An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, pages 232-233 NATHANIEL OSTRANDER, M.D., 317 Eighth street, Olympia, Washington, one of the oldest medical practitioners in the State, was born in Ulster county, New York, December 28, 1818. Dr. Ostrander's parents, Abel and Catherine (Esterly) Ostrander, were natives of New York, and were descended from Holland ancestry. Abel Ostrander was reared to agricultural pursuits, which ho followed until 1836. Then he emigrated to St. Louis, Missouri, and engaged in building and renting houses. In 1852 he removed to Washington Territory, located a donation claim upon the Cowlitz river, and there followed farming until his death. Nathaniel Ostrander was taken in infancy by his uncle, Nathaniel, by whom be was reared to the age of fourteen years, enjoying the privileges of the schools of New York city. In 1832 he returned to his parents, and remained with them two years. Then he joined his brother, John, a merchant in St. Louis, Missouri, and as clerk in his store remained until 1836, when he moved to La Fayette county, and there continued mercantile pursuits. He was married, in 1838, to Miss Eliza Jane Yantis, a native of Kentucky, of Dutch descent. In 1845 he removed to Cass county, and engaged in farming, and about this time commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. D.K. Palmer, pursuing his studies as he drove the plow. In 1847 he moved to Saline county, continuing his studies and attending two courses of lectures in the medical department of St. Louis University, where he graduated in 1848. He then commenced practice in Saline county, continuing until 1850. In 1850 Dr. Ostrander joined the tide of western emigration, and with an ox team crossed the plains to California. He passed one year at mining, and in the practice of his profession in the camps at Rough and Ready and Onion Valley. In the fall of 1851 he returned to his family in Missouri, making the return trip via the Nicaragua route. He then converted his farm property into cash and a prairie outfit of three wagons and the necessary oxen, and again started for the Pacific coast, bringing his family and father, but this time directed his course toward Washington, then a part of Oregon. Arriving at their destination in the fall of 1852, they located on the Cowlitz river, being among the first settlers in that valley. The Doctor engaged in farming, and also practiced medicine as occasion required, remaining in that locality until 1872. He reclaimed two farms from nature's wilds, and a creek and village now bear his name. In 1872 he sold out and moved to Tumwater, where he opened a small drug store and engaged in a general medical practice. In 1879 he sold his store, and moved to Olympia, where he has since followed his profession. Dr. Ostrander has been prominently identified with the public affairs of this country, and none have been more untiring in their efforts to advance its best interests than he. He was the first Probate Judge of Cowlitz county, appointed by Isaac I. Stevens, the first Territorial Governor, and in that capacity served for twelve years. He has served several times on the City Council of Olympia, and two terms as Mayor; also one term as a member of the Territorial Legislature. Socially, he affiliates with the I.O.O.F., having passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge and encampment. Although now seventy-four years of age, the Doctor is still erect and vigorous, only practicing among his older patients, and passing the closing years of his life in the enjoyment of peace and plenty. He and his good wife have had eleven children, one son and ten daughters, eight of whom survive: Catherine, Mary A., Theressa, Margaret, May, Florence, Fanny L. and John Y., -- all married and settled in life. Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in January 2004 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.