Thurston County WA

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.

Biography of Rev. John F. Devore, D. D.

Rev. John F. Devore, D.D., born in Kentucky on December 7, 1817, dedicated his life to ministry after being inspired by his religious upbringing and the writings of Bramwell. He joined the Rock River Conference in 1842 and later served extensively in the Oregon and Puget Sound conferences, contributing significantly to the establishment of churches, schools, and community services across Washington. Devore’s devotion, energy, and leadership left a lasting impact on the communities he served until his passing on July 28, 1889.

Biography of Hon. Clanrick Crosby

Hon. Clanrick Crosby was born on January 6, 1838, in East Brewster, Massachusetts. He moved to California in 1849 and later settled in Washington Territory, where he contributed significantly to the region’s development. A businessman and pioneer, he introduced mechanized bucket manufacturing and helped establish Centralia, Washington. Crosby served in the territorial legislature and supported temperance and the Republican Party. Married to Martha Ward, they had four children. His legacy reflects the enduring spirit of Northwest pioneers.

Biography of Francis H. Cook

Francis H. Cook, born in 1851 in Marietta, Ohio, was a prominent journalist and politician in the Pacific Northwest. After starting his career as an apprentice at the Harrison County Union, he later owned the Olympia Echo, where he criticized the contract system at the local insane asylum. Cook founded the Tacoma Herald and the Spokane Times, showcasing innovative reporting methods. His political career included a successful term on the legislative council. He later shifted focus to agriculture and family life, building a substantial farm near Spokane Falls.

Biography of A. H. Chambers

A.H. Chambers, born on June 25, 1851, in Chambers Prairie, Washington Territory, is a prominent businessman and civic leader in Olympia. Starting as a stock herder at age twelve, he later partnered with his father to establish a successful butcher business. Chambers transitioned to stock-raising and wholesale operations after selling his retail interests. A supporter of public improvement, he has held various roles, including city council member and mayor, and contributed to community projects, such as funding a hospital. He married Mary Connolly in 1878 and has three daughters.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. Melancthon Z. Goodell

Hon. Melancthon Z. Goodell, born in 1837 in Ohio, moved west with his family in 1850, settling initially in Oregon before relocating to Washington Territory. A participant in the Indian War, he later farmed near Elma for over twenty years before becoming a lumber and real estate dealer in Montesano. Goodell’s public service includes two terms as sheriff, two as assessor of Chehalis County, and two terms in the legislature. He married Rebecca Byles in 1858 and has eight children.

Biography of Hon. William F. Keady

Hon. William F. Keady, born in 1821 in Pennsylvania, began his career in journalism as a printer and quickly became a prominent newspaper owner in Illinois. He transitioned from a Democratic to a Republican political stance, managing various publications until he settled in Olympia, Washington, in 1881. Elected justice of the peace and active in education, Keady has held significant community roles. He has been married twice and has six children. Keady’s dedication to journalism and community service underscores his influential legacy.

Biography of Hon. Charles H. Mason

Hon. Charles H. Mason was born in 1830 in Maryland and later moved to Rhode Island, where he graduated from Brown University in 1850. Admitted to the bar in 1851, he served as the United States district attorney for Rhode Island before becoming secretary of Washington Territory in 1853. Mason acted as governor during critical periods, demonstrating decisive leadership during the Indian wars and securing congressional aid for peace efforts. He died in Olympia on July 22, 1859, remembered for his amiable nature and effective administration.

Biographical Sketch of Alexander C. McClelland

Alexander C. McClelland, born in Indiana in 1842, has had a diverse career path. After being educated in Wisconsin, he moved to Montana in 1863 as a gold-seeker but found teaching more rewarding. He later worked in the mines and stock business before marrying Mary Chambers in 1874. Following a stint in Olympia, he moved to Baker County for health reasons. Currently, he serves as the registrar of the U.S. land-office in La Grande, Oregon, appointed by President Harrison.

Biography of Hon. Robert C. Hill

Hon. Robert C. Hill was born on September 14, 1829, in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. He moved to Philadelphia for education and began a career in wholesale dry goods before relocating to the Pacific. After establishing a lumber yard in San Francisco and engaging in mining, he settled on Whidby Island in 1853. Hill played significant roles in public service, including clerk of the U.S. district court and auditor of Island County. He later co-established the First National Bank in Port Townsend and prioritized public good in his political pursuits. Hill married Elizabeth Philipps and had three children.

