Biography of Hon. William Rufus King

William Rufus King, born on October 3, 1864, in Walla Walla, Washington, was the son of pioneering parents from Arkansas. He moved to Oregon at a young age, pursued education in agriculture and law, and established a successful legal career in Ontario. Elected as a state representative and later senator, King was known for his integrity and leadership in reform. Although he lost a gubernatorial race in 1898, his campaign garnered respect and support across Oregon. King was married to L. Myrtle King, with whom he had two children.

Biography of William Henry Canaday

William Henry Canaday, born on May 26, 1863, in Lane County, Oregon, is a notable businessman who gained prominence in Harney County. His parents, Madison and Sarah E. Canaday, were pioneers who endured hardship during their westward journey. William learned saw milling and photography, eventually opening the first photography gallery in Burns in 1887. He married Mary C. McMurphy in 1897, and they had two children. Active in the community, he is a past grand of the I.O.O.F. and respected in local society.

Biographical Sketch of J. H. Stanley

J.H. Stanley, born in Missouri in 1858, moved to the Willamette Valley in 1878 to complete his education. He served as principal of schools in Union and Weston, Oregon, before acquiring a ranch in Morrow County in 1883. In 1885, he resumed teaching and was appointed county school superintendent, a role he has held through multiple elections. An active Republican, he participated in state conventions and contributed to community advancements. He is married and the father of four children.

Action, Jennie Martha – Obituary

Jennie Martha Action passed away on March 2, 1955, in Enterprise, Oregon, at the age of 76. Born on February 7, 1879, in Weston, she married James E. Action in 1900, who died in 1909. A member of several community organizations and a lifelong Baptist, her memorial service was led by Rev. Leslie Bailey. She is survived by her son, John W. Action, and daughter, Florence Seda, along with several siblings. Jennie was known for her contributions to the local library during her time in Joseph.

Hammack, Stella May – Obituary

Stella May Hammack, aged 96, passed away on January 13, 2003, in Pendleton, Oregon. Born on March 8, 1906, in Cold Springs, she spent her early years in Asotin and Imnaha, engaging in various jobs, including cooking in sheep camps. In 1927, she married William Hammack, and they resided in Wallowa and Weston. Stella cherished family time, reading, and nature outings. She is survived by her two daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her graveside service took place on January 16 at Enterprise Cemetery.

Sheets, Margaret Mrs. – Obituary

Margaret Ann Sheets, a pioneer resident of Joseph, Oregon, passed away on April 12, 1942, at the age of 87. Born in Missouri in 1854, she moved to Oregon by ox team in 1866. Margaret married Adam Francis Sheets in 1870, and they had 11 children, four of whom survive her. The couple moved to Joseph around 1899, where she operated a restaurant and hotel. Known for her cheerful disposition and resilience, she exemplified the spirit of pioneer women. Funeral services were held at the Joseph Methodist Church.

Martin, Grace E. – Obituary

Grace E. Martin, a long-time resident of Prineville, passed away on January 24, 1988, at 98 years old. Born on June 19, 1889, in Weston, she was the daughter of pioneer parents. Married to Roy P. Martin in 1908, she devoted her life to homemaking and church activities. Mrs. Martin is survived by her daughter, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son. Graveside services took place at Lostine Cemetery.

Wart, William, Sr. – Obituary

William Jay Wart Sr., age 75, passed away on May 28, 1985, at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon. Born on July 21, 1909, in Baker, he moved with his family to Promise in 1913. After marrying Olive Heskett in 1935, they lived in various locations, eventually returning to Enterprise. Wart worked as a mechanic and enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Teel, Orlan Patten – Obituary

Orlan Patten Teel, born November 20, 1926, passed away at his home in Orofino, Idaho, on May 16, 2007, at the age of 80. Raised by his grandmother in Enterprise after his mother’s death, Teel was a prominent community member in Weston, active in the fire department and local civic affairs. He had three marriages and is survived by his wife, Diana, and a large family, including children and grandchildren. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 16 at Weston Community Church.

Teel, Orlan Patten – Obituary

Orlan Patten Teel, born on November 20, 1926, in Portland, passed away on May 16, 2007, at his home in Orofino, Idaho, at the age of 80. Raised by his grandmother in Enterprise, he had three marriages, with Diana Lee Boire being his last. A community-oriented individual, he was active in local civic affairs and served on the Fire Department in Weston. Mr. Teel is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 16.

