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RICH, FERTILE LAND FOR FARMING Among the earliest white settlers in this vicinity were two cousins of Scotch-Irish decent— Henry Cooper and Henry Cooper Leggett. The cousins had traveled from eastern Canada to California where they worked for about 4 years and became American citizens in 1873. They then arrived by sailboat in Seattle, where they lived and worked until 1881, when they boarded a boat bringing farm implements into Skagit River country. They secured employment on a farm in the vicinity now known as the “flats”, and upon hearing reports of the rich, fertile land farther up the Skagit River that could be homesteaded, they traveled by canoe with an Indian guide and finally put ashore at what is the present town of Lyman. They found Mr. A W Williamson, a hop grower, to be the only permanent white farmer in the area at the time. Henry Cooper homesteaded on 160 acres bordering on the Skagit River. He felled trees on his new property, built a cabin and arranged to bring his wife from Seattle to this home. Meanwhile, Henry Leggett homesteaded 160 acres about one and one half miles down the river from Lyman. News from the outside, including mail and newspapers, was brought up river by canoe about once a week. The Skagit River was the only source of transportation until about 1881, when a crude road was put into use along the south boundary of the river. The first road was cropped out by Henry Leggett and his cousins to get a wagon through for supplies. LYMAN'S FIRST COW The first cow was brought to Lyman from Mt. Vernon on a hazardous three-day journey overland. That 20-mile trip takes less than 30 minutes to travel today. It was necessary to clear a pathway using an ax over the wild timber country along the river. As the few white families gradually became adjusted to their new life in this Indian country, they learned a great deal about the habits and life of the local Skagit Indians. These native Americans colonized in their family tribes (consisting of all members related by blood) at locations all along the various sloughs on the Skagit River. Almost without exception, the Skagit Indians were peaceable and congenial with the white settlers. Many of them transported white children across the river to go to school. Because of the ratio of Indians to whites, most of the white children had many Indian playmates. PEACEFUL NEIGHBORS The Skagit Indians were not a boisterous, war-making tribe. As a rule they were timid and rarely ventured beyond the confines of the valley. Chief Jim Shoemaker’s wife, Nellie, was very friendly with the white women. She assisted with the birth of Lizzie Cooper (Roughton) the daughter of Henry Cooper, the first white child born in Lyman. Most of the present day names for the choice fishing holes are based on the respective Indian tribes, such as Jimmy’s Slough named after Chief Jim Shoemaker, chief of the Skagit tribe. With the influx of people came the increased need for a school. An early saloon was converted into a school and for the first time the children had a regular teacher. In 1890 a new school building was built on a site near the riverbank. It was used continuously until 1939 when a larger building was erected some distance from the former site. PLOTTING THE TOWN OF LYMAN The Town of Lyman was plotted as a town on October 28, 1884 by County surveyor, Mr. George Savage. The first land for lots, streets and alleys was donated and dedicated by Otto Kiement, who was also a realtor, on February 28, 1887. Lyman was named after Lorenzo P. Lyman, who was the town’s first postmaster. With the population of the town well on its way, a Union Church was erected, which later became the Baptist Church. Shortly afterward, a Methodist, Episcopal church was erected. Each church had a resident pastor. Lumber and logging industries in and around Lyman continued to be the general attractions for the increased number of settlers. The railroad was extended through the town in 1890. It was first known as the Seattle Northern and later called the Great Northern. The railroad made an impact on the town and people began building their houses to face north toward the railroad track instead of south toward the river. During this time in Lyman history, there were prominent hotels in operation. Hitchcock and Kelley Lumber Company was formed, a livery stable, a town hall, and the Vanderford and Minkler Mill were established, and by 1905 there was a shake mill about 3 miles along the Skagit River. |
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©2008 Town Of Lyman. All rights reserved. |
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