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.
COOK SAMUELS is residing in Harrington
and is handling a prosperous dray and transfer business. He was born
on January 14, 1859, in Marion county, Missouri, the son of Judge John
J. and Harriett A. (Carson) Samuels, natives of Virginia. The father
was a prominent educator and judge in his section and was personally acquainted
with Stonewall Jackson. He always took an active part in the affairs
of the state and in political matters until his death, which was December
26, 1895. He was then aged seventy-six. His ancestors were
among the earliest settlers of Virginia. The mother died on February
9, 1898, being aged seventy-six. Mr. Samuels has the following brothers
and sisters, Neal, Dr. Lynn, John, Mark, Byrd, Virginia, deceased, Mrs.
Annie Inlow, Mrs. Maggie Claggett, Mrs. Sarah Cowherd, and Mattie.
The latter is teaching in the Reardan schools and makes her home with our
subject. Byrd is a twin brother of our subject and is now in the
employ of the Southern Pacific at Tucson, Arizona. He was a pioneer
of Lincoln county and taught for sometime here. Mr. Samuels grew
up on a farm in Missouri and received his education from the common
schools. In 1883, with his twin brother, he went to Phoenix, Arizona.
Later, he returned to Missouri and in the spring of 1887, journeyed to
the Sacramento valley, California. The same year he came to Umatilla
county, Oregon, and in January, 1888, landed in Lincoln county, Washington.
He traded his watch for the relinquishment of a homestead right on a fine
quarter, four miles west from Harrington. He added eighty acres more
by purchase and there followed farming until 1891 in which year he sold
his entire property, moving to Harrington. He erected several dwelling
houses and engaged in the dray and transfer business. His property
is well rented and he is among the prosperous men of the county.
In the spring of 1904, Mr. Samuels accepted the position of road overseer
on a territory eight miles by twelve and he attends to this business in
addition to his affairs in town.
Mr. Samuels is a member
of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., belongs to the Encampment, is
a representative to the grand lodge, and D. D. G. M. of lodge 160, is a
member of the Rebekahs, the Eastern Star and the W. W. Mr. Samuels
is also deputy game warden and constable. He is one of the substantial
men of the county and his labors entitle him to be classed as one of the
pioneers and builders of the county.