Seattle, Washington - History, 1891 (part 14 of 14)

Thc completion of this great work found Mr. Hill's health, never very robust, seriously impaired, ami in the liojie that change of climate would be l>cncficial he took up his residence in Se.ittle in l.S.S!i, at once occupying an exalted place amid a bar of able lawyers recruited from the foremost eastern ranks. The tr.insitiou of Washiuglou from a territory to a slate iieces-sitated radical changes iu local jurisprudence, anil to Judge Hill special altentiou was iucvit.ably directed. Responding to suggestions of his professional brethren he comnieliccil the publicalion of a series of articles urging the adoption of a judicial system which, in his own words, would make the slate's courts a means of administering justice rather than the niere forum for technical dispnlalion. His plan involves an entire revision and condensation of time-lionored but cumbersome practice; it vests all jurisdiction, civil, criminal and probate, legal aud equitable, in the same courts; abolishes terms of court and divests the niacliinery of justice of the cobwebs of anliquily^of technicalities which hail survived condilions long obsolete. His tliorougli kiiowleilge of constitutional law-, his clear insight into fundamental principles, his logical accuracy in threading the labyrinth ian mazes of the written and the unwritten law, enabled him to lay down rules of practice which were readily adopted so soon as impartial judgment took the place of firmly rooted usage.

At the first session of the Washington state legislature, Judge Hill was selected as commissioner to perform for that state the great service he had already rendered Oregon. To that task he bent his undiminished energy and at the next session, in 1891, he presented to the state a work upon which his reputation may securely rest. "I have always had too lively au appreciation of the littleness of all humana chievements - have seen too clearly 'what shadows we are and what shadows we pursue* - to have much personal ambition," he says, in one of his few modest references to himself. But the testimony of all competent to judge has assigned to W. Lair Hill a place amid the brightest and grandest characters of his time. Senator George H. Williams, himself a stalwart figure in his country's history, declared him unquestionably the ablest lawyer in the f-tate. For thoroughness in the primary bases of culture, for extraordinary faculty of co-ordinate information combined with originality of thought, he stands supreme. Legal acumen finds expression in his writings devoid of technicality but phrased in classic English pure as that of Charles Lamb. He would have been a marked man amon;( scholars, lawyers or statesmen anywhere; in the new world of the Pacific Northwest he is one of a peerless few.

/^ONOVER, Charlks T., is rather a youthful godfather, but he had the honor of ^^ officiating in that capacity for the State of Washington. He is the vice-president and treasurer of Crawford & Conover, real estate and financial brokers, and among other things handles the company's extensive advertising. Crawford & Conover have well earned the gratitude of the people of Seattle and the state at large, by their liberal and well directed efforts in advertising the advantages of the Pacific Northwest and its chief city, as a place for investment and settlement. Shortly after Washington was admitted to statehood, they published a large edition of an attractive work descriptive of the country. In casting around for an attractive title, Mr. Conover decided to make an effort to give the state a sobriquet and labeled the work "Washington, the Evergreen State." Afler the book was published, the sobriquet was accepted unanimously by press and people as the most fitting one possible, and even Governor Perry and United States Senator Squire wrote pleasant letters predicting that it would be generally and permanently adopted. After a year's time it has become almost as firmly fixed as have the '* Buckeye State," the " Keystone State " and other familiar appellations of sister commonwealths.

Mr. Conover is a newspaper man by training and was bom in New York twentyeight years ago. Left without parents but with a comfortable fortune when he was very young, he was able to^follow his own inclinations and early in life decided to become a newsp^aper man. After finishing his education he became a reporter on the Troy (N. Y.) TimeSy and was afterwards connected with various New York State papers in an editorial position and as publisher. In 1884 he came west and spent the two following yrani in HritMh Columbia, nhercliewaseiigagcd ia the lunilierhtisinem and in real estule veTilttrea. His operations tliere resulted disastrously and he losl the most or his mcaus. He then accepted a position on the Tacoma Ledgrr, sbtch h« resigned later to take the city editorship of the Seattle Post-lnlelligencet. In the Tall of I88S. be and Mr. S. L. Crawford, an associate on the same paper, resigned their positions and engaged in the business in which they slill continue. The combination proved an excellent one, and now the name of Crawfonl & Couover w, known rrom Seattle to Florida, and from Montreal to San Francisco. Their business has reached an immense magnitude, and no Gmi bns a liigher standing in their tine in the Nortliwest. Early in the present year Crawford ft Conover incorporated under the sUte laws with a paid-up capital of ^fWO.lX)!).

