Gibson, Larry Edward – Obituary

Enterprise, Oregon Larry Edward Gibson, 60, of Alder Slope, died Saturday, April 5, 2008, with family members at his side. Larry was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer and died after a six-month fight and a short hospital stay. Larry was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, and raised in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he graduated from Bishop Luers High School in 1966. He continued his studies at Lewis University in Lockport, Ill., where he earned a BS degree in political science and history, with a teaching endorsement. He also served six years in the military policy in the … Read more

Biography of Joseph Hubbard Butler

Joseph Hubbard Butler, a representative of a pioneer family of Oklahoma, bears a name that has long been an honored one in business circles and public affairs of this part of the state and is now serving as Vice President of the Home Farm Mortgage Company of Vinita, displaying enterprise, determination and administrative ability in the control of his interests. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana, October 12, 1870, of the marriage of Hardy H. and Mary Butler, who were also natives of the Hoosier state. The father engaged in merchandising at Kokomo until 1877, when he went to Sterling, … Read more

Biography of John William Bartholomew

In no profession does advancement depend more entirely upon individual merit and ability than in the law. Close application, keen analysis, clear mental perception and careful preparation are indispensable elements in the life of every man who attempts to gain prominence in this arduous calling. That John William Bartholomew is lacking in none of these requisites, is indicated in the fact that he is numbered among the most capable lawyers of Miami and throughout his career he has maintained the highest standards of professional ethics. A native of Indiana, he was born near Morocco, in Newton County, November 20, 1858, … Read more

Biography of Benjamin Franklin DeVan

One of the well known citizens of Nowata County is Benjamin Franklin DeVan, farmer and County commissioner, residing three miles northeast of Delaware. A native of Indiana, he was born in the central part of the state on the 10th of April, 1863. His father, John W., was a native of Kentucky and died when Benjamin Franklin was four years old. His mother, Nancy A. Childs, was born in Indiana, and is now living with a son, Sydney Little. He is a half brother of Mr. DeVan and is residing three and one-half miles southeast of him on the Verdigris … Read more

Anderson, J. A. – Obituary

North Powder, Union County, Oregon James Anderson, for the past 30 years a resident of North Powder, died here at 12:45 Wednesday afternoon. He became ill Christmas day, but had been in poor health several years. Mr. Anderson was born in Hancock county, Indiana September 6, 1863. He came west 40 years ago and to North Powder 30 years ago. He is survived by his wife, and four daughters; Mrs. Nellie Lowe of Glendale, Cal.; Mrs. Mary Crawford of Seattle, Wash.; and Mrs. Nola Miller of Portland; Mrs. Mildred McConnell of North Powder. Funeral services were held Friday at 2 … Read more

Bull, Charles C. – Obituary

La Grande, Union County, Oregon Charles C. Bull, a retired railroad engineer died at a local hospital on December 8, 1969. Funeral services will be at Daniels Valley Funeral Chapel on Thursday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. William S. Woodman of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Mr. Bull was born at Valparaiso, Indiana on July 8, 1882. He came to Huntington in 1904 and went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as an engine wiper. He started his work in La Grande as a railroad fireman in September 1905. He retired on … Read more

Biography of Warren Butz

Warren Butz, chief deputy clerk of the United States courts at Muskogee, was born in Hope, Illinois, August 1, 1872, a son of J. K. and Rebecca (Tillotson) Butz. He matriculated in the Union Christian College, after completing his public school course and thus studied at Merom, Indiana, for a time, while later he became a student in the University of Illinois, his liberal educational training well qualifying him for life’s practical and responsible duties: He started out in the business world in connection with the engineering department of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and in 1899 he conducted … Read more

Biography of Fred B. Woodard

Fred B. Woodard, prominent member of the Washington County bar, residing at Dewey, has been a resident of this section of the state since 1898 and through the intervening period has left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the legal history of the commonwealth. A native of Indiana, his birth occurred in Parke County, near Bloomingdale, on the 21st of October, 1871, his parents being William Penn and Martha Ellen (Kelley) Woodard. The father’s birth occurred on a farm in Parke County, Indiana, which his father, Thomas Woodard, had entered from the government in pioneer times. The latter … Read more

Biography of Samuel M. Gee

Samuel M. Gee, farmer and dairyman residing two and one-half miles northwest of Nowata, Nowata County, was born in Clinton County, Indiana, on the 23d of May, 1864, a son of Moses G. and Catherine (Maish) Gee. The father was a native of Ohio, where he lived until he removed to Indian Territory. He died at Council Hill in 1910. Mrs. Gee was born in Pennsylvania and died in Missouri in 1907. In January, 1902 Samuel M. Gee came to Indian Territory and located at Adair, where he rented four hundred acres of land, which he farmed for four years. … Read more

Biography of William W. Vanbuskirk

The rich lands of Washington county furnish splendid opportunity to the farmers and stock raisers and the men of enterprise who have taken advantage of the chances here offered along agricultural lines have won substantial success as the reward of their efforts. To this class belongs William W. Vanbuskirk, who was born in central Indiana, near Indianapolis, on the 18th of March, 1863. His father, Bennett Vanbuskirk, was a native of that state, while the mother, who bore the maiden name of Arvey Smith, was born in Georgia. Both have passed away. William W. Vanbuskirk was educated in the country … Read more

