Columbia River Sun- March 15, 1917- Page 2, Col. 2 Cathlamet, Wahkiakum, WA MRS. ALEXANDER BIRNIE, A NATIVE OF WASHINGTON PASSES AWAY Mrs. Alexander D. Birnie, about ninety years of age, passed away Monday morning from the effects of senile debility. Melissa Birnie was born in Pacific county, Washington, near the town of Chinook, and had resided in this state since birth. During the past few years, her eyesight had been failing, until shortly before her demise she was almost totally blind. She is survived by her husband, Alexander D. Birnie, and an adopted daughter, Alice. The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in the First Congregational Church. E. B. Hughes, the well-known Astoria undertaker took charge of the remains and directed the funeral. Interment took place in the old cemetery east of town, where a large number of friends paid their last respects to the deceased. Melissa (Robinson) Birnie Birnie Cemetery- Cathlamet, Wahkiakum, WA July 1845- 12 Mar 1917 (As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum 2007)