A. J. Zumwalt, pioneer and member of the Oregon legislature in 1880, died today [January 2, 1915] at his farm near Irving, five miles north of Eugene. Death, occurring at the age of 82 years, followed an attack of pneumonia, which kept him in bed for several weeks.
A. J. Zumwalt was one of eleven children of Solomon and Nancy Zumwalt, pioneers, from whom have sprung 150 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren now living in Lane County. They comprise one of the county’s largest pioneer families.
A. J. Zumwalt was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, September 2, 1832. His parents and the eleven children started to Oregon with an ox team in April, 1850, and they wintered at Salt Lake City. In the spring they pushed on and reached Portland July 4, 1851. The family spent the summer in Polk County, and came to Eugene in the fall. Here the father took up a homestead, two miles west of the city.
On February 18, 1855, A. J. Zumwalt married Margaret M. Walker. The children of this marriage still living are: Mrs. Mattie Bond of Eugene, Mrs. Addie Jennings of Spokane, E. W. Zumwalt of Irving. After the death of his wife, November 7, 1873, he purchased a farm at Irving, and on April 29, 1875, he married Lavina M. Brown. The living children of this marriage are: Mrs. May Turnkington of Irving, Mrs. Thomas Campbell of Eugene, Paul Zumwalt of Oakdale, Washington, and Warner L. Zumwalt of Irving. The living brothers and sisters are: C. W. Zumwalt of Mohawk; Mrs. Mary Conrad of Mohawk, Mrs. Ardia Walker, Mohaw and Mrs. Tilda Warren, also of Mohawk.
Mr. Zumwalt was a successful farmer all his life. At the time of his death, he was owner of two large farms west of Eugene, but these divided among his children before his death. During his lifetime he has been at the head of the grange activities in his community, being for many years president of the Irving grange. He was a justice of peace in Eugene for several years.
The funeral will be held from the Gordon and Vestch Chapel at 11 a.m., Monday, January 4. The remains will lie in state from 10 a.m. on Sunday till 10 a.m. on Monday. Reverend J. T. Abbott, assisted by Dr. H. S. Wilkerson, will have charge of the services. Interment will be in the IOOF Cemetery.
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman