. S. officers' 
 at the polling booths so that the boys would not be interfered', 
 with by thugs from the town we might carry the precinct for 
 McGraw. We promised Stanup all this and fulfilled our 
 promises. When the votes were counted after the election 
 Peter wired, "We carried the precinel. for McGraw by a major- 
 ity of one.'''' 
 
 Peter was invited to Seattle and was an honored gruest at 
 Mr. Hunt''s office while the State returns were being" received- 
 These returns showed McGraw had won by ahandsome m'a:,farity 
 all over the State,
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 81 
 
 D. C. BEATTY 
 
 David Crane Beatty and his wife, Mai\y Thompson Beatty, 
 have made Olympia their home for almost 65 years. Some- 
 times venturing their fortunes in other places, sometimes farm- 
 ing in the County near, once leaving Washington entirely, but 
 always coming back to the scene of their youthful prime and 
 vigor, and now as the shadows gather and the sun of their lives 
 sinks low in the West, their only hope or thought is to take 
 their final rest near the place that has spelled home to this 
 devoted couple for well over the half century mark. 
 
 Mr. Beatty first saw the light of day in Champaign County, 
 Ohio, the year of his birth being 1828. When nine years of 
 age his parents took their eleven children and went to Illinois. 
 where they settled for a good many years. Here the young 
 David grew to manhood and learned the trade of cabinet 
 making. He was of rather delicate health, however, and 
 realized that a complete change of climate was advisable, so 
 decided to take the famous advise and "Go West." The start 
 was made from New York on December 16, 1852. 
 
 The young man took passage on the old steamer Brother 
 Jonathan to Paiuima. One of the excitments of the trip was 
 the almost daily occurrence of fire on the ])oat. Only the 
 oldest and most unseaworthy of water craft was then used to 
 bring those foolhardy enough to seek what Avas considered 
 an imaginary fortune in the almost unknown West. 
 
 From San Francisco Mr. Beatty came on to Portland. 
 Oregon, his steamer this time being the Fremont, well re- 
 membered by pioneer emigrants. Portland was then a village, 
 in the woods on the Willamette River, of probably two business 
 blocks and a few scattered houses. The Winter months were 
 spent there, but when Spring came and tales began to reach 
 the Oregon town of opportunities for business openings in the 
 Sound country, which was just beginning to attract the 
 emigrants' atte)ition, Beatty, whose healtli was still poor, de-
 
 82 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 eided to join a i)arty of young men and take the ventnre. 
 
 Sixteen stalwart young men were in the party with which 
 the young man cast his fortune. All that Mr. Beatty can 
 remember the names of at this late day are Tom Prather, four 
 Hays brothers and Edmund Carr. 
 
 The trip was made up the Cowlitz River in Indian canoes 
 to the lower landing. Here the boys took the Indian trail up 
 the river through brush so dense that many times the only 
 possible way to get along was by crawling on their knees. 
 When Jackson's place was reached the men were served a, 
 breakfast that, even after the lapse of these many years, re- 
 mains fresh in ]\Ir. Beatty 's memory. 
 
 About noon the party came out on Scatter Creek. They 
 were almost famished by this time, and were delighted to find 
 a shack standing there in the wilderness. The owner was not 
 around, but the door was unlocked, so they went in and 
 searched for something to satisfy their hunger. Edmund Carr 
 was the first to reach the rude cupboard and opened the 
 door. Mother Hubbard's cupboard must have been a clos3 
 connection to this one. for the only eatable the hungry young 
 men could find was one cold potato on a tin plate. As this 
 potato was only about the size of a walnut Carr appropriated 
 it for himself. There was nothing else in all the cabin to 
 eat, so the men had to push on to the next stopping place. 
 Carr then called his friend Beatty aside and, dividing the 
 diminutive potato exactly in half, gave one portion to him, 
 eating the other himself. This was among the many acts of 
 generosity and brotherly love that were related to the com- 
 piler of these reminiscences that made the work one of the 
 most delightful and inspiring experiences of her life. 
 
 As evening approached, the party of adventurers reached 
 Bush's, where a good supper was served them and permission 
 given the boys to roll up in their blankets on the floor of the 
 shack, which permission was gladly accepted. In the morning 
 the march was completed by the arrival at Tumwater. There 
 was only the stringers of a bridge then across the Des Chutes 
 River at this place, the crossing having been made heretofore 
 by Indian canoes. Horses and cattle were generally taken to 
 Tenalquot Prairie, where there was a safe ford. This bridge, 
 under construction, was being built by Ira Ward, the pioneer
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 83 
 
 iiiillman of Puget Sound. The young men, single file, walked 
 the s(iuare timbers across the river, so reaching Tumwater. 
 ^Ir. Beatty's eyes grew dim as he mused. "I can see them 
 yet, sixteen as fine young men as were ever to be seen, filing 
 across that river which flowed swiftly beneath the single stick 
 of timber. Of that goodly party only Tom Prather and myself 
 are left. All the rest are long since gone." The experience of 
 crossing the river was a new one to the prairie raised lad. 
 
 From Tumwater the trail to Olympia was taken and this 
 place reached about noon. The very afternoon the boj's reached 
 here news was brought to the settlement that Washington had, 
 by Act of Congress, been set aside from Oregon. Everyone 
 was glad and believed that a great era of prosperity was about 
 to set in for the new territory. 
 
 "When I reached Olympia there were no buildings south 
 of Fourth Street, everywhere else stood the tall timber coming 
 right down to the beach, the only exception being Isaac 
 Wood's residence, a shack constructed of clapboards down on 
 the beach at where the end of Fifth Street now is. Mrs. Simp- 
 son Moses and Mrs. George Barnes are the names of the only 
 white women I can remember, although there were two others 
 when we got here. 
 
 "Edmund Sylvester and his brother had a Hall for 
 Travelers, as they called their place, on the corner w^here 
 the Old New England hotel now stands. Their 'Hall' was 
 of split and hewn lumber, lined with cloth, and while very 
 comfortable for those days hardly came up to its pretentious 
 name. 
 
 "My first job was taken to split rails for IMr. Ruddle, out 
 on Chambers Prairie. My friend Carr went with me and we 
 found we had to first cut down the cedar trees, saw them into 
 lengths, and then split the logs into rails. Well, I was not 
 strong yet and too much of a tenderfoot to last long at this 
 kind of work, so when noon came we quit and came back to 
 Olympia. 
 
 "Our next venture was to go to Alki Point, as it is now 
 known, but which was then held as a townsite by Charles 
 Terry and called New York. W. W. ]\Iiller was at that time 
 internal revenue officer for the government and offered Carr 
 and myself passage to New York for rowing the boat to tliat
 
 g4 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 place. I was fresh from the prairie country, the water was 
 new to me and I had never rowed a boat in mj^ life, but we 
 accepted the offer and made out tolerably well. 
 
 "When Ave reached New York we found that Charlie 
 Terry, of the firm of Lowe & Terry, loggers, was an old friend 
 of my family, having come from the same place in Illinois. 
 There were only three or four cabins there, but Terry had 
 great faith in the prospect of a great city growing up there 
 some day, so had platted the town site and laid off city lots. 
 
 "I was given work driving an ox team — familiar work it 
 was, too — on Bainbridge Island. Carr w^as set to felling trees. 
 At this time our only food for over six weeks was salmon and 
 potatoes, but I never thrived better, and gained a pound a day, 
 till I was quite a comfortable weight and ray bad health 
 greatly improved. For this six weeks we were out of flour 
 and it was not till the next sailing vessel came into port 
 that we were enabled to have a variation from our diet of 
 salmon and potatoes. 
 
 "When Lowe sold out I returned to Olympia with him, 
 and about the first thing I did upon my return was to build 
 a little house for John Swan, on the corner where the Knox 
 hotel now stands. Upon completion of this building I rented 
 it of Swan, procured a foot lathe, cut alder trees from the 
 swamp and began making furniture. In the early days car- 
 penters or cabinet makers were of necessity mechanics in the 
 true meaning of the word — not wood butchers. Though the 
 trade was not governed by unions, the very condition compelled 
 a man to be proficient. It was not possible then to go to the 
 mill and get his doors and windows, his matched lumber and 
 shingles or mouldings — all these were the work of the car- 
 penter, whose kit of tools must include moulding planes and 
 ether accessories now made unnecessary by modern improve- 
 ments. 
 
 "Later I bought the corner where for so many years John 
 Miller Murphy has had his printing office, and which I sold 
 to him in after years. Here I built for myself a shop, and 
 continued making furniture. I was getting a fine start, and 
 all my prospects were of the brightest when the Indian war 
 broke out. This put a stop to business of all kinds. Emigra- 
 tion slacked, and the countrv was set back ten years. Closing
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 85 
 
 my shop I enlisted with the first volunteer company organized 
 to fight the Indians. 
 
 "Well, my experiences during this war would fill a small 
 v^olume by themselves. ]Many exciting and dangerous times 
 were before me then. I was among the soldiers engaged in 
 the Indian fight in the Puyallup Valley. Once I was with a 
 party of volunteers who rescued an English family of settlers 
 from massacre in this valley. Their house was surrounded, 
 and although the inmates had made a gallant defense, the 
 Indians were just breaking down the door when our men 
 came galloping up, scattering the enemy and saving the lives 
 of the white people. 
 
 "After the White River battle and the subsequent sub- 
 duing of the Indians on this side of the mountains, our com- 
 pany was ordered East of the mountains, where the Indians 
 cf the Cayuse, Walla Walla and Umatilla tribes were on the 
 warpath. We crossed the mountains through the Natchez 
 Pass, which was wild and rough, and proved a trying ex- 
 perience. 
 
 "Our camp was made for several weeks on I\Iill Creek, 
 near Walla Walla, at the place where the Whitman massacre 
 occurred. We had to wait here till our government supplies 
 arrived from Portland. 
 
 "Here occurred an incident the reasons of which kepi 
 my comrades guessing for the remainder of the campaign. 
 Among the supplies sent the volunteers was a barrel of 
 whisky. This was divided among the several companies, 
 my company's share being a three gallon camp kettle full. 
 The kettle, with its precious contents, was set in the com- 
 manding officer's tent to wait till the boys got in from a 
 scouting expedition, before dividing the whisky. As it was 
 difficult to get the men together that night our captain de- 
 cided that a morning drink would best be appreciated by the 
 boys. Now, it was my duty to care for this captain's tent, as 
 I was 2nd sergeant of our company, and was generally the 
 first one up in the morning, to make the fire and bring fresh 
 water for making the coffee for our mess. I grabbed this 
 kettle, threw the contents on the ground and filled the utensil 
 with water. Later, when the boys were lined up with their 
 tin cups in tlieir hands and glad anticipation in their minds,
 
 86 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 llic captain went into the tent to bi'ing out the kettle. Where 
 was it? Why, there on the fire filled with boiling coffee. I 
 was (inestioned and acknowledged that it was through my act 
 that the whisky Avas scattered on the ground. How was I to 
 know that the kettle held anything but dirty water? The 
 captain could say but little, for he had not told me to be 
 careful of the contents of the kettle, and it was ray custom 
 to take that kettle every morning to the creek for. fresh 
 Avater. My comrades growled a good bit, but they never 
 could tell for certain whether I really diil know what was in 
 that kettle or not. After these years I can say that the very 
 liame of whisky has always been distasteful to me. We were 
 on the eve of an attack from the Indians, we supposed, and 
 T was determined that there would be at least one sober com- 
 pany in the engagement. The boys didn't dare to manhandle 
 nic. but I know they would have liked to do so, 
 
 "Word was received that the Indian tribes were collect- 
 ing in the Grande Rouude Valley to gather camas for the 
 Winter, and we were sent in to rout them. We were 100 
 fighting men with a guard of 75 men with the pack animals. 
 It was night when we reached the upper end of the valley 
 and we weiit into camp there. A^'ery foolishly we built camp 
 fires, so letting the Indians know where we were. We expected 
 to find the Indians at the lower passage on the Grande Rounde 
 River, and in the morning formed in line and started for 
 there. Before the passage was reached there came riding one 
 of the willow trees that fringed the river banks an Indian 
 brave in war paint. In his hand was a long pole on which 
 was a white man's scalp. Riding wnldly around in front of 
 the volunteers, but always out of rifle range, the Indian gave 
 his war whoop and waved the ghastly trophy as a tantalizing 
 menace before our boys. jMy comrade all through the war 
 was G. C. Blankenship, and a finer man I never met. This 
 .sight was too much for his temper, so he dashed up to our 
 comriianding officer and plead: 'Col. let me get that fellow'?' 
 'Go then,' said the colonel, 'Get him if you can while he is in 
 the open, but do not follow him into the brush.' Blankenship 
 rode out after the Indian, but when the rascal saw he was 
 pursued he took refuge in the bushes and the man had to 
 return to his company.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 87 
 
 "Dust arising from tlie plain near the upper crossing of 
 the Grande Rounde was seen, and Col. Shaw called a halt 
 and said: 'Boys, thei'e is where we want to charge, for there 
 is where the Indian train, with their supplies, are trying to get 
 out of the valley.' We dashed up and Col. Shaw dismounted 
 fmd went into the bushes where he could see up and down 
 the river. A man named Buchanan, and myself, also dis- 
 mounted and went up to the river, leading our horses. I saw 
 blood on Buchanan's horse's flank and said, 'We'd better 
 get back a little. Buck,' which we did. When Col. Shaw 
 .ioined us, one of the boys said, 'What's that on your coat 
 collar, Colonel?' He looked, and there -was a bullet hole clear 
 through the cloth and another one through the skirt of h^'s 
 r-oat. The Indians were poor shooters and couldn't hit any- 
 thing a few yards away. 
 
 "We crossed the river and the Indians fired on us as we 
 were fording, but no one was killed, although we got three 
 or four of their men. As expected, we found the pack train 
 with the women and papooses. The ponies were loaded with 
 camas and the next day we had a burning and destroyed at 
 least 200 bushels of roots. 
 
 "This was the Indians' last struggle against the whites. 
 By destroying their winter's supplies they were rendered help- 
 less. They couldn't fight on empty stomachs and so we con- 
 <juered them. 
 
 "That the Indian war was hastened and fostered by the 
 Hudson Bay people there is little doubt. At that time Eng- 
 land claimed all this country from the Canadian possessions to 
 ihe Columbia river, and the ever increasing number of Ameri- 
 cans coming to settle the Northwest threatened to ])ut under 
 the plow land that the Hudson Bay sheep men were accustomed 
 to look upon as their legitimate pasturage, so they aided the 
 Indians with arms and sn])plies in a struggle to maintain con- 
 trol of the country. 
 
 "Governor Stevens sent his clerk out once to visit the In- 
 dian camps to see if he could find evidence of aid to the Indians 
 from this source. I was sent along, with others, as a guai-d. 
 We found empty sacks and cans with the Hudson Bay let- 
 tering on them, jn'oving conclusively where mncli of the su])- 
 I'ort the Indiaiis received came from.
 
 8g THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 "I must tell one other incident of the war. While we were 
 camped on Tenalqiiot prairie, at the fort there, and the volun- 
 teer troops were assembling-, myself and seven other men were 
 sent to Olympia for supplies. We were on horseback and had 
 just come out on Long prairie when we spied a party of 75 
 Indians coming- towards us. That they were armed, we could 
 see, for the sun glittered on their guns. We held a hurried 
 lonsuitation and decided that as we were mounted and the 
 Indians were on foot Ave would go a bit closer to see what was 
 doing, although we intended keeping well out of rifle shot. 
 It i)roved to be the Squaxon Indian tribe, under leadership 
 of Indian Agent Gosnald, coming to join forces with the 
 volunteers to fight the hostiles. When they saw us eight 
 men ride up single file to meet their army of 75, they broke 
 into a perfect bedlam, they were so excited. 'Wliat's the usC; 
 Indian fight white man,' their chief said, 'one white man not 
 afraid ten Indians.' And that was always the way it was. 
 We never thought it was possible that the Indians could lick 
 us. When Ave went doAA-n into the Grande Rounde after thera 
 Ave Avere only TOO fighting men, not counting the 75 men in 
 charg-e of the pack train, and there Avere l.OOG Indian Avarriors 
 against us. But AA-e Avere ncA^er afraid, and so aa'ou the struggle. 
 
 "When Ave Avere on the campaign one of the pleasant recol- 
 lections of this grim time Avas the cooking my comrade, 
 G. C. Blankenship. did for the mess. The men Avere supposed 
 to take turns in this task but after they had all been tried 
 out, Mr. Blankenship proved so superior in the culinary art 
 that he was made chief cook for the rest of the campaign. 
 He would bpen a sack of flour, mix up a batch of bread Avith 
 his sour doug-h 'starting' and AA'hen that bread was baked in 
 the camp oven Avith plenty of bacon grease it Avas a delight 
 to the hungry men. One day, to vary the menu our cook rolled 
 some sugar in the dough, cut it into little pieces and fried 
 these in bacon grease. The result Avas the best doughnuts man 
 ever tasted — or so Ave thought at the time. When I got home 
 T tried them to show my Avomen folks hoAv, but they didn't 
 taste so good. With this bread, doughnuts and bacon, beans 
 and cotfee, Ave fared Avell on the trip. 
 
 "After the Avar Avas over I Avas appointed Indian Agent 
 under General R. H. Milroy, and became Avell acquainted Avith
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 89 
 
 the Lidians, I could speak their language and had many 
 friends among them. I have worked as cabinet maker and 
 carpenter for years in Olympia, and once went to Salem, Ore- 
 gon, where 1 was engaged in a sash and door factory for three 
 years, but always came back to this town." 
 
 Here Mr. Beatty ceased his talk and asked to be excused 
 while his wife proceeded with the narrative. 
 
 "With my uncle, Rev. Geo. F. Whitworth, and my aunt, 
 Eliza Whitworth, and her mother, Mrs. Sarah Thompson, my 
 sister Sarah and the four young Whitworth ehiktren, I crossed 
 the plains from Connelton, Indiana. Grandmother was 78 
 years old, and I was a young girl of sixteen. 
 
 "The way I happened to make this trip was, when the 
 Presbyterian Board of Missionaries sent Uncle Whitworth out 
 to preach the Gospel in the wilderness, he begged father to let 
 my sister Sarah and myself come along as company for Aunt 
 Eliza and to help take care of our grandmother. Of course, I 
 was to go back in a year or tAvo, but it has been over sixty 
 years since I made that journey and 1 have never been back 
 yet. 
 
 "We had no special hardships on the trip, other than 
 was to be expected from camping out for so long a time and 
 the fatigue of constant but slow travelling, for we had ox 
 teams. There were 40 wagons in our train, and so, owing to 
 our considerable numbers, we were not molested by the lu- 
 ll ians, although once we Avere followed 150 miles by a band 
 of warriors, who told us they intended killing every one of 
 our party in revenge for the death of one of their number, 
 which had occurred shortly before. An emigrant in a train 
 fihead of ours had shot and killed the Indian, The brave who 
 came into our camp to tell us of their intentions amused him- 
 self by marking off with stakes in the ground the length of 
 the graves he informed us we would soon occupy when they 
 had finished us. But they never seemed to find the weak spot 
 in our defense and finally gave over following us. When we 
 reached the Snake river we waited for other teams along the 
 road to join us for further protection. Two wagons came 
 along the trail with their beds completely riddled from the 
 Indians' bullets. They had been attacked by a roving band,
 
 90 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 one of the children killed and an attempt made to stampede 
 their stock. Tliey were a sorry-looking outfit. 
 
 "Uncle Whitworth would have no Sunday traveling, and 
 the train was always halted on this day, and we laid by for 
 rest, and generally held some kind of worship. But w^hen we 
 reached the Blue oMountains the supplies were running so low 
 that the other people in the train determined to travel all 
 day Sunday. We started up the Blue JMountains on this par- 
 ticular Sabbath day, which was the first we had failed to 
 properly observe. When we were rounding a canyon I was 
 driving the oxen on one side anci my sister on the other to 
 keep them in the narrow road. The front yoke deliberately 
 walked off over the edge of the precipice. The rigging gave 
 way and left a single yoke of young oxen to hold the wagon 
 from slipping back down the hillside. These animals strained 
 till their horns w^ere buried in the dust of the road, and they 
 were brought to their knees before the wagon could be 
 stopped. That was our first Sunday trial. As evening came 
 en Uncle Whitworth had to take our big wagon and strike 
 out to the river, twelve miles away, leaving Aunt Eliza, one of 
 the children and me to guard the other wagon. We were 
 frightened, for the coyotes were howling round and it was a 
 fearsome spot. William Mitchell, who was wnth our train, 
 heard of our being left behind alone and rode back to stay 
 with us till Uncle Whitworth could return. We were so glad 
 to see him and appreciated his thoughtfulness. 
 
 "When we reach Portland, Uncle Whitworth came on up 
 to Fort Steilacoom to take up his missionary labors. He found 
 an Episcopal minister already stationed at the fort, and doing 
 such a noble work that there seemed to be no field of labor 
 there for any other minister. But in Olympia there was a 
 good opening, and it seemed to him that he could do a great 
 deal of good in this new place, so decided to locate here. There 
 was scarcely anybody living here then, the settlement being 
 mostly at Tumwater, but at what is now known as Priest's 
 Point some Catholic fathers had established a mission. 
 
 "Uncle took up a donation claim on land adjoining the 
 mission property, Iniilt a temporary home for his family and 
 ])egan his missionary labors. He organized the First Presby- 
 terian church in Olympia, also at Chehalis, and the one on
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 91 
 
 Chambers prairie. Riding for miles to carry the gospel wher- 
 ever a few were congregated, sometimes being obliged to teach 
 school to support his family, so meager was the pittance al- 
 lowed him by the Presbytery, and so poor were his congrega- 
 tions. He was a good man and has gone to a well earned 
 reward. 
 
 "Aunt Eliza, with the rest of the family, had staj^ed in 
 Portland the first winter in the West, while Uncle Whitworth 
 was locating on the Sound. Aunt and my sister, Sarah, taught 
 school that winter to pay our expenses. 
 
 "In Ma}' of the following summer Uncle came to bring us 
 to our new home. The trip in the Indian canoes up the Cow- 
 litz river was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. 
 J was totally unused to water, and although the canoes were 
 large, they looked dangerous to me. Indeed, one of the canoes 
 was upset and we lost all our bread and dishes, although the 
 latter were recovered after several weeks and sent on to us. 
 We found refuge the night we reached the landing in the 
 home of ^Ir. Lemon, whose son is now ]Millard Lemon, the 
 Olympia capitalist. 
 
 "We were met at the landing by Judge B. F. Yantis with 
 an ox team to bring us to our new home. As we had to camp 
 out along the way from the Cowlitz to Olympia, the loss of 
 our dishes was very inconvenient. Judge Yantis searched 
 among the ranch houses to find cups for us to drink out of, 
 but all the dishes he could procure were three small sugar 
 bowls of thick earthenware. These the elders used for drink- 
 ing cups, but we younger ones had to use egg shells from 
 which to drink our coffee. But we enjoyed the experience and 
 thought coffee never tasted so good. 
 
 "We had one scare as a Avelcome to the new country. At 
 the Cowlitz landing were a number of Indian tents and in them 
 were some very sick squaws and pappooses. Harry Whit- 
 Avorth, then about nine years old, went in among them, carry- 
 ing them water and tending them until way in the night. Later 
 it developed that the disease with which the Indians were ill 
 was smallpox, and that in the most virulent form. So severe 
 did the disease rage that that particular band of Indians was 
 slmost lost. We watched Harry with great uneasiness till the
 
 92 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 clanger period was safely over. I suppose the fresh air and 
 pur perfect health prevented our taking the disease. 
 
 "When we reached Tuinwater Judge Yantis, who was al- 
 wavs full of his fun and iokes, took Sarah and me to visit an 
 Indian camp, to see what he told us would be our eatables 
 from now on. They had just finished drying and hanging up 
 a string of geoducks. The long necks and scaly looking bodies 
 of this, tp us. new species of salt water products, did not look 
 very inviting. 
 
 "From Tumwater we took canoes for Priests Point, where 
 I^ncle's claim was. If I was frightened before, imagine my 
 sensations when I was placed in a tiny craft that, when T 
 was in with my Indian paddler, was only about one inch 
 above the water of Puget Sound. When we reached the point 
 belovv' the mission all our household goods we had with us 
 had to be carried by hand up the hill to our home. Grand- 
 mother, who had shared in all our adventures, could not climb 
 up there, however, so sister Sarah and myself put her in the 
 little old rocking chair we had brought clear from our old 
 home in Indiana for her to sit in and carried her up the hill 
 and the ciuarter of a mile to where our house stood. This 
 house was but a shack 16x16 built of poles and covered, sides 
 and all. with cedar bark. There was a fireplace in one end 
 three or four feet across and one of the most joyous objects 
 we had beheld for a long time. 
 
 "The good fathers at the mission were our only neigh- 
 bors, and the wopds came close to our shack. In our imme- 
 diate neighborhood was an Indian burial place, the bodies 
 lianging in the branches of the tall trees, laid in canoes. It 
 was to us a fearsome sight, but Ave became accustomed to it, 
 and did not mind it after a while. Indeed, we much preferred 
 these dead Indians to some of those still alive, for it was 
 at this time that the Indian trouble was on. 
 
 "That summer Uncle raised quite an amount of potatoes 
 and, as we had no cellar, was at loss where tp stpre them, until 
 &pmeone pointed out that in the field where he was clearing 
 there were a number of big trees, the roots of which had been 
 burned into, leaving hollows and thus forming excellent places 
 for storing the potatoes. 
 
 "As a variation of our diet we used to put up the wild
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 93 
 
 berries we found growing here in profusion. As sugar was 
 scarce and very expensive we used wild honey as the preserva- 
 tive. Honey bee trees were frequently located, and it was 
 one of the sports of the time to cut one down and secure the 
 sweets stored in the hollow trunk. We had rough and tumble 
 times, but good times withal. Life was full of snap and en- 
 joyment in simple pleasures. We had our mail about every 
 six weeks, and for the first few years all our supplies came 
 from the Sandwich Islands. It was a great day when we 
 began to get things in from San Francisco ; we began to feel 
 quite civilized. I remember the first apples ever grown in 
 Thurston County. They were grown on a tree planted by ]\Ir. 
 Axtel, on Grand Mound prairie. Mrs. Axtel told the boys 
 that if they did not touch the fruit when it was ripe she would 
 make them a pie. They obeyed and when that pie was made, 
 so precious were the apples they went in, peel and all. 
 No wasting good fruit by taking off even the thinnest peeling. 
 
 "We lived in the shack Uncle' Whitworth had provided 
 for us for quite a while, but finally we were ready for a new 
 house, so comes from Olympia David Beatty and A. J. Lin- 
 ville, carpenters, to build our new house. And that is the 
 time and the place I met ^Ir. Beatty. These men cut down 
 trees from the land around the site of the new house, split 
 them into boards and planed out the weather boarding, all 
 by hand. They made a very creditable and comfortable resi- 
 dence, which we appreciated after our crowded quarters. We 
 sent for our household furnishings, books, etc., which came 
 around the Horn, and from San Francisco were sent on l)y 
 sailing vessels to this port. 
 
 "As the Indians were getting ti"ou])lesome Uncle Whit- 
 Avorth asked the mission fathers if they considered our situa- 
 tion dangerous. They replied, 'Not yet, we will give you 
 warning, if it becomes so, in time for you to go to the stock- 
 ade in Olympia.' In about two weeks this warning was given 
 and we fled to town. Again we carried grandmother in her 
 little chair to the water and set her into a canoe. We found 
 j-cfuge in two rooms over ]\Ir. Beatty 's shop. These rooms 
 had been fitted up as a photograph gallery by Samuel Holmes 
 father of Fred Holmes and ]\Irs. Robert Frost, and was the
 
 94 
 
 THURSTON COUNTV 
 
 first art gallery in the X'orthwest. I slept right under the 
 big skylight in the roof. 
 
 "Mr. Beatty and I were married in 185G after the Indian 
 war was over. We at one time took up a homestead of 160 
 acres on Ayers' Hill, Joining Swan's donation claim. ^Ir, 
 Beatty built a cabin on one side of a stream that flowed there 
 then, and his partner, Mr. Linville, lived on the other side of 
 the stream, but it was so lonesome and the trees were so for- 
 midable that the places were abandoned. The timber alone, 
 in after j'ears on those claims, would have been worth a 
 fortune. 
 
 "Uncle Whitworth, Aunt Eliza, the grandmother, Sister 
 Sarah, all are gone. I can think of no one of my associates of 
 those early days who is still living. Our daughter Adelaide. 
 i>: the only child we have ever had."
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 95 
 
 MRS, JOHN G. PARKER 
 
 Have yon ever opened a long-forgotten desk and taken out 
 n packet of letters tied with faded blue ribbon, and caught 
 the sweet, evanescent perfume of rose leaves and violets which 
 have been put away ])y hands which have long since finished 
 their earthly tasks? Such were the sensations of the compiler 
 of these reminiscences when journeying back to the days of long 
 tgo with ]Mrs. John G. Parker. Sweet and full of girlish ro- 
 mance were the memories evoked of conquests, triumphs and 
 innocent coquetry of this belle of Olympia of the early '50 's, 
 although the dear old lady could also tell of hardships and 
 privations that would undoubtedly crush a girl of modern 
 days. 
 
 In Mrs. Parker's words will her story be told, for they 
 were more eloquent and expressive than any at my command, 
 but the reader will miss the inspiration of watching the deli- 
 cate color come and go in the faded but still lovely face, of 
 listening to the gentle voice thrill and tremble over the ex- 
 citing or sorrowful portions of the narrative, of being taken 
 back to the actual scenes and experiences of those days that 
 are no more. 
 
 "When I was a young girl of a little less than sixteen 
 years of age, living in Saline County, Missouri, my father, 
 Gilmore Hays, decided to leave the old homestead and take 
 his family out to Oregon, as all this section of the country 
 was then called. Father had been out West before and knew 
 that the land was full oi richness and opportunities for amass- 
 ing wealth such as would never be found in the more settled 
 country. There were six boys in our family and father 
 1 bought they would stand a better chance to get on in the 
 world when the time came for them to branch out for them- 
 selves in the new country. Father's enthusiasm spread to a 
 lot of our kinsfolks and tlun' decided to join our train and 
 cross the plains with us.
 
 <J6 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 "I can't tell now just how many -wagons there wei-e in 
 line when we pulled out for our start for the long journey 
 over the Oregon Trail. But the ones whom I am able to re- 
 call were the family of Dr. N. Ostrander, Uncle Frank Yantis 
 with his family, George Scott and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hillory 
 Butler, my father's brother Isaac Hays, Rev. Lapsley Yantis 
 and many others. 
 
 '"The tirst stages of the trip were full of pleasure and de- 
 light, especially to us younger members of the train. Although 
 the greater part of the w^agons were drawn by yokes of oxen 
 and perforce the travel w^as slow, ^ve younger ones had each 
 »'Ur oAvn pony and would ride far in advance of the train, pick 
 cut a good camping place where there was wood, water and 
 grass for the animals. Here we would dismount and the young 
 men proceed to collect piles of wood for the camp fires in the 
 evening while we girls would skylark around, pick flowers 
 and rest beneath the trees by the side of the beautiful streams 
 which we frecj[uently were fortunate enough to find for our 
 tamping place. When the wagons would pull in tow^ards 
 evening it was a hurry-up to get supper, turn out the stock 
 and then all hands gather around the enormous eampfires 
 where merry jest, songs and cheerful companionship banished 
 every thought of homesickness or foreboding. We had several 
 violins, a banjo and many fine voices in the party, so music 
 was enjoyed almost every evening. 
 
 "I must fell you about my pony. She was the fastest ani- 
 mal in the train, a perfect beauty and a great pet, and an 
 animal of more than ordinary intelligence. So speedy wa*? 
 she that the hunters always borrowed her w^hen they wanted 
 to run down a buffalo to replenish our supply of fresh meat. 
 One day I was in a pet towards the other girls in the train, 
 Sarah Yantis and her sister. Mrs. PuIIen, (these girls were 
 afterwards ^Irs. G. C. Blankenship and Mrs. Dick Wood), 
 So I told them to ride on and I would waif for the wagons, let- 
 ting my pony eat by the road side. As soon as they had dis- 
 appeared along the trail I dismounted and sat down in the 
 grass. That pony would scarcely eat a mouthful so intently 
 rid she watch, looking all around for possible danger. When 
 the wagons came on up and father saw me there alone he 
 scolded me good and hard and said the horse show^ed a good
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 97 
 
 deal more sense than I did. But some way I Avas never in the 
 least afraid of the Indians and thought the tales I heard of 
 their cruelty and treachery were mostly imaginary. I was 
 to learn better a few years afterwards during the Indian war 
 in Washington. 
 
 "Well, all went merry as a marriage bell until we reached 
 Fort Laramie. Here was the parting of the ways. Uncle 
 Lapsley Yantis was a Presbyterian minister and as good a 
 man as ever trod the earth, and he was strong for whatever 
 he considered to be the right, and to travel on the Sabbath 
 day was not right according to his views. Father was also 
 a good man but he was more practical and had different ideas 
 from Uncle Lapsley. He reasoned that even if the train did 
 lay over and not travel on Sundays that the emigrants would 
 probably not observe the day any better than those who pushed 
 on toward their journey's end. The women w^ould bake, wash, 
 etc., and the young folks get into various kinds of mischief, 
 but m.ost weighty argument of all, the cattle would become 
 so scattered in a whole day's and two nights' layoff that, in 
 his judgment, it was better to keep going. The leaders couldn't 
 agree, so the train was divided, some going on with father and 
 the remainder staying Avith the Sabbath keepers. Was it a 
 judgment from God that as soon as the decision was made 
 and we began to fail in Sabbath observance dire calamity be- 
 fell us? It certainly looked so. Soon after the separation we 
 overtook an emigrant wagon in which was a sick boy. Mother 
 offered her services to the parents of the lad and did what she 
 <:ould do for them in the way of nursing and simple remedies 
 to relieve the lad's fever. Little did she suspect the nature 
 of the disease she came in contact with. About ten 
 days after encountering the sick boy she was taken down with 
 a raging fever which soon developed into a severe case of black 
 measles. Soon nearly all the young people of the train w^ere 
 inflicted with the dread disease. Of my six brothers one after 
 another died till three graves were made along the roadside. 
 But before Brother Henry died mother, too, was taken. Henry 
 seemed to be getting over the measles and we hoped for a 
 time he might be spared us. One night, after convalescence 
 had set in, we were sitting around the campfire, no longer glee- 
 ful and singing, but oppressed with our dreadful sorrow.
 
 98 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Henry was well enough then to eat some ham which I had 
 cooked for supper. After eating he complained of a terrible 
 thirst and kept drinking water. Soon cramps set in and he 
 was dead before morning. I thought father would go crazy 
 at this terrible last blow. 
 
 "We reached Salmon Falls in Idaho before mother died, 
 and although I did not know of it till a year afterwards when 
 I again met my cousin, Sarah Yantis. in Olympia, I must tell 
 of her resting place. We had to roll the body in a blanket — 
 there was, of course, no way to make even the rudest coifin, 
 and after the mortal remains of our dear mother had been 
 covered the best we could, father took off a piece of the end 
 board of the wagon and wrote her name, Naomi Hayes, on it. 
 Then we had to go on and leave her there. 
 
 "Well, when Uncle Lapsley's train came along several 
 days after we were on our way, they espied a newly made 
 grave beside the road and on going to it read mother's name. 
 Mrs. Yantis, who was very delicate and suffering from the 
 hardships of the trip, had become very ill on the way. When 
 she knew that her old friend was buried there she lost all 
 hope, and although the train made a couple of stages further 
 on their way, the poor lady was unable to stand the shock and 
 sank to rest. Her last words were 'Take me back to sleep 
 beside Naomi.' Her broken hearted husband and children 
 respected these last words and retracing their way to where 
 mother was laid, buried her there and beneath mother's name 
 wrote 'Ann Yantis.' And there they sleep side by side. Ah, 
 it was a hard and bitter time. 
 
 "After the death of my third brother father decided that 
 the time had come to do something, so he had one of the lighter 
 wagons emptied of all but our actual necessities for light 
 camping and hitching the freshest of the mules to the wagon, 
 started my brothers, myself and some other, women and children 
 of the train on as fast as the animals could travel. He hoped 
 we could reach The Dalles and so on to Portland before winter 
 set in. 
 
 "AVhen we reached The Dalles we women and children 
 were put on flat boats and floated down to the Cascades. Here 
 we were obliged to walk across the portage to the landing 
 and then take a little steamboat on down to Portland.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 99 
 
 "At this place I was met by an uncle, Andrew Cowan, 
 who took me home with him and I spent the winter very com- 
 fortably with my uncle and aunt. 
 
 "Portland was then a mere village with a two plank 
 sidewalk extending along the few blocks which were built up, 
 and mud, mud everywhere. It was certainly the muddiest, 
 dirtiest place I had ever seen at that time. 
 
 "When father finally reach The Dalles with the ox teams 
 he bought a good many of the emigrants' cattle and turned 
 them out on the ranges in the vicinity. But. the hard luck 
 Avith which he had been followed throughout the latter part of 
 the journey still pursued the poor man. 
 
 "One of the coldest winters on record for that region 
 set in and the cattle were caught by the heavy snows. The 
 beasts were weakened anyway with their thousands of miles 
 travel and in no condition to withstand the rigors of the cli- 
 mate. There was no hay or feed to be bought for any price 
 so almost the entire drove perished. This almost bankrupted 
 father and was a severe blow to the high hopes of wealth and 
 prosperity he had entertained Avhen he started from Missouri. 
 Four of his family left back on the plains, his money spent 
 for the cattle and four helpless children on his hands. For 
 T was little more than a child in years and having always 
 lived on a plantation with servants to do everything about 
 the house and mother to depend on, you may be sure I was 
 very incapable and inexperienced. 
 
 "Came the Spring of 1852 and father was restless and 
 wanting to go on to the promised land — Puget Sound — so 
 chartering a flat boat to take us up the Cowlitz river after 
 we left the steamboat at ]\Ionticello landing, we were again on 
 our way. 
 
 "The memory of that trip will be with me as long as 
 memory lasts. The flat boat, loaded with our very few house- 
 hold effects, was poled up the Cowlitz, but there was no room 
 on the boat for us women and the children, so there was noth- 
 ing to do but walk along the trail. This trail was through, 
 in many places, brush so dense, that we crawled on our hands 
 and knees to get along at all. In other places we were in 
 mud well up to our knees. 
 
 "In addition to this I had to carry my little brother,
 
 100 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Eobert. The poor little fellow was only three years old and 
 had never become very strong from his attack of the measles 
 the snmmer before. I, too, was weak and sick and in my 
 mind thought I was not long for this world, and I must say, 
 I didn't care much, life seemed so full of trouble and hard- 
 ship. When we reached the Cowlitz landing w^e were met by 
 mule teams which had been sent down from Olympia to haul 
 our freight. The wagons were so filled and the roads in such 
 a condition that I still had to walk across the country past 
 Avhere Chehalis now is and on to Mound prairie. My com- 
 panion on this dreary jaunt was JMrs. Hillory Butler, who with 
 her husband w^as also coming to the Sound with us. She was 
 very kind and good to the motherless girl and helped me earrj^ 
 my little brother. Turn and turn about we plodded all those 
 weary miles through knee-deep mud, hot, tired and discouraged. 
 
 "Coming out on Mound prairie we spied a cabin in a 
 clearing. The eternal feminine asserted itself even under those 
 distressing conditions, so before going to the house Mrs. Butler 
 and myself stopped beside a stream of water flowing by and 
 wading up to our knees, washed the bottoms of our skirts off 
 the best we could, they being literally caked with mud, straight- 
 ened our hair and then proceeded to the house where we pro- 
 posed to ask shelter for the night. 
 
 "In the door of the cabin stood the fairest sight I have 
 ever seen. It was my own dear cousin and chum, Sarah Yan- 
 tis. Imagine the greetings received. Although over fifty 
 years have passed over my head since then and I have changed 
 from a pretty, young girl to a great-grandmother, I still re- 
 call the thrill of rapture with which I rushed into Sarah's 
 arms and listened to her dear voice once again. When the 
 train w^as divided Uncle Frank Yantis with family had re- 
 mained behind and on reaching Portland had proceeded 
 straight on to this section of the country. He had taken up 
 a donation claim out on the prairie and was comfortably 
 settled. 
 
 "We rested there visiting with Uncle Frank's family for 
 a while and then came on to Olympia. 
 
 "Our first place of refuge on reaching this place was with 
 a bachelor who had a comfortable log cabin a couple of miles 
 from Newmarket — now Tumwater. This man's name was Ben-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 101 
 
 jamin Gordon, or Old Ben, as he was commonly called, and 
 he was very good to ns all. Aunt and Uncle Andrew Cowan 
 had come to this section of the country with us and for quite 
 a while we all lived in ^Ir. Gordon's cabin — the Cowans, all 
 the Hays children and father, when he was at home. There 
 was a garden around the place and we had ail the milk and 
 butter we wanted from Mr. Gordon's cows. 
 
 "I began to grow strong and well again and life opened 
 up many fair promises. The young men from around the 
 country began to find their way to the cabin and I had a 
 great deal of attention and admiration. There were only four 
 young ladies within a radius of many miles, Sarah Yantis, 
 Charlotte and Lucy Barnes and myself. The young men used 
 to come out to the cabin Sunday afternoons in considerable 
 numbers. Those who had riding horses would ride and those 
 who had not would walk and seem to think nothing of the 
 miles traveled over the trail to spend a few hours in my com- 
 pany. There was generally a generous supply of buttermilk 
 on hand and the boys made the excuse that it was for this 
 cooling drink they had come. They were a brave lot of lads, 
 gallant and stalwart. I felt an interest and friendship for 
 everyone of them. Ah, me. where are they now? All, all 
 gone. 
 
 "The young man who used to come most frequently to see 
 me was young Benton Moses, who afterwards married my dear 
 friend, Sarah Yantis. One Sunday when Mr. Moses arrived on 
 his usual afternoon visit he was accompanied by another young 
 man whom he introduced as John Parker. I will never forget 
 the appearance of this youth that day. He had a beautiful 
 riding horse, which he managed with splendid skill, but it was 
 his getup which made the lasting impression on me. ]\Ir. 
 Parker had a trading store in Olympia and carried principally 
 articles for barter with the Indians. From this stock he had 
 selected a pair of riding leggings which came to the knees, 
 on his feet were beaded moccasins and on his head was a 
 queer looking Scotch cap. He made a great impression on 
 my young fancy even at this first visit. Afterwards, when 
 he became a regular visitant at father's house, IMr. Moses 
 used to tell with much glee how he inveigled Parker to th" 
 cabin with tales of the nice fresh buttermilk to be had, but
 
 102 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 said never a word about the young lady who would pour the 
 buttermilk for him. Mr. Parker at that time was extremely 
 bashful and had never called on a young lady before. 
 
 "By this time father had taken up his donation claim, 
 which is, as near as I can tell now, was situated where the 
 road makes its first turn in goiug towards the Hays school 
 house after passing the Masonic cemetery. I kept house for 
 him and the children the best I could. Tom Prather, who 
 was a distant relative, lived with us part of the time, and it 
 was he who taught me about all I knew about cooking and 
 j^'-eneral housework. He was always good and kind to all of 
 us and his unfailing friendship has been one of the brightest 
 remembrances of my life. 
 
 "Olympia then was merely a collection of shacks, with 
 only two or three places of business of any kind. Mr. and 
 Mrs. George Barnes were about the only married couple here 
 when I first arrived, although others soon came. Mr. Parker's 
 store was opposite the Pacific House, which place was after- 
 wards kept by Col. Cock, whose .young wife became one of 
 the warmest of friends to both myself and Sarah Yantis. We 
 girls used to go in to stay all night at their hotel and ^Irs. 
 Cock was so good to vis, throwing many a pleasant time our 
 way. 
 
 "About the only amusement we young folks had in those 
 dajs was hoi^seback riding. There were no roads and, of 
 course, no buggies or other means of conveyance. The J^oung 
 men used to come out to our house riding one horse and lead- 
 ing another for me. Later I learned that they generally bor- 
 rowed Mr. Parker's horse for me to ride on. But that was 
 before we had met, after that event it w^as always John who 
 would come. He had sent to San Francisco for a side saddle 
 for me, probably the first article of that description in the 
 Northw'est. One of those three-horned affairs such as girls 
 used to ride. Sarah could ride a man's saddle with perfect 
 ease, sitting straight as an arrow and graceful as a reed, but 
 I wanted a side saddle. I never saw a woman ride astride in 
 those days and we would have thought it a very immodest 
 thing to do. Times have changed in many ways since I was 
 s. girl. 
 
 "But I must tell about my wedding. I had lived on the
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 103 
 
 homestead about two years, keeping house for father and do- 
 ing the best I could with what I had to do with. Mr. Parker 
 had kept coming to see me. and although we were not really 
 engaged, I thought we would be married some time. But 
 there Avas nothing definite. Father began to grow restless 
 ?gain and wanted to go back east once more. But what to 
 do with me and the boys? He talked of it for several weeks, 
 and I could see he was moody and uneasy. ]\Iy cousin, Sarah, 
 had come from her father's home, still on Mound Prairie, to 
 >})end a few days with me and we were planning to take a 
 horseback ride one day in company with ]\Ir. Parker and Mr. 
 Closes, who were coming out from town a little later. Father 
 had gone on out to do some burning on the land he was clear- 
 ing up in the far let. so I was surprised when he came back 
 to the house and said 'Rushe, get me some hot water for shav- 
 ing and put me out a clean shirt.' 'Why, father.' I said, 'are 
 you going to town?' 'No.' he replied, 'I am going to attend 
 your wedding.' ']\Iy wedding?' I gasped. 'Yes, your wed- 
 ding. You might as well be married one time as another, 
 Parker wants you and I want to go east.' I was almost dumb 
 with astonishment and chagrin. I asked Sarah what I had 
 better do and she very strongly counseled me not to listen to 
 such a proposition. I was almost distracted. I didn't know 
 what to do. I knew I loved John and knew that he loved 
 me, but I had no Avardrobe and was not ready to be married. 
 I sat down by the fireplace brooding and thinking, when ^Ir. 
 Parker arrived. He saw at once something was the matter 
 and asked me if I was sick. I told him I was not and he 
 would have to ask father about what was the trouble. He went 
 out in the yard and hail a long talk with father and then 
 came in and asked me to sit on the steps of the doorway with 
 him to talk matters over. He said he Avanted to marry me 
 more than he ever had wanted anything on earth, but he had 
 hoped to get in a little better financial shape before asking me 
 to cast my lot with his. He told me he was a poor man and 
 in debt — a former partner in an express venture had ab- 
 sconded with $5,000, for which loss Mr. Parker became per- 
 sonally responsible. 'But, Rushe.' he said, 'if you are will- 
 ing to undertake the life I can oft'cr you now 1 will love and
 
 104 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 cherish you forever.' And so I agreed. ]\Ir. Parker then rode 
 back to town and returned with Judge Landers. 
 
 "I got ready the best I could and Sarah helped me. i\Iy 
 best dress was a black silk which I had made with a low cut 
 neck and short sleeves. I thought I looked quite nice in that 
 dress and so did John. Tom Prather cooked our wedding 
 dinner and, besides Sarah as attendant at the wedding, was 
 Uncle Frank Yantis. We stayed at father's house the first 
 night and the next day took our deferred horseback ride to 
 Mound Prairie and that was our wedding trip. 
 
 "Afterwards w^e went to housekeeping in a little cottage 
 and there in the course of time our first child was born, our 
 daughter Helen, now Mrs. Herbert IMc^Micken. 
 
 "Father then went back east, but returned by the time 
 of the Indian war in 1855. He organized the first volunteer 
 troops in the Northwest for the defense of the settlers, and 
 was honored by being made commander of the united volun- 
 teer troops before the w^ar was over. 
 
 "My cousin Sarah by this time was married to young A. 
 Benton Moses and was living in Olympia also. When the In- 
 dian war broke out ^Ir. ]Moses was one of the first white men 
 to lose his life by the Indians. He was killed out on Connell 
 Prairie while in company with a small body of men who were 
 going to join the volunteers. The others were obliged to flee 
 for their own lives and leave the poor lad there on the prairie. 
 He was wounded but not killed outright. When he fell from 
 his horse he begged his companions to save themselves and 
 sent a loving message to his young girl bride. A few days 
 later Tom Prather and a small company of men went out 
 and brought the body back to Olympia. 
 
 "Never will I forget the tragedy of that funeral. Besides 
 Mr. Moses there were the bodies of Lieutenant McAllister and 
 Col. Miles, who were also killed at the same time. These 
 bodies, placed in rude coffins, were placed in one of the two 
 wagons in the settlement. In the other wagon rode Sarah, 
 Mrs. Cock and myself, the men walking in a procession be- 
 hind the wagons. Our wagon was without springs of any 
 kind and such as are used to haul dirt in. There were no 
 seats and only some boards laid across the bed. Several times 
 these boards slipped off and let the mourners down in thi^
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 105 
 
 bottom of the wagon bed The day was dark and dreary and 
 the road but little more than a rough trail. It was a terribh.' 
 experience. To do honor to the brave boys who had lost their 
 lives in the attempt to protect others, the citizens decided that 
 a military funeral was proper, so music must be included. 
 This consisted of a drum and fife. As we wended our way 
 out to the graveyard over and over again did this drum and 
 fife sound out the strains of 'The Girl I Left Behind Me.' 
 That was the only tune they could play and they did the 
 best they could, but I thought Sarah's heart would surely 
 break. The graveyard was the one out on the road leading 
 to what is now Little Rock, near Belmore. Here the three 
 graves were made close to the road, side by side. And here 
 soon after was laid the remains of Chas. H. Mason, the first 
 Secretary of the Territory, a gallant young man of goou 
 i'amily, who died of fever when only 29 years of age. I think the 
 Thurston County Historical Society could do no better work 
 than mark the last resting place of these heroes of the Indian 
 war. 
 
 "But enough of these sad reminiscences. I will now tell 
 about when the first State ball was held in Washington. It 
 was in the nature of a housewarming. when Governor and ]\Irs. 
 Stevens moved into the Governor's mansion, which the Ex- 
 ecutive officer had built soon after the arrival of his family 
 from the East. This very same house is still standing on the 
 l)lock now owned by Mr. Hazard Stevens, on Eleventh street, 
 lietween ]\Iain and Columbia. It was considered quite a pala- 
 tial residence when it was completed, and the invitations 
 to attend the housewarming were eagerly accepted by Oiympia 
 society. Almost every one was present. Sarah and I with 
 our beaux attended. The night was dark and the trail rough, 
 so lanterns were hung every few feet in the branches of 
 the trees to guide us to tlie mansion. There was a dance fol- 
 lowing the reception and then a big supper. The dance was 
 held in the parlor of the house and if room was scarce the 
 jollity and good fellowship made up for all shortcomings. I 
 think I can say that in the long and brilliant line of legisla- 
 tive balls and receptions that has followed this initial one. 
 there has never been more genuine happiness and enjoyment
 
 106 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 than was the share of Governor and ]Mrs. Stevens' guests that 
 night. 
 
 "My husband at that time kept the Gold Bar store and 
 when the question of finding some place where the first meet- 
 ing of the Territorial Legislature could be held, my father 
 suggested using the room above his store. This suggestion was 
 adopted and the place made in readiness for that historical 
 event. 
 
 After a few years j\Ir. Parker went to steamboating. 
 building and operating, I think, the first steamboat on Puget 
 Sound, The Traveller, on the run between Olympia and Vic- 
 toria. Later he was owner and captain of the Messenger, go- 
 ing to Seattle from this place. It took two whole days to 
 make the trip down to Seattle and return, providing the tides 
 were right and they had no breakdowns. Then for several 
 years he was on the Alida, between the same ports. We went 
 to San Francisco and staid there for ten years, but finally re- 
 turned to the Sound. 
 
 "My dear husband died in Olympia on October 2. 1908. 
 and is buried out in the Masonic cemetery. 
 
 "Besides Mrs. IMcMicken our children are: Gilmore 
 Hays, Maude, now Mrs. Anderson of Tacoma, Herbert and 
 John G., Jr., both of Seattle. Gilmore Hays died cpite 
 recently."
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 107 
 
 JOHN MILLER MURPHY 
 
 Mr. John ^lillor ]\Iiirphy has been more prominently 
 identified with the growth and deveh)pment of Olympia and 
 Thurston County, and for a longer continuous time, than any 
 of the men who braved the hardships and dangers of the 
 wilderness. For fifty years Mr. ]\Iurphy, through the columns 
 of the Washington Standard, worked for the advancement and 
 prosperity of the community. For over two thousand six 
 hundred weeks the Standard was a welcome visitor in the 
 majority of the homes of Olympia and Thurston County. The 
 editorials in these many issues Mr. Murphy penned with his 
 own hand. 
 
 IVIr. Murphy has recorded the appointments, through the 
 columns of the Standard, of eleven Territorial Governors, com- 
 mencing with Governor Wm. H. Wallace, and including Gov- 
 ernors Pickering, Cole, Moore, Flanders, Salomon, Newell, 
 Squire, Ferry, Miles C. Moore, and the elections of Washing- 
 ton State Governors Ferry, JMcGraw, Rogers, McBride, I\Iead, 
 Cosgrove and Hay. When the Standard was born James Bu- 
 chanan was President of the United States. A search through 
 the back files of this paper show the announcements of the 
 inaugurations of Presidents Lincoln, Johnson, Grant, Hayes, 
 Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland (twice), Harrison, JMcKinley, 
 Roosevelt and Taft. Among the most interesting of Mr. 
 Murphy's reminiscences, as recorded in The Standard, tells 
 about the young editor being in Portland, Oregon, for the 
 purpose of attending his own wedding. Just as the young 
 couple were about to take the stage for their home on I'uget 
 Sound, a San P^rancisco steamer arrived in port with the late 
 newspapers on board, bearing black letter headlines, "Fort 
 Sumpter Fired On." 
 
 Mr. Murphy called the boy selling the papers and bought 
 the entire supply, saying nothing of the great news to the rest 
 of the passengers until reaching Olympia.
 
 108 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Arriving here he hurriedly turned his bride over to the 
 care of the hotel people and rushed for the Standard office. 
 All the printers in town were set to work at the cases aftd 
 within a few hours an extra was cried upon the streets of 
 Olympia with huge headlines announcing the beginning of the 
 v/ar. "And," added JMr. Murphy, "as I told the story of the 
 firing on Fort Sumpter all in the headlines, the people saw at 
 a glance the reason for the extra's appearance and not one 
 cent did I realized from the issue. Besides, I paid the boys 
 $1 for selling the papers on the streets. Since that time I have 
 kept part of my story for the columns of the paper instead of 
 spreading it all out in the headlines." 
 
 The description of the way the news of Lee's surrender 
 was received in the Capital City was very amusing. There 
 was no better way to celebrate important events in those days 
 than in patronizing the saloons, and as the news spread along 
 the streets a rush was made, first for the Standard oft'ice, then, 
 all together, to where the men could properly air their en- 
 thusiasm as well as quench their thirst. There were very 
 few men in Olympia in early days who never visited saloons, 
 but on this glad time no one was exempt, and if a man refused 
 to do his share of the drinking it was up with him to the bar. 
 spread him flat on his back and pour brandy down his throat 
 until the crowd felt that a sufficient amount of patriotism 
 had been imbibed. 
 
 To this day the veteran editor's voice falters when he re- 
 calls the reception in Olympia of the news of the assassination 
 of President Lincoln and the impression made upon the citizens. 
 
 "We had planned a big celebration of some local event," 
 said Mr. Murphy, "and had brought the Fourth Infantry band 
 from Vancouver at an expense of more than $200 to play for 
 the celebration and ball in the evening. At that time the 
 first telegraph office in the Northwest was just across from 
 the old New England hotel. The band was on the balcony of 
 the hotel playing lively airs to the delight of the entire popu- 
 lation of the town. The telegraph operator came to the door 
 of the office with a face as white as a sheet. Without speak- 
 ing a word to anyone the operator stepped to the band leader 
 and handed him a slip of yellow paper. The leader glanced at 
 the slip and gave a hurried order to his musicians. Without
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 109 
 
 prelimmary warning they played the strains of one of the 
 saddest dirges I have ever heard. 
 
 "The crowd was appalled and when the last strains died 
 away a man stepped to the front of the balcony and an- 
 nounced : 'President Lincoln has been assassinated.' There 
 was not a dry eye in the assemblage when the people realized 
 the meaning of the message." 
 
 When the Standard was started Olympia was a village 
 of about 1,000 population. Seattle consisted of two or three 
 houses with a store and saloon to represent its business, and 
 Tacoma was unknown. There was a five column weekly pub- 
 lished in Seattle — The Seattle Gazette — but the proprietor was 
 unable to handle any job work at all, the consequence being 
 that for several years every line of job work for Seattle and 
 all of the territory this side of Portland was sent to Olympia 
 and turned out in the Standard office. 
 
 Among ^Ir. ^Murphy's proud boasts is that he was the first 
 new^spaper carrier ever employed on the Oregonian, of Port- 
 land; and that he was an attendant at the first school ever 
 organized in that city. It was in that city, also, that he 
 learned the printer's trade, setting his first type on the Ore- 
 gon Weekly Times, within two years rising from office "devil" 
 to foreman. The Standard has fought the Democratic fight 
 for the past half century with the exception of the civil war 
 period, when Mr. Murphy upheld the Lincoln administration. 
 
 John Miller Murphy was born in Indiana and left an or- 
 l)han at an early age, living with his elder sister, INIrs. George 
 Barnes. When nine years of age the lad, in company with 
 Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, crossed the plains Avith the regulation 
 \oke of oxen and underwent all the hardships attendant upon 
 the trip across the continent with that means of conveyance. 
 This trip was made in the year of 1850, and Mr. Barnes de- 
 cided to settle in Portland, where he started a store, selling 
 general merchandise. .John was put to work as a clerk in this 
 store, although little mor(^ than a l)al)y. Among the pleas- 
 antest of the recollections of these early days are memories 
 of the good times the lad enjoyed as a singer in the famous 
 church choir with Dr. Griffin, of the M. K. church, leader. 
 Mr. ^Murphy, as boy and man. loved music and toolc keen de- 
 light in musical associations.
 
 110 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 In 1851 ]Mr. Barnes decided to remove his store to Puget 
 Sound and selected Olympia as the best known settlement 
 in the new country. The contents of the store, together with 
 the household goods, were shipped on the sailing vessel JMary 
 Taylor, around from Portland, but j\Ir. and Mrs. Barnes and 
 Johnnie rode horseback across country. The boy rode the 
 same horse as his sister, sitting astride, holding on to the 
 woman to keep from slipping off. When Olympia was reached 
 the family had to wait three weeks for the arrival of the ^lary 
 Taylor with their goods. 
 
 The store was the first in Olympia. M. D. Simmons, of 
 Tumwater, had a trading post for Indian supplies, but the 
 stock Mr. Barnes brought was the first general merchandise 
 store on the Sound. The lad, by this time ten years of age, 
 took his place behind the counter and was as efficient a clerk 
 as any man would have been. 
 
 The experiences the lad had with the Indian customers 
 were quite amusing. He declares these people are the worst 
 thieves in the world, or were in those days. When he would 
 be measuring calico, of which the aborigines bought great 
 quantities, a squaw would give the cloth a quick jerk to pull 
 the length a few inches longer than the regulation yard, 
 much to the disgust of the young clerk, who spent a good 
 part of his time watching them to prevent them stealing from 
 the store. 
 
 The currency of ^Ir. ^lurphy's early recollection in this 
 section of the world consisted of Spanish dollars, American 
 halves and quarters, Spanish doubloons, worth $16, and slugs, 
 which were eight sided bars of solid gold, and worth $50. For 
 convenience in making change the ]Moffatt Company of San 
 Francisco coined five, ten and twenty dollar pieces. While 
 these were of no value as legal tender, everyone was anxious 
 to secure the pieces as they weighed exactly the denomination 
 represented and were of pure gold without alloy. There Avere 
 very few dimes in circulation, no nickles, and to have tendered 
 a penny piece to any one in those days would have been 
 equivalent to an insult. 
 
 The Indians preferred silver. They didn't seem to under- 
 stand gold money, and greenbacks were so uncommon that 
 they had no knowledge of them as currency. If an Indian
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 111 
 
 had a sum due him to the amount of* $5, that sum nuist be 
 paid him in five one dollar pieces. Should a $5 gold piece 
 be tendered the brave he would shake his head and say: "Tenas 
 chickamun. wake ticky" — -"little money, don't want it." ^Ir. 
 Barnes kept a candle box under the counter filled with silver 
 dollars to pay out to the Indians. However, the Indians had 
 no appreciation of the value of money. If they could be in- 
 duced to work at ail they would work all day for the same 
 amount they would charge for bringing a single bucket of 
 water from the spring. 
 
 The early settlers all procured their water from the com- 
 mon spring which flowed clear, cold and delicious on the 
 present location of the Chambers Block on the corner 
 of IMain and Fourth streets. The housewives wouhl 
 hire the Indians to carry the water for them to supply their 
 daily needs. 
 
 The young Murphy, still of tender years, was set to work 
 clearing off the block of land which was the Barnes home. 
 With one half breed Indian as an assistant, the lad toiled 
 all one winter cutting down the huge cedar trees, sawing 
 them into lengths, rolling them together and finally burning 
 the piles of wood. The work of digging out the stumps left 
 by these big trees taxed the lad's strength and endurance al- 
 most to the breaking point, but finally the task was accom- 
 plished and the land was afterwards built upon by ]\Ir. Barnes 
 and became one of the beauty spots of the city. 
 
 There were no bridges across the two arms of the bay for 
 many years after the town had become to be finite a place, and 
 from where Fifth Street now extends to Capitol Point was an 
 unbroken line of Indian tepees and shacks. The entire por- 
 tion of the town was comprised by the blocks between what is 
 i;ow the corner of Fourth and ^lain Streets down to the water- 
 front, and before the filling was done the tide came up to 
 Second Street. 
 
 When the Indian war broke out. and reports of the White 
 River massacre was received here, the Indians were told thev 
 must go. They remonstrated at leaving land which they had 
 always looked upon as their own and did not fancy the idea 
 cf pulling up stakes and moving away, but the settlers were 
 firm. As the alarm grew the citizens began to build the stock-
 
 112 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 vde which was one of the most uiiicjiie structures in the his- 
 tory of the Northwest. This stockade extended clear across 
 from bay to bay the length of Fourth Street. 
 
 The stockade was 20 feet high, built of four inch plank. 
 Crosby's mill at Tumwater was kept running night and day, 
 and night and daj- did the citizens work at the defense. ]\Ien, 
 women and boys all helped in the building. When the stock- 
 i'de was finished all moved inside, those few families who had 
 their homes outside the enclosure locking up their houses the 
 best they could and seeking safety with the others. This con- 
 dition of affairs lasted several months and until an armerl 
 cruiser, the Joe Lane, came up the harbor. This cruiser car- 
 lied a lot of arms and every woman and boy Avas furnished 
 with one of those long barrelled muskets, whose "kick" was 
 more deadly than the bullet. To add to the defense the citizens 
 l)ossessed an old cannon, which ancient piece of artillery would 
 certainly have meant sure death to the gunner if it had been 
 fired off with any considerable load, was mounted in position 
 to sweep an approaching enemy, and M'as the pride of the 
 jjeople. When all was completed, the Indian chiefs and head 
 men were invited to inspect the defenses and were shown 
 that the whites were in readinesss and able to protect them- 
 selves, but still they lingered until the Joe Lane put in an 
 appearance. AVhen they saw the white man's "big canoe" 
 and heard the guns thunder forth a volley of salutation as the 
 cruiser came into port, they decided that quitting time had 
 come, so "folded their tents like the Arab, and silently stole 
 aw^ay, " never to return to settle in any considerable number in 
 the immediate neighborhood of the town. 
 
 "When I first came here, among the ladies I can recollect 
 were ]Mrs. Alexander, !Mrs. Rider, ]\Irs. Forey, ]\Iary and Barney 
 Wood. There were ahvays enough ladies to fill out at least 
 two sets of a quadrille at the dances which were then the 
 popular amusement. And such dances — sometimes lasting not 
 only all night but two and three nights. Five dollars a ticket 
 was the usual price, with an elegant .supper at the hotel. No 
 punch and wafer affairs in those good old days. The Connell 
 Brothers and their fiddles w^ere called into requisition, but 
 Oliver Shed was really the star musician at the dances for ha
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 113 
 
 (.•ould not only play the fiddle but call the figures as well. There 
 were no wall flowers. Everybody had a good time. 
 
 "Among the business men I can recall during my first 
 years in Olympia were Lightner, Parker & Coulter Co., mer- 
 chants, the second firm to open a general merchandise store 
 after Mr. Barnes; Chas. A. Weed, baker; I. C. Patten, black- 
 smith; Mr. Thornton F. McElroy, who started The Columbian 
 c'bout this time, and two saloons, but as I never frequented 
 them I cannot remember the proprietors' names. 
 
 "In connection with my recollections of the Indians I 
 lecall one incident which has filled me with disgust for the 
 breed ever since. What was called a sulphur-bottom whale, 
 probably 90 feet in length, floundered up the bay, one morn- 
 ing in the early '50s, and on reaching the shallow water was 
 unable to swim out to sea again and was stranded as the tide 
 went out. This was a rich find for the Indians. They cut off 
 great chunks of the meat from the sides of the whale, and 
 when this part was cut into portions the Indians climbed right 
 into the location made famous by Jonah, the insides of the 
 immense fish being considered a special delicacy by the filthy 
 things. 
 
 "Well, I became tired of working for relations and wanted 
 to go back to Portland, so I bid the Barnes" good-bye and 
 started out to seek my fortune on my own account. When 
 I reached there I apprenticed myself out to learn the printing 
 trade on the Oregon Weekly, with John 0. Waterman, editor, 
 and owned by Carter & Austin. Later I went to Oregon City 
 and worked on a paper belonging to D. W. Craig. After a 
 year I located in Vancouver, Washington, where I started the 
 Chronicle. At the end of three months I sold out and returned 
 to Olympia. 
 
 "This was in 1860, and soon after my arrival here I started 
 the Washington Standard, which I personally conducted and 
 edited until about a year ago. 
 
 "When I returned to Olympia I was still uinnarried, but 
 had my courting done. I was engaged to be married to ]\Iiss 
 ^laguire, a daughter of the family of Oregon printers. As 
 soon as I had established my business and saw reasonable 
 prosperity ahead of me, I went to I^ortland for my bride. 
 
 "We came from ]\Ionticello landing by stage, making the
 
 114 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 trip in one day. This trip had formerly taken three hard 
 days' travelling. But the roads had been so much improved 
 and a generally better service provided that the trip had 
 lost much of its tediousness. 
 
 "For five years The Standard was published in a little 
 building on the corner of First and jMain Streets. In 1885 
 I purchased the land where my office and home stand to 
 this day. 
 
 "When I was ready to move my office I procured a scow 
 and floated it right up to the door of the First street office, 
 loaded my cases and press and other printing material on it 
 and poled the scow over to the new office, unloading and 
 getting the scow out of the way on high tide. That is the time 
 I cheated the express man. 
 
 "I well remember when the first pony express was started 
 between Monticello and Olympia. The riders made the trip 
 in half a day, changing their riding ponies every few miles. 
 Twenty-five cents was charged for carrying a letter and a 
 proportionate charge for small parcels. 
 
 "Music, sweet music, was ever my heart's delight. I 
 have always taken the greatest pleasure in music and although 
 I make no claims to ability in that line I certainly enjoyed 
 plink plunking my guitar. Many a pleasant night, in company 
 with Jim Hays, Dave Drewry and Henry Willard, have I 
 gone from house to house serenading the pretty girls. The 
 other boys all performed on violins and Avith my guitar we 
 made some very creditable music. At least, we thought we 
 did, judging from the pleasant receptions we received from 
 our charmers. We would assemble beneath some fair one's 
 window and pour forth dulcet strains until we would see a 
 light appear in the window, a signal that we were heard and 
 appreciated. Sometimes the girls would invite us in and 
 give us refreshments along with their thanks. 
 
 "Well, the years have gone by. I have retired from the 
 publishing field, but the lure of printers' ink calls me even 
 yet, and one of my pleasures is in writing some of the pioneer 
 reminiscences as they occur to me. 
 
 "I served as Territorial Auditor for three terms, and was 
 a City Councilman in the early '90s.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 115 
 
 "Early in life I adopted the slogan, 'Be not fearful to 
 speak out, but be sure to speak right.' I can think of nothing 
 more to add. I am down to cases. William ]\Iitchell and my- 
 self are the only ones still living of the men and women I found 
 in Olympia at the time of my first arrival."
 
 116 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 THE B. L. BROWN FAMILY 
 
 That this compilation of reminiscences should have been 
 started 25 years ago was never more forcibly impressed than 
 when the compiler undertook to gather the chief and most 
 thrilling experiences of those delate pioneers, Benjamin F. 
 Brown and his wife, ]\Iary Olney Brown. Of the eleven 
 children born to this couple, only the second to the last child, 
 Oscar Brown, could be located. Oscar has been away from 
 Olympia so much of his eventful life, that, perforce, his recol- 
 lections of the early Olympia days are overshadowed by more 
 exciting events in his life. Twice around the world, mining 
 in Alaska, hunting and trapping along the Natches Pass and 
 still wilder spots, taking adventurous cruises all alone in his 
 trusty sail boat, ranger and guide in the Olympic reserve, 
 Oscar's life history alone would fill a good-sized volume. 
 
 But had the writer only been inspired to start this worlc 
 during the life of that noblest Roman of them all, Theodore 
 L. Brown, what a rich field of tale and anecdote could have 
 been opened up. He was full to the brim of stories of his early 
 experiences, and as he was older than the remaining son, could 
 remember farther back along in the days when his family 
 lived on the old donation claim, a couple of miles down on the 
 west side of the bay. 
 
 Benjamin F. Brown was born in South Orange, New Jersey, 
 but removed to Iowa while still a young man. Here he met 
 and married Miss Mary Olney and after a few years of married 
 life, the young couple decided to try their fortunes in the 
 Golden West that was then beginning to attract the adven- 
 turous with its fair promises and glittering prospects. 
 
 The long trip was filled with more than the usual hard- 
 ships and sorrow, for cholera and scurvy broke out in their 
 train and many deaths among the emigrants were caused by 
 these dread diseases. The Browns laid two of their little 
 children away in lonely graves beside the muddy Platte River
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 117 
 
 The grass on the plains was so dried up and the travelling so 
 hard that all the horses that the couple started out Avith died 
 along the way, the oxen began to give out, everyone who pos- 
 sibly could had to walk to save the animals' strength and 
 finally the cows, which were being driven along to supply milk 
 to the emigrants and for a start of stock in the new country, 
 were yoked up with the oxen. Mrs. Brown told her children 
 many a time, in happier times, about their finding a lone woman 
 crying beside the road one hot, dreary day. Her family, horsee 
 all had died, leaving her there on the plains absolutely alone 
 The Browns picked her up and brought her along to Oregon 
 with them, sharing with the unfortunate woman theii s^'an+i 
 store. Another of the many incidents of true nobleness aL.^ 
 generosity that stand out a white mile stone along th^ dari 
 path of these early pioneers. 
 
 This trip was made in 1846, and the first stop for anv 
 length of time was made at Portland. A few years were spent 
 at this place, and in the Spring of 1852 Mr. Brown, Washington 
 i'rench and John French came on up to Puget Sound. The 
 country was then quite well known and attracting considerable 
 attention. ]\Ir. Brown's family was left in Portland, while 
 he located on a donation claim that was for many years to 
 be the homestead. The Frenchs also took up donation claims 
 and became among the best known and respected of the early 
 settlers. Washington French married a sister of Mrs. Brown. 
 
 When Brown returned for his family, he found that all 
 his cattle, which he had left on the ranges near The Dalles, 
 had perished the previous winter. All the live stock he had 
 remaining was one poor, lone black cow. At this time an 
 uncle of Mrs. Brown's, Cyrus Olney, had started a fruit nur- 
 sery near Portland, the first one this side the Rockies. He 
 raised his trees from apple seeds brought over the old Oregon 
 Trail in ox wagons, and as the trees grcAV rapidly and thrived 
 exceedingly Avell in the rich soil, there was enough stock on 
 hand to furnish Mr. Brown with a supply to bring to Puget 
 Sound and sell among the settlers. These young trees were 
 peddled clear to Steilacoom, over what is now Chehalis and 
 Thurston and Lewis Counties. One dollar a graft was readily 
 Maid by the settlers. This was the first start towards the fine
 
 118 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 orchards which have since made Thurston County known for 
 excellent fruit. 
 
 Mr. Brown's next business venture was to build the his- 
 toric wharf on the Westside in partnership with John French. 
 At this wharf were unloaded all the freight that came to 
 Olympia from San Francisco for years, until Capt. Percival 
 built the dock which is in use at the present time. Here 
 steamers loaded wood, which J\Ir. Brown had cut and hauled 
 by the hundreds of cords from the timber in the immediate 
 vicinity of the wharf. Later Brown sold the timber on his 
 donation claim to the veteran logger, I. C. Ellis, for 50 cents 
 per thousand. 
 
 Oscar Brown is still able to recall tales his mother used to 
 tell her children about the exchange of courtesies between her- 
 self and the officers of the naval ships which would come into 
 the harbor. Among the army officers she knew was U. S. 
 Grant, then a stripling of a lieutenant, stationed at Fort Van- 
 couver. The story runs that Grant was then as wild and dare- 
 devil as any. 
 
 The mother's stories of their escapes from the Indians 
 and the siege of terror in which the family lived for weeks, 
 expecting an attack any night from the savages, are among the 
 children's most vivid recollections. For several nights the 
 whole Brown family slept out behind a big log, not daring to 
 stay in their house for fear of a night raid. Finally the danger 
 menaced so strongly that the family came to town and took up 
 their quarters in the block house. During this time their son 
 Theodore was born. 
 
 In the year of 1866 the Browns took up a homestead on 
 White River and loading all their effects on a three-ton sail- 
 boat, made Johnson's Point the first night, and then by easy 
 stages the rest of their water trip. An Indian trail was fol- 
 lowed when the boat was abandoned, and so on to the new 
 home. 
 
 Later, Mrs. Brown took the children to Seattle and put 
 them in school, the Territorial University being the place 
 where the younger of the children received the greater part 
 of their education. Theodore and his sister Harriet, who after- 
 wards became Mrs. Murphy, developed very pleasing voices 
 and whenever an entertainment of home talent was put on
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 119 
 
 in the historic Yesler Hall they shone as bright partieular stars. 
 
 Mrs. Brown was a woman of remarkable energy and pos- 
 sessed of considerable literary talent. Her poems and writings 
 for the local papers were much admired by her friends. ]Mrs. 
 "Coldwater" Brown the lady was called in later years when 
 the familj' returned to Olympia to live. She earned this title 
 from the many cures she effected among children ill with fevers 
 and other ailments. Her cures with applications of first hot. 
 then cold water, were said to have been quite remarkable. 
 Far and wide, in the country as well as in town, Mrs. Brown 
 was sent for, night or day. She always responded to an appeal 
 for help with unfailing zeal and kind heartedness. Her memory 
 is still cherished by the descendants of the pioneers. 
 
 In searching over an old scrap book compiled by her son 
 Theodore, was found the poem written by his mother, which 
 is appended. It possesses true literary merit and is a fitting 
 testimonial to the lady's ability in this line. 
 
 Mrs. Brown died in Olympia in 1884 and was survived by 
 her husband by about ten years. 
 
