Wasco County OR

Biography of Hon. R. O. Dunbar

HON. R.O. DUNBAR. – It is not always an enviable distinction to be made eminent for political preferments. The exceptions are in the cities where office is held as the currency of political services, and as the opportunity for public plunder. In the smaller communities, however, where personal acquaintance extends to all citizens, and an honest public spirit precludes fraud, one may well feel pride in that confidence of his friends in his ability and probity which selects him as a public servant. Preferment at the suffrage of the citizens of a place like Goldendale, noted for its correct sentiment … Read more

Boydstun, Ramona Lee “Mona” Harlin Mrs. – Obituary

Ramona Lee “Mona” Boydstun, 62, of The Dalles, a former Baker City resident, died Oct. 4, 2005. A family service will be scheduled later. There was a private cremation at Win-quatt Crematory. Interment was at The Dalles Threemile Odd Fellows Cemetery. She was born on Oct. 18, 1942, at Denver, the third of four daughters born to Carl Robert and Sybil Grace Wayman Harlin. She grew up in Baker City and was a 1960 Baker High School graduate. She married Robert Boydstun on June 12, 1960, at Baker City. They had lived at The Dalles for 35 years. Mona was … Read more

Rogers, Vernon Irving “Vern” – Obituary

Baker City, Oregon Vernon Irving “Vern” Rogers, 84, of Baker City, died Sept. 9, 2004, in Boise, Idaho. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2625 Hughes Lane. Bishop David Richards will officiate. Vault interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the services. Vern was born on Aug. 23, 1920, at Maquon, Ill., to Irving Holt and Vivian Lois Burroughs Rogers. He was the eldest of nine children. Vern’s father, … Read more

Grisham, Jessie Beryl Pegg – Obituary

Mrs. Jessie Beryl Pegg Grisham who died at the family home at 1208 Garrison Street at 9 o’clock this morning [October 29, 1926] will be buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery at 2 o’clock Sunday. Rev. C. A. Edwards will officiate at graveside services at which the Rebekahs will be in charge. Mrs. Grisham leaves a widower, Ira C. Grisham, her aged mother, Mrs. Caroline Pegg who lives with one of Mrs. Grisham’s sisters, Mrs. J. P. Abbott of Wapinitia, and two other sisters in the east, Mrs. E. E. Ellithorpe of Chicago and Mrs. C. E. Kirkwood of Constantine, … 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

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

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

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

Shoemaker, Huldah – Obituary

Cove, Union County, Oregon Shoemaker-At Cove, Union County, Oregon December 20, 1888, Mrs. Huldah Shoemaker, aged 27 years, 10 months and 5 days. She was born in Wasco county, Oregon, February 15, 1861. From there her parents, Mr. and Mrs. P.W. Williams, moved to Douglas county in 1884. She came with her uncle from Looking Glass, Douglas county to Cove, in the fall of 1885 on a visit and formed the acquaintance of William Shoemaker and they were united in marriage May 2, 1886. She was honored by all from her childhood up and loved most by those who knew … 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

Biography of Rev. John F. Devore, D. D.

REV. JOHN F. DEVORE, D.D. – Doctor Devore was a native of Kentucky, being born near Lexington, December 7, 1817. He was of French descent, as the name indicates, and owed very much to the pious example of religious parents, who urged him with their last words to be “faithful to his God.” The “Life of Bramwell” fell into his hands at an early date, was read with great relish, and had much to do in molding the shape of his after life. Entering the ministry, he joined the Rock river conference in 1842, Bishop Roberts presiding. He was ordained … Read more

Biography of James Fitzpatrick

Among the very earliest pioneers whose courage and activity led them through the hardships of the journey across the plains to face danger and endure pain and deprivations meanwhile, is the venerable and highly esteemed gentleman and veteran of many conflicts in life’s battles, whose name appears at the head of this article, and whose uniform faithfulness, uprightness, ability, and stanch qualities have constantly been manifested. Mr. Fitzpatrick was born in Pennsylvania in 1820, receiving there his early education and remaining under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age. He then came to Illinois, a new country, and engaged … Read more

