Aberdeen, Washington, founded in the early 1880s and incorporated in 1890, is located in Grays Harbor County at the mouth of the Chehalis River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean. This strategic location made it a prime spot for the lumber and fishing industries, which dominated the city’s economy for decades. Aberdeen’s nickname, “The Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula,” reflects its role as a crucial transportation and commercial hub in the region, with its deep-water port facilitating the export of timber and other goods. The city’s early settlers, a mix of European immigrants and domestic migrants, were drawn by the opportunities in logging, fishing, and later, manufacturing. For genealogists, Aberdeen’s rich repository of historical records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including land deeds, business records, and vital records, provide detailed insights into the lives of these early inhabitants. The area was originally inhabited by the Quinault and Chehalis tribes, and interactions between these Native American communities and settlers are an important aspect of the region’s history. Aberdeen’s archives and local historical societies hold extensive collections that are invaluable for tracing family histories, understanding the dynamics of the logging and fishing industries, and exploring the cultural and social development of the Pacific Northwest during a period of significant growth and change.
This provides the descendants of Wahmaskie, a Lower Chinook Indian who married James Huckquist, a white man. Using census and vital records, as well as Native American specific records, this research provides several generations of her descendants through her son, Dixie James, who was the only surviving heir.
In 1906, Charles E. McChesney compiled a list of the Lower Chinook, Kathlamet, Tillamook, and Clatsop Indians, along with their heirs, who had treaty agreements with the U.S. government since 1851. The document includes numerous names and corresponding addresses across various locations, such as Oregon, Washington, and California. This registration underscores the ongoing recognition of these tribes and serves as an important historical record of their existence and relocations during that period.
“The Last Wilderness” by Murray Cromwell Morgan, published in 1955 by Viking Press in New York, is a comprehensive historical account of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Spanning 275 pages, this book delves into the rich and tumultuous history of the region, offering insights into its pioneering days, the challenges of its lumber ports, and the establishment of Olympic National Park.
Lucille L. Lundstrom, 76, of Aberdeen, passed away on March 27, 1990, after residing in the city since 1979. Born on May 17, 1913, in Ellensburg, she married Fred Lundstrom in 1939 and farmed in various locations before settling in Aberdeen. Lucille enjoyed needlework, gardening, and reading. She is survived by her husband, two sons, a daughter, two sisters, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. A cryptside service is set for 1 p.m. Friday at Fern Hill Mausoleum.
Vern Curtis, a lifelong resident of Aberdeen, passed away on March 21, 1988, at the age of 71. Born on March 2, 1917, in Winlock, he served in the Army during World War II and was active in local organizations, including the Aberdeen VFW No. 224 and IWA, Local 3-2. He is survived by his brother, Glen Curtis, and sister, Dorothy Cabibi. A military graveside service will take place on March 24 at Winlock Cemetery, with arrangements made by Cattermole Funeral Home.
Mrs. Emma A. Lucas, a longtime resident of Aberdeen and dedicated member of the Order of Eastern Star, passed away on May 24, 1928, at the age of 67. Born in Junction City, Oregon, she contributed significantly to the Eastern Star for over 30 years, including serving as secretary for 20 years and a term as Worthy Matron. She is survived by her daughter, Miss Julia A. Lucas, and several siblings. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at Elerding Chapel, with interment at Fern Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Elmira Curtis, aged 61, passed away on November 26 at a local hospital in Aberdeen, where she had resided for 12 years. Born in Winlock, she worked at various local restaurants. She is survived by her sons Norman, Glen, and Vern Curtis, daughters Lois Audette and Dorothy Cabibi, and several siblings. Additionally, she leaves behind 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services are set to take place at Winlock Cemetery.
Mrs. Ella A. Champ, 73, passed away after a prolonged illness at a local hospital. Born in Hillsboro, Oregon, she lived in Aberdeen for 30 years. She is survived by her husband Willis and eight children, along with several siblings and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Elerding Chapel, led by Rev. C. E. Kingsley, followed by interment at Fern Hill Cemetery.
Samuel Benn, a skilled carpenter born in New York City, significantly impacted the development of Aberdeen, Washington. After moving to San Francisco in 1856 and working in mining, he relocated to Milburn in 1859, where he cleared farmland for nine years. In 1867, he acquired land at the future site of Aberdeen, which he developed into a city in 1884. Benn served as Chehalis County’s first sheriff and held various local offices. He and his wife, Martha Redman, had seven children and transformed his initial capital of one hundred dollars into a substantial fortune.