Marion County OR

Biography of William Rice Dunbar

W.R. DUNBAR. – The mold in which a place is first cast is a great determining force in its future development. A quarter of a city which begins with mean buildings invites a class of neglectful or impecunious residents, and seldom outgrows its tendency towards squalor. The new settlers which come into a thriftless community sink more easily to the habits of their neighbors before them than they succeed in inciting those lax individuals to more industrious methods. On the other hand, also, thrift, vigor, a high level of public spirit and morality, leave a stamp which sets the tone … Read more

Biography of Joshua A. Downing

A man of ability and executive force, as is manifested in the results of his faithful endeavor, in the industrial world: a pioneer in at least two different counties of our state: a builder of Wallowa County, and a stanch and upright citizen of the same today, the subject of this article is eminently worthy to receive proper representation in this volume that purports both to chronicle the history of Union and Wallowa counties and makes mention as well of the early pioneers, as the leading citizens of today: and it is with pleasure that we accord the same to … Read more

Biography of Joseph Holman

JOSEPH HOLMAN. – This pioneer of the North Pacific was born in Devonshire, England, in 1817, and came to the United States when nineteen years of age. Three years later he was at Peoria, Illinois, at which place he listened to a lecture on Oregon by Reverend Jason Lee, and was one of the party organized to cross the plains which left early in the spring of 1839, reaching the Willamette after fourteen months of travel, toil, hardships and privation. Many of the incidents of his trip are mentioned in the biographical sketch of Francis Fletcher in this book, he … Read more

Derringer, J. B. – Obituary

Hot Lake Crossing Scene Of Drowning Aged Traveler Found Dead Under Car in Ditch Aside of Highway Yesterday Morning Word was brought here by N.N. West, photographer, of North Powder, that J.B. Derringer, whose driver’s license gave his home as Salem, was drowned under a Chevrolet Phaeton when the car left the grade at the turn just this side of the highway viaduct near Hot Lake. The accident is said to have occurred at about 10 a.m. yesterday. Derringer was pinned under the car that landed upside down in water held by the ditch. Derringer had crossed the viaduct, traveling … Read more

Morin, Norman E. – Obituary

Norman E. Morin, 82, of Woodburn, a former Baker City resident, died Jan. 16, 2005, at Woodburn. His memorial service will be Feb. 5 at Cornwell Funeral Home in Woodburn. Mr. Morin was born on May 20, 1923, to George D. and Dottie Roseberry Morin. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps when he was a kid and then worked at Irby’s Dairy. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He operated a second-hand store in Salem for a while and then spent the rest of his life at the Woodburn Auction. He will be missed by a … Read more

Biography of William Fine

WILLIAM FINE. – Any compilation that purports to chronicle the careers of the leading men of Union and Wallowa counties would be open to great criticism, were there failure to incorporate therein an epitome of the gentleman, whose name initiates this paragraph, since he is one of the most influential and prominent men of this entire section, being well known over the two counties and as highly esteemed as he is widely known: and since he has achieved a good success here in various enterprises, thus demonstrating his ability to handle the affairs of the business world in a winning … Read more

Barger, Cyrus W. – Obituary

Old Stage Driver Buried In Silverton Cyrus W. Barger, one of the oldest coach drivers in the north west, died in Portland, Wednesday of last week, at the age of 76. He was buried at Silverton last Friday, and his body was borne to its last resting place in a hearse drawn by a span of horses. His old whip which lashed the backs of his steeds for nearly fifty years laid in his hands. These were two of the aged man’s requests. Barger was one of the Overland stage coach drivers that made Baker in that day and there … Read more

Biography of Robert Couch Kinney

ROBERT COUCH KINNEY. – Oregon will always treasure with respect and admiration the memory of the men and women who came in the days when the Pacific Northwest was the home of savage tribes, mountain men and a few traders, to plant homes and lay the foundation of an empire on the waters of the Columbia. They dared much when they accepted the roll of pioneers to the Pacific. Some became notable for success, and developed character that gave standing to the new state; for the constitution and early legislation of Oregon showed statesmanship seldom equaled in the erection of … Read more

Biography of Rockey P. Earhart

The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin County, Ohio, on the 23td day of June, 1837, and came to Oregon by way of the Isthmus of Panama, in 1855. Educational advantages were offered him in select schools in his native State, where he gained a thoroughly practical business training. Upon arriving in Oregon, and incidentally meeting with some of the public officials of the day, his superior clerical abilities were very soon recognized, and he received the appointment of clerk under Captain (now General), Robert McFeely, U. S. A., and Quartermaster P. H. Sheridan, then a comparatively unknown … Read more

Biography of Judge Robert Eakin

JUDGE ROBERT EAKIN. – While Union county is so especially favored in having men of energy and talent in the various callings of human industry and learning, there is no profession that is more signally marked by the men of ability within its ranks than the legal, and as a leader among this class stands the gentleman, whose name initiates this paragraph, and who is well and favorably known throughout eastern Oregon. Judge Eakin is a profound student of the literature of his chosen profession, having added by careful and thorough research to a mind well poised for weighing the … Read more

