Osceola Iowa

Biography of Z. A. Johnson

It is generally considered by those in the habit of super-ficial thinking that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation, and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praise of the historian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things,and very few are great in many things. Many, by a lucky stroke, achieve lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their neighborhood. It is not a history of the lucky stroke which benefits humanity most, … Read more

Bowman, Oliver Purl – Obituary

Purl Bowman prominent pioneer of Umatilla County and well known throughout this section of the state, passed away at St. Anthony’s Hospital Saturday, August 5 [1939] at 4:15 p.m., after an illness of three weeks. Mr. Bowman was born February 15, 1862, at Osceola, Ia. and when a baby of only six weeks left St. Louis, Mo., with his parents for the west. His family had resided at Osceola before starting the long trek across the plains in a train of 105 wagons. The Bowman’s arrived in Umatilla County on October 17, 1862, just two days more than eight months … Read more

Stover, Mary Ellen Bowman – Obituary

Mrs. Mary Ellen Stover, widow of the late Henry Stover, and one of the first settlers in Pendleton, died here yesterday [October 18, 1936]. She was born in Osceola, Iowa, July 28, 1854, and came West with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bowman and a brother, William, by ox team in 1860. They camped at the mouth of Tutuilla, August 21, 1860. The father, with Fred De Shields, went to what is now Lee’s crossing and then staked out a claim on Birch Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Stover were married on November 14, 1871. She is survived by two … Read more