Thurston County WA

Thurston County WA, located in the western part of Washington State, is steeped in rich history and geographical diversity. Established on January 12, 1852, from portions of Lewis County, it was originally named after Samuel R. Thurston, the Oregon Territory‘s first delegate to Congress. The county seat is Olympia, which also serves as the state capital, highlighting the county’s central role in Washington’s political landscape. Thurston County is characterized by its varied topography, ranging from the southern reaches of Puget Sound to dense forests and the fertile Nisqually Valley. It has played a pivotal role in the state’s history, serving as a hub for trade, governance, and cultural exchange. The county’s formation and development were significantly influenced by its strategic location along the Puget Sound, facilitating maritime trade and settlement.

Biography of Charles Biles

Charles Biles, born in Warren County, Tennessee, in August 1809, moved to Christian County, Kentucky, before settling in Illinois. In 1853, he emigrated to Washington Territory with his family, being part of one of the first groups to do so. He farmed on Grand Mound Prairie while also serving as a minister. Biles passed away in 1869, leaving behind two sons and two daughters. His sons, David and Charles N., continued their father’s legacy in surveying and public service in the region.

Biography of Esdras N. Ouimette

Esdras N. Ouimette (1838-), originally from St. Eustache, Quebec, significantly impacted Tacoma, Washington, through his entrepreneurial ventures and community involvement. After moving west in 1865, he initially thrived in Portland before relocating to Olympia, where he served as mayor and helped develop the Olympia-Tenino Railroad. In 1878, he settled in Tacoma, erecting the city’s first three-story brick building and later amassing considerable wealth in real estate. Ouimette’s contributions solidified his reputation as a key figure in Tacoma’s growth and development.

Biography of Hon. Isaac Ingalls Stevens

Isaac Ingalls Stevens, born on March 18, 1818, in Andover, Massachusetts, graduated first in his class from West Point in 1839. He served with distinction in the Mexican-American War, earning a brevet of major. As Washington Territory’s first governor, he negotiated treaties with Native American tribes and commanded troops during the 1855-56 Indian war. Elected as a congressional delegate, he later became a Union general in the Civil War, where he was killed at Chantilly in 1862, heroically rallying his regiment.

Biography of Dr. Alden H. Steele

Dr. Alden H. Steele, born in 1823 in Oswego, New York, graduated from the University of New York and began his medical practice in Oswego. He moved to Oregon in 1849, later settling in Olympia, Washington, where he contributed significantly to local governance and healthcare. Steele served as a surgeon for various military posts and was actively involved in public duties, including his role as a medical inspector and examining surgeon for pensions. He is noted for being the first to use chloroform in surgery north of San Francisco.

Biography of Hon. Hiram D. Morgan

Hon. Hiram D. Morgan, born in 1822 in Mount Ayre, Ohio, has led a noteworthy pioneer life since 1853. After moving to Iowa and participating in a migration to Oregon, he worked in various roles, building boats and serving as an Indian agent. Morgan held significant positions, including agent of the Tulalip Reservation, and later established a sawmill and factory in Snohomish, Washington. He has held various public offices and is married to Mary J. Trout, with whom he has seven children.

Biography of Hon. E. L. Smith

Hon. E. L. Smith, born in 1837 in Vermont, became a prominent figure in California after moving there in 1861. An early member of the Republican Party, he was appointed secretary of Washington Territory and acted as governor. Smith established the first bank in Olympia and later moved to Hood River, Oregon, where he engaged in mercantile business and public initiatives. A respected speaker and community leader, he was elected speaker of the Oregon legislature in 1888. Smith was known for his advocacy of temperance and the Unitarian faith. He and his wife had six children.

Biographical Sketch of Gustave Rosenthal

Gustave Rosenthal was born in Bavaria on July 4, 1840, and emigrated to America in 1856. Initially settling in Boston, he later moved to New York before traveling to California in 1861. Eventually, he settled in Olympia, Washington Territory, where he established a successful general merchandising business in partnership with Isaac Lightner, later buying out his partner. Rosenthal served as county treasurer in 1869 and married Katie Bettman, with whom he had four children: Bertha, Samuel, Caroline, and Fannie.

McCully, Frank M. – Obituary

Frank M. McCully, Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction, passed away on March 12, 1907, following complications from gallbladder surgery. Despite initial recovery, his condition deteriorated due to kidney issues. Flags were flown at half-mast in his honor, and the Elks will oversee his funeral services at Masonic cemetery. Born on October 2, 1857, in Harrisburg, Oregon, McCully had a distinguished career in education and journalism, leaving behind a legacy and his son Merritt.