Mr. Conover is an excellent represcnlative of the class of energetic and keeulighted young business men who have been so prominently identiGed wilii the gmmlh of Seattle in the past few years. He is considered a master of Ihe art of adTcttisiiig and is quiet in his tastes ami habits. Re is possessed of ample means and is largely interested in Seattle's material prosperity, and has property interests in numcmus other points in the Northwest He is a director of the First National bank of Seattle. H director and secretary of both the Seattle Instantaneous Fire Alarm company and the Washini^oii Gainewell Ainiliary Fire Alarm coiopany, a director in tlie King County Investment Company Number Two, the National Investment company, the Waterville Improvement company, and is interested in numerous other enterprises. He was tht prime mover in organizing the Scuttle Humane Society.

Is of High- El Scollaiiil. but irlylifeof our school advan- :i liiercanltle > the lumber By 'legrees hcllflcnON.\Ln, jAMKiR,, was born in Glengary, Canada, in 1S44, ' ' land Scotch descent. His father, Donald McDonald, was born i[ early in life migrated to Canada, where he eng.ijicd in farming. The e subject wiLS spent on a farm during which period he ol>t.iiueil tile usual tages of a farmer's son. .\t the age of eighteen he secured a position it establishment, devoting a year to this employment. He then went in regions of Michigan, where he was first employed in driving a team acijuired an interest in the business, and within a few years he became an extensive operator in Inmlier. For some fifteen years lie continued in this line of work in Michigan, meeting with a high degree of success, during "vliich period he resided in the Saginaw valley. Later on, he removed to Detroit. Michigan, where lie continued to reside until the spring of IHH4, when, with his family, he located in .Seattle, which has since been his home, .'Ibout a year previous, however, he came to Washington, and was so iiincli iinprcised with the ^re-it wealth iif the timlver of this region that he bought |il.(KHI acres of limber l.md in Mason county. He organi/cl the Scitllc Lumber conipaiiy. of which he lias since been secretary, which has one of the largest luiulierinj; jjlanis in Washington. He «as alw) largely instrument. d in the constriu-tioii of Muiie thirty mile-; of railriKi.l built for the purpose of reacliin;.; the timber lauds owned by his company, and i- president of the road. With ..ihcr-, be org-iniz-ed the Seattle, Lake Shore & liastcrn railroad, of which he was prcsiiU-ut uinil tilt* ])roi)erty was sold to the Northern Pacific company in I'ebruary, \H\H). Besides the interests named, Mr. McDonald is a stock holder in the Pacific Mill company, and is financially interested in other minor business enterprises, but his time and attention is almost wholly devoted to the management of his luml)er business, in which he has achieve<l conspicuous success. He is a firm believer ia Seattle's future )<reatue.">s, and no one more cheerfully contributes his share to every enterprise which has for its end the gotxl of the city. While a consistent Democrat in political faith an<l always ready to aid in securing party success, he has no desire for political distinction and has always refuse<l to become a candidate for jniblic office. He is a man of hearty, jovial disposition, looks on the bright side of life and personally is deservedly popular.

OKIIvHRON. Okokck II., wa'^ bom in Boston, Massachusetts. November 3, 1800. His prcliminnary education was received at I )wight's grammer school, Boston, and Roxbury Latin school. In the fall of \S7U he eiitere«l Harvard college, graduating with high honors and special honors in political science in ISS.'). After graduating he entered Boston university law school, from which institution he gra<Uiated in 1886 taking high honors. During his term at the law .school he was connected with the editorial stafi* of the Boston (Hohc. In the fall of iSSf} he entered the law office of Swansey & Swansey, and while i)ursuing his legal studies in this office was admitted to the bar of Suffolk county. Massachusetts. In the si)rinj.j of 1SS7 he came to Seattle and commenced the ])ractice of his profession in the office of Burke & Haller. Three months later he assisted in the orgAiiizition of the Guarantee Loan and Trust company, which was incorporated in July, IsST. He accepted the j)osition of secretary of the company, and in issil was made manager, a position he still holds. He served one term as school director and since lss!» has been chairman of the Republican city and county committee, in which position he has rendered most efficient service to his party.

In 1H!M> Mr. Heilbron was appointed a member of the first board of public works under the new charter. At the present time this is one of the most important and responsible positions under the city government and Mr. Heilbron's selection attests the confidence in which he is held by the community. His appointment has been endorsed by the people irrespective of party lines, while with a rare unanimity the j)ress of the city commended his selection.

In the business circles of Seattle Mr. Heilbron holds a position of j)ower and influence which he has deservedly earned. He has displayed rare judgment in financial matters and in the management of the corporation of which he is the responsible head has been highly successful. Thoroughly progressive in his ideas, but still conservative and prudent, he is an excellent type of that young manhood which in the ])<ist has done so much for Seattle and upon whom the future prosperity of the city must largely de|)end.

