Cove, Union County, Oregon
Another of Cove’s early day settlers passed from earth to the Better Life, April 17, 1919 at his home in Cove, Oregon, aged 77 years, 11 months and 25 days, after a lingering illness, during which he was tended with loving solicitude by the hands of his children.
T.J. DeBorde was born April 22, 1841 in Grants County Wisconsin; was united in wedlock with Miss Sarah J. Franklin in Webster County Iowa, June 2, 1865.
Twelve children blessed the union, seven of whom are living, tree sons, Thos. W., John F. and Benjamin F. DeBorde; four daughters, Mrs. Amy Valentine, Mrs. Dollie Surby, Mrs. Minnie Coons, and Mrs. Christine Musick:also a grandchild, Miss Hattie DeBorde, reared from infancy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Vincent, the latter one of the four daughters, Emma, Abby, Sarah Vincent and Della Jane Harris who precede him to the grave. There are now twenty grandchildren living.
So that all the families could be present the burial in Cove Cemetery did not take place until Sunday April 20, at 2 o’clock p.m. Rev. E. O. Otto
of La Grande Baptist church, conducted the funeral services in the presence of a large attendance of relatives, friends and acquaintances.
Among the flowers was and Eastern Star floral offering, in condolence, Mr and Mrs. Frank Musick being Chapter members.
Mr. DeBorde crossed the plains with wife and six children, the yuongest being three months old, by team, thirty seven years ago, coming direct to Baker County, Oregon, and about four years later came to Cove, his final place of residence. Mrs. Deborde dies in August 1913.
After a long and useful life the pioneer man and woman who helped in building up the Oregon Country are now resting well.
Contributed by: Jason Gregg
March 2002