Charles H. Hart, a 76-year-old Spokane apartment house owner, passed away on August 24, 1950. Originally a farmer in Thornton, he relocated to Colfax before settling in Spokane in 1925. Hart lived in the Hart Apartments and was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge in Colfax. He is survived by his wife, Ada, four sons—Ralph, Ray, Roy, and Ira—and a brother, Oce Pointer. His body is at Brunings in Colfax.
John Pattison was born in Albany, New York, in 1859, the son of a Union soldier. He moved to Silverton, Colorado, at age 14, where he worked in mining for six years. After exploring Arizona and New Mexico, he settled in Colfax, Washington, in 1882, working on the Palouse branch of the Oregon Railway. Pattison co-owned the Colfax Hotel before transitioning to real estate, loans, and insurance. Elected as coroner of Whitman County in 1884, he gained a reputation for securing reliable investments.
Wylie A. Lauder, born in July 1857 in New York, played a pivotal role in the development of Moscow, Idaho. Arriving in the region during its formative years, he co-pioneered brick manufacturing, providing materials for key local structures. After a business setback due to the financial depression of 1893, he pivoted to manage the Idaho Fruit Produce Company, contributing significantly to the community’s growth. A dedicated public figure, he is noted for his integrity and commitment to Moscow’s prosperity, alongside his active family and church involvement.
The funeral for Ollie Marie Schuldt, 86, a long-time Colfax resident, took place at the L. L. Bruning Chapel, officiated by Rev. Rollin Stierwalt, followed by burial at Colfax Cemetery. Born on January 17, 1888, she lived in Colfax most of her life and co-owned a local variety store. A member of the Methodist Church and several local clubs, she passed away on October 17, 1974, at Whitman Community Hospital. She is survived by her husband Elmer and two daughters.
Ida Raymond, aged 49, passed away in Colfax on September 14, 1923, and was laid to rest the following day. Her funeral service was conducted at the Baptist Church, led by Rev. W. P. Osgoo. A daughter of Colfax pioneers W. Lee and his wife, she is survived by her husband, Ernest, their three children, and her siblings, including sisters Katie Palmer and Ollie Schuldt, and brothers Harvey and Louis Lee.
Maxine C. Lee, a resident of Colfax, passed away on August 2, 1993, at the age of 72. Born on May 9, 1921, in Troy, Idaho, she married Robert Lee in 1942. A pioneer in early childhood education, she operated a kindergarten and worked for Pioneer National Title Co. and local attorneys. An active member of the Colfax United Methodist Church, she contributed significantly to her community. Mrs. Lee is survived by her husband, son, and several family members. Memorial contributions may be made to local charities.
Harvey Lee, 75, passed away on August 30, 1954, at the E. W. Johnson farm home. His funeral was held at the Bruning Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at Colfax Cemetery. A lifelong resident of the Colfax-Diamond area, Mr. Lee was a retired farmer and had served on the police force and as court bailiff. He is survived by his widow, Gertrude; a son, Burton; two daughters; and several siblings.
Mrs. Bertha Pearl Lee, aged 58, passed away on October 26, 1939, at her home after a prolonged illness. A resident of the Diamond and Colfax communities for over 50 years, she was married to Harvey Lee for nearly 39 years. Funeral services will be held on Sunday at the Baptist Church, with burial in Colfax Cemetery. Born in Winston, N.C., she moved to Diamond at age 6 and was active in both the Methodist and Baptist churches. She is survived by her husband, children, and siblings.
Mrs. Nancy Ann Lee, widow of Jay Right Lee, passed away in Stockton on September 7, 1932, at the age of 65. She was the mother of eight children and sister to several. Originally from Walla Walla, Washington, her funeral services were scheduled for the evening of September 8 at B. C. Wallace chapel. Her remains were to be sent to Colfax, Washington, for interment in Colfax Cemetery.