 In 1891 the youngest son of iNIr. and JMrs. Brown carried 
 the first flag to the top of ]\Iount Rainier that was left there. 
 Some years previously one of the Longmires had carried a 
 United States flag to the top, but had brought it away with him. 
 Brown and party carried a flag staff with them and with great 
 difficulty reached the summit. The staff was securely kept in 
 an upright position with a pile of large rocks heaped around 
 its base. The colors were hoisted and w^aved out in the fierce 
 wind which was blowing. Scarcely had the flag straightened 
 out than the wind snapped the staff off clean and blew staff, 
 flag and all beyond their reach down the mountain side. Two 
 years later the flag was recovered and pieces of the banner 
 sold on the street of Seattle as souvenirs, a piece a few inclies 
 across selling for one dollar. 
 
 A sister, Mrs. Seth Murphy, died a luimber of years ago 
 in Olympia. Theodore Lee Brown had always had a Idvc for 
 the old homestead, which had long since passed into strangers" 
 hands. So in the later years of his life and after many adven- 
 tures and wanderings, he purchased part of the land and began 
 to build up a home. "The Firs," one of the best known of 
 summer cottages on the Olympia water front, was built by him.
 
 12d THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 much of the work around the x)Iaee in the shape of rustic seats, 
 the artistic name over the door and other more practical things 
 being the work of his own hands. And here it came to pass 
 his life ended where his life had practically begun after a 
 pleasant and useful life of 56 years. In 1886 Theodore married 
 iMiss Martha Strange, of ^lenasha, Wisconsin, and his widow 
 makes her home during all the summer months at the place he 
 held so dear — The Firs, 
 
 MOUNT RAINIER. 
 
 (Poem written by Mary Olney Brown, a pioneer woman). 
 Beautiful mountain, grand and sublime, 
 Thou standest alone in thy pride ; 
 Thy base firmly fixed on the adamant rock, 
 Thy head in the clouds thou dost hide. 
 
 Say, tell me, how long since thou first was upheaved, 
 From the bosom of earth thou didst rise ; 
 Since the white snows have crested thy breast 
 And thy head thou hast hid in the skies? 
 
 "Was it when the earth in its primeveal state 
 
 First came from the hand of its God? 
 
 Ere the trees of the forest had spread forth their leaves. 
 
 And the grass and the flowers decked the sod? 
 
 How oft have I gazed on thy snow covered peak, 
 With rapture no language can tell; 
 And thought couldst thou once be permitted to speak, 
 Of strange things thou surely would tell.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 121 
 
 Thou couldst tell of the time when old ocean's tide 
 First rolled its bright waves to the shore ; 
 When beasts of the forest roamed over the earth 
 And the birds in the air first did soar. 
 
 Thou couldst tell of the nations that in ages gone by 
 First dw^elt on these valleys and plains — 
 
 But have passed from the earth like the flowers of the field. 
 And naught of their grandeur remains 
 
 Save a few hoary ruins and burial grounds, 
 By trees of the forest o 'er grown ; 
 That tell us that since those nations have lived, 
 Long ages, indeed, must have flown. 
 
 But silent thou standest, in grandeur sublime 
 And enraptured I gaze on thee still ; 
 "With feelings no language of mine can express- 
 ^Ty heart strings convulsively thrill.
 
 122 • THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 MRS. JANE W. PATTISON 
 
 The place Mrs. Jane Willey Pattison holds among the ranks 
 of Thurston County pioneers is almost unique, for while every 
 woman who came to this country over the Old Oregon Trail 
 endured hardships and privations, dangers and sufferings, 
 Mrs. Pattison 's experiences, as related by herself, were so wild 
 and thrilling that the pen of the compiler hesitates in seeking 
 words strong enough and description sufficiently vivid to show 
 the bravery and genuine pluck of this little woman. 
 
 Born in Ayreshire, Scotland, not far from Glasgow, 
 daughter of well-to-do parents, the little Jane was brought to 
 New York City when but three years old. Her life in that 
 city is among Mrs. Pattison 's earliest recollections, and she 
 can remember it when it was but a scattering hamlet with but 
 a few thousand inhabitants. 
 
 When Jane was seven years of age the Willeys moved into 
 what was then the wilds of Illinois, taking up the occupation 
 of farming. Here Jane grew to young womanhood, received 
 her education and, in 1847, became the wife of James Patti- 
 son, one of several brothers of a neighboring family. 
 
 "You know college-raised people generally are not much 
 account, but my people were A No. 1," the little woman as- 
 serted, with a pardonable pride, "and they had me taught how 
 to do a great many useful things, and a number of accom- 
 plishments besides. But Father-in-Law Pattison was a man 
 terribly set in his way and when he said, ' We '11 go out West, ' 
 none of his sons dared to object. We — my husband and my- 
 self — wanted to go, too, in a way, but I didn't like being dic- 
 tated to by the old man. but we finally decided to come along, 
 though father-in-law was always boss of the train, and when 
 he said stop we'd stop and when he said go on Ave'd travel, 
 and it was that way the whole time of the long trip from 
 Illinois. Mr. Pattison called for so many vexatious delays and 
 was such a poor manager that we got caught out by the winter
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 123 
 
 when we reached the Cascade Falls above Fort Vancouver. 
 When we left Sparta, Illinois, there were the seven Pattison 
 brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Pattison, senior, myself, with a three 
 month's old baby in my arms, and another family named 
 Willey, distant kin folks. This family, however, became dis- 
 satisfied with father-in-laAv's management and left our com- 
 pany before we were caught b}' the snow and cold. 
 
 ''When we reached where The Dalles, Oregon, is (but 
 which was then a perfect wilderness), the men cut logs and 
 made a raft for us to go on down the Columbia River. Our 
 baggage was piled on this rude craft and we humans huddled 
 on as best we could. We were twelve days travelling nine 
 miles. The winds were so strong that we were always being 
 blown back the way we had come. The icy water was often 
 dashed all over us and we were pretty thoroughly discouraged. 
 When we reached the Cascades the snow was deep and the 
 weather bitter cold. One of the Pattison brothers drove our 
 oxen along the trail beside the river to where they could get 
 some grass to eat. The brother then returned to help make 
 the raft and when they went to look for the cattle they had 
 strayed away and we never did find them. We were first snow- 
 bound in the latter part of November, and on Christmas day 
 we reached Portland. 
 
 "When at the place where we Avere held up to make the 
 raft our provisions were exhausted and we had absolutely 
 nothing to eat. Had it not been for the kindness of an Indian 
 family who were camped not far from where we were we 
 would have starved to death. This famil,y had a considerable 
 stock of salmon, dried and pounded, which I always thought 
 looked like the stuff they stop up cracks in boats with (oakum). 
 This family was mighty good to us and let us have enough of 
 the salmon to keep alive on for four or five weeks. In payment 
 Mr. Pattison told them to pick out whatever we had that they 
 wanted, and, if they didn't choose my clothes. So one by one 
 I had to see the articles of my wardrobe disappear — now a 
 dress, then a skirt or jacket, and so on till my clothes were 
 all eaten up and I had a good many, too, for I hadn't been 
 married a great while and my parents had given me a good 
 setting out. Well, by the time mj' clothes were all gone, down 
 to one ragged skirt and jacket, the raft was done and we man-
 
 124 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 aged to get on down the river to where Portland now is, but 
 there Avere only a few log cabins there then. A man loaned 
 us a boat and we went on up the river to Oregon City, which 
 was a settlement of several houses. Our men folks got work 
 on the road which was being built from this place to Portland, 
 and we were fortunate enough to find an empty log house into 
 which we could move. I didn't go outside the house; I was 
 that ragged and poorly dressed I was ashamed, besides I had 
 all those men to cook for, the baby to take care of and mighty 
 few utensils to manage with. I didn't even have a washboard 
 and it was no light task washing the heavy shirts for those 
 men, besides Willie's — the baby's clothes. Well, one day a 
 neighbor woman, Mrs. Moore, called to me across the back 
 j^ard and asked me if I wouldn't like to do some sewing for 
 her. I eagerly accepted the offer and she told me she would 
 give me calico for a dress for myself if I would make her one. 
 I was just plum tickled and when her dress was done it looked 
 so nice and neat that the other women in Oregon City asked 
 me to sew for them, too, so I began to earn enough to get my- 
 self some decent clothes again. I was always up at daybreak 
 in the morning and would sew every minute I could spare from 
 my cooking and other work, and w^hen night came I would 
 make up a big fire in the old fireplace and sew by the light of 
 the flames. I had no other light of any kind. 
 
 "After about a year of this life Father-in-Law Pattison 
 decided we would come up into the Cowlitz country. I hated 
 to leave Oregon City, for the men could get work there and 
 I was beginning to get a little used to the place, but we had 
 to come. Our means of travel this time was down the Columbia 
 River in Indian canoes manned by Indian braves. When we 
 reached the mouth of the Cowlitz River we found one family 
 already settled there — the Catlins. They were very kind to 
 us and showed us man}'' favors. Father-in-law liked the looks 
 of the country and decided to stop there. A little shack was 
 built 'way out in the brush and we soon moved in. One day a 
 white man, heading a train of about one hundred Indians, came 
 riding up to the shack. The Indians had their ponies packed 
 with bundles of dried furs which they were taking to the 
 Hudson Bay trading post, which Avasn't very far away, on th'? 
 Columbia River.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES J25 
 
 " 'Hello,' called the man, 'my .name is Roberts and I am 
 manager of the Hudson Bay post; can I stay here all night/' 
 " 'Why,' I said, 'you see, we haven't much room,' but he said 
 the Indians could camp on the ground outside the house and 
 if only he could sleep in the house he would be satisfied. AYe 
 let him do that and a very pleasant and talkative man he was, 
 too, and very interesting. During the evening he told about 
 having a ranch or clearing further on up the Cowlitz River 
 and said he didn't see how he was going to get it worked, for 
 it took all his time to manage the Hudson Bay property. ]Mr. 
 Pattison didn't say anything, but I just wanted to break away 
 from the old folks and take up Mr. Roberts' offer more than 
 I ever wanted anything in my life. In the morning Roberts 
 went on his way, telling us that he would be back within a 
 few days. The old man must have guessed what was in my 
 mind, for he gave me hardly any chance to talk to my hus- 
 band alone, but when Mr. Roberts came back again and we 
 were all sitting around the fireplace in the evening I managed 
 to get my seat right in front of my father-in-law's where he 
 couldn't see my face and when ]\Ir. Roberts began talking 
 again about his clearing. I said, ']\Iy husband and I have de- 
 cided to accept your offer and go and work your ranch if you 
 want us to.' Husband didn't say anything, but father-in-law was 
 terribly mad, but couldn't object right there. So then and 
 there the bargain was struck. 'When can you be ready?' 
 asked Mr. Roberts. 'We haven't anything to get ready.' I 
 told him, 'so we can go any time.' In the morning Mr. Roberts 
 sent some Indians with us in a canoe, together with what few 
 possessions we could call our very own. We travelled all day 
 up the Cowlitz, and when we finally reached the landing were 
 met by a Hudson Bay man, a friend of Roberts', a ]\Ir. Goliar. 
 A brother of my husband had taken the trail along the river's 
 banks with the span pf mules with which we proposed to plow 
 the land. At the landing we were met by a brother of ]Mr. 
 Roberts with a yoke of Spanish oxen and only the running gear 
 of a wagon. I just couldn't stick on that wagon gear, so our 
 things were tied on as best we could and Willie and I were 
 put on one of the mules. I had a man's saddle and had to hold 
 the baby, so couldn't manage the beast very well, and when 
 we were about four miles from the end of our destination mv
 
 126 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 mule bucked me, Willie and the saddle off. I struck my head 
 against the root of a tree and that is where I g"ot this scar." 
 (Mrs. Pattison pushed back her silver hair and showed a very 
 perceptible scar above the temple). "Husband came back to 
 see what was the matter, and as we still had four miles to go 
 and as it was getting on towards night I just had to climb up 
 on that mule again and ride him on to the clearing. Well, 
 when we finally got there we found that the house we had 
 been promised was a good half mile away and not finished at 
 that and it was raining hard. What to do then? There we 
 were miles and miles from anywhere with no roof to cover us 
 for the night. While the men were bemoaning the hard plight 
 I looked around and spied a sheep shed that had been aban- 
 doned the year before by the Hudson Bay people, as it was 
 their custom, when one pasturage was eaten off, to drive the 
 flock on to some new place. I went over and looked in and 
 decided that here, at least, was shelter, for there was a fairly 
 good roof and the dirt floor was dry, although lumpy and 
 rough from the sheeps' feet. I called the men and started to 
 fix a pole across one side of the pen to hold our bedding in 
 position during the night. I then had our bedclothes unloaded 
 from the wagon and made the bed so the baby could go to 
 sleep. There was a big log right in front of the opening or 
 door of the sheep shed, so the men made a big fire there and I 
 got supper. As the season was getting late, the men had to 
 go right to plowing, so they left Willie and me there to get 
 settled as best I could. The first thing was to clean house, so 
 I hacked a good stout branch off a tree and with long tough 
 grasses I managed to tie cedar branches to this stick for a 
 broom. I then swept the roof and w^alls of the shed, smoothed 
 down the dirt floor the best I could and began to make my 
 furniture. Not far from the sheep shed there had been a barn 
 made of boards hewn out by hand and put together without 
 nails, the joists tied together with rawhide thongs. During 
 the previous winter this barn had blown over sideways, loos- 
 ening a number of the boards so I could pull them away. The 
 only tools I had to work with were a hammer, ax and augur — 
 no saw, and I would have given an eye tooth for a saw. 
 
 "My first work was to put a floor in the shed, so I dragged 
 these wide boards from the barn and as they were much too
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 127 
 
 long, I slipped them along the dirt floor, letting one end push 
 out under the logs, which didn't come quite to the ground. 
 Many and many a trip I had to make betvveen the barn and the 
 shed before I had finished, Willie trailing along after me every 
 trip, never whining and complaining as most babies would do 
 these days — just trailing along. When the floor was done 1 
 hacked with an ax enough boards to go inside, and with these 
 made a sort of a platform on one side of the shed. On this 
 I spread a lot of hay that had been left in the barn and there 
 was our bed. When the barn was blown over it left exposed 
 some of the round stumps Avhich had been used for corner 
 foundations. I rolled two of these to the shed — our seats. 
 After a long time and with lots of work. Mr. Pattison and I 
 bored auger holes in the boards of the floor in which we fixed 
 two upright sticks cut from the woods ; on these I put some 
 boards, letting one end extend out through a crack between 
 the logs, and so we had a table — all the furniture we wanted 
 or could use. I did my cooking and Ave kept warm by the 
 open fire in front of the shed. We lived there all that summer 
 and until the crops were harvested. Later in the fall we moved 
 into Mr. Roberts' house, a half mile away from the field, which 
 the men finished in a rough way for occupancy. While in 
 this house a band of Indians came by one morning. They 
 came close to the door to look in, as we w'ere a sort of curiosity' 
 to them. Willie stood in the open door watching them, and 
 so came in contact with them. Their papooses had a contagious 
 disease, but I didn't know it then. The baby caught this 
 disease and died within a few days. I thought I never could 
 get over that blow. When the crops were gathered we took 
 the wheat to the barn of Mr. Gobar, our nearest neighbor. 
 and flailed the wheat out on his floor. He gave us the use 
 of his fanning mill and we had a considerable lot of wheat 
 and potatoes to pay us for our summer's work. 
 
 "One day while I was sitting at the door of the sheep 
 shed with Willie playing at my feet, who should come riding 
 down the trail but a white woman with a little boy astride on 
 the horse behind her. It proved to be Mrs. George Barnes, 
 who Avas just married and coming to Olympia from Portland 
 AA'ith her young husband. The boy Avas her little brother, John 
 Miller Murphy. Hoav glad I was to see one of my sex I can
 
 128 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 never tell yon, and years afterwards when we finally settled 
 in Olympia, ^Mrs. Barnes renewed the acquaintance began in 
 front of the sheep shed and we became fast friends. oMany a 
 night ^Irs. Barnes would take her lantern and come along the 
 trail to my house to visit me during the evening while my 
 children were sleeping. She was a good woman and I will 
 never forget her. 
 
 "About this time we decided to take advantage of the 
 Government's liberal offer in regard to donation claims. In 
 those days to every man was given the chance to take up 640 
 acres of land and, as an encouragement to the women who had 
 to endure the trials and privations of the wilderness, for a 
 very few years the Government made the offer to her of an 
 equal amount of land as that her husband was given, as a sort 
 of a recompense for her hardships. Uncle Sam gave us women 
 this land just as he would a new dress or something else we 
 wanted real badly, for it was a recognized fact the women 
 were worth as much as the men in settling up and developing 
 the new country. Well, with an ox team we came to Tum- 
 water, or Newmarket, as it was called then. Crosby's mill and 
 store was about all that there was there. We swam the oxen 
 across the Des Chutes River and went out on what was even 
 then called Chambers Prairie, travelling through big woods all 
 the way. David Chambers was living on the Chambers home- 
 stead and we took up our donation claims next to his. Pat- 
 tison Lake was on our place and was named from my hus- 
 band. Here we built what was to be our home for many long, 
 hard years — a log cabin, added to from time to time as the 
 babies began to come. Three of my children were born there. 
 It was a hard, lonesome life I led there. It seemed that if ever 
 there was a hard, unpleasant thing to be done I was the one 
 to be called on. For a few years I had no babies to keep me 
 tied down, so whenever the neighboring women for ten miles 
 around were sick, or there was a new baby came, or a death — 
 any trouble — I was always the first one sent for, and I was 
 nothing but a kid in years myself." 
 
 Here Mrs. Pattison ceased talking for a moments and be- 
 gan silently musing into the past. Her eyes grew dreamy and 
 it was plain that once again the heroic woman was ministering 
 the wants of the friends who long since have finished their
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 129 
 
 work. xV query about the Indian war brought her wide awake 
 again and started her flow of reminiscences. 
 
 *'Yes, indeed, I was in the Indian war, and knew the in- 
 stant ISlr. William White was killed, for I heard the shot and 
 saw part of the struggle. Mr. White, with his wife and her 
 sister, i\Irs. Stewart, had been to church that day, the two 
 women, each with a little child in her arms, were riding in a 
 cart, with Mr. White walking behind with the lines in his hands 
 driving the horse, when the Indians emerged on foot from a 
 little point of timber a little ahead of them. They began to 
 struggle with JMr. White and the horse became frightened and 
 ran away with the women. This brought them away safe, and 
 the last Mrs. White saw of her husband in life he was grap- 
 pling with a big Indian buck. We knew very well that Mr. 
 White was killed, but none dared to go after his body that 
 evening, so all night we waited in fear and trembling, not 
 knowing what moment the Indians would attack our cabin, 
 but we were not molested, and in the morning my men folks 
 started after Mr. White. I told them to take one of my sheets 
 along, which they did. They found the body where they 
 thought they would. There had evidently been a great strug- 
 gle before Sir. White gave up his life, for the ground was all 
 torn up and trampled. Mr. White's dog had stayed by his 
 master all night. The Indians had stripped the body of every 
 stitch of clothing except the boots. Our men placed the body 
 on a board they had taken for that purpose, spread the sheet 
 over him and brought the remains to the spring in front of our 
 house. They called me and I bound up the dead man's head 
 the best way I could to hide the cruel wounds and bruises the 
 Indians had made. One arm was broken and he was shot 
 through a vital part. Then I spread another clean sheet over 
 the form and the men carried him on the board to a vacant 
 house belonging to Mr. Chambers. I followed on foot and 
 that wasn't an easy thing to do. When we got to the house 
 we were joined by Mrs. White and the neighbors. Among the 
 most pathetic events of this awful day was the arrival of IMrs. 
 Bigelow, Mr. White's daughter. Mrs. Bigelow had only been 
 married a little over a year and was quite a young girl. She 
 came galloping up with her four-months '-old ])al)y in her 
 arms, the rain simply pouring down on the mother and child.
 
 130 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 My husband took the baby and helped the distracted girl from 
 her horse. She ran into where her father's body was laid and 
 I tell yon that M'as hard. too. I warmed the baby and tended 
 it all day. That baby is now Mrs. Tirzah Koyal. 
 
 "We buried Mr. White out in the little cemetery on Cham- 
 bers Prairie and then had to return to our homes. When I 
 started back, one after another of the neighboring women 
 begged to go with me and stay at our house till the scare quieted 
 down. So in all we were fourteen who were sheltered by our 
 two-room cabin. Here we stayed for three weeks while the men 
 were building the block house. This block house on Chambers 
 Prairie was standing until a few years ago. As I had a big 
 Dutch oven I baked all the bread that was consumed by these 
 fourteen people, and I can tell you I baked every, and all 
 day, too. 
 
 "When the block house was finished we all moved in. 
 The families who were there at that time and who had rooms in 
 the block house were Thomas Chambers, the McMillans, Mrs. 
 White "with her children, the O'Neals, the Parsons and Mrs. 
 Stewart. Mrs. Stewart gave birth to a baby the day after we 
 moved in. Almost all our men had joined the volunteers to 
 fight the Indians and we women, with the children, had to 
 stay there all the time with one or two men left to guard us. 
 We brought our water from the creek, the banks of which 
 had been cleared of brush so the Indians couldn't ambush 
 there. It was very unhandy to do our work, for each family 
 had only one room in the block house to live in, and every- 
 thing — cooking, washing, sleeping — had to be done in this one 
 room. I got so tired of that way of living that we were the 
 first familj^ to return to our home, but we were not molested 
 and soon took up our regular way of living. 
 
 "Well, the years passed and we had three children who 
 were ready to be sent to school, so we sold my part of the 
 donation claim to David Chambers and moved into town, where 
 the children could have advantages and see something. We 
 came to Olympia the week Lincoln was assassinated. I was 
 glad to come, for we were all good and tired of living away out 
 there. We bought a place of John Swan, on the Eastside. 
 which has been the Pattison home ever since, although the 
 orchard that my husband planted has long ago been divided
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 131 
 
 up into city lots and is almost all built over now. When we 
 moved to our new home, Mrs. Bigelow, Mrs. Horton and a little 
 later, Dr. Lansdale, were my only neighbors. We have had 
 seven children, only two, my son James Renwick and Mrs. 
 Brad Davis, are still living. My husband, father-in-law, all 
 the Pattison brothers, my babies, all are gone, but I am still 
 here."
 
 132 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 LOUIS BETTMAN 
 
 Louis Bettman came to Olvmpia in 1853 from the land of 
 his nativity, the province of Bavaria, Germany, while a mere 
 lad of 20 years of age. In company with his brothers, Mose 
 and Sig Bettman, he opened a general merchandise store in 
 the newly settled hamlet of Olympia. The location of this 
 pioneer store was on the corner of Main and Second Streets. 
 Indeed, all the business conducted in the hamlet was centered 
 within a radius of a very few blocks in that neighborhood. 
 Contemporaneous merchants were George Barnes, Gus. Rosen- 
 thal and Thomas Macleay and Samuel Percival. 
 
 There was very little money in circulation among the 
 pioneer settlers, consequently much of the trade consisted in 
 bartering groceries, shoes and dry goods for butter, wool, hides 
 and some grain. As the price allowed for these commodities 
 was very low and the demand from San Francisco brisk for 
 every kind of produce, the profits accruing to the merchants 
 by the exchange was considerable. 
 
 In 1860 Mr. Bettman took a pleasure trip to San Francisco 
 and while there met and fell in love with ]\Iiss Amelia Coblentz, 
 who was visiting in that city from her home in Los Angeles. 
 After a very few weeks' courtship Mr. Bettman persuaded 
 Miss Coblentz to accompany him on his return to Olympia. 
 The young couple started for Puget Sound immediately after 
 their wedding. A journey of four days on a sailing vessel 
 before Olympia was reached. 
 
 In Mrs. Bettman 's own words: "We landed at Brown's 
 wharf, down on the west side, which was the only landing 
 place for large vessels then. My first breakfast in the town 
 was taken at the Pacific House, on the corner of Fourth and 
 INIain Streets, with 'Aunt Becky' Howard as landlady-. 
 
 "We soon went to housekeeping in a tiny house owned 
 by Judge Landers, which stood for many years on the site 
 now occupied by the Mitchell Hotel. The place was then well
 
 IvOUIS BETTMAN AND WIFE
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 133 
 
 back in the woods and surrounded by tall, ugly stumps. I 
 sometimes thought I'd just die of homesickness when I first 
 came here, everything was so new and strange and rough. I 
 thought I never could endure to spend my young life amid 
 such scenes. But when the children began coming and my 
 household cares kept increasing this feeling gradually wore 
 awa}' and before I realized it I had gained quite a circle 
 of pleasant acquaintances and began to feel at home and 
 satisfied. 
 
 "The people in the town then were like one big family. 
 Every once in a while we would get together for an all-night 
 dance. Everybody danced with everybody else. There were 
 no cliques — nobody ijut on stjde, and everything was free 
 and easy. My intimate friends among the pioneer women 
 were Mrs. George Blankenship, Mrs. Rosenthal, Mrs. Chas. 
 Burmister, Mrs. George Barnes and ]\Irs. Captain Doane." 
 
 Mrs. Bettman was reticent in talking about herself and 
 husband, but it needs no historian to recall to the memory of 
 the old timers that Mr. Bettman was always prominently identi- 
 fied with the prosperity of the growing city and at the time 
 of his death in 1904 had accumulated a considerable property 
 and left a reputation for business integrity and personal honor 
 which entitles his memory to a niche in the hall of fame of 
 Olympia pioneers. 
 
 Three children were born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. Bettman : Belle. 
 Mrs. Oppenheimer ; Josephine, who died several years before 
 her father, and W. W. Bettman, the latter still conducting the 
 store founded by his father over 60 years ago. Mrs. Bettm.an 
 is best known locally through her untiring labors in the Ladies' 
 Relief Society. For many years she has been chairman of the 
 relief committee of this society and wherever and whenever 
 she hears the call of want or distress Mrs. Bettman responds 
 with ready sympathy, judicious expenditure of the society's 
 funds and unfailing judgment.
 
 134 ' THURSTON COUNTS 
 
 THOMAS PRATHER 
 
 A dark, rainy afternoon was devoted to g-atliering such 
 fragments of the reminiscences of that Nestor of Pioneers, 
 Thomas Prather, as stood out most prominently in his recol- 
 lection. 
 
 Had the compiler of this sketch kept to original inten- 
 tions and recorded word for word the story of Mr. Prather 's 
 experiences as told by himself, the reader, as was the writer, 
 would be led a merry chase from Boone County, Missouri, to 
 California, back to the boyhood home again, then to Oregon, 
 down to Panama, out to sea, struggling with sea sickness, 
 to the Colville gold fields, fighting Indians, making love to 
 the Pioneer maidens, canoeing, surveying, logging, always in 
 the front ranks of action, and ever and always every whit 
 a man, and now, in his declining years drifting into a quiet 
 eddy, spending his days at peace with his God and his fellow 
 man. 
 
 As the tale progressed and Mr. Prather 's memory travelled 
 back to the scenes and incidents of those stirring times a 
 reminiscent glow came into his eyes, his form straightened 
 and many times he would stride around the room in the ex- 
 citement of calling once again from the shades of the past 
 those friends who, shoulder to shoulder with him, laid the 
 foundation of our city and made possible the prosperity and 
 advantages the descendants of these men and women enjoy 
 today. 
 
 Although Mr. Prather 's reminiscences were often rambling 
 and embroidered with many irrevelant particulars, his memory 
 was surprisingly good and his unswerving loyalty to his old 
 time friends and associates was a beautiful tribute to the 
 warm feelings these Pioneers entertained for each other. The 
 essential incidents of Mr. Prather 's life as told by himself 
 are as follows : 
 
 "I was born in Boone County, Missouri, in 1832, which
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 135 
 
 makes me in the neighborhood of 82 years of age. I was 
 the fifth son of my parents, and a hard struggle we had for 
 existence on my father's plantation in the then territory of I\Iis- 
 souri. My father died when I was only eight years old, and I 
 can remember spending many a day in the hot sun dropping 
 corn for 25 cents for the ten hours' work. 
 
 "In 18-19, came the story of the gold strike in California, 
 and my brother James took the gold fever and left for the 
 West. The following Spring of 1850, I said: 'Now, Tom, no 
 more working for 25 cents a day, when you might as well be 
 getting from $6 to $8 a day in the gold fields.' So in spite 
 of mother's remonstrances, I left the school room, joined 
 an ox train, and came to California, spending seven and a 
 half months on the journey. 
 
 "AVhen I got there, sure enough, I went to work at once 
 for $6 a day, and soon had saved up $250, which was more 
 money than I'd ever had at one time before in my life. I 
 was sick, however, and thought I had better pull out of there 
 and go home. I went by water this time, by the way of 
 Psnama. 
 
 "I had no sooner got back to Missouri than the lure of 
 the "West called me again, so in the Spring of 1852, when Judge 
 Gilmore Hays and Andrew Cowen, as partners, organized a 
 wagon expedition to come to the almost unknown country 
 called Oregon, I tendered my services, which were accepted. 
 
 "This train consisted of fourteen wagons, with a total 
 of 99 human beings, men, women and children. Among the 
 emigrants were the four Hays brothers, all of whom remained 
 in the West and became identified with Thurston county's 
 early history, four Yantis brothers. Dr. N. Ostrander and 
 twenty-five young men, the latter paying the partners, Hays 
 and Cowen, $125 each for grub and for having their blankets 
 hauled across the continent. They all rode their horses, as 
 did I, myself. Most important of all the train's people to 
 Tom were five (in my eyes), beautiful young ladies, who rode 
 with us every day on their own horses. As I was generally 
 a handy man about the train, I said to myself, 'Well, Tom. 
 here's where you have a picnic,' so I made the charge of these 
 girls my special duty, helping them mount their horses in the 
 morning and to dismount when camp was reached. These 
 girls were Kate Yantis, her cousin. Sarah Yantis, afterwards
 
 136 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Mrs. G. C. Blankenship, two Ostrander girls, and Jerusha Jane 
 Logan Hays, the beautiful daughter of the captain of the 
 train. 
 
 ''One other special duty was assigned me by Captain 
 Hays and it was to see that, every morning as camp was broken, 
 that a pair of saddle bags were securely strapped onto a 
 stripped mule, which was always ridden by the oldest Hays 
 boy, and well I should be careful of these saddle bags for in 
 them were $12,000 in $20 gold pieces, which Captain Hays 
 was bringing with him to buy cattle and stock the homestead 
 which he proposed preempting when the Golden West was 
 reached. 
 
 "Well, before the train reached The Dalles, which was 
 our destination, I became infatuated with the appearance of 
 the Grande Rounde valley and persuaded the captain to sell 
 me a wagon-load of flour, bacon, sugar and coffee. I set a 
 small 'A' tent up beside the road and soon disposed of the en- 
 tire stock at ciuite advanced prices to the emigrants who came 
 along the train and were running short of provisions. 
 
 "I again joined Captain Hays at The Dalles and helped 
 him drive a drove of cattle, v.-hich he had purchased down 
 ttc Columbia river, to the site of the City of Portland, although 
 tiien but a settlement of a few log houses. 
 
 "In the Spring of 1853, I came to Olympia, which was 
 only a few years old. Did I come in a steam car? Did I 
 come in an automobile, or even did I come in a dead ex wagon? 
 No, sir, Tom walked every step of the way from the Cowlitz 
 landing, carried his blankets and worldly possessions and 
 thought it but a pleasure jaunt. 
 
 "When I got here there was just one white woman in 
 Olympia." (Mr. Prather's memory probably failed him here 
 for there were several women living here at that time, ]\Irs. 
 George Barnes, Mrs. Alexander, INIrs. Rider, Lucy and Char- 
 lotte Barnes, Mary Wood, Mrs. Pullen, afterward Mrs. R. H. 
 Wood and several others who contemporaneous pioneers were 
 enabled to remember). 
 
 "There were about forty-five white men, and three chil- 
 dren. I am sorry, but I have forgotten the woman's name. 
 There was a big band of Indians camped on the west side, 
 coming to this side in canoes for the purpose of bartering 
 fish, oysters and berries for sugar, flour, bacon and calico.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 137 
 
 "I especially remember J(ihn ]Miller Sliirphy among the 
 white people I found npon my arrival in Olympia. He was 
 then a fat, red-cheeked lad of probably ten years of age, liv- 
 ing with his sister, Mrs. Barnes, and a favorite with everybody. 
 
 "The donation claims of Edmnnd Sylvester, Edwin Marsh 
 and James Swan covered all that portion of the territory which 
 is now known as Olympia, East Bay avenue and the East side. 
 Old timers still refer to Swantown and IMarshville in speaking 
 of these sections. 
 
 "Charles Weed was the baker for the settlement and the 
 bread he turned out of shorts was considered a great luxury 
 by me. Of course, when a sailing vessel would come in from 
 San Francisco there would be some white flour, which was 
 eagerly bought up by the storekeeper, George Barnes and 
 Weed, but there was never enough to last till the next ship 
 arrived. However, the store of clams was inexhaustible and 
 the settlers were beginning to raise potatoes and garden truck, 
 and once in a while a steer was killed, so we had fresh beef 
 occasionally, and there was plenty of the best fish in the world, 
 but clams and hard tack were the staples of life. 
 
 "In those days the newspapers came from San Francisco 
 about every six months, so we were always a half year be- 
 hind the happenings of the outside world. It was considered 
 quite an event when finally a mail route was established and 
 v\^e got our papers onl^^ three months behind date of publica- 
 tion. My first work upon arrival in Olympia was logging 
 for Captain Percival, up the creek, which even then, and still, 
 bears the name of this noted pioneer sea captain. After spend- 
 ing a few weeks at this work winter set in and the camp closed 
 down. George Barnes then offered me $100 for clearing the 
 block of land he had recently acquired, bounded by Fourth, 
 Fifth, Adams and Jefferson Streets, which Avas for so 
 many years the Barnes home, and which is now, so it is said, 
 to be the site of the new railroad depot. As this piece of 
 ground was then covered with high cedar trees and part of 
 it submerged by the high tides, I refused the offer and spent 
 the winter with a small crew of men slashing thirty-five acres 
 of forest land for Nathan Eaton, nine miles from town, out on 
 Chambers' Prairie. 
 
 "As soon as Spring arrived I took a job as axman and
 
 138 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 helped make the first survey of an airline from Portland to 
 Paget Sonnd. I stayed with this surveying party two years, 
 when the Indian war broke out — in 1855. Then I quit sur- 
 veying to volunteer under Judge Gilmore Hays, who was 
 raising the first volunteer company in the territory. 
 
 "The call for volunteers was made b}'' Acting Governor 
 Charles H. Mason, as Governor I. I. Stevens was at that time 
 in the Blackfoot country, trying to make treaties with the 
 Indians there. 
 
 "This was in 1855, and our company comprised 80 volun- 
 teers. We were mustered in at Fort Steilacoom, Judge Hays 
 being commissioned captain. Our company was then sent 
 east of the mountains, as it was there that all the trouble 
 with the Indians was reported, the Puget Sound, or "Fish" 
 Indians, as they were called, being apparently friendly to the 
 whitest. 
 
 "But we had no more than crossed the mountains than 
 along comes Bill Tidd, the pony express rider, with a message 
 from Acting Governor Mason to the effect that Col. Steptoe. 
 in command of the United States troops, was surrounded at 
 Walla Walla by 1,000 Indians and that the Puget Sound In- 
 dians were also on the warpath. We were to hasten back to 
 protect the settlers in the White River country. Returning to 
 this side of the mountains, through the Natchez Pass, we 
 camped for the night at Connell's Prairie, just about where 
 the interurban line traverses the White River valley. In the 
 morning Captain Hays detailed me and four other men to 
 guard the supplies and with the rest of the company, which 
 had now been increased in numbers by the addition of Lieu- 
 tenant Slaughter and twenty soldiers from the United States 
 troops, started to ford the White River to battle with the In- 
 dians. As the men plunged into the river, the Indians, con- 
 cealed along the banks on the far side, opened fire and about 
 a dozen of our men were killed, after which the Indians re- 
 treated through the jungle. As they carried their dead and 
 wounded with them, we had no means of knowing how many 
 of the enemy our men picked off, but from blood prints along 
 the train they certainly met with a considerable loss. 
 
 "Captain Hays and his men came back to the camp for 
 the night, and in the morning, each man taking one day's 
 rations with him, w^e started after the Indians along a trail
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 139 
 
 SO wild and narrow that we had to go sing-le file most all the 
 way. We could hear the Indians not far ahead of us — their 
 ponies crashing through the brnsh and dogs yelping. In this 
 way we came to a branch of Stuck river, I think it must have 
 been. The Indians were not in sight, but it was expected they 
 v\"er3 ambushed on the other side of the river. Captain Hays 
 called for volunteers to wade across the river and draw the 
 Indians' fire, if indeed they were hiding in the brush. After a 
 moment's hard thinking I said: 'Yes, Captain Hays, I'll go.' 
 Then Lieutenant Slaughter, "William Billings, Joe Gibson and 
 Joe Brannon joined me. 
 
 "When I stepped into the water I went in over my waist 
 mto a chuck hole made by the Indian horses. IMy blunderbuss 
 got wet, but I held it over my head the rest of the way across 
 the river. Every step I expected the next instant would be my 
 last, but v/e reached the far shore in safety and vvxre joined 
 by the rest of the company. The boys began firing wildly into 
 the brush, but as I didn't see anything to shoot at. I saved my 
 bullets and waited before firing. So it came abor^t that I was 
 never really in an Indian fight, for after crossing the river the 
 trail grew so bad that Captain Hays decided we had better 
 return to Montgomery's, a Hudson Bay man's place, and v/ait 
 further orders. Soon after this the entire company was or- 
 dered to Mound Prairie, near Tilley's ranch, for winter 
 ([uarters. 
 
 "At this time Captain Hays was made Major General of 
 the united companies of the volunteers of the territory, but as 
 the time for which I had enlisted had expired and the war was 
 practically in the hands of the regular troops, I was honorably 
 discharged and did not re-enlist. 
 
 "My next venture upon returning to Olympia after my 
 discharge was to join Captain J. G. Parker for a trip to Vic- 
 toria, B. C. Captain Parker had sent to San Francisco for a 
 tiny steamboat, which was loaded on a sailing vessel and landed 
 at tlie Etheridge & Miller sawmill, a mile below Priest's 
 l^)int, and there fitted up for the sea. This small craft was the 
 very first steamboat on Puget Sound. Captain Parker named 
 her 'The Traveler,' and as soon as she was fitted up put her 
 luider charter of the United States government to bring mili- 
 tary supj)lies from Victoria, for which the government was to 
 pay $50 a day.
 
 140 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 "I was made mate of the erew, and, of course, Parker was 
 captain. Soon after leaving Port Townsend, which then the 
 only port of entry, the engine gave a fearful screech and went 
 dead. There we were, out of sight of land, no canoe or other 
 means of leaving the boat, the waves of the Straits of Juan de 
 Fuca all but rolling over us, helpless, and at the mercy of wind 
 and tide. Then and there I made a vow that if ever I reached 
 land again no more sea life for Tom. But in the morning 
 we were sighted by a sailing vessel, the Potter, and towed into 
 Victoria harbor. There we found that the boiler had split 
 in two places wiiich had allowed all the steam to escape. 
 
 "We got the boiler repaired, loaded and was about to 
 start on our return trip when there passed by our boat an 
 Indian brave with a big canoe in which were his squaw and 
 pappooses. I hailed the buck and in Chinook asked him, 
 'Where go?' 'Townsend,' he replied. So I told him I would 
 tow his canoe and give him and his family passage on our big 
 canoe to Port Townsend. He was tickled at the chance and 
 I was tickled, too. I didn't want to go drifting around those 
 waters again without some kind of a boat on board. 
 
 "This ended my steamboating, although Captain Parker 
 made several other trips on the Traveler, which finally sank 
 near Port Townsend, where for years the top of her smoke- 
 stack could be seen at low tide, although she finally slipped 
 off into deeper waters and the exact spot of her grave is not 
 known at this day. 
 
 "I then went back to surveying, and in 1858, helped lo- 
 cate the military road from Fort Steilacoom to Fort Belling- 
 ham. I am the man who drove the first stake in a preliminary 
 survey of the Northern Pacific Railroad, under supervision of 
 Jared S. Hurd. This was near Snoqualmie Falls, in King 
 County. About this time I acquired the lot of land on Wash- 
 ington Street, which for so many years was known as the 
 Prather home. 
 
 "For twelve years I was county commissioner, which is 
 the only public office I have ever held. I think I may state, 
 without undue boasting, that it was largely through my ef- 
 forts that Thurston County received the $150,000 from the 
 sale of public lands to build the county court house, the same 
 building which is now the state capitol building, having been 
 purchased by the state about fifteen years ago.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 141 
 
 "In the early seventies I became a guard at the asylum 
 for insane at Steilacoom and took my third trip East in 1876, 
 to attend the Philadelphia exposition. Soon after my return 
 to Washington I was married at Steilacoom to Miss Agnes 
 Winsor, who was also an attendant at the asylum, although 
 for the twelve previous years had been teaching school. To 
 us were born three children, Edith and her twin brother, who 
 died in infancy, and my son Samuel. Edith is now Mrs. Wal- 
 ter C. Thompson, and lives in the Puj^allup valley, and my 
 son is in Alaska."
 
 142 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 WM. H. MITCHELL 
 
 The following biographical sketch of Mr. Wm. H. JMitchell, 
 one of onr most respected citizens, was typewritten by his 
 son, A. B. Mitchell, who is wholly blind, and is so crippled 
 from rheumatism that he cannot walk or care for himself. 
 This is a remarkable verification of the fact often noted that 
 the loss of any one of the five senses renders more acute the 
 others. In this, the sense of touch or feeling has produced a 
 manuscript that is the equal of most experts on the machine. 
 It is, therefore, published verbatim: 
 
 "I was born in Chicago, 111., NovemDer 13, 1834, and a 
 few years later moved with my parents to w^hat was then 
 South Port, Wisconsin. The name has, however, since been 
 changed to Kenosha. When I had reached the age of 18, I 
 had contracted a severe case of Oregon fever and had made 
 up my mind to take the long trip across the plains, my ob- 
 jective point being Olympia. My parents objected at first to 
 my going, but later acquiesced and assisted me in preparing 
 for the trip. Accordingly, arrangements were made wdth 
 Samuel Holmes for me to travel with his family as they were 
 leaving that Spring for the same part of the country to which 
 I wished to go. A horse was also provided for me to ride and 
 on the 9th of April, 1853, we left South Port and traveled 
 about nine miles that day, and on the next day, Sunday, my 
 father and mother, with my sister Eliza, drove out with a 
 horse and buggy and overtook our slower moving ox team. 
 They took dinner with us there at the beginning of our long 
 journey. They then returned home while we once more turned 
 our faces to the setting sun. 
 
 "The trail across Iowa was a slow and tiresome one on 
 account of the soft condition of the roads, the wagons often 
 going down to the hubs in the mud. There were plenty of 
 others, however, like ourselves, making for Council Bluffs, and 
 there would often be quite a train of us. We were generally
 
 WM. H. MITCHELL
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 143 
 
 delayed in the mornings. I remember JMrs. Holmes, who 
 would still insist on bathing her children every morning. She 
 found this to be impossible later on, however. Council Bluffs 
 was at that time a central pjint, where the emigrants got to- 
 gether and formed their wagons into trains for the trip across 
 the plains, and here could be found all types of the frontier 
 life mingled together. It was here that a three-card monte 
 man relieved me of nearly all the money that 1 had. This was 
 a seiious loss to me, but I think I profited by the experience. 
 
 "We crossed the Missouri River, June the third. Our 
 train, consisting of about twenty wagons, was well organized, 
 having a captain and train master. Our course now led up the 
 north bank of the Platte River and there was no sign of hu- 
 man habitation to be seen anywhere. We met a trader occa- 
 sionally, sometimes on horseback and sometimes they would 
 1 ave a tent stretched beside the road vs^ith their goods dis- 
 played in front, but as they charged so much for everything 
 they had to sell no one purchased of them until compelled to 
 do so by sheer necessity. There were also bridges built over 
 some of the rivers and at such places there would be one of 
 these men to collect a toll before allowing you to pass over 
 the bridge. There were a few Indians also, but they were 
 not hostile at that time and never attacked us. We also saw 
 quite a few buffalo and at one time it was necessary for us to 
 open up our train that a herd of them might go through, oth- 
 erwise they would have run right over us. I presume there 
 must have been a thousand buffalo in that herd. It was in 
 this section of the country that we encountered a severe thun- 
 der storm in which the tent where i\Ir. and IMrs. Holmes vv'ere 
 sleeping was blown down and they were forced to come into 
 the wagon where I was, to get away from the rain. We ar- 
 rived at Fort Kearney on July 4th, having traveled a little 
 over a thousand miles since crossing the Missouri River. 
 
 "We now began to see more signs of the hardships to 
 which those that had preceded us had been subjected, as the 
 trail was strewn with deserted wagons and stoves, in fact, 
 with everything that could be spared to make the load lighter 
 and everywhere was to be seen the bleached bones of cattle 
 that had either died or had been killed for food. The Indians 
 were also more watchful. On one occasion two young men of 
 our train, thinking thov could get along faster on foot, started
 
 144 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 on ahead one morning and that afternoon Ave came upon them. 
 The Indians had killed one and the other was so badly wounded 
 that he died soon after. We buried him in his blankets beside 
 the trail on the bank of the Snake Kiver and the next day w^e 
 were overtaken by another train and they told us that the 
 Indians had dug him up and taken his blankets and left his 
 body on top of the ground. I have often wondered since, 
 though I thought nothing of it at the time, why they never 
 picked me off, as I was in the habit of riding ahead of the train 
 and after fastening my horse to my wrist, I would lie down and 
 wait for the train to come up. The only time that I was shot, 
 however, w^as accidental. I was stooping down to get a drink 
 from a river when my revolver slipped from its holster and 
 was discharged, the ball lodging in my right forearm. It was 
 removed by one of the men with his pocket knife, this being 
 the best medical instrument to be had. The Indians were 
 around us and we would often see their camp fires at night 
 in the foothills surrounding our camp. 
 
 "We crossed the Snake River by caulking our wagon 
 boxes with rags and using them to ferry the women and chil- 
 dren across while the cattle were made to swim. Our stock of 
 provisions becoming depleted, Mr. Holmes was compelled to 
 buy from a trader at La Grande, Oregon. It was at this place 
 that one of the men of our train had his wife stolen by the 
 trader. I remember hearing him calling through the camp 
 for her, but she had gone and taken the youngest child with 
 her and he did not tind her. 
 
 "At Fort Walla Walla our train divided, part going down 
 the Columbia River while the rest of us went on north and 
 through the Natchez pass in the Cascade mountains. When 
 we arrived at the foot of the mountains we sent two men for- 
 ward to see if we could get over and they returned, reporting 
 too much snow for the wagons, so it was decided to leave our 
 outfits at a Catholic mission that was there and proceed on 
 foot, letting the women ride whatever there was to ride. 
 
 "Mr. Wooden and myself were the first to start over the 
 pass and we found the way not nearly as bad as had been 
 represented and by taking advantage of cut-of¥s, we made 
 very good progress and without misadventure until the last 
 night in the mountains we became separated. Mr. Wooden 
 took what he thought to be a cut-off while I stayed on the
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 145 
 
 trail, and, at night, as he did not rejoin nie, I called him but 
 received no answer. So I went to sleep at the foot of a tree 
 and the next morning when I awoke I found that I had rolled 
 several feet down the mountain from where I went to sleep and 
 it was raining hard, so after stretching a piece of canvas over 
 some brush to keep the rain off, I built a fire and was cooking 
 the last of my store of rice when ]\Ir. Wooden came into my 
 camp. We ate the rice that I had prepared and started on our 
 way again, and that afternoon met a Mr. Connel, who gave us 
 a little flour which Ave cooked on the end of sticks and ate. 
 Mr. Connel was a very good friend to the emigrants and often 
 helped them with provisions, as he had a cabin on the west 
 side of the mountains, on what is now Connel 's prairie. He 
 was killed by the Indians in the uprising of 1855-6. M^e took 
 supper at his house and then, after hiring horses from some 
 friendly Indians, pushed on to Fort Steilacoom. I reroained 
 there but a short time, however, but went in a canoe with a 
 Mr. Skidmore to Mud Bay, where I expected to go to work 
 in his logging camp, but this I did not do, but went with him 
 the next day in a canoe to Olympia, arriving there on the 6th 
 of October. 
 
 "j\Iy first job, after arriving in Olympia, was to split and 
 carry in a load of wood for J. J. Westbrook, who ran a saloon 
 on the east side of Main street between Second and Third. 
 After that I worked at whatever I could get to do. I joined 
 the volunteers to fight the Indians in the uprising of 1855-6. 
 serving but twenty-one days, when we mustered out. After 
 this I was deputy sheriff under Isaac Hays. 
 
 "In 1856 I went into business with John Stewart. I was 
 tending bar at the time for Mr. Westbrook and Stewart asked 
 me if I wanted to go into business, to which I replied that I 
 (lid. but that I had very little money. John, however, said he 
 would speak to Mr. Hurd, who wanted to sell his baker shop, 
 and Mr. Hurd agreed to give us time to pay for the business, 
 so we bought him out and John, l)eing a baker, took charge of 
 that part of the business, while I did the best I could by tend- 
 ing the butcher shop, which we had also. The first year we 
 cleared enough to pay what we owed and also to buy the two- 
 story building which is still standing on the southwest corner 
 of Third and ]\Iain streets. 
 
 "Perhaps it would be well for me to say a word about the
 
 146 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 rest of those who were in our train when we crossed the Cas- 
 cade mountains. Mr. Holmes and his family settled near 
 Olj'mpia. Bird Wright and his two brothers, with their fam- 
 ilies, located in the Puyallup valley, as did a Mr. JMorrison, 
 who was a minister. Mr. Wooden went first to the Nisqually, 
 but later moved to Seattle, where he started the first tannery. 
 His son-in-law, a Mr. Schock, also settled a few miles out from 
 Seattle. Mr. B. L. Johns, with his eight children, one of whom 
 afterward became my Avife, located a claim on White River, 
 near Seattle. Mr. Livingston settled in Seattle, while his two 
 daughters, one of whom married Will H. Brannon, located near 
 White River. Mr. and Mrs. Brannon, with their children, were 
 killed by the Indians, and Joe Brannon, Will's brother, after 
 the war, came to Olympia. 
 
 *'0n the 13th of April, 1859, I was married to Martha T. 
 Johns, in Olympia. To this union, five children were born, 
 William Walter was born Feb. 29, 1860, and died about eight 
 months later. Frank Wellington was born July 4, 1862, Henry 
 William, July 30, 1865, Cora Edith born July 7, 1867. and 
 Albert Bennett, born Aug. 7, 1870. There are also living nine 
 grandchildren. 
 
 "My son, Frank W., died on March 19, 1914, in Portland. 
 Oregon. My daughter, Cora Edith, is now Mrs. A. L. Young 
 of San Francisco, California."
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES ' 147 
 
 ANDREW CHAMBERS 
 
 Had the pioneers who built up this country, and through 
 whose labor and enterprise Washington has grown from a 
 beautiful wilderness into a land of homes and cultural ad- 
 vantages, only taken the time and trouble to write down the 
 history of their early trials, adventures and hardships, and — 
 in many instances — final success, as did Andrew Chambers 
 and his wife, ]\Iargaret White Chambers, the work of com- 
 piling these reminiscences would have been reduced to the 
 mere collection of the sketches and presenting them in book 
 form. But too often, although these men and women realized 
 their experiences were unique in the history of the world, 
 and the days they might tell of were a closed chapter in 
 history which could never be repeated, owing to the march 
 of civilization, the task of actually writing down any record 
 of events seemed too formidable or were put off to a later 
 time — which time never came. 
 
 But the children of the honored couple whose stories are 
 given in connection with this article, were insistent with their 
 parents, and aided them in every way possible to put their 
 reminiscences in lasting form. Well they did so, too, for now 
 both Mr. and ]\Irs. Chambers are gone to their last rest, leav- 
 ing only cherished memories. 
 
 The histories give a completer and more vivid descrip- 
 tion of the life of those days than would be possible to ob- 
 tain in any other way. Of a high order of intelligence and 
 with a natural eloquence, the writers of the sketches were en- 
 abled to { -'esent the pictures of those wild days with a charm 
 and clearness that no words of the writer could add to, so 
 the reminiscences of Mr. and INIrs. Chambers are given word 
 for word as they have written them. 
 
 Mrs. Chambers dictated her sketch to her youngest 
 daughter, Nora, and the other daughters were so pleased with 
 their mother's story that they had it preserved in the form 
 of a booklet.
 
 148 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 The ten daughters of whom the mother speaks of so lov- 
 ingly, were : Elizabeth, now Mrs. J. H. Hnnsaker, of Everett ; 
 Eliza, now Mrs. R. T. Grainger, of Puyalkip; Addie J., now 
 Mrs. G. N. Taleott of Olympia ; Ella, who was Mrs. II. Ray- 
 mond, but who has been dead for many years; Rheta, now 
 Mrs. C. L. Denny of Seattle ; Selma, who died about ten years 
 ago ; Margaret, now Mrs. Wm. Calhoun, of Seattle ; Estelle 
 and Edith, both of whom died in infancy, and Nora, now ]Mrs. 
 W. T. Hoskins, living at present in Sacramento. 
 
 Mr. Chambers realized the wishes of his wife as expressed 
 by herself, and ended a long and honorable career by passing 
 away peacefully in the old home on Chambers' Prairie. He 
 died in April, 1908. Margaret White Chambers survived her 
 beloved husband a few years longer, but sank to rest in De- 
 cember, 1912. Husband and wife sleep side by side near the 
 scenes of their many trials, joys and sorrows, in the family 
 plot in ]\Iasonic cemetery, near Olympia. 
 
 Andrew Chambers' Story 
 
 My father's reading Lewis and Clark's Journal was the 
 means of our crossing the plains. We started the first of 
 April, 1845. Our company consisted of my father, Thomas IM. 
 Chambers, mother, Letitia Chambers, five brothers, James W., 
 David J., Thomas J., Andrew J. (myself), John and IMcLain. 
 and two sisters, Mary Jane and Letitia. My brothers, James 
 and David, were married, and their wives, Mary and Eliza- 
 beth, accompanied them. We started from Morgan County, 
 Missouri, and crossed the IMissouri River on a ferry at St. 
 Joe. This place marked the last of the settlements. From 
 this point we travelled the old emigrant road up the Platte 
 River. Our journey led us through what are now the states 
 of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and 
 Washington. Then this was a wilderness with only the old 
 tracks of emigrants that had passed that way in 1834-5. We 
 crossed the Kaw River about forty miles from St. Joe on a 
 ferry; after that we forded all the streams to which we came. 
 The first day that w^e saw buffalo was on the South Platte 
 River and it was buffalo as far as the eve could reach. We
 
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 ANDREW CHAMBERS AND WIFE
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 149 
 
 camped and killed fifteen that evening. It took two days to 
 jerk all the meat we wanted. 
 
 Buffalo and antelope were plentiful for twelve or fifteen 
 hundred miles. Hunters sometimes put a handkerchief up on 
 a stick and the antelope came around to see what it was, and 
 often we killed them by shooting from the wagons. We had 
 to go out to the edge of the hills to hunt buffalo, except the 
 first day we saw them, of wdiich I have spoken. 
 
 Opposite Ash Hollow we crossed the Platte River, which, 
 though wide and shallow, was difficult to ford. on account of 
 the quicksands. We passed near to Chimney Rock, which rose 
 like a great chimney from the level country. We could see this 
 land mark for a number of days and passed it within five or 
 six miles. 
 
 At Fort Laramie, on the North Platte River, measles brok'^ 
 out in our family and we had to lay by fifteen days. We had 
 overtaken other west-bound wagons on our journey and our 
 party now comprised thirty wagons. While being detained 
 here about one thousand wagons passed us and most of our 
 company joined a party and left us at Laramie. 
 
 From Fort Laramie we traveled to Fort Hall, in Idaho. 
 We had tried travelling with large and w4th small companies 
 and found that we got on much faster with small companies, 
 but it was very hard to stand guard with only a few in the 
 party. We fell in with a company of fifty wagons. Their 
 teams had been scared by the Indians and had got in the habit 
 of stampeding. They stampeded one day while we were with 
 them. It was a terrible sight to see fifty teams running, each 
 team of three or four yoke of oxen — about three yoke of cattle 
 was an average team. There was no way of holding them ex- 
 cept to hang on to the yokes and call to the cattle. It was an 
 anxious time for the women and children in the wagons. One 
 ox fell and broke his neck. This was the last day we travelled 
 with them. After leaving Fort Laramie Ave had fallen in witli 
 the wagons of what remained of our old eompan\'. This was 
 all that saved us from the stampede on that day. 
 
 This event recalls the first Indians we saw. Father was 
 captain of the company. He ordered the wagons into two 
 lines, the women and children to stay in the wagons, except 
 those able to carry guns. I can recollect seeing mother march- 
 ing along carrying a rifle. All the horses and cnttle were
 
 150 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 driven into the enclosure made by the wagons to protect them 
 from stampeding. We never stopped, but marched along- in 
 two lines, with the wagons and the horses and cattle between 
 them. Father stepped out to meet the chief, who was com- 
 ing towards us. The Indians seemed friendly, but wanted to- 
 bacco. As soon as father gave one tobacco another would step 
 up and say "Me big Chief, too." Father gave them all that 
 he had in his pouch. There was a large camp of the Indians 
 and it appeared that this was a war party and that they had 
 been out to fight other Indians. They were now on their way 
 home. 
 
 On much of our way, wood Avas very scarce. We always 
 sent a party ahead of us to find wood, grass and water. We 
 found buffalo chips plentiful for at least a thousand miles and 
 often we had to use them altogether for fuel. On the Sweet- 
 water, in Wyoming, we caught a great many nice fish. 
 
 From Fort Hall, we travelled to Fort Bridgers, which 
 was about 200 miles north of Salt Lake. A man by the name 
 of Bridgers was located here and carried on trade with the 
 emigrants and with the Indians. From here we went to Sal- 
 mon Falls on the Snake River, and here we met a few Indians, 
 but they were friendly. Until we crossed the Rockies through 
 the Devil's Gate, we travelled up hill and up stream, but after 
 w^e crossed the Snake River, the waters flowed westward, and 
 we could almost see where the divide came. 
 
 From Salmon Falls we travelled two or three days down 
 the river before we crossed. We found a place where there was 
 an island in the river. We crossed to the island first and then 
 went diagonally across the rest of the river, which was about 
 three-fourths of a mile wide. We always took horses and rode 
 across the rivers we had to ford and found out exactly where 
 the wagons ought to go. The fords were always thoroughly 
 prospected before the teams were driven into the water. We 
 found at this crossing the deepest part was eight or ten feet 
 wide, and deep enough to swim the cattle, the rest of it aver- 
 aged about two feet deep. We blocked up the wagon beds as 
 high as the stanctards would allow to keep our goods dry and 
 hitched on ten or twelve yoke of cattle to the first wagon. The 
 other wagons were fastened together, one behind the other. 
 There w^as a chain attached to the tongue of the wagon follow- 
 ing and that in turn to the hind axle tree of the forward
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 151 
 
 wagon. The drivers went to the lower side of their teams to 
 keep the cattle braced up against the current and to keep 
 the direction slantingly up stream. They had to hold on to 
 the bows of the yokes to keep themselves braced up, too. By 
 the time all the teams were in the water, the lead teams were 
 in shallow water and we were finally safely over, without wet- 
 ting any of our goods. 
 
 Shortly after this our oxen began to give out. We be- 
 came uneasy for fear we could not travel across the mountains, 
 which were before us, on account of snow. To be caught on 
 the east side of the mountains meant almost certain death. AA^e 
 began to break in the cows. AVe started across the plainiv 
 with about twenty milk cows. B.y the time we reached Th« 
 Dalles, in Oregon, we had about all the cows broken in. They 
 were lighter on their feet and travelled much better than the 
 oxen. AVe didn't know at that time that we could have saved 
 our catties' feet by providing ourselves with shoes and nails 
 before leaving the States. 
 
 Three or four days before we came to Fort Boise, we were 
 camped on a creek and when supper was ready and each one 
 had set down to his place on the ground, an Indian, standing 
 there, knelt down at the place intended for a man named 
 Smith. As soon as Smith finished washing himself, he knocked 
 the man over with a stick and took the place himself. Sticks 
 which the Indians had used for digging roots or for some other 
 purpose, were lying around plentifully. The Indians looked 
 very sullen after this, and next morning one of our horses was 
 gone — stolen. AVe travelled on as though nothing had hap- 
 pended for two days and came to a place where we thought 
 it advisable to rest the cattle for a day, there being good grass 
 and water there. James Chambers, Smith and myself con- 
 cluded to ride back that evening to the place where we had 
 lost the horse, and it might be we would find an Indian camp 
 and do something terrible. Smith wanted to kill an Indian. 
 AVe rode all night and when we reached the place another 
 party of emigrants were camping there and we found an In- 
 dian there, riding on the horse which was stolen. Smith felt 
 all the time that his act had been the cause of our losing the 
 animal and he was very anxious to straighten things out by 
 killing an Indian. Brother James went around the camp one 
 way and I, another. I came upon the Indian on the horse and
 
 152 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 I caught the horse. Immediately Smith insisted on shooting 
 the Indian, but some of the campers interfered. They con- 
 tended that we were out of the way and that if we killed the 
 Indian his friends would come and take revenge on them. They 
 also argued that this, maybe, was not the Indian that stole 
 the horse and they urged us to make the women in camp feel 
 easy by releasing the Indian. After considering for some time 
 we decided to let the Indian go and give him something to re- 
 compense him for being nearly scared to death. He was so 
 badly frightened that great drops of sweat came out on his 
 face. The next thing to consider was what to give the Indian. 
 As it was coming on to the fall of the year, mother had sup- 
 plied us well with shii'ts. I had enough to last me two years 
 and I had on two at this time. They agreed that I must pull 
 off one of my shirts and give it to the Indian. So I did, and 
 all parties concerned, except myself, were well pleased, the In- 
 dian most of all. 
 
 From Boise w^e travelled to Grande Rounde and after we 
 passed the valley and came down off the Blue mountains into 
 the Umatilla valley we saw lots of Indians. Mary Jane, my 
 sister, was then a comely girl, about sixteen years of age. In- 
 dian chiefs offered my father fifty horses and a hundred blan- 
 kets for her. They didn't care whether the girl was willing 
 or not. They wanted a white "klootchman." This was their 
 custom, to pay for their ''klootchman." ]\Iary Jane was 
 frightened and she never showed herself when the Indians 
 were around. 
 
 "When we were wnthin a few days' journey of The Dalles, 
 and after we had crossed the Des Chutes River, two horses 
 were stolen from us. "We went back from Fifteen IMile Creek 
 to a village near by and called on the Chief. He said he would 
 have the Indians bring in the horses. We waited about his tent, 
 keeping guard, until an Indian came in with the horses. They 
 claimed that the horses had been stolen by some bad Indians 
 and that a good Indian brought them back and that he ought 
 to have pay for it. We had become accustomed to paying, so 
 we were prepared to give a shirt. This satisfied them. 
 
 Our trip had not been a pleasure trip, for from the time 
 we left St. Joe each one of us had to stand guard about once 
 a week and from the time we left Fort Boise each one had to
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 153. 
 
 stand guard half the night every other night and after hav- 
 ing- had measles, this was no fun. 
 
 On October 15 we arrived at The Dalles. On account of 
 the lateness of the season, we selected a place for winter quar- 
 ters. This was on a creek about two miles from the Methodist 
 Jlission. 
 
 Here in November, we built huts for the family and large 
 corrals of logs in which to keep the horses for their safety at 
 night. We watched them during the day. Our cattle were at 
 large. We looked after them to prevent their straying too far. 
 We drove them together several times each day. Several par- 
 ties left their stock in our care during the winter. 
 
 As soon as the family was in its winter quarters, father 
 and I w^ent doAvn the Columbia River and up the Willamette 
 River for a winter's supply of flour. This was about the 20th 
 of November. At Oregon City we bought a skiff and about 
 1.000 pounds of flour. A young man by the name of Scrog- 
 gins and myself, started out to take the flour to the family. 
 
 Father stayed down the Willamette in Tulatin plains ail 
 winter, looking for a place in which to locate. When we 
 reached The DaUes, James and his wife left their stock with 
 us. their oxen had given out, and went on and father remained 
 with James and his wife until Spring. 
 
 Scroggins and I started with plenty of provisions for our 
 trip, which we calculated would be about seven days. On ac- 
 count of stormy weather, we were seventeen days. Below Cape 
 Horn on the Columbia River, we had to lay by in one place 
 for two days. Cape Horn is a rocky spur of the Cascade range, 
 two or three hundred feet high and almost perpendicular. 
 
 This was the hardest seventeen days' work I ever did. It 
 stormed almost all the time. We had the flour in sacks of 100 
 pounds each and we loaded and unloaded these sacks some- 
 times as high as eight or ten times a day. The w'ind would stop 
 blowing for a time and by the time we got loaded and ready to 
 start it would begin again and we would be obliged to unload, 
 the river was so rough we did not dare to risk becoming 
 swamped with our heavy load. The wind blew either up stream 
 or down stream. The family needed the flour badly, and we 
 were anxious to get to them with it. Some days we would not 
 go over a mile after working hard all day and then the wind 
 would apparently abate, when we could not avail ourselves of
 
 154 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 the calm. Our supply of provisions were soon about all used 
 up except the flour. Flour and water, without even salt, was 
 not very good to keep up our spirits, as well as strength. We 
 mixed the flour and water together in the top of a sack and 
 made the dough into long strings, which we wrapped about a 
 stick. We set the stick by the fire and baked the dough, which 
 tasted pretty good after a hard day's work. We varied this 
 with noodle soup made of water and flour. We were three days 
 making the five miles of rapids and seven miles of portage. The 
 last day on the rapids our boat took a sheer and the one on 
 shore had to pull so hard against the current that the boat filled 
 with water. In the face of this calamity I thought the family 
 would starve. I was twenty years of age but in my anxiety, 
 I cried. This was the first, last and only time I cried while 
 crossing the plains. 
 
 We finally got the boat to a safe place and baled it out. 
 We Avere sure the flour was ruined. We took the sacks out 
 and let the water drain off, reloaded and proceeded on our 
 journey. 
 
 That night we built a fire and dried the sacks and found 
 that the flour was not much hurt. We were lucky to find two 
 M^hite men and three Indians to help us carry our boat over 
 the portage. Four days of travel up the river brought us to 
 our winter home. We found all well and anxious for our 
 return. 
 
 As I have said, father remained down the Willamette the 
 winter of 1845, with Brother James and wife, looking for a 
 place, and the middle of January, 1846, he and James came 
 back to The Dalles to help build a boat to move us. There 
 were plenty of boats then on the Willamette for emigrants 
 who wanted to pass on down to the valley, but a very short 
 time after we arrived at The Dalles they had all been taken 
 off for the winter. 
 
 James was a boat builder. We selected a place close to 
 the river to build our boat, where there was good timber. We 
 chose two large trees for the purpose of making gunwales, the 
 trees beilig about three feet in diameter. Then we picked out 
 smaller trees for making the plank. We hewed out the timber 
 the proper length and squared it. This we lined on both sides 
 the thickness we wanted to make our planks. We chose a
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 155 
 
 place on a side hill to make a saw pit. It was so arranged 
 that one man could stand underneath the log and one man on 
 top of it. Then the squared logs were put in place and we 
 ripped out enough plank for a bottom and a false bottom and 
 for the sides of the boat. We used the old whip saw which is 
 now on exhibition in the Oregon Historical rooms at Portland. 
 
 This old whip saw told its own story, when in 1894, a gen- 
 tleman asked it to tell of its adventures : 
 
 ''I started for Puget Sound from Missouri in 1845 and. 
 after passing through the trials and incidents of an overland 
 journey of six months, reached The Dalles Oregon, where, 
 with the assistance of four men, I sawed timber enough to con- 
 struct a boat 16 feet long and fifty feet wide. On February 
 1, 1846, the boat was loaded with myself among the passengers 
 and we moved down the Columbia to the Cascades. At the 
 Cascades I took passage in a wagon around a five mile port- 
 aQre. Our boat was the first boat ever sent over the Cascade 
 Falls. The craft was secured and proceeded to the mouth of 
 Sandy River. From that point my travels varied, sometimes 
 by land and sometimes by water, up one stream and down 
 another. Finally, in the Spring of 1848, I reached Puget 
 Sound, after a tedious journey behind an ox team. In the 
 three years of my travels my master always found me of ser- 
 vice. But during forty-seven years, after 1 reached what was 
 to be my home, I remained undisturbed and unthought of in 
 my master's tool house on Chambers Prairie. On April 26, 
 1894, the flames destroyed my home and I was ruined and de- 
 faced almost beyond recognition." 
 
 We had no nails and the boat was put together entirely 
 with wooden pins. It resembled a scow of today. Its capacity 
 was large enough to carry fifteen head of cattle at a time in 
 crossing a river and to store all of our wagons when they were 
 taken apart, and all of our plunder that we had brought with 
 us across the plains, as well as those members of the family 
 who were not on shore driving the cattle. 
 
 When we got the boat ready and launched we loaded 
 our effects, wagons and plunder and all the ox yokes and 
 proceeded on down the Columbia River. When we collected 
 the stock to make the start our cattle were in good condition. 
 The snow rarely stayed on the ground on the southern slopes 
 of the hills and the cattle had opportunity to do well. But
 
 156 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 not so with the horses. The Indians had managed to steal 
 most of them during foggy weather when it was pretty hard 
 work to guide them. We did not have more than three out 
 of a lot of horses whose manes and tails had not been cut 
 off. The mutilated animals looked horrible to us. There 
 was always some "good Indian" to help me hunt the stolen 
 horses. It appeared the Indians did not want the horses except 
 to have a big ride on them and get their manes and tails. 
 They made ropes out of the hair. 
 
 Our boat had long oars and when we started two mer 
 attended to these. Brother James usually steered the boat 
 and Father and David were ashore most of the time. We let 
 the boat run with the current as great a distance each day 
 as we could drive the cattle. Then we tied up and resumed 
 our course next morning. We travelled on the north side 
 down the river bottom until we came to Shell Rock, a place 
 where the hills came right up to the river's edge. We could 
 not drive over this rock, neither could we swim our cattle 
 around it. Consequently we were obliged to ferry all our 
 effects, and the cattle, to the north side, and travelled down 
 that side until we came to the Cascade Falls. At this point 
 we unloaded our wagons, put them together and loaded our 
 plunder into them, hitched on the teams and started out to 
 make our way to the lower end of the Falls. 
 
 Everything had been removed from the boat and the sides 
 boarded up. Brother James and two men who were willing 
 to take the risk, went aboard. James acted as captain and 
 the other men stood at the oars. We had several small boats 
 so we took her out in the river and gave her a start, heading 
 her straight for the falls. She went over, shipping only a 
 nominal number of gallons of water. It was in February that 
 we made this run with the first flat bottomed boat ever to 
 pass over these five miles of rocks and rapids. 
 
 Having gotten safely over they returned, after tying up. 
 to help us with the teams and stock. We had to blaze a trail 
 to go through and prospect a road. We were obliged to go 
 back about a mile from the river and pass through an Indian 
 graveyard. In this graveyard the dead were all buried in 
 houses, and we had to drive carefully between them. It was 
 an ancient burying place, for the houses were all decaying. 
 I think it could not have been used for many, many years.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 157 
 
 After travelling about six miles we came again to the river 
 just below the lower falls. We re-loaded the boat and pro- 
 ceeded as before. The drivers took the cattle along by the 
 river until we reached Cape Horn. Here we were obliged 
 again to leave the river and travel out into the country and 
 around this high promontory. AVe had to drive very slowly 
 and it was hard work. On this trip we took a little flor.r. 
 salt and enough bread to do us the first day out. After 
 that we tied up the calves so that we could get milk enough 
 to make noodle soup with milk, flour and salt. It was nearly 
 three days before w^e reached the river again. At the mouth 
 of Sandy River we found the scow and the folks waiting for 
 us. Here we unloaded again and ferried our stock across 
 to the southern side of the Columbia, at the mouth of the 
 Sandy. From this point we drove the cattle across the country 
 by Oregon City to Milk Creek, near Molalla, where father 
 had .selected a place for us. 
 
 After ferrying the stock across at the mouth of the Sandy, 
 we re-loaded the boat Avith our effects and ran down the 
 Columbia to the Willamette and up the latter river to Oregon 
 City. Here we sold the boat for $50. We put our plunder in 
 the wagons and moved out to the place selected for our future 
 homes, and set to work to build houses in which to live. 
 
 The citizens of Oregon were of the opinion that Uncle 
 Sam was slow in extending protection to his people on the 
 Pacific Slope, and they formed a provisional government and 
 elected Abernathy governor. The representatives passed laAvs 
 saying that a married man and his wife could take up 640 
 acres — a mile square — of land ; a young or single man, half 
 that amount, and that this could be selected any place, so 
 that it did not interfere with other claims. Wheat was made 
 legal tender for small debts at one dollar a bushel. 
 
 Oregon City, being located at the Falls on the Willamette 
 River, the Hudson Hay Company had a flour mill and a store 
 there. Up the Willamette, the old servants of the company 
 had settled, and taken up a great many of the choice parts 
 for fifty or sixty miles. One prairie, called "French Prairie," 
 was settled by Canadian French, and most of the settlers had 
 native wives. 
 
 The first settlers here cut hazel brush and made withes
 
 158 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 v.-ith which to bind their wheat. At this time the sickle and 
 the reap hook were used. Then the cradle came into use and 
 they learned to make bands of the wheat, oats, or other grain 
 that was out. 
 
 After putting in one Spring crop and garden in the 
 IMolalla. Ave built a barn. I then went to Tualatin Plains, west 
 of Oregon City, and stopped with Brother James and family. 
 He had married a Mrs. Seoggins, w^ho had a family of five 
 children, three sons and two daughters. I, together with these 
 children, went to school for one term. The oldest son was 
 one of my best friends, and it was he who helped me to take 
 the flour up the Columbia to mj' folks. Tualatin Plains, 
 twenty miles from Oregon City, was settled principally by 
 Hudson Bay men, English and Scotch. This was a fine section 
 of the country. Plenty of wheat w^as grown here, and new- 
 comers could get plenty of work by taking pay in wheat, at 
 one dollar a tush el. The wheat could be taken to Oregon 
 City and sold to the company, and taken out in trade at the 
 store, and a receipt would be given for the remainder. This 
 receipt could be used in trading with other parties for any- 
 thing wanted, and they, in turn, could go to the store and 
 get goods and groceries with it. There was very little money 
 in the country, so people were obliged to use wheat and these 
 receipts as a means of conducting business transactions. The 
 emigrants to this country had spent mostly all their money 
 for outfits and a great many, even then, were very poorly 
 provided for provisions for the trip. 
 
 After school closed I stayed with my brother. James, and 
 helped in the harvest. The barns were built of logs, two houses 
 and a space of thirty feet between them, the roof including 
 the three. The center was used for a threshing floor, and 
 ten or twelve horses were used to tramp out the wheat. The 
 farmers would furnish us horses and board and give us one 
 bushel in ten to thresh out and fan the wheat, and. sometimes, 
 they allowed us a team to take the wheat to market. While 
 I was helping my brother that harvest, I did the threshing 
 and my brother and Young Seoggins hauled in the sheaves. 
 We threshed eighty or ninety bushels a day. 
 
 One of the oldest settlers came to my brother and wanted 
 help. James told him I could go and wanted to know how 
 much he would pay me per day. The old settler said he would
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 159 
 
 give me three pecks of wheat a day. James told him I might 
 remain at home and play, before I should work at that price. 
 1 told my brother to make a contract with him to cut and 
 shock his wheat, and Scoggins and I would do the work as 
 soon as we finished James' crop. He made the contract at 
 three bushels an acre and board. 
 
