John Day Oregon

McCallum & Bayley

McCallum & Bayley, established in 1892 in John Day, is a prominent business known for its integrity and substantial volume of transactions. They serve both stockmen and miners, benefiting customers by purchasing directly from Eastern manufacturers. In addition, they operate the John Day Telephone Line, which spans 35 miles. Founders F. I. McCallum, a California native, and E. J. Bayley, originally from England, are committed to the progress of Grant County, contributing generously to local initiatives.

Biography of D. B. Rinehart

D. B. Rinehart played a significant role in the development of Grant County, Oregon, particularly in the John Day Valley, where he established a large and successful orchard in the late 1860s. Appointed the county superintendent of public schools during the county’s early governance, Rinehart cultivated approximately 6,000 fruit trees, producing highly regarded apples, pears, and other fruits. A prosperous landowner, he also raised cattle and managed extensive farmland, all while residing with his wife and three children in a scenic mountain setting.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. George Hazeltine

Hon. George Hazeltine, born in New York in 1838, moved to California at 17 and later settled in Grant County in 1862, engaging in mining. He co-founded the John Day flouring mills in 1864 and transitioned to photography afterward. A Democratic politician, he served as County Judge twice and was elected County Treasurer in 1890. Hazeltine has been active in fraternal organizations and has a family with four children, including notable connections to local judges and mayors.

Biographical Sketch of Minot Austin

Minot Austin, born in 1853 in Sacramento, California, moved to the Willamette Valley as a child before settling in Eastern Oregon’s John Day Valley. In 1878, he established his home in what is now Austin, where he focused on farming, stock raising, and operating the Sumpter-Canyon City Stage Line. He also owns a store to cater to local needs. In 1888, he married Linda Edwards, who is noted for her esteemed catering service.

Biographical Sketch of George W. Dart

George W. Dart, a prominent citizen of John Day, has built a successful general merchandise business known for its fair customer service. Born in Maryland in 1858, he relocated to Canyon City, Oregon, in 1879, where he initially worked in mining and stock raising. Dart moved to John Day in 1883, where he engaged in various merchandising partnerships before establishing his business solely in 1897. His store stocks a wide range of supplies tailored to miners and stockmen, emphasizing quality and reasonable pricing.

Biographical Sketch of Howard M. Basford

The flourmill owned by Howard M. Basford in John Day is noted for its efficient management and modern equipment, featuring a full roller process with a capacity of fifty barrels. Since establishing his business in Grant County in 1879, Basford has focused on merchant trade, particularly his family flour brand, The Best, which is highly regarded for its quality. In addition to flour, the mill produces corn meal, graham flour, farina, and various types of mill feed, ensuring a reputation for excellence.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph D. Combs

Joseph D. Combs, born on August 25, 1851, in Fulton County, Illinois, moved to Linn County, Oregon, as an infant. He later settled in Grant County at nineteen, where he engaged in various occupations, including teaming. Elected sheriff in 1892 and re-elected in 1894, he earned widespread respect for his dedication. After his sheriff tenure, he transitioned to the cattle business in John Day. Combs married Sarah Carsner in 1875 and has two children.

Rice, Lennie Juliet – Obituary

Lennie Juliet Hearing Rice, 54, of Colville, Washington, and formerly of Enterprise, passed away on April 20, 2000. Born on July 23, 1945, in Enterprise, she was raised in Wallowa County and graduated from Enterprise High School. She had a hair salon in John Day and was involved in horse training, sewing, and reading. She is survived by three daughters and eight grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Wallowa Cemetery, with details forthcoming.

Ager, Nancy Jane – Obituary

Mrs. Nancy Jane Ager, born on February 7, 1860, near Roseburg, Oregon, passed away on February 5, 1948. She married James Albert Ager in 1895 and had three children, alongside a son from a previous marriage. Residing in various Oregon locations, she settled in Wallowa County in 1902. Survived by her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters, she spent her final years with her eldest daughter. Funeral services were held on her 88th birthday, with her burial in Flora cemetery alongside her deceased son.

Anderson, Charles – Obituary

Charles Anderson, age 57, passed away on April 30, 2006, in Baker, Montana. Born on August 6, 1948, in The Dalles, he was raised in Condon and later served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. A dedicated employee of the U.S. Forest Service, he enjoyed outdoor activities and ranching. He married Kathleen Foster in 2001 and lived in Montana. Survivors include his wife, daughters, stepchildren, grandchildren, and siblings. Services were held on May 8 at Baker United Methodist Church.

