Willis Wiley Van Matre
Willis Wiley Van Matre is the son of Nathan Kelly and Marilda A. (Wiley) Van Matre. Many of the records and articles refer to him as W. W. Van Matre.
Born: 28 Jul 1857 in Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 11 Dec 1942 at the age of 85 in Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Married 1st: 6 Jan 1885 Sarah Eudora “Dora” Hunnell in Henderson, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Married 2nd: 16 May 1901 Caroline Verdaline Hunnell in Aurora, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #30988631 buried at Redmond Memorial Cemetery, Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Memorial #76601253 duplicate memorial.
Sarah Eudora “Dora” Hunnell daughter of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 26 Apr 1867 in Green County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 17 Sep 1899 at the age of 32 in Farmers Valley, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #76601551 buried at Farmers Valley Cemetery, Hamilton County Nebraska USA.
Caroline Verdaline Hunnell daughter of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell and sister of Sarah Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre.
Born: 19 Feb 1881 in Farmers Valley, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 9 Sep 1858 at the age of 77 in Mt. Angel, Marion County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #30988626 buried at Redmond Memorial Cemetery, Redmond Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Mineral Point, LaFayette County, Wisconsin 1857-1879
Willis Wiley Van Matre was born and raised on the family farm in Mineral Point Wisconsin. This is where he learned farming and received his education most likely from his father, Nathan Kelly Van Matre. He would have been too young to have participated in the Civil War.
Although the pioneer gene skipped his father, Nathan Kelly, who remained in Wisconsin his whole life, Willis must have inherited the spirit of his ancestors, because although he remained in farming all of his life, he continued the family trek west. In the fall of 1879, at the age of 22 he moved west to Farmers Valley Township, Hamilton County Nebraska.
As well as farming the land, Willis specialized in raising stock, including horses, cattle and hogs. His father, Nathan Kelly, was noted as raising good Berkshire & Maggie Hogs, and Willis is noted as raising China Hogs, winning awards at various fairs in their communities.
Hamilton County, Nebraska
In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed by Congress, organizing the Nebraska Territory. This act opened lands west of the Missouri, previously reserved for the Indians, to settlement. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed settlers to claim 160 acres of land free in eastern Nebraska and statehood was granted on March 1, 1867, in a proclamation signed by President Andrew Johnson.
The railroads contributed greatly to the early development of the site. The Union Pacific was completed across Nebraska in 1867, and the lines of the Burlington system crisscrossed most of the state by the mid- 1880s. Many early railroads received land grants from the state and federal governments to offset the cost of construction. These lands were sold to settlers through extensive advertising campaigns, with some companies sending representatives to Europe to encourage immigrants to come to Nebraska.
Nebraska showed continued growth until the farm depressions of the 1890s. By 1900 most of the prime land in the state was settled, and larger claims were needed for profitable farming and ranching. In 1904 an act introduced by Congressman Moses Kinkaid of Nebraska was passed. The Kincaid Act increased the size of the homesteads from 160 to 640 acres.
Table of Contents
Hamilton County’s boundaries were officially established in 1867 at the time of statehood and the county was named for Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of Treasury in President George Washington’s cabinet. The county was not organized until 1870 following a general election held at John Harris’ house near the Blue river. The first county seat was Orville city (8 miles south of Aurora), named in honor of Orville Westcott, son of C. O. Westcott, the county’s first treasurer. The population of the county in 1870 was 130. By 1880 it had grown in population to 8,267.
About Farmers Valley I could find very little history. I did find the Farmers Valley Cemetery on Farmers Valley road in Hamilton County, Nebraska that is just six miles east of Stockham, Nebraska, located in the Orville Township just west of Farmers Valley Township. As seen in the map above, Farmers Valley is the farthest southeast township in the county.
The map below is an 1888 Farmers Valley Township Map.
The properties of interest include:
- The Red Dot in section 30 (in map above) is the Joseph Stockham property (location of old Stockham that was moved west just over the border into Orville Precinct when the Railway went in).
- The Red Dot in section 24 (map above) is the location of the Farmers Valley Post Office.
- 160 acres, the SE 1/4 of section 16 belongs to W. Van Matre (Willis).
