18 Facts About Frazier Boutelle

James Frazier Boutelle relocated to northern California in the 1850s, and lived with his sister, Susan Boutell Messenger Sterling, in Arcata.

In 1873 Frazier Boutelle married "Dollie", Mary Adolphine Augusto Hayden, at Vancouver, Washington.

Frazier Boutelle was mustered out on disability August 31,1864, but returned to duty as a captain in the 5th New York on January 10,1865.

Frazier Boutelle served on the staff of General James H Wilson, under General Philip Sheridan, and was mustered out on July 19,1865.

On February 12,1866, he reenlisted as a private in the regular Army, and was sent, via Panama, to the West to join the First Cavalry's Company F By November 1866 Boutelle was at Fort Boise, Idaho, at the beginning of Crook's Winter Campaign.

Frazier Boutelle was commissioned as brevet second lieutenant January 2,1869, and confirmed May 8, and rose to first lieutenant July 31,1873.

Frazier Boutelle served in the Indian Wars against the Apache, Piute, Snake, Modoc, and Nez Perce.

Frazier Boutelle was given a medal during the Nez Perce conflict.

Frazier Boutelle was promoted to captain on April 24,1886, and retired August 27,1895.

In June 1889, Captain Frazier Boutelle was appointed as the second acting superintendent of Yellowstone National Park and given command of the US Army contingent in the park.

Frazier Boutelle supported the conservation of bison, advocated stocking streams to maintain fish populations, insisted that travelers use established campgrounds, and developed a system for rapid and effective response to fires, which at that point were primarily caused by park visitors.

Frazier Boutelle was an avid angler and recognized the angling potential in Yellowstone waters.

Frazier Boutelle gained recognition in conservation circles for his advocacy of protection for wildlife, landscape, and natural features.

Frazier Boutelle retired from the Army a second time on August 27,1895, but immediately took up work with the Washington National Guard.

Frazier Boutelle developed a streamlined reporting system, among other efficiencies, and coped with a Sand Island incursion of armed Oregon fishermen.

Frazier Boutelle returned to duty in 1905 as a recruiting officer.

Frazier Boutelle was active at the Seattle office during World War I, the oldest serving officer of his time, and when the office closed in 1919, he retired from military service for the third and final time.

Frazier Boutelle died at his home in Seattle on February 12,1924.