"Seattle and Environs, 1852-1924." Vol. 2. Hon. C. H. Hanford, Editor. Pioneer Historical Pub. Co., 1924. p. 507. SUMNER K. PRESCOTT Among the industrial leaders of Seattle is numbered Sumner K. Prescott, who comes of a family noted for mechanical genius and he is the owner of the largest individual foundry and machine shop in the city. He was born in Marinette, Wisconsin, October 27, 1877, a son of D. C. and Sarah (Holgate) Prescott, the former of whom was born in Illinois, while the latter was a native of England and when seven years of age came with her parents to the United States. At an early age D. C. Prescott showed a talent for mechanical pursuits and when a youth of fourteen he became an employe at the Amherst Locomotive Works. He assisted in building the fist locomotive for the Chicago & North Western. Railroad, two years being expended upon that work, and when the task was completed Mr. Prescott was chosen to deliver the locomotive and demonstrate its operation. When he presented himself before the officials of the road as the engineer who was to operate the locomotive they were much surprised that one so young should be selected for so great a responsibility, but he soon demonstrated his complete control of the machinery and was offered a position with the road. Eventually he became chief engineer and was sent to Peshtigo, Wisconsin, to take charge of their machine shops. In Marinette, Wisconsin, he embarked in business on his own account, opening a machine shop and foundry, and prospered in his undertaking. He was the possessor of marked inventive talent and designed the first band saw ever used, also perfecting many other useful mechanical devices. He likewise engaged in the manufacture of sawmill machinery and was one of the pioneers of Wisconsin, going to that state in 1863, prior to which time he had worked as a master mechanic in Chicago. He also spent some time in Duluth, Minnesota. His death occurred in Chicago in 1918, when he was eighty-one years of age, while the mother passed away in that city in 1912. They had a family of nine children, six of whom survive: Fred M., Loren L., Mrs. N. C. Kingsbury, E. L., Mrs. James Pettit and Sumner K. The last named attended the grammar schools of Marinette, Wisconsin, and finished his high school training at Duluth, Minnesota. He next became a student at Oberlin College of Ohio but before completing his course in that institution of learning he enlisted in the United States army and was sent to Santiago, Cuba. He was made a corporal and served until the close of the Spanish-American war. After receiving his discharge he returned to Marinette and entered his father's factory. Starting at the bottom, he mastered each phase of the business and finally became treasurer. In 1910 he disposed of his interest in the concern and started for the Puget Sound country, Seattle being his destination. After locating here he organized The Sumner K. Prescott Co., of which he has since been president and manager, and he now has a machine shop and foundry which is one of the most up-to-date on the Pacific coast. He combines mechanical skill and ingenuity with administrative ability and has carefully planned his business, which is operated with a high degree of efficiency. At St. Paul. Minnesota, on October 24, 1910, Mr. Prescott was united in marriage to Miss Ann E. Patterson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Patterson of Washington, D. C. Mr. Prescott is identified with the Masonic order and also belongs to the Arctic Club and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, while his political support is given to the republican party. He is broad-minded, public-spirited and progressive and his constructive efforts have not only resulted in the attainment of individual success but have also materially promoted the industrial prosperity of the city with which he has allied his interests. His residence is at No. 3931 Prince street Southwest. Transcriber's additional notes: OBITUARY Nov. 22, 1942; Seattle Daily Times, p 45 "S. K. Prescott Dies at Home" Sumner K. Prescott, Seattle industrial leader, died yesterday at his home, 3931 Prince St., after an illness. Mr. Prescott, who organized the Prescott Iron Works, was 65 years old. He had lived in Seattle 32 years. born in Marinette, Wis., he received his early schooling there. He completed high school in Duluth, Minn. While a student at Oberlin College, Ohio, he left his studies to enlist in the United States Army. He was sent to Santiago, Cuba. He was promoted to corporal and served until the close of the Spanish-American War. After receiving his discharge papers, he returned to Marinette to work in his father's factory. Here he started at the bottom, working up to the position of treasurer. In 1910 he disposed of his interest in the concern. He married Miss Ann Patterson in St. Paul, Minn., in that year and came to Seattle where he organized the Sumner K. Prescott Co., of which he was president and manager. He was affiliated with the Spanish American War Veterans, Alki Lodge No. 152, Free and Accepted Masons, the Arctic Club and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by his widow, Ann E., Seattle, and a sister, Mrs. Lillian Hutchins, New York City. Funeral arrangements are being made at the Daniels & Brinton Mortuary. ******************* Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in October 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.