Inspector William Goodell and Deputy Collector James Anderson drowned in Washington state during a severe flood that swept the Port Angeles Customs House from its foundation and into the Strait of Juan De Fuca. The Customs House was located at the foot of a creek. A log jam upriver broke free during a storm, causing the flood waters to sweep into the valley.
Inspector Goodell had served with the United States Customs Service for only one week. He was survived by his wife and two children.
