Pioneer Builders of Seattle

AUGUST MEHLHORN

A natirve of Pausa, Saxony, a mason by trade, came to the United States in 1867 at the age of 25 years. After a short stay in the East he came West with the expedition organized by the Territorial Governor Edward S. Salomon in 1868. Shortty after arriving in the Territory he located in Seattle. One of his first jobs was the building of the first wharf on Lake Washington in 1868. He thzn engaged in the brewery business when. he retired. He was honored by all with whom he came into contact. He was a charter member of the Gcrmania Lodge No. 102 1. 0. 0. F. and the Seattle Turnverein. He died March 7. 1917.

HENRY G. STRUVE


 A member of the well-known, family of German Patriots and Savants born in Oldenburg in 1836.
He came to America when 16 yeas of age. Arriving in California in 1853. where for six y:ears he
studied journalism and Iaw. He came to the then territory of Washington in 1861, where, by his
talents and industry he very soon became one of the most influential and prominent citizens. He
followed his-profession as journalist and Iawyer in Vancouver, Olympia and finally in Seattle. He
occupied positions of trust almost continually, being District Attorney, Probate Judge, member of
the State Legislature during various terms, mayor of Seattle in 1882 and 1883, regent of the
university, school director, appointed by President Grant Secretary of the Terriyory of
Washington. In fraternal organizations he also took proninent part being at one tine Grand Master
of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of Oregon, which at that time had jurisdiction over the
territory of Washingiton. As attorney he was known as one of the most profound students of law
in the State of Washington and enjoyed - the most lucrative practice.

ANDREW HEMRICH

One of the organizers of the Seattle Brewing and Malting Co., the largest concern of its kind west
of St. Louis, was born in Alma. Wisconsin in 1860. He came to Seattle in 1883 when he started
the old Bay View Brewery. Mr. Hemrich was public spirited and in no small way contributed to
many public enterprises, principa1 among which was the starting of the filling of the extensive
Tide-lands. Personally he was highly esteemed for his many lovable qualities. He died May 2,
1910, mourned-by all who had the pleasure to know him.

BAILEY GATZERT

One of the great merchant princes of the Pacific Coast, born in Worms in 1829, came to Seattle in 1869 where he became one of the founders of the well-known firm Schwabacher Brothers. He was one of the organizers of the Puget Sound National Bank, of which he was president at the time of his death; one of the original charter members of the Chamber of Commerce. He was the first mayor of the then newly orglanized ciity of Seattle. He always took the liveliest interest in the welfare and prosperity of this city. He died in 1893.


HENRY L. YESLER

Called the father of the city of Seattle, born in Washington County, Maryland, in 1810, of
Pennsylvania Dutch stock. Millwright and carpenter by trade, he came to Seattle in 1852, which at
that time consisted of only a few log cabins. He started the first sawmill on Puget Sound at what is
now the foot of Yesler Way in this city. For may years this was the only industry in Seattle.
During the trouble with the Indians in 1855 and 1856 his influence with the Indians saved the
inhabitants from serious disaster. He was the first auditor of King County upon the organizition of
the territory of Washington, mayor of the city of Seattle in 1886. He died in 1893.

JACOB FURTH

Mr. Furth, was born in Austria in 1840, came to the United States in 1857 after engaging in
various mercantile enterprises in various cities in Nevada and California. He came to Seattle in
1883 where he with Mr. Gatzert organized the Puget Sound National Bank of which he was
cashier until the death of the president, Mr. Gatzert, in 1895, when, he became president. He was
soon recognized as one of the greatest financial geniuses on the Coast. He was instrumental in
developing and furthering moe industrial enterprises and public utiities than any other man. With
his death in 1914 Seattle mourned the loss of one of its best citizens.

0. F. WEGNER

A native of Prussia, a civil engineer by profession, came to America in 1858. After following his
profession in various parts of the United Startes he arrived in Seattle in 1886. Through his ability
as an Orator and writer he very soon became quite a power in the settlement of the Chinese
troubles at the time. Although he never held public office he took lively interest in the public
welfare. He died in 1920.

LOUIS SCHOENFELD

A native of Hessen-Cassel, came tu America, in 1858, fina:Ily came to Seattle in 1888, where he organized the Standard Furniture Company, which today, with its branch in Tacoma is one of the largest, exclusive furniture houses on the Coast. Of a most lovable disposition, he was universally honored and respected. He died in 19 10.


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G. Benninghausen, a native of Rhenish Prussia, came to Seattle in 18 84, where he was
best known as in expert watch and chronometer maker. He was one of the charter members of the
Seattle Turn Verein and Arion Singing Society.

R. Damus, a native of Elbing, West Prussia, came to Seattie in 1883. A printer by trade, he in 1884 published the first German weekly, Die Washington Tribuene. After disposing of the paper in 1895 he started in the real estate and loan business which he followed to the time of his death in 1919. He was a charter Member of the Seattle Turn Verein and Germania Lodge.


Vitus Schmidt, a native of Württemberg, came to Seattle in 1865, engaged in various enterprises, finally retiring in 1891. He was one of the charter members of the Seattle Turn Verein, the Arion Singing Society and Germania Lodge of Odd Fellows.


Otto Ranke, native of Rostock, Mecklenburg, came to: Seattle in 1866, prominent as a builder before and after the great fire. Among the buildings he ercted is the Pioneer Building, the Ranke Building and others. He died in 1893.


Henry Lohse, a native of Holstein, came to Seattle in 1865. He was a prominent builder and brick manufacturer. He died in 1909.


Henry Argens, a native of Garding, Schleswig, was prominent as a gun-- and locksmith and safe expert.


Dietrich Rohlfs, a native of Bremen, came to Seattle in 1870; for many years engaged in the manufacture of office furniture and fixtures. He was one of the charter mernbers of the Seattle Turn Verein and the Germania Odd Fellows Lodge. He died in 1905.


Herman Schodrer, a native of Silesia, came to Seattle in 1870 and was wth the above mentioned Dietrich Rohlfs engaged in the manufacture of office furniture and fixtures. He died in 1899.

Adam Orth, a native of the Palatinate, came to Seattle in 1878 and established one of the most prominent shoe stores on First Avenue. He took active part in the organization of the Seattle Turn Verein and the Germania Lodge of Odd Fellows. He died in 1909.

Ini this short space it is impossible to give biographical sketches of the many old-time pioneers
who have passed away, so we will only mention sorne of their names.

Henry Schmidt, proprietor of one of the first hotels in Seattle.

Adolph Schmieg, owner of the first brewery.

Willaim Meyenbauer, pioneer baker and confectioner.

Leonard Reinig, grocer.

Christ Scheuermann, brewer.

Robert Hahn, mason contractor.

Frauental Brothers, Jacob, Joseph and Samuel, general store.


Klein and Rosenberg, clothiers.

Max Clericus, druggist.

Moses Korn, general store.

Arnong the early physicians may be named: Dr. Krieg, Dr. Holzschuher, Dr. Reich, and Dr. Jenner.


Prof. E. Steinle, prominent music teacher and journalist.


Fred Gasch, machinist and, for for various terms county commissioner.

mmissioner.