Whatcom County Obituaries

Surnames Beginning with "Ri-Ry"

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RICE, Lydia M. (d. 1905)

Mrs. C. S. Rice, who has been ill for some time and lately underwent two operations at St. Joseph's hospital died on Sunday morning at 4 o'clock. Mrs. Rice was the daughter of Mrs. E. L. Andrews, of this city, and the wife of C. S. Rice, of the Puget Sound American advertising staff. She had lived in this city for a number of years and was well known and loved by all. Besides innumerable friends she leaves a husband and little daughter, a mother and two sisters, Mrs. A. B. Fairhurst and Mrs. Archibald Chandler. The funeral services will be held from the residence of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Fairhurst, at 2107 B street today at 2:30 p.m., the Rev. Mackay officiating. Interment will be made in Bay View cemetery.
(From The American Reveille, January 3, 1905) Submitted by site coordinator.

RICH, George F. (d. 1915)

GEORGE F. RICH DROWNS IN BAY The body of George F. Rich was found by a Greek laborer yesterday morning, floating near the shore, off Commercial point. The dead man had been a resident of South Bellingham for many years, and was 60 years old. He is thought to have been drowned while wading after a log he expected to beach. Being an old man he was probably attacked by cramps and drowned before he could regain the land. Mrs. Rich was laid to rest last March and the drowned man leaves three daughters, Mamie, Susie and Hazel, aged 15, 13 and 12 years, respectively.

Rich, who was quite active for his age, had been cutting wood on the beach. He had evidently decided to tow a log into position for cutting, planning to take advantage of the high evening tide to get it well up on the beach. He had removed his clothing and donned a pair of overalls. The most probable explanation offered for the drowning is that Rich was attacked by cramps, it being said he was a fairly good swimmer. When their father did not come home to supper last night, the daughters became alarmed concerning his whereabouts. Neighbors were asked to assist in the search, but the darkness prevented the locating of the body. At an early hour today the police went to the beach and found the remains after a short search. Rich and his family came to the Northwest some twelve years ago, and later returned to Southeastern Kansas. Early last spring they returned to Bellingham, settling on Wilson avenue.
(From The Bellingham Herald, August 6 & 7, 1915)Submitted by Linda Locheed

RICH, Ida J. (d. 1915)

Ida J. Rich, aged 52 years, passed away at the family home, 607 Wilson street, March 26. She is survived by her husband, George Rich, two sons and three daughters, residing in Bellingham, two sons in Anacortes, one daughter in Everett, and five grand children, also two brothers and two sisters in Kansas, one sister in Missouri and one sister in Bellingham. Funeral service will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 22, at 2 p.m., from the parlors of A. G. Wickman, 1146 Elk street, Rev. Otho H. Williams, pastor of the First Christian church, officiating, of which church Mrs. Rich was a member. Interment to be made in Bay View cemetery. The funeral car will leave from Harris avenue and Sixth street at 1:30 p.m., for the convenience of family and friends.
(From the Bellingham Herald, March 27, 1915) Submitted by Lind Locheed

RICHARDS, Daniel S. (d. 1929)

An old and familiar figure in Blaine passed on at 7 o'clock Sunday night when death claimed D. S. Richards, for 40 years a resident here. Born in Wales Aug. 20th, 1848, deceased came to this country and located at Blaine 40 years ago. He was engaged in operating a ferry across to Semiahmoo spit from Blaine for many years and to old timers was known familiarly as "Dick, the Ferryman." For many years he has lived a retired life. Although privileged to have but little education, he was a great student of affairs and could converse intelligently on any matter, present or past. Honest as the day was long, he bore no ill toward anybody and always took the part of the more unfortunate in life. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Purdy chapel and interment was made in the Blaine cemetery. Deceased left a widow and one son, Tim, now residing at Cashmere, Wn.
(From The Blaine Journal, May 30, 1929) Submitted by site coordinator.

RICHARDS, Eliza (d. 1902)

Old Settler Dead.

On last Saturday Mrs. Eliza Richards passed away at her home out on the plank road three miles east of this city. She was sixty years of age and was one of the three first white women who landed on the Bay thirty years ago. She with her husband first settled on the place at the head of the bay and now owned by Mr. Stokes. Mrs. Richards was born in Champlain county, Ohio. The funeral occurred Sunday from the residence, Rev. Frescoln officiating, and was largely attended, after which the remains were placed to rest in the California Creek cemetery.
(From The Blaine Journal, January 10, 1902) Reprinted in The Evening Herald, January 14, 1902.

RICHARDS, Elizabeth (d. 1920)

MRS. RICHARDS DEAD

Well Known Local Woman Is Dead at Age of Eighty-One.

Mrs. Elizabeth M. Richards, 81, died at the home of her son, William L. Richards, 2422 Elk street, Sunday evening after an illness of about three weeks. Mrs. Richards had been a resident of Bellingham for eighteen years. Her husband, Ripley J. Richards, Civil war veteran, passed away eleven years ago. The dead woman is survived by five sons, William, Russell and Leo, of Bellingham, and Warren and Llewellyn, of Wisconsin; four daughters, Mrs. Arthur Compton, of Bellingham; Mrs. Mary Weatherwax and Mrs. Violet Case, of Wisconsin, and Mrs. Jennie Wickwire, of Idaho; thirty-nine grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted from the chapel of Arthur C. Harlow, 1055 Elk street, Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, the Rev. T. E. Elliott officiating. Interment will be made in Bay View Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, April 19, 1920) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RICHARDS, Ripley J. (d. 1905)

VETERAN HEARS THE LAST CALL Ripley J. Richards, a veteran of the civil war, aged 77 years, died yesterday at 9:30 a. m., at the family home on the south side, of senile debility. Mr. Richards enlisted in Company E, Second regiment, Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and served during the war. He was born in the state of Vermont in 1828. Prior to his coming to this city three years ago, he lived in Wisconsin. He leaves a wife and ten children. The wife and five sons and a daughter make their home in this city, and one son and three daughters reside in the east. Mr. Richards was a member of Apperson Post No. 59, G. A. R., and this organization will have charge of the funeral arrangements, which have not as yet been perfected. The body lies at W. H. Mock & Sons' parlors.
(From the Bellingham Reveille, May 9, 1905) Submitted by site coordinator.

RICHARDSON, Willis (d. 1932)

G. A. R. WORKER DIES The Grand Army of the Republic in the department of Washington and Alaska lost one of its most active and widely known members Wednesday evening at 6 o'clock when Willis Richardson, one of its past commanders, died at a local hospital, aged 86 years, after an illness of five days. He also was past commander of J. B. Steedman post No. 24, G. A. R. Mr. Richardson came to Bellingham June 22, 1914, and on December 16 of that year joined the J. B. Steedman post. He filled all positions in the post except that of the quartermaster and was post commander in 1918 and 1926. In 1920-21 he was department adjutant and quartermaster-general and served as department commander in 1929-30. In 1923 he was aide-de-camp on the staff of the commander-in-chief and the following year was appointed inspector general on the department staff. He was elected senior department vice commander in 1925. He was department commander two years ago. Served With Brother Born April 20, 1846, at Campton, Ill., Mr. Richardson and his twin brother enlisted in Company K, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, at Elgin, Ill., on February 29, 1864. He was mustered out with an honorable discharge July 15, 1865, at Louisville, Ky. Mr. Richardson was with General Sherman on the Atlanta campaign in 1864 and in November was sent to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he drove a team all winter, hauling supplies. He joined the company at Goldsboro, N.C., in April, 1865.

He was a member of the Garden Street M. E. church as well as of organizations affiliated with the G. A. R. He is survived by his son, Ralph B. Richardson, 249 South Garden street. His wife, Lottie E. Richardson, died November 6, 1920. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Harlow-Hollingsworth chapel, the Rev. Thomas W. Jeffrey officiating. Honorary bearers will be the members of the J. B. Steedman post. Active bearers will be J. W. Smith, J. K. Burchette, Roy Noble, Bert Mouso, A. F. Gerard and R. B. Boynton. Burial will be in Bay View cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, September 1, 1932) Submitted by site coordinator.

RICHBAW, Charles (d. 1922)

Charles Richbaw, active and vigorous in spite of his years, was stricken with heart trouble while assisting in digging a ditch on the Boeringa place Wednesday afternoon, and was dead before aid could reach him. Mr. Richbaw was 70 years old, having been born in New York Dec. 21, 1852. He came to Lynden in the fall of 1886, and during his long residence here, won a host of friends and the respect of the community, aiding at all times in movements for the betterment of civic affairs. He is survived by his widow, and one daughter, Lottie, a student at the Lynden High School. The Richbaw funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the Methodist Church, with the Rev. E. O. Grimes in charge.
(From The Lynden Tribune, October 5, 1922) Submitted by site coordinator.

RICHBAW, Lena (d. 1929)

RICHMOND, Andy (d. 1893)

RICHMOND, Madge A. (d. 1928)

Funeral services were held for Mrs. C. D. Richmond at St. Joseph's Catholic church, Lynden, Friday with Rev. Father Benedict officiating and burial followed in the Lynden cemetery. Mrs. Richmond died Monday, after suffering two years from cancer. She was born in Iowa in 1879 and was married in North Dakota in 1910, where she taught school. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond came to Lynden in January, 1926, after a residence of several years in Canada. They made many friends in the Whatcom county town. During the latter part of her illness, Mrs. Richmond was nursed by her sisters, Misses Kathryn and Jose Maher, of Des Moines, Iowa. Besides these two sisters, Mrs. Richmond is survived by her husband, two sons, James and Glenn, of Lynden; two other sisters, Mrs. Mary McEniry and Miss Sara Maher, both of Des Moines, Iowa, and two brothers, Tim and Dan Maher, of St. Paul, Minn. One son, Leo, died in 1923.
(From The Bellingham Herald, December 22, 1928) Submitted by site coordinator.

RICKDALL, Martha (d. 1920)

PIONEER WOMAN OF CITY IS SUMMONED

After a residence of thirty years in Bellingham, Mrs. Martha Rickdall died Monday evening at her home, 1144 Ellis street, at the age of 68 years. She was born at Lovick, Norway, September 13, 1851, and came to the United States 33 years ago, settling at Huron Lake, Minn. The survivors are the husband, Peter B. Rickdall, two daughters and three sons: Mrs. I. Isaacson and Miss Agnes Rickdall, Bellingham; P. M. Rickdall, Burlington; Chris Rickdall, Blaine and Emil Rickdall, Bellingham; also two brothers, Nels Tidhammer, of Minnesota, and Ole Eidhammer (sic), of Norway, and five grandchildren. Funeral announcements will be made by the Wickman-Whitfield company.
(From The Bellingham Herald, April 20, 1920) Sumbitted by site coordinator.

RICKERSON, Charles W. (d. 1937)

Charles W. Rickerson, Civil war veteran and for many years a Mason, died Friday at his home, 2335 Grant street, aged 90 years. He was a member of the G. A. R., J. B. Steedman post No. 24, and was an elder of the First Christian church. In years and in length of membership, he was the oldest member of Bellingham Bay lodge No. 44, F. & A. M. Mr. Rickerson is survived by one son, Hugh Rickerson; one daughter, Mrs. Nellie Byron, and one sister, Mrs. Ella Cochran, all of Bellingham; three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a number of nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be held at the Homer Mark mortuary Monday at 10 a. m. Rev. Earl Hanson Fife, pastor of the First Christian church, will officiate. Entombment will occur in Bay View Abbey.
(From The Bellingham Herald, November 26, 1937) Submitted by site coordinator.

