Polk County IA

Biography of Hon. Simeon W. Bunch

HON. SIMEON W. BUNCH. The fortunate possessor of 205 acres of as good and as there is in the beautiful township of Sparta, our subject is one of the progressive farmers and representative citizens of Christian County, Missouri, where he has long made his home. He came originally from Simpson County, Kentucky, born in 1832. His parents, William and Malinda (Roark) Bunch, were probably natives of Tennessee, where they were reared and married. About 1831 the parents moved to Simpson County, Kentucky, and there the father died about 1833, when in the prime of life. He was a farmer by … Read more

Biography of Orion Littell Rider

Orion Littell Rider, a leading attorney of Vinita whose professional ability is indicated by the large and distinctively representative clientage accorded hire, has served his fellow citizens in various capacities and has always done able and conscientious work. His birth occurred in Mason county, Illinois, on the 7th of January, 1874, and his parents were Dr. Robert G. and Harriet M. (Littell) Rider, the former born near Cleveland, Ohio, and the latter in the state of New Jersey. The father was a physician, acquiring his professional training in Pennsylvania, and he first opened an office at Mobile, Alabama, whence he … Read more

Biography of Samuel C. Varner

Samuel C. Varner, a retired banker and merchant at Moran, is a veteran of the Civil war, and was one of the earliest business men to locate in Moran. His paternal ancestors came out of Germany and were colonial settlers in Pennsylvania. Samuel C. Varner was born in Pennsylvania at Monongahcla on December 10, 1845. His grandfather, John Varner, was born in the eastern part of that state at Lancaster, was a cabinet maker by trade, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and spent most of his years at Monongahela City and at Pittsburg. He married Elizabeth McKnight, … Read more

Van Hoomissen, Condon J. “Jerry” – Obituary

Baker City, Oregon Condon J. “Jerry” Van Hoomissen, 76, a longtime Baker City resident, died July 4, 2003, at his home. His graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Hope Cemetery. The Rev. Robert C. Irwin of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral will conduct the service. After the committal, family and friends are invited to the Van Hoomissen home at 320 Foothill Drive to swap stories and visit. Food and drink will be provided, but if you wish to bring a dish to share, please do so, it will be appreciated. Jerry was born on Jan. 24, … Read more

Biography of A. R. Buzick

A. R. Buzick. Identified with many of the leading interests of Lincoln County, Kansas, and particularly with those of Sylvan Grove, A. R. Buzick, who is president of the Sylvan State Bank, which he organized in May, 1892, is one of the representative business men of this section of the state and a vital factor in its future as in its past development. Not only was Mr. Buzick the original settler of Sylvan Grove, but there are few of the town’s substantial enterprises with which he or his immediate family have not been intimately concerned. A. R. Buzick was born … Read more

Brewer, Harry P. – Obituary

Harry Brewer, 80, Greeley, died Saturday, Dec. 19, at Fort Collins Heath Care Center. He was born Feb. 7, 1907 [headstone says 10th] to Ernest N. and Maude (Parkhurst) Brewer in Oskaloosa, Iowa. On June 4, 1939, he married Hazel Lee in Fremont, Iowa. She died Feb. 12, 1978. On April 18, 1978, he married Fern Lakey in Fort Collins. Mr. Brewer grew up in Iowa. He entered the U.S. Navy on Jan. 23, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was an aviation chief radio technician. He was discharged on Sept. 14, 1945, at the U.S. Naval Training and Distribution … Read more

Southwick, Arthur – Obituary

Wallowa, Oregon Saturday evening Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Southwick of Promise received word that their son, Arthur, who was a Corporal in Company A, 14th Infantry was seriously ill with pneumonia. They immediately left for Fort Dodge near Des Moines where he was stationed. Monday word came that he had died of pneumonia following an attack of Spanish Influenza. Wire was immediately dispatched to them and they were over taken at Sidney, Nebr. and returned home at once. The body will be sent to Wallowa for burial by the government. Wallowa County Reporter, Thursday October 17, 1918 Monday morning … Read more

Hatfield, Lillian Porter Mrs. – Obituary

Baker City, Baker County, Oregon Lillian Hatfield, 83, of Baker City, died Feb. 27, 2005, at Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande. Her memorial service and reception was Tuesday at Coles Funeral Home. Pastor Gordon Bond of the Richland Christian Church officiated. Mrs. Hatfield was born on April 19, 1921, at Des Moines, Iowa, to Merrill and Charlotte Porter. She married Don Hatfield on Aug. 24, 1940, at Des Moines. In 1985, she moved to Baker City, where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Jim Morrissey. Lillian liked to read and cook, and she enjoyed gardening. She … Read more

Biography of David Adam Kline

David Adam Kline, member of the Muskogee bar engaged in the general practice of law, was born in Marion county, Iowa, June 4, 1874, a son of Lloyd Thomas and Magdalena (Vicinus) Kline. The father was a contractor and builder, devoting his life to that pursuit in order to provide for his family. He moved with his family from Marion county to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1882, and to Chicago, Illinois, in 1887. David A. Kline after completing his high school education and work in the University Academy, later engaged in the study of law. He pursued his studies at … Read more

Biography of Benton Killin

Benton Killin, one of Portland’s prominent citizens, was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on the 5th day of August, 1842. When only three years old his parents crossed the plains, and settled on the old homestead, on Butter Creek, Clackamas county, Oregon, in the spring of 1847. Here his aged mother still lives, enjoying, in the evening of life, a rest from the severe toils of her earlier years. On this farm the next twelve years of young Killin’s life was spent in the hard labors of a farmer’s boy. But while thus surrounded, with but little to arouse his … Read more

Biography of James B. Roberts, M. D.

