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5/5-90 51

Regarding Census

From Th. Prosch

Seattle Census figures

Office of the City Clerk

Seattle, Wash, May 5th 1890

Hon. Robert Moran,

Mayor of the City of Seattle

Sir:

The fourteen enumerators appointed by you to take the census of the city, under the provisions of Ordinance 1331, qualified April 21st, and at once entered upon the discharge of their duties. They prosecuted them continuously and diligently, and, I believe, with credit to themselves and the city. They have now completed their labors, made their sworn returns, and been discharged. The individual results, tabulated, are as here stated:

District Enumerators Inhabitants

No. 1 - - - P. J. Nelligan - - - 3761

" 2 - - - Chas. W. Austin - - - 1787

" 3 - - - F. M. Gilmer - - - 2914

" 4 - - - J. A. Trimborn - - - 3504

" 5 - - - W. W. Easter - - - 3760

" 6 - - - T. J. May - - - - - 2361

" 7 - - - J. C. Peterson - - - 1821

" 8 - - - Louis Brandt - - - 3588

" 9 - - - George Misener - - - 4311

" 10 - - - T. E. Nunan - - - 3124

" 11 - - - Valentine Hall - - - 3006

" 12 - - - Conrad Faunleroy - - - 4027

" 13 - - - E. E. Kribbs - - - 1888

" 14 - - - George R. Finn - - - 3615

Total - - - 43,467

This showing is eminently satisfactory and gratifying. It establishes conclusively the lead of Seattle among the cities of the State, the population found here utmost equalling in numbers the combined peoples of the two next largest cities. It also goes to prove that the past claims of our citizens have not generally been exaggerated, but on the contrary have been within the range of truth. That the marvellous growth of Seattle may be clearly and powerfully exemplified, the statements following are presented.

In 1880, ten years ago, the U.S.

census taken found in Seattle 3533 persons. In 1883 the Territorial census devleoped a population of 6645, and in 1885 of 9486. In 1887 the Directory indicated about 13,000 inhabitants. In 1888 the census was taken by the city, when the at that time handsome figure of 19,116 was reached, followed by 26,740 as the result of the count by the Territorial authorities, in 1889, less than twelve months ago. A comparison of these figures with those for 1890 will show that in round numbers Seattle contains twelve times as many inhabitants today as it contained ten years ago; nearly seven times as many as seven years ago; almost five times as many as five years ago; more than three times as many as three years ago; twice as many as two years ago, and one-half more than one year ago. The increase alone of the past year numbered 15,727 persons, and exceeded the

entire population of the city prior to 1888. A better showing cannot be made by any other city in this or any other country.

It is not probable that so great a ratio of gain can be maintained in the future, but it is probable, almost certain in fact, that one-half so great a ratio can be maintained during the remaining years of the Nineteenth Century. If this is done, and no more, Seattle in 1900 will be a city of fully 250,000 people.

Respectfully submitted,

Thos. W. Prosch,

Supervisor City Census