I'm reading The Sons of the Prophets, by William C. Speidel. It's a very good book about early Seattle, the founders and history...very well written and interesting/entertaining with a lot of surprises about who actually did what...surprises because some of these facts go against what common rumor has been all along. Some of the early founders are people some of my ancestors knew. For instance, the Denny family is one where one of their decedents lived with my Grandmother and Grandfather on Bainbridge Island....on their property in a little cabin. This guy, Andrew was stinkin' rich but lived the most frugal way anyone could live. He had only books for possessions basically. I remember as a kid, with my cousins visiting with him. He was very nice, but rather reclusive.
Another name discussed in the book is my Grandfather's name, my mom's maiden name. So, my great grandfather owned a lot of land in Seattle. One area is named after him. It's a hilly area. I don't want to share that name for privacy reasons. But he lost it all during the depression.
Anyhow, this is a really interesting book. Seattle has a fascinating history, having begun to be settled not where it is now, but in the Alki area of west Seattle...where my daughter lives. It turned out to be too windy there to make a good port. The ships would have a heck of time getting in and out, so they moved it to the head of the harbor. (Elliot Bay) And whenever I am at my daughter's, frequently, it is unbelievably windy, so I can see why....waves lashing up against the bulkhead at Alki. Well, if you're interested in Seattle's history, get this book. lol. *chuckles*