RICKERSON, Eusebia J. (d. 1917)

MRS. C. W. RICKERSON IS CALLED

A telegram received in Bellingham last night records the death in La Mesa, Cal., of Mrs. C. W. Rickerson, 2335 Grant street, a resident of Bellingham for a quarter of a century. Last October Mrs. Rickerson, accompanied by her husband, went to California for the benefit of a bronchial affliction. The cause of death, however, was paralysis. The body will arrive here Friday or Saturday and probably the funeral will be held at the First Christian church, of which Mrs. Rickerson was a member, some time Sunday. Mrs. Rickerson was a faithful worker in that church and was president of its missionary society from its foundation, eighteen years ago, to the day of her death.
(From The Bellingham Herald, April 10, 1917) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

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Eusebia Jane Rickerson, aged 62 years, passed away at an early hour Sunday afternoon, April 8, at La Mesa, Cal., after an illness of several months' duration. Mrs. Rickerson had been a resident of this city for the past twenty-six years and had a host of friends, who will deeply mourn her death. She leaves to survive her, her husband, Charles William Rickerson; two sons, Archie A. Rickerson and Hugh C. Rickerson, of this city, and one daughter, Mrs. Nellie E. Byron, of this city; two brothers, Ciscero Gray and Henry Gray, of Minnesota. At the time of her death Mrs. Rickerson was a member of the First Christian church of this city, president of the Missionary society of this church for the past eighteen years and she was also district secretary of the state board of the Christian church, and at the head of the primary work for many years. Funeral services will be held Sunday morning, April 15, at 11:15 o'clock from the First Christian church, corner of C and Halleck streets, with the Rev. W. F. Reagor officiating. Interment will take place in Bay View Abbey.
(From The Bellingham Herald, April 11, 1917) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RICKERT, William D. (d. 1919)

After a long period of poor and gradually failing health, W. D. Rickert, who resides just east of the city, passed to the great beyond Tuesday night at the age of 66 years. Funeral services were held from the home yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, Rev. Congdon officiating. Deceased was born in New York state 66 years ago the 16th of last August. When still a boy the family moved to Vermont. Later he spent several years in Minnesota and North Dakota, and came to Blaine about 10 years ago. A wife and four children are left to grieve over his passing, besides a brother and sister in the east. Mr. Rickert was ordained in the Ministry in the Weslyn Methodist church over 30 years ago later changing to the Congregational church. His last message to the world was: "When you find a thing is right, do it."
(From The Blaine Journal, October 3, 1919) Submitted by site coordinator.

RIDDEL, Calvin W. (d. 1932)

Calvin W. Riddel, aged 85 years, a Whatcom county resident for the past thirty years, passed away at an Everett hospital Thursday evening, March 10, after a lingering illness. Mr. Riddel was a retired farmer, located near Lynden and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Lynden lodge No. 56, F. & A. M. Survivors are eight sons, three daughters and one brother. The remains are resting at the Harlow-Hollingsworth Funeral Home and funeral announcements will be made later.
(From The Bellingham Herald, March 11, 1932) Submitted by site coordinator.

RIDDELL, Franklin T. (d. 1909)

Franklin Tucker Riddell, aged 65 years, a veteran of the Civil War, died at the family residence, 900 Myrtle Street, at an early hour this morning, after an extended illness. Mr. Riddell came to Whatcom County three years ago, first locating at Ferndale, afterward moving to this city, where he has resided for the past two years. He is survived by his widow, Hannah Riddell, one daughter, Miss Emma A. Riddell, both residing at the family home in this city, and one son, Charles O. Riddell, who lives in the state of Missouri. Mr. Riddell enlisted as a private in company I, Ninth Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry, serving throughout the war. Mr. Riddell was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the funeral services will be held under the auspices of the local G. A. R. post Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock, at the chapel of W. H. Mock & Sons, 1055 Elk Street. The Rev. Earle Naftzger, pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, will officiate at the chapel, and at Bay View cemetery the services of the Grand Army will be conducted by J. B. Steedman Post. All veterans of the Civil War have been requested to attend the services.
(From The Morning Reveille, May 15, 1909) Submitted by site coordinator.

RIDDLE, Clara E. (d. 1919)

Mrs. Clara Ellen Riddle passed away at her home Monday morning. She had been ill but a few days, when the end came. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the M. E. church. Though she suffered much she bore her suffering bravely, content that the great war to which she had given three sons was over and that two of them had been returned and the third, Doyle Riddle, of the Marines had received his honorable discharge and was on his way home from Galveston. William Riddle had received his honorable discharge from Fort Sill some time before. Her youngest son Newton, who saw action with the gallant ninety-first division was with his mother constantly during her last moments. Besides the soldier boys she leaves to mourn her departure three other sons, Tracy, Roy and Roscoe Riddle, and one daughter, Mrs. Herman Harvey of Northwood and her husband, Mr. C. W. Riddle. Her loss is also mourned by four step children, Mrs. W. S. Kelly and Mrs. P. J. Peppers of Bellingham, Mr. Alvy Riddle of West Virginia and Mr. Arthur Riddle of Lynden.

Clara Ellen Riddle was born in Prettytown, West Virginia, June 7, 1858. She lived to attain the age of 60 years, 11 months and 5 days. Since twelve years of age she has been a member of the Baptist church. Forty-two years fo her life was spent in West Virginia. She was married to C. W. Riddle of Gilmore County, West Virginia, April 28, 1881. The couple moved to their western home in Lynden in April, 1902.
(From The Lynden Tribune, May 15, 1919) Submitted by site coordinator.

RIDDLE, Evelyn A. (d. 1932)

RIDDLE, James (d. 1918)

Deming, Nov. 18. -- Once more death-grim, relentless, insatiable, inexorable -- has entered and stalked in our midst, marking for conquest a young man before whom the bright vista of the future was just opening and for whom life held promise of everything that was fair and inviting; one who was respected and beloved by schoolmates, neighbors, by all in fact with whom he was brought in contact, all to be renounced when James Riddle succumbed to the mandate of the dread destroyer and passed away at the home with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Riddle, of Welcome, at 6:15 o'clock Saturday evening, the immediate cause of his death being bronchial pneumonia. The young man was in the 21st year of his age, and while the end was not, perhaps, entirely unexpected, his health having been somewhat impaired since a serious operation and illness several months ago having left him in a weakened condition and peculiarly susceptible to the ravages of disease, yet his untimely demise bows the heads and fills the hearts with grief, alike of relatives and acquaintances. Funeral services were held at the home on Monday afternoon amid an ocean of beautiful flowers, furnished by his former High school classmates and others, and the remains were laid to rest in the Welcome cemetery whither they were attended by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends.
(From The Bellingham Herald, November 21, 1918) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RIDDLE, James E. (d. 1898)

RIDDLE, John W. (d. 1920)

KULSHAN PIONEER GOES TO LAST REST

John W. Riddle, Whatcom county pioneer and home builder, died last night at a local hospital at the age of 72 years, after an illness of three months. He had lived in the county thirty-three years, having taken up and cleared a homestead at Kulshan, north of Deming. The survivors are the widow, one son, Turner Riddle, and one daughter, Mrs. H. A. Gates, all of Kulshan; also ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held at the family home Friday at 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place in the Community cemetery near Kulshan.
(From The Bellingham Herald, February 12, 1920) Submitted by site coordinator.

RIDDLE, Susan C. (d. 1923)

In the passing of Mrs. Susan Catherine Riddle, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry A. Gates, at Welcome, July 10, the community loses one of its pioneer citizens, and the neighborhood a lovable character. Mrs. Riddle had passed the three score and ten span of life being 72 years of age when the Reaper summoned her to the great beyond. Coming here with her husband, John Welcome Riddle in 1887, they located on the present side of Welcome, a name given by these sturdy pioneers, they having to use a canoe to cross the middle fork of the Nooksack river to reach their homestead.

Mrs. Riddle had been a consistent member of the Primitive Baptist church for more than forty years, her membership being with the Bethel church at Bellingham at the time of her death. She leaves a daughter and son, Mrs. Harry Gates and John Turner Riddle of Welcome, eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and a host of friends to mourn her loss. Funeral services held at the home of Mr. Gates Thursday, Rev. S. B. Moffett of Newberg, Ore., officiating and the remains laid at final rest in the family plot at the Welcome cemetery.
(From The Deming Prospector, July 13, 1923) Submitted by site coordinator.

RIGBY, Edward (d. 1914)

Edward Rigby, who came to Washington in the seventies, and to Whatcom county in 1883, where he homesteaded nine miles from Lynden was found dead in his cabin yesterday by Mr. John Kulp. Some years ago the deceased sold his homestead and purchased twenty acres of land just back of the Kulp place between Lynden and Blaine. The old settler had not been seen for several days, when his neighbor decided to investigate and found the cabin locked. It was then found that Mr. Rigby was lying on the bed, apparently asleep but later when the coroner had been summoned, it was ascertained that death had claimed Mr. Rigby several days before. The deceased was of English descent, and had a sister and nephew in this country, but their whereabouts are unknown. He was about seventy-five years of age. The funeral is being held this afternoon from Knapp's undertaking establishment.
(From The Lynden Tribune, March 19, 1914) Submitted by site coordinator.

RIGGLES, Emma (d. 1923)

After an illness of about two weeks, Mrs. Emma Riggles, aged 33 years, died at the Riggles' family home in Deming at an early hour on Friday morning, September 28. Mrs. Riggles was widely known and leaves many friends and relatives to mourn her loss. She had lived in Deming all her life. Funeral arrangements will be made by Arthur C. Harlow, and services, to be announced later, will probably be held Sunday afternoon. Deceased is survived by her husband, W. E. Riggles, three sons and a daughter. The sons, by a former marriage, are Henry, Donald and William Shomaker, and the daughter, Dorothy Schomaker. Other relatives are her mother, Mrs. Ellen Williams and three sisters and four brothers.
(From The Deming Prospector, September 28, 1923) Submitted by site coordinator.

RILEY, William H. (d. 1925)

Judge W. H. Riley passed away at his home at Van Zandt at 8:55 p. m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, after an illness of three years and nine months. The skill of the best of physicians and nursing were of no avail. He came west when a young man and ran a store and confectionery for years in South Bellingham. He owned a fine farm near Van Zandt where he spent his last days, cared for his loved and faithful wife who cared for him carefully through all the trying time of his last illness. His last thoughts and words were of her, calling her to his bedside he said: "God bless you mother, I could not live without you; do not mourn for me, you have done all you can to relieve my suffering; now just hold my hand and all close to me mother, and I will take my long last sleep." It was the end. He had lived a useful, unselfish life, loved and respected by all who knew him. He leaves a hot of friends, and a loving wife to mourn his loss. No children blessed their union but he gave three loved step-sons to the World War, and they raised five orphans. At the time of his death they were caring for two motherless children. His remains were laid to rest in the Van Zandt cemetery. He was 57 years old December last.
(From The Deming Prospector, March 13, 1925) Submitted by site coordinator.

RINDAL, Julia G. (d. 1925)

Mrs. Julia G. Rindal, aged 67 years, beloved wife of John Rindal, passed away at the family home, 241 Twenty-first street, Monday morning, August 10, after an illness of about two years. Mrs. Rindal has been a resident of Bellingham for the past eighteen years, and was a member of the Norwegian Methodist church. Besides her husband she is survived by one daughter, Miss Gertrude, at home; two brothers, Michael Veum and Knute Veum, both in Norway; four sisters, Mrs. Hannock Smaby, city; Mrs. A. Quesling, Wisconsin; and Mrs. Emma Rine, of Colorado, besides many friends whom she has made during her residence here. The body rests at the Harlow Mortuary home, Holly at Forest, and funeral announcements will be made later.
(From The Bellingham Herald, August 10, 1925) Submitted by site coordinator.

RINEHART, James K. (d. 1927)

Funeral services were held this afternoon at two o'clock at Knapp's Funeral Parlors for the late James K. Rinehart, who passed away Wednesday morning at 3 a. m. Rev. T. M. Marshall officiated. Pall bearers were C. E. Barnes, R. E. Hawley, Robert Bowles, Charles Philo, George Taylor and L. J. Brown. Mr. Rinehart was born in Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 2, 1843, and had lived near Lynden for the past twenty-three years. He was 83 years, 9 months and 8 days old at the time of his death. Besides his widow he is survived by five sons, Harry, George and John of Lynden, Fred of Concrete and Charles of Burke, Idaho; four daughters, Mrs. C. E. Furguson of Strandell, Mrs. J. McKettrick of Skagway, Alaska; Mrs. John Salmon of Ferguson Flats, Alta.; Mrs. Ida Feusner of Nebraska; a brother J. W. Rinehart of Lynden and several grandchildren. Mr. Rinehart served in the Civil War, and was a member of the G. A. R. Post. Mr. Rinehart had a host of friends throughout the county, and his passing is being mourned throughout the community.
(From The Lynden Tribune, August 11, 1927) Submitted by site coordinator.

RIPLEY, William C. (d. 1901)

William C. Ripley died suddenly at 11 o'clock last night in his room in the Oakland block. He leaves no relatives here, but among his effects a will executed in 1894, found in a tin box, directs that his property be given to his sister, Mrs. Mary J. Bond of New London, Connecticut. The property includes only half a lot on Elk street near Willow and a lot on Canoe street between Holly and Magnolia. Mr. Ripley was salivated by working in a lead mine in Utah some years ago and his digestive organs were very delicate because of the salivation, which affected his entire system as well. Shortly after supper last night he went out for a walk, but returned soon overcome by weakness. Shortly after reaching his room he became unconscious, in which condition he remained until his death. Dr. Kelly was called but nothing could be done for the dying man. Mr. Ripley was born in Brooklyn and was 61 years old. For about 35 years he had been in the west, chiefly in the great mining camps. In 1883 he came to this city and had resided here practically ever since that time. He was a bachelor, a man of sterling qualities of character and much beloved by all who knew him. The funeral will be held tomorrow.
(From The Weekly Blade, February 13, 1901) Submitted by site coordinator.

RITCHIE, Pearl (d. 1933)

RITTENBERG, Dolly (d. 1943)

Eighty years of lifetime spent entirely in Whatcom County, starting in the days when there were no roads and only a few scattered whites, came to a close last Thursday for Mrs. Dolly Patterson Rittenberg, who for many years has been known as the oldest living settler in Whatcom County. Death came in a local hospital, after a short illness, but the aged pioneer had made her home in Lynden, where she was born four score years ago, in 1863. Surviving relatives are a daughter, Mrs. Nellie Nims, at Deming; a son, Bob, in Bellingham, and a sister, Mrs. Nellie McDonald, living at Renton. Also there are several grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

FUNERAL MONDAY Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p. m. at the Knapp & Knapp parlors in Lynden with Rev, Paul R. Campbell officiating. Internment will be in the Lynden cemetery. There is very little in the history books about Mrs. Rittenberg, but a feature story in The Herald of September 4, 1937, tells a little of the part she played in the development of the Nooksack valley district. This article recalled Mrs. Rittenberg's father, Col. James A. Patterson, describing him as a "tall, stately Southerner." REARED BY MRS. JUDSON In the early 60's, Colonel Patterson's Indian wife died, leaving two motherless daughters. The father went to the home of Captain Henry Roeder on Bellingham bay and broached the subject of rearing the girls. Patterson said he was willing to turn over his Nooksack river farm to anyone who would bring up his children. Captain Roeder referred him to Mrs. Phobe Judson, "Mother of Lynden." The girls were taken to Mrs. Judson who " unhesitatingly took the girls and reared them as they were her own." the article said. Patterson a West Point graduate, then left the country to return several years later. The Rittenberg's lived for some years in the Van Zandt district and later moved back to Lynden. Some of the property owned there is now in the very heart of the business district of the valley city.
(From The Bellingham Herald, April 24, 1943) Submitted by Reg Rittenberg

RITTENBERG, Lettia (d. 1907)

Lettia M. Rettenburg (sic) died last evening at St. Joseph's hospital, at the age of 23 years, leaving one child aged 5 months, and relatives near Lynden. The body lies at Maulsby's undertaking parlors, in Oakland Block, but will be taken to Lynden, where the funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon, in the M.E. church, internment to follow in the Lynden Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, April 23, 1907) Submitted by Reg Rittenberg

RITTENBERG, Miles (d. 1938)

DEMING, June 18 - Because a train was late Miles Rittenberg, about 80, of Deming, lost his life yesterday evening. The elderly resident, said to be practically deaf, was cutting greens for his rabbits along the right of way of the Northern Pacific tracks in front of his home, about one-half mile west of Deming, when struck by a northbound freight train. Train employees said warning signals were sounded repeatedly. The body was badly mangled. The train, it was said, usually goes by the Rittenberg home between 4 and 5 o'clock every afternoon. Neighbors said that Rittenberg, believing it had passed, apparently of no danger as he went out late in the evening to cut his greens. The accident occurred about 7:30 o'clock. Members of the crew said they were late leaving Auburn for the north.

CORONER INVESTIGATES The train was held at the scene of the accident until Dr. C. L. Longstreth, acting county coroner, arrived to make an investigation. There was no question as to the cause of death. The remains of the aged man were taken to the funeral home of Knapp & Knapp in Lynden, where funeral arrangements are being made. Immediate survivors are the widow and one daughter, Mrs. Nellie Nims of Deming.
(Note: the above article did not list two sons as survivors; William and Horace.)
(From The Bellingham Herald, June 18, 1938)
DEMING: Mr. and Mrs. Oven McDonald and family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ritt and family and Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ritt and family, all of Seattle, and Mrs. Wilda Commentucci, of Nanaimo, B.C., came to Deming Monday to attend the Miles Rittenberg funeral.
(From the Bellingham Herald, June 22, 1938) Submitted by Reg Rittenberg

ROBB, William A. (d. 1915)

William A. Robb, aged 41 years, passed away at a local hospital Sunday, January 3, 1915, after an illness of several weeks. Mr. Robb had resided in Bellingham two years, but had made many friends during this time. He is survived by mother, Mrs. Ellen Robb; one sister, Miss Mary E. Robb, of Bellingham; one sister, Mrs. A. E. Knaak, of Graton, Wis., and one brother, Mr. J. M. Robb, of Everett. The remains are being cared for at the funeral parlors of Undertaker Harry O. Bingham, 1319 Dock street, where the funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 5, at 1 o'clock p.m., with Rev. F. B. Culver, pastor of the Evangelical church, officiating. After the service the remains of Mr. Robb will be removed to Terre Haute, Ind., where it will be laid to rest in the family burial plot.
(From The Bellingham Herald, January 4, 1915) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROBERTS, Emma (d. 1925)

MRS. R. P. ROBERTS PIONEER, PASSES
Deceased Came To Birch Bay With Her Parents 54 Years Ago - Was Loved By All Who Knew Her. Mrs. Emma Roberts, wife of R. P. Roberts, of Birch Bay, passed away at 1:00 p.m. Monday following a paralytic stroke. She had suffered a stroke some months ago and had impaired health since. Death came at the family home at Birch Bay where she had resided since a child. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Congregational church here.

Emma Henspeter was born in Indiana, April 14, 1870. She came with her parents to what was then Washington Territory the same year as a baby. The family first settling at Stellicom (sic), near Tacoma. Later in the year Anacortes, and in 1871 the family came to Birch Bay where the head of the family took up land. Deceased had lived there ever since and was one of the oldest settlers in this section. Feb. 23, 1891, she was united in marriage to R. P. Roberts, who survives her. To this union were born three children two sons and a daughter. Pierce, Ivo and Vera, all of whom reside at the home. She leaves also four brothers, Louis Henspeter of South Bellingham, Henry who lives near Tacoma, Fred of Birch Bay and Frank, who lives near Mount Vernon. Also four sisters, Mrs. Rosa Clark of Los Angeles, Cal., Mrs. Anna Kingsley of Blaine, Mrs. Beamie Beariault of Seattle and Mrs. Carrie Mallatt of San Francisco.
(From The Blaine Journal-Press, November 26, 1925) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROBERTS, John C. (d. 1935)

ROBERTS, Mahalay J. (d. 1920)

Mrs. M. J. Roberts passed away Tuesday of this week at her home on D street following a stroke of paralysis a few days before. She had been in feeble health for several years in addition to being partially blind. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church yesterday afternoon, at two o'clock, with Rev. Squire officiating. Mahalay Jane Roberts was born Feb. 28, 1844, in Aulton, Clark county, Illinois, where she resided until united in marriage to Robert Allen Roberts at Charleston, Ill., Nov. 7, 1866. They resided at Christman, Ill., until May 23, 1896, when Mr. Roberts passed away. March 14, 1902, she moved to Blaine and resided here since. Four sons survive as follows: Albert of Blaine, Chas. A. and John C. of Bellingham, and Ernest F. of Wenatchee. Mrs. Roberts years ago united with the church and kept her faith all these years, although in late years unable to attend services. To those who enjoyed her acquaintance, she was a dear old faithful Christian lady who faced life's problems with cheerfulness and patience.
(From The Blaine Journal, October 8, 1920) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROBINSON, Eliza J. (d. 1913)

Mrs. Eliza Jane Robinson, aged seventy-seven years and twenty-four days, passed away at the family home in Lynden, Washington, on March 16th, 1913, after a lingering illness. Mrs. Robinson was born in Kimbellville, Pennsylvania, February 20, 1836, and lived at that place until she was about twenty-two years of age. She was married to Ebenezer J. Robinson in New London, Pennsylvania, February 24th, 1859. They afterwards moved to Oxford, Pennsylvania, remaining at that place until 1865. They then moved to Mountville, Pennsylvania and resided there for a year, then going to Canton, Ohio, where they made their home for ten years. In 1876 they moved to Abilene, Kansas, remaining there until the year 1884, when they came to Lynden which has since been their home.

The deceased is survived by her husband, Ebenezer J. Robinson, two sons, J. K. Robinson, of Bellingham, and D. I. Robinson, of Hoquiam, and two daughters, Mrs. Emma Daniel, of Reuben, Idaho, and Mrs. Jennie Shank, of Seattle, all of whom were with her at the time of her death. Two daughters, Annabelle, and Mrs. Pauline Sain [Sane], mother of Mrs. Harold Knapp and Miss Rae Sain, preceded Mrs. Robinson to the other life. Mrs. Robinson has always taken a deep and active interest in religious and social affairs of the communities wherein she has resided. She became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at a very early age and was a member of the local church at the time of her death.

The funeral services were held from the family residence Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Herbert Jones, of the Methodist church, officiating. A quartet composed of Messrs. Arno Rathman, E. Edson, Wilder Jones and F. E. Knapp, rendered appropriate music. The many beautiful floral tributes testified to the esteem in which Mrs. Robinson was held. Interment was in the family plot in the Lynden cemetery.
(From The Lynden Tribune, March 20, 1913) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROBINSON, Jerome B. (d. 1888)

ROBINSON, Libbie (d. 1911)

Mrs. Libbie Robinson, wife of Ira Robinson, died at Starbuck, Wash., Sept. 16th, after a short illness. Deceased was born at Eau Clair, Wis., and was aged 31 years and 2 months. She married Ira Robinson July 3, 1897, and has since that time resided in or near Ferndale. At the time of her death she was visiting her brother at Starbuck. She leaves her husband, Mr. Ira Robinson, and six children of tender years to mourn her loss. In the little orphaned flock there are five small boys and a little girl.

