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.
WILLIAM H. ELI is one of Douglas county's
substantial farmers and dwells about seven miles southeast from Douglas.
He has a good property and has shown marked industry and thrift in his
labors here for the last fifteen years. This residence entitles him
to be classed with the pioneers who have made this Big Bend country the
choicest region of the west; and brought here, where once dwelt the coyote
and the rattlesnake, the comforts of civilization and the happy times of
prosperity. William H. Eli has had a good portion in this excellent
work and has done his share well. He is a native of Connecticut,
being born in Tolland county, on October 19, 1849. His parents, George
and Sarah A. (Roe) Eli, were natives of England and came to the United
States in the early 'forties. The father followed mining. After
spending the usual time in the common schools, while also portions of the
year were used in farm work, William H. was fitted for the more responsible
duties of life and in 1870, he left the parental roof. The next two
years were spent in Newburg, Ohio, in work at the barber trade. Then
came a period of travel over the western states, and two years later, he
returned again to Newburg. Two years were spent there and then three
in his old home. After that, Mr. Eli went to Kansas and Missouri
and wrought in the coal mines. He was in all the leading mines in
those states and finally came to Washington. For a time he worked
in the coal mines of King county then was in Yakima before the railroad
was put through. After that Mr. Eli was employed in the mines in
Boise and Silver City, Idaho, and in the rush was in the Coeur d'Alenes.
Finally, in 1890, he quit the mines, and came to the Big Bend country.
He selected a homestead and pre-emption and secured title to a half section
of good land. To the improvement and development of this he has given
his attention since that time. He has gained a good amount of property
and is blessed with a fine compentence for the balance of his natural life.
Mr. Eli has the following named brothers and
sisters, George A., in Leavenworth; Robert A., mining in Okanogan county;
John T., at Hanna, Wyoming; Mrs. Lizzie Eblen, in Missouri; and Mrs. Sarah
Polister, at Hanna, Wyoming. Mr. Eli has many friends and his walk
in life has been such that he merits and receives the respect and esteem
of all who may have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
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