The Passing of a Frontier Pioneer
Melancthon Z. Goodell, a guard for Governor Stevens and a veteran of the Indian Wars, dies at 55.
Another of the old pioneers of Washington has passed away in the person of Hon. M. Z. Goodell, who died at 55. He came to this coast in 1851 and shared in the privations of early settlers, serving in the Indian wars and as a body guard for Governor Stevens. A former sheriff, assessor, and legislator, he was a prominent figure in Montesano and Lewis County. He was married in 1858 to Rebecca Byles, sister of the wife of D. B. Ward of Seattle.
“He shared in all the dangers and privations common to early settlers, served in the Indian wars and was one of those detailed as a body guard for Governor Stevens.”
Obituaries in this era often functioned as a living history of the state’s violent and transformative early years. Goodell represents the generation that moved from frontier 'Indian War' participation to holding established legislative office.
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