Hancock, Samuel

Born in Virginia, Hancock is described in the Nisqually Journal (March 15, 1850) as, first, a 'settler', then a 'gold seeker' and finally, an 'adventurer'. He was also a prospector and established a trading post at Neah Bay where in 1852-53 he witnessed and described the impact of small-pox on the Makah. His memoir "The Narrative of Samuel Hancock: 1845-1860" was published in 1860.

Sources:

• Farrar, Victor J. "The Nisqually Journal." Washington Historical Quarterly, 10 (1919) and 11 (1920).
• Mackie, Quenton. "Samuel Hancock witnesses smallpox among the Makah, 1852-53." Northwest Coast Archaeology. http://qmackie.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/samuel-hancock-witnesses-smallpox-among-the-makah-1853/.