An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, pages 425-426 WILLIAM EASTMAN, who is engaged in farming in the Chehalis valley, has been a resident of the Northwest for many years and is familiar with every phase of life on this coast, having moved about from place to place and been engaged in various occupations. Mr. Eastman was born in New York State in 1828, and lived at his native place until he was eighteen years of age. From there he moved to Winnebago county, Illinois, where he lived for six years. In 1852 he crossed the plains to California, landing at "Hangtown," and there for six years worked in the gold mines. Then he went to the Fraser river mines, whence, after a mining experience of six months, he removed and located in Olympia, Washington. Next he went to the Columbia river, and from there to Cowlitz county, remaining in Cowlitz county three years, and within that time (in 1860) was married. In the spring of 1862, his thirst for mining being still unsatisfied, he set out for the Salmon river mines, where he remained about six months. Then he settled in Lewis county, nine years later moved to Olympia, seven or eight years afterward returned to Lewis county, and subsequently went back to Thurston county again. After living in Thurston county about one year, he removed to Lincoln creek, Lewis county, and from there, a year later, came to his present location in the Chehalis valley, where he has since lived. Mrs. Eastman's maiden name was Laura B. Chapman. She was born in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, in 1843, and lived in that county until she was nine years of age. She came direct from Wisconsin to Cowlitz county, Washington. The family left their Wisconsin home April 15, 1852; were six months in crossing the plains, arriving at their destination (then Oregon Territory) October 29. The Indians at one point enroute attempted to take Laura and another little girl captive, and later on offered a pony in exchange for the former. Mr. and Mrs. Eastman have a family of thirteen children, namely: William A., Edward W., Hannah B., Mark O., Alva O., Jessie J., Frank V., Irwin R., Clarence W., Oren, Laura M., Erie H. and Arthur C. 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.