Wasco County OR
Biography of Francis Xavier Paquet
Francis Xavier Paquet, born on January 15, 1811, in Quebec, was the sixteenth child of Joseph and Marie Madaline Paquet. Apprenticed in shipbuilding, he emigrated to the U.S. at seventeen, working for the American Fur Company. He later joined the lead mining industry and served in the Black Hawk War, earning commendation from General Scott. Married to Marie Louise Lannadier de Langdeau in 1836, the couple moved to Oregon in 1852, where they became prominent figures with a large family, contributing to their community’s development.
Biographical Sketch of Willard Sitton
Willard Sitton, born on October 14, 1856, in Washington County, Missouri, is a prominent farmer and stockman in Oregon County’s Johnson Township. He began his career assisting his father and later worked as a blacksmith in various states. After transitioning to merchandising with his brother, Sitton focused on farming, amassing 360 acres of land. In 1892, he married Mittie George, an educated member of the Missionary Baptist Church. A Mason and Democrat, Sitton is recognized for his industriousness and potential for future achievements.
Biography of M. J. Morlan
M.J. Morlan, born in Ohio in 1835, moved to Illinois in 1846, where he worked on his family’s farm. Eager for a better life, he migrated to Oregon in 1857 but found success after relocating to Wasco County and engaging in sheep husbandry. In 1871, he transitioned to agriculture in Umatilla County. Married to Mary E. Jones, he has two children. Morlan exemplifies the industrious pioneers whose efforts contributed significantly to the development of the region, remaining uninterested in political ambitions.
Biography of Hon. Zenas Ferry Moody
Zenas Ferry Moody, born May 27, 1832, in Granby, Massachusetts, became the ex-Governor of Oregon, reflecting strong New England Revolutionary heritage. He moved to Oregon in 1851, contributing significantly to U.S. surveys and engaging in various business ventures, including the establishment of transportation lines. A prominent figure in the Republican Party, Moody was elected governor in 1882, known for his executive ability and business acumen. After his governorship, he focused on banking and business in The Dalles, exemplifying success in both public and private sectors.
Biography of Robert Grostein
Robert Grostein, born in Poland in 1835, became a prominent merchant in Lewiston, Idaho, after arriving in the United States as a child. He started his business journey in California before relocating to Lewiston in 1862, where he established a successful store amidst the gold rush. Grostein was known for his integrity and enterprise, eventually expanding his business and investing in real estate. A community leader, he contributed to local stability during lawlessness and supported various public initiatives. He was married to Rachel Newman, and their family remains active in the community.
Biography of Edmond Pearcy
Edmond Pearcy, born March 22, 1832, in Virginia, was a pivotal figure in Idaho’s pioneer development. After a brief teaching stint, he journeyed to California in 1852, ultimately settling in Oregon and engaging in various ventures including ranching and mining. He contributed to the Mullan Road’s construction and operated a sawmill for the government. Pearcy became involved in ferry operations in Lewiston and advanced local infrastructure. A dedicated public servant and Jeffersonian Democrat, he married Jane Davis in 1881 and is remembered as a prominent pioneer of northern Idaho.
Biography of James A. Masterson
James A. Masterson, born on October 10, 1842, in Lexington, Kentucky, was a significant figure in Union County, Oregon. He and his family moved to Oregon in 1851, where he later became a pioneer in the Wallowa Valley, taking the first wagon into the region and engaging in farming and stock raising. Masterson served as county commissioner and postmaster while also establishing a mercantile and banking presence in Elgin. Married in 1869, he had several children and remained active in community affairs throughout his life.
Biography of John M. Crooks
John M. Crooks, born June 28, 1820, in Indiana, was a notable pioneer who settled in Idaho in 1862 and was instrumental in the founding of Grangeville. After crossing the plains to Oregon in 1852, he ventured to the Camas Prairie, establishing a successful farming and stock-raising business. Crooks played a significant role in community development, organizing the Grange and contributing to local infrastructure. He passed away in 1884, leaving behind a legacy as a frontiersman and a large family, including six surviving children.
Bilyeu, Nettie Edmunsen – Obituary
Nettie Edmunsen Bilyeu and her infant child passed away at The Dalles hospital on January 13, 1911, and January 11, 1911, respectively. A lifelong resident, Nettie was the daughter of Henry and Mrs. Edmunson and was just 18 years old. The funeral, led by Rev. J. D. Lewellen, took place on Sunday afternoon at the Crandall Undertaking parlors, followed by interment at the IOOF Cemetery.
