Biographical Sketch of Robert Newell

ROBERT NEWELL. – “Doc” Newell, as he was commonly called, was one of the same breed of pioneers as Jo Meek. He was, in fact, associated with the latter for many years in the wild, trapping life on the border; and when that was given up he went with the rest of the little company of trappers to Oregon and became one of the state-builders there. He was born near Zanesville, Ohio, on the 30th of March, 1807. After having spent some time in Cincinnati, in learning the saddler’s trade, he was led by his adventurous disposition to go with … Read more

Biography of Perrin Beza Whitman

The name of Perrin Beza Whitman is indelibly inscribed on the pages of the history of the northwest, for throughout the period of its development he was an active factor in promoting its interests and is numbered among the honored pioneers who made possible its later-day progress and prosperity. The lot of the pioneer of the northwest has been a peculiarly hard one. The Indians, driven from their hunting grounds farther east, have cherished the resentment characteristic of the race, and have met as foes the brave band of white men who came to the western wilderness to reclaim the … Read more

Biography of John P. Vollmer

One of the ablest and best known businessmen of Idaho is John P. Vollmer, of Lewiston. In past ages the history of a country was the record of wars and conquests; today it is the record of commercial activity, and those whose names are foremost in its annals are the leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter, not of man over man, and the victor is he who can successfully establish, control and operate extensive commercial interests. John P. Vollmer is one of the strong and influential men whose lives have become an … Read more

Kidder, William Ross “Bill” – Obituary

William Ross “Bill” Kidder, 85, of Lewiston, Idaho, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005, from complications related to age at the Lewiston Veterans Home, where he had been a resident for the last five years. Bill was born Dec. 26, 1919, in Ridgefield, Wash., to David and Olive Kidder. He attended grade school in Oregon and graduated in 1937 from Pendleton High School. He joined the U.S. Navy the same year and served for more than seven years in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was discharged in 1946 as a lieutenant (jg) with many decorations for his efforts. … Read more

Biography of Edwin R. Sherwin

This well and favorably known resident of Grangeville came to the territory of Idaho when the, flourishing city of Lewiston was but a collection of tents, and through the thirty-seven, years that have since come and gone he has been an important element in the business life of this section of the commonwealth. He was born in Onondaga County, New York, January 26, 1821, and is of English and German descent. His ancestors were early settlers of New England, and the grandfather. Captain Joshua Sherwin, was a resident of Hartford, Connecticut. He was one of a family of seven sons, … Read more

Biography of Isaac C. Hattabaugh

Prominent in the field of politics and in business circles, Isaac C. Hattabaugh has left the impress of his individuality upon the public life of Latah county, and is today numbered among the leading and influential citizens of Moscow. A native of Indiana, he was born in Salem, that state, December 24, 1851. His grandfather, Jacob Hattabaugh, was born in Germany, and crossing the Atlantic to America settled in Virginia, whence he afterward removed to Pennsylvania and from there to Indiana. He was a man of ability and an influential pioneer settler of southern Indiana. His son, George W. Hattabaugh, … Read more

Biography of William F. Kettenbach

William F. Kettenbach now deceased, was one of Lewiston’s most enterprising and successful businessmen, and for many years was president of the Lewiston National Bank. He left the impress of his individuality upon the commercial life and prosperity of the city, and his history forms an important chapter in the annals of the growth and development of this section of the state. He was born in New York City, May 15, 1849, just two days after the arrival of his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Kettenbach, from Germany. They were natives of that land. The father was descended from one of … Read more

Humes, Bill – Obituary

North Powder, Union County, Oregon Bill Humes Dies Lewiston, Idaho Bill Humes, until recently a resident of North Powder, died in a hospital at Lewiston, Idaho, last week, was the information received yesterday morning by William Denton of this city. No particulars of the demise were given, nor as to the funeral arrangements. Mr. Humes had been at work, it is said, on a mining project on the Salmon river in that section. Mr. Humes conducted a shoe repair shop in North Powder for a number of years, the place being destroyed by fire some months ago. The News is … Read more

Botts, Bernard L. – Obituary

Bernard L. Botts a retired farmer and a native of Wallowa County passed away at his home in Lewiston, Orchards Sunday Nov. 6, 1955 at 2:10 p.m. a victim of heart ailment. Son of Bernard B. and Eliza Botts, he was born January 17, 1890 in Flora where he lived until moving to Lewiston in 1951. On June 22, 1917 he was married in Enterprise to Miss Neva Garrett who survives him.Besides his wife he is survived by three sons Bradford, Ashland Oregon, Brady, Enterprise and Delmer, Callahan Calif. ; four brothers Otho, Seattle and Fred and George, Flora; Three … Read more

Biography of Charles A. Thatcher

Identified with pioneer life in Oregon, Washington and Idaho, Charles Albert Thatcher figured long and prominently in the development and progress of the northwest and in the events which form its history. He lived an honorable, upright life, won prosperity through determined purpose and indefatigable energy, and at all times enjoyed the esteem of his fellow men, by reason of those sterling qualities of manhood which in every land and every clime awaken admiration and regard. Mr. Thatcher was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1826, and was a representative of an old American family. He acquired his education … Read more