James B. Roberts, M. D. A physician and surgeon of broad and successful experience, Dr. James B. Roberts had practiced for many years in Kansas, and had long been the leader in professional circles at Goff in Nemaha County. Doctor Roberts was born in Newton County, Indiana, February 18, 1857. His Roberts’ ancestors came originally from Wales and were pioneers in the State of Indiana. His father, Thomas Roberts, was born in that state in 1823 and became a pioneer in the northwestern part of the state in Newton County, where he followed farming until his death in 1858, when … Read more

Biography of James W. Shankland, M. D.

Dr. James W. Shankland, a St. Louis surgeon who for some time was surgical chief of the Embarkation Hospital at Newport News, Virginia, during the World war and who is now practicing successfully in the metropolis of Missouri, was born in Noble county, Ohio, April 4, 1867. His father, James M. Shankland, was a native of the Buckeye state and a representative of one of its old families of Scotch-Irish descent. The founder of the family in America was Rhodes Shankland, who came to the new world from Scotland prior to the Revolutionary war and settled in Delaware, where during … Read more

Biography of William George Jack, M. D.

William George Jack, M. D. Though born and reared on a farm and spending most of his early years in the vicinity of Chautauqua, William G. Jack had an early ambition for a professional career and gratified it after a thorough course in colleges and clinics and for the past fifteen years had successfully practiced as a physician and surgeon at Chautauqua. He is regarded as one of the best informed physicians and most skillful surgeons in this section of the state. A resident of Chautauqua County since he was nine years of age, William George Jack was born in … Read more

Brookshier, George Eugene – Obituary

Union, Oregon George Eugene Brookshier, 71, of Union died Nov. 27 at his home. A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. Friday at Loveland Funeral Chapel. There will be viewings before the service, beginning at 9 a.m., and after the service. Mr. Brookshier was born Dec. 8, 1934, to George Earl and Blanche Brookshier in Ottawa, Iowa. He was raised and educated in Iowa. After graduating from high school, he became a tool fabricator in the manufacturing business. He married Ethel Kassebaum in Bell, Calif., on Jan. 10, 1958, and the couple had four children. He was a member … Read more

Biography of John L. Weaver

Among the distinguished citizens of Boise is Hon. John L. Weaver, who is now serving as adjutant-general of the state. For many years a prominent representative of the Christian ministry, honored and respected in every class of society, he has for some time been a leader in thought and action in the public life of the state and his name is inscribed high on the roll of fame, his honorable and brilliant career adding luster to the history of Idaho. General Weaver was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, May 26, 1856, and is descended from Swiss, French and Scotch ancestors, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George W. Prosser

GEORGE W. PROSSER. – George W. Prosser was born in Des Moines, Iowa, December 20, 1846, and crossed the plains in 1852-53 with his father and mother. They wintered at old Fort Hall, and left there the following spring, arriving in Clackamas county, Oregon, on the 25th of June, 1853. He with his father first settled eleven miles east of East Portland. they abandoned that claim, and took up a claim three miles west of Oswego; and the subject of this sketch discovered and opened the iron mines now owned by the Oregon Iron & Steel Company, on said claim. … Read more

Ouren, Louis H. – Obituary

Ouren, Louis H., 76, of Hibert, WI, formerly of Omaha. Died Tues. Feb. 4 at his home. Born Aug. 11, 1920, Des Moines, IA to Louis H. and Hazel (Stevens) OUREN. Survived by sons Steve Duren of Shell Beach, CA, Charlie and Teresa Ouren of Omaha, daughter Cheryl and Michael Jansen of Hibert, WI, 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, special friend Pepper, preceded by wife Margery. Funeral Services Friday 1 pm, Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Omaha World Herald, February 6, 1997 Contributed by: Shelli Steedman

Biography of Joel M. Walker

In all the walks of life Captain Joel M. Walker has so acquitted himself as to be regarded as a most valued and honorable citizen, and as a representative business man and a leader ni political circles he well deserves mention among the prominent residents of Idaho. Through the civil war he loyally served his country upon the field of battle, and has ever discharged his duties of citizenship with marked promptness and fidelity. It is pleasing indulgence to write the biography of a man who has been so prominent in the civil and military affairs of the nation as … Read more

Biography of Mary Pearl Smith, D. O.

Mary Pearl Smith, D. O. The theory upon which osteopathy rests is that most diseases and pains are due to some mechanical interference not permitting a free flow of forces and nourishment between the parts of the human anatomy so as to establish normal tissue and harmony of conditions. This adjustment theory had long since passed the experimental stage, and osteopathy is now a widely recognized science. It is a sane factor in lessening the suffering of mankind, and through it, in many thousands of cases, there had been re-established harmony of conditions and action known as health. A capable … Read more