“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.
Hon. Charles Eisebeis, born in Prussia in 1832, emigrated to America in 1856 and became a prominent figure in Port Townsend. After initially working as a baker, he opened the first bakery in the town and later expanded into brewing. Eisebeis invested wisely in real estate, acquiring significant property in the area. He served three terms as mayor, was the first city treasurer, and participated in the Washington board of health. Eisebeis had four children with his first wife, Elizabeth, and later married Kate Marsh.
The Chimakum Indians, also known as Aqokdlo, were situated on the peninsula between Hoods Canal and Port Townsend. They belonged to the Chimakuan linguistic stock, related to the Salishan stock. Historically, the Chimakum faced continuous conflict with the Clallam and other Salish tribes, leading to a significant decline in their population. Included in the Point-no-Point Treaty of 1855, they were relocated to the Skokomish Reservation, where their numbers dwindled. By 1910, only three individuals remained who could speak their language.
John F. Sheehan, born in Baltimore in 1840, became a prominent businessman in Port Townsend, Washington, where he has lived for nearly thirty years. After losing his father as an infant, he was raised by his mother and later educated in New Orleans. Moving to California in 1856, he worked in mining before settling in Port Townsend. Sheehan successfully established a stove and tinware business, served on the city council, and was elected sheriff of Jefferson County for three terms. He married Mary Loftus in 1864 and had nine children.
Hon. David Shelton, born September 15, 1812, in North Carolina, was a prominent pioneer in Washington Territory and a founder of Port Townsend. After marrying Frances Wilson in 1837, he moved westward, ultimately setting out for Oregon in 1847. His journey was fraught with challenges, including encounters with Native Americans and difficult river crossings. Despite these hardships, Shelton became a respected citizen of the Pacific coast, actively contributing to public affairs and local development. He currently resides in a town named in his honor.
James O’Loughlin, born on April 9, 1844, in County Clare, Ireland, immigrated with his family to the United States at a young age. He learned the tinsmith trade in Michigan and later moved to Dakota before settling in La Conner, Washington, in 1871. A successful farmer and politician, O’Loughlin served three terms as sheriff and assessor of Whatcom County and was appointed inspector of customs. He was married in 1867 and has nine children, earning respect across party lines despite his Democratic affiliation.
Capt. Henry E. Morgan, born on October 30, 1825, in Groton, Connecticut, was a notable pioneer who moved to Meriden before journeying to California in 1849. He spent fifteen years at sea, eventually owning his vessel. In 1858, he settled in Port Townsend, Washington, transitioning to farming for six years. He served two terms as a representative from Jefferson County and later became the inspector of hulls for the Puget Sound district. Morgan is now a prominent property owner, respected in his community, with a wife and daughter.
Hon. Joseph A. Kuhn, born in Pennsylvania in 1841, has had a significant impact in Washington. After briefly attending Calvert College, he moved west, working as a freighter and serving in the army during the Civil War. Settling in Port Townsend, he transitioned to law, being admitted to the bar in 1870. His political career began with election to the Washington legislature in 1872, and he served in various roles, including probate judge and commissioner of immigration. A prominent Democrat, he was active in party conventions and had notable Masonic affiliations.
Gretchen Adeline Dayton, 85, passed away on July 17 at Grande Ronde Hospital in Elgin, Oregon. Born on December 25, 1920, in Port Townsend, Washington, she spent much of her life in the Puget Sound region before moving to Elgin after marrying Darius Dayton in 1981. She had a passion for the outdoors and cherished storytelling. Darius predeceased her in 1990. A graveside memorial is scheduled for Friday evening at Elgin Cemetery, with Loveland Funeral Chapel handling arrangements.
Darris Elwood Eccles, 78, passed away on October 14, 2004, at his home in Kala Point, Oregon, having resided in Port Townsend since 1956. Born on September 5, 1926, in Baker City, he served in the U.S. Navy and was a dedicated employee of Safeway. He later operated a landscaping business and nursery. Darris was active in community service and enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with family. He is survived by his wife, Lora, their daughters, and grandchildren. A memorial service was held on October 23.
The Clallam Indians, a Salish tribe, historically inhabited the southern shores of Puget Sound, from Port Discovery to the Hoko River. Their territory included notable villages such as Elwha and Sequim. The tribe, closely associated with the Songish, had a population of 800 in 1854, which dwindled over the years. Cheetsamahoin, known as the Duke of York, served as an esteemed hereditary chief, recognized for his leadership and loyalty to the government until his retirement in 1870. He passed away respected by both Indigenous and settler communities.
