Henry Franklin McClure (1860-1931), a graduate of the University of Oregon, came to Seattle in 1888 to practice law. In 1897 McClure and his brother Walter Andrew McClure (1868-1954) formed the law firm McClure and McClure. They were later joined by another brother, William Ernest McClure (b. 1874) and the firm developed into one of Seattle's largest law offices. The firm remained operational until William's death in 1950.

The letter pictured here was written by Henry to yet another McClure brother, Edgar (1861-1897). The letter is dated June 7, 1889, the day after the Great Seattle Fire, and describes in detail the fire and its aftermath, including the loss of Henry's lodgings and office space.

Caption information source: "Henry F. M'Clure, Pioneer Seattle Attorney, Passes," The Seattle Sunday Times, October 18, 1931, p. 2.