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

In the acquirement of an education Charles C. Mellinger attended the public schools of his native county and subsequently pursued a commercial course in the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana. It was in 1885, when in his twentieth year, that he entered upon an apprenticeship with the firm of Landis & Schmuck, owning the leading undertaking and furniture establishment in Wooster, Ohio. He remained with that house for two years and after spending some time in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, came west in 1888 and followed his profession in Seattle and Spokane, until 1897, when he came to Tacoma and bought out the business of Murphy & Fraser, funeral directors at 986 South C street. Later he moved to 910 Tacoma avenue and in 1909 took possession of the fine building which he had erected at 510 Tacoma avenue, this being the first high class building used exclusively as a funeral home in the northwest. The building is two and one-half stories and basement, one hundred by one hundred and twenty feet in size, contains the largest chapel in the city, seating three hundred people, and in every way is arranged and furnished in a manner that insures the most complete service. The outside equipment includes two hearses and two limousines. C. C. Mellinger is president of the company, while his brother Lewis S., who has been identified with the business since 1906, is vice president and secretary.

Mr. Mellinger was married in Walla Walla, Washington, to Miss Gilla Lloyd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Lloyd, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Mellinger are the parents of two sons and a daughter: Paul H. H. Mellinger, who is associated with his father in business; James J., who is a student in the University of Washington; and Martha J., who is in her junior year at the University of Washington.

In fraternal circles Mr. Mellinger is well known, being identified with the various Masonic bodies, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Woodmen of America, the United

Artisans, the Royal Arcanum, the National Union and the Tribe of Ben Hur. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, the Tacoma Golf and Country Club and the Fircrest Golf Club. He is a republican in his political views and ever since coming to Tacoma he has evinced a deep interest in everything concerning the prosperity and welfare of the community, his career here having earned for him the unqualified respect and esteem of his fellowmen.

Grant O. Otis

Grant O. Otis, president and treasurer of the Coast Sash & Door Company, of Tacoma, was born in Wisconsin, September 12, 1895, and is a son of Otto B. and Gertrude M. (Iverson) Otis, both of whom live in California. The family came to Seattle, Washington, in 1901, living there until 1906, when they moved to California. The father bought land there, which he subdivided into lots, on which he erected homes, which he sold, and he had also been engaged in the drug business.

Grant O. Otis attended the public schools of Seattle and the University of Southern California. He assisted his father in his building operations and thus gained valuable experience in the contracting business. In 1917 he came to Tacoma and for about eighteen months was employed in the shipyards. He then turned his attention to the building business, erecting houses, which he sold, and soon became recognized as an able and reliable contractor. At that time he had a shop on Proctor street but in order to handle his own material he organized the Coast Sash & Door Company, which was incorporated in February, 1925, in which year the present plant was built. Mr. Otis is president and treasurer of the companv; C. B. Farmer, vice president; and George Swazey, secretary, Mr. Farmer being the traveling representative of the company, while Mr. Otis gives his chief attention to the operation of the factory. They have about twenty thousand feet of floor space and employ from twenty-five to thirty men. The products of the mill are sash, doors, frame, trim, cabinet work, moulding and 'finished lumber, a good deal of the trim and moulding being solid mahogany. The major part of the output is shipped to local points, and the company finds ready sale for all of its products.

In 1919 Mr. Otis was united in marriage to Miss Nellie K. Jensen, who was born in Nebraska, a daughter of N. C. and S. Jensen. Mr. and Mrs. Otis have two children. Mr. Otis is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. A man of active and energetic methods, sound business judgment and sterling principles, he is recognized as a potent factor in local business circles.

John A. Gustafson

There are not many of the real pioneers of Pierce county left to tell the tales of the early hardships and the sacrifices incident to the opening of a new country, but among those who are still with us is John A. Gustafson, who lives on his original homestead on section 18, township 21, range 2, which he entered in 1883, nearly forty-five years ago. During the intervening years he has passed through the trying experiences of frontier life, has overcome many obstacles, and has won success as the reward of his persistent efforts. Mr. Gustafson was born in Sweden in 1852, and is a son of Gustav and Mary Johnson, both of whom died in Sweden, where the father followed farming. They were the parents of five children, William, John A., O. L., Hilda and Alma. ,

John A. Gustafson was educated in the public schools of his home neighborhood and when sixteen years old was confirmed in the Lutheran church. He followed iron and copper mining in Sweden until 1879, when he came to the United States, settling in Colorado, where he worked as a stonecutter in the quarries at Castlerock, being employed by the city of Denver. He afterwards worked in various lead and silver mines in that state until the spring of 1883 when he came to Tacoma. In that year he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, township 21, range 2, covered with heavy timber and brush. He was compelled to blaze a road and then began the task of clearing his land, first building a small house of split tinuously. He has sold part of the land but still owns ninety acres of the place. During the early years here Mr. Gustafson also worked in logging camps and gave considerable attention to dairy farming. He now keeps about five hundred and fifty White Leghorn hens and a few cows, for which he raises his own hay and green stuff, besides which he has a splendid garden and bearing orchard. Mr. Gustafson bought eleven acres of land at Gig ,Harbor, which he cleared and subdivided and then sold off most of it. He also donated the land for the first church built in Gig Harbor.

In 1889 Mr. Gustafson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ferguson, to which union was born a son, Ernest, who died at the age of nineteen years. On March 3, 1924, Mr. Gustafson was married to Mrs. Inez (Young) House, who was born at Fremont, Ohio, a daughter of M. F. and Martha (Posey) Young, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Young became the parents of three children, namely: Mrs. Hattie Waddell, who lives in Missouri; Inez; and Herbert, who lives in Michigan. By a former marriage, Mrs. Gustafson became the mother of a daughter, Gladys, who is the wife of H. N. Forsyth, who owns a general merchandise store at Wollochet Bay, and they have two children, Vera Inez and Jean Noad. Mrs. Gustafson was educated in Michigan, and later lived in Minnesota, Dakota and Nebraska for several years, coming to Tacoma in 1900. She has been a capable and successful stock and poultry raiser, having gained a practical knowledge of these things through being reared on a large stock ranch.

