Stookeya
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.
ALLEN J. STOOKEY, who resides
about four miles east from Wilbur is not only one of the hardy pioneers
of this portion of what is now Lincoln county, but is also one of the heaviest
real estate owners in this section and a prosperous and highly respected
citizens. He was born in Illinois, on April 23, 1843, the son of
Elijah and Jane (Parker) Stookey, natives and pioneers of Ohio. The
father followed farming and was an influential man in his regions.
Our subject was educated in his native state and farmed with his father
after the days of school life were over. He was occupied there until
1883, the year in which he made his journey west. After due investigation,
he selected the spot where he now lives and soon had used his government
rights of pre-emption, homestead, and timber culture. On account
of there being no means of transportation in this portion of the country,
there was no market, so Mr. Stookey went to work at carpentering at Wilbur
and other points. His nearest neighbor was William Condin, who is
better known as "Wild Goose Bill", a noted pioneer character of the Big
Bend country. All supplies at this time had to be brought from Spokane
and Cheney and it took a number of days to make the trip. Although
it was difficult some times to make a livelihood, still, Mr. Stookey plodded
along improving his estate and preparing for the times when he was certain
that the products of the soil would find a ready market. He had great
faith in the country and always bought real estate as he had opportunity,
and now, when the Big Bend country is recognized as one of the most favored
and wealthiest portions of the great state of Washington, his wisdom is
recognized and he is the fortunate enjoyer of the magnificent estate which
he has acquired. He owns several thousand acres of valuable wheat
land and it is improved with the same sagacity and good judgment that caused
its acquirement. His residence is one of the most comfortable and
valuable homes in the country and all other improvements are in proportion.
In 1868, Mr. Stookey married Miss Susan Louderman,
a native of Illinois. Mrs. Stookey's father, John Louderman, was
a native of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Stookey five children have been
born, Mrs. Nola Grinstead, Seth, William, Emma Alderson and Carrie Howell,
the last two deceased. Seth was educated in the Cheney normal and
on October 7, 1900, married Miss Minnie Partridge of Missouri. He
is now farming with his father. Mr. Stookey has two brothers, Thomas
J. and Alfred E., and two sisters, Rebecca J. Hunt, and Mariette Morris.
Mrs. Stookey has three brothers and one sister, Phillip, Charles, George,
and Mary Sawyer. Mr. Stookey always takes a keen interest in political
matters and has served his county as commissioner and also was an official
in various positions in Illinois.
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