Pierce County, Washington - The whole text, 1927 (part 11 of 27)

Idius Martin Larsen

Among the business men of the last generation in Tacoma who well deserved the worthy title of "self-made man," none was more conspicuous than the late Idius Martin Larsen, who for many years was recognized as one of the leading tent, sail and awning makers on the coast. Not only was he distinctively successful in material affairs, but as a citizen he so ordered his actions as to earn the respect and good will of his fellowmen to a notable degree.

Mr. Larsen was born in Norway in 1852, and was a son of Christian and Johanna (Bergstrom) Larsen, both of whom also were natives of Norway, the father being a government pilot at Bergen. Idius M. Larsen attended the public schools of his home town and then learned the trade of a sailmaker. At the age of nineteen years he went to London, England, from which port he shipped with large boats as a sailmaker, following that occupation about seven years. He then returned to Norway and established himself in the sailmaking business, which he continued until 1888, when he sold out and came to Tacoma, Washington.

On his arrival here, Mr. Larsen rented a store room at Fourteenth street and Pacific avenue and engaged in the sewing of carpets until he had saved enough money with which to buy cloth for sails. From that time on he devoted his attention to the making of sails, tents and awnings. He was successful from the start and was compelled later to secure larger quarters. He moved to Nineteenth street and Pacific avenue, where he remained two years, when again increasing business demanded more room, and he located at Seventh street and Pacific avenue, Here he was well equipped to handle any demands made on him and earned a wide reputation for reliability and trustworthiness. He turned out nothing but good work, doing well whatever he undertook, and the business which he established has always enjoyed the fullest measure of public confidence. Later the store which he occupied was sold and Mr. Larsen then built the I. M. Larsen building, where the business is now located. Having established the enterprise on a sound basis, Mr. Larsen left the store in charge of his sons and took a three months' trip back to his homeland, where he enjoyed a visit amidst the scenes of his youth. Shortly prior to his death, which occurred November 5, 1911, Mr. Larsen sold a part interest in the business to his sons, who now operate Ee the father's interest being held by the mother. ;

Mr. Larsen was united in marriage to Miss Madeline Gertina Fredericka Herman, who was born and reared in Bergen, Norway, a daughter of Herman and Ellen Maria (Shridell) Tannell, who also were natives of Norway. Mrs. Larsen was from young girlhood dependent on her own resources, and she proved a worthy helpmate to her husband, encouraging and assisting him in every possible way during the years when he was getting his business established. To them were born nine children, as follows: Two who died in infancy; Ingolf, who has an interest in his father's business, and who is married and has two children; Laura, who was graduated in nursing from St. Joseph's Hospital, and is married and the mother of two children; Herman, who also is interested in his father's business, and who is married and has four children: Louie, who is a graduate of the University of Washington and is now a draftsman in the county engineering department at the courthouse; Alf, also engaged in the sail business with his brothers; Irwin, who is a draftsman in the navy yard at Bremerton, and who is married and has two children; and William, who is a draftsman and who was in the United States aviation service during the World war.

Mr. Larsen was a loyal and patriotic citizen of his adopted country, having taken out his citizenship papers as soon as possible after coming here, and he ever took a deep interest in public affairs. He was a consistent member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and gave his support to all worthy benevolent causes. Kindly and generous in disposition and cordial in manner, he enjoyed a wide acquaintance throughout this city and commanded respect and confidence.

Walter Scott

Among the leading fruit growers of northwestern Pierce county, none takes precedence over Walter Scott, whose fine ranch lies close to Puyallup. He has led an active life and in the management of his affairs has shown a. soundness of judgment and keenness of discrimination that would have insured success in any undertaking to which he might have addressed himself.

Mr. Scott was born at Monona, Clayton county, Iowa, on the 26th of October, 1864, and is a son of L. W. and Margaret A. (Hillis) Scott, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of the north of Ireland. The Scott family is of old English stock, and our subject's paternal great-grandfather fought under Washington in the war of the Revolution. L. W. Scott left Kentucky in 1845, when thirteen years of age, and went to Clayton county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood and followed farming pursuits until 1881, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota. There he bought land and also took up a homestead, living there until his death, which occurred in 1900. His wife died in 1898. He was a veteran of the Civil war, in which he served three years. To him and his wife were born two sons: sie' O., born January 8, 1862, who is now living near Shelton, Washington; and

The latter received his education in the public schools of Iowa and North Dakota graduating from the Lisbon high school, and then engaged in teaching school follows ing that vocation eight years in Cass county. He then, in partnership with nie father and brother, bought a large wheat ranch, on which they frequently had fifteen hundred acres in wheat. He continued farming there until 1902, when he sold his interest and came to Puyallup, Pierce county, and bought thirty-three acres of land adjoining the city limits, the tract being covered with timber, logs and brush. This was a part of the old Puyallup Indian reservation. He immediately set himself to the task of clearing the place and built a house, and as the land was cleared he set it out to fruit and raspberries. Later he sold part of the ranch, still owning sixteen' acres, of which ten acres are in fruit, the remainder being in hay. He has devoted piety closely to the improvement and operation of his place, which he has deope ere Mee property and a comfortable home, and now derives a splendid

In June, 1885, Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe i was born in Alexandria, Minnesota, daughter of peute S. and Anna ss Sie eae Hill, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of POSE teh intr They first operated a farm in Illinois, but later moved to Minnesota, where they engaged in farming several years. In 1903 they came to Puyallup, Washington, where they bought a home, and there spent their remaining years, the father dying in 1914 ae be wists in 1917. They were the parents of nine children: Emma, William pee eee a Mamie, May, Catherine, Phoebe A., Lulu B., and a boy who

Mr. Scott is a member of the Puyallup and Sumner Fruit Growers Association. Fraternally he is a member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 38, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Puyallup, and he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Scott has always stood ready to cooperate with his fellow citizens in efforts to advance the welfare of the community and has himself set a worthy example in the way of persistent industry and right living.

One of the largest and most prosperous grain and feed establishments on the coast is the Tacoma Grain Company, of which I. C. Bonham is the efficient and capable secretary and treasurer. This company, which was incorporated in 1901, is the successor of the Cardin & Bibb Company, of which Mr. Cardin was president and Mr. Bibb secretary and treasurer, and which was one of the early grain dealing firms of Tacoma. Later they sold to the Centennial Mill Company, and Moritz Thompson, of Seattle, has since been president, while Major J. M. Ashton, of Tacoma, is vice president of the Tacoma Grain Company. The plant covers six and a half acres of ground, and the mills have a daily capacity of five thousand barrels of flour, which is sold under the "Pyramid" trade brand. In 1926 a finely equipped feed mill was also constructed, with a capacity of two hundred tons a day. One hundred and twenty people are employed in the business and the annual payroll amounts to over two hundred thousand dollars. Ninety per cent of the products of the mills is shipped to China, Japan, Central America, South America, Scotland, England and the Scandinavian countries, also being sold all over the United States, including Alaska and the Philippine islands. The company uses wheat from Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon, and it stands among the leading industrial enterprises in its line in Washington.

woes C. Bonham was born in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1858, and is a son of Thomas and Matilda Jane (Ditter) Bonham, both of whom were natives of Ohio but became early pioneer settlers of Minnesota, where the father devoted himself to farming. Both parents are now deceased. I. C. Bonham attended the public schools and then entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College, at St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was graduated. He then went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he entered the wholesale grocery business, to which he devoted his attention until 1905, when he came to Tacoma as office manager for the Tacoma Grain Company, with which concern he has remained continuously since. He was made secretary and treasurer of the company in 1923, in recognition of his ability and his faithful efforts in its interests, he being regarded as a man of more than ordinary sagacity and discretion in practical ait 1881 Mr. Bonham was united in marriage to Miss Georgia Earll, who was born in Pennsylvania, but was living in Iowa at the time of her marriage. To them have been born four children, namely: Edna, who is the wife of M. M. Head, of Iowa; Charles, who is with his father in the milling business, being superintendent of the feed mill; Thomas, who is employed in the office with his father; and Jane, who is the wife of Clarence Dooley, of Sprague, Washington. Mr. Bonham has always been a supporter of the republican party and has taken a proper interest in public affairs. He is regarded as an up-to-date and public-spirited citizen, standing for all that is best in community life, and his upright and consistent career has gained for

Camillo Benjamin Erspamer

Camillo Benjamin Erspamer, who is now retired from active business affairs and is residing in his comfortable home in Fife, has had an industrious career, his earlier years having been characterized by hard and unremitting labor, while his later success as a rancher and miner was gained only through persistent effort along well directed lines. Mr. Erspamer is a native of Austria, born on the 9th of June, 1857, and is a son of Richard and Carrie (Skanson) Erspamer, who spent their lives and died in that country. They were the parents of nine children: Caroline, C. B.,

C. B. Erspamer was educated in the public schools of his native land and then served three years in the national army. He saw active service in the Turkish and Austrian war and witnessed a number of terrible atrocities committed by the Turks. After the war he came to the United States, settling in Menominee county, Michigan, in 1882. He worked about seven years as a miner and was put to work timbering the mines. On July 19, 1888, he came to Tacoma, Washington, and went to work in the mines at Bucoda. Later he went to Anderson bay, Pierce county, where he took up a homestead of eighty acres, which he cleared and put into cultivation, living there several years. In 1895 he went to Alaska, following mining two years at Circle City, and then went to Dawson City, where he mined for five years, after which he returned to Pierce county. On July 19, 1897, he had purchased forty acres of Indian reservation land, three miles east of Tacoma. The tract was covered with a heavy growth of timber and brush, and after building a house he applied himself to the task of clearing it. He farmed there several years, raising splendid crops of hay, and also kept a nice herd of cattle. He was successful and continued the operation of the farm until 1919, when he sold the place, and is now practically retired. In 1919 he built his present comfortable home on two and a half acres of land near the old ranch, and he also owns two good properties in Fife, one of which is occupied by a drug store.