 We went, and put in thirty acres for him. We put up three 
 acres a day, and the old gentleman was highly pleased with 
 our work. His wheat was getting very ripe and shattering 
 out so that he proposed for us to cut and bind in the fore- 
 noon and haul in the afternoon, and he would pay just the 
 same per day for the hauling. That was nine bushels a da3^ 
 
 It was hard for him to keep help. One harvest was all 
 that help would stay with him. Some of his help told that he 
 recommended to them to eat the peelings off of baked potatoes. 
 He said it was healthy and helped to fill up. I think he was 
 correct about its being good for the health, if he followed his 
 own advise, for he lived to be 104 years old. 
 
 The Winter of 1846 we spent in looking for a ncAv location, 
 thinking to better ourselves. We went to the mouth of the 
 Columbia River and looked over Clatsop Plains, then south 
 to the Umpqua country, but Ave did not find anything to 
 suit us. 
 
 Father said he had started for salt water, and so in the 
 Spring of 1847, after w^e had put in the crops, we came ovei 
 to Puget Sound to look at that portion of the country. We 
 spent two months looking around. At Newmarket, the present 
 site of Tumwater. at the falls of the Des Chutes River, we 
 found INI. T. Simmons and family, and five or six other families 
 and nine or ten young men. They had settled here in June, 
 1845. They were putting up a sawmill. They already had a 
 fh)ur mill, a very small concern. The burrs were only eighteen 
 inches in diameter and no bolting cloth was in use. Some of 
 the families had sieves that were used to take out the coarse 
 bran. 
 
 At the present site of Olympia there was was oidy one 
 man, by the name of Smith. His log cabin stood on the ground 
 where the Huggins hotel is noAV. We finally staked out 
 claims on what is now known as "Chambers Prairie." Tlu'U 
 Ave returned to our homes in Oregon to make preparations to 
 move to the Puget Sound region in the Fall.
 
 160 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Early in the Fall of 1847, we hired two boats of Dr. 
 MeLoiighlin, and four Kanaka boat men. We loaded our 
 effects, wagons, ox yokes and bedding, on the boats at Oregon 
 City. We went down the Willamette to the Columbia River, 
 down the Columbia to the mouth of the Cowlitz and up the 
 Cowlitz to Cowlitz Landing — thirty miles. 
 
 It was fine boating until we came to the rapids on the 
 Cowlitz Eiver. That was hard work and slow travelling. We 
 had to use the tow line a great deal and go from one side of 
 the river to the other to take advantage of the eddies and 
 shallow waters, so that we could use the long poles and push 
 the boats up the stream. Our boats were heavily laden and 
 for about fifteen miles we used the poles and tow line, the 
 water being too swift to use the oars. 
 
 There w^as a great quantity of salmon in the river. We 
 had all we wanted, and cooked it Indian fashion. This was to 
 dress the fish, run a stick through it and place the stick in the 
 ground close to the fire, and as the fish cooked, turn it so 
 that it would bake evenly. We always left the scales on till it 
 M^as cooked. After working hard all day, it was fine — we 
 thought, delicious. 
 
 We arrived at Cowlitz Landing after twenty days of 
 travel, the only accident on the trip being the loss of a rifle, 
 a considerable loss in those daj^s, too. In making the trip to 
 Cowlitz Landing, we started the hands with the stock, horses 
 and cattle, to cross the Columbia. All were ferried over at 
 Fort Vancouver; then they were driven down the river to 
 Lewis River, where they were ferried over this stream, follow- 
 ing down the Columbia to the mouth of the CoMditz. They 
 were then driven up the Cowlitz and swam across the south 
 fork. When they reached the Cowlitz Landing, they swam 
 the stock to the north side of the river and waited for the 
 boats. This landing is at the lower end of Cowlitz Prairie, 
 which prairie was settled by the Canadian French and is a 
 fine farming country. The Hudson Bay Company and the 
 Catholic Mission each had fine farms there. We rented twenty 
 acres of land from the Catholic Mission and a like number 
 of acres from John R. Jackson, and put in a crop of winter 
 wheat. 
 
 When the crop was in, we left the stock needed to haul 
 our wagons to the prairie (Chambers), which we had selected
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 161 
 
 for our future home, and started to drive the remainder of 
 the stock through. We drove them over Mud Mountain, or 
 ]\Iud Hill — all the first settlers travelled this way, and we 
 crossed the Des Chutes about two miles above Tumwater. 
 There was an Indian trail from Bush Prairie to Chambers 
 Prairie. 
 
 Then we went back to Saunder's Bottom and com- 
 pleted the wagon road around Mud Hill. This hill is east of 
 Chehalis. There was one family living there at that time. We 
 prospected and blazed out a road. We found trees' on the banks 
 of a creek that suited us for making a bridge. We built the 
 bridge and cut out the wagon road through Saunder's Bottom — 
 a distance of three miles. The creek's source was from ilud 
 Mountain and the banks were steep and muddy and could not 
 be crossed without a bridge. We then came to New JMarket, 
 one of the first settlements at Tumwater. The men of this 
 settlement turned out and all helped to cut a wagon road to 
 Chambers' Prairie, a distance of three and a half miles. The 
 old settlers here were glad to see new comers and they were 
 ready and willing to help us. What they had they were will- 
 ing to share with us. They were much pleased when they 
 learned that we had sieve wire, for they had no bolting cloth 
 for their small grist mill. They thought it a fine thing to have 
 sieve wire so they could take the bran out of their flour. On 
 the prairie we built a log house of two rooms, the smaller 
 we used for a kitchen and the larger was curtained off into 
 bed rooms. We then went for the family and brought them 
 over. We stayed a few days, visiting Mr. Simmons' family. 
 
 We crossed our wagons on boats, when the tide was in, 
 below the lower falls of the Des Chutes. When the tide was 
 out we drove our work cattle across Budd's Inlet and then 
 drove out five miles to our future home. The fifteenth of De- 
 cember, 1847, we took our first dinner at our home on Cham- 
 bers' Prairie. 
 
 Here our stock had plenty of grass and wintered well, 
 so they were fat in February. We butchered a fine beef and 
 had plent}^ of tallow to make candles. Mother had brought 
 enough candle wicking to do several years. The candles were 
 a great improvement on the old iron lamp in which Ave had 
 to burn hog's lard. This lamj) was made with a short spout for
 
 162 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 the wick to lie iu and one end of the wick came out of this 
 spout to burn. The handle at the other end of the lamp was 
 so arranged that it came up over the center of the lamp, so 
 as to hold the lamp level. A cotton cloth, twisted, served as a 
 wick. Father put up a milk house, and, in March, commenced 
 to make butter, and in April, to make cheese. 
 
 Brother Thomas and I took up claims adjoining, and we 
 milked the cows, morning and evening, for our board. We 
 built a log house of one room on our claim. We made it a 
 five-cornered house, the fifth corner being for the fireplace. In 
 ]\Iay we dug two troughs and started a tan yard, on a small 
 scale. We used the troughs for vats, and alder and hemlock 
 bark, for tanning purposes. We dried the bark and pounded 
 it fine. We burned oyster and clam shell and used the lime 
 to take the hair off the skins. We made sole leather out of 
 beef hides, and for the upper leather we used deer and cougar 
 hides. By the first of November \xe had our leather ready to 
 make shoes. We brought a kit of shoemakers' tools with us 
 and father and I made the shoes. We brought with us a num- 
 ber of lasts of different sizes. For sewing we put a number of 
 strands of shoe thread together — the length we wanted — and 
 we twisted and waxed this string, tapered the ends and put 
 a hog bristle on each end for needles. It was a nice piece of 
 work to put the bristles on so they would stay. This we could 
 do to perfection. If they came off they could not be put on 
 again. 
 
 We made our shoe pegs of maple and dog Avood, well 
 seasoned, sawed the length and size we wanted the pegs to 
 be. We split off' slabs the thickness to make square pegs, and 
 shaved the slabs to make the pegs sharp at one end. We used 
 a stick with a notch against which we held the slabs and 
 sharpened first one side and then the other. A strip of leather 
 with a slit in it was fastened to the shoe board. We took two 
 or three of the sharpened slabs and held them with the left 
 hand against the leather which served as a lever for the knife, 
 and, with the point of the knife, held to place by running it in 
 the slit in the leather, we split off the pegs. 
 
 The crop we put in on Cowlitz Prairie turned out Avell, and 
 we hauled it over early in the Fall, or enough of it to plant and 
 to keep us until we grew our first crop on Chambers' Prairie.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 163 
 
 The Aviuters of 18-15-6 and 1846-7 Avere very mild and pleasant. 
 We made rails to fence in land to protect our crops. We 
 raised plenty of wheat, potatoes, peas and other vegetables. 
 We had wheat coffee, and pea coffee, and we could always 
 change from one to the other. Boiled wheat and milk made an 
 extra dish for supper. 
 
 Father and mother were highly pleased with this country 
 and they thought there was no place like it ; fat beef off the 
 range in February, and plenty of oysters and clams for the 
 digging. One beef would give us sixty pounds of tallow, and 
 in those days tallow was an important item. 
 
 That same spring of 1848, we built the log barn which 
 stood over half a century and finally had to be burned on ac- 
 count of its being unsafe for the stock. It was built similar 
 to those already described, except that this barn had five 
 apartments, two for hay and grain, one for stalls, one for 
 wagons, and one for threshing. It was a long, narrow barn, 
 and all under one roof. The clapboards were put on with 
 Avrought nails from England, the sheeting was of logs, put on 
 the right distance apart to use four-foot boards. 
 
 Thomas and I had been looking forward and calculating 
 to return to Missouri in two years to see our girls that we had 
 left behind us. In 1848 mother received a letter from our old 
 home, telling about what had taken place since we left and 
 among the news was the marriage of a certain young lady, 
 and this had the effect of making me contented to remain on 
 Puget Sound. 
 
 This was a sensible decision, for, during the winter of 
 1847, Indians broke out and massacred Dr. and ]Mrs. Whitman 
 and many others at the Mission, near Walla Walla. The people 
 of Oregon raised a company of Volunteers to subdue the Cayuse 
 tribe, the only hostiles. They succeeded in bringing the leaders 
 to justice. We, on Puget Sound, did not know about the 
 trouble until it was all settled. The Indians here were friendly 
 and they were glad to have the Boston.s — as they called the 
 Americans — come. About this time gold was discovered in 
 California, and Thomas and I got the fever to go, as Brother 
 James was there.
 
 164 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Mrs. Chambers' Story As Told By Her 
 Daughter Nora 
 
 I left my childhood home in company with my three 
 brothers, my sister-in-law, two nephews, and a niece, on April 
 1st, 1851, to cross the continent with ox teams. 
 
 ]\Iy only sister took the road leading to Louisville the 
 same morning, having been married to Presly I\I. Hoskins one 
 week before. I can see the wagon yet that carried her goods, 
 as it slowly turned down a hill that we used to travel so much 
 to school and church together. Oh, how sorrowful a daj^ that 
 was ! We crossed the Wabash Kiver at Terre Haute, about 
 25 miles from our home in Sullivan County, Indiana, travelling 
 across Illinois to Missouri, landing at St. Joe on the JMissouri 
 River on the 9th day of ]May. Here we stayed a few days to 
 rest our jaded teams. The roads were frightful, the poor oxen 
 would almost mire down in many j)laces. 
 
 When w^e crossed the river into the Indian Territory, I 
 felt as if we had left all civilization behind us. IMy sister- 
 in-law was sick, my niece much younger than I, consequently 
 all the cooking and planning fell on my shoulders. None but 
 those who have cooked for a family of eight, crossing the plains, 
 can have any idea of the amount of food consumed. 
 
 There isn't much fun cooking with sage brush almost as 
 dry as straw. Sometimes the cakes — flapjacks — were black 
 with the ashes blown over them. To throw them away and 
 bake others was out of the question, for the next lot would 
 have been the same, besides we had to be very saving of pro- 
 visions. When we were all well we had jolly times, but my 
 sister-in-law was sick almost all the time, which was a great 
 source of anxiety to us. At times we almost despaired of her 
 life. 
 
 I used to think, when travelling over those rocky roads, 
 often seeing the skulls and bones of fellowmen bleaching in 
 the hot sun, so far from home and loved ones, that if we were 
 spared to reach a land of civilization, I could see my dearest 
 loved ones laid away with a tear. Oh. the thought of leaving 
 a loved one so far away was perfectly agonizing. 
 
 Often we would see parts of quilts that had been wrapped 
 around the form of some dear one laid away, but both body and
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 165 
 
 quilts had been dug out by the wild animals and the bones 
 laid bare before the gaze of the pitiless sun. We saw some 
 graves that had been made secure by heavy stones that had 
 been placed upon them so that the wild beasts could not roll 
 them off. We had one funeral in our train, a little boy. and 
 how sad it was to drive aAvay and leave the new-made grave ! 
 
 One of our sorrows was the loss of our faithful dog. which 
 had accompanied us from home. The poor beast perished when 
 we were crossing the desert. My sister-in-law Avas very ill — 
 we did not know that she would live through the day. We had 
 hauled water enough to last for two days, but had to use it 
 very sparingly. I remembered, after we missed the dog, of 
 seeing him coming along behind the wagon with his tongue 
 hanging out of his mouth. Poor fellow, if he had been taken 
 in and given a little water he would have been saved. Except 
 for the sickness in our family, we had an excellent trip, com- 
 pared with some. We had no troul)le with Indians — only some 
 scares. One night the guards came in and reported the Indians 
 had frightened all the stock and they had run off. Of course, 
 Ave prepared to defend ourselves as best we could. The wagons 
 were put around to form a circle, the tongue of one wagon 
 resting on the back of another. Then the women and children 
 were put into as fcAV wagons as possible and one man sat in 
 front of each wagon with his gun ready to shoot if an Indian 
 put in an appearance. We were greatly rejoiced when morn- 
 ing came and no sight of an Indian anywhere. 
 
 Sometimes we would lay by all day to give the oxen a little 
 rest when the weather was so warm. Then we would start out 
 just at night-fall and travel all night. In this way I missed 
 tlie sight of Court House Rock, although we had seen it in the 
 distance for several days, rearing up like an immense old 
 building. Chimney Rock, too, was quite a curiosity. We 
 could see it for days and it looked so close at hand that three 
 or four days before Ave reached it some of the company started 
 to go to it but came into camp in the evening, tired out Avith 
 Avallving a Avhole afternoon carrying their guns. The shape of 
 the rock was very much like a chimney standing alone, AA-ay 
 out on the plains with no other rock near it. 
 
 We passed some very beautiful rocks A'ery mucli like the 
 ones in YelloAvstone Park. On some of the smooth ones there
 
 166 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 were hundreds of names, each one higher than the last, the 
 writers having climbed np to see who could write their name 
 the highest. 
 
 The Devil's Gate is a Cjueer freak of nature and quite a 
 curiosity. There is just room for a wagon road between the 
 high rocks on either side. 
 
 We passed what was then called Steamboat Springs. The 
 water was thrown up into the air several feet high. Then 
 there were the hot springs, some beautiful waterfalls and 
 many, many other strange and beautiful things that I do not 
 recall at this late day. 
 
 The most unpleasant part of the journey was through the 
 alkali district. It was white as far as you could see. In some 
 places a thick crust or scum was on the top of the earth. Our 
 hands and lips were sore from the alkali in the air. We would 
 be so covered with dust as we travelled along that at night-fall 
 we could not tell our nearest neighbor, as all looked alike. 
 
 Cows, as a general rule, stood the trip much better than 
 oxen. We brought one yoke of young cow^s that we milked at 
 the home place, and more faithful creatures I never saw. They 
 worked every day until August. Coming through the Blue 
 Mountains, one of the poor creatures gave out, laid down and 
 refused to get up, so we had to leave her and travel on. Our 
 hearts were sad when we took a last look at one so faithful. 
 We learned afterwards that a party coming along after us 
 found her quite refreshened after her rest and brought her 
 on through with them, which we were very glad to know. 
 These two cows gave us plenty of milk until we reached the 
 alkali country, when the feed was so poor that they had no 
 milk for us. 
 
 Besides losing our cow in the Blue JNIountains, we had 
 another remarkable event — the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Ross. (They and their son now reside in the Puyallup valley.) 
 We laid by for half a day and then travelled on as if nothing 
 had happened. Mrs. Ross and the child got along nicely. 
 
 The next event of importance was the crossing of the 
 Rock}' Mountains. It was a tiresome, tedious journey, and our 
 cattle, after travelling so far, were very much fatigued. For 
 days it was up, up all the time and the road was often very 
 winding. The five girls that were in our train would some-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 167 
 
 times take what we called a "cutoff" and come out on the road 
 a long distance ahead of the wagon. These five girls were 
 Elizabeth White, now Mrs. D. R. Bigelow of Olympia; Jerusha 
 White, now Mrs. A. W. Stewart of Puyallnp ; Millie Stewart, 
 now ]\Irs. Dr. Spinning of Piiyalhip ; Margaret White, now ^Irs. 
 Andrew Chambers of Olympia. and INIrs. Durgan of Olympia, 
 whose maiden name I have forgotten. 
 
 One day, as we could see the road quite a distance off, 
 we set out on one of our trips, which proved to be much longer 
 than we had any idea of. We were climbing hills, tramping 
 over rocks, through deep ravines and scattering timber, all the 
 nflernoon. 
 
 About as blue a time as we had was when our cattle were 
 poisoned — every one lying down and groaning like sick people. 
 Luckily for us, my brother had taken along a much greater 
 amount of bacon than was needed, so Ave had enough fat meat 
 to let the entire company have some. The men sat up all night 
 and cut the meat into such sized pieces as they could put down 
 the throats of the animals. Consequently, our teams were saved 
 and we were able to resume our journey the next afternoon. 
 
 The trials and troubles of such a journey can never be 
 realized. I think if the people had realized the dangers and 
 I)rivations attendant upon such a trip they would never have 
 undertaken it. 
 
 I shall never forget the first herd of buffalo I saw. Such 
 a number of them — perhaps a hundred. We often saw smaller 
 herds travelling towards water. The first meat was a great 
 treat, we had been so many months without fresh meat. The 
 boys in our company killed three in one daj^ and we laid by a 
 day and a half and dried some. We made a scaffold of sticks 
 and hung the strips of meat on the sticks, then built a fire 
 under the meat. 
 
 After this, when we wished to have a change from the 
 dried meat, we would put grease in the pan and fry the meat 
 slightly. I can tell you it tasted good after having lived for 
 months on salted meat. 
 
 I shall never forget how good the first new potatoes tasted. 
 AYe got them in Powder River Valley. 
 
 One sees the most beautiful Avild flowers in crossing the 
 plains — flowers of every hue and shade and acres of them.
 
 168 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 How I regret not having pressed and keeping some of the 
 beauties, bnt that is a little thing to regret doing, compared 
 with the many things we look back and see as we journey on 
 through life. So much occurs to us that we wish we had 
 done. 
 
 Glad, indeed, was I when we reached The Dalles, on the 
 Columbia River, for I knew we were nearing our journey's 
 end and nearing civilization once more, where we could have 
 the privilege of church and schools. 
 
 While getting supper that night I suffered a burn, the 
 scars of which I will carry to my grave. As it was very sandy 
 here, and high winds prevailing, we dug a trench to build our 
 fire in. As I was putting something over the fire to cook, the 
 sand gave way under my foot and I came down with my hand 
 in the hot sand and ashes, burning it to a crisp. I could act 
 the lady for several weeks after that. 
 
 On the morning of September 16, we took passage on a 
 little steamer that plied between The Dalles and the Cascades. 
 It had just been built and this was its first trip. 
 
 We remained over night at the Cascades, and there my 
 brother purchased a flat boat and we loaded into it and started 
 for the mouth of Sandy River, quite a distance from the Cas- 
 cades. My two brothers, with two nephews and the rest of the 
 men, drove the cattle down the trail along the Columbia, and a 
 hard old time they had of it, too. 
 
 AVhen we reached Sandy we found quite a nice farm house 
 and a good garden of vegetables, which looked inviting after 
 our six months' diet of dried beans, rice, bacon, dried apples 
 and peaches. Although we had so much to be thankful for, 
 as we had an ample supply, and some to spare, which was more 
 than some could say. Some were very scarce of provisions, but 
 none were in want in our train. 
 
 Here (at Sandy) we camped on the banks of the Columbia, 
 while my brothers took a contract for building a ferry boat for 
 the man who lived there — a man named Parker. 
 
 It w^as perhaps two weeks before our men wnth the cattle 
 arrived, and we were very glad to see them once more. 
 
 The boat being finished, we ferried across the Columbia 
 and found a very nice settlement on the river bottom after 
 crossing over. My brother and his wife stopped here to take
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 169 
 
 care of the stock, as there was an abundance of good pasturage 
 to be had very reasonably. My other brothers and two nephews, 
 my niece and myself went to a little town between Portland and 
 Oregon City — Milwaukee. There we rented a house and went 
 to school for the winter. 
 
 We soon made some pleasant acquaintances, as all were 
 2iewcomers and it was a small town. We attended singing 
 school and some few dancing parties, only to look on. I had 
 never seen nor heard a violin before, nor seen any dancing. 
 ]\Iy people were all verj^ strict Presbyterians and we were never 
 allowed to indulge in such amusements. 
 
 In September of the same year my brothers decided to 
 come to Puget Sound to see if they liked the country better, 
 as we were not favorably impressed with Oregon. As they 
 were pleased, they returned for us and we all came to this 
 part of the country — Chambers' Prairie, Thurston County, in 
 October, 1852. 
 
 We spent the winter at the eastern extremity of the 
 prairie, on the place where the Avidow Collins now lives, but 
 which was owned by ]\Ir. Nathan Eaton at that time. ]\Iy 
 brothers did the first fencing he had done on the prairie. 
 Tliey put in grain on shares and looked around for 
 claims. My two brothers and a nephew took donation claims 
 adjoining each other. 
 
 The latter part of the winter of 1853 my brothers split 
 and sawed all the lumber for their houses, as saw mills were 
 unknown in this section in those days. We had puncheon 
 floors. For fear you will not know what that is. I will tell 
 you. It is a floor laid with split logs, the flat side being 
 uppermost. The logs were of cedar and the floor was nice 
 and white when scrubbed with sand and cold water. We girls 
 used to be very proud of our white floors. I think it was in 
 April, 1853, that we moved into our new home. We girls 
 were the housekeepers for my brothers and nephews. ]\Iy 
 married brother lived a mile from us, on the place where ]\Ir. 
 Stralehm now lives. 
 
 That summer was a very dreary one for us, as we had 
 never been where there were forest fires before. We feared 
 that the fire might come on us at any time as the grass on the 
 prairie was very thick and dry. For days the sun hung like a
 
 170 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 ball of fire in the heavens. When the rain eanie and cleared 
 the smoke away all was again pleasant and we soon forgot 
 our disagreeable times. 
 
 Our housekeeping for my brothers was of short duration, 
 as my neiee decided to become somebody's else housekeeper. 
 On the morning of September 22, 1853, she was married to A. 
 W. Stewart, a young man who had crossed the plains with us. 
 
 After her departure I made my home with my brother and 
 his wife until January, 1854. 
 
 On the 18th of that month I was married to Andrew 
 J. Chambers, and came to reside in this house. We have 
 spent our lives here since then, and, by the laws of Nature, 
 we haven't many more years to live, but hope we shall live 
 them here, where we have seen our greatest joys and sor- 
 rows. I must say that I had never known what true happiness 
 was until I was married, as I had never known the love of 
 father or mother. I found great happiness in a loving, affec- 
 tionate husband. I only hope that all my daughters may be 
 as happy in marriage as their mother. We have raised . a 
 large family of girls (that we are more than proud of) ten in 
 number, seven of whom are still living to cheer our declin- 
 ing days. 
 
 The Indian war of 1855-56 was a trying time for the new 
 settlers. About this time I had a bad scare. Although the 
 Indians east of the mountains were on the war path and we 
 heard all kinds of rumors of their intention to take our 
 section of the country, the Sound Indians were apparently 
 friendly. An Indian lad w^ho had worked for us told us we 
 were in danger, but we paid little attention to him, although 
 I was frightened and uneasy. 
 
 A brother of my husband's lived a mile from us, on the 
 place his father had settled in 1848. This brother and a young 
 man who lived with him were sitting out in front of their 
 cabin, in the twilight, one evening within hearing of the 
 Indian camp. As thej^ understood the Indian language and 
 heard their names mentioned, they listened and heard an 
 old Indian say. as he passed his finger over the sharp edge of 
 a knife he had bought from John Chambers: "Little did 
 John think he was selling me the knife to kill him with." 
 Then they talked and planned how they could execute their
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 171 
 
 bloody work, aud about this time the boys made tracks for 
 our house, so seared that they even left their guns. How well 
 I remember that night! WLen we heard the gate open and 
 shut, Mr. Chambers sprang out of bed and grasped his gun. 
 I tell you, those boys made tracks when they heard him, for 
 they knew he had his revolvers and gun ready. As soon as 
 they could speak they called to him, and I can tell you we 
 Vvere relieved when we heard who it .was. Oh, how I shook! 
 Just like one vrith the ague. 
 
 Then the men sat up on guard and run bullets all night, 
 as that was the only kind of ammunition we had in 
 those days. 
 
 Early the next morning the boys returned to their home 
 to see how things looked. The old Indian was as fine as he 
 could be, and wanted to be very gracious. He had told John 
 Chambers some time before that he had come to camp by him 
 and was going to live and die by him. The old hypocrite ! 
 When he saw the boys he asked them where they slept. They 
 replied: "In bed." "Not here," he said. Then they asked 
 him how he knew. He said they were in the house for some 
 medicine for a sick child, which was another story. 
 
 Very soon we heard of men being waylaid and shot, and 
 the country was all excitement. Shortly the people began to 
 gather into forts to protect themselves. The fort for this 
 part of the country was on our place and is still in use as a 
 barn. There were block houses on each corner. At one time 
 there were thirty-two families in this fort. There were any 
 number of children and dogs, and, consequently, any amount of 
 music, especially of evenings. "We had many startling events, 
 of which I well remember one. My husband was lieutenant 
 of the company of volunteers within the fort, so he was ordered 
 by the captain of the company to take a number of men and 
 make a scout through the neighborhood and see if there were 
 any Indians prowling around. They mounted their horses 
 about five o'clock one afternoon and rode away toward Yelm 
 Prairie. Shortly afterwards the command was given for every 
 man to get his gun and stand in readiness, as.thelndiflns might 
 attack the fort at any moment, as they had undoubtedly 
 attacked the men who had gone on- the scouting expedition, for
 
 172 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 they had heard the report of several gnns in the direction they 
 had gone. 
 
 Such a commotion ! My feelings can better be imagined and 
 described, but time told us our fears were groundless. 
 
 That was a long night. Not a wink of sleep for me. 
 Morning came, but no signs of Indians. The men were out 
 two days and never saw nor heard an Indian. How rejoiced 
 I was when I saw my good husband again ! 
 
 There was one man in the company who used to give us 
 a scare by firing his gun while on guard. The orders were 
 not a gun was to be shot unless at an Indian. Knowing this, 
 imagine yourself, sitting by the fire, with everything quiet, 
 and then hear one shot after another! The old man always 
 said he saw Indians. 
 
 The war broke out in October, 1855, and ended in June. 
 3856. The last battle was fought east of the mountains. 
 
 There is a great deal more that I could write, but time 
 will not permit me.
 
 JACOB OTT AND WIFE
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 173 
 
 MRS. JACOB OTT 
 
 "I wish ]Mr. Ott were here to tell yon about the exciting 
 experiences he went through in early days," said Mrs. Jacob 
 Ott, when interviewed and asked to tell the story of her life 
 in Olympia. "I never knew any hardships, and, although the 
 life in America was new and strange to me, upon my arrival 
 from my girlhood home in Switzerland, I was always com- 
 fortable. All dangers from Indian outrages was over and 
 civilization was quite well advanced. 
 
 "But when Mr. Ott came to America in 1850, he found the 
 country- ver^y different from what he had been accustomed to. 
 He was also born in Switzerland and it was there that he 
 learned his trade of carpenter. When quite a young man he 
 came to this country, stopping first in St. Louis. Later he 
 joined a train of emigrants bound for the Golden West. All 
 places were alike to the young man, adventure, and perhaps 
 a chance to gather some of the gold he heard so much about, 
 was what he was looking for. The trip was made in the 
 regulation way — ox teams — to Portland. Oregon. After six 
 months in that settlement, Mr. Ott heard so much talk of the 
 opportunities to be found on Puget Sound, that he determined 
 to try his luck there. Tumwater was the only place of any 
 importance then, so he came, arriving here in 1852. From 
 Monticello Landing, Mr. Ott made the trip to Tumwater on 
 horseback. The prospects of this section of the Northwest 
 looked good to him, so he decided to stay here. 
 
 "Among the first things Mr. Ott did was to ])uy a num- 
 ber of lots of timber land in the town and begin clearing them 
 oft'. The lots were very heavily Avooded, and almost the first 
 thing that happened to the young man was an incident that 
 at the time frightened him into a cold perspiration. One morn- 
 ing he had laid his ax at the root of a tall fir and had it 
 chopped part way through, so the miglity trunk began to bend 
 towards the ground, when there dropped at the feet of the
 
 174 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 yjiing woodsman a small Indian bahy, which had apparently 
 only been dead a short time. Mr. Ott was simply paralyzed 
 with fear and for a while thought the child must have been 
 thrown at him by some unseen Indians as a menace of some 
 sort. But after a while it occurred to him to examine the 
 top branches of the tree, and there he discovered the rude 
 cradle in which the papoose had been put to sleep his last 
 sleep. A further search disclosed three other Indians repos- 
 ing in the tree tops and then it dawuaed on him that he had 
 intruded on an Indian 'burying' ground, if I may call it that. 
 The experience was an unusual one to a young man fresh to 
 the manners and customs of the wilderness. He always looked 
 carefully in the branches of a tree before beginning cutting 
 after that. 
 
 "Before Mr. Ott had lived in the West very long, he took 
 up a claim, five miles out from Tumwater, and built a little 
 shack on the land, living there alone while he cleared and got 
 the place ready for planting. 
 
 "He didn't spend much time or labor on the house and 
 used shakes he cut himself, in the construction. So flimsy 
 was the structure that many a night he stood guard all night 
 long, with an ax in his hands, to protect himself and pro- 
 visions from the cougars, which whined and growled at the 
 rude door and threatened to break in at any moment. The 
 wild animals smelled the meat which Mr. Ott would have in 
 his shack and were determined to have their share. This 
 lasted till he could take time to build a more secure house. 
 
 "Mr. Ott served his six months in the Indian war, as did 
 most of the men living here in the days of the trouble with th-,' 
 Indians. Plis special work was teaming for the government, 
 hauling supplies to the forts and wherever troops were sta- 
 tioned. As the rascals were anxious for the provisions and 
 blankets, with which the wagons were loaded, this was con- 
 sidered to be especially dangerous, and ]Mr. Ott used to tell 
 me about sleeping at nights holding the lariat ropes of his 
 cattle all night long to prevent a stampede. 
 
 "One night, I remember my husband telling me about, the 
 Indians were all around the teams and an ambush was feared 
 at any moment. There were five or six teamsters in the train 
 and their wagons were loaded with what would have been a
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 175 
 
 rich haul for the Indians. Night ^^as coming on and the men 
 were worried at the prospects of camping there, being al- 
 most sure they would be attacked before morning. A halt 
 was called to discuss the situation when there was seen com- 
 ing towards them, the most wrinkled old squaw the eye of 
 man had ever beheld. She must have passed the century- 
 mark in years, so old and feeble did she appear. Holding up 
 her hand in sign of peace, she came up to the men. and in 
 Chinook, told them not to go that way that night for they 
 would surely be killed if they did, but instead to camp for 
 the night under a certain tree which stood all by itself on a 
 cleared place a little way off. 
 
 "The men didn't know anything better to do, although 
 they were afraid of treachery on the part of the squaw. Bui 
 after a consultation, they decided to take the warning antl 
 camp where the squaw directed them to do. 
 
 "Sure enough, the tree was found just as had been de- 
 scribed and when the teams reached the spot, the wagons were 
 corraled and the men prepared to spend the night. They were 
 not molested, and in the morning proceeded on their way in 
 peace. The mystery of the squaw's protection was never ex- 
 plained, nor why they were not attacked during the night. 
 Mr. Ott often wondered if there was not some sort of an 
 Indian superstition about the tree which safeguarded anyone 
 who sought shelter beneath its branches. 
 
 "After a number of years, I\Ir. Ott prospered so well that 
 he began to think he Avould like to see his boyhood home and 
 friends again, so he went back to Switzerland on a visit. While 
 there he met me, then quite a young girl, and induced me to 
 come to America with him. We were passengers on the second 
 train that ever started to cross the continent. 
 
 "When I arrived here I couldn't tell 'yes' from 'no' in 
 English, and I thought I never would be able to make my- 
 self understood. I could have learned Chinook quicker than 
 I did English, only I was so afraid of the Indians. ]\Ir. Ott 
 was a favorite with them and when we got here they came in 
 dusky swarms, crowding right up to the door of the house 
 to see Jake's wife. I nearly died, I was so frightened of 
 them. 
 
 "I was that lonesome and liomosiek that when my Henry
 
 176 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 was born I thought if anything shonld happen to that baby 
 I'd just end it all by jumping into the bay. But he kept me 
 from moping around much, for he was the greatest care for a 
 long time. The poor little thing was so tiny that for the first 
 six weeks we kept him in a ten-pound tea box, wrapped in 
 cotton. He was too small to dress and when he was big 
 enough to handle, I had to make him a complete new ward- 
 robe, for everything I had made before he was born was too 
 large for him. 
 
 "When we finally decided to move from Tumwater and 
 came to Olympia, Mr. Ott built this house, where we have 
 lived ever since. Every stick in the house was put here by 
 Mr. Ott's own hands. 
 
 "Fifteen years ago, in August, 1899, my husband died 
 in this house, after an illness of only a few moments, so ful- 
 filling the desire of his later years that when Death called him 
 he would go quick. 
 
 "We have had three children, Henry, born February 18, 
 1870; Walter, born in Baker, Oregon, March 20, 1872; Ger- 
 trude, born at Globe, Arizona, February 28, 1875."
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 177 
 
 DR. ALONZO GERRY COOK 
 
 While not a Thurston County pioneer within the strictest 
 meaning of the term, Dr. Alonzo Gerry Cook has spent so 
 many summers with his daughter, Mrs. Millard Lemon, on 
 Puget Sound, and during his younger manhood so frequently 
 visited the Territorial capital in pursuit of official duty, that 
 a history of this section would be incomplete without some 
 mention of this grand old man and his devoted wife. 
 
 Born in Portland, ]\Iaine, on ^lay 13, 1839, the j'oung 
 Alonzo spent his infant years at this place, accompanj'ing his 
 parents to Illinois, settling about sixty miles from Chicago. 
 Here he grew to young manhood, and after graduating from a 
 law school, was admitted to practice law. In 1861 Mr. Cook 
 met and married Miss Isabella Webster. Dr. Cook's tribute 
 to the devotion of his wife was beautiful. He said: "My 
 wife, born in London, England, came to America in a sailing 
 vessel before steam was commonly used. The ocean trip con- 
 sumed six weeks, then through the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and 
 then through Lake Erie to Ohio. Later, after our marriage, 
 to Washington, then to Long Beach and Los Angeles — cows, 
 mules and stage being the means of conversance for the three 
 times this noble woman has accompanied me across the plains. 
 In later years we have taken the trip several times with all 
 the luxury and conveniences furnished by the Pullman Com- 
 pany, but Mrs. Cook was as cheerful and uncomplaining dur- 
 ing those days of hardship and trial as she was when we 
 traveled in comfort." 
 
 In the Spring of 1862, Mr. Cook and his girl bride started 
 to cross the plains with a team of four cows. After the usual 
 hardships attendant on the emigrant trip, the j^oung couple 
 finally reached The Dalles. Two of their cows succumbed 
 to the rigors of the trip and the wagon was hauled the last 
 stHges of the journey by the two remaining animals. Dr. Cook 
 tt'lls as characteristic the way these pioneer emigrants had to 
 manage, how the Snake Kiver was crossed in those days long 
 before man had set a pier or placed a stick in the building of 
 bridges across any of the western streams. "We took off
 
 178 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 the wagon bed, when we came to Snake River, unloaded our 
 plunder and my wife spared a garment and I spared another, 
 to tear into strips. With these we caulked the wagon box 
 the best we could and put it in shallow water to soak over 
 night. In the morning, partly loading our equipment in the 
 box, we started to paddle over. I steered and rowed the ex- 
 temporized craft the best I could, but the water rushed in in 
 spite of our caulking, so my wife bailed for dear life till we 
 landed on the far shore. Then we had to return, and make 
 the trip several times, for we did not dare to put much of our 
 plunder in at one time. The cows then swam across 
 the river, we reloaded and proceeded on our way, nothing 
 daunted and hardly considering that we had done anything 
 remarkable, as that was the only way of crossing large streams 
 in those days. 
 
 "When The Dalles was reached, we sold our remaining 
 cows for barely money enough to take us to Portland. This 
 city was then only a village of one street and few business 
 houses. We stayed the first night at the old Portland Hotels 
 a small wooden building. The next morning I went out on the 
 streets to look for a job. We were broke and I needed a job 
 the worst way. Almost the first man I met was a farmer from 
 Yamhill County, named Griner. He was road master in his 
 section and wanted a man to work on the road. He told me 
 he could give me and my wife house room while I was working 
 for him. I gladly accepted and soon was armed with a pick 
 and shovel. Mr. Griner was in doubt as to some of his legal 
 privileges in his work and asked my advice. I told him I did 
 not know what the local custom was but so and so was the law 
 on the case. He was surprised at my legal knowledge and 
 asked me about it. I told him I had the theory but had never 
 yet practised law. Mr. Griner told me to drop the pick and 
 shovel and take my wife and go to Lafayette, Oregon. He 
 wanted to send his young lady daughter to school and wanted 
 to board her with a cultured family, and assured us he would 
 see that we had enough to eat during the winter. This was 
 the end of our very hard times. While we were in Lafayette, 
 our only child, Marabell, was born." 
 
 Mr. Cook then related that soon after the birth of his 
 child he was offered the position of district attorney for that
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 179 
 
 section of the Northwest that is now Idaho. He went to Boise 
 City alone, but sent for ]\Irs. Cook and the baby within a short 
 time. They remained in Boise City a couple of years and then 
 Mr. Cook was sent to the Eastern States for the purpose of 
 securing a charter for the First National Bank of that city. 
 Chris Moore was the bank president. Ilis wife accompanied 
 him on this trip, which was made by stage. 
 
 Upon Mr. Cook's return to the West he settled in Van- 
 couver, where he became a partner in a law office with the 
 Hon. H. G. Struve. Struve afterwards was made District At- 
 torney over a group of ten counties, of which Thurston was 
 one. "When Struve 's term expired, Mr. Cook was elected to 
 succeed his former law partner. 
 
 During the two years of this service, Mr. Cook made fre- 
 quent trips to attend the Supreme Court in Olympia and be- 
 came very well acquainted v»^ith the best people of the Capitol 
 City. He can remember when Tacoma was only a dream of 
 the future, one settler, Job Carr, being the entire population 
 of the City of Destiny. 
 
 About this time Mr. Cook's health began to fail him, and 
 in looking over some medical books to investigate his ail- 
 ments he became interested in medicine and decided to study 
 that profession. He took a course in the Cooper Medical 
 College in San Francisco. Then he went to Chicago where he 
 became a graduate of the Hahnemann Homeopathic College. 
 
 During the year of 1872 Dr. and Mrs. Cook and their 
 young daughter went to California to make their home. They 
 were accompanied on this trip by William Lemon and family 
 to Los Angeles. Dr. Cook practised medicine in this city and 
 Oakland for many years. 
 
 Although the doctor has now retired from active practise 
 he has by no means retired from active life for when the 
 compiler of these reminiscences called upon him at the home 
 of his son-in-law, Millard Lemon, he told about having spent 
 the greater part of the day pruning a pear tree 50 feet high 
 in its top boughs. 
 
 Dr. and Mrs. Cook claim Long Beach, California, for their 
 home, but every summer the lure of Puget Sound calls them 
 and they come up and spend the hot months visiting at the 
 home of their only daughter, Mrs. Millard Lemon.
 
 180 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 WILLIAM D. KING 
 
 The history of William D. King as related by his son, 
 Charles D. King, is but a repetition of the sturdy expression 
 of the spirit of adventure which led so many from comfortable 
 homes in the Eastern States, to undergo the hardships and 
 privations of a frontier life. 
 
 In 1852, William King left his young wife, Caroline, in 
 their Michigan home, and crossed the plains with the customary 
 ox teams. Arriving in this section, the summer was spent at 
 Grand Mound Prairie, looking for a place of permanent loca- 
 tion. 
 
 In the spring of 1858, Mr. King decided to take up a dona- 
 tion claim in Cowlitz County, and selected a site just above the 
 town of Kelso on the Cowlitz River. For a couple of years Mr. 
 King worked on his claim, subduing the wilderness and build- 
 ing up a home for his young wife. 
 
 Finally, in 1855, Mrs. King was sent for, to join her hus- 
 band, and made the trip to Washington by way of Panama, 
 being among the first passengers to travel on the railroad 
 which had recently been built across the Isthmus. The Kings 
 continued to occupy their farm on the Cowlitz until the year 
 1863, and during this time, in 1859, their son, Charles D., 
 was born. 
 
 During the time of the Indian war troubles, in 1855-56, 
 Mr. and Mrs. King and son were obliged to take refuge in the 
 block house on the Cowlitz. It was during their sojourn in this 
 place of refuge that their second sou, the late H. S. King, 
 was born. 
 
 Neighbors of the King family in the fort were the 
 Ostrander and the Catlin families, whose names are among the 
 best known of the pioneers of that section. 
 
 Mr. King was the second auditor ever elected in Cowlitz 
 County, which office he held for several terms. 
 
 In 1863, the family sold their donation claim and removed
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 181 
 
 to Clackamas Coimty, Oregon, afterwards settling in Umatilla 
 County, where they lived until the time of Mr. King's death. 
 This latter event occurred while he was on a trip to INIiehigan, 
 where he had taken his younger son to place him in school. 
 and was caused by a railroad wreck. 
 
 The son, Charles, then wandered forth in the world on 
 his own responsibility, leading the checkered career of a young 
 man striving to educate himself, and at the same time earn his 
 li\'ing on the frontier. The lad drifted to California, then to 
 Winnemucca, Nevada, then on into Idaho, finally settling for 
 several years at Weiser City, in that Territory. 
 
 It was at Winnemucca that he was admitted to practise 
 law, and here, too, he was living at the time of the Bannock 
 and Nez Perce Indian wars. Mr. King was one of the guard 
 stationed outside that frontier town to give warning to the 
 citizens of the approach of the Indians who were ravaging the 
 country in Idaho and Nevada, terrorizing the settlers, and 
 freighters, and even the inhabitants of the smaller towns, who 
 feared an attack. The tribes at one time joined forces and 
 numbered 2,000 warriors. 
 
 The younger King, before practising law, for a time, led 
 a wild life as a cowboy on the Idaho ranges, and during this 
 time was participant in many exciting adventures. 
 
 In 1891, C. D. King came to Olympia, and began the 
 practise of law. He still continues to live in this city. 
 
 His only brother, II. S. King, died in 01ym])ia, in 1912.
 
 Ig2 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 WILLIAM LEMON 
 
 William Lemon and his wife were among the pioneers of 
 the Cowlitz River settlement, and later of Cowlitz Prairie, and 
 their experiences in this section were such as to try men's 
 souls, until land was cleared and cultivated and neighbors 
 began to arrive. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, William Lemon, was born in 
 Orange County, New York, his parents later going to IMichi- 
 gan, then to Illinois, and still later out to Iowa, where they 
 lived for several years. Here William became a man and 
 was finally married to a blithe Irish lass. 
 
 The 3"oung couple, with their one child, caught the emigra- 
 tion fever and decided to cast their fortunes with other emi- 
 grants and go to Oregon, so in 1852 the trip was made with 
 ox teams. 
 
 When The Dalles was reached, late in the fall, Mr. Lemon 
 decided to leave his considerable number of cattle there to 
 winter, and go on down to Portland. Here he expected to 
 find work at his trade of carpenter. 
 
 However, before the little family reached this point, an 
 important event happened. Their second child was born. His 
 birth place was beside the Snake River in what is now Idaho, 
 but was then comprised within the Oregon boundary. His 
 cradle was a box in the wagon bed, his lullaby the rustle of 
 the wind through the sage brush and grease wood. His mother 
 told, to the time of her last illness, how the little fellow cried 
 day and night, after he was taken into the house, for the rock- 
 ing of the wagon> That child is now Millard Lemon of 
 Olympia. 
 
 When spring came, Mr. Lemon went back to The Dalles 
 to round up his cattle. The winter had been a hard one, and in 
 common with many other emigrants, who had hoped their 
 cattle would winter without other feed than what the animals 
 could pick up on the ranges, Mr. Lemon lost every one of
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 183 
 
 his cattle except one ox. OAving to the hardness of the winter 
 and unexpected rush of emigration during the year of 1852-3, 
 the crop of potatoes produced by the few farmers around 
 Portland was soon used up and the prices for this vegetable 
 soared to the sky. The elder Lemon thought there must be 
 a fortune in potatoes, judging from the price he was obliged 
 to pay. So when spring came, he took his family and went on 
 up to the Cowlitz country, took up a piece of land, and put it 
 all in potatoes. As everyone else in the country had been pos- 
 sessed with the same inspiration, there was almost no giving 
 this humble vegetable away, and prices scarcely paid for the 
 digging. 
 
 It was while living on this homestead on the Cowlitz River 
 that the baby who had come to the Lemon family on the plains 
 nearly lost his life in a tragic manner. The little fellow had 
 just begun to toddle and was playing around the door step 
 of his father's cabin, when an immense eagle circled above his 
 head, and was just swooping down to seize the child, when his 
 father caught sight of the bird and shot it. The eagle's body 
 fell into the river, but it was a narrow escape, and one of the 
 mother's favorite tales to her children when they gathered 
 around her knee in the gloaming. 
 
 Becoming dissatisfied wuth the place on the river, ]\Ir. 
 Lemon went to Cowlitz Prairie and took up a donation claim 
 of a half a section of land. Here the family was living during 
 the time of the Indian war, seeking refuge with the other 
 families on this prairie, in the block house on the Parsons' 
 place. The women and children would stay in the block house 
 and the men fare forth during the day to till the soil and 
 gather in the crops, returning to spend the night with their 
 families within the safety of the block house enclosure. 
 
 ]Mr. ]\Iillard Lemon has in his possession to this day the 
 gun which his father used to put over his shoulder when it 
 Avas his turn to stand guard, and to protect himself with, while 
 tilling the land. This was the same gun that ended the life 
 of the eagle I have told about. 
 
 Mr. Lemon, .^enior. in after years, received the pension 
 awarded Indian war veterans. At this time the Cowlitz 
 Prairie was principally settled with French Canadians, servants 
 of the Hudson Bay Company, and a class of people who cared
 
 1.84 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 but little for educational advantages, so the mother insisted 
 that the family must go somewhere that the children could go 
 to school. 
 
 Claquato, the county seat of Lewis County, was selected. 
 Here, for four j^ears, the Lemon children w^ere taught by JMiss 
 Peebles, one of the Mercer girls, and who afterwards became 
 Mrs. A. McLitosh, of Seattle. ^Millard Lemon gives this lady 
 a just due of praise, by affirming that she was the best 
 teacher he ever had, and as he is a college graduate, he must 
 have had many and good ones, too. 
 
 While residing on Cowlitz Prairie and Claquato, Mrs. 
 Lemon made many visits to friends in Olympia, and Millard 
 Lemon's early recollections include chasing the coavs over what 
 is now Capitol Park, but was then only a wilderness of fallen 
 logs, brush and stumps. His companion in his boyhood days, 
 and favorite chum, w^as Fred Guyot, then a lad of about nine 
 years, and in Mr. Lemon's own words, "as fine a lad as ever 
 lived." 
 
 In 1874, the Lemon family went to live in Los Angeles. 
 California. But after spending several years in that place, 
 decided to return to Washington. Olympia was selected as 
 the place of residence this time, and here Mr. and Mrs. Lemon 
 built the house on Eighth Street that was the family home 
 for years, and where life ended for Mr. Lemon, in 1890. Mrs. 
 Lemon lived on in the old home for another seven years, and 
 then she joined her husband. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Lemon were born seven children : Thomas, 
 Millard, Frances, Marion, Alice, Edwin and Ida. ]Millard and 
 Ida are the only ones of the family still living. Ida is now 
 ]\Irs. Mann, and lives in the family home. A granddaughter 
 — child of Alice — Mrs. C. Goldstein, who is now Mrs. Garrett, 
 has lived in Olympia the past few years, formerly making her 
 home in Seattle. 
 
 The lad, Millard, studied out of the same reader with 
 Fred Guyot, and sat on the same bench in the little old log 
 school house with the little girl who afterwards became Mrs. 
 Charles Talcott, the first wife of one of Olympia 's pioneer 
 jewelers. While a student at the State University of Oregon 
 at Salem, ]\Iillard Lemon had as classmates, Stephen J. Chad- 
 wick, now Judge of the Supreme Court of AVashington ; C. S.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 185 
 
 wiek, Judge of the Supreme Court, and C. S. Rienhfirt. who 
 has been clerk of the same court since Washington l)eca!He 
 a State, and the late Frank ]\I. McCully, Avho was Dej^uty 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction of Washington at the 
 time of his death, in Olympia, in ]907. 
 
 In 1876, ]\Iillard entered De Pauw University at Green 
 Castle, Indiana, from Avhich institution he graduated in 1880, 
 taking the degree of A. B. Afterwards he took a classical 
 course and secured his degree of A. M. from the California 
 State University. Following his graduation, Mr. Lemon had 
 a varied career. 
 
 Through the suggestion of Bishop Taylor, he went to 
 Santiago, Chile, and was one of the founders of Santiago Col- 
 lege, W'here he was head of the boys department. ]\Ir. Lemon's 
 stay w^th this college lasted two years. 
 
 At the expiration of this period, Mr. Lemon engaged in 
 railroad engineering in the State of Chile, continuing in this 
 w'ork for the following six years. 
 
 Returning to the United States in 1888, JMr. Lemon so- 
 journed long enough at Long Beach, California, to become 
 united in marriage to his boyhood's sw^eetheart, Marabelle 
 Cook. The young couple then came to Olympia to visit 
 ]\Iillard's father and mother. The business prospects of the 
 Capitol City Avere bright, so they decided to make this city 
 their home. 
 
 Mr. Lemon has been successful in financial affairs and 
 is today rated as one of the most solidly successful business 
 men, not only in Oh'mpia, but the entire State of Washing- 
 ton; a man who takes pride in the description, "His w^ord is 
 as good as his bond." 
 
 Three children brighten the Lemon home, Edith, Mildred 
 and Gerry.
 
 18S THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 I. HARRIS & SONS 
 
 The name of Harris, father and sons, has been so prom- 
 inently identified with the commercial and social life of 
 Olympia for the past forty-five years that a history of Thurston 
 County would be incomplete, indeed, without a sketch of this 
 family. Although. Mr. I. Harris located in Olympia as late as 
 1870, he may well be counted among the actual pioneers of 
 the Coast, for with his bride, then a young girl of nineteen 
 years of age, he arrived in Oregon in 1853. The voyage from 
 their New York home was made by the way of Panama to San 
 Francisco, then on up to Portland. The first stop was made in 
 Salem, Oreg-on. At this place, Mr. Harris engaged in a general 
 merchandise business, but later concluded to try his fortune 
 in "Walla Walla. The family made the trip to the latter place 
 by stage, from The Dalles. 
 
 Mr. Harris was one of the leading merchants in Walla 
 Walla for the next four years, but the wanderlust was not 
 yet satisfied, so another move was made into the wilds of 
 Montana. Mrs. Harris, with her two small sons, Mitchel and 
 Gus, visited relatives in the Eastern States while Mr. Harris 
 was trying his fortune in Montana. 
 
 The climate of this section of the West not agreeing with 
 Mr. Harris, he decided to try Puget Sound. Olympia was at 
 that time beginning to attract attention, and the tide of 
 emigration seemed to be setting in strong for the Northwest, 
 so this settlement was chosen as the next field of activities. 
 That Mr. Harris was pleased with his selection, is manifest 
 from the fact that Olympia was his home from that elate, 1870, 
 to the day of his death. 
 
 AVhen her husband was finally located in Olympia, Mrs. 
 Harris and little sons joined him. 
 
 A third son, Henry, was born after ]Mr. and j\Irs. Harris 
 had lived here a few years. 
 
 The first store building occupied by Mr. Harris, was 
 in the Tilley block, corner of Third and Main Streets, and a 
 line of general merchandise was carried, although the Indian 
 trade was largelv catered to and a brisk business was carried
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 187 
 
 on with the natives, who bartered skins for gaudy lilankets 
 and bright colored beads. 
 
 For several years the Harris family lived in a neat little 
 home on the corner of Fourth and Washington Streets, the 
 land now being used for business purposes, and the house long 
 since demolished. 
 
 At that time the home of T. F. McElroy was by all odds 
 the finest in the town, and was considered quite in the sub- 
 urbs, surrounded, as it was, by the almost untouched forest. 
 ]\Ir. Harris, in about the year 1880, became the possessor of the 
 half block of land between Main and Washington Streets, and 
 built the substantial house which still continues to be the 
 family residence. The Harris boys attended the schools of 
 Olympia, at one time, being students in the little school taught 
 by Miss Mary O'Neal. 
 
 Later, the two elder sons. ^Mitchel and Gus. were sent to 
 Portland, Oregon, to take special courses in German and music. 
 Fpon the completion of their education, they assisted their 
 father in his business, and the firm name was changed from 
 I. Harris, to Harris & Sons. 
 
 In the year 1896, Mr. Harris, senior, while on an Eastern 
 trip, contracted pneumonia and died before his sons could reach 
 his bedside. 
 
 The sons continued the business, which had developed into 
 one of the leading dry goods stores on the Sound, for several 
 years. 
 
 With the exception of a short time spent in San Francisco, 
 where he was engaged in business, INIitchel Harris has success- 
 fully carried on the business founded l)y his father forty-five 
 years ago. 
 
 In about 1900, the second son, Gus, decided to locate in 
 California, and is now at the head of a large dry goods estab- 
 lishment in Los Angeles, his partner being Felix Lightner, a 
 native of Olympia, and son of a pioneer merchant of this place. 
 
 The youngest son, Henry, decided to devote himself to the 
 medical profession. Consequently, after completing a course £t 
 the Leland Stanford University, he graduated from the John 
 Hopkins Institute. 
 
 Dr. Harris also spent a year as interne in this institution. 
 He then put in two years \n tlie hospitals of Berlin and Vienna,
 
 188 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 taking special courses in medicine. Upon his return to the 
 United States, he located in San Francisco, where he has built 
 up a large practice. He is married and has three children. 
 
 Mitchel Harris, loyal to the home of his boyhood, with his 
 wife and children, Sehvyn and Irene, has been twice chosen 
 to the office of Mayor of the city by the vote of the people, 
 and at all times has stood strong for the best interests of the 
 community, and the development and advancement of Olympia. 
 His family are prominent in the best society of the city, and in 
 many ways his lot is cast in pleasant places. 
 
 The widow and mother, IMadame Harris, as she is now 
 called, is spending her declining years in happiness and con- 
 tentment, idolized by her sons and her grandchildren. Some- 
 times visiting Gus and his charming family in Los Angeles, 
 for a few months in the year, coming to Oh-mpia for the hot 
 weather months, and then back to the home of her youngest 
 born, in San Francisco.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 189 
 
 ALEXANDER YANTIS 
 
 The history of Alex Yantis and his family, while, per- 
 haps, not more filled with adventnre and trials than that 
 of contemporaneous pioneer settlers, is so characteristic and 
 vivid, as related hy the sons and daughters still living, that 
 their experiences merit a prominent place in this collection of 
 reminiscences. 
 
 Hailing from Brownsville, Missoviri, the Yantis family, 
 consisting of ]\Ir. and jNIrs. Yantis and nine sturdj^ sons and 
 daughters, joined a train of ox teams for the overland trip 
 to California. ]\Ir. Yantis was elected captain of the train and 
 the trip was made without any direct disturbance from the 
 Indians, the attacks of whom was the emigrants' constant dread 
 and terror all through the long, hot, dusty journey over the 
 old Oregon Trail. Although the trip was unavoidably tedious, 
 as the oxen w'ere tired and footsore, still many of the re- 
 membrances of the younger ones of that tr^^inload are pleasant 
 and full of interest. The big camp fires at night, when all 
 gathered around telling and listening to tales of home and 
 adventure, the novel experiences each day "would bring forth, 
 the laying by for one day's rest each week to allow the women 
 to w^ash the clothes and bake up a supply of bread, while the 
 children played around the wagons and picked the many-hued 
 flowers which grew by the side of the road. These were among 
 the simple pleasures which made the trip endurable and almost 
 enjoyable. The Yantis sons and daughters still tell with glee 
 of the fun and play of the trip, whenever a family reunion is 
 held. They were a happy family, with the family ties tender 
 and close to this day, among the children who survive. 
 
 The nearest to a tragedy encountered was w^hen the Snake 
 River countrj^ was reached. At a certain point in the trail 
 the road diverged and a sign post was set up by some previous 
 traveller indicating that by following one of the roads a 
 nearer cut-off would be found, although through a wilder
 
 190 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 country. One family decided to take this nearer trail although 
 earnestly remonstrated with by I\Ir. Yantis and other men of 
 the train, whose counsel was that all should stick together. 
 But the man was obstinate and by this time had grown care- 
 less of the danger from Indians, so persisted in following the 
 short traiL The rest of the party proceeded on to Snake River 
 fort, where there were a small company of soldiers to protect 
 the emigrants. It was known that the Indians were near and 
 acting' ugly. Indeed, the night before the fort was reached,, 
 the emigrants of Mr. Yantis' party could see a band of the 
 enemy dancing a war dance in a bottom of land close to the 
 camp. Their horrid yells and vehement brandishing of their 
 guns and bows filled the whites with terror, which was not 
 abated wh-en an Indian buck came dashing up to Mr. Yantis' 
 wagon and asked him to sell his little daughter, Sarah, to 
 him. The Indian offered his horse for the child, and when 
 refused by the parents, rode off in a rage. The night was 
 spent in anxious watchfulness, but the Indians evidently con- 
 eluded that the party was too strong for them to risk an 
 attack on, so left them unmolested. 
 
 When Snake River fort was reached and it was learned 
 that the two wagons, whose drivers had taken the short cut, 
 had not arrived, it was known that they had met with dis- 
 aster. Mr. Yantis and several men of the train went back 
 over the trail their friends should have arrived from. Before 
 they reached the wagons they heard shots and screams. Dash- 
 ing up, their worst fears were confirmed. The Indians had 
 raided the wagons, shot and killed the man and his wife, and 
 all the rest of the party, with the exception of two boys. One 
 of these boys was lying on his face when the relief party came 
 up, his body shot with a number of Indian arrows. He was not 
 dead, however, and upon hearing Mr. Yantis' exclamations of 
 horror over the fate of the rest of the family, called: "Is 
 that you. Uncle Alex." The other boy was carried off by 
 the Indians, when they stampeded, upon hearing the relief 
 party charging up. The lad was afterwards brought back 
 to the train by a Nez Perce Indian, another tribe than the one 
 which had committed the massacre of the rest of the party. 
 With a redskin's customary reticence, the deliverer refused to
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 191 
 
 give particulars of how he eaiiie to have the lad in his 
 possession. 
 
 Two years before the Yantis family, which is the subject 
 of these reminiscences, decided to leave their home, a brother 
 of Mr. Yantis, B. F. Yantis, and sister of these men, Mrs. N. 
 Ostrander, had preceded them, coming to the Cowlitz country, 
 and a little later Mr. Yantis coming on to 01;^Tnpia. The 
 prospects in the undeveloped Northwest looked so good to this 
 advance guard that they wished their brother's family to come 
 West also and locate near them. Alex Yantis had written his 
 brother and sister that he intended going to California that 
 summer, ^starting at a certain time. B. F. Yantis thought nis 
 brother would miss a golden opportunity if he failed to locate 
 in this section of the country, so hired a man to ride horse- 
 back back along the trail his brother must come, to intercept 
 him with a letter setting forth the advantages of Thurston 
 County. The man rode along the trail to where it branched 
 off and led to California. Learning from other emigrants 
 that the ones sought for had probably not reached this inter- 
 section yet, the courier waited till the brother's train arrived. 
 
 When iMr. Yantis read his brother's message, a longing to 
 see his kinsfolks came over him, and as all places in the West 
 were alike to the adventurers, they decided to come on to 
 Oregon — now Washington. 
 
 After carefully considering the tAvo trails then commonly 
 followed by emigrant trains, the Natchez Pass, or to The Dalles 
 and on down the Columl)ia River, jMr. Yantis decided on the 
 Natchez Pass. With almost incredible hardship and danger, 
 the cattle were driven through this pass, and the wagons fre- 
 f[uently having to be lowered down declivities Avith ropes, but 
 finally the train got out on the White River plains and so on 
 to the Sound country. Soon after their arrival on Bush Prairie 
 Mr. Yantis located on 320 acres of fine timber land on the 
 Skookumchuck, four miles froin where Tenino now stands, 
 the eldest son, John Yantis, residing on this homestead after 
 the death of his father and mother. 
 
 The first home was the typical settlers' log cabin, which 
 was built during the winter of 1854. During the building of 
 this cabin, the Yantis family lived Avith Wm. and Phillip 
 Northcraft, bachelors, and the nearest neighbors. Soon after
 
 192 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 moving into the new house, the entire country vv^as startled by 
 the Indian outbreak. The stories that came pouring in of 
 homes devastated, men and women and children killed and 
 general havoc, filled the settlers with alarm. A tract of lana 
 on Grand Mound Prairie was donated and there the men 
 assembled and built a stockade, or fort, which was known as 
 Fort Henness. This enclosure was twelve feet high, built of 
 solid lumber and so arranged that each family could have 
 their little house within the safe precincts. In the center of the 
 enclosure stood the guard house, where the men who were 
 not on picket duty would assemble to warm themselves, swap 
 stories and gossip. At two of the corners were block houses 
 built with special reference to defense, in the event of an at- 
 tack. These houses were only a few feet square at the base 
 with steps leading to the upper part. Here the logs were 
 longer and the upper story extended out several feet. There 
 were port holes through the log wall, to shoot through, and 
 these houses were of sufficient size to hold all the people in 
 the event of the natives rushing the stockade. 
 
 The Yantis family lived in this way for a year, IMr. Yantis 
 and his sons g'oing forth mornings to cultivate their fields, 
 and returning to their cabin in the enclosure at night. 
 
 While Fort Henness was never attacked by the Indians, 
 the elder of the Yantis brothers are enabled to recall one ex- 
 citing incident which occurred during their occupancy of the 
 fort. One day an Indian woman came dashing up on her 
 cayuse, with her face streaming with blood. She was closely 
 pursued by an Indian buck, the latter wnld with drink. When 
 the fort was reached, the woman threw herself from her horse 
 and ran into one of the cabins, crawling under the bed. The 
 Indian, who proved to be her husband, stopped when within 
 the enclosure and I\Ir. Yantis stepped up to his pony and 
 demanded to know what was the trouble. The Indian reached 
 behind him, as ]\Ir. Yantis thought to get a gun. when the 
 white man pulled him off his horse by the hair of his head. 
 It afterward transpired that the Indian was reaching for a 
 bottle of whiskey he had in the holster, with the intention 
 of treating. 
 
 The woman in the meantime made her escape and rode 
 off across the clearing. When the husband was a little sobered
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 193 
 
 down he started after his wife, threatening dire acts when he 
 should overtake her. He had not g'one far from the stockade 
 when a shot was heard and, upon the men going out to inves- 
 tigate, the Indian was found lying beside the trail w^ith a bullet 
 hole in his head. The men took a Avagon box and covered 
 the body until the Indian agent could be notified. It was 
 commonly reported that the band, of which the dead Indian 
 was a member, tortured the unfortunate wnfe to death, as an 
 example to the other squaws of the tribe never to thwart their 
 lords. It was never known definitely who fired the shot 
 which made at least one good Indian, but at this late day it 
 is shrewdly suspected that the man's name could be recalled 
 b.y the surviving inhabitants of the fort. 
 
 Before the Indian Avar Mr. Yantis had accumulated a large 
 band of cattle, but he was obliged to sell and dispose of nearly 
 £il the animals to support his family during these hard times. 
 
 The wheat which Mr. Yantis raised on his place was taken 
 ■;o the mill in TumAvater, then a two days' journey over roug:h, 
 muddy roads, from the home place on the Skookumchuek. The 
 grain was then ground into flour, paying the miller a toll of 
 :)ne-eighth for the milling. The farmer was alloAved to keep 
 the bran and shorts. 
 
 With a family of fourteen children to sev\' for. a number 
 of AA'hom were girls, it Avas an eventful day in the Yantis 
 family when the mother had her first seAving machine, one 
 of those little affairs Avhich are scrcAved onto the table and 
 run by hand. The elder girls can not remember Avhen they first 
 learned to knit. Their mother would spin the yarn and tli<' 
 girls knit mittens and socks, Avhich they had no trouble in 
 disposing of to the bachelors living on ranches in the vicinity. 
 Sometimes a pair of hand-made mittens would bring a dollar, 
 and the girls Avere enabled to add quite a little to the family 
 finances in this Avay. 
 
 Mr. Yantis Avas a member of the legislatures of 1860-63, 
 county commissioner several terms, and Avas justice of the 
 peace for his neighborhood for many years, holding the latter 
 office at the time of his death, which occurred when he Avas 
 72 years of age. The w^ife and mother, who had endured Avith 
 unparalleled cheerfulness and fortitude, trials and vicissitudes
 
 194 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 enough to appall one less strong and brave of heart, ceased 
 her labors in the year of 1877. 
 
 The sons and daughters of this branch of the Yantis 
 family were : Margaret, afterwards Mrs. E. K. Sears ; Ann E., 
 afterwards Mrs. Wm. Martin ; Mary L., afterwards Mrs. John 
 F. Damon, of Seattle ; Sarah E., afterwards Mrs. A. Webster ; 
 John L. ; Katherine T., afterwards Mrs. Jesse Martin ; William 
 F. ; Alexander M. ; Sophia Belle, now Mrs. L. Willey, of 
 Olympia; Eliza B., afterwards Mrs. S. Hanaford, of Hanaford 
 Valley ; Martha M., afterwards Mrs. N. Gary, of Tenino ; James 
 E. ; Virginia T., afterwards Mrs. H. A. Davis, of Centralia, and 
 Fannie G. 
 
 James E. and Fanny G. died in infancy. 
 
 The donation claim on the Skookumchuck, started in an 
 unbroken wilderness, has become one of the finest and most 
 valuable farms in Thurston County. It has always been owned 
 by a Yantis, Mr. John Yantis succeeding his father as owner 
 and manager. Here, surrounded by an interesting family of 
 sons and daughters, in company of his wife, who has done her 
 share towards building up the home, Mr. Yantis loves to recall 
 once again the strenuous and exciting experiences of his boy- 
 hood days.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 195 
 
 GUST AVE ROSENTHAL 
 
 The following sketch, by Olympia's pioneer merchant, 
 gives so true and life-like a picture of early business conditions, 
 that it is presented word for word as written by Mr. Rosenthal 
 himself, in compliance with a request that he furnish some of 
 his experiences for this volume : 
 
 To comply with your request, I most respectfully submit 
 the following: 
 
 I arrived in Olympia on June 19th, 1863, fifty-one j^ears 
 ago this date ; made first acquaintance by being introduced to 
 Governor Pickering, then chief executive of Washington Terri- 
 tory. At that time the trip from San Francisco to Victoria 
 cost sixty dollars, and from Victoria to Olympia cost twenty 
 dollars. 
 
 I commenced business on the corner of Second and Main 
 Streets, selling general merchandise, dry goods, clothing, gro- 
 ceries, hardware, crockery and glassware, boots and shoes, 
 rubber goods, farm implements, etc. 
 
 In the summer of 1869 I brought the first mowing machine, 
 a Buckeye, to Olympia, and sold it to Thomas Rutledge; also 
 the first water ram for Nathan Eaton, which to my knowledge 
 was in operation of late years, on the creek, the farm now 
 being owned by Mrs. Bushnell. 
 
 In those early days the farmers were not rich, and needed 
 assistance. In 1866, I furnished some of them with hatchets 
 and drawing knives with which to cut the hazel brush off their 
 land, and by advancing supplies through the winter, they con- 
 verted the sticks into barrel and keg hoops, with which I 
 supplied the San Francisco sugar refineries for over twelve 
 years. 
 
 In those early days land was not being so closely fenced, 
 and farmers kept large flocks of sheep. I bought their wool 
 after shearing time and shipped annually from forty to sixty
 
 196 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 tons; in fact, handled and shipped and sold a good many of 
 their farm products. 
 
 At that time, it was hard for settlers to reach this county. 
 Emigrants crossing the continent had to follow the Columbia 
 River, which landed them at or near Portland, so in 1869, I 
 collected a subscription — about four hundred dollars. This I 
 handed to ]Mr. James Longmire, of Yelm Prairie, and he super- 
 intended the construction of a wagon road through the Natchez 
 Pass, over the Cascade Mountains. The first use of the road 
 was made by Mr. Sam Coulter, bringing a band of cattle, which 
 produced very choice beef. 
 
 Since that time various parties have discovered different 
 kinds of minerals in the Cascade Mountains, and mineral 
 springs have been discovered and attractive places and health 
 resorts established, and the government of the United States 
 has built a fine road and designated Mount Rainier and sur- 
 rounding country a park, which I suggested. 
 
 In 1872, I opened up and developed the second coal mine 
 then in Washington Territory, in Lewis County, and built a 
 house there, in the shape of a blacksmith shop from which 
 since grew what constitutes now the thriving city of Chehalis. 
 From this mine I shipped the first train load of coal on the 
 Northern Pacific Railway ever hauled over that road, to Port- 
 land, Oregon ; but as the railroad did not extend beyond 
 Kalama, I was compelled to reload onto scows and have them 
 towed to Portland. I also sent the first trainload of coal 
 over the Northern Pacific Railway they ever hauled to 
 Tacoma. 
 
 In 1873 I loaded schooners with piles to build wharves in 
 San Francisco. In 1874 I furnished hewn spars and ship 
 knees — paid 25 cents per inch for knees— as cargo for the ship 
 W. H. Bessy loading then at Brown's wharf, at AVest Olympia. 
 The ship sailed from here, around Cape Horn, to Goss & Sawyer 
 at Bath, Maine, and the cargo proved a profitable investment 
 for the consignees. 
 
 The treasury of the city, and likewise of the county, was 
 of small amounts. The citizens of Olympia, in 1867, wanted a 
 railroad to connect with the Northern Pacific Railway at 
 Tenino, so one fine day, men, women and children gathered 
 at Warren's Point, held a picnic and commenced the railroad
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 197 
 
 toward that point. I broke ground and donated forty acres 
 of timber land towards the enterprise. 
 
 In former years, and up to and including 1868, the oysters 
 were sold only by Indian women, carrying a basket of a quarter 
 bushel on their backs, supported by a strap across their fore- 
 heads. They sold them at 25 cents per basket. I shipped some 
 to Portland, San Francisco and Victoria at $1.50, which bring 
 at present as high as $9.00 a sack, during the oyster season; 
 hence I started the oyster business which brings an immense 
 amount of money annually to the Sound country. 
 
 On July 3, 1866, on a trip to Portland, three days of in- 
 tense heat, after a cold spring, caused the Cowlitz River to 
 rise to its banks, and some places overflow its banks. Canoe 
 transportation being the only means of conveyance, after leav- 
 ing Pumphries a short distance, the Indian pretended to scold 
 at other Indians, none of whom were in sight, and as we were 
 going over some riffles, the Indian said to me, "Nanitch acook 
 chuck mika bias cultus Demanimus." Translated, "See this 
 water, your God is a very bad spirit." The only fellow pas- 
 sengers were two children, a boy and a girl, eight and ten 
 years of age. I produced an instrument from my hip pocket 
 and commanded him to manage his paddle correctly, or I'd 
 send him to his "Demanimus". He then apologized, saying 
 he meant no harshness against me, only some Siwashes in the 
 woods, and the trip continued to Monticello without additional 
 events. 
 
 Comparing the present condition of this country with 
 former years, it appears more like walking into a parlor.
 
 198 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 JOHN HENRY WILLIAM STERNBERG 
 
 When E. S. Salomon, who had just been appointed Gov- 
 ernor of Washington Territory, arrived in Olympia, he was 
 accompanied by a number of men whose names have since be- 
 come prominently identified with the history of the Capital 
 city. Such men as Major J. S. Hayden, Ross G. O'Brien, 
 Philip Hiltz, and the subject of this sketch, John H. W. 
 Sternberg. 
 
 ]\Ir. Sternberg was a native of Germany, having been born 
 there in 1825. When still a young man, he bade adieu to the 
 Fatherland and came to America, settling in Chicago, where 
 he soon acquired considerable property. He was a furrier 
 by trade and a superior workman. Governor Salomon in- 
 duced Sternberg to come to Washington with his party and 
 establish himself in the fur trading business. With visions of 
 wealth and rapidly acquired fortune to be gained in the West 
 through bartering with the Indians for the furs of wild ani- 
 mals which were so plentiful before the march of civilization 
 drove them to the remote parts of the mountains, Sternberg 
 accepted Salomon's offer. 
 
 Mrs. Sternberg and four children were left behind in the 
 home in Chicago, but after Salomon had been in Olympia a 
 couple of years, he engaged Mr. Sternberg to return to Chicago 
 and organize a colony to emigrate to Puget Sound. Salomon 
 realized that the vast resources of this country imperatively 
 demanded more men and women to develop them and subdue 
 the wilderness. As an organizer, Mr. Sternberg was very 
 successful, and upon his return, was accompanied by a con- 
 siderable number of emigrants. Mrs. Salomon and Mrs. Stern- 
 berg also came out with this party. 
 
 The trip was made by rail on the second train making the 
 transcontinental trip. When Oakland was reached the party 
 embarked on the steamer Idaho with Capt. Doane. This was 
 the last sea trip of this doughty old sea captain, as after that
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 199 
 
 he settled down in Olympia and started the famous Home 
 of the Pan Roast. 
 
 When the coh)nists reached Steilaeoom, the majority of 
 them remained at the military post at that place. Governor 
 Salomon had made arrangements for their support, until the 
 men could locate on homesteads. In addition to this encour- 
 agement, the homeseekers were supplied with teams, farming 
 implements and supplies, payment to be made out of the crops 
 as the settlers were able. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Sternberg's first experiences upon the family 
 reaching Olympia were boarding for several weeks at the old 
 Gallagher Hotel, and both the husband and wife were confined 
 to their beds for several weeks with fever. 
 
 Later they went to housekeeping in a cottage situated 
 on the block bounded by Eighth and Ninth, Adams and Jeffer- 
 son Sreets. 
 
 Mr. Sternberg now began buying furs from the Indians, 
 making extensive voyages up and down the Sound, even going 
 as far as Bellingham in his canoe. Mink, wolf, bear, sable and 
 muskrat skins were bought or traded for and made up into 
 fashionable wearing apparel by the skilled workman, although 
 the bulk of INIr. Sternberg's stock of furs were sent by boat to 
 Eastern markets. He once made a cape from sable skins for 
 Mrs. Salomon that was valued, even in those days, at one 
 thousand dollars, and would be almost priceless today. In all 
 his dealings with the Indians, ]Mr. Sternberg always met with 
 honesty, courtesy and fair dealing. 
 
 Priests Point Mission was at this time deserted by the 
 band of Oblat priests and the Sternberg family moved from 
 town to the Mission. 
 
 The buildings were falling into decay, all but the chapel. 
 This ]\Ir. Sternberg partitioned off into living rooms and the 
 family took possession. 
 
