Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1913-03-21
LETTER WRITTEN
So YEARS AGO IS
VALUABLE HISTORY
Tells of Olympia in Earliest Days
From William Wright to
Rev. David Leslie.
A SIDELIGHT ON SHERMAN.
Famous Civil War General Owned
Property Here-Data Fur
nished by George H. Hines.

lie following leJler from George IL.
Hines, secretary of the Oregon His
torical society and a former resident
of Olympia, is not only self-explana-
tory but adds an unusually interesting
sidelight on the pioneer history of the
city. Mr.. Hines letter, written from
Portland, says:
Editor STANDARD:
mot long since your correspondent
secured lot of old manuscript in Sa-
lem of varying degrees of historical in
terest relating to affairs in the Oregon
Country between the years 1910 and
1860. Among them was letter to Rev.
David Leslie, a pioneer Methodist min
lister who came to Oregon from Con-
necticut via Cape Horn in 1887, from
William Wright at Olympia, who went
to Salem from Baltimore, Maryland, in
1853, copy of which submit for pub
lication:
Olympia, Washington Territory.
September goth, 1854.
Bro. Leslie: I write to inform you OF
and also to say that I think it very
probable that / shall not return to Sa-
lem. 1t was my intention when I left
Salem to learn II there was an opening
at my business here. and II so to re-
turn to Salem and be very Industrious
and economical and in the spring
come back to Olympia with stock. pat
terms. tools. ETC., and commence busf-
ness. Soon after my arrival here was
informed that q gentleman was about
to open q shop here and was In San
Francisco purchasing his stock. He re-
turned few days since and expects his
goods to arrive in the next vessel that
arrives here from San Francisco.
I have not determined yet what
course shall pursue, but think 1t very
probable that I shall remain in this
place. For several reasons, I think It
would be well for me to do so. Travel
ing expenses are heavy--my expenses
from Salem to this place and return
would not fall far short Of one hundred
dollars. l like the appearance OF Olym-
pia--it Is improving rapidly and will
be in time quite an important place.
There Is much truth in the old adage
"A rolling stone gathers no moss"
have been rolling about for the past
year, and while a wandering life may
suit the taste and inclination of some
persons, can say after one years ex-
perience It has no charms for me I
feel anxious-exceedingly anxious-to
locate myself somewhere, and believe
1t would be to my interest as we'll az
real happiness to pitch my tent for
good in Olympia and determine to re-
main. come what may. 81
Although I have not been employed
at my business 1 have not been idle.
ness with board at ten or twelve dollars
per week. and many other things in
proportion. have been at work as q
carpenter, and again as painter. and
hope shall never be ashamed to do
anything that is honorable to secure q
livelihood.
1 would be glad II you lived as near
Olympia as you do Salem and I could
live with you; for the present, however,
I must be satisfied. trusting that shall
be able to make many good acquaint-
ances and find a few. at least, who are
striving to exert good and whole-
some influence over this little COM
munity in which they have taken up
their abode.
With my best wishes for the health,
happiness and prosperity of yourself
and family. I subscribe myself.
Yours in Christian love,
WILLIAM WRIGHT.
Remember me very kindly to Mr.. and
Mrs. Jones.
'Mr Wright was the first saddle and
harness maker in Olympia. The per-
son he refers to in the opening para
graph of his letter as being in San
Francisco purchasing his stock was
the writer's father, Tyrus Hines, who
in October, 1854, opened the first boot
and shoe shop in Olympia in connec-
tion with Joseph Benson Roberts, IA
miliarly known in early days as
Bens.' Roberts. Mr.. Roberts was a
native Of Indiana, crossed the plains to
Portland in 1852 and went to Olympia
In the spring Of 1853. Soon afterwards
he secured a contract for getting out a
cargo of piling and square timber from
a firm In San Francisco which was
very profitable. Becoming acquainted
with my father early in 1854. and
learning that he had practical knowl-
edge of boot and shoemaking as that
(Continued oa page 81