On December 24, 1882, Mr. Erspamer was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Skanson, who was born in Austria, a daughter of Frank and Annie (Adrian) Skanson, both of whom died in their native land. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are deceased, the others being Max, Louisa and Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Erspamer have been born seven children. Rudolph, who runs a drug store at Georgetown, near Seattle, is married and has a daughter, Gretchen. Mrs. Caroline Brantoner is the next of the family. Virginia, a twin sister of Caroline, is the wife of Mark Morris, who is an electric railroad conductor, and they have two children, May and Donald. August owns a drug store at Fife and is married. Frank, who was graduated from the University of Washington, and is now principal of the high school at Auburn, Washington, is married and has two children, Jack and Ilene. Edith is the wife of T. E. Markland, an engineer with the Carsten Packing Company of Tacoma, and they have three children, Eugene, Louise and Mark. Mary is tlie wife of Herbert Herron, of Eatonville, Washington, and they have two children Robert and Wayne. a

Fremont Smith Harmon

In the commercial history of Tacoma, no single career is characterized by as much dramatic interest as is that of Fremont Smith Harmon, head of the great wholesale furniture firm of F. S. Harmon & Company. "Through struggle to triumph has been his record, and the prosperity which has crowned his efforts has been se eee satak of his determination, pluck and sound judgment, for in the early years of his business experience he passed through crise ich © utterly crushed a man of less mettle. ' "Toole eRe ote

Armd g old Welsh stock, the original progenit of the family in this country having landed at Plymouth seventeen ake atten' the ue of the Mayflower. Eventually members of the family moved westward and

: e he worked from seven o'clock in th morning until ten o'clock at night, servin jani Ree gin] : Ȥ g as both clerk and janitor. He hel Oe es, years and then went to Chicago, where he formed the acquaintance - Tout . Walsh, the financier, who was at that time manager of the Western News Com- pany. For three years Mr. Harmon sold books in the Western News book store and then, on the advice of Mr. Walsh, set up a book and stationery business of his own on West Madison street. After running this business for two years, he sold out and returned to Sioux City, where he went to work in the stationery store of Humphrey & Sammons. In 1882 he learned of the wonderful prospects of the Puget Sound country and, with three other young men, started west. They traveled by the Northern Pacific Railroad as far as it had been built, to Missoula, Montana, and then made the intervening trip of two hundred and fifty miles by stage coach to the connecting link of the railroad, which had come as far east as Helena.

When the young men reached Tacoma they found that the place had prospects, but little else. Young Harmon had brought his cash capital, consisting of three hundred and twenty-five dollars, with him, securely pinned inside his vest, with the intention of investing it, but conditions did not encourage him, and not being able to secure employment here he went to Portland, Oregon, where a firm had advertised for a clerk. Here the young man again met with disappointment, for when he applied for the position he found they did not need anyone, but at his request they let him go to work for his board, and he remained there under those terms for eight months. He then offered his resignation, and the firm immediately offered him ninety dollars a month to remain with them. However, he returned to Tacoma, where he found that there had been considerable business development, and he at once determined to try his luck here. He formed a partnership under the name of A. Parker & Company and invested his precious three hundred and twenty-five dollars in one of the two first retail furniture stores opened in Tacoma. The business prospered and the outlook was very promising, when disaster, in the shape of a fire which completely destroyed the store and stock, came, brushing away his original investment and his earnings and leaving five hundred dollars additional in accrued debts. Things looked hopeless and Mr. Harmon was rather despondent when a telegram came from Humphrey & Sammons in Sioux City, offering him a position at a good salary. He was tempted to accept the offer, when his friend and business partner, Alexander Parker, a local banker, came along and, after reading the telegram, said, "Stay here. Whatever you are worth to anyone else you are worth to yourself. I'll back you. This is going to be a great city before long and the people will need furniture. Stay here and sell them." In later years Mr. Harmon said, "I never had advice that meant so much to me. Alexander Parker's words shaped my whole life."

Luckily the firm had some stock stored in a small warehouse across the street, and Mr. Harmon was able to collect every dollar of the nine hundred dollars owing to the firm; and with a few hundred dollars loaned by Mr. Parker again set himself up in the retail furniture business. This was in a period of great financial depression, but by his indefatigable and persistent efforts, along with the closest attention to details, Mr. Harmon's business prospered and the first year showed a profit of four thousand dollars. He conducted this retail business for three years and then, having become intimately acquainted with the home furnishing business and having closely studied business conditions, he sold his retail store and founded the firm of F. S. Harmon & Company, furniture manufacturers. The Tacoma Furniture Manufacturing Company, owned and operated by James Chamberlain and Stuart Rice, was purchased, and the Harmon company engaged in wholesaling exclusively. They Pprospered for a number of years, but the panic of 1894 was a severe one for the business, the paid-up capital of the company dropping from two hundred thousand dollars to one hundred thousand dollars, while the value of the business dropped from one hundred and twenty thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars. However, the year following the panic saw a slight increase in business and from that time on the company has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth, until it now does an annual business in excess of two million dollars. In 1900 the Harmon company established a branch house in Portland, Oregon, followed by a branch at Spokane in 1904, and one at Seattle in 1909. Through all this splendid development the capital stock has remained at one hundred thousand dollars, the stock being practically all owned by Mr. Harmon and family. For almost twenty years the main offices and warehouse of the company were on the south side of Twenty-first street, facing A street, but in 1908, when the Northern Pacific Railroad required this land for its great terminal, the Harmon company erected a fine, eight-story brick building at Pacific avenue and Twenty-first street, affording one hundred and fifty-five thousand feet of Boor space, and there it has since been located. The officers of the company are as follows: oa Harmon, president; Mr. Harmon's brother, George L. Harmon, who has been wit the company twenty-five years, vice president; J. G. Wingate, secretary and sales manager; Mrs. Alice Woodman, cashier, and J. P. Braddock, credit manager, office manager and chief accountant.

In 1889 Mr. Harmon was united in marriage to Miss May Lawrence, daughter of the late Judge Abraham and Sarah (Lovel:...d) Lawrence, of Tacoma. To this union were born two daughters, Helen and Elizabeth. Mr. Harmon is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has received the degrees of both Scottish and York Rites; Afifi Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Union Club, the Tacoma Country and Golf Club, the Commercial Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Though always a busy man, Mr. Harmon has never permitted the pursuit of wealth to interfere with his duties to his neighbors or his obligations to his community, but has consistently supported every measure or project for the advancement of the city along material, civic or moral lines. Kindly and courteous in his social relations, he has always enjoyed marked popularity among his associates, and throughout the community has commanded the confidence and respect of all.

W. A. Miller

Among the men who have been prominently identified with the banking interests of Puyallup, W. A. Miller, who has for fifteen years served as cashier of the Citizens State Bank, is one of the most prominent and highly esteemed, and he has been a potent factor in the splendid success which has attended this strong and influential financial institution.