Biography of J. C. Manning

One of the most useful and active citizens of Nowata is J. C. Manning, who has been holding the office of city manager since 1920. A native of Indiana, he was born in La Fayette, on the 7th of April, 1881, and there received his early education. After graduating from high school he became a student at Purdue University and was graduated from that institution in 1901, with the B. S. degree. Subsequently he made his initial step into the business world as an employee in the engineering department of the Illinois Central Railroad and after ten years in that … Read more

Daugherty, Lew – Obituary

North Powder, Union County, Oregon L. Daugherty Taken Suddenly Thursday Well Known North Powder Farmer Died Soon After He was Taken to Baker Hospital Lew Daugherty, whose farm is near North Powder and who has lived her for many years died at 6 o’clock last evening at the Protestant hospital, Baker, from a stroke or internal hemorrhage, suffered at his home only a few hours previously. He had complained of a headache that morning and rested later in the day. About 4 o’clock he appeared to be stricken and never recovered, an ambulance taking him to Baker. Dr. C.D. Houser … Read more

Harrison, Bennett – Obituary

Bennett Harrison, 76, died Wednesday in a La Grande hospital. Mr. Harrison was born in Cass County, Indiana, coming to Oregon at an early age, and he lived 69 years in Union county. He was unmarried and his survivors are nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Saturday from the Daniels Funeral home, with burial in the North Powder cemetery. Rev. Gene Robinson officiated. The Record Courier; Baker City OR; Thursday, February 7, 1957; Page 6. Contributed by: Pearl Bull

Harrison, Louisa Ellen – Obituary

North Powder, Union County, Oregon Pioneer Passes Mrs. J. Harrison Dead at the Age of Seventy-One After an illness of less than a week Mrs. Louisa Ellen Harrison aged 71 years, died at her home in North Powder at 10 o’clock, Wednesday morning of this week. Death was due to influenza followed by an attack of pneumonia. Mrs. Harrison, whose maiden name was Roach, was born in Indiana where she spent her girlhood and was married to Jefferson Harrison. In 1879 the couple moved to Missouri, and about seven years later the family came to Oregon and settled near North … Read more

Galloway, Grandma – Obituary

Death of “GRANDMA” Galloway “Grandma” Galloway, one of the pioneer residents of this section, died Sunday morning at 4:30 o’clock, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. J.T. Bussears, on Gordon creek. Deceased was born in Kentucky, Jan. 10, 1824. Having moved to Indiana with her family, she there married W.H. Galloway, June 24, 1841. In 1873 she came to Oregon, and had resided here continuously up to the time of her death. Her husband died in June 1892. Two sons, J.T., of this place and H.S. of Portland, and two daughters, Mrs. J.F. Bussears, and Mrs. J.T. Medaris of … Read more

Hallgarth, Archibald – Obituary

Shocking Tragedy! Deadly Encounter Between A.M. Hallgarth And Woodson Gray and Young Son. Hallgarth Dies From Wounds 36 Hours Later. His Slayers Held In Bonds of $30,000  The people of Elgin were thrown into a state of great excitement last Friday morning by the statement that A.M. Hallgarth, a prominent rancher living about 4 1/2 miles east of town had been shot by N.W. Gray, a neighbor. The news was brought to town by the young son of the wounded man and the details of the tragedy were not learned until people arrived on the scene. Dr. McNaughton and Whiting … Read more

Biography of Frank D. Custer

With industry and determination as dominant qualities, Frank D. Custer has made steady progress in the business world, being now the owner of a valuable fruit farm near Bartlesville and also having oil wells on his property. He was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, the boyhood home of General Lew Wallace of military and literary fame, on the 6th of August, 1855. Three of his brothers served in the Civil war and one of these, A. R. Custer, is now living retired in Bartlesville with his family. Frank D. Custer acquired his education in the public schools of Thornton, Indiana, … Read more

Lee, Tabitha Mrs.- Obituary

North Powder, Union County, Oregon Mrs. Tabitha Lee Passes This Life Mrs. Tabitha Lee, aged 76, died at her home in North Powder, Thursday morning at about six o’clock. Mrs. Lee was found in her bed in an unconscious condition at about that time, by Miss Ruth Agustus. She died without a struggle. Heart failure is given as the cause of death. Mrs. Lee was the widow of the late Geo. E. Lee and the mother of Mrs. W.A. Hudelson, Mrs. Walter Jones, Mrs. Howard Sloan, Volney E. and Oey (?) Lee, all of this city. Numerous other relatives survive. … Read more

McComas, E. S. – Obituary

One of the largest funerals in the history of the town of Union marked the obsequies of the pioneer editor and politician, E. S. McComas. The funeral was held at Union, Wednesday afternoon, September 6 at 3 o’clock, and was attended by a great gathering of pioneers. The body was laid to rest beside his mother, brother, and son. The deceased leaves a widow, one daughter, an adopted son and three sisters, Mrs. Alice M. Bell of Enterprise, Mrs. Esther E. Pursel and Mrs. Mary R. Thomson of Union. Mrs. Bell received word of her brother’s extermity Saturday afternoon and … Read more

Overpeck, Harvey – Obituary

Overpeck Rites Set Thursday Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Hillcrest cemetery for Harvey Overpeck, 80, retired barber and resident of 1205 Second St. Mrs. Earl Horine will officiate and services are under the direction of Daniels Funeral home. Born in Park County, Ind., Mr. Overpeck had resided in La Grande for many years. Survivors include a son, Charles Overpeck, Pasadena, Tex.; a step-sister, Mrs. Bertha Bright, Caney, Kan.; and a half brother, Carl Gaskill, Ogden, Utah. La Grande Observer, Wednesday, 31 August, 1960, Page 3. Contributed by: Robert C. Bull