Killingbeck, Fern E. – Obituary

La Grande, Oregon Fern E. Killingbeck, 94, died Aug. 21 at Richland Rehabilitation Center in Richland, Wash. A private family graveside service will be held at the Redmond Memorial Cemetery in Redmond. Mrs. Killingbeck was born July 8, 1912, at Madras to Thomas Jefferson and Etta Mora Parsley Fields. She lived in Longview, Wash., and The Dalles before moving to Redmond, where she graduated from high school. On Dec. 22, 1930, she married Clarence Herbert Killingbeck in Bend. She owned and cooked at her restaurant in Redmond for several years. In 1949 she moved to La Grande and operated the … Read more

Biography of Joseph L. Carter

JOSEPH L. CARTER. – This prominent educator of Eastern Oregon was born at the old Methodist Episcopal Mission, near Salem, January 22, 1845. He is the son of David Carter, who fifty years ago was a merchant in the various cities and states of South America, and in 1840 came via the Sandwich Islands to the then unclaimed Oregon, marrying Miss Orpha Lankton, of the mission party of the bark Lausanne, and settling on Mill creek near Salem, and also living at The Dalles, passing much time in the mines of California and becoming prominent upon our coast in the … Read more

Sheehy, Mary Magaret Black Mrs. – Obituary

Mary Margaret Black Sheehy, 83, a former Baker County resident, died May 13, 2001, at the Wallowa County Memorial Hospital in Enterprise after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Her funeral was May 21 at the St. Katherine Catholic Church at Enterprise. Interment was at the Wallowa Cemetery. Mrs. Sheehy was the eldest daughter of George Alfred and Hanorah Margaret Doherty “Nora” Black. She was born on June 9, 1917, at The Dalles. In 1935, she graduated from high school at Paisley. After graduation from Eastern Oregon Normal School in La Grande, she began her teaching career in one-room … 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

Biography of Dr. W. C. McKay

DR. W.C. McKAY. – One by one the pioneers who braved the wilderness and its dangers, in order that their posterity might enjoy the fruits of their hazardous conquests of the domain of the savage are passing away. As the poet sang of the valorous knights of the days of chivalry, “Their souls are with the saints, we trust,” so, at no distant day, will the same be sung o’er the graves of the last of the pioneers. So, while yet alive, let us honor them as they deserve to be honored; and when dead let their deeds be recorded … Read more

Biography of Hon. Rockey P. Earhart

HON. ROCKEY P. EARHART.- Among those whose names add luster to the roll of the inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest, none stand higher in the estimation of the public, for ability and probity, than the subject of this sketch. Mr. Earhart is a native of Ohio, having been born in Franklin county, in that state, on June 23, 1837. He acquired his education at selected schools; and his natural instincts to fit himself for a useful sphere in after life caused him to make the most of opportunities offered. In 1855, he came to Oregon via Panama, and soon after … Read more

Biography of Dr. Levi W. Ballard

DR. LEVI W. BALLARD. – The subject of this sketch was born in Petersburg, Hillsborough county, New Hampshire, on December 21, 1815, and is the son of William and T.B. Downing Ballard. He was educated in the common schools of his native place, and went to Hancock Academy in Hancock for two years, after which, in 1837, he came to New Jersey and taught school for three years. After engaging with but poor success in the mercantile business, he removed to Ohio and engaged in different occupations, until finally, taking up the study of medicine, he entered the Cleveland Medical … Read more

Coon, Delbert Ernest – Obituary

Delbert Ernest Coon, 81, of Odell, a former Baker City resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at his home. Private cremation was held at The Dalles Win-quatt Crematory. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements. There will be a private family service and inurnment later at Baker City. He was born on Sept. 30, 1921, at Portland, the only child of Oliver and Edna Craig Coon. Delbert was raised at Baker City where he attended schools. He served as a medic in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed at North Africa and … Read more