Thurston County WA, located in the western part of Washington State, is steeped in rich history and geographical diversity. Established on January 12, 1852, from portions of Lewis County, it was originally named after Samuel R. Thurston, the Oregon Territory‘s first delegate to Congress. The county seat is Olympia, which also serves as the state capital, highlighting the county’s central role in Washington’s political landscape. Thurston County is characterized by its varied topography, ranging from the southern reaches of Puget Sound to dense forests and the fertile Nisqually Valley. It has played a pivotal role in the state’s history, serving as a hub for trade, governance, and cultural exchange. The county’s formation and development were significantly influenced by its strategic location along the Puget Sound, facilitating maritime trade and settlement.
Audrey L. Sisk, born on April 1, 1882, in Olympia, passed away after 13 days in Valley General Hospital. She moved to Kittitas Valley in 1898 with her father and married Charles T. Sisk in 1901. They ranched in the Wenas District until 1922. Widowed in 1953, she lived with her son Ray. Audrey is survived by five sons, two daughters, 15 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be held at Evenson Chapel, with burial at the IOOF Cemetery.
Mrs. Virinda Wheeler Cooke, of East Kittitas, passed away on August 2, 1906, after a prolonged illness. Born on February 23, 1861, in Yelm, WA, she married Edward Ward Cooke in 1878 and mothered twelve children. Her funeral will take place at her residence, followed by burial in the I.O.O.F. cemetery on Saturday. The family, particularly her husband, is surrounded by the sympathy of a broad community during this difficult time.
C. Melvin “Mel” Lee, 86, passed away on May 27, 1995, in Olympia after battling cancer. Born on November 15, 1908, in Ellensburg, he graduated from Washington State University and served in the Army during World War II. Lee had a distinguished career in education, coaching at various schools and serving as a superintendent. He retired from Boeing and was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly of baseball. He is survived by his wife Claudia, a stepdaughter, and several grandchildren.
Claudia H. Lee, 95, passed away on August 10, 1995, in Tumwater, Washington. Born on May 3, 1900, in Gaylord, Minnesota, she married Melvin Lee in 1947. A beautician and insurance industry professional, she was active in Plymouth Congregational Church and enjoyed crafts, gardening, and family time. She is survived by her daughter, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many relatives. A memorial service will be held on August 15, 1995, with inurnment to follow at IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg, WA.
Mrs. Maria Wheeler, a prominent pioneer and resident of Kittitas Valley since 1871, passed away on May 27, 1917, at the age of 84. Born in Ohio in 1835, she crossed the plains in 1850 and settled in Olympia before moving to Kittitas. A mother of 11, she leaves behind 28 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her funeral will take place at the Baptist Church, with interment at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Mrs. Wheeler is remembered as a well-known figure among early settlers in the region.
Margaret Elayne Defrees, 71, passed away on December 1, 2005, in Sumpter Valley. Born on February 6, 1934, in Yakima, Washington, she dedicated her life to family, raising three children with her husband, A. Lyle Defrees. A skilled homemaker and active community volunteer, she contributed to various organizations, including the 4-H and CowBelles. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held several leadership roles. Margaret is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and a sister.
Alyce J. Brown, 92, of Lacey, Washington, passed away on November 6, 2005. She was born on June 14, 1913, in Oakland, California, and married Henry L. Brown in 1934. The couple founded Boulder Park in the Wallowa Mountains, operating it until 1960. Following Henry’s death in 1968, Alyce lived in Morgan Hill, California, before moving to Washington in 2000. She is survived by her son, Barry, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. Alyce will be interred beside Henry at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Delilah Lillian Siegler Beam, 83, passed away on July 13, 2004, in Baker City, Oregon. Born on September 1, 1920, in Kulm, North Dakota, she moved West and worked at Madigan Army Hospital, where she married Robert Bob Beam in 1946. Lillian was a devoted homemaker and later worked at local motels. She had four children and maintained a close bond with her ex-husband post-divorce. Lillian is survived by her children, grandchildren, and siblings. A funeral service will be held on July 16, 2004.
