Preston Idaho

Biography of Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith, county assessor of Oneida county, and a leading merchant and farmer of Preston, was born in Brigham City, Utah, October 22, 1862, his parents being Samuel and Maria Smith, who were natives of England. In that land they embraced the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and wishing to ally their interests with the colony of that belief resident in Utah, they crossed the Atlantic to America and settled in the Salt Lake region at an early period in its development. They located first at Cottonwood, and a little later at Brigham City, … Read more

Prominent Cities and Towns of the State

Boise, The Capital City The following descriptive article is an excerpt from the souvenir edition of the Boise Sentinel, issued in June 1897: So much has been said and written and sung of “Boise, the Beautiful,” that the task of saying any-thing new seems utterly hopeless; and of this there is little need. While those who have made their homes here from the beginning, and those who from year to year have come to stay, might naturally be expected to be most fervent in their praises, they have not always been the happiest in laying appropriate tributes before the shrine … Read more

Hofmann, Charles Edward – Obituary

Edward Hofmann, 66, of 2010 East N Ave., died Tuesday, Dec. 21 at his home. Mr. Hofmann was born November 24, 1910 at Preston, Idaho, the son of Fritz and Marie (Junker) Hofmann. On June 18, 1937, he was married to the former Velva B. Hammack at Lostine. For 20 years he owned and operated Inland Poultry & Feed Company. For the past few years he has been driving truck for Craig’s Cleaners. He was a member of the La Grande Eagles Lodge Aerie no 259; La Grande Elks Lodge No. 433 and La Grande Lodge No. 41 A.F. & … Read more

Powell, Ireta A. “Reta” Ransom Mrs. – Obituary

Ireta A. “Reta” Powell, 88, of Baker City, died March 2, 2005, with her family at her side. Her graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Hope Cemetery. She was born at Preston, Idaho, to George Ames and Ava Inez Ransom on Oct. 17, 1916. She received her education at Preston and Grace, Idaho. She loved summers as a child when her mother and siblings would join their father camping in the mountains. She talked often of her escapades. Reta married Harold M. Powell on Feb. 3, 1941, at Kenmore, Wyo. They lived most of their married … Read more

Biography of Hyrum M. Monson

HYRUM M. MONSON. – Although the subject of this sketch has not been in Union county so long as some of the earliest pioneers, he being one of the younger men, upon whom have falen the mantles of the sturdy ones who opened these regions for the abode of their fellows, yet his achievements have been of such a commendable nature, and his life of such an exemlary character, that he is entitled to representation in the history of the county, and it is with pleasure that we accord to him a place among the builders of the county, in … Read more

Biography of George C. Parkinson

George C. Parkinson, president of the Oneida stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, with residence at Preston, Idaho, is a native son of Utah, his birth having occurred in Keysville, Davis county, July 18, 1857. His father is Samuel Rose Parkinson, one of the most prominent pioneer citizens of Oneida County, Idaho. President Parkinson is the fourth child and third son of the family. He was educated at Brigham Young College, in Logan, Utah, and was graduated with honor in the class of 1880. He entered upon his business career as a teacher in … Read more

Biography of Francis L. Wilcox

Francis Lazell Wilcox, a veteran of the civil war, is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Oneida County, and is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Preston. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in the town of Jackson, Susquehanna County, April i, 1840, his parents being Elan and Elvira (Bryant) Wilcox. The father was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, March 16. 1815, and in Jackson, Pennsylvania, married Miss Bryant, whose birth occurred April 13, 1821. He was an industrious, honest man, of good judgment and sterling worth, and for a number of years held the office of justice of the … Read more