Arthur Needham facts for kids

Arthur Needham (born February 5, 1859 – died August 29, 1915) was an important pioneer in Washington State. He was a businessman who sold men's clothing, known as a haberdasher. He also worked in the lumber industry and was involved in politics. When the city of Shelton was officially formed in 1890, Needham was one of the first five members of its City Council. He even ran for mayor of Shelton in 1898.

Needham began his career in Washington State working in the lumber business. For many years, he worked as a cruiser. This meant he researched the quality of forests for people buying lumber. Later, he also became the Superintendent of Building and Operating for the Peninsular Railroad Company. As a pioneer in Shelton, Needham started his own clothing business. He used his savings to open a men's clothing store called the Needham Mercantile Company. He was the first haberdasher in Mason County.

Needham was also an active member of several popular community groups. These included the Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Needham was born on February 5, 1859, in Sheffield, England. When he was nine years old, he moved to America. He lived with family friends in Saginaw, Michigan. He grew up and went to school there.

Career and Businesses

Working in the Lumber Business

Needham moved to Washington State in 1883. At that time, the lumber business was very popular. Many people worked in different parts of this industry. Needham had grown up in Saginaw, which was known as a big lumbering center. So, he was very interested in logging.

In Washington, he started working as a cruiser. A cruiser's job was to explore forests. They would carefully study the trees and their quality. This information helped lumber buyers make good decisions. Needham became an expert at this job.

Needham also worked as an assistant manager at Satsop Railroad. This railroad later became part of the Peninsular Railroad Company in 1889. After working for the company for five years, he was promoted. He became the Superintendent of Building and Operating. He did this job while still working as a cruiser.

Starting a Clothing Store

As a cruiser and superintendent, Needham earned good money. This allowed him to invest in his own business. He opened his own store in Shelton. He became the first haberdasher (a person who sells men's clothing) in the city and county.

In 1909, Needham started a company called the Needham Mercantile Company. He did this with his wife, Ida, and a partner, C. E. Barnard. Needham sold hats, caps, shoes, and other items for men. In the store next door, his wife sold women's hats. Over the years, the Needhams built a very successful business. They also made many friends in the city.

Getting Involved in Politics

On May 17, 1890, Shelton officially became a town. Arthur Needham was chosen as one of the first five members of the new City Council.

In 1898, Needham ran for mayor of Shelton. He was the candidate for the Democratic Party. However, he lost the election to the Republican Party candidate, L. J. Morrison, by just seventeen votes.

Other Activities and Retirement

During the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897, Needham visited Dyea, Alaska. This was a starting point for people hoping to find gold. However, he soon returned home because of the very difficult conditions there.

In his later years, Needham had problems with his eyesight and became blind. Because of this, he had to retire from his work.

Community Groups

Arthur Needham was an active member of several community groups. These groups were sometimes called "secret societies" back then. He was a member of:

• the Odd Fellows
• the Knights of the Maccabees
• the Yeomen
• the Woodmen of the World
• the Ancient Order of United Workmen
• the Fraternal Order of Eagles

Personal Life and Passing Away

Arthur Needham married Ida Day in 1888. They had five children together: Arthur, Ida, Maurice, Elva Rowena, and Earl. The family lived in their home in Shelton, Washington.

Arthur Needham passed away on August 29, 1915, at his home in Shelton.