The funeral sermon was preached at the Baptist Church in this city, by Rev. Closson Wednesday last, and the interment was made at Enterprise Cemetery. The funeral was largely attended and the floral offerings were profuse and beautiful. Deceased was a noble, faithful wife and mother, tenderly devoted to children and home. She also leaves a large circle of devoted friends to mourn her loss, for all alike recognized in her the true type of a good mother and a splendid specimen of womanhood. The Record tenders the bereaved father and children the sincere sympathy of this community. [Survivors also included her foster parents, not named.]
(From The Ferndale Record, September 22, 1911) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROCK, Nicholas F. (d. 1905)

Nicholas F. Rock, a prominent resident of this county and a veteran of the civil war, died at St. Joseph's hospital, yesterday, at 11 a. m., a cancer from which he had long suffered being the cause of death. Mr. Rock was sixty years of age. He came to this county from the state of Michigan eight years ago. He owned a farm on the Ferndale road, near the county poor farm. Mr. Rock served in a company of the Twenty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the war of the rebellion. He is survived by his widow and a married daughter, Mrs. Pearl Cramer, both being residents of Marysville, this state. They have been notified of the death of Mr. Rock, and will be in attendance at his funeral, the arrangements for which have not been perfected. The body lies at the private receiving rooms of W. H. Mock & Sons. The funeral announcement will be made later.
(From The Bellingham Reveille, September 21, 1905) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROCKEY, Charlotte W. (d. 1922)

Mrs. Charlotte W. Rockey, aged 80 years, passed away at her home, 306 Prospect street, on the evening of Monday, January 16, after an illness of only a few days. Mrs. Rockey, with her family, had resided in Bellingham for the past twenty years and leaves a large circle of friends who will deeply mourn her loss. Those who survive are two sons and three daughters, Mrs. Mary G. Mather, Bellingham; Mrs. C. B. Bay, Lynden; Mrs. Harry F. Brown, Bellingham; J. D. Rockey, Bellingham, and Roy J. Rockey, of Seattle; also seven grandchildren. The remains are being cared for at the service parlors of Harry O. Bingham, 120-122 Prospect street, where funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 18, at 2 o’clock p.m. with Rev. W. F. Reagor, pastor of the First Christian church, officiating. Interment will be made in the family plot at Bay View cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, January 17, 1922) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

ROCKEY, Thomas J. (d. 1904)

ROCKWOOD, Byron (d. 1907)

FOUGHT IN THIRTEEN DECISIVE BATTLES

Byron Rockwood Had a Remarkable War Record

The funeral service of Byron Rockwood was held yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock from Maulsby’s undertaking parlors. The services were conducted by Rev. George E. Cooprider, pastor of the First Advent Christian church, of Seattle. The G. A. R. attended in a body and conducted the services at the grave. Mr. Rockwood was born February 8, 1841, in Brownville, Jefferson county, New York. He afterward moved to Wood county, Ohio, at the age of eight years with his parents, where he lived the greater part of his life. Six years ago he moved to Aurora, Ills., where he lived for three years. Then he moved to Bellingham, where he lived until his death. He was married November 9, 1865, to Margaret Davidson. To them were born eight children, seven of whom are living. Three sons, Ely, Bert and Otis, of Bellingham, and the daughters are Mrs. Ella Wittmer, proprietress of the Antlers hotel, at whose home he died of heart trouble; Mrs. Mabel Smith, of Seattle; Mrs. Jennie Smith and Mrs. Mattie Crowel, of Aurora, Ills. Mr. Rockwood served as a soldier in the Civil war from the beginning to the close. He was a member of Company K, Twenty-first regiment, O. V. V. I. He took an active part in thirteen decisive battles of the war, such as Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Stene River, etc. Had it not been for wounds he would have been in Sherman’s march to the sear. He was present at the noted event of the raising of the flag over Fort Sumpter. He was buried in Bay View cemetery by the side of his wife, who died a little over a year ago.
(From The Bellingham Herald, May 13, 1907) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

ROCKWOOD, Margaret (d. 1905)

Mrs. Rockwood, aged 64 years, the wife of Mr. B. Rockwood, died last evening at 11 p.m. of heart trouble, at the family home near the Phelps mill, twelve miles North of the city. She leaves a husband, and seven children, three of whom live at the old family home in Aurora, Ill., and four at the new home in Washington. The death was most sudden and unexpected. She was at her son's home, in the evening, and went home at about 9 p.m. She took the illness that proved of a short duration upon returning home, a physician was summoned from Lynden, but nothing could be done for her, the end came at about 11 p.m. The Rockwood family came here about six months ago, and located on the farm known as the Cougar farm. The body is being held at Maulsby's parlors prior to shipment to the old home in Aurora, Ills.
(From The Bellingham Herald, November 18, 1905) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

RODENBERGER, Ira (d. 1934)

Funeral services for Ira Rodenberger, who passed away at the home of his son, C. A. Rodenberger, route 3, Wednesday, April 4, at the age of 85 years, will be held in the Cathedral chapel of the Home Mark Mortuary Monday afternoon, April 9, at 1:30 o'clock with the Rev. Earl Hanson Fife, pastor of the First Christian church, officiating and interment will be made in Bay View cemetery. Mr. Rodenberger had lived in the Rome district for the past forty-seven years and was a member of the Evangelical church of Boone, Iowa. Surviving relatives are four sons, C. A. Rodenberger, route 3; D. E. Rodenberger, Camas, Wash.; L. C. Rodenberger, city; Glen H. Rodenberger, Olga, Wash.; two daughters, Mrs. Mabel Kaufman, San Bernardino, Cal.; Mrs. Maud Henrickson, route 3, city; one sister, Mrs. Flora Tallman, Marshalltown, Iowa; twenty grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
(From The Bellingham Herald, April 7, 1934) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROEDER, Henry (d. 1902)

HENRY ROEDER IS DEAD

Thursday, September 25, Captain Henry Roeder passed from this life at his home in Whatcom. Death resulted from paralysis, from the effects of which he had suffered for the past two years. Captain Roeder was a native of Germany and settled on Bellingham Bay in 1852. He was 68 years of age at the time of his death. No other name is more closely linked with the history of the development of this country, where he leaves a large estate to his son and daughter. Deceased was well and favorably known in Blaine, where the sad news of his death caused many to think of past words and deeds of the strong life which is no more.

Captain Roeder leaves a son, Victor A. Roeder, and a daughter, Mrs. Lottie Roth. The funeral was held at the United Presbyterian church of Whatcom Sunday afternoon under the auspices of the Masonic order, of which he was a prominent member. A great number of friends from Whatcom and surrounding country attended this last respectful service to the honored dead.
(From The Blaine Journal, October 3, 1902) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROEDER, Victor A. (d. 1939)

Victor A. Roeder, 77, native born son of Whatcom county, died at 3 o'clock Saturday morning at St. Joseph's hospital. The passing of the pioneer was not unexpected. He was taken suddenly ill last Saturday and Wednesday was moved to the hospital. Pneumonia developed and although oxygen was administered constantly, death could not be averted. Members of the family said Mr. Roeder's mind was keen up to a few hours before his death. President of the Bellingham National bank since it was organized in 1904, Mr. Roeder was one of the most prominent persons participating in the upbuilding of the city. He was born in the old Roeder home, still standing at the corner of Elm and Monroe street, August 13, 1861, and was the only surviving some of Captain Henry and Elizabeth (Austin) Roeder, and the brother of the late Mrs. Lottie Roeder Roth.

WAS COUNTY TREASURER Mr. Roeder spent his early youth on the shores of Bellingham bay, and at the age of 15 years was sent back to his father's old home in Erie county, Ohio, where he attended the schools of Vermillion until he completed the high school courses. Later he attended a business college in San Francisco, and then he came back to this county to assist his father in his then extensive operations, mostly in real estate. For a short time he was in the mercantile business in Everson. He was county treasurer from 1896 to 1900. When the father, Captain Roeder passed away in 1902, Victor assumed the responsibilities of looking after the family interests. MARRIED AT LYNDEN In Lynden on October, 1886, Mr. Roeder was united in marriage to Miss Effie B. Ebey, daughter of another pioneer family.

He will be missed by the writers of early history of the county for he was possessed of a remarkable memory of the incidents of the early days, and was often called upon for information.

For about twenty years Mr. Roeder had kept up a most beautiful home out on Broadway, where it intersects Sunset drive. An artificial lake on the premises, with an old Indian dougout (sic) at one side, and white ducks swimming about, is one of the little show spots of the city.

PRIVATE FUNERAL Surviving relatives are one son, Henry Roeder; one daughter, Aryness Bolster, five grandchildren, Mrs. Lester V. Townley, Anabell, Rosemary and James Bolster and Victor H. Roeder, and two great grandchildren, all of this city. The remains are at the funeral home of Harlow-Hollingsworth. Before his death Mr. Roeder expressed a wish that private funeral services be held and this wish will be carried out, the services to be next Monday, May 8, at 9 a. m., followed by cremation. Friends are asked to omit flowers.
(From The Bellingham Herald, May 6, 1939) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROESSEL, George (d. 1925)

George Roessel Buried Here Today

The Ferndale district lost another pioneer this week, a man who came to this county long before hundred who are here now. But thru it all, he must have enjoyed the many years of pioneering, as he was away for a while, but came back to live on the old place and spend his last days here. George Roessel Junior, 83 years of age, died Thuesday (sic) morning at a Bellingham hospital, after being injured in a fall Sunday. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Ferndale Congregational church, Rev. A. F. Palmer officiating. George Monroe had charge of the interment, which took place at Enterprise cemetery. He was born in France, and came to America when two years of age. Later he served his country in time of war, as he enlisted in a New York volunteer artillery regiment, and served three years during the Civil War. He helped to organize the Ferndale G. A. R., and also built the G. A. R. building which is on Main street. He has been prominent of late years in the Bellingham G. A. R. post. Mr. Roessel was among those who helped to erect the flagpole over the Pioneer Park grounds, and was identified with that organization for years. He came here thirty-six years ago and farmed a great share of the time on his ranch on the Blaine road, at what is known as Roessel's corner. Sons and nephews formed the pallbearers. Mrs. Roessel died a few years ago, so he is survived by six children, Henry of Kent, Mrs. Lena Bonner of Deming, Fred and P. J. of Ferndale, Mrs. Elizabeth Bnowles (sic) of San Francisco, and Mrs. Emma Poster of Burlington.
(From The Ferndale Record, September 17, 1925) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROESSEL, Henry (d. 1905)

OLD PIONEER OF FERNDALE DIES Henry Roessel, one of the most prominent pioneers of Whatcom county, died Thursday evening at Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia of blood poisoning. Suffering from what was believed to be rheumatism, he went from his home in Ferndale several days ago to the Canadian resort. He suffered continuously from a pain in his heel. The member was lanced, and when death came the physicians announced the cause as mentioned above. Mr. Roessel was a leading K. of P. at Ferndale, and a member of J. B. Steadman post, G. A. R., having associated himself with the post about a month ago.

Henry Roessel was a native of France, has resided twenty-five years in Whatcom county, was a successful farmer and an honored and respected citizen. At the time of his death he was 73 years of age. The funeral takes place Sunday at 2:30 o'clock. The services will be held in the Congregational church at Ferndale, and burial will take place in the Enterprise cemetery under the auspices of the knights of Pythias. Prominent knights of the city will be present at the ceremony. Surviving the deceased are a wife and eight grown children. One son, George, lives in Ferndale. Albert, Henry and Phil are in Alaska. Four married daughters are among the survivors. Mrs. J. B. Wilson, who lives at Ferndale, Mrs. Armon, of San Francisco; Mrs. Charles Elwood, of Monroe, Wash., and Mrs. Ed. Elwood, of Dawson. The latter was at home on a visit at the time of her father's death.
Note: No record of Civil War service has been found in the online databases nor does his name appear in the records of J. B. Steadman Post.
(From The Bellingham Reveille, June 24, 1905) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROESSEL, Louise (d. 1914)

Mrs. Louise Roessel, one of Ferndale's oldest pioneers, quietly passed away last Monday morning. She has lived in this district for 36 years. Her funeral, which was attended by a large crowd of her many old time and new friends, was held at the Congregational Church, with Rev. Nichols, the pastor, officiating. Interment was made at the Enterprise cemetery. Her maiden name was Louise Schattner. She was born in Strassburg, Germany, October 21, 1833, and came to this country when about eighteen years of age. On October 16, 1856, she was married to Henry Roessel at Buffalo, N. Y. In August, 1878, they moved with their family to the state of Washington and located on a farm near Ferndale where they resided until the death of the husband in 1905. Since that time the deceased has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. J. B. Wilson, of Ferndale. To this union were born six girls and five boys. Louise Roessel leaves to mourn her loss one brother at Hamilton, Ontario; one sister at Buffalo, N. Y., and seven grown children, Mrs. C. F. Elwell, of Monroe, Wash.; Mrs. L. Smith of San Francisco; Mrs. J. B. Wilson of Ferndale; Albert, George and Phil Roessel of Ferndale, and Henry Roessel of Ketchikan, Alasaka.
(From The Ferndale Record, June 12, 1914) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Abigail A. (d. 1913)

