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During the fall of 1888 considerable trouble was engendered by jumping of lots on the townsite. Waterville was located on a government townsite dedicated to the public use. Consequently the lots were the property of the persons who chose to take possession of them for the purpose of making homes or engaging in business and were held somewhat as other unoccupied lands were held, by actual use or occupancy. For the purpose of liberality to the public and enlisting as many as possible toward the townsite enterprise, which at the beginning of the vear 1888, was little else than
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a "site," certain lots had been dedicated for religious, educational and benevolent purposes. The town was laid out similar to other towns with streets, alleys and a public square.
This condition went well until the summer of 1888. Then the surging tide of immigration brought all classes of people who engaged in various lines of business and people desiring lots were far more plentiful than were the lots. Some maintained, logically or otherwise, that the townsite being on government land, even the streets and public squares were convertible to private use by occupancy. It was, perhaps, owing to such chaotic condition of affairs in the status of the townsite that led to several cases of lot jumping, or less harshly, "conflict of titles." Concerning a well-remembered case of lot jumping' the Big Bend Empire of October 11, 1888, said:
But the climax was reached last Saturday (October 6), when it was whispered that some individual was about to take possession of the lot dedicated to the Masonic order. This lot has now become quite valuable, and who the greedy one could be that would attempt to appropriate the property that by common consent had been dedicated to a benevolent institution was a matter of some conjecture. In due time the parties came in sight and proceeded to dig. Ever and anon they would turn up their weather eyes as though wondering if it were going to rain. It was also learned that teams had gone to the mill for lumber. About this time several of our well-known business men, members of the mystic tie, appeared in a body and commenced remonstrating with the bold intruders. But it appears the latter reckoned on at least a wordy combat, and they stoutly insisted on proceeding with their improvements. During the day operations were quite lively in that neighborhood, and by sundown the buildings were well under course of construction; one of which, we are informed is designed as a Masonic hall. Our night editor is, also, of the belief that he could plainly see figures of individuals passing to and fro at the bewitching hour of midnight, 'when graveyards yawn,' but upon visiting the scene the apparitions vanished. All parties are now uninterruptedly building and will, probably, occupy the lot until the question of title is finally adjudicated.To this the Empire added:
For the information of our readers abroad it is proper to add that the difficulty concerning the title is owing to delay of the government in accepting the surveys; that the surveys have never been accepted, and settlers holding claims adjoining the townsite will in a few days be prepared to give good titles, and the days of 'jumping' will be remembered simply as other pioneer incidents.
It will be remembered that Waterville is a government townsite: that is, that lot claimants acquire title to their lots through the general land office at Washington, D. C, by a process similar to that pursued by homestead or pre-emption claimants. Owing to work being about two years behind in the general land office lot owners on the original townsite have had no shadow of title to their lots except the improvements which, as might naturally be expected, have been of such a character as would answer the demands of their business.May 29, 1890, the Empire said:
The patent to the original townsite of Waterville has been issued to Joseph M. Snow, the duly constituted trustee, who will in due time convey to claimants and occupants of lots good and sufficient deeds. Thus ends a source of much uneasiness and doubt regarding the final titles to lots on the government townsite of Waterville. The seeming long delay has been caused by the overwhelming accumulation of business in the general land office at Washington, and the matter has been hastened beyond its regular order by R. W. Starr, Esq., of this place and his associate counsel at Washington, D. C.
The question of deeds to lots in the original
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townsite has retarded the growth of the town to a great extent as well as to greatly lessen the number of real estate transactions, not only in the 'old,' or original townsite, but addition property as well, for the reason that government townsites are generally little understood here and people who have not taken the trouble to examine the subject have been inclined not to meddle with property they could not see a perfect title to. But those who have examined the prospects for titles to the original townsite, and among them our able local attorney, have been satisfied all the time that no titles in the world could be better than those of Waterville town lots, and the formal acceptance of the proof by the department of Washington confirms the correctness of their positions.
It was not until December, 1890, that the lot owners secured deeds to their lots. The patent to the townsite was received in May, 1890, by J. M. Snow, trustee, and the deeds to
the lots were made out by Mr. Snow.