Mr. Gustafson takes a commendable interest in the welfare of his community and has served twelve years as a member of the school board and ten years as road foreman, helping to build many of the roads on the peninsula. He is a stanch republican and during practically his entire residence here he has served as a member of the republican county committee. He cast his first vote for President Garfield in 1880. He owns what is probably the oldest horse in the state of Washington, it being thirty-five years old. It was raised on the old homestead and is still active, doing much of the work on the farm. Mr. Gustafson also has a cow seventeen years old and which is also still doing good service. Mr. Gustafson is a man of strong character, undaunted by discouragement, and has made a splendid success because of his sound judgment, his persistence and his integrity.

T. A. Dawn

T. A. Dawn was born on the old historic Pico homestead in San Diego county, California, on September 24, 1886, and is a son of Truman A. and Henrietta Marie (Pico) Dawn, both of whom were natives of California, the father having been born in San Francisco and the mother in Los Angeles county. His paternal grandfather, Truman F. Dawn, was a sugar planter and refiner in Shreveport, Louisiana, while his mother is a granddaughter of Governor Pio Pico, who was the first governor of California and of old Spanish Castilian stock. Truman A. Dawn, the father, died in 1907 and his widow now lives in Pomona, California. They became the parents of twelve children, all of whom are living.

T. A. Dawn attended the public schools of Los Angeles, graduating from high school, and then entered the Lincoln Preparatory School in San Francisco. Later he spent two years in Leland Stanford Jr. University, after which he entered' Cooper's Medical College, in San Francisco, where he remained fifteen months. He then went to Portland, Oregon, and worked under Doctor Rockey nearly two years, after which he was with the Morse Interstate Company of that city. For two years he was purchasing agent for the Comstock Company, at Virginia City, Nevada, and in 1910 opened the Palace restaurant in Reno, Nevada. A year and a half later he went back to San Francisco and became chef for Westerfield, on Market street, with whom he remained eight months. Altogether, he was employed as a chef in San Francisco about three years. In 1913 Mr. Dawn came to Pierce county and became assistant manager of the Carbonado Coal Company, at Carbonado, with which concern he remained until 1925, when he bought the Canyada Lodge, which had been built in 1912 by Judge McMurray, of Tacoma. This famous lodge, located on the Mountain highway, was one of the most attractive hotels of the state, unrivaled in its architectural style, and altogether satisfying in its service and accommodations.

It was oriental in design, the plans having been drawn by a Japanese artist. The outer walls, two feet thick, were of concrete construction, two stories in height, and broad pergolas ran clear around the building on both floors. Water, from a fiftythousand-gallon storage tank, flowed by gravity to every part of the building, while electric heaters were in every room in the building, in addition to large and attractive fireplaces in the dining and living rooms. The dining room furniture was of unique design, being handmade of imported bamboo wood, by a Japanese master craftsman. Mr. Dawn acquired forty acres of land surrounding the lodge, which he is rapidly improving, clearing out the underbrush and making paths among the stately old forest trees. The lodge stood on a high promontory, hundreds of feet above the beautiful Nisqually river and canyon, of which it commanded a magnificent view. All in all, Canyada Lodge was in a class by itself, yearly increasing in popularity among travelers to the Paradise valley and Mount Rainier, but in 1927 was destroyed by fire.

On December 19, 1913, Mr. Dawn was united in marriage to Miss Madeline Bachman, who was born in Ord, Nebraska, daughter of Jacob and Frances E. (Miner) Bachman, the latter a native of Wisconsin. Mr. Bachman, who was born near Berne, Switzerland, came to the United States in 1878, and for a number of years lived in the east. In 1896 he went to Idaho and homesteaded in the Boise valley, where he now owns a two-thousand-acre cattle ranch. The postoffice of Triangle is located on his land. He is the father of three children, Lynn, Earl and Madeline. Mr. and Mrs. Dawn have two children, Truman, Jr., born in Tacoma, Washington, November 2, 1919, and Marl, in Carbonado, Washington, January 21, 1921. Mr. Dawn is a member and senior deacon of Cascade Lodge No. 61, A. F. & A. M., at South Prairie; Oriental Chapter, R. A. M.; and Nile Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Seattle. He and his wife are members of Iris Chapter, No. 158, O. E. S., at South Prairie.

Axel Uddenberg

For more than thirty-five years Axel Uddenberg has been numbered among the industrious and successful citizens of Pierce county. Born at Stockholm, Sweden, in 1855, he is a son of Mortimer and Catherine Uddenberg, both of whom died in Sweden. They were the parents of nine children, Axel, Ingabor, Martin, Hjalmar, Anna, Naeni, Arvid, Signa and one who died in infancy.

Axel Uddenberg attended the schools of his home city, graduating from high school, and in 1871 went to sea. He proved a good sailor, was successively promoted and, after attending a navigation school in Stockholm, received master's papers at the age of twenty-one years. He commanded both sailing and steam vessels, with which he visited practically every important port on the globe. He first came to the Puget Sound district in 1888, when he called at the port of Tacoma and took on a shipload of lumber for Australia. From there he went to the Dutch Indies and took a cargo of coffee and spices to Amsterdam, Holland. There he relinquished command of his ship and returned to Sweden. In 1890 he returned to Tacoma and moved onto land at Spanaway which he had bought in 1888. He developed a good farm and operated it until 1899, when he sold and moved to Roy, where he bought: another farm, on which he raised hops. Selling that place in 1906, he went to Tacoma and for about a year ran a general store. He then sold out and moved to Gig Harbor, where he erected a building and opened a general store. Here also success attended his efforts and he has continued the business to the present time. He carries a good line of merchandise and by careful attention to the wants of his trade and fair dealing, has built up a large and remunerative patronage. He has a comfortable and attractive home, commanding a magnificent view of the sound, and altogether is ntly situated. ara elec Mr. Uddenberg was married to Miss Angelina Uddenberg, a distant cousin, who was born in Sweden. Her father was a well educated man, and during practically all of his active life was employed by the Swedish pope ent a county auditor. To him and his wife were born six children, namely, Arthur, a ceased, Angelina, Alice, Alma, August, deceased, and Elin. Mrs. Uddenberg pe taken an active part in local civic and social affairs and is now worthy matron of the Gig Harbor chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. To Mr. and Mrs. Uddenberg have been born six children: Hobert, who was born in Australia and now lives in

