Harney County OR

Marshall, Katherin Mrs. – Obituary

Wallowa, Wallowa County, Oregon Mrs. Katherin Marshall died Sunday, Jan. 24th, 1937 at Wallowa. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Wallowa Tuesday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. E.A. Pollock. Burial was in Wallowa cemetery. Katherin Jones was born in Kansas City, Mo., in 1873 and died at the age 64 years, six months and 20 days. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Marion Jones. Her parents came to Oregon when she was a small girl and settled in the Grande Ronde valley where she was married to William Marshall in 1886. She and … Read more

Biography of Thomas Howard

This substantial and capable gentleman is one of the real builders of the county of Harney, and it is quite proper that he should be accorded representation in its history, being a man greatly respected and worthy of the high esteem given to him. He was born in the city of New York, on May 11, 1833, being the son of Patrick H. and Mary (Ford) Howard. The father was an engineer, operating a stationary engine. Thomas grew to manhood, gaining a good education meanwhile, and part of the time working in the markets, where he learned the butcher trade. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of A. J. McKinnon

A. J. McKinnon, the present sheriff of Harney County, was born in Page County, Iowa, in 1866. He has been a resident of this County with but short intervals since 1886, during a portion of which time he conducted a blacksmith shop in Burns. In June 1896, he was elected sheriff on the Democratic ticket, and has given general satisfaction as an officer, being both capable find efficient. He takes quite an interest in fraternal affairs, being a Mason, Knight and Odd Fellow.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph P. Rector

Among those who have gained a remarkable success in Harney county we are constrained to mention the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, and who has wrought such wisdom, energy and assiduity that he has gained one of the finest holdings of the county and is numbered among leading stockmen of this section. This is more to his credit when it is mentioned that he came to the county with no means and has gained his entire property by his thrift and wise management since his advent. Joseph P. was born in Schenectady county, New York, on August 28, 1844, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James T. Simmons

Among the arrivals in Harney county who have come from native places to identify themselves with this progressive region, we must not fail to mention the gentleman whose name is at the head of this article and who has wrought here with untiring energy and unflagging zeal in the line of stock raising, and in addition now handles the mail and stage line from Diamond to Andrews. Mr. Simmons was born in Berryville, Arkansas, on March 22, 1862, being the son of Isaac and Sarah Simmons. He grew up on a farm and received his education from the public schools … Read more

Pidcock, Genevieve – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Genevieve Pidcock, 90, of La Grande, died March 6 at her home. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Friday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St., La Grande. Genevieve was born July 10, 1916, to Roy and Mary (Hug) Flexer in Harney County. She moved to La Grande with her family when she was a child. She attended Riveria Elementary School and graduated from La Grande High School. On March 27, 1936, she married Howard Pidcock in La Grande. They both attended Kinman Business University in Spokane and worked in Portland during World … Read more

Harney County Oregon Genealogy

Harney County Oregon genealogy consists of a brief history of the county, biographical sketches of some early residents, as well as obituaries. Harney Valley, Harvey Lake, Harvey City successor to Harney Camp, Harney County, and lastly Harney land district were named in honor of General Harney, who, so traditions of the Harney country tell us, “had a brush with the Indians while guiding emigrants through the valley.” The general in 1890 acknowledged this comment to his early army days, in an autograph letter to the to “council of Harney City. In area the county which was organized in 1889, is … Read more

Pollentier, David Allen

David Allen Pollentier, 59, died on March 5, 2005, at his home. There will be a celebration of his life at 2 p.m. Friday at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1250 Hughes Lane. Pastor Jon Privett of the Nazarene Churchwill officiate. Vault interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitations will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Dave was born on Jan. 15, 1946, at Ontario to Alfons and Doris Giesler Pollentier. He was raised at Jordan Valley and Burns, where his father was station commander for … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Wallace McClain

This well-known and representative business man and patriotic citizen of Harney county is one of the firm of McClain & Biggs, liverymen and dealers in horses and mules in Burns, where their stables are, being also owners of a fine stock ranch. Our subject was born in Scotland county, Missouri, on September 16, 1854, being the son of Martin and Sarah (Childers) McClain. The father was in the confederate army and in the battle of Pea Ridge lost his right arm. He served under Price. In 1866 the family removed to Schuyler county and our subject was educated in these … Read more

Biography of James F. Mahon

It is especially gratifying to be enabled to chronicle in this volume of the history of Harney county the salient points in the career of the estimable gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, since he has done so much for the development and advancement of this county, has demonstrated his ability as a financier and to handle successfully large interests, of which he is happily possessed at the present time, being doubtless the largest grain farmer in the county and also a leader in raising fine horses and mules; while individually, Mr. Mahon is a man of marked … Read more

Baldridge, Ruby Anna – Obituary

Imnaha, Wallowa County, Oregon A private family service was held for Ruby Anna Baldridge, 68, a longtime Central Oregon resident in earlier years that returned to Prineville nine months ago. She died Tuesday, June 19, 1984 at the Crook County Nursing Home. Mrs. Baldridge’s activities were centered largely in her home, but she had worked for a time as a hospital cook. She was married April 25, 1934 in Park Falls Wis. to Henry T. Baldridge, who survives. They moved to Oregon in 1938 and settled in Hines, where they lived for five years before moving to Prineville. They moved … Read more

