"Seattle and Environs, 1852-1924." Vol. 3. Hon. C. H. Hanford, Editor. Pioneer Historical Pub. Co., 1924. p. 97. WILLIAM B. SEVERYNS William B. Severyns, who has the distinction of being the youngest man to fill the position of chief of police in Seattle, was appointed to this office by mayor Edwin J. Brown on the 5th of June, 1922. His birth occurred at Elton, Nebraska, on the 28th of November, 1887, his parents being Joseph H. and Mary (Francois) Severyns, natives of Liege, Belgium, who on emigrating to the United States first took up their abode in Nebraska. In 1894 they removed westward to the coast, establishing their home in San Diego, California, where their son William became a pupil in the public schools, completing the work of successive grades and also one year in high school. The death of the father in 1901 interrupted the school work of William B. Severyns for some time, as well as the future plans of the family. Shortly before his demise J. H. Severyns had purchased a large wheat ranch near Prosser, Washington, and was making preparations to move there with his family. The mother finally completed the plans and moved with her five children to Prosser in 1902. The experience of developing a wheat ranch in a pioneer country was a new one to the mother and the children, and many hardships were undergone by all before the ranch was placed on a paying basis. As soon as possible William B. Severyns resumed his school work, entering the Prosser high school in 1906. Very early in life he developed an ambition to be a lawyer, and all through his high school course took an active interest in debate and oratory, winning a number of state contests in this work. He also took an interest in athletic work and gained considerable prominence in this field. After graduating from high school in 1908 he entered the University of Washington and began the study of law. While a student in that institution he continued his work in athletics and won his "W" and honors in track work. The degree of LL. B. was conferred upon him in 1912 and in the fall of that year he was admitted to practice law, later opening an office in Seattle, where he has won an enviable reputation as a most able and successful representative of the profession. He also joined George R. Martin in organizing the stock and bond firm operating under the name of the Martin & Severyns Company, of which he became the president. While preparing for a professional career Mr. Severyns spent considerable time on the law of evidence and after graduating decided to take up this branch of the work before Opening a law office. At this time he was offered and accepted a position with the Burns International Detective Agency and was put in charge of special investigation work covering an important highway contract in southwestern Washington. This case being successfully concluded, he then took up the study of accounting, scientific detection of handwriting and ''applied criminology," to which he gave special attention for some time. In 1913 he was given charge of the investigation of one of the most important cases in the history of the Dominion of Canada. Later he was employed by Governor Lister of the state of Washington to- investigate the industrial insurance frauds. Since that time he has had charge of many important investigations in this state and on the Pacific coast. It is recognized by those who know of his work that he has met success where many have failed. His success, no doubt, has been due to his legal training and special study of the law of evidence, his perseverance in "finishing anything he undertakes," and his absolute loyalty to client and friend. As chief of police he has proved his ability and capacity in unmistakable manner and the department reflects his leadership. On the 7th of July, 1913, in Seattle, Mr. Severyns was united in marriage to Miss Frances Margaret Martin, who was a college classmate. They have become parents of three children, namely: Jean F., who was born in 1917; Marie E., whose birth occurred in 1919; and William B. Jr., whose natal year was 1920. All are natives of Seattle. When interviewed by the press at the time of her husband's appointment as chief of police, Mrs. Severyns said: "If he makes as good a chief of police as he has a husband and father, the mayor and citizens of Seattle will have no cause for regret." Mr. Severyns is a Scottish Rite Mason and is a member of the Alpha Tau Omega. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He stands for that which is best in community life and for the individual and his sterling traits of character have gained for him high regard and warm friendships in Seattle, where he has resided for the past fifteen years. ******************* Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in October 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.