Portland Oregon

History of Portland Oregon Unitarian Churches

In the year 1878-79, the present edifice on the old site, was completed at a cost of $20,000. The former church building is now the chapel and Sunday School room. In addition to the Christian Union, above named, there are connected with the church a “Postoffice Mission” for disseminating religious literature, and the W. G. Eliot Fraternity of Young People. The society also supports a Mission Sunday School in South Portland with ten teachers and sixty scholars. The Unitarian Church of America, originating in the New England Controversy of 1820-30, is a small, loosely organized but powerful body, identified everywhere … Read more

The Holladay Cases

The most remarkable litigation, however, is the series of cases known as the Holladay cases. Ben Holladay, whose name appears more than once in these pages, was the prince of borrowers, and among other creditors for large sums, was his brother Joseph. The two men were as unlike in appearance and character as though they were of different ancestors; Ben being a high liver, a spend-thrift, a man of gigantic schemes and boundless ambition, who scattered his own money and the money of every one on which he could lay hands broadcast in support of his extravagant habits and his … Read more

Bloch, M. S. – Obituary

Dies In Portland M.S. Bloch pioneer of La Grande Passes Away. In the passing of Max S. Bloch on Sunday night Oregon lost one of its well-known pioneer business men, one who had engaged in the mercantile business in La Grande for more than 50 years. Mr. Block was esteemed by his many friends in La Grande, where he settled when about 18 years of age and where he became a factor in the business world in the half century he was in Oregon. Mr. Bloch was born in Germany, but came to America when a lad and chose Oregon … Read more

Svetich, Steve Matthew – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Steve Matthew Svetich, 89, of Portland and formerly of La Grande, died Nov. 16. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of Riverview Abbey Funeral Home of Portland. Mr. Svetich was born April 27, 1917, in Bingham Canyon, Utah. He moved to La Grande at age 12 and graduated from La Grande High School. He attended Eastern Oregon State College then served in the Army during World War II. He moved to Portland in 1946 and married Mary Ann Mehalovich … Read more

Biography of Solomon Hirsch

There is something inspiring in the record of a busy and useful life; something stimulating in the details of a career that is marked by a generous and beneficent purpose; something worthy of emulation in the success that has been wrought by unselfish means. Such has been the record of the gentleman whose name is the title of this biography, and so thoroughly have the varied lines of his efforts been blended with the agencies which have been conducive to the material progress of the Pacific Northwest during many years that no history of this portion of the Union, and … Read more

Darr, Nora – Obituary

Elgin, Union County, Oregon Nora Darr, age 83, of 16901 S. E. Division, Portland, a former resident of Elgin, died last Thursday in Portland. Mrs. Darr was born on November 18, 1895 at Bald Knob, West Virginia, the daughter of William and Ida (Perry) Brooks. She moved to Elgin in 1946 and to Portland two years ago. Her husband, George Darr, preceded her in death on March 16, 1965. Mrs. Darr was a member of the First Christian Church of Elgin; Elgin Rebecca Lodge and Elgin Pythian sisters. Survivors include her daughter, Jacque Zenger, Portland; granddaughters, Marlene Rahn, Kelso, Wash.; … Read more

Bierman, Joel Aaron – Obituary

Joel Aaron Bierman, 34, a former Baker City resident, died May 11, 2001, at his home in Portland. There will be a memorial service for him at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 2177 First St. There also will be a gathering of his friends and family at his favorite beach in La Jolla, Calif., in early June. After graduating from Helix High School at La Mesa, Calif., in 1985, Mr. Bierman traveled in Europe and upon his return moved to San Francisco, where he worked as a professional waiter. In 1993, he moved to Baker City, and … Read more

End to the Portland Land Title Controversy

Following is the agreement referred to so often in the foregoing decision, and may be regarded as the palladium of the Portland land titles, and the end of controversy to all contestants. It was made in March, 1852, when the proprietors found that it was impossible to secure a title jointly to the land which they had been holding and selling as partners. Each covenants that “First, He will fulfill and perform all contracts and agreements that he has entered into with the others, or each of them, or with other persons, respecting the said tract of land or any … Read more

Blize, John R. – Obituary

Union, Union County, Oregon John R. Blize, a prominent citizen of Union for a number years deputy sheriff of the county, died at his home in Union, Tuesday morning of last week. Mr. Blize had been seriously afflicted for several months and had been in a Portland hospital since last November, until two days before his death. Mr. Hize was a member of the Knights of Pythias and his funeral was conducted by that order. Elgin Recorder Friday February 27, 1903

Dixon, Bill

Bill Dixon, 62, of Baker City died June 19, 2005, after a 15-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones. His memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Coles Funeral Home. Greg Baxter will conduct the service. Vault interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery with Oregon State Police honors. Visitations will be until 7 o’clock tonight at the funeral home. Bill was the second child of Eldred Dixon and Virginia Ione Miller born at Salt Lake City on Feb. 18, 1943. His only sibling was his sister, Betty Lee Stone. His childhood years were … Read more

Stufflefield, Brent Alden – Obituary

Brent Alden Stubblefield, 47, a former Baker City resident, was surrounded by his family when he died March 12, 2006, in Vancouver, Wash., after a short battle with cancer. All of Brent’s friends are invited to join his family in a Celebration of Life on April 12, at 1 p.m. at the Menucha Hall at the Columbia Gorge. For information and directions go to www.Menucha.org or send an e-mail to tamich@netzero.net. Arrangements are under the direction of Emily’s Cremation & Burial Service of Milwaukie, Ore. Brent was born on Nov. 11, 1959, at Baker City, the first child of Keith … Read more

Biography of Robert Bruce Wilson, M.D.

ROBERT BRUCE WILSON, M.D. – A well-known figure both in the earlier and alter stages of Portland’s development was that of Doctor Robert Bruce Wilson, the son of Holt Wilson, of Virginia. He was born June 12, 1828, in the historic city of Portsmouth, in the Old Dominion, of which his father was an honored and substantial citizen. At an early age he finished a thorough course of medicine at the University of Virginia, but in so doing became deprived of sight in his left eye, a loss peculiarly unfortunate to one in his profession. Joining in the impulse common … Read more

Biography of Hon. Rufus Mallory

HON. RUFUS MALLORY. – Mr. Rufus Mallory, one of the most prominent members of the legal fraternity in the State of Oregon, is of New England stock, his parents having been born and raised in Connecticut. Our subject himself was born on the 10th of June, 1831, at Coventry, Chenango county, New York, from where he moved with his parents in the fall of that year to Alleghany county, and six years later to Steuben county in the same state. In the latter place he resided until 1855, when he went to New London, Iowa, where he remained until 1858. … Read more

History of The Oregon Weekly Times

The Western Star, of Milwaukie, after running a few months, was brought down to Portland and published under the name of The Oregon Weekly Times. The Methodist church, on the corner of Third and Taylor streets, was dedicated in the autumn of 1850; the Congregational church, on Second and Jefferson, in 1851; the Catholic church on Third and Stark, was begun in 1851, but not dedicated until February, 1852. A public occasion of much interest was the celebration of St. John’s day, in 1850, by the Masons. The people assembled at the Masonic Hall, which was still surrounded by logs … Read more

Bowlby, Enoch R. – Obituary

Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon E.R. Bowelby Passes after Long Illness Enoch R. Bowlby died at the Enterprise hospital Saturday evening, Sept. 24, 1938. He had not been well for several years and for some 12 months past had been failing steadily. Funeral services were held Monday at the Booth chapel, conducted by Rev. Paul C. Cramblit. Burial was in Enterprise cemetery and services at the grave were in charge of the Masonic lodge. Mr. Bowlby was born in Green County, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1861, and when a young man went to Colorado where he handled stock. He went later to … Read more

Biography of Capt. William Benjamin Wells

CAPT. WILLIAM BENJAMIN WELLS. – This skillful early navigator of the Willamette and the Columbia, and one of the first projectors of the great steamboat and transportation companies of the later time, was born in Ogdensburg, New York, July 18, 1822, and at that port imbibed his love of the water which followed him his whole after life. At the age of twelve he moved with his father to the western district of Upper Canada, remaining in that province until his marriage in 1844 to Miss Mary J. Richardson. The young pair, who were very much devoted to each other, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Peter Dueber

PETER DUEBER. – The life of Mr. Dueber exemplifies the rewards which our coast and society hold out to the old-fashioned qualities of industry and economy. He was born in Newport, Kentucky, in 1857. At the age of ten years he removed with his parents from Minnesota and crossed the plains with ox-teams to Oregon, arriving in Portland safely the following autumn. He first attended school, and at the age of fourteen qualified himself for a sure livelihood by learning the trade of harness-making. He followed this actively in Portland and San Francisco until 1870, when he found a new … Read more

Street, William “Bill” – Obituary

William “Bill” Street, 70, of Gresham, died Oct. 31, 2005, near Sumpter. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 17th Street and Pocahontas Road. Pastor Tony Brandon of the church will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. There will be a reception after the service at the home of Robert and Alice Street. Bill was born on April 18, 1935, at Baker City to Robert and Clarice Street. He was raised in Baker City and attended the Pocahontas Schoolhouse. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1956. After his discharge, he moved … Read more

Portland Land Title Controversies

Land Title Controversies: Measures taken by Proprietors to Protect Land Purchasers’ Rights – The Three Causes of Litigation – Legal Points in the Stark vs. Starr Case – Decision of the Courts – Causes of Litigation Over the Lownsdale Estate – Final Settlement of the Case in the United States Circuit Court – Decision of Judge Sawyer and Concurrent Opinion of Judge Deady – Public Levee Case – Grounds of Private and Municipal Claims to the River Front – How the City’s Rights were Lost – Legal History of the Caruthers Claim.

Millering, Frances

Frances M. Millering, 93, Hillsboro, died Nov. 15, 1989, at Forest View Care Center in Forest Grove. Graveside services were to be held at 1:30 p.m. today (Monday) in Island City Cemetery near La Grande, with the Rev. Norman Shrumm of First Presbyterian Church of La Grande officiating. Interment in the cemetery was to follow. Mrs. Millering was born April 16, 1896, in Five Points, Ore., a daughter of John and Minnie Banks Hills. Her family members were pioneer residents of the La Grande area. On Dec. 9, 1917, she married Jay M. Millering in La Grande. He died in … Read more