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.
JAMES T. McLEAN resides two miles
west from Bridgeport and gives his attention to general farming and stock
raising. He was born in New Brunswick near New Castle, on February
7, 1860, the son of Laughlan and Rebecca (McTavish) McLean, natives of
the Isles of Mull and Tyre, respectively. The father followed lumbering.
Our subject had but poor privileges to gain an education in New Brunswick,
but he well improved all his advantages, until seventeen, then began lumbering
for himself. He journeyed from New Brunswick to Stillwater, Minnesota,
and continued lumbering for two years. Then he went to the Black
Hills, Dakota, and worked for a year. Later, he took up lumbering
and came to Powder river, Montana, where, also he raised stock. He
visited Yellowstone Park and then in company with others, rode across the
country to Yakima, where he engaged in lumbering for Seward and Grover.
In 1887, he moved to Douglas county and took a pre-emption and timber culture
claim where he now resides. He later took up a homestead and his
estate is well improved. He grows small grain in addition to handling
stock and is one of the prosperous men in this county. He has a large
band of well graded cattle and some horses. Mr. McLean has been road
supervisor and has also held various other offices. He has three
brothers and two sisters, Laughlan, Isaac M., William, Mrs. Margaret McCurdy,
Mrs. Alice Harris.
At Waterville, on July 21, 1890, Mr. McLean
married Miss Mildred Tackey, the daughter of Daniel and Martha (Wasson)
Tackey, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. McLean was born in Laclede
county, Missouri, on October 3, 1871, and has one brother and four sisters,
Henry, Mrs. Charlotte Rigg, Mrs. Emma Stout, Mrs. Mary Nolan and Mrs. Minnie
Smith. Mr. and Mrs. McLean have the following named children:
Ira D., born on December 29, 1891; Charles H., born November 9, 1893; Floyd
J., born July 5, 1901 and Maud, born March 27, 1904.
Mr. McLean is an Orangeman and was raised
in the church of Scotland. He is a very popular man and receives
the respect of all. He is a first class citizen and has labored steadily
and well for the building up of the country as well as gaining the confidence
that he now has.
BACK