George W. Tibbetts facts for kids
George W. Tibbetts (born January 22, 1845 – died March 8, 1924) was an important businessman and hops farmer in Washington State during the late 1800s. He was known for his strong opinions about how businesses should hire workers.
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George W. Tibbetts: A Community Leader
George W. Tibbetts played a big part in the early history of Issaquah, a town in Washington State. He was a successful merchant, meaning he owned stores and sold goods. He also farmed hops, which are plants used to make beer and other products. Tibbetts was involved in many aspects of his community, from local government to starting new businesses.
Tibbetts as a Local Judge
George W. Tibbetts served as a Justice of the Peace in Squak, which is what Issaquah was called back then. A Justice of the Peace is like a local judge who handles minor legal matters and keeps the peace. In 1885, there were some difficult events involving Chinese hops pickers in Squak. Tibbetts, as the local judge, gave an account of what happened to a historian named Hubert Howe Bancroft. He witnessed these events as a community leader.
Joining Community Groups
Before the events of 1885, Tibbetts helped start several community groups, known as lodges, in the area. In October 1874, he helped create one of the first Patrons of Husbandry lodges in King County. This group helped farmers work together. Later, after the events in Squak, he helped start more lodges in the Issaquah area.
When the town was renamed Gilman (from Squak), Tibbetts was a founding member of the Gilman Odd Fellows Lodge. In 1890, he also became an original member of the Knights of Pythias lodge in Issaquah. These lodges were important social and support networks for people in the community.
Tibbetts's Businesses and Contributions
George W. Tibbetts owned several businesses in Issaquah and was a well-known merchant. In 1881, he built a large store and a hotel on his farm. These businesses helped the growing community.
The next year, he started a stagecoach line. This line transported people and goods from Newcastle to Squak and eventually to North Bend. He worked with the Columbia and Puget Sound Railroad to make his coach line successful.
After the town of Squak (later Gilman, then Issaquah) was officially planned, Tibbetts built a new two-story building. He moved his business into this new building. This was Issaquah's very first large store, or "mercantile house." Later, the Issaquah Coal Company used this building.
In 1878, Tibbetts also became the town's Postmaster. He took over from William Pickering, who had been Postmaster since 1870. Tibbetts moved the post office into his store, making it convenient for people. He stayed in this important position until 1886. In 1888, he worked with other local leaders like Isaac Cooper, Thomas Rowley, and William Moore to create the Issaquah Water Company. This company helped bring water to the town.