The Citizens State Bank was organized November 12, 1898, with the following officers: C. J. Stuart, president; Charles Hood, vice president, and E. J. Lenhart, cashier. The bank, which had an original capital stock of ten thousand dollars, was at that time located at Meridian and Pioneer streets. C. L. Stewart became president in 1906, served until his death a few months later and was succeeded by W. D. Cotter, who served until 1908. He was followed by C. M. Case, whose tenure of office lasted until 1911, when George W. Edgerton was elected president and is still filling that position. Charles Hood has served as vice president of the bank continuously since its organization with the exception of three years, 1910-13, when R. C. Miller held that office. The first cashier of the bank was E. J. Lenhart, who served until 1900, when he was followed by J. T. Gear, who served until 1906. C. M. Case was cashier during the ensuing two years, followed by R. P. Finney, who served until 1911, when W. A. Miller became cashier and is still filling that position. E. P. Truedson has been secretary of the institution since its organization. In 1906 the capital stock of the Citizens State Bank was increased to twenty-five thousand dollars and in 1919 was further increased to fifty thousand dollars. Each capital stock increase has been out of the earnings, only six thousand dollars having actually been paid in ede. a on nS SMa ae The bank building, which was formerly occupied by

W. A. Miller was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on the 22nd of Ma i a son of Leonard J. and Mary A. (Benedict) Miller, the former of ys BN aie by vocation, died in 1900. He is survived by his widow, who now lives in Puyallup Our subject attended the public schools of his native state and then entered the Oshkosh Normal School, where he was graduated in 1896. He then engaged in teaching school, following that profession for ten years. In 1906 he came to Puyallup Pierce county, and bought an interest in the Citizens State Bank, of which he became assistant cashier, holding that position until 1911, when he became cashier. A man of sound and conservative judgment and keen discrimination, he is particularly well qualified for the responsible position which he holds, and he enjoys to a marked 'isa ne rer of his business associates. : nj r. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bradis] i i and they are the parents of two children: Paul, who is a auele in Wit Wee Bee University ; and Marian, who is at home. Mr. Miller has always given his support to the republican party and has taken a good citizen's interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has received the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite; the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the

Mystic Shrine; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the Puyallup Commercial Club, of which he is treasurer. He has long been recognized as one of the most loyal and public-spirited citizens of the community, being an earnest supporter of every measure for the public good, and throughout the range of his acquaintance he enjoys an enviable standing,

In the very exacting field of insurance adjusting B. B. Broomell, of Tacoma, enjoys the distinction of having been engaged in the business for a longer continuous period than any other man west of the Rocky Mountains, and in all these years he has been generally recognized as standing in the very fore among insurance adjusters. Mr. Broomell was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania, on the 30th day of July, 1857, and is a son of William H. and Christiana E. (Brown) Broomell, both of whom are deceased. The father was one of the first locomotive engineers in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

B. B. Broomell received his education in the public schools and his first work was as a brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Later he read law, and afterward became a newspaper reporter. Eventually he turned his attention to accounting, in which he became an expert. On July 30, 1883, he came to Tacoma and engaged in the insurance business, in which he continued until 1887, when he was appointed a fire insurance adjuster, in which line he has been engaged to the present time, a period of almost four decades. He is now doing a general fire insurance adjusting business, representing all the leading companies, and his territory covers practically the entire northwest. Long experience and sound judgment have made him a master in his particular field and his adjustments have been universally recognized as fair and just to all parties.

On May 30, 1888, Mr. Broomell was united in marriage to Miss Alice C. Clark, who was born in London, England, and they are the parents of a son, Harold F., who is engaged in the insurance business in Tacoma, and is also prominent in music circles. He attended Leland Stanford University and was admitted to the bar, practicing his profession for a short time. In 1917 he enlisted in the United States Medical Corps, with which he served overseas eight months. He is married and has two children, Harold Bernard and Joan.

B. B. Broomell is a republican in politics and maintains a deep interest in everything relating to the welfare and prosperity of the community. He has been a witness of and a participant in the wonderful development which has characterized this section of the country and has always stood for the best things in community life. Because of consistent and upright conduct, his splendid business career and his fine personal qualities, he has long commanded the esteem and good will of all who

Stewart Davis

Among the enterprising and successful young business men of Tacoma, Stewart Davis has gained recognition as a man of unusual ability and enterprise, being the owner of one of the leading tailor-made clothing stores in this city. He has devoted himself closely to this business and has had the pleasure of seeing it develop into one of the most important concerns in its line here. Mr. Davis is a native of Tacoma, born in 1900, and is a son of Samuel and Rose B. (Stewart) Davis, the latter of whom died in 1920. The family came to this city in 1898, and the father has long been connected with the firm of Rhodes Brothers. se

Stewart Davis attended the public schools of Tacoma and had one year ine the University of Washington, leaving his public school studies in order to enlist in the United States navy for service in the World war. On leaving the university Mr. Davis entered into partnership with O. F. Peterson, who is now deceased, and who had established the business in 1919. Mr. Davis is now sole owner of the business and deals in tailor-made clothes, of both domestic and imported cloths. He has gained a fine reputation for reliability and has won the confidence of all who have dealt with him.

In April, 1923, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Aurabelle Wetherby, who also is a native of Tacoma, and a daughter of J. L. and Aurabelle Wetherby. Her family came to Tacoma in the '80s and the father died here in 1926, the mother still being a resident of this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis has been born a son, James Stewart. Mr. Davis is a member of the American Legion, the Tacoma Country Club, the Gyro Club and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Psi Upsilon college fraternity. He is a man of stanch character and sterling integrity, friendly and accommodating, and has a host of loyal friends and admirers throughout the city.

John D. Hamilton

One of the well established and most prosperous business concerns of Tacoma is the John D. Hamilton Company, manufacturers of candy. This concern, now only three years old, has rapidly advanced to the front and is one of the largest manufacturers of candy in this city, enjoying a steady and substantial growth under the 'persistent efforts and sound management of its president, John D. Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton was born in Wetzel county, West Virginia, on the 2d of December, 1892, and is a son of Thomas B. and Sarah Elizabeth (Woodruff) Hamilton. The father died in West Virginia, and in 1909 the widow and son came to Tacoma.

John D. Hamilton attended the Tacoma high school, and his first employment was with the wholesale grocery firm of W. H. Malkin Company, at Vancouver, British Columbia, where he remained six months, at the end of which time he returned to Tacoma and was with the Crescent Manufacturing Company as purchasing agent for one and a half years. He then went to Seattle and established an extract business under the name of the Hamilton Manufacturing Company, which he operated for six years and then sold to his brother. Returning to Tacoma, he went to work for the Brown & Haley Candy Company, in 1919, as a candy maker. Bight months later he was made superintendent of the plant, in which capacity he served until October 4, 1923, when he organized and incorporated the John D. Hamilton Company and engaged in the manufacture of candy. He is president of the company and his wife, Charlotte E. Hamilton, is secretary and treasurer. A building of brick and concrete, two stories, twenty-five by one hundred and twenty feet in size was built for the business, and sixty people are employed. The candy, which is made under the registered trade mark of "Hamilton's" consists mainly of specialties in bars and hand-rolled chocolates. The products are sold to jobbers only over the twelve western states, and the goods, which are strictly high grade in every respect have gained marked popularity. '

In 1911 Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte E. Gregory daughter of Edwin Gregory, who is represented by a personal sketch on other pages of this work. To them have been born four children: John Gregory, Edwin Thomas Virginia Charlotte and Grace Elizabeth. Mr. Hamilton and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and maintains a deep interest in the prosperity and well being of his community. In political affairs he maintains an independent attitude, voting according to his judgment. He is a man of progressive and enterprising spirit, strict integrity and genial and friendly manner, because of which qualities he has won a high plac in th esteem of all who have come in contact with him. 'price Mi

The Sumner Floral Company, whose nurseri i 3 r es are located two miles south of py anes and of which concern John A. McClane is part owner, has waNeveaek ere VES alae of success. Mr. McClane has spent practically his entire life in this aa 4 Bs = sesovacadt. as one of the community's leading citizens. He was born at and is a son of John and Margaret (Knoblauch) M . . Cl ties ee gore at eg Ireland, while the latter was born in annie te ame to the United States in 1870 and lived in vari ; i 1890, when he came to Sumner, Washin SD cena be Suet eee . , gton, and bought three acres of 1 i he planted to berries. He now has the land planted to rhubarb, and he is aan vine

Our subject's maternal grandfather, Adam Knoblauch, was born in Bavaria, and came to the United States in 1870. He bought a farm in Iowa, which he operated for ten years, and then sold it and went to Salem, South Dakota, in the spring of 1881, making the trip by wagon train and being ten days on the way. He was a pioneer of that state and entered a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in McCook county. He later took up timber and preemption claims, his landholdings amounting to five hundred and forty acres. He lived there ten years, but dry weather, hail storms and other discouraging conditions induced him to make a change, and in 1890 he came to Sumner, Washington. One week after arriving here he bought ten acres of timber and stump land, which he cleared and planted to berries and garden truck. He lived there until 1908, when he sold the place and went to Alberta, Canada, where he bought two hundred and sixty acres of improved wheat land, on which he lived ten years. He then sold out there and, returning to Washington, bought twenty acres of land at Winlock, where he resided until his death, which occurred June 2, 1926. His wife died March 4, 1904.

