The Homestead That Built Everett

An important decision has been rendered by the register and receiver of the United States land office at Seattle, involving the title to property worth nearly $50,000 in the case of Viola Hanscom vs. the heirs of George W. Sines. Several years ago, George W. Sines took up a homestead of 160 acres which now forms a part of the townsite of Everett. At the time, it was covered with heavy timber, and Sines engaged in the shingle-making business. He lived there for seven or eight years, manufacturing $15,000 to $20,000 worth of shingles, though he never cleared any land for cultivation. He never attempted to prove up on his claim, and about five years ago, he died. In 1888, Miss Viola Hanscom commenced a contest for abandonment of the claim. Initially, the heirs of Sines, who lived in Pennsylvania, did not appear, and the case was decided in her favor. However, when the townsite of Everett was projected and the land became very valuable, the heirs applied for a reopening, arguing that Sines had complied with all requirements of the homestead law. The interior department ordered the case to be reopened, and the decision has now been rendered in favor of the Sines heirs. Miss Hanscom, who is still living on the land, will appeal the case to the commissioner of the general land office.