He did become a historical figure in a different way, as a recognized part of Seattle's cultural landscape, especially after cartoonist Dok Hager created a daily comic featuring his image.

Born in New York in 1832,[1] Robert W. Patten served in the Civil War, from which he drew a small pension.

While prospecting in Mexico, he devised his signature hat with an umbrella mounted atop and mosquito netting tucked within.

Living on a Lake Union houseboat, and supporting himself by fishing and doing odd jobs, The Umbrella Man was a colorful figure of early Seattle.

Sometimes he reflected the paper's owner's opinion, as on July 20, 1913, when he was drawn leaving town to avoid trouble with the Wobblies.