J. A. McClane secured his education in the public schools of Sumner and then went to work in a nursery, in which business he was employed for six years. He then bought a half interest in the Sumner Floral Company, which owned ten acres of rich land, and which has been very successful. The company has six large greenhouses, four being twenty by two hundred and ten feet in size, one thirty-seven and a half by one hundred feet in size, and one forty-two by two hundred and ten feet in size, as well as two small propagating houses, so that altogether they have over forty thousand square feet under glass. They specialize in the production of cut flowers and greenhouse tomatoes, for which they find a ready market in Seattle and Tacoma. Mr. McClane has devoted himself closely to the business, which has enjoyed a steady and satisfactory growth until it is now one of the largest and most important concerns in its line in the county.

In 1925 Mr. McClane was united in marriage to Miss Frances Donellan, who was born in Victoria, British Columbia, a daughter of Patrick and Martha Donellan, who now live in Sumner. Her father was born in Ireland and her mother in Germany, and they are the parents of three children, Frances, Mary, and Esther, who lives in Sumner. Mr. McClane is a veteran of the World war, having enlisted in the Twelfth Regiment, United States Infantry, which was a part of the Eighth Division. He did not get overseas, being stationed at Camp Mills, New York, when the armistice was signed.

Martin A. Norman

The American Plumbing & Steam Supply Company, of which Martin A. Norman is vice president, is one of the progressive and growing business concerns of Tacoma and has had a splendid record as a reliable and trustworthy company. Mr. Norman, to whom should be given much of the credit for the success of the business, was born in Norway and is a son of Edward A. and Marit Norman. The family came to Tacoma in 1890 and here the father died in 1920, being survived by his widow, who still lives here.

M. A. Norman was two years old when brought to Tacoma, and in the public schools of this city he received his educational training. He then began to learn the plumbing trade, at which he worked for some time, after which he went to work for the old William Gardner Company. A year later he went to the firm of Walsh & Gardner, with whom he remained until 1919, when he associated himself with John W. Horejs and J. L. Long and organized and incorporated the American Plumbing & Steam Supply Company, of which Mr. Long became president, Mr. Norman vice president, and Mr. Horejs, secretary and treasurer. They were first located at 1750 Pacific avenue, where they had about seven thousand square feet of fioor space. They engaged in the wholesale plumbing and steam mill supplies trade, with auxiliary lines, and from the beginning enjoyed encouraging success. In 1921 they bought out Walsh & Gardner, into whose building they moved, and now utilize five floors, fifty by one hundred and twenty-five feet in size, and a warehouse seventy-five by one hundred and twenty-five feet in size. They carry a large and complete stock

On November 4, 1911, Mr. Norman was united in marriage to Miss Marie Larson, daughter of Louis and Ellen Larson. Her father is now deceased and her mother lives in Enumclaw, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Norman have been born three children, Marie, Ruth and Martin. Mr. Norman is a-member of Tacoma Lodge, No. 174, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also belongs to the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. He is unostentatious in manner, open-hearted and candid in all his relations, and takes a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and prosperity of Tacoma and Pierce county. Because of his success and his cordial and unaffected manner, he has a host of admiring friends.

John Pennell Leavitt

John Pennell Leavitt, a successful business man and popular public official of Puyallup, departed this life on the 7th of August, 1919, when forty-six years of age. His birth occurred in Oakland, California, in 1873, his parents being Frank and Mary (Pennell) Leavitt, the former a native of Maine, while the latter was born in Nova Scotia. They came of Irish-English extraction. Frank Leavitt was identified with railroad interests during his active business career.

John P. Leavitt spent his early boyhood in the city of his nativity and subsequently accompanied his parents on their removal to La Grande, Oregon, where he continued to reside until 1900. He began railroad work as a young man and remained active therein until going east to New York, in which state he conducted a general mercantile establishment for a period of seven years. The year 1906 witnessed his arrival in Puyallup, Washington, where he purchased a hop ranch in partnership with three associates and platted and sold town lots. Here he spent the remainder of his life and carried on his business activities with marked success.

In 1900 Mr. Leavitt was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Pierce, a native of Hamburg, New York, and a daughter of George M. and Harriet (Dwight) Pierce who 'were born in the Empire state and came of' Scotch-English ancestry. Mrs. Leavitt remained under the parental roof in her native state until the time of her marriage. She is the mother of four children, as follows: Pierce, living in Puyallup who is married and has one child; and Ruth, Dorothy and Marion, all yet at Home. With the exception of the first named, all were born in Puyallup, Washington. ;

Mr. Leavitt gave his political support to the republican party and took an active and helpful interest in public affairs. He served most acceptably as mayor of Puyallup for a number of years and also made a commendable record in the office of county commissioner. His religious faith was that of the Episcopal church, while fraternally ae ee affiliated with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. His widow belongs to i aa ei a Nile and the P. E. O, and has gained an extensive circle of warm

Clarence O. Lynn

_For over two decades Clarence O. Lynn has been engaged j i business in Tacoma, in which he has been more than Seliecy piccsnh Mee every way his record since coming to this locality has been such as to abe fin pet and admiration. He was born at Wyanet, Bureau county, Illinois, on the 20th eptember, 1878, and is a son of John P. and Mary Lynn. The fath f many years successfully engaged in farming, but is now retired from tiv ee and yi and his wife are residing in Tacoma. *SaY9: ane?

attended a business college at Omahe' Nebreset ts Sth hate ee ae an i in various stores until May 4, 1901, when he came to Tacoma. For on ea worked for Conrad Hoska, and then engaged in the undertaking Huse ona" ze account. He was first located at 945 Tacoma avenue, where he remained tw paris) and then moved to 910 South Tacoma avenue where he was located about t ee Mr. Lynn then built his present building at 717-19 South Tacoma avn it" woke prising two stories and basement, being fifty by one hundred and ten feet in size and constructed of brick and concrete. The chapel seats from one hundred and fifty to two hundred people, and two hearses and three limousines are utilized. Mr. Lynn is well qualified for the exacting vocation which he follows, and many have expressed their sincere appreciation of his painstaking and thoughtful attention to the wants and comfort of those who avail themselves of his services.

Mr. Lynn was married, in 1905, to Miss Hilma M. Johnson, who is a native of Muskegon, Michigan, and came to Tacoma in early childhood. They are the parents of two children: Nathan, aged nineteen years, who is a graduate of the Stadium high school; and Marvin, aged fourteen, who is still in school. The elder son is the organizer and leader of the Nathan Lynn Troubadours, a musical organization that has played for many leading events in Tacoma. In 1925 this company made a trip to the Orient on the steamship President Jefferson, and in 1926 embarked on a tour of the world on the steamship President Garfield, furnishing the music for the boat. All the Troubadours are Stadium high school graduates and are accomplished players, their ensemble work being of a quality that would be a credit to many older groups. Nathan Lynn, who is the directing manager of the organization, plays the violin. He expects to attend the College of Puget Sound in 1927.

Mr. Lynn is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has taken the degrees of both York and Scottish Rites, and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He belongs to the Fircrest Golf Club and the Chamber of Commerce. In his political views he is a republican, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which he is a trustee. Mrs. Lynn takes an active part in club and civic affairs, being a member and president of the Stadium Parent-Teacher Association, treasurer of the Tacoma Day Nursery Association, a past president of the Illike Study Club, an active member of the Women's Club and conductress of Tacoma Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She too is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn move in the best social circles of the community and are deservedly popular.

Hermann Reincke

Among the successful ranchers of Pierce county, whose worthy lives have gained for them an enviable place in public esteem, is Hermann Reincke, whose splendidly improved ranch lies near Puyallup. He has been a resident of Pierce county for some forty-four years, during which period he has been a witness of the wonderful development of this section of the state along all lines, and has borne his full part in the necessary work of clearing the land and making it productive.

Mr. Reincke was born in Pomerania, Germany, on the 2d of November, 1857, and is a son of Herman Christian Carl and Augusta (Redmer) Reincke, both of whom also were natives and lifelong residents of that country. The father followed farming pursuits and owned a thousand acres of land, being one of the prominent and influential men of his community. He and his wife are both deceased, the mother dying in 1859 and the father in 1880. They became the parents of five children, Hermann being the only one to come to the United States. He was educated in the public schools and a gymnasium in Germany and remained on the home farm until 1879, when he came to this country, settling in Kansas. He was engaged in farming there for séveral years and then came to Tacoma, Washington, where he was employed in a furniture factory about a year, after which he went to work for the St. Paul Sawmill & Lumber Company, with which concern he remained nine months. He next worked a while for the city of Tacoma and in 1892 rented a farm on the Indian reservation, which he operated about a year and a half, after which he went to MeMillan and farmed on leased land for about the same length of time. He then leased a ranch at Edgewood for one year, and in 1900 he bought twenty acres in section 15, township 20 north, range 4 east, the tract being covered with brush and some heavy timber. He built a small house and began clearing the land, all of which he got in shape for cultivation in the course of time. He planted part to fruit and berries, and also gives some attention to dairy farming, keeping six good cows. He has devoted himself closely to this enterprise, has made a number of substantial improvements on the property and has achieved a very splendid measure of success.