Biography of A. B. Rabbeson

A.B. Rabbeson, born in New York in 1824, embarked on a life of adventure following his father’s death. After numerous wanderings, he arrived in Oregon and then Puget Sound, where he became a pioneer settler. He founded the Puget Sound Lumber Company and operated the first mill in the region. Rabbeson also explored Hoods Canal and actively participated in local affairs, including the Indian War of 1855. Later, he served as the first mail carrier between Cowlitz and Olympia and engaged in various business ventures, ultimately settling in Olympia.

Biography of Elisha H. Lewis

Elisha H. Lewis, born in New York in 1824, began his life as a farmer before venturing to Chicago and then Wisconsin as a millwright. He moved to California during the Gold Rush in 1849, experiencing varied fortune in mining. In 1852, he settled in Oregon, contributing to the growth of Union by building its first log cabin and subsequent structures. Married to Harriet L. Barlow, they had five children and witnessed Union’s transformation into a thriving town. Lewis’ legacy includes significant contributions to the community and local development.

Biography of Theodore C. Van Epps

Theodore C. Van Epps, born on February 15, 1847, in New Scotland, New York, is a prominent figure in Washington, D.C. He was raised in Iowa and began his career as a schoolteacher before moving to Nebraska, where he homesteaded. In 1875, he settled in Olympia, Washington, establishing a successful stationery business. Later, he transitioned to real estate and became involved in local organizations, demonstrating strong leadership and community commitment. Married in 1868, he and his wife Rosalia had three children, earning respect and a comfortable life in Olympia.

Biography of Conrad G. Saylor

Conrad G. Saylor, born on October 6, 1818, in Martinsville, Indiana, was a significant pioneer in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Yamhill County, Oregon. After learning brickmaking in Iowa, he constructed notable buildings, including the courthouse in Council Bluffs. He faced personal tragedy during a journey west, losing his first wife to cholera. Residing primarily in McMinnville, he engaged in various business ventures while contributing to the community and political causes. Saylor passed away on September 13, 1884, and was remembered for his integrity and service to others.

Biography of George D. Shannon

George D. Shannon, born December 20, 1832, in Schuyler County, New York, rose to prominence as a contractor, banker, and farmer. Beginning his career in railroading at sixteen, he contributed significantly to train operations in Minnesota, including the first passenger train west of the Mississippi. Shannon later engaged in railroad contracting across multiple states before settling in Olympia, Washington, in 1870. He is known for his role in constructing the state’s asylum and as vice-president of the First National Bank. He married Mary A. Kennedy in 1876.

Biography of Edward Thomas Young

Edward Thomas Young, born in London in 1846, became a prominent figure in Olympia, Washington, where he owned Young’s Hotel. Initially migrating to Canada, he worked in construction before moving to Santa Barbara and then Oregon, where he was employed as a bridge builder. Young established the New England Bakery and Restaurant in Olympia and later acquired the Tacoma Hotel. He played a significant role in opening Chief Moses’ reservation for settlement and served as mayor of Olympia. Young is also involved in the mining industry and is a family man with six children.

Biography of William H. Saylor, M.D.

William H. Saylor, M.D., born in Iowa in 1843, moved to Oregon with his family in 1852. After a youth marked by mining and schooling, he enlisted in the First Oregon Infantry during the Civil War. He studied medicine at Willamette University, graduating in 1869, and later earned further credentials from Bellevue Hospital Medical College. Saylor established a successful practice in Portland, contributing to the Oregon State Medical Society and holding several significant medical and educational positions, while also engaging in politics and community service.

Biography of Samuel Coulter

Samuel Coulter, born in Virginia in 1832, faced early hardships with the loss of his parents, leading him to Iowa and later Oregon. After arriving in Oregon City in 1850 with minimal resources, he ventured into mining and cattle business, eventually engaging in real estate and various enterprises, including the Esmond Hotel and the Northwest Coal and Transportation Company. A Republican, though not politically active, he held the position of internal revenue collector. Coulter is noted for his business acumen, philanthropy, and commitment to his family and community.