Biography of Robert Grostein

Robert Grostein, one of Idaho’s most successful pioneer merchants, has carried on business in Lewiston since 1862 and through the intervening years has borne an unassailable reputation in trade circles, never making an engagement which he has not kept nor contracting an obligation that he has not met. His sagacity and enterprise and moreover his untiring labor have brought to him a handsome competence, and the most envious could not grudge him his success, so honorably has it been acquired. Mr. Grostein is a native of Poland, born in 1835, and is the eldest in the family of four children … Read more

Appleton, Nathan – Obituary

Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon Mr. and Mrs. Raburn had taken Nathan Appleton down to the boat on the Grande Ronde river on which he went on to Lewiston. Mr. Appleton was critically ill when he began the trip and died the following Wednesday at Lewiston Enterprise Record Chieftain, Enterprise, Wallowa, County, Oregon January 25, 1912 Contributed By: Charlotte Carper

Moody, Michael Reed – Obituary

Halfway, Oregon Michael Reed Moody, 76, of Peck, Idaho, and a former Halfway resident, died at Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino, Idaho, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004. A party in memory of Mike will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. at the Canyon Inn in Peck, Idaho. Pine Hills Funeral Chapel in Orofino is in charge of the arrangements. Michael Reed Moody was born March 4, 1927, the youngest child of George Michael Moody and Anna Catherine Reed Moody. Mike was raised by his oldest sister and her husband, Christine and Clair Ritter, following the death of his father and … Read more

Biography of James C. Hanson

The Danish citizens of the United States are more nearly identical with our Anglo-American race than any other citizens of foreign birth. They possess the spirit which we call “go-aheaditiveness” in as large measure as any of our citizens, and they become Americanized and assimilate with the older population of our country sooner perhaps than foreigners of any other race. They are industrious, take to business on broad principles and are about as certain to make successes as any people among us. James C. Hanson, one of the prominent farmers of Latah County, Idaho, is not by any means one … Read more

Hester, Ray C. – Obituary

Troy, Wallowa County, Oregon Ray C. Hester, who was engaged in stock raising at Troy a few years beginning in 1918, died at Pendleton Monday after a short illness. He was born at Emmetsburg, Iowa, 54 years ago, and the family moved to Lewiston, Idaho in 1904. After leaving Troy he moved to Pendleton, and at the time of his death he was assistant cashier of the branch of the First National Bank of Portland. Surviving are the widow, a son and a daughter and a brother and a sister. Source: Enterprise Record Chieftain, Enterprise, Oregon, February 29, 1940, page … Read more

Biography of John Green

For the past four years a distinguished member of the Lewiston bar, John Green was born in Wythe county, Virginia, September 30, 1860, and is a descendant of General Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame. His father, John W. Green, was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and married Miss Betty Newell Fulton, a native of Staunton, Virginia, and a direct descendant of the noted family of Stewarts. Her father, Andrew S. Fulton, was judge of the Supreme Court and presided over the fifteenth judicial district of Virginia for thirty consecutive years. He was a cousin of J. E. Stewart, a prominent cavalry … Read more

Biography of Ezra Baird

In the year which witnessed the arrival of so many of Idaho’s prominent pioneers. 1862 this gentleman cast in his lot with the early settlers, and through the period which has since elapsed he has been an important factor in the development and progress of the state. He is a native of Schoharie County, New York, born May 11, 1839, and is of Scotch and English descent. His ancestors came to America in colonial days and the maternal great-grandfather of our subject. Major Norton, fought throughout the struggle for independence. Joseph Baird, the father of our subject, was born in … Read more

Judah, Carol Galbreath – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Carol Galbreath Judah, 57, formerly of La Grande, died Nov. 15 at a hospital in Meridian, Idaho. A memorial service will be held in Fox at a later date. Accent Funeral Home in Meridian is in charge of arrangements. Carol was born April 11, 1950, to Bruce and Colleen Reynolds Galbreath in Pendleton. She lived in the Long Creek area of Grant County. At 7, she moved with her family to Pendleton. She attended elementary school at West Hills in Pendleton and later La Grande High School. In 1966 the family moved to Springfield and she graduated … Read more

Biography of Lambert L. Strong

Lambert Leroy Strong, one of Lewiston’s representative and enterprising citizens, engaged in the undertaking and embalming business here for the past fifteen years, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 8, 1849. He is of Scotch descent and his ancestors were early settlers of New York. The paternal grandfather was a Methodist minister and became one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio. His son, Caleb Strong, the father of our subject, was born in Ohio, and married Miss Albinia Lambertson. When our subject was only five years of age they removed with their family to Cedar County, Iowa. The father … Read more

Simonton, Rolvin David – Obituary

Colonel R. D. Simonton, one of the best-known railroad men in the Lewiston Country, died this morning [December 30, 1915] at 2:20 o’clock at the family home, 9223 Twenty Fourth Street from hemorrhage of the brain with which he was stricken last May. Colonel Simonton had been in failing health since first stricken and for the past month his condition was critical. It was known for several days that the end was near. Colonel Simonton would have been 74 years of age on January 24, 1916. He was employed by the Northern Pacific 27 years and was relieved from duty … Read more