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Robert Roblee Collection of William N. Bell family materials, circa 1850s-1910

Overview of the Collection

Collector
Roblee, Robert
Title
Robert Roblee Collection of William N. Bell family materials
Dates
circa 1850s-1910 (inclusive)
1870-1897 (bulk)
Quantity
2.13 cubic feet, (5 boxes)
Collection Number
2008.54 (accession)
Summary
Legal and business documents, correspondence and ephemera related to Seattle pioneer family, plus photographs of early Seattle
Repository
Museum of History & Industry, Sophie Frye Bass Library

P.O. Box 80816
Seattle, WA
98108
Telephone: 2063241126 x102
library@mohai.org
Access Restrictions

The collection is open to the public by appointment.

Languages
English.
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Content Description

Legal and business documents, correspondence and ephemera related to the Seattle pioneer Bell family, plus photographs of early Seattle. The collection includes photographs of early Seattle; a number of land deeds and plat maps, particularly pertaining to lands owned by the Bell, Denny and Boren families, including the original plat of Belltown, and the land deed transferring property from Carson Boren to William Bell for the residence on the site of the Hoge Building. The collection also includes tax statements and receipts and other legal documents; ephemera, including a number of calling cards and invitations collected by the Bell family; materials on the Bellevue Hotel (built by William Bell in 1890) and on President Harrison's visit to Seattle in 1891; and a biography of William N. Bell and a family genealogy, written by Bell's daughter Mary Virginia Bell Hall.

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Other Descriptive Information

William Nathaniel Bell (1817-1887) and his wife, Sarah Ann (Peter) Bell (1819-1856) arrived at Alki Beach in present-day West Seattle with the Denny party and other pioneers on the schooner Exact in 1851. The Bells, settling north of the future downtown area in what would become known as "Belltown," helped to establish the new "Town of Seattle."

Sarah Ann Bell was seriously ill when Indians attacked Seattle on January 26, 1856 in the "Battle of Seattle." Bell decided to move his ailing wife and his children to California. Though Sarah died in California that same year, Bell did not return to Seattle until 1870. He sold some of his now-valuable real estate, built the Bellevue Hotel at the corner of First Avenue and Battery Street, and engaged in other businesses, including developing Belltown, where his son Austin Bell had lived for years. Virginia and Olive streets are named for two of Bell's daughters, and Stewart Street honors Olive's husband, Joseph H. Stewart.

The Bells had seven children: Martha Ann Bell (1840-1848); Laura Kriziah Bell Coffman (1842-1887); Susan Francis Bell (1844-1845): Olive Julia Bell Stewart (born 1846 and married to Joseph Stewart); Mary Virginia Bell Hall (born 1847 and married to George Hall); Albina Lavisa Bell (died in infancy in 1857); and Austin Armenius Bell (1854-1889).

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Use of the Collection

Alternative Forms Available

View selections from the collection in digital format by clicking on the camera icons in the inventory below.

Restrictions on Use

The Museum of History & Industry is the owner of the materials in the Sophie Frye Bass Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from MOHAI before any reproduction use. The museum does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.

Preferred Citation

Robert Roblee Collection of William N. Bell family materials, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Arranged in 9 series:

  • Biographical material
  • Photographs
  • Maps and drawings
  • Legal and business documents
  • Certificates
  • Mary Virginia Bell Hall correspondence
  • Bellevue Hotel
  • President Benjamin Harrison's trip to Seattle
  • Ephemera

Location of Collection

3a.4.6-7 (Boxes 1-4)

Location of Collection

1a.4.20 (Box 5-oversize)

Location of Collection

VIII.a.7 (oversized map)

Custodial History

Collection was originally from Virginia Bell Hall.

Acquisition Information

Donor: Robert Roblee, October 2008

Processing Note

Processed in 2008.

A folder of biographical materials was found in 2014 and added to Box 4. The folder include lineages of the Bell family, and photocopies of Abstracts of Title, clippings and other materials.

