Lewis County WA, located in the southwestern part of Washington State, is distinguished by its rich tapestry of landscapes ranging from the western lowlands’ fertile agricultural plains to the eastern rugged terrains of the Cascade Mountain Range. Established on December 19, 1845, it is one of the original counties of Washington Territory, formed from the northern part of the Columbia District by the Oregon Provisional Government. Its creation predates the establishment of Washington Territory itself, showcasing its historical significance. Named in honor of Meriwether Lewis, of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, the county’s historical roots are deeply intertwined with the early exploration and settlement of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout its history, Lewis County has evolved from a fur trading and logging hub to a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, reflecting the broader economic transitions of the region. The county seat, Chehalis, situated in the heart of Lewis County, serves as the administrative and cultural center, further emphasizing the county’s role as a pivotal area in Washington’s development.
“Centralia: The First Fifty Years, 1845-1900,” authored by Herndon Smith and published by the Daily Chronicle in 1949, is an accounting of Centralia, Washington history during its formative years. This work captures the essence of the community’s early development, providing a narrative enriched by diverse anecdotes and some pictorial representations.
This history of Winlock was written in 1951, at the request of the Winlock Community Development Association. The Community Development came into existence as a result of a 21-week study of our community, under the direction of the Bureau of Community Development of the University of Washington, with Professor Dick Poston as our weekly leader and consultant. This history was made into book form by commercial classes of the Winlock High School under the direction of Mrs. Sylvia Haapala.
Mrs. Ralph J. Champ, aged 59, passed away on October 2, 1955, at her Winlock home. Born on September 22, 1896, in Arlington, Washington, she is survived by her husband, a daughter, a sister, three brothers, and three grandchildren. A member of the Presbyterian Church, her funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the John W. Boone Chapel in Chehalis, led by Rev. George Shuman, followed by cremation and interment at Winlock Cemetery.
Francis M. Gowen, a 72-year-old dairyman and farmer from Chehalis, passed away unexpectedly at his home. Born in Minnesota in 1869, he moved to Lewis County in 1893 and was an active member of the Grange and Modern Woodmen. He is survived by his wife, Melissa, two sons, four daughters, a sister, and five grandchildren. His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at the John W. Boone Chapel, with burial to follow at Claquato.
Mrs. Nevada L. Kryger, 73, a long-time resident of the Sellwood community, passed away, and a Requiem mass will be celebrated at St. Agatha Catholic Church at 9 a.m. on Friday. She was originally from Lewis County, Washington, and is survived by her husband Cornelius, daughter Alice Katherine Jones, a grandson, and sisters Irene Nolton and Nellie Miller. Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, with a rosary service scheduled for 8 p.m. today at McGinnis Wilhelm Chapel.
Frederick Proebstel, born in Germany in 1829, emigrated to America with his family in 1842, settling in Missouri. By 1852, he had crossed the plains to Lewis County, Washington Territory. A participant in the Indian conflicts of 1855-56, Proebstel praised the Hudson’s Bay Company’s assistance during the harsh winter of 1852. His experiences in the Wallowa Valley included battling grizzly bears and panthers while managing his herds in the Imnaha region from 1879 to 1883, where he employed innovative trapping methods.
Michael T. Simmons, born on August 5, 1814, in Kentucky, was a pivotal figure in early American settlement at Puget Sound. After relocating to Missouri, he joined the 1844 Independent Oregon Colony, ultimately deciding to settle in Puget Sound due to British interference in American claims. Simmons established the first American settlement near Tumwater, named New Market, and advocated for George Bush’s rights as a free Black man. An influential leader and self-made man, Simmons contributed significantly to the community’s development before his death on November 15, 1867.
Lauretta Cross, aged 85, passed away on July 9, 2007, at Walla Walla General Hospital. Born on June 19, 1922, in La Grande, Oregon, she had a diverse life, marked by early hardships and a love for family. She married Jerry Cross in 1959 and became an active member of the VFW Auxiliary. A talented seamstress and gardener, she had a passion for outdoor activities. After relocating due to health issues, she ultimately resided with her daughter. Services were held on July 14, 2007, at Enterprise Cemetery.
