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Following the introduction of missions and chapels came actual settlement of the county. At one period, in March, 1903, there was among the residents of Colville, the county seat, considerable speculation concerning the number of citizens of eastern Washington who had resided within the state and territory fifty years. It will be remembered by all who have followed the preceding chapters that on March 2, 1853, the bill forming the territory of Washington, as distinct from Oregon, passed the United States senate, having previously run the gauntlet of the house with but nominal opposi-tion. Hence the interest among Colville residents, regarding the matter, March 2, 1903, the fiftieth annniversary of the forming of the Territory. There was extended inquiry with the result that it was at last reluctantly conceded that there was none in Stevens county who has been a resident therein fifty years. This, however, was found to be an erroneous conclusion. As the Reveille (Colville) said:
"Stevens county comes to the front with at least three men who ha\e weathered the stormy times; who have made history for this part of the state for more than fifty years, and they promise to live out a score or more years yet. One of them is Andrew Hughson, who lives on his farm just two miles south of town. (Colville.) Mr. Hughson crossed the Rocky mountains in the Crows Nest region in 1851, and in November of that year established his residence at what was known as the Hudson's Bay Company's fort, near Marcus. Shortly before his arrival Donald McDonald, now a gray-haired man of fifty-threee years, born in Montana, came to Marcus and still lives there. John Inkster, of Valley, is perhaps the oldest living settler of the state. His residence dates from 1848, fifty-five years ago, and he is still in good health. Mr. Hughson has lived forty-four years on his farm, which is his home, and his review of his past history is truly interesting. There are many here who date their residence as far back as 1855 and 1860, but these three men mentioned are the first settlers."In this connection the following interview with Mr. F. Wolff, residing at Colville, is apropos. To the writer he said:
"I came to Stevens county in 1856 from Montana, where I had been employed in Governor Stevens' party. The first attempt at organization of the county was made in 1858, but was unsuccessful, and some of the officers who had received appointments did not, at the time, know of the honor that had been thrust upon them. But in 1860 a permanent organization
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was established by the Territorial legislature, and officers were appointed and served until the first election was held in that year.Fort Colville, at Pinknev Citv. three miles northeast of Colville, in contradistinction to the Hudson's Bay Company's "Fort" Colville, near Kettle Falls, was established in June, 1859, by the government of the United States. It was built for the protection of widely separated groups of American settlers. There had been a large overflow of population on opening of the transmontane country, east of the Cascades, in 1858. Reputed gold discoveries on the Columbia, Malheur and other streams accounts for this sudden hegira. Gold was also discovered on the Wenatchee river, in the latitude of the Snoqualimich Pass, and near Colville. Some of the earliest settlers in Stevens county were ex-miners who found both soil and climate favorable and concluded to establish homes in this locality. Again, the completion of a military road between Forts Benton, in Montana, and Walla Walla, in Washington, attracted quite a number from the valley of the Bitter Root, which at that period was a portion of the vast area known as Spokane county. Military officers, soldiers, freighters became gold seekers, and they flocked in from the Fraser River country, their stories adding materially to the stock of information in possession of mining prospectors. The writer has seen a letter written by Lieutenant John Mullan, who had charge of the construction of the military road, in which he says he discovered valuable ore showings along his route, but was afraid to divulge the same through fear of desertions among his rather small force of road builders. Few are the biographies of Washington pioneers that do not contain episodes of mining exploitations, of greater or less range, in the careers of the subjects. Companies were organized in Portland, and from that city capitalists sent out "grub-staked" prospectors by the hundreds. The quality of the gold in this vicinity was coarse, equal in coin to seventeen or eighteen dollars, and superior to the gold of the Similkameen. In February, 1859, a party led by J. N. Bell, of The Dalles, set out for Colville. This contingent, together with fifty others who
"In June, 1859, George B. McClellan, then a captain of engineers of the regular army, but a few years afterward the commanding general of the Army of the Potomac, accompanied by two companies of infantry under Captains Frazer and Archer, left The Dalles, Oregon, on a trip through this northern country. They came up through the Okanogan country and were on duty at the boundary line between the United States and the British possessions, which was then in dispute. For some reason which I never learned they did not long remain here, but returned to the post at The Dalles. While in the north country they were engaged in marking" the boundary line between the two countries. This was done by cutting a wide swath through the timber. Where there was no timber they built mounds and piled up embankments. While the swaths through the timber which they cut have partly grown up to timber again, the boundary line can be easily noticed to this day. A coincidence of this trip is found in the fact that all three of these officers but a short time afterward became generals in the War of the Rebellion — McClellan on the union side and Frazer and Archer in the Confederate Army.