DAH.EV, William R. Amoug the younger citiwiia cif Seattle none have contrih- ^ uted more lo the solid aud substaulisl improvement of the cily tlmn the subject of this biief sketch. Coming to the city at a lime when it most needed the infusioD of capital aud eulerprise he liberally employed both toward the upbuilding of the city, beiug anions the foremost to take hold of the work after the memorable fire of June. ifi^. His undertaktDifs at the time did much to restore faith aud coufidence. and the spirit he aud others enkindled at this Important crisis iu the history of the city, has made possible within the space of less than two years the creation of a new city upon tlie ashesof the old such as challenges wonder and makes it conspicuous among American cities for the rapidity of its substantial growth.

Mr. Bailey was born in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, February In, IKHIJ, and is a son of C, L. llsiley. oue of Uic largest and most successful irou Dianufacturers of Pennsylvauifl. He was educated under a private tutor, with the exception of one year at Poltstowii academ\', until the age (if fourteen, when he entered Phillips academy at Andover. Massac hnsetts. After completing the full academic couise iu 1878, Ue entered Vale college, from which institution he was graduated iu 1.SS2. After graduation lie spent nearly a year traveling in Europe and upon his return home entered into business with his father, acting as secretary and treasurer of the C. L. Bailey & Co. "a inm works, aud secretary of the Central iron works, being thus employed and gaining a valuable business exjierience. until October, 188M, when, partly for pleasure aud also that he might liecome acquainted with the country, lie made a trip west and visited Puget Sound.

After making upon his lirst visit a thorough study of the country, he became fully convinced that Seattle possessed the uatural advantages which would uUimately make it a great center of trade and commerce. Acting upou this impression, he made large purchases of real estate, and after completing his travels in this part of the country he returned to Seattle in March, ISSil. with the Intention of spending tlie summer and winler here. Afier the great lire, which oi:curred in June following, he WHS among the first totake active steps toward the reliiiildiiig of the city. It can safely be said, that but for his individual efforts the Rainier hotel, which was completed within sixty days after the signing of the contract, would not have been built. At the same time he comtiii-nccd operations ou wh.it i^ kuu»u as the Ilailey building, at the corner of Clitrry and Second streets. This building is oue of the most imposing in the city, being six stories iu heiglil and built entirely of stone. Throughout his residence in Seattle Mr. Uailey h.is been acijtiiring valuable business property aud at the present time he is unc of the largest real esLile owners on Second street, one of the principal business strei-ls of the city. He is also largely interested in several leading corporations of the city, being president of the Washington Territory Investment company; vice-presiileut of the Guarantee Loan and Trust compiiny, and a director of Ihe People's Savings bank and the Seattle and Montana Railroad company. He is also sole owner of the SeaUlf fh ess- Times, one of the leading daily tiewspapers of the city.

Mr. Bailey, it will be seen, has aciiuired extensive iulercsts in Seattle aud has become thoroughly identified with the city's growth and progress. Me is a man of great enterprise and with abundant means lo carry out his numerous projects. He possesses naturally excellent business judgment, which, with his careful business training, has made it possible for him to be thorough master of all he undertakes. In a new and rapidly growing country he cannot fail to achieve well merited success, and this success will be gained in channels through which the entire community will be enriched.

PvONWORTH, George, one of the younger members of the Seattle bar, but one who has already acquired prominence in his profession, was born in Washington county, Maine, November 2f)th. 1801. After receiving the educational advantages of the common and high schools of his native county, he, at the age of fifteen, entered Georgetown College, District of Columbia, from which institution he graduated in 1881. After graduation he commenced the study of the law in the office of an elder brother, John P. Donworth, at Holton, Aroostook county, Maine. In September, 1888, he was admitted to the bar, and immediately thereafter began the practice of his profession at Fort Fairfield, Aroostook county, Maine, where he remained until January, 1888, when he came west on a tour of inspection and with the determination of locating at some point. Upon reaching Seattle upon the last day of January, he was at once most favorably impressed with the city and decided to remain. He began practice alone and soon acquired a profitable business. In September, 1889, he formed a partnership with George Hyde Preston and Robert B. Albertson, under the firm name of Preston, Albertson & Donworth, which has since been continued. This firm has secured a valuable clientage and does a general practice, but their business largely relates to corporation practice.