Oakland, California, is married and has three children, Robert C., Bettie and Dorothy. Signo, who was born at Maccasar, island of Celebos, Dutch Indies, went down with his vessel in a storm, December 5, 1923. He was married and had two sons, Signo, Jr., and Keith. Aida, who was born at Spanaway, Washington, graduated from high school in Tacoma and from the State Normal School at Bellingham, later took a commercial course and is now employed in a bank in Seattle. Bertram, who was born at Spanaway, married Miss Ebba Gustafson and has three children, Jeanette Helen, Lola Elaine and Shirley Ann. Herman, born at Spanaway, enlisted for service in the World war and was killed in action in France, October 20, 1918. Alice, born at Hillhurst, Pierce county, graduated from the Stadium high school in Tacoma and then took the business administration course in the University of Washington, where she was graduated, and is now at home. Mr. Uddenberg has been a true and loyal citizen of his adopted country, supporting those things which contribute to the stability of government and the welfare of the people, and his life record has been such as to gain for him the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.

The record of A. Haydon is that of a self-made man - one who, in the face of obstacles and discouraging conditions, refused to be thwarted and through his indomitable will and persistent efforts at length reached a place of independence in material affairs. A native of England, born in 1876, he is a son of R. V. and Ruth (Hicks) Haydon, both of whom died in their native land. The son remained at home and attended school until ten years of age, when he sailed for the United States and came at once to South Prairie, Pierce county, which at that time was the trading center of this district. He worked in the mines for about six years and then went back to the middle west, where he was employed in mines for about two years, after which he spent a few months in Wilkeson, this county. In 1899 he came to Buckley and worked in the Thaw dry goods and men's furnishings store, there remaining until 1908, when he went into business for himself, opening a confectionery storé. In this enterprise he met with encouraging success and in 1906 erected a building, in which he carried on the confectionery business and operated a pool and billiard. room for eighteen years. During 1924-25 he served as city marshal, in which position he proved a faithful and efficient officer. During his incumbency of that office, the robbery of the Buckley State Bank occurred, and Mr. Haydon chased the robbers, shooting one with a rifle and recovering the stolen money, amounting to about three thousand dollars. The other robber also was caught. In 1925 Mr. Haydon opened his present grocery store and is prospering. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods and, by his prompt and efficient service, has gained a large and representative trade.

In 1913 Mr. Haydon was united in marriage to Miss Augusta A. Peterson, who was born in Sweden and came to this country when ten years of age. Politically Mr. Haydon is a stanch republican and is interested in the public affairs of his community. He is a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 67, A. F. & A. M., at Buckley, in which he passed through the chairs and of which he has been secretary for several years. Mrs. Haydon is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and takes an active part in church work. Mr. Haydon deserves abundant credit for what he has accomplished in life and today he commands the sincere respect of all who know him.

George W. Slyter

Tacoma has many manufacturing firms allied with lumber interests and which contribute in a very definite degree to the general commercial prosperity of this section of the state. Of these, one of the most important is the Washington Parlor Furniture Company, of which the president is George W. Slyter, who is one of the group of enterprising and progressive men who are doing so much for the promotion of the business progress and advancement of this city. Mr. Slyter was born in New York, on the 14th of August, 1862. The family being separated when he was quite young, he knew practically nothing of home life during his early years.

He attended the public schools and then worked on farms until he was twenty-one years of age. He next engaged in the furniture business in a small way and also did a jobbing business in furniture. He was successful and later went to Saratoga Springs, where he established the Saratoga Furniture House. He was on the road to success, when his entire stock was destroyed by fire, and he next went to Troy, New York, where he again engaged in the wholesale and retail furniture business under the same name. Again fire put him out of business but afterward he followed the same line in other localities. During this period he became one of the charter members of the New York Furniture Exchange. In 1904 he came to Tacoma and engaged in furniture manufacturing under the name of the Washington Parlor Furniture Company, Inc. Their plant was first located on Jefferson avenue, but as business increased they were forced to secure more space and in 1909 they came to their present location on East Eleventh street, where they have one and an eighth acres of land, on which is located their large plant, comprising a floor space of seventy-five thousand square feet. Their product consists chiefly of living room furniture, upholstered in all styles, and they also make lodge, church and club furniture, and courthouse and bank furniture on special contracts. They have supplied the furniture for over one hundred and ninety lodges and churches, all west of the Rocky mountains, as well as three out of the last six courthouses built in this state. The company has a force of expert designers, and mahogany, oak and walnut are the principal woods used. Hand carving is done when desired. In 1904 Mr. Slyter organized in this enterprise the first manufacturing upholstery business in the entire northwest territory. The company owns its own dry kilns and the most modern machinery is used in all departments. About one hundred and twentyfive men are employed in the plant and ten salesmen cover the northwestern states, the volume of business amounting to approximately a half million dollars a year. The present officers of the Washington Parlor Furniture Company are as follows: G. W. Slyter, president; W. D. Smith, vice president and treasurer; G. H. Slyter, secretary; and Harry Slyter, general superintendent.