Wentworth, Eliza Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. Eliza Wentworth, wife of Wm. E. Wentworth, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning at their Cove residence, following a decline in health despite medical care. Born in Winslow, Maine in September 1847, she married Wm. E. Wentworth in 1869 and moved to Oregon in 1876, eventually settling in Cove. She is survived by her husband, siblings, and a wide circle of friends. A funeral service attended by many mourners took place at their home, led by Rev. Van Dusen.

Trimble-Blank, Bonnie Mrs. – Obituary

Bonnie Jean Trimble-Blank, 73, passed away on March 5, 2006, at St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, WA. Born on February 6, 1933, in Baker City, Oregon, she settled in Weston after living in Union. Bonnie was a devoted mother and grandmother, known for her strong family ties and storytelling. She was married to John Trimble and later to Alvin Blank. Bonnie enjoyed camping, outdoor activities, and cherished memories from family vacations. She will be fondly remembered by her loved ones.

Frison, Donald L. – Obituary

Donald L. Frison, 62, of Island City, Oregon, passed away on March 30 at his home. Born on December 10, 1945, in Mobridge, South Dakota, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966. He worked extensively with the Teamsters and Operating Engineers Unions before retiring in 1999. A passionate outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He is survived by his wife, Dana, a daughter, a stepdaughter, siblings, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions can be made to charity.

Frizzell, Helen – Obituary

Helen Myrtle Frizzell, 93, of La Grande, passed away on October 18, 2009. Born on September 8, 1916, she worked at Grande Ronde Hospital and for Union Pacific Railroad during WWII. She married Elton Leroy Frizzell in 1946 and later returned to La Grande after his passing in 1977. A dedicated member of various local organizations, including the Jewel Rebekah Lodge and American Legion Auxiliary, she is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions are suggested for the American Heart Association.

Bonham, Wayne F. – Obituary

Wayne F. Bonham, 62, passed away on September 17, 2005, in Walla Walla, Washington. Born on February 16, 1943, in Baker City, he attended local schools and graduated from Baker High School before studying at Blue Mountain Community College. He worked at Pendleton Woolen Mills and later at Suzis Handy Mart. Bonham was an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for bird watching and photography. He is survived by his three children and a sister. A graveside funeral took place at Weston Cemetery.

Biography of George W. King, M.D.

George W. King, M.D., was born on November 14, 1844, in Missouri and faced significant hardships during his early life due to the Civil War. Orphaned by the conflict, he briefly struggled in Missouri before finding work in a tobacco factory. He served in the U.S. Army until 1866 and later sought education, ultimately pursuing a medical career. After graduating from medical school in 1883, he built successful medical practices in Oregon, where he married Nettie Powell. His later achievements somewhat compensated for his tumultuous youth.

Biography of James L. Story

James L. Story, the current mayor of The Dalles, Oregon, is a distinguished lawyer with a notable background. Born in Missouri in 1845, he moved to Oregon at a young age. After serving in the First Oregon Infantry during the Civil War, he pursued teaching and law, eventually opening a law practice in The Dalles. Known for his community involvement, Story balances leadership and accessibility, earning respect in both legal and municipal realms. His journey reflects Oregon’s educational and pioneering spirit.

Young, Jimmy O. – Obituary

Jimmy O. Young, 65, of Weston, passed away on March 1, 2002, at home. Born on March 16, 1936, in Haines, he was raised in Baker County and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. After discharge, he worked as a long-haul truck driver and briefly for Union Pacific Railroad. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed time on the Snake and Columbia rivers. He was preceded in death by his son, Danny, and is survived by his companion Helena and three sisters.

Biography of George W. Proebstel

George W. Proebstel was born in Missouri in 1842 and moved to Clarke County, Oregon, at age ten. He faced numerous challenges during his youth, including hardships while traveling across the plains and living through a harsh winter. He served in the Indian War of 1855 and later sought fortune in Idaho’s mines. Returning to Clarke County, he married, homesteaded, and eventually established a successful hardware business in Weston, Umatilla County, after overcoming several setbacks, including the loss of a flour mill.

Biography of Isham E. Saling

Isham E. Saling, born in 1830 in Monroe County, Missouri, emerged as a prominent merchant in Weston, Oregon. After migrating west in 1852 and engaging in various occupations, including farming, he established a successful merchandise business in 1874. Mr. Saling owns significant property, including a brick hotel and multiple stores, alongside agricultural ventures in Washington. Married in 1856, he and his wife Melinda raised eight children. His efforts reflect the potential development of the Columbia Valley, marking the beginning of a prosperous future for many.