Jorgensen, S. Cleone Mrs. – Obituary

S. Cleone Jorgensen, formerly of Enterprise, Oregon, passed away on May 1, 1983, in Olympia, Washington, and was laid to rest in Bellevue, Washington. She is survived by her son Lee Jorgenson, sister E.V. Ulrich, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Akes, Esther Elaine – Obituary

Esther Elaine Akes, 86, passed away on June 27, 2006, at Evergreen Nursing Home. Born on August 23, 1919, in Pendleton, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII before ranching and running businesses in Washington and Milton-Freewater. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as Relief Society President and was active in 4-H. Survived by her four children, several siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she was preceded in death by her husband in 2003.

Carper, Joseph K. – Obituary

Funeral services for Joseph K. Carper took place on March 13 in Centralia, Washington, following his death on March 10 at a Seattle hospital. Born on September 21, 1865, in West Virginia, Carper moved west in the late 1890s, homesteading in Promise. Known as “Huckleberry Joe,” he was a fruit grower and the county’s first government hunter. He had 18 children from two marriages and was survived by his widow, numerous children, stepchildren, and a large extended family. He is buried in Centralia Cemetery.

Jeffries, B. F. Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. B. F. Jeffers, previously known as Mrs. Lydia Reeves, passed away in Olympia, Washington, earlier this week. Her funeral was held in Union following her interment. Mrs. Jeffers, who had previously lived in Union and La Grande with her first husband, Vincent Reeves, married Mr. Jeffers after his death. She leaves no known relatives beyond her immediate family. Friends from La Grande attended her funeral to pay their respects.

Eager, Lawrence Eugene – Obituary

Lawrence Eugene Eager, 73, of Portland, passed away on May 13, 2008. He will be laid to rest at Hudson Cemetery in Rainier, with a memorial service planned for this summer. Born on September 27, 1934, he was raised in Rainier, showing talent in athletics and serving in the U.S. Army. Larry enjoyed a life rich in outdoor activities and worked various jobs, including as a logger. He is survived by his two daughters, stepchildren, grandchildren, and former spouses.

Stuth, Nellie M. Grunden – Obituary

Nell M. Stuth, 82, passed away on January 5, 1985, in Olympia. Born on July 1, 1902, in Ellensburg, she lived in Seattle and Yakima before settling in Olympia in the 1930s. Nell married Albert E. Stubb Stuth in 1940, who predeceased her. She worked at Millers Department Store and was active in the First Christian Church. Survived by sisters Anna Nichols and Lottie Dale, her graveside service took place on January 8 at Masonic Memorial Park, managed by Mills and Mills Funeral Services.

Stuth, Albert E. ‘Stubb’ – Obituary

Albert E. Stuth, known as ‘Stubb,’ passed away on July 21, at an Olympia nursing home. Born on April 24, 1890, in Olympia, he played baseball at Washington State College and for the Olympia Senators. A World War I veteran, Stuth later managed the Stuth Brothers Fuel Company and worked for the Olympia Brewing Company until retirement. He was active in the Olympia Elks Lodge and the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Nell Grunden Stuth. A funeral service is scheduled at Mills & Mills Chapel.

Dale, Donald D. – Obituary

Donald D. Dale, a resident of Portland, Oregon, passed away on January 4, 1950, after a brief illness in Olympia, where he was visiting family. Born on July 17, 1886, in Missouri, he moved to Portland 35 years prior and was active in real estate. He is survived by his wife, Lottie, two brothers, and two sisters. His body will be transported to Portland for burial, with services scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Goldberg, Charles – Obituary

Charles Goldberg, owner of Charleys Hamburger in Olympia, passed away on June 19, 1947, in a local hospital. A resident of Olympia for fifteen years, he had a long career in the restaurant industry and was a member of the Eagles Lodge. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Opal Williams, and two sons residing in Eastern Washington. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Mills and Mills.

Ormsby, George William – Obituary

George W. Ormsby, 85, formerly of Nampa, passed away on June 10, 1986, in Olympia, Washington. Born on September 30, 1900, in Iowa, he married Edith Roberts in 1924 and worked for the Pacific Fruit Express, retiring in 1945. He later operated a dairy ranch in Oregon and a grocery store in Winlock, Washington. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday at Fissel Chapel, followed by burial at Claquato Cemetery.

Fix, Clara Jane Harris – Obituary

Mrs. S. E. Fix, 78, a former resident of Pierce County, passed away in Olympia. Born in Rockford, Ontario, Canada, she moved to the U.S. in 1884 and later taught in Orting schools before marrying in 1903. The couple lived in Kapowsin and Olympia. Active in the Order of Eastern Star, she is survived by her husband, three daughters, a son, a sister, six grandchildren, and three nephews. Funeral services are scheduled at the Orting Funeral Home, with burial in Orting Cemetery.

Champ, William – Obituary

William Champ, a prominent pioneer in Washington’s Masonic community, passed away at 88 on November 2, 1912, in Winlock. He was a founding member of several Masonic lodges, including those in Chehalis and Olympia. Champ moved to Olympia in 1860 and later settled in Lewis County, where he lived until his death. His contributions to fraternal life spanned decades, beginning with his initiation in 1845. He is survived by four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was laid to rest with Masonic honors.