Spokane County WA

Spokane Story

Spokane Story

“Spokane Story: A Colorful Early History of the Capital City of the Inland Empire” by Lucile Foster Fargo offers readers an evocative journey through the formative years of Spokane, Washington. Published in 1957 by Northwestern Press in Minneapolis, this work seeks to straddle the realms of history and storytelling, presenting a narrative that is neither entirely factual history nor pure fiction. Fargo accepts the challenging task of depicting Spokane’s cultural and developmental evolution from its fur trade beginnings to its emergence as a municipal entity in the early twentieth century.

Leading Citizens of Spokane Falls Washington

Among the prominent citizens of Spokane Falls, J. N. Glover stands out as the city’s founder, establishing himself in 1873 and contributing significantly as a sawmill owner, contractor, banker, and mayor. Horace L. Cutter, a pivotal figure in the First National Bank, and E. J. Briekell, of the Traders National Bank, also played vital roles in the area’s development. Others, like Col. D. P. Jenkins, J. D. Sherwood, and W. Pettet, have also notably advanced Spokane through various enterprises, enhancing its growth and prosperity.

MacKenzie, John – Obituary

John MacKenzie, a 22-year-old college athlete from Spokane, was tragically killed in a vehicle accident on the Old Oregon Trail highway near La Grande. Initially thought to have fallen asleep at the wheel, friends suggested he may have been blinded by headlights from an oncoming car. A halfback on the Gonzaga University football team, MacKenzie was also active in basketball and track, and he was returning to La Grande from Portland during his summer job with a local construction company. His body was returned to Spokane.

Womack, Lawrence Preston – Obituary

Lawrence Preston Womack, a resident of Spokane, Washington for 20 years, passed away recently. He is survived by his sons, Ladd Womack of Ferndale and Richard Womack of Portland, and his sister Isla Meyers. A private funeral service will be held on October 14 at the Gothic Chapel of Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home, officiated by Mr. James H. Raymond, followed by cremation at the Hazen Jaeger Crematorium.

Womack, Lee Wade – Obituary

Lee Wade Womack, of Newport, Washington, husband of Anna and father to Bertha Anne, Gary, and Craig, passed away recently. He was the son of Bertha Womack of Spokane and brother to Isla M. Saling and Laurence Womack. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, February 12, at 12 Noon at the Gothic Chapel of Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home, with internment at Greenwood Cemetery in Spokane. This information was reported in the Spokane Review.

Loney, Evelyn L. Paul – Obituary

Evelyn L. Paul’s obituary notes her passing at age 60 in Greenacres, where she resided for six years. She is survived by two sisters and two half-sisters. The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Hazen Jaeger’s Chapel, with Rev. Dr. S. J. Chaney officiating. Following the service, her remains will be sent to Walla Walla for burial.

Folkins, Mary Reycraft – Obituary

Mary M. Folkins, aged 87, passed away on June 26, 1962, in Fairfield, WA, where she had lived for 52 years. She leaves behind three sons, two daughters, four stepsons, a sister, 14 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren. A member of the Fairfield United Presbyterian Church, her funeral service will be held on June 29 at the church, with interment at Fairview Cemetery. Jaeger Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Folkins, George Albert – Obituary

George Albert Folkins, aged 88, passed away, leaving behind his wife, Mary Reycraft Folkins, and a large family of two daughters, seven sons, 25 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He had been a resident of Fairfield for 30 years. His funeral is scheduled for June 4, 1941, at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. C. C. Saunders, with interment at Fairfield Cemetery. The arrangements are handled by Jaeger Funeral Home in Fairfield, Washington.

Hagen, Clarence Carl – Obituary

Clarence Carl Hagen, residing at N10605 Elma, husband of Ava Hagen, passed away, leaving behind their children, Yvonne M. and Leith Duane. He was the son of Oscar Labidee and a brother to several siblings across Montana and New Jersey. A member of the Congregational Church and various fraternal organizations, his funeral service is scheduled for July 26 at Hazen Jaeger Funeral Home, with burial at Greenwood Memorial Terrace. Rev. Hollis S. Rice and Rev. Mark Lee will officiate.

Womack, Levi Preston Jr. – Obituary

Levi Preston Womack Jr. resided in Spokane, Washington, at West 623 Garland Avenue for 12 years. He was married to Bertha N. and was the father of Isla Hatfield and L. P. Womack, along with five grandsons. His funeral took place on January 7, 1942, at the Gothic Chapel of Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. James T. Albertson. He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Spokane.