- 40 Acres, the SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 15 belonged to E. A. Van Matre (Willis’ brother Elvin Andrew Van Matre)
- 80 acres, the SW 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 14 belonged to Fred Hunnel, most likely Fred Hunnell III (brother of Dora and Caroline), since their father, Fred Hunnell II, passed in 1884. This was the property granted to her father in 1878.
- 160 acres, the NE 1/4 of Section 10 belonged to James W. Hunnel (most likely Dora and Carolines uncle).
- 40 acres, the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of section 15 is owned by Van M. & Ball. Probably Willis Van Matre and Pearson Ball who also owned 160 acres in Section 16.
- You will also see Israel Bray, he was Dora and Carolines uncle on their mothers side.
Stockham, Nebraska
Stockham, Nebraska1 was located in Farmers Valley Precinct, where the Hunnells (Willis’ in-laws) and Willis’ property was located. Stockham was located on the bank of the Blue River. The town was near the vicinity of the first settlement made in the county, which may be Farmers Valley, where the Hunnells settled in 1878.
It is thought the first buildings in this original town were put up about 1870. Among them was a grist mill, post office, store, restaurant and schoolhouse. The original town of Stockham was abandoned when the railroad was put through in 1887. Most of the old landmarks are gone.
In 1887, the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley railroad built a line from Fremont to Hastings and telegraph service was put into use. The town of Stockham was moved about a half mile further southwest (into Orville Precinct, section 25), directly south of the rail line. The new town of Stockham was surveyed and platted in 1887. The dry years in the 1930’s started the downfall of the town, the Stockham state Bank closed in 1933, in 1942 the railroad abandoned its line due to money loss in operation. The town then deteriorated rapidly, and the removal of houses continued over a period of years. As population declined, businesses left town and on February 27, 1967, the population had decreased to 55.
Farmers Valley, Hamilton County, Nebraska 1880-1899
What motivated Willis, his brother, friends and uncle to relocate to Nebraska was most likely the Kansas-Nebraska Act granting 160 acres of free land, to migrate to Nebraska.
We find him in the 1880 census at 22 years old living with Andrew and Eliza Allen, both age 21. Willis’ sister, Clara, married Charles Joseph Allen. Andrew was Charles brother, who married Aliza Sarah Carver in 1880 in Nebraska. It appears that at least the three of them made the journey to Nebraska. Both Andrew and Willis are showing as Farmers on the census.
A write up I found about Charles and Aliza posted to their ancestry.com profile, states that he was disowned by his family when he married Aliza. By the time the 1888 plat map was drawn, Charles and Eliza had moved on to Colorado.
The 1888 plat map (shown above), shows E. A. Van Matre as owning 40 acres in section 15, just east of Willis’ property. It appears that this is Elvin Andrew Van Matre, Willis’ brother, so is likely that he and his wife Clara also traveled to Nebraska at some point after 1880.
At some point between 1879 and 1885, Willis connected with Sarah Eudora “Dora” Hunnell. Her family moved to Nebraska about 1878 from Wisconsin and was granted their land in that year. It appears that prior to that time they lived in Argyle, Lafayette County, Wisconsin (about 9 miles from Fayette), so perhaps the families were acquainted in Wisconsin and that connection is what brought Willis and his brother to Nebraska.
Dora’s father, Frederick Hunnell, Jr. received a land Grant on 18 March 18, 1878, Certificate No 9004, Application, No 14583, on the West of the South West 1/4., Section No 14, in Township No. 9 containing 80 acres 268. This is showing on the Plat Map under Fred Hunnel (most likely Fred III, since their father had passed in 1884).
Willis and Dora married on January 6, 1885 in Hamilton County Nebraska. Dora’s father, Frederick A Hunnell Jr., had died on the 10th of June 1884 the year before. Sarah’s siblings ages were: George 20; Eliphalit 16, Wilbur 14, Lily 11, Florence 8, Frederick 7 and Caroline 14.
Between 1886 and 1894, Willis and Dora would have their first three boys, Frederick, Earnest (twin) and Elvin (twin). On April 22, 1896, they would suffer the loss of Earnie, one of the twins. On September 17, 1899 Willis and Dora had their fourth child, Dean Wilbur. I assume they were living on the Van Matre farm in section 16.
It is estimated that about 1894 Willis joined the Modern Woodmen’s Lodge, in Nebraska. He would remain a member for over 50 years and maintain his membership as he continued to migrate west.
