An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, pages 449-450 CHARLES CLINTON GRIDLEY, only son of Harvey H. and Amanda Ellen Gridley, was born October 12, 1857, in Kendall county, Illinois, where he resided with his parents on a farm until 1871, when the family removed to the quiet and beautiful village of Vancouver, Washington, which has been their home ever since. C. Clinton Gridley was kept closely in school at the old Vancouver Seminary and had just entered upon his senior year when the institution closed, never to be opened again. He is an enthusiastic member of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, having read two four-year courses. In the winter of 1875-í76 he tried one term of schoolteaching, and in June, 1876, with his father engaged in the furniture business. On October 12, 1882, he was joined in life's journey to Mattie L. Hathaway, second daughter of Hon. M.R. Hathaway, who was then residing in Portland, Oregon. In his spare moments he wrote up a set of abstract books, which grew into a separate business demanding all his time, and thus caused him to sever his connection with the furniture business in 1889. In 1890 he added a loan department, which has proved a great benefit to those needing farm loans. He has invented a numerical system of platting which is now used in preparing county assessments. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, president of the Epworth League and believes in prohibiting the liquor business forever. Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in October 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.