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CHAPTER V.
POLITICAL.
The genesis of things is usually the most interesting in matters pertaining to history. So with the political history of Douglas county, the names of those pioneers who first served the county in official capacities will be perused with greater interest than will those of later administrations. By provisions of the bill creating the county Messrs. H. A. Meyers, J. W. Adams and P. M. Corbaley were named as county commissioners, and authority was invested in them to appoint all other county officers who should serve until their successors were elected and cjualified.
Accordingly on the 29th day of February, 1884, the original county commissioners met and perfected the county organization. The officers named by them at this time to serve as
the first officials were:
the first officials were:
H. L. Burgoyne, auditor; Peter Bracken, treasurer: A. Pierpont, sheriff; Walter Mann, probate judge; Hector Patterson, assessor; Arthur Holliday, county attorney; Lester Popple, sheep commissioner; D. Urquhart, justice of the peace, eastern precinct; D. J. Titchenal, justice of the peace, western precinct.
Several changes were made in the personnel of the officers who served during the year 1884. Commissioner Meyers removed from the county. At a meeting of the board September 6, David Soper was appointed to supply the vacancy. Mr. Pierpont failed to qualify for sheriff. September 8th Thomas Jordon was appointed to that office and became the first executive officer of the county of Douglas. H. L. Burgoyne also failed to qualify as auditor and B. L. Martin, who had been appointed clerk pro tem was selected to fill this vacancy. Evidently county officers were not in so great demand during 1884 as they have been many times since. The proverbial case of the "office seeking the man" was of frequent occurrence. Then Peter Bracken resigned the office of treasurer and his position was filled by the appointment of Captain H. A. Miles. September 8th Miss Eva Brown was appointed superintendent of the county schools.
The initial election in Douglas county was held in November, 1884. In its then sparsely settled condition the county did not require elaborate preparations for an election. At a special meeting of the commissioners, held September 6th, the county was divided into six election precincts. Following is a list of them, the location of the polling places, together with the officers of election:
No. I. — Grand Coulee precinct; polling place at Lincoln postoffice; P. J. Young and Mr. Hall, judges; Frank H. Bosworth, inspector.
No. 2. — Crab Creek precinct; polling place at the Hill ranch; Donald Urquhart and George Popple, judges; George Bowker, inspector.
No. 3. — Moses Coulee precinct; polling place at Charles Wilcox's house; Charles Wilcox and H. A. Rowell, judges; George W. Ward, inspector.
No. 4. — Okanogan precinct ; polling place, Martin & Benson's store; J. E. Coyle and B. L. Martin, judges; Mrs. Ella Barnhart, inspector.
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No. 5. — Badger City, precinct; polling place, Crouche's store; Hector Patterson and M. W. Wixson, judges; F. M. Alexander, inspector.
No. 6. — Bracken precinct ; polling place, Kimball's store; Peter Bracken and D. J. Titchenal, judges; Caleb Cooper, inspector.
It is, indeed, unfortunate that the returns for this pioneer election have not been preserved. However, we are enabled to give the names of those who succeeded in securing election to the several offices, and who assumed their positions at the beginning of the year 1885:
County Commissioners — R. Miles, chairman, Charles Wilcox and F. H. Bosworth.
Auditor — B. L. Martin.
Treasurer — H. A. Miles elected, but failed to qualify. S. A. Coyle was appointed March 31, 1885. Coyle resigned and Stuart Barnhart was appointed August 11, 1885.
Sheriff — Thomas Jordan, who died. His place was filled by the appointment of S. C. Robins on May 3, 1886.
Probate Judge — Walter Mann, who resigned and J. M. Snow was appointed.
Assessor — -John E. Winn. He resigned and Oscar Redfield was appointed, March 30, 1885.
School Superintendent — Eva Brown.
Surveyor — O. Ruud.
At the following election, in 1886, the following officials secured certificates of election and qualified for office: Auditor, R. L. Steiner; Treasurer, Charles H. Balton; Sheriff, S. C. Robins; Assessor, Oscar Redfield; Probate Judge, Joseph M. Snow; Surveyor. O. Ruud; Coroner, Dr. J. B. Smith; School Superintendent, C. C. Ladd: County Commissioners, J. W. Stephens, P. J. Young and H. N. Wilcox.
Previous to the election of 1888 party lines had been rather loosely drawn. At the two preceding elections there had not been a great demand for county offices, and most of those who served in an official capacity did so more from a sense of duty than from any glowing expectation of personal profit. However, Douglas county was being rapidly settled and at the election of 1888 we find that nearly 500 votes were cast. Party lines were drawn and both the republican and democratic elements held conventions and nominated candidates for all the offices. We give at some length the proceedings of these conventions and the names of those who participated in both:
The Republican county convention assembled at Bradley's hall, in Waterville, Saturday, September i, 1888, to place in nomination candidates for county offices. The convention was called to order by Caleb Cooper. Captain H. A. Miles was the unanimous choice for chairman, and C. C. Ladd, of Grand Coulee, was named as secretary. The delegates who participated in this convention from the different precincts were:
Midland — John Fletcher, Sim A. Barnes, John A. Leach and Will Tenney.
Chester — D. F. Riggs, William Jamison, I. P. Hopkins, by D. F. Riggs, proxy.
Okanogan — F. C. Zuehlke, Levi Tibbetts, Charles P. Peach, David McClellan, D. J. Crisp and W. E. Carlton.
Grand Coulee — C. C. Ladd, J. J. Thomas, John R. Lewis, George R. Roberts, J. H. Hudson, J. J. Jump, the four last named being represented by their proxy, C. C. Ladd.
Foster Creek — William McLean.
Moses Coulee — H. C. Godlove, L. C. Gaudy.
Mountain — Captain H. A. Miles, T. Snyder, T. N. Ogle.
Waterville— J. B. Smith, A. T. Greene, S. Bremshaltz, R. Corbaley, R. J. Waters and J. D. Maltbie.
A full county ticket was nominated and Captain H. A. Miles and L. E. Kellogg were elected as delegates to the Territorial Convention which was held at Ellensburg.