Miller, Dillie Marie – Obituary

Dillie Marie Miller, 94, of La Grande, died Oct. 7 at her home. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh St. Burial will follow at the Grandview Cemetery. Dillie was born on Nov. 12, 1912, to Bird and Amanda (Rollins) Bennett in La Grande. She was educated in La Grande. On Oct. 16, 1929, she married Elmer T. Miller. They would have celebrated 78 years of marriage this month. During the early years of their marriage they lived in Burns before returning to La Grande in 1947. Those who knew … Read more

Singer, Carl Henry – Obituary

Carl Henry Singer, 88, of 130 Bryant Ave., No. 22, Walla Walla, Wash., died April 4, 2006, at St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash. Funeral service was held at Groseclose Funeral home at 315 W. Alder St. at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2006. The Rev. Albert Gillin of First Presbyterian Church officiated. Burial followed in Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S. Second Ave. Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Senior Center through the funeral home. Mr. Singer was born Nov. 22, 1917, in Boise, Idaho, to Henry and Carrie Chandler Singer. He graduated from Baker, … Read more

Ellis, Christopher John – Obituary

Baker City, Oregon Christopher John Ellis, 38, of Silverton, a former Baker City resident, died April 25, 2004. A small family memorial service will be scheduled later. Chris was born on Aug. 21, 1966, at Portland and spent his early years in Medford. In 1978, the family moved to Silverton where he completed high school and was active in athletics, particularly baseball. He graduated from Eastern Oregon University at La Grande with a degree in accounting. He married Sami Baisley of Baker City, and moved to Burns to work as an accountant. He became a certified public accountant CPA, remained … Read more

Biography of William L. Clark

Among the successful business men of Harney county is to be mentioned the gentleman named above, whose well known establishment of general merchandise at Lawen, where he has done business for some time, is one of the prosperous business houses of the county; and in addition to handling this, Mr. Clark has a hay farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he attends to and also raises cattle, and also he has been a mail contractor of the interior of Oregon. William L. was born in Carroll county, Indiana, on April 3, 1845, being the son of Thomas and … Read more

Blaylock, Charles – Obituary

1933-2007 Charles Emery Blaylock, 74, of Burns, died March 11 at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. A celebration of life is planned for noon today at the Terrebonne Cemetery. Mr. Blaylock, known as Chuck, was born Feb. 3, 1933, to Martha Alice (Hill) and Cecil Emery Blaylock in Humboldt, Kan. In 1955 Chuck married Judith Nancy Bacon. Chuck lived his life on his own terms. He was a professional rodeo clown, bullfighter and entertainer for 27 years, retiring in 1976. He performed in Union County rodeos in 1967 and 1968. Chuck was also a singer, songwriter and comedian. Chuck … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James P. Dickenson

James P. Dickenson has gained a good success in material things in Harney county since his advent here and is one of the substantial and leading stockmen and farmers to-day. He and his family have two good hay farms near the Narrows and also three near Lawen. These fine tracts of land return him annually large amounts of hay and give him opportunity to handle many head of stock. James P. was born in Grayson county, Virginia, on February 18, 1842, being the son of John and Rosa (Hale) Dickenson. He grew up on the farm and gained his education … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Martin V. Smith

A veritable pioneer of the pioneers is Mr. Smith, having come to the Pacific coast in the early fifties and continued here in worthy labors in various lines since that time, ever displaying the same courage, capabilities, tenacity of purpose, and integrity, that have made the pioneers such a noble class of people. Mr. Smith was born in Kennebec county, Maine, on January 10, 1833, being the son of James and Hannah Smith, natives also of Maine, the father being born near Portland. His death also occurred in that state. Martin V. received a good schooling and remained with his … Read more

Ketscher, Ruth Jean – Obituary

Enterprise, Oregon Ruth “Jean” Ketscher, 84, of Burns and formerly of Enterprise, died Monday at her home. A memorial service at St. Katherine’s Catholic Church in Enterprise begins at 10 a.m. Monday. The service will be followed by burial at the Enterprise Cemetery and a celebration of life in the church hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Bollman Funeral Home. Mrs. Ketscher was born Oct. 9, 1922, in Detroit, Mich., to Catherine Gelineau and Ross Wadsworth Waffle, the second of sixth children. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in home economics and history, then became a … Read more

I. S. Greer & Company

This establishment is a credit to Burns. Their building, of which we present a cut, was erected in 1892, and is one of the first stone buildings put up in the interior. They carry a large and well assorted stock of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves and tinnier, crockery, glassware, sporting goods, cutlery &c. They are exclusive agents for the Peters Cartridge Co., Queen heating stoves, Born steel ranges, D. M. Osborn & Co.’s farm machinery, Heath & Milligan paints, and other special lines. They have the only tin shop in the interior, doing plumbing, jobbing and repairing. The also … Read more