In 1884 Mr. Slyter was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Tobey, who is a native of New York, and to them have been born eight children: George H., secretary of his father's company; Mrs. Marian Shawcross, of Portland, Oregon; Harry, superintendent of the furniture plant; Louis, who also is in the plant; Mrs. Henrietta Larson, of Tacoma; Clarence R., who is a traveling salesman for the company; Theresa, at home; and Margery, who is in college. Mr. Slyter is a member of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Slyter has shown himself possessed of more than ordinary business ability and is a fine type of the successful self-made man, well meriting the respect and confidence which is accorded him throughout the city in which he lives.

One of the finest and most productive fruit farms in the Puyallup valley is that owned by N. I. Gaudreau near Puyallup, where he has resided for many years. He is a man of enterprising methods and has achieved a pronounced success through his persistent and well directed efforts, standing today among the leading farmers and public-spirited citizens of his community. =<

Mr. Gaudreau was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, on the 23d of August, 1865, and is a son of Narcisse and Marie (Latrault) Gaudreau, both of whom were natives of the province of Quebec, Canada, and of French descent. The father moved to Illinois in the '50s, when about twelve years of age, and settled in Iroquois county, where he was engaged in farming until 1886. He then went to Kansas, where he bought a tract of land, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home as he passed away February 18, 1887. The mother had died January 16, 1883. To them were born eight children, N. I., William H., Samuel, Henry, John, Frank, Fred and j hom are living. rae een attended the public schools of Illinois and then gave his attention to the operation of the farm which his father had bought in Kansas. He remained there four years, but at the end of that time, because of the frequent droughts, he sold the place and came to Puyallup, Washington. He landed here in the spring of 1891, with but two dollars in his pocket. He worked in sawmills and as a farm hand until 1897, when he bought seventeen acres of land on section 22, township 20 north, range 4 east, and here he has developed a finely improved fruit farm, his principal crops being red raspberries and cherries, having two hundred trees of the latter. The farm is located on the river, just outside the city limits, and is now a very desirable property.

Mr. Gaudreau has been married twice, first, in 1897, to Mrs. Coffman, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Hulbert) Young, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Her father moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1863, traveling overland by ox team from St. Joseph, Missouri. He subsequently lived in Oregon, California and Washington, becoming a pioneer of Pierce county, and his death occurred in Puyallup about 1902. His wife died here in 1906. They were the parents of eight children. Mrs. Gaudreau passed away February 22, 1911, and on September 23, 1914, Mr. Gaudreau married Miss Lulu Reeves, who was born in Illinois, a daughter of Narcisse and Euphresia (Hay) Reeves, both of whom were natives of Canada and are deceased, the father dying in Illinois about 1876 and the mother in December, 1920. They were the parents of six children, Ed; Ida, deceased; Lulu, now Mrs. Gaudreau; Hattie; Arthur; and Harry.

Mr. Gaudreau is a member of Puyallup Camp, No. 5208, Modern Woodmen of America. He belongs to the Washington Berry Growers Association, is a charter member of the Puyallup & Sumner Fruit Growers Association, and from 1912 to 1923 was president of the Puyallup Valley Fruit Growers Union. In 1918 Mr. Gaudreau built a fine house, with full basement, and equipped with all modern conveniences. Generous hearted and kindly in disposition, he has never lacked for friends in this community.

Joseph Barnes

Among the native sons of Washington who have wisely remained here and have assisted in the development of the wonderful agricultural resources of this favored section of the country stands Joseph Barnes, who, after a long and active career, is now living retired in his comfortable home near Spanaway. He was born in Thurston county, this state, on the 5th of July, 1853, and is a son of Henry and Sarah Barnes. His father was born in Dorsetshire, England, and his mother was born and reared in Pierce county, Washington, being of Indian blood. Henry Barnes was reared in his native land and in 1844 came to America, locating in Newfoundland, Canada, where for five years he was employed by the Hudson Bay Fur Company. In 1849 he went to Fort Nisqually, Washington, where he worked for the fur company until 1852, when he took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres in township 19, range 2. After living there six years, he sold that land and took up preemption and homestead claims of three hundred and twenty acres of land at what is now Camp Lewis, where he lived until his death, December 6, 1888. The mother died in 1873. They became the parents of ten children, namely, Joseph, Sarah, John G., Charles, Mary, Robert, Henry, Annie, Jane and Ellen, the three oldest of whom are living.

Joseph Barnes received his education in the public schools of Pierce county and remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he leased a farm near by, which he cultivated for a few years, when, in partnership with his brother John, he leased a ranch of twelve hundred acres, on which they ran sheep and cattle for four years. He next bought from the Northern Pacific Railroad seventy-four acres of land at Hillhurst, on which he lived for seven years, and in 1888 took up a homestead claim at Kapowsin. This was heavy timber land and, after building a small log cabin, clearing a few acres and planting an orchard, he sold that place and purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres on section 6, township 18, range 3, devoting his time to its development until 1917, when he sold the land to the United States government, which established Camp Lewis there. Mr. Barnes then bought five acres on section 5, township 18, range 3, where he is now living, being retired from active farm work, except the care of his garden and the work incidental to keeping up the place.

Benston, who was born in Scotland, whence he came to Pierce county, Washington, in 1849. Mrs. Barnes is now deceased. Genial and friendly in his social relations, Mr. Barnes commands the respect of all who know him, for his life has been one of industry and of sterling worth.

B. A. McKenzie, vice president and secretary of J. T. Steeb & Company and one of the best known business men of Tacoma, has gained his present high standing through personal efforts and individual merit, being a man of marked business acumen and sound judgment. He was born in North Branch, Michigan, on the 26th of July, . 1885, and accompanied his parents, Robert and Catherine (Foster) McKenzie, on their removal to Hart county, Washington, where they spent the remaining years of their lives.

B. A. McKenzie attended the public schocls of his native state and then entered the law school of Valparaiso University, at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he was graduated in 1909. He at once came to Tacoma and entered the employ of J. T. Steeb & Company, customs brokers and one of the largest firms in their line in the northwest. He has remained with this firm continuously to the present time and has become closely identified with the business having been chosen secretary of the company in 1914, and vice president, both of which offices he is now holding. He has devoted himself closely to the interests of the business and not a little of its success has been directly due to his efforts and ability.