The first church edifice erected in Waterville was begun in November, 1888, a Methodist Episcopal church, 28 by 40 feet in size. Subscriptions were taken and several hundred dollars secured for this purpose.
Waterville in 1888 was willing to become the capital of Washington Territory. The Empire in its issue of December 27, of that year, told why the town was qualified to become the capital city of the commonwealth as follows:
Waterville is approximately the geographical center of the Territory; it is so accessible from all parts of the Territory that three different railroads are breaking their necks to get here first; it is midway between the Queen City of the Sound and the 'Minneapolis of the West,' Spokane. Three months ago Waterville was nothing, now it is a booming city with over a hundred fine buildings the shingles of which are not discolored by wintry storms. Among the enterprises under contemplation for spring are a system of waterworks, street cars and electric lights. It has the most wideawake merchants and greatest number of beautiful women of any town in the United States. It is a boomer; it is a bird; it's going to be the capital.In the vote for the location of the capital in 1889 Waterville was not a candidate, but received a few votes in Douglas county.
At the beginning of the year 1889 the population of Waterville was estimated from 300 to 350. There were two general merchandise stores, three hardware stores, four grocery and provision stores, two hotels, one restaurant, three blacksmith shops, one drug store, two butcher shops, four saloons, five attorneys, three physicians, one undertaker, one newspaper and two bakeries.
Following is the opinion of Mr. Sam Vinson, agent of the general land department, concerning Waterville, voiced while paying the town a visit March, 1889:
It is the best town in the Big Bend country, and I regard it as the second Spokane Falls. All that are lacking are transportation facilities. It is ten miles from the Columbia river in a beautiful and productive valley. Water can be obtained from the springs in the Badger Mountain, with a fall of 300 feet, that will supply a population of 20,000. In all my travels over Washington I have never seen a better location for a city — with the exception of Spokane Falls, of course.During the fall of 1888 agitation for the incorporation of the town was begun. Waterville at this time was the recognized metropolis of an immense territory and during the preceding summer had enjoyed a rapid growth. But the town was not incorporated until the following spring. The growth of the town and its increasing importance made a city government imperative. A petition was circulated and it was signed by nearly every tax-paying citizen in the town praying that the district
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court issue an order granting the incorporation prayed for. Following is a copy of the petition.
To Hon. L. B. Nash, Judge of the Fourth Judicial District of Washington Territory, and holding terms of court in and for the county of Douglas:March 22, 1889, the petition was granted by the following order:
We, your petitioners, being taxable inhabitants of the town of Waterville, in said county, respectfully pray that said town may be incorporated and police established for the local government thereof. Your petitioners desire that said incorporated town of Waterville shall include the following territory, to wit: The east half of the southeast quarter of section 21, in town 25, north of range 22, east of the Willamette Meridian; in Douglas county, Washington Territory.
Signed : H. R. Hilscher, W. F. Allender, W. M. Crisp, Kirk Whited, Geo. A. Allen, D. Woods, F. M. Strieker, G. W. Hollingshead, Albert T. Greene, L. E. Kellogg, D. F. Riggs, C. M. Stephens, S. W. Phillips, D. C. Johnson, C. Gilchrist, Colin Campbell, William Ferguson, J. M. Willis, Henry Lieurance, C. H. Abel.
In the District Court of Washington Territory, Fourth Judicial District, holding terms at Waterville, in and for the County of Douglas:In pursuance with this order the gentlemen named in the decree met at the office of Snow & Greene on Thursday, March 7th, took the oath of office before R. S. Steiner, clerk of the district court for Douglas county, and formally organized as board of trustees for the town of Waterville. A. T. Greene was the unanimous choice for chairman of the board. Kirk Whited was appointed clerk of the board and city attorney; M. B. Howe, treasurer; W. Z. Cooper, marshall. The only business transacted was the calling of an election to be held on Monday, April 1, to select town officers. F. M. Strieker was named judge of the election, and Charles Peach and A. M. Tenny, clerks. At this election A. T. Greene, M. B. Howe, P. J. Knight, S. W. Phillips and John Robb were elected trustees.
In the matter of the incorporation of the City of Waterville.