On Sunday morning, Jan. 19, 1913, Mrs. Abegail (sic) A. Rogers, resident of Ferndale, was found dead in her bed. Cause of death heart failure, as Dr. Bice has prescribed for her, for more than a year ago, for said malady. Had she lived until April she would have completed her four score years. A telegram was sent to her son in Everett, who arrived on the eight o'clock train, accompanied by his wife. Funeral services were held at the Monroe & Jackson's funeral parlors, conducted by Rev. J. M. Closs, which were very impressive - telling how to gain victory over death. The remains were shipped over to Machias for interment by the side of her husband. Mrs. Rogers leaves one son and four grandchildren. Deceased came to Washington at an early day, more than thirty years ago, and resided in Snohomish County with her husband and two sons. About ten years ago, husband having died, she came to Ferndale; was converted in her youthful days, and, during the pioneer days, her home was the resting place of many a weary Methodist Minister, who had occasion for gratitude for her hospitality. Mrs. Rogers made many friends, who will greatly miss her genial smile. Yet we trust our loss, is her eternal gain. [age 80]
(From The Ferndale Record, January 24, 1913) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Alonzo (d. 1901)

Rev. A. Rogers died at his home on Seventeenth street, near I, today at about 2 o'clock. Mr. Rogers was stricken with paralysis about a year and a half ago while pastor of the Congregations church of this city, and has been physically unable ever since to perform any duties. He came to Whatcom from Corvallis, Oregon, about four years ago to accept the pastorate of the Congregational church of this city. He had been a resident of Oregon for about ten years and previous to going to Oregon had been superintendent of the state school for deaf and dumb in Iowa. During the war he was a member of the hospital corp of the northern army and followed the troops through the field of battle. He was 57 years of age, and before the stroke of paralysis was a strong and large man both physically and mentally. He leaves a wife and daughter in mournful loneliness and many warm friends. Mrs. Rogers is also seriously ill.
(From The Weekly Blade July 31, 1901; reprinted from Thursday's Tri-Weekly) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Ambrose A. (d. 1933)

Ambrose A. Rogers, aged 96 years, beloved father of Mrs. Arthur Prouty, Astoria, Ore., and Roy Rogers, Portland, passed away at his home at Seaside, Ore., Wednesday, August 2, after a residence there for the past twelve years. Mr. Rogers was a Civil war veteran and prior to making his home at Seaside had for forty-five years been a resident of Bellingham. The remains were received on this morning's train by the Harlow-Hollingsworth Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held Saturday, August 5, at 1:30 o'clock, interment to take place in Bay View Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, 4 Apr 1933), Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

ROGERS, Beulah (d. 1905)

ROGERS, Calvin L. (d. 1902)

C. L. Rogers, aged 89 years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. M. Jenkins, corner G and Holly streets, at 9:30 this morning. Mr. Rogers came to this state ten years ago and has made his home here since then. He leaves an aged wife and several relatives to mourn his loss. Several days ago Mr. and Mrs. O. D. Rogers, a son and daughter-in-law of Mr. Rogers, came here in response to a message sent them, and together with his daughter, Mrs. F. M. Jenkins, and other near relatives, were at his bedside during the last hours of the sufferer. The funeral services will be delivered tomorrow afternoon at the First M. E. church, Dr. S. S. Sulliger officiating. The friends of the deceased are invited to be present to pay the last honors to a man whose only thought was that for the uplifting of mankind by kind deeds and words while life and strength gave him that opportunity.
(From The Blade, April 2, 1902) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Charles (d. 1906)

Charles Rogers, aged 59 years, died at St. Joseph's hospital yesterday at 4:45 p. m. Mr. Rogers was a veteran of the Civil war, having served in Company A, Fourth regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He was a lumberman by occupation. The surviving relatives are his widow, two sons, Frank and Byron, who reside in this city, and a daughter, Mrs. T. H. Bates, of Marietta, this county. The funeral arrangements, which have not yet been made, will be announced later.
(From The Bellingham Reveille, February 25, 1906) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Darius (d. 1897)

A PIONEER DEAD. Darius Rogers died at his home in Ferndale at 3:30 yesterday morning. He had been seriously indisposed for about two months and his death was not altogether unexpected. He will be buried tomorrow, Sunday. The funeral will leave the residence at 10:30 and will proceed to the Congregational church at Ferndale where service will be conducted by the pastor at 11 o'clock. From there the funeral will go to Paradise cemetery, east of Ferndale, where the interment will take place.

Mr. Rogers had an eventful life along the lines he chose. He was nearly 73 years old though his well preserved and robust frame made him ten years younger. He was born in Monroe county near Rochester, New York. He graduated at the state normal school at Albany and taught school for years among the cultured people of the Empire state. Then he moved to Kansas in the early days of that fast developing commonwealth. He located at Rogers' mills, on the Neosho river, near where Chanute now is and for a dozen years, in company with his brother, was in the mill and mercantile business. The last three years of this time he was in the wholesale and retail merchandising in Chanute. Then they came to California and he entered the employ of Hon P. B. Cornwall and managed the store of the company during the life of the B. B. coal company. When it closed down Darius joined his brother in the mercantile business at Ferndale. That was about 22 years ago. A. A. Rogers had already been in business there a year and a half and the solid log houses that stand in East Ferndale yet were built by them. Darius took up a claim first on the site of East Ferndale and later moved across the river and took up the townsite of West Ferndale and has lived there ever since. He was known to all the early settlers. Bluff, hearty, outspoken, always holding decided opinions and always ready to express them decidedly he made some enemies and very many friends. His early literary and scholastic training and the wide experiences of his after life fitted him for leadership and he was always at the front in local affairs. In politics he was always a straight republican and in the conventions of his party when Darius Rogers took the floor there was always a straightforward declaration made regarding the policy to be pursued. In the last county convention he was a candidate for a county office and expected to get the nomination but by a turn of the convention wheel at the last moment it was given to another section of the county.

His family consists of his wife, two sons, Arthur and Edwin and a younger daughter, May. His brother, A. A. Rogers, lives in this city and the remainder of the family are yet back on the old homestead in New York state.
(From The Daily Reveille, February 6, 1897) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Elizabeth M. (d. 1908)

Mrs. E. M. Rogers, one of the pioneers of Whatcom county, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hattie Owens, in Blaine. She had not been well during the winter, but revived this spring, and a week ago went from the old homestead at Anatole to visit her daughter. Mrs. Rogers was 74 years old and had lived in Whatcom county nearly half her life. She and her husband settled on the farm in the Anatole district when that section was a wilderness and before there were any roads leading to Bellingham bay. She has been one of the prominent figures in the life of the community, and was highly respected by all who knew her. She was left a widow eighteen years ago, and has since lived with her two sons, Howard and Arthur, on the old homestead. Arthur Rogers is now county fruit inspector, and Howard Rogers was at one time county commissioner. In addition to these two sons and the daughter at Blaine, a daughter, Mrs. Alice Puaridea of Portland, Ore., survives her. Both daughters were with her at the time of her death.

The remains were shipped to Ferndale last Monday night, and later conveyed to the residence, near Laurel. The funeral ceremonies took place Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and the interment was had at Woodlawn Cemetery. Rev. Spears of Nooksack officiated. The attendance from all parts of the county was very large and the floral tributes were unusually profuse and beautiful.
(From The Ferndale Record, June 5, 1908) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Ellery W. (d. 1932)

VETERAN SUMMONED
Ellery Rogers, Former County Treasurer, Dies Ellery Walker Rogers, Civil war veteran, who was Whatcom county treasurer in 1889, died early today at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Gertrude H. Appleby, 1314 High street. He was 87 years of age and had been ill. He came to Whatcom county in 1886. Funeral services will be held at the Harlow-Hollingsworth funeral home at 1:30 p. m. Saturday. The Rev. James M. Wilson will officiate. Burial will follow in Bay View cemetery. Mr. Rogers was the oldest member of Whatcom Council No. 19, A. O. U. W., and also was a member of Lafayette Lodge No. 3, F. & A. M., of Lafayette, Oregon, and of J. B. Steedman Post No. 24, G. A. R. Relatives surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Appleby, Miss Nellie C. Rogers and Mrs. Jessie E. Forrest, Bellingham, and Mrs. Rose Bowman, Portland, Oregon; one brother, Dwight G. Rogers, Sacramento, Cal.; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. West in 1844 Born in Missouri, July 3, 1844, Mr. Rogers came West with his parents when he was about two years of age. Four years later the family removed to California, the father taking part in the gold quest of 1849. In 1851 Mr. Rogers returned to Oregon. When a young man, Mr. Rogers enlisted in the First Oregon infantry. The company had about 600 members and its duty was to fight Indians and to act as escorts to immigrant trains. Mr. Rogers once said that the soldiers never had any trouble with the redmen, because they were reared with them and knew how to get along with them.

Before he became treasurer of Whatcom county, Mr. Rogers conducted a general merchandise store on Holly street. Of late years, Mr. Rogers was one of the officers of the district federal court at its Bellingham sittings. He had a genial disposition and leaves many friends.
(From The Bellingham Herald, May 5, 1932) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Lucy R. (d. 1895) [more information]

ROGERS, Mary (d. 1903)

ROGERS, Meribah S. (d. 1926)

Mrs. Meribah S. Rogers, passed away at her home on Dakota creek Dec. 28th, 1926, aged 82 years, 11 months and 10 days, after a lingering illness. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Haynie M. E. church, Rev. F. M. Bushong of Blaine officiating, and H. P. Potter having charge of arrangements. Burial was made in the Haynie cemetery.

Meribah Stewart was born at Mount Vernon, Iowa, Dec. 28th, 1843, and was united in marriage to R. M. Rogers Aug. 13th, 1863. Mr. Rogers passed on in 1916. To this union eight children were born, six daughters and two sons. Two of the daughters, Olive and Flora, died in early childhood. The surviving daughters and sons are Mary C. Kagey, Belle R. Thayer, Dosia E. Sparks, Nellie A. Lathrop, J. W. Rogers and W. M. Rogers, all residing in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and family came to Blaine in 1881 and located on a homestead on Dakota creek, east of Blaine, where the deceased lived until the time of her death. Mrs. Rogers was a devout Christian woman and during her entire lifetime was loved and esteemed by all who knew her.
(From The Blaine Journal-Press, December 16, 1926) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Robert M. (d. 1916)

Robert M. Rogers, aged 76 years, passed away at his home near Blaine on Friday morning, April 21, 1916, after a lingering illness of more than a year. Mr. Rogers was born in the state of Ohio in the year 1840. During the tender years of his boyhood days he lost his loving mother.

