Mason County WA

Biography of M. J. Morlan

M.J. Morlan, born in Ohio in 1835, moved to Illinois in 1846, where he worked on his family’s farm. Eager for a better life, he migrated to Oregon in 1857 but found success after relocating to Wasco County and engaging in sheep husbandry. In 1871, he transitioned to agriculture in Umatilla County. Married to Mary E. Jones, he has two children. Morlan exemplifies the industrious pioneers whose efforts contributed significantly to the development of the region, remaining uninterested in political ambitions.

Biography of Frederick D. Schnebly

Frederick D. Schnebly, born in 1832 in Hagerstown, Maryland, pursued education at Franklin and Marshall College. In 1854, he journeyed to California via Nicaragua, encountering numerous challenges, including a ship fire. After unsuccessful mining attempts, he settled near Dayton, Washington, contributing to local commerce. He later established an agricultural implement business in Yakima County and was elected sheriff, where he faced lawlessness head-on. Notably, he participated in efforts against Native American conflicts, showcasing his resilience and leadership throughout his life.

Garrett, John B. – Obituary

John B. Garrett, an early settler in the Flora district, died on June 20, 1935, at his home. Born on March 23, 1857, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, he moved west in 1884 and married Edith Abel in 1889. The couple had seven children before her death in 1909. Garrett settled in Flora in 1895, where he became a respected community member and a devoted father. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings, and many friends, and was remembered for his kind nature.

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.

McCully, Frank M. – Obituary

Frank M. McCully, Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction, passed away on March 12, 1907, following complications from gallbladder surgery. Despite initial recovery, his condition deteriorated due to kidney issues. Flags were flown at half-mast in his honor, and the Elks will oversee his funeral services at Masonic cemetery. Born on October 2, 1857, in Harrisburg, Oregon, McCully had a distinguished career in education and journalism, leaving behind a legacy and his son Merritt.

Conley, Rebecca S. Hooper – Obituary

Rebecca S. Hooper Conley, born May 25, 1828, near Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on April 10, 1920, in Dayton, Washington, at nearly 92 years of age. She and her husband, Geo. W. Conley, moved to Joseph in 1888, where they significantly impacted the community until his death in 1907. Survived by seven of their eleven children, she had lived with her daughter, Mrs. C.F. Austin, before her passing. Interment took place in Dayton, Washington.

Williams, Marjorie Ellen – Obituary

Marjorie Ellen Williams, born on October 29, 1920, in Hermiston, Oregon, passed away on June 12, 1996, in Bullhead City, Arizona. She was married to Charles Franklin Jaensch and later to Lawrence Williams. Marjorie is survived by her mother Clara L. Finstad, a sister, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A lifelong member of the Moose Lodge, services will be held on June 15, 1996. She was preceded in death by her husband and other family members.

Enyart, Lora Gertrude Halley Mrs. – Obituary

Lora Gertrude Halley Enyart, born February 3, 1869, in Macon City, Missouri, passed away on January 12, 1940, in Enterprise, Oregon, after suffering a stroke. She was active until her sudden illness while preparing dinner. Funeral services were conducted by E. E. Callahan, with burial at Enterprise Cemetery. Lora was married to E. B. Enyart since 1885. They relocated to Wallowa County in 1899, raising six children. She is survived by her husband, children, and eight grandchildren.

Skaggs, Henry T. – Obituary

Henry T. Skaggs, born in Indiana on September 13, 1848, passed away at his home in Enterprise, Oregon, on December 25, 1920. He married Effie Martin in Kansas in 1881, later moving to Washington and then Wallowa County. Skaggs is survived by his wife, one daughter, two sons, and siblings. A member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his funeral was conducted by Rev. Homer E. Cullison, with interment in Enterprise Cemetery. He was 72 years old at the time of his death.

Baxter, Rex D. – Obituary

Rex D. Baxter, born October 15, 1951, in Enterprise, Oregon, passed away on November 16, 2006, at the age of 55. A graduate of Enterprise High School, he had a career as a Fishery Biologist with the Army Corps of Engineers in Walla Walla, Washington. He is survived by his wife Debbie, children Emily and Steven, his mother Marjorie, and three brothers. A memorial service is scheduled for November 25, 2006, in Dayton, Washington.

Holman, Ernest Mrs.