A petition having been presented to the court praying that the inhabitants of the following described tract of land situated in the county of Douglas and Territory of Washington, and more particularly described as follows, towit: The east half of the southeast quarter of section 21, township 25. north of range 22, east
of the W. M., be incorporated under the name of the town of Waterville, and police be established for their local government; and it appearing to the court that said petition has been signed by a majority of the taxable inhabitants of the tract of land aforesaid, and sought to be incorporated as such town; and the court being fully advised of the premises, it is ordered, adjudged and decreed that they are hereby duly incorporated under the name of the town of Waterville within the limits of the tract of land above described, and that they are henceforth declared to be a body corporate under the said name of the town of Waterville.
And it is further ordered that C. N. Stephens, Albert T. Greene, W. F. Allender, L. E. Kellogg and S. W. Phillips be, and they are, hereby declared to be the trustees of said town, and to continue in said office until their successors shall be elected and qualified.
And it is further ordered that said petition and this order be entered in full on the records of this court.
Done in chambers this March 22, 1889.
L. B. Nash.Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Washington Territory, of the Fourth Judicial District thereof.
In District Court, Judge W. H. Calkins presiding, on June 17, 1889, the following territory was added to the corporate limits of the
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town: Greene's second addition, Kincaid's first addition and the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 22.
An organization that did much to advance the interests of the town was the Waterville Board of Trade, organized in April, 1889. Following were the first officers of the board: A. T. Greene, president; P. E. Berry, secretary; C. M. Stephens, committee on finance; W. F. Allender, committee on immigration and public lands; R. W. Starr, committee on manufactures and public improvements.
This organization was shortly afterwards christened the Douglas County Board of Trade and was a lively factor in the settlement of the county as well as the town of Waterville.
The first fire company in Waterville was organized Wednesday evening, May 8, 1889. There were 26 members. A. H. Murdock was foreman.
Writing to the Tacoma Globe in May, 1889, a correspondent said:
They are hustling, bustling, go-ahead fellows, these business men of Waterville. Nothing is too good for their pretty little city and they all pitch in for the common purpose of beautifying and benefiting the town. One donates a town lot for this, another puts his hand down deep in his pocket to help that enterprise, and so they pass the work around the ring, no one shirking responsibility or refusing aid.October 10, 1889, the Empire stated that there were 246 buildings in Waterville, an increase of 238 in a little over a year.
People who were residing in Waterville during the winter of 1889-90 relate interesting tales of how they passed several weeks in the town completely isolated from the outside world. For more than two weeks the town was completely cut off by a heavy fall of snow; no mail was received or sent. January 30th a mail was received from Ellensburg. The stage had become blocked with snow at the mouth of Corbaley canyon and a Waterville rescue party went to his assistance with shovels and toboggan, and hauled the mail in by hand. The following day mail went out on the toboggan as far as the stage had come the day before. February 5th another party started out on snow shoes to meet the stage at Orondo. This party comprised A. T. Greene, Sheriff Gillespie, M. B. Howe, R. W. Starr, C. A. Carpenter, Eugene Woodin, A. M. Tenny, Henry Smith, A. L. Rogers, Elder J. M. C. Warren, and W. M. Walters. A portion of this party returned the same evening with the news that the mail had not come over the mountain. The following day W. R. Wetsel headed a party of snow shovelers to relieve the stage. The following day the stage came in, but without the mail, as the late snow on the mountain had put a stop to all travel.
One of the results of this blockade was the prevention of a regular meeting of the board of Douglas county commissioners. Commissioner Stephens was the only member on deck. After "Assembling" and "adjourning" from day to day for a time, waiting for his colleagiies, Messrs. Godlove and Lewis, Stephens, too, abandoned the field. As there was much important business to be transacted a special meeting was called later. February 12th mails arrived from both east and west. The eastern mail consisted of letters only and was brought in from Grand Coulee on snow shoes. The western mail consisted of letters and papers, the latter being rather aged so far as the news features were concerned. This serious blockade was not entirely raised until the following April. In the issue of the Empire, March 27th, we find these items:
Provisions are getting scarce in town. Our merchants are out of meat, lard, sugar, baking powder, and flour is getting low. And there is not a pound of hay or grain for sale in town. It will be several days before teams can get to Almira.
