The US GenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that this material not be used in a commercial manner. From History of North Washington, published 1903, now in public domain. Submitted by Candy L. Grubb March 20, 1997. Both above notices must remain when copied or downloaded. candyg@ieway.com _____________________________________________________________________________ JOHN J. TRAVIS M.D. John J. Travis, M.D., needs no introduction to the people of Northport and the surrounding country, having established himself firmly in the confidence and high esteem of all by his walk in the years of his stay here, which has displayed a stanch manliness and keen ability, the lodestones of true confidence and admiration. John J. Travis was born in Paris, Tennessee, On November 14, 1859. His father, Dr. Joseph H. Travis, was a prominent physician of that section, a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College, and an active participant in medical practice for forty-five years. He was an intimate friend of Andrew Johnson, president of the United States, a member of the legislature, and his death occurring in 1882, in his seventy-seventh year. This worthy gentleman married Miss Elizabeth Crump, the daughter of a leading journalist of England. Miss Crump was the first music teacher in Paris, and her two brothers, John and Charles, are prominent and wealthy men in Philadelphia. She died when our subject was an infant. Six children had been born to this union, three of whom are living, named as follows: Robert, an officer in Company B, Fourth Regulars, serving all through the Spanish and Philippine wars, and being still with his company; Sally, wife of C.M. Kennerly, of Paris, Tennessee; Dr. Travis, our subject. After completing a thorough schooling, our subject, at the age of seventeen, accepted a position of salesman, and while carrying on his business gave special attention to the study of medicine, also using great diligence to occupy each hour when not in work. Later he matriculated in the Medical College at Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1881 received his diploma from the Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He immediately began to practice in Paris and also took part in politics, being chairman of the county central committee. Through J.D.C. Atkins, commissioner of Indian affairs in Washington, our subject was appointed by President Cleveland, agency physician at Chewelah, and in 1886, he located in that town. After nine months in the position, he resigned, as the agency was removed to Fort Spokane. He was postmaster of Chewelah and also was chosen as one of the delegates to the constitutional convention, when Washington was admitted as a state, having the distinction of being the youngest member and representative of the largest section. In 1895 Dr. Travis came to Newport and opened an office. From the outset he was favored with a good practice and he has shown himself not only an able physician and surgeon, but a leading and capable man, having labored hard for the advancement of the interests of Northport and the vicinity. He brought his family hither in 1897 and now has one of the finest residences in the city, it being a modern ten-room structure, handsomely located and tastefully appointed. Dr. Travis was one of the prime movers in the organization of the city government of Northport and has taken a keen interest in the welfare of the town since. He was appointed physician for the railroad under D.C. Corbin and still holds the position under J.J. Hill. he was the sole physician of the smelting company for one year and now holds the position jointly with Dr. Wells. During the quarantine, Dr. Travis was health officer for the Canadian government. In addition to the large practice that Dr. Travis handles he is at the head of the Northport Drug Company, which does a large business in drugs and druggists accessories. The store is one of the leading commercial establishments of the city and under the doctor's wise management has made a gratifying success. Fraternally Dr. Travis is affiliated with the Elks, the Redmen, the I.O.O.F, the Eagles, the W.W., the Women of Woodcraft, and is medical examiner for several of these orders. On October 18, 1882, Dr. Travis married Miss Hattie Porter, the wedding occurring in Paris, Tennessee. The parents of Mrs. Travis are Dr. Felix E. and Hattie (Loving) Porter. The mother is deceased, but the father is still a prominent physician of Paris. One child has been born to this union, Eugene Porter. The date of his nativity is July 14, 1883. He has attended the agricultural college at Pullman, and is now studying pharmacy under the tuition of his father. In addition to all the enterprises mentioned, we should state that Dr. Travis is active in mining circles and has done much for the promotion and development of various properties in this section.