Miss Ethel Shaffer, a well known former Lebanon girl, was united in marriage October 20, to Melvin A. Olson, of North Bend. Miss Shaffer taught in this city for several years. The groom is the proprietor of the Hotel Coos of North Bend, where the couple will be at home to their friends as soon as Mrs. Olson finishes her school term at Wedderburn where she is now engaged. She is a sister of E. T. Shaffer and Miss Minnie Shaffer, of this city. [November 8, 1918 paper]

Deaths:

In ill health and suffering from a nervous breakdown, James Blackburn, a well known Albany painter, leaped from the Linn county side of the steel bridge in that city at 7:30 Tuesday night and was drowned in the Willamette river. Deceased was a brother of A. W. Blackburn of this city and the greater part of his life was spent in and near Albany. The body was recovered from the river Wednesday evening and funeral services will be held today. He is survived by his wife, mother, and one brother. [October 4, 1918 paper]

The funeral of James W. Blackburn was held in Albany Friday morning by Rev. Lee of Albany College, assisted by Rev. J. J. Canoles of this city. The deceased was the only brother of A. W. Blackburn, of this city, and is survived by his wife, a little adopted daughter and his mother besides his brother. The mother makes her home in Brownsville. [October 11, 1918 paper]

News of the accidental death of Clifford Jadwin, who has been in limited service of the government in a logging camp, reached here a few days ago. Young Jadwin was a former resident of Lacomb. [October 11, 1918 paper]

The mother of County Clerk R. M. Russell passed away at the hospital in Salem Saturday following a long spell of sickness. She was the mother of fourteen children, eleven of whom survive her. For many years the family home has been at Shelburn, but recently they moved into Marion county near McClea and from there she was taken to the hospital for treatment some weeks ago. Funeral services were held at Shelburn Tuesday, interment being made in the cemetery at that place. [October 18, 1918 paper]

Lois, the seven months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Poe, of Berlin, died at the local hospital Thursday, October 10, after a short attack of cholera infantum. The funeral services were held Friday at the home and the body laid to rest in the Berlin cemetery. [October 18, 1918 paper]

News reached this city a few days ago, of the death of George McLeod, aged 40 years, a former prominent resident of this community. He lived on a farm five miles east of Lebanon for about five years and which he still owns. His wife was a teacher in the Lacomb high school for two years. Mr. McLeod enlisted in the U.S. army in Colorado and recently was sent to Vermont where his death occurred the fore part of last week of Spanish influenza. His wife and three small children survive him. [October 25, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Eva Coad, recently elected member of the high school faculty, announces the death of her seven year old son, sending a telegram to Superintendent J. E. Dunton. They were on their way to Lebanon and when they reached Portland, the little one was taken suddenly ill and died of influenza. Mr. Coad is at Columbia City employed as paymaster in a ship building company. [October 25, 1918 paper]

A. W. Blackburn received word Tuesday morning of the death of his grandmother, Mrs. Louisa Foust, at the home of his mother in Brownsville. She was a native of Tennessee and was past eighty-one years of age. (Later in the paper it mentions Mrs. Hubert Wolfe, granddaughter of Louisa Foust, as attending the funeral at Brownsville.) [November 1, 1918 paper]

Word has been received by the friends of Mrs. John Reed, who now resides in Portland, of the death of her youngest sister from Spanish influenza, at her home in New Mexico. [November 1, 1918 paper]

Benjamin F. Cutler, a former Lebanon resident, died Friday, October 25, at the age of 94 years at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ora Pearl, of Brownsville. Mr. Cutler had lived in Linn county since the early 70's and while in Lebanon made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Samuel Snyder, who now resides in Montana. [November 1, 1918 paper]

Mrs. E. C. Langtree received word yesterday of the death of her brother-in-law, John F. Groves, of Independence. Mr. Groves was a prominent hop grower and was formerly sheriff of Polk county. [November 22, 1918 paper]