On September 22d, following, the democratic county convention was held at the same
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hall at the same place. The convention was called to order by J. W. Stephens, chairman of the democratic county committee. E. A. Cornell was selected chairman of the convention. The following delegates participated:
Columbia — G. C. Wilson, two votes.
Foster Creek — A. A. Pierpont, James Pierson and Daniel Leahy.
Grand Coulee— J. H. Smith, E. F. Schrock, A. E. House, by J. H. Smith, proxy, John Flaraty and John Jelonce by E. F. Schrock, proxy, J. W. Scully, and James Schrock. by J. W. Scully, proxy.
Crab Creek — Frank Pierpont, two votes.
Moses Coulee — E. Owen, two votes.
Chester — J. P. Moore, two votes.
Okanogan — James Cloninger, Charles McCullough, O. O. Wright, J. E. Hoppe, J. Bunger, G. W. De Wald.
Mountain — D. H. Ford, W. C. Whenery, F. Fitzgerald, J. Wooks, J. B. Ballard.
Waterville— E. D. Nash, R. P. Webb, James Melvin, W. M. Grames, D. H. Derifiekl,
E. A. Cornell, George Dick.
E. A. Cornell, George Dick.
Midland— J. M. Simson, J. C. McFarland, C. G. Stone.
Nominees for a full county ticket were named at this convention. For the first time in its history Douglas county was represented on the Territorial ticket in 1888, Mr. Joseph M. Snow being nominated on the republican ticket for joint councilman for the Fifth District. He was elected. The election of 1888 was very close. Nearly 500 votes were cast, and a majority of the republicans were elected to county offices. Following is the official vote:
For Congress — Charles S. Voorhees, democrat, 198; John B. Allen, republican, 262; R. S. Green, 2.
For Brigadier General — A. P. Curry, republican, 236; J. J. Hunt, democrat, 214; Ross G. O'Brien, 12.
For Prosecuting Attorney — N. T. Caton, democrat, 231; Wallace Mount, republican, 228; P. K. Spencer, 1.
For Joint Councilman — For Douglas, Lincoln, Kittitas, Yakima, Adams and Franklin; Clay U. Fruit, democrat, 182; Joseph M. Snow, republican, 266.
For Joint Representative — For Lincoln, Franklin, Adams and Douglas: Frank Quinlan, democrat, 207; P. K. Spencer, republican, 253.
For Auditor — R. S. Steiner, democrat, 304; Charles P. Peach, republican, 154.
For Sheriff — Nat James, democrat, 206; A. C. Gillispie, republican, 254.
For Treasurer — D. H. Ford, democrat, 210; Charles H. Bolton, republican, 244.
For Probate Judge — R. W. Starr, democrat, 220 ; L. C. Gandy, republican, 237.
For County Commissioners — J. W. Stephens, 243, W. P. Thompson, 193, O. O. Wright, 166, democrats; John Banneck, 242, John R. Lewis, 240, H. C. Godlove, 291, republicans.
For School Superintendent — A. E. House, democrat, 205; C. C. Ladd, republican, 241.
For Assessor — John E. Hoppe, democrat, 248; William Jamison, republican, 205.
For Surveyor — J. H. Ballard, democrat, 231; O. Ruud, republican, 226.
For Coroner — G. W. Philbrick, democrat, 149; J. H. Husey, republican, 300.
For Sheep Commissioner — A. A. Pierpont, democrat, 243; Frank Rusho, republican, 212.
The first state election in Washington was held October 1, 1889, to elect state officers, congressmen, to vote on constitution, to vote on location of state capital, to select senators and superior judge, and to elect county clerks of court, which office was provided for by the new constitution. Douglas county cast 619 votes, an increase of over 100 in a year, as follows:
For Congressman — John L. Wilson, republican, 357; Griffiths, democrat, 262.
For Governor — E. P. Ferry, republican, 353; Eugene Semple, democrat, 265.
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For Joint Senator — J. M. Snow, republican, 336 ; R. W. Starr, democrat, 269.
For Representative — A. E. McDonald, republican, 235; E. D. Xasb, democrat, 263; Day, 114.
For Superior Judge — Wallace Mount, republican, 337; N. T. Caton, democrat, 282.
For Clerk of Court — E. W. Porter, republican, 335; John W. Hartline, democrat, 278.
For Constitution — 449; against constitution, 113.
For Woman Suffrage — 197; against, 361.
For Prohibition — 251 ; against, 299.
For location state capital — Olympia, 33; Ellensburg, 296; North Yakima, 213; Waterville, 54.
Nash for representative was the only democrat on the ticket who carried the county at this election. The Douglas county republican convention was held at Waterville, September 20, 1890. S. W. Barnes, of Midland precinct was made chairman and E. M. Bogart, of Chester precinct, secretary. Aside from the nomination of a full county ticket Matt W. Miles, H. C. Sessions, James Odgers, Charles Brown and Frank Corbaley were named as delegates to the state convention. The new county central committee comprised L. E. Kellogg, C. C. Ladd and H. C. Godlove.
Saturday, September 27th, the democratic county convention assembled at Waterville. G. C. Wilson, of Columbia precinct was chosen temporary chairman and W. W. Mitchell, of Mountain precinct, temporary secretary. R. E. Mason was chosen permanent chairman, and R. W. Starr, Dan Paul and Tony Richardson were selected as a county central committee. The convention was harmonious, many of the candidates named being chosen without opposition. At the following election of 1890 Douglas county cast over 700 votes. Officers elected were divided between the two parties, so far as the county ticket was concerned. The
result:
For Congressman — Robert Abernathy, prohibitionist, 23; Thomas Carroll, democrat, 239; John L. Wilson, republican, 298. For Representative — William H. Anderson, democrat, 337; P. E. Berry, republican, 380.
For Sheriff — Frank Day, democrat, 445; A. C. Gillispie, republican, 281.
For County Clerk— O. W. Earnest, democrat, 338; G. W. Hendricks, republican, 350.
For Auditor — C. C. Ladd, republican, 351; E. C. Young, democrat, 373.
For Treasurer — J. W. Cunningham, republican, 356; Walter Mann, democrat, 372.
For County Attorney— J. S. Andrews, democrat, 389 ; D. C. De Golia, republican, 322.
