16.07.2014 Views

TOLD by the PIONEERS - Washington Secretary of State

TOLD by the PIONEERS - Washington Secretary of State

TOLD by the PIONEERS - Washington Secretary of State

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Told .<strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pioneers<br />

MRS. MARTHA JEANETTE MALONEY<br />

Lewis County<br />

At Silver Creek, <strong>the</strong> post <strong>of</strong>fice was owned and operated <strong>by</strong> an old<br />

man, Mr. Tucker, and he kept his mail and postal supplies under <strong>the</strong><br />

bed.<br />

After a time, I started a store at Silver Creek, and I applied for<br />

and got <strong>the</strong> post <strong>of</strong>fice. I was postmistress <strong>the</strong>re for several years. I<br />

failed to relate that <strong>the</strong> mail was carried in bv<br />

•<br />

horseback every o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

•<br />

day. The mail had to be weighed each day and <strong>the</strong> average weight was<br />

approximately four hundred pounds.<br />

JOH,V FLETCHER<br />

Jefferson County<br />

The only material obtainable for clothing for <strong>the</strong> smaller children<br />

was made <strong>of</strong> flour sacks, which mo<strong>the</strong>r turned into shirts and underwear<br />

even outer garments at times. Great good fortune brought to<br />

fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> contract for carrying <strong>the</strong> mail from Forks to <strong>the</strong> Hoh, a<br />

distance <strong>of</strong> about 20 miles, two trips a month, three days each time,<br />

for $10 a month.<br />

ALEX McLEOD<br />

Stevens County<br />

I had several close calls \','ith <strong>the</strong> Indians when I was carrying mail.<br />

One time in particular, I was chased <strong>by</strong> a large band who tried to get<br />

<strong>the</strong> mail sack. I ran about fifteen miles and <strong>the</strong> only thing that saved<br />

<strong>the</strong> mail, and possibly myself, was <strong>the</strong> superior speed <strong>of</strong> my horse. I<br />

was privileged <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> government to commandeer any horse or horses<br />

along <strong>the</strong> mail route, ,,,hile in <strong>the</strong> performance <strong>of</strong> my duty, should my<br />

mounts give out for any reason.<br />

GEORGE K. COOPER<br />

Okanogan County<br />

There was a busy little social life in <strong>the</strong> canyon. Picnics and surprise<br />

parties with wonderful lunches, were held, and just visiting was<br />

a pleasure. My wife says <strong>the</strong>y are forgotten today. We made many<br />

144

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!