Captain John Barneson House
history : victorian homes : Barneson House
508 Lincoln Street / Built 1890
John Barneson was one of the most important figures in commerce and development on the Pacific Coast of California. He was responsible for the first oil pipeline in the State of California and was the Founder of General Petroleum which he later sold to Standard Oil of New York. Captain Barneson was a Director and Vice President of Standard Oil after the merger.
Captain Barneson was also a pioneer in the use of oil as a fuel for ocean steamers. He was one of the most popular social and business figures in the early 1900s and helped transform the economy of California.
Rising to prominence in the late 1880's, Barneson prospered as a shipbuider. After the crash of 1893 he left Port Townsend in finacial ruin. The Peter Mutty family purchased the house in 1893 and their descendants occupied the home until 1973. The original woodwork of the foyer compliments the faceted stained glass window on the stair landing. This home is in the uptown area near Chetzeomka Park.
history : victorian homes : Harry Barthrop House