McCaw, Sam (Samuel), b. ca. 1821-ca. 1881.

Samuel McCaw was born circa 1821of Scot-Irish descent. In 1849 he crossed the continent to California. Mr. Rogers had been born in Freeport, ME in 1829. From the age of 14 he had worked on sailing vessels. He first arrived in San Francisco in 1849 where he worked and tried mining. In 1851 Rogers met McCaw in San Francisco. By 1852, they and a few others had organized an expedition to Queen Charlotte Island in search of gold. Their search for gold was fruitless so they headed to Puget Sound where they arrived at Steilacoom in May 1852. When they returned to San Francisco, they sold their cargo and vessel. Sam McCaw returned to Steilacoom, WA. While he was in Steilacoom, Sam kept in contact with Rogers who remained in San Francisco for two years. Rogers went to Steilacoom in 1854 where McCaw had started a mercantile store. Shortly after Rogers arrived, he went into partnership with Sam McCaw. Their firm built the first brick building north of the Columbia River and west of the Rocky Mountains in 1859. The building was about thirty by eighty feet, one story high, with sixteen-inch walls. Both McCaw and Rogers were involved in their community. When the Territorial Legislature established the Steilacoom Library Association in 1858, Rogers was the president and McCaw was the librarian. It is believed the 538 books were housed in the McCaw & Rogers Store for the first library. From the letter is this collection, Sam McCaw was the County Treasurer and Rogers was the Deputy Treasurer in 1862. Their partnership continued until a few weeks before Mr. McCaw passed away about 1881.

From the description of S. McCaw, Treasurer of Pierce County, [WA] letter to David Phillips, [WA] Territorial Treasurer, 18 June 1862. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 222325967

Marshall F. Moore was the 7th Governor of the Washington Territory appointed for the term of 1867-1869. He had been born in Binghampton, NY in 1829. He graduated from Yale College, studied law and opened a law firm in New Orleans. After practicing law for 5 years, he moved to Iowa where he held the positions of prosecuting attorney and judge. When he moved to Ohio, he married. He entered the Civil War early and served under Generals McClellan and Sherman. His wounds finally compelled his retirement from service. In 1867 he was appointed and confirmed Governor of Washington Territory after several nominations and an abdication. In 1868, he was a candidate for Delegate to U.S. Congress from Washington Territory. In 1870, he passed away in Olympia, WA.

Samuel McCaw was born circa 1821 of Scot-Irish descent. By about 1852 Sam McCaw had arrived in Steilacoom, WA and started a mercantile store. He kept in touch with an old friend, Mr. Rogers, who arrived in Steilacoom in 1854. Shortly after his arrival, McCaw and Rogers went into partnership. Both McCaw and Rogers were very involved in their community holding different offices including Treasurer of Pierce County. Mr. McCaw passed away about 1881.

From the description of S. McCaw letter to Marshall F. Moore, Governor Washington Territory, 17 February 1868. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 263869639