Nevada County CA

Biographical Sketch of William H. Brown

William H. Brown, Supervisor from the Second Township, played a pivotal role in developing San Mateo County’s highway system. His vision led to the creation of scenic boulevards that attract numerous visitors. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of nearly all paved roads in the township. Brown initiated the good roads movement in 1912, resulting in a significant bond issue for infrastructure. Active in local governance and community development, he also contributed to the San Mateo fire department and the County Development Association. Born in 1862, Brown dedicated much of his life to California and its communities.

Biography of Samuel P. Cox

Samuel P. Cox, born on December 16, 1828, in Kentucky, moved to Missouri as a child. He enlisted for the Mexican War in 1847 and returned to farming after his discharge. Cox entered the mercantile business in 1851 and later pursued cattle driving to California. Active in the Civil War, he rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the Missouri State Militia. After the war, he engaged in various business ventures, including hospitality and sales. He and his wife, Mary, had six children and were esteemed members of their community.

Biography of Solomon Hasbrouck

Solomon Hasbrouck, born on May 30, 1833, in New Paltz, New York, is a prominent pioneer of Idaho and currently serves as Clerk of the Supreme Court in Boise. His early life included farming and clerking, leading to his journey to California for mining. Hasbrouck held various roles, becoming a county commissioner and a member of the territorial legislature. After returning to Idaho, he practiced law and engaged in merchandising until a fire caused significant losses. Highly regarded for his public service, Hasbrouck has been a significant figure in Idaho’s development.

Biography of Evan Evans

Evan Evans, born in Norway in 1855, arrived in Grangeville, Idaho, in 1880, where he became a prominent businessman and community leader. After serving in the U.S. Navy and engaging in various ventures including stock-raising and operating a butcher shop, he built a successful hardware business. Evans was active in local governance and education, was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and supported community welfare initiatives. He married Ella Jones, with whom he had two daughters, and remained a respected figure in the town.

Biography of James Edwards

James Edwards, born in Vermont in 1838, has contributed significantly to the industrial development of northern Idaho. After various business ventures, including dairy farming and mining, he became a successful hotel proprietor in Grangeville. Edwards actively participated in the Sheepeater Indian War and served as a long-term justice of the peace. He married Mary Rains, widow of a man killed in conflict, and they raised her sons. Now retired, Edwards owns several farms and remains respected in his community for his contributions and public service.

Biography of Jacob C. Garber

Jacob C. Garber, born on January 7, 1829, in Virginia, was the fourth of fourteen children in a Swiss-American family. After moving to Ohio and later to California for mining, he served as county recorder and ran a successful general store. Eventually relocating to Idaho, Garber farmed before becoming the probate judge and later the postmaster of Grangeville, a position he holds with commendable efficiency. Married to Julia A. Wheeler, he has been an active Republican and a supporter of community initiatives.

Biography of Charles D. Armstrong

Charles Dexter Armstrong, born on January 22, 1834, in Knox County, Ohio, was a pioneering figure in Latah County, Idaho, and a significant contributor to local agriculture. He journeyed west in 1859, initially mining in California before settling in Latah County in 1883, where he developed a successful 160-acre farm. A devoted family man, Armstrong had sixteen children with his wife, Mary E. Johnson. He actively promoted education in his community and was a lifelong Democrat known for his integrity and commitment to neighborly welfare.

Ingram,Chester – Obituary

Chester Earl Ingram, 36, was tragically killed in a logging accident on Marr Flat when a logging truck ran over him during loading operations. He was assisting the truck driver, Wilbur Curry, when the vehicle began to roll backward. Ingram was a World War II veteran and a logger, residing in Joseph, Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Helen, their children, and his parents. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at the Enterprise Christian Church, followed by burial in Pendleton.

Ormsby, Irene A. Newstrom – Obituary

Irene A. Ormsby, aged 90, passed away on October 15, 1993, in Grass Valley. Born on September 27, 1903, in Selma, she lived in the Bay Area for 40 years before moving to Grass Valley a year prior. Irene cherished her family and enjoyed ballroom dancing. She is survived by her son, siblings, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Ormsby. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, followed by entombment at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.

