This manuscript, in its essence, is a collection of 948 biographies of prominent men and women, all leading citizens of Western Colorado. In this context, Western Colorado encompasses the counties of Archuleta, Chaffee, Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Lake, Mesa, Mineral, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, San Juan, and San Miguel.
George A. Crawford, born on July 27, 1827, in Pennsylvania, was a prominent figure in the development of Fort Scott, Kansas. Educated at Jefferson College, he worked as an editor and engaged in politics, opposing Know-Nothing sentiment. In 1857, he co-founded Fort Scott and served as its president for two decades. Active during the Civil War, he organized military efforts and later became Kansas’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate. He also helped establish the Kansas Historical Society and contributed to community development before his death in Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1891.
Wilbur F. George, born in Illinois in 1860, moved to Kansas in 1870, overcoming hardships through hard work and determination. After early struggles, including a devastating grasshopper plague, he became a successful farmer and businessman, settling in Menoken Township. Married in 1883, he raised six children while engaging in various ventures, including grain buying and fruit farming. A Democrat and active in community improvement, George’s contributions extended to education and local churches, aided by his supportive wife, Ida. He is known for his resourcefulness and modern farming practices.
Mark Pomroy Thompson, a respected pioneer of Wallowa County, passed away on April 2, 1943, after a brief illness. Born on October 26, 1874, in Iowa, he moved to Oregon in 1888. He married Mable U. Creasy in 1893 and spent much of his life in Imnaha, where he raised cattle. Thompson was a community-minded individual, known for his hospitality, and was survived by his wife, four children, ten grandchildren, and extended family. His funeral reflected the deep respect and connection he had with the local community.
Louise Shelton, 91, of North Powder, Oregon, passed away on September 9, 2004. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. at North Powder Cemetery, with a reception at the North Powder Grange following. Born on September 27, 1912, in Grand Valley, Colorado, she married Walter D. Clark and later Lee V. Shelton. Louise was a telephone operator and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and cooking. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.
Robert F. “Bob” Ciesiel, 77, passed away on October 1, 2005, in Boise. A resident of Baker City, Bob was born on August 7, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY, and enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school. He earned a geology degree from the University of New Mexico and worked with the Bureau of Land Management across the West. A dedicated community member and family man, he is survived by his wife, Marihelen, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Leona B. Miller, 96, passed away on January 5, 2004, in Canby, Oregon, at her daughter Roberta Hilger’s home. Born on October 15, 1907, in Colorado, she moved to Oregon at age four. Leona married Ralph Patterson at 16, later marrying Frank Miller in 1938, with whom she had two daughters. A dedicated community member, she was active in the Presbyterian Church and the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
This page lists known online cemetery transcriptions, burial records, and gravestone images for Mesa County, Colorado. Resources vary by cemetery and may include full surveys, partial records, mapping, or photographs. Links lead to external sites providing the available data.
Donald Leon Walker, 69, of Haines, Oregon, passed away on March 10, 2003. Born on January 13, 1934, in Gilbert, Arizona, he had a varied career including ranching and real estate. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he served during the Korean War. He was known for his kindness and wisdom, helping many throughout his life. Walker is survived by his father, four children, five grandchildren, and his second wife, Mary Loennig Rider. Memorial services are scheduled for March 15, 2003, in Haines.
Bart Bailey, 20, of Baker City, Oregon, died on June 24, 2002, from injuries sustained in a traffic accident while traveling to work as a firefighter. A graduate of Baker High School and a civil engineering student at Oregon State University, he was actively involved in music and drama. His Celebration of Life service will take place at 2 p.m. at the Baker City Church of the Nazarene, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery. Bart is remembered for his faith, love for family, and dedication to others.
Stephen Arnold “Steve” Dalke, 49, of Hammett, Idaho, passed away on February 22, 2002, following a battle with cancer. Born on December 2, 1952, in Omaha, Nebraska, he was raised in a missionary family. Steve married Carla Sue Claiborne in 1976, and together they served with Village Missions across several states. Known for his humor and love for life, he was dedicated to sharing God’s love and enjoyed raising horses. He is survived by his wife, children, and siblings.