Skagit County WA

Biographical Sketch of Michael McNamara

Michael McNamara, born in 1848 in Woodstock, Canada, grew up in Milwaukee and Chicago before moving to California in 1865. He later settled in Puget Sound, where he worked in logging for a decade. In 1876, he established a hotel in Stanwood and subsequently built the Ruby House, a renowned establishment. McNamara also constructed an impressive residence in Mount Vernon in 1887. He is married and the father of three children, making significant contributions to the local community in Skagit County.

Biography of William Munks

William Munks, a prominent figure in the history of Puget Sound, is recognized as a veteran, pioneer, and the first white settler of Fidalgo Island. Born in Ohio, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Mexican War and later participated in Indian wars and various military campaigns. After years of trapping, mining, and trading, he settled on Fidalgo Island in 1859, where he cultivated a successful farm and operated a mercantile store. Munks’ contributions to the region are lasting, as he is also a long-serving postmaster and holds significant land holdings in the area.

Biography of James O’Laughlin

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.

Biographical Sketch of Myron W. Packard

Myron W. Packard, born in 1830 in Madrid, New York, moved westward at 23, eventually settling in River Falls, Wisconsin, where he served as a quartermaster-sergeant in the Union army. In 1870, he relocated to Washington Territory, initially engaging in mercantile business in White River before moving to Snohomish in 1871. He returned to Wisconsin briefly before resuming business in Snohomish in 1887. Packard held multiple county offices, including probate judge, and is noted for his community involvement and successful store.

Biography of John O. Rudene

John O. Rudene, a Swedish immigrant born in 1850, settled in Iowa before relocating to La Conner, Washington, in 1876. He acquired a 181-acre farm, expanding it to 381 acres, which he transformed from wilderness to highly productive land. His farm yields impressive crops, including oats, barley, and hay, showcasing the land’s fertility. Married to Bessie J. Rudene, a pioneer from Oregon, he is actively involved in local governance as a county commissioner and is optimistic about the region’s agricultural potential.

Thomas, Thelma Gwendolyn Erdman Mrs. – Obituary

Thelma Gwendolyn Thomas, aged 92, passed away on February 1, 2005, at her home in Baker City. Born on September 25, 1913, in St. Louis, she was raised in Denver and married Louis Bus Thomas in 1935. The couple operated a printing business and later retired near their son in Burlington, Washington. After Bus’s death in 1984, Thelma relocated several times before settling in Baker City. She is survived by her son, four grandchildren, and a brother. Interment will be at Mount Vernon Cemetery.

Hovde, Judith Ann Robertson Mrs. – Obituary

Judith Ann Hovde, 60, of Baker City, passed away on September 22, 2004. Born February 20, 1944, in Mount Vernon, Washington, she graduated from Eisenhower High School and earned her nursing degree in Portland. After a 21-year career, she retired and moved to Baker City with her husband, Art. A devoted Christian, she was active at Calvary Baptist Church. Judith was known for her kindness, love for reading, animals, and flowers. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Memorial contributions can be made to the church’s building fund.

Biography of Hon. Jesse B. Ball

Hon. Jesse B. Ball, a pioneer of 1853, founded the thriving city of Sterling along the Skagit River in Washington. After working in mining and stock business throughout California, he moved to Puget Sound in 1867, engaging in farming and logging. In 1878, he established Sterling, where he managed a store and logging camp before transitioning to farming and real estate. A Republican and long-time postmaster, Ball also fought Indigenous peoples in early California. He narrowly escaped disaster on the steamer Josephine and has seven children.

Biography of George B. Calhoun, M.D.

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.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Horace P. Downs

Dr. Horace P. Downs, born in 1840 in Freedom, New Hampshire, pursued a medical education at Bowdoin College, graduating in 1865. After practicing in New Hampshire, he relocated to Whatcom County, Washington, in 1878, where he became a prominent figure in local governance. Elected as a county commissioner in 1880 and later auditor, he has significantly contributed to the organization of Skagit County. A successful businessman and landowner, Dr. Downs is recognized as a leading citizen in the Pacific Northwest.

