The Tight-Fisted Legend of Snohomish

John Burns, one of the oldest pioneers of Snohomish, is seriously ill. As the Eye says: 'Burns, like the rock back of the Methodist church, was on the ground when the average inhabitant arrived. Only those who have been here fifteen or twenty years remember when he came. He was always distinguished for frugality, not to use a less complimentary term. He earned money in the logging camp, but what he parted with he either loaned at a rate of interest or invested in real estate. He never spent it for personal comfort or adornment. Milk and oatmeal has sufficed for his food, and clothing that a poor man would throw away has been good enough for Burns. Besides the buildings on the west side of Front street, occupied by the telegraph office and the Chicago saloon, he owns the east side of the street from the City hotel to the Penobscot. He is known to have blocks of business houses in Olympia and how many elsewhere no one but his agents can tell. His income is estimated at $500 per month. The only creature who appears to enjoy Burns' confidence is a small dog that has been with him for some time, and the sole instance related to show that he appreciates attention is where that kindness was shown to his dog. He is something of a fanatic on the subject of religion, and those who know say he is ready to fight at the drop of a hat when his belief is criticised. Burns has lived in the low wooden shack that stands in the shadow of the brick block bearing his name.'