Photograph of a drawing Filed in Portraits--Maynard, David

David S. "Doc" Maynard (1808-1873) was born in Vermont. He was a colorful and influential figure in King County's early history. On the advice of Chief Seattle, Maynard settled in the tiny village of Duwamps (Seattle’s original name) in the spring of 1852 and served as its first physician, merchant, Indian agent, and justice of the peace. Doc Maynard hired Indians to help him build a cabin on the "Sag," or lowlands (present-day Pioneer Square, near present day Yesler Way). Maynard built his cabin on what is now the northwest corner of First Avenue South and Main Street, near the water. Doc Maynard became a roving Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Seattle, preaching its virtues from Olympia to Port Townsend. Ever alert for talent, he sought blacksmiths, sea captains, missionaries, and settler families. He served as a delegate to the Monticello Convention, a semi-formal congress of northern citizens who sought to divide Oregon Territory and create a new territory north of the Columbia River. Perhaps one of Doc Maynard's most enduring qualities, besides his amiability, was his high regard for the local Indians. Chief Seattle was a particular friend. Maynard lost confidence in the village after the Indian Wars of 1856 and traded his claim to much of present-day Pioneer Square for farm acreage in West Seattle. He remained in the area until his death.

• Subjects (LCTGM): Pioneers--Washington (State)--Seattle; Physicians--Washington (State)--Seattle; Indian agents--Washington (State)--Seattle
• Subjects (LCSH): Maynard, David S. (David Swinson), 1808-1873; Justices of the peace--Washington (State)--Seattle