When the war of the rebellion broke out he enlisted in the First Iowa regiment and later in the Twenty-fourth Iowa regiment, in which he was color bearer. In the year 1863 he was granted a furlough as a result of his being chosen the best non-commissioned officer in his company by his commander, and it was while home on furlough that he was married to Meribah Stewart August 13, 1863. To this union eight children were born, six daughters and two sons, two of the daughters passing away early in childhood. During the war Mr. Rogers was converted and joined the Christian church, and he held his faith till the end. In conversation with his family shortly before his death, he expressed his willingness to go and that he was ready to meet his God whenever it pleased Him to call him. At his bedside when the end came were his beloved wife, Mrs. R. M. Rogers, and the six surviving children, Mrs. Kittie Kagey of Drayton, Mrs. Belle R. Thayer of Bellingham, Mrs. Dosia E. Sparks of Drayton, Mrs. Nellie A. Lathrop of Haynie, J. W. Rogers and W. M. Rogers, both of Excelsior. The deceased was considered one of the early pioneers of this section, having come here May 5, 1884 and located at that time on Dakota creek where he resided until called above. He was a member of Reynolds Post No. 32, G. A. R. of this city. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, April 22, at two o'clock in the Haynie church and interment took place in the family plot in the Haynie cemetery.
(From The Blaine Journal, April 28, 1916) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Shirley (d. 1919)

Died, Nov. 26th, 1919 at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hoyt, Shirley Hoyt Rogers, at the age of 2 4 years, 3 months and 23 days. Shirley Bernice Hoyt was born on Aug. 3, 1895, at Glenwood, Wisc. At the age of ten years she removed with her parents to near Blaine, where she grew to a beautiful young womanhood, dearly loved by all her young companions, and highly respected by all for her bright and loving disposition. On Nov. 3, 1917, she was united in marriage to David J. Rogers, of Sumas. To this union were born one child, Baby Jack Rogers, 14 months old. She leaves to mourn her untimely passing away, her husband and baby, parents, two sisters and one brother, with a host of loving friends and young companions.
(From The Blaine Journal, December 12, 1919) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Thomas E. (d. 1931)

Thomas E. Rogers, born in Missouri January 2, 1863, a resident of the Custer district, passed away at his home Friday evening. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the George Monroe chapel with Rev. C. B. Seeley of Blaine officiating. Interment was made in the Woodlawn cemetery. When two years of age, he crossed the plains in an ox cart with his parents and an older brother. After living in Lewis county for a year, he went back to Missouri where he lived for four years. Mr. Rogers crossed the plains again in 1871, and has been a resident of Lewis and Whatcom counties ever since. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Carrie Rogers; three daughters, Mrs. Hattie Zander, Seattle; Mrs. Peal Erickson, Bellingham and Mrs. Grace Haitland, Snohomish; a sister, Mrs. Ella M. Maryott, of Blaine; two brothers, John A. of Seattle and James K. of Bellingham.
(From The Ferndale Record, January 15, 1931) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROGERS, Zebulon W. (d. 1903)

ROHRBACHER, Daniel B. (d. 1923)

Daniel B. Rohrbacher died early Sunday morning from the effects of stomach trouble, with which he had suffered for a year. He would have been 71 years old on April 6. Mr. Rohrbacher came here in 1900 and settled on a Mountain View farm. Born in Ohio, he moved first as a boy to Iowa. He married there and took up a homestead later in Nebraska. In recent years he has lived in Ferndale and shortly before his illness had obtained the contract to carry mail between the railroad station and postoffice.

Four sons, Ira, of Ferndale, Frank, of West Point, Neb., Arthur of Burley, Ida., and Joe, of Meridian Ida., and a daughter, Mrs. Mabel Earley, of Boie, Ariz., survive as well as a brother and several sisters in Iowa. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Congregational church with Major A. F. Palmer officiating, and interment was made in Enterprise cemetery, George A. Monroe directing.
(From The Ferndale Record, March 2, 1923) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROHRBACHER, George (d. 1892)

ROLLER, Emma W. (d. 1901)

Wickersham Waifs Died - Mrs. E. W. Roller, at her home Thursday evening. She has been a suffer for the past three years with dropsy. She leaves a husband, three children and many friends to mourn her death. She was a good wife, a kind mother and a good neighbor. Funeral services were held at her home and conducted by Rev. G. C. King, at 2 o'clock p. m. The members of the Modern Woodmen acted as pallbearers. The coffin was decorated very prettily with wreaths of spring flowers. She was the first woman to die around Acme, Saxon or Wickersham since the places have been settled.
(From The Weekly Blade, May 8, 1901) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROLLINS, Joseph A. (d. 1923)

JOSEPH A. ROLLINS, CIVIL WAR VETERAN, SUMMONED TO BEYOND

Joseph Albert Rollins, for thirteen years a resident of Orcas island, died yesterday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Butters, 1144-1/2 Elk street, at the age of 86 years. Mr. Rollins was a veterant (sic) of the Civil war and was a member of the Island Pond lodge No. 44, F. and A. M., at Island Pond, Vt. The survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Butters, of Bellingham, and Mrs. Mary Ladd, of Rumford, Maine; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The remains, now in charge of the Writfield-Mork company, will be shipped to Orcas Saturday for interment.
(From The Bellingham Herald, May 23, 1923) Submitted by Merrily Lawson>

ROLPH, Francis (d. 1935)

News of the death of Francis Rolph, age 84 years, was received here recently. Mr. Rolph was a former resident of Blaine and will be remembered by many. He had been ill for about a year and passed away at his home on Guemes Island. Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon, November 19th, as 2 o'clock from the Pentecostal Tabernacle in Anacortes with the New Word Tabernacle at Anacortes with the Rev. W??? Lewis officiating. Interment followed in the Eden Cemetery on Guemes Island. Mr. Rolph was born March 14th, 1850, at Dorchester, Ontario, Canada, and had resided in the United States for 51 years and in the State of Washington for 35 years coming here from Minnesota. He went from Blaine to Guemes about 24 years ago. Surviving are his wife and five sons, Herbert, James and William, all of Anacortes, Frank, of Seattle, and Harold, of Bellingham, three daughters, Mrs. Charlotte Doty, of Chicago, Illinois, Mrs. Florence Schuchardt, of Seattle, and Mrs. Ethel Hill, of Guemes, and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Ward, Mrs. Alma Groat and Mrs. Ida Ward.
(From The Blaine Journal, November 28, 1935) Submitted by John Rausch, typed by Merrily Lawson.

ROONEY, Charles (d. 1903)

FAIRHAVEN PIONEER DEAD Chas. Rooney, a pioneer of Whatcom county, died at his room at Adams and Twelfth street, Fairhaven, Nov. 22, aged sixty years, from inflammation of the lungs. The funeral will be held today at 2 p. m. at Gifford's undertaking parlors, conducted by the Grand Army of the Republic, Mr. Rooney having been a member of that organization. Mr. Rooney first came to Fairhaven in 1883 and during his residence acquired considerable property, both in the city and Whatcom county. It is believed his relatives live in Boston.
(From The Bellingham Reveille, November 24, 1903) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROONEY, Jane (d. 1909)

ROONEY, John (d. 1941)

ROPER, Adeline (d. 1907)

Addie Roper was born in the state of Missouri, May 24, 1868. About 23 years ago she came with her parents to this section of the country where she has lived, with the exception of a few years, ever since. She united with the M. E. church of Port Townsend some 12 years ago and has been a member of that denomination ever since. Miss Roper was loving, gentle and kind, a true friend of the poor, the sick and the needy. ... On the way home on that fatal evening when she met her death she stopped and left fruit with a sick friend and promised to see him the next day. In Miss Roper's death Blaine has lost one of the choicest women and the memory of her beautiful life will have an abiding influence over the lives of others.
Note: There are numerous articles about her murder in this issue and following issues.
(From The Blaine Journal, January 25, 1907) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROPER, John (d. 1930)

JOHN ROPER, OLD SETTLER OF BLAINE DISTRICT, AT REST BLAINE, Dec 31. - Funeral services for John Roper were held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock in the Purdy chapel, with the Rev. Clarence B. Seely, of the Methodist church, officiating. Mr. Roper was born in Illinois in 1855 and passed away in the Royal Columbia hospital in New Westminster, B. C. on Friday, December 26, where he had been for more than two years. He was a pioneer of this vicinity, coming to Semiahmoo forty-seven years ago, and lived there for two years, when he moved with his parents to the homestead which is now the town of White Rock, B. C., and with his brother, James Roper, engaged in the logging business. He was beloved by his fellow workmen. His wife preceded him to the Great Beyond five years ago. Large Family. Surviving are four brothers, Will Roper of Seattle; James Roper, of Blaine, and Laben and Rolla Roper of White Rock, B. C. and six sisters, Mary Lockhart, of Port Townsend; Mrs. Nannie Joslyn of Seattle; Mrs. Fairy Spangler of Martinez, Cal.; Miss Mandy Roper and Mrs. Arminta Spangler, both of White Rock, B. C. and Mrs. Francis Griggs of Sardis, B. C.; two sons, Walter Roper of White Rock, B.C. and Bert Winters Roper of Seattle, and a daughter Mrs. Violet Trodden, of Vancouver, B.C. and grandson, Don Winters of White Rock, B.C. Favorite hymns were sung, with Mrs. Seely at the piano and burial followed at the Blaine cemetery under the direction of E. E. Purdy & Sons.
(From The Bellingham Herald, December 31, 1930) Copied by Merrily Lawson.

ROSBRUGH, Charles E. (d. 1936)

Charles E. Rosbrugh, Blaine Pioneer, Passes. Charles E. Rosbrugh, a resident of Blaine for the past 50 years, was laid to rest in the Blaine cemetery Monday following his death in the North Bellingham hospital Thursday, Dec. 3. Mr. Rosbrugh, who was 77 years of age, was born June 4, 1859 in Iowa. Funeral services were held at 1 p. m. Monday at the chapel with Rev. Bertram Robins officiating. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Mary Mott, of Blaine, and several nieces and nephews.
(From The Blaine Journal, December 10, 1936) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROSEMYER, Jennett (d. 1908)

Mrs. O. W. Rosemyer, of this city, passed away at 11 o'clock last Saturday forenoon at the home of her sister, Mrs. F. E. Crane, after an illness extending over two weeks. The cause of her death was blood poisoning. The funeral was held from the Methodist church, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. C. B. Seely officiating, and the remains buried in the Blaine cemetery. The deceased leaves a husband, one child 6 years of age, a father, F. E. Kirby, of this city; two sisters, Mrs. F. E. Crane and Miss Cecil Kirby, both of this city, and three sisters and one brother, residing in Michigan. Her age at the time of death was 33 years. Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Rosemyer have resided in Blaine since three years ago last August, coming here from Charlevox, Mich., where they were married 12 years ago. The bereaved husband and relatives have the sympathy of a large number of friends in their sad hour.
(From The Blaine Journal, November 27, 1908) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROSENAU, Gottlieb (d. 1918)

Gottlieb Rosenau died Friday at his home at Delta at the age of eighty-five. A large gathering of friends attended the funeral services Monday at the home. The Rev. E. Breen officiated. Mr. Rosenau was born in Germany March 27, 1832. He came to America at the age of 22, and settled in Iowa County, Wisconsin. He was married to Julia Kliest April 4, 1858. Fifteen children were born, nine of whom are dead. The couple moved to Kossuth County, Iowa, in the fall of 1888, and to Lynden in 1913. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He leaves to mourn his loss his widow, two sons, George of Sauk Center, Minn., and C. C Rosenau, who lives at home - and four daughters, Mrs. Pauline Dickman, Mrs. Lottie Krohn, Mrs. Mary Gutknecht, and Mrs. Minnie Keller, all of Lynden, and 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
(From The Lynden Tribune, March 28, 1918) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROSENHALL, Martin E. (d. 1916)

Martin Edwin Rosenhall died at his home here Tuesday morning after a lingering illness of tuberculosis and was buried in Woodlawn cemetery Thursday afternoon. The services were conducted at the home of Rev. Hodges of the Pentecostal Mission church at Lynden and attended by many friends who mourn his passing away so early in life. Martin was born in Fond du Lac County, Wis., in 1891. He leaves besides his parents, six brothers, Otto, George, Fritz, Ernest, Arthur and Alfred and one sister, Mrs. Ellis Kingston of Seattle. The pall bearers were his young men friends, Charles Bartlett, Giles Constant, Albert Kellner, Arthur Johnson, Geo. Ehler and Will Johnson. The floral offerings were beautiful.
(From The Lynden Tribune, September 21, 1916) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROSS, Donald (d. 1895)

An Old Resident Dies Suddenly at His Home on Wharf Street
An Honorable Life Ended
Funeral Tomorrow

Last evening, at 10 o'clock, Donald Ross died, suddenly, at his home on the wharf. It is supposed his death was caused from injuries received several years ago by falling from the wharf. He was about 70 years of age. Mr. Ross was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to Blaine from Prescott, Arizona, where he had been engaged in government contract work and a commissary agent for twenty years. His life has been one of varied experience, with its ups and downs, having been a man of considerable means at one time, but at the time of his death had very little of this world's goods. He came to Blaine about six years ago, and has conducted himself since in such an honorable manner as to have made him revered by all, and his death causes a sadness in Blaine. His familiar form will be greatly missed. When told several days ago that he could not live much longer, he said "All right. I owe nobody." In early life he was a party to a touching romance. He was engaged to be married to a young lady, and two days before the day set for the wedding his fiance was run over and killed by a railroad train. According to his own story he never got over the shock. His sister died at Port Gamble about six months ago, and the only relatives he has in this country are nephews and nieces living in Seattle. One of his nieces is married to a sea captain running between Seattle and San Francisco. The funeral services will be held to-morrow afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Congregational church.
(From The Blaine Journal, August 2, 1895) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROSSER, Clara E. (d. 1939)