Lucia Anabel “Annie” Nichols, 79, of Yelm, Washington, passed away on March 9, 2004. Born on December 1, 1924, in West Virginia, she was known for her kindness, often taking in foster babies and offering support to those in need. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a stroke, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, living independently until her death. Annie is survived by a large family, including children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who cherished her deeply. A memorial service will be held on March 20, 2004.
The Nisqualli Tribe, a Salish group, resides along the Nisqualli River, which flows into Puget Sound, Washington. Their reservation lies between Pierce and Thurston counties. The term “Nisqualli” also encompasses neighboring tribes, such as the Puyallup and Snohomish, that share their dialect. Historically significant, the Nisqualli entered a treaty with the United States on December 26, 1854, ceding certain lands while reserving others, with their current reservation established by an executive order on January 20, 1854.
The Stehtsasamish, a division of the Salish people, resided near Budds Inlet, close to present-day Olympia, Washington. In 1854, their population was recorded at 20 individuals by ethnographer Gibbs. The term “Stéhchass” is noted by Gibbs as the Nisqualli name for the area now known as Olympia.
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.
In 1880, Seattle boasted a population of 7,000 and diverse industries, primarily exporting coal. New Tacoma, emerging as a rival in 1885 with 4,000 residents, was developed largely due to the Northern Pacific Railroad’s influence. Olympia, with 3,500 people in 1885, was pivotal in Puget Sound’s early history, having established its first customs house and public school in the early 1850s. Each town’s growth derived from their unique geography and economic opportunities, reflecting the region’s evolving landscape and community dynamics.
Thomas M. Alvord, born on February 26, 1832, in Homer, New York, is the son of Sylvester and Lucy Hull Alvord. His ancestry includes a Revolutionary War soldier. In 1853, he left New York for California, where he mined and farmed. In 1859, he acquired a 320-acre Donation claim near Kent, Washington, expanding it to 1,100 acres. Alvord focuses on general farming and dairy production, shipping milk to Seattle. He married Maria J. Smith in 1859, and they have four children. Alvord identifies as a Republican, though he has never held political office.
John Carson, born on January 25, 1828, in Pennsylvania, epitomized the pioneer spirit of the American frontier. Relocating to Indiana at 15 and then to Puget Sound in 1853, he faced significant hardships in establishing a home. Carson became a prominent community leader, founding a ferry, engaging in local politics, and participating in defense during the Indian wars. His contributions to infrastructure, his success in hop-raising, and his enduring service on the county commission solidified his legacy in Pierce County, Washington, where he remained an active figure throughout his life.
Hon. John B. Allen, a prominent figure in Washington Territory since 1870, predicts Walla Walla’s potential as a commercial hub for Eastern Washington and Oregon. His extensive experience as a U.S. attorney and delegate to Congress has shaped his influential views on the region’s development. Born in Indiana in 1843, Allen served in the Civil War, later practicing law after moving to Minnesota. He settled in Walla Walla in 1881, where he remains a respected public figure and a leading lawyer in the territory.
Joseph Brannan, born on September 13, 1825, in Union County, Ohio, was the ninth of twelve children. In 1844, he moved to Winnebago County, Illinois, before embarking for Washington Territory in 1854 to join his brother, who was tragically killed by Indians. Brannan served in the First Regiment during the Indian Wars and later settled on White River, where he engaged in farming and hop-raising. He married Sarah V. Hanness in 1857 and had eleven children, establishing a legacy within the community.
William Billings, born in Ripton, Vermont in 1827, embarked on a diverse career that included sailing, mining, and logging. After moving to Washington Territory in 1849, he became involved in various enterprises, including a failed gold prospecting expedition. During the 1855 war, he served as a soldier. Billings entered politics in 1860 as the first Republican sheriff of Thurston County and continued to serve in various capacities, including positions on Indian reservations, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to public service while raising a family of five.
Hon. R.O. Dunbar, born in Illinois in 1845, moved to Oregon at a young age and became a prominent figure in public service. Residing in Goldendale, he has held various roles, including probate judge, district attorney, and speaker of the territorial council, advocating for legislation on corporate power and alcohol restrictions. A dedicated attorney and respected writer, Dunbar’s integrity and strong convictions are notable. He is married to Clarissa White and has two children, Fred and Roth.