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

Bull, Muriel Lovisa – Obituary

La Grande, Union County, Oregon Muriel L. Bull, 85, formerly of 1403 6th St., La Grande, died Friday at a local hospital. Mrs. Bull was born on Sept. 21, 1885 at Island City, the daughter of Charles D. and Mary Bay Goodnough. She moved to La Grande when she was four years old and lived her entire life here, except while attending Holmes Business College in Portland. Mrs. Bull worked in the office of the La Grande Investment Company which was owned by W. D. Sargeant and J. K. Wright. After a few years she went to work in the … Read more

Biography of Edgar E. Bragg

EDGAR E. BRAGG. – With what pride the American people can view the progress from Plymouth Rock to the position of leading nation of the world! But the keen observer is not satisfied with that: he will seek the cause, the principles put in force that brought about this gratifying result, the powers that have operated to bring this desired end. From the first little log school house that graced the bleak shores of the northern colonies, to the stately universities that are flourishing in every portion of the land, there has been the proper attention paid to the education … Read more

Bruce, Braddie May – Obituary

Braddie May Bruce, 79, of Island City, died Jan. 11 at a local care center. A service will be held later in Canyon City. Braddie was born Jan. 26, 1928, to Clyde Willis and Grace Irene (Herburger) Laughlin in Prairie City. She was raised in Dayville and graduated from high school there. On Jan. 12, 1947, she married Ralph Bruce in Canyon City. She worked as a school secretary in Canyon City, Ukiah and John Day. For several years they lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she worked for the Episcopal bishop and for a co-op drug company. In her younger … Read more

Belknap, Florence – Obituary

Cove, Union County, Oregon Florence Belknap, 88, of Rt. 1, Box 160, Cove, died Tuesday at Valley View Manor. Mrs. Belknap was born on July 4, 1890, at Hamilton, N. D., the daughter of Hugh and Mary (Millar) MacDonald. The family moved to Nyssa in 1900 where Mr. MacDonald had a homestead. Florence attended Monmouth College, graduating in 1914. She taught school in Island City, Alicel, Ladd Canyon and La Grande. She was married to Edward D. Jasper, who preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 1936. She married Maynard M. Belknap at Lewiston, Idaho, in 1949. She moved to … Read more

Biography of Thomas H. Gilham

THOMAS H. GILHAM. – Although born in another state, the subject of this sketch is practically a product of Union county, being educated here and here achieving the success that has attended him in his labors, while he has ever manifested a stanch and unswerving integrity and adherence to the principles of uprightness, laboring for the advancement and upbuilding of the county, as well as prosecuting with vigor and sagacity the private business enterprises that have occupied him. Thomas H. Gilham was born in Siskiyou county, California, on February 13, 1858, being the son of Calvit A. and Almeda (Howell) … Read more

Winter, Bob – Obituary

Island City, Oregon Bob Winter, 82, of Island City died June 22 at St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla. A memorial will be held at a later date. Daniels Chapel of the Valley is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Winter was born May, 21, 1924, to Fred and Lillian Klein Winter in Sandoval, Ill. After high school he entered the Army and served during World War II and the Korean War. He married Mae Fetter in Carlisle, Pa. He spent 21 years in the Army and another 21 years as a civilian executive assistant at the Umatilla Army Depot. … 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

Staple, Eugene – Obituary

Island City, Union County, Oregon A very deplorable accident occurred at Island City Monday morning resulting in the death of Eugene, the eight year old son of Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Staples. At eight o’clock the child was kicked in the breast by a horse and the injury proved fatal, the child dying three hours thereafter. This was the only child of the family and the deep grief that is thus so suddenly inflicted upon the parents will deeply touch the hearts of their friends and neighbors. The funeral interment will take place at Baker City Wednesday. – La Grande … 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

Thomas, Ethyl Beatrice Hudspeth Mrs. – Obituary

Baker City, Baker County, Oregon Ethyl Beatrice Thomas, 83, of Island City, a former Baker City resident, died Jan. 12, 2003, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise after a long illness. At her request, there will be no service. Riverside Mortuary at Garden City, Idaho, was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Thomas was born April 5, 1919, to Alva Amos and Georgia Beatrice Hudspeth Gardner in Baker City. She was a Baker High School graduate. She married Harry A. “Seth” Thomas on Nov. 11, 1953, at Sherwood. The family lived in the La Grande area off and on … 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

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

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

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

Hail, Fielding W. – Obituary

Aged Man Victim La Grande Auto Crash La Grande, Dec. 20. Fielding W. Hail, 68 years of age, was killed early this morning when a car driven by Ray Billups, of Walla Walla, left the road near Island City and overturned. Mr. Hail, who occupied the back seat, was thrown from the car, the crash fracturing his skull and causing internal injuries. He was dead when found about half an hour after the accident. Mr. Billups and a companion, Lee Dunham, escaped with only minor bruises and scratches. They are being held on an open charge. According to reports received … 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