For Assessor — Louis Brandt, democrat, 296; Oscar Redfield, republican, 431.
For School Superintendent — E. M. Bogart, republican, 325 ; A. C. Porter, democrat, 399.
For County Surveyor— J. B. Ballard, democrat, 317; Ole Ruud, republican, 397.
For Coroner — J. M. F. Cooper, democrat, 301; Colin Gilchrist, republican, 410.
For County Commissioners — S. C. Robins, democrat, 380; R. J. Waters, republican, 317; John R. Lewis, republican, 389; George C. Wilson, democrat, 312; Thomas McManaman, republican, 353; Henry Mitchell, democrat, 335.
For location state capital — Ellensburg, 299; North Yakima, 118; Olympia, 223.
At the general election of 1892 Douglas county polled over one thousand votes. This election was the closest of any that had then been held in the county. There were four tickets in the field: republican, democratic, people's party and prohibition. The county was carried by the republican presidential electors and the republican candidate for representative by narrow pluralities. The people's party candidate for governor carried the county and the candidates for other state officers were divided between the republicans and the people's party. On the county ticket the republicans elected two commissioners, joint senator, superior court
For Superior Judge — Wallace Mount, republican, 337; N. T. Caton, democrat, 282.
For Clerk of Court — E. W. Porter, republican, 335; John W. Hartline, democrat, 278.
For Constitution — 449; against constitution, 113.
For Woman Suffrage — 197; against, 361.
For Prohibition — 251 ; against, 299.
For location state capital — Olympia, 33; Ellensburg, 296; North Yakima, 213; Waterville, 54.
Nash for representative was the only democrat on the ticket who carried the county at this election. The Douglas county republican convention was held at Waterville, September 20, 1890. S. W. Barnes, of Midland precinct was made chairman and E. M. Bogart, of Chester precinct, secretary. Aside from the nomination of a full county ticket Matt W. Miles, H. C. Sessions, James Odgers, Charles Brown and Frank Corbaley were named as delegates to the state convention. The new county central committee comprised L. E. Kellogg, C. C. Ladd and H. C. Godlove.
Saturday, September 27th, the democratic county convention assembled at Waterville. G. C. Wilson, of Columbia precinct was chosen temporary chairman and W. W. Mitchell, of Mountain precinct, temporary secretary. R. E. Mason was chosen permanent chairman, and R. W. Starr, Dan Paul and Tony Richardson were selected as a county central committee. The convention was harmonious, many of the candidates named being chosen without opposition. At the following election of 1890 Douglas county cast over 700 votes. Officers elected were divided between the two parties, so far as the county ticket was concerned. The
result:
For Congressman — Robert Abernathy, prohibitionist, 23; Thomas Carroll, democrat, 239; John L. Wilson, republican, 298. For Representative — William H. Anderson, democrat, 337; P. E. Berry, republican, 380.
For Sheriff — Frank Day, democrat, 445; A. C. Gillispie, republican, 281.
For County Clerk— O. W. Earnest, democrat, 338; G. W. Hendricks, republican, 350.
For Auditor — C. C. Ladd, republican, 351; E. C. Young, democrat, 373.
For Treasurer — J. W. Cunningham, republican, 356; Walter Mann, democrat, 372.
For County Attorney— J. S. Andrews, democrat, 389 ; D. C. De Golia, republican, 322.
For Assessor — Louis Brandt, democrat, 296; Oscar Redfield, republican, 431.
For School Superintendent — E. M. Bogart, republican, 325 ; A. C. Porter, democrat, 399.
For County Surveyor— J. B. Ballard, democrat, 317; Ole Ruud, republican, 397.
For Coroner — J. M. F. Cooper, democrat, 301; Colin Gilchrist, republican, 410.
For County Commissioners — S. C. Robins, democrat, 380; R. J. Waters, republican, 317; John R. Lewis, republican, 389; George C. Wilson, democrat, 312; Thomas McManaman, republican, 353; Henry Mitchell, democrat, 335.
For location state capital — Ellensburg, 299; North Yakima, 118; Olympia, 223.
At the general election of 1892 Douglas county polled over one thousand votes. This election was the closest of any that had then been held in the county. There were four tickets in the field: republican, democratic, people's party and prohibition. The county was carried by the republican presidential electors and the republican candidate for representative by narrow pluralities. The people's party candidate for governor carried the county and the candidates for other state officers were divided between the republicans and the people's party. On the county ticket the republicans elected two commissioners, joint senator, superior court
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judge, surveyor, coroner. The people's party elected their candidates for representative, sheriff, auditor, treasurer, assessor, school superintendent, prosecuting attorney and one commissioner. The democrats elected their candidate for clerk. The official vote:
For President — Republican electors, 347; democratic, 253; people's party, 299; prohibition, 19.
For Congressmen — John L. Wilson, republican, 376; William H. Doolittle, republican, 337: James A. Munday, democrat, 259; Thomas Carroll, democrat, 263; M. F. Knox, people's party, 351; J. C. Van Patten, people's party, 332; C. E. Newberry, prohibitionist, 19; A. C. Dickinson, prohibitionist, 19.
For Governor — John H. McGraw, republi- can, 353 ; Henry J. Snively, democrat, 263 ; C. W. Young, people's party, 383; Roger S. Greene, prohibitionist, 24.
For Joint Senator — Charles I. Helm, republican, 333; W. H. Peterson, democrat, 275; John T. Greenwood, people's party, 332; D. H. Haight, prohibitionist, 12.
For Superior Judge — Wallace Mount, re- publican, 434; N. T. Caton, democrat, 230; Jackson Brock, people's party, 309.
For Representative — H. C. Godlove, republican. 451 ; John B. Smith, people's party, 478; D. D. Utt, prohibitionist, 14.
For Sheriff — George R. Roberts, republican, 363; Francis W. McCann, democrat, 289 ; James B. Valentine, people's party, 375; D. W. Godfrey, prohibition, 13.
For Auditor — Charles F. Will, republican, 379; Edway C. Young, people's party, 524; Arthur S. Hardenbrook, prohibitionist, 16.
