La Grande, Union County, Oregon
M. M. Reynolds Passes Away
Has Been Ill For The Past Several Months
Was One of Early Pioneers of This County, Coming Here in 1876, Retired 15 Years Ago
Merritt M. Reynolds, one of the early settlers in Grande Ronde valley, passed away last evening at his home, 1607 Adams avenue, following an extended illness lasting for the past year.
Born in Chautauqua county, New York, Mr. Reynolds later went to Indiana with his family and then later to Des Moines, Iowa. On February 8, 1861, he was married to Miss Mary A. Wheeler. To this union, two sons were born, James Edward or this city, and Henry M., deceased.
In the fall of 1875, Mr. Reynolds moved to Sacramento, California, but only remained there for a few months, when he came to La Grande where he has reside ever since. Linked up with the history of those early days, the first work of Mr. Reynolds in reaching the Grande Ronde valley in March 1876, was for the late Joseph Palmer, at the saw mill. Later, Mr. Reynolds began farming, owning one of the fine ranches of the valley located just a few miles southeast of La Grande. He remained on the farm until about 15 years ago, when Mrs. And Mrs. Reynolds retired and move to their Adams avenue home where they have since lived.
Mr. Reynolds was one of he oldest of the Masonic members in La Grande and was himself a charter member of the local chapter of Eastern Star, Hope Chapter No. 13.
He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, Mrs. Mary Reynolds, a brother, James W., and a son, James E., all of this city.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the Christian church. The Masons will have charge of the funeral services.
La Grande Evening Observer
Thursday, July 22, 1920
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