"In the fall of 1862 the regular troops stationed at Fort Colville (Pinkney City, not Kettle Falls), were called east to take part in the War of the Rebellion. To take their places two companies of volunteers were recruited at San Francisco and came to the post at Fort Colville. These companies were in command of Major Curtis. These companies were recruited mostly from convicts from California, who were thus offered pardon on condition that ihey enlist. Major Curtis did not remain long, his place being taken by Major Rumelles. These troops were on duty here until after the war, when regular troops again took charge of the fort."
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had wintered at that point, were among the first in the new "diggings." In March the floating population of the Walla Walla valley swarmed up into this vicinity, while others came from far off Yreka, California. A wagon road was opened between the Similkameen and Priest Rapids. Parties came in from the Willamette in small boats, and the steamer Colonel Wright brought up sixty tons of freight. It was still early spring when these "stampeders" arrived, and much of the placer ground was under water. Those who could work could not pay expenses. Some returned westward; others pushed on to Quesnell river, and others, more fortunate, discovered gold on Rock Creek, one of the headwaters of the Kettle River, and on the Pend d'Oreille. Suddenly it was discovered that the most productive mines, those on Rock Creek and the Similkameen, were in British territory, north of the 49th parallel. A tax of $100 was levied on American traders who wished to sell goods to the miners, and in 1861 there were 20,000 of them, mostly Americans, in British Columbia. Later discoveries of gold at Pierce City and Oro Fino attracted the attention of the Colville miners, and their number, from that period, 1860, dwindled materially.
Of the Fraser River stampede the Statesman-Index, (Colville), of October 8, 1897, says:
"This Fraser River excitement, while it terminated like most 'rushes' in disaster, or ill-luck to the many, had its influence on Stevens county. In the autumn of 1859 about forty prospectors, full of the strength of youth and a determination to get a share of the wealth that was free to men of pluck, were making their way through the Colville valley well equipped for an undertaking that might have made less experienced men falter. Arrived thus far on the trip they began to meet miners who told of their own folly and fruitless errand to Fraser river. As the days passed other men were spoken who had. practically, the same tale to tell. This settled it with our party of prospectors; the meadow lands of the Colville valley seemed likely to yield greater returns in gold than would the gold fields of the north, and accordingly they decided to go no farther, but returned and settled here. These men formed the nucleus of civilization in Stevens county. Some are still among our most honored citizens; others have passed over the great divide into the vale beyond. But each had his part in the early history of Stevens county."
The honor of being the oldest settled portion of the state of Washington, east of the Cascades cannot justly be denied Stevens county. This distinction, however, cannot be accorded "Fort" Colville, of the Kettle Falls location, nor the later Fort Colville, of Pinkney City . At Meyers Falls, on the Colville river, the Hudson's Bay Company erected a grist mill in 1816, only eleven years after Lewis and Clarke had completed their memorable expedition. The old burrs of this mill are yet on the ground. Agents of the company, however, were in this vicinity as early as 1809, but merely for the purpose of purchasing furs of the Indians, and making no attempt at settlement. Whether this original mill was torn down or destroyed by fire is not definitely known, but another milll was crested on the same spot, which was standing in 1865-6. At this period L. W. Meyers, for whom the falls were named, a Canadian and the pioneer of Stevens county, took a lease upon the building pending a settlement of the old company with the United States government for relinquishment of their lands. Mr. Meyers afterward secured possession of the water power, a fall of 135 feet in a distance of three-eigths of a mile, and one of the most valuable water powers in eastern Washington. The roof of this mill was covered with cedar bark and although far from being supplied with modern milling appliances its product was eaten with keen relish for many years. New buildings were erected in 1872. Mr. Meyers, being in a reminiscent mood in August. 1899, wrote as follows:
