Mrs. J. W. Hammack, one of the best known of Wallowa an Union county pioneers, died at her home at Lostine, Friday night, June 3, 1927 at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 17 days.
Sarah Miller was born in Spencer county, Indiana, Oct., 17, 1842. In 1856 she was united in marriage to J. W. Hammack who passed away Oct. 15, 1912. She united with the Christian church when about 19 years of age and remained a faithful member until her death.
About ten years ago she had a severe stroke of paralysis, from which she never fully recovered, although she was able to help herself and do the work at her own little home. She took great pleasure in visiting her daughters who live in Lostine. About five years ago she suffered a second stroke, which left her more feeble. On May 6, of this year she became ill with flu and had been almost bedfast ever since. Friday morning about 5 o’clock she had a third stroke from which she never rallied.
She was greatly loved by all who knew her, and every child in the community was her favorite. Her death has cast the whole community in gloom. She had lived in the Lostine community for 27 years, and was an eastern Oregon pioneer, having come to Union county in 1867. In the spring of 1866 the family came across the plains to Oregon with an ox team, arriving six later at Lafayette, in the Willamette valley, where they lived for a while when they moved to Union county, settling near Summerville.
Grandma Hammack, as she was affectionately known, was the mother of 17 children, seven of whom died in infancy. Besides her own children she raided four grandchildren.
Ten children survive the mother, five sons, John Lindsay and Bert of Bonita, James Lafayette of Hermiston, Floyd W. and Marion of Lostine; and five daughters, Mrs. T. R. Cook of Ashland, Mrs. T. M. Gaston of Wallowa, Mrs. G. B. Cook, Mrs. Bert Caudle and F. B. Leonard of Lostine. She also leaves to mourn her loss 31 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held at the home on Sunday morning at 10 o’clock. Rev. R. N. Olsen of the Christian church conducted the services. Music was furnished by a double quartet composed of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Crow, Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Poley, Mrs. Charles Page, Mrs. Charles Moffit, Leonard Olsen and Charlie Bridwell, with Mrs. Bridwell at the piano.
After the short services the remains were taken to Summerville for internment. A large number of friends accompanied the family and another short service was held at the chapel at the cemetery. The choir was assisted here by Mrs. H. M. McGoldric, Mrs. Gaskill and Mrs. Watson. Pall bearers were J. J. Chapman, Edgar Marvin, M. O. Courtney, Victor Searles, Harrison Holmes and Sanford Chapman, and at Summerville, James Woodell, an old friend of the family, alternated with Sanford Chapman. All Mrs. Hammack’s children were present except Mrs. Cook of Ashland, who was ill.
Card of Thanks
We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to all friends and neighbors for the many kindnesses and assistance shown us in the sickness and death of our beloved mother. Also for the many beautiful floral offerings.–The children of Mrs. J. W. Hammack.
Source:
Enterprise Record Chieftain
June 9, 1927 Page 4