On May 24, 1890, Mr. Reincke was married to Miss Emilie Elske, who is a native hegehend and a daughter of Frederic and Carolina (Puhlman) Elske, both of whom died in their native land, the mother in 1882 and the father in 1895. They were the parents of five children, namely: Emilie, Otto, Anna, Carl, who was killed in battle in China, and Maria, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Reincke. have been born four children as follows: August, who is married and has two children, Martha and Walter; Paul, who is married and has a daughter, Pauline; Edward, who is married and has two sons, Edward and Donald; and Arthur, who remains at home. Paul attended business college in Tacoma.

Mr. Reincke is a strong advocate of improved roads and good schools and rendered valuable service as a member of the Edgewood school board. He is a member of the Grange. He is one of the sterling pioneer citizens of this county, coming here when much of the land was little more than a wilderness, and, working long and hard, did his part in redeeming the fertile fields and farms which are now the pride of this locality.

Over thirty years of continuous and successful practice in the courts of Pierce county and Tacoma has gained for James F. O'Brien an enviable reputation as an able and erudite lawyer and he commands a large and remunerative clientele. He 'was born in Ontario, Canada, on the 10th of December, 1871, and is a son of Lawrence and Ormasinda (Pake) O'Brien. In 1890 his parents came to Tacoma, where the father became deputy collector of internal revenue, in which position he served several years. He and his wife are now deceased.

After attending the public schools of his native land, James F. O'Brien entered the law department of Osgood Hall, at Toronto, Canada, where he was graduated. He came to Tacoma in 1889 and in 1891 was admitted to the bar here. During 1893-4 he served as deputy clerk of courts and in 1895 engaged in the practice of his profession, to which he has devoted himself continuously since. Well grounded in the basic principles of the law, and a constant student of his profession, he has long been recognized as a leading member of the bar and has enjoyed public confidence to a marked degree.

In 1891 Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage to Miss Corrine J. La Freniere, of Boston, Massachusetts, and they became the parents of the following children: Eileen, who is the wife of J. R. Clements, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Lucile, who is the wife of Dr. C. L. Dugan, of Washington, D. C.; Leander, at home; Francis E., who served overseas during the World war and now lives in Auburn, Washington; Joseph L., of Seattle; Stephen J., who is practicing law with his father; Lavina, at home; 'Cleo, who is in school; and Bernice, who died at the age of eight years.

Mr. O'Brien is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Woodmen of the World, the National Union and the Knights of Columbus. He is a republican in his political views and is a communicant of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church. He is a member of the Pierce County Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Association, and he is president of the Calvary Cemetery Association. Mr. O'Brien is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the prosperity and general welfare of his community. His long residence here, his fine public spirit, his able professional services and his interest in his fellowmen have made his name a synonym for character and worth, and he is regarded as one of Tacoma's representative men.

Samuel E. Hill

The oldest concern in its line of business in the northwest is the Hill Cereal Company, of Tacoma, of which Samuel E. Hill is secretary and treasurer, and to whose able and persevering efforts the success of the enterprise is largely due. Mr. Hill was born in Parke county, Indiana, on the 13th of February, 1866, and is a

S. E. Hill received a public school education in his native state, remaining there until 1887, when he came to Washington and for about a year was with the Tacoma Brick Company, since which time he has been continuously identified with the feed business. The concern dates back to 1889, when the Cascade Oatmeal Company was established by Berian Hatch, who later sold his interest to J. W. Fries, who changed the name of the company to the Cascade Cereal Company. In 1891 S. E. Hill bought into the company and in 1893 bought the Fries interest. Two years later Mr. Hill and his brother, J. C. Hill, established the Hill Cereal Company, which, through their wise Management and indomitable efforts, has grown to be one of the important industrial concerns of Pierce county. The company does a wholesale and retail business in flour and feeds and has enjoyed a steady and continuous growth through the years. The plant was first located at 2311 Jefferson street, but later was moved to its present location at 1905-7 Jefferson street, and the company also has a warehouse at 2308 C street.

In 1893 Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Hutchinson, of St. Louis, Missouri, and they are the parents of three children, namely: Edna E., deceased; S. Edwin, Jr., who is a student in the State Agricultural College at Pullman; and Margaret Hutchinson, who is in high school. Mr. Hill is a republican in his political views and is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of the Maccabees, the United Commercial Travelers and the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. He is an active member and a deacon of the First Presbyterian church. Of kindly manner, and loyal and true to the best interests of his fellow citizens, he commands the esteem of all who know him.

J. C. Hill was born September 8, 1862, in Parke county, Indiana, and in November, 1887, he came to Tacoma and for a time was identified with the Tacoma Brick Company. He then went to work as a bookkeeper for the Cascade Cereal Company, later joining with his brother, S. E., in the ownership of the property, in the management of which he has had an active part, being the president of the Hill Cereal Company. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a popular member of the various circles in which he moves.

Arthur G. Seamons

The floral concern of Arthur G. Seamons, at Fife, is one of the most successful business enterprises in the suburban district of Tacoma. Beginning on a small scale here about 1900, Mr. Seamons has had the pleasure of seeing his business grow steadily through the years until now it is one of the most important establishments. in its line in this section of the state.

Mr. Seamons was born in Buckingham, England, in 1875, and is the only child born to Arthur and Bertha Seamons, the mother giving up her life at his birth. He was reared by his grandmother and received a good edueation in the public schools. His first employment was in a grocery store, after which he learned the nursery business with an uncle, with whom he remained until 1894, when he came to the United States. For about six years after coming here he was employed in nurseries. and on fruit farms in Missouri and Kansas, and then, in 1900, he came to Tacoma and went into business on his own account. For three years he operated on leased land and in 1903 bought eight acres of land three miles east of Tacoma, on the Pacific: highway. The land had been logged off, but was covered with stumps and brush, which he cleared off, and then engaged in the nursery business there. He practically confines his operations to the production of cut flowers and potted plants, in which he has been very successful, shipping his goods throughout Washington and Oregon. At first he had but two small greenhouses, but as his business has increased he has made additions from time to time, and now has twelve large greenhouses, comprising forty thousand feet of glass. Mr. Seamons is also an extensive raiser of hothouse tomatoes for the winter trade and for which he finds a ready sale. He employs six or seven men and one woman. The house which he first built on the place was replaced in 1909 by a larger and more pretentious building, and his property is now very valuable and attractive.

In 1899 Mr. Seamons was united in marriage to Miss Rose Van Slyke, who is a native of Nebraska, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Van Slyke, both of whom are deceased, the father dying in 1892 and the mother in 1923. Mr. Van Slyke was formerly engaged in mercantile affairs in Nebraska, to which state he had moved from Ohio in an early day. He took up a homestead there in 1866, but eventually sold the farm and opened a store, which he operated up to the time of his death. To him and his wife were born seven children: Emory, Otis, Carrie, Rose and Rollo, twins, Mark, deceased, and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Seamons became the parents of five children as follows: Mrs. Bertha Woodard, who has two children, Barbara Jean and David Arthur; Joseph Paul, who was graduated from the University of Washington in 1925 and is a civil engineer; Dorothy, who died in 1909; and Alice and Mabel, who are in school.

In politics Mr. Seamons stands aligned with the republican party. He has taken a good citizen's interest in affairs relating to the welfare of the community, working for good roads and schools, and has served as a member of the school. board. He was one of the organizers of the Fife Presbyterian church in 1908 and during practically all of the subsequent time has served as superintendent of the Sunday school.

Arthur W. Pease

Among the wide-awake and progressive automobile agencies of Pierce county stands the Stadium Garage, operated by Arthur W. Pease, who has the agency for Pierce county for the Paige cars, in the handling of which he has been very successful. A good business man and thoroughly understanding all makes of cars, he is unusually well adapted to this line of business, and has made a splendid record in the sales of the cars which he represents.

Mr. Pease was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the 12th of October, 1892, and is a son of Fredric Arthur and Mary Ada (Nalty) Pease. When our subject was still but a lad, his father died, and in 1902 the widowed mother brought her three children to Tacoma, where she is still living. Arthur W. Pease, who is the eldest of the children, received his education in the public schools and then learned marine engineering, which vocation he followed until 1912. He then was employed by the Pacific Car Company, the Kellogg Motor Company and other concerns until 1916, when he engaged in the automobile repair business on his own account. From 1921 to 1923 he was with the Sunset Motor Company and during the two following years he and his brothers, Fred and Aldridge, established a business under the name of Pease Brothers Replacement Parts.

