Wasco County OR

Biography of Francis Xavier Paquet

FRANCIS X. PAQUET. – Francis Xavier Paquet, son of Joseph Paquet and Marie Madaline Godant, was born in the parish of Saint John, about thirty miles west of Quebec, at the junction of the Jacquarka river with the St. Lawrence. Joseph Paquet was a stonemason by trade, but lived on a farm and took jobs of stonework. He was the father of eighteen children, nine boys and nine girls. F.X. Paquet, the sixteenth child in order, was born on the fifteenth day of January, 1811. He learned the trade of shipbuilding at Quebec, being apprenticed to Peter Labbe when not … Read more

Biography of Hon. Joseph D. Lee

HON. JOSEPH D. LEE. – It is natural for the observing student of mankind to speculate upon the effect which radical changes and new environments have upon a coming generation; and consequently the inquiry has arisen in thinking minds as to what type of manhood and womanhood will spring from the hardy and bold pioneers who peopled these shores in the forties and early fifties. Surely with such heroic and sturdy parentage, growing up under the influence of our grand and magnificent scenery, and breathing in youth the pure air from the balsamic pines, we might expect a fine mental … Read more

Smith, Dorothy Mrs. – Obituary

Dorothy Smith, 85, of Unity, died July 30, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center. Her graveside funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Helix Cemetery. Jack Pittman of the Baker City Christian Church will officiate. Dorothy was born on Aug. 23, 1919, at Burns. She was the valedictorian of her high school class at Entiat, Wash. She attended Washington State College and later earned a degree in education from Western Oregon University at Monmouth. She taught elementary school for many years at Nyssa, The Dalles and the Reynolds School District in Portland. She married Arthur W. Smith … Read more

Bilyeu, Nettie Edmunsen – Obituary

Mrs. Rupert A. Bilyeu and infant babe died at The Dalles hospital Friday morning [January 13, 1911 for Nettie and January 11 for baby]. She was a native of the city, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Edmunson, in her eighteenth year. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. D. Lewellen, at the Crandall Undertaking parlors at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon. [Interment in IOOF Cemetery] The Dalles Optimist, January 19, 1911 Contributed by: Shelli Steedman

Chastain, Polly Catherine Crabtree – Obituary

Polly Catherine Chastain, a resident of the Maupin area for 83 years, died Friday [November 5, 1971] in a local hospital. She was 93. Mrs. Chastain came to Maupin when she was 10 years of age. She was born June 5, 1878, at Scio, Ore. Mrs. Chastain was a member of the Evangelical United Church of North America, the Rebekah Lodge, the Farm Bureau and the Old Wasco County Pioneer Association. Surviving are a brother, Raymond Crabtree of Maupin; a daughter-in-law, Alice Chastain of Maupin; two grandchildren, Betty Jo Paulson and Glenn Chastain, both of Maupin; seven great grandchildren and … Read more

Biography of Hon. William Lair Hill

HON. WILLIAM LAIR HILL. – The distinguished lawyer, author, versatile writer and thorough student whose name introduces this sketch was asked to furnish such data as might contribute in its production; and he diffidently and reluctantly responded. Among other hastily prepared notes, he answered: “Have lived an honest a life as my environments seemed to allow, mainly for the reason that, according to my hereditary creed, one who is not at least indifferently honest, cannot be very happy. In all my laborious life the one single fact in which I have the slightest pride is that, like Jim Bludsoe, I … Read more

Bork, Leola Elizabeth Surber Mrs. – Obituary

Baker City, Oregon Leola Elizabeth Bork, 84, a resident of The Dalles since 1966, died at an Albany care facility on May 12, 2004. Her graveside service was Saturday at The Dalles Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road. Pastor Ken Post officiated. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home was in care of arrangements. She was born on Aug. 4, 1919, at Enterprise, to Richard and Edith “Wilson” Surber, the fourth of 12 children. She was raised at Enterprise and graduated from high school there. Leola married Ivan Richard Bork on June 23, 1940, at Enterprise, by A.B. Conway, the … Read more

Vass, Olga Mrs. – Obituary

Died-At Union, Ore., Tuesday, February 22, 1927, Olga, wife of John Vass, age 54 years, 11 month and 18 days. Mrs. Olga Vass, wife of John Vass, was born in Norway, Jan. 3, 1873. She came to the United States when a child with her parents, and lived in Nebraska until they moved to Oregon, where she was married to Chas. Anderson, from which union there was one son, C. M. Anderson, now living in Cambridge, Idaho. Later she married at The Dalles, Oregon, John Vass, some 18 years ago. She has lived at Union for the past three years, … Read more

Wilson, Raine Miller – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Raine (Will/Skeezix) Miller Wilson, 66, of The Dalles and formerly of La Grande, died June 4 at his home. A viewing and visitation will run from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Monday at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 11 a.m. at Moiser Cemetery. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Raine was born Dec. 9, 1941, the youngest of five children to Elmer Craige Wilson and Lorraine Elizabeth (Miller) Wilson in Klamath Falls. He grew up in Klamath Falls and Shelton, Wash. He graduated from Madras High … Read more

Bork, Leola Elizabeth – Obituary

Enterprise, Oregon Leola Elizabeth Bork, 84, a resident of The Dalles since 1966, died at an Albany care facility on May 12, 2004. Her graveside service was Saturday at The Dalles Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road. Pastor Ken Post officiated. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home was in care of arrangements. She was born on Aug. 4, 1919, at Enterprise, to Richard and Edith “Wilson” Surber, the fourth of 12 children. She was raised at Enterprise and graduated from high school there. Leola married Ivan Richard Bork on June 23, 1940, at Enterprise, by A.B. Conway, the same … Read more

