The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1917-01-04

since December, 1877. and there Is
no phase of the history of building
here with which he is not familiar.
He was born in Sweden, January
4, 1852, son of John and Caro-
line Burgeson, who were also ma
tives of sweden, where his father
followed the occupation of farming
in order to provide for his family
of eleven children, of whom
! Charles +. is the second. Upon
the home farm Charles F. Burge-
son spent his youthful days to the
age of seventeen years, when he
crossed the Atlantic to the new
world and established his home in
Bureau county, Illinois. He had
neither friends nor relatives on
this side the Atlantic, but he be-
lieved that America offered oppor-
tunities which he might profitably
utilize. He had made the voyage
in a steamship which was fourteen
days en- route from Liverpool and
on reaching Chicago he had cash
capital of but seven dollars. I'M
i mediately after reaching Bureau
county, however, he secured em-
ployment as farm hand with Ed
ward Williams, an old settler Of
that district, with whom he re-
manned for six years, and during
the winter seasons when the work
of the farm required but a few
hours each day he attended the
district schools. He afterward
spent one winter in the Tislilwa
Academy, where he completed his
education save that he is contin-
ually learning in the school of exc
perience. On leaving the farm he
removed to Chicago and for six
months was employed by the Nc
Cormick Harvesting Machinery
Company. but during this time
was making plans to go west.
1t was in November, 1877, that
Mr.. Burgeson arrived in Portland,
Oregon, and after spending short
period in that city and at Kalama,
Washington, he came to Tacoma IN
December, 1877. Here he secured
employment with the Northern Pa
cific Railroad in bridge construc-
ton and within a year was made
foreman OF the department, con-
tinuing in the service until June,
1888. He then resigned his posi-
ton to enter the contracting busi-
ness, forming a partnership with
Dave Rutherford. They turned
their attention to wharf building
and pile driving, being the third
firm to engage in this line in Ia
coma. Their relation was MAIN
tanned for several years, since
which time Mr.. Burgeson has car-
ried on business Independently
winning substantial success as the
wears have gone on. He is today
tn, pioneer in his line of work IN
Tacoma and through much Of the
period has maintained a foremost
position in the ranks of contract
ors operating in this field. His
interests are now conducted under
the firm style of c. F. Burgeson &
iSon, his associate being his second
son, Walter Henry. The work OK
this company has extended to all
parts of the Pacific northwest and
is the largest of the kind in this
section of the country. Mr.. Burge-
son thoroughly understands every
practical and scientific, phase OF
the business, which Is often of
most difficult character, but long
experience has qualified him to
successfully cope with every prob
lem presented.
| On the 9th of Junes 1888, at
Centralia, Washington, occurred
the marriage of Mr.. Burgeson and
Miss Addie w. Waunch, who was
born in that city, a daughter OF
George and Mary Waunch, pioneer
settlers of the state. He jour-
neyed westward with a caravan
that crossed the plains in 1914.
coming from Pennsylvania and
reaching their destination after
six months en- route. Mrs. Waunch
made the trip with her parents
Mr.. and Mrs. Hager, and 1t was
after crossing the plains in 1863
of Mr.. Waunch, who sought heR
hand in marriage. In 1905 Mr..
Burgeson was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife. who
airy, at the age of 43 years, and was
laid to rest in the South Tacoma
cemetery. They were parents of six
children: Frederick W., who was born
| ldCOIld, July IL, 1909, anu
ried Lenna Branbury, a native OF
Missouri Walter Henry, who was
born in Tacoma, November 80, 1885,
and welded Louise r.. Schoch,
daughter of Gustave Schoch, an old
settler of this city; Frank A.. who
was born January 4, 1888, and mar.
ried Loura STANTON. native OF
Iowa; Charles Edward, who was
born November 20, 1890, and welded
Bertha Grinstead; John W., born
February 23, 1894; and George L.,
July 20, 1898. The family reside at
No. 1852 South M street.
Mr.. Burgeson became a naturaliz-
ed American citizen taking out his
papers in Cook county, Illinois, Oc-
tober 81, 1874. He has since voted
with the republican party and has
taken an active interest in matters
relating to the public welfare, but
has never sought or desired office.
HE was made Mason in Kalama
Lodge, No. II, F. & A. NJ. and 10
lmost loyal to the teachings of the
Tcraft. He is equally. earnest In hig
church. which finds In him a con-
sistent member, his life being guild
ed by its teachings. His we'll de-
fined characteristics are such as
have ever commanded for him the
respect and confidence of his fellow
linen and his life record should serve
Ito inspire and encourage others whG