For treasurer — Howard Honner, republican, 422; Walter Mann, people's party, 334; Isaac M. Cravens, prohibition, 16.
For Clerk — H. J. Piersol, republican, 254; Orin W. Ernst, democrat, 447; James A. Gard, people's party. 311; William Pawson, prohibition, 11.
For Assessor — William F. Haynes, republican, 370; Albert W. DeBolt, democrat, 296; Charles E. Mitchell, people's party, 376; D. W. Sanderson, prohibition, 18.
For School Superintendent — O. D. Porter, republican, 344; Mary A. Pryor, democrat, 312; Edgar M. Bogart, peoples party, 367.
For prosecuting attorney — E. K. Pendergast, republican, 465 ; George Bradley, people's party, 470.
For Surveyor — Perry T. Sargeant, republican, 379; James B. Ballard, democrat, 248; John Zimmerman, people's party, 368; W. W. Reid, prohibition, 13.
For Coroner — Colin Gilchrist, republican, 411; John M. F. Cooper, democrat, 245; Eli Hollingshead, people's party, 334.
For Commissioner, First District — C. E. Boynton, republican, 381; Levi Rickard, democrat, 263; Benjamin M. Chapman, people's party, 330; W. C. Piper, prohibition, 17.
For Commissioner, Second District — Charles M. Sprague, republican, 393; Daniel Twining, democrat, 222; Isaac Deeter, people's party, 332; John Rink, prohibition, 18.
For Commissioner, Third District — Henry Mitchell, democrat, 371; Joseph E. Eikelberner, people's party, 375; Henry S. Hedges, prohibition, 23.
For bonding county — 211 ; against, 499.
The populist party county convention was held at the St. Andrews school house July 17, 1894. The element was out in force and there was considerable enthusiasm. A complete county ticket was placed in the field. The convention was called to order by Judge Morgan. G. W. Schaeffer was chosen chairman and C. C. Ladd, secretary.
September 8th, of the same year, the Douglas county republicans assembled in convention at Coulee City. They placed in the field a full ticket. I. W. Matthews, chairman of the county central committee called them to order. M. B. Malloy and Oscar Redfield served as chairman and secretary respectively. Forty- seven delegates participated in this convention,
which was entirely harmonious, nearly all the candidates being chosen without opposition.
The democrats assembled on the 22d at Waterville. William Anderson presided as chairman and Dr. Cooper served as secretary. There were only ten or twelve delegates in attendance. With the exception of the offices of county attorney and surveyor a full county ticket was placed in the field.
The election of 1894 was bitterly contested. Personalities were indulged in to a considerable extent, and the result left many sore spots. Around the office of sheriff centered the principal fight. Eleven hundred and fifty-three votes were cast. The republicans elected all the county officers with the exception of sheriff and assessor which were captured by the people's party candidates, and one commissioner elected by the democrats. Following is the official vote:
For Congressmen — S. C. Hyde, republican, 396; W. H. Doolittle, republican, 391; N. T. Caton, democrat, 129; B. F. Heuston, democrat, 124; J. C. Van Patten, people's party, 382 ; W. P. C. Adams, people's party, 397.
For Representative — M. W. Miles, republican, 411; Dan Paul, democrat, 320; Thomas N. Ogle, people's party, 391.
For Sheriff — John R. Lewis, republican, 327; F. Sigel Steiner, democrat, 289; James B. Valentine, people's party, 492.
For Auditor — Frank M. Dallam, republican, 399; Orin W. Ernst, democrat, 387; George S. Lord, people's party, 303.
For Treasurer — James H. Hill, republican, 477; John Urquhart, democrat, 188: R. S. Saltmarsh, people's party, 404.
For Clerk — F. F. Illsley, republican, 440; Tolaver T. Richardson, democrat. 271; Frank R. Silverthorn, people's party, 371.
For Assessor — William Domrese, republican, 388; James P. Schrock, democrat, 164; Charles E. Mitchell, people's party. 525.
For School Superintendent — J. W. Wolverton, republican, 499; Lucy A. Andrews, democrat, 108; Edgar M. Bogart, people's party, 468.
For County Attorney — M. B. Malloy, republican, 510; W. J. Canton, people's party, 478.
For Coroner — E. L. Sessions, republican, 483; A. J. Andrews, democrat, 147; B. L. Brigham, people's party, 381.
For Surveyor — P. T. Sargeant, republican, 499; Ole Ruud, people's party, 497.
For Commissioner, Second District — William F. Haynes, republican, 152; Thomas East, democrat, 56; Joseph W. Mitchell, people's party, 105.
For Commissioner, Third District — M. R. Kern, republican, 66; Edward Owens, democrat, 144; Adam P. Kiser, people's party, 116.
The republican county convention of 1896, the "Silver Year," was held at Waterville, August 20th. A. E. McDonald was chairman and J. G. Tuttle, secretary. Forty-one delegates were in attendance. Nearly all the candidates were chosen unanimously. I. W. Matthews and M. B. Malloy were selected chairman and secretary of the new county central committee.
For this election the people's party nominated candidates for county offices by the primary election method. These votes were canvassed by the county's central committee composed of one member from each precinct at Waterville, Saturday, September 12th. G. W. Shaffer was selected chairman and L. J. Silverthorn, secretary, of the county central committee. By a complete fusion between the democrats and populists they elected every candidate on their ticket by overwhelming majorities, a marked contrast to the election of two years previous which was exceedingly close. The total vote of the 1896 election in Douglas county was 1106. The result:
For Presidential Electors — Republicans, 334; democrats, 11; people's party, 722; prohibition, 10: national, 0.
For Congressman — S. C. Hyde, republican, 374; W. H. Doolittle, republican, 336; James Hamilton Lewis, people's party, 712.
For Governor — P. C. Sullivan, republican, 346; John R. Rogers, people's party, 715.
For Superior Judge — Wallace Mount, republican, 334; C. H. Neal, people's party, 715.
For State Senator — Hollis L. Stowell, republican, 299; Dan Paul, people's party, 761.
For Representative — M. W. Miles, republican, 342; J. B. Smith, people's party, 714.
For Sheriff — Charles Brenesholz, republican, 399; Thomas Snyder, people's party, 655.