Tumwater, incorporated in 1869, was pivotal in Puget Sound’s early manufacturing growth. Vancouver, established as Clarke County’s seat in 1854, became home to diverse early settlers, including James Turnbull and Stephen McDonald, who contributed significantly to the community. Port Townsend, known for its strategic location, was incorporated in 1860 and attracted various pioneers like Loren Hastings and Thomas Stimpson, who shaped its development. The surrounding region featured other towns like Steilacoom and Puyallup, rich with pioneering histories and vibrant communities.
Dr. George B. Calhoun, born on October 19, 1837, in New Brunswick, is a prominent figure in the Puget Sound medical community. After a childhood in Maryland and education in Nova Scotia and Glasgow, he served as an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. Calhoun established the marine hospital in Port Townsend before moving to Seattle, where he practiced medicine and engaged in local governance. He later relocated to La Conner, where he continues to enjoy a successful life with his wife, Ellen Mein, and their nine children.
Hon. Charles Miner Bradshaw, born on August 9, 1831, in Pennsylvania, has risen through the ranks to become the effective collector of customs for the Puget Sound district. His career began in humble logging camps after crossing the plains to Oregon in 1852. A dedicated law student, he was admitted to the bar in 1864 and became active in local politics, serving in the territorial legislature and as mayor of Port Townsend. Appointed by President Harrison in 1889, his leadership has consistently benefited the community and upheld public confidence. He married Florence Holmes in 1870 and has three children.
Hon. Albert Briggs, born on August 26, 1813, in Vermont, exemplified the pioneering spirit of the Pacific coast. After moving through several states, he and his family journeyed to Oregon in 1847, eventually settling in what is now Port Townsend, Washington. A skilled carpenter, Briggs thrived in farming and held various public offices, including county superintendent of schools and probate judge. Married to Isabel Cook for over fifty years, Briggs faced personal loss when she passed away in 1888. He left a lasting legacy in the region.
Cyrus F. Clapp, born in Maine on July 29, 1851, transitioned from a modest upbringing to significant business success in the West after moving to California in 1870. He began his career as a hotel clerk and later owned the Cosmopolitan Hotel, where he gained a strong reputation for management. Clapp ventured into merchandising in New Dungeness before co-founding the Merchants Bank of Port Townsend in 1887, where he served as president with integrity. He was also active in public service and family life, married with five children.
Captain Enoch S. Fowler, born in Lubec, Maine, in 1813, became a prominent figure in Puget Sound after arriving in 1849. He served as master and part owner of several vessels and played a significant role in the region’s commerce and Indian affairs during the 1850s. By 1857, he transitioned to a mercantile career in Port Townsend, building infrastructure and holding various public offices, including brigadier-general. Fowler passed away in 1876, leaving a legacy marked by his contributions to the community and his involvement in the Masonic order.
Hon. Charles Eisenbeis, born in 1832 in Prussia, emigrated to America in 1856, establishing his career as a baker in Port Townsend shortly after arriving. He became a successful business owner and investor, acquiring significant real estate in the region. Eisenbeis served three terms as mayor and was the first city treasurer, alongside his work on the Washington Board of Health. He married Elizabeth Berghauser in 1865, with whom he had four children, and later wed Kate E. Marsh, establishing a notable legacy in his community.
L.B. Hastings, a pioneer of Portland and Port Townsend, played a crucial role in the development of these cities in the mid-19th century. After arriving in Oregon in 1847 with a group of immigrants, he established a log cabin and ventured into various businesses, including supplying troops and mining in California. Ultimately settling in Port Townsend, he became a prominent merchant and public servant, holding roles such as sheriff and probate judge. Hastings, born in Vermont in 1814, passed away in 1882, leaving a legacy of progress and distinction through his family and endeavors.
James McCurdy, born in 1840 in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, moved to the Pacific coast at 19 to study medicine under his father, Dr. Samuel M. McCurdy. He initially worked as a clerk before pursuing a seafaring career from 1862 to 1873. Upon returning, he developed lime works on San Juan Island, successfully running the business after his partner’s death. In 1886, he sold the business and later established lime works on Orcas Island, maintaining a significant role in their management.