Huntington Oregon

Public Schools of Baker County Oregon

The early years of public education in Baker County, Oregon, remain largely undocumented due to lost records. In 1862, Mrs. Packwood opened the county’s first school in Auburn, raising funds for its construction. The first public school followed under Mrs. Stafford in 1865. Over subsequent years, a series of superintendents established multiple districts, increasing enrollment despite inconsistent reporting. By 1892, 34 districts flourished with nearly 70% of school-age children enrolled, marking significant progress in the county’s educational development.

Biography of Richard M. Duncan

Richard M. Duncan, born on August 25, 1859, in Callaway County, Missouri, is a notable figure in Union County, where he has significantly contributed to local advancement since moving there as a pioneer. His family journeyed across the plains to the Grande Ronde Valley in 1864, establishing a homestead. Duncan married Julia Goble in 1879 and later settled on a well-cultivated quarter section north of Medical Springs. Engaged in farming and stock raising, he is the father of eight children and has achieved considerable success in his endeavors.

Carson, John R. – Obituary

John R. Carson, a respected engineer on the O.R.S. line, tragically died in an accident on Sunday. While attempting to join another engineer, he fell from his engine, resulting in fatal injuries, including a broken neck. His body was recovered and transported to La Grande, where his grieving wife learned of his death. Carson was a veteran of the railroads, having worked in various locations, and was remembered fondly by friends and colleagues. His funeral took place at Riverview Cemetery in Portland.

Gunn, Royal C. – Obituary

Royal C. Gunn Sr. passed away on Sunday in Huntington after a brief illness. He worked as an engineer for the U.P. and is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children: three sons—William, George, and Royal Jr.—and four daughters—Myra Saling, Mary, Violet Cochran, and Ruth. His funeral services took place on Wednesday.

Jacaboson, Oscar – Obituary

Oscar Jacobson, a prominent sheepman from North Powder and Huntington, passed away at the age of 70 after a two-month illness following a stroke. Born in Sweden in 1861, he emigrated to the U.S. at 16 and became a significant figure in the local sheep industry. Jacobson, who had lived in Baker for a decade before moving to Huntington, is survived by his wife Thilda, three daughters, two sons, a brother, and two grandchildren. His funeral took place at the Baker Funeral Home.

Fisher, Lisa – Obituary

Lisa Carroll Fisher, aged 23, passed away on March 27, 1993, at her home in La Grande, Oregon. A former resident of Huntington, her graveside funeral is scheduled for 3 p.m. MST on Wednesday at Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario, followed by a memorial service at Cornerstone Community Church at 3:30 p.m. MST. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lienkaemper Chapel in Ontario.

Limbaugh, Richard Gene – Obituary

Richard Gene Limbaugh, 52, of Union, Oregon, passed away at home on November 4, 2006. Born on January 17, 1954, he grew up in Huntington and was an accomplished athlete on the local eight-man football team. Limbaugh worked as an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad until retiring early in 2002. He enjoyed outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his father, daughters, sisters, and two grandchildren, and was preceded in death by his mother.

Buckley, Doris Gake – Obituary

Doris Gake Buckley, 75, passed away on January 25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in La Grande on September 18, 1931, she moved to various locations with her family, eventually graduating from Huntington High School. Doris married Glen Buckley in 1949, and they worked on ranches in Wallowa County before relocating to California and later Arizona for health reasons. Following Glen’s death in 1987, she remained in Black Canyon until her health declined. She is survived by her sister Virginia Lampkins and other family members.

Lofton, Bruce Martin – Obituary

Bruce Martin Lofton, age 63, passed away on February 20 in Huntington, Oregon. A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at the VFW Hall in Huntington. Born on June 1, 1943, he was a retired Union Pacific Railroad employee who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his sister Frances, three daughters, a son, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Schwenn, Daphne Molstrom – Obituary

Daphne Mabel (Molstrom) Schwenn, 82, passed away on December 15, 1986, at the Federal Way Convalescent Center, having previously resided in Pendleton and Athena. Born on May 27, 1904, she was an accomplished educator and worked in various roles, including at Boeing Aircraft. She married Earl Schwenn in 1954 and later served as a supervisor at the Martha Washington School for Girls until her retirement in 1970. Mrs. Schwenn was active in community organizations, leaving behind a brother, Frank Molstrom. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday.