On January 1, 1926, Mr. Pease leased the Stadium Garage, a fine, modern building, one hundred by one hundred and ten feet in size, where he not only conducts his agency, but also maintains a complete service and repair shop. Since locating here he has been successful and is gaining a high reputation in automobile agency circles. Mr. Pease is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, while in his political action he is independent. He has worked hard and persistently and the success which is now his has been well and honestly earned.

Orlo M. Barton

It is a compliment worthily bestowed to say that Puyallup' is honored by the citizenship of Orlo M. Barton, who after a long and active career, crowned by well deserved success, is now practically retired from active affairs and is spending the golden sunset years of his life in his comfortable home in this city. Mr. Barton was born in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in 1856, and is a son of Merrels and Palona (Darling) Barton, both of whom were natives of New York state. They became pioneer settlers in Wisconsin, where the father followed the lumber business, and later moved to Iowa, where both parents died. Q

Orlo M. Barton was given the advantage of a good public school education and then for a number of years devoted his attention to farming. Later he went to Colorado, where he engaged in the real estate business and operated a ranch. In 1906 Mr. Barton came to Washington, but soon afterward went to Albany, Oregon oS he lived until 1910, when he retired and came to Puyallup, where he has since resided.

was born in Ohio, a daughter of Dr. David and Frances (Hoppings) Gish, the former of whom was a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They became pioneer settlers in Iowa, and the father was a veteran of the Civil war, in which he served as surgeon. To Mr. and Mrs. Barton were born six children, as follows: Frances, who became the wife of Charles Denny and lives in Eatonville, Washington; Verna, at home; Ada, deceased; Nelsine, deceased; Glen, who is a farmer and is also serving as deputy sheriff of Pierce county; and Bess, who is a twin sister of Glen, and who is teaching in the public schools of Portland, Oregon.

In political affairs Mr. Barton maintains an independent attitude, voting for the men whom he considers best qualified for the offices they seek, regardless of party lines. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Because of his high character and kindly manner, he has won a warm place in the regard of all who know him.

Samuel Baker Stocking

One of the most conspicuous figures in the field of maritime shipping in Tacoma is Samuel Baker Stocking, vice president and general manager of Shaffer Terminals, Inc., Tacoma. Coming to Tacoma twenty years ago, with no definite idea as to his future plans, the great docks on Tacoma's waterfront spelled opportunity to him, and during the greater part of this period he has been actively identified with shipping and transportation affairs, in which he has been eminently successful. Mr. Stocking was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, November 7, 1883, and is a son of William Redfield and Isabella (Baker) Stocking, the former of whom was a minister of the Congregational church and had served many years as a missionary in Persia.

Samuel B. Stocking secured his elementary education in the public schools, graduating from the Williamstown high school, and then entered Williams College, in his home town, where he was graduated in 1907. He at once came to Tacoma, Washington, and in looking over the situation here was attracted by the busy scene which greeted his first view of the harbor. Following his intuitive feeling that here lay his future field of effort, he applied to H. F. Alexander, who, though only twenty-eight years old, had recently purchased the Alaska Pacific Steamship Company, and who hired him at once as a general clerk in the steamship company's head offices. From October, 1907, to May, 1920, Mr. Stocking remained identified with the Alexander interests. At the end of six weeks he was promoted to the position of city passenger and freight agent and put in charge of a new ticket office on Pacific avenue. When the company's auditing department was moved to Seattle, in the spring of 1908, the Tacoma force was reduced, and Mr. Stocking, as the youngest employe, was released. However, he declined to sever his relations with the company and secured a position as freight clerk on the company's steamship Jeanie, operating to Alaska, and from that ship was called ashore to the company's Seattle office. In 1909 Mr. Stocking was appointed dock agent for the company in Seattle, in which position he continued until March, 1912. In the following two years he served as contracting freight agent, assistant in the traffic department and chief clerk to the assistant general freight and passenger agent of the Admiral line. In February, 1914, he was made agent for the Admiral line in Tacoma, holding that position until the Alexander interests, through various consolidations, organized the present Pacific Steamship Company, when, Mr. Stocking was appointed agent at Vancouver, British Columbia, where he served until December, 1917, when he was recalled to Seattle as chief clerk to the manager of the steamship corporation. In 1919 Mr. Stocking was promoted to assistant general freight agent, holding the place for fifteen months, when he resigned to enter the sales agency business on his own account, making a specialty of furnaces. Six months later he returned to the Admiral line as soliciting freight agent for the intercoastal service of the Nawsco line, represented on this coast by the Alexander corporation. ? .

A few months later Mr. Stocking retired from the steamship company to Join with Ralph Shaffer in forming the Terminal Dock Company. of Tacoma. Mr. Shaffer and Mr. Stocking had been close friends since 1908 and the former as president of the Pacific Box Company, then and now a dominant figure in the box manufacturing industry of the northwest, was a heavy shipper on the steamship lines which patronized the Terminal dock. Their venture quickly proved a complete success and in April, 1924, the company renewed its lease on the terminal property, which is owned by the Northern Pacific Railroad, taking the property over on a long-time basis. When Messrs. Stocking and Shaffer established the dock company they employed but two salaried men and had only three steamship lines. They now employ a large staff of men and in 1923 handled more than one hundred thousand tons of cargo in connection with ships of thirty different services. Great foreign trade and intercoastal lines now use the dock as their Tacoma terminal. In November, 1925, the firm name was changed to Shaffer Terminals, Inc., the name of the box factory being changed to the Shaffer Box Company at the same time.

In November, 1911, Mr. Stocking was united in marriage to Miss Johnnie Willson, of Austin, Texas, and they have become the parents of four children: Samuel, Jr., aged fourteen years; Robert aged thirteen years; Alice, aged eleven years; and Ethel Jean, deceased. Mr. Stocking is a stanch republican in his political views and holds well defined opinions on questions of public policy. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, is president of the Christian Men's Club and is an active member of the Congregational church, being state moderator of the Congregational churches of Washington. A man of tireless energy and indomitable courage, he has never permitted conditions to master him, but has persistently and successfully followed where mature judgment pointed the way. He is in the fullest sense of the word a progressive, virile, self-made American, thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the advanced age in which he lives, and has been a potent factor in the development and commercial prosperity of his city. A man of deeds rather than words, he possesses a strong individuality that impresses all who come in contact with him, and he stands today as one of Tacoma's representative citizens.

Frederick William Chovil

The Coast Trading Company, of Tacoma, of which Frederick William Chovil owns the controlling interest and is president, is one of the most reliable and substantial business concerns of Pierce county. This enterprise was established in 1894 by William Birmingham, who operated it awhile under his individual name, after which-it became the William Birmingham Company, which style it carried until July 13, 1907,. when it was reorganized as the Coast Trading Company. In 1918 Mr. Birmingham sold his interest to Charles H. Plass and in 1923 F. W. Chovil bought the controlling interest and became president of the concern. The business was first located on Pacific avenue, opposite the Northern Pacific depot, but in 1917 was moved to 418-24 Puyallup avenue, where the company erected a fine building of three stories, one hundred by one hundred and twenty feet in size. It is of concrete and in the heavy mill type of construction. The company handles hay, grain and flour, manufactures poultry and dairy feed, and also operates a bakers' supply department, doing a wholesale business, operating throughout southwestern Washington, in which tersite gs cen keeps five traveling salesmen.

educated. On May 1, 1889, he came to Tacoma and entered the employ = ee erie Todd Foundry & Machine Company. Later he joined the Northwestern Supply Company, with which concern he remained until 1894, when he went to work for William Birmingham and has continuously since been connected with this company. He is a man of sound business judgment and progressive methods, and through the years of his connection with the enterprise he has been an important factor in its success

In 1891 Mr. Chovil was united in marriage to Miss Sophie Lemenager who also is a native of England, whence she came to California in girlhood with her parents later coming to Tacoma. To Mr. and Mrs. Chovil have been born three children, namely: F. R., who is cashier for the Belfoir-Guthrie Company, of Tacoma; Victor W., who is secretary and treasurer of the Coast Trading Company; and Charles Ss who lives in Los Angeles, California. The two younger sons are: veterans of the World war. Mr. Chovil is independent in his political views, voting in accordance with his judgment as to men and measures. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the Scottish Rite branch of that order; the Knight and Protective Order of Elks, the Foresters of America and the Woodmen of the World, and also belongs to the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. He is an agreeable

One of the leading drugless healing systems of today is that of osteopathy, of which science Dr. Nelle E. Guthridge, of Puyallup, is a worthy representative. Not only has she been an active and successful practitioner, but she has also taken a deep and effective interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community.