Separated Materials

These materials are part of a donation that also included a number of artifacts. These artifacts are cataloged and stored separately by MOHAI's Collections Department. A complete inventory of the collection artifacts is also available in the Library.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

  • Biographical material

    • Description: 2008.54.101: Typescript biography of William N. Bell and family genealogy, written by daughter Virginia Bell Hall
      4 pages
      Dates: 1916 January
      Container: Box/Folder 3/15
      Location: Biographical material
    • Description: Lineage documents, family trees, and clippings
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 4/4
      Location: Biographical material

  • Photographs, circa 1880-1920

    37 photographs

    Most of the photographs are mounted on cards (5" x 8.5").

    • Description: 2008.54.1: Albumen cabinet card of Colton and Crocker mansions on California Street, San Francisco
      California View Co. , San Francisco (publisher)
      5" x 8"

      Dates: circa 1880
      Container: Box/Folder 1/1
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.2: Albumen cabinet card of Mary A. (Mrs. Arthur A.) Denny
      Silva's International Gallery , San Francisco (photographer)
      Dates: circa 1870s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/2
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.3: Woman, probably Emily Inez Denny
      oval, 4" x 3"
      Dates: circa 1890
      Container: Box/Folder 1/3
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.4: Carte-de-visite of George W. Hall
      George Moore , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
      Dates: circa late 1800s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/4
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.5: Carte-de-visite of Nora Denny
      2.5" x 4"

      Nora Denny was Arthur and Mary Denny's daughter

      Dates: 1869 July 23
      Container: Box/Folder 1/5
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.6: Photogravure of Emily Inez Denny
      Dates: circa early 1900s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/6
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.7: Cabinet card of unidentified man
      New York and Dore , San Francisco
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 1/7
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.8-9: Margaret Lenora Denny residence on Boren Avenue, Seattle

      Mary (Mrs. Arthur A) Denny moved in with her daughter Lenora after her husband died. One of the images shows three women in front of the residence.

      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 1/8
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.10: Unidentified woman
      Dates: circa 1920
      Container: Box/Folder 1/9
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.11: Olive Bell Stewart, William Bell's daughter
      Morse , San Francisco (photographer)
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 1/10
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.12: Signed cabinet card of Arthur A. Denny
      M.P. Rice , Washington D.C.

      Taken when Denny served in the legislature.

      Dates: circa 1860s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/11
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.13: Cabinet card of a Catholic school
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
      Dates: circa 1888
      Container: Box/Folder 1/12
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.14: Unmounted cabinet size photograph of Margaret Lenora Denny home on Boren Avenue
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 1/13
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.15: Stereocard of family at Gordon Creek, Yale, British Columbia
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
      Dates: circa late 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/14
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.16: View from First Hill toward Elliott Bay before Seattle fire
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)

      Showing Central School, tower of Sisters of Providence Hospital, James McNaught home, Denny Hill after having been clear-cut logged; old Territorial University on Denny's Knoll, and Madison Street before the trolley line was built.

      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/15
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.17: View of city from roof of Central School looking north, with 7th Avenue on right, Queen Anne Hill, and Lake Union and Western Mill in distance
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/16
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.18: David Denny's Western Mill Company at the south end of Lake Union, looking southeast, Seattle
      Dates: circa 1888
      Container: Box/Folder 1/17
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.19: View from Denny Hill down 3rd Avenue at intersection of Pike Street
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)

      Showing Arthur Denny's home at 1st and Union; Territorial University on knoll with circle of trees; Young Naturalist's Club (founded 1885, predecessor to Burke Museum); Providence Hospital; Beacon Hill; tide lands near Yesler Wharf stretching to Beacon Hill; tracks of Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad.

