Adams Oregon

Adams, Oregon, is a small city in Umatilla County in northeastern Oregon, located about 13 miles northeast of Pendleton on Wildhorse Creek in the Columbia Plateau region, and was named for local homesteader John F. Adams, whose property became the nucleus of the community. A post office was established in 1883, marking the beginning of formal settlement, and the Oregon Legislature incorporated the town in 1893 as a trading and wheat-shipping station along a Union Pacific branch line built in the early 1890s. Prior to Euro-American settlement, the broader area was within the traditional territory of Plateau tribes, whose use of the land preceded 19th-century settlement; indigenous history for this specific locale is reflected in regional anthropological and treaty records. Genealogical records for Adams begin with census, land claims, post office, and railroad documents from the 1880s onward, with local newspapers (e.g., Adams Advance) and civic records from the early 20th century held at county repositories.

Lower Chinook, Kathlamet, Tillamook, and Clatsop Indians, Alive in 1906

In 1906, Charles E. McChesney compiled a list of the Lower Chinook, Kathlamet, Tillamook, and Clatsop Indians, along with their heirs, who had treaty agreements with the U.S. government since 1851. The document includes numerous names and corresponding addresses across various locations, such as Oregon, Washington, and California. This registration underscores the ongoing recognition of these tribes and serves as an important historical record of their existence and relocations during that period.

Collins, Ruby Banister Payne Mrs. – Obituary

Ruby P. Collins, 90, passed away on October 19, 1987, in Hillsboro, Oregon. Born on April 10, 1897, in Athena, she was a member of the first graduating class of Athena High School. Ruby married Ross Payne in 1916, continuing their farming and ranching after his death in 1949. During WWII, she worked as a mechanic at Pendleton Air Base. In 1954, she married James Collins and was recognized for her support of local high school sports in Milton Freewater.

Clark, Rena – Obituary

Rena E. Clark, a longtime resident of Athena, passed away at the age of 90 on September 23, 2007, in Pendleton, Oregon. Born on April 27, 1917, in Paradise, she was one of 15 children and graduated from White Salmon High School. Rena held two marriages, to Charlie R. Tinsley and later to Everett Clark. She is survived by three sons, two daughters, and numerous grandchildren. Rena was known for her enjoyment of crossword puzzles and handiwork. Funeral services were held on September 27.

Smith, Geraldine Iphiginia – Obituary

Geraldine Iphiginia Smith, known as Gerry, passed away at 95 on April 7 in La Grande, Oregon. Born on November 15, 1912, in Adams, she graduated from Weston High School and married Richard Lee Smith in 1942. The couple operated Smith Dairy in Elgin in the late 1950s through the 1960s. Gerry was active in the Rebekkah Lodge and American Legion Auxiliary, enjoying family time, dancing, and puzzles. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and relatives, with private burial planned in Elgin.

Planting, John William – Obituary

John William Planting, a prominent rancher and lifelong resident of Umatilla County, passed away on July 19, 1950, at the age of 68. His funeral will be held on Saturday at Folsom Chapel, with Rev. A. D. Hart officiating. Mr. Planting, son of early pioneers G. W. Planting, is survived by one daughter, four sons, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife seven years ago. Active and honorary pallbearers will include notable community members. Interment will take place at Olney Cemetery.

Planting, Eva Maria Toulanen – Obituary

Mrs. Eva Maria Planting passed away on June 2, 1929, at the age of 78 after a prolonged illness. Born in Sweden, she immigrated to Calumet, Michigan in 1873 and later settled in Umatilla County, Oregon. A devoted member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church, she was the mother of 12 children, with 11 surviving, and had numerous grandchildren and relatives. Her husband, Gustaf W. Planting, predeceased her in 1911. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at the Finnish Lutheran Church in Pendleton.

Molstrom, John Adolph – Obituary

John A. Molstrom, a 93-year-old pioneer rancher from Adams, passed away on August 7, 1967, at Pendleton Community Hospital. Born on June 6, 1873, in Calumet, Michigan, he moved west at the age of three. Married to Hilda Planting in 1905, they farmed in Adams for nearly 60 years before retiring to Pendleton. A lifelong member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church, he is survived by three daughters, a brother, two sisters, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are handled by Folsoms’ Funeral Chapel.

Molstrom, Hazel May – Obituary

Miss Hazel May Molstrom, aged 33, passed away on January 3, 1942, in Pendleton. Funeral services will be held at the Folsom Chapel, led by Rev. E. M. Butenshon, with burial at Olney. A native of Adams, she attended high school in Helix and pursued further education at Eastern Oregon College of Education. Hazel was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. She is survived by her parents, three sisters, a brother, and several nieces and nephews.

Molstrom, Abel Issac – Obituary

Abe I. Molstrom, a prominent 70-year-old farmer from Adams, passed away on June 2, 1946, in Portland while traveling to reunite with his wife. He had dedicated 45 years to farming in the region. He is survived by his widow, daughter Daphne, son Frank, and several siblings. The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday at Bomboy Chapel, with specific details to follow.

