Joseph, Oregon
Mrs. Yeager Passes After Long Illness
Mrs. Welthy Yeager passed away at the home of daughter, Mrs. Jennie Action of Joseph Sunday morning following a long illness.
Welthy Serelda Kimberly was born January 11, 1860 in Oskaloosa, Iowa and died March 3rd, 1940, aged 80 years, 1 month, 28 days. She came to Walla Walla by ox team with her parents in 1865.
May 10, 1875 she was united in marriage to George M. Birdsell. To this union six children were born all of whom survive. They are Mrs. Hattie Wolfer, Lostine; Mrs. Jennie Action, Joseph; Mrs. Mabel Jackson, Portland; Mrs. Esther Wagner, Seattle, Wa; Mrs. Rosetta Birchfield, Medford; and Mrs. Georgia Kight, Clayton, Wa. Mr. Birdsell passed away in 1888.
She was married to Corneilus J. Yeager in 1890 and came to Wallowa County the following year, settling on a homestead seven miles from Flora. To this union four children were born two of whom survive. They are Mrs. Lillie Harry, Oregon City and Mrs. Ruth Tomplins of Monmouth. Mrs. Florence Meyers and James Yeager are deceased.
Mr. Yeager died in 1913 and Mrs. Yeager came to Joseph where she had since resided. She also leaves besides her children 18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Yeager was a fine example of pioneer motherhood, living her life in far places with meager equipment, cheerfully without complaint. She will be remembered by her many friends as a good friend and neighbor, a good companion. She early in life united with the Methodist church and was always a faithful follower of Christ.
Funeral services were conducted in the Methodist church at Joseph and interment in Prairie Creek cemetery. Thus another builder of the west has passed on.
Those from outside attending the funeral of Mrs. Yeager were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wolfer of Lostine, Mrs. Esther Wagner, Seattle, Wn.; Mrs. Lillie Harry, Oregon City, Mrs. Ruth Tompkins, Monmouth; Mrs. Mable Jackson, Portland, all daughters of the deceased. Miss Florence Action of La Grande, Mr. and Mrs. Sandy and Mr. and Mrs. Orville Meyers of Enterprise, Mrs. Lulu Sheltenbrand of Sherwood. The four ladies are granddaughters. Mrs. Sheltenbrand is a daughter of Mrs. Hattie Wolfer of Lostine.
Wallowa County Chieftain, March 3, 1940
Contributed by Pat Higley