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William H. Boner was the mill manager credited with expanding Weyerhaeuser Timber Company’s supply across the U.S.
Story of a Lumberman.
After establishing his own lumber yard in his hometown of Milan, Missouri, he worked for the Excelsior Lumber Company for four years, first as a bookkeeper and then as a manager for branches in the Midwest.
In Holy Matrimony.
Boner married Tennessee Winters circa 1885 and together they had two daughters, Edith, born in Milan, and I’lee, born Everett.
Boner Moves to Washington.
Boner resided in South Bend for 17 years. He served as a South Bend councilman for six years and was elected mayor several times.
A year after Boner moved to Washington, he was hired as a manager by the Northwest Lumber Company in Hoquiam.
He was then transferred to the company’s South Bend mill and continued to work there after it was sold in 1900 to the Simpson Lumber Company.
While serving as manager, Boner was a member of …
- Pacific Coast Manufacturer’s Association
- Cascade Club
- Everett Golf and Country Club
- Supporter of the Commercial Club
Weyerhaeuser Mills
At age 44, Boner became a manager for the Weyerhaeuser mills in Everett. Under his supervision, the company hired hundreds of employees, vastly increased lumber production and operated two large mills. During his time, Weyerhaeuser expanded supply to lumber yards throughout the Midwest and on the East Coast.
While serving as manager, Boner was a member of …
- Pacific Coast Manufacturer’s Association
- Cascade Club
- Everett Golf and Country Club
- Supporter of the Commercial Club
Boner was Named President of the Thompson Yards in St. Paul.
By 1917, Boner had become the director of the Everett First National Bank.
In 1924, Boner wrote: “My physical condition is such that it seems impossible for me to do anything like justice to the position of manager here.”
Declining Health.
Just as Weyerhaeuser’s third mill in Everett was ramping up production, Boner’s health declined. He was forced to give up more and more of his work.
In 1924, Boner wrote: “My physical condition is such that it seems impossible for me to do anything like justice to the position of manager here.”
Boner Suffers a Fatal Heart Attack.
Boner has been described as a “gifted” and “keen” lumberman, a “big burly man of strong character” who was “at the height of his aggressive vigor” when he became general manager of the Everett branch. When he died, it took a long time for Weyerhaeuser management to find Boner’s replacement. His talents were unmatched.