mcleanl
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
LACHLAN McLEAN, who resides about
seven miles south from Bridgeport, enjoys the distinction of having one
of the largest stock ranches in the Big Bend country. He also is
the sole owner of a large band of cattle and horses and is a respected
citizen. He was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, on April
20, 1858. His father, Alexander McLean, was a native of Inverness,
Scotland, and an early settler of Canada. He was a soldier in the
British cavalry during the Rebellion in Canada. The mother of our
subject, Jennett (McNaughton) McLean, was a native of Scotland.
Lachlan attended the common schools of Huntington
county and then finished his education in the academy at the same place.
After that he perfected himself in the trade of carpenter, at which he
operated for three years. He remained in Canada until nineteen and
in 1877, came to the United States. He first went to California and
mined for some time. He also did timber work in the Bodie mines for
nine years. After that, he came to Washington, settling first at
Waverly, Spokane county, with his brother. In 1887, he came thence
to his present location taking a homestead and timber culture claims.
He has improved the estate in nice shape and has given his attention steadily
to cattle raising since coming here. He got his first stock from
Colville and in the winter of 1889-90, out of one hundred and sixty head,
he had only seventeen left. Many of the stockmen of the county lost
their entire herds. Mr. McLean was very deeply crippled by this,
but he continued in the same business with perseverance and pluck, which
have been amply rewarded by his large possessions at the present time.
In those early days, Mr. McLean's nearest neighbor was W. P. Downey, whose
claim was four miles distant. That gentleman now resides in Everett.
Their postoffice was Waterville, thirty-five miles away. Spokane
was the base of supplies, one hundred and eighty miles distant, and Ellensburg
was their market, across the Columbia river. Mr. McLean has always
taken an active interest in the affairs and politics, being an adherent
of the Republican party. His name appeared recently on that ticket
and he was elected as county commissioner from district number one.
He makes a first-class officer, bringing to bear upon public questions,
the same wisdom and excellent judgment that have brought success for him
in his own private enterprises. Mr. McLean has the following brothers
and sisters, William, Mrs. Agnes Stewart, Mrs. Jane McBain, Jennie and
John, deceased.
Fraternally, he is affiliated with the I.
O. O. F. and has passed all the chairs in that order. Mr. McLean
was raised under the salutary influence of the good old Presbyterian church
and those principles are thoroughly embedded in his make up to this day.
Once since coming from his Canadian home, Mr. McLean has gone thither on
a visit to renew old acquaintances and early friendships, yet he has never
seen fit to retire from the bachelor's domain. He is considered an
upright man of integrity and worth.
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