Fry, James – Obituary

James Fry, approximately 53, passed away unexpectedly in Huntington while arriving from the east with two motor trucks delivering freight to Portland. His body is currently held awaiting instructions from Portland.

Eppinger, Henry – Obituary

Henry Eppinger, a miner from Conner Creek, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head at a cabin near Huntington. The incident occurred last Thursday, and it remains unclear whether it was a suicide or an accident. Eppinger was alone in the cabin, with a revolver in his hand, and witnesses heard the shot from nearby. Despite the efforts of workers from the Connor Creek mine, Eppinger could not be saved. He was known for his long-term involvement in placer mining.

Cowles, Charles Clem – Obituary

Charles Clem Cowles, 70, of Baker, passed away at home following a sudden illness. Born on April 4, 1906, in Huntington, he worked on a steamship and later farmed after marrying Ada Burford in 1936. He moved to Baker in 1949, working for Burnt River Lumber Co. and Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 1971. A member of various Masonic organizations, he is survived by his wife, son Gordon, and numerous relatives. Services will be held at Beatty Chapel with interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Goodman, J. W. – Obituary

Charles Goodman, aged 28, has passed away in Portland. His father, J. W. Goodman of Lookout, received the news yesterday. Recently, Charles attempted to enlist but was not accepted, subsequently working in the shipyards. His body will be transported to Huntington for funeral services scheduled for Friday.

Davis, Darnell – Obituary

Darnell Davis, 54, of Huntington, Oregon, passed away on July 8, 2005, at home. Born in Fort Towson, Oklahoma, he grew up there and later earned a football scholarship, which led to a college degree. Darnell served in the U.S. Navy before becoming a truck driver. He married Katherine in 1994 and enjoyed fishing and teasing family members. Survivors include his wife, mother, siblings, and several nephews and cousins. His memorial service will be scheduled in Vancouver, Washington.

Buttram, Jacob Amos

Jacob Amos Buttram, 62, passed away on October 24, 2005, at his home in Durkee, Oregon. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam and receiving a Bronze Star. Born on April 8, 1943, in Madera, California, he had a varied career, including roles as a chief engineer and maintenance manager. Buttram was devoted to his family and community, participating in church services and enjoying music. He is survived by his wife Beverly, children, grandchildren, and siblings, and will be remembered fondly by many.

Cordell, Sammy – Obituary

Sammy Cordell, 69, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on March 27, 1993. Born on March 29, 1923, in Hesperus, Colorado, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later worked as a ranch hand and truck driver. He was married twice, first to Joan L. Thompson and then to Betty Harnish. A passionate outdoorsman, he was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the Oregon Lung Association.

Nevins, Francis – Obituary

Francis Joseph Nevins, 78, a long-time resident of Baker, passed away suddenly at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Born on February 14, 1892, in Weiser, Idaho, he moved to Huntington in 1911, where he married Bertha Alford in 1915 and operated the Smoke House until 1940. In later years, he worked as a painting contractor. He is survived by two daughters, a brother, four grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. His funeral will be held at St. Francis Cathedral, with interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Tibbals, LeRoy H. – Obituary

Leroy H. Tibbals, a long-serving music teacher in Baker County, passed away unexpectedly on October 25 in Huntington, where he had operated a music studio for the past two years. Born on October 20, 1871, in Deep River, Iowa, he previously managed the Tibbals Piano store in Baker and was a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Winifred. His funeral will take place on Saturday at West and Company’s chapel in Baker, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Williams, Mary Mrs. – Obituary

Mary B. Williams, 82, of Baker, formerly of Vale and Huntington, passed away on November 2, 1977. Born on June 19, 1895, in Forsyth, Montana, she married Raymond Williams in 1914 and moved to Lewiston, Idaho, shortly afterward. They relocated to Oregon in 1935 and to Huntington in 1943. Following her husband’s death in 1971, she lived with her daughter in Baker. She is survived by one son, one daughter, a sister, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.