For Auditor — Frank M. Dallman, republican, 389; Walter Mann people's party, 670.
For Treasurer — James H. Hill, republican, 467; L. J. Silverthorn, people's party, 600.
For Clerk — F. F. Illsley, republican, 388; Thomas East, people's party, 659.
For Assessor — George R. Roberts, republican, 399; N. C. Larsen, people's party, 665.
For School Superintendent — J. W. Wolverton, republican, 437; G. S. Floyd, people's party, 623.
For County Attorney — M. B. Malloy, republican, 385; E. K. Pendergast, people's party, 671.
For Coroner — E. Hollingshead, republican, 395; Henry Lienrance, people's party, 659.
For Surveyor — I. W. Matthews, republican, 382; Ole Ruud, people's party, 681.
For Commissioner, First District — L. W. McLean, republican, 359; H. N. Wilcox, people's party, 701.
For Commissioner, Third District — W. J. Slack, republican, 355; D. W. Martin, people's party, 695.
For the campaign of 1898 the democrats and populists again formed a combination on county ocers, each party selecting a portion of the various candidates. The conventions of the two parties were held at Waterville on the same day, June 26th. Of the democratic convention William Anderson was chairman and L. C. Knemeyer secretary. R. S. Saltmarsh, of Almira, and Edward Johnson, of Waterville, were chairman and secretary of the populist convention. Each convention was well represented by delegates from all districts in the county. Conference committees were appointed which endeavored to divide the county offices equally and satisfactorily between the two wings of the fusionists. There was considerable difficulty in doing this, and there developed a certain degree of friction. The following morning, however, an agreement was reached whereby the democrats were to name the candidates for auditor, clerk, prosecuting attorney and school superintendent, and the populists the balance of the county and legislative ticket. The populists named their candidates by the primary election method Saturday, September 24th.
September l0th the republican convention assembled at Waterville. H. C. Keeler was chairman and E. W. Porter, secretary. There was a large attendance and plenty of harmony. A full ticket was placed in the field and A. L. Maltbie was elected chairman of the county central committee with M. B. Malloy as secretary.
As in the election two years previous that of 1898 resulted in an almost complete victory for the fusion forces, the republicans electing only one of the county commissioners. Following is the official vote:
For Congressmen — Francis W. Cushman, republican, 358; Wesley L. Jones, republican, 351; James H. Lewis, fusionist, 479; William C. Jones, fusionist, 458.
For Representative — W. F. Haynes, republican, 385 ; E. K. Pendergast, fusionist, 466.
For Sheriff — A. L. Maltbie, republican, 400; C. V. Ogle, fusionist, 453.
For Clerk — E. B. Porter, republican. 371; Thomas East, fusionist, 463.
For Auditor — H. Williams, republican, 288: W. H. Anderson, fusionist, 483.
For Treasurer — H. C. Godlove, republican, 384; L. J. Silverthorn, fusionist, 461.
For County Attorney — P. E. Berry, republican, 394; R. W. Starr, fusionist, 452.
For Assessor — A. N. Thompson, republican, 404; N. C. Larson, fusionist, 477.
For School Superintendent — E. F. Elliott, republican, 370 ; Sevilla Steiner, fusionist, 477.
For Surveyor — A. L. Rogers, republican, 311: Ole Ruud, fusionist, 455.
For Coroner — Eli Hollingshead, republican, 401 ; Henry Lienrance, fusionist, 431.
For Commissioner, First District — O. A. Ruud, republican, 429; Louis Brandt, fusionist, 416.
For Commissioner, Second District — W. H. Johnson, republican, 365 ; William Scully, fusionist, 458.
The republican convention preceding the campaign of 1900 was held at Waterville Saturday, August 4th. I. W. Matthews was chosen chairman and E. B. Porter secretary. Nearly all the nominations for a full ticket were made by acclamation. L. E. Kellogg was elected chairman of the county central committee and M. B. Malloy, secretary. Again there was a close fusion between the democrats and populists. They held their conventions at Waterville Monday, September l0th. Each party was permitted to name six of the twelve candidates on the county and legislative tickets, the combination to sail under the name, "democratic." The populists selected candidates for representative, treasurer, clerk, assessor, county attorney and one commissioner. The democrats named candidates for sheriff, auditor, school superintendent, surveyor and one commissioner.
There were cast at the 1900 election 1167 votes. The fusion forces carried every office in Douglas county with the exception of assessor. Following is the official vote:
For President — Republican electors, 508: democratic, 609; prohibition, 20; socialist labor, I; social democratic, 12.
For Congressmen — W. L. Jones, republican, 496; F. W. Cushman, republican, 502; F. C. Robertson, democrat, 609; J. T. Ronald, democrat, 603.
For Governor — J. M. Frink, republican, 444; John R. Rogers, democratic, 673.
For Joint Senator — J. P. Sharp, republican, 507; Samuel T. Packwood, democratic, 618.
For Representative — W. F. Haynes, republican, 536; J. F. Badger, democrat, 586.
For Judge Superior Court — H. A. P. Meyers, republican, 458; C. H. Neal, democrat, 680.
For Sheriff — John D. Logan, republican, 493; A. W. De Bolt, democratic, 641.
For Clerk — J. W. Wolverton, republican, 558; F. W. McCann, democratic, 577.
For Auditor — Oscar F. Dickson, republican, 445 ; W. H. Anderson, democratic, 689.
For Treasurer — T. H. McCormick, republican, 507; E. M. Bogart, democrat, 628.
For Prosecuting Attorney — E. K. Pendergast, democrat, 672.
For Assessor — C. F. Will, republican, 616; George M. Stapish, democrat, 524.
For Superintendent of Schools — Charles W. Weedin, republican, 451 ; Sevilla Steiner, democrat, 685.
For Surveyor — John Zimmerman, democrat, 701.
For Coroner — E. Hollingshead, republican, 516; Adam Thompson, democrat, 598.
For County Commissioner, Second District — Jacob Steinbach, republican, 491; L. A. McNaught, democrat, 626.
For County Commissioner, Third District — I. N. Simmons, republican, 542 ; Thomas Snyder, democrat, 578.