 Mrs. Sophia Sternberg, in relating her experiences, de- 
 scribes the life there as lonely and dreary, almost beyond en- 
 durance. The windows were so high in the church walls 
 that it was impossible to look out without standing on a chair. 
 There was no road to town, only a rough trail ; no neighbors 
 within a mile, and to add to the loneliness, an Indian cemetery 
 was within a few feet of the church, beside the trail. The
 
 200 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 bodies were fastened iu the tree tops on rude platforms, as 
 was the savage manner of disposing- of the dead. 
 
 At one time, while lying sick on a platform down by the 
 beach, which Mr. Sternberg had built for his wife, she saw a 
 deer come almost up to her bed, and frequently the wild ani- 
 mals would come to the border of their clearing. 
 
 Tiring of this lonely wa,y of living the Sternbergs re- 
 turned to Olympia and built the house on Union Street which 
 was the Sternberg home for many 3^ears. Here j\Ir. Sternberg 
 died, on May 6, 1893. 
 
 The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sternberg are : William, 
 Minnie, Julius and Dora, born in Chicago, and Emma and 
 Oscar, born in Olympia. 
 
 William died in the summer of 1914 in Kansas City. 
 Minnie died in Olympia many years ago. Julius makes his 
 home in Alaska. Dora is now ]\Irs. L. B. Faulknor. Emma 
 is Mrs. Albert Darling, and Oscar lives in Seeattle. 
 
 Mrs. Sophia Sternberg makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. 
 Darling.
 
 CIvANKICK CROSBY 
 
 A. S. YANTIS 
 
 ^M 
 
 
 m 
 
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 WA 
 
 
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 jM ^.r^^'n 
 
 
 
 Ai 
 
 ^^^^^■n. 
 
 ^^H 
 
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 PHIIJP NORTHCRAFT 
 
 WIL,IJAM BII^I^INGS 
 
 DEIvATE TILLICUMS
 
 JUDGE O. B. McFADDEN 
 
 kuKKRT FROST 
 
 REESE BREWER THEODORE BROWN 
 
 MORE TILLICUMS
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 201 
 
 ROBERT FROST 
 
 Robert Frost, or Judge Frost, as his friends best know 
 this sturdy Pioneer, sailor, artizan, Indian fighter, merchant, 
 capitalist, judge of the police court, holding office in Thurston 
 County, has led a varied and, at times, exciting career. Born 
 in Tunbridge Wells, England, in the year of 1825, the subject 
 of this sketch grew to young manhood in jMerrie England, 
 going to school in London. Being apprenticed to learn the 
 plasterer's trade, there was little in his early boyhood life 
 to indicate what an eventful career lay before him. 
 
 In 1853, the desire to see the world and share in the big 
 things of life, induced the young man to leave home and 
 enlist as a sailor. His first seafaring experience was on a coal 
 brig running along the English coast. Later he shipped on a 
 fruit schooner bound for Mediterranean ports. Then on a 
 deep sea vessel visiting both the Atlantic and Pacific ports. 
 
 San Francisco was reached on one of his voyages in 1855. 
 He then re-shipped on the brig Susan Abigail for Portland, 
 Oregon, crossing the Columbia bar on New Year's day, 1856. 
 Arriving at Portland, the prospects of the new country were 
 so alluring to him that he decided to (|uit his seafaring life 
 and cast his fortune in the Northwest. 
 
 Mr. Frost began again working at his trade of plasterer 
 in Portland, Oregon City and The Dalles. It was while work- 
 ing in this latter town that he became excited over the stories 
 received of the big strikes made on the Frazer River. Every- 
 one who could muster up an outfit was going to the gold fields, 
 so the young man joined the Dave McLaughlin party of 100 
 men and started on what proved to be one of the most tlii-illing 
 experiences of his life. The story of this excursion is given 
 in Mr. Frost's own words at the end of this sketch. 
 
 Disgusted with the result of his mining experience, our 
 hero decided to come to Olympia. The first work Mr. Frost 
 engaged in upon his arrival here was in a printing office.
 
 202 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Although he kept at this for three years, the road to wealth 
 nor fame did not lie that way, so he returned to the following' 
 of his boyhood trade. As the town was rapidly building up 
 and the wages paid for plasterers was good, he soon had a 
 financial start, which later grew into a quite respectable 
 competence. 
 
 In 1870, Mr. Frost purchased an interest in the hardware 
 store of F. A. Hoifman and under the firm name of Hoffman 
 & Frost continued in business for the following three years. 
 At the end of that time Mr. Frost became sole owner of the 
 business. The hardware store of Robert Frost was one of the 
 prominent business places in the Capital City for upwards 
 of 30 years. Later the owner disposed of the store and be- 
 came County Treasurer. This office he held for a couple of 
 terms and has since been elected and appointed several times 
 to the office of Police Judge. 
 
 Mr. Frost was one of the original stockholders of the 
 first gas works and electric plant in the city, and upon its 
 consolidation with the Olympia Light & Power Company, he 
 was elected Vice President. At one time Mr. Frost was a 
 director of the First National Bank. These are only a few 
 of the important positions of trust and honor he has held in 
 the city. In the year 1862, INIr. Frost married Sliss Louisa 
 Holmes, the daughter of one of Olympia 's Pioneers. The 
 young couple built themselves the home on East Bay Avenue 
 which has been the Frost home ever since. Here, JMrs. Frost 
 died and here were born their four children — Nell, Caroline. 
 Florence and Anna. Florence is now Sirs. Charles Garfield 
 of Nome Alaska. Anna is Mrs. John Aldrich of Spokane. 
 Caroline died at the family home a few years ago, and the 
 remaining daughter. Miss Frost, keeps house and cares for 
 her father in his declining years. 
 
 An account of a trip from The Dalles, Oregon, to the 
 Frazer River, at the time of the gold excitement in 1858, in- 
 cluding a description of an Indian fight on the trip, was written 
 by Mr. Frost, and is now preserved in the Spokane Historical 
 Society and the historical collection belonging to the State 
 University of Washington. The description of the fight is 
 given with a clearness and excellent choice of words that show 
 the writer was possessed of a considerable literary ability.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 203 
 
 After describing the incidents of the trip, ]\Ir. Frost 
 relates : 
 
 "We struck the Columbia Kiver opposite the mouth of 
 the Okanogan River, at which place was the old Hudson Bay 
 fort. Here we had to get canoes and Indians to ferry us and 
 our supplies over, and there we had to swim our horses. We 
 lost three or four horses in the stream. I was unfortunate 
 enough to lose my best horse. I felt then as if I had lost 
 my best friend. I had bought the horse from an Indian at 
 Walla Walla, perfectly wild and unbroken, but in three or 
 four days I had him a perfect pet. He would follow me around 
 and when I stopped would come and put his head on my 
 shoulder for a caress. After all these years I have not, and 
 never shall forget him. 
 
 "The old Hudson Bay trail, which we were following 
 up the Okanogan River, was first on one side of the river 
 and then on the other. One morning we were on the right 
 bank, when we came to a rocky bluff which ran out to the 
 river, so we had to make a detour to the right and go through 
 what is now known as ^IcLaughlin Canyon, before we could 
 get to the river again. I have not seen this canyon since, but 
 as I remember it, it is quite narrow, with high perpendicular 
 walls, with natural terraces or benches, only accessible froni 
 the northern end. At the southern end it was an utter im- 
 possibility to get at any one on these benches except with a 
 rifle. 
 
 "Now, evidently, the Indians had their runners out and 
 were prepared for us, for they had gotten on to these benches, 
 threw up rock breastworks, and laid for us. 
 
 "Every morning in starting out we had a head and a 
 rear guard, generally from six to ten men in each. We woukl 
 change about. This morning I was in the rear. The head 
 guard had gotten well into the canyon, as well as part of the 
 train. The object of the Indians was to get us all in the canyon. 
 Had they succeeded, very few of us would have gotten out 
 alive. 
 
 "As it was, an Indian on one of the benches showed him- 
 self and one of the head guard saw him and gave the alarm. 
 Then they opened fire. As quick as possible the horses were 
 hurried back to the river and all took what shelter they could
 
 204 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 get, and drew a bead on an Indian -whenever a chance offered. 
 After the animals were down on the flat every available man 
 with a gun went up to the front. 
 
 "There were six killed in the start. I do not remember 
 their names excepting one, Jesse Rice, from Cashe Creek, 
 California. 
 
 "There were several wounded. I recollect Tom Menefee. 
 who was afterward well known to Cariboo men, having kept 
 a road house at Williams Lake. Tom was badly wounded— 
 shot in several places with slugs, also William R. Wright, a 
 brother of Capt. Tom Wright, a prominent steamboat man on 
 the Sound, and Jim Lowry from Vancouver. 
 
 "Jim was badly shot, and here occurred an instance of 
 bravery such as is seldom equalled. Lowry and Bill Burton 
 vrere partners, and were the first to take shelter, Indian 
 fashion and fight. They were some 200 yards apart, sheltered 
 by some scrub pines, but Lowry was shot down. As he fell, 
 he called to Brunton, who deliberately left his cover, ran over 
 to his partner and picked him up, got him on his shoulder 
 and carried him to the rear. 
 
 "About noon we had to give way and retreat to a little 
 hill across from the canyon, from where the men plugged 
 long shots that afternoon and night. The rest were engaged 
 in building cottonwood rafts and carrying the freight across 
 the river into the open country. An Indian will never fight 
 in the open unless he has all the advantage possible. Several 
 of our men were busy carrying water to our men on the hill 
 side. 
 
 "During the night we ferried everything across the river 
 and by daylight had the horses herded together. We run them 
 down the river a few hundred yards to a ford and got them 
 safely across. The Indians followed us in a parallel along the 
 mountain and gave us a parting volley, but did no damage, 
 as the range was too long. We stayed in camp here several 
 days attending to our wounded. Now, it is well known that 
 the average sailor is very handy and a good all around man 
 most anywhere. We had in our company an Irish sailor, who 
 had been in the English navy and who had been through the 
 Crimean war at Sebastopol. 
 
 "He was the nearest we had to a doctor. Several of the
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 205 
 
 boys had along a box of pills. lie selected one and gave each 
 wounded man a dose, then made a clean pointed stick to probe 
 the wounds enough to keep them open, and after washing 
 them laid a pad of wet cloth on the wounds. The 'doctor' 
 would go around twice or more a day and probe and wash 
 and he, with the pills, stick, cloth and water did the whole 
 business. They all got well, but it took Manefee the longest 
 to get over it. 
 
 "We kept our guards out all night, and on the second 
 da}^ we knew the Indians had broken up so far as this point 
 Avas concerned, as we could see them in small parties working 
 down the plain to the Chelan and Columbia Rivers. I think 
 it was on the third day after the battle that a party of our 
 men went up on the west side, well armed and with tools, to 
 bury the dead. They crossed the river at the north end of 
 the canyon, entered it, met with no resistance and came to 
 our unfortunate dead comrades. The Indians had stripped 
 them of everything and mutilated their bodies. They were 
 buried the best that could be done under the circumstances."
 
 206 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 D. R. BIGELOW 
 
 The name of D. R. Bigelow has held a prominent and 
 honored place among' Thurston Coniinty Pioneers since the 
 year 1851, when he first arrived in Olympia, having, like his; 
 contemporaries, made the trip from his boyhood's home in 
 Wisconsin in an ox wagon. 
 
 He was a graduate of a law school and upon his ar- 
 riving here hung out his shingle, meeting with such success 
 that he soon had a considerable clientage. 
 
 When Washington Territory was set apart from Oregon, 
 the young man was sent to Salem to codify the laws for the 
 new Territory. Mr. Bigelow was a member of the first Terri- 
 torial Legislature, and enjoyed the distinction of having de- 
 livered the first Fourth of July oration ever made in Wash- 
 ington. These exercises were held in the first school house 
 in Olympia. which was built on the hill on the block of land 
 now bounded by Fifth, Sixth, Washington and Franklin 
 Streets. The school house was crushed down the following 
 winter during a heavy fall of snow. 
 
 Mr. Bigelow died in 1905 survived by his widow and seven 
 children. 
 
 JNIrs. Bigelow 's reminiscences of her trip across the plains 
 and her early experiences on the frontier were interesting 
 and often thrilling. 
 
 That she came from sturdy stock is evidenced by the 
 bravery of her mother, IMrs. William White, who, with her five 
 children, among them being Mrs. BigeloAv, then a young girl 
 of fourteen years of age, came across the plains to join her 
 husband, who had come West the previous year, 1850. 
 
 Mr. White wrote back to his wife in Wisconsin that if 
 possible she was to sell the farm and join him in Oregon. This 
 the plucky woman prepared to do, and after disposing of all 
 their property, buying a couple of ox teams and such pro-
 
 PIONETETR REMINISCENCES .'207 
 
 visions and outfitting as she deemed they would most need in 
 their new home, proceeded to St. Joe, Missouri. 
 
 In speaking of the start along the Oregon Trail, ^Mrs, 
 Bigelow, said: 
 
 "All the men started walking out of St. Joe beside their 
 teams, with guns over their shoulders and ox whips in their 
 hands, but before they had gone half the way to Platte Cross- 
 ing the guns were put back in the wagons and the whips were 
 almost worn out." 
 
 Although this train had many alarms, they were not mo- 
 lested by the Indians throughout the entire trip. Several 
 times teams before them and those following after were set 
 upon by the Indians and the people massacred, and the horses 
 and oxen driven off, but their train seemed almost to be under 
 a special protection. I\Iany a time they would see an ox skull 
 set up alongside the road bearing the grevi'some Avarning, "Be- 
 ware the Indians." 
 
 One day, Mrs. Bigelow relates, they came upon a wagon 
 stranded in the middle of the road, the mules unhitched, and 
 on the wagan tongue sat a man crying like a six-year-old child. 
 Halting her wagon beside him, ]Mrs. Bigelow asked the man 
 the cause of his woe. He did not reply at once, but a tired, 
 tearful woman looked out from the covered wagon and 
 whimpered: "Joe says he won't go another step without a 
 drink of water." Mrs. White fortunately had a jug of water 
 in her wagon, and although the liquid was almost hot, she 
 gave Joe a drink. He seemed to pluck up courage after this 
 wetting of his thirsty gullet, and from the companionship, and 
 proceeded on with the train to a camping spot. 
 
 When the John Day country was reached, the White 
 family were delighted to meet the husband and father, who, 
 with a fresh team, had started to meet his wife and children. 
 When they arrived at the Columbia River the women and 
 children, with the wagons, were loaded on bateaus manned by 
 Kanakas and floated down the river to the Upper Cascades, 
 fibove The Dalles. 
 
 Arriving in Portland the emigrant train disbanded, the 
 White family making their home there for the following year. 
 Later the family came to Puget Sound, taking up a donation 
 chiim on Chambers Prairie.
 
 208 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 The first experience of Mrs. White and her daughter^ 
 upon their arrival at Tiirawater, is well worth relating. When 
 the family reached that place Mr. White told the women to 
 take their horses and ride on ahead along the trail till they 
 reached the home he had prepared for them on the donation 
 claim, while he would follow at a slower pace with the oxen. 
 Full of glad anticipation of at last enjoying a real home, IMrs. 
 White and the young girl set out along the trail. When they 
 came out to the prairie the,y were surrounded by a band of 
 probably 100 Spanish cattle. The prairie at that time was 
 covered with roving bands of these long horned animals. The 
 horses stood still with fright and the ring of cattle crowded 
 closer and closer around the terror-stricken women. The 
 brutes clashed their immense horns, bellowed and pawed up 
 the earth, always crowding nearer and nearer. When the 
 women were almost fainting with fright, David Chambers, the 
 owner of the cattle, hearing the disturbance, came to their 
 assistance, calmly going among the herd and shooing the beasts 
 away like so many tame hens. 
 
 At the beginning of the Indian war, jMr. White was killed 
 by the hostile Indians Avhile walking behind a cart, in which 
 were Mrs. White and her sister, Mrs. Stewart. Each woman 
 had a little child in her arms. The Indians came out from 
 the brush and attacked White. He gave the horse a sharp 
 cut, wdiich started it running towards the White home. This 
 spared the lives of the women and children. But they killed 
 Mr. White, after a fearful struggle which he made for his 
 life. His body was found the next morning, horribly mutilated 
 by the Indians, who, under the leadership of Yelm Jim, had 
 taken advantage of the fact that White was unarmed and 
 alone with the women and the children. It was thought at 
 the time that had Mr. White stood in a little more fear of the 
 Indians his life would not have been sacrificed, but he could 
 not believe that the alarming reports of their treachery and 
 hostility to the white settlers were founded upon actual fact, 
 so never carried a gun or other defensive weapon. The death 
 of Mr. White was one of the tragedies of those trying times. 
 
 Mrs. Bigelow, then Miss White, was the first school teacher 
 in Thurston County, and the first institution of learning w^as 
 the school she conducted in a small bed room in the Pack-
 
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 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 209 
 
 wood residence, on their claim on Xesqually bottom. The 
 pupils were the children of the Packwoods, the Shasers and 
 the McAllisters, which were all there were within travelling 
 distance to the school. 
 
 "Teacher" boarded with the Packwoods dnrinj^ the week, 
 but every Friday evening she rode on horseback to her parents' 
 home on Chambers Prairie. The curriculum taught was prob- 
 ably limited to the three "Rs" and there vras absolutely no 
 school room furnishing or equipment. The children sat around 
 on benches in the room wherever they chose. For teaching 
 this school with all its attendant hardships, the young girl 
 received the munificent sum of $20 a month. 
 
 Mrs. Bigelow had many thrilling incidents to relate, which 
 happened to her during the lonely rides between her school 
 and parents' home. 
 
 In 1854 Miss White was married to the young lawyer, 
 D. R. Bigelow, the bride and groom taking their wedding 
 journey on horseback from the White home, to what has been 
 known as the Bigelow addition for over half a century. The 
 young couple avoided coming through Olympia, as Mr. Bigelow 
 had learned that a number of his young men friends had 
 planned to give the newlj^ weds a rousing reception when they 
 reached town. The ringleader of the .jolly gang was Jim Hurd, 
 Bigelow 's most intimate man friend. He had procured the 
 cannon which figures so prominently in the reminiscences of 
 all the Pioneers of those days, and which was kept in readiness 
 to repel Indian attacks. Jim stood on guard with this ancient 
 cannon loaded to the danger limit, ready to give a rousing 
 salute when Mr. Bigelow and his bride should appear. By 
 slipping around by a trail which Bigelow had cut to his home 
 they escaped the demonstration and the laugh was on the 
 assembled crowd who waited till dark for the young couple to 
 appear. 
 
 Mr. Bigelow purchased a quarter of the donation claim 
 which he owned for many years. A donation claim was just 
 a mile square. The other purchasers of the Caulkins claim 
 were C. H. Hale and Miles Gallagher. The Young Bigelows' 
 first married home was, in Mrs. Bigelow 's own words: "A 
 two-room mansion, built of hand-split lumber with piinehe)n
 
 210' THURSTON COUNTS 
 
 floors. A tiny cook stove, six plain chairs, a primitive bed- 
 stead and table comprised our 'setting out'." 
 
 No bridge was there over what is now known as the 
 Swantowu fill, and the only way to reach the Bigelow home 
 was by canoe or rowboat from Olympia. Later a pontoon foot- 
 bridge was strung across the arm of the bay where the Olympia 
 Theater now stands. 
 
 When the Indian war broke out the Bigelows came to 
 town for safety, making their home in the block house for 
 several weeks. 
 
 One evening, soon after their return to their home, Mrs. 
 Bigelow was sitting alone in her kitchen, still nervous and 
 afraid, when she heard a noise in the front room, and on look- 
 ing around, was almost petrified with fear at the sight of a 
 big, blanketed Indian's form which filled the doorway. It 
 proved, however, to be Betty Edgar, a friendly squaw, married 
 to a white man. She was looking for her halfbreed children 
 who w^ere late getting home. Mrs. Bigelow told of another 
 scare she had endured from the Indians. One evening was 
 seen a large number of Indian canoes coming up the bay. 
 Each canoe was filled with braves in war dress. The men 
 hastily assembled for protection and the women, who were too 
 far away to seek refuge within the block house, prepared to 
 flee to the woods for hiding. 
 
 Mrs. Bigelow had a young baby by this time, and in her 
 excitement she snatched a carpetbag and began stowing in it 
 such articles as she thought would be most needed. She 
 laughingly said, "a heterogeneous lot went into that satchel — 
 a loaf of bread, some of the baby's things, some of my own 
 clothing, etc." But before long the men returned with the 
 reassuring news that the Indians were on a peaceful errand. 
 It proved to be Pat Kanim and his braves, coming to deliver 
 up their guns in accordance with the terms of the peace treaty 
 made between Governor Stevens and this Indian chief. 
 
 The Bigelows have alwaj^s been prominently identified 
 with the Methodist Church, and even when living on Chambers 
 Prairie, Mrs. Bigelow would ride on horseback the twelve 
 miles to Olympia to attend divine service. 
 
 When she was married to Mr. Bigelow, one of the town 
 jokes was that the last white girl in the county was married
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 211 
 
 the town wit getting in his work on the family name as he 
 does to this day. 
 
 Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow: Tirzah, 
 now Mrs. Eoyal; Eva, now Mrs. Bonnev; Ruth, now IMrs. 
 Wright ; Ellis, Duncan, Ray, George and Margaret. With 
 the exception of Ellis, who died several years ago, and ]\Irs. 
 Bonney, who lives in Tacoma, all the children live in Olympia 
 and immediate vicinity. 
 
 The Bigelow name has always been honored and respected 
 and in the stirring days of his prime D. R. Bigelow was one 
 of the prominent men of the Northwest, and the sons and 
 daughters have been a credit to their parents.
 
 212 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 GEORGE W. MILLS 
 
 There is none more to be honored among Thurston County 
 pioneers than Mr. George W. Slills. who for the past fifty 
 odd years has made his home in Tnmwater, South Union, 
 {ind later, in his declining years, in Olympia. Mr. Mills was 
 a native of Illinois, having first seen the light of day in that 
 State in 1833. Here he grew to young manhood, and when 
 little more than a boy married Isabel Fleming, two years his 
 junior. In Mr. Mills' own words. "We were but children 
 when we started out in our married life." A few years after 
 their marriage, ^Ir. and Mrs. Mills went to the then Territory 
 of Missouri, but had hardly settled there before the Civil War 
 was declared. The young man organized Company G, 11th 
 Missouri cavalry, and was elected second lieutenant by his 
 company. Mr. Mills was very modest about his military career, 
 but from other sources comes the story of a dashing bravery 
 when in active service which may Avell be a source of pride 
 to his sons and daughters. The principal engagement he took 
 part in was the Kirksville charge. In this battle there were 
 many killed and- wounded, and while Mr. Mills was recounting 
 his story of the engagement, something of the fire and spirit 
 of his youthful days flamed in his e.yes and animated his 
 form. 
 
 Owing to illness Mr. Mills was obliged to resign from the 
 company before the completion of the war. Among the clearest 
 recollections Mr. Mills was enabled to relate, was listening to 
 one of the now historic debates between Abraham Lincoln and 
 Stephen A. Douglass. His word picture of the appearance of 
 these famous characters was clearcut and vivid. Mr. Mills had 
 a personal acquaintance with Lincoln, and loved to tell about 
 what an "ugly, raw-boned figure of a man the rail-splitter 
 really was," although with a certain majesty and dignity which 
 impressed the young man even in those days. 
 
 As the war had brought bitter hard times to ^Missouri and
 
 GKORGE W. MILLS AND WIFK
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 213 
 
 the cry of gold to be had for the picking up came from Cali- 
 fornia, the young couple decided to go to the gold fields and 
 gather their share. There were several children by this time, 
 but they were all hardy and strong, and their parents full 
 of hope and confidence. Fitting up a light spring wagon for 
 the family to ride in and with an ox team to haul the provisions 
 •and the very few household furnishings that were deemed 
 absolutely necessary, the start was made for the land of 
 promise. 
 
 When the upper crossing on the Platte River, on the old 
 Oregon Trail, was reached, they were halted by a company 
 of soldiers stationed there to protect the emigrants from the 
 Indians, who were on the warpath, and had taken several 
 trains of emigrants along the road, killing the people and 
 burning the Avagons. As small trains of wagons rolled up 
 they were detained by the military officers until a sufficient 
 number should have congregated to form a strong enough 
 company to resist an ordinary attack from the bands of In- 
 dians who roved at will over the plains. As the emigrants 
 arrived, "Oregon, Oregon," was the cry. No one except the 
 jMills family seemed to want to go to California. ]Mr. Mills, 
 after consulting the officers of the company, was advised to 
 join these Oregon-bound emigrants and go with them into 
 that country. It was pointed out to him that all places in 
 the West were about alike in advantages, but if, after reach- 
 ing Oregon, he did not wish to remain there, he could then 
 proceed on down to California. There seemed to be no alter- 
 native, so the young couple joined the Oregon-ward march. 
 By this time enough emigrants had arrived at the crossing 
 to make a train of sixty wagons and three buggies. Owing 
 to Mr. Mills' military training and his commanding person- 
 ality, he was unanimously elected captain of the train, or mili- 
 tary director. Eegular drills were held to teach the men how 
 to corrall the wagons and prepare to withstand an attack, 
 should the Indians make their appearance. Five and a half 
 weary months of travelling followed, with the usual story of 
 bitter hardships endured with uncomplaining fortitude by these 
 sturdy men and women. Many and harrowing were the ex- 
 periences undergone, and the fear of Indian assault was ever 
 present. This fear was founded upon several terril)h' re-
 
 214 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 minders of the possible fata of the adventurers. Two or three 
 times the train was halted to give the men time to inter the 
 I'emains of victims of the Indians' wanton massacre. 
 
 One day, ]\Ir. ]\[ills related, they came upon what had 
 evidently been the scene of a battle. The remains of a 
 burned wagon was in the road, with what had been its contents; 
 scattered over the plain. A few feet from the side of the 
 road was a hastily-formed mound of loose dirt and sod. Be- 
 tween two clods of earth, which were not closely packed down, 
 streamed the long tresses of a woman's hair. The locks were 
 of a beautiful brown color and of great abundance. From 
 the size and shape of the mound it was evident that there 
 were two forms under the earth, and the most pathetic sight 
 of all, on top of the rude grave, curled up as though asleep, 
 was the form of a tiny spaniel. There was no inscription or 
 sign of any kind to tell who were here buried, but the gen- 
 eral conjecture was that here were the remains of a husband 
 p.nd wife, who had been murdered by the Indians, their com- 
 panions only taking time to throw a little earth over their 
 forms before fleeing for their own lives. The little dog was 
 probably the pet of the dead, and instinctively knew that his 
 friends were sleeping there, so had stayed by them until death 
 came from starvation. 
 
 When Oregon was finally reached and the emigrant train 
 disbanded, the Mills family settled in Yamhill County, where 
 !Mr. ]\Iills went to farming. Here, the following winter, was 
 born their son, George G. Mills. 
 
 The next spring, encouraged by letters from a former 
 neighbor, who had come to Puget Sound the previous year, 
 they decided to come on to this county. Packing the wife 
 and children into a wagon drawn by a span of mules, they 
 started for the Sound, arriving in 1865. 
 
 When they reached Tumwater and Mrs. Mills beheld the 
 salt water before her, with the great forest on all sides, she 
 said: "Well, Pa, this is the jumping off place. We haven't 
 the money to go back; we can go no further, so we've just got 
 to stay here." J^nd stay they did. 
 
 For the first three and a half years in the new home Mr. 
 Mills was head sawj^er at Ward's mill, at the upper Tumwater
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 215 
 
 Falls. At about this time Jesse T., the youngest child of Mr. 
 and Mrs. ]Mills, was born. 
 
 A few 3-ears later the couple bought forty acres of land 
 at South Union, six miles from Tumwater. ^ilr. jMills said this 
 land was only bought after earnest consideration, for they 
 vrell knew that the country Avas developing so rapidly that if 
 they went further back in the wilderness and took up a home- 
 stead of good soil, such as was to be had for the asking at 
 that time, they would in the long run be better off financially, 
 but Mrs. Mills plead: "Let's give the children a chance. 
 We owe it to them not to get away from schooling advan- 
 tages." Even then there was a fairly good rustic school at 
 South Union, and as the children, one by one, acquired the 
 knowledge taught there, they were sent into Olympia to get 
 further educational advantages. Mary, George and Jesse were 
 graduates of the Olympia Collegiate Institute. 
 
 When the land at South Union was first bought it was 
 covered with the forest primeval. Mr. IMills' first work was to 
 cut down big trees enough to clear a building site for his 
 house. In course of time, and through the heart-breaking labor 
 which the development of wild forest land calls for, the farm 
 was gradually cleared, a good nine-room house erected, and 
 the Mills place at South Union became one of the most vain 
 able farms in the county. 
 
 In the year 1882 "Sir. IMills was made industrial instructor 
 at the Indian school at Chehalis, teaching the Indian boys the 
 7'udiments of several trades. Mrs. Mills accompanied her 
 husband with such of her children as were not attending 
 school in Olympia. Among the pupils in the school was Jesse 
 IMills, a ring-leader in all the sports, and undoubtedly nuich 
 of the mischief, perpetrated by the dusky lads. As he was 
 constantly associated with the Indians, and they were prac- 
 tically his only playmates, the youngster readily acquired ti 
 proficient knowledge of not only in the Chinook jargon, but 
 the Indian language as well. Consequentl3% when an Indian 
 parent would come to enquire regarding the progress and 
 welfare of their offspring, Jesse Avas frequently called m n'< 
 interpreter. 
 
 At the end of four and a half years, the IMills family re- 
 turned to their farm at South Uu'on, but had onl\- been there
 
 216 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 a few weeks, when the Indian agent plead with JMr. IMills to 
 take charge of the Indian school at Skykomish. This ser- 
 vice lasted eighteen months, when Mr. Mills was relieved and 
 Hgain took up his residence on the farm. 
 
 At the time of Mr. iMills' arrival in Turawater, that set- 
 tlement was more of a town than 01.ympia, and there was 
 only a muddy trail connecting the two towns. From where 
 Masonic Temple now stands, in Olympia, to Tumwater Falls, 
 there was the untouched forest, and on about the spot where 
 the George Israel home is now built was an Indian village the 
 inmates of which hunted big game in the immediate neigh- 
 borhood. 
 
 Mr. Mills tells that many a night after his day's work in 
 the saw mill, he and Mrs. Mills would take a lantern and 
 flounder along the trail to Olympia, to trade out his pay 
 checks at the Percival store. There was very little ready 
 money in circulation and the cost of all commodities was 
 very high, flour selling for $2 a sack of forty-nine pounds, 
 or $50 a barrel, with sugar, butter, coffee, bacon and other 
 necessaries in proportion. As everything was brought around 
 the Horn in sailing vessels, these prices were probably not 
 excessive, all things considered. 
 
 "Well, we had jolly times in those days," said Mr. Mills. 
 "We were like one family. If one was in trouble it was the 
 concern of all. We shared in each others' joys and sympa- 
 thized in each others' sorrows. 
 
 "Ovir principal amusements were dancing in the winter 
 and picnics in the summer. Then a dance Avas a dance. Be- 
 ginning early in the evening and lasting all night, till morn- 
 ing brought light enough to see the trails leading to our 
 homes. And those good old dances — Old Dan Tucker, basket 
 quadrille. Cheater's swing, polkas, mazurkas, firemens' quad- 
 rille — where are they now? I never heard the word tango 
 nor saw a meditation waltz in my day, but think we had just 
 as much fun at our gatherings as they do now — maybe more. 
 
 "Of all the men with whom I was associated in a business 
 way when I first came to the country. I can think of but five 
 who are still living — Eobert Frost, John Murphy, Gus Rosen- 
 thal, Tom Prather and P. D. Moore." 
 
 Mr. Mills tells with reminiscent glee of one of the pranks
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 217 
 
 of his younger days. In 1863 political sentiment betAveen the 
 Whig party and the Democratic party was very decided, and 
 party spirit very bitter. The election of a Territorial Delegate 
 to Congress was imminent. Alvin Flanders of Vanconver — 
 Whig — was running against Francis Clark — Democrat^ — of Ta- 
 c'oma. When the news of Flanders' election reached us. Turn- 
 water went wild. Speedily congregating, the Republicans se- 
 cured a number of disused saws from the mill. By striking 
 these with hammers and iron bars a noise horrible enough to 
 wake the dead resulted. Tin cans and horse fiddles added their 
 notes to the horrid din. After parading through the blocks of 
 Tumwater streets, it was then for Olympia. Down by Crosby's 
 mill went the jolly boys, along the trail to the bluff above Tum- 
 water. Here was peacefully grazing the Biles' family cow. 
 Her big brass bell was soon added to the orchestra's force. 
 
 When the noisy procession was about half way to Olympia 
 they met two foppishly dressed young young men riding on 
 livery horses. They were stopped and their political convic- 
 tions demanded. As they did not reply, but seemed frightened 
 at the demonstrations, they were allowed to proceed on their 
 way after the enthusiasts had given them three rousing groans 
 and some mighty uncomplimentary remarks as a parting. 
 
 When Olympia Avas reached the procession was SAvelled liy 
 the faithful of that burg. As they paraded up and doAvn the 
 streets a stop was made before every place of business as well 
 as every dwelling house. In those days there Avas no side step- 
 ping, or hiding one's political affiliations, and every man had 
 to stand squarely on his party's platform. Consequently it Avas 
 pretty well knoAvn just how each and every man had voted. So 
 as the parade passed the house of one of the faithful a stop 
 would be called and three rousing cheers given for the Whig, 
 but Avhen a Democrats' habitat Avas reached the inmates Avere 
 greeted Avith three fearful groans. 
 
 When the toAvn had been properly greeted tlie Avild gang 
 started back for Tunnvater. They stopped on the corner of 
 AA'hat is now Fifteenth and Main Streets to inform Colonel 
 Cock of the result of the election. 
 
 Cock had just returned from a trip east of the mountains, 
 where he had been buying cattle. He had not alighted fi'oin 
 his horse Avhcn the boys came wp. lie Avas a very excitabh' man.
 
 218 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 and when it was told him that the Whigs had won out he simply 
 went wild. Jumping from his horse in the middle of the road 
 he threw his hat down and stamped it into the mud. 
 
 Just as his frenzy was at its height, the same couple of 
 fops who had been met a few hours previously came riding up. 
 One of them sprang from the horse and rushed into Cock's arms. 
 A closer inspection showed the astonished men that the sup- 
 posed dudes were I\Irs. Cock and ]\Irs. Rice Tilley. The two 
 young women had thought it would be a lark to dress up in 
 men's clothes and ride out to meet Mr. Cock. They took the 
 wrong road, however, and missed him, and were returning 
 home. Explanations and apologies were in order. 
 
 "My wife died in 1907," proceeded Mr. Mills, ''after we 
 had lived together 54 years, and if ever a man lost a faithful, 
 loving companion I did when she was laid away. She was a 
 good wife and devoted mother. I miss her every day of my 
 life and one of my few pleasures is going to her last resting 
 place and looking at the spot I shall occupy by her side. I 
 have finished my work and only wait the last summons. I am 
 proud of my children, none of whom have ever caused me 
 humiliation or shame. They are all honorable men and Avomen, 
 respected in the community where they reside." 
 
 The children born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. Mills were : Sarah. 
 afterM^ards Sirs. Sales, of Seattle ; Kate, Mrs. Reynolds of Olym- 
 pia; James and John, still of Tumwater; Mary. I\Irs. Hunting- 
 ton, of The Dalles, Oregon ; Lora, afterwards Mrs. Greene of 
 this city ; Fannie, Mrs. IMeyers, now living in Oakville ; and 
 George and Jesse, of Olympia. Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Greene 
 are no longer living.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 21U 
 
 W. O. THOMPSON 
 
 One of the most remarkable examples of the sturdy- 
 Pioneer, is W. O. Thompson, who, at the ripe age of 90, still 
 steps forth briskly, with eyes bright and quick and with a keen 
 intelligence relates his experiences in crossing the Oregon Trail 
 in 1850 and his adventures after reaching Thurston County, 
 with a clearness and conciseness which was a delight. In 
 "Black Lake" Thompson's own words: 
 
 "I was born in Blairsville, Pennsylvania, in 182-1, being 
 of Scotch descent on my father's side. My mother belonged 
 to the aristocratic family — the Culbertsons. My people were 
 possessed of considerable of this world's means and sent me 
 to a private school taught by a Catholic priest, who was 
 refused orders on account of dissipated habits. One day he 
 became angry with me, and struck me, first on one side of 
 my head and then the other, with the result I have had im- 
 paired hearing ever since. Later I was sent to the school 
 taught by a Scotch Presbyterian minister, who was in the habit 
 of maintaining discipline by the use of a cat-o-nine-tails. 
 
 "Soon after this the first public, or state school, was 
 started, presided over by a college-bred teacher, and my edu- 
 cation progressed satisfactorily. 
 
 "When I was ten years old, I won a prize for my penman- 
 ship, much to my delight. Having reached the age of fourteen 
 and my family having met financial reverses, I decided to 
 run away from home and find employment on a farm.- Later 
 I worked my way to Cincinnati, where I found work in a 
 sash and blind factory. Here I boarded with a Mr. T. B. 
 Mason, a musician, who urged me to allow him to train my 
 voice so I could sing with the church choir. I had always 
 loved music, although my sister always made fun of my voice 
 and would not allow me to join in the music at home. Mr. 
 Mason tested my voice and found it a baritone, so I was not 
 allowed to sing in the choir.
 
 220 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 "At this time I also greatly enjoyed dancing. 
 
 "When about 24 years of age I found myself a chronic 
 invalid, with weak lungs, dyspepsia and rheumatism. A 
 doctor told me to try roughing it as the only possible means 
 of restoring my health. I secured work at once as a deck 
 hand on a Mississippi River boat and found my health began to 
 improve. 
 
 "The next few years were full of wandering, even thought 
 of enlisting to go to the Mexican war, but a visit to a camp of 
 volunteers so disgusted me that I abandoned the intention. 
 
 "In 1850 I heard of a Mr. E. S. Bonsell, who was about 
 to start West over the Oregon Trail, and wanted a driver for 
 one of his trains, which position I secured. 
 
 ' ' Our train consisted of nine wagons and we started across 
 the prairies from Fort LeavenAvorth, on the Caw River, early 
 in the Spring. We struggled through deep woods, waded 
 brooks, ferried our wagons over rivers, whenever we were for- 
 tunate enough to find boats, making the cattle swim. 
 
 "We had just crossed the little Blue River and were 
 travelling over the bluffs down into the Platte valley, when 
 suddenly our train ran into a band of about 150 Indians, 
 painted faces, scanty clothing, and carrying Mexican spears. 
 I made frantic signs for them to separate and let our train 
 pass through, which they did, but soon surrounded our little 
 band. I at once planned for a council to be held under a big 
 tree, close at hand, they to send their chief, and we, our leader. 
 While arranging this I had the drivers form the wagons in a 
 square, with the tongues ovitside. Into the square thus formed, 
 we put the women and children. 
 
 "In the excitement, one of the wagons was left out of this 
 square and the Indians began crowding around it. Elbowing 
 my way through, I found that ]\Iiss Nancy Morton, a beautiful 
 young girl of our party, was the object of great admiration 
 on the part of the chief and his braves. The chief made signs 
 that he wanted to buy Nancy for his wife, and that if we 
 would not sell her he would take her by force. I walked up 
 to the girl, placed my hand on her shoulder and made signs 
 that she belonged to me. Telling her to follow me, we plunged 
 into our extemporized fort. I tell you, Nancy was a badly 
 frightened girl.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 221 
 
 "At the council the chief told us they were friendly to the 
 white but were out after their enemies, the Pawnees. All they 
 wanted from us was meat. Uncle Johnnie had a l)eef killed, 
 which in a short time they had eaten raw. I assured them 
 that many Boston men were coming and a party had ridden 
 upon a bluff to look back over the road. Fortunately, there 
 was a dust arising from another train of emigrants, so they 
 rode on, but not before another one of our cows had been 
 killed by one of the war party. 
 
 "The plan of work which was invariably carried on by 
 the emigrants each day was : In the early morning the sentinel 
 on duty roused the camp, and very soon every tent and wagon 
 is pouring forth its night tenants, and slowly kindling smokes 
 begin to rise and float away in the morning air. The men 
 start out to round up the cattle and soon the well-trained 
 cattle move toward the camp. By seven o'clock, breakfast 
 must be eaten, the wagon loaded and the teams yoked, all 
 realizing that if they are not ready they will be obliged to fall 
 behind into the dusty rear for the day. One man goes ahead 
 to select a nooning place, where grass and water must be 
 found, if possible. The teams are not unyoked at noon but 
 simply turned loose from the wagon, and then the noon meal 
 is eaten. At one o'clock the march is resumed till night, Avhen 
 again everyone is busy building fires, preparing supper, pitch- 
 ing tents and making ready for the night. The watches begin 
 at eight o'clock and end at four o'clock. 
 
 "I am asked if we had happy times around the camp fire 
 at night. I answer 'no.' We were too tired and worn after 
 the day's weary march. What we wanted was sleep. 
 
 "One day we saw a man sitting alone besides the trail. 
 He gave the Masonic sign of distress, and ]\Ir. Bonsell at once 
 invited him to join our party. His name was O'Hare, but we 
 never knew the reason of his being left besides the roadside. 
 
 "Another friend I made on this trip was Wm. Sherwood, 
 disinherited son of a rich Englishman, who had chosen a fron- 
 tier life in preference to one of luxury in England. He was 
 very musical and taught me 'The ^Mistletoe Bough,' and 'Bon- 
 nie Sweet Bessie.' At this time I had a little trouble with 
 IMr. Bonsell and left his employ, although later, when we were 
 all in Olympia, INIrs. Bonsell treated me like a son. I then
 
 222 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 secured a position of driver of one of Uncle Johnnie Slocum's 
 ^vagons, a position which suited me exactly, for I was assigned 
 to drive the wagon in which rode that charming girl INIiss 
 Nancy Slocum, and her young cousin, Ruby Slocum. 
 
 "A gruesome sight, when we reached Fort Laramie, was 
 an Indian grave yard. At a distance they looked like scaffolds, 
 \vhile on the ground white buffalo skulls were arranged in a 
 5ircle, whether as a decoration or some mystic sign, I never 
 knew. 
 
 ''We were now in the country of the hostile Indian and 
 we men had to keep watch with great vigilance. We were 
 fortunate in not losing a single member of our party by death 
 during the long journey, but we passed by many freshly-made 
 graves, the sight of which was very depressing to our tired 
 little band. 
 
 "Although the scenery became very beautiful. I felt as 
 if I enjoyed a good slice of corn bread and bacon more than 
 all the beauties around us. 
 
 "Uncle Johnnie Slocum proved to be a hard task master 
 and one morning he most unjustly attacked me with an ox 
 yoke. I drew a knife to defend myself. Of course, he dis- 
 charged me on the spot, but sold me supplies enough to last me 
 the rest of the trip. I paid him well for them, however. 
 
 "My supplies were piled out beside the road, and the train 
 moved on, leaving me sitting alone beside the Oregon trail, 
 but another party came along and picked me up the same day. 
 
 "When near Fort Hall we had our first experience with 
 Indians stampeding our cattle. It was one of their favorite 
 tricks to give the emigrants a big scare. They came down 
 the hillside with painted faces, feathers flying, and uttering 
 most terrible war whoops while pounding on their skin drums. 
 Our cattle ran away, scattering people and baggage in all 
 directions. Fortunately no one was hurt, but some of the 
 wagons were broken, so we had to go back to the fort to pick 
 up scraps of iron to mend them with. 
 
 "Mr. Landers, one of our party, now became very ill and 
 we had to drive very slowly. Our cattle were almost starving 
 and when we reached Salmon Falls, on Snake River, we were 
 obliged to make the most dangerous crossing on the trip, so
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 223 
 
 we could reach the grassy meadovrs, which we could see in 
 the distance. 
 
 "Fort Boise Avas another historic spot. It was huilt in 
 1834, but the only object of interest I can recall was the thous- 
 ands of jack rabbits running about in every direction. 
 
 "As we descended the Blue Mountains, the view -was sur- 
 passingly grand. Before us lay the great valley of the Co- 
 lumbia, ninety' miles away rose the loft}^ ranges of the Cas- 
 cade Mountains, wath the towering peaks of Mt. Hood, Mt 
 Rainier and Mt. Adams, which have become so familiar to 
 me during my sixty years of life in the Northw^est. At The 
 Dalles I secured employment on a large rowboat, Avhich was 
 carrying passengers to the Cascades. I made several trips up 
 and down the Columbia River and then, having some money, 
 decided to go on to Portland. So I joined a party of young 
 men who were to drive their fathers' cattle to that settlement. 
 One of the youngsters was Brad Davis' brother. On this trip 
 1 became so desperately ill that I was obliged to lie down by 
 the roadside and let the rest go on. 
 
 "An Indian came riding by on a pony and I oiifered him 
 every cent I possessed if he would sell the pony, but not till 
 I had added every article of clothing I could spare from my 
 person did he consent to the bargain. I rode the pony into 
 Vancouver, and there the horse was claimed by a man, who 
 said it had been stolen from him. By the laws of Oregon I 
 had to give the horse up and w^as to receive one-half the cost 
 of the animal. The man promised to pay, but to this good day 
 is still owing me that money. 
 
 "I determined not to go into Portland dressed in my 
 shabby clothes, so I remained in Vancouver, digging potatoes 
 for $2 a day till I had earned forty big Mexican dollars. I 
 then bought a suit of clothes and went on to Portland. 
 
 "The settlement of Portland in '52 was a big mud hole; 
 no sidewalks, few w^agon roads, and often one w^ould see a 
 wagon mired to the hub in the sticky mud. I spent two or 
 three days working in the Abrams mill and one of the men 
 employed there was young William Billings, afterwards for 
 many years Sheriff of Thurston County. One day anothet' 
 man and myself were set at work cutting down one of the 
 biggest trees I had ever seen. It was in the middle of one ol*
 
 224 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 the main streets. I never worked harder in my life, but it 
 took us the whole day to cut down that tree. We Avere paid 
 oft: and discharged that first night. 
 
 "In company with ]Mr. O'Hare and Mr. Sherwood, I then 
 started for Puget Sound. We built a flat-bottomed boat and 
 poled down the Columbia to tlie Cowl'tz River. We stopped 
 at 'Hard Bread's' hotel. It was run by a man who fed his 
 customers hard tack three times a day. 
 
 "Reaching Cowlitz Landing, we abandoned our boat and 
 tramped the remaining fifty miles to the Sound. The trail, 
 passed near where Chehalis now stands. We were entertained 
 by George Bush, who had squatted on a claim seven miles from 
 Olympia in 1845. He had an abundance of farm produce and 
 was exceedingly generous to all emigrants. We then walked 
 to Tumwater, where an Indian agreed to paddle us to Olympia, 
 where we arrived the winter of 1852. 
 
 "I had then completed a journey over the Oregon trail, 
 which was about 2,000 miles, beginning at Gardiner. Kansas, 
 and ending at Olympia, Washington. I had passed through 
 the country now called Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, 
 Oregon and Washington, and when I reached the shores of 
 Puget Sound, I felt this country to be the El Dorado of my 
 dreams and I have been contented to live here ever since. 
 
 "I do not remember that there was a white woman in 
 Olympia when I first arrived, but there were two living in 
 Newmarket — Tumwater — Mrs. Crosby and Mrs. Simmons. It 
 seemed a forlorn place and I never was so homesick in my life. 
 I went back to Mr. Bush, but he laughed at me and set me 
 to work making some sash and door frames for a new house 
 he w^as about to build. I stayed with Mr. Bush two or three 
 months. We sometimes rode over to Black Lake to go in 
 swimming. Mr. Bush made me presents of several articles 
 which could not be bought at that time — a whip saw, etc. 
 
 "I wanted to get a claim on Bush Prairie, but the good 
 land was all taken. There w^as plenty of land to be had for 
 the taking around Olympia, but the timber was so thick that I 
 was afraid of it. It did not seem as if a man would live long 
 enough to ever see a garden grow, so I heard of some good 
 prairie land out at Black Lake. I had been much pleased with 
 That lake, it was so picturesque and looked, to me. like the
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 225 
 
 bhape of a violin nestled clown in the green; the slender place 
 in the middle, about sixty rods wide, seemed as beautiful to 
 me as a lady's picture. 
 
 ■'I found a prairie one-half mile long and eighty to 100 
 rods wide, bordered with oak trees and a little fringe of fir 
 around the lake. A beautiful little trout stream ran across 
 one end of the prairie and into the lake. There were smelt in 
 ihe creek at the last of the rainy season. Salmon would come up 
 the creek to spawn and often, when I would go down to get 
 a bucket of water, I would knock a salmon on the head with 
 my ax, for my dinner. There were also mountain trout in the 
 stream and the lake was full of white suckers. The Indians 
 would come with a sieve and take a wagon-load of suckers 
 away at a time. 
 
 ''I selected a site for my cabin and went to Dr. Tolmie's 
 to get my hoe, blankets and frying pan. 
 
 "One day I was returning from a trip to the Hudson Bay 
 trading post, near Steilacoom. The trail crossed the Nesqually, 
 near McAllister Creek, and some Indians were living there. 
 They refused to ferry me across, although I asked them to 
 do so in English, Chinook and sign languages, and oifered 
 them fifty cents, while the usual price was but twenty-five 
 cents, but they paid no attention to me. A young Tyee Indian 
 was lying on the ground. I shook him by the hair of his head 
 and commanded him to ferry me across the river, which he 
 then did. The Indians then went up to McAllister and wanted 
 to know if I was a military officer or big chief, that I had 
 dared to whip their Tyee. They must have been disgusted 
 when McAllister told them that I was onl}' a cultus Boston 
 man. 
 
 "I cut out the trail between Bush Prairie and Black Lake 
 and made a scow to ferry people and cattle across the lake 
 from the Olympia trail, for the convenience of settlers who 
 were going to Miami Prairie, Gate City and Grand Mound."
 
 226 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 DR. NATHANIEL OSTRANDER 
 
 "He was ever strong for the right," are the words that 
 come most readily to the compiler's pencil when an attempt 
 Avas made to draw a pen picture of that veteran war horse 
 in the medical profession. Dr. Nathaniel Ostrander. 
 
 For many years, while living on his homestead on the 
 Cowlitz River, he was the only doctor to minister to the distress 
 of the people for many miles. His daughters can still re- 
 member their father hurrying out, sometimes in the dead of 
 night, saddling his faithful nag, filling his saddle bags with 
 drugs, medicines, and frequently, surgical instruments, 
 and starting on a trip of perhaps twenty or even fifty miles, 
 in response to a summons for medical aid. Many of the men 
 and women today living in Cowlitz County, with heads 
 white with the hoar of age, were ushered into this world by the 
 genial doctor, w^hose proud boast it was that no mother died 
 while under his care when professional skill was possible to 
 save the lives of her and her baby. Brusk, sometimes gruff 
 in his manners, all who best knew this grand old man, knew 
 his heart was of pure gold, his moral life beyond reproach 
 and his family relations loving and pure, a staunch friend, 
 loyal to his political and fraternal affiliations. Dr. Ostrander 's 
 memory is still fondly cherished by his former friends and he 
 is mourned by his daughters to this late day. 
 
 A native of New York, Nathaniel Ostrander grew to man- 
 hood in that state, received his medical education, and iu 
 1836 was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane Yantis, of 
 Lexington, Kentucky. After marriage, the Ostranders lived 
 in Saline County, ^Missouri, but in 1852 decided to join an ox 
 train and came West, as man^' from their neighborhood were 
 contemplating such a move. 
 
 The emigrants suffered even more than the customary 
 hardships and terrors attendant upon the trip at that period. 
 Weeks before the train arrived at The Dalles, black measles
 
 
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 Ui 
 
 H 
 
 > 
 
 O 
 W 
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 o 
 > 

 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 227 
 
 broke out among the emigrants and many deaths ensued. The 
 services of the Doctor were in constant demand, and for two 
 or three weeks there was but little rest or sleep for him. When 
 Snake Kiver was reached, in Idaho, one of the Ostrander 
 children, Susan Charlotte, died, and was buried in a lonely 
 grave beside this river. Here, too, Mrs. Ostrander gave birth 
 to a girl baby. At the time of the baby's arrival the mother 
 and her four daughters were deathly sick with the measles 
 and for a time the outcome looked very doubtful. 
 
 Arriving at The Dalles, the Ostrander family took boats 
 for the voyage down the Columbia to Portland. Here a short 
 stop was made, but the children were still weak from the ex- 
 periences on the plains, and malaria was so prevalent, that 
 Dr. Ostrander decided to go on up to the Cowlitz country and 
 take up a homestead. 
 
 The Doctor and his brave wife at once set to work to carve 
 a home from the wilderness and succeeded so well that Vv'ithin 
 a few years their homestead became the finest and most valu- 
 able in that section. Owing to a native force of character 
 and natural ability, Dr. Ostrander soon became a leader in 
 every enterprise among the pioneers. He was the first Probate 
 Judge of Cowlitz County, having been appointed by Governor 
 I. I. Stevens, soon after the organization of Washington Ter- 
 ritory. Always a loyal Democrat, he was elected to the Ter- 
 ritorial Legislature for several terms. Dr. Ostrander was a 
 prominent member of the Odd Fellows, and took a keen in- 
 terest in this fraternal organization to the day of his death. 
 The town and river of Ostrander, in Cowlitz County, are named 
 in honor of the Doctor. 
 
 In ]872 the Ostranders decided to remove to Tumwater. 
 Here the doctor opened a drug store in connection with the 
 practise of his profession, and here the family lived for the 
 ensuing fifteen years, the children in the meantime, growing 
 up and receiving their education in the schools of that place. 
 
 In 1887 the family selected Olympia as their home, and 
 the Doctor built the large house on the block bounded by 
 Franklin and Adams, Eighth and Ninth streets, which became 
 the Ostrander home the remaining days of Doctor and ]Mi's. 
 Ostrander. 
 
 Mrs. Ostraiulcr was the first to go. passing from this life
 
 228 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 on February 22. 1899, after a well spent life of 68 years. A 
 faithful wife, loving mother, consistent and ardent Christian 
 and true friend, all who knew her realized that a good woman 
 was gone with her passing. 
 
 Dr. "Nat," as he Avas lovingly called by his familiars, 
 joined his wife in the better land on February 7, 1902. 
 
 Ten daughters and one son were born to Dr. and Mrs. 
 Ostrander : Priscilla Catherine, now Mrs. Montague, of Forest 
 Grove, Oregon, but whose first husband was James Redpath, 
 and whose son is Dr. N. J. Redpath of Olympia ; J\Iary Anne, 
 now ]Mrs. Thomas Roe, of Forest Grove, Oregon ; Susan Char- 
 Totte, the little girl who died and was buried on the plains; 
 Sarah Teresa, widow of Charles Catlin, a pioneer of Cowlitz 
 County, and whom the town of Catlin is named after. Mrs. 
 Catlin now makes her home in Portland, Oregon. iMargaret 
 Jane, now Mrs. M. 'Conner, of Olympia; Maria Evelyn, who 
 later became Mrs. W. W. Work of Olympia. but who died in 
 1888; Isabella May, afterwards Mrs. E. E. Eastman, of Olym- 
 pia ; John Yantis, who became an Alaska capitalist, but who 
 died in Olympia in the Spring of 1914; Florence Eliza, after- 
 wards Mrs. Walter Crosby, of Olympia; Fannie Lee. after- 
 wards Mrs. C. ]M. Moore, now of Oakland, California, and 
 Minnie Augusta, who died in infancy.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 229 
 
 THE JAMES FAMILY 
 
 Samuel James and his wife, Anna Maria, with their family 
 of eight sturdy sons and daughters, were the original settlers 
 on Grand Mound Prairie. Of English birth, the couple came 
 to America with their sons. Samuel, William, Thomas and 
 John R. The first home in the land of their adoption was 
 made in Wisconsin, Mr. and ]\Irs. James living in that state 
 for several years, and here were born to them their daughters, 
 Eliza and Mary, and their sons, Richard Oregon and Allen. 
 While the children were still small and the younger ones but 
 little more than babes, IMr. James became infected with the 
 western fever. The home place was sold and the purchase 
 price devoted to outfitting for the perilous journey across the 
 plains to the new country of Oregon. 
 
 The incidents of that journey cannot be preserved in his- 
 tory, for the father, mother and children who were old enough 
 to remember the experiences, are all gone, but the surviving 
 son, John, who is still hale and clear-minded, relates that 
 there were three yoke of cattle to each wagon and that five 
 months were passed in steady travelling before the promised 
 land was reached. 
 
 ^Milwaukee, Oregon, was the first stopping place of the 
 adventurers. Here Mr. James rented a farm and put in his 
 crops. But this vicinity did not satisfy them and they de- 
 ( i(U'(l that Puget Sound was the land of golden opportunities, 
 so after spending a year at ]\Iilwaukee, ]\Ir. and IMrs. James 
 decided to pull stakes and away. 
 
 The trip was made in the manner customary in those 
 days, hiring bateaus from the Hudson Bay people, up the 
 Willamette and Cowlitz Rivers to Cowlitz Landing. The 
 cattle were driven along the Indian trail paralleling the I'iver. 
 b,\- the three brothers, Samuel, William and Thomas. When 
 the CoAvlitz Landing was reaclied. tlu' wagons were unloaded
 
 230 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 from the bateaus, fitted up and loaded with the furnishing-s and 
 equipment of the James family. 
 
 Arriving at Grand IMound in 1852, ]\Ir. James took up a 
 donation claim of 320 acres on the Chehalis River, built a 
 cabin home and started to improve what afterAvards became 
 one of the finest farms in Thurston County, The prairie land 
 was broken up and put in grain fields. Mr. James was a very 
 progressive pioneer and among his first work was starting 
 a ten-acre orchard, the little trees for the planting being 
 brought with almost incredible difficulties from Oregon. The 
 land was rich and the farm prospered almost from the be- 
 ginning. As there were no other settlers on the prairie for a 
 while, Mr. James had the run of the fine ranges for his cattle 
 and later a band of sheep, which he possessed. Soon after 
 locating, he bought a small band of forty sheep from James 
 McAllister, the Nesqually pioneer. This flock increased to a 
 band of 500 head and was a source of considerable profit to 
 the James family. 
 
 It was a good three days' journey from the Grand Mound 
 ranch and return, to Tumwater, with the wagons heavily 
 loaded with grain to be ground into flour. This town and the 
 little settlement which had sprung up on the Sound, called 
 Smithfield — now Olympia, was the nearest market. 
 
 Mr. John James, the only surviving son out of the stalwart 
 band, relates some very interesting experiences of the family 
 in the troublesome time preceding the Indian war, one of the 
 incidents, which is here given, showing that the natives were 
 sometimes responsive to humane treatment. 
 
 "It was in berry picking time in the Summer of 1853," 
 said Mr. James, "and a considerable band of Indians went into 
 camp near our place, to gather their annual supply of the wild 
 berries which grew in great profusion in the vicinity. Soon 
 after their arrival the chief of the band, several members of 
 his family, and a number of the tribe, were taken down with 
 small pox — the scourge of the frontier in those days. Now it 
 so happened that father, mother and one of my brothers were 
 fmmune, owing to their having recovered from the dread dis- 
 ease at an earlier period. Besides being one of the most pro- 
 gressive men, father was also one of the kindest hearted I 
 ever knew. Consequently he, with the assistance of mother
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 231 
 
 and brother Thomas, nursed the siek Indians, administering 
 the simple remedies which he had knowledge of, and, undoubt- 
 edly saved the lives of many. 
 
 "When the disease had run its course and all were well 
 again, the chief and head men called upon father and entered 
 into a solemn treaty Avith him that all claims to the section 
 of land on which was the James homestead were forever re- 
 linquished by the Indians, and should remain in the undis- 
 turbed possession of the family for all time, as far as the In- 
 dians were concerned. The chief further made a treaty of 
 good will that Mr. James and his family would ever be pro- 
 tected by the Indians in the event of trouble arising between 
 them and the settlers, who by this time had begun to arrive 
 in considerable numbers. 
 
 "This good-will treaty was all that prevented Grand 
 I\Iound Prairie from being selected as an Indian reservation 
 a few years later, when Governor Stevens made the allot- 
 ments of territory to the natives, instead of Black River." 
 
 In the Fall of 1853 a goodly number of emigrants came 
 into the country, having arrived over the terrible Xatche/5 
 Pass. With cattle worn out, supplies exhausted, and men and 
 women fatigued to the limit of human endurance, the fine 
 ranges, bountiful supply of wood, land easily put under cul- 
 tivation, springs of delicious water, the prospect was alluring, 
 so they decided to settle on Grand Mound, and from that time 
 on there was no lack of good neighbors for the pioneer family. 
 
 Among the early settlers of ^\Ir. John James w»s : B. F'. 
 Yantis and family ; Alexander Yantis and family ; James and 
 Charles Biles; J. W. Goodell and large family; Holden Judson. 
 Josephine Axtel, Patterson Luark, Abraham Tilley, Arthur 
 Sergeant and sons, while on ]\Iiami Prairie early settlers were : 
 The Bryans, with their sons and daughters, Esther. ]\Iary. 
 Preston and Edgar; Camby brothers, four in num])er; John 
 Laws ; the Waddells. with their children, Robert and Susan ; 
 the Dodge family, consisting of father and mother and children 
 Robert, Bruce, JMarion and Samuel. Other pioneers of the 
 neighborhood were Lnwton Case, Wm. ^Mills and family. Henry
 
 232 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Hale and family, Paron Qninn, Elijah Baker and wife, Olive, 
 with their boys, James and William; Jacob Croll, S. H. French, 
 Andrew MeCormack and family ; L. D. Durgan and wife ; 
 Augustus Gangloff, Thomas and William Cooper, Robert 
 Barge, and the Northcraft brothers. 
 
 The most of these people made their headquarters for 
 over a year at Fort Henness, during the troublous Indian 
 outbreak. 
 
 James Biles built the first tannery on Scatter Creek, north 
 of the Columbia River. L. D. Durgan and A. Gangloff started 
 the first fruit nursery ; John Guynnup, a Mexican war veteran, 
 started the first brick kiln at Grand Mound, and in 1858 a 
 I\Ir. Armstrong built the first sawmill on the Chehalis River, 
 locating a little below the present town of Oakville.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 233 
 
 ALBERT A. PHILLIPS 
 
 In preseuting a brief sketch of the late Albert A. Phillips, 
 it becomes a duty, as well as a pleasure, to give prominence 
 to the well known reputation lie enjoyed for absolute business 
 integrity. After having been President for twenty years of 
 the First National Bank, and upon the failure of that institu- 
 tion being appointed receiver, with the universal consent of 
 the stockholders, is in itself an eloquent testimonial of the 
 confidence in and regard for ]\Ir. Phillips by his business 
 associates. 
 
 Albert A. Phillips was born in a small town in Ohio, in 
 1839, and graduated from the high school of Sandusky, when 
 eighteen years of age. He then taught school for a few years, 
 but at the age of 21 bade farewell to his boyhood friends 
 and home and started AVest over the old Oregon Trail. 
 
 An elder brother, E. C. Phillips, had preceded him. and 
 was located on Whidby Island, where he was conducting a 
 general merchandise store. The young man clerked in this 
 store for a year and then, hearing of rich strikes in the Idaho 
 gold fields, decided to try his fortune there. Here he was 
 unusually successful, and soon made a considerable stake 
 from dealing in mining properties. Investing his modest 
 fortune in Boise City, Idaho, he was, within a few months, 
 completely stranded by a fire which destroyed the buildings 
 in which he had invested. He then returned to Whidby Island, 
 but came later to Olympia, where he was enrolling clerk with 
 the first session of the territorial legislature. Liking the 
 capital of the new Territory, ]\Ir. Phillips decided to locate 
 here, his first employment after the session being that of clerk 
 in Capt. Percival's store. 
 
 "Within a few years he was elected Auditor and Recorder 
 of Thurston County, and enjoyed the distinction of being 
 re-elected for seven consecutive two-year terms. 
 
 The first State bank in the Tci-rit'irv was fouiidcd ])v
 
 234 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 the late George A. Barnes, and when Mr. Phillips was finally 
 succeeded as a county officer, in company with Judge Hoyt, 
 this bank was purchased. The venture was so successful that 
 the partners, Phillips & Hoyt, started the First National Bank 
 and Phillips was elected President, continuing in this position 
 until, owing to the deflation of real estate values, the bank 
 was forced to close its doors. ]\Ir. Phillips was then appointed 
 receiver, and how judiciously and wisely he closed up the Af- 
 fairs of the institution, and how satisfied were the investors 
 and depositors, is a matter of financial history. 
 
 ]\Ir. Phillips was elected Mayor of the City of Olj'mpia on 
 the Republican ticket, was at one time a trustee of the Asylum 
 for the Insane at Steilaeoom, and was appointed a regent of the 
 St*te University by Governor Ferry. After closing up the 
 affairs of the First National, he was elected County Treasurer 
 for two terms and was then appoiiited Assistant State Bank 
 Examiner by Governor Meade, which position he was filling 
 at the time of his death, on August 15, 1910. 
 
 Albert E. Phillips was married to Miss Ellen Gillispie in 
 1869, and brought his bride from AVhidby Island to Olympia 
 to make their home. 
 
 Three children were the result of this union, Gertrude, 
 afterAvards Mrs. Rankin ; Elizabeth, now ]Mrs. 0. ]\I. ]\Iitchell 
 of Mt. Claire, New Jersey, and Charles K. Gertrude died 
 several years ago. Charles lives in Seattle, but claims Olympia 
 as his home, coming here to vote at election time. 
 
 Mrs. Phillips, a native of Wisconsin, came to Whidby 
 Island with her parents, in 1857 The journey to the West 
 was via Panama, and was soon after the little railroad was 
 built across the Isthmus. 
 
 Whidby Island at that time Avas considered to be the 
 garden spot of Washington. A very superior class of people 
 had settled there, who were enjoying unusual prosperity for 
 so new a section, consequently Mrs. Phillips' recollections of 
 the islands are very pleasant, and the reminiscences con- 
 tributed by that lady are exceedingly interesting. 
 
 All travel, of course, was by water, and Indians were 
 generally hired to convey the settlers to the various points, in 
 their canoes. For a moderate charge, the natives would take 
 a party even as far as Seattle. Among Mrs. Phillips' most
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 235 
 
 I)leasant memories is a trip to that eit.y, taken in company 
 with her brother-in-law and sister. The big bucks did the 
 paddling. A camp was made at night on the beach, and the 
 trip was comfortable and full of delight to the young people. 
 
 Another trip taken at an earlier day, which j\Irs. Phillips 
 tells about, was not so pleasant. When she was a young girl 
 about fourteen years of age, in company with her seventeen- 
 year-old sister, Elizabeth, they started for a day's visit with 
 friends in Coupeville. An Indian was hired to take them 
 there in his canoe, the fare being 50 cents for the round trip. 
 AVhen they were opposite a lonely place on the beach, the 
 Indian paddled up to the shore. With his paddle in his hand, 
 springing out of the canoe, he pushed the girls away from 
 the shore, and, pulling a knife, which to the frightened gk'ls 
 looked to be two feet long, began to hack his paddle to pieces, 
 jabbering and grimacing all the while in a perfectly demoniacal 
 manner. The girls were paralyzed with terror and at a loss 
 what to do, drifting there alone in a canoe vrithout a paddle 
 or means of landing. At this time another Indian paddled up 
 to them and asked them the cause of their trouble. Upon 
 their telling him, he directed them to look under the mat in 
 the bottom of their canoe and find another paddle and reach 
 the shore, which they did. The friendly Indian then went 
 up to the one who had caused the trouble, and sternly repri- 
 manded him. and commanded him to get back in the canoe 
 and take the girls on to Coupeville. Indian No. 1 quieted 
 down, resumed the journey and made no further disturbance, 
 then nor on the return trip. 
 
 At one time E. C. Philli])s owned a farm on Whidy Island 
 and had a couple of men and an Indian clearing some land 
 One of the men hung his coat upon a stump, while he worked. 
 In the pocket of the coat was $300 in $20 gold pieces. When 
 the day's work was over, the owner of the coat threw it over 
 his arm and went to supper. Some time in the evening he 
 missed his money and, naturally, accused the Indian, who had 
 been working with him, of taking it. The Siwash strenuously 
 denied the theft. But there was no mistake. The money had 
 certainly been in the man's pocket. None but the Indian saw 
 the coat hanging on the stump. The money was gone. Of 
 course he took it. Justice was swift and ini])('lu(>iis in tliose
 
 236 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 (hi vs. A posse of "Boston" men soon assembled. Both sides 
 of the story were told, and without delay the Indian was con- 
 victed. But a conviction, however satisfying to the loser, did 
 not rejpay him for his vanished dollars. So the Boston men 
 look Sir. Indian out, stood him under the forked limb of an 
 immense tree, slipped a noose in the end of a rope over his 
 head and began to tighten it, and told the Indian to prepare 
 to meet his Tenanamus — God. Stoically stood the native, 
 whose only words had been, "Me no take." It looked for a 
 while as if the suspect would be counted among the good 
 Indians within a few moments. But cooler judgment pre- 
 vailed, and as the Siwash affirmed and reaffirmed his "no 
 take," it was decided to let him go. The noose was unfastened 
 and the Indian lost no time in fading away. 
 
 Years, to the number of twenty-five, passed on — the incident 
 was long since forgotten. The farm on which the money dis- 
 appeared had passed into the hands of a brother of I\Irs. 
 Phillips, John Gillispie. One day in plowing up some new land 
 in a freshly cleared field, he caught the glitter of something 
 ])right. Picking up the object, he was amazed to find it to 
 be a $20 gold piece. Gillispie then remembered the story of 
 the loss of the $300 years ago, and searched till he found the 
 entire amount. It had fallen from the man's pocket Avhen 
 he flung it over his arm. and had lain at the foot of a stump all 
 these vears.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 237 
 
 BENNETT WILLSON JOHNS 
 
 The distinction of having been the youngest soldier in 
 the volunteer company enlisted to defend Seattle in the Indian 
 war of 1855-56, belongs to the subject of this sketch, Bennett 
 Willson Johns, who, with his father, brothers and sisters. 
 arrived in Seattle in 1853. Early in the spring of that year 
 the elder Johns, Bennett Lewis, with his w^ife, Elizabeth Tuttles 
 Johns, and their large family of children, started from their 
 old home in Tennessee, for the West. 
 
 When the emigrants reached Soda Springs, in Idaho, the 
 wife and mother, with her two weeks' old babe, were taken 
 down with mountain fever, and died after a few^ days' illness. 
 The eldest daughter, Frances, who had become the wife of 
 Alexander Barnes in the East, but who, with her husband, 
 was also among the emigrants, was also stricken with the same 
 disease and followed her mother within a few days. JMother 
 and daughter sleep side by side in lonely graves in the 
 wilderness. 
 
 The emigrants resumed their Western march after these 
 bereavements, sad and discouraged, but with no alternative 
 but to push onward. 
 
 OM'ing to the delays from sickness and fatigue of the 
 cattle, snow began to fall by the time the train reached the 
 Cascades, and before many days' travel through the mountains 
 were accomplished, it became necessary to abandon the wagons 
 and much of the outfit, and take pack horses with which to 
 continue their journey. Food became so scarce that a 
 messenger was dispatched ahead of the weary emigrants with 
 a prayer for assistance, to the settlers of Seattle. With char- 
 acteristic Western generosity, the appeal was responded to 
 and food and comforts sent back along the trail to relieve 
 the distress of the emigrants. On reaching Puget Sound, the 
 father took up a donation claim in what is now King County,
 
 23S THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 on the DiiAvamish River, nine miles from Seattle, where he 
 engaged in farming and stock raising. 
 
 After the family had lived on the claim tAvo years, the 
 Indian war broke out and the elder Johns and tAvo sons were 
 among the first volunteers, and were engaged in the battle of 
 1856 when the Indians attacked Seattle. 
 
 Among B. W. Johns' most vivid remembrances, was one 
 morning while the family were at breakfast in their home in 
 the suburbs of the town, where they had moved from the 
 homestead at the time of the massacre on AVhite River, the 
 Indians surrounded the house, driving the father and children 
 into the toAvn. When they returned they found the house had 
 been ransacked by the Klootchman, and all they considered 
 of value Avas taken, including the Avinter's supply of flour. 
 
 This was a serious matter. The father and boys had raised 
 the wheat on their OAA^n land, the father soAving in the morn- 
 ing as much as the boys could dig into the ground and cover 
 during the rest of the day. Later on this AA'heat Avas harvested 
 in the primitive way of the time, threshed Avith a flail and 
 AA'innowed in the wind. Then the precious grain was taken 
 by Mr. Johns and Mr. John Collins, in a flat bottomed scoav, 
 to TumAvater, Avhere it AA^as ground into flour. 
 
 When the family arrived in Washington — then Oregon — 
 Mr. Bennett W. Johns AA^as but a mere lad of fourteen, but 
 even at that age he filled a man's part in the struggle which 
 every pioneer had to participate in. After remaining Avith his 
 father on the claim until he Avas tAA^enty years of age, he started 
 out in life for himself. When the Frazer River gold excite- 
 ment was claiming many of the pioneers of the infant terri-- 
 tory, Mr. Johns joined the rush and mined with considerable 
 success on Puget Sound Bar on the Frazer. Later he turned 
 bis energies to fur trading, with much financial success. 
 
 In 1869, tired of a roving life, the young man came to 
 Olympia, where for fourteen years he Avas engaged in the 
 saAvmill business with his brother-in-laAv, William H. Mitchell. 
 
 In 1876, Mr. Johns purchased the fine farm on Bush 
 Prairie which, although he sold it in later years, is still knoAvn 
 as the Johns place. He also acquired considerable other valu- 
 able property in Thurston County and in the Cit.y of Olympia. 
 
 In 1872 Mr. Johns enjoyed his greatest piece of good
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 239 
 
 liiek in his successful life — he married Miss i\Iary J. Vertrees. 
 One daughter, Ruth, was born to the young couple. 
 
 ]\Ir. B. W. Johns died at the family home in Olympia on 
 December 27, 1905. 
 
 During Mr. Johns' life he was actively associated with 
 the Independent Order of Odd Fello■^^^, having been Noble 
 Grand in this fraternal organization, and was also a member 
 of the auxiliary — the Rebekahs. He was also at one time 
 ]Master Workman of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. 
 Both I\Ir. B. W. Johns and his wife, IMary Vertrees, have been 
 connected with the Baptist Church since the days of their 
 early youth. 
 
 iMary Vertrees Johns M^as the daughter of Charles IM. and 
 Mary J. Vertrees, and was born in Pike County, Illinois. 
 October 26, 1851. On February 25, 1872, she became the wife 
 of Bennett Willson Johns, the wedding taking place in 
 Olympia, at which place the young lady was a new arrival. 
 
 At one time Mrs. Johns owned and successfully superin- 
 tended a book bindery in Olympia. She was also first matron 
 of Charleston Cottage for young ladies at Ottawa, Kansas, 
 University in 1892 and 1893. Later Mrs. Johns was assistant 
 postmaster in Olympia for a term of seven years beginning 
 April 16, 1898. This lady, while feminine and womanly in the 
 truest sense of the word, is outspoken in her belief that women 
 have an equal right with men in framing laws for the govern- 
 ment and protection of the country, and enjoys the distinction 
 of having been twice elected a delegate to the Republican 
 County Convention in the '80s, when women were given the 
 right to vote, and once elected as degelate to the Territorial 
 Convention. 
 
 Besides her almost life-long affiliation with the Baptist 
 Church, Mrs. Johns is Past Matron of the Eastern Star, has 
 been three times president of the Woman's Club of Olympia, 
 twice Noble Grand of the Order of Rebekahs, a member of 
 the Ladies' Relief Society and president of the George II. 
 Thomas Relief Corps. 
 
