From "History of North Washington" Published 1904

Transcribed by: Candy Grubb (candyg@theofficenet.com)
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GEORGE W. RUNNELS
	George W. Runnels, who resides at Keller, Washington, is one of 
the heavy stock owners of this part of the county.  In addition to owning
stock, he pays considerable attention to minng.  He was born in Edmundstown,
Washington county, Maine, on October 9, 1835, being the son of Thomas and
Eliza (Morong) Runnels, natives of Maine.  The parents moved to Washington
in 1878, locating in Seattle, where the father did lumber business.  He died
in 1894 and his widow died in 1901.  Our subject was educated in the common
schools of his native place until ten years of age; then he commenced a
searfaring life.  He learned the art of cooking and working in that capacity
and went to all the leading ports of the world.  For eleven years he 
continued in that business, and in 1858 came to Puget sound by way of Cape
Horn, sailing in the bark Oak Hill.  In 1860 he came to what is now Okanogan
county and since that time has lived in the central part of Washington
continuously.  He has been occupied as a stock raiser, store keeper, and
prospector for all these long years.  He located the Mountain Lion in
Republic, the Last Chance and the Flatiron, besides many others.  In 1897
Mr. Runnels located at Keller, where he now lives, and since that time has 
opened up several fine prospects.  Among them is the Copper King and the
Iconoclast.  The latter is being developed and Mr. Runnels owns about one
third of it.  In addition to these properties, he has about two hundred and
fifty head of horses in Okanogan and Ferry counties.
	In 1861, by the Indian ceremony, Mr. Runnels married Skocum Analix.
In 1872, this marriage was confirmed byt the United States laws and to this
couple, fifteen children have been born, ten of whom are living, named as 
follows: Elizabeth, Mary, Fred, Clara, Hiram, Louis, Thomas, Josephine,
Katherine, and Nellie.  Louis and Thomas are being eduated at Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, while Mary is attending one of the well known educational
institutions ofthe east.  Mr. Runnels is a Democrat, and takes an active 
interest in the affiars of his county.
	He is more familiarly known as "Tenas George" and the full account
of his life would make a very interesting book.  It is of importance to
note that over thirty years ago Mr. Runnels discovered the lead of the
Iconoclast.  He took samples of the ore to Dr. Day in Walla Walla, who 
pronounced it first-class ore.  From that time until the reservation opened,
he kept watch of the property and for some months prior to the proclamation
of opening this portion of the reservation, Mr. Runnels was obliged to
personally stand guard over the property with a Winchester.  While the 
temptaion was great, "Tenas George" was too well known for any man to attempt
to jump that claim in the face of his Winchester.  He is respected both 
among the Indians and his own people, having shown himself governed by a 
true sense of honor.  It is said of him that when the test came as to
whether he should have the Iconocalst or not, he shouldered his Winchester 
and said to his wife: "If I lose my life in defending that claim, bury me
there."  He is a careful reader and the author of several poems and ballads
of considerable merit.
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