In 1912 Mr. McKenzie was united in marriage to Miss Jean Tinkle, who was born and reared in North Branch, Michigan, and they are the parents of two children, Mary Catherine and Margaret Jean.

Politically Mr. McKenzie has always been an ardent supporter of the republican party and has maintained a deep interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also belongs to the Fircrest Golf Club. Personally he is a genial and companionable gentleman, deservedly popular in the circles in which he moves, while his business record has gained for him a high place in the confidence and esteem of all who have come in contact with him.

Frederich Augustus Meyer

A native son of Pierce county who wisely decided to remain here and whose judgment has been vindicated by the success which he has won, is Frederich Augustus Meyer, whose well improved farm is located near Spanaway, where he is now living practically retired from active farm labor. Mr. Meyer was born on his father's farm, near Spanaway, on the 7th of February, 1861, and is a son of Frederick and Louisa (Relyea) Meyer. His father was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1825, and his mother in Newberg, New York, November 8, 1838. They were married in the Empire state, January 9, 1846, and in 1849 came to Washington territory, Mr. Meyer having just been discharged from active service in the Mexican war. Soon after his arrival, he took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres on section 25, township 19, range 3, three miles northeast of Spanaway, and later also homesteaded eighty acres adjoining. He cleared the land, created a good farm and lived there until his death, in 1914. The mother died in 1904. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Wilhelmina, Sophia and Catherine, all deceased; Fred A.; Rosalie and Ellen, deceased; Henry, George and Martha.

F. A. Meyer secured his education in the public schools of Pierce county and then helped his father on the home farm until twenty-three years of age, after which he worked out among neighboring farmers for several years. _In 1889 he took a pre-emption claim on section 30, township 19, range 4, all of which was heavily timbered. He sold the timber, cleared part of the land and lived on it for awhile, when he sold. In 1889 he bought seventeen acres of timber land on section 25, township 19, range 3, and, after building a house, began clearing the place, which in the course of time became a well improved and productive farm. He also inherited fifty acres of his father's estate. His years here have been characterized by continuous effort and his labors have been well rewarded, so that he is now in comfortable circumstances and is taking life comparatively easy.

In December, 1888, Mr. Meyer was married to Miss Rosie Hefty, who was born and reared in Switzerland, whence she came to America in 1880. Her parents were Abraham Kanoble and Mary Hefty, who came to this country, locating in Washington, where their deaths occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have one son, William F., born on the old homestead, July 30, 1889. He married Miss Mamie Murphy, who was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is now living on twelve acres of the home place. A quiet and unassuming man, Mr. Meyer has never been ambitious for leadership or public office, but has endeavored to faithfully discharge the duties of citizenship, thus gaining a large measure of public esteem, while he has many warm and loyal friends throughout the community where he lives.

The North Coast Electric Company holds a leading place among dealers in electrical and radio supplies and has today one of the important and successful business concerns of the Puget Sound country. The business was established in Seattle, about 1911, by Harry Byrne, Sr., and in 1917 a branch house was established in Tacoma, of which Harry Byrne, Jr., took charge as manager in 1924. The company also has another branch in Portland, Oregon. The first Tacoma store was on Commerce street, where it remained until 1924, when it was moved to 703 Pacific avenue. They are wholesale dealers in electric and radio supplies, household appliances, wire and small motors, with such auxiliary lines as are usually carried by an up-to-date electrical house. About 1922 the North Coast Electric Company took over the business of the Northwestern Supply Company and is now a strong and reliable concern. Their traveling salesmen represent the company in Gray's Harbor and Pierce counties, Chehalis and Centralia.

Harry Byrne, Jr., is a native of Wisconsin, and is a son of Harry, Sr., and George Elizabeth (McDonald) Byrne, both of whom live in Seattle, to which city they went in 1911. The son attended the public schools of Seattle, and then entered the University of Washington, where he studied business administration. For a number of years he had spent his hours after school, and also the summer months, in his father's establishment so that he was well qualified for the position of manager of the Tacoma office, which he assumed in February, 1924. He has shown good judgment and wise discrimination in his affairs and this branch has proven a signal success.

On September 3, 1924, in Tacoma, Mr. Byrne was united in marriage to Miss Helen Goetz, a native of Seattle, and a daughter of H. Goetz, who now lives in that city, her mother being deceased. Mr. Byrne is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club and the Tacoma Golf and Country Club, and is a popular member of the circles in which he moves.

H. V. Jackson

Among the prominent citizens and successful business men of Tacoma stands H. V. Jackson, the capable manager of the Sperry Flour Company. The qualities of keen discrimination, sound judgment and executive ability enter very largely into his makeup and have been contributing elements to the material success which has come to him. Mr. Jackson was born in 1884, in Ontario, Canada, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth Jackson, who moved to Tacoma in 1891, and both of whom are now deceased.

H. V. Jackson attended the public and high schools of Tacoma and took a commercial course. In 1905 he went to work for the Sperry Flour Company, with which concern he remained until 1909, when he turned his attention to the lumber business, which he followed for nine years. In 1918 he rejoined the Sperry Flour Company, of which he was made manager in 1924. This company is a San Francisco corporation, which came to Tacoma in 1904 and incorporated a company under the name of the Tacome

Warehouse and Sperry Mills, and at the same time erected a mill of two thousand barrels capacity, to which they later added another unit, giving them a daily capacity of three thousand barrels. They acquired the old Tacoma Warehouse and Elevator Company holdings, and about 1907 the name was changed to that of the Sperry Flour Company. J. D. Armstrong was made manager of the concern, retaining that position from 1904 to 1922, when the company acquired the Portland Flour Mills, and in that same year they also bought the Puget Sound Flour Mills Company, at Tacoma, which has a capacity of two thousand barrels daily, so that the company now has a total daily output of five thousand barrels, and employs two hundred people. In 1922 Mr. Armstrong was appointed manager of all Sperry interests in the northwest, with headquarters in Portland, and F. B. Burke was made manager of the Tacoma mills, acting thus until 1924. Upon Mr. Burke's promotion to northwest manager at this time and coincident with Mr. Armstrong's advancement to vice president of the company with headquarters in San Francisco, Mr. Jackson was made manager, and is still ably discharging the duties of that position. The chief products of the mills are flour and stock and poultry feed, which are shipped all over the United States and to many foreign countries. The Tacoma mills have always enjoyed a large business and are regarded as important factors in the general prosperity of this city.