      Dates: circa 1887
      Container: Box/Folder 1/18
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.20-21: Two photographs comprising a panorama view from Denny Hill from 3rd Avenue
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)

      Includes buildings identified in .19 as well as Holy Names Academy; both McNaught homes; King Street Coal Wharf; Yesler's Wharf with logging mill; tide flats; 2nd Avenue with horse car tracks; Brown's pavilion; and the first home of Plymouth Congregational Church.

      Dates: circa 1887
      Container: Box/Folder 1/19
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.22-23: Two photographs comprising a panorama of King Street Coal Works, showing wharves, sailing ships and Ballast Island
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/20
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.24: Men in front of huge logs on rails to Stetson & Post Lumber Mill, Beacon Hill and Holy Names Academy in distance
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/21
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.25: View of Seattle from King Street Coal Works trestle
      Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)

      Showing (left to right): McNaught mansions, Providence Hospital, Central School, and Coppin's Water Works. Also shows the Felker House, first clapboard house in Seattle, built around 1854-1855, Our Lady of Good Health Catholic Church at 3rd and Washington Streets, the old County Building, Yesler Mansion, and the Arlington House Hotel.

      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/22
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.26: Sidewheel steamer Olympian at Columbia and Puget Sound Railroad Company dock
      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/23
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.27: King Street Coal Works docks, showing Northern Pacific rail cars on tracks

      Visible in distance: Occidental Hotel, New England Hotel, Squire's Opera House, Central School and Coppin's Water Works

      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/24
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.28: Columbia & Puget Sound Railroad dock with steamers at dock, including sidewheeler steamer Mexico

      Visible in distance: Central School, Territorial University, McNaught mansion and Frye Opera House

      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/25
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.29: Columbia & Puget Sound Railroad dock and Yesler's wharf and mill pond, Denny Hill on left
      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/26
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.30: Columbia & Puget Sound Railroad dock with view of city behind
      Judkins , Seattle (photographer)

      Visible in distance: Yesler-Leary building, Occidental Hotel, Central School, Yesler Mansion, Baptist Church, Coppin's waterworks and Columbia, James and Cherry Streets

      Dates: circa 1880s
      Container: Box/Folder 1/27
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.31: Seattle waterfront at Columbia and Madison, with sailboats and Frye's Opera House in background

      Also visible: Central School, Stetson-Post Building at 2nd and Marion, First Presbyterian Church, Territorial University and Washington Boat Works

      Dates: circa 1886
      Container: Box/Folder 1/28
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.32: McNaught mansion at 4th Avenue and Spring Street
      Judkins , Seattle (photographer)
      Dates: circa 1885
      Container: Box/Folder 1/29
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.33: Yesler-Leary building at First Avenue and Yesler Way
      Judkins , Seattle (photographer)
      Dates: circa 1885
      Container: Box/Folder 1/30
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.34: Holy Names Academy at 7th Avenue and Jackson Street
      Judkins , Seattle (photographer)
      Dates: circa 1885
      Container: Box/Folder 1/31
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920
    • Description: 2008.54.35-37: New Washington Hotel photographs
      3 photographs

      Three photographs, one with the menu for January 28, 1913 printed on verso, from the New Washington Hotel. Photographs depict the Boulevard along Lake Washington, a view of a fisherman "Fishing in the Skykomish," and a dirt road "Washington Forest on the Road to Mount Rainier." All on printed on front with "Copyright 1910. The New Washington Hotel, Seattle, U.S.A."

      Dates: 1913
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/1
      Location: Photographs, circa 1880-1920

  • Maps and drawings, 1871-1892

    • Description: 2008.54.38: "Plat of an addition to the Town of Seattle"

      Photocopy of original

      Photocopy of re-recording of original map of portion of Seattle laid out on claims of Carson Boren, Arthur Denny, and Henry Yesler, showing area bounded by Seneca and Jefferson Streets and Front Street and Tenth Avenue. Includes donation made by C.D. Boren for the Puget Sound University, between Columbia and Seneca and Sixth and Tenth; due to lack of funds, however, this institution was never built and the land reverted to Boren.

