Biography of John L. Caviness

JOHN L. CAVINESS. – The name presented above is borne by one of the most exemplary citizens of Eastern Oregon, and a man who has sounded all the depths and shoals of pioneer life. The family came from Indiana, settled for a time in Iowa, and came on to Oregon in 1852, spending a short time at Forest Grove, but soon locating in Linn county on a section Donation claim. In 1856-57 John L., now a young man of eighteen, began his career by driving cattle to California, and in the spring of the latter year to Eastern Oregon. While … Read more

Taal, Beulah May – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Beulah May Taal, 92, of La Grande, died April 21 at a local care center. A celebration of life will run from 1 to 3 p.m. May 3 at her home at 1903 Washington Ave. in La Grande. Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Beulah was born Dec. 10, 1915, in Starkey. She lived there for a few years until she moved with her family to Island City. She went to grade school in Island City, then on to high school in La Grande. In 1937, she married Winnie Taal. They lived a … Read more

Biography of James A. Russell

JAMES A. RUSSELL. – A well-known and esteemed member of the business world of Island City, where he operates a butchering establishment and also handles much stock, the subject of this article is deserving of representation in this volume, since he is not only now one of the prominent men of the county but has spent practically all of his life in this valley and has labored with zeal for the advancement of its interests. James A. was born on September 23, 1861, in Linesville, Iowa, being the son of Thomas J. and Savannah C. (Atha) Russell, who started the … Read more

Blokland, Emma L. Mrs. – Obituary

Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon Pioneer Mother Dies at La Grande Mrs. Emma L. Van Blokland, of Island City who crossed the plains by wagon train with her parents, Daniel and Sarah Henderson and several brothers and sisters, and homesteaded on Alder Slope, passed away in La Grande on Monday, January 13, 1964. She was born at LaPlata, Missouri 89 years ago, and had made her home in Island City for many years. She was a member of the First Methodist church, and a 50-year member of the Eastern Star. Survivors include three sons, Milo and Clifford Van Blokland, both of … Read more

Stickney, Genevieve Blanche – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Genevieve Blanche “Jean” Stickney, 90, of La Grande, died April 1 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Island City Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Daniels-Knopp, Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center. Jean was born on Aug. 26, 1917, to Charles “Bob” and Anna Gertrude Reasland Heisner in Hazard, Neb. On Dec. 3, 1935, she married Wayne Rufus Stickney and they moved to Imbler in 1936. After a year they moved to La Grande. Jean enjoyed fishing, gardening, quilting and cooking. She … Read more

Asemissen, Maurice D. – Obituary

Island City, Oregon Maurice D. “Ozzie” Asemissen, 82, died March 21 at a local adult foster care home from the effects of a stroke he suffered on Oct. 20. The Island City Lion’s Club will host an informal celebration of life at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Island City City Hall. Pizza will be served. Ozzie was born July 1, 1925, in Moneta, Iowa, and attended school in South Dakota. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the submarine service. He observed the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay from the deck of his submarine. … Read more

Oberteuffer, William Healey – Obituary

Island City, Oregon William Healey Oberteuffer William Healey Oberteuffer, 86, known as “Bill Obie,” died in his home in Island City Sept. 24. A memorial service in Portland will take place at 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Tryon Farm, followed by refreshments. A memorial service in the La Grande area will take place at noon Nov. 4 at the Summerville Pine Grove Grange, followed by a potluck. Remembrances can be sent to the Union County Extension Service for the Oberteuffer research and education forest. Donations can be sent to the Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande. Mr. … Read more

Thompson, Shirley Eugene – Obituary

Island City, Oregon Stanley Eugene Thompson, 59, of Island City, died from unexpected natural causes on Aug. 24 at a hospital in Boise. A celebration of life at the Island City School will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday. He was born in Arcata, Calif., on Aug. 11, 1947 to Ana Mae (Posey) and Glen Thompson. He was raised and educated in Oakland, Calif., and Eufaula, Okla. Mr. Thompson enlisted in the Navy in April of 1965. After his naval service, he moved to Government Camp and helped his father cook at the Huckleberry Inn Restaurant. He greatly enjoyed his work … Read more

Frison, Donald L. – Obituary

Island City, Oregon Donald L. “Don” Frison, 62, of Island City, died March 30 at his home. Private services will be held at a later date. Don was born Dec. 10, 1945, to Joseph and Alma I. Kluth Frison in Mobridge, S.D. He grew up and attended school in Weston. After his schooling he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1962 to 1966. After his discharge from the service he worked in Portland for the Teamsters Union for 10 years and later for the Operating Engineers Union for 22 years, doing various jobs. He retired from the unions and … Read more

Kiddle, Jessie Mrs. – Obituary

Island City, Union County, Oregon Mrs. Merton W. Kiddle of Island City, died suddenly Monday morning at her home. The funeral was held Wednesday and interment was in the Island City Cemetery. Mrs. Kiddle was formerly Miss Jessie Wade and she was born near Summerville in 1885. Her parents were among the first settlers in Grande Ronde valley. Besides her husband she is survived by two daughters aged eleven and twelve years. Mrs. Kiddle was a member of the Christian Science Church. North Powder News Saturday, February 26, 1921