In 1915 Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Fay Hinkle, of Raymond, Washington, and they are the parents of three children, Wayne, Betty Jane and Doris Fay. Politically Mr. Jackson is independent, voting according to his judgment as to men and measures. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and belongs to the Fircrest Golf Club, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He is closely devoted to his company's interests here, but finds time to cooperate with his fellowmen in the advancement of measures for the betterment of the community. Active and aggressive in his methods, he has impressed his personality on the community and is regarded as one of its representative men.

Dr. Charles Oscar Johnson is the beloved pastor of the First Baptist church in Tacoma, the pulpit of which he has occupied since July, 1920. His birth occurred on a farm in the vicinity of Coal Creek, Tennessee, on the 22d of September, 1886, his parents being John C. and Margaret (Shinliver) Johnson, also natives of that state. The father, who still resides on the old home farm, was in former years active and influential in church and civic affairs of the community. The mother has passed away. The family numbered two sons and two daughters, of whom the latter are deceased.

In the acquirement of an education Charles O. Johnson attended the local schools, the Baptist College at Andersonville, Tennessee, and Carson and Newman College of Jefferson City, Tennessee, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the last named institution in 1910. His first pastorate took him to Los Angeles, California, where for five years he preached in the South Park Baptist church with great success. Subsequently he entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville, Kentucky, which conferred upon him the degree of Master of Theology. In 1920 he accepted a call to the First Baptist church of Tacoma, Washington, where he preached his first sermon on the 25th of July of that year and where he has remained continuously to the present time. This church, which has a very large congregation and occupies a beautiful edifice in the heart of down-town Tacoma, is steadily growing in numbers and influence under the pastorate of Dr. Johnson. He is a man of splendid physical development as well as the highest intellectual and moral ideals and is an eloquent and forceful preacher whose inspiring, resonant voice carries conviction not only to those gathered in his church but also to a large radio audience. He is a member of the board of trustees of Linfield College at McMinnville, Oregon, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1922, is also one of the trustees of the handsome new Bethesda Hospital in Seattle and is serving on the board of the American Baptist Home Missionary Society.

In 1910 Dr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Rose Long, of Morristown, Tennessee, daughter of J. J. Long, Esq. They are the parents of three children, namely: Ralph and Frank, who were born in Los Angeles and who are fourteen and twelve years of age, respectively; and Ruth, a little maiden of five summers whose birth occurred in Tacoma.

Dr. Johnson maintains an independent attitude in politics, supporting men and measures rather than party. His name is on the membership rolls of the Kiwanis Club. He is a first lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps and fraternally is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to Ancient Landmark Lodge, A. F. and A. M. Golf is his favorite form of recreation. Dr. Johnson is one of Tacoma's most popular and highly esteemed citizens and has become widely known as a gifted, sincere and zealous servant of the Lord. ,

Hon. Edward Everett Cushman

Hon. Edward Everett Cushman, United States district judge for the western district of Washington, was born in Louisa county, Iowa, November 26, 1865, a son of Dr. Henry Cushman, a native of Vermont, and a grandson of Zabena Cushman, who was of English descent, tracing his ancestry back to Robert Cushman, who came to America on the sailing vessel Speedwell in early colonial times and located at Plymouth, Massachusetts. The direct ancestors through the first four generations were preachers of the gospel. Dr. Henry Cushman was a prominent and successful physician, who, leaving New England about 1859, settled in Iowa, casting in his lot with the pioneer residents of that state. He served as surgeon in a smallpox hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, during the Civil war and he passed away at Stromsburg, Nebraska, in 1908, at the age of sixty-seven years, his birth having occurred in 1836. His attention throughout his entire life had been concentrated upon the practice of medicine and he did good work in that connection for his fellowmen. He had removed to Nebraska about 1890 and his last thirteen years were spent in that state. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, while fraternally he was connected with the Masons. In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth Newell, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Robert F. Newell. The first of the family to come to America left Ireland and settled in the new world during the period of the Revolutionary war, establishing his home in Virginia. Mrs. Cushman's father's people went by way of Kentucky to Ohio and her mother's people by way of Virginia to the Buckeye state.

Judge Cushman is the only survivor of a family of three children. Passing through consecutive grades in the public schools he became a high school student at Brighton, Iowa, and at Iowa City and when seventeen years of age he entered the law office of L. A. Reily, an attorney at law of Wapello, Iowa, with whom he studied for two years. He then removed to Wyoming, living at various places in that state, and followed various occupations from punching cows to teaching school. He was married there and afterward removed to Rock county, Nebraska, where he resumed the study of law. being admitted to practice in the courts of that state in 1890: He followed his profession in Stromsburg until 1893 and built up a large and gratifying clientage. The opportunities of the northwest attracted him, however, and on the 1st of July, 1893, he arrived in Tacoma, a comparative stranger. His brother, Francis W. Cushman, an attorney at law, however, had preceded him, having come to this city in 1891. Edward E. Cushman first entered the office of Snell & Bedford, the senior partner being then county attorney. He remained in a clerical position with that firm for about eighteen months, after which he engaged in partnership with Hon Charles E. Claypool and Francis W. Cushman, his brother, under the firm style éf Claypool, Cushman & Cushman, which relationship was maintained until 1898. when his brother was elected to congress and Mr. Claypool was appointed assistant United States attcrney. The firm was then Cushman & Cushman until 1900. when Mr Claypool was appointed United States commissioner at Eagle City, Alaska and Judge Cushman was appointed assistant to the United States attorney under Eid Wilson R Gay. The relationshin was maintained while Mr. Gay was in office and ariorwant with Hon. Jesse A. Frye for two years, or until 1904. Judge Cushman afterward received the appointment of special assistant to the United States attorn ] under Hon. Philander C. Knox, whi iti i neha