      Dates: 1875 March 18
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/2
      Location: Maps and drawings, 1871-1892
    • Description: 2008.54.39: Plat of Bell and Denny claim

      Photocopy of re-recording of original map, which was signed by Probate Judge Thomas Mercer and dated August 16, 1858. Shows a portion of the Seattle laid out on the land claims of William Bell and Arthur A. Denny, from Broad to Battery Streets and Third Street and Front Street.

      Dates: 1875 March 18
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/2
      Location: Maps and drawings, 1871-1892
    • Description: 2008.54.40: "A Plat of the First Addition" laid off by William N. Bell and Arthur A. Denny

      Photocopy of re-recording of original map, original signed by Probate Judge David Denny and dated July 9, 1870. Shows L-shaped area bounded by Fourth Street and Bell on the outside, and Third Street and Battery on the inside.

      Dates: 1875 February 28
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/2
      Location: Maps and drawings, 1871-1892
    • Description: 2008.54.41: "A Plat of the Second Addition" laid off by William N. Bell and Arthur A. Denny

      Photocopy of re-recording of original map, original signed by A.A. Denny and dated July 9, 1870. Shows area bounded by Broadway and Bell Streets, and Fourth and Sixth Streets.

      Dates: 1871 November 20
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/2
      Location: Maps and drawings, 1871-1892
    • Description: 2008.42: "Plat of an Addition to the Town of Seattle, Washington Territory, laid off by the heirs of Sarah A. Bell (deceased)"

      Photocopy of re-recording of original map, original dated April 8, 1872. Shows property bounded by Eighth and Fourth Streets and Pine and Lenora Streets.

      Dates: 1875 April 30
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/2
      Location: Maps and drawings, 1871-1892

    • "Plat of the Second Addition, City of Seattle, As Laid Off by the Heirs of Sarah A. Bell (deceased)", 1875 December

      S.C. Harris  ( draughstman)
      1 photocopy of original plat map, (2 hand drawn versions of map) 14.75 x 23.5 inches

      2 versions of plat map of Bell property; one is hand-drawn and colored, the other seems to be earlier and is in ink, with a manuscript deed on verso; this second version is in poor condition, rolled and in multiple pieces.

    • Description: 2008.54.46: "Plat of the Third Addition to that part of the City of Seattle, W.T. heretofore laid by A.A. Denny and William N. Bell, and situated on the Donation Claim of William N. Bell and lying between Front and Fourth Sts. and south of Bell Street"

      Photocopy of original. Original signed by William Bell

      Dates: 1876 October 26
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/2
      Location: Maps and drawings, 1871-1892
    • Description: 2008.54.47: "Plat of the 4th Addition to the City of Seattle as laid of by Wm. N. Bell"
      1 blueprint

      Showing a portion of Bell's donation claim, a triangle of property circumscribed by Elliott Bay, Depot Street (now Denny Way) and Lake Avenue

      Dates: 1881 December 31
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/2
      Location: Maps and drawings, 1871-1892
    • Description: 2008.54.48: "Proposed plan of improvement for Salmon Bay Harbor"

      Copy of drawing showing Puget Sound, Ballard, warehouses and grain elevators.

      Dates: 1892 November
      Container: Box folder:oversize 4/2
      Location: Maps and drawings, 1871-1892

  • Legal and business documents, 1858-1894

    • Surveyor's notes

      • Description: 2008.54.49: "Copy of Field Notes of W.A. Bell's Donation Land Claim in Township 25 N. Ranges 3 & 4 East," signed by W.M. Micken, Surveyor General of Washington Territory

        Copy of notes from a survey of Bell's property conducted on January 26, 1861

        Dates: 1881
        Container: Box/Folder 2/1
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Surveyor's notes
      • Description: 2008.54.50: "Notes of Survey of Exterior Lines of Corners" of property for Seattle Lodge No. 7 I.O.O.F., handwritten by surveyor Philip G. Eastwick, with small hand-drawn map showing location of the property, with wagon road and Smith Cove drawn in.
        Dates: 1879 April 4
        Container: Box/Folder 2/1
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Surveyor's notes

    • Warranty deeds

      • Description: 2008.54.51: Carson Boren manuscript deed for sale of a block of land to William N. Bell, signed by Boren, notary public Charles Plummer and witness Edmund Carr.