Hess, Gertrude Jean – Obituary

Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon Gertrude Jean Hess, 59, of 123 Union St., Walla Walla, died June 21, 1981 at Portland’s St. Vincent Hospital. Mrs. Hess was born July 19, 1921, in Criterion, Oregon to Peter and Birtha Herling Kirsch. She attended Criterion and Maupin schools and graduated from Oregon State University in Corvallis. She married W. John Hess June 9, 1946. She was a teacher in Enterprise and a homemaker. She was a member of Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Christian Womens Club and Engineers Wives. Mrs. Hess is survived by her husband, at home; three sons, Dan and Mark … Read more

Biographical Sketch of James B. Crossen

JAMES B. CROSSEN. – Mr. Crossen is the present postmaster at The Dalles, and was born August 11, 1838, at Donegal, Ireland. This was his residence until he emigrated to America in 1849 and made his home with his parents in New York City until of age. In 1859 he crossed the Isthmus to California, and resided at Callaghan’s Ranch for four years, going from thence to Idaho, where he engaged in business at Placerville until 1863. Seeking a new location, he cast his eyes with hope towards the State of Oregon, and selected The Dalles as the most eligible … Read more

Miller, Dr. Charles ‘Chuck’ Dennis- Obituary

Dr. Charles ‘Chuck’ Dennis Miller, 62, resident of The Dalles, Ore., passed away in his wife’s arms, surrounded by family on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 10, 2007, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles with Rev. Doug Marquradt officiating. Chuck was born on Dec. 31, 1944, in Detroit, Mich., to Charles Dorrington and Maude (Cary) Miller. He was raised in Baker City, Ore., where he graduated from high school in 1962. Chuck served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972, with two tours in Vietnam. He graduated from Eastern … Read more

Biography of Col. Granville O. Haller

COL. GRANVILLE O. HALLER, U.S.A., Retired. – Granville Owen Haller was born in York, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1819. His father, George Haller, died when he was but two years of age, leaving a pious and most devoted mother in charge of four young children, who, with limited means, but with industry and thrift, had the satisfaction of seeing her eldest son graduate at the Jefferson Medical College of the University of Pennsylvania. She was very desirous of sending Granville to the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to be fitted for the ministry, but conscientious doubts on his part prevented him … Read more

Biography of M. R. Hathaway

M.R. HATHAWAY. – Among the brightest and most popular men on our coast is M.R. Hathaway, adjutant-general of Washington. His character, frank and genial, is strengthened also by a manly reserve and modesty which cause every honor bestowed upon him to repose with double dignity. He was born in Kerkimer county, New York, in 1823. Fitting himself as teacher, he found employment in Wayne county. While still but a youth, he removed with his father to Michigan, where his labors alternated between teaching, and opening out a farm. In 1848 occurred his marriage, Miss Maria Smith, of La Porte county, … Read more

Luster, Deborah Kay – Obituary

Deborah Kay Luster, 44, of Pinedale, Wyo., a former Baker City resident, died June 13, 2005, in a car accident near Evanston, Wyo. Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Pastor Lennie Spooner of the First Church of the Nazarene will officiate. There will be a reception afterward at the home of Carolyn and Melvin Luster. Debbie was born on Jan. 13, 1961, at Twin Falls, Idaho. She was the sixth of nine children born to her mother, Mary Helen Sartain Sharp of The Dalles. She also had … Read more

Stone, Monsignor William Sherald – Obituary

Monsignor William Sherald Stone, 85, of The Dalles, and a former Baker City resident, died Oct. 15, 2001, at his home. Office of the Dead will be held Sunday at 7 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday. Both services will be at St. Peter Catholic Church in The Dalles. Interment will follow at The Dalles St. Peter Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home. Monsignor Stone was born April 28, 1916, at Athena, the sixth of seven children of Dr. Alvin Bernard and Gertrude Ann (Burnham) Stone. … Read more

Chappelle, Georgia Emma – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Georgia Emma Chappelle, 85, of The Dalles and formerly of La Grande, died Nov. 17. A funeral begins at 2 p.m. Friday at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center in La Grande. Georgia was born July 31, 1922, to James W. and Myrtle Lafatame (Wale) Vickers, in Searcy, Ark. She was raised and educated in Arkansas and married Jasper Chappelle on Dec. 10, 1945, in Waldron, Ark. They came to Oregon in the early 1950s. Those who knew her say Georgia had a fun-loving spirit. She loved dancing, singing and yodeling. She won many ribbons in … Read more

Wasco County, Oregon Census

Wasco County, Oregon was formed from Clackamas, Linn and Marion counties in 1854. 1850 Wasco County, Oregon Census Free 1850 Census Form for your Research Free 1850 Census Images (partially indexed) Hosted at Ancestry.com – Ancestry Free Trial 1850 Wasco County, Census (images and index) $ 1810-1890 Accelerated Indexing Systems $ Hosted at Census Guide 1850 U.S. Census Guide 1860 Wasco County, Oregon Census Free 1860 Census Form for your Research Free 1860 Census Images and Index Hosted at Ancestry.com – Ancestry Free Trial 1860 Wasco County, Census (images and index) $ 1810-1890 Accelerated Indexing Systems $ Free 1860 Census … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Jesse Imbler

JESSE IMBLER. – A native of Kentucky (1842), Mr. Imbler as a boy came west to Iowa, and in 1853 continued the journey to Oregon, being all this while with his father, who made his home near Eugene. Upon the appeal made for soldiers to quell the Rogue river Indians in 1855-56, Jesse then but sixteen, joined his two older brothers at the front, where, on account of his youth, he was assigned to the supply department, and remained with it to the end of the war. Returning home he accompanied his father and brother to The Dalles, and engaged … Read more