Reeder, William Herbert – Obituary

Herbert Reeder, aged 67, passed away on October 2, 1980, at Hiersche’s Nursing Home. Born on June 21, 1913, in Adams, he was the son of Othello H. and Maud Reeder. His funeral will be held on Monday at the Folsom-Bishop Funeral Chapel in Pendleton, with burial at Olney Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Vernita, sons Raymond and Donald, daughter Joanne Kosmos, brothers Howard and Daniel, and four grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to the Diabetes Association of Oregon or Peace Lutheran Church.

Molstrom, Wilma Ferisk – Obituary

Wilma F. Molstrom, age 52, passed away on September 8, 1971, at Pendleton Community Hospital. Born on November 15, 1908, near Gresham, she married Frank Molstrom on February 15, 1946, and they resided on a farm near Adams. A member of various local organizations, including the United Methodist Church and the VFW Auxiliary, she is survived by her husband and two nephews, Eugene and Charles Riggs of Portland. Her funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, with interment at Olney Cemetery.

Molstrom, Hilda Planting – Obituary

Hilda Molstrom, aged 84, passed away at Pendleton Community Memorial Hospital. A lifelong resident of Umatilla County, she was born on January 15, 1880, in Adams and married John Molstrom in 1905, with whom she farmed before relocating to Pendleton. A dedicated member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church, Hilda is survived by her husband, daughters, sisters, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at Folsoms Funeral Chapel.

Christopher, Isaac Albert – Obituary

Isaac Albert Christopher, an 84-year-old resident of Pendleton, Umatilla County, passed away peacefully in his sleep. Born in Michigan in 1870, he moved to Umatilla County as a child with his family, who were early homesteaders. He married Sophia Planting in 1897 and was an advocate for local education. After retiring from farming, the Christophers settled in Pendleton. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, a sister, and seven grandchildren.

Christopher, Walney A. – Obituary

Walney A. Christopher, aged 86, passed away on January 13, 1988, at Delamarter Care Center in Pendleton. Born on September 24, 1901, in Adams, he dedicated much of his life to farming in the Greasewood area. Memorial services will be held at Greasewood Finnish Church on January 16, with a graveside service at Olney Cemetery beforehand. He is survived by a daughter, son, sister, brother, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Contributions may be directed to the Greasewood Finnish Heritage Society.

Christopher, Peter – Obituary

Peter Christopher, aged 69, passed away on November 13, 1904, due to an obscure liver disease on his farm near Pendleton, Oregon. He was surrounded by his children, with one daughter unable to attend. A native of Finland, raised in Norway, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1865 and settled in Umatilla County in 1877. After the death of his wife a year prior, he lived with his youngest daughter. His funeral will be held under Lutheran auspices, with burial at Greasewood Cemetery.

Christopher, Marie Johanna Sandquist – Obituary

Mary J. Christopher, aged 68, passed away on January 1, 1904, after a prolonged battle with paralysis and pneumonia at her home near Adams, Oregon. A resident of the county for over 26 years, she was born in Finland and moved to Michigan 35 years prior. She was married to Peter Christopher and was the mother of 12 children, with six surviving her. A devoted Lutheran, her funeral will be conducted by her pastor, followed by interment at Greasewood Cemetery.

Christopher, Sophia Marie Planting – Obituary

Mrs. Isaac (Sophia Maria) Christopher, aged 89, passed away on November 25, 1963, at Hirsches Nursing Home. Born in Calumet, Michigan, on June 22, 1874, she moved to Umatilla County as a child. Married in 1897, she and her husband later resided in Pendleton. A dedicated member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church, she served in various leadership roles. She is survived by her sons Walney A. and Franklin A., as well as daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her funeral will take place on Friday at Olney Cemetery.

Christopher, Anna Josephine Basse [Basi] – Obituary

Mrs. Anna Josephine Christopher of Adams passed away at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Born in Centerville, Washington, in 1903, she resided in Oregon for 25 years. She is survived by her husband Walney, son Donald L., daughter Elizabeth E., father Wilhelm Basi, and three brothers, Elmer, Arthur, and Ernest Basi. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Folsom’s, with interment at Olney Cemetery.

Biographical Sketch of John F. Adams

John F. Adams, born in 1835 in Maine, is the founder of Adams, Oregon, and a significant figure in Umatilla County. After moving to Oregon at age twenty-two, he initially taught school for five years before entering the sheep business. In 1865, he relocated his flocks to Umatilla County, where he expanded into cattle and fine horses. An advocate for local welfare, Adams has significantly contributed to the region’s prosperity. Married to Susan F. Fry in 1878, they have four children.

Biographical Sketch of William M. Blakeley

William M. Blakeley, born in Missouri in 1840, migrated to Oregon with his father in 1846, settling near Brownsville. He received a public school education and assisted on the family farm until 1860. Blakeley explored mining opportunities in Idaho and Powder River before engaging in cattle ranching from 1863 to 1864. After marrying Margaret Baird in 1864, he established a stable life and relocated to Umatilla County, Oregon, in 1868, where he became significantly involved in agriculture.