Butler, Mary Ann Lee – Obituary

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at two o’clock at Smith’s Funeral Chapel, for Mrs. Mary Lee Butler, 79, who died in Monmouth [August 19, 1930] after a long illness. She had been occupying a cottage at DeLake with her daughter, Mrs. Leighton Smith, and was attended by her son, Dr. Frank E. Butler, of Portland. Tuesday morning she requested that she be taken to her home in Monmouth, where she was conveyed by ambulance, and her passing occurred late the same afternoon. Mary Lee was born June 16, 1851, on the land claim of her parents, Nicholas and Sarah … Read more

Biography of Col. W.W. Chapman

Among men now living there are none around whom clusters so much of the history of Portland as the one whose name heads this memoir. He is the strongest link between the infant days and the stalwart manhood of our city. But the results of his labors in behalf of Portland, great and far-reaching as they have been in good, by no means complete the record of his long and useful life. Years before American civilization had gained a foot-hold in this portion of the Pacific Northwest, he had borne a leading part in laying the foundations of the State … Read more

Moore, Scott “Scotty” – Obituary

Cove, Oregon Oregon State Police Sergeant Scott “Scotty” Moore, 47, of Cove died Nov. 2 at OHSU in Portland from complications of pancreatic cancer. There will be a celebration of life with Oregon State Police Honors at noon Nov. 20 at the Blue Mountain Conference Center in La Grande. A reception and meal will follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Loveland Funeral Chapel. Mr. Moore was born Apr. 2, 1959, in Gardena, Calif., to Robert A Moore and Kathleen Q. O’Neal. He lived in Fallbrook, Calif., for 10 years before moving with his family to Salem and then to … Read more

Cooke, Susan Brewster – Obituary

Mrs. Susan E. Cooke, Kittitas Pioneer, Dies At Age Of 89. Was Resident Of Valley Since 1870; Crossed Plains In 1851; Funeral Monday; Deceased Came From Noted Family; Was Descendant Of Pilgrim Following a decline suffered nearly two years ago, Mrs. Susan Eliza Brewster Cooke, one of the oldest pioneers of Kittitas Valley, died last night at the family residence, 11 miles northeast of Ellensburg [died March 11, 1921]. Last Monday Mrs. Cooke celebrated her 89th birthday, having been born in Waterford County, four miles from Troy, New York, on March 7, 1832. Mrs. Cooke was a direct descendant of … Read more

Langrell, John Ronald, Jr. – Obituary

Baker City, Baker County, Oregon John Ronald Langrell, Jr., 76, a longtime Forest Grove resident, and a former Baker City resident, died Monday, March 27. At his request, no services will be held. John was born Sept. 23, 1929, in Baker City to John Ronald Langrell and Bertha (Riggs) Langrell. He was raised and educated in Baker City, Dayton, Wash., Portland and Salem. John graduated from Salem High School and received his bachelor’s degree in forestry from Oregon State College (now known as Oregon State University). John was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force. While a teen-ager, … Read more

Biography of Major N. A. Cornoyer

MAJOR N.A. CORNOYER. – It is sometimes complained of Oregonians that, coming to this state some time ago, they have not been able to keep up with the improved methods invented at the East since their departure. This is true only in part, if at all. The early settlers are the ones who have been most prompt and energetic to discover and apply the latest inventions and improvements. They compare very favorably in this particular with the latest arrivals; and their experience of soils and climate and methods peculiar to this coast give them a decided advantage. Major Cornoyer is … Read more

Christenson, Gayle Arlyn

Gayle Arlyn Christenson, 74, a longtime Baker City resident, died Feb. 7, 2005, at home surrounded by family and friends. An Elks service and celebration of his life will take place Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1896 Second St. Gayle was born in 1931 at McMinnville to Chester and Lola (Johnson) Christenson. He attended school in Newberg and graduated there in 1950. He received training in radio engineering and moved to Salt Lake City where his distinct deep voice got him a job as a radio announcer. From there, Gayle worked a short time in the oil … Read more

Biography of Hon. Thomas Patton

HON. THOMAS PATTON. – There is scarcely a man in Oregon, who enjoys a greater measure of esteem, both in his own community and abroad, than the gentleman whose name heads this memoir. With the usual substantial and popular qualities of the pioneers, he has a touch of dash and a breadth of view which lift him somewhat above the horizon of even the first business men and thinkers of the Pacific Northwest. He is prominent among those who have given the tone and pose to the peculiarly refined and genial society of the Capital city. He was born in … Read more

Jackson, Charlie E. – Obituary

Charlie E. Jackson Was Former Resident Funeral services for a former Haines resident, Charlie E. Jackson were held in Salem, July 24. Burial in the family plot Keiser cemetery near Salem. Mr. Jackson was born to G. W. and Ida Bell Long Jackson June 24, 1905. He was the grandson of Alonzo and Julia Ann Long, pioneer family of Baker Valley. He attended school in Haines and Muddy Creek. He farmed in this area before moving to the Willamette Valley where he worked as a dairy man before he retired. Survivors are his wife Mildred; sons, Tom and Rex; daughters, … Read more

Weber, Kevin Paul – Obituary

Kevin Paul Weber, 40, of Salem, a former Baker City resident, died Dec. 6, 2000. His funeral will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Salem Heights Church. Mr. Weber was born July 11, 1960, at Baker City to Monona and Rudolph Weber. After the death of his mother when he was 8, he made his home with his aunt and uncle, Boyd and Margaret Brown, and his cousins who became surrogate brothers and sister to him. He grew up on the Boyd Brown Ranch. He was a 1979 Baker High School graduate. He married Mary Lee of Baker City on … Read more