Word from Mrs. G. E. Lovelee, tells of the death of her sister, Mrs. Martha Knox, at Long Beach, California, where she has resided for the past eleven years, four of which she has been a helpless invalid. She died Friday, November 15, at the age of eighty years. [November 22, 1918 paper]

Henry Harrison Jackson, see below under "Pioneer News"

C. H. St. John received word Monday of the death of his nephew, L. R. Babbitt, at Milestone, Montana. [November 28, 1918 paper]

Obituaries:

Mrs. Caroline Ayers, Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 occurred the death of another highly esteemed citizen, in the person of Mrs. Caroline A. Ayers, at the age of 60 years, 8 months and 21 days. Caroline Ann Kimmell was born in Pella, Iowa, January 17, 1858, and in May, 1887, was united in marriage to A. O. Ayers at Knoxville, Iowa, who preceded her to the life beyond about seven years ago. During the 70's, Mr. and Mrs. Ayers went to San Jose, California, where they lived for six years, and later settled near Lebanon where they made their home for twenty-five years. Mrs. Ayers became the mother of three children who are Auldy, Elmer and Irvine Ayers, all of Lacomb. [October 11, 1918 paper]

Funeral services were conducted at Lacomb Thursday at 10 o'clock by Rev. Boyce and the body was laid at rest in the cemetery in that place. The beautiful floral offerings of the friends of the deceased bore silent testimony of their love and respect for her and the heartfelt sympathy for her three bereaved sons. (Mrs. Clarence McClintic, of Eugene, came down Wednesday to be present at the funeral of her grandmother, Mrs. Caroline Ayers, which was held Thursday at Lacomb.) [October 11, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Roy E. Connet. Tuesday of this week a message reached this city conveying the sad news of the sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. Roy E. Connet, which occurred Monday, October 7, 1918, at Nobleford, Canada, as the result of a combined attack of Lagrippe and heart affliction. Mary Jane Murray was born in Indiana in May, 1885, and in early life went to Murray, Oklahoma, with her parents, where she grew to womanhood and also where she was united in marriage to Roy E. Connet thirteen years ago. In the fall of 1907 they came to Lebanon, which place has been their home since, with the exception of the past year spent in Canada.

Mrs. Connet possessed a sweet and charming personality, endearing herself to a large circle of friends who will be deeply touched by her early passing. Besides a loving and devoted husband, she is survived by father and mother and two sisters. [October 11, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Carson Waldon, formerly Miss Elsie Fitzgerald, a well known former Lebanon young lady, died suddenly of Lagrippe, Saturday, October 5, 1918, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rowell, of Sweet Home, at the age of 25 years. She had just returned a few days previous to her death, from eastern Oregon, where she had been employed for the past few months. Funeral services were held at Sweet Home Monday, after which the remains were interred in the cemetery at that place. Besides her parents, she is survived by one brother and two sisters. [October 11, 1918 paper]

Camilla, the seven months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Durlam, passed away last Thursday night at the home on west Oak street after a short illness. The funeral services were held at the home at 2 p.m. Friday by Rev. W. E. Bean. Interment at the Masonic cemetery. The many beautiful flowers which covered the little mound showed the high esteem in which the family are held. They have the sympathy of the entire community. (Mrs. Lochner of Albany, Mrs. Ballinger of Salem and Mrs. Gatchell of Woodburn, sisters of Mrs. John Durlam, attended the funeral.) [October 11, 1918 paper]

J. C. Brewington, a former Lebanon citizen, died at his home in Portland last Friday and the funeral services were held there Sunday. The deceased was about 60 years of age and made his home in Lebanon for two years. He taught school in Linn county and was well known in the profession. He is survived by a wife, four sons, a daughter, one step-son, and a step-daughter, the latter being Miss Henrietta Bixton. [October 11, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Arthur Burrell. Monday morning, October 14, 1918, at the Lebanon hospital occurred the sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. Arthur L. Burrell, at the age of 41 years, 11 months, and 12 days. Della McKinney Burrell was born November 2, 1877, near the town of Berlin, where she grew to young womanhood, and on February 15, 1893, was united in marriage to Arthur L. Burrell, of whom she has been a constant and loving companion until her death. She became the mother of seven children, six of whom with the father, survive her, and who are Mrs. Lena Watters, Lynn, Jesse and Howard Burrell, and the Misses Lottie and Edith Burrell, all of Berlin. Besides these, here demise is mourned by her mother, Mrs. Ansily Sonnek, and a sister, Mrs. C. H. Farnsworth, both of Palouse, Washington, and three brothers, Roy and Jesse McKinney of Palouse, and Frank McKinney of Lebanon. Funeral services were conducted by Elder George Simons, Tuesday afternoon at Berlin. [October 18, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Letha Sanders French. Wednesday, October 16, 1918, at the Albany hospital, of pneumonia, occurred the death of Mrs. Leatha S. French at the early age of 18 years. Letha Sanders was born March 13, 1900, at Lacomb, where she grew to woman, and on August 5, 1916, was united in marriage to George French, a breakman on the Southern Pacific railroad. She was taken ill at her home at Detroit and as medical aid was so far away, it was decided to take her to the hospital for treatment, but the disease had gained such headway that kindly efforts and loving care proved of no avail. Mrs. French was the daughter of Wesley W. Sanders, of Lacomb, who together with her husband, four sisters, and two brothers, survive her. The remains were shipped to Shelburn where the funeral services were conducted and interment took place Saturday. [October 25, 1918 paper]

William J. Foren was born near Scio, Oregon, September 10, 1856. He lived in the vicinity of Lebanon nearly all his life, moving to Albany a few months ago. He was married February 17, 1881, to Nina Crockett, and to this union was born two sons and four daughters. The sons are William P. Foren, Halsey; and Walter Foren, Albany. The daughters are Mrs. Sarah A. Ball, Sisson, California; Mrs. Mary V. Chastine, Salem; Mrs. Nellie Zoph, Lebanon; and Mrs. Lila Chastine, Tangent. He united with the Church of the Brethern 23 years ago and led an upright Christian life, telling his loved ones a short time before passing away that he was willing and ready to go home. He died October 20, 1918, at the age of 62 years, 1 month, and 10 days. He leaves a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. Funeral services were held at the Providence church Tuesday at 12 o'clock, Rev. Hiram Smith officiating. The body was laid to rest in the cemetery near that church. [October 25, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Polly Ann Sheffield. At her home on west Sherman street, Wednesday morning at 10:45, Mrs. Polly A. Sheffield passed into the great beyond at the advanced age of 81 years, 5 months, and 24 days. Polly Ann Jewett was born in Porter county, Indiana, April 29, 1837, and was married to Captain Benjamin F. Sheffield of the same state, February 24, 1856, to whom she was a loving and devoted companion until his death occurred August 12, 1887. Mrs. Sheffield has been an invalid for the past four years, gradually growing more infirm and helpless as the days advanced, until death finally came to her relief. She leaves to mourn her departure a daughter, Miss Achsa Sheffield, of Lebanon, and a son, Frank Sheffield, of Bend. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. S. Treadwell at the home at 11 o'clock today with interment following in the Masonic cemetery. [October 25, 1918 paper]

Fred Miller Fatally Injured. Fred Miller, a farmer living near Tallman, was seriously injured Sunday morning by the accidental discharge of a shot gun. He had been out hunting and was returning home through his orchard and reached up in a tree with the butt of the gun to knock an apple off the limb. He was holding the muzzle of the gun in his hand and in some unknown manner it was discharged, the full load of shot striking him in the right side just below the ribs, making a large and serious wound. He was brought to the Lebanon hospital as soon as possible and medical aid summoned. For a day or two after the accident, conditions seemed to favor his recovery, but reaction set in and on Wednesday afternoon shortly after 4 o'clock, death relieved him from his suffering. He is survived by his wife and two children living near Tallman, and his parents who live at Miller, Nebraska. At the time of going to press, arrangements had not been completed for the funeral. [October 25, 1918 paper]

The body of Fred Miller, who died last week from the result of an accidental gun shot wound, was shipped to his former home at Yutan, Nebraska, Monday morning. [November 1, 1918 paper]

Eldon John Keen, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Keen, born April 17, 1916, and died October 22nd, 1918, aged 2 years, 6 months and 5 days. The little one's mother is the sister of Siguard Landstrom. His grandmother, well known among us, is in Portland caring for the grief stricken mother. The father, John Keen, is a sail rigger, employed at St. John ship yard. Friday, October 25, a simple service was conducted in the Everett, Kyle and Epperly Undertaking parlors and the little body was laid tenderly away in the Masonic cemetery. [November 1, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Elma Allen. After a few days serious illness at her home four miles south of this city, Mrs. Glenn Allen passed from this life October 24, 1918, at the early age of 29 years, 7 months and 8 days. Elma Armstrong was born near Mount Vernon, Grant county, February 16, 1889, and was the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Armstrong, formerly of this city, but now of Walla Walla, Washington.

She was married August 19, 1916, to Glenn Allen, a prosperous young farmer of this vicinity, where the couple have since made their home. Mrs. Allen spent a number of years of her life in Lebanon, when a young girl, gaining and holding the respect and esteem of a host of friends by her kindly ways and gentle demeanor. She is survived by her husband, father, and mother, one brother, H. E. Armstrong, now in the navy, and one sister, Mrs. Robert Follett, of Walla Walla, Washington. The funeral services were conducted from the Epperly undertaking parlors Monday afternoon and the body laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery. [November 1, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Fannie Lofton. Tuesday morning at five o'clock at the Lebanon hospital occurred the death of Mrs. Fannie Loftin at the age of 29 years and 5 months, after an attack of influenza followed by pneumonia. Fannie Bishop was born near Waterloo, April 29, 1889, and grew to womanhood in the community of her birth. She was married to John T. Loftin in Albany, September 6, 1906, and to them was born one child who with the husband survives her. Mrs. Loftin possessed a pleasing personality and cheerful disposition that made her a general favorite with a large circle of friends who remember her genial ways. She was a member of the Rebekah lodge, under the auspices of which order the funeral services were conducted at the Masonic cemetery Thursday afternoon. Besides a husband and daughter to mourn her death are her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Bishop, of Brownsville, two sisters, Mrs. Viola Jennings of North bend, and Mrs. Allie Kinder of Lebanon, and three brothers, W. J. Bishop of Chehalis, Washington, Frank Bishop of Seaside, and Ray Bishop of Eugene. [November 1, 1918 paper]

Henry E. Glaser. Saturday, October 26, 1918, at his home four miles north of this city, occurred the death of Henry E. Glaser, at the age of 35 years, 9 months and 24 days. His death resulted from a gunshot wound inflicted by his own hand and the cause given for his action was a mental relapse caused by a former injury to his head. In his early youth he used to hunt game with an old fashioned muzzle loading shot gun and at one time when he discharged it, the cap exploded and a fragment entered his head through the eye. He later underwent an operation for the removal of the portion of cap and the injured eyeball also. It is believed that this injury was permanent and during his recent mental agitation over his two brothers' entrance into military service and imagined troubles unbalanced his mind.

Mr. Glaser was born in Dyersville, Illinois, January 2, 1883, and was married to Miss Frieda Miller, of Lebanon, July 29, 1908, at Twin Falls, Idaho. Five years ago he settled on the farm north of the city where he has met with flattering success. He was a man of splendid character, was conscientious in his dealings with his fellowmen and had won for himself a place of high esteem in his home community. Besides a wife and two small daughters, he is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Glaser of Lebanon, five brothers and six sisters who are: Herman, Frank, and William Glaser of Lebanon; John Glaser, U. S. Navy, Corvallis; Frederick Glaser, Camp Taylor, Kentucky; Mrs. M. Poulsen, Salem; Mrs. R. H. Jaquith, Laurel; Mrs. N. E. Sergeant, Montesano, Washington; Miss Amelia Glaser, Helix; and Misses Martha, and Hazel Glaser of Lebanon. Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon and the body was laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery. [November 1, 1918 paper]

Mrs. Silas Swink. Cora Lake was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1867, where she grew to womanhood and later moved to Kansas with her parents. In 1888 she came to Oregon to make her home with her sister, Mrs. L. B. Henderson, living on a farm in the Santiam valley above Waterloo. Here she was married to John Weddle November 13, 1892, Mr. Weddle dying in 1910 leaving her a widow with a little foster daughter, Bessie Weddle. She was married to second time September 3, 1913, to Silas Swink, who with the daughter, survive her, together with her sister, Mrs. Henderson, and family. Her death occurred at the family home in Sweet Home, Saturday, October 26, 1918, at the age of 51 years, 1 month and 4 days. Funeral services were held at the Nye cemetery, Elder George W. Simons officiating. Mrs. Swink was a kind and gentle woman, a good wife and a friend to all in time of need, and her death leaves a vacant place, not alone in the home, but in the community in which she has so long been a factor in the social and spiritual life. (Card of thanks later in paper, signed by William Swink, Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman Morton, and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Henderson.) [November 1, 1918 paper]

After an illness of two weeks of influenza, Chester A. Owen passed away Tuesday morning, November 5, 1918, at the age of 29 years. He was married in Albany to Mytle Densmore about four years ago and the couple made their home in Kennet, California until three months ago when they moved to Portland. Mr. Owens was a young man of moral worth and integrity. He was industrious and energetic winning the confidence and esteem of his friends who will be sorrowed to learn of his early demise. He is survived by a wife, a three-months old daughter, and a number of other relatives. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. William E. Bean, at the Masonic cemetery, where his body was laid to rest. [November 8, 1918 paper]

That misfortunes do not come singly was exemplified Thursday morning of last week when William H. Putman, of Sweet Home, died from the effects of pneumonia coming after an attack of the influenza. His death was a particularly sad blow, coming as it did only two days after the death of his sister, Mrs. Oliver P. Strickler, who died at the family home in Marshfield, from this same cause. The body of Mrs. Strickler was brought here from Marshfield Wednesday evening and taken out to Sweet Home, there to be joined next morning by the body of her only brother, died in the place of their birth.

William H. Putman was born in Sweet Home March 20, 1880, and spent his entire life in and around that place. He was married January 3, 1904, to Miss Mae Stone, who with three of the four children born to them, survive him.

Sarah J. Putman was born September 29, 1885, at Sweet Home and also spent the greater part of her life in the community where she was born. She was married August 2, 1903, to Oliver P. Strickler, who with three children, survive her. Less than a year ago, Mr. and Mrs. Strickler and their children went to Marshfield to make their home where they were living happily and prosperously when death entered their household and took therefrom the wife and mother.

They leave their mother, Mrs. Sara Putman, and three sisters besides their immediate families to mourn their early and unexpected deaths. The sisters are Mrs. Hattie Rolfe, Mrs. Della Davis and Mrs. Susie Paddock, all of Sweet Home. Funeral services were held for both Saturday, that of Mr. Putman being at the Ames cemetery, and that of Mrs. Strickler at the Nye cemetery, owing to the prevalence of the influenza it being considered dangerous to others to hold the services at the home or in the church. Both had many friends in Lebanon and they, with a large circle of friends in Sweet Home and Foster, join in extending to the family their most heartfelt sympathy. [November 8, 1918 paper]

Walter W. Hall was born at Diamond Hill, Oregon, about 9 miles south of Brownsville, March 19, 1883. He was raised and lived in and around Lebanon all his life. He was married to Eva Nichols, daughter of R. W. Nichols, of Lebanon, August 19, 1905. His last illness of about six weeks brought much suffering patiently and uncomplainingly endured. He died of cancer of the stomach at his home near Sweet Home, November 8, 1918. He leaves a wife and four children, a father, Abner Hall; two sisters, Mrs. Stella Small, and Mrs. Elva Gilmore, besides a host of relatives and friends who sincerely mourn his loss. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, November 10, at the home of R. W. Nichols in Lebanon and were conducted by Rev. C. S. Treadwell, interment taking place in the Masonic cemetery. A large concourse of friends testified to the love and respect in which he was held. He was a good friend and neighbor, a loving husband and father, a man of worth and business integrity. [November 15, 1918 paper]

Eric P. Bolt, a former Lebanon high school principal, who has been serving in the U.S. army as camp secretary of the Y.M.C.A. at Vancouver Barracks, died November 9, 1918, in the post hospital, from an attack of influenza. Mr. Bolt was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Bolt, of Marshfield, and was 26 years of age. He was married last June to Miss Elsie M. Kreig, the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Krieg of Fairview. The funeral services were held Tuesday and interment made in the Military cemetery at Vancouver. [November 15, 1918 paper]

Among the casualties mentioned the past week is that of Walter Grant Farmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Farmer, former residents of Lebanon, now living in Walla Walla, Washington. Following is a clipping from one of the Walla Walla papers telling of his death: "After having passed through the most critical battles of the war - the famous stand made by the United States Marine Corps in the Chateau Theirry and Marne sectors - Corporal Walter Grant Farmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Farmer, of this city, and former well known student of Walla Walla high school, made the supreme sacrifice in a base hospital in France, as a result of having been gassed and shot in the right side. Word of his death which occurred October 22, was only recently received here." [November 15, 1918 paper]

Bryant Carl Richards. Another Lebanon boy to make the supreme sacrifice for his country on the western front is Bryant Carl Richards, who died of pneumonia October 9, 1918, in a hospital in France, according to a cablegram received here last week by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Richards. The deceased was born in South Dakota, twenty-one years ago and in early childhood came to Lebanon with his parents where he spent the greater part of his life. He enlisted in Portland early last spring with the engineers and was in training at Camp Forrest, Georgia, until September, when he was sent overseas for duty. Sympathy of the entire community is expressed for the bereaved family in their loss of a loved one. [November 28, 1918 paper]

Births:

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Robbins, of Halsey, October 15, 1918, a son. He is a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Robbins of this city. [October 18, 1918 paper]
To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Parrish, born Wednesday, a girl. This is their 13th child, there being four girls and nine boys. [October 25, 1918 paper]
To Mr. and Mrs. Pat Hobson of Berlin, a daughter, October 27, 1918. [November 1, 1918 paper]
To Mr. and Mrs. William Aullphin in Lebanon, October 27, 1918, a daughter. [November 1, 1918 paper]
To Mr. and Mrs. John D. Wood of Lebanon, October 30, a son. [November 1, 1918 paper]
To Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Putman, in Sweet Home, October 30, 1918, a son. [November 1, 1918 paper]

Birthdays:

In honor of the fiftieth birthday anniversary of J. N. Connet, a family reunion and banquet was enjoyed October 7 at the home of Mrs. A. C. Lewis, by intimate friends and relatives of the Connet family. [October 11, 1918 paper]

Other:

Hattie Irene Smith is the name of the little orphan girl who was brought up from Portland last week and given a home with Miss Laura Soule, of Lacomb. The little girl is three years old and her parents formerly lived near Lebanon. [October 11, 1918 paper]

Pioneer News:

Henry Harrison Jackson, a pioneer of 1852, who crossed the plains with his parents that year and settled on a donation land claim adjoining Lebanon, passed away November 8, at his recent home in Harney county, Oregon. He was born in 1840 and never married. He was an uncle of Mrs. Rose Tucker of this city. [November 22, 1918 paper]

The Criterion was started by W.H. Brown in 1898. In 1911 it was sold to William Tell Fogel and in 1912 the name was changed to the Linn County Advocate. In November Brown foreclosed and it became the Criterion again. The Lebanon Tribune was established with T.L. Dugger as manager in 1912. In 1924 the Express and Criterion were sold to one owner. Source: "City of Lebanon, Historic Context Statement," by Mary Kathryn Gallagher, Linn County Planning Department, pg. 110.

Many thanks to the Lebanon Express for permission to place this on the internet.

 © 1999 Jan Phillips