Snohomish Washington

Biographical Sketch of Sewall M. Knapp

Sewall M. Knapp, born on July 19, 1853, in Penobscot County, Maine, moved to California in 1875 before settling in Snohomish, Washington. Initially working as a team driver, he later spent six years at Blackman Brothers’ stores before establishing his own livery stable. A committed public servant, he served as county treasurer and later city treasurer. Knapp owns a 160-acre farm near Snohomish and has built a respected life there with his wife, Florence Scotney, surrounded by a supportive community.

Biographical Sketch of Ulmer Stinson

Ulmer Stinson, born in 1836 in Kennebec County, Maine, became a prominent lumberman in Snohomish. After working locally and attempting mining in California, he settled in Port Gamble before moving to Snohomish, where he established his own logging operations. Stinson, who employs around twenty-five men and owns 1,500 acres of land, has achieved considerable success in his field. He married Christina Stewart in 1856 and has three children. Known for his substantial build and strong opinions, he maintains a well-regarded presence in the community.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Henry A. Smith

Dr. Henry A. Smith, born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1830, was the youngest of twelve children raised by his widow mother after his father’s death. At sixteen, he moved to Iowa before studying medicine at Alleghany College. In 1852, he traveled westward to Seattle, Washington Territory, where he claimed land. He served as a surgeon during the Indian War, became King County’s first school superintendent, and represented various counties in the legislature. He operated a hospital in Snohomish for eight years and had eight children.

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 Hon. Hiram D. Morgan

Hon. Hiram D. Morgan, born in 1822 in Mount Ayre, Ohio, has led a noteworthy pioneer life since 1853. After moving to Iowa and participating in a migration to Oregon, he worked in various roles, building boats and serving as an Indian agent. Morgan held significant positions, including agent of the Tulalip Reservation, and later established a sawmill and factory in Snohomish, Washington. He has held various public offices and is married to Mary J. Trout, with whom he has seven children.

Noel, Clarissa Jane Farris – Obituary

Mrs. Clara J. Noel, aged 75, passed away on October 9, 1942, at her daughter’s home in Tacoma. A Fresno, California native, she had resided in Tacoma for 12 years. Clara was married to W. H. Noel in 1882, who predeceased her in 1930. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Pauline Stalcup, along with additional daughters, sons, sisters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for October 10 in Tacoma, followed by burial on October 12 in Thorp Cemetery, Ellensburg.

Ingersoll, Clara Gordon – Obituary

Clara Albertine Ingersoll, a pioneer of the Colockum area, passed away in Seattle at the age of 78 after a prolonged illness. Born on March 16, 1863, in New Brunswick, Canada, she married E. D. Ingersoll in 1880 and migrated to the Pacific Coast. The couple farmed in Snohomish Valley before homesteading near Malaga and later on Colockum Creek. A dedicated member of the Baptist Church and grange, she is survived by several children. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Jones and Jones.

Vanishing Towns and Old Settlements of Washington

The town of Whatcom, named after a Nooksack chief, once thrived during the Fraser River gold rush with a population of 10,000. However, a shift in trade routes led to its decline and eventual abandonment. By the late 19th century, new towns like Bellingham Bay, La Conner, and Snohomish City emerged, driven by agricultural and timber industries. These communities were established by pioneers who brought enterprise and innovation, shaping the region’s development amidst the remnants of earlier settlements like Whatcom.

Biography of Isaac Cathcart

Isaac Cathcart, born in 1845 in Fermanagh County, Ireland, became a prominent citizen of Snohomish County, Washington. Emigrating at nineteen, he worked various jobs, eventually settling in Snohomish after arriving in 1868 with just eleven dollars. Through diligence and astute business decisions, he established the Exchange Hotel and Cathcart Opera House, amassing over 3,500 acres of land and significant urban property. A Republican, he served as Snohomish County treasurer from 1882 to 1886. He was married to Julia J. Johns and had three children.

Biographical Sketch of Arthur M. Blackman

Arthur M. Blackman, born in 1865 in Penobscot County, Maine, moved to Michigan and later to Oakland, California, where he received a solid education. In 1885, he began his career with Blackman Brothers in Snohomish and, after eighteen months of diligent work, purchased the grocery store he now operates successfully. His promising future is supported by his dedication and business acumen.

Biographical Sketch of Levi H. Cyphers

Levi H. Cyphers, born in Monroe County, Pennsylvania in 1849, moved west at 26 seeking opportunities. After an unsuccessful gold prospecting venture, he settled in Snohomish, Washington, where he focused on lumbering and ranching. By 1880, he was operating his own logging camp and employing twenty men. Cyphers was elected sheriff in 1886 and continues to hold the position, noteworthy for winning as a Democrat in a predominantly Republican county by a significant margin. He remains unmarried and financially successful.

Biographical Sketch of Clark Ferguson

Clark Ferguson, born on October 13, 1835, in Putnam County, New York, traveled to California in 1855 with his brother Yates via Nicaragua. After spending two years there, he returned east but ventured west again within a year. He settled in Fort Leavenworth during the Mormon troubles, then moved to Pikes Peak for mining, and later worked as a wagon-master for three years. Eventually, he joined his brother E.C. Ferguson in Snohomish, Washington Territory, where he amassed considerable real estate.

Biography of Hon. Emory C. Ferguson

Hon. Emory C. Ferguson, born March 5, 1833, in Westchester County, New York, pursued carpentry before moving to California in 1854. Engaging in various enterprises including mining and merchandising, he settled in Snohomish, Washington, where he built a log cabin and established a general store. A prominent figure in local politics, he served multiple terms in the territorial legislature and contributed to Washington’s statehood. As a successful businessman and landowner, Ferguson became a key community leader and a significant taxpayer in Snohomish County.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph Mallett

Joseph Mallett, born in 1855 in Penobscot County, Maine, moved to the Pacific coast at twenty, initially settling in Tacoma and later Port Gamble. He began his career in logging before transitioning to a clerkship, ultimately re-entering the logging industry with a partner. His efforts resulted in acquiring land near Snohomish and a residence in town. In 1888, he established the Penobscot Hotel, where he serves as manager. Mallett is married and has two children.