The Tragic End of a Timber Titan

Died, at Port Ludlow, on Monday, May 28th, 1877, Arthur Phinney. Deceased was born in Annapolis township, Wilmot county, Nova Scotia, Jan 11th, 1827. From Massachusetts, where he had resided for a number of years, he came to California in 1849. Here he engaged in business. In 1858 he came to this territory; and in connection with Z. Amos, leased Port Ludlow Mill of Wm. P. Sayward. The firm was known as Amos & Phinney. Afterward W. H. Hook became a partner, and the firm was known as Amos, Phinney & Co. Mr. Phinney conducted the business at Port Ludlow and his partners at San Francisco. In 1866 this partnership was dissolved on account of failure, financially, of the firm. After the failure, he resumed control of the entire business; and under his skillful management, it grew into an importance second to none on the Sound. Some three years ago, he became owner of the entire property; and at the time of his death, a force of men were employed building a new mill by which it was expected to greatly enlarge the business. Mr. Phinney was a quiet, unassuming business man, possessing those rare qualities which rendered him eminently adaptable for his calling, and endeared him to all who knew him. The post mortem examination revealed the cause of death to have been due to a mechanical obstruction situated in the large intestines near its junction with the smaller intestines. This obstruction was formed by old adhesions caused by slight inflammatory action many years ago, probably the result of a kick in the abdomen received in early manhood. These adhesions bound down the intestine and gradually encroached upon its caliber, forming strictures; and the recent inflammatory trouble, causing congestion, completely shut off the passage from the upper part of the bowels to the lower, rendering death inevitable.