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From History of North Washington, published 1903, now in public domain. 
Submitted by Candy L. Grubb Feb. 28, 1997. Both above notices must remain 
when copied or downloaded.

candyg@ieway.com

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ELBRIDGE C. RIDER

        Elbridge C. Rider, the oldest settler in the Calispell valley, 
resides three miles southwest of Usk, Stevens county, where he is engaged in 
general farming and stock breeding. He is a New Englander, having been born 
in Bucksport, Maine, September 1, 1837, the son of Stephen and Rebecca 
(Elridge) Rider. They were natives  of Maine, where they died, leaving four 
children.
	Our subject attended the public schools of Bucksport, and acquired 
a good business education, and on reaching his majority, in 1858, he went to 
California, via  the Isthmus of Panama. He at once engaged in mining which 
he continued until 1885. That year he went to the Coeur d'Alene country, 
Idaho, followed mining one year and then located in Stevens county. The 
first enterprise to engage his attention was the cutting of one hundred tons 
of hay. He was the first white settler in this vicinity, squatting on land, 
and putting up wild hay. He experienced no difficulty with the Indians, as 
they were his friends, and he traded with them to a considerable extent. 
When the land upon which he had located was surveyed he purchased a farm of 
the railroad company, at one time owning two hundred and eighty acres. This 
he subsequently disposed of, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, 
mainly meadow land, and on which he now resides. At the period in which he 
came to the country there were no roads, and he was compelled to raft his 
provisions down the Pend d' Oreille river and lake, as well as all kinds of 
farm machinery.
	Mr. Rider is a Republican, and has always manifested a patriotic 
interest in the welfare of his party.