Funeral services for Clara E. Rosser, aged 69 years, Route No. 3, Bellingham, will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 22, at the Bingham-Dahlquist Funeral Home, with Rev. Joseph Warner, pastor of the First Christian Church, officiating. Mrs. Rosser passed away Saturday, November 18, after a lingering illness. She had resided in Bellingham for the past twenty-five years. Surviving relatives include five sons, M. F. Rosser, Phoenix, Arizona; Albert E., Portland, Oregon; Jay A., Route No. 3, Bellingham; William, Los Angeles, Calif., and Roscoe E. Rosser, Chicago, Ill.; one daughter, Mrs. B. F. Younger, Bellingham; one brother, C. W. Fulton, Ellensburg, Wash., and six sisters, Mrs. Jennie Phare, Ellensburg; Mrs. Bessie Smith, Anoka, Minn.; Mrs. Stella Rosser, Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Florence Crawford, Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Eloira Compton, Bruce, Wis., and Mrs. Margaret Carmichael, Bellingham; also four grandchildren. Interment will be made at Woodlawn Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald November 20, 1939) Submitted by Loretta Holzberger

ROSSER, George W. (d. 1939)

George W. Rosser, aged 83 years, beloved husband of Mrs. Clara Rosser, 2314 F Street, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Younger, 3008 Orleans Street, Wednesday, July 26, after an illness of seven months duration. Mr. Rosser had been a resident of this county for the past twenty-five years. Aside from the many friends who will mourn his passing, he leaves to survive him, his widow and five sons, Roscoe, of Chicago; William, of Los Angeles; Mat, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Albert of Milwaukee, Ore., and Jay, of Route 3, Bellingham; one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Younger, of this city; one brother, Albert E. Rosser, of Gaston, Ore.; also a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, of Glendale, Calif.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Remains are resting at the Bingham-Dahlquist Funeral Home, 210 Prospect Street, where funeral services will be held Friday afternoon, July 29, at 3:30 o'clock with Rev. Joseph Warner, pastor of the First Christian Church officiating. Interment will be made in the family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald July 27, 1939) Submitted by Loretta Holzberger

ROTHENBUHLER, Jacob (d. 1935)

JACOB ROTHENBUHLER PASSES AWAY AT ACME

Jacob Rothenbuhler, aged 76 years, passed away at his home, Star route, Wickersham, Saturday, May 18, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Rothenbuhler, who was one of the pioneers here, had been a resident of this county for the past forty-six years and was engaged in farming during the entire time. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. of Acme, and an attendant at the Acme Presbyterian church. Surviving relatives are six sons, John J., Walter, Ernest, Paul, Fred and Norman, all residing near Acme; two daughters, Mrs. Esther Hewitt, Acme, and Mrs. Nellie Mullins, Marysville, Wash.; one brother, Fred, at Clipper; two sisters, in the East, and eighteen grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. A. O. Quall in the Acme Presbyterian church, Tuesday, May 21, at 2 p. m. Burial followed in the Saxon cemetery.
(From The Deming Prospector, May 24, 1935) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROTHFUSS, Clara (d. 1908)

Clara Rothfuss, aged 31 years, wife of John Rothfuss, died at the family residence, 1206 Forest Street, at 1:30 o'clock yesterday after an illness of six months. Mrs. Rothfuss has resided in this city with her family for more than ten years. She is survived by her husband, a daughter and one son. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Johnson, reside at Maple Falls, this county, where Mrs. Rothfuss leaves three brothers, Don, David and Edward Johnson, and one sister, Phyllis. She also has a sister, Mrs. Lena Johnson, living in Oregon. Funeral services will be conducted at the chapel of W. H. Mock & Sons, 1055 Elk Street, this afternoon at 2 o'clock. By special request of the family W. H. Mock will officiate at the chapel. The pallbearers will be selected from the local aerie of Eagles to which Mr. Rothfuss belongs. Interment will be made in Bay View cemetery. All members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles have been requested to attend the funeral.
(From The Morning Reveille, November 18, 1908) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROUFF, Solomon (d. 1915)

Aged Veteran Dies. Solomon Rouff, a member of J. B. Steedman post No. 31 [24], G. A. R., died at his home, on Alabama street yesterday at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 24 days, after a long illness. Mr. Rouff had been a resident of Bellingham for sixteen years. He was a corporal in company D, 160th regiment, New York infantry, having enlisted for three years on August 31, 1862. At the time of his death he was a member of the Second United Presbyterian church. He is survived by his wife and by one son, Willis Rouff, of Blackfoot, Idaho, who was present at his death. The funeral will be held at the deceased's home Friday afternoon at an hour yet to be fixed. The body is in charge of Harry O. Bingham.
(From The American Reveille, July 1, 1915) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROUNDS, Starr K. (d. 1907)

Starr King Rounds, manager of the H. L. Jenkins Lumber Company died at his home in this city shortly after one o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Rounds was stricken with paralysis at about 7:30 o'clock Wednesday morning and grew rapidly worse until death. His death came as a shock to the people of Blaine as Mr. Rounds was on the streets on Tuesday evening, in apparent good health.

Mr. Rounds was born in Eureka, Wisconsin, March 2, 1863. He was educated at the state normal school at Oshkosh, later graduating at a business college in Milwaukee. His entire life was spent in the lumber trade and for five years was identified with the Meeham-Rounds Lumber Company of Meeham, Mississippi, coming from there to Blaine three years ago. Mr. Rounds was married twenty-two years ago to Miss Elizabeth Meeham, who survives him. He leaves one son, Kenneth Rounds, a law student in the University of Wisconsin, a daughter, Miss Marie Rounds of Blaine, a brother D. C. Rounds of Wichita, Kansas, and his mother, Mrs. S. A. Rounds of Eureka, Wisconsin. The remains will leave Blaine at 5:20 this evening and will be taken to Stevens Point, Wisconsin for burial. The local lodge of Odd Fellows, of which Mr. Rounds was a member, will have charge of a short funeral service here. Mr. Rounds had many friends as was shown by the many anxious inquiries regarding his condition during his short illness. Many beautiful floral offerings were sent to the home following his death, one of which came from the Phi Gamma Delta society of the University of Washington on telegraphic orders from the University of Wisconsin.
(From The Blaine Journal, February 29, 1907) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROWE, Hartford J. (d. 1904)

Old Resident of the South Side Expires at Albuquerque, N.M. Hartford J. Rowe, veteran of the Civil War, and for fourteen years a resident of this city, died yesterday from consumption at Albuquerque, New Mexico. He left here only two weeks ago, traveling alone in spite of his weakened condition, hoping to prolong life. He had been ill for some time, for several months scarcely leaving his home at Twenty-third street and Broadway (south side) to go as far away as down town. Mr. Rowe was a carpenter, well known on the south side. He had been member of the C. R. Apperson Post, G. A. R. since he first came to this city. His service in the war covered a period from 1861 to 1866, when he was mustered out as sergeant (sic) in Company B, Thirty-seventh Illinois regiment with which he had been for the entire time. Two years ago Mr. Rowe was superintendent of the Gospel Mission church Sunday school on Harris avenue. He was formerly a member of the Methodist church. He left no family but an adopted son who lives in Kansas. Grand Army friends of the deceased in this city have forwarded money to Alberquerque (sic) to defray the expenses of burial there.
(From the Bellingham Herald of August 29, 1904) Submitted by Merrily Lawson.

ROWE, John (d. 1928)

John Rowe, aged 86 years, beloved husband of Mrs. Marguerite M. Rowe, and father of L. J., C. C., A. M. Rowe and Mrs. W. E. Duppenthaler, city; L. I. Rowe, Burlington, and W. A. Rowe, Beaver Crossing, Alberta, Canada, passed away at the family home, 1310 Ellis street, at an early hour this morning, September 29. Mr. Rowe had been a resident of Bellingham for the past thirty-five years, and was a Civil war veteran, having served for five years with Company G, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer infantry. He was also a member of J. B. Steedman Post No. 24, this city. The remains are being cared for by the Hollingsworth-Dahlquist Funeral Home, 120-122 Prospect street, where funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday, October 1, Rev. Charles MacCaughey, pastor of the Garden Street Methodist Episcopal church, officiating, followed by the ritualistic services of J. B. Steedman Post No. 24, and interment will be made in the family plot in Enterprise cemetery. Twelve grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren also survive.
(From The Bellingham Herald, September 29, 1928) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROWE, Polly A. (d. 1908)

Polly Anne Rowe, aged 57 years, wife of Reuben H. Rowe, died at the family residence, 1709 Fourth Street, South Bellingham, at 4:15 o'clock yesterday morning, her death being due to a sudden attack of heart disease. Mrs. Rowe came to this city with her family seven years ago from Ozark, Ark. She is survived by her husband, five sons and four daughters, all residing here. Her father and five brothers reside in Arkansas. Mrs. Rowe was a member of the Order of Pendo. The body lies at the residence and the funeral arrangements will be announced later, the funeral to be under the direction of W. H. Mock & Sons.
Interment was made in Bay View cemetery.
(From The American Reveille, June 9, 1908) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROWE, Reuben H. (d. 1915)

MAN SICK TEN YEARS PASSES AWAY Reuben H. Rowe, a retired farmer, who has been ill for ten years, dies at his home, 1709 Fourth Street, today at the age of 70 years. He was a member of C. R. Apperson Post No. 59 and it is possible the post will conduct the services at the cemetery, though this has not been determined. Rowe is survived by five sons and four daughters. The funeral will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Bingham's parlors, the Rev. J.M. Wilson officiating. Reuben H. Rowe, aged 70 years, passed away at the family home, 1709 Fourth street, South Bellingham, at an early hour Friday, December 17, after an illness of several years. Mr. Rowe was a member of C. R. Apperson Post No. 59, Grand Army of the Republic. He is survived by five sons and four daughters, J. M., J. C., L. M., C. A. and E. L. Rowe, all of Bellingham; Mrs. S. W. Gerry, Mrs. R. L. Lewis, Mrs. Angus McCaulay, of Bellingham, of Bellingham, and Mrs. R. M. Wiley, of Farmer, Wash. The remains are being cared for at the funeral parlors of Undertaker Harry O. Bingham, 1319 Dock street. Funeral announcements will be made later.
(From The Bellingham Herald, December 17, 1915) Submitted by site coordinator.

ROWLAND, George W. (d. 1928)

George W. Rowland, age 68 years, beloved husband of Mrs. Belle Rowland, city; father of John L., George D., James C., Wade F., and Mrs. Marie Morton, all of Aberdeen, Wash.; Mrs. Gladys Larson and Charles F. Rowland, city, passed away at the family home, 2821 Chautauqua avenue, at an early hour this morning, September 19, after an eighteen months' illness. Mr. Rowland had been a Bellingham resident for the past thirty-six years and was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, Bellingham Bay Court No. 321. The remains are resting at the Hollingsworth-Dahlquist Funeral Home 120-122 Prospect street and funeral announcements will be made later. Eleven grandchildren also survive.
(From The Bellingham Herald, September 19, 1928)

ROWLEY, Viola E. (d. 1938)

RUDD, Tomas (d. 1909)

Tom Rudd is Blown Fifty Feet by Dynamite Blast and Instantly Killed

Thomas Rudd, a rancher living about a quarter of a mile from the Blaine Mill & Lumber Company's mill, at Pleasant Valley, was instantly killed last Saturday afternoon about 5 o'clock by the explosion of a charge of dynamite which had been placed under a stump. His younger brother, Gunther, who stood not far away, was frightfully injured, but will probably recover although he will loose the sight of one eye. The explosion threw the elder Rudd's body about fifty feet in the air, breaking nearly every bone in the body. Gunther Rudd's injuries are confined mostly to his head, sand being blown into his eyes and face so that he was completely blinded. Both Rudds are batchelors and were engaged in blowing stumps with dynamite. A charge had been placed under a stump and the fuse lighted, and after waiting some minutes for the discharge they concluded that it had failed. The elder Rudd approached the stump followed closely by his brother and just as he reached he stump and started to pull out the smoking fuse the charge exploded. The cries of the younger brother attracted the attention of John Shoemaker at the mill not far away, who immediately went over to learn what was the matter. Mr. Shoemaker was engaged in doing some repair work on some machinery out there, being in the employ of the Blaine Foundry & Machine Company of this city. The funeral of the unfortunate man was held Monday afternoon. So far as known there were no relatives in this country.
(From The Blaine Journal, February 26, 1909) Submitted by site coordinator.

