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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.
CHARLES L. FISH, who resides
at the corner of Fourth and C streets in Sprague, where he has a nice six-room
cottage, is one of the pioneers of Lincoln county and has shown his ability
by the success he has won here in financial matters. He came to the
country in 1880, with no means, went to work for the Northern Pacific in
construction and two years thereafter took the place which was later his
headquarters for his farm operations, ten miles northwest from Sprague,
which he sold in 1897. He purchased a farm three miles west of Sprague,
and has improved it in becoming shape. It now consists of one thousand
acres, having been increased by purchase. In addition to this amount,
Mr. Fish farms two sections of school land and is one of the heavy wheat
producers of this state. While the start in early days was hard and
there were many things to labor against, still Mr. Fish persevered and
has now a large holding to show for his labor as well as a first-class
standing in the community.
Charles L. Fish was born in Eaton county,
Michigan, on August 12, 1860, the son of John and Caroline (Lavaherty)
Fish, natives of Michigan. The father died in 1881, at Dimondale
in his native state, and the mother died in Lincoln county, this state,
in 1885. Our subject studied in the public schools until eleven,
then went to work out, being occupied on the construction of railroads
for some time. When seventeen, he went to California and worked on
a ranch there for three years. Then came the journey overland by
teams to Lincoln county, and since then he has been engaged as related
above. However, during the years he has been here, he has done considerable
work in buying wheat, and is now one of the large operators in that line.
On Christmas day, 1884, Mr. Fish married Miss
Hattie M. Smith, the wedding occurring at Sprague. She is the daughter
of Jacob A. and Mary (Graham) Smith. The mother died many years since.
The father resides in Sprague and is one of the prominent and wealthy men
of the section. He is greatly interested in Grand Army matters, having
been a veteran of the Rebellion, as well as a pioneer of this state.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fish seven children have been
born, named as follows: Minnie, the first white child born on Little creek,
and now caring for her father's business when he is absent or called away;
John J., deceased; Julia E., Luella, Emma A., Carrie H., Charles, Jr.
Mr. Fish is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the W. W. His wife belongs
to the Eastern Star, the Women of Woodcraft, and the Rebekahs. The
daughter, Minnie, also belongs to the last named order. Mrs. Fish
also is a member of the Lutheran church. They are highly respected
people and have many friends. Mr. Fish is one of the old pioneers
who stayed with the country until he received the fruits of his labors.
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