Loundaginl  
 
 

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


     LAWSON A. LOUNDAGIN is with his brother, James O., in the mercantile business under the firm name of Loundagin Brothers.  They carry a well assorted stock of general merchandise and do a good business, being men of progressive ideas and good business qualifications and methods.  They have by their affability and genial ways together with careful attention to the wants of customers, gained for themselves a fine patronage and their trade is constantly increasing.
     Lawson A. Loundagin was born in Waitsburg, Washington, on June 30, 1878, and his brother was born there on August 8, 1870.  Their father, George W., was born in Tennessee in 1832, whence he went to Benton county, Arkansas, and married Miss Rhoda J. Steward, born in Indiana in 1840. In the spring of 1861 they joined Captain Hastings' train and came across the plains to Walla Walla.  They had one son at time of starting, William J., and another was born on the road.  They landed in November, 1861, and the following spring, Mr. Loundagin took land near where Waitsburg is now situated and there he owns today about eight hundred acres.  He and his wife live retired in the town of Waitsburg.  They are both devout members of the Christian church and have been the parents of fourteen children, William J., Robert W., Mrs. Eva I. Hoover, Isaac A., deceased, John B., Mrs. Mollie Meinberg, Olive, deceased, Mrs. Minnie M. Hester, James O., George A., Mrs.  Jennie R. Riggs, Cora B., Lawson A., and Mrs. Myrtle M. Nopp.  Our subject assisted his father on the farm and received a good education from the common and high schools, being through with this before he reached his majority.  Then he entered the flour mills and became an expert miller.  After some time at this he came north and on September 13, 1900, he arrived in Chesaw and here has been engaged since.  His brother, James O., graduated from the high school and the Waitsburg academy, after which he went to Chicago and studied law.  Later he completed an assaying course in the Pullman college and after that followed mining in eastern Oregon. In 1898 he came thence to the reservation and took charge of the Yakima mining properties. This continued until 1900, when he and his brother, our subject, entered into partnership and bought the store of Stowell & Campbell, which they have operated since.  They carry a stock of general merchandise, such as gents' furnishings, dry goods, drugs, groceries and general supplies.  They also own a half interest in the Myers Creek Publishing Company and our subject is editor in charge of the Myers Creek News, a bright sheet of weekly appearance and which ever keeps at heart the interests of the section and brings forth its resources and advantages.  Fraternally, Mr. Loundagin is affiliated with the Eagles and the R. N. A.
     On December 18, 1901, Mr. Loundagin married Miss Caroline M., daughter of Henry J. and Mary E. (Bruce) Abbey.  The father is deceased and the mother is living in Waitsburg.  The mother was born near Waitsburg as was also her daughter, Mrs. Loundagin.  Mr. Loundagin and his charming wife are highly respected young people of Chesaw and have shown themselves to be possessed of intelligence and a progressive spirit while their labors and kindness have won for them hosts of friends and a generous prosperity.