In 1902 the republicans of Douglas county assembled in convention at Waterville Saturday, July 19th. T. H. McCormick, of Bridgeport, was chairman and Joseph G. Tuttle, of Waterville. secretary. There were a number of candidates for most of the offices. A. L. Rogers was chosen chairman and L. E. Kellogg, secretary, of the county central committee. There was developed considerable interest
in the proposed plank relating to a railway commission.
Fusion between the democarts and populists was again accomplished for the impending campaign of 1902. The two conventions assembled at Waterville Saturday, August 9th. J. B. Johnson presided over the democratic convention and Edward Johnson was chairman of the populist assembly. The populists named candidates for representative, assessor, clerk, commissioner first district, treasurer and surveyor. The democrats selected candidates for auditor, school superintendent, coroner, sheriff, prosecuting attorney and commissioner for the third district.
The election of 1902 in Douglas county resulted in a surprise. It was a complete reversal of the administrative affairs of the county. Whereas, in 1900 every candidate but one on the fusion ticket was elected, the result in 1902 shows that every republican candidate was elected. The best the republicans had hoped for was to carry some of the offices, but that all were to be elected exceeded the hopes of the most sanguine. The contest, however, was spirited and gingery throughout. The Big Bend Empire (republican) speaking of the election said: "The result of the election in the county last week no doubt was somewhat of a surprise to every one. Nearly all thought that it might be possible for the republicans to elect two or three of the county officers, but they did not expect a clean sweep."
Over 1400 votes were cast with the following result:
For Congress — F. W. Cushman, republican. 778; W. L. Jones, republican, 775; W. H. Humphry, republican, 754; G. F. Cotterill, democrat, 605; O. R. Holcomb, democrat, 603; F. B. Cole, democrat, 609.
For Joint Senator — George J. Hurley, republican, 746; J. M. F, Cooper, democrat, 669.
For Representative — W. F. Haynes, republican, 774; J. F. Badger, democrat, 640.
For Sheriff — A. A. Lytle, republican, 751; A. W. De Bolt, democrat, 679.
For Clerk — A. N. Maltbie, republican, 745; F. W. McCann, democrat, 664.
For Auditor — L. E. Kellogg, republican, 802; Ross Lord, democrat, 605.
For Treasurer — E. C. Davis, republican, 709; E. M. Bogart, democrat, 699.
For Prosecuting Attorney — E. T. Trimble, republican, 818; W. A. Reneau, democrat, 585.
For Assessor — C. F. Will, republican, 818; J. E. Eikelberner, democrat, 594.
For School Superintendent — Eva Hagen, republican, 818; W. B. Dutcher, democrat, 587.
For Surveyor — Ole Ruud, 724.
For Coroner — J. Frank Harris, republican, 730; P. J. Friesinger, democrat, 671.
For Commissioner, First District — L. McLean, republican, 757; H. N. Wilcox, democrat, 622.
For Commissioner, Third District — J. L. Stuart, republican, 736; John Doneen, democrat, 666.
For Auditor — Charles F. Will, republican, 379; Edway C. Young, people's party, 524; Arthur S. Hardenbrook, prohibitionist, 16.
For treasurer — Howard Honner, republican, 422; Walter Mann, people's party, 334; Isaac M. Cravens, prohibition, 16.
For Clerk — H. J. Piersol, republican, 254; Orin W. Ernst, democrat, 447; James A. Gard, people's party. 311; William Pawson, prohibition, 11.
For Assessor — William F. Haynes, republican, 370; Albert W. DeBolt, democrat, 296; Charles E. Mitchell, people's party, 376; D. W. Sanderson, prohibition, 18.
For School Superintendent — O. D. Porter, republican, 344; Mary A. Pryor, democrat, 312; Edgar M. Bogart, peoples party, 367.
For prosecuting attorney — E. K. Pendergast, republican, 465 ; George Bradley, people's party, 470.
For Surveyor — Perry T. Sargeant, republican, 379; James B. Ballard, democrat, 248; John Zimmerman, people's party, 368; W. W. Reid, prohibition, 13.
For Coroner — Colin Gilchrist, republican, 411; John M. F. Cooper, democrat, 245; Eli Hollingshead, people's party, 334.
For Commissioner, First District — C. E. Boynton, republican, 381; Levi Rickard, democrat, 263; Benjamin M. Chapman, people's party, 330; W. C. Piper, prohibition, 17.
For Commissioner, Second District — Charles M. Sprague, republican, 393; Daniel Twining, democrat, 222; Isaac Deeter, people's party, 332; John Rink, prohibition, 18.
For Commissioner, Third District — Henry Mitchell, democrat, 371; Joseph E. Eikelberner, people's party, 375; Henry S. Hedges, prohibition, 23.
For bonding county — 211 ; against, 499.
The populist party county convention was held at the St. Andrews school house July 17, 1894. The element was out in force and there was considerable enthusiasm. A complete county ticket was placed in the field. The convention was called to order by Judge Morgan. G. W. Schaeffer was chosen chairman and C. C. Ladd, secretary.
September 8th, of the same year, the Douglas county republicans assembled in convention at Coulee City. They placed in the field a full ticket. I. W. Matthews, chairman of the county central committee called them to order. M. B. Malloy and Oscar Redfield served as chairman and secretary respectively. Forty- seven delegates participated in this convention,
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which was entirely harmonious, nearly all the candidates being chosen without opposition.
The democrats assembled on the 22d at Waterville. William Anderson presided as chairman and Dr. Cooper served as secretary. There were only ten or twelve delegates in attendance. With the exception of the offices of county attorney and surveyor a full county ticket was placed in the field.
The election of 1894 was bitterly contested. Personalities were indulged in to a considerable extent, and the result left many sore spots. Around the office of sheriff centered the principal fight. Eleven hundred and fifty-three votes were cast. The republicans elected all the county officers with the exception of sheriff and assessor which were captured by the people's party candidates, and one commissioner elected by the democrats. Following is the official vote:
For Congressmen — S. C. Hyde, republican, 396; W. H. Doolittle, republican, 391; N. T. Caton, democrat, 129; B. F. Heuston, democrat, 124; J. C. Van Patten, people's party, 382 ; W. P. C. Adams, people's party, 397.
