Woodburn Oregon

Lower Chinook, Kathlamet, Tillamook, and Clatsop Indians, Alive in 1906

In 1906, Charles E. McChesney compiled a list of the Lower Chinook, Kathlamet, Tillamook, and Clatsop Indians, along with their heirs, who had treaty agreements with the U.S. government since 1851. The document includes numerous names and corresponding addresses across various locations, such as Oregon, Washington, and California. This registration underscores the ongoing recognition of these tribes and serves as an important historical record of their existence and relocations during that period.

Gray, Nellie Frances – Obituary

Nellie Frances Gray, 91, passed away on May 25, 1993, in Spanaway, Washington. Born on September 25, 1901, in Lenox County, Iowa, she moved to Washington in her youth. Nellie married Ernest Merrell Gray in 1921 and served as post-mistress in Alicel from 1933 to 1939. The couple farmed in Lower Cove and later ran laundries in Salem and Vancouver. After retiring from Santa Clara University, they returned to Woodburn. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Gray, Ernest Merrill – Obituary

Ernest M. Gray, 84, formerly of Union County, passed away in Oregon City on Thursday. Born on March 18, 1903, in Lower Cove, he married Nellie Lemon in 1921. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, sisters, five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and more. He had a brother who predeceased him, and many cousins remain. His funeral is scheduled for Monday at Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton, with contributions suggested to Peoples Church in Salem.

Gray, Mary Alma – Obituary

Mary Alma Gray, 89, of Woodburn, formerly of Lower Cove, passed away on January 4 after a prolonged illness. Born on February 3, 1884, in Union County, she was a member of the Baptist Church. Her funeral service is scheduled for January 7 at Dempseys Funeral Chapel, with burial following at Summerville Cemetery. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, a sister, a brother, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Harsin, Susan Jane – Obituary

Susan Jane Harsin, 67, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on June 30. A memorial mass is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Born on August 22, 1938, in Salem, she married Darwin Harsin in 1961 and was actively involved in various community organizations, including the St. Jude Altar Society and the American Legion Auxiliary. Despite enduring phantom pain for 25 years, she dedicated her life to helping others. She is survived by her husband, son, brother, and sisters.

Bruch, Georgeanna Marie – Obituary

Georgeanna Marie Bruch, 89, formerly of La Grande, passed away on August 4 in Hillsboro. Born on November 19, 1916, she graduated from St. Lukes School of Nursing in 1940 and married Robert H. Bruch in 1943. A dedicated nurse, she retired as assistant supervisor of surgery and volunteered in various community organizations. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and a brother. A private burial will take place at Fir Lawn Cemetery, with arrangements handled by Fir Lawn Mortuary.

Stitt, Donald Virgil – Obituary

Donald Virgil Stitt, 92, of Woodburn, formerly of La Grande, passed away on June 18 at Cascade Park Retirement Home. Born on June 9, 1915, he excelled in athletics at La Grande High School before attending Oregon State University. He served in the Army during World War II and played professional basketball. Notably, he later achieved success in tennis, bowling, and track and field. Stitt is remembered fondly by his surviving brother, Alvin, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held June 27.

Calavan, James Madison – Obituary

James M. Calavan, aged 71, passed away at Willamette Sanitarium in Salem on August 20, 1921. He was the husband of Maggie Calavan and father to five children, residing in Oregon and Washington. The couple farmed near Woodburn before moving to their final home northwest of Salem. Well-regarded in his community, he was affectionately known as Uncle Jim. Funeral services were held at Rigdons Undertaking Parlors and he was laid to rest at the IOOF Cemetery.

Lee, William Jonathan – Obituary

William (Bill) J. Lee, a retired rancher and World War I veteran, passed away at home on June 4, 1970, at the age of 74. His funeral took place on June 9 at Zacher Mortuary, officiated by Rev. George Chase. Born on February 20, 1896, in Woodburn, Lee had resided in Lone Pine for 34 years. He is survived by his wife, Juanita, six sons, four daughters, one brother, and 21 grandchildren. He was interred at the Pioneer Cemetery in Terrebonne.

