Indiana

Biography of Oliver P. Coshaw

Oliver P. Coshaw, born on July 4, 1831, in Indiana, grew up in Iowa before moving to Oregon in 1851. He began his career as a merchant in Brownsville, where he became a prominent community figure. Coshaw served as a volunteer during Indian troubles and later acquired several farms and a cattle ranch. He co-organized the Brownsville Woolen Mills and spent twenty years operating as a merchant. Coshaw and his wife, Sarah, raised ten children and reminisced about their humble beginnings in a log cabin.

Biography of J. B. Congle

J.B. Congle, born December 9, 1817, in Pennsylvania, was a prominent figure in Oregon’s early development, particularly in Portland. After various relocations, he settled in Oregon in 1853. Congle served as the first mayor of Corvallis and briefly as Benton County sheriff. He was actively involved in local government, including a term in the state legislature. A respected businessman and Masonic leader, he passed away in 1887, leaving behind a legacy marked by public service and a family well-regarded in society.

Biography of John L. Caviness

John L. Caviness, a notable citizen of Eastern Oregon, embarked on a diverse career after his family migrated from Indiana to Oregon in 1852. Starting as a cattle driver, he transitioned to purchasing horses from Native Americans and embarked on successful ventures in mining and freighting, earning significant profits. By the 1860s, he established a homestead in Grande Ronde, later founding the Island City Flouring Mills with a partner. Married with five children, Caviness remains a prosperous figure in his community, identified with the Republican Party.

Biography of Hon. Elisha P. Ferry

Hon. Elisha P. Ferry, born August 9, 1825, in Monroe, Michigan, was a prominent lawyer and politician. After being admitted to the bar in 1845, he practiced in Waukegan, Illinois, where he served as the first mayor. Ferry played significant roles in Illinois’ constitutional convention and as bank commissioner. Appointed surveyor-general and later governor of Washington Territory by President Grant, he contributed to the region’s development. Known for his approachability and lasting friendships, he later served as vice-president of Puget Sound National Bank and was elected governor of Washington State in 1889.

Biographical Sketch of David Ford

David Ford, born on July 27, 1837, in Indiana, was a distinguished citizen and a dedicated soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, serving in the Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteers until a wound at Kenesaw Mountain ended his service. After marrying Mary Medler in 1857, he moved to Missouri in 1872 and later to California, ultimately settling in Ellensburg, Washington. There, he played an active role in the community, contributing to local education and church activities. Ford passed away in 1887, leaving a significant legacy.

Biography of Jacob Frazer

Jacob Frazer, born in Ohio in 1820, was a pivotal figure in the wool industry of Eastern Oregon. After moving through Indiana and Iowa, he journeyed to California in 1850, where he faced numerous mining challenges before shifting to ranching. By 1866, he had established a significant sheep ranch, shearing over 104,000 pounds of wool in one year. Frazer later contributed to Pendleton’s development through constructing key buildings and serving in various business roles. He was married to fellow pioneer Mary Kizer and had a son, Nickolas.

Anderson, Arthur E. – Obituary

Arthur E. Anderson, aged 76, passed away on June 21, 2003, at his home in Greenwood, Indiana. Born on July 20, 1926, in Indianapolis, he served in the Army and Marine Corps, participating in conflicts across Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. He enjoyed fishing trips with family in Baker City and is survived by his wife Gloria, four children, three grandchildren, and numerous relatives. He was preceded in death by several family members, including his mother and a nephew. Interment took place at Washington Park Cemetery.

Palumbo, Leo – Obituary

Leo Joseph Palumbo, 89, passed away on June 6, 2003, in Baker City, Oregon. Born on November 24, 1913, in Logansport, Indiana, he moved to Payette, Idaho, where he worked in the family fruit business before serving as a U.S. Army captain during World War II. After the war, he became an educator, holding various teaching and administrative positions throughout his career. A passionate musician and community volunteer, he is survived by his wife, Louise, and their children, along with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Biography of Clinton P. Ferry

Clinton P. Ferry, born on May 24, 1836, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, moved to Indianapolis before seeking adventure in the West. He arrived in Portland, Oregon, in 1858 and engaged in various business ventures, including liquor management and real estate. He settled in Tacoma in 1873 after its selection as the Northern Pacific Railroad terminus, where he became chief clerk for the land department. Ferry was instrumental in Tacoma’s growth and later represented Washington Territory at the Paris Exposition, ultimately amassing significant wealth through his investments.

Biography of Abel E. Eaton

Abel E. Eaton, born May 30, 1834, in Conway, New Hampshire, was the seventh of eleven children. Despite limited early education, he pursued knowledge voraciously and embarked on a teaching career, facing various challenges in the evolving frontier. After several ventures, including teaching in Illinois during the Civil War, he moved to Oregon, where he established a successful freight and farming business. By the end of his career, he owned significant land and livestock, contributing to educational and civic endeavors in his community. Eaton married Mary E. Baird in 1867, and their home became a refuge for others.

Biography of William Elliott

William Elliott, born on September 14, 1815, in Knox County, Indiana, became a prominent figure in Western Oregon after moving with an uncle to Missouri. He served as a soldier in the Florida War, married Nancy Sconce in 1838, and settled in Oregon after a perilous journey in 1846. Elliott actively contributed to agriculture, education, and public enterprises, notably during the Cayuse War and the Yakima War. He later moved to Canemah and now resides with his daughter, reflecting on his impactful life.