Biographical Sketch of Fred D. Cleaves

Fred D. Cleaves, born in 1852 in Stockbridge, Wisconsin, has held various significant public roles in the Pacific Northwest. Migrating with his family to the region in 1864, he later returned to Wisconsin for education but eventually settled in Puget Sound. Cleaves taught penmanship and served as a county treasurer and district court clerk in Skagit County. He also ran a real estate office and is recognized for his integrity and community trust.

Biography of Hon. Harrison Clothier

Hon. Harrison Clothier, born on July 9, 1840, in Corinth, New York, emigrated to Wisconsin in 1868 and later moved to Minnesota, where he farmed and taught. He entered merchandising in 1872 and eventually settled in Oregon, founding Mt. Vernon in 1877 with partner Edward G. English. A Democrat, Clothier served as auditor and probate judge of Whatcom County, showcasing his popularity by winning nearly all votes in his precinct during elections. He also owns a significant timber tract in Skagit County.

Biographical Sketch of George E. Hartson

George E. Hartson, born in Troy, New York in 1855, moved with his family to various states before settling in Coupville, Washington Territory. He became a school teacher at seventeen and later farmed near Mount Vernon. In 1882, he was appointed school superintendent of Skagit County and, in 1885, acquired the Skagit News, a local paper. Hartson married Matilda Gates in 1879, and they had three children: Ralph, Clifford, and Gracie. His contributions to education and journalism are well recognized in the community.

Biographical Sketch of Patrick Halloran

Patrick Halloran arrived in the Pacific Northwest as a logger in 1876 and established a successful farm in Edison, claiming land in 1879. His productive farm yields significant crops, including hay, oats, and timothy seed, generating a local market for his produce. Halloran served as a county commissioner from 1886 to 1888, focusing on road development to enhance the region. He is married with three children and maintains a positive outlook for Edison as a community for industrious individuals.

Biography of Hon. Orvin Kincaid

The Hon. Orvin Kincaid was born in Grafton, New Hampshire, in 1821. His life journey began with an upbringing in a blacksmith family before he ventured westward during the gold rush. He traversed various states, engaging in mining and missionary work among the Creek Indians. Eventually, he settled in Washington’s Skagit County, where he became a significant figure in local politics, helping to establish the county and serving as a legislator. Kincaid ultimately chose Mount Vernon as his home, contributing greatly to his community.

Biography of Bedford L. Martin

Bedford L. Martin was born in Arkansas in 1847 and lost both parents by age four, later raised by an uncle in Indiana. At seventeen, he enlisted in the Tenth Indiana Cavalry, enduring severe battles and imprisonment during the Civil War. After the war, he explored various states for a permanent home, eventually homesteading in Steilacoom, Washington. Martin became a successful businessman in La Conner, where he gained respect in the community, owning property and raising a family.

Biographical Sketch of Edward K. Matlock

Edward K. Matlock, born in 1858 in Ohio to a Methodist minister, began his career in the South at a sugar refinery. Seeking a healthier environment, he moved to Washington Territory, stopping in San Francisco before settling in Skagit County in 1881. After working as a clerk, he opened a successful drug store in Mount Vernon in 1887 and invested his earnings in local lands. Matlock has also served as county treasurer, reflecting his community involvement and recognition.

Biography of Hon. John McGlynn

Hon. John McGlynn, a prominent figure in La Conner, Washington, was born on May 10, 1845, in Connaught, Ireland. Immigrating to the U.S. at a young age, he established himself as a respected Indian agent for various reservations and successfully managed the McGlynn Hotel, emphasizing temperance. His political career included two years in the territorial council, where he championed local interests. Appointed Indian agent at Neah Bay by President Harrison in 1889, he has also actively contributed to the public school system. McGlynn is married with five children.