Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1903-04-08
Hon. Geo. Sinclair foremost citizen Of


of John F. Irby the new appointee who
will handle your mail for the next four
years. will greet you. Mr.. Sinclair was
born in the county of Caithness, Scot
land. Oct. II. 1890. and is now in his 74th
year. With his family he arrived where
Ritzville now stands in May. 1850, from
South Dakota. At the session of the
Territorial Legislature of 1883, Adams
county was formed from part of Whit
man and Mr.. Sinclair, with James G.
Bennett and John L. Johnson. both now
dead. were named by the Governor as
Commissioners. He then served about
4 year until next general election, was
twice elected Commissioner which Office
he held for five years. In 1888 was APP
pointed postmaster by Grover Cleveland,
reappointed by President Harrison serv-
ing until latter part of 1893. In the
of 1894 when the populists
swept the county Mr.. Sinclair was the
Republican nominee for county treasurer
and the only candidate elected on his
ticket, serving two terms, the constitu-
tional limit. He was chosen to represent
the county in the state legislature con-
vening in Olympia January 1899 and at
the close of the session was selected
postmaster, his term expiring March
this year. For many years he was the
efficient and trustworthy clerk of this
school district when the district en-
braced the entire county and was the
first man to be elected to that position.
Mr.. Sinclair has never solicited a public
Office but has been continually in some
place of public trust for the past twenty
two years. 1t is doubtful if any man
ever gave better satisfaction in general
as public official than Uncle George"
Sinclair and the verdict of the people is
well done thou good and faithful SER
want" Thus one of the most familiar
figures which has gsaced the history of
our city and county steps into private
life and in all probability will be seen
no more in active public engagements,
as for some time he has been endeavor-
ing to honorably lay down the burdens
of the wearing responsibilities so long
imposed upon him and take rest and
quiet so much needed. Always promi.
nent for uprightness and consistency his
clean character has been preserved with
out stain or blemish throughout his long
His promises have ever been most
sacredly kept and his noble life now ap-
preaching evening is an example worthy
of emulation.
Geo. c. Moore of Dunlap. Iowa,
passed through the city Thursday on
his way to the Nome District. Alaska,
for the purpose of making a geological
report for the New York City Gold Com.
pany which own ninety claims in that
section of the frozen north where he will
spend six months in research and ex-
animation. Mr.. Moore was formerly
with the First National Bank
at this point from 1896 to 1899 and has
an extended acquaintance.
A small blaze did slight damage to
the city hose house Friday forenoon.
The fire evidently originated from an
attempt to thaw out some frozen No. 2
Hercules giant Powder which was being
used by the authorities for blasting on
street work. When discovered flames
were breaking through the roof but
prompt action with the Chemical en-
CINE quickly extinguished the consum-
ing element.
The spirited team belonging to DR.. J.
w. Lansing broke away from the A. W.
Amick livery barn this afternoon and
madly dashed up Main street barely
missing a number of pedestrians and
vehicles, turning the corner at the First
National and crossing the railroad track
and swerving at the Shaw residence suffi-
cient to collide with an electric light pole
demolishing the handsome
new buggy.
City Marshal A. J. Coss accompanied
by his wife leaves Sunday evening for
Grants Pass. where he goes to look
after some mining claims and other in,
terests there. They will be absent un-
til May I. During his absence w. H.
Hedden will have charge of the pump
and A. L. West will act as day police
man.
The infant daughter of Mr.. and Mrs
J. w. Brewer had the misfortune to
break its arm Sunday evening by falling
out of bed. The broken bone is getting
along well now under the doctors care.
Fred Shoesmith and family, Mrs.
Hawley and daughter Miss Jennie. re-
turned Monday to their homes in Iowa
after an extended visit here. Miss Haw-
ley has acted for some time as clerk at
the post Office.
Mrs. Jacob Schoessler, wife of the county
has returned from Walla
Walla where she underwent the ordeal
of a delicate surgical operation. Her
complete recovery is noted with pleas
ure.