 Mrs. Johns has enjoyed extensive travel, not only through 
 the United States, but I\Iexico and Canada, and in later years 
 toured the European countries. 
 
 Since the death of her husband ]\Irs. Johns has efficiently
 
 240. 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 inanaged the considerable property left her. The only child 
 born to Mr. and JMrs. Johns, Ruth V., now Mrs. A. S. Kerfoot, 
 arrived in their home on December 5, 1874, and now makes 
 her home in Lemon Grove, California, with her husband and 
 an interesting family of three boys — Bennett Johns, George 
 Franklin and Robert Arthur.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 241 
 
 DR. A. H. STEELE 
 
 Dr. Alden Hatch Steele was an early pioneer of Oregon, 
 coming to that State in 1849 with the 1st Rifle Regiment, U. S. 
 A., crossing the plains to Vancouver. 
 
 He was born in Oswego, New York, the youngest of three 
 sons of Orlo Steele and Fanny Abbey. The oldest brother. 
 Elijah Steele was a prominent lawyer and for many years was 
 Superior Judge in Siskiyou County, California. 
 
 The other brother, William, was a graduate of West Point. 
 and served in both the Mexican and Civil wars. 
 
 Dr. Steele graduated from the Lledical Department of 
 the University of New York in 1846. At the time he reached 
 Oregon Territory, Oregon City was the principal town, and he 
 settled there, marrying Hannah Hooper Blackler of ]\Iarble- 
 head, Mass., who came to Oregon as a teacher under the pro- 
 tection of Rev. G. H. Atkinson, a Congregational clergyman, 
 who had been to the Eastern States asking for volunteers for 
 this work in the new country. 
 
 Dr. Steele had great influence with the Indians and set- 
 tled many of their disputes. In 1857 he was physician in 
 charge of the Grand Rounde Indian Reservation and again in 
 1870 served in the same way the Indians of Nesqually, Che- 
 halis and Squaxon Island Reservations, then in charge of Col. 
 Samuel Ross, U. S. A. During the Civil War, Dr. Steele was 
 post surgeon at Fort Dalles and Fort Stevens. Oregon, and 
 Fort Steilacoom, Wash. This last named Post was where the 
 present Insane Asylum is now situated. 
 
 In 1869 the tro()j)s at Fort Steilacoom were ordered to 
 Alaska and Dr. Steele, feeling he had done his share of frontier 
 work, resigned from the army and took up his professional 
 work in Olympia, where he built a home at the southeast cor- 
 ner of Franklin and Tcntli Streets and lived until his death, in 
 1902.
 
 242 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 During the years spent in Oregon and Washington he 
 held many places of trust and prominence in public affairs, 
 and was widely known as a leading physician and surgeon all 
 through his life. In 1852 Dr. Steele used chloroform in ampu- 
 tating a limb, the first used in surgery north of San Francisco. 
 
 He was mayor of Oregon City three terms and a mem- 
 ber of the city council eleven years. In Olympia he was an 
 earnest worker for all public improvements, helping to start 
 the first Gas & Power Co., director for many years of the First 
 National Bank, and stockholder in the railroad to Tenino, and 
 the "Olympia" Hotel, built by the citizens by hard efforts 
 t«o help keep the capital on the old historic spot. Dr. Steele 
 was an earnest member of the Episcopal church, and was one 
 of the committee that sent a request to New York in 1853. 
 asking for a Bishop for the Northwest. This request was an- 
 swered by the election of Thomas Feilding Scott, in 1854, as 
 first Missionary Bishop for the Territory of Oregon, a terri- 
 tory then extending over the present State of Washington. He 
 was also a member of the first convocation called by Bishop 
 Scott, to establish the church in this new field. He was al- 
 ways a vestryman of St. John's Church, Olympia, and junior 
 warden and treasurer for twenty years. 
 
 Dr. Steele was appointed by Gov. Ferry as Regent of the 
 University, serving two terms. Also medical examiner of the 
 territorial penitentiarj^ for six years, medical examiner of the 
 New York Mutual Life Insurance Company for twenty-five 
 years, and for several other life insurance companies. He was 
 an honorary member of both the Oregon and Washington 
 Medical Societies. 
 
 Dr. Steele died at his home in Olympia, June 29th. 1902, 
 aged 79. He left his wife and one daughter, a son having died 
 many years before. His daughter, Fanny Orlo, married in 
 1878 Russell G. O'Brien of Olympia, who came to Washington 
 in 1870 with Governor Salomon, as Assistant Collector of 
 Internal Revenue. 
 
 He was known as the "Father of the National Guard of 
 Washington," organizing the first company of the present 
 militia in Olympia in 1882 and serving as Adjutant General of 
 the State for twenty-five years. He died in Pasadena. Cali-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 243 
 
 fornia, in February, 1914. General and ^Iyh. O'Brien had 
 three children, a daughter, Florence Blaekler, died in 
 ISS'S; a son, E. Lloyd, who was a prominent student and 
 athlete at the State University, where he completed his course 
 as a Civil Engineer, died Nov. 26, 1912. The youngest daugh- 
 ter, Helen Steele, married George A. Aetzel, vice president oP 
 the Olympia Door Company, and resides in Olympia. One 
 son, Charles Alden, was born in 1912 to I\lr. and llrs. Aetzc;!.
 
 244 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 THOS. M. MACLEAY 
 
 Thomas Moore Macleay was born in Willapool, on Lock 
 Broom, in Ross and Cromarty Shires, Scotland. His family 
 was one of the oldest and most prominent in that section and 
 when he was a child his family moved to Richmond, Canada. 
 In 1861, he went into business in ]\Iontreal and during the Civil 
 War traveled through the Eastern States, buying -what pro- 
 duce he could and shipping to his partner. Hearing through 
 his brother about California and Oregon, he decided to sell 
 out and go there. 
 
 He then become interested in the firm of Corbett & Mac- 
 leay Co., of Portland, who owned several large vessels and did 
 an immense business all over the Coast and in the Hawaiian 
 Islands. 
 
 He later visited Puget Sound and decided to cast his lot 
 in Olympia, where he opened a wholesale and retail grocery, 
 below Second on ]\Iain street. His stock was so heavy it 
 caused the floor to give way so he built a new place on Main 
 street, between Second and Third streets. His large heart was 
 open to every new comer and he trusted them with goods for 
 months and always had a warm corner and something to eat 
 for everyone. 
 
 Traveling in those daj^s was very hard and was done most- 
 ly by row boat and horseback. He always had the good of the 
 community at heart and was very enterprising. With Capt. 
 J. G. Parker and Dr. Alden Steele, he built the first steamer, 
 "The Messenger," that made daily trips between Olympia and 
 Tacoma and Seattle. It was considered a wild and unheard 
 of undertaking in those days and was a great event when the 
 boat was launched and made her trial trip as far as Doffe- 
 meyers Point, 
 
 He married Annie Frost, the youngest sister of Robert 
 Frost, a pioneer of the fifties, and by whom he had five chil-
 
 MR. AND MRvS. THOMAS MACLEAY
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 245 
 
 dren. Their first home was the building where Governor 
 Stevens opened the first Territorial Legislature, and Avhere 
 their only son, Laclilau ]Macleay, now a prominent business man 
 of New York, was born. 
 
 Mr. ]\Iacleay died in 1897 and as his old friend, John ]\Iiller 
 ]\Iurphy wrote of him: "His word was as good as a bond, and 
 his name to an obligation as safe as the paper of the Bank of 
 England." ]\Irs. Maeleay, as a young girl, was one of a group 
 of young people who were the life of the whole community. 
 
 In the early seventies they organized the Olympia Ama- 
 teur Dramatic Club, whose members were Billy Neat, Eobert 
 Frost, Capt. Ballard, (who afterwards founded the town of 
 Ballard), Joe Chilberg, George Blankenship, Sam Woodruff, 
 James Ferrj- and Professor Roberts, the ladies being Nettie 
 Horton, Gyp Shelton, A#a Woodruff, fwho is now Mrs. Oliver 
 Anderson, the noted authoress), Julia Shelton and Annie 
 Frost. 
 
 They put on these amateur plays in the old Town Hall, the 
 proceeds going for dift'erent purposes — once to paint the hall 
 and again to build a house for a family who had been burned 
 out.
 
 246 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 JUDGE O. B. McFADDEN 
 
 A sketch of Thurston County's early history without at 
 least a mention of Judge 0. B. McFadden and his family 
 would, indeed, be like a play of Hamlet with Hamlet left out. 
 
 Born in Pennsylvania of a sturdy and well-to-do family. 
 Judge McFadden spent the early years of his life in that state. 
 There he was married and there his four elder children were 
 born. In 1853 President Franklin Pierce appointed the young 
 lawyer, who even then was beginning to attract attention by 
 his legal attainments and tactful statesmanship, to the posi- 
 tion of Circuit Judg'e over the newly organized Territory of 
 Oregon. Judge McFadden made the trip to his new field of 
 labor by water, crossing the Isthmus and coming on up to San 
 Francisco, then by boat up the Columbia to Vancouver, which 
 was then but little more than a trading post established by 
 the Hudson Bay people. Court was held in the Rogue River 
 country and the Judge would make his visits from Vancouver 
 always on horseback, with his legal books and documents 
 packed in his saddle bags. Soon after the formation of Wash- 
 ing Territory, and her separation from Oregon, Judge Mc- 
 Fadden was appointed Chief Justice to succeed Edward Lan- 
 der, who was the first Judge to enjoy that honor. 
 
 The year before his eoming to Olympia, Judge McFadden 
 had returned to his home in Pennsylvania and yielding to the 
 entreaties of his wife, who could no longer bear separation 
 from her husband, brought his family back with him upon his 
 return to Oregon. Mr. Frank P. McFadden, one of the sons, 
 relates their experiences during their first few weeks in Van- 
 couver. The mother and children were filled with dread and 
 apprehension of the Indians, and before coming West had been 
 told by their friends of the dire fate which would probably 
 await them when they reached the wilds of Oregon. One day 
 the McFadden boys, while playing by the banks of the river.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 247 
 
 espied a flotilla of apparently empty canoes and small ])oats 
 drifting down the Columbia. They rushed to the settlement, 
 giving the alarm that the Indians were coming. Even some 
 of the men who hastened to the river's edge to see the cause 
 of the boys' scare thought they Avere correct, for the long 
 string of boats were certainly approaching and it was thought 
 that in the bottom of each canoe was lying a savage buck with 
 his gun pointed toward them. But when the boats came near 
 enough for thorough investigation, they were seen to be, in- 
 deed, empty, and it afterwards proved the craft had been made 
 a few' miles up the river and were being brought down for 
 sale among the settlers. 
 
 Another scare the I\IeFaddens experienced was one dark 
 night after they had all retired, the mother and children were 
 aw^akened by the most terrible yelling and screaming. Sure 
 now that the Indians had come and were murdering everyone 
 in Vancouver; they cowered in their beds in the dark wonder- 
 ing what moment their time would come. Morning broke, 
 however, and they were surprised to find themselves still alive. 
 ]Making their way to the nearest neighgbors they were relieved 
 to learn that the horrid sounds had been made bj^ a pack of 
 coyotes which had fallen upon the carcass of a horse lying in 
 the brush not far from the McFadden home. 
 
 In 1873 Judge JMcFadden was elected a delegate to Con- 
 gress on the Democratic ticket, defeating Selucius Garfielde 
 on the Republican ticket. The next two busy years w'ere spent 
 in Washington, D. C. Judge ]\IcFadden died in Olympia in 
 1875, shortly after the expiration of his term as delegate. The 
 ]\IcFadden home, on a point of land overlooking th^ Sound, 
 was for years one of the beauty spots of Olympia, but the 
 march of progress has developed business establishments in the 
 neighborhood and detracted from the loveliness of the view 
 once to be obtained from the windows of what was, in its days, 
 considered a mansion. In this home for many years after the 
 death of her husband lived IMrs. JMcFadden, who finally, in 
 1904, sank to rest. The children of Judge and Mrs. McFadden 
 are: Mrs. Mary Miller, of Seattle; 0. B. McFadden, Jr., Frank 
 P. and J. Caf :\reFadden of Olympia, K. X. McFadden of 
 Seward, Alaska, and Mrs. L. P. Ouelette, of Olympia.
 
 24g THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 EDMOND AND CROWELL H. SYLVESTER 
 
 The pioneers who are the subjects of this sketch are too 
 well known, and their pioneer experiences have been so oft 
 related that the compiler can give but little more than a repeti- 
 tiui of facts which are already history. Fishermen bold were 
 these brothers, descended from a long line of fishermen, who 
 made their home at Deer Isle, Maine, the spirit and love of 
 danger and adventure was born with them. In 1846, the elder 
 brother, Edmond, came to Pnget Sound, locating first on a 
 claim on what later became known as Chambers' Prairie. Syl- 
 vester's nearest neighbor was Nathan Eaton, the first settler 
 on this prairie. Sylvester had as partner a man named Smith, 
 who selected for his claim the half section of ground where 
 Olympia now stands. There was a mutual agreement that in 
 the event of the death of either of the partners, the survivor 
 should own the whole of both claims. 
 
 Sylvester and Smith, even then, had faith that a town 
 Avould be built on the location ; indeed, the partners planned to 
 lay out a town site themselves. To this new town they planned 
 to give the name Smithter, combining their names. 
 
 In 1848 Smith, who was subject to epilepsy, was found dead 
 in his boat, in which he was intending to make a trip to attend 
 the Oregon Legislature, of which he had been elected a mem- 
 ber. By the agreement Sylvester inherited Smith's claim and 
 from that time on for many years the town and its develop- 
 ment became his chief interest in life. He changed the name 
 of the settlement to Olympia and his generosity in bestowing 
 tracts of land to the city to be used for public purposes is 
 well known. The beautiful little park, now known as Capital 
 Square, but for many years called Sylvester Park, a half block 
 of land west of the Capitol Building for the location of Olym- 
 pia's first school house, and the ten acres donated to the State 
 in Capitol Park on which are located the executive mansion
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 249 
 
 and the foundation for the State Capitol ])niidings. are among 
 his magnificent bequests. 
 
 When Edmond had lived in the West about four years he 
 sent for his brother, Crowel H. Sylvester, to join him. ]\Irs. 
 Edmond Sylvester was escorted by her brother-in-law in her 
 journey from the old home to join her husband. 
 
 C. H. Sylvester, upon his arrival in the territory, located 
 upon his claim, not far from South Bay. He was the pioneer 
 settler in this section and was obliged to cut the trail through 
 the dense woods to reach his claim. 
 
 The first hotel this city could boast of was run by the 
 Sylvester Brothers, a two-room shack, cloth lined, the wdiole 
 building being but 16x24 feet in size, with bunks for the ac- 
 commodation of guests. 
 
 Edmund Sylvester was one of the owners of the brig Orbit, 
 which came here in 1849, with a party of California gold seek- 
 ers, Capt. W. H. Dunham. This ship was the first owned on 
 Puget Sound, the forerunner of the vast fleet now plying these 
 waters. 
 
 Edmund Sylvester built his home on the block now facing 
 the postoffice building on ]\Iain Street and for many years it 
 was considered the finest home in Y/ashington. And when he 
 ended this world's activities in the late '80 's. his brother 
 Crowell Sylvester, continued to live on his valuable farm till 
 the time of his death in the early jiart of this century.
 
 250 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 GENERAL WILLIAM WINLOCK MILLER 
 
 F'rom teaching school in a remote village in Illinois 
 for a monthly salary of $10 to amassing a million dollar fortune, 
 is the record of W. W. Miller, Avhose memory is prominent in 
 the minds of the remaining pioneers of his day. 
 
 After receiving his education in Illinois and. with 
 patient frugality acquiring enough money to defray his ex- 
 penses to the Far West, the young man arrived in Olympia in 
 1853, his entire fortune comprising only a few hundred 
 dollars. With the business sagacity and perspicuity which was 
 i\Ir. Miller's main characteristic, he at once began to invest in 
 Olympia property, buying and selling, loaning money to those 
 less fortunate than himself, his speculations ever attended with 
 signal success. Mr. Miller, however, is not only to be remem- 
 In^red as a successful business man, but also a patriot and brave 
 soldier as well. He was one of the first to enlist in the ranks 
 of volunteers organized for the defense of the country in the 
 Indian Avar of 1855-56, rapidly rising from the ranks until he 
 was finally made Commissary General and staff officer to Gov- 
 ernor I. I. Stevens, and this executive was emphatic in affirm- 
 ing that much of the success in quelling the Indian disturb- 
 ances was due to the able and efficient men who composed hi? 
 staff. 
 
 Mr. Hazard Stevens, in his "Life of Governor Stevens," 
 gives the following high praise to General W. W. Miller, as 
 having imparted "extraordinary efficiency to the quartermas- 
 ters' and commissary's departments, the most difficult of all 
 These departments, generally kept distinct, was a single depart- 
 ment in the service. It was General Miller who collected, large- 
 ly by impressment, organized and led out into the Indian coun- 
 try the large ox train, which hauled out three months' supplies 
 for the volunteers in the beginning of the campaign, without 
 which it could not have been waged. He was distinguished by 
 remarkable sound sense and judgment and Governor Stevens
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 251 
 
 counseled with and relied upon him more than any other. And 
 after the close of the Indian war General Miller was Governor 
 Stevens' closest friend in the territory." 
 
 When Governor Stevens issued his order disbanding the 
 vohmteer organization General ]\Iiller took steps to sell at 
 public auction the animals, equipment and supplies at hand 
 and settling the accounts. The sales of property realized $150,- 
 000, the articles sold generally bringing more than the original 
 cost, and the sum realized was more than enough to defray the 
 entire cost of the expedition. After the close of the war Gov- 
 ernor Stevens was successful in having the territory made a 
 separate Indian Superintendency and General W. W. Miller 
 was appointed Superintendent General, which important posi- 
 tion he filled with credit to himself and with satisfaction of the 
 Governor. In politics General Miller was an unsv^^erving Demo- 
 crat and took an active part in the Stevens' campaign when 
 the latter was seeking re-election as a Territorial Delegate to 
 Congress. Among the papers preserved by Governor Stevens 
 was a letter written him by his friend General Miller, when 
 the Governor was in "Washington, D. C. which reads: "I 
 believe that National Democracy can verily keep possession of 
 the territory. Your own prospects are good. Now that you 
 have won a National fame, you will always be looked upon as 
 the leading man in the Northwest, and you cannot be beaten 
 at the next election." 
 
 General W. W. Miller secured as his bride ]\Iiss ]Mary Mc- 
 Fadden, an undisputed belle of Olympia and two handsome sons 
 were born to them, Winlock and Pendelton. The General's 
 death occurred in Olympia, and his son, Pendelton, in Seattle, 
 both being interred in Masonic cemetery. 
 
 Mrs. Miller and her son, Winlock Miller, now make their 
 home in Seattle, although Mrs. Miller has large ]-)roperty hold- 
 ings still in Olympia. Several years ago Mrs. IMillcr presented 
 U) the city of Olympia the valuable block of land on which is 
 now situated the Winlock Miller High School.
 
 252 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS SIMMONS 
 
 To see and talk with the first white child born north and 
 Avest of the Columbia River was one of the delightful ex- 
 periences of the compiler upon one of her quests for remi- 
 niscences of old timers. 
 
 C. C. Simmons and his wife have their home in a cozy 
 nook on the east shore of Mud Bay, where Mr. Simmons is the 
 oAvner of valuable oyster and clam beds. Here for the past 
 dozen years this worthy couple have lived in quiet content. 
 Their children married and with homes of their own, frequently 
 come to visit their father and mother, holding fast to family 
 ties, and keeping in touch with their parents. 
 
 The coming of the Simmons family to the West has been 
 tcld so often by abler historians that the present writer feels 
 that a brief mention of these, among the very first seMlers in 
 this county, will suffice here. 
 
 Col. Michael T. Simmons, of Irish ancestry, although born 
 in Kentucky, was among the hardy immigrants who dared to 
 venture into the totally unknown wilderness of Pugct Sound 
 as early as 1844. 
 
 Married and with four sons, Simmons, whose indominable 
 spirit refused to be disheartened or depressed, joined the ox 
 train of fortune seekers, among whom were the men and women 
 who were to lay the foundation of the magnificent develop- 
 ment of this section of the Puget Sound country. The fam- 
 ilies who, with Simmons, finally settled in what is now Thurs- 
 ton County were : James McAllister and his wife, Martha, 
 their children, George, America, who afterwards became ]\Irs. 
 Thomas Chambers ; Martha, afterwards the wife of Joseph 
 Brunston, and John ; David Kindred and his wife Talitha, and 
 son, John K. ; Gabriel and Mrs. Keziah B. Johns, their sons, 
 Lewis and Morris, and daughter Elizabeth, who married Jo- 
 seph Broshears in 1852, and the Bush family, consisting of 
 George and Isabelle J., father and mother, William Owen, Jo- 
 seph Talbot, Reily B., Henry Sandford and Jackson January. 
 
 The party had wintered in Vancouver while Simmons and
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 253 
 
 some of the other men had made the trip up the Cowlitz River 
 to ascertain the value of the land, quality of timher and pros- 
 pect for wresting a livelihood from the wilds. But in the fall 
 of 1845 they all brought their families to the Sound. Simmons 
 located his claim at the falls of the Deschutes River, which was 
 then known by the Indians as "Tumchuck" — throbbing water. 
 The Bush family took up land on the edge of the prairie, 
 which has ever since been called by their name. Kindred's 
 claim was just south of what is now Olympia, and the IMcAllis- 
 ters v.-ere eventually located near the Nesqually Eiver. Sim- 
 mons laid out the town of New Market, now TumvY-ater, and 
 in the fall of 1846 built the first grist mill north of the Co- 
 lumbia. This historic mill was roughh" built of logs, with its 
 mill stones made from flat boulders found in the stream whose 
 waters turned the rude wheel. From this coarse, unbolted flour, 
 the first bread from home grown wheat was made, and this 
 bread was considered a great luxury after a diet of dried peas. 
 and boiled wheat, Avhich had formed the staple diet before the 
 completion of the mill. 
 
 Before coming to Puget Sound, v/hile the Simmons were 
 wintering on the north bank of the Columbia, near Y/ashougal, 
 the irrepressible Christopher Columbus was born. This histor^' 
 is now continued in C. C. Simmons' own words. 
 
 "Yes, I reckon I was the first white child born in this 
 neck of the woods, and father and mother seemed to think be- 
 cause I enjoj^ed this distinction I must have discovered the 
 country, so they called me Christopher Columbus. I first saw 
 the light of day April 10, 1845, and my birth chamber was a 
 sheep pen "vwth a canvas stretched over the roof to keep part 
 of the rain from mother and me. There were eleven children 
 in our family — the boys, George Washington, David C, filar- 
 ion Francis and McDonald, were older than me and crossed 
 the plains with father and mother. Then I came next and 
 younger than me were : Benjamin Franklin, Charlotte, filary. 
 Kate, Charles Mason and dad's namesake filichael T. Of these 
 children David and McDonald are dead, Marion lives in Puy- 
 allup, Benjamin F. in Seattle, Charlotte is ]\Irs. Kuntz. of 
 Chehalis, Mary is Mrs. Holmes, living in IMassaehusetts. Kate 
 married a man named Kantwell, Charles M. lives in Puyallup 
 and i\Iichael in EUensburg.
 
 254 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 "During the Indian v.ar we were all forted in the Collins 
 blockhouse where is now Arcadia, but I was not old enough 
 to take an active part in that trouble. I have always been 
 poor in this world's goods and am glad of it. There is the 
 less danger of being robbed, although I have had my chances 
 for wealth more than most. 
 
 "One time when I was working for my uncle, Dr. May- 
 nard, who was one of the first settlers of King County, he 
 made me a present of a deed to 160 acres of what is now West 
 Seattle. I held on to it for a while and then found it tot) 
 troublesome to care for the deed and to keep the small amount 
 of taxes paid, so I gave it back to Uncle Maynard, much to 
 his disgust. He thought I must have very little sense not to 
 hang on to what he knew would be very valuable at some 
 not far-off day. 
 
 "Father died on his farm in Lewis County a long time 
 ago and mother lived until about 24 years ago, spending her 
 last days in Shelton. When I was nineteen years of age I 
 was married to Asenath Ann Kennedy, who was but four- 
 teen, and has been my true and faithful wife for fifty years 
 of wedded happiness. Of course, we had to elope, for her 
 parents w^ould not give consent till she was at least out of 
 school. I rowed, one dark night, from the Big Skookum to 
 Steilacoom, where Ann was attending school, picked her up 
 at a point we had agreed on and then we made our way to 
 Seattle. 
 
 "Even in those days a girl had to be at least eighteen 
 before she could marry without her parents' sanction. Well. 
 we hardly knew what to do. So when we got to Seattle we 
 went to Uncle Maynard for advice. This good man considered 
 a moment and then said to Ann 'Take off your shoes.' She 
 did so and Dr. Maynard wrote the figures 18 on two slips 
 of paper and put them in her shoes. Ann caught on as quick 
 as lightning. A few minutes later we stood up before Rev. 
 Daniel Bagley, who asked her age. 'Why, I'm over eighteen,' 
 she said as bland as milk, and so we W'Cre married and have 
 lived happily together. 
 
 "On August 25th, 1914, we celebrated our golden wed- 
 ding at our home on ]\Iud Bay, with all of our nine children 
 and our grandchildren around us."
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 255 
 
 HARVEY R, WOODARD. 
 
 The account given by the pioneer son of a pioneer fat]ier 
 of their early days on Puget Sound presents a photographic 
 reproduction of the scenes and experiences which are now but 
 a dream of by-gone days. Ah)nzo B. Woodard, senior repre- 
 sentative of one of Thurston County's best known pioneer fam- 
 ilies tells the following: 
 
 "Father, mother and we three boys, Theodore, Delbert 
 and your humble servant, came to Oregon in the early fif- 
 ties, reaching The Dalles after a cruel, hard trip, over the Ore- 
 gon Trail. 
 
 "Father's cattle were so worn out that they every one 
 died of starvation and exposure early in the winter. He had 
 left them to be taken care of at The Dalles, but the Avinter 
 Avas unexpectedly severe, there was no feed to be bought and 
 the snow covered the ranges. 
 
 "The family came on down to Vancouver before the ex- 
 treme cold set in, and father tried to rent a house for us, but 
 found that to be impossible. A piece of ground large enough 
 to set a tent upon was rented for $10 a month, so my parents 
 decided that where there was so much unoccupied territory 
 — you might say all of what is now both Oregon and Wash- 
 ington being still unsettled, this was two much of a price to 
 pay. Accordingly, they went a few miles out of Vancouver, 
 and father built a little one-room affair of logs in which we 
 could store our plunder and sleep. All that winter mother 
 cooked our meals on an open fire made from the green wood 
 father would cut from the forest. As the snow lay twelve 
 inches deep on the ground we all had a pretty uncomfortable 
 time. Up to February the Columbia was frozen so solidly no 
 boats could come up from Portland, but as Spring came on 
 the weather moderated and the sAvift Avater formed an open 
 channel in the river. Father fixed up some canoes, and leav- 
 ing mother and us boys at Vancouver started for Puget Sound. 
 
 "x\fter many perils and liardships he reached Avhat he 
 ahvavs referred to as God's CountrA' and located a claim on
 
 256 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 South Bay. When the weather got nice and warm father 
 sent for his family and we made the trip by water. The boat 
 came to the landing place in connection with Fort Nesqually 
 and there father met ns with a row boat and took us to what 
 was to be our home for some years. 
 
 "I was but a lad, and had never seen salt water before. 
 I was filled with admiration of the beautiful picture pre- 
 sented by South Bay with the dense forest coming" down to 
 the shores of the bay and the clear, delighful looking water. 
 We camped that night on the beach and in the morning imag- 
 ine my dismay when I looked out on what seemed to me but 
 a sea of mud. Father reassured me, however, and told me 
 that w^as the Avay of the tide — always on the ebb and flow — 
 and as sure as it went so surely would it come again. We 
 lived here on South Bay for the next two or three years in 
 peace and were beginning to feel quite prosperous. Father, 
 with the help of us boys had cleared and planted tAvelve acres 
 of land. We had a yoke of oxen, a cow and some pigs, and 
 father had built a very comfortable home. 
 
 "In 1855, just as we began to reap the reward of our hard 
 work and previous privations, the Indian war broke out. We had 
 been hearing ugly rumors for some time, and one afternoon 
 Owen Bush rode up to our place and told us about the killing 
 of McAllister by the Indians. Father went on up to the head 
 of the bay to learn all he could about whether there was real 
 danger and found that all the settlers had already fled to 
 Olympia. Hastening back home he hurried us all into a row 
 boat and started for town. On the way he stopped and took 
 ]\Irs. Knott and Mrs. Frazier in our boat. 
 
 "When we got up opposite Herbert Jeals' place, we were 
 terrified to hear firing back of the house. Father and I were 
 pulling the oars and Theodore was steering the boat. We 
 struck out across the bay for the west side, expecting to see 
 Indian war canoes take after us, in which event we knew we 
 would soon be overhauled, for our boat was clumsy and over- 
 loaded. When we got oft' the Harstein Island point one of 
 the worst wind storms came up I have ever experienced. I 
 have never seen the waters of Puget Sound so rough. The 
 waves were lashed into a fury, and ran so high that our cap- 
 size seemed imminent. ^Irs. Frazier was the worst scared
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 257 
 
 v.Oiiian I ever saw. She lay in the bottom of the boat moaning 
 and crying, not knowing whether she was to meet death at 
 the hands of the Indians or be drowned in Puget Sound. But 
 along toward morning we reached Olympia all safe and sound, 
 although almost exhausted. The next day father and I Avent 
 back home for the rest of our things and we lived all winter 
 in Turn water. 
 
 "Eight here I want to say that after my experiences of 
 t':at year, no talk of war time prices can scare me. Father had 
 t ) pay $3 a bushel for potatoes, $20 a barrel for flour, $8 a 
 keg for syrup, and there was a tradition that butter was a 
 dollar a pound — but about that I cannot say. The Woodards 
 didn't see any of that luxury for many a month. Our main 
 living was potatoes, clams, oysters, ducks and always sal- 
 mon. Until father built his grist mill, all our flour came 
 around the Horn and from being for months in the hold of 
 vessels became musty and all but unfit to eat. I have seen 
 mother lift squirming worms out of the mildewed stuff she 
 was obliged to use in making our bread. 
 
 "After the close of the war father went back to South 
 Union and later overhauled and rebuilt a mill on the Sequal- 
 ochen, but I spent my winters in town attending school. 
 Among the teachers I remember in those days were Rev. 
 Dillon and Mrs. Doyle, both fine instructors, leading their 
 pupils along learning's path with a kind firmness that has 
 liad its effect all through my life. Father in later years 
 bought the old Woodard home on the West Side, where he 
 died in 1872. Mother lived over twenty years after father's 
 death. 
 
 "When I attained my majority I spent some years in 
 Oregon — was there during the Civil War, and while here had 
 my greatest piece of good luck. While living in Lafayette. 
 T met and was married to my wife — formerly Miss Wallace. 
 Later we returned to Olympia, where for years we have led 
 a peaceful, uneventful life. We have had two daughters and 
 one son born to us: Elma Amelia, now Mrs. Crawford, of 
 Tacoma and Ada Salome, the wife of Captain George S. E. 
 Krem. Our son Van Eugene died a few years ago."
 
 258 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 STEPHEN D. REINHART 
 
 "You must be sure to give prominent mention to the 
 Reinhart family, and Mrs. Reinhart's father, William Cock," 
 was frequently told the compiler when interviewing the few 
 living men and women whose memory carried them back to 
 their associates of sixty-five years ago. 
 
 Stephen D. Reinhart was of German ancestry, but was 
 himself a native of Kentucky. He was educated in the State 
 of Indiana and there was married to Miss Sarah Cock. In 
 1852, when the tide of immigration was strong towards the 
 land of the setting sun, the young Reinharts, with their babj^ 
 boy, William, started for the long and dangerous trip over 
 the old Oregon Trail. The journey was attended with the 
 almost incredible hardships and dangers which the immi- 
 grants were called upon to endure. The oxen became ex- 
 hausted when the alkali country was reached, and finally 
 Mr. Reinhart was obliged to separate the hind wheels of his 
 wagon from the front ones, fit a rude tongue to these and 
 with this miserable make-shift proceed on the journey to The 
 Dalles. 
 
 Rafting his family and few worldly possessions to the 
 Cascades, ]\Ir. Reinhart was here fortunate enough to secure 
 the contract for loading a sloop bound for Portland. This 
 put the adventurer in funds again and provided a means of 
 passage down the Columbia to Portland. From this point the 
 Reinharts took up the line of march for the Puget Sound 
 country. Reaching Grand Mound Prairie the young man took 
 up a donation claim and started a little home. Prosperity had 
 just begun to smile upon the family, when the Indian war 
 broke out and they were obliged to abandon their claim and 
 seek shelter in the nearest blockhouse. Sir. Reinhart has- 
 tened to tender his services toward the defense of the country 
 by enlisting in the rank of Washington volunteers. 
 
 After the close of the war the family removed to Olym- 
 pia, Avhere Mr. Reinhart engaged in mill building, he having 
 learned the trade of millwright in his vouth. He also at one
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 259 
 
 time ran a saw mill. By this time he had acquired consider- 
 able property and built for his home the house now owned by 
 !Mrs. Tew, on the corner of ]\Iain and Fifteenth Streets. In 
 1862 Mrs. Reinhart's health began to fail and they went to 
 Grande Rounde, Oregon, in the hopes of her improvement. 
 This move not proving of benefit, they proceeded to Napa, 
 California. Mrs. Reinhart died a few years later at Calistoga 
 Springs, Napa County. Mr. Reinhart then brought his chil- 
 dren back to Oregon, where he was made Indian agent at the 
 Grande Rounde reservation. Later, about the year 1872, Mr. 
 Reinhart went to "Whatcom County, where he took up a claim 
 of 160 acres of fine agricultural land which he developed with 
 the passing of years and with characteristic energy, into one 
 of the most valuable farms in that region. ]\Ir. Reinhart was 
 a member of the Territorial Legislature for two terms, Jus- 
 tice of the Peace several terms, and at the time of his death in 
 1901. was enjoying an unexpired term as State Senator. 
 
 Besides the son William, who was born in the old home 
 in Indiana, Senator and ]\Irs. Reinhart were the parents of 
 four sons and daughters born after reaching the Coast. Of 
 these Captain Calif S. Reinhart, Clerk of the Supreme Court, 
 until recently president of the Olympia National Bank and 
 Captain of Co. A., First National Guard of Washington, three 
 times mayor of Olympia, his native city, and a sister, Mrs. 
 Carrie Chandler, whose home is in Bellingham survive. Wil- 
 liam at the age of 23 died while returning from a sea voyage 
 in Callao, and was buried from the steamship Great Republic. 
 
 ]Mrs. Reinhart's father was the Col. William Cock, Avho 
 is well remembered among Olympia pioneers. He was first 
 Territoral Treasurer, serving in that capacity from 1854 to 
 1861 and for many years prominently connected with the 
 business and social life of Olympia.
 
 260 ■ ' THUR3T0X COUNTY 
 
 A TRIP TO STEILACOOM 
 
 To the lover of Nature and seeker after historic spots there 
 is no section more alluring than that traversed by the old 
 militarj" road between Olympia and the old town of Steila- 
 coom, thence on a short two miles to what was formerly the 
 location of Fort Steilacoom, but now the site of the modern 
 Washington Hospital for Insane. 
 
 Over roads delightfully smooth the auto glides along to 
 the top of the Nesqually hill. The road now becomes beautiful 
 and picturesque with the fern-decked bank on the one side 
 and the ravine with its big trees on the other. Winding and 
 curving the road is still a safe enoug'h one, owing to the wide 
 turnouts at each curve. On down through the rich Nesqually 
 bottom, over the long bridge with the river, clay white, rushing 
 below. The ascent of the hill on the Pierce County side is 
 gradual and easily accomplished and when the summit is 
 reached, what a panorama is spread out. Surely in all Wash- 
 ington there is no nobler view than this. The broad green 
 pastures, surrounded with a fringe of tall evergreens and the 
 blue, sparkling waters of Old Puget Sound gleaming in the 
 distance. 
 
 A few miles on and the site of old Fort Nesqually is 
 reached. Although but one of the original buildings remains 
 and in the immediate neighborhood are the squalid huts, for- 
 merly used by the employes of a powder company, this spot 
 is full of interest to the historian. 
 
 Fort Nesqually was established in 1833 by Archibald Mc- 
 Donald, for years a noted factor and trader of the Hudson 
 Bay Company. For years the Indians came in large bands to 
 this fort from their camps on Admiralty Inlet and Puget 
 Sound, as well as from far along the Coast, with their furs 
 and skins to barter with the Boston men. All the buildings 
 were situated on or near the banks of Sequalachew Creek and 
 wore of logs, the principal one being fifty-five feet long.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 261 
 
 twenty feet wide and twelve feet Inirh. The roofs Avere of 
 cedar bark held in place by poles and the floors were of 
 1 imcheon. An immense fireplace with the chimney built 
 of sticks plastered with clay, warmed the large main room. 
 
 At one time, well within the memory of several Thurston 
 C<mnty pioneers, Fort Steilacoom was presided over by Dr. 
 AVilliam Fraser Tolmie. chief factor for the Hudson Bay Com- 
 pany. 
 
 Reaching Steilacoom the beholder is enchanted with the 
 ]■ veliness of the view of the Sound from the town, as it 
 t.tretches out wide and beautiful, with IMcNeils and other 
 f.maller islanr^.s in the distance. The bell crowned stone 
 monument, marking the site of the first Protestant Church 
 built north of the Columbia River, and the quaint little Catholic 
 Church, are the interesting points in this town of by-gone day,^. 
 The tourist Avill loiter an hour in the quaint old town and 
 then on to what was Fort Steilacoom. 
 
 The hugh pile of bricks with its iron grated wards filled 
 with gibbering, gesticulating maniacs, the squads of the more 
 orderly inmates in charge of their attendants working and 
 ''esting around the beautiful grounds is. perhaps, a sight to 
 interest the curious, but one which fills the average beholder 
 ■"vith sadness. Here the cottages which Avere ol^^icers' quarters 
 in the days of military occupancy of the place are now used 
 as homes for the assistant physicians, engineer and accountants, 
 employed in the asylum. In a field adjoining are still to be 
 seen the "Z" shaped earth works throAvn up by the soldiers of 
 Captain Pickett's regiment. For over twenty-five years one of 
 the attendants in the men's ward of the asylum has been INIr. 
 Fred Guj^ot, formerly an Olympia boy, son of Julian Guyot, 
 the pioneer jeweler of Olympia. Fred was born in Calaveras 
 County, California, in 1851. His father, a native of Switzer- 
 land had, with his young wife, been among the gold seekers of 
 '49. On July 4, 1859. shortly after the death of Fred's mother, 
 the elder Guyot and his little son left San Francisco for Puget 
 Sound. The trip was made on the steamship Northerner and 
 was the last vo.yage of this vessel, as upon her return to San 
 Francisco she was wrecked off the Oregon coast. 
 
 When the Guyots arrived at Olympia the steamer landed 
 at the historic Brown's AVIiarf on the West Side. Father an;l
 
 H^'l THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 son, with other passengers, were brought to the town in a row 
 boat, which was manned and operated for hire by the brothers 
 ^Monzo and Theodore Woodard. Lentil a permanent boarding 
 place could be found the new arrivals stayed at the Pacific 
 Hotel, which was then managed by ^Irs. Warbass. The elder 
 Guyot engaged in the jewelry and watch repairing business. 
 Watches were sent him from all over the western part of 
 the territory to be made as good as new again. 
 
 j\Ir. Julian Guyot died in Olympia in 1877. The younger 
 Guyot attended the public school of the place, and remembers 
 John and Robert Yantis, Billy Clark, Bernham Huntington, Will 
 Eeinhart, Ben Cock, Frank Hicks, Lizzie Warbass, and Fannie 
 Yantis, as among his schoolmates. His first Sunday School 
 teacher was Mrs. George F. Whitworth. Mr. Guyot was ap- 
 pointed attendant at the asylum under Dr. Waughop, in 1889. 
 The visitor to Steilacoom strolling through the abandoned 
 cemetery in the rear of the huge pile of buildings and within 
 the asylum enclosure finds plenty of food for reflection upon 
 the unstability of human greatness. Here, underneath a mossy 
 slab of marble with the lettering all but defaced, the wild 
 grasses growing in a tangle within the little enclosure made 
 of decaying pickets rest the remains of the fourth governor 
 of the territory, Col. William H. Wallace. 
 
 Within a few feet from the grave of this honored man 
 is standing a wooden slab bearing this inscription: "In mem- 
 ory of Charles ^McDonald, aged 36 years. Died at the hands 
 of violence, 1870." 
 
 Mr. Guyot 's account of the tragic circumstances of ]Mc- 
 Donald's death is given in his own words: "Charlie ]Mc- 
 Donald and his partner, named Gibson, had staked out a claim 
 not far from Fort Steilacoom, which they had worked and 
 improved until they had developed a valuable property. i\Ic- 
 Donald was a remarkably handsome young man with black 
 flashing eyes, black hair, worn, as was the fashion of the time, 
 well down over his coat collar, erect figure and gallant bear- 
 ing. He was a fine figure of a man as he rode into town 
 mounted on his spirited horse. 
 
 Now, infesting the prairie and surrounding section held 
 forth as lawless and vicious a band of men as could be found 
 on the frontier. The leader of these leagued rogues had cast
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 2fi3 
 
 covetous eyes upon ^McDonald's and Gibson's claim, and as 
 v.-as so often done in those wild days took steps to secure the 
 land by preferring the charge that the partners were what 
 was known in the parlance of the day, "claim jumpers." ]Mc- 
 Donald and Gibson acknowledged the subpeona served upon 
 them and set out to appear in court to answer to the summons. 
 
 When within a short distance from the fort, where the 
 trail wound through the woods, the men were ambushed 
 by the gang of claim jumpers, who began pouring a rain of 
 bullets at them. Their horses dashed forward and McDonald 
 escaped unharmed, but not so Gibson, who was unfortunate 
 enough to receive eight bullet w^ounds in his arms and legs, 
 none striking a vital spot, however. JMcDonald helped his 
 partner into the fort, where he was turned over to the army 
 physician to have his wounds dressed. The young man then 
 rode on into the town of Steilacoom to demand protection of 
 the Sheriff, Ike Carson, who was, however, out of the country, 
 as the mob well knew. Soon the gang folloAved him into town 
 ranging themselves in line on the opposite side of the street 
 from a saloon in which ^McDonald was standing and began to 
 call upon him to show himself. Thinking to argue with the 
 mob, jMcDonald stepped to the door, and said, "Now, boys, let's 
 talk this matter over. There must be some misunderstanding 
 and to show 3'ou that I want peace I'll throw my gun away." 
 Suiting the action to the word he hurled his weapon into the 
 dust of the street. Scarcely had he done so, however, when 
 the gang opened fire. Realizing then that they would not stop 
 short of murder, ^McDonald turned and ran through the saloon 
 and down an alley in the rear. The men started after him in 
 full cry, firing as they ran. Before the fugitive had gone forty 
 feet a bullet reached its mark and he fell mortally wounded. 
 
 As he lay there in the pitiless sun, a small boy, attracted 
 by the shots, came down the alley. Hearing McDonald's gasp- 
 ing cry for "water" the lad started to bring him some, but 
 the leader of the murderers stepped out and warned the child 
 that McDonald's fate would be his if he dared to relieve his 
 distress, the boy shrank, whimpering away, leaving the dying 
 man to groan aloud in his death agony. 
 
 But, look, is this an angel bending piteously over thi^ 
 sufferer? So she must have seemed to IMcDonald as his dviiitr
 
 264 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 gaze looked into the sad, tender eyes of a Sister of Charity. 
 
 This sister, one of a band of noble women inhabiting the 
 nunnery, which the Catholic Church had early established in 
 Steilaeoora, had hastened to the awful scene as soon as she 
 heard the shots and realized that her ministrations might be 
 needed. 
 
 ''Go, sister, leave me, your life is in danger," gasped ?.Ic- 
 Donald. "By all the powers of God, church and humanity, T 
 dare them to interfere with me," said the Sister as she moist- 
 ened the lips and straightened the limbs of the dying man. 
 Not one of that lawless band moved a finger to prevent the 
 sister in her work of mercy. When life was extinct ]\IeDonald 's 
 remains were taken into the little old Catholic Church, which 
 still stands as a shrine to the weary at the top of the hill, and 
 tenderly prepared for burial. Not yet satisfied with their 
 bloody work the mob started back along the road to find Gib- 
 son. The latter, after having his wounds dressed, had insisted 
 (ui being placed in a wagon and started to town to learn the 
 late of his partner, McDonald. Within a mile of town the mob 
 met and surrounded the vehicle. Gibson, weak and almost 
 fainting from loss of blood, raised himself in the wagonbed 
 until he could snatch the revolver from the belt of the Indian 
 driver. One shot was all he had strength for but that struck 
 one of the mob in the leg, and had Gibson not been too over- 
 come with the exertion to take aim correctly he would have 
 avenged McDonald's death. The mob made short work of 
 Gibson and shot him through the head. 
 
 Almost within the shadow of the asylum is the spot where 
 Chief Leschi expiated his crime of the murder of Joseph 
 Miles and A. Benton Moses at the beginning of the Indian 
 war. This Indian had been surrendered by one of his relatives 
 for a reward of fifty blankets. Leschi was brought to trial 
 before a jury, among whom were Ezra Meeker and AVm. M. 
 Kincaid. After listening to the evidence these men stood for 
 acquittal with the result that the jury, being unable to agree, 
 was finally discharged. At a second trial before Chief Justice 
 Lander the Indian was convicted and sentenced to be hung. 
 Appeal was then taken to the Supreme Court which stayed 
 the execution for a while. The ease was this time argued 
 l)efore Justices 0. B. :\IcFadden and F. A. Cheuoweth. The
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 265 
 
 decision against Leschi by the Court was unanimous. The 
 opinion was written by Judge IMcFadden and sealed Leschi 's 
 doom. The date of execution was set for January 22, 1858. 
 
 Leschi was then sent to Fort Steilacoom to await the ful- 
 fillment of his sentence. Dr. Tolmie and other officials of 
 the Hudson Bay Company took active steps to secure a pardon 
 from Governor ]\Ic]\Iullen. but this was refused. 
 
 When the day of execution finally arrived Leschi 's friends 
 .secured a further delay by working a clever trick. The sheriff 
 of Pierce County and his deputy were placed under arrest by 
 Lieutenant I\IcKibben. who had been appointed a deputy Unit- 
 ed States Marshal, the trumped up charge against the Sheriff 
 av.d deputy being the selling of liquor to Indians. They were 
 released from custody as soon as the hour set for the execu- 
 tion was passed. This action on the part of the military offi- 
 cers and Hudson Bay people led to intense indignation among 
 the citizens. Mass meetings were held in Steilacoom and OljTii- 
 pia, at which Governor ]McMullen and Secretary INIason voiced 
 the indignation of the people at the manner in which the law 
 had been trampled on, and a series of resolutions were adopted 
 denouncing, by name the officers of Forts Nesqually and Steil- 
 acoom and Leschi 's attorney. As the Territorial Legislature was 
 in session an act was railroaded through both houses demand- 
 ing a special session of the Supreme Court to pronounce upon 
 the case of Leschi as it then stood. 
 
 At this special session the prisoner was resentenced for a 
 third time and William Mitchell, then acting Sheriff of Thurs- 
 ton County was appointed to carry the sentence into execution. 
 The date fixed was February 19. Captain Isaac Hays, Sheriff 
 of Thurston County, was at this time absent from the state, so 
 the unpleasant duty naturally fell upon the deputy. 
 In Mr. Mitchell's words: 
 
 "On the day sot for the execution, Ed. Furst, John Head, 
 George Blankenship, Charley Granger and myself set out on 
 horseback and went to Fort Steilacoom, where the prisoner was 
 turned over to me. The scaffold had been erected about a half 
 mile from the fort and there the execution took place. Know- 
 ing that Charley Granger had been a sailor, I asked him to tie 
 the noose about the neck of the condemned man, which he did. 
 Leschi made a speeeli to the Indians that were tliere, but as
 
 2^6 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 his talk was in his native tongue and no interpreter being pro- 
 vided I do not know what he said. These formalities having 
 been gone through with, I knocked the pin out from under the 
 trapdoor and Chief Leschi was sent to the happy hunting 
 grounds. He was undoubtedly as cruel and cunning an Indian 
 as there was in the Puget Sound country and deserved 
 hanging." 
 
 The scene of the closing act of the "Tragedy of 
 Leschi" was a short distance east of Fort Steilacoom and near 
 the north end of the lake of that name. Here the prairie sinks 
 into a rounding depression forming a natural ampitheatre, in 
 the center of which the gallows had been erected. The scene 
 must have been a dismal one ; the rain drizzled down, dripping 
 drearily from the fringe of stunted oaks which outlined the 
 depression. ^Making a hollow square around the rude scaffold 
 was a line of soldiers and a considerable number of Indians 
 and settlers stood near watching the end of the tragedy.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 267 
 
 THE CROSBY FAMILY 
 
 Like unto a saga of old, runs the story of the coming of the 
 Crosby family into the West. In all the wild experiences re- 
 lated during the compilation of this book, none were more 
 picturesque and interesting than the history of an entire fam- 
 ily of stalwart sons and fair daughters with their aged, but 
 sturdy father, coming with their own ship, laden with their 
 own goods, their children and themselves, to take their part in 
 conquering the wilderness. 'Way back in 1846 the United 
 States government sent Capt. Nathaniel Crosby — one of a fam- 
 ily of sea captains — in command of the brig 0. C. Raymond, 
 to take supplies to relieve the distress of those immigrants,, who, 
 illy prepared, as were all too many, had joined the wild rush 
 to seek their fortunes on the Pacific Coast. 
 
 So impressed was Capt. Crosby with the prospects of for- 
 tunes to be gained in this land of opportunities for the venture- 
 some, that he decided to have his kinsmen join him. After 
 sending back for his brothers to buy and fit out a brig with 
 everything needful for a home in the West, he waited with 
 v/hat patience he might, the arrival of his family. 
 
 Clanrick Crosby, an elder brother, bought the brig Grecian 
 — 270 tons capacity — and the start was made in 1849. Clanrick 
 was captain of the brig, wuth a brother-in-law, Washington 
 Hurd, first officer and Alfred Crosby second officer. In the 
 cabin were : Captain Nathaniel Crosby, Sr., father of Captain 
 Clanrick and Officer Alfred Crosby, who remained in the West 
 a couple of years before returning to his home in Cape Cod, 
 Massachusetts, where he died, Mrs. Clanrick Crosby, Phoebe, 
 and their three children, Clanrick, Phoebe Louisa and Cecelia, 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Hurd and little daughter, Ella — Mrs. Hurd was 
 Captain Crosby's sister, Mrs. Clara Nickerson Crosby, wife of 
 Alfred Crosby, Mrs. Mary Crosby, wife of Capt. Nathaniel, Jr., 
 and their three children, Nathaniel, Mary L. and IMartha R., 
 Mrs. Holmes, companion and housekeeper, and one passenger.
 
 268 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Converse Lilly. Before the mast were Richard Hartley, 
 Joseph Taylor and Foster and Nathaniel Lincoln, brothers of 
 jNIrs. Nathaniel Crosby, Jr. The Grecian arrived at Portland 
 in March, 1850. 
 
 The two elder Crosby brothers came on to Tnmwater, Capt. 
 Nathaniel remaining in Oregon. Among the Crosby children 
 who made the famous trip in the Grecian w^as the little Martha, 
 then nine years of age. That child is now Mrs. Andrew J. 
 Burr and the reminiscences contributed by this lady were 
 among the most interesting of the many related by pioneer 
 men and women during the preparation of this volume. After 
 living in Portland until she was 11 years old, her father, Capt. 
 Nathaniel Crosby, took a cargo of spars from St. Helens, Ore- 
 gon, to Hong Kong, China, the first big sticks that were ever 
 sent from the Pacific Coast forests to the Orient. After a couple 
 of years of wandering in various ports, Capt. Crosby, leaving 
 his family in China, came to Olympia and loaded his ship with 
 a second cargo of spars for China, this second load having 
 been cut from Butlers Cove, and was the first shipment of 
 Puget Sound timber. In Hong Kong the Crosby family re- 
 mained for several years. Martha and the other children were 
 sent to school there and the child became a young woman. 
 Here Capt. Crosby died, the family still making their home 
 in this foreign land. In 1861 Martha became the wife of 
 Samuel C. Woodruff, a wealthy ship chandler of Hong Kong. 
 
 Her first child, Samuel L. Woodruff, was born there. The 
 cholera was raging at this time in China, so the young mother 
 brought her son to San Francisco until the danger had abated 
 a little. While living in this city her second child, Ada, was 
 born. 
 
 With her two little children Mrs. Wooruff came to Olympia 
 to visit her mother and brothers. The very first steamer which 
 came into port after their arrival here brought the news that 
 Mr. Woodruff had died from an attack of cholera. The widow 
 and her children continued to make Tumwater their home for 
 the following two years. Then she met and, in due time, was 
 married to Andrew J. Burr. The wedding took place in the 
 old Crosby house in Tumwater and Mr. and Mrs. Burr came to 
 Olympia to make their home. 
 
 To them were born three children, Maud, now Mrs. T. F.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 269 
 
 Basse of Seattle; Chas. A. Burr, still of Olympia, and June Burr 
 of Seattle. 
 
 Mr. Burr was possessed of considerable property at one 
 time in Ol.ympia and was one of the city's leading spirits in 
 business and political affairs. For eight years he was post- 
 master of the Capital City, and in his prime was quite noted 
 for his political speaking. He at one time stumped the territory 
 Avith Selucius Garfielde in one of the hottest campaigns known 
 in the history of his party. He was of an extraordinarily genial 
 and witty nature and his speeches were in great demand when 
 there was a political strife being carried on. 
 
 ]\rr. Burr died in Olympia in the year 1900. 
 
 Of the two children born to I\Irs. Burr by her former 
 marriage both have become prominently known in their re- 
 spective life's work — Sam Woodruff having been identified 
 with the state institutions, formerly with the AVestern "Wash- 
 ington Hospital for Insane and at present the efficient super- 
 intendent of the School for Defective Youth at Medical Lake. 
 Ada Woodruff Anderson is an authoress of more than state- 
 wide celebrity, having been the writer of several novels and 
 magazine stories and sketches which have brought her name 
 prominently before the literary world. She makes her home 
 on Mercer Island, near Seattle. At one time Mrs. Anderson 
 taught the county school at Yelm Prairie. She tells with some 
 reminiscent pride that her teacher's certificate was presented 
 to her upon her graduation by the late Rev. John R. Thompson. 
 
 Among IMrs. Burr's personal reminiscences is singing 
 in the now famous choir of the Taylor Stfeet M. E. Church 
 when she was still a mere child. Beside her in this choir, 
 singing with all his sweet young voice stood John IMiller 
 ]\Iurphy. This was in Portland before either the little JMartha 
 or Johnnie Murphy came to Puget Sound. 
 
 Soon after the arrival of the Crosby family in Portland 
 I\Iartha and her sister were invited to join some young people 
 of the settlement on a blackberry picking expedition on a cer- 
 tain day of the week. As the children were anxious to get 
 acquainted the invitation was accepted. On the appointed day 
 early in the morning, the sisters commenced to get ready for 
 their first social function in the West. White dresses were 
 carefully pressed out, hair put up in curl papers and strapped
 
 270 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 slippers donned over spotless white stockings. The sisters 
 were chagrined when their companions arrived to accompany 
 them to the berry patch and they saw how inappropriate was 
 their attire. 
 
 Mrs. Bnrr now makes her home in Seattle with her 
 daughter, I\Irs. Basse. 
 
 Captain Clanriek Crosby was one of the dominant spirits 
 in Tum water for many years, foremost in every enterprise 
 for the development and advancement of the community. He 
 it was who presented the original plot of land for the Masonic 
 and Odd Fellows cemeteries. 
 
 The children of Clanriek and IMrs. Crosby were Clan- 
 rick, jr., dead these many years, Phoebe Louise, Cecelia, Win, 
 Walter and Fannie. The eldest daughter is Mrs. George Biles 
 and the youngest girl is well known, not only in Olympia, but 
 Seattle, and Alaska points as well, as Mrs. John Y. Ostrander. 
 
 Walter Crosby is too well known in Olympia to need any 
 description. These two younger Crosbys were born after Capt, 
 and Mrs. Clanriek Crosby reached Tumwater. Mrs. Biles 
 being the oldest of the living children of Clanriek Crosby 
 was invited to contribute her reminiscences of her early life 
 in Tumwater. This lady was about nine years of age when 
 the Indian war broke out and well remembers the night some 
 friendly Indians came to her father's house and warned ]\Ir. 
 Crosby that there was danger of an attack from the hostiles. 
 Already the few residents of Tumwater had built the block 
 house which stood for many years at' the end of the bridge 
 across the Des Chutes River, but so far many of the families 
 continued to live in their own houses. 
 
 On this particular night Mr. Crosby was inclined to be 
 skeptical of there being any real danger, but the Indians told 
 him to watch for the light of burning buildings, and sure 
 enough, as soon as it was quite dark the heavens were lighted 
 up with the flare of the Glasgow and Linklighter barns, 
 which had been set on fire by the enemy. 
 
 That was convincing proof that the Indians were sincere 
 in giving the alarm. Hastily rousing the children from their 
 beds and dressing them, flight to the block house was made. 
 The little Phoebe — Mrs. Biles — was the proud possessor of a 
 bran new sun bonnet, wdiich in the haste of the family to get
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 271 
 
 away, was left hanging on the kitchen wall. After reaching 
 the fort, while her parents were getting the younger children 
 settled for the remainder of the night, the little girl slipped ont 
 in the dark and ran all alone all the way to her home to get 
 her precious sun bonnet. 
 
 Phoebe returned in safety, but her parents reprimanded 
 her severely for the fright she had given them. 
 
 In later years, 1865, Phoebe was married to George Biles, 
 himself the son of a pioneer. His father, James Biles, with 
 his wife and seven children, had arrived in Tumwater in 1853. 
 
 Accustomed as was the Biles family to the comparative 
 luxury of a Kentucky plantation, the life on Puget Sound was 
 a striking contrast. Clams, salmon and potatoes for staples 
 of diet, a log cabin to live in and nearest neighbors savage 
 Indians, the prospect was not especially alluring, but with 
 characteristic pluck and energy Mr. Biles succeeded in carving 
 a comfortable home out of the wilderness. 
 
 The Biles family were among the very first emigrants to 
 reach this section through the wild Natchez Pass. Before 
 reaching this pass their train was met by Ashur Seargent. who 
 was then acting as a guide to divert travel to the Puget Sound 
 country. 
 
 Besides George Biles there were these children in the Biles 
 family: James B., Kate E., now Mrs. F. M. Seargent of Seattle, 
 S. Isabelle, now Mrs. M. S. Drew, of Port Gamble.
 
 21'^ THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 B. F. YANTIS 
 
 Snow beginning the latter part of October and falling to 
 a depth of fifteen inches, and himself and eight children being 
 forced to subsist on potatoes and dried salmon straight all 
 through the winter months, was the experience of Judge B, 
 F. Yantis and famil}', when they reached Bush Prairie in 1852. 
 
 Starting in the Spring of that year from the old home in 
 Missouri, where, although money might be a little scarce, 
 there was an abundance of the fat of the land for subsistence, 
 travelling all those long, weary months over the old Oregon 
 trail, leaving his wife and the mother of his children in a lonely 
 grave on the sage brush plains of Idaho, with his motherless 
 child, Fannie, an infant of but three years of age, the prospect 
 awaiting the hardy emigrant when he reached the El Dorado 
 of his dreams seemed cold and forbidding. 
 
 The trip, undertaken in company with a number of kins- 
 men and friends, had been an unusually trying experience. 
 Besides that of Mrs. Yantis, there were many other deaths 
 occurring in the train, owing to the appearance of black 
 measles, a sister, Mrs. Eliza Ostrander, with her children, 
 being among the sufferers. Judge Yantis' oldest daughter, 
 Mrs. W. H. Pullen, with her three-year-old baby in her arms, 
 was obliged, as were all the Avomen and children, to walk 
 across the five miles of portage below The Dalles. This child 
 was ill when the weary march through the hot sun was be- 
 gun, and grew rapidly worse as the mother plodded along. 
 Before the little boat was reached in which the party was 
 to be brought on down the Columbia, the baby was dead in 
 the distracted mother's arms. That evening a tiny grave was 
 made by the banks of the majestic river and the party were 
 obliged to proceed on their journey. 
 
 When the Big Sandy was reached the march was again 
 resumed to the Cowlitz River, where Indian canoes and ba- 
 teaus were employed to bring the w^eary emigrants to Cow-
 
 B. F. YANTIS
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 273 
 
 ]itz Landing. Judge Yantis' oxen were so exhausted by the 
 trip across the phiins that he left them to be wintered at The 
 Dalles. In the Spring he found that all had perished but one 
 ox. But nothing dismayed, and with the pluck and endur- 
 ance which was characteristic of the sturdy pioneers, Judge 
 Yantis at once p^^^ceeeded to take advantage of the opportunity 
 he saw on every hand, for bettering his financial affairs. A 
 homestead was pre-empted out on Bush Prairie, a few miles 
 from where Plum Station now is, and a comfortable home was 
 fioon established. 
 
 Before the family had lived many months in their new 
 Lome, another terrible blow was dealt them. The oldest boy, 
 James, became a pony express rider, carrying the mail from 
 Cowlitz Landing to Olympia. One day, being hot and dusty 
 from the riding, he went in swimming in Barnes' Lake, and 
 contracted inflammatory rheumatism, w^hich caused his death 
 within a few days. 
 
 After several years spent on the homestead, Judge Yantis 
 moved into Olympia and took a contract for carrying mail and 
 passengers from Cowlitz Landing to Olympia. This was a two 
 days' travel, over what has frequently been described by other 
 pioneers as the "worst roads on earth," but the mail was 
 always delivered with regularity, and the passengers in safety. 
 
 While living in Missouri B. F. Yantis was Judge of the 
 Superior Court of Saline County, and after reaching the West, 
 served in the irst Territorial Legislature. He was an un- 
 swerving Democrat and a life-long member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and was the first Entered Apprentice initiated in Ma- 
 sonry north of the Columbia River. A man of high ideals 
 of honor and justice, Judge Yantis was held in great esteem 
 by his fellow pioneers. 
 
 His children were: Mrs. W. H. Pnllen, who in later 
 years became Mrs. Eichard Wood, and the mother of Oscar 
 and Addie Wood; Sarah, who was made a girl widow when 
 her husband of a few months, was killed at the beginning of 
 the Indian war. It was for the killing of Moses that Chief 
 Leschi was hung, after peace was declared. Sarah afterwards 
 became the wife of George C. Blankenship, and the mother 
 of George E. and Robert L. Blankenship; James II. Yantis, 
 the lad who died on Bush Prairie ; Wm. M., Robert L., John
 
 274 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 v., Mary, who died in infancy, and Frances L., wife of Capt. 
 J. J. Gilbert. Of this goodly family of sons and daughters 
 the youngest son, John V. is left — the last leaf on the tree. 
 His living children are George, Annie, Kobert, Hope, and 
 Faith. 
 
 REESE A. BREWER 
 
 Reese A. Brewer, a well known pioneer of Thurston County, 
 was born in Arkansas, in 1835. He came across the plains with 
 his mother, two brothers and two sisters, and settled near 
 Eugene, Oregon, and lived on a farm there until 1860, when 
 he came to Washington and settled on Grand Mound prairie. 
 in the southern part of Thurston County. Here he lived until 
 his death in 1909. 
 
 Mr. Brewer was a member of the Territorial Legislature 
 in the early eighties ; also a Justice of the Peace at Grand 
 Mound for six years ; postmaster seven years, and served two 
 terms as County Commissioner, and was Chairman of the 
 Board when the Thurston County court house was built, 
 which is now the west half of the present state capitol building. 
 
 Reese A. Brewer was married to Eliza A. Johnson, the 
 daughter of another Thurston County pioneer family, she hav- 
 ing crossed the plains from her native state, Iowa, in 1852 
 Mrs. Brewer died at the early age of 27 years.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 275 
 
 WILLIAM BILLINGS 
 
 Among the documents and papers from which facts re- 
 garding Tliurston County's pioneers were found, none were 
 of more service to the compiler than the scrap book formerly 
 belonging to Theodore L. Brown and loaned to the writer by 
 his wife, ]\Iartha. Mr. Brown realized that the actual pioneers 
 were rapidly being called, that soon there would be none left 
 to tell the story, so he made an effort to collect brief sketches 
 of as many of his old friends as he could reach. Among 
 those who complied with Mr. Brown's request for a life his- 
 tory was Mr. William Billings. 
 
 With characteristic modesty, Mr. Billings related only the 
 baldest facts concerning a life rich with experience and ad- 
 venture. A man who had been repeatedly honored by his gov- 
 ernment, and his fellow citizens, by appointment and election 
 to important offices, a man who had always stood for the 
 right, and who had never betrayed the trust of his fellow 
 men, what an opportunity for self laudation was afforded him 
 by Mr. Brown's request. 
 
 The compiler, respecting Mr. Billing's memory, deems 
 "that no words of hers can be more eloquent or expressive than 
 his own, written but a few months before his death: 
 
 "Olympia, May 25, 1908. 
 *'Mr. Brown, 
 
 "Dear Sir: In compliance with my promise, I will give 
 you a short account of my life. 
 
 "I was born in the town of Ripton, Addison County, Ver- 
 mont, October 27, 1827, where I lived until I was 19 years old. 
 Then I left home and came around Cape Horn on a whaling 
 vessel as a hand before the mast. 
 
 "I arrived at Sandwich Islands in 1848, when I left my 
 ship and stayed there till June, 1849, and while there I learned
 
 276 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 of the discovery of gold in California. I then came to San 
 Francisco, arriving on Jnly 4. 1849. 
 
 "I stayed but a short time in California. Came to Ore- 
 gon, landing at Portland on the 8th of September, 1849. Re- 
 mained in Portland till Jnly, 1851, when I came to Olympia, 
 then a part of Oregon. Olympia has been my home ever since. 
 When the Indian war broke out in 1855, I joined the volunteers. 
 
 "In 1860 I was elected Sheriff of Thurston County and re- 
 mained as Sheriff between twenty-three and twenty-four years. 
 I have held the position of Deputy U. S. Marshal under United 
 States Marshals C. E. Weed, Huntington, Hopkins, Phillip 
 Ritz and E. S. Kearney. 
 
 "I kept all the convicts in the Territory on a contract with 
 the Territory for nine years and was in charge of the Indians 
 on the reservation for about five years, living among them 
 with my family, and must say I always found the Indians 
 good, kind neighbors. 
 
 "Now, this is all I have to say and I am glad to be done, 
 for I am shaky, half blind and feel that my time now is very 
 short. William Billings." 
 
 Although Mr. Billings did not elaborate on any of the 
 events of his life, some of the incidents are too closely con- 
 nected with the early history of Thurston County to be ignored. 
 
 In 1877 he contracted with the Territory to build a jail 
 at his own expense, take all the prisoners as soon as convicted, 
 care for, board, clothe and protect them during their confine- 
 ment at the price of seventy cents each, per day, he being per- 
 mitted to use their services in any way he saw fit. He built 
 his jail at Seatco, started a cooper establishment, developed a 
 coal mine and organized the Seatco Manufacturing Company 
 for making sash, doors and blinds, continuing this contract 
 mbor for a term of nine years. 
 
 At the time he served as Superintendent of the Puyallup 
 Indian reservation there was not a white resident between 
 that reservation and Fort Steilacoom, and for weeks at a time 
 his family were alone among 600 Indians. That he found these 
 Indians "good, kind neighbors," is an eloquent tribute to Mr. 
 Billings' kindly management of the affairs of the reservation. 
 
 ]\Ir. Billings was a volunteer in Company B, First Regi-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 277 
 
 ment, Capt. Gilmore Hays, during the Indian war and took 
 part in the engagements of Green River, White River and 
 South Prairie. 
 
 From 1869 to 1891 Mr. Billings was Sheriff of Thurston 
 County, being continuously elected and re-elected on the Re- 
 publican ticket, being the first man elected in Thurston 
 County on that ticket. 
 
 Mr. Billings was married in 1861 to Miss Mary Ann 
 Kandle of Tumwater, who died in 1868, leaving tw^o children, 
 one of whom is Charles A. Billings, one of Olympia's promi- 
 nent residents. 
 
 In 1873 Mr. Billings was again married, this time to Miss 
 Jeannette M. Ballentyne. Five children were born to them : 
 Frederick D., John Alden, Eunice Cleora, Laura Alice, de- 
 ceased, and Laura Blanche. 
 
 The widow, with her daughter, Laura Blanche, live in 
 their home on the corner of Ninth and Franklin Streets, 
 Blanche being a stenographer in the State Industrial Insurance 
 Commission.
 
 278 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 R. H. MILROY 
 
 While General Robert Houston Milroy and his wife cannot 
 be counted among the original pioneers who fought their way, 
 step by step, through the wilderness, their arrival in Olympia 
 as early as 1869. to take up the important duties of Superin- 
 tendent of Indian Affairs in the rapidly developing Territory 
 of Washington, and the respect and honor with which the 
 memories of General Milroy and his wife, IMary Armitage 
 Milroy, are cherished in the minds of the early Olympians, 
 surely entitle them to a prominent niche in this collection of 
 pioneer sketches. 
 
 General Milroy 's name is remembered with the respect 
 due to a patriot, a brave soldier and a public spirited citizen, 
 Mrs. Milroy, with her lovely character. Christian life and 
 womanly graces, was an inspiration towards all good to her 
 devoted family and wide circle of friends. R. H. Milroy was 
 a native of Washington County, Indiana, and was born in the 
 year 1816. 
 
 His ancestry and parentage were from an aristocratic 
 Scotch family. Indeed, the IMilroys could trace their ancestry 
 in a direct line back to Robert Bruce. 
 
 R. H. ]\Iilroy was educated in the Military Academy of 
 NorAvich, Vermont, where he graduated in 1843, Master of 
 Arts, of Law and of Civil Engineering and of Military Sciences, 
 He was valedictorian of his class. In 1850 he received a 
 diploma from the law school of Bloomington, Indiana, which 
 institution conferred on him the degree of B. L. 
 
 He was engaged in the practice of law when he was called 
 upon to take part in the war with IMexico. where he rendered 
 his country gallant service as Captain of the First Indiana 
 Regiment. After this war he was commissioned Judge of the 
 Eighth Judicial District of Indiana. At the breaking out of 
 the Civil w^ar Capt. Milroy was commissioned Colonel of the 
 Ninth Indiana Volunteers, serving under Gen. McClellan in 
 Western Virginia, and taking part in the battles of Grafton, 
 Philippi and Laurel Hill. 
 
 He was later commissioned Brigadier General, and placed
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 279 
 
 in command of the mountain department and put an effective 
 stop to guerrilla warfare in Western Virginia. President 
 Jefferson Davis made Milroy's order in regard to punishment 
 of guerrilla warfare the subject of a special message to the 
 Legislature and that body offered a reward of ten thousand 
 dollars for General Milroy, dead or alive. Milro}' and General 
 Butler were the only Union Generals thus honored by the 
 Southern Congress. For his gallant actions in the battles of 
 I\IcDowell and the second battle of Bull Run, he was made 
 ]Ma,jor General of the second division of the Eighth Army 
 Corps, nine thousand strong, and with McReynolds' brigade, 
 occupied Winchester, July 11, 1863. He fought his last battle 
 in the war against Generals Forrest and Bates on the field at 
 Murfreesboro, and defeated their combined forces. 
 
 General ]\Iilroy resigned his command July 26, 1865, after 
 having served valiantly in the great struggle for the upholding 
 of the Union. After the war General Milroy was appointed 
 trustee of the Wabash and Erie Canal Company, and from 
 1869 to 1874 he was Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Wash- 
 ington territory. 
 
 From this date to the time of his death. General Milroy 
 was identified with Olympia and took an active interest in the 
 growth and development of the city. He built the house on 
 the corner of Eleventh and iNlain streets, which was the JMilroy 
 home until after the family was broken up by the death of 
 j\Irs. Milroy, and where General ]\Iilroy ceased his earthly 
 labors on the 29th of March, 1890. 
 
 Of the seven children bom to General and Mrs. IMillroy 
 only three are still living, Robert Bruce, Valerius A. and 
 Walter J. The son Valerius or Val, as he is commonly known 
 in Olympia, has remained faithful to his boyhood home. Com- 
 ing here when but a lad of 18 years, he became a clerk in his 
 father's office, and from there spent a few years in surveying, 
 and learning the printers' trade. He was at one time engaged 
 in the livery business with Mr. jM. 'Conner, and was ap- 
 pointed postmaster of Olympia by President Harrison. After 
 the expiration of his term of office he was elected city clerk, 
 and has since held positions of honor and trust. Val is still 
 unmarried. Of the other sons. Robert Bruce, with his family, 
 lives in Yakima, and Walter J. and wife live in Victoria, B. C.
 
 280 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 JOHN BEARD ALLEN 
 
 John Beard Allen was born at Crawfordsville, IMontgom- 
 ery County, Indiana, May 18, 1845. 
 
 He was the son of Joseph S. Allen, a prominent physician 
 and surgeon of that town and Hannah (Beard) Allen, daughter 
 of Hon. John Beard of the same place. 
 
 John Beard was called "the father of Montgomery Coun- 
 ty" from the fact of his having represented it for some twenty 
 odd years in the Legislature. He was a strong figure in the 
 early political annals of Indiana. 
 
 John Allen received his education in the common schools 
 of his native town and at Wabash College, located there. He 
 showed at school a great fondness and attitude for mathe- 
 matical studies, also for history, especially political history. 
 
 He cared, apparently, but little for the languages and 
 literature. During the "Morgan Raid" into Indiana and Ohio, 
 one of the exciting episodes of the Civil war, John Allen served 
 as a "Minuteman" until the capture of Morgan. He also en- 
 listed in the 135th Indiana Infantry, under a call for five 
 months service in 1863 and served over seven months. He 
 was honorabl}' discharged from both these enlistments. 
 
 In 1865 the family removed to Rochester, Minnesota. Here 
 after a year spent in business, principally in buying wheat, he 
 entered the law office of Hon. C. C. Wilson, as a student, later 
 attending a course of law^ lectures at the University of ]\Iich- 
 igan. 
 
 In 1868 he began legal practice at Goshen, Indiana, in 
 partnership with the late Hon. J. J. Brown, of Spokane, who 
 had been a schoolmate at Wabash and Ann Arbor. 
 
 He was recalled to Rochester by the last illness of his 
 mother, who died in December of that year. 
 
 Yielding to the persuasions of his family, he determined 
 to remain at Rochester. Here he was elected City Attorney 
 in 1869, when barely twenty-four years of age. 
 
 Early in 1870 he came to Washington Territory, bring- 
 ing with him a very considerable sum of money, which had 
 been intrusted to him for investment by his father and busi- 
 nessmen of Rochester. 
 
 The money was invested with remarkably good judgment.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 281 
 
 considering the then undeveloped state of the country and his 
 entire lack of experience in that line of business. 
 
 After looking over the ' ' Sound ' ' couiitry he selected Olym- 
 pia as his home, considering it likely to be selected by the 
 Northern Pacific Railway Company as its western terminus. 
 
 He opened a law office in the old "Good Templars Hall," 
 paying office rent, by acting as janitor of the building. He 
 did not remain long in this location for in the early fall of 
 1871, he was found in the Cushman Land Office building with 
 a pretty fair ott'ice equipment and a considerable law prac- 
 tice. This progress seems quite remarkable when we recall 
 the great strength of the Olj^mpia Bar, which at that time 
 carried such names as Selucius Garfielde, 0. B. McFadden, 
 J. E. Wyche, Elwood Evans, B. F. Deiinison, Eiisha P. Ferry 
 and Henry G. Stmve, all strong men and some of them giants 
 in the law. 
 
