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 April 30, 1997. Both above notices must remain when copied or downloaded. candyg@ieway.com _____________________________________________________________________________ SAMUEL L. BRECHBILL Samuel L. Brechbill, one of the most successful farmers and stockmen of Stevens county, resides at Alyea, on Hunter creek, six miles east of Hunters. He was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1849. His father, John, a native of Maryland, was by trade a miller, but largely interested in agricultural pursuits. He died in 1862. The mother, Mary A. (Wagner) Brechbill, was a Pennsylvanian, and our subject's great-great grandfather, George Clymer, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. When a child our subject went with his parents to Richland county, Ohio, and thence to Monroe county, Missouri. Here, in 1864, he enlisted in the confederate service, Jackman's Brigade, and was in a battle on the Missouri river, and a number of serious skirmishes. He was at the surrender at Shreveport, Louisiana, and the last engagement in which he participated was on the Big Blue river, Kansas. He received a sabre wound in Missouri, and a gunshot wound in the Big Blue fight. He still carried the bullet. In September, 1871, he was married to Martha Fremont, a native of Kentucky, who died in February 1882. Her parents were Michael and Louisa (Wilson) Fremont. Four children were born to them of whom three are living, Henry and Charles, now attending school in St. Louis, and Mrs. Louisa M. Smith, of Belleville, Ohio. Mr. Brechbill came west in 1882, going first to Spokane, Walla Walla, and a number of other points in Washington, seeking improvement in his health. In September, 1884, he located on his present homestead, there being at that period, few settlers in the vicinity. He has one hundred and sixty acres of land, nearly all fenced, and watered by an irrigating ditch heading in Hunter creek. He raises considerable hay and feeds a fine band of cattle. He came to this locality with but little capital, but is now in excellent circumstances. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and highly esteemed in the community in which he resides.