Olympia Washington

Olympia, the capital city of Washington State, is located at the southern end of Puget Sound in Thurston County. Established as a town on January 28, 1859, Olympia has a rich history that dates back to its original inhabitants, the Coast Salish Native American tribes. The city’s name is derived from the Olympic Mountains to the northwest, named by explorer George Vancouver in honor of the Olympic Mountains, which in turn were named for their resemblance to the home of the gods in Greek mythology. As the state capital, Olympia serves as the administrative and political hub of Washington, housing the state government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Geographically, Olympia boasts a picturesque setting with a blend of urban and natural landscapes, including Capitol Lake, the Deschutes River, and the nearby Puget Sound shoreline.

Dale, Donald D. – Obituary

Donald D. Dale of Portland, Oregon, died in an Olympia hospital Wednesday [January 4, 1950] after a week’s illness. Mr. and Mrs. Dale came to Olympia for a visit during the holidays with Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stuth, 223 North Foote Street. Mrs. Dale and Mrs. Stuth are sisters [Lottie and Nellie Grunden]. Born in Missouri, July 17, 1886, Mr. Dale moved to Portland thirty five years ago and had been engaged in the real estate business there. He is survived by his wife, Lottie; two brothers, Bogue Dale in the real estate business in Klamath Falls, and Keith Dale, … Read more

Sisk, Audrey Leville Swan – Obituary

Mrs. Audrey L. Sisk, daughter of a pioneer valley resident died last night at the Valley General Hospital after being hospitalized 13 days. She was born April 1, 1882 in Olympia and came here in 1898 with her father Thomas Swan who crossed Snoqualmie Pass by horse-drawn wagon. The family homesteaded the ranch in the Reecer Creek area which is now the Dunbar-Marriott ranch. She was married to Charles T. Sisk, July 17, 1901, and they moved to the Wenas District where they ranched until 1922 when they returned to the Kittitas Valley. Sisk preceded his wife in death, Feb. … Read more

Wahmaskie, A Lower Chinook Indian Genealogy

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.

Biography of Hon. Robert F. Sturdevant

HON. ROBERT F. STURDEVANT. – Mr. Sturdevant is known as the pioneer lawyer of Dayton, Washington, and is one of its most enterprising citizens. His birthplace was Warren county, Pennsylvania; and the date was November 18, 1841. About eighteen months after that important event in his history, his parents moved to Iowa, and settled in Lee county. There they remained until 1854, when they removed to Clark county, Wisconsin. There Robert attended school, and in 1860 began the study of law. He was engaged in professional study and practice till 1873, when, in company with his father and mother and … Read more

Biography of John Carson

John Carson, born January 25, 1828, in Butler County, Pennsylvania, was a quintessential pioneer of the American frontier. Moving to Perry County, Indiana at age 15, Carson later journeyed to Puget Sound, Washington Territory, in 1853. Carson and his family endured arduous travels, eventually settling near Puyallup, Washington. He established a private ferry and was a key figure during the Indian wars, raising a volunteer company for defense. Carson served in the territorial legislature and was instrumental in local infrastructure development. His contributions to Pierce County, including his success in hop-raising and sawmilling, highlight his legacy as a pioneer and community leader.

Jeffries, B. F. Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. B. F. Jeffers, formerly Mrs. Lydia Reeves, died in Olympia, Washington, Monday of this week, and interment took place in Union Thursday from the Undertaking Parlor. Mrs. Jeffers was a former resident of Union, at which time she was known as Mrs. Lydia Reeves, wife of Vincent Reeves. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves removed to La Grande from Union thence to Haines, where they resided up to the time of Mr. Reeves’ death, which was seven years ago. She was married to Mr. Jeffers, who survives her. After her marriage, the deceased was a resident of Olympia. She leaves no … Read more

Biography of A. H. Chambers

A.H. CHAMBERS. – This wealthy and influential resident of Olympia is a native of Washington Territory, and a son of one of the earliest pioneers, his parents having crossed the plains to Oregon in 1844. Andsworth was born near Olympia, at Chambers Prairie, June 25, 1851. He began his career at the early age of twelve as a herder of stock, and continued in this business until nineteen years of age, acquiring thereby a knowledge of life and of practical affairs which has been of great value. At the above age, in partnership with his father, he successfully established a … Read more

Biography of Theodore C. Van Epps

THEODORE C. VAN EPPS. – Mr. Van Epps, a portrait of whom is placed among the illustrations of this work, is one of the best known men in Washington’s capital city. He was born in New Scotland, eight miles west of Albany, New York, February 15, 1847, and is the son of Charles and Angelica (Vedder) Van Epps, both of whom were born in New York of Holland parentage, his mother being a cousin of ex-President Martin Van Buren. His great-grandfather was from Holland, and founded the town of Amsterdam in New York State. At the age of six Theodore … Read more