J. W. Beaumont passed away in Milton due to complications from the flu, as reported by his brother Chas. Beaumont. Chas traveled to Milton following the news of his brother’s death. This information was published in the Wallowa County Reporter on November 28, 1918.
Zadock Coverdale, a prominent pioneer of Upper Prairie Creek in Wallowa County, Oregon, passed away on December 15th at the age of 83. His recent residence was in Milton, Oregon. Coverdale leaves behind a legacy as one of the early settlers in the region.
Mrs. J.A. Downing, a long-time resident of Wallowa County, Oregon, passed away on August 7, 1937, after nearly 50 years in the area. Born Ella Zerba in Wisconsin in 1862, she married J.A. Downing in 1881 and moved to Wallowa County in 1887. She is survived by six children, 26 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held at Booth chapel, led by Rev. H.G. Luscombe, with burial in Wallowa cemetery. Mrs. Downing was a dedicated mother and active in her community and church.
Mrs. Guillia Trainor, a Wallowa County pioneer, passed away on February 6, 1937, at the age of 67. Born on January 10, 1870, in Des Moines, Iowa, she arrived in Wallowa County by covered wagon in 1883. She married Allen J. Kutch in 1885 and later Charles Turnbow in 1901, with whom she had four children, three of whom survived her. She is survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services took place at the Joseph M.E. Church, concluding with her interment in Prairie Creek Cemetery.
Mary Eliza Wood Conley, an early settler of the Flora district, passed away on February 26, 1940, at a nursing home in Milton. Born on December 6, 1859, she married Jesse Monroe Conley in 1878 and migrated to Oregon in 1888, where they homesteaded. After farming for 20 years, they settled in Flora until 1926. She is survived by five children. Funeral services were held in Milton, attended by family. Mr. Conley preceded her in death in 1936.
Henry L. Finley, an early settler of Wallowa County, Oregon, passed away on Monday at St. Mary’s Hospital in Walla Walla, Washington. Born on May 11, 1873, in Kentucky, he and his wife, Lula, moved to Oregon in 1910, establishing their family across several towns. Funeral services were held at the Milton Christian Church, with burial in the 100F cemetery. Finley is survived by his widow, three sons, three daughters, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Mary Eliza Wood Conley, an early settler in Flora, Oregon, passed away on February 26, 1940, in a nursing home in Milton after years of declining health. Born on December 6, 1859, she married Jesse Monroe Conley in Missouri in 1878, later homesteading in Oregon in 1888. They lived on their farm for 20 years before retiring to Flora. Mary is survived by five children. Funeral services were held in Milton, attended by family.
Rufus E. Bean, a prominent civic and political figure in Umatilla County, passed away on April 5, 1947, from cerebral thrombosis. Born on January 1, 1876, in Missouri, he spent most of his life in Milton after a successful career as a telegraph operator and ranch owner. Bean served 12 years as a Umatilla County Commissioner, was mayor of Freewater, and held various roles in local businesses. He is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and siblings. His funeral will be held at Freewater Federated Church.
Private Charles W. Cross, a member of Company K, 308th Infantry, died in France, reportedly from pneumonia, though some sources claim he was killed in action. Born on September 29, 1894, in Milton, Oregon, he had lived in Union where he was well-regarded. His body returned home on May 17, 1921, being the first soldier’s remains from France to arrive in Union. A funeral was held on May 18, attended by many community members, honoring his service and sacrifice for his country.
Dellivan McGinnis, born in 1887 in Milton, Oregon, died on July 13, 1920, in Ashland, Wisconsin, at the age of 33. He was the son of Lillie Cross and married Rita Wilson in 1910. McGinnis served in the U.S. Marines from May 1918 to March 1919. He is survived by his wife, mother, step-father, two half-brothers, and three half-sisters, with two half-brothers having predeceased him. His funeral was held on July 20, attended by family and friends, with services led by Rev. Cook.
Arkley B. Mac McCumber, 73, of Cove, Oregon, passed away at home on July 4, 1987. Born on May 19, 1914, in Milton, he served three years in World War II and worked for the Oregon State Highway Division, retiring in 1976. He married Vivian Robertson in 1945, who predeceased him, and later wed Lenore Hewitt in 1979. He is survived by his wife, a step-son and daughter-in-law, a sister, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Per his wishes, no services will be held.
Powell Graham, 87, passed away on June 6 in La Grande, Oregon. Born on April 25, 1919, he earned his Eagle Scout Badge at 16 and graduated in pharmacy from Oregon State University. He owned Graham Drug and served as a Navy photographer. An active community member, he was the Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge and president of the Oregon Board of Pharmacists. He is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, with memorials directed to the Oregon Heart Association or OSU pharmacy scholarships.
Mrs. Ella George, widow of Rev. David George, passed away at her daughter’s home in Milton on February 4, 1932. Born in Iowa in 1858, she migrated to California as a child and married Rev. George in 1875. The couple served various Methodist circuits, eventually settling in Milton in 1888. Mrs. George was well-regarded in the valley and is survived by five children. Her funeral was held at the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, on Thursday, drawing many mourners.
R. G. Winston, born in 1835 in Kentucky, became a prominent figure in Wallowa County, Oregon, after relocating from Missouri in 1884. A successful stockman, he purchased a homestead and thrived through hard work and sound management. Winston, who experienced two marriages—first to Mary Caroll and later to Angelety Caroll—raised several children while contributing to the community’s prosperity. Respected for his character and judgment, he remains a notable and influential member of the local society.
Nathan Pierce passed away on the 26th of July in San Francisco due to heart disease. He had traveled there two weeks prior for health reasons, accompanied by his son Henry. His remains will be transported back to Milton for a funeral likely scheduled for Sunday. Pierce was a notable political figure in Oregon, having served as a presidential elector in 1892 for the People’s Party and made a strong gubernatorial run in 1894, garnering significant support.
James Weaver, born in Minnesota in 1860 and raised in Walla Walla, Washington, pursued farming until 1885 before moving to Morrow County and continuing in agriculture until 1890. He then relocated to Malheur County, where he purchased a drug store in Vale in 1892. Alongside his retail business, he partnered in the stock industry. Weaver was appointed county treasurer that same year and was subsequently elected to the position in both 1894 and 1896, earning the trust of the community.