 In September, 1871, he was married to ]\Iiss M. Cecelia Bate- 
 man, of Lamont, Michigan, a woman of great intellectual ability 
 and unusual force of character. He continued to reside at 
 Olympia until 1881, when he removed to Walla Walla. In 1875 
 he was appointed U. S. Attorney for Washington Territory, 
 which office he held by successive appointments, for ten years. 
 
 In 1889 he was elected delegate to Congress on the Re- 
 publican ticket and the Territory having been admitted as a 
 State before he took his seat as delegate, he was elected the 
 first U. S. Senator, drawing a four year term. Ex-Gov. Wat- 
 son C. Squire was the other Senator elected. He was a can- 
 didate for reelection to the Senate in 1893, but by a strange 
 combination of circumstances and political factors, the session 
 was deadlocked and there was no election. He was appointed 
 by Gov. McGraw to fill the vacancy, but the appointmeut was 
 unavailing, under the rule and precedents of the Senate. 
 
 Mr. Allen was the overwhelming choice of his party both 
 in State and Legislature, but a sufficint number of Republicans 
 refused to go into caucus to prevent his election. On the ex- 
 piration of his Senatorial term in 189-1, he removed to Seattle, 
 where he practiced his profession until his death, January 
 28, 1903, from an attack of angina pectoris. 
 
 He was a member of the firm of Struve, Allen, Hughes & 
 MeMicken during all this time.
 
 282 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS OF A NATIVE SON 
 
 A peculiar charm hovers about the scenes of one's early 
 childhood ; an atmosphere surrounds them that ever appeals to 
 the adult, and no matter how far removed from the place of 
 birth and boyhood, in later years, the call to return, even for 
 a short period, to renew fond recollections, becomes irresist- 
 able. 
 
 Especially is this true with a western born boy, whose 
 earliest recollections are of a social condition that was crude, 
 and of a people, though not of the caste of Vere de Vere, were 
 honest, chivalrous and generous to a fault. To the boy whose 
 lines were cast in the Puget Sound region in the late 50 's and 
 early 60 's, the development of the country from a peopleless 
 wilderness to populous towns and cities is to him almost in- 
 credible, encompassed in so comparatively short a time. 
 
 I was born in Olympia before the great Civil war was de- 
 clared. The Capital City was then the metropolis, Steilacoom 
 had an existence stimulated by an army post located where the 
 asylum now is, and Seattle, the present giant of the Northwest, 
 was a hamlet composed of a few people living upon their 
 original pre-emption claims. 
 
 Olympia 's means of communication in those days was by 
 a stage line to the South, coaches leaving every other morn- 
 ing and returning every second day, providing the axles were 
 strong enough to withstand the awful roads. To the north, 
 on the Sound, the Eliza Anderson, a side-wheeler, with a 
 walking beam, plied, leaving the head of the Sound Sunday 
 night at 12 o'clock and returning some time during the latter 
 part of the same week. It cost one $15 to make the trip 
 one way to Victoria, berths and meals extra. Each trip the 
 old steamer would go out loaded with passengers and freight, 
 many cattle being driven in and shipped this way, which made 
 the route a very profitable one, together with a mail contract, 
 and during the many years of her service the old Anderson 
 probably earned her weight in gold. When the Alaska gold 
 discovery was made she was sent up to run on a northern 
 route and was wrecked.
 
 MR. AND MRS. G. C. BLANKENSHIP
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 283 
 
 An incident of my early life occurred, beyond my recol- 
 lection, but of which I was told by my parents. My father 
 being Sheriff of Thurston County, he held in custody an In- 
 dian named Yelm Jim, who was held for murder. In those 
 days domestic help could not be had. Any woman arriving in 
 the country could be married in fifteen minutes if she so chose, 
 and it was generally noticeable that Barkis was willing. The 
 housewife was thus dependent solely upon the squaws. To 
 supply this deficiency in our own household, on especially 
 liard days for my mother, my father would heavily iron Yelm 
 Jim and bring him to the house as a playmate for me and thus 
 relieve a tired housekeeper of the added care of a trouble- 
 some child. To the da.y of my departure from home at the age 
 of eighteen, Yelm Jim was my firm friend. 
 
 Among the boys of those days still resident in the state 
 were Harry McElroy, well and favorably known, still a resi- 
 dent of Olympia ; the Percivals, Sam and John, well known in 
 Thurston County; Sam Woodruff, Superintendent of the Home 
 for Feeble Minded at Medical Lake ; Sam Crawford, of the 
 firm of Crawford & Converj^ of Seattle, a pioneer real estate 
 firm; Gilmore Parker, who was long a steamboat man on the 
 Sound, and who recently died in Seattle ; James P. Ferry, son 
 of Governor Ferry, now a resident of Seattle ; the McFaddens, 
 Frank, James, Cal and Kob, sons of Judge 0. B. McFadden, 
 all of whom are still living except James ; James Frazier, still 
 a surveyor in Olympia; the Garfieldes, William and Charles, 
 the former dead and the latter living in Alaska; H. E. Allen, 
 a young brother of Senator Jno. B. Allen, who was a promis- 
 ing lawyer in Spokane, but whose poor health caused his retire- 
 ment from the profession before his death ; Charles Evans, 
 now employed in the city hall in Tacoma ; C. S. Reinhart, 
 Clerk of the Supreme Court ; Henry Murphy, son of Editor 
 John ]\I. ]\Iurphy, who long was in charge of the mechanical 
 work on the Washington Standard, now dead; Theodore 
 Brown, who died a few years ago; Clarence and Alvin Coulter; 
 the Moores, Schooley and Waldo, the latter of whom died a 
 few years ago ; the Reeds, Thomas and Mark, sons of Thomas 
 M. Reed, the former a resident of Alaska, a lawyer, and the 
 latter managing a large logging interest in IMason County. 
 All more or less my companions in the days of real sport.
 
 284 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Our education was undertaken by several teachers, at 
 different periods employed to teach the district school, held 
 in a two-story building occuping the northwest corner of Sixth 
 and Franklin. Among these educators were a Mr. Boynton, 
 C. B. Mann, who long since deserted the profession to become 
 a business man and a successful one ; L. P. Veneu, Miss Gid- 
 dings, later wife of Thomas M. Reed ; I\Iiss Slocum, now the 
 wife of W. E. Boone, a retired architect of Seattle ; a Mr. 
 Kaj^e, a better scholar than disciplinarian, v-^ho was succeeded 
 by Freeman Brown, both scholar and disciplinarian, who took 
 no pains to conceal an iron hand in a velvet glove, and when 
 remonstrating with a refactory pupil Vv'as a cyclone in action. 
 
 Then, too, some of us attended private schools. L. P. 
 Venen long taught in the old Odd Fellows' building, on the 
 east side of Washington street, between Fourth and Fifth. 
 Miss Lord for a time taught a private school. She came to 
 this country with her mother in the old Continental, the ship 
 chartered to bring a large number of women from New Eng- 
 land, Vv'hen they were a drug on the market, to the Territory 
 of Washington, where they were in demand and were known 
 as the Mercer g-irls, a man by the name of Mercer having con- 
 ceived and executed the undertaking. Many estimable girls 
 accompanied this expedition and were later married here. Miss 
 Mary O'Neil, still a resident of Olympia, was a primary 
 teacher, as was, also, Jacob Hoover, who was later a success- 
 ful lawyer and banker in Spokane. 
 
 There were no graded schools then and the now expen- 
 sive luxury, the high school, was unknown. All were con- 
 tained in not to exceed tAvo rooms, where the a b c's and 
 Caesar's Commentaries or Virgil were pursued with more or 
 less vigor. It was not found necessary then to furnish play- 
 grounds and gymnasiums, the former we boys found v/hen- 
 ever wanted and gjannastics were furnished b,y the parents 
 on the woodpiles or in gardening, where youthful exuberance 
 of spirits was worked off in a way at once beneficial to the 
 youngster and profitable to the ancestor who boarded him. 
 
 Two of Olympia 's boys, brothers, Avho received the rudi- 
 ments of their education here, and desirous of higher educa- 
 tion, were graduates of the University of California, in a way 
 very creditable to themselves, and worthy of being mentioned.
 
 FIONEER REMINISCENCES 2S5 
 
 In order to save their means for school purposes, they walked 
 part of the way to California, and each, on graduation, was 
 valedictorian of his class, the younger brother one year later 
 than the elder. These boys were Harry and John Wliitworth, 
 sens of Eev. Geo. F. Whitworth. Harry Whitworth is now 
 a civil engineer in Seattle, and John, who was a lawyer in 
 San Francisco, died all too young. 
 
 The simple pleasures of those days were ample. The 
 hunting grounds for the boys of that time are built up with 
 residences now. The Des Chutes at Tumwater Falls was ex- 
 cellent fishing grounds, and salmon, salmon trout, and tom 
 and rock cod were plentiful in Budd's Inlet. There vv^ere no 
 restrictions in those days and it was common for the expert 
 shots to take stations on the i\Iarshville bridge (to the vrest- 
 side) and Swantown bridge (to the eastside) and shoot the 
 ducks on the wing when passing over in flocks. Then one 
 could even dig clams whenever or wherever desired without 
 being embarrassed with a trespass sign. 
 
 The "public square," what is now Capital Park, v/as 
 donated by Edmund Sylvester for park purposes, was a base- 
 ball grounds. Upon the southeast corner, for many years, 
 stood an old blockhouse which served as city bastile and 
 county jail. This, as a place of retention, Avas exceedingly 
 popular with the prisoners, as any one desirous of taking 
 leave, tired of confinement, could easily do so without the aid 
 of officer or habeas corpus, reh'ing only on his own personal 
 efforts. 
 
 Swimming was indulged in promiscuously without the 
 formalities of bath houses or bathing suits. Above the Swan- 
 town bridge, back of the old Barnes residence, was well 
 patronized, as was also a little wharf in the rear of the old 
 Olympic hall, where the K. of P. hall and the Bolster & 
 Barnes business block are now located. Ladies, desiring to 
 cross the bridge for Marsh ville, were well aware of the in- 
 formality prevalent among the boys, and accepted as estab- 
 lished the fact that at any hour of the day and until early 
 candle light in the Summertime, there was spread out for her 
 gaze an exaggerated September ]\Iorn scene which she could 
 pretend to .ignore and go her way, or she could take a boat 
 and cross the bay lower down. The boys' prerogatives in
 
 286 THURSTON COUNT-t 
 
 this respect were never interfered v/ith until later regulation 
 forbade bathing in the city limits without a bathing suit. The 
 tideflats were left as bare in those days as now at low tides, 
 and the impatient boy would strip and lie wallowing in the 
 soft mud like a hog, until the tide came in and washed him 
 off. At any time during the summer, one could make any 
 young hopeful cringe b}' making a show to touch him upon 
 the back, so raw was the average youngster from exposure 
 to the sun's rays. 
 
 Baseball, during the early daj^s and during the period 
 of underhanded pitching, was a favorite amusement and 
 Olympia alwaj's had a good club, plenty good enough to hold 
 the championship over the Victoria club, with which it played 
 several games. Which suggests an amusing incident : At the 
 time when the San Juan archipelago was still in dispute and 
 Emperor William had been accepted by both sides to the con- 
 troversy as umpire, but had not rendered his decision, there 
 was a big game to be played between Victoria and Olympia. 
 The Olympia boys were preparing for their trip to Victoria 
 when there was posted upon a bulletin board on a Western 
 Union telegraph blank, the following purported dispatch from 
 Washington: ''Emperor William has decided to let the re- 
 sult of the coming baseball game between Olympia and Vic- 
 toria dictate his decision of the international boundary ques- 
 tion." Olympia won and Emperor William decided in favor 
 of the United States, but it is not likely that he ever heard 
 of the ball game. But there were those who took the above 
 dispatch as authentic. 
 
 The great event of every boy's life — his first circus — T 
 recall vividly. The tent was pitched upon the ground now oc- 
 cupied by the Kneeland Hotel, Harris' building and the 
 Capital National Bank. It was known as Bartholomew's, and 
 was a good one for the day. It was brought cross country, 
 and arriving late, the preparations for the performance were 
 hurried. As a result, the seats fell three times, causing in- 
 jury to several. After the third trial Bartholomew appeared 
 and notified the people that he would refund their money or 
 he would erect the seats and make another trial at their 
 pleasure. The true Western spirit became evident and the 
 cry went up: "Set 'em up again, we'll stay with you all
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 287 
 
 night," and they did. The second circus visiting this section 
 came by water from Portland, met witli heavy storms and lost 
 much of its stock and its performance was much impaired 
 from this fact. 
 
 Looking backward, how insignificant incidents impress 
 one. As the war had just closed and Indian war spirit had 
 not entirely died out, juvenile military companies were a 
 favorite diversion, which suggests an incident, showing the 
 great political sagacity of Schooley Moore, who should be a 
 politician now instead of a timber cruiser. One evening, the 
 youth of the town meeting to organize, Schooley Moore had 
 candidates for Captain and First Lieutenant which he desired 
 to elect. Accordingly he went to each member confidentialh* 
 and whispered: "Vote this ticket — Smith for Captain, Treen 
 for First Lieutenant, yourself for Second Lieutenant." The 
 result was that Smith was elected Captain, Treen First Lieu- 
 tenant and every other man in the company had a vote for 
 Second Lieutenant. 
 
 This isolated corner of the country was not frequently 
 visited by the great men of the country, though I do remem- 
 ber seeing Wm. H. Seward, the scar fresh upon his face, which 
 the would-be assassin had placed there, when the great na- 
 tional tragedy was enacted, after he had spoken in the old 
 Tacoma Hall, where the K. of P. lodge room is now. And 
 later I remember of an evening when the people of Olympia 
 were to be addressed from wagons, which had been drawn 
 up about the corner of Main and Third Streets, where the 
 old Pacific Hotel then stood. Boy-like, I was to the fore and 
 occupied a seat I found vacant in one of the wagons. I was 
 somewhat astonished later when a gentleman near me arose 
 and began to speak. I found out afterward that the man was 
 Schuyler Colfax, afterwards Speaker of the House of Represent- 
 atives, and still more recently Vice President, with President 
 Grant. 
 
 I recall the half-masting of the flags over public build- 
 ings here when the news of Lincoln's assassination was re- 
 ceived, but was hardly able to appreciate the full import of 
 the deed, or to fully sjmipathize Avith the deep feeling enter- 
 tained by our patriotic citizens. I recollect that the old Pres- 
 byterian Church was effectively decorated for the Sunday fol-
 
 288 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 lowing the assassination in the national colors and black. Con- 
 siderable feeling was aroused in the chnrch by this act of the 
 pastor. 
 
 At the age of fourteen I entered upon a political career, 
 brief and unsuccessful. The federal government allowed the 
 Territorial Legislature, for the first time, to employ a page. 
 My grandfather was a member of the House, which gave me 
 a ''pull," and I became an active candidate for the place. 
 The caucus was held before the Walla Walla delegation ar- 
 rived, and I was successful. Hillory Butler, then well ad- 
 vanced in years, afterward a King County capitalist, r\dio 
 owned the Butler Hotel, was caucus choice for Sergeant-at- 
 arms, and all went merrily on until the arrival of the Walla 
 Walla delegation, who announced they had a candidate for 
 Sergeant-at-arms who must be landed. They were too strong 
 to be denied. This caused the displacement of Mr. Butler, 
 and, as his Seattle property had not become as valuable as 
 it did later, he was of necessity in line for a place. Under 
 these circumstances I v/as removed and Mr. Butler given the 
 pageship, which he had good reason to regret later, for 
 Francis Henry, who was a member of the House from Thurs- 
 ton County, cartooned him most unmercifully in his juvenile 
 occupation, which quite hurt the feelings of the dignifierl 
 Hillory Butler, who was a Southerner of the old school. 
 
 Of the boys who figured as my youthful companions Sam 
 Woodruff stands out as a bright particular star. Gifted in 
 many ways Sam was always a stellar attraction in all Euter- 
 pian and Thespian events by local talent. Sam and I were 
 bunkies for j-ears and during this time conceived the idea of 
 becoming cranberry merchants, gathering our product from 
 the vicinity of Black Lake. Accordingly, one bright morn- 
 ing, we started out for the lake with our utensils packed upon 
 the back of a buckskin cayuse. We were not experts in mak- 
 ing the diamond hitch, so familiar to the woodsman, but the 
 horse was covered after a fashion, with blankets, frying pans, 
 cups, etc. For convenience Sam had tied the halter, by which 
 he was leading the horse, to his belt. Bej^ond Tumwater a 
 hornet came in violent contact with our pack animal, who 
 started to run, and as Sam was securely attached, he ran, too. 
 Whereupon the loosely packed kitchen utensils commenced to
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 289 
 
 rattle, and then it may be fairly stated that that cayuse be- 
 came frantic. There was a split in the atmosphere and that 
 animal was gone. With a very taut halter, Sam went along — 
 not that he wanted to, but more because the impulse was ir- 
 resistible. As m}' partner was aware his life depended upon 
 his keeping on his feet, he did so, but in so doing it is no ex- 
 aggeration to state that in following his leader he touched 
 only the very high places. Following along, picking up the 
 scattered cooking utensils as they dropped from the fright- 
 ened animal, I would see the firm impact of Sam's heel in the 
 sand here and there, about twenty-five feet apart, till the ex- 
 hausted animal stopped of his own accord and saved my part- 
 ner's life, for it is sure that if Sam had gone down he would 
 have been dragged to death, and the State of Washington 
 would have lost the best institution man that it has had. 
 
 The girls of our time — at least some of them — have more 
 or less distinguished themselves. 
 
 Among these I recall Annie Pixley, who became a fam- 
 ous actress. Her father, in the early days, barn-stormed the 
 country, using Annie and her sister Minnie as stellar attrac- 
 tions. Their specialties were song and dances and very good 
 they were. In off professional seasons Pixley ran a sort of a 
 merry-go-round. I recall being struck and knocked out by 
 one of the imitation horses. When brought around I found 
 my head pillowed in the pretty Annie's lap. In later years, 
 when I saw her as the buxom Gretchen, playing to Joseph 
 Jefferson's ''Rip Van Winkle," I felt not at all disinclined to 
 be kicked by a mule, in order to be resuscitated by so fair 
 a means. 
 
 May Tilley, daughter of Rice Tilley, a well-to-do livery 
 man, who long ran a business in the old barn removed to make 
 room for the new city hall, became the Countess Starva, and 
 as such attracted considerable attention with her beauty. She 
 died a few years ago, leaving a considerable fortune to her 
 brothers, Frank and Guy, Olympia boys. 
 
 There lived down the bay, on the east side, many years 
 ago, a truck gardener, who came to town frequently with the 
 products of his garden, and, after disposing of them would 
 return home, frequently' "stewed." He had a squaw wife. 
 Our little village was somewhat exercised when we learned
 
 290 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 that in a circus about to come to the town there was a lady 
 bareback rider, Linda Jeal, and that she was the daughter of 
 "our old Jeal." It was a proud day for the old man when 
 he came to town, accompanied by his squaw wife in brig'ht 
 array. The talented daughter, be it said to her credit, gave 
 the old man a gracious reception. 
 
 At the same time there was on our theatrical circuit a 
 monologue artist, singer and dancer, named Charles Vivian. 
 He was an exceptionally handsome Englishman, talented and 
 well educated. He was the father of the Elks. Vivian was 
 a great favorite on the Sound. After the show, when he had 
 taken himself to a saloon for refreshment, he was especially 
 entertaining. I remember him telling with great glee how Jeal 
 had tried to persuade him to marry the fair Linda, graphi- 
 cally portraying how profitable could be made the combined 
 talents of the couple. 
 
 Woven into the w^oof of the life of Lucky Baldwin were 
 the lives of two Olympia-born girls — one shot him, the other 
 married him. After Baldwin had acquired his immense for- 
 tune, he met Verona Baldwin, daughter of A. J. Baldwin, a 
 pioneer of Thurston County. He persuaded her to go to his 
 ranch in Southern California, there to teach school. For some 
 injury — fancied or real — that Verona experienced there, she 
 shot Lucky on the stairway of his own hotel, the Baldwin, in 
 San Francisco. In 1857-8 there was here a man named A. A. 
 Bennett, who, for a short time engaged in contracting and 
 building. While here a daughter w^as born to ]\Irs. Bennett, 
 after which they moved to San Francisco, where Mr. Bennett 
 opened an office as an architect. Lucky Baldwin secured his 
 services for some work on his Southern California ranch. The 
 architect took his very pretty daughter, Lily, with him for 
 a trip. Thus it was that during the time Mr. Bennett was 
 engaged in his professional services, the fair Lily, a young 
 woman of hardly thirty, met Lucky Baldwin, aged sixty or 
 over, with a reputation that would shame any one, and they 
 were married. Notwithstanding the fact that Baldwin was 
 over sixty when married, he lived for many years thereafter, 
 and when he committed the only commendable act of his life 
 by dying, Lily Baldwin shared in his estate to the extent of 
 $800,000, so the newspapers said. But she had earned it.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 291 
 
 A RELUCTANT BRIDEGROOM 
 
 At one time there appeared in Olympia a man calling him- 
 self Charles Henry DeWolf, claiming to be a physician, who 
 delivered a course of lectures on phrenology, free love and 
 kindred subjects. During his career in Olympia, Charles Henry 
 contracted what he called a conjugal alliance and matrimonial 
 copartnership, which w^as announced as follows: 
 
 "Married — At the house of the bride's parents, Dr. C. H. 
 DeWolf of Philadelphia, Pa., to Eliza A. Hurd, of Olympia, in 
 the following manner: 'We, the undersigned, hereby announce 
 to the world that we have contracted a conjugal alliance and 
 entered into a matrimonial copartnership, believing in the di- 
 vine right of souls to dictate their own forms and the inspira- 
 tion of Mother Nature and Father God as being above custom, 
 and priestly ceremony, however long dignified by legal enact- 
 ment and Christian dictation. This act we perform, taking up- 
 on ourselves the responsibility in the presence of these wit- 
 nesses, whose names accompany our own on this public declara- 
 tion Made this 13th day of May, 1862. 
 
 Eliza Ann Hurd. 
 Witnesses: Charles Henry DeWolf. 
 
 H. R. Woodard. 
 
 Salome Woodard. 
 
 B. F. Brown. 
 
 Mary Brown." 
 
 On Sunday night Charles Henry and his new partner, went 
 to the home of the bride's parents, intending to take the early 
 morning boat down Sound. The deputy sheriff went aboard the 
 boat and intercepted the party. 
 
 On the w^harf at Olympia had been erected a temporary 
 observatory, a field glass, mounted on a tripod, and many were 
 the scientific observers. 
 
 About 11 o'clock the same day, DeWolf was arraigned be- 
 fore Justice Bigelow, plead not guilty to a charge of violating 
 the matrimonial law. El wood Evans appeared for the Terri- 
 torv and defendant for himself.
 
 292 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Charles Henry DeWolf, M. D., F. F. L. S., and a minister 
 of the gospel, had a right to marry himself, he declared, and 
 then let loose a Pandora's box. this ingenious, self-possessed 
 unscrupulous dog. The peacock, whose little heart is one beat- 
 ing pulse of vanit}^, was not more vain. He assumed to de- 
 sire martyrdom at the hands of "sneaking, lying, peddling, 
 begging clerical sons of Ahab ; the drunken Justices and be- 
 sotted Judges and their black-hearted and villainous sup- 
 porters." 
 
 Judge Bigelow bound the defendants over in the sum of 
 $1000 to appear before the district court, and the bride's father 
 furnished the bail and released the gay Don Juan and his 
 victim. 
 
 Tuesday Charles Henry was apprehended on a charge of 
 open and notorious fornication and sent to jail. On trial he 
 repeated his former wild talk. He would never be married 
 by a lawful party. It was degrading to his manhood to think 
 of it. He would bow to no "fawTiing, hypocritical, thieving 
 priest ; no drunken, mercenary justice or corrupt judge for 
 the senseless words: 'I pronounce you man and wife.' Olym- 
 pians were incapable of appreciating his high motives. Future 
 generations would recognize his mart^Tdom." 
 
 Judge McGill said he would ask a few questions which 
 would materially bear upon his decision. 
 
 "Do you," he said, "consent to take this woman as your 
 wedded wife?" 
 
 "I do." 
 
 "And do you," to the woman, "consent to take this man 
 as your lawful husband?" 
 ' "Yes." 
 
 "Then," said the Justice, cooly, "by virtue of the power 
 vested in me, in the presence of these witnesses, pronounce you 
 man and wife." 
 
 If you ever saw a hailstorm, thunder and lightning both 
 included ; if you ever saw the briny ocean, with the waves in 
 high commotion, rise like unto snow-capped mountains, that 
 was Chas. Henry. 
 
 "You can't come that dodge on me," the reluctant bride- 
 groom shouted, but cooled down when threatened with fine 
 for contempt.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 293 
 
 The Justice dismissed the charges against DeAVolf, who 
 paid the costs. Charles Henry was married by a Justice and 
 his free love career brought to an end. The current news- 
 paper has this notice. 
 
 "]\Iarried — By Henry McGill, in the Justice Court, Wed- 
 nesday, May 21, 1862, Charles Henry DeWolf and Mrs. Eliza 
 Kurd." 
 
 "Be virtuous and you will be happy." Thus did tlie 
 worthy pioneers resent the intrusion of an unscruplous char- 
 latan upon an worthy family and saved from dishonor an 
 illusionized but virtuous woman. 
 
 Although the Eastern people regarded the extreme west as 
 wild and woolly, and do so still to a less extent, yet the fact 
 remains that the standard of civilization has always been held 
 high. The country from the first was peopled by an educated 
 and refined, but hardy people, who, with the courage of their 
 convictions, held morality in great esteem, especially as applied 
 to the integrity of the home, and enforced its recognition with 
 rigid firmness. 
 
 I recall a man living in the primitive Olympia, who had 
 a large family and was brutal in his treatment of both wife 
 and children. The ladies of the town held a mass meeting and 
 addressed a letter to the brute, notifying him to mend his ways 
 or be treated to a coat of tar and feathers, preparatory to being 
 conducted to the city limits. The man took the delicate hint 
 and left town soon after. There are old ladies living in Olym- 
 pia today who signed that letter.
 
 294 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 GEORGE D. SHANNON 
 
 Among the men most prominently identified with the 
 financial development of Olympia was George D. Shannon, 
 who was one of the leading spirits in the organization of the 
 Olympia Light & Power Company. Mr. Shannon sank a very 
 comfortable fortune in this enterprise, which, although dis- 
 astrous in the eventual outcome to the original promoters, was 
 one of the most important steps ever taken in Olympia 's de- 
 velopment. 
 
 In the year 1870 I\Ir. Shannon was appointed superintend- 
 ent of construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad, when 
 that line was being built between Kalama and Taeoma, and 
 at that time came to Olympia to make his home. After spend- 
 ing a few years in the city, he became the owner of the 
 magnificent farm of 11,000 acres on the Nesqually bottom. Here 
 he lived for about twenty years lavishly entertaining the fore- 
 most men of the State, and being generally regarded as a prince 
 of good fellows, highly respected and liked for his sterling 
 qualities. 
 
 In the late '80s Mr. Shannon, with others organized the 
 Olympia Light & Power Co., and was also one of the original 
 incorporators of the First National Bank of Olympia, of which 
 institution he was a trustee at the time of his death. 
 
 Soon after Mr. Shannon's arrival in Olympia he became 
 the warm personal friend of Governor E. P. Ferry, and through 
 that executive was appointed a member of the State Building 
 Committee and was acting on the Board of Trustees of the 
 Western Washington Hospital for Insane at the time the main 
 hospital building was erected. 
 
 While on a visit to the World's Exposition of 1876, Mr. 
 Shannon was married to I\Iiss ]\lary A. Kennedy, of Cleveland. 
 Ohio, and brought his bride to the West with him upon his 
 return. 
 
 George D. Shannon was a native of New York, and was 
 born in the year 1882. At the early age of 16 the young man
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 295 
 
 started in a railroad career, working his way up until in 1858 
 he was appointed superintendent of construction of the Winona 
 & St. Peters Railroad, on the completion of which ]\Ir. Shannon 
 was made conductor on the first passenger train ever run 
 west of the ]\Iississippi in Minnesota. He followed railroad- 
 ing in that state until 1868, and subsequently engaged in rail- 
 road contracting in New York, Indiana and Wisconsin. 
 
 Mr. Shannon was a 32d Degree j\Iason and upon the occa- 
 sion of his death in 1895 the ]\Iasonic Fraternity from all over 
 the State gathered in Olympia to honor their brother. The 
 funeral services were in charge of this brotherhood and the 
 interment was in Masonic Cemetery. 
 
 Mrs. Shannon made her home in Olj'^mpia after the death 
 of her husband until 1905 when she, too, answered the last 
 summons.
 
 296 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 P. M. TROY'S REMINISCENCES OF THE OLYMPIA 
 COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE 
 
 Among the foremost of the educational institutions of the 
 earlier Territorial days was the Olympia Collegiate Institute, 
 and the associations and remembrances of that school are still 
 treasured in the minds of many of the foremost men and 
 women of the now flourishing State of Washington. 
 
 Desiring a sketch of this once famous place of learning, 
 the compiler requested Mr. P. M. Troy to contribute a chapter 
 of his reminiscences as an attendant at the 0. C. I., which 
 request that gentleman very kindly complied with. 
 
 Reminiscences of O. C. I. at the Time When I Knew It. 
 
 I came to the school in the Autumn of 1888. L. E. Fol- 
 lenbee was then principal. L. P. Venen was the instructor in 
 Greek, Latin and the higher mathematics. A Professor W. H. 
 Lewis was in charge of the primary department. John L. 
 Henderson was principal of the commercial department. There 
 was also a music teacher, whose name I now forget. There 
 were between two and three hundred students. It was then 
 the first school in the Territory. There was a normal course, 
 and a commercial course. I attended this school from the Fall 
 of 1888 to the Summer of 1890, when I was graduated from 
 the normal department. 
 
 Among those who were in attendance when I was there 
 were Mr. W. C. Hazzard, now living in Wisconsin, and for- 
 merly Superintendent of the Olympia schools ; A. C. St. John, 
 now a prominent merchant of Chehalis ; Joel E. Stearns, now 
 a county official at Chehalis; Harris Ward, now a minister in 
 the M. E. Church ; C. B. Seeley, also a minister in the M. E. 
 Church ; C. V. Leach, subsequently County Clerk of Thurston 
 County, and now an official in the postoffice at Olympia, 
 Washington ; A. L. Callow, subsequently County Clerk and 
 County Auditor of Thurston, now a merchant at Elma ; Miss 
 Nellie Trewick, who subsequently became Mrs. Geo. H. Gilpen. 
 now residing in Portland, Oregon ; Miss Emma Campbell, who
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 297 
 
 subsequeutly became ilrs. ]\I. B. Christopher, of Bellingham ; 
 ^liss Olive Parker, now Mrs. Olive AVoods, of Waitsbiirg, 
 AVash. ; Miss Lavira ]Marr, now Mrs. A. C. St. John of Chehalis ; 
 Miss IMary Chilberg, who subsequently became Mrs. A. L. 
 Callow ; Miss Eva Sturclevant, who subsequently became Mrs. 
 P. M. Troy; ^Miss Jessie Barr, who subsequently became Mrs. 
 Geo. S. Hopkins, and George S. Hopkins, now a prominent 
 coal operator at RoshTi, Washington; W. W. Hopkins, since 
 prominent in Thurston County politics; D. S. Troy, who is now 
 State Senator from Chimacum; Arthur E. Cornelius, a farmer 
 at La Conner and many others whom I cannot now think of. 
 
 The school reached its high tide during the summer of 
 1890. There was a change in the management in the autumn 
 of 1890 and the school flourished during the next year, 1891, 
 but with the oncoming of hard times it went under. Then, 
 when the State of "Washington was admitted, there was a cor- 
 responding rise of the State University, and a corresponding 
 decline of private institutions. 
 
 The Oh'mpia Collegiate Institute was a flourishing school 
 in Olympia, Washington, for many years, and as I said before, 
 for a number of years was the leading educational institution 
 of the Territory of Washington. 
 
 L. E. Follansbee was followed as President of the school 
 by Rev. M. A. Covington, in the autumn of 1890, and a com- 
 plete new teaching force took charge of affairs that autumn. 
 C. V. Leach took Prof. Lewis' place in the fall of 1889, in the 
 primary department.
 
 298 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 BUILDING A PIONEER MEETIN' HOUSE 
 
 The story of how the Rev. J. F. DeVore built the first 
 Methodist Church on Puget Sound is a well known one to 
 the Thurston County pioneers. Rev. DeVore went to Capt. 
 Crosby, owner of the first saw mill on the Sound, and asked 
 the doughty captain how much lumber he was willing to con- 
 tribute towards the erection of a new church in Olympia. "As 
 much as you will raft in one day into the waters of the Des 
 Chutes River with your own hands," replied the captain, with 
 a sarcastic smile, regarding with no great degree of favor the 
 scholarly-looking man before him. "Very well, I thank you 
 in behalf of the church, and will be on hand in the morning," 
 said the preacher. 
 
 How well this servant of God performed his part of the 
 contract is told in verse by a native daughter of Thurston 
 County, Lilla Spirlock, as related to her while she was a child, 
 by "Squire Plum," one of the old landmarks of the early 
 civilization of this county — long since gone to his reward. The 
 building erected with the rafted timber is now Ep worth Hall, 
 situated on Fifth street, south of the original location on Fourth 
 street, where it was removed many years ago to the site of the 
 new M. E. Church and when that was built, to the rear part of 
 the lot where it now stands. It was built in the early 50 's, 
 and nearly all the lumber used in construction was rafted by 
 the interpid clergyman from the Tumwater mill — the first saw 
 mill on Puget Sound — owned by Capt. Crosby. 
 
 When the West was all new and the frontier life 
 Bristled with dangers for children and wife. 
 When obstacles met within those early days. 
 Were oft hard to overcome by primitive ways; 
 When I was a child on Squire Plum's knee, 
 He would tell stories of the wild woods to me, 
 The ruggedest kinds of wild frontier tales, 
 'Bout Indian scouting with savage detail. 
 And when I was good — didn't bother his curls — 
 As good as could be, like his own little girls. 
 He'd sing me songs, then tell other things 
 And memory and heart around them still clings. 
 
 Now the one I relate, I remember so well,
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 299 
 
 And hear the quaint laugh when he chanced it to tell, 
 
 How "Preacher DeVore," as he called him then, 
 
 Tackled Cap Crosby while saving souls of men. 
 
 For he needed a meeting house so very bad 
 
 And lack of which made the old preacher sad 
 
 For the zealous old man with his Godlike grace, 
 
 With strength for a prayer or a danger to face. 
 
 Found skeptical brethren among his flock 
 
 Who hesitated long the purse to unlock. 
 
 But strong in the faith that the good Lord willed, 
 
 He firmly determined that church to build. 
 
 Now there lived within that little town 
 
 Where the river flows and o'er falls leaps down, 
 
 An old sea captain, who'd forsook the brine. 
 
 And had built a mill where the falls incline. 
 
 He, jolly old soul, liked a sailor's yarn. 
 
 Oft breathed words like unsanctified "consarn," 
 
 But then, when the minister came one day. 
 
 With the meeting house project to display. 
 
 Asked how much he meant to give to the Lord, 
 
 It's rumored the old Captain almost "swored" 
 
 Declaring all preachers were drones in the swarm 
 
 And labored with tongue and not with arm. 
 
 But the preacher knew the captain's rough way. 
 
 That patience was needed when the Lord was to pay. 
 
 So at last old cap had promised most fair. 
 
 He'd willingly give to the Lord his share 
 
 All the lumber he'd carry away 
 
 And set afloat at the head of the bay 
 
 From dawn to eve of a long summer's day. 
 
 The dominie, with a glint in the eye. 
 
 Said t'was a sin to let such a chance pass by. 
 
 Now the mill's "furder," said old Squire Plum, 
 
 As he patted his curls with his finger and thumb. 
 
 Than two hundred yards from the water's edge, 
 
 And lumber as heavy as an old iron sledge 
 
 For 'twas green and filled with water and pitch. 
 
 And might baffle to "tote" the wits of a witch. 
 
 But the dominie murmured a "Thank you, sir," 
 
 And grimly strode to where neighbors were. 
 
 And there he supped and stayed all night, 
 
 ''Arising," Squire says, "with the first dawn of light," 
 
 And prayed to the Lord for strength for his work, 
 
 (Tho' he had no need and was not a shirk 
 
 When duty hath called for a man to go 
 
 In marriage, death, or through rain or snow) 
 
 So he hoisted the sills on his shoulder broad, 
 
 Likewise framed timbers that the captain had sawed. 
 
 And down to the water he carried them all 
 
 And tied them secure from tide's rise and fall. 
 
 And all day long with his faith all afire. 
 
 Backward and forward o'er the deep mire,
 
 300 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 He carried each piece that built that place 
 
 Where his flock might listen to words of grace. 
 
 E'en refusing the captain's bid to dine 
 
 Least the work might lag while the sun did shine, 
 
 Eating his bite of a sandwich or two, 
 
 And still toted lumber the whole day through. 
 
 While the captain heaved a mournful sigh, 
 
 And repressed an oath, while he smiled quite sly. 
 
 Then he said, in respect to the man of the cloth, 
 
 "The Lord in him has none of the sloth," 
 
 And when night fell over that little town. 
 
 This minister pulled his shirt sleeves down 
 
 O'er the hairy arms of his strength and brawn. 
 
 Then thanked the Lord and rested till dawn. 
 
 He had gathered all lumber for the best church in the West 
 
 And for that act of devotion he always was blest. 
 
 The writer of this poem, Lilla Spirlock, vv^as the daughter 
 of one of Thurston County's pioneer families, Avho for many 
 years made their home at Plum Station. The mother, Qlrs. 
 Cordelia Spirlock, came to Washington when but a child of 
 twelve years, in company with Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Plum, after 
 whom that section of the county was named, and the "Squire 
 Plum" mentioned in the poem. 
 
 MRS. JOHN G. SPARKS 
 
 Mrs. John G. Sparks — Grandma Sparks, as she is affec- 
 tionately called hy her intimates — was born and christened 
 Margaret Isabella Scott, in the year of 1820. She was a na- 
 tive of South Carolina, but removed with her family to 
 Georgia when she was but five years of age and later lived 
 in Arkansas. In 18-41 she was married to AVilliam A. Brewer 
 of that state. From this union ten children Avere born, six 
 of whom are still living: Mrs. Martha A. Crowe, of Walla 
 Walla ; John F. Brewer, of Eugene, Oregon ; Mrs. Ed. Harris 
 of Boisfort, Washington; Mrs. A. C. Sherwood, of Satsop; 
 James H. Brewer, of Taeoma, and Llrs. C. B. Mann, of 
 Olympia.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 301 
 
 Mrs. Mann, in speaking of her mother's life, said: "The 
 further West spirit was in the blood of father and mother 
 when they were young and full of energy, and breathed ever 
 stronger and stronger from the air of the early 50 's. So on 
 i\Iarch 16, 1853, this heroic pair, with their small children, 
 started by wagon over the Old Oregon Trail to the far-off 
 North Pacific coast. 
 
 "When we talk of hardships in our lives we ought to 
 blush with shame when we compare our trials with the dan- 
 gers and difficulties encountered by this young couple. Eight 
 long, weary months on the way from their old home were 
 they until they finally reached Eugene, Oregon, in Novem- 
 ber. Once they never tasted bread for five weeks ; once, 
 when they were travelling through a narrow valley, five hun- 
 dred Indians seemed to rise from the ground and, surrounding 
 the frightened emigrants, demanded all their food. The red- 
 skins enforced their demands by stampeding all the emigrants' 
 cattle and shooting a buffalo calf. It was only after a pow- 
 Avow lasting nearly all day that the Indians were shown that 
 the party would all starve if robbed of their supplies that a 
 final agreement was reached that the emigrants would give 
 the robbers one-half of all their food and provisions if they 
 would not further molest them. Every article of food which 
 the emigrants were carrying with them to sustain life in the 
 new country — flour, bacon, dried fruit, corn meal — everything, 
 was impartially divided before the Indians would allow the 
 Darty to proceed on their way. 
 
 "On the trip a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer. 
 'My husband was kind.' said mother, 'and wished to lay by 
 for a few days, but I said, 'no, just put a feather bed in the 
 bottom of the wagon and drive on. He did so and all was 
 well with me.' " 
 
 In 1858 Mr. Brewer died, leaving the wife with a 
 large family of small children dependent upon her. In 
 1860 the family moved to Grand Mound, Thurston County, 
 thus giving the mother and children the right to be numbered 
 among the pioneers of this county. 
 
 Mrs. Brewer was afterwards married to Henry L. Pal- 
 miter, who died in 1867. Later on she was niarrii'd to John
 
 302 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Gr. Sparks of Olympia, where she afterwards resided until 
 +he time of her death in March, 1913. 
 
 At the time of her death it was said by one who loved 
 "Grandma Sparks": "In laying away the body in which her 
 heroic spirit had dwelt for over ninety-two years we parted 
 with one who was strong, cheery, courageous and religious. We 
 shall miss her." 
 
 EARLY NEWSPAPERS 
 
 The Columbian was first printed in a small building im- 
 mediately opposite where the Washington Standard was printed 
 for so many years, by T. F. :\IcElroy and J. W. Wiley. The 
 name of the Columbian, in its second year, was changed to 
 the Pioneer. A few years later R. A. Doyle bought the ma- 
 terial for another newspaper, l)ut it was merged into the 
 Pioneer, which afterward appeared as the }*ioneer and Demo- 
 crat. This journal continued publication until 1861. The 
 material afterward passed into the hands successively of A. ]M. 
 Poe, Poe & Watson, Wilson & Head, B. F. Kendall, Abbott 
 & Co., and was used by all these firms in the publication of 
 the Overland Press, a semi-weekly paper, the first number of 
 which appeared in 1862. The name was changed to Pacific 
 Tribune in 1864 and its publication continued by R. H. Hewitt, 
 sKC(!edcd ])y Chas. Prose-h. The Washington Standard com-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 303 
 
 iiienced publication November 17, 1860, before the demise of 
 the Pioneer and Democrat. 
 
 The newspaper men of the early days were as a rule iiicii 
 of. exceptional ability, some of them practical printers, who 
 saved the time of making copy by standing at the case, stick 
 in hand, and composing able articles on state affairs, economics, 
 and devoting much space to current politics. 
 
 As a sample of scathing denunciation indulged in in those 
 days we cite the following: 
 
 A correspondent signing his name as Scorpion attacked 
 Governor Stevens, and the Pioneer and Democrat replies as 
 follows: 
 
 "Scorpion — the name means a vile snake — a reptile — a 
 venemous serpent, with poison on its tongue, vengeance in its 
 heart, and ready to deal deatli to all who may come in contact 
 Avith it. It moves noiselessly along the path of the unsuspecting 
 passerby hissing, bites and retreats, leaving a loathsome, slimy 
 trail. * * * And now let us contrast the conduct of our 
 valiant citizen soldiery with his snakeship Scorpion — heaping 
 its vile abuse upon an absent soldier. We mean Governor 
 I. I. Stevens. Can the white-livered, cowardly, crawling reptile 
 Scorpion look such a man in the face and utter one word of 
 disparagement against him. No! No!! He would rather 
 seek employment at one cent per day to dig for himself a 
 coward's grave, beneath the bosom of the earth! And such 
 a Scorpion's grave should be in some dark, gloomy and se- 
 cluded spot, where the sun's glorious rays, that greens the 
 grass, can never reach his resting place. Let him rest in igno- 
 minious solitude, and depart 
 
 '' 'To the low, vile dust from which he sprung. 
 Unwept, unhonored and unsung.' 
 
 "To Scorpion and the troop of assailants of the Executive 
 and Territorial Administration we would say: 
 
 " 'Avaunt and (piil my sight! 
 Let the eartli hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless! 
 Thy blood is cold ! 
 Hence ! Horrible shadow ! 
 Let justice be done tliough the TL'avens fall!' "
 
 304 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 The same paper referring ta James Buchanan, Demo- 
 cratic candidate for President, says, '"he is riding on the top- 
 most wave of Eternal Democracy, which is ever rising higher 
 iind higher and like the tide of 
 
 '' 'The Proi)ontic Sea 
 Knows no retiring ebb." ' 
 
 J. Newton Gale, a pioneer editor, thus described his 
 method of securing inspiration for his editorials : 
 
 "By reflecting, sitting alone in our room with our eyes 
 closed and our mind's eye soaring away into the eternal realms 
 of thought, and gathering knowledge from the falling spray 
 of the fountain of eternal realities, while scintillations from 
 the great central sun of intellectual light awaken latent powers 
 of the mind into active existencies." 
 
 In the year 1867 Frank Clark, on the Democratic ticket, 
 ran against Alvin Flanders, on the Republican ticket. Flanders 
 was not a speaker, while Ciark was quite a fluent talker. To 
 even up in the campaign the Republicans put Selucius Gar- 
 fielde, a brilliant orator, on the stump, and he accompanied 
 Flanders throughout a hard fought campaign. This situation 
 gave rise to the following poem, printed in the Washington 
 k^^tandard : 
 
 Alvin Flanders rode upon 
 
 A horse that wouldn't mind him. 
 
 And so to act as fugleman, 
 Selucius rode behind him. 
 
 Selucius was a proper man 
 
 And had so good a straddle. 
 That he could ride two horses, with 
 
 One office for a saddle. 
 
 His classic seat was full of grip. 
 
 His brain was scientific. 
 And large enough to hold a train 
 
 Of cars for the l*acific.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 305 
 
 His mouth o 'erf lowed with oily words, 
 
 In fact, 'twas even hinted 
 That he could make an off hand speech 
 
 Just like a book that's printed. 
 
 And thus they rode from place to place. 
 
 Wher'er their pony bore them; 
 When Flanders had to speak a piece, 
 
 Selucius spoke it for him. 
 
 'Tis mostly thus with those who shriek 
 
 Of Congress orthodoxy, 
 When called upon to fight or speak, 
 
 They do it best by proxy. 
 
 Some of the early editors were nothing if not grandiloquent 
 and elaborate, given much to poetic quotation. The simple 
 announcement of a dance for Fourth of July, 1854, is made 
 in the following language : 
 
 "Active preparations are on foot by the votaries of Terpsi- 
 chore to celebrate the evening of the Fourth at the new and 
 spacious hall in process of erection by ]\Ir. L. Ensign, which 
 will be in readiness for the occasion. Room for the million 
 can be obtained at the low price of $5 per couple, for v\^hich 
 more than value received cannot fail to be derived by an in- 
 dulgence in the nice things which will be provided for the 
 occasion. 
 
 " 'On with the dance, let joy be unconfined ; 
 No sleep till morn when youth and pleasure meet, 
 To chase the glowing hours with flying feet.' " 
 
 But the above excerpts are not intended to lead the reader 
 into the erroneous idea that these journalists devoted their 
 talents solely to fierce denunciation or frivolous generalities 
 Frequently when occasion demanded these men wrote editorials 
 that would command notice in any publication, ranging from 
 Ihe ridiculous to the pathetic, running the gamut from bitter 
 personal aiul political attack to the finer expressions of brothel'-
 
 306 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 ly love and good will, always uniting in eloquent tribute to 
 the fellow pioneers, as they, one by one, quit the scene of 
 their activities. Then, too, they were a unit in their efforts 
 for the upbuilding of the Territory and developing its latent 
 resources. 
 
 These early editors, of whatever party or creed, were 
 I)owerful factors in the advancement of this then unknown 
 section of the United States, and were poorly rewarded pecuni- 
 arily for their efforts. 
 
 THOMAS MILBURNE REED 
 
 Thomas M. Reed, who at the time of his death in 1905. 
 was the oldest Grand Secretary of ]Masons in length of ser- 
 vice in the entire world, and was honored by that noble frater- 
 nity as no other man in Washington. When death came to 
 Mr. Eeed in the 80th year of his age he had survived all but 
 one or two of the brethren wdio were associated with him when 
 the Washington Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons 
 was organized in 1859, and his funeral was attended by per- 
 haps the most notable assemblage of Freemasons ever gathered 
 together in Washington. The Masonic funeral ceremony was 
 conducted by the Honorable Louis Ziegler, of Spokane. Some 
 fifteen or twenty years before Mr. Eeed's death a fraternal 
 compact was made between three Past Grand Masters of 
 Washington: Colonel Granvile 0. Haller, U. S. A., of Seattle; 
 Hon. Louis Ziegler, of Spokane, and Hon. Thomas Milburne
 
 l^IONEER REMINISCENCES 307 
 
 Reed, of Olympia, to the effect that one or other of the sur- 
 vivors should conduct the Masonic ceremony at the burial of 
 the departed. With the death of T. M. Reed, Louis Ziegler 
 was the last remaining one of the three friends and the Ma- 
 sons who were gathered from all corners of Washington to at- 
 tend the funeral will not soon forget the words of philosophy, 
 love and eulogy so touchingly pronounced by the last sur- 
 vivor of the compact. 
 
 Thomas M. Reed was born at Sharpsburg, Bath County, 
 Kentucky, on December 8, 1852. He was of sturdy North Ire- 
 land Presbyterian stock and until the day of his death pre- 
 served unshaken the faith of his ancestors and never ceased 
 to take an active part in the management of the Presbyterian 
 congregation to which he belonged, although singularly free 
 from trace of prejudice or bigotry. 
 
 Thomas M. Reed's mother died when the lad w^as but 
 twelve years of age and he went to live for a while with a 
 brother of his deceased mother. At the age of fourteen we 
 find him laboring on his uncle's farm for eight dollars a 
 month and his board for nine months of the year. The winter 
 months were devoted to school. Out of the $72 earned during 
 the working months the young man clothed himself and paid 
 for his winter's schooling. 
 
 When Mr. Reed was about 18 years of age he was em- 
 ployed to teach a country school, and after a summer's ex- 
 perience at this work he secured a position in a country store, 
 earning several promotions in the course of the five years 
 following. 
 
 The most important step the young man took upon reach- 
 ing his majority was to join IloUoway Lodge No. 153, F. & 
 A. M., in his native Bath County. He received on July 7, 
 1847, the Sublime Degree and became Secretary in his Lodge. 
 
 When the news of the great gold strikes of 1848 in Cali- 
 fornia found its way into the Blue Grass state. Reed decided to 
 cut loose and strike for the Eldorado of the Pacific. He ar- 
 rived in California on July 26, 1849, and engaged at once in 
 the pursuit of the Golden Fleece and alternately filled posi- 
 tions of Postmaster, County Treasurer, County Superviser and 
 Justice of the Peace, which latter occupation was the incentive 
 to his study of the profession of law.
 
 308 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Resolving- to shift the scene of his activities to Puget 
 Sound, Mr. Reed came to Olympia in 1857, and became the 
 agent of the "Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express. Later he kept a 
 store in the Capitol City. F'rom 1872 to 1880 he devoted most 
 of his time to the survey of public lands in Western Wash- 
 ington. In the year of 1877, the counties of Thurston and 
 Lewis elected him to the Territorial Council, which elected 
 him their President. At the close of the session Mr. Reed 
 was elected Territorial Auditor, w^iich position he held until 
 1888. 
 
 In 1889 he was elected a member of the Convention to 
 frame a Constitution for the new State of Washington and 
 was then elected State Auditor, where he remained until 1893. 
 this term closing his career as a public servant. 
 
 From December 8, 1858, Mr. Reed's thirty-third birthday, 
 when he was installed as its first Grand Secretary, to the day 
 of his death, nearly forty-seven years later, he loved and cher- 
 ished the Grand Lodge of Washington with marvelous devo- 
 tion and in all those years never missed a State Communica- 
 tion except once when he was unavoidably detained in Idaho 
 and the one which occurred in June, 1905, a few weeks prior 
 to his death. His inability to attend the latter Communica- 
 tion was the source of intense and pathetic disappointment 
 to him. 
 
 On the occasion of a visit to his old home in Kentucky, 
 Mr. Reed was married to Elizabeth Hannah Finley and two 
 sons were the result of this union — Thomas Milburne Reed, 
 jr., now of Nome, Alaska, and Senior Warden of Anvil Lodge, 
 of that place, and Marcus Edward Reed, manager of the Simp- 
 son Logging Company and a Past Master of Olympia Lodge 
 No. 1. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Reed married 
 Miss Eliza Carter Giddings, who became the mother of Emma 
 Reed Ingham. By a third marriage to Hattie A. Fox, he had 
 a son, Garnett Avery Reed. All of Mr. Reed's children are 
 married, respected and jjrosperous. 
 
 Thomas Milburne Reed died at his handsome home in 
 Olympia on the 8th day of October, 1905, thus fulfilling a wish 
 he had often expressed in life that his life might go out in glor- 
 iously fine weather. The day of his death and the day on 
 which his funeral was held were heavenly bright and peace-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 309 
 
 fill. In the words of his friend of many j^ears, Hon. John 
 Arthur, in a memorial service in memory of Thomas ]\Iil 
 l)urne Reed, voices the question of King David mourning over 
 the death of Abner, "Know ye not that there is a prince and 
 great man fallen this day in Israel?" in giving expression to 
 his grief over the passing of Thomas IMilburne Reed into his 
 rcAvard. 
 
 SOME TUMWATER REMINISCENCES 
 
 Contributed by Ada Sprague Mowell. 
 
 In 1869 ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Alfred D. Sprague with their 
 seven children arrived in Olympia after a trip full of hard- 
 ships — coming by wagon, ])y foot and again by wagon from 
 Boise Cit}', Idaho. 
 
 Mr. Sprague was the type of man that is always a pioneer, 
 a descendant of those English pioneers to New England and 
 who later joined what was called the great Ohio Exodus. 
 
 After the marriage of Alfred Sprague to Whilmina Sager 
 the young couple took up a constant quest for new places. 
 They lived in five different states, each one a little farther 
 west. 
 
 Three children were born to them in Arkansas, two in 
 Kansas, two in Colorado, one in Idaho and two in Washing- 
 ton. Of these ten children three girls and three boys are 
 now living. The oldest daughter. Belle (]\Irs. David Dodd), 
 was married and living in Idaho, and Avas never in Washington. 
 She had five children. She died in 1888. Olive lives at Friday 
 Harbor. Etta, now ]\Irs. Gelbach, lives at Spokane. Hattie, 
 ^Irs. Underwood, lives in ]\Iexico and California. Fred lives 
 in Alaska. Roderick lives at White Bluffs, Wash. The latter 
 is well known in Olympia on account of his editorial worlc 
 on the morning Olympian. 
 
 Two girls, Kate and I\Ieda, d'wd in theii- early 'teens, and
 
 310 THURSTON COUNT"Y 
 
 Alice, jMrs. E. R. Rabbeson, a universal favorite, died in her 
 young wifehood leaving" two children. Winfield and Randolph. 
 The latter died in childhood and Winfield lives in Olympia. 
 
 Ada, the seventh child and the youngest daughter, is the 
 only one of the children living in Olympia. She is the wife 
 of Dr. J. W. Mowell, a Pennsylvanian who came to Washington 
 in the '90 's. Mrs. Mowell lives within a block of the first 
 house in which the Spragues lived in the state of Washington. 
 The original house was much smaller, of course. It was known 
 as the Hayden place to old timers. It is on Main Street be- 
 tween Tenth and Union. Though not among the early pioneers, 
 coming as they did in 1869, the Spragues knew all the pioneers 
 and in complying with a request for her to contribute some 
 of her reminiscences of early days in Tumwater, ]\Irs. Mowell 
 relates the following : 
 
 "As most of my journey to Washington was made in 
 my mother's arms, it is not strange that I do not remember 
 the exciting incidents of the trip, though I listened with bated 
 breath in later years to the hair-breadth escapes and thrilling 
 adventures. 
 
 "We did not stay long in Olympia, as Tumwater was the 
 first settlement and was much the most promising place then. 
 
 "We lived for a time in the old Barnes place, and later 
 moved to Bush Prairie, as being the only house obtainable 
 nearer the homestead my father wished to take up. There 
 at the Kuhn place, my brother, Frederick, was born, and here 
 we lived until a small clearing Avas made on the homestead 
 and a substantial log house was built. 
 
 "Roderick was born on the old homestead. 
 
 "While pioneer life was full of hardships for the elders 
 it was full of joy for the youngsters. Looking back over our 
 childhood, it seems like a long day of playtime. We had 
 wonderful adventures in the woods about the place. We built 
 houses of round sticks of several stories for our dolls, which 
 often were sticks themselves, or at best 'rag dolls'. My first 
 china doll was given me by a neighbor, Mrs. Harn, whose 
 little girl had died. It was a precious possession, but never 
 so dearly loved as my rag babies. 
 
 "The first definite childhood remembrance I have is the 
 ileath of my sister, Kate, in 1871. I remembered someone
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 311 
 
 carrying me through the room, and a few years ago ]Mrs. 
 Mills told me that it was she who lifted me up for a last 
 look at my sister's face. 
 
 "Though the real pioneer days were past when we came 
 to Thurston County, the pioneer spirit still throve, and a 
 family in trouble as we were with sickness and other hardships 
 incident to making a living in a new place, found sympathizing 
 neighbors as far away as South Union. 
 
 "My sisters, Kate and Meda, are remembered by many 
 pioneers. Meda, who died four years later, had gone back 
 to the home of our oldest sister, Belle, hoping the change might 
 benefit her health. She failed to regain her health, however, 
 by this change and we never saw her again. 
 
 "Adjoining our farm was that of the Dittman's. ]\Irs. 
 Dittman spoke nothing but German and my mother and she 
 found much comfort in being able to talk in their mother 
 tongue. Our next nearest neighbors were the Helsers, and 
 all old settlers remember the time-honored joke on the man in 
 search of an introduction at a dance in Olympia when I\Ir. 
 Helser was one of the floor committee. The gentleman asked 
 for an introduction to a certain lady and was hurriedly told 
 to 'Go to Helser'. A fight was only averted by an explanation. 
 
 "Mr. Benj. Gordon's place on Bush Prairie was always 
 a joy to me. I know every nick of the orchard, and Mr. 
 Gordon alway treated me to big sticks of cinnamon bark. 
 
 "Jesse Ferguson's farm was another place I loved to go. 
 At threshing time my mother always helped the Ferguson 
 girls cook for the threshers. Work was traded in these days 
 and at log rolling time on our place the neighbors helped my 
 mother. One of the sorrows of youth, that is still a regret, 
 was a wonderful dinner I could not eat because of sickness, 
 when there was a log rolling bee at our place. 
 
 "My father's death in 1875 was a cruel blow to my mother 
 and to us all. He was such a buoyant, hopeful disposition, 
 that hardships and discouragement that would have crushed 
 many men, only stimulated him to greater effort. But his 
 l^hysique was never strong, and the extremely hard work 
 clearing a place and logging it, too, broke him down and he 
 died in the prime of life. 
 
 "On the shoulders of tlie older children descended the
 
 312 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 burden of the support of the family. JMy brother, Oliver, 
 left school and went to work, and to him we owe more than 
 we can ever repay. He was my mother's stay and comfort 
 till her death in 1881 at the early age of 48. 
 
 "With mj^ mother's German and my father's New England 
 ancestry, it is small wonder that the every nerve was strained 
 that the children should have as good an education as the 
 times permitted. Consequently during all these years, with 
 few exceptions, we moved into Tumwater every winter for 
 the term of school, usually six months, and out to 'the place' 
 as we always called it, in the spring in time for the usual 
 spring work on the farm. I think my father went back and 
 forth during the day to go on with the dairy. 
 
 "During these winter sojourns much Tumwater history 
 vras fixed in my mind and the names of many old families 
 were household words. 
 
 . "When we first came to Tumwater the Crosby, Biles, 
 Ostranderand many others families were there. We lived one 
 winter in the Brewer place, upstairs. This was later known 
 as the Cameron place and was a familiar landmark for many 
 years. Later we lived in a part of the down-stairs, and it 
 was here my father died. Directly opposite the place lived 
 the Dudley Barnes'. Linre Barnes, now of Seattle, and I. 
 being near the same age became great friends. The Shattucks 
 lived next door and beyond them the Scotts, across the street 
 I think the Bakers lived, and also I think the Lees. Mrs. 
 Lee taught in Tumwater. The S. K. Taylors also lived here — 
 the Coopers further down, near the bay; the Cornels, Hugh, 
 Joe and John ; the Cambys ; the Ira and Sam Wards. 
 
 "The Crosbys had the historical mill and a large store. 
 George Biles also had a large store and Mrs. Biles tells me 
 Olympia people traded in Tumwater to a great extent. 
 
 "Dr. Ostrander lived in Tumwater then, as did also the 
 Eastman family. Mr. Rice, whose son, Elmore, afterwards 
 achieved distinction as a violinist, was living there then. On 
 the hill was the Barnes place — quite a pretentious place at 
 that time. 
 
 "The school house on the hill, near the site of the present 
 building, was a small one-room affair and to this day I re- 
 member my first appearance there. I was in deadly fear 
 of the teacher, who taught with the rod ever in his hand.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 313 
 
 Later school was held in the T. L. A. Hall, which is still stand- 
 ing, a monument to the energy of the residents who organized 
 the society and built the hall. This Tumwater Literary 
 Association Avas a flourishing society for many years. They 
 gathered together quite a library, and had very interesting 
 sessions. In this hall dances were held for many years. 
 
 "School was held in the lower floor and once when some 
 of the older boys had planned to eject the teacher, during 
 the scuffle which followed my sister, Etta, now Mrs. Gelbach 
 of Spokane, put all we children out of the window and then 
 clambered after us, whither most of the school followed. 
 School in those days never lacked for excitement. Kate Ward 
 (Mrs. Knapp), Fannie and Florence Ostrander (Mrs. IMoore 
 and Mrs. Crosby), Fannie Crosby (Mrs. Ostrander), and many 
 others probably remember that day as vividly as I do. 
 
 ''Across the bay was an Indian village and whenever there 
 were rumors of war we children used to terrify ourselves 
 with imagining that these Indians would capture us. The 
 old squaws with their baskets of olalies, or of oysters, clams 
 or fish hanging over their backs suspended from a broad band 
 across the forehead, were familiar sights to our youthful eyes. 
 The site of this village has long been overgrown with small 
 trees and underbrush. 
 
 "]\Iany names throng my memory as I think over those 
 days which were spent in Tumwater, but as they are probably 
 all mentioned in other reminiscences I will omit them, but if 
 a complete list could be compiled of all who have lived in 
 Tumwater, many well known names would be there. 
 
 "One beautiful, solemn custom was followed in Tumwater 
 until the early '80's. This was the tolling the age of one 
 who had just taken leave of this life. The first stroke of 
 the bell sent a hush of sympathy over the town, and the 
 close, friendly life then made all well acquainted with all that 
 was happening so the people knew who had gone to rest. 
 Almost the last for Avhom the bell tolled was our mother. This 
 custom in a small community seemed a beautiful one to me 
 and as long as Grandfather Biles, as he was universally called, 
 lived and was well enough to attend to outside matters, this 
 custom and another was kept up. The other custom was the 
 community Christmas tree held every Christmas Eve at the 
 little church on the hill. This church, built first as a union
 
 314 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 church, was afterwards absorbed by the IMethodist Church and 
 as I think still of that denomination. Mr. Biles was for many 
 years Superintendent of the Sunday School and the mainstay 
 of the church. 
 
 "With but two or three exceptions not even a descendant 
 of any of those pioneers live now at Tumwater. 
 
 "The old place, on which we lived only long enough for 
 my mother to prove up after my father's death, has remained 
 intact for thirty years, but not occupied. 
 
 "]\rr. Gelbach, while in a reminiscent mood during his 
 long illness in 1914, told many interesting things of early 
 days and Mrs. Gelbach has transcribed the following, which 
 vrill interest many pioneers : 
 
 "In April 1870 there embarked on the Steamer Ajax. 
 clearing from San Francisco for Portland, Oregon, a group 
 of men who became for manj- years identified with the for- 
 tunes of Thurston County. 
 
 "The first in importance was Mr. Saloman, who bore an 
 appointment from President U. S. Grant as Governor of the 
 Territory of Washington ; second IMajor Hayden, who came 
 as Internal Revenue Collector.; Mr. B. B. Tuttle, a deputy 
 Revenue Collector, and Mr. R. G. O'Brien, who served as 
 Secretary to Major Hayden. 
 
 "Among the non-officials were Mr. Phillip Hiltz, Mr. 
 Stuth, bringing his bride from Germany, and Mr. George Gel- 
 bach. ]Mr. Gelbach started West with the intention of settling 
 in Portland, Oregon, but was persuaded by the Olympia party 
 to continue his journey to Puget Sound. 
 
 "Major Hayden, Mr. Tuttle and ]Mr. O'Brien were gifted 
 with fine voices and formed a trio whose singing gave great 
 pleasure to the passengers. 
 
 "On arriving at Portland many honors were paid to the 
 new Washington Governor, in which the whole Olympia party 
 shared. Carriages drawn by four horses were provided for 
 a trip to Hillsborough where Mr. Scott, father of the famous 
 Oregonian editor, and no less famous suffragist, Abigail Scott 
 Duniway, kept an inn. A boutiful old-time feast was spread 
 for the guests. Several days were spent in Portland waiting 
 for the arrival of the Steamer California to take the passengers 
 over the bar and through the Straits to Puget Sound.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 315 
 
 "Amongst the freight loaded in Portland was 1,000 bushels 
 of wheat billed to Mr. Nelson Barnes for his mill at Turawater. 
 When approaching the bar on the outward voyage a siorni 
 threatened and the Captain ordered all passengers inside the 
 cabins and everything was made fast for heavy seas. The 
 order was obeyed by all except Mr. Gelbach, who preferred 
 to take his chances outside. The decks were twice washed 
 by huge waves, but he clung to ropes for dear life and escaped 
 being washed overboard. When quiet waters were reached 
 the Captain was surprised to find him still aboard, a wetter 
 and a wiser man. 
 
 "When the little hamlet of Seattle was reached the steamer 
 lay by to enable the inhabitants to entertain their Governor. 
 Chief on the program was a dance, which was greatly enjoyed 
 by the steamer's passengers. 
 
 "On the sixth day of May, 1870, when the California 
 neared the head of Puget Sound, the little group of men stood 
 on her deck eagerly gazing for a glimpse of their new home 
 G-overnor Saloman, Major Hayden and ]\Ir. Ililtz had served 
 in the Civil War, but as the close of that event was but five 
 years in the past they were still young men. The remainder 
 of the party were in their early twenties. When the steamer 
 rounded Doffelmeyers Point, Olympia lay revealed under the 
 morning sun, in all the greenery and bloom of IMay, a beau- 
 tiful and welcome sight, and it was well that the young and 
 hopeful company could not read beneath this smiling welcome 
 that Thurston County held no great fortune nor signal honor 
 for any of its members.. As they drew nearer ]Mr. Hiltz ex- 
 claimed enthusiastically, 'That is the place,' and he remained 
 true to the opinion, living in Olympia for the remainder ot 
 his life; as did IMr. Stuth also, who probably of all the partv 
 came best equipped fiiiancially. lie met business misfortune 
 early in his Olympia career from which he never recovered. 
 Governor Saloman made his home in Olympia till his successoi 
 was appointed and later died in San Francisco. IMr. Tuttlt 
 went to Portland, Oregon, where he died a few years ago. 
 Major Hayden, who was joined by his family, lived in Olympia 
 for many years, removing later to Seattle where his death 
 occurred. Mr. O'Brien occupied the office of Clerk of tht 
 Supreme Court for a number of years, later organizing the 
 State National Guards, in which he was deeply interested.
 
 316 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 After losing the command of the State Militia he went to 
 California, where he lived nntil his death, which occnrrea 
 recently. He is remembered as the father of the IMilitia. 
 
 "Mr. Gelbach cast his lot with the little village of Tum- 
 water, where he maintained a continuous residence for 27 
 years. He built a flouring mill there, and conducted a success- 
 ful business until the panic of 1893 relieved him with many 
 others, of future business cares. He then served four years 
 as County Treasurer. Mr. Gelbach now resides in Spokane, 
 the only living member of the little party that so gaily steamed 
 into Olympia Harbor 44 years ago. 
 
 "In connection with the present high cost of maintenance 
 of the state, ]Mr. Gelbach recalls an incident of Territorial days 
 which makes interesting reading now that the taxpayers are 
 called upon to foot the enormous bills for the state's expenses. 
 
 "Governor Saloman oecMpied an office over George 
 Barnes' bank, an adjoining room being used by the Secretary 
 of State. One day when ]\Ir. Gelbach was in the office 
 the executive, Secretary Nick Owings and Auditor T. M. Reed 
 entered into a discussion concerning the cost of maintaining 
 the Territory for the ensuing year. It was the general con- 
 census of opinion that $35,000 would be amply sufficient." 
 
 DAVID T. DREWRY 
 
 Living in peace, contentment and plenty on the magnifi- 
 cent farm where they have made their home for the past fifty 
 odd years, was found Mr. and Mrs. David T. Drewry when 
 the compiler was on the quest of genuine pioneers, as surely 
 this venerable couple could be so designated as IMr. Drewry 
 arrived in the year 1853 and his wife probably a couple of 
 years later, the memories of the two were a little vague and 
 indistinct in regard to exact dates, but they both knew they 
 came here while the entire country was all but an unbroken
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 317 
 
 wilderness and through their yonthful pluck and energy they 
 certainly performed well their share in making at least their 
 own holdings bloom and flourish. 
 
 Well kept fields reaching for long stretches along the 
 county road, a fine garden spot, flowers, and thoroughly 
 modern farm house are there today as witnesses of the thrift 
 and industry of the couple^ — young and in the freshness of 
 youth when their life was started on the farm a half century 
 ago, and now as the shadows of life's evening approach, wait- 
 ing with cheerfulness and serenity for the night to fall ; happy 
 in their children, grandchildren, and with a mutual love and 
 dependence upon each other that was very touching to witness. 
 
 D. T. Drewry came to this country as the driver of one 
 of Col. Wm. Cock's ox teams from their old home in Missouri, 
 where his bo^^hood had been spent, although the young man 
 was a native of Kentucky but having been left an orphan at 
 a very earl.y age, had been adopted by an uncle living in Mis- 
 souri. The lad w^as but seventeen years of age when the trip 
 was started and although the journey was made in the regula- 
 tion way of travl in those days — over the old Oregon trail with 
 ox teams. Col. Cock with his family was so well equipped for 
 the trip, his oxen were so w^ell fed and cared for that only 
 ninety traveling days were consumed from the time the start 
 was made from ]\Iissouri till the Willamette valley was reached 
 — an unusually short time in those days. They had no sick- 
 ness, no trouble with the Indians and no particular disasters 
 to delay them from reaching their destination. 
 
 After spending the winter in the Willamette valley, Col. 
 Cock decided to come on to Puget Sound, and indeed, this 
 point had been where he had originally intended reaching 
 when he made up his mind to emigrate. All places in the 
 West looked alike to the young David so he came along with 
 his friends. Col. Cock opened and, for several years, was 
 proprietor of the historic hotel knoAvn as the Pacific House and 
 Drewry assisted him in the work about the place for several 
 years. 
 
 When the Indian war of 1855-56 broke out Drewry was 
 made wagon master of a train of thirty wagons chartered by 
 the government to haul supplies from the Cowlitz landing to 
 the Puyallup valley, where the troops were encamped. Al-
 
 318 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 though the young man was never in an actual engagement 
 Avith the enemy his train was at one time so close to the White 
 River battle that the men could distinctly hear the reports of 
 the guns and shouts of the men. The teamsters corralled their 
 Avagons and waited for some time, expecting an attack, but 
 they were not molested. 
 
 Mr. Drewry recalls being at one time a schoolmate of 
 John IMiller Murphy, with a Mr. Cornelius as their teacher. 
 
 "They don't have such teachers now," said the old man 
 as he began musing over those vanished days, "and they don't 
 have as good times as they used to either. In those days we 
 vrere all like one big family, dancing on the slightest provo- 
 cation, and how we did use to dance — none of your silly jigs 
 and whirlings that the young folks seem to think is the thing 
 now. We boys were glad to pay $5 a ticket to a dance. We 
 took our best girls and danced quadrilles, polkas and waltzes 
 all the afternoon and all night. Dances were dances in those, 
 days, too, with a big supper of ham sandwiches, home-made 
 cakes and pies and gallons of coffee thrown in at midnight. 
 
 "When I first came to Olympia the white women I can 
 remember were Sarah Yantis, Jerusha Hays, Mrs. Scott, Char- 
 h)tte and L-ucy Barnes, Mrs. Cock and her three daughters, 
 Carrie, Annie and Roxie, and ]\Irs. George Barnes. There may 
 have been a fcAv others but my memory fails me." 
 
 IMrs. Drewry, when but a young girl of fourteen years 
 of age, arrived in Olympia with her parents from her home 
 in New York City. Their trip was by way of the Isthmus and 
 they were among the passengers on the first train connecting 
 the Atlantic and Pacific over the route of the now Panama 
 Canal. They had the hardship of having to take their choice 
 of walking or riding a mule over a considerable gap in the 
 road which was considered unsafe for the little cars to cross 
 «!wing to the settling of the earth under the ties. 
 
 A . brother of Emaline Weed, as ]\Irs. Drewry was then 
 known, Charles Weed, had preceded his family to Puget Sound 
 and wrote back to his mother, urging her to join him in this 
 land of golden opportunities. His advise to his mother, while 
 good in the main, v\'as faulty in the respect that he told her 
 not to bother to bring any furniture or supplies with her on 
 the long trip as everything could be procured here. Mrs.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 319 
 
 Weed followed her son's advise, but upon her arrival in 
 Olymjiia discovered that what women and girls considered ab- 
 solute necessaries a young man accustomed to a frontier life 
 had grown to regard as perfectly dispensible luxuries. Bed- 
 ding, pillows, cooking utensils and every kind of conveniences 
 were impossible to buy. Mrs. Weed was delighted to procure 
 a few^ bird's feathers from an Indian squaw w^iich she enclosed 
 in some articles of white clothing to make their first pillows. 
 The first apples the family could obtain were given them by 
 I\Ir. George Bush, who by that time had a fine orchard in 
 bearing. The Bush and Drewr.y families in latter years be- 
 came neighbors and firm friends, as the Weed family bought 
 a piece of land on the Des Chutes river near the Bush place 
 and lived there till the marriage of Emaline to young Drewer\ 
 in 1858. 
 
 Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Drew^ry bought 
 the place on which they still live, but which v\^as originalbv 
 the Jones homestead. Here their children were born and from 
 there Avere carried forth three of their children, never to re- 
 turn, Harvey, Carrie and Frederick, their baby. 
 
 Although Carrie and Frederick w^ere taken while still of 
 a tender age, the death of their son, Harvey, in 1911, was a 
 crushing blow to the parents, now growing old and dependent 
 upon their children for love and care. He was a young man. 
 full of life and vigor, with a wife and children to cherish and 
 protect, when he met with an instantaneous death while v/ork- 
 ing in the field. 
 
 Of the remaining sons, the eldest. Almond, has a hand- 
 some country home within a few rods from the old home and 
 the youngest son, Edward V., with his family, lives with his 
 parents in order to give the old couple the care and atten- 
 tion they need and which only loving hands can give them 
 as the wife and mother has lost the sight of her eyes and is 
 entirely blind. Her husband and children have surrounded her 
 with every comfort and convenience and take delight in fill- 
 ing the remaining days with all the pleasure and happiness 
 within their power to bestow.
 
 32C THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 THE BUSH FAMILY 
 
 Clinging like the last withered leaf on the tree, only wait- 
 ing for the passing breeze to waft him to join his parents and 
 five brothers lives Lewis N. Bush, the youngest son of that 
 liardiest argonaut of them all, George Bush and his faithful 
 wife, Isabella James Bush. 
 
