The Meat Market Feud
A bitter business dispute between partners of the Frye-Bruhn Company spills into the streets and the courtroom.
The trouble in the Frye-Bruhn Meat Company, which has resulted in the establishment of rival markets, known as the Yakima and Tietan on South Third street near Yesler avenue, took another turn yesterday afternoon, when Charles H. Frye, president of the company, and A. J. Splawn, vice president of the same company and proprietor of the Tietan market, had hot words about the yearly statement. After the flurry, Frye went before Justice Caldwell and swore out a warrant charging Splawn with threatening his life. The latter was released on $250 bonds to appear March 6. He denied that he threatened Frye's life but admits that he said he would come back with a friend and see why the paper he wanted was withheld. The Frye-Bruhn Company was established two or three years ago with a capital of $100,000. Internal dissension arose, and as a result, Splawn started the Tietan market next door to the Yakima market. Then the Frye-Bruhn Company cut off Mr. Splawn's income as buyer of the company. Splawn claims he never received the yearly financial statement he was entitled to. Frye claims Splawn threatened to return with a gun.
“Frye is a six-footer, broad-shouldered and was on his own stamping ground. Splawn is a medium-sized man of fiery temper, but withal a strategist.”
This corporate spat over financial transparency and market control mirrors the cutthroat nature of Seattle's business history. While the Frye-Bruhn Company eventually became a massive regional player, this early, violent disagreement highlights the volatile, personal nature of early Seattle commerce.
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