Walnum, James Y. – Obituary

Island City, Union County, Oregon James Walnum Dies in Hospital James Y. Walnum, 77, retired locomotive engineer and Island City resident, died at a local hospital yesterday. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Daniels Funeral Home with the Rev. Louis Samson officiating. Burial will follow in Island City cemetery. Born in Bergen, Norway, Sept. 24, 1882, Mr. Walnum had resided in Union County for 55 years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 433, Union Pacific Old Timers and Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Bessie May Walnum, Island … Read more

Humphrey, Lee Mrs. – Obituary

Island City, Union County, Oregon Funeral Set For Thursday Body Of Late Pioneer Buried Tomorrow Island City Church and Cemetery Is Place of Services The Rebekah lodge of this city is preparing to attend the funeral of the late Mrs. Lee Humphrey of Island City, in a body tomorrow afternoon. The noble grand, Mrs. Clapp, has issued a call to all members to be present at the hall at 1 o’clock tomorrow at which time conveyances will be supplied to take them to the funeral. The funeral services will be held at the church in Island City tomorrow at 2 … Read more

McCall, John – Obituary

Another Pioneer Gone John McCall John McCall, one of the well known citizens of the county, died at his home in Island City Monday afternoon quite suddenly. He had been attending to his usual business duties until about the middle of the afternoon, when he was taken suddenly ill. Dr. Militor was summoned from La Grande but was unable to afford any permanent relief and the patient died about 4 o’clock p.m. Deceased was among the early settlers of the county and was quite well known to most all the old timers of this and Wallowa counties. The funeral occurred … Read more

Biography of James G. Anson

JAMES G. ANSON – Enterprising, industrious and capable, the young man of whom we now have the pleasure to speak is eminently worth of a place in the history of Union county, since he has shown in the years in which he has striven here that he is made of material which is bound to win success and since he has also shown that he is possessed of the sagacity and energy that is capable of grappling with the problems of life that are to be met with here in his native place. And especially, it is pleasant to recount … Read more

Pearson, William Mrs. – Obituary

Pioneer Of Grande Ronde Valley Died In Island City Mrs. William Pearson who resides on the Vandecar farm, received word last Wednesday from Island City that her mother, Mrs. Emma Jane Shafer, had passed away. Mrs. Pearson left at once for Island City. Funeral services for Mrs. Shafer were held Sunday afternoon from the Snodgrass & Zimmerman chapel in La Grande, Rev. W.C. Ross of the Presbyterian church officiating. Mrs. Shafer came to the Grande Ronde Valley 54 years ago. Her husband died nine years ago. Surviving her are two sons, Fred of Troy, Oregon, and Isaac of Island City; … Read more

Kail, Mary Braughton – Obituary

Mary Kail of 1208 11th St. died Sunday, June 3 at Grande Ronde Hospital at the age of 80. Mrs. Kail was born Feb. 23, 1893 at Boring, Ky., the daughter of John and Lavicia Braughton. She came to Wallowa County at the age of nine and was a graduate of Eastern Oregon College. She began teaching in Wallowa County at the age of 17. She taught in Wallowa and Union counties for more than 50 years. She taught all grades and was principal of Island City and Perry schools. In 1940 she ran for county school superintendent. She began … Read more

Gross, William G. – Obituary

Island City, Oregon William G. Gross, 81, of Island City died June 20 at a hospital in Boise. A private service will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Loveland Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Gross was born Nov. 1, 1924, to Glenn and Margurite Mathewson Gross in Portland. He attended school in Battleground, Wash., and served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trains and being with his family. He moved to the Grande Ronde Valley around 1960 from Reith. Survivors include children, James Gross of Island City, David Gross … Read more

Biography of William G. Peach

WILLIAM G. PEACH. – There is no doubt but there should be special mention in this volume of the abiding chronicles of Union county, of the capable and venerable citizen, whose name appears at the head of this article, and it is with pleasure that we accord to him space for the epitome of an interesting and eventful career, since his abilities are worthy of such, and since his success has been achieved by meritorious effort, and since his character is upright, stanch, and worthy to be exemplified. Mr. Peach was born in the Green Mountain State, at Newbury, Orange … Read more

Halley, Sarah C. Mrs. – Obituary

Island City, Union County, Oregon The death of Mrs. Sarah C. Halley occurred at her home in Island City Wednesday, February 8, 1905. Death was due from paralysis. The funeral services, conducted by Rev. Gillilan, were held in the Island City church Friday and were attended by a large concourse of friends. Sarah C. Halley was born at Laplata, Macon County, Mo., October 4, 1857, aged 47 years, 4 months and 8 days. She was converted at the age of 12 years and became a member of the Protestant Methodist church and led a consistent life and during her illness … Read more

Jones, Charlotte – Obituary

Island City, Oregon Charlotte Jones, 91, of Island City, died Nov. 20 at her home. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh St. Private interment will be held at the Grandview Cemetery. Mrs. Jones was born on Aug. 17, 1916, the daughter of Clyde and Julia (Knapp) Leonard in Kent, Ohio. She was a Salvation Army officer and worked in the Salvation Army Home and Hospital. After her marriage to Wesley Jones in 1951, she was employed as a nurse for the Grande Ronde Hospital for many years … Read more