Mr. Donworth is a Democrat in politics, and in May, 1889, was selected as the first president of the Central Democratic League of Washington. The best test of the appreciation in which Mr. Donworth is held, both as a lawyer and citizen, was his nomination and election as one of six Democrats in the non-partisan commission of fifteen to prepare a city charter for Seattle. This committee prepared a charter which has recently been adopted by a large majority of the voters of Seattle. Mr. Donworth, it will be seen, although but a recent arrival in Seattle, has already gained a prominence in his profession which gives promise of a career of usefulness and higher honor in the years to come. He was married in August, 1889, to Miss Emma h. Tenney, of Holton, Maine.

LIASBROUCK, Wilu.vm A. In the mercantile history of Seattle there are few instances of more rapid or more deserved success than attended the comparatively brief career of William A. Hasbrouck. Although he died in early manhood, before he had had time to carry out the plans he had projected, still, young as he was he had already become a well recognized factor in commercial affairs, and one of the best known and most popular citizens of Seattle.

He was born at Battle Creek, Michigan, September 11, 1859, and in the public schools of that place received his education . At the age of fourteen he began his

his nstii'c town as a cleric in the drug store of Grandier 8: Hett* mail. One yeat Ister, at the af;e of fifteen, he entered the school of pbarmac)- al Ann Arbor, Michigfto, where he rcMnained for three years, graduating at the head of ' n claw of tweuty-two students and delivering the valedictory address. A few moi afler graduation he came west and located, tirst at Gold Hill, Nei-ada. where he entered the employ of Mr. A. B, Stewart, then a ilruKgist of that town but now and for several years past doinR business in Seattle. For four years yonng Hashronck r«iu(iined at GaU) Hill, aci|nirins an excellent business traiuing and a thorough . knowledge of practical pharmacy. At the end of that time, in 1KS2, he came to i Seattle, where his fortnet employer had become established in business. He entered his employ and for two years held a highly responsible [josition in his service. He then, in ISH4, began buainess for himself, formiug a co-partnership with Edward L. Terry, under the firm name of Hashronck Si Terry They opened a store on Front street on the site where Mr. Hasbronck was lately engaged in business. In Ifiift Mr. Hashrouck purchased Mr. Terry's interest and assumed full proprietorship. Hie j business aflairs were progressing finely nnd he had established one of the leading I houses in his line of trade in the citj- when the memorable fire of June 6. IftSI. i ited Seattle. Through tliis catastrophe he suffered heavy losses. Undaunted by the ' disaster, he bravely began the work of retrieving the ruin fire had wroughL Within i a few days after the fire he began business again on Second street, which store he ' continued to conduct aller his old quarters on Front street had been rebuilt, enlarged and fitted up as one of the finest drug houses in the Pacific Northwest. Both of 1 these establishments ha was conducting with eminent success at the time of his. death. On the eve of a career brilliant with promise, after heroic work in the face i of many obstacles had placed him in a position of power and influence, and a{ responsibility, while life seemed bright, encircled with a happy family and the friendship of a host of friends, he was suddenly taken ill, and despite the efforts of meilical skill and all that love nud devotion could do, he died, after a lingerinj; sickness of a few weeks, on September 21st, I.SIHI. The entirt community where lie was so well known and Ijehned. received the .iniioniiCLiiifnt of his dcitli with sorrow deep and sincere, while to his nimily ami mnuy intimate friends it was -.i personal affliction snch !is words cannot iloscril)f-. The pnlilic pre^s .if the city p.iiil warm tributes to his hi;jh character, his spotless integrity anil splcii<liil business qualifications, while thi- expressions of thosi- who had known liim Uiiig and intimately revealed how genuine was their .uliniralion of his many atlniitive i|ualilies of heart anri mind. Said one man who h:vi Ix'cn asxH-iitlcil «ith him for years; "Nothing but goo,l can he said of William A. Hashrouck. lie leaves .is clear a record as any vounj; man [ everknL-«."

Starting in life u poor ho;-, Mr. Hasbrotick progressed step by step by his own unaided efforts until early in the nioniiiig of life he had created a large and pto.sperous business anil laid the solid foundation of an enduring commercial enterprise. lie was a man. not only of exiellenl business cpialifications, but of great energy and intense application. His hom^sty was jirovcrhial anil he posses.sed the unlimlte<l confiilence of all with whom lie wa>. hron;;ht in loiitart, Tcrsonally, he posse.ssed those qualities which drcH aronmi him ;( Harm lirck- of friemls, whose friendship he deeply cherished and as warmly reciprocated. He was earnest and sincere in all he did; a man of warm and generous nature; one who led a pure and upright life and who has left behind him the memory of an honest, manly man. In every relation of life he discharged faithfully and well his part and his life, though short in years, was fruitful in good deeds, and at no time and under no circumstances was stained by a single dishonorable action. One of whom this can truthfully be said, has lived a life worthy of emulation and such as entitles him to grateful remembrance.