Charles L. Hart, 77, a former employee at McChord Air Force Base, passed away on February 29, 1980. Originally from Colfax, he lived in Tacoma since 1932 and worked as a boiler plant operator and at Weyerhaeuser Co. He is survived by a daughter, two sons, a brother, five grandsons, and five granddaughters. Mountain View Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
William M. Pointer, aged 68, passed away at his home on September 5, 1946, after a prolonged illness. Born in Walla Walla, Washington, he moved to Oregon in 1914 and worked as a highway engineer on the Columbia River Highway. Funeral services are scheduled for September 6 at Bruning Lundberg Chapel, with burial in Colfax, Washington, conducted by the Elks Lodge. He is survived by his wife Calanthe, son Robert W. Pointer, and several siblings.
Albert LeRoy Curtis, 65, of Thornton, Wn., passed away recently. A funeral service was held in Colfax, followed by burial at St. John. He was the son of pioneers Lyman and Martha Curtis and is survived by his wife Catherine, four daughters, three sons, a brother, and five sisters. His family ties included notable relatives, such as the late Mrs. Rose Carver and James Curtis.
Katie Lee Palmer, aged 85, of Corvallis, passed away on November 13, 1968, in a local nursing home. Private services will take place on Friday, November 15, at 10:00 a.m., led by Rev. Fred Knickrehm at DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home, with interment at Colfax Cemetery in Washington. Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to the Oregon 4-H Club Foundation for the 4-H center, addressed to DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home.
Dale B. Killingsworth, aged 51, died on January 5, 2005, from a car accident on Highway 97. Born December 31, 1953, in Colfax, Washington, he graduated from Wheeler High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering at Oregon State University. He moved to Madras in 1978, where he worked as a sawyer and welder for Keith Manufacturing. Dale was active in community organizations, including the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and 4-H. He is survived by his wife, Mickey, and numerous family members.
Thomas Baker was born in Bullitt County, Kentucky, in 1832 and moved to Hancock County, Illinois, as a child. In 1852, he journeyed to California for gold mining, participating in the Idaho stampede and later working as a packer. Eventually settling in Waitsburg, he operated a livery business, secured a mail contract, and managed the Brown ferry. By 1875, he was involved in the livery business in Colfax and owned a 240-acre farm nearby. Known for his community contributions, he is married with two children.
Sidney S. Benton, born in Illinois in 1838, exemplified the enterprising spirit of the West. His father, an early settler in Chicago, journeyed to California in 1849. Sidney arrived in California in 1856, engaging in mining before moving to Nevada, where he worked as an underground foreman. After marrying Mattie E. Bowmer, he settled in Walla Walla, focusing on stock-raising and real estate ventures across the region. Notably active during the Modoc War, Benton contributed to his community while accumulating property in various locations, including Colfax and Tacoma.
Anderson Cox, a pioneer of 1845, was born in Ohio and settled in Indiana before moving to Oregon with his family. He faced significant challenges on the journey, including navigating the Meek cut-off and crossing the Des Chutes River. Active in early Oregon politics, he served in the territorial legislature and helped establish Linn County. Later, he contributed to the development of the Inland Empire by founding towns and engaging in business ventures. He died in transit while serving as the Walla Walla land-office receiver, leaving a legacy upheld by his family.
Rev. Cushing Eells, D.D., born on February 16, 1810, in Blandford, Massachusetts, was a prominent Congregational minister and missionary. After studying at Williams College and East Windsor Theological Seminary, he served in various educational and pastoral roles across Oregon and Washington. Eells was instrumental in establishing several churches and played a key role in founding Whitman College. He dedicated his life to missionary work among Native Americans and contributed significantly to educational and religious institutions in the region. Eells passed much of his later life in Eastern Washington, promoting faith and community development.
E.M. Kinnear, born in Ohio in 1856, established a significant mercantile business in Washington Territory after relocating in 1871. Initially engaging in merchandising on the Touchet, he briefly operated in Colfax before settling in Sprague in 1880. There, he expanded his enterprise, specializing in general merchandise and farming implements, and became a prominent community figure, even serving a term as city councilman. His establishment remains one of the largest and most frequented in the region.
David Marsh was a respected public servant, remembered for his amiable nature and strong character, contributing to community prosperity. Born in East Tennessee in 1844 and raised in Iowa, he moved to the Walla Walla area in 1862. Marsh served three terms as sheriff of Whitman County, demonstrating significant leadership and earning widespread respect. Settling in Colfax, he managed a livery business before his untimely death. He left behind a devoted family, highlighting his role as a loving husband and father, and a valued citizen.