GEORGE E. HARTSON. – The subject of this sketch, editor and proprietor of the Skagit News, was born in Troy, New York, in 1855. While but an infant his parents made a new home in Wisconsin, and nine years later in Iowa. In 1869 they came to California, but almost immediately continued their travels up the coast, coming to a final halt at Coupville, Washington Territory. Young Hartson accompanied them, and at this place made such good use of the public school as to be able at the age of seventeen to engage as teacher; but in 1872 he made a permanent home near Mount Vernon, Washington Territory, purchasing land a mile distant and farming, and in the interim of his new labors plying his old profession as school teacher. He was promoted by the popular voice in 1882 to the position of school superintendent of Skagit county, which he held till 1886. In 1885 he purchased the Skagit News, a paper devoted to the interests of Mount Vernon and Skagit county in particular, and to the Sound at large. With what success he has conducted it, the public already knows. In connection with his newspaper office, he accommodates the public by keeping a stock of books and stationery.
He was married in 1879 to Miss Matilda Gates, an accomplished young lady and the daughter of the substantial business man, Jasper Gates. There are three children in their family, Ralph, Clifford and Gracie.