For Representative — M. W. Miles, republican, 411; Dan Paul, democrat, 320; Thomas N. Ogle, people's party, 391.
For Sheriff — John R. Lewis, republican, 327; F. Sigel Steiner, democrat, 289; James B. Valentine, people's party, 492.
For Auditor — Frank M. Dallam, republican, 399; Orin W. Ernst, democrat, 387; George S. Lord, people's party, 303.
For Treasurer — James H. Hill, republican, 477; John Urquhart, democrat, 188: R. S. Saltmarsh, people's party, 404.
For Clerk — F. F. Illsley, republican, 440; Tolaver T. Richardson, democrat. 271; Frank R. Silverthorn, people's party, 371.
For Assessor — William Domrese, republican, 388; James P. Schrock, democrat, 164; Charles E. Mitchell, people's party. 525.
For School Superintendent — J. W. Wolverton, republican, 499; Lucy A. Andrews, democrat, 108; Edgar M. Bogart, people's party, 468.
For County Attorney — M. B. Malloy, republican, 510; W. J. Canton, people's party, 478.
For Coroner — E. L. Sessions, republican, 483; A. J. Andrews, democrat, 147; B. L. Brigham, people's party, 381.
For Surveyor — P. T. Sargeant, republican, 499; Ole Ruud, people's party, 497.
For Commissioner, Second District — William F. Haynes, republican, 152; Thomas East, democrat, 56; Joseph W. Mitchell, people's party, 105.
For Commissioner, Third District — M. R. Kern, republican, 66; Edward Owens, democrat, 144; Adam P. Kiser, people's party, 116.
The republican county convention of 1896, the "Silver Year," was held at Waterville, August 20th. A. E. McDonald was chairman and J. G. Tuttle, secretary. Forty-one delegates were in attendance. Nearly all the candidates were chosen unanimously. I. W. Matthews and M. B. Malloy were selected chairman and secretary of the new county central committee.
For this election the people's party nominated candidates for county offices by the primary election method. These votes were canvassed by the county's central committee composed of one member from each precinct at Waterville, Saturday, September 12th. G. W. Shaffer was selected chairman and L. J. Silverthorn, secretary, of the county central committee. By a complete fusion between the democrats and populists they elected every candidate on their ticket by overwhelming majorities, a marked contrast to the election of two years previous which was exceedingly close. The total vote of the 1896 election in Douglas county was 1106. The result:
For Presidential Electors — Republicans, 334; democrats, 11; people's party, 722; prohibition, 10: national, 0.
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For Congressman — S. C. Hyde, republican, 374; W. H. Doolittle, republican, 336; James Hamilton Lewis, people's party, 712.
For Governor — P. C. Sullivan, republican, 346; John R. Rogers, people's party, 715.
For Superior Judge — Wallace Mount, republican, 334; C. H. Neal, people's party, 715.
For State Senator — Hollis L. Stowell, republican, 299; Dan Paul, people's party, 761.
For Representative — M. W. Miles, republican, 342; J. B. Smith, people's party, 714.
For Sheriff — Charles Brenesholz, republican, 399; Thomas Snyder, people's party, 655.
For Auditor — Frank M. Dallman, republican, 389; Walter Mann people's party, 670.
For Treasurer — James H. Hill, republican, 467; L. J. Silverthorn, people's party, 600.
For Clerk — F. F. Illsley, republican, 388; Thomas East, people's party, 659.
For Assessor — George R. Roberts, republican, 399; N. C. Larsen, people's party, 665.
For School Superintendent — J. W. Wolverton, republican, 437; G. S. Floyd, people's party, 623.
For County Attorney — M. B. Malloy, republican, 385; E. K. Pendergast, people's party, 671.
For Coroner — E. Hollingshead, republican, 395; Henry Lienrance, people's party, 659.
For Surveyor — I. W. Matthews, republican, 382; Ole Ruud, people's party, 681.
For Commissioner, First District — L. W. McLean, republican, 359; H. N. Wilcox, people's party, 701.
For Commissioner, Third District — W. J. Slack, republican, 355; D. W. Martin, people's party, 695.
For the campaign of 1898 the democrats and populists again formed a combination on county ocers, each party selecting a portion of the various candidates. The conventions of the two parties were held at Waterville on the same day, June 26th. Of the democratic convention William Anderson was chairman and L. C. Knemeyer secretary. R. S. Saltmarsh, of Almira, and Edward Johnson, of Waterville, were chairman and secretary of the populist convention. Each convention was well represented by delegates from all districts in the county. Conference committees were appointed which endeavored to divide the county offices equally and satisfactorily between the two wings of the fusionists. There was considerable difficulty in doing this, and there developed a certain degree of friction. The following morning, however, an agreement was reached whereby the democrats were to name the candidates for auditor, clerk, prosecuting attorney and school superintendent, and the populists the balance of the county and legislative ticket. The populists named their candidates by the primary election method Saturday, September 24th.
September l0th the republican convention assembled at Waterville. H. C. Keeler was chairman and E. W. Porter, secretary. There was a large attendance and plenty of harmony. A full ticket was placed in the field and A. L. Maltbie was elected chairman of the county central committee with M. B. Malloy as secretary.
As in the election two years previous that of 1898 resulted in an almost complete victory for the fusion forces, the republicans electing only one of the county commissioners. Following is the official vote:
For Congressmen — Francis W. Cushman, republican, 358; Wesley L. Jones, republican, 351; James H. Lewis, fusionist, 479; William C. Jones, fusionist, 458.
For Representative — W. F. Haynes, republican, 385 ; E. K. Pendergast, fusionist, 466.
For Sheriff — A. L. Maltbie, republican, 400; C. V. Ogle, fusionist, 453.
For Clerk — E. B. Porter, republican. 371; Thomas East, fusionist, 463.
For Auditor — H. Williams, republican, 288: W. H. Anderson, fusionist, 483.
For Treasurer — H. C. Godlove, republican, 384; L. J. Silverthorn, fusionist, 461.
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For County Attorney — P. E. Berry, republican, 394; R. W. Starr, fusionist, 452.
