The Final Watch of 'Tamarack' Booth
A Civil War veteran and local pioneer who lived a life of adventure from the high seas to the Pend Oreille valley passes away suddenly in Newport.
William Booth, better known throughout the Pend Oreille valley as 'Tamarack,' died at the residence of Dr. J. T. Phillips last Sunday evening. Death resulted from an asthmatic attack. Mr. Booth, who had been residing in Newport since disposing of his ranch in the Priest Lake country, went to Dr. Phillips' residence to seek medical assistance. While the doctor was attending to his patient and within 15 minutes after he had arrived at the house, 'Tamarack' was dead. 'Tam' was born in the east and removed to the Newport country about 15 years ago. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted with a Michigan regiment. Before enlisting in the army he served 20 months in the navy, and participated in the battle between the Merrimac and the Cumberland off Hampton Roads. He leaves a son, Frank, residing in Detroit, Mich., and a sister who resides at Northville, Mich.
“He was a veteran of the civil war, having enlisted with a Michigan regiment. Before enlisting in the army he served 20 months in the navy, and participated in the battle between the Merrimac and the Cumberland off Hampton Roads.”
The life of William Booth reflects the migration patterns of Civil War veterans who moved West to homestead in the late 19th century. His story highlights the transient nature of early pioneer life in the Pend Oreille valley, where individuals often moved between ranching, business, and service roles.
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