Michigan

Biography of Martin L. Chamberlin

Martin L. Chamberlin, born May 17, 1846, in Michigan, was the son of Joseph Chamberlin, a missionary who aided in relocating Native Americans to the Grande Ronde Reservation in Oregon. After moving to Oregon in 1857, Martin took on significant responsibilities at a young age. Despite limited educational opportunities, he developed a strong work ethic and independence. He became a prominent political figure, serving as Marion County clerk and later as a state senator. Married in 1885, he conducts a successful real estate business in Salem.

Biography of Daniel Chaplin

Daniel Chaplin, born in 1823 in Niagara County, New York, was an influential figure in Oregon’s development. After moving to Michigan and then to Oregon in 1854, he settled in several locations, including La Grande, where he built the first house. Serving as the first land-office receiver for Eastern Oregon, he contributed significantly to local infrastructure, including La Grande’s water system and railway development. A dedicated philanthropist, he supported education and charity. Chaplin passed away on December 9, 1887, leaving a lasting impact on his community.

Biography of Hon. Elisha P. Ferry

Hon. Elisha P. Ferry, born August 9, 1825, in Monroe, Michigan, was a prominent lawyer and politician. After being admitted to the bar in 1845, he practiced in Waukegan, Illinois, where he served as the first mayor. Ferry played significant roles in Illinois’ constitutional convention and as bank commissioner. Appointed surveyor-general and later governor of Washington Territory by President Grant, he contributed to the region’s development. Known for his approachability and lasting friendships, he later served as vice-president of Puget Sound National Bank and was elected governor of Washington State in 1889.

Biography of William H. Fife

William H. Fife, born on October 1, 1833, in Otonabee, Ontario, was the son of William and Mary Beckett Fife. He apprenticed in a general store and later moved to British Columbia during the 1862 gold rush. After various business ventures in Michigan and Iowa, he settled in Tacoma, Washington, where he became the first postmaster and established the first general store. Fife built the Fife Hotel and is known as an influential local businessman and generous taxpayer, actively involved in his community and family.

Long, Wendy Marie – Obituary

Wendy Marie Long, aged 41, passed away on July 1, 2003, at her Baker City home. Originally from Chicago, she excelled as a gymnast in Michigan before obtaining her LPN and later RN degrees with honors. Wendy served as a critical care and trauma nurse at Salem Hospital and worked in the emergency department at St. Elizabeth Health Care Services. She was known for her love of animals and commitment to caring for others. She is survived by her husband, Michael, and two sisters. An informal memorial service is scheduled for July 12.

Biography of M. R. Hathaway

M.R. Hathaway, born in 1823 in New York, was a prominent figure on the Washington coast and served as adjutant-general. He began his career as a teacher in Michigan before moving to Oregon in 1852. Hathaway held various positions, including superintendent of schools in Clarke County, where he significantly increased educational facilities. He also served in the Indian War and as quartermaster and commissary-general. Throughout his life, he remained active in public service and business, even after suffering a stroke in 1887, reflecting on a life dedicated to community and education.

Biography of Sarah Fairbanks King

Sarah Fairbanks King, born on October 12, 1834, in New York, exemplified the resilience and dedication of pioneer women in Oregon. After marrying George Olds in 1851, she endured a perilous seven-month journey to Oregon, facing numerous hardships, including hostile encounters and challenging landscapes. Widowed in 1862, she remarried Samuel W. King and contributed significantly to her family’s growth and education. Mrs. King’s life, marked by devotion to her family and community, ended on January 19, 1887, and she is remembered for her nurturing spirit and strength.

Biography of William D. Stillwell

William D. Stillwell, born in Ohio in 1823, migrated with his family to Michigan and then Iowa before embarking on a challenging journey to Oregon in 1843. He faced numerous hardships, including treacherous weather and dwindling supplies. After settling in North Yamhill, he contributed to his community through printing and assisting fellow emigrants in need. A veteran of the Cayuse War, he later turned to mining and horse raising. Stillwell had two marriages, fathering several children, and held various public roles in Tillamook, where he lived until his death.

Biography of Hon. Orange Jacobs

Hon. Orange Jacobs, born in 1829 in New York, exemplifies the impact of Empire State citizens on the development of the American West. He moved to Michigan for education before journeying along the Oregon Trail, eventually settling in Jacksonville, Oregon. Jacobs served as chief justice of Washington Territory and was elected to Congress twice before becoming Seattle’s mayor. A proponent of free labor, he contributed significantly to territorial legislation and higher education, leaving a lasting legacy through his work at the University of Washington.

Biographical Sketch of S. P. Howell

S.P. Howell, born in Michigan in 1845, had a varied life before settling in Adams, Oregon, where he operates the Adams Hotel. After crossing the plains at age seven, he worked in the California stock business until 1872, later moving to Nevada for cattle-driving. In 1880, he relocated to Walla Walla and then to Adams, establishing himself in the hotel industry. Howell’s stable life is complemented by his marriage to H.J. Hamilt in 1881 and the couple’s two children, William A. and Minnie Pearl.

Biography of Hon. John P. Hoyt

John P. Hoyt pursued education through diligence, beginning his studies in a rural district school. He taught local youth and later enlisted in the military, where he decided to become a lawyer. After graduating from law school in 1867, he gained prominence in Michigan as a prosecuting attorney and state legislator. Hoyt later served as secretary and governor of Arizona Territory before becoming governor of Idaho Territory. His judicial career as an associate justice in Washington Territory was marked by widespread approval, leading to his reappointment and involvement in the state constitutional convention.

Biography of Elijah Hamlin

Elijah Hamlin, born February 8, 1767, in Alford, Massachusetts, was the eldest son of Captain Seth and Mary Hamlin. He witnessed significant events during the American Revolution and later settled in East Bloomfield, New York, where he farmed and raised a family of eleven children with his wife Lydia. Despite facing financial challenges with Erie Canal contracts, he remained a respected community member. He spent his later years in Michigan, where he died on April 12, 1858, after a fall at his son’s home.