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Many of our merchants are temporarily out of business — sold out — pending the arrival of goods from the railroad.At a regular meeting of the board of. trustees April 14, 1890, a petition signed by 30 residents of Waterville was presented asking for a special towii election to vote on the proposition of the town of Waterville being organized and incorporated under the general laws of the state, such incorporation to take the pace of the old incorporation which was accomplished under the Territorial laws. Washington was now a state, and the old corporation had been declared void by the state courts. This petition was granted and Saturday, May 3d was named as the day for holding the special election. The following persons were named as officers of this new election : Judge, A. C. Porter; inspectors, W. H. Calkins, Robert Gilliland clerks, C. C. King, William Crisp. Although the vote was light there was no opposition to the proposition to reincorporate. Under the new organization the first officers were: Mayor, A. J. Davis; councilmen, P. J. Knight, C. M. Stephens, Joseph Lovett, M. D. Smith, C. F. Abel. Police magistrate, A. C. Porter; clerk, D. C. De Galia; city marshall, J. B. Valentine.
The first flouring mills in operation in Douglas county were the Waterville Roller Mills, of 50 barrel capacity. They were placed in operation Tuesday, December 20, 1890, by D. J. Herstine.
The fall of 1890 and spring of 1891 were prosperous times for Waterville. Among other enterprises which served to add to this prosperity was the creating here of a United States Land Office, the building of the flouring mill, the establishment of two banks, First National and Douglas County Bank, and the building of
a $10,000 school house.
In December, 1890, steps were taken by prominent citizens to interest Seattle capital in Waterville. The result was the establishment of the First National Bank by Seattle men and the formation of a company among Seattle capitalists known as the Waterville Improvement Company. About 600 acres of fine agricultural land adjacent to town was donated to this company conditional that the company should place in Waterville a system of water works and electric lights. Success attended these efforts and both the water works and electric lights were installed in 1892.
A militia company was organized and mustered in as the First Unattached. Company National Guard of Washington, Wednesday evening, October 26, 1892, by Captain E. W. Lyons, of Company G, Second Infantry, of Spokane. The officers of this company were W. J. Canton, captain; F. M. Dallam, First Lieutenant; A. E. Case, second lieutenant. Mr. Dallam soon after resigned, Case was made first lieutenant and J. M. F. Cooper, second lieutenant. The complete roster at the date of muster was as follows: W. J. Canton, Frank M. Dallam, A. E. Case, J. C. Lawrence, A. T. Greene, J. M. F. Cooper, George A. Newsalt, P. A. Snyder, O. D. Porter, J. H. Dickson, S. L. Behon, Edward Johnson, C. O. Steiner, Perry Wilcox, Charles W. McDermott, Will Day, Henry Lieurance, H. C. Hupe, M. S. Crisp, J. W. Pearl, Charles J. Nokes, Philo M. Crisp, J. R. Pearl, C. H. Kirkland, Robert Beyers, Lewis Wetsel, Charles W. Hudson, Charles Harris, August Hupe.
This organization retained its individuality three years and was highly esteemed by the citizens of Waterville. July 1895, the First Unattached Militia Company was mustered out of the service. The reason for the disbandment is told in the following letter:
Olympia, June 29, 1895 — Captain W. J. Canton, Waterville, Washington — Sir: I am directed by the commander in chief to inform ou that the disbandment of the First Unattached Company has been announced in General Order No. 7, in pursuance of the provisions of Section 59, of the military code.
The disbandment of your company carries
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with it no reflection in the shghtest degree upon your patriotism or efiiciency. The military code in providing for a reduction in the Guard requires that companies shall be stationed in such localities as the necessities and advantages of the service require, with reference to the means of rapid concentration. The mustering out of your company was wholly due to the fact that a careful consideration of all the existing circumstances has forced the conclusion that your location is not so accessible nor of such strategic importance as that of other companies.Up to, and including the year 1892, there was great activity in the bustling town of Waterville. Business houses were erected and new enterprises inaugurated. Preparations were made for great events. A railroad was expected to arrive at almost any time — in fact at one period it looked as though three different railroads were striving to get to Wateville. Additions were platted which extended far out into the country. But all this was changed. "Financial depression" which has so often been recorded in this history, effected a marvelous change in the prosperity of Waterville. Building operations were brought to a standstill; for many years the young city which started out with most flattering prospects, was suddenly halted in its once rapid progression. The latter part of the 90's witnessed a slight change for the better, but it was not until the season of 1902 that the old time prosperous gait was again reached. This, of course, was brought about by the rapid settlement of the county at that time.