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"One would scarcely believe in passing through the Colville valley that its quiet solitude had once been rudely shaken by war's alarm. On the site of the town many, many moons ago there was a terrible fight between the Spokane and Colville Indians. The story goes that for three days the battle raged, first the victory seeming to perch upon the banners of the Spokanes, and then the terrific onslaught of the Colvilles, who were defending their homes, would turn the tide of battle, and finally the Spokanes were driven from the field. In this terrific battle the casualties were two Indians wounded, who were artistically decorated with arrows in various parts of the anatomy. In this battle there were 2,000 warriors engaged. This skirmish is not recorded in any history of Stevens county, but it is well authenticated. So it would seem that the quiet of Colville valley has not escaped war."In tracing the history of Stevens county it again becomes necessary to revert to the period when it enjoyed a commonwealth existence under the name of Spokane county. The first meeting of the board of county commissioners was held May 8, 1860. The records show that all members of the board and the auditor, R. H. Rogers, were present. It will be remembered that the bill providing for the formation of Spokane county named one Douglas as county auditor, and R. H. Rogers as treasurer. It appears that a change, or transposition of these officers was made whereby Mr. Rogers assumed the duties of auditor and Mr. Douglas became treasurer. At this initial meeting the board established an election precinct at Pinkney City, the place where the county commissioners first met, and which was supposed at the time to be the county seat. Of this election precinct Charles Miller and Cyrus Hall were appointed inspectors, E. Averill and C. L. Thomas, judges, and Henry Lafleur, clerk. An election precinct was also established at the mouth of the Pend d'Oreille river, of which John Bolonge and James Smith were appointed inspectors, and Richard Frye, Rich and Rouse, judges and clerk. Notices of election were ordered posted, and Joseph L. Houck was named as a road supervisor. This is all that appears of record at the first meeting of the Spokane county commissioners, and the proceedings were signed by R. H. Rogers as clerk of the board.
On August 4, i860, another meeting was held which adjourned to meet on the 8th inst. There appears to have been an election previous to this meeting, but there is no record of it other than is shown in the board proceedings. The meeting is dated Pinkney City, August 8, i860, and shows that there were present I. W. Seaman, James Hayes and George Taylor, as commissioners, and Taylor was elected chairman of the board. The following officials, supposed to have been elected at the interregnum election, presented their bonds which were accepted: R. H. Douglass, treasurer; Cyrus Hall, justice of the peace; John Gunn, assessor. The board established grocery licenses (properly saloon licenses) at $200 per annum, and for billiard tables and bowling alleys, when conducted in connection with the "groceries" at $30 per annum. By application licenses were then granted to Messrs. Chamberlain & Walker, Seaman & Company, James Hayes, and Bigelow & Lynch to retail ardent spirits in Pinkney City; also license was granted to Bigelow & Lynch to keep a billiard saloon. The record is signed I. W. Seaman, chairman.
At the following meeting of November 6, 1860, George Taylor appears as chairman and J. R. Bates, clerk. The principal business transacted was the granting of licenses as follows: John Nelson, P. Stergenacker & Company and R. H. Rogers to retail ardent spirits in Pinkney City for six months : J. W. Crow and Wheelock & Company to conduct the same business near old Fort Colville, for six months, and to Seaman & Company to keep a bowling alley in Pinkney City for six months. The following day the commissioners proceeded to ballot
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for their respective terms of office. George Taylor drew the one-year term, James Hayes two years, and I. W. Seaman three years.
At the following meeting of the board, December 8, 1860, Commissioner James Hayes reported to his colleagues on the board that Messrs. Allen & Juet had been guilty of retailing liquors without passing through the formality of securing a license. L. Hilbord appeared as a witness, and having been duly sworn testified that he had been in the establishment of the parties complained of, and drank liquor; the last time being on the day on which he testified before the board. He added that the house was quite disorderly owing to the many men within who were drinking and carousing. Allen & Juet at that period resided in the lower part of Pinkney City. No action appears to have been taken in regard to this matter. A license was granted to Joseph Ladoux to conduct a ferry on the Columbia river, opposite the mouth of Kettle river, for the term of one year. The rates of ferryage prescribed were: Pack animal, $1.25; man and horse, $2; loose animals, $1 each; footman, 75 cents; freight, per ton, $5. Thomas Ferrill was recommended to the board for constable of Pinkney precinct, and appointed as such.