RUDY, John A. (d. 1927)

John A. Rudy, Recent Wisconsin Arrival, Dies Tuesday Night

John A. Rudy, who came here nine months ago from Independence, Wis., where he was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America for forty years, died late Tuesday at his home, 3100 Birchwood avenue, aged 70 years. Mr. Rudy is survived by his widow, Mrs. Ellen Rudy; ten sons, George H., John I., Norman, Alvin, James and Henry, of Bellingham; Elmer P., Clarence, Benjamin and Theodore of Wisconsin; three daughters, Mabel and Myrtle, at home, and Mrs. Mary Gross of Wisconsin; four brothers and three sisters, of whom Mrs. George A. Baer lives in Bellingham, and thirty grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the O. R. Hollingsworth funeral parlors Thursday at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Canon E. B. Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn cemetery.
(From The Bellingham Herald, March 23, 1927) Submitted by site coordinator.

RUELL, Paul (d. 1902)

Paul Ruell died Saturday afternoon at the home of his sister, Mrs. Joseph Bernard, 10th street, near McKenzie, Fairhaven. Deceased was 28 years of age. For some time he had been employed on the boom of the Puget Sound sawmill. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Foresters. The funeral occurred at 10 o'clock this morning from the Church of the Assumption and was largely attended by the orders of which he was a member, and friends. Adams band led the procession to the church.
(From the Weekly World-Herald, August 22, 1902) Submitted by Linda Lawson

RUNGE, Fred (d. 1916)

FRED RUNGE IS KILLED INSTANTLY

Not since the series of tragic accidents of three years ago has this community been so profoundly shocked as when the intelligence was received here last Saturday afternoon of the sudden death of Fred Runge, one of the best known men in Blaine. His life was crushed out in an instant by a log at the Hazelmere camp of the Campbell River Lumber Company. The accident happened shortly after one o'clock in the afternoon. Fred was acting as hooktender, at which work he was an expert, and he had just given the signal to the donkey engineer to go ahead when the log, a small cedar, sideswiped on striking a stump and struck him an awful blow, crushing him to the ground and causing instant death. His fellow workers rushed to the spot at once but saw that they were powerless to do anything, for the angel of death had taken her toll. Word was immediately sent to Blaine and the fact communicated to the aged mother, the young wife, and the two sisters as tenderly as possible. It is needless to state here that they were completely prostrated.

Fred had only gone to work in the camp on Thursday preceding the accident. For some time he had considered the offer to take up his old work, and from those with whom he had talked and worked, we learn that he was debating whether to accept or not for fully two weeks before finally making up his mind, and even then expressed a reluctance to take the position. He seemed to carry some premonition of the future.

The deceased was born in Sioux City, Iowa, 38 years ago and came to Blaine with his parents about 30 years ago, where he has resided since. He was married in December, 1914, to Miss Mary Parish, who, with one child six or seven months old, survives him. In addition to the young wife, an aged mother, two sisters, Mrs. Geo. S. Shaw and Mrs. Otto Clausen, and two brothers, Alex Runge of Ketchikan, Alaska, and W. H. Runge of Blaine, are left to mourn his sudden taking. They have the utmost sympathy of everyone in their great sorrow. Fred was the third oldest child of Frederick G. and Margaret C. Runge, who were on both sides of the family the best class of our earliest settlers in this vicinity. Both his parents were German. His father was a highly educated musician and for many years his home was the center of all musical meetings held among the early settlers. The funeral services were held from the mother's home on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock under the direction of the Knights of Pythias lodge, of which the deceased was a member, Rev. J. Fletcher Long officiating. The funeral procession was one of the largest ever witnesses in Blaine. At the grave the K. of P. burial service, a most impressive ceremony, was carried out.
(From The Blaine Journal, June 2 & 9, 1916) Submitted by site coordinator.

RUNGE, Frederick (d. 1888)

RUNGE, Margaret C. (d. 1917)

The death of Mrs. Margaret C. Runge, an old and respected resident of Blaine, occurred last Friday morning at the family home here. She was 73 years of age and had lived in Blaine for 34 years, coming here in the year 1883. The funeral services were held at the home of Tuesday afternoon of this week, having been delayed for the arrival of the eldest son, Alex, from Alaska. Rev. O. Congdon officiated. A large number of old friends and sympathizing neighbors attended.

The deceased was born in Germany and came to this county when but two years of age, settling at Davenport, Iowa. She was married to Mr. Runge April 16, 1872, at Gilbertown, Iowa, and 11 years later they emigrated to Blaine. Her husband passed beyond 28 years ago. Of the five children born to them, four still survive - Mrs. Geo. S. Shaw, Mrs. Otto Clausen and William, all of this city, and Alexander, of Ketchikan, Alaska. Five grandchildren are also living - Italea Runge, Marjorie and Catherine Shaw, and Wilbur Clausen. Mrs. Runge had been in feeble health for several months, in fact has not been herself since the tragic end of her son, Fred, in May of last year. The sorrowing family have the sympathy of the community in the loss of mother.
(From The Blaine Journal July 13, 1917) Submitted by site coordinator.

RUNYON, Amanda (d. 1908)

Death Claims Pioneer Mrs. Chas. Runyon, 21 years a resident of Lynden, passed away after a long illness Saturday afternoon. She was 65 years of age and a member of the Women's Relief Corps. The funeral took place Monday afternoon and was largely attended. Rev. A. J. Whitfield of the Methodist Church conducted a short service at the home and the last sad rites at the cemetery.

Amanda Smith was born Feb. 16, 1843, and was one of a family of six boys and four girls all of which are still living except herself. Two of her brothers live in South Dakota and the other four and two sisters in Iowa. Mrs. J. S. Harding, the other sister, who attended her during her last illness, lives at New Port, Wash. After the Civil War, Miss Smith married her soldier lover, Chas. Runyon, in 1867, at Horton, Iowa. Three children came to bless this union all of whom survive her, Mrs. Henry Slade, Mrs. Walter True and Joe Runyon, all of Lynden. Twenty one years ago the family moved to Lynden and established their home. So besides her brothers and sisters and husband and children, Mrs. Runyon leaves a host of friends in Lynden who mourn her death.
(From The Lynden Tribune, September 3, 1908) Submitted by site coordinator.

RUNYON, Charles (d. 1926)

Funeral services were held at Knapp's Funeral Parlors Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock for the late Charles Runyan (sic), who died at his home Saturday at the age of 84 years. Rev. T. L. Blaisdell had charge of the services. Mr. Runyan was born in Michigan Oct. 7, 1842, and had lived in Lynden the past 38 years. He served in the Civil War, and was a member of the G. A. R. He is survived by one son, Joe, of Lynden, and two daughters, Mrs. Henry Slade of Colville and Mrs. Irene Henspon of California.
(From The Lynden Tribune, October 21, 1926) Submitted by site coordinator.

RUSCO, Anson J. (d. 1924)

LYNDEN MOURNS G. A. R. VETERAN After a short illness, A. J. Rusco passed away at Orting, Wash., December 13, 1924. He was born in West Virginia June 22, 1838 and died at the age of 86 years, 5 months and 21 days. Mr. Rusco served in the Civil War and was a member of the Lynden G. A. R. He leaves to moun his loss, one son, A. E. Rusco and family of Lynden and a daughter in Portland. Funeral services were conducted at Knapp's Funeral Parlors Monday at 2 o'clock with Rev. D. A. Storey officiating. The Odd Fellows had charge of the services at the cemetery.
(From The Lynden Tribune, December 18, 1924) Submitted by site coordinator.

RUSS, Bertha (d. 1919)

Mrs. Bertha Russ of Vanda, B. C., passed away Thursday at the F. Weidcamp home. Funeral services were held at the residence with the Rev. Benadom of Lynden, officiating. She leaves to mourn her death her husband, Mr. Edward Russ and little son of Vanda, B. C., two sisters, Mrs. Ellingsworth of Misjunction, B. C., and Mrs. Horn of Ferndale.
(From The Lynden Tribune, May 29, 1919) Submitted by site coordinator.

RUTGERS, Johanna H. (d. 1911)

Johanna Henrietta Rutgers, mother of John and Guise Rutgers, died Saturday morning and was buried in the Holland cemetery, Monday afternoon. The funeral services were said in the Christian Reformed church. Grandma Rutgers was 88 years, 5 months and 17 days old at the time of her death. She was born in Holland and came to Lynden with her boys, seven or eight years ago. She was remarkably well and lively for a woman of her age to within a week of her death, and always she was sweet tempered. A friend of the family told me Monday that hw always liked to play with the little ones and that she always had a joke and a smile for the older ones. I think a cheerful disposition speaks well for one's peace with their God.
(From The Lynden Tribune, October 5, 1911) Submitted by site coordinator.

RYASON, Samuel (d. 1920)

Samuel Ryason, aged 76 years 8 months 9 days, passed away at St. Luke's hospital February 1, (1920) after a brief illness. Mr. Ryason was a Civil war veteran, serving as a private in the Eighty-eighth Indiana infantry, and marched with "Sherman to the sea" and often furnished in vivid stories relating his war experiences, entertainment to his listeners. Locally Mr. Ryason was engaged in the mercantile business with his only surviving son, at Nooksack and Lawrence, and will be remembered as a good neighbor and a true friend. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 4, at 2 p.m. from the First M. E. church at Nooksack, Rev. Shultz, of South Bellingham officiating. Besides the son, one sister living in Ohio still survives, together with six grandchildren, all living in Whatcom county. Funeral arrangements in the hands of J. C. Gillies, of Sumas.
(From The Bellingham Herald, February 3, 1920) Submitted by site coordinator.   Image

RYASON, Sarah (d. 1917)

Nooksack-- Mrs. S. Ryason died at her home Tuesday morning, July 31. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Methodist church, the pastor, Rev. L. C. Schultz, preaching the sermon. Interment was made in the Nooksack cemetery. Mrs. Ryason, whose maiden name was Sarah Margaret Scott was born in Lagrange, Lagrange County, Indiana, on October 27, 1845; twenty years later she was married to Samuel Ryason, who with their only child, Ira Ryason, survive her. After living for several years in Indiana, Mr. and Mrs. Ryason moved to Michigan, remaining there until eighteen years ago when they came to Nooksack, where they have since resided with the exception of a short time spent at each Lawrence and Sedro-Woolley.
(From The Bellingham Herald August 7, 1917) Relative: Ron Sieber

RYUS, Joseph E. (d. 1909)

J. E. RYUS DIES IN ALASKA J. E. Ryus, for many years a resident of this city, died on May 6 in Ketchikan, Alaska, where he has been a resident for the past two years, according to a telegram received last night by E. R. Johnson, of Maple Street. The message gave no details of his death or of its cause, but stated that his son had started south with the body, which will be buried here. Mr. Ryus was a member of the Yeomen in this city and also of the local G. A. R. post.

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O. D. McDonald, United States customs inspector of this city, received a letter yesterday from Floyd E. Ryus, who is engaged in the drug business at Ketchikan, Alaska, giving the information that his father, Emmett Ryus, died at the family home at Ketchikan, last Thursday, and that they would leave with the body for Bellingham last monday, interment to be made here, where Mr. Ryus lived for many years. Mr. Ryus was a veteran of the Civil War, being a member of J. B. Steedman Post No. 24, G. A. R. of this city. He served in the same company of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry during the War of the Rebellion as did Mr. McDonald, who received the news of his death. The body will be received upon its arrival by W. H. Mock & Sons, the Elk Street undertakers, where the funeral arrangements will be announced, to be under the auspices of J. B. Steedman Post No. 24, Grand Army of the Republic.
(From The Morning Reveille, May 12 & 13, 1909) Submitted by site coordinator.

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