; ich position he held for eighteen months during which time he was still a resident of Tacoma, Washington. He then resigned and again engaged upon the private practice of his profession, in which he continued until appointed district judge of Alaska in July, 1909. He occupied that position for three years and on the 1st of July, 1912, was appointed, by President Taft, United States district judge for the western district of Washington, and is still servitig upon the federal bench. He has made an excellent record in judicial service, being prompt and impartial in the discharge of his duties, his course being characterized by the utmost fidelity and a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution.

In 1888, in Wyoming, Judge Cushman was married to Miss Alice Louise Sommer, a native of Colorado, and a daughter of Wilhelm F. and Sarah (Fleck) Sommer, who went to Colorado during the time of the Pike's Peak excitement. Judge and Mrs. Cushman have three sons. Arthur W., who was born in Rock county, Nebraska, in May, 1890, was for three years a law student in the State University and has been engaged in ranching in the mountains of Yakima county for a number of years. Francis -F., born in Stromsburg, Nebraska, in April, 1892, is also a ranchman of Yakima county. Edward H., the youngest of the family, was born in Tacoma in 1900. Mrs. Cushman is a member of the Study Club, of the Woman's Republican Club and. other leading organizations of the city and is quite active in charitable work and in other lines to which women are now directing their attention.

Fraternally Judge Cushman was connected with the Elks while a resident of Alaska. His social nature finds expression in his membership in the Union and Country Clubs of Tacoma and along strictly professional lines he is associated with the national and state bar associations and is a member of the National Council in Washington. A contemporary biographer said of him: "The path of opportunity has opened up to him as he has taken advance steps, and while his early opportunities gave him no particular advantage, he has proven his worth by his determination to progress. Entering a calling wherein success depends entirely upon individual merit and ability, he has through the force of his character, his laudable ambition and his persistent purpose gained a position of more than local distinction as a representative of the judiciary of the northwest."

Thomas Wright

Thomas Wright is a worthy representative of one of the old pioneer families of Pierce county, his father having located here nearly three-quarters of a century ago. Being a lifelong resident of this county, he has witnessed much of its development and has been an active factor in the advancement of its agricultural resources. He was born at Clover Creek, near Spanaway, November 26, 1865, and is a son of Benjamin Franklin and Frances J. (Blankenship) Wright. His father was born in Indiana, April 14, 1830, and his mother was born in Missouri, January 3, 1835. In 1853 they came to Washington and in the following year settled at Steilacoom, where he took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres, a part of which is now within the city limits of Puyallup. He built a log house and, having cleared a good part of the land, lived there until the close of the Indian war, when the government bought his land, at a small figure, and made it Indian reservation land. Mr. Wright then located on Clover creek, one and a half miles northeast of Spanaway, where he bought four hundred and eighty acres of land, on which he farmed and raised cattle and sheep. His death occurred there, April 14, 1894, and his widow passed away June 28, 1919. They were the parents of fourteen children, namely: Nancy, deceased; Mary; Elizabeth, deceased; Martha; George, deceased; Thomas; Emma; Walter, deceased; Dora; Frances; Charles, deceased; Laura and two who died in infancy.

Thomas Wright attended the public schools of this county and remained at home until 1888, when he bought a ranch near Orting and for fifteen years was engaged in raising hops. He then sold that place and, moving to Spanaway, bought eighty acres of land, which he farmed for nine years. He disposed of that place in 1906 and purchased one hundred and forty acres in section 2, township 18, range 3. About a half acre of the land was cleared, the remainder being encumbered with heavy timber and stumps, while the only building improvement on the place was a partially completed house. He finished the house, built a good barn, and has cleared about fifteen acres of the land, the remainder being in pasture. He keeps eight good grade cows and a few young cattle, and raises good crops of hay, grain and potatoes, while he has a nice bearing orchard. He has been an untiring worker and has operated his farm with good judgment and very satisfactory results. He helped to organize and is a director of the Mutual Light & Power Company, of Loveland. -

Mr. Wright has been married twice, first, on July 20, 1888, to Miss Frances E, Daniell, who was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, and who died March 7, 1890, leaving a daughter, Pearl, who also is deceased. On October 25, 1893, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Emma Rusow, who was born in Missouri, a daughter of Ebenezer and Martha (Scofield) Rusow. Her father came to Washington territory in 1871 and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land on the Puyallup river, near Orting, and there made his home until his death, which occurred in 1881. The mother died in 1878. They became the parents of five children: Lavina, who is the wife of William Woolery, of Sumner; Amanda, deceased; Emma; William R., who lives at Electron, this county; and Ida, who is the wife of R. W. Lane, of Alderton, Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright have been born six children: Chester A., who is married and has a daughter, Dorothy, born January 31, 1925; Mrs. Eva Rohr, who died, leaving two daughters, Lois, born February 28, 1921, and Marjory, October 26, 1923; May, who is the wife of John Rohr and the mother of a daughter, Lucile, born March 26, 1921; Lloyd, deceased; and Rhea and Verle, who are at home.

Mr. Wright is a member of Orting Lodge No. 63, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has served nineteen years as a member of the school board and ten years as road boss, helping to build many miles of highways in this county, and has at all times shown a readiness to cooperate in all movements having for their object the betterment of the community. A man of sterling integrity and friendly manner, he has long commanded the sincere esteem and good will of his neighbors and fellowmen.