Perkins, Martha Ellen Long Mrs. – Obituary

Ellen Long Perkins, a former resident, passed away on March 30, 1987, in Woodburn, Oregon. Born in 1895 in Haines, she was the wife of Hardin K. Perkins and an active educator in Oregon and Washington. Mrs. Perkins was a member of several organizations, including Eastern Star and the National Teachers Association. She is survived by her husband, a sister, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Perkins will be laid to rest in Haines Cemetery.

Morin, Norman E. – Obituary

Norman E. Morin, aged 82, of Woodburn and formerly of Baker City, passed away on January 16, 2005. A memorial service is scheduled for February 5 at Cornwell Funeral Home. Born on May 20, 1923, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and the U.S. Navy during World War II. Norman had a varied career, running a second-hand store and working at the Woodburn Auction. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and several family members, and was preceded in death by his parents and brothers.

Marshall, Donald Leslie “Don” – Obituary

Donald Leslie “Don” Marshall, 78, of Halfway, Oregon, passed away on September 30, 2004. Born on September 10, 1926, in North Dakota, he moved to Oregon in 1931. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Don had a varied career including owning a dump truck business and working for several trucking companies. He was an avid outdoorsman and private pilot. Don is survived by his wife Wilma, children Gary and Vicki, and their families. He was preceded in death by his son Michael. A celebration of his life was held at Pine Baptist Church.

Churchill, Marjorie Bethene Dye Mrs. – Obituary

Marjorie Bethene Dye Churchill, 90, passed away on March 18, 2004, in Baker City, Oregon. Born on February 18, 1914, in Arcadia, Nebraska, she married Raymond Leonard Churchill in 1932 and had five children. Marjorie managed a dairy with her husband, and was a dedicated bookkeeper. She cherished time spent with her family, particularly teaching her grandchildren various skills. She is survived by her children, 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Interment is scheduled for April 9 in Grants Pass.

Edwards, Ivan Russell – Obituary

Ivan Russell Edwards, 83, of Woodburn, Oregon, passed away on January 25, 2003. Born in Baker City on February 4, 1919, he was a boilermaker and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. A member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he had a passion for hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Elsie, daughters Shellie and Sally, son Charles, a sister, and several grandchildren. No funeral was held per his request.

French-Laird, Hester M. Holden Mrs. – Obituary

Hester M. French-Laird, 87, originally from Baker City, passed away on March 5, 2006, in Oregon City. Her funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Woodburn, with interment at Lincoln Memorial Park. Born on January 22, 1919, she married John Jack French in 1938, later marrying Richard Laird in 1995. Hester was an active member of the Catholic Church and enjoyed family, dancing, and volunteering. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Warnock, Alice Anatoinette Brown Mrs. – Obituary

Alice Antoinette Warnock, aged 94, passed away on August 16, 2002. Born on June 17, 1908, she was an educator and a dedicated community member, known for her involvement in various local initiatives, including the preservation of the Oregon Trail Regional Museum. Married to Dan Warnock for 73 years, she raised two sons and continued her education late in life. A lover of writing and painting, Alice was celebrated for her kindness and curiosity, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and community service.

Biography of J. T. Hunsaker

J.T. Hunsaker, a pioneer of 1846, was born in Illinois in 1818 and played a significant role in the development of Oregon. After marrying Emily Collins in 1837, he was drawn to Oregon, arriving in 1846. Hunsaker worked in agriculture and lumber before establishing a fruitful farm in the Willamette Valley. He remarried in 1878 after Emily’s death in 1873 and later settled in Woodburn, where he enjoyed a respected life. His contributions to the community and state remain noteworthy, alongside his devoted wife, Emily.

Biography of J. H. Settlemier

J.H. Settlemier, born in 1840 in Illinois, emigrated with his family to California in 1849 before settling in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. He developed a passion for horticulture, leading to the establishment of the Woodburn Nursery, which became one of the Pacific Northwest’s most successful nurseries. Settlemier faced numerous hardships, including the loss of his wife and farm due to legal troubles, yet he persevered and rebuilt his life. He ultimately married Mary C. Woodworth and enjoyed a fruitful life surrounded by his children on his farm near Woodburn.