The commander-in-chief desires to express for himself personally, and the citizens of Washington, his appreciation of the valuable services rendered by your company. Your record has at all times been most excellent, and your severance from the guard was determined with regret.
Yours respectfully,
E. C. MacDonald,
Acting Adjutant General.
At all times since the reincorporation of the town of Waterville there had lurked in the minds of the people a suspicion that such action had not been valid. The citizens decided to make a third attempt to set matters right. This occurred March 25, 1894. The people had gone to the city council for permission to reincorporate. A palpable error. Now they made application to the board of county commissioners. The population of the territory according to a census taken by order of the commissioners just prior to the election which was called by them was 503. The result of the election was: votes cast, 105; For incorporation,
65; against incorporation, 28, 12 not voting on the question. For mayor— P. E. Berry, republican, and endorsed by the democratic convention, 89.
For councilmen — A. L. Maltbie, rep., 65; E. W. Porter, rep., 56; W. J. Stanley, rep., 67; M. S. Holland, rep., 53; C. M. Stephens, dem., 54; G. E. Steiner, dem., 40; J. H. Brockman, dem.. 35; C. C. King, dem., 41; W. R. Wetsel, dem., 35.
For Treasurer — H. C. Thomas, dem., 44; George Hollingshead. rep., 42.
Even after the town had voted thrice on the question of incorporation complications arose. Doubts were expressed concerning the validity of the last election. The matter found its way into the courts. In September, 1894, Judge Wallace Mount, of the superior court, held that the old, or second incorporation, was good, and that the old council should be reseated, and that the new incorporation was null and void. The case was carried to the supreme court. A dispatch from Olympia dated November II, 1895, said:
The supreme court in the case of the State of Washington ex rel, George Bradley, prosecuting attorney, respondent, vs. P. E. Berry et al., appellants, affirms the judgment of the lower court. This is a proceeding involving
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the validity of the organization and existence of the town of Waterville as a municipal corporation. The question has been fully decided several times before by the supreme court, and they decline to entertain further discussion.Thus the Gordian knot was cut, and the second incorporation stood.
During the Spanish-American war Waterville was represented by a company of her young men and officered by Waterville citizens. A number of Wenatchee boys also joined this company. The company departed for Tacoma, the muster-in point, July 8, 1898. Here they were mustered in as Company D, Twenty-second Washington Volunteer Infantry. July 21st Company D moved to Vancouver Barracks. Early in September orders were received to muster out the company, which was accordingly consummated October 30th. The officers of Company D were Captain P. G. Maltbie First Lieutenant, Edward Johnson;
Second Lieutenant, J. N. Kiesling.
The United States census of 1900 gave Waterville a population of 482.
The year 1902 was, perhaps, the most prosperous one in the town's history. The arrival of new settlers from the east and the rapid filling up of the country in the Waterville neighborhood caused the county seat town to assume many of the features of a "boom." New brick blocks replaced frame buildings which had done service since the days of 1888 and 1889. In June, 1903, the assessor's census gave a population of 760. The population of Waterville at the present writing (July, 1904) is fully 1,000. Religious denominations were represented by the Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Church of God, Catholics and Christians.
The fraternal societies number eight, viz: Masonic, Odd Fellows, Maccabees, M. W. A., W. O. W., Eastern Star. Rebekahs, and Grand Army of the Republic.
Waterville is destined to become one of the leading cities of Central Washington. To every one who has visited the place this is patent. It is situated in the midst of one of the richest agricultural sections of the state. Barren of transportation and against great odds it has risen to a town of 1,000 people, a town which for progressiveness and enterprise can not be excelled. When a railroad builds through the country and the land surrounding Waterville is occupied by settlers, many of whom it is able to support, then will Waterville become a city of importance.
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