Lena M. McEwen, a longtime resident of Centralia, passed away at the age of 82 in a local hospital. Born on March 28, 1884, in Lawrence, Kansas, she is survived by two daughters, four sons, a sister, 11 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at Fissell-Brown Mortuary Chapel, Chehalis, with interment at Toledo Cemetery. Pallbearers include family and friends from the community.
Andrew Wilkinson, aged 84, passed away on August 9, 1926, in Vader, Washington. Born in Cedar County, Missouri, he emigrated to Colorado and then traveled to the Grande Ronde Valley, where he became a successful farmer and cattleman. He married Mary Virginia Lamere in 1876, with whom he had three children. Following his wife’s death in 1913, he lived primarily with his daughter, Nora Webb. A respected pioneer known for his friendly nature and integrity, Wilkinson’s funeral was held at the Methodist Church in Union.
George W. Ormsby, 85, formerly of Nampa, passed away on June 10, 1986, in Olympia, Washington. Born on September 30, 1900, in Iowa, he married Edith Roberts in 1924 and worked for the Pacific Fruit Express, retiring in 1945. He later operated a dairy ranch in Oregon and a grocery store in Winlock, Washington. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday at Fissel Chapel, followed by burial at Claquato Cemetery.
Clarence Champ, 89, a retired manager of the Butte General Electric Co., passed away on November 13, 1974. Born on November 19, 1894, in Winlock, Washington, he graduated from Washington State University and served in the Navy during World War I. Champ played a crucial role in electrification projects across Montana. He was involved in various organizations, including the Butte Country Club and the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Ted, and other family members. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday.
Lottie Anna McEwen Lyon, aged 60, passed away at her home on March 19, 1934. Born on November 10, 1873, in Manhattan, Kansas, she moved to Washington with her family in 1888. She married John Charles Lyon in 1890 and was involved in the Royal Neighbors and the Renewal Society. Lottie is survived by three daughters, six sons, four grandchildren, a sister, and three brothers. Funeral services were held at Odd Fellows Hall, followed by burial at Toledo Cemetery.
Jay D. Champ, aged 79, passed away on December 10, 1983, in Spanaway. A retired lumber worker, he was originally from Winlock and had lived in Spanaway for two decades. He is survived by his sister, Florence Leland of Seattle. Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup is handling arrangements, with interment at Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen, WA.
Edna W. Champ, aged 82, passed away on April 5, 1980, in Tacoma, where she had lived for nearly 60 years. Born in Winlock, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church. She is survived by her son, Stanley, along with two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mountain View Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Naoma Roach, aged 80, passed away at her home in Chehalis on Saturday. Born on November 3, 1880, in Mt. Vernon, Oregon, she had lived in Chehalis for 24 years and previously resided in Onalaska. A member of a non-denominational church, she is survived by three daughters, three sons, three brothers, 15 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at Bonne Mortuary, with burial in Claquato Cemetery.
Henry C. Layton, a pioneer of Lewis County, passed away suddenly on August 3 at age 64 after becoming ill while picking blackberries. Born on May 26, 1857, in Toledo, he is survived by his wife, Amanda, three children, his mother, and several siblings. A member of Eden Prairie Grange, he was honored with the naming of Layton Prairie, where he will be interred. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday at Sticklins Chapel.
John Champ, 53, passed away on December 6 at his Winlock home after several months of illness. A prominent early resident, he served as marshal multiple times during his 35 years in the town. He is survived by his wife and six children, including four daughters and two sons, marking a significant loss for his family and the community.
William Champ, a prominent pioneer in Washington’s Masonic community, passed away at 88 on November 2, 1912, in Winlock. He was a founding member of several Masonic lodges, including those in Chehalis and Olympia. Champ moved to Olympia in 1860 and later settled in Lewis County, where he lived until his death. His contributions to fraternal life spanned decades, beginning with his initiation in 1845. He is survived by four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was laid to rest with Masonic honors.
Ruthella Chaplin Lee, aged 95, passed away on May 10, 1989, in Centralia’s Providence Hospital. Born on October 3, 1893, in Brownsville, Oregon, she was the daughter of Ralph and Sarah Chaplin. After attending Bellingham Normal School, she taught in the Chehalis School District until her marriage in 1917 to Virgin R. Lee, who died in 1986. Lee was a life member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of the St. Helens Club and Pioneers of Washington. She is survived by her son, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren.