Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon
Frank McLain Laid To Rest
Benjamin Franklin McLain, born June 9, 1892, passed away suddenly at his home Friday, February 27. For some time his general health had been poor and the complications had proved fatal.
Benjamin Franklin McClain, the son of James and Alice McLain, was one of the early pioneers of Wallowa County. His early life was spent on the family farm on upper Prairie Creek. He moved to Joseph with his parents in 1910, graduating from the Joseph high school with the class of 1914. He worked a few years in the First State bank in Joseph, later enlisting in the Navy during World War I, and was discharged for disability March 22, 1918.
He was married Sept. 10. 1924, to Mary Collingsworth, daughter of Mrs. D.B. Collingsworth of Enterprise. To this union four children were born, Ray, Colleen, Ardis and La Rose.
He was rural mail carrier out of Enterprise from 1921 to 1946 when he was forced to retire because of ill health.
He was a member of the Christian church of which he was a deacon. He was also a charter of the American Legion, Chief Joseph post no. 18.
Frank was a lover of the outdoors and spent much of his spare time hunting and fishing.
He leaves behind his beloved wife and children, two brothers, Fred J. McClain of Joseph and John McLain of Salem; two sisters, Mattie Emerick, Oakland, Calif., and one grandchild.
Clifford Trout, former pastor of the Christian church in Enterprise, assisted by Edwin Beem, was in charge for the services Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Christian church. Burial was in the Enterprise cemetery.
Full military honors were accorded the deceased by the American Legion which participated in the funeral services.
Source: Wallowa County Chieftain, March 4, 1948, Front page
Contributed by: Sue Wells
Transcribed by: Gary Jaensch Decker, Oliver F.