Pioneer Teacher Dies At Hospital
Mrs. Mellie Dodd Haun, first principal of the Lostine school, passed away at the Wallowa Memorial hospital here Friday, March 20, 1953 at the age of 88.
Mellie Dodd was born on a farm near Auburn, Illinois on January 14, 1865, the daughter of James E. and Annis Dodd.
She started teaching school in her home community in Illinois when she was 15 years of age and taught there for a number of years before coming to Wallowa county about 1900 to become principal of the Lostine school.
She was married to James F. Haun, a large land owner and cattle operator; on June 12, 1901. They made their home at Evans on the river below Lostine. Mr. Haun passed away on November 5, 1946. Except for a few winters spent at San Diego, California and at Ashland, Oregon Mrs. Haun spent her entire life in Wallowa county after she came west.
Mrs. Haun was a slight woman but possessed a rugged pioneer spirit and tremendous energy She was well educated, read widely, wrote many articles for newspapers and magazines, taught piano lessons, became a proficient painter and published some songs. She was a strong believer in education and encouraged many young people to obtain a higher education. Ben weathers, Arthur Pace, Kenneth McKenzie and many other citizens of Wallowa county were among her early students.
Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Enterprise, Monday, March 23, at 10 a.m. with Father Baumgartner officiating. Pallbearers were: Warner Crow, Victor Crow, Bill Wolfe, Ed Forrstrom, A.B. Amonino and W.J. Ortman.
Internment was in the Catholic cemetery at La Grande.
She is survived by a son, James D. Haun, M.D., of La Grande, a daughter, Mrs. James S. (Edith) Clarke, of Lostine, and a stepson, Ralph Haun, of Lostine, and nine grandchildren
Wallowa County Chieftain, March 26, 1953 Front Page and Last Page
Contributed by: Sue Wells