December 15, 1860, the county commissioners assembled at Pinkney City and proceeded to locate the first county road, after they had appointed B. F. Coppage as road supervisor. It is described as follows: Commencing at the ferry on the Columbia river opposite the mouth of Kettle river; running thence to Peter Gurrie's, at the foot of the hill in as near a straight line as practicable; thence following the present wagon road, as near as convenient, to Pinkney City; thence following the government road to the bridge at "old Pears," leaving the present wagon road at, or near, the bridge, and following an old Indian trail bearing to the right and intersecting the old road running up the valley near George Muce's claim; running up the old road as near as practicable to where the old pack trail leaves the wagon road to cross Mill river; turning to the right; following said pack-trail, or as near to it as convenient to strangers; running from thence along the pack-trail to the Spokane.
A branch road, located at the same meeting is described thus: "Leaving the county road near Louise Matt's house, down the side of his field to the southeast corner of his fence; thence running through the swamp to old Marcus' house; thence down the lane from Marcus'; running below Alexander Muriejoe's field; thence along the old road to George Taylor's; thence up the side hill, leaving the old road to the right, to F. Muriejoe's; thence following up the old road, intersecting the county road where it comes down the hill near George Muce's claim."
At the same meeting, on application by petition of the citizens of Pinkney City, the commissioners appropriated $100 for the construction of a public well in Pinkney City, to be paid on completion of the well. The board appointed James Hayes to superintend the digging of this public improvement.
April 10, 1861, it appears that James Hayes had left the county and the commissioners appointed in his place Robert Bruce to serve as county commissioner until the next general election. The board, also, purchased of C. R. Allen, for $500, a house and lot to serve as a court house. The following day T. J. Demerce was appointed assessor for Spokane county, in place of John Gunn who, it appears, had been elected but failed to qualify. I. W. Seaman tendered his resignation as commissioner, and the same was accepted. At the meeting of May 6, W. D. Bigelow was appointed commissioner to succeed Mr. Seamon. For county purposes a tax of four mills on the dollar was levied. The board then proceeded to divide the county into election precincts, as follows: Precinct No. 1 — Pinkney City, including all that portion of Spokane county east of a line running due I north and south from the west side of F. Marcus'
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claim, "and that the place of voting shall be Pinkney City, at the court house." Precinct No. 2 — Kettle Falls precinct: All that portion of Spokane county west of the west boundary of Precinct No. 1. The judges of the next election shall be, for Precinct No. 1, as follows: T. J. Demerce, Thos. Stranger and Thomas Ferrill. For Precinct No. 2, Wheelock, Donald McLoud and J. W. Crow. The board divided the county into road districts as follows: Road district No. 1 — All that portion of Spokane county lying north of a line running east and west through the government brick-yard. Road district No. 2 — All that portion of Spokane county lying south of said division line. John Duplissis was appointed supervisor of road district No. 1, and Charles Montgomery of No. 2.
July 8, 1861, a general election was held, but the result was not made a matter of official record. July 18, 1861, two of the new board of county commissioners met, L. Richardson and Thomas Stranger, and adjourned to meet July 20, at which time we find the two commissioners mentioned in session with J. R. Bates, as clerk. Richardson drew the one year, and Stranger the two year, term.
At the meeting of November 21, 1861, R. H. Rogers presented a bill for $128.92 for fees as deputy treasurer, which was accepted and ordered paid. The books of R. H. Rogers were examined and found correct. Then the board declared the office of county treasurer vacant, owing to a defalcation of $565.50, county money, and requested R. H. Rogers to serve as county treasurer, which he did. No other meeting of the commissioners appears to have been held until May 5, 1862, when voting precinct No. 3 was established, comprising all that portion of precinct No. 1 lying south of a line running east and west, one mile south of —— Hubbard's house, to be known as the Spokane precinct; the election to be held at some convenient place at the mouth of the Spokane river. July 24 we find John U. Hofstetter and Robert Bruce taking the oath of office as county commissioners, Bruce being selected as chairman. The following day the late treasurer, R. H. Douglas, appeared before the board for final settlement. He presented order No. 2, which had appeared on the treasurer's books as having been returned while the treasurer's books were in the hands of R. H. Rogers, deputy treasurer, and paid twice, through a mistake. Douglas was credited with the amount of the order, $21.50, and he then presented an order approved by the district judge for services as grand juror, for $59.60, with which additional amount he was credited. In the final settlement with Douglas there was found to be a balance of $394.12 due from him to the county, for which sum the commissioners made a formal demand, through the new treasurer, as follows :
The treasurer was instructed by the board that no interest should be charged Mr. Douglas should he make settlement with the county, which he did, August 2, 1862
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