Washington Genealogy

History of Lincoln County, Washington, 1887-1896

1909 Lincoln County Washington Map

This chapter, drawn from a historical account of Lincoln County, Washington between 1887 and 1896, details the rapid development and challenges faced by the region during this period of westward expansion. The arrival of the railroad, particularly the Central Washington Railway, serves as the central theme, ushering in a wave of settlers and transforming the landscape from a sparsely populated prairie to a bustling agricultural center. However, this progress was not without its setbacks. The source highlights the fierce competition between railway companies, the devastating impact of natural disasters like harsh winters and squirrel infestations, and social conflicts such as the county seat war and labor strikes. Ultimately, the source paints a vivid picture of a region grappling with the growing pains of progress.

Washington State History

Hubert Bancroft in the late 1800’s wrote a monumental work titled “Bancroft’s Works.” The following information comes from volume 31 titled History Of Washington, Idaho, and Montana, 1845-1889. 

History of Lincoln County, Washington, 1854-1886

1909 Lincoln County Washington Map

“History of Lincoln County, Washington, 1854-1881” describes the formation and early history of Lincoln County, Washington. The text details the county’s origins as part of larger territories like Walla Walla and Spokane Counties, highlighting the challenges of governing such vast areas with few inhabitants. It recounts the influx of settlers drawn by mining opportunities and the eventual establishment of towns like Sprague and Davenport, emphasizing the ruggedness of pioneer life. The account also covers significant events like the Nez Perce War scare of 1877, the devastating cricket infestation of the early 1880s, and the contentious 1884 county seat election between Sprague and Davenport. Finally, the text touches upon the economic boom and bust cycle that characterized the late 19th century in Lincoln County, leaving readers with a glimpse into the county’s formative years.

Walla Walla County Washington Biographical Brevities

Historic sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield counties, Washington Territory, and Umatilla County, Oregon cover

Biographical “brevities” or short sketches of individuals specific to Walla Walla County, Washington. They appeared often in publications with limited space and resources, that still wanted to provide details of living residents in order to encourage their purchase of the publication. The source of these is the Historic Sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield Counties, Washington Territory, and Umatilla County, Oregon .

Sacred Heart Cemetery, Nespelem, Washington

Sacred Heart Cemetery Monument

The Sacred Heart Cemetery is easily seen on the south side of Hwy 155 about a mile past Nespelem heading northwest toward Omak WA. It is filled with so many beautiful monument type headstones. There are two sections, with a driveway between, all on a slightly sloping hill. The section on the east side appears to be the older section. I have never seen so many larger headstones with artwork in some form, usually nature, plus many have photos of the deceased. This cemetery is owned by the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nespelem. The families maintain their own areas … Read more

Riverside Cemetery, Riverside, Washington

Riverside Cemetery Sign

Riverside Cemetery is situated on the west side of the highway as you drive south of the town of Riverside on Hwy 97. You can easily spot it off to your right. Names followed by an asterisk * either did not have a headstone in 2006 or are burials since.

1883 Pensioners – Pierce County, Washington

List of Pensioners on the Roll January 1, 1883 – Giving the Name of Each Pensioner, the Cause for Which Pensioned, the Post-Office Address, and the Date of Original Allowance, United States Pension Bureau Senate – Executive Document 84, Parts 1-5. This list is taken from the official Pension Roll of 1883, the major genealogical source for Civil War and War of 1812 pensioners. Pensioners are listed by post office address, and in no apparent order after that. No. ofcertifi-cate. Last nameof pensioner First nameof pensioner Post-officeaddress Cause for which pensioned Monthlyrate Date oforiginalallowance. 179153 Alden Augustus E. Fort Steilacoom … Read more

Biography of Albert Burdick of Addy, Washington

An illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties, state of Washington Title Page

Albert Burdick is numbered among the enterprising and capable farmers of the Colville valley, who have come hither from the eastern states to make homes in this favored region. He resides about four miles northeast of Addy upon land which he secured through the homestead right; and in addition to raising the fruits of the field he handles considerable stock. Albert Burdick was born on October 5, 1858, in Bureau county, Illinois, the son of R. C. and Lucy A. (Manrose) Burdick, natives of Ohio. They came to Illinois and then to Iowa where the father was drowned five years … Read more

Walla Walla Washington Biographical Brevities

Historic sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield counties, Washington Territory, and Umatilla County, Oregon cover

Biographical “brevities” or short sketches of individuals specific to Walla Walla, Washington. They appeared often in publications with limited space and resources, that still wanted to provide details of living residents in order to encourage their purchase of the publication. The source of these is the Historic Sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield Counties, Washington Territory, and Umatilla County, Oregon .