Dr. Guthridge was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of David Clay and Ellen (Moggee) Guthridge, both of whom are now deceased. David C. Guthridge was an inventor of note, having perfected and taken out more than one hundred patents. Nelle E. Guthridge attended the public schools, graduating from high school, and then turned her attention to the teaching profession. In the year 1911, she entered the College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons in Los Angeles, California, from which institution she was graduated in 1914. Subsequently she spent about one year in the practice of osteopathy at Davenport, Washington, and next moved to Seattle, where she remained for a similar period. It was in 1918 that she came to Puyallup where she has continued in the active practice of her profession to the present time. Dr. Guthridge is a member of the woman's branch of the Washington State Osteopathic Society. She has met with marked success in her work and has won the respect and confidence of all who have come in contact with her. She possesses a gracious personality and a charm of manner that have gained for her a host of warm and loyal friends, and she is regarded as one of the representative women of Puyallup.

Charles Wiley Bridgham

Charles Wiley Bridgham has attained a high place in the banking circles of western Washington, having been identified with several successful financial institutions, of a number of which he was the founder. He is a man of outstanding ability in his particular field, and his successful operations have given him marked prestige throughout the Puget Sound district. Mr. Bridgham was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 3d of February, 1890, and is a son of C. W. and Eliza A. Bridgham, both of whom are deceased. The father was for many years prominently identified with the lumber business.

Charles Wiley Bridgham secured his preliminary education in the public schools and then attended the University of Minnesota. In 1913 he came to Mount Vernon, Washington, and acquired an interest in the Skagit National Bank, of which he became a director and assistant cashier, and is still the heaviest stockholder and a director thereof. In 1917 he enlisted in the United States navy and served eighteen months, being honorably discharged in May, 1919. He then became assistant cashier of the Farmers and Lumbermen's Bank of Elma, Washington, and later became cashier, manager and a director. He subsequently sold his interest in that institution, and in May, 1921, he founded the Bank of McCleary, of which he became the cashier, and is still a director and the manager. In 1924 he established the First National Bank of Cosmopolis, of which he became vice president, but later sold his interest therein and, on March 9, 1925, organized the Central Bank, of Tacoma, of which he is president, while P. W. Bourgaize is cashier and Walter A. Davis is vice president. This is a state bank, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, surplus and undivided profits of fifteen thousand dollars, and deposits of four hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Over one thousand people are carrying accounts in this bank. It has a savings department and is a depository for state, county and city funds. The Central Bank started with deposits of fifty-seven thousand dollars on its opening day and has had the most rapid growth of any bank in the city in proportion to its deposits. The bank started to pay dividends within sixteen months after its establishment, and it is regarded as one of the solid and substantial financial institutions of this city. On November 9, 1925, Mr. Bridgham organized and is president of the Lincoln Bank,

Mr. Bridgham has been married twice - first to Miss Bernice Babcock, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who is deceased. To this union were born two children: Elizabeth, aged eleven years; and John, aged nine years. Subsequently Mr. Bridgham was married to Miss Ferne McIntyre, of Toronto, Canada, and they have one child, Natalie. Mr. Bridgham is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the fourteenth degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; the Knights of Pythias, the Rotary Club, the Tacoma Country Club and the Union Club. He maintains an independent attitude in politics, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. Because of his ability and success he commands the confidence and esteem of the entire community.

Bert Greenwood

One of the most prosperous and enterprising concerns in Puyallup is the Puyallup Steam Laundry, owned by F. S. Johnson, Clara Leonard and Bert Greenwood, who bought the plant about 1922. Changes and improvements have been made which place this plant among the best in the county, while the business policy has béen such as to gain for it the confidence and patronage of the people.

Bert Greenwood, who possesses a thoroughly practical knowledge of the laundry business, is a native of Yorkshire, England, born on the 18th of October, 1882, and is a son of J. W. and Annie (Waddington) Greenwood, both natives of that country. The father is engaged in the dry goods business there. The mother died in 1906. Our subject secured his education in the public schools, and then entered his father's dry goods store, where he remained until 1908, when he came to the United States. Coming direct to Washington, he secured a position with a surveying crew in Yakima, where he was employed about two years, going from there to Friday Harbor, San Juan county, this state, where he was engaged in a general mercantile business for about eight years. From there he went to Mount Vernon, where he bought the Skagit Steam Laundry, which he operated for two years, after which for about a year he had the laundry at Elma. In 1922 began his identification with the Puyallup laundry, in which he is meeting with eminent success. This coneern had formerly been operated under the same name and is one of the oldest laundries in the town. The present owners enlarged the building, adding much new equipment and installing a dry cleaning department, so that they are now prepared to handle any kind of work in their. line. They employ twenty-nine people and use five delivery wagons and trucks, serving a wide territory in and adjacent to Puyallup.

In 1913 Mr. Greenwood was united in marriage to Miss Bettie McCrary, who was born and reared in San Juan county, Washington, a daughter of W. H. and Alice McCrary, the former of whom is a native of Texas. Both are still living in this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood have been born two children, Bettie and Bert. Mr. Greenwood is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to blue lodge and chapter in Puyallup and the commandery of Knights Templar in Tacoma; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also belongs to the Puyallup Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Greenwood is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr. Greenwood has proven a valuable acquisition to the population of Puyallup, having shown himself a man of progressive and enterprising methods, maintaining a publicspirited attitude toward all local enterprises tending to advance the general interests of the community, and by his kindly and genial manner winning the friendship and regard of all who come into contact with him.

A distinguished member of the medical profession in Pierce county is Dr. Brady H. Foreman, of Tacoma, where he has long held distinctive precedence for his ability and skill as an operative surgeon. Dr. Foreman was born in Whitehall, Illinois on the 30th of November, 1870, his parents being Dr. Absalom and Sarah (Williams y

Foreman, who came to Tacoma in 1908 and here spent the remainder of their lives, both being eighty-four years of age when they passed away. The father, one of a family of twenty-six children, was long engaged in the practice of medicine in Illinois and subsequently moved to Stockton, California, where he became prominent in local affairs, having served in the state legislature.

Brady H. Foreman secured his elementary education in the public schools and afterward matriculated in Rush Medical College of Chicago, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1905, after which he served for eighteen months as interne in the Cook County Hospital. In 1906 he came to Tacoma and engaged in the practice of his profession, in which he quickly gained recognition, and made rapid strides to the front rank of the medical practitioners of the Puget Sound region. He specializes in surgery, in which he has few peers and no superiors.

In 1895 Dr. Foreman was united in marriage to Miss Emma M. Gamer, who was born in Montana, a daughter of Daniel and Lena Gamer, the former of whom is a retired capitalist and is now living in Tacoma. To Dr. and Mrs. Foreman have been born two children, Leotta and Byron. Leotta was graduated from the Stadium high school of Tacoma and then entered the University of Washington, where she became a member of the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity, being one of the four highest in scholarship. She is also a graduate of the Bush Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Miss Foreman became the wife of Erroll Rawson, who was graduated from the University of Washington, taught science in a college in Maine and then entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, which institution conferred upon him the degree of M. D. at the time of his graduation. Dr. Rawson is now an interne in the Cook County Hospital of Chicago. Byron Foreman attended the University of Washington, where he attained high rank as an athlete, being captain of the varsity oar crew, and later was graduated from the Oregon State Agricultural College. He now lives in Tacoma.

Dr. Brady H. Foreman is a stanch republican in politics. Along strictly professional lines he has membership in the Pierce County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, being one of the first members of the last named organization in Tacoma. He possesses a very fine library of general literature, in addition to his medical and scientific library, and is a man of broad general culture. He makes a study of finance and has been very successful in his investments. Dr. Foreman has acted well his part in life, and, while primarily interested in his professional work, he has not been unmindful of the interests of the community, as his efforts to advance the public good and promote the welfare of his fellowmen have abundantly attested. Kindly and sympathetic, cordial and friendly, he has won a host of loyal friends in this city, while his professional ability and success have gained for him the respect of his colleagues and the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Matt H. Newell

The Pacific Storage & Transfer Company is the largest merchandise storage company in Tacoma, as well as one of the most successful, Its president, Matt H. Newell, has devoted himself indefatigably to the building up of the business, in which he has shown splendid executive ability and sound discrimination, and is today numbered among the able and efficient business men of this city. He is a native of Wales, born in 1869, and is a son of Evan and Mary Newell. The family immigrated to the United States in 1880, locating first in Chicago, where they remained two years. In 1882 the father, who had been an extensive farmer in his native land, took his family to South Dakota, where he took up a homestead and thereafter engaged in farming up to the time of his retirement, when he moved to Dayton, Washington.