For Assessor — A. N. Thompson, republican, 404; N. C. Larson, fusionist, 477.
For School Superintendent — E. F. Elliott, republican, 370 ; Sevilla Steiner, fusionist, 477.
For Surveyor — A. L. Rogers, republican, 311: Ole Ruud, fusionist, 455.
For Coroner — Eli Hollingshead, republican, 401 ; Henry Lienrance, fusionist, 431.
For Commissioner, First District — O. A. Ruud, republican, 429; Louis Brandt, fusionist, 416.
For Commissioner, Second District — W. H. Johnson, republican, 365 ; William Scully, fusionist, 458.
The republican convention preceding the campaign of 1900 was held at Waterville Saturday, August 4th. I. W. Matthews was chosen chairman and E. B. Porter secretary. Nearly all the nominations for a full ticket were made by acclamation. L. E. Kellogg was elected chairman of the county central committee and M. B. Malloy, secretary. Again there was a close fusion between the democrats and populists. They held their conventions at Waterville Monday, September l0th. Each party was permitted to name six of the twelve candidates on the county and legislative tickets, the combination to sail under the name, "democratic." The populists selected candidates for representative, treasurer, clerk, assessor, county attorney and one commissioner. The democrats named candidates for sheriff, auditor, school superintendent, surveyor and one commissioner.
There were cast at the 1900 election 1167 votes. The fusion forces carried every office in Douglas county with the exception of assessor. Following is the official vote:
For President — Republican electors, 508: democratic, 609; prohibition, 20; socialist labor, I; social democratic, 12.
For Congressmen — W. L. Jones, republican, 496; F. W. Cushman, republican, 502; F. C. Robertson, democrat, 609; J. T. Ronald, democrat, 603.
For Governor — J. M. Frink, republican, 444; John R. Rogers, democratic, 673.
For Joint Senator — J. P. Sharp, republican, 507; Samuel T. Packwood, democratic, 618.
For Representative — W. F. Haynes, republican, 536; J. F. Badger, democrat, 586.
For Judge Superior Court — H. A. P. Meyers, republican, 458; C. H. Neal, democrat, 680.
For Sheriff — John D. Logan, republican, 493; A. W. De Bolt, democratic, 641.
For Clerk — J. W. Wolverton, republican, 558; F. W. McCann, democratic, 577.
For Auditor — Oscar F. Dickson, republican, 445 ; W. H. Anderson, democratic, 689.
For Treasurer — T. H. McCormick, republican, 507; E. M. Bogart, democrat, 628.
For Prosecuting Attorney — E. K. Pendergast, democrat, 672.
For Assessor — C. F. Will, republican, 616; George M. Stapish, democrat, 524.
For Superintendent of Schools — Charles W. Weedin, republican, 451 ; Sevilla Steiner, democrat, 685.
For Surveyor — John Zimmerman, democrat, 701.
For Coroner — E. Hollingshead, republican, 516; Adam Thompson, democrat, 598.
For County Commissioner, Second District — Jacob Steinbach, republican, 491; L. A. McNaught, democrat, 626.
For County Commissioner, Third District — I. N. Simmons, republican, 542 ; Thomas Snyder, democrat, 578.
In 1902 the republicans of Douglas county assembled in convention at Waterville Saturday, July 19th. T. H. McCormick, of Bridgeport, was chairman and Joseph G. Tuttle, of Waterville. secretary. There were a number of candidates for most of the offices. A. L. Rogers was chosen chairman and L. E. Kellogg, secretary, of the county central committee. There was developed considerable interest
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in the proposed plank relating to a railway commission.
Fusion between the democarts and populists was again accomplished for the impending campaign of 1902. The two conventions assembled at Waterville Saturday, August 9th. J. B. Johnson presided over the democratic convention and Edward Johnson was chairman of the populist assembly. The populists named candidates for representative, assessor, clerk, commissioner first district, treasurer and surveyor. The democrats selected candidates for auditor, school superintendent, coroner, sheriff, prosecuting attorney and commissioner for the third district.
The election of 1902 in Douglas county resulted in a surprise. It was a complete reversal of the administrative affairs of the county. Whereas, in 1900 every candidate but one on the fusion ticket was elected, the result in 1902 shows that every republican candidate was elected. The best the republicans had hoped for was to carry some of the offices, but that all were to be elected exceeded the hopes of the most sanguine. The contest, however, was spirited and gingery throughout. The Big Bend Empire (republican) speaking of the election said: "The result of the election in the county last week no doubt was somewhat of a surprise to every one. Nearly all thought that it might be possible for the republicans to elect two or three of the county officers, but they did not expect a clean sweep."
Over 1400 votes were cast with the following result:
For Congress — F. W. Cushman, republican. 778; W. L. Jones, republican, 775; W. H. Humphry, republican, 754; G. F. Cotterill, democrat, 605; O. R. Holcomb, democrat, 603; F. B. Cole, democrat, 609.
For Joint Senator — George J. Hurley, republican, 746; J. M. F, Cooper, democrat, 669.
For Representative — W. F. Haynes, republican, 774; J. F. Badger, democrat, 640.
For Sheriff — A. A. Lytle, republican, 751; A. W. De Bolt, democrat, 679.
For Clerk — A. N. Maltbie, republican, 745; F. W. McCann, democrat, 664.
For Auditor — L. E. Kellogg, republican, 802; Ross Lord, democrat, 605.
For Treasurer — E. C. Davis, republican, 709; E. M. Bogart, democrat, 699.
For Prosecuting Attorney — E. T. Trimble, republican, 818; W. A. Reneau, democrat, 585.
For Assessor — C. F. Will, republican, 818; J. E. Eikelberner, democrat, 594.
For School Superintendent — Eva Hagen, republican, 818; W. B. Dutcher, democrat, 587.
For Surveyor — Ole Ruud, 724.
For Coroner — J. Frank Harris, republican, 730; P. J. Friesinger, democrat, 671.
For Commissioner, First District — L. McLean, republican, 757; H. N. Wilcox, democrat, 622.
For Commissioner, Third District — J. L. Stuart, republican, 736; John Doneen, democrat, 666.
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