The Passing of the Duke of York
The leader of the Clallam people, a historic figure and friend to early pioneers, dies in Port Townsend with plans for a monument in his honor.
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.
Word reached here yesterday morning that the Duke of York, chief of the Clallam tribe of Indians, had died at his home near the mouth of the Elwha River. The news was received with genuine regret, as the Duke held a warm place in the esteem of all, but especially among the pioneers and their families. He was a noted personage and historic figure, well known to all the old residents of the Sound and given national fame by Harper's, which years ago gave illustrated descriptions of himself and tribe and of the great services which he rendered the early settlers. The Duke was confirmed as chief of the Clallams in 1853 by Isaac Stevens, Governor and Indian Agent. At that time his tribe numbered some 3,000, while now they are scarcely 300. The Duke will be buried here today with ceremonies befitting a chief. A lot has been given him in the cemetery by the Masons and funds raised for an appropriate burial and a monument to commemorate his services in behalf of the whites.
“He was a noted personage and historic figure, well known to all the old residents of the Sound and given national fame by Harper's.”
The 'Duke of York' (known in his language as Chetzemoka) was a pivotal diplomat who navigated the immense pressures of early colonization. Today, the enduring legacy of the S'Klallam/Clallam people continues to be centered on land stewardship and cultural revitalization, a stark contrast to the 1888 population decline noted in this report.
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