 The Bush family arrived in what is now known as Thurs- 
 ton County as early as 18-15, while this section was an un- 
 broken wilderness and with their party consisting of about 
 thirty people were the very first settlers north of the Co- 
 lumbia River. 
 
 The original families consisted of the Bush family, father, 
 mother and five sons, William 0., Joseph T., Eeilly B., Henr> 
 Sanford and Jackson J. ; Mr. and Mrs. M. Simmons with theii 
 four sons, Mr. and Mrs. McAllister with their son and two 
 daughters; David and i\rrs. Talitha Kindred and their son 
 John K. ; the Jones family, consisting of father and mothei 
 and sons Lewis and ]\Iorris and daughter, Elizabeth and twc 
 !-:ing!e men, Samuel Crockett and Jesse Ferguson. 
 
 When the start was made from the old home in Missouri 
 the elder Bush had laid in a bountiful stock of supplies, 
 enough to last him and his own family for several years ol 
 frontier life, but all his associates had not been so well 
 equipped and even before the last and final stop was made 
 there was a shortage of necessities among several ol 
 the emigrant families. Bush, with the generosity and kind 
 heartedness which was his most marked characteristic, divided 
 Avith the less fortunate, even to the subsequent deprivation ot 
 his own family. 
 
 Keaching Puget Sound, the families settled on what ha& 
 ever since been known as Bush Prairie, and took up donatior. 
 claims of 640 acres to a family. Lewis Bush enjoys the dis 
 tuiction of being the only man living on an original donatior, 
 claim west of the mountains. In every other instance the orig 
 inal owners of claims have parted with them, but the Bush 
 claims has descended in an unbroken line frt/m the father
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 321 
 
 George Bush, to the youngest son and to a grandson, ]\[r 
 John S. Bush, son of W. 0. Bush. 
 
 The first winter spent on Puget Sound was one to try 
 mens' souls, there was absolutely nothing in the way of pro- 
 visions to be bought for love or money. It is true the Hudson 
 Bay Company had a post on the Nesqually with Dr. Tolmie 
 manager, but already there was a feeling of jealousy spring- 
 ing up in the minds of the managers of the company, over the 
 rapidly increasing number of emigrants coming to share the 
 ranges and preempt the fertile land. The agents were forbid- 
 den to extend aid to the settlers, so although Dr. Tolmie wa^. 
 inclined to feel kindly towards the newcomers, he was for 
 bidden to openly sell them the necessaries of life. 
 
 Clams, salmon, game and oysters were the substantiak 
 of diet eked out, with a little wheat and dried peas, which 
 still remained of the stores. The settlers learned to eat with 
 relish the roots of ferns which they used as green stuff. Flour 
 there was none until the Simmons mill was finished in New- 
 market. 
 
 The men of the new settlement went right to work l)uild- 
 ing cabins for shelter for their families against the winter 
 weather, which Avas about to close in on them. The cabins 
 were covered with split shakes and the floors were of pun- 
 cheon, while the few simple articles of furniture were manu- 
 factured from the cedar logs lying in profusion on the ground. 
 
 IMr. Bush, shortly after his arrival, set out fruit and shade 
 trees, the seeds of which he had brought Math him from his 
 old home. Manj^ of these trees grew and flourished and 
 stand to this day, noble monuments to the hardy old pioneer 
 
 George Bush died in 1863 and his wife a couple of years 
 later. After their deaths the homestead passed into the hands 
 of his three sons, W. 0., J. T.. and H. S. Bush. In time W 
 0. Bush married and became the father of the lady who is 
 now Mrs. George Gaston and John Bush. Lewis Bush, in 
 speaking of his earlier experiences on the old homestead, said : 
 
 "Yes, those were hard times. We all had to scramble 
 for enough to eat. There was simply nothing we could buy 
 from any market for several years. I remember one summer 
 day an old squaw came to our house with something to eat. 
 which she wanted to sell. ^Mother tried to dicker with her lint
 
 322 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 she onl.y wanted clothes. Jloney was of no use to her. Shf 
 wanted a shirt for one of her papooses. Now, we had been 
 away from home a long- time and clothing was getting scarce 
 but mother wanted whatever it was the squaAv had S3 badly 
 that she stripped the shirt off of my brother Sanford's back 
 and gave it to the siwash. 
 
 "I was born on the homestead after the folks reached 
 Bush Prairie, so I cannot remember as well as could my 
 brothers about the Indian war. I know we were all anxious 
 and worried for several months and when the first scare was 
 on and the red skins had killed McAllister and Northcraft 
 father moved his family into the Fort at Tumwater for a 
 while. But as time went on he was anxious to get back to his 
 place, as were the other settlers of our neighborhood, so they 
 went to work and built a fort of their own on father's farm. 
 
 "Saplings probably fourteen feet long Vv'ere cut from the 
 woods and a trench dug several feet deep. In this trench 
 was set upright the saplings in a double roAv clear around the 
 enclosure. This made a high wall which was practically bullet 
 proof. Inside this enclosure w^ere the cabins of the settlers — 
 each by themselves. We were comfortable enough and live5 
 that way for several months. This fort was ahvays knowr 
 as Bushs' fort. 
 
 "I was a big lad, probably twelve years old, before I had 
 my first pair of shoes. There were none to be had in all the 
 country, so I was forced to go barefoot, not that I considered 
 that any hardship, for I was used to it and only wanted shoes 
 to put on style with. Well, when the first sailing vessel came 
 into harbor at Olympia. father went on board to see what of 
 the cargo he could buy. There was a whole box of shoes of 
 all sizes among the articles father bought. Of course, the 
 elders had first pick at the shoes and when I had a turn at 
 the box there was only one pair of No. 10s left. They would 
 have been big enough for any large man but I was only toe 
 tickled to get them and wore the shoes with great pride or 
 Sundays and special occasions. Those shoes lasted me foi 
 years. 
 
 "Mother made friends with Dr. Tolmie and it was through 
 him that she got her first start in poultry and sheep. She had 
 traded for a few hens from a French familv who were con
 
 I'lONEER REMINISCENCES 323 
 
 neetecl with the Hudson Bay Company, and -when one of thesf 
 hens showed her willingness, to set, mother got a setting of 
 tnrkey eggs from Dr. Tolmie. She was very successful with 
 this hatching and by coddling those young turks soon had a 
 nice flock. Dr. Tolmie had not been so lucky with his turkey? 
 so he told mother he would trade her a fine ewe for everv 
 turkey she would let him have. She was glad to do so anc' 
 in that way she got the first start of the large flock of sheep 
 which Avas one of the greatest sources of profit in a fcAv years. 
 From Dr. Tolmie also we got the first start of hogs. Well, sr 
 we lived for years, always getting ahead a little and I am glac 
 to say. always having a little to share with our poorer neigh 
 bors. Neither father nor mother could bear to deny anyone 
 v\'ho applied to them for assistance." 
 
 Lewis Bush might have gone on and related how the 
 Bushs, father and sons were always willing and ready to ex- 
 tend a helping hand to the settlers who soon began to pour 
 into the country. The Bush farm was the stopping place be- 
 tween the settlements of Olympia and New Market and the 
 Cowlitz landing and there are still men and women living 
 who can recall being entertained at this home. Night or day 
 the Bushs kept open house to all comers — no one was turned 
 away without being fed and sheltered and in many cases their 
 wagons carried substantial gifts of fruit, garden truck and 
 grain from ^Ir. Bush's abundant stores. 
 
 Mr. George H. Himes relates a story about the elder Bush 
 which is given here as being characteristic of the open handed 
 generosity of not only himself but his six sons as well. One 
 year there was a great scarcity of grain. The yield, owing to 
 unfavorable conditions, was unusually small. Seattle by this 
 time was quite a town and speculators from that place came to 
 Mr. Bush and offered him an almost fabulous price for all his 
 harvest. They were astounded when their offer was refused, 
 and were very chagrined over their failure to corner the out- 
 put of grain. They asked ]\Ir. Bush what he intended do- 
 ing with his surplus. 
 
 "I'll just keep my grain to let my n('iglil)ors who have 
 had failures have enough to live on and for seeding their 
 fields in the spring. They have no money to pay your fancy
 
 324 
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 prices and I don't intend to see them want for anything in 
 my power to provide them with." 
 
 With the flight of years the Bush homestead developed 
 into a model farm nnder the skillful management of W. 0. 
 Bush, who took great pride in raising and preparing for ex- 
 hibition samples of the grain and produce grown on his place. 
 Exhibits were made at the World's fairs of Philadelphia, Chi- 
 cago and Buffalo, which attracted general attention and won 
 for Bush medals and diplomas from all three fairs. These 
 exhibits were of inestimable value in advertising the resources 
 of the Territory of Washington and besides the medals and 
 diplomas awarded IMr. Bush personally the County of Thurs- 
 ton and the Territory and State of Washington were also 
 awarded medals for the best exhibit of grains made by an> 
 section of the entire United States. In the planting, selection 
 and arranging of the specimens IMr. Bush was assisted by hi*' 
 young daughter, Belle, who took as great an interest and 
 pride in the exhibit as did her father. That young girl is no\% 
 Mrs. George Gaston of Olyrapia.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 325 
 
 CAPTAIN SAMUEL WILLEY 
 
 In reviewing the list of men who have been most promi- 
 nently identified with the development of Thnrston County 
 business it was considered appropriate to mention the men 
 who organized what has for many years been known as the 
 iS. Willey Navigation Company. 
 
 Although the Willeys', father and sons, were not the first 
 men to venture their fortunes in water craft plying between 
 Olympia and down Sound points, their steamers ^lultnomah 
 and City of Aberdeen were so well known on Puget Sound 
 that they are actually a part of the history of Thurston 
 County. 
 
 Captain Samuel Willey was one of the gold seekers in 
 California as early as 1859, leaving his family in their home 
 in Cherryfield, Maine, while he pursued the search of the 
 Golden Fleece. After having enjoyed a fair measure of succes5> 
 from mining in Syskiyou County, Mr. Willey decided to re 
 turn to the East again. He remained with his family until 
 1867 when he came out West again, this time settling in Mason 
 County. The family were then sent for and the fortunes of 
 the Willeys became identified with this section of the country 
 lie engaged in lumbering during the first few years of his 
 Washington residence, but when, in 1880, his son, Lafayette, 
 P. L., and George, organized the S. Willey Navigation Com 
 pany the elder Willey removed to Olympia and built his 
 comfortable home on Eighth street, where he died in the 
 year 1897. 
 
 The Willey family consisted of the father and mother 
 three brothers and a sister. Shortly after their arrival here 
 the brothers took the contract for carrying the mail between 
 Olympia and Oakland, which was then the county seat of 
 Mason County. For two years the brothers carried the mail 
 twenty-five miles in a row boat and then over a country road 
 for a further twelve miles, until finally they felt justified in 
 investing in a tiny steamer, the Hornet. This gave place within 
 a short time to the Susie, which in turn was replaced by the
 
 326 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 AVilley. This latter steamer was quite a good-sized craft and 
 was put on the run between Olympia and Shelton. In 1889 
 the Willeys purchased the Multnomah and a little later the 
 City of Aberdeen and put them on the run between this citj 
 and Seattle, the elder brothers becoming Captains of the boats 
 The sister of the Willey brothers, Lucretia, was an 
 especially pretty and charming young girl and Avas an un- 
 disputed belle of ]\Iason County up to the time of her marriage 
 to Mr. Leighton and came to Olympia to make her home. Sht 
 became the mother of two children, Charles Leighton of Seattle 
 and her daughter, Bertha. IMrs. Leighton died at the home of 
 the latter in Olympia in 1911. 
 
 ELISHA NELSON SARJENT 
 
 When on August 28, 191-1:, Elisha X. Sarjent passed ovei 
 the Great Divide, there disappeared one who had been a 
 familiar landmark in Thurston County for the past 65 years — 
 one who had been identified with the development of thii> 
 section of "Washington from earliest pioneer days. 
 
 Elisha Sarjent was gathered to his fathers after a lift 
 rich in experiences such as are encountered by but few — nont 
 in these later days. Coming to Puget Sound in the wintei 
 of 1849-50 he at once identified himself with the frontier life 
 of the region he had selected for his future home. Mr. Sarjent 
 lived to the ripe old age of eighty-seven years and at the 
 funeral his friend of many years. Hon. Allen Wier, pronounced 
 the following heartfelt eulogy : 
 
 "Elisha Nelson Sarjent Avas born September 8, 1827, ir 
 Fountain County, Indiana. In 1849 he left Indiana on his 
 way to the gold fields of California. While crossing the 
 plains he was lost for fourteen days before he got back to hi« 
 train. lie did not remain in California long, but purshed his
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 327 
 
 way north and west and arrived at Puget Sound on a sailing 
 vessel during the winter of 1849-50, thus identifying himsell 
 with the original and adventurous gold seekers commonly 
 known as '4ners.' He helped to build the first house in 
 Olympia, thus his identity as one of the real argonauts of 
 Thurston County is established. 
 
 "Among his experiences in the then unknown wilds of the 
 great Northwest, was being shipwrecked in Queen Charlotte 
 Sound, among the Northern Indians, in the winter of 1851-52. 
 vv'hen he and others were captured and held among hostile 
 savages during a period of fifty-three days. Among his com.- 
 panions was John Thornton, a respected old-time citizen and 
 resident of Clallam County, in this State. 
 
 "In 1853 Mr. Sarjent went out from the Puget Sound 
 basin across the Cascade ^Mountains and met the incoming 
 immigrant train and piloted the new comers through the 
 Natchez Pass into Pierce County. This was the first influx 
 of settlers coming by way of the Natchez Pass. Among those 
 coming at that time were members of the Himes family who 
 settled in Olympia, and the family of Mrs. Frasier, who was 
 reported as coming into this country riding on the back 
 of an ox. 
 
 "Mr. Sarjent saw valiant service in the Indian war of 
 1855-56, in which he was a First Lieutenant of Volunteers 
 
 "He took a donation claim near Grand ]\Iound, in Thurs- 
 ton County, where his house has stood for something like 
 sixty-five years, and where he was married more than fifty- 
 four years ago. His wife, who was Miss Lucretia Mounts, 
 has been by his side during these years, a faithful helpmeet 
 through good and evil report. Their two sons, Fred Sarjent 
 and Asher Sarjent, with their families were among the sorrow- 
 ing mourners at the funeral. 
 
 "Mr. Sarjent was one of the most modest of men, seldom 
 speaking of these trying times that tested the courage and 
 manhood of those who had to stand guard at block house 
 defenses and protect the women and children from hostile 
 attack. Nevertheless, his duty was always cpiietly performed, 
 and with credit to himself. No one ever heard of a dishonor- 
 able act on his part, and a significant comment by one of his 
 nearest neighbors was that during an intimate acquaintance 
 of something like sixty years, when line fences were often
 
 328 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 out of repair and stock became frequently mixed up, nothing 
 even remotely resembling* a quarrel ever occurred. 
 
 ''Could anj^thing more fully attest the sterling worth of 
 the hardy manhood and womanhood of our honored pioneers? 
 "May their shadows never be less, and the worthy ex- 
 ample thus shown be followed by later comers. 
 
 "Nelson Sarjent has gone to his reward. Like a sheaf 
 of fully ripened grain, he has been gathered. His example 
 has been one of duty fully performed. His place among the 
 army of worthy citizens who demonstrated their right in the 
 front rank of worthy pioneers of this great Northwest has 
 passed beyond question. 
 
 "On Fame's eternal camping ground 
 Their silent tents are spread. 
 While glory guard with solemn round 
 Their bivouac of the dead." 
 
 MR. P. D. MOORE 
 
 Hale, clear-minded, genial and active with a life of almost 
 ninety years stretching out behind him, Mr. P. D. Moore is 
 a remarkable example of the staunch timber that went to- 
 wards the making of the men and women of the past century. 
 
 When this grand old-young man was asked to contribute 
 some of his reminiscences of early days on Puget Sound, of 
 which he was in a position to recall many, owing to his long 
 residence here and the many stirring events of which he was 
 a participant, Mr. Moore said: 
 
 "It is over fifty years since I first came t') Olympia and 
 on my arrival I was pleasantly surprised to find not only a 
 charming climate and magnificent scenery but its people 
 educated, cultured, enterprising and extremely hospitable and 
 neighborly, reminding me of a New England town. Of cours*^ 
 the country was new and the town young, but the people were
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 32? 
 
 as one family, helpful, generous and sociable. Whether it b*^ 
 a funeral or a dance everybody was there. IMoney was plenti- 
 ful and prices of products and goods were high, but there were 
 no croakers or kickers. In 1864 Blockhouse Smith sold to 
 Charlie Williams five tons of butter at 55 cents a pound. Th'^ 
 same year the only 4th of July celebration on Puget Sound wa" 
 at Olympia when seventeen steamers brought crowds and it 
 was estimated that between four and five thousand peopk 
 assmbied at the Capital grounds to do honor to the Nation's 
 birthday. Governor Pickering presided. On Christmas day. 
 the only Christmas tree was in the hall of the AVashington 
 hotel (now the NeAv England Hotel), but there were presents 
 en that tree of a total value of over $2,500 and everybod\ 
 was there. 
 
 ''The principal merchants of Olympia when I first came 
 here were Chas. E. Williams, Edmund Sylvester, L. Bettman 
 George Barnes, I. Lichtner and I. Harris. But we also had 
 the "Busy B's" — Bush, Barnes, Biles, Billings, Blankenship. 
 Brown, Bettman, Bigelow and Beatty. They have all passed 
 to the "Great Beyond", except Mr. Beatty, who still remains 
 with us in the enjoyment of a ripe old age. 
 
 "In 1863 I was appointed by President Lincoln, Collector 
 of Internal Revenue for Washington and Idaho, and then 1 
 brought my family from New Jersey, and on the Bark 
 Naramisie they were sixty-three days coming from San Fran- 
 cisco to Puget Sound, breaking the record for time in coming 
 from San Francisco. 
 
 "In- those early days — the '60s — there were many ex- 
 citing and interesting events. In the session of the Legislature 
 in 1868 the House of Representatives elected me its Chaplain, 
 the firxt instance of a free-thinking Quaker being elected to 
 that office. At the same session Miss Peebles, now Mrs. Mack- 
 intosh, of Seattle, and mother of Judge Mackintosh, was 
 elected Enrolling and Engrosing Clerk, being the first woman 
 elected to serve in a legislative body in the history of the world. 
 I may add she done her work so promptly and ably that she 
 received the unanimous commendation of the House of Rep- 
 resentatives. 
 
 "At a session of the Legislature, Chas. Bradshaw was 
 elected President of the Council, hut as he did not act to suit
 
 330 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 H. K. Striive, also a member of the Counoil, he was deposed 
 from the Presidency by Struve's vote, whereupon Striive, by 
 his own vote, made himself President of the Council. This 
 procedure caused much excitement in Olympia and an indigna- 
 tion meeting, largely attended, was held, at which Garfield and 
 others scored Struve severely. Struve was for a long time Secre- 
 tary of the Territory, during which time and when he was a 
 member of the Legislature, he was not a citizen, never having 
 been naturalized, and moreover he was a deserter from the 
 Army, liable to be caught and shot. Some cheek and some nerve 
 that! But it must be admitted, nevertheless, he was a very 
 able and useful man. In 1864 or 65, I obtained from the East 
 the first Early Rose potatoes, paying $2.00 a pound for them, 
 and I also introduced the first asparagus at the same time, 
 both being the first introduced in the Pacific Northwest, and 
 very successfully cultivated in my garden at Main and Four- 
 teenth Streets, where there has recently been erected a 
 large apartment house. 
 
 "I took the U. S. Census in 1870 for Thurston and Lewis 
 Counties, and at that time Olympia was the largest town or 
 city in the Territory, having a population of 1,232, and nearly 
 a hundred more than Seattle. In taking the census in Lewis 
 County I came across Marcel Bernier, born in 1820 of French 
 Canadian parents at Fort Colville, being the first white child 
 born in the Commonwealth of Washington. In 1880 I took 
 the U. S. Census in Chehalis County, and where Aberdeen 
 is now, I found only Sam Benn and family, and at Hoquiam 
 only two families — Ed. Campbell and family, and ]\Ir. Karr 
 and family. Some growth at these two places since then ! 
 
 "Olympia had a prominent character in the person of 
 Mrs. Rebecca Howard, proprietor of the principal hotel — the 
 Pacific House, at the corner of Third and Main Streets. She 
 was a handsome colored woman from Boston, Mass., and a 
 very enterprising, popular and successful business woman. 
 Some addressed her as Aunt Becky, instead of ]\Irs. Howard, 
 but she resented it. On one occasion a somewhat eminent man 
 addressed her as Aunt Becky and she promptly inquired of 
 him whether she was his father's or his mother's sister. 
 
 "When the news of President Lincoln's assassination was 
 received in Olympia, the Democratic party was holding its 
 Territorial Convention here. INIajor Haller Avas a delegate
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES • 331 
 
 and was in my office when the word came. He was overcome 
 with emotion and freely shed manly tears, and went to the 
 convention and proposed an adjournment without making a 
 nomination for Delegate to Congress, Avhieh nearly carried. 
 
 "I Avas a witness and participant in several very dramatic 
 events on Puget Sound in the early '60s— notably the capture 
 of the Custom House at Port Townsend in 1862, when the guns 
 of the Revenue Cutter, double-shotted were brought to bear 
 on the Custom House and notice given to surrender or at the 
 end of fifteen minutes the building would be shelled. 
 
 "Also the capture of the 'Shubrick' in the middle of the 
 Straits of Fuea, when an attempt was made to run into the 
 rebel service. The details of these and other events have an 
 historic interest which I hope to write out some time. But 
 you must now excuse me, as, although I am about 89 years 
 }oung, yet I am a busy man." 
 
 Mr. Moore w^as born in Rahway, New Jersey, and married 
 Miss Phoebe Earle in Newark of the same State. Ten children 
 were born to the couple, of w^hom only three still live : A. 
 Schooley, Janet S. and Lindley D. Of the remaining children, 
 two boys, Edward and Phillip, and a daughter, Ella D., died 
 before the family ventured their fortunes in the West. The 
 eldest daughter, Lida, became the wife of W. P. Winans, a 
 Walla Walla banker and capitalist, and became the mother 
 of three sons, Gilbert P., Phillip ]M. and Allen Lida, all making 
 their home in Walla Walla. Mrs. Winans died in San Fran- 
 cisco many years ago, but her memory is still cherished by 
 the pioneers of an early day of Thurston County. The chil- 
 dren who died in Olympia are Waldo G., Gerald and Edna 
 W., the latter having become ]\Irs. Eddings and the mother 
 of one daughter. Edna Earle Eddings. Mrs. Moore died in 
 Olympia on July 17, 1899, after a well spent life, during which 
 time she had liad the satisfaction of seeing her living children 
 all grown to maturity and comfortably settled in life. IMrs. 
 j\Ioore was a charter member of the Woman's Club of Olympia 
 and a leader in every good work for the benefit of mankind 
 and the uplift of society.
 
 332 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 CAPTAIN SAMUFL WING PERCIVAL 
 
 (By His Daughter, Georgiana Percival Ford.) 
 
 Captain Samuel Wing Percival of Hanover, Mass., had 
 i'ollowed the sea from a boy until the time of his marriage, 
 and had shown such aptitude and evinced so high a sense of 
 responsibility^ that he was made master, by the owners of 
 the vessel, on his third voyage. These voyages were to ports 
 on the Mediterrean Sea, Barcelona, Marseilles, Constantinople 
 and through the Black Sea to Odessa, also through the Baltic 
 Sea to St. Petersburg, and while these voyages were not lack- 
 ing in thrilling experiences, he brought his ship safely to port 
 each trip, and letters from the owners are preserved filled with 
 expressions of commendation and gratitude. These letters 
 show a high ideal, and abound with expressions that would 
 doubtless cause great surprise today, counseling the young 
 captain to hold the honorable name of the ship's owners above 
 dollars and cents, and voicing their full confidence in their 
 belief that he would never descend to a dishonorable transac- 
 tion for mere gain. 
 
 Mrs. Lurana Ware Percival made the trip from her home 
 in Plymouth, Mass., around Cape Horn, arriving at San Fran- 
 cisco May 5th, 1850. She embarked from New York on the 
 Clipper Brig ''Reindeer" and the trip was made in 153 sail- 
 ing days, the record trip to that date. The weather and other 
 conditions were favorable for ia successful and interesting 
 voyage, and she always spoke of the varied experiences of 
 that five months' journey with great pleasure. 
 
 She found San Francisco a small Mexican-Spanish town, 
 consisting of a row of adobe houses around the Plaza, a few 
 frame houses and many zinc houses and tents scattered over 
 vacant lots, reaching from Broadway street to Telegraph Hill. 
 She landed from the ship's boat on Montgomery street, the 
 bay extending to the street. 
 
 In November, 1850, she went with friends to Portland, 
 Oregon. A number of passengers were anxious to get into 
 the Territory before the time expired to secure 640 acres of 
 land. For this reason the Captain took his ship in to th<^
 
 VmW \ 
 
 
 JBf. ' ^ \ 
 
 
 m^^^^ 
 
 K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CAPT. AND MRS. S. W. PERCIVAI^
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 333 
 
 Umpqiia River, and landed these passengers and they walked 
 to Rosebv.rg. IJmpqua City consisted of two small zinc 
 houses, occupied by a few white men, who had taken claims 
 and were trading with the Indians, and a settlement of Indian 
 houses; these houses were boarded around the sides, the tops 
 covered with Indian mats. In a paper entitled "Personal 
 Feminiscences of Early Days," read before the Woman's Club 
 of Olympia, (from v.^hieh many of the incidents given are 
 gleaned) my mother says: "I had never seen such long and 
 wide boards, they were from three to four feet wide. Upon 
 inquiry I learned that the Indians burned the. tree instead of 
 cutting it down, split the cedar logs into boards by driving 
 ir wedges, then kept them over a slow fire until they were suffi- 
 ciently charred to be rubbed with smooth stones until they were 
 the required thickness and nicely polished." JMrs. Percival was 
 the first Avhite Avoman to step on shore at the mouth of the 
 IJmpqua River, and was a great curiosity to the natives, who 
 were most attentive to her, coming out to the ship in canoe? 
 the next day, with presents of huckleberries, which grew in 
 great abundance near the village, and when she was on shore, 
 liending down the bushes, w^hich were high,, that she might 
 pick the berries. The bay being land-locked with a dangerous 
 bar, the captain waited ten days for a fair w4nd to enable him 
 to cross in safety; during this time the weather was delight- 
 fully warm and those who wished to go were one day rowed 
 up the river about ten miles to a beautiful island, where coffee 
 was made and a picnic lunch served. Picnics and ripe huck- 
 leberries late in November were amazing facts to a young 
 woman from the New England states. 
 
 The Columbia River bar was reached late in the after- 
 noon and found to be very rough. No pilot responded to the 
 captain's signals, so he steered off coast for more sea room: 
 and it was well he did, for my mother records that they had. 
 1hat night, the hardest storm she ever experienced at sea. The 
 decks were washed of every thing movable, bulwarks stove 
 in, cargo shifted, so that the vessel lay over on one sid(>: the 
 sailors performed their duties with ropes fastened about their 
 waists; several seas Avashed entirely over the ship, forcing 
 water through the skylight into the cabin, where the passengers 
 sat speechless. The storm abated as morning dawned and the 
 entire day was given to righting the vessel, using the pumns
 
 334 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 nnd moving the cargo; thoy had drifted so far that two days 
 were required to return to the river. 
 
 Again failing to secure a pilot, the Captain determined 
 to run in without one, although it was his first trip to the 
 Columbia River. He crossed the bar safely and was soon an- 
 chored at Astoria. I again quote from the paper already men- 
 tioned : "When speaking of pioneer life on the Pacific Coast, 
 few^ ever mention the difficult and dangerous pioneer work 
 done bj^ sailing vessels and their crews; nearly every harbor 
 and river on the coast is l)arred except Puget Sound and it 
 was several years before there were steam tugs enough for 
 all these ports. Working a vessel up the river was a long and 
 tedious trip for sailors ; all things favorable, it took from a 
 week to ten days to reach Portland and had to be done by 
 kedging, and towing with row boats." 
 
 Portland was a small village, there were no cleared streets 
 and the townsite having been heavily timbered, huge stumps 
 breast high, were left standing, making it necessary to carry 
 a lantern or a candle after dark, and it was the custom for a 
 box of candles to be kept by the door, and the departing eve- 
 ning caller was handed a lighted candle, which he extinguished 
 and deposited in the box at the next house he entered. 
 
 There was but one house boasting a brick chimney, the 
 home of Captain Nathaniel Crosby (grandfather of Samuel 
 C. Woodruff and Ada Woodruff Anderson, author of "The 
 Heart of the Red Firs" and "The Strain of White," also 
 Charles A. Burr, Mrs. ]Maude Basse, and June Burr). The 
 brick for the chimney and other materials necessary for a 
 well-built house, had been shipped around Cape Horn, and 
 those who were privileged to enjoy the delightful hospitality 
 of that home were fortunate indeed. While in Portland a 
 trip was made in a rowboat to IMilwaukee, to be present at the 
 launching of the first steamer built in Oregon, the "Lot Whit- 
 comb." (On this occasion Mrs. Percival made the acquaint- 
 ance of Judge Matthew P. Deady). All were handsomely 
 entertained, at the residence of ^Ir. Lot Whiteomb, the founder 
 of the toAvu, and rowed down the river to Portland in the 
 evening. Another trip was one. made with saddle horses, De- 
 cember 31, 1850, to Oregon City, the largest village on the 
 Willamette. There were no roads and the party followed the
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 335 
 
 rarrow Indian trails, one after the other, in true Indian style, 
 ferrying on scows pulled by ropes stretched across the river; 
 the hotel Avas very comfortable and my mother was happily 
 surprised to meet a young man there, who had come around 
 the Horn on the ship she had passage on. She also made the 
 acquaintance of Captain S. W. Percival, (who commanded 
 the schooner "Crescent City," also loading in Portland) Avhom 
 she afterward married in San Francisco, April, 3rd, 1851. The 
 next day the party returned to Portland, as they had come, 
 and all attended the New Year's ball in the evening. An- 
 other outing was a trip to Fort Vancouver. The Willamette 
 was ferried, a forest was traversed (now East Portland). On 
 the banks of the Columbia River men were found with very 
 large row boats to convey passengers to the other shore ; as 
 they returned, after crossing the river and taking the horses, 
 snow began to fall, thick and fast, and the trail was soon 
 obliterated. The party consulted and decided that, as the 
 horses were cold and hungry, they w^ould doubtless take the 
 shortest route home, and ceased to guide them. They emerged 
 from the forest before dark and the party received a warm 
 welcome and hot supper on the Brig ''Reindeer," where some 
 uneasiness had been felt as to their safety. 
 
 After his marriage my father purchased a large store on 
 Washington street, San Francisco, and commenced business, 
 occupying the stor.y above as a dwelling house, and my par- 
 ents were well settled by the first of May. On June 22, they 
 were burned out by the third great fire, wdiich consumd nearly 
 all the city. House, furniture, nearly all the contents of the 
 store were swept away, but the greater part of the clothing 
 was saved. They moved into an unfinished building on Mont- 
 gomery street and began business again. 
 
 In 1852 they went to Parks Bar, a good-sized mining town, 
 on the Yuba River. While there they buried their eldest 
 child, Lurana Curtis Percival, and at the end of the year, on 
 account of the prevalence of cholera, and the failure of the 
 mines that season, they returned to San Francisco and took 
 passage on the Barque Sarah Warren, Captain A. B. Gove, 
 deciding to begin life again in that part of the Northwest 
 which had so great an attraction for them. They arrived in 
 Olympia, January 1, 1853.
 
 336 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 ]My mother was the sixth woman to settle in town. She 
 Avi'ites : "I found Llrs. Geo. Barnes, Jlrs. Simpson P. ]\Ioses, 
 wife of Collector of Customs; Mrs. C. H. Hale, I\Irs. Close, wife 
 of first Methodist minister, and JMrs. Fischer, (a widow^. Mrs. 
 Adam Wiley was living on a claim two miles down the bay. 
 At Tumwater were the Simmons, Crosby, Barnes and Kindred 
 families and Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Walker, also several families 
 on the prairies beside the Chambers and Hays. Our principal 
 amusement was horseback riding, so we were quite neighborly 
 v^'ith our prairie friends." 
 
 Again, I quote: ''We commenced housekeeping in one 
 large room, ran the stovepipe through the window, one corner 
 was kitchen, one bedroom, one store room, sitting room in 
 center. The trees had been felled from jMain street to the 
 water (on the west) as far as Sixth street, and from Fourth 
 street to the water (on the north). All along the beach were 
 Indian huts, and the whole beach was lined with canoes. The 
 Indian w^omen had all the work to do, and had been treated 
 like beasts so long that, for a time, it w^as thought to be use- 
 less to tr.y to teach them anything. Each family would take 
 an Indian boy and most of them were quick to learn. ***** 
 For several years we were our own dress makers and milliners, 
 took care of each other when sick, and in fact, did all kinds 
 of work, even to making the most of our furniture. When a 
 few of the squaws learned to wash and iron it was a great 
 help to us; the well known 'Old Betsy' was one of the first 
 t) learn ; they preferred old clothes to money for their work 
 until they learned t) sew. During the year of 1853 many 
 families came, which gave us plenty of society." Record is 
 made of the delightful horseback parties, clam bakes, boat 
 rides and dances, and Mrs-. Percival says: "The only draw- 
 back to our pleasure, was the lenp-iii of time it took to hear 
 from our eastern friends. We had a steamer from San Fran- 
 cisco once each month, bringing our mails; sailing vessels 
 came, often bringing freight, passengers and news from San 
 Francisco." A sewing society was soon formed, and at the 
 lirst fair $500.00 was cleared, which sum was used to finish 
 off the second story of the school house and furnish it with 
 seats, two chairs, a table and lamps, that the clergymen of
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 337 
 
 any denomination might hold divine iservieo. The Methodists 
 were the first to build a ehnrch. 
 
 In 1855 my mother visited her relatives in [Massachusetts. 
 She made this trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and 
 returned by the Niearuaga Route, accompanied by her young- 
 est sister, Emma E. Cleale (now Mrs. H. F. Cornwall, of Oak- 
 land, Cal.), and the adopted infant daughter of a sister, who 
 had been called from earth shortly before her arrival at her 
 old home. A diary account (extracts from which are given) 
 of the return trip, plainly shows that more hardships and 
 peril attended this trip than the one "Around the Horn." 
 [Memoranda of voyage from New York to San Francisco, 
 in 1855. (The person alluded to as Gershom was the child's 
 father, who accompanied his sisters-in-law to the Pacific 
 Coast) : 
 
 Memoranda of Voyage from New York to San Francisco in 1855 
 Left the wharf in the good steamship Northern Light, on the 
 evening of September 20th. Emma seasick ; baby worri- 
 some. 
 September 21 — Cloudy, but fine breeze. Baby seasick. Weather 
 
 getting warm as we come south. 
 September 22. — Weather very warm. JMany passengers seasick. 
 September 23 — Sunday — a very fine day. No preaching. Sea- 
 sick passengers getting better. 
 September 24 — A large number of passengers on board, over 
 800, great many on deck now, some watching the water, 
 some the moon, some playing cards, whilst other pass re- 
 marks upon them. Babe asleep. 
 September 25 — Very warm ; passed some of the West Indies 
 
 today. 
 September 26 — Passed the Isle of Cuba this morning and this 
 eve watched the sun sink behind the mountains of Ja- 
 maica — -a very beautiful sight. Babe l)egins to pick up 
 a little. 
 September 28 — Commenced weighing baggage. I had to i^ay 
 
 .$15.65 for two trunks. 
 September 29 — Left the Northern Light at Greytown; 
 went on board a small steamer, E. L. Hunt, and proceeded 
 up the river. Arrived at Castillo Rapids at three a. m. 
 Got breakfast at the National Hotel. Very poor far(^
 
 338 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 From there walked about half a mile and went on board 
 another small steamer and proceeded np the river twelve 
 miles farther, then exchanged for the lake boat, the San 
 Carlos, a new and very comfortable boat. Dropped anchor 
 at Virgin Bay and commenced landing passengers. We 
 went to the National Hotel and got some supper, which 
 our Indians wouldn't eat, and then had to pay $12.50 for 
 one dirty little room, full of spiders and other insects too 
 numerous to mention — tried to clean it out a little — 
 killed about twenty tarantulas and made up some beds on 
 the floor as best we could. 
 
 October 1 — Still at the hotel and likely to be here for some 
 time, as the steamer from San Francisco has not got into 
 San Juan yet. We had to pay $1.00 per meal, which 
 takes off the cash quite fast, but today have got tickets 
 from the company for the whole time Ave may be detained 
 here. Very poor fare ; everything filthy so cannot eat and 
 am obliged to go hungry. 
 
 October 2 — Babe six months old today and has two teeth. 
 Fare rather better today. The men are amusing them- 
 selves outside, getting the natives to run races. 
 
 October 3 — Very warm. At noon heard the joyful news the 
 Cortez had arrived at San Juan. Some of the passengers 
 are coming in now. Presume we will start tomorrow. I 
 fear the dear little babe has the whooping cough. 
 
 October 4 — A great many of our passengers left this morning 
 to cross over to San Juan, and a great many left behind 
 yet. There are not carriages nor mules enough to take 
 them across. One wagon came back and thirteen women 
 and children got in, but had not got out of sight of the 
 house before we were told we must get out and walk, as 
 the mules were so tired they could scarcely drag the 
 wagon. Most all got out and walked but myself. I walked 
 with the babe over very bad places and down hill, but 
 when I thought there was no danger I would sit in the 
 wagon with the child. It was so much easier for the baby. 
 Sometimes it rained and I had to walk with the baby 
 wrapped in heavy shawls to protect it from the rain, and 
 a heavy umbrella besides. I thought the saying a true 
 one that we don't know how much we can endure until
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 339 
 
 we are tried. We travelled till long after dark and I 
 thought we would have to stay out of doors all night, when 
 one gentleman came back with three mules and Emma and 
 another young lady got on and rode off for the half-w^ay 
 house some two or three miles distant. In about another 
 half an hour Greshom and another man came back to see 
 what had become of us and found us in the middle of the 
 road, the mules determined not to go another step. The 
 question was, what was to be done? One thing was cer- 
 tain, we must have some food for the child and shelter. I 
 got on Gershom's mule and he took the child in his arms 
 and we started off for the half-way house. Sometimes I 
 walked and he rode and carried the carpet bag. "We walked 
 this way until we came to the house at 10 o'clock, covered 
 with mud, and so dark we could scarcely see the road. 
 Were very glad to find shelter. The dear little one never 
 cried once all that long afternoon and hard journey. First 
 thing was to get something warm for her and then for 
 ourselves. 
 
 October 5 — Fine morn. All rose in good spirits and had a good 
 breakfast and clean dishes to eat from, a luxury we had 
 not enjoyed for a long time before. Orange, lemon and 
 tamarind trees looked fine in a cultivated state. The 
 wagon just arrived that I left the night before. All that 
 were left w^ere obliged to spend the night in the wagon. 
 They all looked like the last roses of summer. Brought in 
 some fresh mules and we are commencing our journey 
 again. But fresh as our mules might have been we are all 
 obliged to walk over two-thirds of the way into San Juan. 
 We went to the Pacific House. Babe seems quite sick today. 
 Her upper gums are swollen very badly and makes her 
 head very hot. This afternoon I thought she was going 
 into a fit. It frightened me very badly. Called a physician. 
 
 October 6 — Babe has the whooping cough sure enough. We 
 all feel about tired out. The cholera is on board the 
 steamer and we do not feel in any hurry to go on board. 
 Four died before we came here and two today, and it is 
 reported many are sick. Things do not look very favor- 
 able for us. All we can do is put our trust in God. iMany 
 would stay here until the next steamer, wen? things
 
 340 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 pleasant, but the place is full of AYalker's fillibustering 
 party and it is hard to get enough to eat. The Cortez is 
 a very small boat and I cannot think where they can 
 stow so many people. All^the beds we have had to sleep 
 on since we left the Northern Light is a narrow cot, with- 
 out any pillow or clothing except one dirty sheet spread 
 over. Just think, one dollar per night for cot and sheet, 
 and fifty cents for a hammock. One of Walker's men 
 was shot on the beach this morning for stealing cattle. 
 
 October 7 — Two more deaths on board last night. We saw a 
 man and his wife come on shore this morning to bury their 
 child. They dug a hole in the beach and laid the child in 
 and covered it over. About tea time a gun was fired from 
 the Cortez as a signal for us to go on board. Found things 
 very black and dirty. 
 
 October 8 — Proceeded to sea at 2 p. m. Very much crowded, 
 very poor fare and a slow boat. Got our baggage today 
 and arranged our room quite comfortabh'. 
 
 October 9 — Very warm. One of the butchers was kicked over- 
 board by an ox. Stopped steamer and got him safely again. 
 This evening one of the boats got loose and had io stop 
 again to pick it up. Emma seasick. Baby trttublesome 
 and sick. If I had time would be about sick myself. 
 
 October 10 — Baby growing very sick and the weather exceed- 
 ingly hot. Don't make much headway. Crossing the Gulf 
 of Tehauntepec, which makes it very rough and most all 
 seasick. 
 
 October 11. — Warmest weather we have had. One little baby 
 died this morning and I saw it thrown overboar».l without 
 any ceremony at all. It makes me feel very bad. for I am 
 afraid mine will soon have to follow. She seems very 
 low. The doctor says the only chance for her is a good 
 breast of milk. I find one lady on board kind enough to 
 do it — Mrs. Irvine. She has nursed her twice this evening. 
 Poor little thing, she seems so hungry for it. 
 
 October 12 — A little more air today. Babe seems much brighter 
 and has excellent appetite. At 2 p. m. went into Acapulco 
 for provisions and water. It is a very pretty looking 
 place. Would like to go ashore if I could. Babe does
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 341 
 
 not seem so well this eve. Cannot nurse well. ]Mouth is 
 growing sore very fast. 
 
 October 13 — Babe very low. I don't think she can possibly live 
 through the day. We have, done everything mortals can 
 do for her. The doctor comes to see her every half hour 
 and all the officers are exceedingly kind. The engineer 
 has offered me the use of his room on the upper deck 
 where we can have better air and be more by ourselves. 
 At five o'clock babe seemed to see the spirit of her angel 
 mother awaiting to receive her. She sweetly smiled, the 
 most Heavenly smile that mortal ever put on, and then 
 her Spirit fled to Him that gave it. She has gone to her 
 own dear mother and her Maker. IMay the Lord's will be 
 done is my prayer. I\Irs. Irvine dressed our little pet for 
 the burial and a sweeter corpse never was seen. The 
 dear little hand, so beautiful in life, is beautiful still, and 
 that sweet smile lingers about the lovely face. At 7 
 o'clock she was taken on deck and Mr. Smith, the Purser, 
 read the funeral service. The Captain, himself, held the 
 lifeless form and consigned it to the deep. It is the first 
 ceremony that has been said over anyone on board this 
 ship and I feel truly thankful for the respect shown our 
 feelings. I know no difference in my feelings than if I 
 had given life to the child. 
 
 October 14. — Very warm. The fourth Sunday since we left 
 New York, One man buried this morning. I am very 
 lonely and cannot tell what to do with myself. 
 
 October 18 — Fine day. One woman died, a steerage passenger, 
 
 October 18 — Spoke a whale ship today and laid by three hours 
 to get some water and provisions as we were very short. 
 One man died in the steerage. The poor wife is nearly 
 crazy. She has lost two children and her husband on this 
 trip. 
 
 October 18 — Quite cool. Young girl — steerage passenger — died 
 in the night. 
 
 October 19 — Weather very cold, 
 
 October 20 — Hope to get in tomorrow for we are very short of 
 everything — have to wash in salt water. 
 
 October 21 — This Sunday morning in sight of the entrance to
 
 342 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 San Francisco Harbor. All on board seemed so glad to 
 
 get in. 
 
 When my mother arrived in San Francisco in October, 
 1S55, she found letters from her hnsband, requesting her to 
 remain there until the Indian war was over. In 1856 the do- 
 mestic and social life of the pioneer settlement was resumed 
 and she worked with unflagging zeal for state and school and 
 church, wherever Avoman's aid was needed, that the coming- 
 generation might find a foundation worthy of the superstruc- 
 ture which she firmly believed they v>^ould erect. Her faith, 
 pride and interest in the State of Washington, and all that 
 pertained to its welfare and advancement, remained with her 
 to the closing moments of life. 
 
 My father took charge of the Kendall Company's afiPairs, 
 Avhich were so extensive and varied, that he was able to em- 
 ploy many who arrived with their fortunes sadly depleted, 
 and, for a span of years, this western part of the state was 
 largely peopled by settlers Avho to the present day take pleas- 
 ure in reminding members of the family that "Your father 
 gave me my first work." Mr. Percival afterAvards bought 
 the property on the corner of Main and Second streets from 
 the Kendall Companj^, where he carried on business until 1876, 
 when the partnership of T. N. Ford & Company was formed. 
 Prior to entering the mercantile business he built and operated 
 a saAv mill, which was located at the mouth of Percival Creek. 
 He also built the dock for the accommodation of the first 
 steamers running to Olympia. 
 
 In the early years of business life, I am confident that he 
 never failed to extend a helping hand to his less fortunate 
 fellow man. A man of quiet tastes, loyal to his state, town, 
 church and lodge, ever foremost in any movement for the de- 
 velopment and advancement of the state, the future of which 
 he saw with the eyes of faith, desiring no political preferment, 
 he filled positions of trust, was custodian of moneys and valu- 
 ables, and in the large warehouse, corner of Second and Colum- 
 bia streets, built July, 1857, now owned by ]\[r. W. J. Foster and 
 IMr. S. M. Percival, (and I will state in passing that vessels lay 
 alongside and discharged directly into the Columbia street 
 doors of this warehouse) he housed property of the Territory 
 as Vv'ell as of individuals ; he shirked no duty, evaded no re-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 343 
 
 spansibility, was free from prejudice and lived and died true 
 to the religious and political convictions he had espoused in 
 youth. Notably among the many services rendered to the 
 Territory by him in those early days was a trip to California 
 to get supplies to carry on the Indian war of 1855 and 56. 
 Many sections of the country' were impoverished at that time, 
 and our military operations were liable to failure for want 
 of supplies. Conditions became so grave that Governor Isaac 
 I. Stevens called Captain Percival to his assistance and com- 
 missioned him to go to San Francisco and arrange with the 
 merchants there to furnish the Territory with the needed sup- 
 plies and for this purpose Captain Percival was authorized to 
 charter vessels to bring the supplies to Puget Sound, which 
 was done. 
 
 Soon after the Indian v^ar, while on Squaxon Island over- 
 seeing a crew of men, who were cutting piles for the build- 
 ing of the sea-wall of San Francisco, my father was struck by 
 the top of a tree, which was broken off by the descent of the 
 tree that had just been felled ; he was bruised and scratched 
 and his leg was broken. Late in the afternoon of the next 
 day m}^ mother was startled by a roll of blankets being hurled 
 into the middle of the room, and saw an Indian standing in 
 the open doorway. Recognizing the blankets, she asked, 
 "Where is the Captain?" The Indian drew up his leg and 
 passed his finger across it ; my mother rushed to the door in 
 time to receive Mr. J. R. and John Wood carrying my father 
 on a blanket ; these neighbors were engaged in shingling the 
 roof of the brewery which for many years stood on the corner 
 of Fifth and Columbia streets, and from that height they 
 could look down into the canoe as it was drawn up on the 
 beach and discover the form of a man lying in it. He had 
 been brought home by two Indians who had paddled the en- 
 tire waj^ without taking rest. 
 
 This was the best that could have been done, for the only 
 way of getting from place to place was by canoe or rowboat. 
 My father's foot was turned around, and the limb and foot 
 so badly swollen that the toes were not visible, five indenta- 
 tions marking the place where they should be. My mother and 
 the friends used their best judgment in setting the limb, and 
 some one, (I regret that the name has escaped me), went on
 
 344 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 horseback to the military post at Steilaeoom, to ask aid of the 
 surgeon. Army regulations prevented him from leaving the 
 post although he could, and did, attend anyone who could 
 come to him; he gave the messenger such advice and direc- 
 tions as it was possible for him to do. The Rev. Mr. Close 
 had brought from his eastern home a quart bottle of home- 
 made hartshorn liniment, which he hastened to bring to my 
 mother, this and embrocations of salt and -water, were used to 
 reduce the swelling and my father made a quick recovery — 
 he was about on crutches in three weeks' time. His limb was 
 perfectly united, he could leap, run and dance as well as ever 
 and his rapid Avalk and active movements were not altered in 
 the least. My father's fine constitution, good habits of life, 
 heroic courage, the wholesome living in the open air con- 
 tributed to his restoration. 
 
 This story is not given as an isolated case, but as an 
 example of what splendid heights the pioneer woman rose to, 
 when occasion demanded it. I could cite instances where 
 small women far removed from aid dragged and lifted heavy 
 men, who had received injuries, to a place of safety, and cared 
 for their wounds alone. To the woman of today, surrounded 
 by antiseptics, and the wonderful appliances of modern sur- 
 gery, relieved from the suspense of watching for "proud flesh" 
 to appear in the wound, with physicians and trained nurses 
 ready to respond to a call, this experience, which my mother 
 passed through, will appeal (it has seemed to me) more than 
 any other I can give. 
 
 In March my mother, with my brothers S. M. and J. C. 
 and myself, visited the relatives in Massachusetts. We went 
 and returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama from San 
 Francisco, having reached that city by sailing vessel, and the 
 memory of that trip is a joy to me still. The steamers were 
 ])alatial, for the times, (we were in« advance of the railroad) 
 the service above criticism ; twice a week concerts were given 
 on deck by the dining saloon waiters (who were colored men) 
 imports and entertaining features were arranged by the ship's 
 officers, for no one retired until midnight, on account of the 
 heat. I was in my twelfth year, but a pioneer child was much 
 older in the capacity of receiving impressions and appreciat- 
 ing opportunities, than a child of the same age today, and
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 345 
 
 the matchless beauty of the phc-phoreseent ocean, the South- 
 ern constellations, the gracefulness of the natives on the Isth- 
 mus, the water sports and diving of the natives for coins at 
 Manzanillo, where we made a stop, have been a vivid life-time 
 pleasure and were as thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated as 
 they could be today. My father joined us in the Summer 
 (leaving his large business in the hands of his confidential 
 young bookkeeper, Mr. A, A. Phillips), and we all returned in 
 November, accompanied by three sisters, the Misses Cushman. 
 "We children were made happy by the gift of a fine piano, 
 which father had purchased in Boston, and which had to be 
 shipped "around the Horn." 
 
 Xo piano ever contributed more to the pleasure of the 
 family and the neighborly children than that one. The first 
 brass band, Mr. S. C. Woodruff, leader, organized and prac- 
 ticed three times a M^eek in the kitchen of our home, after the 
 Chinese servant had finished his after-dinner work and joined 
 his brethren at the "Wash House," which was the Chinatown 
 of that day. The boys had received instructions on their 
 various "horns" from Dr. Eggers, a German scholar and 
 musician, a member of the House of Hanover, who lived alone 
 in a small house, and cultivated the entire block on which the 
 Y. M. C. A. building now stands. He had a beautiful orchard 
 and raised small fruits. 
 
 My youngest brother, Horace, born September, 1870. 
 would be put to bed, in an adjoining room and sleep calmly 
 Through the evening's practice. 
 
 ^ly brother, John, gave me instruction on an alto horn, and 
 we formed an "orchestra" with S. C. AVoodruff Eb cornet, 
 J. C. Percival Bb cornet, myself Bb alto, S. JM. Pericval, 
 tuba and Stella Galliher, my girl friend, who possessed extra- 
 ordinary musical talent, at the piano. We worked indefatigably, 
 were very ambitious, and rendered selections from "Faust" 
 and from operas to an appreciative audience made up of 
 mother and baby, and Avhatever girls and boys happened to 
 come in, among this number ]\Ir. Samual L. Crawford of Seattle 
 was usually to l)e found. The concerts began at an early hour 
 and the masterpieces Avere reserved until the "audience" had 
 put the bal)y to ])ed. No valuable time was lost, however, for 
 it was the invai-iable custom to <')n])li)y tli(> iiitci-missiou in
 
 346 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 refreshing' ourselves from the pantry. On other evenings 
 we had "candy puUings, " making molasses candy or white 
 taffy, the boys gave minstrel performances, and we frequently 
 arranged tableaux and charades, one of the favorite tableaux 
 being the "Presentation of the Jewels from Rebecca to 
 Rowena," and always concluding v/ith some girl imperson- 
 ating the ' ' Goddess of Liberty. ' ' In this tableaux Ada Wood- 
 ruff, a clever actress, was especially fine. I think we would 
 have considered ourselves disloyal if we had omitted that one. 
 Either Miss Galliher or my brother, John, furnished appro- 
 priate music on all occasions. Whatever had been used was 
 put away when Ave finished. There was no confusion or "upset 
 house" the next morning. Something of this sort was carried 
 on in any home where there were children, perhaps oftener 
 in our own on account of the piano, although ours was not 
 the first one in town. 
 
 Our mothers, in addition to making all of our clothes, 
 (ready-made clothing was not dreamed of then, and boys 
 wore daintily made clothes as well as girls; my brother's 
 "best" shirts were made with rows of hand-made fagoting 
 between each tuck) lent a willing hand in the fashioning of 
 costumes, boating suits, etc., but we were expected to carrA 
 out our plans for amusement ourselves, and we were a happy, 
 contented group, working with painstaking diligence, out 
 of school hours, and when the "chores" were attended to^ 
 perfecting our plans, for the standard was high, and no slip- 
 shod work was recognized. 
 
 Almost every family employed a Chinaman, three inviting 
 substantial meals were well served daily, the cake and cookie 
 boxes, the doughnut jar, were never allowed to bcome empty, 
 that these staples might always be at hand to "pass around" 
 in the evening, or to assist a neighbor in case of need. We did 
 not lack for delicacies, or "frilly" things upon occasion, for 
 all the Avomen of that day were able to achieve wonderful 
 results in cookery that would grace the most elaborate func- 
 tion today. This, I think, explains the leisure the women of 
 that day enjoyed, they did not allow themselves to "get 
 behind.'"' 
 
 During the summer the evenings were spent on the water, 
 AVords fail me to describe the beauty of this bay, as I know it,
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 347 
 
 entirely free from piles or obstrnetion, spanned by the bridge 
 from Fonrtli Street to West Olympia, with a pebbly beaeh 
 wherever one might ehoose to land ; and it was an enrapturing 
 sight on a summer's evening, dotted with boats from the 
 landing to the falls at Tumwater, with sailboats in the distance 
 with one of our gorgeous sunsets easting a glow over the water, 
 and the sound of music greeting the ear. The boat house and 
 float was located at the west end of First Street and owned 
 by my uncle, Mr. J. H. Cleale. There were boats of all sizes 
 from ver.y large sailboats with a seating capacity of about 
 twenty-five, to two of the daintiest racing shells, thirty feet 
 in length I have ever seen. The boats were the Whitehall 
 pattern, built by my uncle, and most beautifully kept. He 
 equipped a small scow with music racks, lighted it with torches, 
 for the use of the band. Two boats were reserved, one for 
 a girls boat club (Annie Stevens, Jessie Lowe, Belle Evans, 
 Fanny Steele, Lizzie Ferry), and one for boys (James Ferry, 
 S. M. Percival, S. C. Woodruff, Frank Treen. J. C. Percival). 
 Immediately after dinner young and old strolled down to the 
 landing and embarked. Many families owned a boat and it 
 was the custom for the entire family to go out for a ''row on 
 the bay"; the rowing was often drifting, the boats keeping 
 near each other, while Ave sang, or some one recited, as the 
 spirit moved us, for we sang whenever we got together, on 
 the water, aronnd a camp fire, or in a home. There was no 
 "younger set", we enjoyed our elders and they enjoyed us. 
 We felt no restraint in their presence and were all happy 
 together. So united were we that it was cpiite the usual cus- 
 tom for a youth of eighteen or twenty years to follow men 
 like Governor Ferry or Elwood Evans in contributing to the 
 pleasure of the evening, and he did it (if called upon) without 
 diffidence or hesitation, merely a conscientious desire to "do 
 his part." Illustrative of the capability of the young "to carry 
 the thing through," for some reason, one year there were no 
 preparations made for the celebration of the Fourth of July. 
 The Band boys set to work, raised the money, almost $1000, 
 and the result was a day's program, commencing at 9 a. m. 
 which "went off" without a hitch or any delay, and which 
 entertained and amused the citizens (iF tlu' town and all tlic 
 surrounding country. In the "C^ilaMinnii)ian Pai'adc," .Mr.
 
 348 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Woodruff as the "Goddess of Liberty" on a pretentious float, 
 was resplendent in a blonde wig made from large hawser 
 rope; the other details of his costume were as original as the 
 wig. (No one was improvident, costumes and trappings were 
 always carefully "put away for the next time.") 
 
 Charles B. Hopkins, grandson of the late Col. E. D. Baker, 
 was (if I mistake not) Marshall of the Day. The usual exer- 
 cises took place on the Public Square, the Rev. Mr. Utter, 
 Chaplain. Every other position throughout the day was filled 
 by boys, the eldest of whom could not have been over eighteen 
 years of age. S. C. Percival read the "Declaration" and was 
 coached in his rendition by the Hon. Elwood Evans. S. C. 
 AVoodrutf, a humorist of no mean order, was Orator of the Day. 
 He advanced to the Speaker's stand, with an armful of 
 shingles, upon which his "oration" Avas written. As he 
 Avarmed to his subject he Avould absent-mindedly (?) bring 
 a shingle down npon the table, Avith such emphasis, that it 
 Avas splintered and Avhen he concluded, he stood ankle-deep 
 in kindling Avood ; the expression of astonishment and dismay 
 Avhich overspread his face Avhenever this happened was worthy 
 of the "Inimitable Woodruff", as he was called in after 
 years. Lest some captious person might imagine that he had 
 been disrespectful to the great and glorious day, AA'hen the 
 laughter and applause had died aAvay, ]\Ir. Woodruff drcAv a 
 neat manuscript from his pocket, and, AAath great dignity, 
 deli\"ered a short but Avell Avritten address. (In late years 
 Mr. Woodruff has found a field for his talent as leader and 
 organizer and has succeeded in training and developing the 
 poor deficient little ones, Avhom he has in his care, as no one 
 else has been able to do. For several years programs have 
 been received of the Christmas Aveek Cantatas and plays 
 — usually three days — in AA'hich the children at the School for 
 Defective Youth, of AA^hich Mr. Woodruff is Superintendent, 
 have taken part). A ''Glee Club" of boys assisted, the water 
 sports and boat races Avere A^ery interesting, performed as they 
 AA'ere by boys AAdio had spent a large portion of their lives 
 in and on Budd's Inlet. I do not Avish to give the impression 
 that our elders had no festivities except those they shared Avith 
 the young. The "Merry Bachelors" Club was in existence 
 tor several years, and their Avinter club dances Avere \ery
 
 PfOXEER REMINISCENCES 349 
 
 cnjoyaljle. ehnmiing evening parties were given in private 
 homes, delightful evening receptions were given by Colonel 
 and Mrs. Koss, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and at New 
 Year's and other appropriate days it was the custom to give 
 H large ball. 
 
 S. M. Pereival (also his brother. John), having attended 
 the California Military Academy, in Oakland, Cal., and knov\-- 
 ing the salutary effect of military training, organized July IS. 
 1884, the Washington Cadets, a company of boys who were 
 not old enough to join the Territorial Militia, and the upper 
 floor of the old warehouse, previously mentioned, was used 
 as an Armory and drill room. A press notice says, "To be 
 a successful leader and instructor of boys is a natural talent 
 v,-hich is given to very few, and recognizing this fact, and the 
 importance of the service done the boys of the city by Captain 
 Pereival. certain of his friends conceived the idea of present- 
 ing him some testimonial of their appreciation of his efforts." 
 On the afternoon of September 24, 1885: "The Capitol Guard, 
 Capt. J. C. Ten Eyck, escorted the Washington Cadets to the 
 Public Scjuare, where the Olympia Cornet Band and a large 
 audience were in waiting. Gov. Watson C. Squire, who had 
 made a special trip from Seattle to be present, attended by 
 Hon. T. ]M. Reed and Major J. R. Hayden, approached the 
 line, and with fitting remarks presented Captain Pereival, 
 on behalf of the friends of the Company, with a beautiful 
 sword and belt." 
 
 The proficiency of the Cadets was such that the Governor 
 said that he thought the Washington Cadets to be the l)est 
 drilled company in the Territory. The same press notice says 
 further "on all occasions when a public escort has been re- 
 (juired, the Washington Cadets have been ready and willing 
 to turn out, and have added very much to the public parades 
 Avhich have taken place this summer. Especially did the 
 Cadets show to advantage on the occasion of the Territorial 
 IMuster in this city, when they spent two days in Camp with 
 the ^lilitia, and by their courteous demeanor and soldierly 
 bearing, they won the respect of the whole Camp." 
 
 On another occasion a Cadets Ball was given and the 
 newspaper of that date records, "At this time the Cadets under 
 command of Capt. S. iM. Pereival, First Lieut. Fred Smith,
 
 350 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Second Lieut. Bates Cavanaug-'.i, marched into the hall with 
 that precision of movement which s;) marks their .drill. Here- 
 upon Miss Janet Moore appeared upon the stage, and with 
 an appropriate address presented to the Cadets a banner, 
 which the ladies of Olympia had purchased for them. The 
 banner is four by six, a solid piece of blue silk. On each side 
 there is painted in artistic style, the Coat of Arras of the 
 Territory with its legend 'Al-ki' — after a little while. There 
 is also painted upon each side the words 'Washington Cadets'. 
 It is a beautiful banner, the finest of its kind in the Territory. 
 The roster of the Company is as follows: Harry Cowles, Geo. 
 Libby, Horace Percival, W. J. Fo.ster, Harry Crosby, Wood 
 Doane, Nathan Wolf, Charles Leighton, James Hayden, Eltney 
 Van Epps, Bate-, Cavanaugh, R3bt. Blankenship, Fred Smith, 
 Frank Carroll, Willie Young, David Baker, Geo. Doane, Win- 
 lock Miller, Arlie Van Epps, Van Woodard, Walter Smith, 
 Dave Williams, Pendleton ]\Iiller, Henry Kuykendall, Willie 
 Page, Oscar Craig, Geo. Buchanan, Frank IMurphy." 
 
 xVs I have stated, in the early settlement of the Territory, 
 the only way of traveling was by canoe or rowboat on the 
 water, and on horseback follovving the "blazed" trail on land. 
 Later the trail was widened to a road, but even then a winter 
 trip from Puget Sound to the Columbia Eiver was often a 
 thrilling experience. In the summer and as many of the winter 
 months as possible, the conveyance was the picturesque stage 
 coach of story and theater renown — but usually for a longer 
 or shorter period in the winter the road became so nearly 
 impassable that the vehicle known to early settlers as a "dead 
 axe" wagon was used. For small parties, or when the booking 
 over-ran the seating capacity of the regular stage, an "extra" 
 was put on. This was a miniature stage coach which accom- 
 modated but six inside passengers and one outside with the 
 driver — and a small "boot" not sufficient for large trunks, 
 which either followed or preceded the "extra." An important 
 feature of the luggage of those days was the large, well filled 
 lunch baskets, for there was a delightful sense of uncertainty 
 aljout reaching the regular stations. As no gTiest or member 
 of a family ever set out upon a journey without partaking of 
 a hot substantial breakfast, served not later than 3:30 o'clock 
 ;i. m., housekeepers will appreciate what the matrons of that
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 351 
 
 day dill, in a social way, in "speeding the parting guest." 
 The expenses of the trip were from $20 to $25 — $15 for the 
 stage ride with meals and steamer ticket extra. 
 
 In February, 1871, a party composed of Lizzie P. Ferry 
 (Mrs. John Leary), Belle T. Evans (Mrs. Samuel Wilkeson). 
 Fanny 0. Steele' (Mrs. E. G. O'Brien), Stella Galliher and 
 myself, escorted by my father, left Olympia in an ''extra" at 
 4 o'clock— the regular hour for the departure of the stage. ]My 
 father was enroute to San Francisco, and the girls, traveling 
 in his care, were on their way to enter the Easter term at 
 St. Helen's Hall, which had been founded in 1869 at Port- 
 land, Ore. The parents of these girls had welcomed the oppor- 
 tunity of giving such superior educational advantages to their 
 daughters, and I wish it were in my power to properly express 
 what the establishment of St. Helen's Hall at that early day, 
 meant to the girls of the entire Northw^est. That I could pay 
 a proper tribute to the character of Mary B. Rodney, for 
 twenty years principal of the school. A woman descended 
 from a titled family in England, and from Caesar Rodney, 
 signer of the "Declaration of Independence," of rare schol- 
 astic attainments, of cultured mind and lofty purpose, she 
 left an ineffaceable stamp upon a generation of women. 
 
 On the first day of our journey the breakfast and dinner 
 stations Avere reached without mishap ; at the noon stopping 
 place we found Mr. R. G. O'Brien, who w^as Deputy Collector 
 of Internal Revenue. He was making the trip on horseback 
 and joined our party. About the middle of the afternoon, in 
 going over a piece of "corduroy" and "chuck holes" we 
 suddenly came to an abrupt standstill with a broken axle. 
 By the time a small fir tree had been felled and lashed in place, 
 the daylight was fast waning, and we were unable to reach 
 IMcDonald's, where we had intended to pass the night. We 
 vrere hospitably cared for by a Frenchman named Bernier. 
 The family spoke English very imperfectly, and doubtless 
 were severely taxed to provide accommodation for a party of 
 eight on short notice. !Mr. O'Brien, ]\Ir. Percival and the 
 driver were disposed of in the attic. The Bernier family oc- 
 cupied the floor of the living room, and the "best room" where 
 the "Lares and Penates" of the household were carefully 
 kept, was given to tlic girls. The second day on arriving at
 
 'M'2 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Pumphreys' (Olequa) Ave found Colonel Pardee, Chief Clerk 
 to Colonel Ross. He also joined the party and we embarked 
 shortly after noon in a small canoe. (I regret that I can not 
 give the dimensions, but I have a distinct recollection that we 
 were packed in.) Eight persons with a corresponding number 
 of umbrellas and band-bags, as the receptacle then used was 
 called, five lunch baskets, besides the Indian who sat at the 
 rear end and guided the canoe, made up the cargo and pas- 
 senger list on the voyage. All sat ''tailor fashion" and thus 
 vro. "shot the rapids" on the Cowlitz Fiver, arriving about 
 dusk at Freeport, where we made the acquaintance of Dr. N. 
 Ostrander and bis family. We were lifted out of the canoe 
 so wet and bedraggled, that we must have presented a forlorn 
 ^ippearance. (It was never possible to raise an umbrella, as 
 it was necessary for the Indian to keep his gaze constantly 
 fixed on the bow of the canoe.) Never shall I forget the 
 hearty welcome given us, the kindly attention lavished on 
 us by Dr. Ostrander 's daughters, never will the remembrance 
 fade of the sense of peace and satisfaction produced by the 
 cheer and comfort of that well ordered home. 
 
 After a refreshing night's sleep we left Freeport about 
 noon on the "Wenat", which was the smallest and dirtiest 
 sternwheel steamer I have ever seen. At IMonticello we trans- 
 ferred to the sternwheel steamer ''Fanny Troupe" reaching 
 our destination, St. Helen's Hall, at 9 o'clock on the evening 
 of the third day from home, where we were greeted by our 
 townswoman, ]\Iiss Lydia II. Blackler, who was a teacher of 
 literature, languages, and higher mathematics in the school. 
 The return trip in the latter part of June was quite a different 
 matter, and was made in two days and one night. The con- 
 dition of the road at that season of the year permitted staging 
 '"over the mountains" as far as ''Huntingtons" (IMonticello), 
 and the big stage coach made the entire trip. The choice 
 seats were those outside and above the driver's seat and were 
 always the first to be booked. The effect of the light and 
 shade in the "forest primeval" produced by the lengthening 
 twilight and rising moon on those rides of a summer evening, 
 Avhich were extended to midnight, if the distance to the next 
 balf-Wfiy house demanded it, made a panorama that could
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 353 
 
 scarcely fail to arouse a sense of the artistic, however dormant 
 it might be. 
 
 In January, 1872, I was stricken with illness and my 
 mother deemed it best to come to my bedside. She gave my 
 oldest brother a vacation from school, and entrusted my baby 
 l)rother to his care. A neighbor kindly came each morning 
 to bathe and dress the baby, and the care of the child during 
 the day devolved upon "Sam", who was perfectly competent 
 to put him to bed. For three and one-half weeks, he was 
 faithful to his trust, and my mother's confidence was not mis- 
 placed. He taught the baby to walk by the original method 
 of lying flat on his back with my father's cane extended at 
 full length to the end of which my brother Horace clung, go- 
 ing round and round in a circle. His boy friends, with the 
 helpfulness which characterized pioneer life, played in the 
 street in front of the sitting-room windows, that he might 
 not be entirely left out of their sports. On her return he 
 proudly delivered his charge to my mother without a "bump" 
 or a scratch to report. 
 
 Cold had set in, and roads were nothing but frozen "hum- 
 mocks" and deep mud holes coated with ice. However, the 
 stage set out with several passengers. Mr. George Coggan, 
 the U. S. mail contractor, rode a horse belonging to his wife. 
 The horse was a beautiful glossy black creature, but hard 
 even when the road was favorable. At the breakfast station 
 the stage had to be abandoned and the passengers were obliged 
 to mount the horses. I\Iy mother was first placed on one of 
 the stage horses enveloped in a blanket which was securely 
 pinned to protect her from the bitter cold. After a time the 
 jarring caused by the heavy horse breaking the thin ice and 
 ])lunging violently into the deep holes, became so fatiguing 
 that she was changed to Mrs. Coggan 's horse, which she rode 
 the rest of the way. The going was so slow and laborious that 
 it was exceedingly trying to the nerves of one who was con- 
 sumed with anxiety. When a stretch of road was reached 
 which appeared to be a little smoother, mother, being in the 
 lead, attempted to go a little faster. This effort came to 
 naught, however, for Mr. Coggan soon espied her and shouted
 
 354 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 at the top of his voice, "For God's sake. ]Mrs. Pereival, do not 
 let that horse trot on this ground, he will kill you." 
 
 The night was spent at ^McDonald's. Pumphrey's was 
 reached the next day and from there she took a canoe to 
 Monticello. From Monticello a steamer was taken to Port- 
 land, and in this way my mother accomplished what any 
 anxious mother would do today in six hours. My mother 
 decided to bring me back home for a time to recruit ray 
 strength. "We left Portland on the California, making month- 
 ly or semi-monthly trips to the Sound b}'- way of Victoria, and 
 we were detained for five days "bar bound" at Astoria; the 
 Captain each day running down to the Columbia River bar 
 but owing to a storm raging outside, would be unable to cross 
 out and would be compelled to return to Astoria. During 
 these five days my life-long friend, Helen F. Parker, (Mrs. 
 Herbert ^IcMicken), ministered to me devotedly. (Captain 
 Parker, with his family, w^as returning to Olympia after a 
 few years' residence in Portland). One of the kindly duties 
 she imposed upon herself was to bring me fresh water to 
 drink from a spring she had found on shore. Not content 
 with describing the beauty of the spring to me, she one day 
 came bearing a short, broad board with a replica of the spring 
 made with earth, twigs and ferns, the spring represented by a 
 tiny tin cup she had bought for the purpose. Then, as now, 
 she could find "Sermons in stones; lessons in running brooks, 
 and good in everything." 
 
 These incidents are not cited because they were excep- 
 tional ones, but they are what might reasonably be expected 
 to occur on any winter trip to reach the Columbia River. Now 
 and then, alas I some traveller did not reach his journey's 
 end — an over-turned canoe — a plunge over a precipice — but— 
 these accidents were rare. 
 
 The wonderful skill and dexterity exercised by the In- 
 dians who guided and controlled the canoes in that whirling, 
 eddying river, was almost marvelous in its way; something 
 we shall not see again. The almost human intelligence of the 
 stage horses — the thrill and quick response to the command 
 of the driver, in a moment of danger — aroused a feeling in 
 the human heart akin to respect for such noble animals. 
 
 The Portland Oregonian has lately said: "There is not 
 much that savors of romance in the rapid life we now lead.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 355 
 
 "All of the fine veneering of modern civilization has 
 failed to restore the wild beauty of the original social struc- 
 ture of the State. 
 
 "^Modern civilization and its attendant comfort and 
 luxuries which came with the railroad, are fully appreciated, 
 and none of us, perhaps, wish to return to the old days." 
 
 But we "old settlers" are fortunate in the possession 
 of experiences and memories which we would not surrender, 
 and which cannot be wrested from us. A positive knowledge 
 of that era of brotherly love and universal inclination to 
 help each other; and we experience a shock and sense of loss 
 when we hear of the passing of those friends of former days. 
 
 THE SETTLEMENT OF HAWK'S PRAIRIE 
 
 y\\\ George H. Himes, Secretary of the Oregon Historical 
 Society, has contributed the following interesting reminis- 
 cences : 
 
 "The first family to settle on what is noAV eonnnonly 
 knoAvn as Hawk's Prairie, although erroneously so, was Free- 
 man W. Tyrrell, who, in 1851, came with his wife and six 
 step children to take up a donation claim of G-IO acres oji llic 
 southeastern portion of this prairie. The names of the step 
 children were Levi, Jonathan Davis, Mary, Rebecca Jane and 
 William T. Prince. Two bo^'s were born to them a few years 
 later — Judson and Squire. The family remained on this place 
 until late in the '60s, wlicn it vemnvcd to the Lincoln Creek 
 settlement. AH the family are now dead except ^Irs. Layton 
 and William. 
 
 "The next settlers upon Txrell's (Hawk's) Prairie Avere as 
 follows: Elijah Tyrrell, in the edge of the timber at the ex- 
 ti-eme northern end of the prairie; 'Mr. Klady and his son 
 William, on a i)lace west of the Freeman W. TyiTell ])la<'e.
 
 356 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 bordering tlie eastern shore of Long Lake, a little way south 
 of the present Union Mills; David Phillips, the grandfather 
 of Mrs. 11. B. IIcElroy. of Olympia, northeast of the Klady 
 claim ; Henry Fowler, in the extreme western edge of the 
 prairie, which would be just north of Union Mills — all taking 
 their claims late in 1851 or in the fall of 1852. In the latter 
 part of October, 1853, my father, Tyrus Himes, bought the 
 improvements of Fowler for fifty dollars, settled upon that 
 place November 9th following, and spent the last twenty-five 
 years of his life there, and thus became the second permanent 
 settler upon that prairie. The original claim was 320 acres, 
 and the larger portion of it is now owned by David Fleetwood. 
 
 "Early in November, 1853, C. B. Baker bought the im- 
 .provements on the David Phillips claim, and with his family 
 of a wife and three children — James E., John W., and Leander 
 M. — Stayed there until the spring of 1854, when he and his 
 family removed to Grand i\Iound Prairie and secured a claim 
 on Scatter Creek, a short distance west of Kochester. The 
 surviving members of the Baker family — John W. and Leander 
 H. — are now residents of Portland, Oregon, the latter a suc- 
 cessful teacher in the public schools. 
 
 "The third family to settle on Tyrell (Hawk's) Prairie was 
 that of John AV. Hawk. He came from Indiana to Oregon 
 across the plains in 1852, first settling in Portland. His w^ife 
 died in December of that year, leaving six children, all boys, 
 as folloAvs : Albert, Wilson, William, Frank, Samuel and IMel- 
 vin. These children were provided with homes among other 
 pioneer families until the summer of 1855, when Mr. Hawk 
 was married to Mrs. Sarah Stephens Hawks, whose husband 
 was drowned near Astoria, February 24, 1854. Soon after 
 their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Haw^ks removed to Olympia, and 
 in August, 1855, moved to Tyrrell Prairie, locating on the next 
 claim east of the Himes (now Fleetwood) place, and gathered 
 his children together. 
 