Grisham, Jessie Beryl Pegg – Obituary
Mrs. Jessie Beryl Pegg Grisham passed away at her home on October 29, 1926, at the age of 51. Her funeral service will be held at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, officiated by Rev. C. A. Edwards, with the Rebekahs overseeing the graveside rites. She is survived by her husband, Ira C. Grisham, her mother, Mrs. Caroline Pegg, and three sisters. The pallbearers will be provided by the Maupin Odd Fellows Lodge, with the body departing from the Zell Funeral Home prior to the service.
Grisham, Ira C. – Obituary
Ira C. Grisham, aged 51, a retired rancher and former Maupin resident, died following a family dinner where contaminated food was consumed. He exhibited symptoms of botulinum poisoning after the meal, which included meat pie, beans, and canned beets. Despite a brief period of improvement, he succumbed within hours. His wife, Nettie, and others present underwent treatment in the hospital. Grisham, a son of pioneer settlers, was honored in funeral services attended by the local Odd Fellows Lodge.
Gerking, Samuel – Obituary
Samuel Gerking, a pioneering covered wagon settler from 1862, passed away at the age of 84 at his residence in The Dalles, where he had lived for 19 years after moving from Umatilla County. Born in Indiana on November 24, 1844, Gerking had a significant family, including his widow, five sons, seven daughters, 26 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His funeral services are scheduled for Thursday afternoon, with interment at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Crabtree, Andrew – Obituary
Andrew Crabtree, 80, passed away in Maupin, where he had lived for over 43 years. Born in Missouri on October 12, 1851, he journeyed to Oregon with his family at age two. The Crabtrees settled in Linn County, where a creek bears their name. Andrew married Jane Martin in 1875, who preceded him in death in 1918. He fathered 11 children, seven of whom survive, alongside numerous grandchildren. Funeral services will take place at the American Legion Hall, with interment at Kelly Cemetery.
Chastain, Polly Catherine Crabtree – Obituary
Polly Catherine Chastain, aged 93, passed away on November 5, 1971, in Maupin, where she had lived for 83 years. Born on June 5, 1878, in Scio, Oregon, she became an active member of her community through organizations such as the Evangelical United Church of North America and the Rebekah Lodge. She is survived by her brother Raymond Crabtree, daughter-in-law Alice Chastain, two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several other relatives. Her funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at Maupin Community Church.
Chastain, Joel Haden Jr. – Obituary
Joel Haden Chastain, aged 76, passed away at his home in Maupin, Oregon, on July 4, 1949. Born on January 11, 1873, in Pine Grove, he is survived by his wife Polly, son Cecil, and two grandchildren, Glenn E. Chastain and Betty Jo Paulsen, along with siblings in California and Hillsboro. His funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Maupin, with burial at the Kelly Cemetery.
Chastain, Joel Orange – Obituary
Joel O. Chastain, aged 67, passed away on May 17, 1961, in Portland after a prolonged illness. A lifelong dairyman and farmer in Tygh Valley, he was actively involved in the local Methodist Church and the Old Wasco County Pioneer Association. He is survived by his wife, Laura, a daughter, and two grandchildren, alongside three brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be held at the Tygh Valley Methodist Church, with interment at the IOOF Cemetery.
Varney, Inez L. – Obituary
Inez L. Varney, a long-time resident of Enterprise, Oregon, passed away on March 15, 1980, at Dalles General Hospital. Born on January 12, 1922, she married Otis Varney in 1941 and was active in her community through the Enterprise Community Church and local organizations, including the Lady Elks and the VFW Auxiliary. Funeral services took place on March 18, followed by burial at Enterprise Cemetery. She is survived by her husband and two children, Dennis and Donna.
Bork, Ivan Richard – Obituary
Ivan Richard Bork, age 84, passed away on July 21, 2001, in The Dalles. Born on May 30, 1917, in Flora, Oregon, he was the eldest of eight children and a descendent of Wallowa County pioneers. He married Leola Surber in 1940 and worked as a logger throughout his life. A dedicated member of the Solid Rock Community Church of God, he enjoyed ham radio and community service. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Services will be held at The Dalles IOOF Cemetery.