Another Old Pioneer Departed
Last Sunday, Feb. 3, at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, after several weeks of intense suffering from a complication of diseases, Levi J. Rouse, one of the oldest, most widely known and respected pioneer citizens of this part of this state was claimed by the angel of death and taken to another world.
His demise is a time of sincere mourning, for he was well and favorably known throughout all parts of this and Union counties; he having been closely associated with the educational, political and industrial development of both for many years.
Levi J. Rouse was born near Urbana, Champaign, County, Ohio, October 15th, 1835.
His early life was spent on the farm with his parents until the age of seventeen he procured a certificate and embarked in the life of the educator. He was successful as a teacher and continued teaching in Ohio and Iowa until the year 1859 when he crossed the plains and settled at Independence. In the spring he went with a drove of cattle to California, spending the summer at Shasta, returning in the fall to Independence The next winter was spent in clerking for Captain Lyon.
In the spring of 1861 Mr. Rouse was one of the first ones to enter the Oro Fino mining regions and from that time on until 1866 he engaged in mining there and other sections of Idaho, after which he settled in Grand Ronde Valley teaching there until 1885 when he became a resident of this county.
When the county was organized, he was appointed the first superintendent of schools in 1887. At the first election he was elected to the office of County clerk and for four successive terms, a period of eight years, he was kept in that office. In 1895 he was appointed postmaster in this city where he had continued until his recent illness, giving general satisfaction and maintaining the dignity of the office. During his later years, Mr. Rouse paid much attention to the industry of fruit raising, and his efforts for the advancement of that industry have done much for the county. In educational matters he has always taken a deep interest and his enthusiasm has pushed the cause forward in a commendable manner.
Fraternally, he was affiliated with the A.F. &. M. Lodge No.128 of this city and was perhaps the oldest Mason in the county, he having been a member of that order since 1894.
We have in our poor way but out outlined in the above life of a faithful man in all his ways, staunch, upright and ever wrought for the best interests of all, while his broad public spirit, unerring integrity, marked capabilities and consummate energy dominated with excellent wisdom attained him the loyal citizen and valuable member of society, eer ready to give a word of cheer or lend a ready hand to any of his fellow men who should be in need.
Wallowa Chieftain, February 8, 1907
Contributed by: Sue Wells