Hull, Lindley M., compiler and editor.  "A History of Central Washington,
Including the Famous Wenatchee, Entiat, Chelan and the Columbia Valleys."
Spokane: Press of Shaw & Borden Co., 1929.  p. 137.
 
WILLIAM H. MILIKEN

     All surviving settlers must have kindly remembrances of Mr. and Mrs. Will
H. Miliken, who with their children Frank and Sadie came to Wenatchee Valley in
1886. Mr. Miliken was quick to see the possibilities of the country and lost no
time in looking about for a location, and making selection of 160 acres which
have long since been converted into many thriving homes bordering on Western and
Springwater Avenues.  Mr. Miliken possessed many sterling traits of character
which won for him strong friendships and the respect of the community.
Physically he was a very powerful man, and his thrift and industry together with
a choice selection of land, gave apparent promise of a prosperous future; but
his vigorous life came to a sudden and tragic end by drowning in the Columbia
River. He was fond of athletics, including swimming and on a warm summer day in
1891, with several other men, he had gone to the river at a point just above
what is now Ninth Street. Here the current was swift with one whirling eddy. It
was quite a feat to breast the current and cut fish-like through the whirl. But
it was a dangerous pastime, even for expert swimmers. Everything went well for a
time, until Mr. Miliken in the act of cutting the circle, was heard to cry out
and before the horrified eyes of his helpless friends he was sucked beneath the
seething waters of the river. Several days later his body was found on the west
bank, below Rock Island rapids. It was supposed that sudden cramps were
responsible for the sad accident which brought grief to many and unspeakable
sorrow to his family.
     The following year, Mrs. Miliken disposed of her property and moved away.
What ultimately became of the family is not known to her old acquaintances here.

     
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Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in December 2008 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.