        Framed.

        Deed is on thin blue paper, measuring 10.5 x 16.25 inches. The deed is for a block of property at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Cherry Street sold for $360.

        Dates: 1858 April 16
        Container: Box:oversize 5
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.52: William Hedges deed to George M. Hall and J.H. Dicker, signed by Hedges (with an x), James McNaught, and John T. McGilvra
        Dates: 1870 March 12
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.53: William B. Bell deed to A.A. Denny, signed by William and Isabella Bell, John J. McGilvra and James McNaught
        Dates: 1870 June 7
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.54: William B. Bell deed to A.A. Denny, signed by William and Isabella Bell, John J. McGilvra and James McNaught (different property from above)
        Dates: 1870 June 7
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.55: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, David Denny, L.G. Boren and G.A. Kellogg
        Dates: 1872 February 29
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.56: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, David Denny, L.G. Boren (different property from above)
        Dates: 1872 February 29
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.57: William Bell deed to George W. Hall, signed by William N. Bell, Mrs. V. Bell and David T. Denny
        Dates: 1872 March 28
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.58: William Bell deed to Tracy S. Harris signed by William Bell, John Leary and Irving Ballard
        Dates: 1872 April 9
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.59: George W. and Mary V. Hall, William Bell, Austin Bell, Laura Coffman and Olive and Joseph Stewart deed to Dexter Horton and Arthur A. Denny, signed by David Denny, probate judge. George and Mary Hall and William Bell
        Dates: 1972 December 24
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.60: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, R.H. Denny and G.H. Kellogg
        Dates: 1873 January 8
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.61: George W. and Mary V. Hall and William Bell (as attorney for Olive Stewart and Laura Coffman, and guardian of Austin Bell) deed to William Bell, signed by the Halls and Bell
        Dates: 1873 February 27
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.62: George W. and Mary V. Hall and William Bell (as attorney for Olive Stewart and Laura Coffman), and William and Lucy Bell deed to Austin Bell, minor heir (under guardianship of William Bell)
        Dates: 1873 February 27
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.63: Certificate of Purchase for Lots 7 and 8 in Block 26, Bell's addition purchased by William N. Bell for $6.96, signed and sealed by S. Harris, King County Treasurer, Washington Territory
        Dates: 1874 July 27
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.64: Carson Boren sale of land to William Bell, singed by Boren, Roswell Scott and M.W. Booth
        Dates: 1875 March 22
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.65: William Bell manuscript deed to W.G. Curtis, written and signed by Bell
        Dates: 1877 June 20
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.66: William Bell manuscript deed to P.J. Quealy, signed by Bell
        Dates: 1878 August 5
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.67: Olive J. and Joseph A. Stewart deed to Austin Bell, signed by William Bell, Attorney A. MacIntosh and William H. Reeves
        Dates: 1879 October 23
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.68: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, R.H. Denny and Roswell Scott
        Dates: 1880 April 39
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.69: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, Roswell Scott and B.F. Briggs
        Dates: 1881 December 23
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.70: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to Mary V. Hall, signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, Charles Denny, Roswell Scott and J.C. Harris, auditor
        Dates: 1882 February 3
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.71: George W. and Mary V. Hall deed to Alfred Gorton signed by George and Mary Hall, John J. McGilvra and J.K. Rothwell, Jr.
        Dates: 1884 May 3
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.72: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to David T. Denny and Austin A. Bell, signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, C.L. Denny, R.M. Hopkins and Lyman Wood, auditor
        Dates: 1887 October 22
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.73: George W. Hall lease to Russell & McKay, signed by George and Mary Hall, Perkins Russell and Robert S. MacKay
        Dates: 1878 September 8
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.74: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny quit claim deed to Mary V. Hall, signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, M.L. Denny and Lee DeVries, notary public
        Dates: 1892 March 11
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.75: Olive J. Stewart (widow), William and Jessie Coffman, Alice and Charles Allmond, Annie L and Edward H. Reynolds, Mamie O. and L.R. Dawson, and Walter Coffman deed to Mary V. Hall
        Dates: 1893
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds
      • Description: 2008.54.76: Walter and Jessie Cooffman, sale of land to Mary V. Hall, singed by Mr. and Mrs. Coffman and two witnesses
        Dates: 1894 April 14
        Container: Box/Folder 2/2
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Warranty deeds

    • Statements and receipts

      • Description: 2008.54.77: Property tax statements and receipts
        approximately 38 items

        Property tax and other receipts for William Bell's properties, to William Bell, Mary and George Hall or Austin Bell; also includes receipt for rent collected for Bell, and receipts for insurance on buildings owned by Bell.

        Dates: circa 1880-1895
        Container: Box/Folder 2/3
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Statements and receipts
      • Description: 2008.54.78: Receipts for goods and services purchased byWilliam N. Bell
        20 items

        Receipts to various early Seattle vendors for goods or services all made out to William N. Bell. Businesses include several for Schwabacher Brothers & Co., Hans Nelson, teamster for hauling, Edgar Bryan, Belltown Cash Store for groceries, Charles Baker, cash grocer, Stetson & Post for lumber and other building materials, Oregon Improvement Company and F.M. Thomas.

        Dates: 1878-1885
        Container: Box/Folder 2/4
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Statements and receipts
      • Description: 2008.54.79: Receipts-William N. Bell
        26 items

        Largely receipts for payments made by William N. Bell, or Austin Bell for William Bell, for wages, services and other expenses. Also includes a receipt for rents collected for Bell by Thomas Wood on Bell's various properties, and an October 16, 1880 memorandum from A.A. Denny noting the transfer of 67 shares of stock in the Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad to Denny from William N. Bell.

        Dates: 1881-1887
        Container: Box/Folder 2/5
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Statements and receipts
      • Description: 2008.54.80: Receipts-George Hall
        15 items

        Receipts to various vendors, also deposit slips and cancelled checks from Dexter Horton & Co. Bankers, all signed or made out to George Hall.

        Dates: 1888-1893
        Container: Box/Folder 3/1
        Location: Legal and business documents, 1858-1894 / Statements and receipts

    • Miscellaneous legal and business papers

  • Certificates

    • Description: 2008.54.85: Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Seattle lodge, "visiting" certificate issued toWilliam N. Bell recommending admission in other Odd Fellow lodges

      Writing on verso notes that Bell visited lodges in Peoria and Lebanon, Illinois in May 1882.

      Dates: 1882 April 1
      Container: Box/Folder 3/2
      Location: Certificates
    • Description: 2008.54.86: Certificates of Election for George W. Hall's election as councilman of the Common Council of the City of Seattle
      2 certificates
      Dates: 1885 July 26; 1889 July 28
      Container: Box/Folder 3/2
      Location: Certificates

  • Mary Virginia Bell Hall correspondence,

    • Description: 2008.54.88.1-4: Postcards

      4 postcards addressed to Virginia Bell Hall, from friends. Cards depict Manila, Venice, Hong Kong and the Denny monument at Alki.

