CAPT. WARREN GOVE. – The gentleman whose name heads this brief biography has been a resident of the Pacific Northwest for over thirty-five years, having settled on Puget Sound in 1853, during which time he has been closely connected with all enterprises that would lend stability and success to its growth and welfare. He was born in Edgecomb, Massachusetts, July 27, 1816. the early years of his life were passed with his parents on a farm. In 1839, while yet a youth of thirteen years, he went to sea. His close application to duty, and his gentlemanly bearing, attracted the attention of his employers, who, recognizing true merit, advanced him step by step until he was placed in command of a vessel. This life he followed until he was shipwrecked in 1844, when he abandoned it.
The Captain was united in marriage to Miss Hespsibah Crooker in 1842. There were born of this union five children, three of whom now survive. He came to the Pacific coast in 1851, arriving in San Francisco in September of that year. After a residence in that city of two years, he sailed for Puget Sound and settled at Steilacoom, Washington Territory. Soon after his arrival he took up a Donation claim on one of the beautiful islands near that city, to which he removed and established himself and family in comfort. On May 20, 1888, the affectionate wife and mother, who had been so long the sunshine of his hearthstone, was claimed by death.
In the affairs of the body politic, it is seldom that the office seeks the man; but, in the case of Captain Gove, there is an exception to this rule, he having been called upon form year to year to represent the county in which he lived in the more important offices within its gift. By reference to the portrait of the Captain found within these pages, the reader will see that his face is fairly beaming with kindness and good nature. None know him but to respect him; and, having once made a man his friend, he has no difficulty in retaining his friendship.
To the sterling integrity and substantial progressiveness of such men as Captain Gove, the Pacific Northwest owes much; and the daring spirit and pluck of its founders is beyond the power of pen to justly describe.