Bennett, Clara D. – Obituary

Clara D. Bennett, 96, of Aurora, passed away at home on April 12, 2004. Born on October 15, 1907, in Anatone, Washington, she was first married to Edward W. Snodderly in 1926, later marrying Lawrence Bennett until his death in 1992. Clara lived in several locations throughout her life, including Enterprise and John Day. She is survived by her daughters, sons, a sister, a brother, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Graveside services took place on April 16, 2004, in Pomeroy, Washington.

Carper, Joseph K. – Obituary

Funeral services for Joseph K. Carper took place on March 13 in Centralia, Washington, following his death on March 10 at a Seattle hospital. Born on September 21, 1865, in West Virginia, Carper moved west in the late 1890s, homesteading in Promise. Known as “Huckleberry Joe,” he was a fruit grower and the county’s first government hunter. He had 18 children from two marriages and was survived by his widow, numerous children, stepchildren, and a large extended family. He is buried in Centralia Cemetery.

Rice, Lennie Juliet – Obituary

Lennie Juliet Hearing Rice, born July 23, 1945, in Enterprise, Oregon, passed away on April 20, 2000, in Colville, Washington, at the age of 54. Raised in Wallowa County, she graduated from Enterprise High School and pursued studies in beauty and veterinary fields. She married Ron Rice in 1963 and operated a hair salon in John Day. Lennie was passionate about training horses and enjoyed various hobbies. She is survived by her three daughters and eight grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Wallowa Cemetery.

Henry, Patricia Eileen – Obituary

Patricia Eileen Henry, 56, of John Day, passed away at home on July 26. Born on October 14, 1949, in Nampa, Idaho, she graduated from Valivue High School and married Ken Henry in 1970. An assistant at the Grant County 4-H office, she actively contributed to her church, teaching seminary and sharing her musical talents. She is survived by her husband, children, and 15 grandchildren. Her funeral will take place on July 28 at the LDS Church in John Day, followed by burial in Elgin Cemetery.

Droschkey, William Russell – Obituary

William Russell Droschkey, 82, of Cove, Oregon, passed away at a care center. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cove Cemetery. Born on October 3, 1923, in Spokane, he worked in the woods at 14 and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. A graduate of the University of Utah in 1951, he worked as a pharmacist until his retirement in 1984. He is survived by his wife, two siblings, and other relatives. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cove Library.

Burnett, Preston Frank – Obituary

Preston Frank Burnett, 85, of Pendleton and formerly of La Grande, passed away on June 7 at St. Anthony Hospital. Born on July 7, 1921, in Island City, he served in the Navy before WWII and worked for the Oregon Highway Division for 42 years. He married Madaline Rhoads and enjoyed outdoor activities, family gatherings, and traveling post-retirement. He is survived by two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His funeral will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Pendleton.

Battrick, Robin Louise – Obituary

Robin Louise Battrick, 56, of Coffey, Missouri, formerly of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on July 31 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Born on July 17, 1951, in Bloomington, Indiana, she was raised in various locations before settling in La Grande, where she graduated as co-valedictorian in 1969. Robin served a mission in Ecuador and worked for Hewlett-Packard for 21 years. She is survived by her husband, Craig, three children, and several siblings. Funeral services will be held in Coffey, with memorial services in Corvallis and La Grande.

Steinbeck, J. D. – Obituary

J.D. Steinbeck, 93, of Seneca and formerly of La Grande, passed away on January 31 at Country Spice Assisted Living Center. Born on May 19, 1915, he was a La Grande High School graduate and served as a diesel mechanic instructor in the U.S. Army. J.D. had a diverse career in agriculture and machinery, working for various companies and managing his own motel. He was involved in local governance and community organizations. He is survived by his son, Don, and several grandchildren, with predeceased family members including his wife, Aretha.

Livingston, Ardith Maxine – Obituary

Ardith Maxene Livingston, aged 100, passed away on May 31, 2008, at her home in Union, Oregon. Born on August 29, 1907, in Santaquin, Utah, she was the eldest of 13 siblings. After a varied life that included work as a milliner and a long career with the U.S. Forest Service, she dedicated herself to her family and church, leaving a legacy of service and devotion. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at her church on Saturday.

Steinbeck, J. D. – Obituary

J.D. Steinbeck, born on May 19, 1915, in La Grande, passed away on January 31, 2009, at age 93 in John Day’s Country Spice Assisted Living Center. He graduated from La Grande High School and Boeing Aircraft School, serving as a U.S. Army diesel mechanic instructor. Steinbeck worked in various agricultural roles and managed several businesses, including Inland Machinery Co. and a motel. He was involved in community services, including the Westland Water District Board, and is survived by his son Don and extended family.