Matt H. Newell received but a limited school education, though he has become a well and accurately informed man on a wide range of subjects through much reading and close observation. When twenty-one years of age he obtained employment in a grocery store in Chicago, and later went to the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he worked in the mines for two years. In 1892 he went to Seattle, Washington, and entered the employ of the Fyers Transfer Company, with which concern he remained until 1898, when he went to Alaska, and for four years prospected and mined at Nome, Dawson and other principal mining districts. On his return to Seattle, in 1902, he became warehouse manager for the Fyers Transfer Company, in which capacity he served until 1910, when he went to Vancouver, British Columbia, and for two years was connected with the Campbell Storage Company. In 1912 Mr. Newell came to Tacoma and bought from his father-in-law, E. J. Lanning, the Pacific Storage & Transfer Company, of which he became president, Mrs. S. A. Newell, secretary and treasurer, and Mrs. E. J. Lanning, vice president. The company operates eight trucks and employs ten people, and does a general merchandise and furniture storage business. Their warehouse, which is of brick, mill construction, is six stories in height and fifty by one hundred feet in size, being admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is used.

In 1911 Mr. Newell was united in marriage to Miss Alice Lanning, daughter . of E. J. Lanning, an early settler of Tacoma. Mr. Lanning was born in Kentucky and in pioneer days came to Oregon by way of Cape Horn. He became manager of the Crown mills, at Albany, Oregon, where he remained until about 1892, when he came to Tacoma and for a number of years was engaged in various occupations. In 1898 he established a warehouse business, under the name of the Security Storage Company. In 1907 he incorporated the company, changing its title to the Pacific Storage & Transfer Company, and remained at its head until selling out to Mr. Newell, in 1912. He died February 22, 1924, at the age of eighty-three years.

Mr. Newell is a member of Tacoma Lodge, No. 174, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Tacoma Advertising Club; the Executives-Club; the Credit Men's Bureau, and the Lions Club, of which he is president, and he is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, being on the tourist and membership committees. Politically he is aligned with the republican party and has shown himself a publicspirited and progressive citizen. He is kindly in manner and generous in his support of all worthy benevolent organizations, and throughout the community has a host of admirers and friends.

E. J. Rohrbach, manager of the Prudential Life Insurance Company's business in Tacoma, has achieved an enviable record during the twenty-six years that he has been connected with this well known firm, and since coming to Tacoma has greatly increased the business of the company in this locality, while at the same time he has won a high place in the esteem of the representative people of this city. Mr. Rohrbach was born in the same house in which his mother was born, in Berks county Pennsylvania, and is a son of Daniel and Caroline (Miller) Rohrbach. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and both are deceased, the father dying at the age of seventy-five years and the mother when ninety-five years of age.

E. J. Rohrbach attended the public schools of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and then took a course in a business college there. When about fifteen years of age oe started out on his own account, going to work for the American Steel & Wire Company in his home town, remaining with that concern four years. He then carried oeibeds for several years, after which he again went to work for the steel company, where he was employed until 1901, when he joined the Prudential Life Insurance Com any as an agent. He proved to be well adapted to that line of business and was ie ie cessful that he was soon transferred to South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as assista it manager. In 1906 he went back to the Allentown office, where he Peniained until 1908, when he was sent to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he opened an office for th company and served as manager until the following year, when he was gs t to Seattle, Washington, and there also opened an office and heoSrad its mana TH 5 his success was remarkable, as is evidenced by the fact that in 1910 the S ttle oe ae ee ee offices in this country. Mr. Rohrbach reuctiied ge o e business there until 1911, whe Lake City, where he served as manager until ieee A ae aes ao sy has since served as manager of this office. He now has supervision ee eee peste ae B iphes and three clerks. The Prudential company famuicea en ustrial as well as a i ife i i A OF ae ee eee pre ag kinds of life insurance and carries an enormous amount to Miss Marie Reed, who is a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jesse and Susan (Nuss) Reed, the mother being of an old Pennsylvania Dutch family. To. Mr. and Mrs. Rohrbach have been born three children. Earl D., who is now with the Prudential Life Insurance Company at Everett, Washington, enlisted for the World war and was in training at Camp Lewis. He is married and has a son, Edwin F. Irene is the wife of Noris Inveen, of Tacoma, and they have one child, Norien. Mildred is the wife of H. Murphy, of Tacoma, and they have two children, James Edwin and Dona May. Mr. Rohrbach is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is very popular in all the circles in which he moves, being genial] and. companionable and a man of sterling character.

J. C. Taylor

J. C. Taylor, who has dignified and honored Pierce county by his life and achieve-. ments, is one of the real pioneers of this locality, having settled near Orting in 1873, and for over fifty years has been active in all efforts to promote the welfare of the people and advance the prosperity of the community.

Mr. Taylor was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, on the 27th of November, 1849,. and is a son of Theodore and Sibbillah (Ousley) Taylor, both of whom were natives of Missouri, of which state their respective families were early settlers. The father followed the vocation of farming and was also a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. Later they became pioneers in Wisconsin, settling in Grant county, where. they spent the remaining years of their lives.

J. C. Taylor attended the public schools and completed his education in the University of Wisconsin. Both before and after his college course he engaged in teaching school. He became greatly troubled with asthma and largely because of this. he decided to try a change of climate and came west. He arrived in Portland, Oregon,. May 1, 1872, at which time there was not a brick building in the town. During his first summer there he was employed in a sawmill and during the ensuing winter taught a country school. In 1873 he came to Pierce county, Washington, and home-. steaded a tract of land about two miles from where Orting now stands, though at that time the townsite was but a prairie. His land was heavily covered with timber,. mostly cottonwood, and a vast amount of hard work was required in getting it in shape for cultivation. Neighbors were few and far between and were mostly, like. himself, bachelors. During his first years on this place he raised vegetables and. enough wheat for his own use. He had to take his wheat to a grist mill at Steilacoom, where also he did most of his trading, though there was also a small store near Puyallup. The only highways were mere trails. In later years hops became his principal crop. In the course of time Mr. Taylor got eighty acres of his land cleared and continued to operate that place until 1901, when he moved to Orting, locating where he is now living. The first store at Orting was established by Johnnie Morgan about 1880, and after the town was started Pulley & Huggins also ran a store, and from that time on the town has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth. For about three years after coming to town Mr. Taylor had charge of road work in the district, and under his direction great progress was made in the condition of the highways. He has always evinced a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and development of the community and has been a conspicuous factor in its upbuilding and improvement.

In 1883 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Maggie De Whitesell, who. also is a native of Grant county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Bulman) De Whitesell, the former of whom was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents were pioneer settlers in Wisconsin, and in 1854, when Mrs. Taylor was but a child, they crossed the plains by ox team and covered wagon, having some trouble with the Indians during the journey. They located at Steilacoom, Pierce county, Washington, where they remained four years, and then Mr. De Whitesell located on a donation claim near Orting. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born two daughters, namely: Lillian, who became the wife of J. O. Davis, of Centralia, Lewis county, Washington; and Leona, who became the wife of William Allison, and is.

ivi ith our subject. ah va a et has araeve been a stanch republican in his | political views and for two terms was mayor of Orting. He has served four terms in the legislature, being: a member of the last territorial assembly, of the second and fourth state legislatures, and that of 1927. He took an active and effective part in that body, in which he gained enviable distinction because of the beneficent character of the legislation advocated by him. He was the author of what was popularly known as the "Barefoot Boy School Bill." The bill got this name from Mr. Taylor's introductory remarks to his first speech in advocacy of the bill before the legislature, in which he referred to "the barefoot boy, with cheek of tan," and his educational opportunities compared with his more fortunate brother in the cities. The bill was aimed to correct school fund expenditures as related to country and city districts. In spite of city opposition, Mr. Taylor was made chairman of the education committee, but had a "packed'': committee against him. He failed to get the bill enacted in that term of the legislature but renewed the fight in the fourth session and had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing it passed. He also introduced the first bill providing for a state board of control, to take charge of all state institutions except educational. This bill failed to pass that session but was successful in the following session. In 1927 Mr. Taylor was one of the seven out of ninety-seven members of the lower house who refused to sign the resolution for the doubling of the salary of members of the legislature, believing it unconstitutional, a belief which was later upheld by the supreme court. In these and many other instances he has shown a willingness and an ability to fight for what he has considered to be the rights of the whole people, and his efforts have not gone without due recognition and appreciation by his fellow citizens.

Fraternally Mr. Taylor is a member of Orting Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is grand Bible bearer in the Grand Lodge. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since about 1880, and is a past grand master of the Grand Lodge. Mrs. Taylor belongs to the Daughters of Rebekah at Orting, of which she is a past noble grand, and the eldest daughter, Mrs. Davis, is a past worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star at Centralia.

Mr. Taylor tells of the first schoolhouse at Orting, which was really only a log hut, with dirt floor and open fireplace. In 1874 he succeeded in getting a better schoolhouse built of lumber, and this old relic of the past, which has been somewhat remodeled, now stands near his home. His early years here were literally days of struggle, but today the memory of that time is pleasant, for they were days of accomplishment and cooperation, when neighbors were neighbors in spirit. Through all the years of his residence here he has been an interested spectator of the wonderful development and progress of this section of the country and today believes that he lives in one of the choicest sections of the choicest state in the Union.