Ada M. Cowles, 83, passed away on January 9, 1999, in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on February 13, 1915, in High Valley, she married Charles C. Cowles in 1936 and moved to Baker City in 1949. A homemaker for most of her life, she had lived in Missouri for 15 years prior to her death. Ada is survived by her niece, nephew, and great-niece. She is preceded in death by her husband, son, and parents. Private interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery.
A. J. Sanborn, born in 1826 in Acton, Maine, became a prominent figure in railway mechanics after a childhood marked by loss. Leaving home at 11, he sailed for two years before returning to pursue a career in engineering. Sanborn honed his skills through various machine shops in Massachusetts before moving west to East St. Louis to lead departments for the O. M. R. R. and later the Vandalia R. R. By 1873, he was overseeing works for the I. St. L. R. R. in Mattoon, exemplifying a self-made man’s journey through hard work and experience.
Dr. James Porter Greves, M.D., known as the Father of Riverside, was instrumental in founding the Colony Association and played a pivotal role in establishing the city of Riverside after arriving in 1870. Born on September 6, 1810, in New York, he pursued a diverse career in medicine across various states before settling in California. A respected community leader, he served as Riverside’s first Postmaster and contributed greatly to its horticultural development. Dr. Greves died on September 25, 1889, leaving behind a legacy of public service and compassion.
Betty E. Lethlean, 79, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away on May 5, 2004. Born on November 21, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri, she married William Ivan Gilliland in 1944 and later Carl Bill Lethlean in 1965. Betty enjoyed gardening, spending time with family, and was an active member of Baker City Christian Church. She is survived by her four children, stepchildren, siblings, 16 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be held at Baker City Christian Church, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.
George W. Prescott, born in New Hampshire, became a distinguished Master Mechanic for the Southern California Railroad. Orphaned at seven, he ventured westward at thirteen and honed his skills as a machinist in Chillicothe, Ohio. Prescott played a crucial role in the Mobile Ohio Railroad’s inception before joining the Union cause during the Civil War. His career spanned various prestigious positions across multiple railroads, culminating in significant advancements within the Southern California Railway. He married Miss McFarland and had one son.
Alexander Keir, Jr., born in Glasgow, Scotland, is a farmer in San Bernardino. His parents immigrated to the U.S. in 1848, settling in St. Louis. After a challenging journey across the plains in 1850, Keir arrived in California in 1853. He established a successful farm and owns valuable properties in the area. Married in 1869 to Mary Parrish, he has seven children and is involved in local Democratic politics. Keir is also an active member of the Masonic and I.O.O.F. organizations.
Reverday J. Pierson, born in 1848 in Ohio, was a prominent figure in the newspaper industry, serving as business manager of the Riverside Daily Press and Weekly Horticulturist. His early education took place in Iowa, followed by an apprenticeship in printing. After military service in the Fifth Cavalry, he established several newspapers in Iowa and Colorado before moving to Southern California in 1884. A committed Republican and Methodist, Pierson was an active community member and family man, married with three children.
Dward J. Davis, born in 1844 in England, trained as a carpenter and builder before immigrating to the United States in 1868. Settling in Riverside, California, he became a pioneer in the area’s construction industry, building significant structures, including the Powell Hotel. A successful businessman and landowner, Davis contributed to Riverside’s growth. He was active in the Democratic Party, played a vital role in establishing the local Episcopal Church, and was involved in various fraternal organizations. He married Grace Cunningham and had two sons.
Fenton M. Slaughter, born on January 10, 1826, in Virginia, emerged as a notable figure in San Bernardino County. After training as a mechanical engineer, he served in the Mexican War, where he faced challenges including capture by Navajo forces. A seasoned entrepreneur, he pioneered the thoroughbred sheep industry in Southern California, established the first blacksmith shop in San Gabriel, and built a successful winery. Slaughter was active in local politics, serving as a state assembly member and a county supervisor, and contributed significantly to community development. He married Dolores Alvarado and had nine children.
Hon. William A. Conn, a prominent figure in early California, significantly influenced the region’s development through his character and intellect. Born in 1814 in the West Indies, Conn moved to the U.S. and embarked on a diverse business career. After reaching San Francisco in 1851, he settled in San Bernardino, purchasing over 8,000 acres of land from Mormon leaders. Conn played a vital role in local governance, serving as a State Senator and positively impacting many settlers’ lives through his generous land sales.
William Stones, born in Oldham, England, in 1815, emigrated to America in 1840. After a brief stay in New Orleans, he worked in St. Louis mining coal for nearly a decade. In 1850, he joined a perilous journey to California, where he successfully mined for several years. By 1856, he settled in San Bernardino County, acquiring ranch land. He married Sarah Fitten in 1833, with whom he had six children, and later married Charlotte Parker after his first wife’s death in 1855. Stones is regarded with great respect in his community.
George Lord, born on June 27, 1800, in New York City, became a prominent California Pioneer and served as president of the Society of California Pioneers of San Bernardino County. After enduring a challenging early life, he joined the gold rush in 1849, eventually striking it rich in California’s mines. He settled in San Bernardino in 1852, cultivating the Muscat grape and becoming active in local politics and fraternal organizations. A dedicated family man and a steadfast Republican, Lord remained physically and mentally vigorous into his nineties.
Samuel E. Fitzhugh, born on February 7, 1822, in New Madrid County, Missouri, was of Irish descent. He married Caroline McKee in 1845, and after living in Texas, he served four years in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Following the war, he moved to Arizona and later to California in 1866, where he purchased twenty acres near San Bernardino. Fitzhugh worked as a teamster and raised eight children, five of whom survived. He was an active member of the Christian Church and supported the Democratic Party.
John Brown, Sr. was born in Massachusetts in 1817 and moved to St. Louis as a child. He had a diverse and adventurous life as a fur trapper in the Rocky Mountains and a participant in the California Gold Rush. After settling in San Bernardino, he played a key role in local governance and infrastructure development, advocating for the division of Los Angeles County and establishing vital routes. An active Republican, he contributed significantly to his community while raising a family and later lived in relative seclusion.
Henry Babel, born in Germany in 1826, emigrated to America in 1845 and eventually settled in California after a challenging journey. He established Babel Springs, a renowned health resort, alongside his wife, Elizabeth. Throughout his life, Babel engaged in various ventures, including mining and livestock, ultimately amassing wealth through farming and hospitality. He was known for his integrity and generosity. After his death in 1885, his widow continued to manage Babel Springs, enhancing its facilities to promote its potential as a health destination.
Myron M. Buck, born on January 16, 1835, in Shortsville, New York, was the descendant of early settlers in central New York. After receiving an education in local public schools, he ventured west, eventually settling in St. Louis, Missouri. There, he founded a pioneering railroad supply business, which significantly contributed to the local economy during the railroad expansion of the 1870s. A dedicated community member and director in several banks, he was recognized for his integrity and entrepreneurial success until his death on March 30, 1906. Buck married Velma Sawyer in 1875.
Ronald Orville Batson, 63, of Walla Walla, formerly of Baker City, passed away on January 20, 2003, after a prolonged illness. Born on April 9, 1939, in Illinois, he moved to Baker City in 1955 and graduated from Baker High School in 1958. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years. Ron was known for his artistic talents, dedication to his family, and deep Christian faith. He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family.