stimsonl

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.

     LUTHER A. STIMSON, who owns and operates the Stimson ferry across the Columbia north from Davenport, was born in Ontario county, New York, on November 30,1832, the son of Daniel and Harriett (Beckwith) Stimson. The parents were natives of New York also. At seven years of age, our subject was left an orphan and was then taken by his uncle Harrison Stimson, to Ohio with whom he dwelt for seven years and worked on the farm. He gained what schooling there was to be had in that frontier region and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to a millwright in Kalamazoo. He learned the trade thoroughly by the time he had arrived at manhood's estate. In 1860, Mr. Stimson journeyed west to Dickinson county, Iowa, and at that time cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for president. Thirteen years later, he went to Wyoming where he made his home for three years. After that, he went west and settled in the southeastern part of Washington territory in what is now Asotin county, it being then a part of Columbia county. He wrought at his trade until he had secured sufficient capital to warrant him building a mill for himself. The plant was located at Asotin, Washington and Mr. Stimson was very successful in this venture. Later, he disposed of this property and built a flour mill at Alpowa creek, Washington, which he managed successfully for six years. Then he traded this property for the Wawawai ferry property, in Whitman county, Washington. This was operated successfully until 1899, when he sold out the entire business and came to Lincoln county. He established, soon after coming here, the Stimson ferry, and has erected all other improvements and buildings necessary for the successful operation of a first class ferry. He does a good business and entertains travel as well.
     On November 4, 1856, Mr. Stimson married Miss Betsey M. Lamb and to them the following children have been born, Frank, Elmer, Harriett, Carrie, Ida, Mary, Effie, Luther C., and Nellie. In 1898, Mr. Stimson was called to mourn the death of his beloved wife who had borne him nine children.
      In April, 1899, he contracted a second marriage, Mrs. Anna Thornburg then becoming his wife. Stimson's home is pleasantly located on the banks of the beautiful Columbia. It is an ideal spot. Here in the golden period of his well spent and useful life, he enjoys the present, while the reminiscent past gives him a picture of a life well lived and duties done.

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