George G. Williamson

George G. Williamson needs no formal introduction to the readers of this work, for his career as a lawyer and citizen has gained for him a high reputation throughout his county. For nearly three decades he has been actively engaged in his profession, in which he has been highly successful, and he stands today in the front rank of the members of the Pierce county bar. Mr. Williamson was born in Mocksville, North Carolina, on the 1st of January, 1875, and is a son of James A. and Julia (Hastings) Williamson. The mother died in North Carolina, and the father came to Tacoma in 1889, entering upon the practice of law here and attaining marked prominence in the community. He served from 1896 to 1901 as judge of the superior court. He was a democrat in politics and was deeply interested in the public affairs of the city in which he lived. His death occurred here in 1910.

George G. Williamson secured his education in the public schools and in the College of Puget Sound. He took up the study of law under his father and in 1897 was admitted to the bar. He was associated with his father in practice until the latter's death and is now a member of the firm of Williamson, Freeman & Broenkow. He confines his practice entirely to civil law, in which he is regarded as an authority, -and has been notably successful.

On June 8, 1900, Mr. Williamson was united in marriage to Miss Opal Tillman, who is a native of Ohio, and they are the parents of one child, James Tillman. Mr. Williamson is a republican in his political views and has served three years as a member of the board of education. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Ac- 'cepted Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and belongs to the Pierce County Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Association. Because of his ability, his success, his fine public spirit and his sterling qualities, as well as for his cordial manner, he commands the sincere respect and esteem of the entire community in which he lives.

Vincent Rotter

Among those who have by their persistent and well-directed labors contributed to the wonderful transformation which has taken place in Pierce county through the development of its agricultural resources, stands Vincent Rotter, whose excellent farm is located near Alder. His success is well merited, for every dollar that he possesses has been gained by his well directed efforts, and he stands today among the substantial citizens of his community.

Mr. Rotter was born in Silesia, Germany, on the 13th of April, 1863, and is a son of John and Josephine Rotter. Both parents are deceased, the father dying in his native land and the mother in Alder, Washington. They had three children, Vincent, Adolph and Mary. Vincent Rotter secured a good education in the public schools of Germany and remained at home until 1889, when he came to the United States, locating in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he was employed in iron mills for three years. In 1893 he came to Tacoma and in the following year homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 6, township 15, range 5, all heavily covered with timber. After building a small log house, he began clearing the land, and at length had ten acres under cultivation. After living there a decade, he sold the place and bought thirty acres on section 6, township 15, range 5, about a half acre of which was cleared and on which stood a small house. He built a good barn and ten-room house and in the course of time cleared twenty-five acres of the land. Here he has lived to the present time and raises splendid crops of hay, grain and potatoes. He keeps twelve head of good grade Holstein and Durham dairy cattle and has altogether forty-five head of cattle on his place. He has been very successful in his operations and in 1925 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the home farm.

In 1901 Mr. Rotter was married to Miss Mary Kolb, who also was born in Silesia, Germany, their marriage occurring in West Virginia. Her parents, Leo and Josephine (Pompe) Kolb, both died in their native land, where the father had followed blacksmithing. They had four children: Mary; Wilhelm; Theresa, who is the wife of Charles Litkens, of Elbe, Washington; and Maurice, who died in 1923. To Mr. and Mrs. Rotter have been born eight children: John, who was born in West Virginia and died in 1913; Mrs. Josephine Mensik, who is the mother of two children, Marie and Louis; Mrs. Theresa Marek, who has two children, Margaret and Edward; Mrs. Margaret Nelson, who has two children, Opal and Elizabeth; Mrs. Martha Fox, who has two children, Melvin and Martin; Mrs. Elizabeth Neiger; Carl and Vincent, who are at home.

Mr. Rotter is a member of Alder Lodge, No. 256, I. O. O. F., and Eatonville Camp, No. 9470, M. W. A., and has served as a member of the school board of the Rotterville school district 22. He attributes his success largely to the able assistance of his wife, who has encouraged and aided him in every possible way. They have a large acquaintance throughout this locality and are extremely popular, being kindly and hospitable in their relations with those about them, while their sterling qualities of head and heart have won for them the respect of all.

Mike Kamenzind

Mike Kamenzind, a successful dairy farmer and highly respected citizen of the vicinity of Puyallup, is another of that worthy group of foreign-born men who have achieved material success in this locality and at the same time have done so much for the upbuilding and development of the county. He is a native of Switzerland, where his birth occurred on the 11th day of March, 1871, and is a son of Martzel and Marion Kamenzind, both of whom died in their native land. The father followed the vocation of farming and to him and his wife were born twelve children.

Mike Kamenzind attended the public schools of Switzerland and remained at home, assisting his father in the farm work, until 1903, when he emigrated to the United States. He came at once to Tacoma, and for two years worked in logging camps. During the following five years he was employed in the construction of county roads and then turned his attention to the dairy business. He rented forty acres of land on Clark's creek, two miles west of Puyallup, where he ran a dairy of thirty cows until 1922, meeting with splendid success. He then bought twenty-five acres of land on section 17, township 20 north, range 4 east, located on the highway two miles northwest of Puyallup, and is still engaged in dairy farming. He has erected a good set of farm buildings, has made many other permanent improvements and he keeps twenty head of high-grade Holstein cows. Mr. Kamenzind knows no such word as idleness, devoting himself closely to the operation of his ranch, from which he derives a very comara Switzerland, Mr. Kamenzind was united in marriage to Miss Elzia Schelbart, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schelbart, both now deceased. a and Mrs. Kamenzind have six children: Mrs. Mary Converse, who has a son, Charles; Mrs. Elzie Snyder, who has two children, Annie and Frank; Emma, at home; Thomas, who lives in Sacramento, California; Charles and Flora, at home. The four older children were born in Switzerland, and the others in Pierce county. Mr. Kamenzind is a member of the Swiss Society of Tacoma. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished for he started in the business world empty-handed and by indefatigable effort has steadily worked his way upward.