      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 3/4
      Location: Mary Virginia Bell Hall correspondence,
    • Description: 2008.54.88.5: Letter addressed to Virginia Bell Hall from Lillie Millar, on black bordered stationery, addressed "My Dear Friend Jennie"
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 3/4
      Location: Mary Virginia Bell Hall correspondence,
    • Description: 2008.54.88.6: Letter from First National Bank of Stamford, Connecticut, regarding duplicate of check destroyed in San Francisco fire
      Dates: 1906 November 16
      Container: Box/Folder 3/4
      Location: Mary Virginia Bell Hall correspondence,
    • Description: 2008.54.88.7: Letter to Mary V. Bell accompanying gift
      Dates: 1878 May 18
      Container: Box/Folder 3/4
      Location: Mary Virginia Bell Hall correspondence,

  • Bellevue Hotel,

    The Bellevue Hotel was built by William N. Bell at the corner of Front and Battery Streets in Seattle, and finished in 1890.

    • Description: 2008.54.89.1: Illustrated card advertising the Bellevue Hotel
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 2/7
      Location: Bellevue Hotel,
    • Description: 2008.54.89.2: Typewritten inventory of property in the Bellevue Hotel
      15 pages

      Details all furniture, carpeting, drapery, stoves, chamber pots, beds, etc. in each of the hotel's 95 rooms, offices hallways, bar room, linen room, and uninventoried furniture.

      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 2/7
      Location: Bellevue Hotel,
    • Description: 2008.54.89.3: "Statement of cost of Hotel built by W. S. Hoffan for W. N. Bell"

      Handwritten statement of the cost of building the Bellevue Hotel, listing lumber, windows, lettering, paints, tin work, hardware, plumbing, roofing, etc. The total cost for the elaborate 95 room hotel was $30,230, 084.

      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 2/7
      Location: Bellevue Hotel,

  • President Benjamin Harrison's visit to Seattle, 1891 May 6

    • Description: 2008.54.90.1-2: Letters from Seattle Mayor Harry White appointing Mary V. and George W. Hall to the reception committee for Harrison's visit
      2 letters
      Dates: 1891 May 1
      Container: Box/Folder 3/5
      Location: President Benjamin Harrison's visit to Seattle, 1891 May 6
    • Description: 2008.54.90.3-4: Letters from Douglas Young, on Mayor's office stationery
      2 letters in one envelope

      One letter requesting Hall's Committee to receive visiting Municipal officials, the other listing members of Committee chaired by Hall, and appointed to raise money to defray expenses of reception of the Presidential party.

      Dates: 1891 April 21
      Container: Box/Folder 3/5
      Location: President Benjamin Harrison's visit to Seattle, 1891 May 6
    • Description: 2008.54.90.5: Menu and two round trip tickets for presidential reception on board steamer City of Seattle between Tacoma and Seattle
      Dates: 1891 May
      Container: Box/Folder 3/5
      Location: President Benjamin Harrison's visit to Seattle, 1891 May 6
    • Description: 2008.54.90.6: Invitation to accompany City Council on steamer Willamette, to escort Presidential party to Seattle harbor.
      Dates: 1891 May 2
      Container: Box/Folder 3/5
      Location: President Benjamin Harrison's visit to Seattle, 1891 May 6
    • Description: 2008.54.90.7-8: Souvenir Program for President Harrison's reception, with 2 copies of program, on paper and on silk, in leather covers embossed with "Mrs. G.W. Hall"

      Guests include President and Mrs. Harrison, Postmaster General and Mrs. Wanamaker, other federal officials, and Seattle party including Mayor White, Council President George Hall, Messrs. Brainerd, Greene, A.A. Denny, Holman, E.L. Terry and others

      Dates: 1891 May
      Container: Box/Folder 3/5
      Location: President Benjamin Harrison's visit to Seattle, 1891 May 6

  • Ephemera,

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Deeds--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Pioneers-Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Plat maps--Washington (State)--Seattle

Personal Names

  • Bell, Austin A., 1854-1889
  • Hall, Mary Virginia Bell, b.1847
  • Stewart, Olive Bell, b. 1846

Geographical Names

  • Belltown (Seattle, Wash.)
  • United States--Washington (State)--Seattle

Other Creators

  • Personal Names

    • Bell, William N. (William Nathaniel), 1817-1887 (creator)

Finding aid prepared by Jody Hendrickson
2010

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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