Olivew

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

WALTER M. OLIVE, a leading and extensive hardware merchant in Mission, is also postmaster of the town, is a man of great popularity and has achieved a gratifying success. The success which has crowned the labors of Mr. Olive is due to careful industry and wise management of the resources placed within his hands. He has a fund of excellent business ability and his genial ways have won for him hosts of friends.
Walter M. Olive was born in St. John, New Brunswick, on November 15, 1875, the son of Herbert J. and Isabella (McHenry) Olive, natives of New Brunswick. The father comes from a long line of pioneers in his native place who were of English ancestry. He with his wife now dwells with the subject of this sketch. The mother is a descendant of the celebrated Bill family. Our subject was reared and educated in his native place until sixteen and then entered McGill College, Montreal, whence he graduated in the class of 1895. For two years subsequent, he traveled in the United States to secure relief from asthma. In 1897 he settled in Mission and now is entirely recovered from his complaint. For a time Mr. Olive wrought on a farm, coming here without capital, then opened in the hardware business where he has won a manifest success. In 1900 he was appointed postmaster. He owns considerable property as fruit farm, ditch stock, town property, and so forth, in addition to his mercantile interests. Mr. Olive also handles considerable real estate. He has two sisters, Harriett Scammell, wife of C. C. Ward,of Seattle; and Mabel C., wife of Marion Chase, of North Yakima. Mr. Olive is a member of the A. F. & A. M., of the Elks, of the A. 0. U. W., of the M. W. A., of the 1. 0. 0. F. and of the Eagles. He is a strong Republican and is a member of the state central committee. Mr. Olive is prominent in his county and is known as a man of public mind, patriotism and always ready to assist any measure for the general welfare. His wife was Ida L. Foster, of St. John, New Brunswick.