Ormsby, Duane Maurice – Obituary

Duane Maurice Ormsby, 69, of Grass Valley, passed away on December 25, 1999, after a prolonged struggle with multiple sclerosis. Born on August 24, 1930, in Oakland, he had lived in Nevada County for 12 years. A Korean War veteran and a dedicated judo instructor, he was also a skilled glazier with a 35-year career. He is survived by his wife, Dolores, three sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

Biography of Belden D. Burt

Belden D. Burt, born in 1823 in New York, became a prominent merchant and community leader in Riverside, California. Establishing B. D. Burt & Brother in 1875, the firm is Riverside’s oldest mercantile establishment, known for its integrity and sound business practices. Burt’s earlier ventures included mining and various mercantile pursuits across California. A supporter of Riverside’s growth, he played a significant role in its governance and local enterprises. Married in 1853, Burt and his wife, Irene, had no children.

Biography of David Morey

David Morey, born in Pennsylvania in 1824, was a significant figure in the establishment of Redlands, California. After learning the cabinet trade, he journeyed west in 1850, engaging in mining and various construction projects. In 1882, he settled in Redlands, cultivating oranges and purchasing land with his wife, Sarah Jane Reforest, who played a vital role in their horticultural success. Together, they transformed their property, significantly contributing to the area’s agricultural development and the beauty of its orchards.

Biography of Hon. Jesse B. Ball

Hon. Jesse B. Ball, a pioneer of 1853, founded the thriving city of Sterling along the Skagit River in Washington. After working in mining and stock business throughout California, he moved to Puget Sound in 1867, engaging in farming and logging. In 1878, he established Sterling, where he managed a store and logging camp before transitioning to farming and real estate. A Republican and long-time postmaster, Ball also fought Indigenous peoples in early California. He narrowly escaped disaster on the steamer Josephine and has seven children.

Biography of Hon. A. R. Burbank

Hon. A.R. Burbank, born April 15, 1817, near Cincinnati, Ohio, was a pivotal figure in developing society and commerce on the Pacific coast. After various moves during his childhood, he found success as a partner in a store by age twenty-six. Burbank’s ventures in California during the Gold Rush, followed by his relocation to Oregon, led to significant legislative contributions, particularly in establishing Salem’s water power. A dedicated public servant, he transitioned from Democrat to Republican and remained an influential presence in Oregon and Washington politics until his retirement in 1885.

Ham, Verdice Van Leuven Mrs. – Obituary

Verdice Ham, 83, formerly of Baker City, passed away on March 27, 2003, in Nevada City, California. Born on December 16, 1919, in Weiser, Idaho, she was the youngest of 15 siblings. After marrying Beryl Ham in 1938, she raised seven children while moving throughout Oregon due to his logging career. Following his passing in 1957, she worked various jobs and retired in 1984. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with services held at Coles Funeral Home and interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Joshua A. Hardesty – Obituary

Joshua A. Hardesty, 19, a resident of Baker City since 1989, passed away on November 13, 2002, in an automobile accident. A celebration of his life will take place at Coles Funeral Home, with burial following at Mount Hope Cemetery. Born on July 5, 1983, in Grass Valley, California, he was a Baker High School graduate and worked as an exhaust specialist at Mels Discount Auto Parts. He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, siblings, and extended family, and will be remembered fondly.

Kennedy, Dale Dee – Obituary

Dale Dee Kennedy, 40, of Baker City, passed away on December 9, 2001. Born in Nevada City, California, on February 19, 1961, he lived in Grass Valley until the age of 26. Dale was known for his kindness and love of fishing, yard sales, and CB radios. He married Dawn Seickman on November 5, 1995. He is survived by his wife, parents, grandmother, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and grandfather. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Biography of William Ranck

William Ranck, born in 1829 in East Waterford, Pennsylvania, moved with his family to Huntington County, where he received a basic education. At seventeen, he learned wagon-making and eventually journeyed west to California in 1852. After mining for two years, he settled in Vancouver, Washington, where he opened a wagon shop. Ranck served in the Washington Territorial Legislature as its first Republican representative from Clarke County and held numerous local government positions, including city marshal and probate judge. He married Kate Neer in 1864, and they had three children.