MacLeanl  
 
 

Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.


     LAUCHLIN MACLEAN, who is now agent for the Northern Pacific Railroad land department in Chelan and Douglas counties, with headquarters at Wenatchee, is one of the strong men of the county and has labored with telling wisdom and enterprise in bringing to the front the territory now embraced in Chelan county for many years back.  He is a man of tireless energy, keen discrimination, has had wide experience and is a strong and successful business operator.
     Lauchlin MacLean was born in Tyne valley, Prince Edward Island, on July 24, 1856, the son of Donald and Sarah (Ellis) MacLean, natives of Scotland and Prince Edward Island, respectively.  The father was a prominent and influential citizen, and a large and prosperous farmer.  He was a leader in political matters and held office.  His death occurred in 1896.  The mother died the same year, each aged seventy-four.  Our subject was educated in the district schools and when fifteen was water boy on the railroad construction.  Later he learned the stone cutter's trade and again wrought on the railroad.  He was section foreman for a time and then came west with a party of engineers.  Later we see him brakeman on the Union Pacific, and after that conductor for two years.  Mr. MacLean continued his railroading by entering the employ of the Northern Pacific, and operated the first train into North Yakima and Ellensburg.  After this he turned his attention to accident insurance and was soon manager for the northwest for his company, with headquarters at Seattle.  In 1888 he resigned this position to go into the real estate business in North Yakima, the firm being  MacLean, Reed & Company.  They handled the Northern Pacific lands there and in a short time went for larger fields in Spokane.  While there he operated all through the Big Bend country and handled Coulee City and Wilbur townsites.  He purchased the land and laid out Chelan Falls and remained there until 1900.  Then Mr. MacLean opened an office in Wenatchee and at once was requested to take charge of the Northern Pacific lands.  He promoted the high line ditch, which is now completed and in operation.  Also Mr. MacLeLan is president and general manager of the Spokane Canal Company which is constructing a large irrigating canal at Otis, Washington, and one in Teton county, Montana.  Both of these will doubtless be in successful operation for the season of 1904.  Mr. MacLean has a large stock ranch of two thousand acres, in Douglas county and much other property.  He has four brothers, William, James E., Hugh, and Dan, and seven sisters, Emily McArthur, Mary A. McNevin, Rachel Horn, Maggie E. Ritchie, Sarah J. Horn, Mina Williams, and Minerva Adams.
     On January 15, 1888, Mr. MacLean married Mrs. Laura G. Hines, the nuptials occurring at Portland, Oregon.  Her father, Nathaniel M. Stone, married Miss Greeley, a cousin of Horace Greeley.  She died in California, in 1883.  Mr. Stone was a native of Pennsylvania, came to California in 1849, returned east and for years was a prominent merchant in Quincy, Illinois.  Later he was a noted horseman in Iowa and in 1888 he came to Washington.  He remained with our subject until his death at Chelan Falls, in 1899.  Mrs. MacLean was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and has two brothers, Nathaniel R., and William.  By her former marriage, Mrs. MacLean has one daughter, Mabel, now being educated at Holland, Michigan.  Mr. MacLean is a member of the A. F. & A. M., of the R. A. M., of the Elks, of the K. P., and of the Eagles.  He and his wife belong to the 0. E. S. He is a strong Republican and is active in the county and state conventions.  Mr. MacLean has won a first-class success and has done much and is doing a worthy labor in the advancement and upbuilding of Chelan county and other sections.
 
 


 

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