The Passing of a Pioneer Merchant
James Crawford, who helped build Seattle's mercantile reputation, dies at age 46 after a struggle with consumption.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Mr. James Crawford died at his home on Third Street yesterday morning. Born in Canada in 1837, he came to the Pacific Coast and eventually settled in Seattle in 1869. Partnering with W. A. Harrington, they purchased a small establishment on Commercial Street and grew it into a prominent firm. After retiring with a fortune, Crawford traveled extensively in search of health but ultimately succumbed to consumption. He bequeathed his estate to relatives and friends, with Father Prefontaine and A. A. Denny serving as executors. He also provided generously for his niece, Miss Anna Shannon, in recognition of her constant care during his final illness.
“He died without a groan or struggle, and his attendants could not believe that he was passing away, until the vital spark had fled.”
The economic success of early merchant firms like Crawford & Harrington illustrates the rapid commercial development of Seattle's waterfront during the territorial period. The mention of A. A. Denny, one of Seattle’s founders, anchors the story in the city’s foundational history.
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