Fox, John Logan – Obituary

John Logan Fox, husband of Eva M. Fox and father to Ava Marie Hagen, passed away at his home. He is survived by two grandchildren, several siblings, and stepchildren including Edith McMullen. A member of multiple fraternal organizations, including the Spokane Lodge No. 34, Fox’s funeral service will be held on February 7 at 11 a.m., followed by graveside services in Lind, Wash. Dr. G. Christie Swain will officiate the ceremony.

Hagen, Ava Marie Fox Poland – Obituary

Ava Marie Fox Poland, who passed away on April 7, 1998, in Spokane, WA, was a longtime resident and educator. Born on August 30, 1905, in Hatton, WA, she graduated from Whitworth College and taught in local schools. Survived by her son Leith, daughter Vonnie, five grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters, she was preceded in death by her husband Clarence. Known for her contributions to the community and dedication to family, her funeral was scheduled for April 14, 1998, at Fairmount Memorial Park.

Cooke, Hazel Dougatry – Obituary

Mrs. Hazel Cooke, wife of Jay Cooke of Colockum, passed away on March 13 in Spokane due to peritonitis resulting from an entopic pregnancy. She had been in ill health for some time and was in Spokane with her mother, Mrs. Margaret Perry, seeking treatment. Her body will be transported to Wenatchee on Friday for funeral arrangements to be made subsequently.

Bowman, James – Obituary

James Bowman, aged 94, passed away from pneumonia in Cheney, Washington, on January 30, 1901. Born in Pennsylvania, he lived in various states, including Virginia, Kansas, and Washington. He was married three times and fathered 21 children, with 10 surviving. His last wife, Mary E. Ghole, survives him. A mechanic by trade, Bowman had a diverse career throughout his life. His funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Methodist church, with services led by Rev. D. W. Raines.

Hart, Charles Henry – Obituary

Charles H. Hart, a 76-year-old Spokane apartment house owner, passed away on August 24, 1950. Originally a farmer in Thornton, he relocated to Colfax before settling in Spokane in 1925. Hart lived in the Hart Apartments and was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge in Colfax. He is survived by his wife, Ada, four sons—Ralph, Ray, Roy, and Ira—and a brother, Oce Pointer. His body is at Brunings in Colfax.

Folkins, Fred – Obituary

Fred Folkins passed away on May 28, 1975, in Fairfield, Washington, after residing there for 65 years. He is survived by his two sons, Lee and Kent, his daughter Mary Kay Amick, two brothers, a sister, eleven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for June 2 at the First United Presbyterian Church, with cremation to follow. Friends may visit at Schazenbach Funeral Home before the service. Memorial contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society.

Bilyeu, Evelyn Hulda Olson – Obituary

Evelyn Hulda Bilyeu passed away on May 7, 1984, in Spokane, Washington. She was a devoted mother to Sandra Salsby and grandmother to several grandchildren. Evelyn lived in Spokane for 34 years and had previously spent 25 years in Teiko. She was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary. Funeral services are scheduled for May 14, 1984, at Hazen Jaeger Funeral Home, led by Rev. Stanley Hoobing, with interment at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bilyeu, George Henry

George Henry Bilyeu of Tekoa passed away on July 6 in Spokane. He is survived by his son, Roy Bilyeu; a sister, Mrs. Ed Lauritzen; a brother, Ed Bilyeu; and a granddaughter. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Kimball Funeral Home in Tekoa. This information was reported in the Spokesman Review on July 8, 1954, and contributed by Shelli Steedman.

Biographical Sketch of William Franklin Minton

William Franklin Minton, born on November 25, 1856, in Missouri, dedicated his life to the development of Malheur County and the broader frontier. After moving with his family across several states, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington, he settled in Nyssa, where he improved his land and initiated the Owyhee Ditch project, contributing significantly to the region’s agriculture. A Democrat involved in local politics, he faced personal losses but continued to thrive, leaving a legacy of progress and community service.

Biography of Thomas C. Fletcher

Thomas C. Fletcher, born on October 11, 1841, in Mercer County, Kentucky, emerged as a prominent figure in Malheur County, Oregon. Orphaned at six, he was raised in Iowa and enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, serving as a bugler in numerous battles. After the war, he ventured westward to Montana and later engaged in various businesses, including ranching and freighting. Married in 1884, he eventually settled in Ontario, where he became influential in the sheep industry and contributed to the community through his political and religious engagement.