Grays Harbor County WA

Grays Harbor County WA, located in the U.S. state of Washington, was originally named Chehalis County when it was formed out of Thurston County on April 14, 1854. It was later renamed to Grays Harbor County on March 15, 1915, in honor of the large estuarine bay on its western edge, Grays Harbor, which itself was named after the American merchant sea captain Robert Gray who discovered and entered the harbor in May 1792. This coastal county is marked by its significant geographical features, including dense temperate rainforests, large expanses of coastal beaches, and the Olympic Mountains to the north. The area has a rich history of indigenous habitation by various Native American tribes, European exploration and settlement, and economic development initially centered around the fur trade, fishing, and timber industries.

Biographical Sketch of Samuel Benn

SAMUEL BENN. – There is a certain keenness amounting almost to prescience which enables a man to locate a successful town. The laws of a city’s development are so peculiar that few are able to make much of the riddle. Nevertheless some seem to know where to locate a townsite, and where to invest in real estate. It is a business instinct. Mr. Benn is one of these persons. He is the founder of Aberdeen. He was born in New York City, and, as a youth, learned the carpenter’s trade. In 1856 he came to San Francisco, and mined and … Read more

Champ, Charles Darwin – Obituary

Charles Champ, 36, known among Harbor loggers as “Big Charlie,” dropped dead at the door of the cookhouse of Camp 10, Humptulips Logging Company, immediately after the evening meal at the camp yesterday. Death was ascribed to heart trouble. Champ had engaged in woods work in the Harbor country for the last 10 years, coming here then from Winlock. His mother and brothers and sisters reside in Winlock. A nephew lives in Hoquiam, and an uncle, Willis, resides in Aberdeen. The body is at the local Whiteside parlors pending completion of funeral arrangements. [Interment Winlock Cemetery, Lewis Co.] Aberdeen Daily … Read more

Curtis, Vernon – Obituary

Vern Curtis, 71, a 43-year Aberdeen resident, died Monday [March 21, 1988] at a local nursing home. He was born March 2, 1917 in Winlock. He fought in the Army during World War II and is a member of the Aberdeen VFW No. 224 and a member of the IWA, Local 3-2. Survivors include a brother, Glen Curtis of Apache Junction, Ariz.; a sister, Dorothy Cabibi of Porterville, Calif. A military graveside service is set for 1 p.m. Thursday at the Winlock Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Cattermole Funeral Home in Winlock. Daily World, Aberdeen, March 23, 1988 Contributed … Read more

Champ, Elvira ‘Ella’ Ackley – Obituary

Mrs. Ella A. Champ, 73, resident here for 30 years, died Saturday night at a local hospital following an extended illness. Mrs. Champ was born at Hillsboro, Oregon, and had resided for a time at Winlock before coming to Aberdeen. The family home is at 308 West Market Street. Surviving are her husband, Willis Champ, at the residence, two sons, Clifford Champ, Tacoma, and Jay C. Champ, Aberdeen; daughters, Mrs. Elmira Curtis, Aberdeen; Mrs. Mae Olsen, Aberdeen; Mrs. Retha Lonquest, Portland; Mrs. Florence Leland, Seattle; Mrs. Goldie McCoy, San Francisco, and Mrs. Geraldine Folkins, Spokane; sisters, Miss Jennie Ackley, Winlock, … Read more

Billerback, Darrel Ray – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Darrel Ray Billerbeck, 68, of Elma, Wash., and formerly of La Grande died June 26 at his home. A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. July 21 at Whiteside Family Mortuary in Elma. A potluck meal will follow at Vance Creek Park. Participants are encouraged to bring a story or favorite memory to share. Mr. Billerbeck was born June 22, 1938, to Harry and Bernice Billerbeck in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School and attended Oregon State University until he returned home to run the family farm. He graduated from Oregon Technical … Read more