Mrs. Ernest Holman, a pioneer of Columbia County, drowned in the Touchet River during a flood on Monday afternoon. While attempting to cross a plank bridge with her husband, she lost her footing and fell into the torrent. Mr. Holman jumped in after her, but despite his efforts, they were separated. Her body was later recovered nearly a mile downstream. Mrs. Holman was approximately 45 years old and is survived by her husband and two grown children.

Dayton, Gretchen Adeline – Obituary

Gretchen Adeline Dayton, 85, passed away on July 17 at Grande Ronde Hospital in Elgin, Oregon. Born on December 25, 1920, in Port Townsend, Washington, she spent much of her life in the Puget Sound region before moving to Elgin after marrying Darius Dayton in 1981. She had a passion for the outdoors and cherished storytelling. Darius predeceased her in 1990. A graveside memorial is scheduled for Friday evening at Elgin Cemetery, with Loveland Funeral Chapel handling arrangements.

Wilson, Raine Miller – Obituary

Raine Miller Wilson, 66, of The Dalles, formerly of La Grande, passed away at home on June 4, 2008. Born on December 9, 1941, in Klamath Falls, he was the youngest of five children. Raine served in the U.S. Army and worked for the Soil Conservation Service for 27 years before retiring. He enjoyed outdoor activities and time with family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, son, eight grandchildren, and two sisters. His parents and two brothers predeceased him.

Bowman, Martha Elizabeth Carroll – Obituary

Mrs. Martha Elizabeth Carroll Bowman, wife of Walter S. Bowman, passed away on March 13, 1931, due to complications from a paralytic stroke. Born on December 5, 1866, in Yamhill, Oregon, she moved to Pendleton in the 1890s. Martha married W. S. Bowman in 1896 and is survived by her husband and two sisters. A longtime member of the Episcopal Church and the Pioneer Club, her funeral will be held at the Church of the Redeemer, with interment at Olney Cemetery.

Paulson, Emil – Obituary

Mr. Paulson passed away on April 20, 1940, at Shelton Hospital after a week of illness. He was born on May 27, 1877, in Kristiansand, Norway, and immigrated to the United States 46 years prior, settling in 1898. He is survived by his son Donald, who worked with him, his brother Andrew in Wisconsin Rapids, and several siblings in Norway.

Kirkland, William Moses – Obituary

William M. Kirkland passed away in Shelton on January 22, 1891, due to consumption, at the age of 56. He had been ill since August and had been receiving care in town. Kirkland is survived by several brothers and his father, aged 86, who lives on a Skokomish River farm. His brother Aaron was present at his death. Funeral services, led by Rev. J. E. Sanders, were held on the following Friday, with burial in Shelton Cemetery.

Kirkland, Moses – Obituary

Mr. Moses Kirkland, aged approximately 89, passed away on August 7, 1892, at upper Skokomish. A pioneer who crossed the plains in 1854, he settled in various locations, ultimately establishing his ranch on the Skokomish River. A father and grandfather to many, including notable descendants, his funeral drew a large attendance from friends and family. Despite his active life, a recent stroke led to his decline. He was interred in Shelton Cemetery, honored by the community he helped shape.

Kirkland, Aaron – Obituary

Aaron Kirkland, an old settler of the Upper Skokomish Valley, was found in a paralyzed state in his home on July 20, 1910, and passed away shortly after. Born in 1850 in Clifton to Moses Kirkland, one of Mason County’s early settlers, he lived a solitary life, preferring trapping to farming. He is survived by his brother, Jesse, with other family members having passed away. His funeral is anticipated to be held in Shelton on the following Friday.

Morrow, Vandeveer Perry – Obituary

Vandeveer Perry Morrow, a prominent Mason County pioneer, was found deceased in his home in Shelton on April 23, 1901. Born in Illinois in 1831, he journeyed west in 1852, eventually settling in Mason County where he held various county offices. Though he faced financial hardships later in life, he was known for his quiet character and the respect of his peers. Morrow is survived by his son, William, and will be interred alongside his wife at Oakland Cemetery.

Leake, Minnie Morrow – Obituary

Mrs. Minnie Leake, aged 79, passed away on October 7, 1947, at her daughter’s home in Altadena, California. Final rites were conducted in Shelton. A pioneer descendant of Mason County, she was the granddaughter of William M. Morrow, an early settler. Her husband, Charles Leake, a longtime employee of the Merrill Ring company, predeceased her in 1946. The couple lived in Seattle and were part of the foundational Morrow, Shelton, and Webb families. She was interred at Shelton Memorial Cemetery.