 "Tyrus Himes was born at Troy, Bradford County, Penn- 
 sylvania, April 14, 1818, and while living in what w^as then 
 the frontier, and lacking educational advantages was a man 
 of marked intelligence and ability and was well known among 
 his associates as an exceedingly well posted man regarding 
 current events, particularly respecting all phases of farm life. 
 He became a warm friend of Owen Bush who told me in later
 
 TYRUS HIMES 
 
 MRS. EMILINE HIMES 
 
 GEORGE II. HIMES
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 357 
 
 years that whatever lie had accomplished in an agricultural 
 line — and he has Avon several gold medals for his exhibits — 
 he owed in a great measure to father's advise and instruc- 
 tions. 
 
 "On ^lay 1, 1843, Mr. Himes was married to Emiline 
 Holcombe. She was also a native of Bradford County, Penn- 
 slyvania, born December 28, 1821, her parents removing 
 thither in 1796 from Connecticut. Her earliest ancestors came 
 to Massachusetts from Devonshire, England, in 1630. 
 
 "In the spring of 1853 Mr. and Mrs. Himes with their 
 family of four children, George H, Helen Z.j Judson W. and 
 Lestina Z., and four other persons, Joel Risdon and his son, 
 Henry, a youth of tw^elve years, Charles R. Fitch and Fred- 
 erick Burnett, and the additional family of John Dodge, wife 
 and five children, Robert Bruce, Francis Marion, Daniel, 
 Samuel Ives and Desdemona, started across the plains to 
 Oregon. The two families separated at the immigrant camp 
 ground on the Umatilla River, the Dodge family going to 
 Marion County, Willamette Valley, and the Himes family and 
 the four persons mentioned went to Puget Sound, via Xatche?. 
 Pass, 25 miles north of ]\It. Rainier, in company with a number 
 of other families and single men, the total number being 170 — 
 the first direct immigration to the Puget Sound basin. Late 
 in 1853 Robert Bruce Dodge left the Willamette Valley and 
 settled on Mima Prairie ; his parents and the remainder of the 
 family soon followed him and settled in the same locality. 
 
 "In October. 1854, Mr. Himes, associated with Joseph 
 Benson Roberts, a well-to-do logger, established the first boot 
 and shoe shop in Olympia — the first in the State of Wash- 
 ington. During the winter of 1854-55, William Wright, a 
 saddle and harness-maker, established himself in Olympia — 
 the first in that line in Washington. Mr. Himes followed boot 
 and shoe-making until 1866, when he retired to his farm for 
 the remainder of his life, his death occuri'ing on April 22, 1879. 
 In 1884 the widow sold the farm to the ])resent owner and 
 removed to Elma, Chehalis County, aiul sj)ent the remainder 
 of her life, her death occurring on October 29, 1898. 
 
 "George H. Himes was born in Pennsylvania, ]\Iay 18, 
 1844. Prior to crossing the plains IVoiii Illinois to Puget Sound 
 in 1853, he went to school fifteen months. In Thurston Coun- 
 t}^ he went to school three months a year from 1854 to 1859.
 
 ;',58 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 On June 10, 1861, he began typesetting on the Washington 
 Standard, Olympia, for Mr. John ^liller IMurphy, and worked 
 in his office most of the time until ^larch 10, 186-1, when he 
 went to Portland, the trip at that time requiring three days. 
 On March 13th, he began setting type on the Oregonian, and 
 remained in that office until June 3, 1865. A few weeks later 
 he began working in a job printing office, and on October 5, 
 1868, went into business for himself, and carried on the job 
 printing business until January 3, 1899, when he was asked 
 by the Board of Directors of the Oregon Historical Society, 
 organized on December 37, 1898, to become the assistant, or 
 Field Secretary. In June, 1886, ]\lr. Himes Avas elected Secre- 
 tary of the Oregon Pioneer Association, and has held that 
 position without interruption up to the present time. The 
 acquaintance thus gained has given him a great opportunity' 
 to gather an unusually large fund of information about the 
 early pioneers of the Pacific Northwest, and this he has sought 
 to improve to the best of his ability. He was married in 
 Salem, Oregon, December 24, 1866, to Miss Anna F. Kiggs. 
 and eleven children were born t;) the union — nine daughters 
 and two sons — and five daughters and one son are now living 
 in Portland and vicinity, the others having passed away. 
 
 "The second, third and fourth children of ]Mr. and ]\Irs. 
 Himes, are as^ follows : ^Mrs. Helen Z. Ruddell. born in Stark 
 County. Illinois, February 6, 18-18, widow of the late William 
 II. Euddell, a pioneer of Thurston County in 1852, and ,since 
 1879 she has lived near Elma. Chehalis County; Judson W. 
 Himes, born in Stark County, Illinois, ^larch 9, 1850, learned 
 the baking business in Olympia, afterwards took a business 
 course in Portland, later on was a cruiser of timber lands for 
 the Northern Pacific Eailway for a number of years, making 
 his home in Elma, later on engaged in the real estate and in- 
 surance business, has been an Odd Fellow for many years, has 
 served as Town and School Clerk of Elma for several terms 
 and holds that position at the present time; Mrs. Lestina Z. 
 Eaton, born in Lafayette. Stark County, Illinois, November 
 26, 1852. was married to Nathan Eaton in 1872. He came across 
 the plains in 1843, was a volunteer soldier in the Cayuse In- 
 dian war of 1847-48; mined gold in 1849 in California, settled 
 iu Thurston County, tAvelve miles southeast of Olympia, built 
 a sawmill there in 1853 — the first mill in Western Washing-
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 359 
 
 ton away from the Sound — cleared up a large farm out of a 
 ■wilderness said to be the best in the county in its day. ren- 
 reudered efficient service to the Territory in the Yakima In- 
 dian war of 1855-56, introduced the first mowing machines 
 in the count}- in 1856, established a photograph gallery at his 
 place in 1862, sold his place to ]\Ir. Collins in 1882 and removed 
 to Elma the same year and died in 1883. He was the father 
 of four children. j\Irs. Eaton died at Potlatch at the home of 
 her daughter, Mrs. George Simpson, in December, 1906." 
 
 PRIEST POINT PARK 
 
 There is not a spot of greater romantic interest in all 
 Thurston County than beautiful Priests' Point Park, wath its 
 \ovely, W'inding paths and drivew^ay, its noble trees, the bab- 
 bling spring of deliciously cold water, and never ending ebb 
 and flow of the sapphire waters of dear Puget Sound, coming 
 and going over the sands of the bathing beach. Chechaeos 
 often, in admiring this playground of Olympia, enquire how 
 the park became possessed of such a picturesque name, so it 
 was considered that a brief history of Priests' Point Park 
 might well be included in this volume of Pioneer History. 
 
 In Jul}^ of the year 1847, before the American settler had 
 arrived on Puget Sound, or, at least, on the section of the 
 Sound now known as Thurston County, Eev. Pascal Ricard, 
 with a party of nine Oblat missionaries, established St. Jo- 
 seph's IMission, on the east side of Budd's Inlet, about a mile 
 and a half north of Edmund Sylvester's claim. At that time 
 the Squaxon Indians were living in numbers along the shores 
 of the Sound below the ]\Iission and, indeed, the point of laud 
 embraced in the Mission holdings w^as a general gathering place 
 for the Western Washington Indians. The woods were full of 
 big game, unfrightened by the sound of the hunters' firearms, 
 wild berries grew in profusion in the more sparsely forested
 
 360 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 spots, clams there were for the mere turning over of the sands 
 of the beach at low tide, and along- the shining length and 
 breadth of Puget Sound there was no more prolific fishing 
 waters than those that washed the shores in front of the 
 IMission. 
 
 Here the good Fathers found a waiting field of labor. 
 Schools and classes were organized among the natives, who 
 took readily to the teachings of the priests. Land was cleared 
 for vegetable and flower beds, fruit trees were planted, a 
 building for a school room and for holding services was built 
 and before long there were a considerable number of young 
 Indian boys enrolled as students in the classes. 
 
 It is a matter of history that the savage mind most readily 
 grasps that religion that is presented them by symbols and 
 pageantry. The black-robed Fathers, with their kindly words, 
 ready sympathy and helpfulness won the confidence and re- 
 spect of the Indians to such an extent that even in later times, 
 when the white settlers were trembling and afraid for their 
 lives from the Indian attacks, the priests of St. Josephs' ]Mis- 
 sion lived in security and friendliness Avith the natives. 
 
 So intimate were the relations betw^een the priests and 
 the Indians that the former were frequently enabled to give 
 warning to the settlers of danger from contemplated raids of 
 the Indians in time for them to flee to the safety of the stock- 
 ade at Olympia. Several of the pioneers of the early 50 's can 
 recall Father Blanchard, who was at that time at the head, 
 of the Mission, having taken Rev. Ricard's place when that 
 Father moved on to establish other Catholic ]\Iissions. Father 
 Blanchard and his associates had a school of about forty young 
 Indians, who were taught the white man's ways, and to be- 
 come good Catholics. The classes were held in the main 
 building, which stood for many years after the mission was 
 abandoned, on the ground now occupied for a private garden. 
 Dark and gloomy were the rooms, with windows high up in 
 the walls, so high that the light came through but dimly. The 
 attention of the j^oung students were not distracted by gazing 
 out, and in the event of enmity arising between the priests and 
 the Indians there was no opportunity for a bullet to find its 
 mark by aiming through the window. The benches on which 
 the students were seated were the work of their own hands,
 
 LEOPOLD SCHMIDT 
 
 Whose Generosity Has Done Much for Priest 
 Point Park
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 361 
 
 under the training of the priests, and was the start of the 
 manual training classes or departments now so common in onr 
 schools. 
 
 One pioneer woman, who as a young girl, lived on a home- 
 stead in the neighborhood, recalls visiting the ]\Iission while 
 school was in session and seeing the dusky young students por- 
 ing over their lessons. This lady also tells about the natives' 
 love for singing. The priests taught them the chants of their 
 services to their great delight. Sometimes, she said, an In- 
 dian would be picking berries back in the underbrush. He 
 would begin to sing or chant, another voice would take up 
 the refrain in another part of the woods and then another and 
 another until the strain would reach the fishermen out on the 
 waters, and the clam diggers along the beach, who would join 
 their voices in swelling the volume of sound until the woods 
 and shore would ring with the wild melody. 
 
 As a means of raising funds, the Fathers had a number 
 of their most promising Indian lads organized into a band 
 with a drum and a fife as the principal instruments. Summer 
 evenings this band would be marched up to the settlement and 
 paraded along the streets, discoursing their music on the 
 corners. The cap would then be passed and contributions 
 were freely given the youngsters. The ladies of Olympia, in 
 order to encourage the lads, made them caps of bright red 
 cloth. These caps were the delight of the members of the 
 band and were always worn when the boys came up to town. 
 
 On one occasion the Father, who had special training of a 
 class of Indian boys, marched them up to the public school 
 for the purpose of giving an exhibition of their attainments. 
 There were perhaps a dozen boys in the class, ranging from 
 fifteen years down to a little fellow of only about three years of 
 age. The boys had been carefully instructed to answer cer- 
 tain questions which the priest put to them. For instance : 
 "Who is President of the United States?" was asked the first 
 lad. Parrotlike came the answer, "Abraham Lincoln," and 
 so on down the line, each boy answering the question he had 
 been taught. When the priest reached the little fellow at the 
 foot of the class, he said: "Where were you born, Rain-in-the- 
 Face?" Without an instant's pause, the mite chirped: "I
 
 362 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 was born in a canoe when my mother had gone to dig clams. 
 Where, I know not." 
 
 After the Indian war and the various tribes had been sent 
 to the reservations, the Squaxons were put on the island down 
 the Sound that now bears the name of that tribe, and the 
 Fathers found their field of usefulness destroyed at the St. 
 Joseph's Mission and it Avas abandoned, the land passing into 
 possession of private holders. 
 
 When the year 1893 arrived, the acres of this former mis- 
 sion, w^hich is now comprised in Priest Point Park, had been 
 allowed to become delinquent or subject to county sale for the 
 payment of unpaid taxes, and became public property through 
 foreclosure. 
 
 Theodore Brown, always loyal to his native city, conceived 
 the idea of Olympia acquiring it for a park. He started the 
 sentiment and agitation for city possession by writing an ar- 
 ticle which was published in the Olympia papers, which urged 
 that steps for possession of the land be taken before private 
 parties could get hold of it. 
 
 By his writings and talking among his friends Mr. Brown 
 worked up such a strong sentiment in favor of his pet project 
 that a number of citizens went before the Board of County 
 Commissioners to urge that board to defer selling the land un- 
 til the city was in a position to buy it for a public park. 
 
 Among these men were Theodore Brown, T. J. Kegley, 
 Elias Payne and others. They presented the ease through At- 
 torney P. M. Troy, whom they secured as spokesman. Oppo- 
 sition developed to the project, partly through political reasons 
 and partly because a syndicate of speculators had organized 
 and cast covetous eyes upon this beautiful tract. 
 
 The Board of County Commissioners turned a deaf ear to 
 the plea of the citizens and advertised the tract for sale, but 
 before the sale could be consummated an election occurred and 
 a new set of officials were elected. Among these officials was 
 ]\Ir. P. I\I. Troy, city attorney. Steps were immediately taken 
 to block the advertised sale by instituting an action in the 
 Federal Court to restrain the sale by representing that the 
 city wished to acquire the land for a public park. Mr. Troy's 
 efforts were successful and in May, of 1906, the city became
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 363 
 
 possessors of the property. But the people of Olympia should 
 remember that Theodore L. Browu was the first man who con- 
 ceived the idea of obtaining the park and agitated the same 
 until the city finally secured it. It may be truly said that 
 Theodore L. Brown was the father of beautiful Priest Point 
 Park. 
 
 The man who has done more than any one other man for 
 the park by his generous gifts has been the late Leopold 
 Schmidt. It was through his munificence that the Swiss chalet 
 which crowns the highest point in the park was placed there. 
 This picturesque building was originally erected for the dis- 
 play of the Olympia Brewery products at the LcAvis and Clark 
 Exposition in Portland, Oregon. At the closing of the expo- 
 sition ]Mr. Schmidt presented the chalet to the city of Olym- 
 pia and at his own expense had it brought from Portland and 
 set up where it has since remained one of the most attrac- 
 tive and convenient features of the park. 
 
 When Mr. Schmidt's will was read a few days after his 
 death it was found that he had added a bequest of $1,000 for 
 the benefit of Priest Point Park. 
 
 Leopold Schmidt was a native of Germany, coming to the 
 United States when about twenty years of age. In America 
 he led a varied and generally successful life, engaging in 
 shipping on the Great Lakes for a couple of years. Later he 
 learned the carpenters' trade and assisted in building the 
 first Turnverin hall of the Turner Athletic Society in the 
 United States. This was in Washington, JNIissouri, where the 
 young man learned his trade. 
 
 A few years later IMr. Schinidt went to ^lontana where he 
 followed his trade in Butte and Deer Lodge for several years. 
 In Butte he entered into a partnership with Daniel Gamer 
 and helped form the partnership of Schmidt & Gamer, of 
 the Centennial Brewery Company. He then went to Germany 
 for the purpose of entering a l)reAvers' school and while there 
 met the lady who was ti) be liis future wife, the marriage 
 taking ])lace before his return to America. LTpon his return 
 ]\Ir. Schmidt was County Commissioner of Silver Bow County, 
 ^Montana, and was final arbitrator in settling the conflict over 
 the townsite of Butte, which was contested by several mining 
 claims. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention
 
 364 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 of Montana, as delegate from Silver Bow County. He was 
 also in the first State Legislatures from that county as a 
 member of the House. Mr. Schmidt was a member of the 
 Capitol Commission of ^Montana and came to Olympia in 1894 
 to inspect the Capitol foundation. At this visit he became 
 interested in the possibilities of Tumwater water-power and 
 decided to remove to this State. 
 
 In the spring of 1896 j\Ir. Schmidt started work on the 
 brewery at Tumwater and by October of that year was turn- 
 ing out the finished product. Since then he has established 
 the Bellingham Brewery at that city and the Acme Brewery 
 at San Francisco, and bought and remodeled the old brewery 
 at Salem, Oregon, which later consolidated with the Albany 
 Brewery Company. 
 
 Mr. Schmidt, being of an intensely patriotic nature, liber- 
 ally assisted any plan or movement for the public good, as 
 was testified by his liberal bequest to Priests' Point Park. 
 
 THE JUDICIARY OF THURSTON COUNTY. 
 
 A chapter devoted to the men who have figured in the 
 legal history of Thurston County should be included in an 
 authentic compilation of pioneer reminiscences, accordingly, the 
 following list of Chief Justices of the Supreme Court, M^ho re- 
 ceived their appointments in territorial days, are given : 
 
 E. Lander, 0. B. McFadden, C. C. Ilewett, B. W. Dennison, 
 Wm. L. Hill, Orange Jacobs, J. R. Lewis, Roger S. Green, 
 Richard A. Jones. Of the Associate Justices there were : Vic- 
 tor Monroe, F. A. Chenoweth, E. C. Fitzhugh, J. E. Wyche, 
 C. B. Darwin, J. K. Kennedy, C. S. Wingard, J. P. Hoyt, George 
 Turner, L. B. Nash, W. G. Langford, Frank AUyn. 
 
 Later on came the Constitutional Convention, the names 
 of the lawyer member of which it may not be inappropriate to 
 mention in this connection : 
 
 R. 0. Dunbar, M. M. Godman, Francis Henry, J. P. Hoyt, 
 B. L. Sharpstein, R. F. Sturdevant, George Turner, Allen Weir.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 865 
 
 Of the brilliant g-allaxy of legal men who served the territor^' 
 in the early days it is now impossil)le to give a sketch of every 
 one, only individual reference can be given to a few of the earl- 
 ier ones. Each was an indispensible unit of the foundation be- 
 ing laid in his day of this great commonwealth. 
 
 One of the most prominent of the earlier jurists was Judge 
 0. B. McFadden. A former friend of Judge ]\IcFadden's pays 
 the folloAving tribute to his memory. "Not every judge is an 
 able practitioner and vice versa as was Judge ^IcFadden. No 
 doubt his reputation for strictest integrity was an important 
 feature of his success with judges and jurors. Judge Mc- 
 Fadden 's speech Avas distinguished by fluency and his de- 
 nouncements of witnesses Avhom he suspected of perjury were 
 scathing and effective. While he spent much of his time on 
 bis farm in Lewis County, Judge McFadden had a comfortable 
 home in Olympia, wdiere he spent most of the winter months." 
 
 Hon. C. C. Hewett was appointed third territorial chief 
 justice by President Lincoln, who was a warm personal friend, 
 and was distinguished l)y a high sense of justice, a plain, un- 
 assuming manner and a Lincoln-like simplicity, which won for 
 him the friendship and esteem of all who knew him. 
 
 As an illustration of force of habit, the following good 
 story is told of Judge Hewett, while conducting a case one day : 
 
 The Chinook jargon was so much in use in early days that 
 many of the most expressive phrases had become so common 
 that they were frequently employed in every day speech. 
 
 On this particular occasion, two attorneys clashed in 
 animated dispute over one of the important points of the trial,, 
 and in the heat of the moment, voiced some expressions in 
 Chinook, not complimentary to each other. Judge Hewett. 
 thinking to rebuke the wranglers for their disregard of de- 
 corum, laid down the following rule: "Gentlemen of the l^ai-, 
 you will hereafter confine yourself to the English language. 
 I don't purpose to permit any more of this cultus Avawa in 
 court." The judge himself joined in the laugh which followed. 
 
 El wood J] vans was known throughout the territory as a 
 man of high literary attainments, he having been a historian 
 of note as well as one of the foremost jurists of his day. Judge 
 Evans was one of the first attorneys to locate in Olympia, 
 where he resided for many years with his family. When Ta-
 
 366 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 (•;>nui "was on the boom, he went to live there and it was in thi' 
 City of Destiny that death came to him. 
 
 Among the eonspieiions fignres of the Pacific Coast was 
 Seluc-us GarfiekU'. In physique, he was noticeable wherever 
 he v/as seen, and his ability as a law\ver and statesman 
 placed him among the prominent men of the Territory. Prob- 
 ably the two campaigns when Garfielde was a candidate for 
 the office of Delegate in Congress were the most exciting of 
 any campaign of Territorial days, and after his election, while 
 speaking on the floor of the House, his silvery tongned elo- 
 quence was remarked and admired by his colleagues to such 
 an extent that Garfielde became known as '"The Elotiuent 
 jMeraber from the Pacific." While in Congress, Garfielde dr- 
 livered an address before the Y. M. C. A. on the "Resources 
 and Climate of the Northwest," which attracted so much at- 
 tention that Jay Cook, then financial agent for the Northern 
 Pacific Company, published it in several of the foreign lan- 
 guages for distribution in Europe. 
 
 Of the Judges of the Superior Court of Thurston County 
 since Washington became a state, the following biographical 
 sketches are given : 
 
 JUDGE MASON IRWIN 
 
 The first Judge of the Superior Court of Thui'stou County 
 was Mason Irwin, who was elected to that honor at the time 
 the Territory of Washington was admitted as a State in 1889. 
 At that time there were four counties in the district — Thurston. 
 Chehalis, Lewis and Mason. Judge Irwin held court in all four 
 of these counties, until the Legislature took Thurston out of 
 the district and gave that county a separate Judge, J. W. Rob- 
 inson, now of Seattle, being appointed by Lieutenant-Governor 
 Lawton, who was acting Governor at the time. Governor E. P. 
 Perry was out of the State for some months on account of his 
 health. 
 
 Judge Irwin made his liome in Lewis Covuity, and has 
 been Judge of the Superior Court there for several successive 
 tei'ms. 
 
 His first wife was a daiigliter of Governor Newell, and 
 among the Judge's pleasant remenilu'ances are his official visits
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 367 
 
 to the Capitol City to attend court. The first wife died in 
 1891 and several years later Judge Irwin remarried and his 
 family now consists of his wife and six children. In referring 
 to his early Olympia experiences, Judge Irwin said : 
 
 ''There is little to be said about my experiences on the 
 bench in that county ; they were the usual experiences of a 
 judge on the bench. They had an agreeable Bar there at that 
 time, and I had many acquaintances in the city and made many 
 acquaintances throughout the county, through the jurors 
 coming in to attend court." 
 
 MERRITT J. GORDON 
 
 ]\I. J. Gordon was the third Judge of Thurston Count> 
 after Washington was admitted to statehood. Upon the 
 resignation of Mr. Joe Kobinson in the summer of 1892, Gov 
 ernor E. P. Ferry appointed ]\Ir. Gordon to fill the vacancy 
 thus occasioned. 
 
 At the general election in November, 1892, Judge Gordoi. 
 was elected by the vote of the people for a four year term 
 serving on the bench until January, 1895, when he resigneo 
 to go on the Supreme Bench of the State. This position ht 
 held for the succeeding three years when he was made cor 
 poration counsel for the Northern Pacific Company and re 
 signed to move to Spokane where he made his home for several 
 .^ears. 
 
 Judge Gordon is now senior mem])er of the law firm of 
 Gordon and Easterday of Taeoma. 
 
 He was born in Sherbrooke in the Province of Quel)ee 
 ]\Iarch 17, 1859 ; began the practice of law in Dakota Territor;s 
 in 1880, residing at Aberdeen ; was district attorney of that 
 district and city attorney of the city; president of the Bai 
 Association of the Fifth Judicial District, and member of the 
 first State Legislature of South Dakota ; came to 01\in])ia 
 Washington, in the spring of 1890. 
 
 THOMAS MILBURNE REED, JR. 
 
 ]\Ir. T. I\r. Reed, fourth Judge of the Superior Court of 
 the State of Washington, was l)()i"n in Colonia. California,
 
 368 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 about the year 1856, coming to Olynipia with his parents at' 
 an early age. When but 14 years of age, he had graduated 
 from the University of California and from there spent five 
 years taking the normal eonrse at Princeton College. After 
 graduation at the latter institution, ]Mr. Reed returned for a 
 year to take a post-graduate course in the law department. 
 
 He was a junior member of the law firm of Brown, Ten 
 Eyke & Reed, in the early '80 's. this firm having offices in a 
 l)uilding near the site of the old Episcopal Church, where now 
 stands the Mitchell Hotel. 
 
 Later Reed moved to Seattle, where he was engaged in a 
 successful law practice until the fire of 1889 destroyed his 
 library and office furniture. 
 
 In the year of 1886 JMr. Reed was married to ^Miss Ida 
 ]McKenny and a few years later returned to Olympia to make 
 his home. 
 
 He was appointed Judge of the Superior Court of Thurston 
 County by the late Governor John McGraw upon the resigna- 
 tion of J. W. Robinson from that position. 
 
 At the expiration of his term of office Judge Reed and 
 his family went to Nome, Alaska, to make their home. He 
 is still practicing his profession of law in that place, enjoying 
 an extensive practice. Judge Reed was appointed United 
 States Commissioner for Alaska and has been City Attorney 
 (/f Nome for several years. 
 
 Judge and Mrs. Reed have two children. Irving ]\I. and 
 Constance Elizabeth. 
 
 CHARLES HENRY AVER 
 
 Charles Henry Ayer was born in Saybrook, Connecticut, 
 April 25, 1862. He studied in the public and private schools 
 of the towm, and completed the law course in Yale University. 
 In 1884 he came to Olympia, Washington, and entered the law 
 (ffice of J. C. McFadden. He later went in business for him- 
 self and also formed several different partnerships, being asso- 
 ciated for several years with the late T. N. Allen. He served 
 one term as county attorney of Thurston County, and one 
 term as mayor of Olympia. In 1896 he w^as elected superior 
 judge of Thurston County, and filled that office at the time of
 
 CHARI^ES AYER 
 (Deceased.) 
 
 JOHN R. MITCHKIX 
 (Incumbent.) 
 
 SUPERIOR JUDGES— PAST AND PRESENT
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 369 
 
 his death March 9, 1898. In 1891 he married M'ihh Cora Ellis. 
 who together with their five children, survives him. 
 
 JUDGE BYRON MILLETT 
 
 Judge Batod Millett was born in 1849. He came to Wis- 
 consin when a child, with his parents and was educated at Ra- 
 cine College. He w^as admitted to the practice of law in 1872. 
 and located at Columbus, Nebraska. He was elected mayor of 
 that thriving little city in 1876. In 1883 he moved to Colo- 
 rado, and practiced law at Denver until 1889, then moved to 
 Washington. Located at 01ymi)ia in the spring of 1890. where 
 he has since resided. In th-e early part of 1898 he was ap- 
 pointed Superior Judge of Thurston County by Governor John 
 R. Rogers, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge 
 Chas. H. Ayer, Since locating at Olympia, he has served as 
 a member of the City Council of that city, also as Assistant 
 State Law Librarian and as a member of the State Board of 
 Law Examiners. 
 
 OLIVER V. LINN 
 
 The able attorney, who for six years occupied the position 
 of judge of the districts comprised by Thurston and ]\Iason 
 Counties — Oliver V. Linn, came to Washington from his boy- 
 hood home in Pennsylvania in the A'ear 1889. After spending 
 a short time on Grays Harbor, he removed to Olympia, where 
 he made his home continuously until the time of his death 
 in 1908. 
 
 O. V. Linn received his education at Wilmington, and was 
 admitted to the bar shortly before coming to the West. Upon 
 his settling in Olympia he formed a law partnership with Joe 
 M. Robinson, contiuing the successful practise of his profession 
 luitil the year 1900, when he was elected Judge of the Superior 
 Court on the Republican ticket. In 1906 he M-as re-elected, 
 and in 1908 was an active candidate for nomination to the 
 Supreme bench under the direct primary law. His death, how- 
 ever, occurred in the fall of the same year, valvular heart 
 trouble being the cause of his death. His wife, Margaret, and 
 one son, Donald, comprist'd his iinnuMliate family.
 
 370 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Judge Linn was an honorable, genial man, loved by his 
 many friends, and respected and honored by his legal associates. 
 
 His widow, Margaret, died in December, 1913, at the 
 Linn home, in Olympia. 
 
 JOHN R. MITCHELL 
 
 John R. ]\Iitchell was born in Halifax County, Virginia 
 January 31, 1861. From six to seventeen years of age he at- 
 tended private school. From 1878 to 1888 engaged in farm- 
 ing and mercantile pursuits (mostly hunting) at his old home 
 the last three years of which he read law under a practicing 
 lawyer. Mr. Mitchell came to Olympia, Washington Territory 
 April 28, 1888, and formed a partnership with ]\L A. Root 
 at that time Probate Judge. He was admitted to the bar bj 
 the Superior Court (Mason Irwin, Judge) of Thurston County, 
 on November 23, 1889. In 1890 the young man studied law at 
 the L^niversity of Virginia. He dissolved partnership with M 
 A. Root in January, 1893, upon his cpialifying as Prosecuting 
 Attorney. 
 
 Mr. JMitchell was admitted to the bar by the Supreme 
 Court, May 24, 1894. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney 
 in 1896 and served 1897-9, and in January, 1901, formed a 
 law partnership with Thos. M. Vance, Esq., which continued 
 until Mitchell was chosen to the bench. Elected Judge of 
 the Superior Court for Thurston and ]Mason Counties in 1908 
 for four years and re-elected without opposition, in 1912 — 
 the position which he now occupies. In politics he is a democrat. 
 
 J. R. Mitchell was married to Hallie Price, of Clarksville, 
 Tenn., on April 22, 1891, while she Avas on a visit with rela- 
 tives in Olympia ; to which union one child, Richard S., was 
 born May 15, 1894; the son is now a student at the State 
 University. 
 
 CHARLES E. CLAYPOOL 
 
 Charles Ethelbert Claypool, at present Judge of Depart 
 ment 2 of the Superior Court for Thurston County, was borr; 
 in Indiana in 1861. He came to Puget Sound in the late terri- 
 torial days, and was one of the prominent younger men in the
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 371 
 
 days of early statehood. He was for many years with the Xa 
 tional Guard, and served on the personal staffs of the last Ter- 
 ritorial and first State Governors, was State Senator from 
 Pierce County in the second and third legislatures, Deput;s 
 Prosecuting Attorney, and Assistant U. S. Attorney. For a 
 long time he was the head of the law firm of Claypool, Gush 
 man & Cushman. at Tacoma. He went to Alaska in 1900, re- 
 signing his government post for that . purpose, returning to 
 make his home at Olympia several years ago. Judge Claypool 
 served tAvo years and a half as City Attorney of Olyrajoia, re 
 signing that office to accept an appointment to the bench h\ 
 Governor Lister in 1913. Pie was opposed by three other as 
 pirants at the late primary and did not receive the nomina 
 tion. He married an Olympia girl, Miss Annie B. Cowles 
 twenty-four years ago, and they have two children, a son and 
 a daughter. The family live in their own home at 1617 Sj'l 
 vester Street. 

 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 373 
 
 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 
 
 Events as recorded successively by the "Columbian" 
 (1852-3) ; "Washin(?ton Pioneer" (1853-4) ; "Pioneer & Demo- 
 crat" (1854-1860); "Washington Standard" (1860-1873). 
 
 1852 
 
 September 11 — The Columlnan, a weekly newspaper, com- 
 menced publication. 
 
 September 14— Nelson Barnes, Jr., was instantly killed, 
 on Newaukum River, by falling of a tree. 
 
 September 23 — Brig James Marshall arrived at Olympia, 
 thirty days from San Francisco. 
 
 October 23 — Brig G. W. Kendall arrived, seventeen days 
 from San Francisco. 
 
 November 6 — A new coal mine was reported disco veretl 
 on the Skookumchuek, by S. S. Ford, Jr. 
 
 November 13 — A call for a meeting of citizens of North- 
 ern Oregon was made, to discuss advisability of memorializ- 
 ing Congress for Territorial division. 
 
 November 13— M. T. Simmons, S. P. Moses, S. D. Ruddle. 
 ^^dam Wylie, H. A. Goldsborough, Q. A. Brooks, Wm. Plumb 
 and C. W. Hale were elected delegates to Monticello con- 
 vention. 
 
 November 13— Brig G. W. Kendall sailed for San Fran- 
 cisco with 6,700 feet sawed timber; 5,000 feet hewed timber; 
 10,000 shingles; 100 l)arrcls oil. 
 
 November 13 — New saw mill reported in course of erec- 
 tion on Nisqually River, seven miles from Steilacoom. 
 
 November 20 — Colum])ian announces removal of its of- 
 fice to building near ]\Iain and First Streets, in building with 
 postoffice and custom house, where they "are entirely above 
 high tide and have no use for canoe to navigate ai'ound our 
 sanctum." 
 
 Novcmbci- 27 - Aulhoi'il ics in Wasliington consent to es-
 
 374 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 labiishmcnt of a mail route from Olj'mpia to Steilacoom, pro- 
 viding a contract can be made for $140 annually. 
 
 November 27. — Schooner Franklin sailed for San Fran- 
 cisco with 300 barrels salmon, 8650 feet sawed lumber, 14 hogs. 
 
 December 4 — Wm. Dowling opened Columbia Hotel on 
 Second Street. 
 
 December 4 — Announces death of infant son of Col. ]M. 
 T. Simmons. 
 
 December 11 — Brig June sailed for San Francisco with 
 800 feet piles, 200 barrels salmon, 140,000 shingles, 30 cords 
 wood. 
 
 December 11 — Columbian announces fourth Aveek of go- 
 ing to press without eastern mail. 
 
 December 18 — Every house between Cowlitz and Olympia 
 crowded with emigrant families. 
 
 1853 
 
 January 1 — Edmund Sylvester donated two lots to j\Ia- 
 sonic fraternity. 
 
 January 1 — Columbian announces unconfirmed rumor that 
 President Pierce has been elected President. 
 
 January 1 — Also that Oregon Territorial Legislature has 
 been in session three weeks, but no authentic information has 
 been received at Olympia '^.f its proceedings. 
 
 January 1 — Rev. Berij. Close assigned by ^Methodist 
 Church to Northern Oregon, takes up residence in Olympia. 
 
 January 1 — A. W. Moore opens public school. 
 
 January 8 — Bark Sarah Warren arrived at Olympia with 
 •i^lS.OOO worth of merchandise. She was twenty-three days on 
 way from San Francisco and brought two passengers, Capt. 
 S. W. Percival and wife. 
 
 January 22 — Dr. D. S. Maynard of Seattle, married to 
 ]\rrs. Catherin Broshears, of Thurston County. 
 
 February 26 — Died at Allen's point, six miles below 
 Olympia, Benj. F., infant son of Isaac Dofflemyer. 
 
 March 19 — A tiger was caught, weighing over 200 pounds, 
 by the "boys" on ^Mr. Bush's farm, six miles from Olympia. 
 
 jMarch 19 — "Wright, Coulter & Co., opened a general mer- 
 chandise store. 
 
 March 19 — Large quantities of coal are being hauled from
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 375 
 
 Skookvimchnck coal fields for shipment to San Francisco. 
 
 March 19. — J. W. Wiley sold his interest in the Colum- 
 bian to J. J. Beebe. 
 
 jNIarch 19 — Olympia enjoys first theatrical performance. 
 General Jack Rag, celebrated actor and vocalist, gave a grand 
 entertainment at Olympia House. Tickets 25 cents; children 
 and "niggers" free. Tickets sold at the bar. 
 
 ]\Iarch 26 — Several new buildings erected. Catholic- 
 Church completed. 
 
 March 26 — J. R. Johnson, M. D., announces opening of a 
 hospital at his point, fifteen miles below Olympia. 
 
 April 9 — A bed of oysters discovered, four or five acres 
 in extent, on South Bay. 
 
 April 9 — Wm. Dowling, proprietor Columbia house, died. 
 
 April 9 — U. S. District Court opened in Thurston County, 
 Judge Strong presiding. 
 
 April 16 — Brig Kingsbury sailed for San Francisco with 
 250 piles, 20,000 feet sawed lumber, 30 cords wood. 
 
 April 16 — Methodist Church erected. 
 
 April 23 — Thirty families en route to Thurston County, 
 reported between Olympia and the Cowlitz. 
 
 April 23 — One hundred guns fired by Olympia light ar- 
 tillery in honor of the new Territory, Washington, first estab- 
 lished by act of Congress. 
 
 May 7 — First drayage business established in Olympia by 
 Post Master A. W. Moore. 
 
 ]\lay 21 — Conrad Snyder establishes a brickyard in 
 Olympia. 
 
 May 28 — General merchandise firm of Wright, Coulter & 
 Co., dissolved, and establishment continued under name 
 Parker, Coulter & Co., John G. Parker being new member. 
 
 June 4 — John Edgar, Whitfield Kirtley, E. J. Allen and 
 Geo. Shazer leave for east of the mountains to confer relative 
 to a road to AValla Walla. 
 
 June 4 — Married, Jesse Furgeson to Margaret J. Rut- 
 ledge, all of Thurston County. 
 
 July 9 — J. Patton Anderson, first U. S. Marshal, arrives, 
 and prepares to take census. 
 
 July 9 — Account of celebration of Fourth of Jul\' by 
 salute at sunrise and usual patriotic program. At a meeting
 
 376 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 at the ]\IetluHlist Chureh toasts were proposed and responded 
 to by prominent citizens. Lieut. Kautz, U. S. A., responded 
 to "Army and Navy," and offered "The citizens of Olympia 
 — may they always have high tides, so that, like elams, they 
 may be ever happy." 
 
 July 9 — Died, Rebecca V. Chambers, wife of Andrew J. 
 Chambers, aged nineteen years. 
 
 July 16 — Great demand for labor. One hundred laborers 
 called for at good wages. 
 
 July 23 — D. C. Beatty commencetl manufacture of furni- 
 ture in Olympia. 
 
 July 30 — Married, at Scatter Creek, Thurston County, on 
 the 26th inst., by Wm. Plumb, Samuel Coulter to Harriet E. 
 Tilley. 
 
 July 30 — Public meeting to discuss plans for betterment 
 of mail service. 
 
 August 13 — Olympia markets destitute of flour. 
 
 August 13 — Married. James T. Philips to Junetta Grogan, 
 p.ll of Thurston County. 
 
 August 13 — Died, James II. Yantis, seventeen years of 
 age. Also John M. Monroe, aged twenty-three years. 
 
 September 17 — T. F. McElroy disposes of the Columbian 
 to Mat. K. Smith. 
 
 September 10 — List of 164 letters i)ul)lished, remaining 
 uncalled in i)ostof¥ice. If not called for within three months 
 will be sent to Washington, D. C. 
 
 October 8 — Chief Justice Lander, Secretary ^lason and IT. 
 S. Attorney' Clendenin arrive in Olympia. Reported that Gov- 
 ernor Stevens had arrived in White River valley en route to 
 Olympia. 
 
 November 12 — Married, in Washington County, Oregon, 
 Wm. Billings, of Olympia, to Mary Angeline Miller. 
 
 Also at Olympia, Benj. Gordon to Julia Ann McCullougli. 
 all of this county. 
 
 November 19 — Died, on Chambers' Prairie, Eliza Jane 
 Hicks, aged twenty-one years. 
 
 November 26 — Census completed. Thurston County re- 
 turns 996, Pierce 513, the Territory 3965. 
 
 December 3 — The Columbian becomes the "Washington 
 l^ioneer," J. W. Wiley, pul)lishei'.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 377 
 
 Died, at Olynipia, Nov. 21, of consumption, 'Sirs. Sarali 
 Cornell, aged twenty-four 3'ears. 
 
 December 10 — A. M. Berry associated with J. W. Wiley 
 in publication of Washington Pioneer. 
 
 December 24 — Capt. IMcClellan, Lieut. Donalson, Lieut. 
 Duncan, Messrs. Winter, Moffitt, Bixby, Giddings, and Suck- 
 ley, all attached to Gov. Stevens' exploration party, arrive in 
 Ohnipia. 
 
 1854 
 
 January 21 — Governor Stevens contracts for several build- 
 ings to be built on Main Street, Olympia, for j)ublic offices 
 and headquarters for Northern Railway exploring party. 
 
 Married, A. J. Moses to ]\Iiss Sarah J. Head, both of 
 Olympia. 
 
 Married, at Xew Market, A. B. Rabbeson to Miss Lucy 
 Barnes. 
 
 Married, Andrew J. Chambers to Margaret White. 
 
 February 4 — Pioneer and Democrat announces ''six weeks 
 without a mail from the East, and three w^ithout one even from 
 Oregon." 
 
 February 25 — Seal of the Territory designed by a member 
 of the Northern Railway exploring, offered for adoption. 
 (This design was afterward adopted. It represented a sheet 
 of water being traversed by a steamer and sailing vessel, with 
 a Goddess of Hope, with an anchor, pointing to the Chinook 
 word ''AIM"). 
 
 At the election just held in the Territorj- — the first — 
 Thurston County cast 171 votes more than any other county. 
 
 IMarried, S. Nelson Woodruff' to Samantha Packwood. 
 eldest daughter of Wm. Packwood. 
 
 Announces dedication of the Methodist Church, which 
 took place March 19, Rev. J. F. DeVore. pastor. 
 
 February 25 — First Tei-ritorial Legislature meets (]\Ion- 
 day, Feb. 27). 
 
 March 25 — Victor ^Monroe delivers an address advocating 
 ])rohibiti()n. 
 
 Ajjril 8 — First Legislative ball given, under supervision 
 nf Wm. Cock, of the Pacific Hotel, where the event took place. 
 
 April 15— A. J. and N. P. Miller commence erection of a
 
 378 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 steam saw mill at North Olympia, two miles below town, "the 
 largest lumbering establishment on the Sound." 
 
 April 29 — Married, by Chief Justice Lander, John G. 
 Parker to Jerusha Hays. 
 
 Died, Mrs. Angeliue White, wife of John ]\I. White. 
 
 May 13 — Bernard Cornelius, graduate of Trinity College, 
 Dublin, establishes a classical, mathematical, commercial and 
 training school in Olympia. 
 
 Married, G. AV. Allen to Hester Paekwood, daughter of 
 Wm. Paekwood. 
 
 ]\Iay 20 — Bishop Scott and Rev. D. McCarthy announce 
 first Episcopal Church meeting for Sunday, 28th inst. 
 
 May 27 — Married, C. G. Saylor to Matilda J. Sargent. 
 
 Died, Geo. W. Guthrie, on Chambers' Prairie. 
 
 June 10 — Postoffice established on Ground Mound, L. D. 
 Durgin, postmaster. 
 
 July 1 — The first Sunday school opened in Olympia under 
 superintendence of Rev. G. F. Whitworth, in the Hall of Repre- 
 sentatives. 
 
 May 13 — Announces drowning of G. N. MeConaha and 
 Capt. Barstow, which occurred May 4th, while making pas- 
 sage in a canoe between Vashon Island and Alki. Mr. Me- 
 Conaha was returning home from Olympia, where he has pre- 
 sided as President of the first Legislative Council. 
 
 July 8 — Henry Cock, Dr. Kauby and Judge Roundtree 
 start for Yakima to prospect for gold. Reported that $3 to 
 $5 per day to the hand has been obtained. 
 
 July 15 — Firm of Bettman & Brand dissolve. ]\Ir. Bett- 
 man was third one to open business in Olympia, and now be- 
 comes associated with his brother in same. 
 
 August 5 — Commence pile driving for a dock to deep 
 water. 
 
 August 19 — First class in vocal music organized, under 
 Mrs. M. A. Haram, who "as a teacher of sacred music has few 
 superiors living." 
 
 Messrs. Ensign, Blankenship and Kirtley return from a 
 prospecting tour in Cascade Mountains. Convinced gold ex- 
 ists there but doubt its presence in paying quantities. They 
 reported favorable progress on the immigrant road over the 
 mountains.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 379 
 
 September 2 — Tumwater floiirino: mill commences opera- 
 tion, under management of Ward & Hays. 
 
 Silas Gallagher arrives, being first accession to the popu- 
 lation of Olympia from the Atlantic states that summer. 
 
 September 16 — Messrs. Giddings and Scration arrive at 
 Olympia, four days from San Francisco, breaking record for 
 time to that date. 
 
 Death of A. M. Berry, senior })roprietor of the Pioneer 
 and Democrat announced. He died in New Hampshire of 
 smallpox. He had gone East to make contract for printing 
 the laws and journals for the Territory. 
 
 October 15 — Contract let for bridge across bay to eastside. 
 
 Edmund Sylvester returns from East, where he went to 
 be married, accompanied by ]\Irs. T. F. McElroy and Mrs. A. 
 J. Baldwin, a sister of Mrs. Sylvester. 
 
 October 21 — Married, Francis ]\Iarion Rhodes and Mary 
 Ann Mounts, all of Thurston County. 
 
 Died, Miss Jane Thomson. 
 
 December 9 — Second Legislative Assembly convened (Dec. 
 4), at old Masonic Temple. 
 
 1855 
 
 February 3 — Legislature adjourned, after locating capital 
 at Olympia, penitentiary at Fort Vancouver, and University 
 at Seattle, with a brand* on Boisfort Plains, Lewis County. 
 
 Married, Urban E. Ilicks, County Auditor, to India Ann 
 Hartsock. 
 
 February 24 — ^Married, by Edward Lander, Henry Rader, 
 of Bellingham, to I\Iiss Elizabeth Austin. 
 
 Drowned, crossing Skookumchuck, George Watson 
 Stevens. He was a kinsman and private secretary to Gov. 
 Stevens. 
 
 ]\Iarch 24 — ]\Iajor Tilton, Surveyor-General, arrived at 
 Olympia. 
 
 J. Patton Anderson resigned as U. S. Marshal. 
 
 April 21— On Gravelly Prairie, by Rev. G. F. Whitworth, 
 A. Benton ]\Ioses to Sarah Jane, daughter of B. F. Yantis. 
 
 Married, Geo. AV. Corliss to Lucretia R. Judson. 
 
 ]\ray 12 — Democratic Territorial convention met in Olym- 
 pia and noiniiuiti'd J. Patton Anderson for Congress.
 
 380 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Wm. Hicks eomniitted suicide by drowning in the liay 
 just below town. The first recorded act of self destruction. 
 Insanity, caused by too close application to study of spirit 
 rapping. 
 
 I\[ay 26— W. W. Miller appointed Clerk of the District 
 Court for the Second District. 
 
 June 13 — Married, Jas. K. Hurd to Eliza A. Woodward. 
 
 Died, Eaehel Henrietta, wife of John D. Biles, near 
 Vancouver. 
 
 August 17 — Meeting held at Washington Hotel t;) fix 
 standard value of various silver coins in circulation. 
 
 October 5 — Married, Butler P. Anderson to lone Head. 
 
 October 12 — Married. Joseph Bunting to I\Iiss I\r. A. E. 
 JMcAllistei". 
 
 Died, Nathaniel Alden, son of Wm. and Mary Angeline 
 Billings. Also Mary Angeline Billings, wife of Wm. Billings, 
 tAventy-six years of age. 
 
 October 19 — Call by Acting Governor for two companies 
 of mounted volunteers. 
 
 October 26 — John 0. Parker placed Steamer Traveler on 
 route between Olympia and Seattle. 
 
 Married, A. J. Baldwin to Miss Mary Battle. 
 
 November 9 — The Pioneer and Democrat announces as 
 reason for having missed an issue of the paper that "the hands 
 in the office were either acting as volunteers or were engaged 
 in the work of fortifying Olympia." 
 
 Also announces death of James ^IcAllister, A. Benton 
 Closes and Joseph Miles, killed by the Indians. 
 
 Married, J. C. Patton to Mary E. Weed, all of Olympia. 
 
 Companies of volunteers for service in the Indian war or- 
 ganized at Olympia, Chambers' and Grand Mound Prairies. 
 
 Third session of the Legislative Assembly meets in 
 Olympia. 
 
 Married, Wm. Baffleck to IMiss Elizabeth Sinnnons. 
 
 1856 
 
 January 4 — Married, by Rev. G. F. AVhitworth, Elwood 
 Evans to 3Iiss Elzira Z. Gore. 
 
 January 25 — Governor Stevens returned from the National 
 Capitol and is given a hearty reception.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 381 
 
 February 8 — First company of* volunteers raised iu Thurs- 
 ton County under call of Gov. Stevens. Also a company of 
 ^Mounted Rangers. 
 
 April 4- — A detachment of twenty men were sent by Gov. 
 Stevens to apprehend Indians who had raided Yelm Prairie 
 and driven off and killed a large number of head of stock 
 belonging to Messrs. Brail, Longmire and Chambers. 
 
 July 4 — On account of the Indian troubles the National 
 holiday was not celebrated. A picnic was held down the bay,' 
 on the return from which the revenue cutter, Jeff Davis, ac- 
 companied the Steamer Traveler, firing a salute. 
 
 July 18 — iNIarried. Chas. C. Ferry to Mary J. Russell. 
 
 July 25 — ]\Iarried, by Rev. DeVore, Thomas Rutledge to 
 Miss M. L. Shotwell. 
 
 September 5 — T. W. Glascow introduced the first thresh- 
 ing machine in Thurston County and advertised it for use. 
 
 September 19 — Died, at Olympia, on the loth inst., Victor 
 ]\Ionroe, Associate Justice of the United States Court. He 
 was a native of Kentucky and was aged about forty years. 
 
 September 26 — ^Married, John French to ]\Iiss Rebecca 
 Littlejohn. 
 
 Also, James ]\Iix to Mary Littlejohn. 
 
 At ]\Iiami Prairie, James Laws to Hester Bryan, all of 
 Thurston County. 
 
 December 12 — Fourth Legislative Assembly convened on 
 the 4th inst. 
 
 Married, Joseph Gibson to Narcissa Jane Ilenness, both 
 of Thurston County. 
 
 December 19 — INIarried, Wm. ]\Iartin to Ann E. Yantis. 
 
 By Rev. G. F. Whitworth. Daniel C. Beatty to Mary Jane 
 Thomson. 
 
 1857 
 
 January 2 — Married, Louis D. Barnard to ]Mar\' A. 
 Parsons. 
 
 James Redpath to P. Catharine Ostrander. daughter of 
 Dr. N. Ostrander, occurring December 9. 
 
 January 23 — Reception by Gov. Stevens and wife, a1 their 
 new residence on Capital Hill, attended by citizens of Olympia
 
 382 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 and vicinity, the members of the Legislature and officers of 
 the U. S. S. Massachusetts. 
 
 March 27^W. K. Stockend, a farm hand on Teualquot 
 Prairie, killed a panther, six feet, seven inches long, in a fair 
 fist and boot fight. The elaborated account in the Pioneer 
 and Democrat proves that likely candidates died before the 
 Ananias Club was organized. 
 
 May 29 — "Colored" Republican convention met in Olym- 
 pia and nominated a candidate for Delegate to Congress, after 
 adopting a platform affirming that "James Buchanan, as well 
 as the Supreme Court, should be abolished as a great humbug 
 and that a white man was a good as a negro when behaving." 
 
 May 29— At Swanville, by Rev. G. F. Whit worth, :\Iaj. G. 
 C. Blankenship to Mrs. Sarah Jane jMoses, married. 
 
 June 26 — In San Francisco, Isaac Lightner, an Olympia 
 business man, to j\Iiss Dorothea Leseritz. 
 
 July 17 — B. F. Brown, two miles below town, on the west- 
 side, commenced the erection of a wharf to deep water at 
 that point. 
 
 September 11 — Gov. Fayette JMc^Mullen arrived and took 
 oath of off'ice. 
 
 INIarried, William Wright to Sarah Ellen Littlejohn. 
 
 Contract for carrying mail from San Francisco to Olym- 
 pia, let to Pacitie Mail S. S. Co. 
 
 Died, G. B. Goudy, former publisher of the Pioneer and 
 Democrat, aged twenty-nine years. 
 
 Also Jas. K. IIurd,.from injuries received from attack of 
 a wild ox. 
 
 INIarried, Edward Huggins to Elititia Work, sister-in-law 
 of Dr. Tolmie. 
 
 December 4 — Fifth Legislative session met (8th inst.). 
 
 1858 
 
 January 29 — Meeting held in Olympia to protest against 
 fhe failure of the Pierce County authorities to hang the In- 
 dian murderer Leschi, under sentence of death. 
 
 February 19 — Married, by Rev. G. F. Whitworth, Jared 
 S. Hurd to Anne M. Cock. 
 
 Wm. L. ^Mitchell, Deputy Sheriff of Thurston County,
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 383 
 
 under order from the Supreme Court, proceeded to Steilaeoom 
 and on the same day hung Lesehi. 
 
 March 19 — Married, David L. Phillips to Sophia Ellen 
 Suttlemeirs. 
 
 July 2 — Died, ]\Irs. Sarah Thomson, aged eighty-two years. 
 The mother of Rev. Geo. F. Whit worth. 
 
 July 16— Married, by Rev. G. F. Whitworth, Fayette Mc- 
 ^Mullen, Governor of Washington Territory, to Mary Wood, 
 of Olympia. 
 
 September 10 — ]\Iarried, Rufus Willard to Sarah J. 
 Fletcher. 
 
 October 15 — Died, Margaret, wife of William Rutledge. 
 aged sixty-six years. 
 
 December 17 — Married, AVm. G. Dunlap to Carrie Cock. 
 
 December 31 — Grand Lodge of Masons for Washington 
 Territory organized at Olympia. 
 
 1859 
 
 January 7 — Meeting held in Olympia to organize a Grand 
 Division of the Sons of Temperance. 
 
 February 11 — INIarried, James R. Wood to Mrs. I\I. B. 
 Pullen. 
 
 Died, Fanny Belle, only daughter of Major James and 
 Isabella Tilton. 
 
 April 8 — First earthquake experienced in Thurston 
 County, occurred on the 2nd inst. 
 
 April 15 — Married, by Chief Justice McFadden, William 
 Mitchell to Martha Johns (13th inst.). 
 
 July 8 — Married, Henry Cock to ^laria D. Hall. 
 
 July 22 — Isaac Wood erected a brewery at Fifth and Co- 
 lumbia Streets. 
 
 Chas. H. Mason, Secretary of the Territory, died at age 
 of twenty-nine. 
 
 October 21 — Fourth Street, from its junction with ^Main. 
 planked. Stumps removed from ]\Iain above Fourth. 
 
 November 25 — Died, Mollie, daughter of Selucius and S. 
 E. Garfielde. 
 
 On ]\Iound Prairie, J. W. Goodell. 
 
 December 9— Died, Mary F. Reed, daughter of T. :\1. and 
 E. II. Reed.
 
 2S4 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Seventh Legislative session eotivened. 
 December 23— :\rarried. A. B. Gore to :\rrs. Vestatia J. 
 :\I. Hyde. 
 
 Dan W. Lowell to Ellen Willard. 
 
 1860 
 
 January 13 — Alert Ilook and Ladder Company organized. 
 The first organization of the kind in Olympia. 
 
 March 23— Married, M. R. Tilley to Miss R. A. Leonard. 
 
 March 30 — Died, J. W. Wiley, forty years of age. He was 
 for several years connected with the Pioneer and Democrat. 
 
 August 10 — Married, Nathaniel Crosby to Cordelia Smith. 
 
 August 17 — Severe electric storm during which three trees 
 were struck wnthin city limits. 
 
 Oregon apples were on the market at twenty-five cents 
 per ])0und. 
 
 August 24 — Contract let for clearing the capitol grounds. 
 Much local criticism of the Territorial Capital Commission 
 for not proceeding to build with .$30,000 appropriated by 
 Federal Government. 
 
 September 14 — Census just completed shows total poi)u- 
 lation for Thurston County of 15()4; value of property. 
 $1,529,700. 
 
 Eighth Legislative Assembly convenes and on December 
 11 passes bill removing capital to Vancouver, and the peni- 
 tentiary from Vancouver to Port Townsend. 
 
 December 28 — -Mount Baker in state of eruption, "throw- 
 ing off clouds of smoke and steam." 
 
 1861 
 
 January 4 — Married, Chas. Eagan to Kate Wood. Also 
 John Chapman to Sarah E. Dofflemeyer. 
 
 January 25 — Died. ]\Iary Rutledge, wife of Wm. Rut- 
 ledge, Sr. 
 
 February 15 — ^larried, E. N. Sargent to Lueinda Mounts. 
 
 March 8 — ^Messrs. DeLacy, Blankenship and Packwood 
 start on trip to explore Nisqually pass, south of ]\It. Rainier. 
 
 ]\Iarch 15 — Having been discovered that the bill remov- 
 ing capital to Vancouver is defective, having no enacting
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 383 
 
 clause, an editorial l)attle is commoneed between the Pioneer 
 and Democrat, and Vancouver Chronicle. 
 
 April 10 — ^Married. Aaron Wehster to ]\Iiss Yantis. 
 
 April 26— Married, John :\I. :\rurphy to Eliza J. McGuire. 
 of Portland, 
 
 ]\Iay 17 — Acting Governor McGill calls for organization 
 of state militia. 
 
 I\Iay 2-1 — Married, Isaac Ellis to ;Martha A. Connor. 
 
 New administration for Washington Territory announced 
 as follows : Governor, W. H. Wallace ; Chief Justice, C. C. 
 Hewitt; Receiver of the Land Office, Jos. Cushman; Register. 
 A. A. Denny; Secretary, L. J. Turney; Attorney, J. J. Mc* 
 Gilvra ; Associate Justice, J. E. Wych. 
 
 September 14 — ^Married, Jos. H. Kellett to Rebecca D. 
 Sargent. 
 
 September 21 — Married, Peterfield Turpin to Eunice M. 
 Harned. 
 
 October 5 — -Chief Justice Hewitt declares law removing 
 capital from Olympia to Vancouver null and void. 
 
 December 7 — Ninth Legislative session convened. 
 
 1862 
 
 ^larch 29 — C. H. Hale confirmed as Superintendent of In- 
 dian Affairs. 
 
 .May 3 — Steamer Eliza Anderson takes up run from Olym- 
 pia to Cariboe mines. 
 
 June 21 — Died, at Olympia. W. G. Dunlap. 
 
 September 20 — A theatrical company, presenting "Lu- 
 cretia Borgia," "Lady of Lyojis," "David Copperfield," "The 
 Brigands," etc., appeared for one week in Olympia. 
 
 ^Married, Henry C. Hale to Fannie E. Knox. 
 
 October II — Five hundred and twenty-cme dollars sub- 
 scribed by citizens of Thurston County for relief of federal 
 soldiers, and grand ball projected to raise funds for like 
 purpose. 
 
 October 18 — IMeeting called to take measures for show- 
 ing proper respect to memory of Isaac I. Stevens. 
 
 1863 
 
 January 10 — B. F. Kendall, editoi- of the Overland Press.
 
 386 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 (lied on 7th inst., from effect of a pistol shot fired bv Horace 
 Howe. Kendall was thirty-fonr years of age and a graduate 
 of Bowdoin College. 
 
 June 20— Died, at Walla Walla, May 31st, wife of Wm. 
 Cock, aged forty-nine years. 
 
 June 27 — Died, Rev. Richard J. Evans, aged twenty-eight 
 years. At the time of his death Mr. Evans was pastor of the 
 Presbyterian Church, from March 13, I860, to time of his death. 
 
 July 11 — Married, McLain Chambers to Esther Packwood. 
 
 July 25 — Died, at Victoria, July 18th. G. Warbass, of 
 Olympia. 
 
 August 1 — Mount Baker reported in state of eruption. 
 
 September 26 — Married, D. B. Ward to Belle Byles. 
 
 October 3 — Died, Levi Offutt, aged forty-five years. 
 
 November 14 — Married, T. J. Axtell to Eliza M. Brown. 
 Bride dressed in red, white and blue. 
 
 November 28— Born, to the wife of Robt. Frost, a daugh- 
 ter (24th inst.). Also to the wife of A. B. Young, a son. 
 
 December 26 — At Tumwater (Dec. 23), Clanrick Crosby, 
 Jr.. to Martha B. Ward. 
 
 1864 
 
 February 27 — IMarried, W. II. Ruddell to Helen Z. Himes, 
 on the 21st inst. 
 
 April 16 — Died (April 10), Geo. N. Scott, aged twenty- 
 four years. 
 
 July 9 — At Tumwater (July 3) Geo. W. Biles to Louise 
 Crosby. 
 
 October 1 — Married. Geo. W. Simmons to Virginia H. Cal- 
 houn ; also Christopher C. Simmons to Amantha Kennedy. 
 
 December 24 — Married. Stephen L. Ruddell to Amanda 
 J Packwood. 
 
 1865 
 March 4 — Married, James Scott to Electra Rutledge. 
 July 1 — Died, Mary Frances, daughter of Levi and Chris- 
 tiana Shelton. aged nineteen years. 
 
 July 29 — Schuyler Colfax addressed the people of Olympia. 
 August 19 — News of the loss of the Brother Jonathan
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 387 
 
 reached 01ymi)ia, Dr. A. G. Henry, Surveyor-General of the 
 Territory, was lost on this steamer. 
 
 Married, A. J. Burr of Olympia to ]\Irs. M. Woodruff, 
 of Tumwater. 
 
 September 30 — Committee appointed to receive and pro- 
 vide for women arriving on Continental from New England. 
 
 1866 
 
 January 6 — ^Married, John Shelton to Angeline Ford. 
 
 Also, Wm. P. Wright to Maria L. Willard. 
 
 February 3 — Died, at the age of sixty, Samuel James. 
 
 March 17 — New flouring mill erected by C. Crosby, at 
 Tumwater, is completed. 
 
 March 31 — Columbia Engine Company No. 1, is organized. 
 
 April 7 — Married, Dudley Barnes to Harriet L. Eastman. 
 
 April 14 — Married, Columbus White to ^lay Clark. 
 
 May 19 — Died, at Tumwater, Mary Crosby, aged fifty- 
 eight years, relict of late Capt. Nathaniel Crosby, a pioneer of 
 the county. 
 
 July 21 — The Pixley family gave their first performance 
 in Olympia. Annie Pixley, at this time fourteen years of age, 
 gained a national reputation as an actress. Her mother, at 
 this time, opened a millinery shop on Washington Street, be- 
 tween Third and Fourth. 
 
 August 4 — Died, near Tumwater, John Scate, aged sev- 
 entj'-six years. 
 
 September 8 — ^Married, at Victoria, Jacob Waldrick to 
 Lucretia Eaton, all of Thurston County. 
 
 November 17 — U. S. C. S. Brig Fauntleroy, Captain Law- 
 son, and J. J. Gilbert, arrive to survey coast of upper Sound. 
 
 December 22 — Married, James Brewer to ]\Iary E. Byrd. 
 
 Died, G. K. Willard, fifty-eight years of age. 
 
 1867 
 
 January 12 — Gov. Cole arrived in Olympia and succeeded 
 Gov. Pickering. 
 
 January 19- — Died. W. H. Waterman. Superintendent of 
 Indian Affairs, aged fifty-eight years. 
 
 Also, Christiana, wife of Levi Shelton, fifty-one years of 
 age.
 
 .3g8 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 Janiiai\y 26 — Married, at ]\rontesano, John R. James to 
 ]\Iary C. Scammons. 
 
 Februarj^ 23 — Died, B. S. Cornell, in his sixty-ninth year. 
 
 March 2— Married. B. F. Rnth to :\Irs. Vail, "all of Thurs- 
 ton County. 
 
 May 4 — ^Died, at Tumwater, Ebenger Eastman, forty-five 
 years old. 
 
 June 29 — ^Married, J. D.'Spirlock to Cordelia Riekard. 
 
 July 27— Married, Thos. I\r. Reed to Eliza C. Giddings 
 (21st inst.). 
 
 November 23 — ]\Iarried, Amos Brown to Annie M. Peebles. 
 
 November 23 — The first circus to appear in Olympia. per- 
 formed on the southwest corner of I\Iain and Fourth Streets. 
 
 Died, Col. M. T. Simmons (on the 15th inst.). Col. Sim- 
 mons was one of the original settlers in Thurston County. 
 
 1868 
 
 July 18 — Died, ]\Irs. Gabriel Jones. She was seventy years 
 of age and came West in 1844. 
 
 October 3 — The Echo, a weekly paper, organ of the I. 0. 
 G. T., commences publication. 
 
 October 10— Married, Park Winans of Walla Walla, to 
 Lida I\Ioore, of Olympia (on the 6th inst.). 
 
 November 21 — Married, on the 15th inst., Thos. ]\I. Cham- 
 bers to Annie E. S. Grainger. 
 
 Died, on the 14th inst.. ^Nlary A., wife of Wm. Billings, 
 aged twenty-seven. 
 
 1869 
 
 January 2 — Married, Frederick Prosch to Helen ]M. Elder. 
 
 At the same time and place, H. M. Elder to IMiss C. A. 
 Ruddle. 
 
 January 9 — Capt. D. B. Finch presents to Olympia Lodge 
 of Good Templars, the Olympic building, southwest corner 
 Fourth and Columbia Streets, on condition that the lodge 
 maintain a free reading room. 
 
 I. Lightner and G. Rosenthal, pioneer merchants, form a 
 partnership. 
 
 January 16 — Died, R. W. IMoxlie, a pioneer, for whom 
 iNloxlie Creek was named.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 389 
 
 M'ftreh 13 — Died, on Moinul Prairio, Rev. Chas. Biles, a 
 pioneer of 1853. 
 
 April 3 — Two velocipedes appear upon the streets of 
 Olympia. One a two-wheel affair and the other a three-wheel, 
 the latter of home construction. 
 
 April 17 — Died, Isaac Wood, a pioneer of 1851. Mr. Wood 
 was the first brewer in Thurston County, his lirewery ])eing 
 located at Fourth and Columbia Streets. 
 
 The Marsh ville (Westside) bridge, is completed. 
 
 July 10 — Died, James A. Watson. He had been connected 
 with the press of the Sound since 1861. 
 
 George Francis Train lectured in Olympia. 
 
 July 17— Tumwater lu'idge completed. 
 
 July 24 — Secretary of State William H. Seward addressed 
 the people of Olympia. 
 
 August 7 — Married, (Aug. 3), Albert A. Phillips to i\Iiss 
 Nellie Gillispie, of Whidby Island. 
 
 September 18 — ^larried, David Longmier to Elizabeth 
 Pollard. 
 
 November 20 — Town hall dedicated with dance, Friday 
 evening, Nov. 26. (This hall was destroyed by fire, June 4, 
 1914). 
 
 November 27— Married. W. W. Miller to Mary M. Mc- 
 Fadden, in Lewis County. 
 
 December 25 — G. A. Barnes commenced the erection of 
 the first brick building, which still stands on Main Street, 
 between Third and Fourth. In this building the first bank in 
 the Territory was started. 
 
 1870 
 
 February 27 — Marshall F. ]Moore, Governor of the Terri- 
 tory, dies at Olympia. 
 
 June 25— Married, J. 15. Biles to Julia Burkett. 
 
 August 13 — First installment of Gov. Salomon's immigra- 
 tion arrive. It comprised forty families of over TOO persons. 
 
 August 27 — Gen. Hazard Stevens and P. B. Van Ti-iiiii]) 
 return after making first ascent made of ^Mount Iiainier. al- 
 though Captain F. W. Ferrell claimed to have ascended it in 
 October 1847, in company witii John Edgar, and a Fi-eiicli- 
 man and Indian, names unknown.
 
 390 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 September 17 — Census completed. Olynipia 1208; Thurs- 
 ton County 2246. 
 
 October 15 — Olympia infested with band of incendiaries, 
 and a vigilance committee is organized. 
 
 October 22 — INIarried, C. M. Bradshaw to Florence Holmes. 
 
 December 4 — Died, Mrs. C. H. Hale, aged 52 years. 
 
 1871 
 
 January 21 — An association of Pioneers formed. All citi- 
 zens eligible whose residence date back to 1860. 
 
 I\Iay 20— Died, Mrs. L. D. Dnrgin. 
 
 Also, Eliza C, wife of T. M. Reed. 
 
 November 18 — Woman's Suffrage Association for Thurs- 
 ton County formed. 
 
 December 30 — Puget Sound Courier commenced publica- 
 tion as political organ of the Federal office holders. 
 
 Olympia receives formal notice of acceptance by Northern 
 Pacific Railroad of land subsidy and location of termini at 
 0\5ympia. 
 
 1872 
 
 January 20 — Died, John Law, aged seventy-four (Nov. 
 12, 1871), an emigrant of 1852. 
 
 January 27 — First Unitarian Sunday school organized. 
 
 February 3 — ]\Iarried, J. W. Brazee to Minnie Biles. 
 
 March 2 — Died, Jos. Cushman, an early pioneer. 
 
 May 18— Married (May 12th) J. J. Gilbert to Fannie A. 
 Yantis. 
 
 June 22— I\Iarried, L. P. Venen to Emma Clark. 
 
 Died, on Bush Prairie, Tallitha Kindred. 
 
 August 17— Married, C. H. Hale to Mrs. P. C. Case. 
 
 Charles Vivian, father of the Order of Elks, made his 
 first appearance in Olympia. 
 
 September 21 — Piers laid for building now Recorder office. 
 
 October 26 — Public reception tendered Judge ]\IcFadden 
 on his return home during his campaign for Congress. 
 
 November 2 — Married, W. E. Boone to Mercie Slocum 
 (Oct. 30). 
 
 November 9 — Married (Nov. 6) Wm. Billings to Jeanette 
 M. Ballentine.
 
 PIONEER REMINISCENCES 
 
 391 
 
 Died, H. R. Woodartl, a pioneer of 1852. 
 •Judge ^MeFadden's election to Congress is celebrated l).v 
 his townsmen in Olympia. 
 
 Olvmpia experienced the hardest eartlupiake that has 
 ever occurred here. 
 
 November 30 — ^larried, J. ]\1. Lammon to ^lary Hallett. 
 December 21 — Married, Nathan Eaton to Lestina Ilimes.
 
 THURSTON COUNTY 
 
 EARLY FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 The first lodge of Free and Accepted Masons to be in- 
 stituted north of the Columbia River was organized in Olympia, 
 December 11, 1852. The names of the petitioners were : Thorn- 
 ton F. McElroy, James W. Wiley, ]\Iiehael T. Simmons, Nicholis 
 Delin, Smith Hays, Ira Ward and A. K. Skidraore, under dis- 
 pensation granted by M. N. Berryman Jennings, Grand ]\Iaster 
 of the Grand Lodge of the Territory of Oregon and wa.s 
 known as No. 5. under the Oregon jurisdiction. This lodge 
 exists today under title of Olympia Lodge No. 1, under juris- 
 diction of the Grand Lodge of Washington. 
 
 The first meeting of this organization was held Saturday 
 evening, Dec. 11, 1852. The lodge was opened with T. F. ]\Ic- 
 Elroy as Worshipful Master; J. W. Wiley, Senior Warden and 
 M. T. Simmons, Junior Warden. 
 
 The second meeting of the Lodge was held December 18. 
 1852. At this meeting a petition for the degrees was received 
 for the degrees from B. F. Yantis, one of the earliest and most 
 respected pioneers of the Territory. At a subsequnt meeting, 
 B. F. Yantis was the first to receive the three degrees in this 
 lodge. B. P. Shaw, of Vancouver, having received the pre- 
 ceding degrees, received the Master ^Mason's degree the same 
 evening as IMr. Yantis. 
 
 Olympia Lodge Avas chartered by the Grand Lodge of 
 Oregon, June 15, 1853 and was numbered 5. Upon the organ- 
 ization of the Grand Lodge of Washington, December 8, 1858. 
 Olympia Lodge became No. 1 under the new jurisdiction. 
 
 Another pioneer fraternal society is Olympia Lodge No. 1, 
 I. 0. 0. F. 
 
 This lodge was organized under a charter dated April ]0. 
 1855, by the Supreme Lodge I. 0. 0. F. of the United States 
 The following Avere named on the charter list : C. C. Llewitt. 
 J. L. Head, James C. Head, Daniel Kiser, Cyril Ward.
 
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 DEDICATION 
 
 It would, perhaps, have been more appropriate to have 
 dedicated this little volume to the brave and sturdy Thurstoi. 
 County Pioneers, whose life stories I have striven to set forth 
 in their own language wherever possible, and such, indeed, wasi 
 my intention at the beginning of this work, but as time went 
 on and I grew to realize the trials, hardships and privation!-, 
 which were the lot of the women who crossed the Old Oregon 
 Trail in the middle of the last century, I became more and 
 more impressed with the magnificent courage displayed h\ 
 one w^ho has ever been the guiding star of my life. Surel^ 
 making this arduous trip not once, but three times, entitles 
 her to an honorable place among the pioneers of whatevei 
 section. 
 
 She started from a home of comparative wealth and east 
 in ^Minnesota w^hile still in the freshness of her youth with hei 
 husband and two small children, of whom the writer w^as the 
 youngest, arriving in Sacramento, California, after six months 
 hard travelling, during which time the family never slept un 
 der a roof other than the canvas wagon cover, and endured 
 all hardships wdth an unparalled cheerfulness and fortitude 
 ever striving to assist and encourage her husband and to trait 
 her children in the right w^ay. ^Many an evening the Avritei 
 can recall being tucked into her little bed in the wagon box 
 by those kind hands and sinking off to sleep, lulled by the 
 monotonous sound of the horses crunching their grain from flu 
 long feed box on the ground beside the prairie schooner. 
 
 The stay in California was short, barely long enough foj 
 the family to recover from the fatigue of the long journey 
 and for this modern Cornelia to add one other gem to hei 
 jewel casket, then, becoming satisfied that all the shining gold 
 of which this young couple had dreamed, had already l)eer 
 picked up out of the streets by earlier pioneers, they decided 
 to retrace their journey as far as the Grande Rounde Valley, 
 in Oregon. Here, although the loose gold had also been al- 
 ready gathered in, tliere were plenty of oppoi'tunilies for gain-
 
 ing a competence for the thrifty and industrious, virtues 
 which these people certainly possessed. 
 
 Within a few years prosperity had shed its golden glow 
 over the adventurers to such a degree that they decided they 
 had acquired enough to give them a cmnfortable start in their 
 old home as they were homesick and possessed of an over- 
 whelming longing to see once again the friends of their youth 
 
 Bundling the children into the wagons in wdiich the first 
 start was made, the long trip back to JMinnesota was under- 
 taken. Here the money acquired in the West was invested in 
 a farm which proved to be an unfortunate venture, for the 
 ground was worn out and exhausted and the knowledge the 
 young people had of all agriculturaal pursuits was purely 
 theoretical. The final result was that the money was soon alJ 
 spent and then the rememl)erance of the many opportunities 
 they had left in the Golden West lured them to return. 
 
 Again the family and plunder w^ere loaded in the wagons 
 and the return trip along the now familiar trail was started. 
 There were four children by this time, and on the way, some- 
 where back in Iowa, another baby was born to this heroic 
 woman. A lay-by of only a couple of days was all she asked 
 before the onward march was resumed. 
 
 At one time, while passing through Utah on the first trip 
 west, their train was fired upon by the Indians while the emi- 
 grants were preparing their evening meal, the miscreants then 
 charging down and, with horrid yells and flourishing of 
 blankets and robes, endeavored to stampede the horses picketed 
 a short distance from the wagons. The bravery of the men 
 in rushing to the rescue was all that prevented this catastrophe. 
 In the morning the way led on through a deep ravine with 
 rocky walls crow^ding close by the trail on either side. The 
 frightened emigrants were sure they would be fired upon by 
 the enemy from the tops of these walls but there was no other 
 alternative than to proceed. The women drove the teams 
 while the men with their guns over their shoulders, walked, 
 beside the wagons, guarding their families, their lives and 
 their every earthly possession. But they were not further 
 molested. 
 
 In remembrance of this grand, courageous and loya] 
 woman, I lovingly dedicate this liook to MY MOTHER.
 
 16 75 11
 
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