Modern Woodmen’s Lodge
Modern Woodmen of America was founded by Joseph Cullen Root on January 5, 1883, in Lyons, Iowa. He had operated a number of businesses, including a mercantile establishment, a grain elevator and two flour mills, sold insurance and real estate, taught bookkeeping classes, managed a lecture bureau, and practiced law. Root was a member of several fraternal societies throughout the years. He wanted to create an organization that would protect families following the death of a breadwinner.
Modern Woodmen is a tax-exempt fraternal benefit society. The membership organization sells life insurance, annuity and investment products to help fund member benefits and social, educational and volunteer programs that meet community needs.
As a fraternal organization, the society is organized around a lodge system, called chapters, Summit chapters and youth service clubs. These groups offer fellowship and community service opportunities for members. In 2016, Modern Woodmen members were part of 2,466 chapters, 283 Summit chapters and 782 youth service clubs nationwide.
As written in Willis’ obituary: “Wherever he made his home, he was prominent in community affairs. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen’s lodge for over 50 years.”
Only four months after Dean was born, Dora died unexpectedly, on September 17, 1899, at their home. She was buried at the Farmers Valley cemetery, next to her son, Earnest.
Sarah Eudora "Dora" (Hunnell) Van Matre Obituary
The following obituary appeared in the Republican-Register, Aurora, Nebraska on September 29, 1899:2
Early Monday morning this community was brought into sad mourning by the news of the sudden death of Mrs. Dora Vanmatre. She had not been feeling well for some time and on Friday evening was very sick. The doctor was summoned and all thought there was no immediate danger. She seemingly remained about the same during Saturday and Sunday. On Monday morning at about 7 o’clock death came unexpectedly.
Many of her relatives did not even know of her illness and it was a great shock to them. Dora Hunnell was born in Green County, Wisconsin, on April 26, 1867. Came with her parents to Hamilton County, Nebraska, May 27, 1873.
She was married to William [Willis] Vanmatre June 6, 1885. To this union were born four children – all boys, of which two were twins, one of the twins having died April 1897. Mrs. Vanmatre was beloved by all who knew her and this community unites in heartfelt sympathy with the husband and children in the sad bereavement of the kind and loving wife and mother who was so suddenly taken from their happy home. There was a large attendance at the funeral. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Williams, after which the remains were tenderly laid to rest in the Farmvale [Farmers Valley] cemetery.
Farmers Valley, Hamilton County Nebraska 1899-1910
A fun Newspaper Snippet – Farmers Valley – 19 May 1899:3
W. W. Vanmatre says he has been from home only once this winter and would not went then only to make a trade with a fellow.
A fun Newspaper Snippet – Farmers Valley – 19 May 1899:4
W. W. Vanmatre was up to the county seat Tuesday.
A fun Newspaper Snippet – Farmers Valley – 16 Jun 1899:5
The Sunday School Convention will be held in W.W. Vanmatre’s grove next Sunday, June 18th [1899], commencing at ten a.m.
A fun Newspaper Snippet – Local and Personal – 21 Oct 1899:6
–W. W. Van Matre, 5 miles northeast of Stockham, will sell a lot of stock and machinery at public auction, Friday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m.
Fun Newspaper Snippets – Farmers Valley – 12 Jan 1901:7
David Ely and W. W. Van Matre were doing business in the town of Henderson on Saturday last.
If any body has anything to trade from a jack-knife to a farm, call on either Geo. Thompson or W. W. Van Matre and its your fault if you don’t trade.
A Fun Newspaper Ad – Aurora – 20 Jul 1906:8
The 1900 US Federal Census shows Dora’s mother, Lois, and Dora’s sister, Caroline, now 19 years old, living with Willis and his three children, Fred, 10; Elvin, 5; and Dean 1.
The Census shows that Lois Hunnell is the head of household and the farm is owned, free of mortgage by her. If so, what happened to Willis’ farm of 160 acres? Perhaps they were living in the mother-in-laws home, but Willis continued to farm both properties. If so, what happened to Doras brothers? Well, according to the 1900 census her brothers were found as follows:
- Frederick Alfred Hunnell (now 22) was working as a Day Laborer in Union, Day County South Dakota.
- Wilbur Xenia Hunnell Sr. (now 29), was living with his wife and two children in Aurora City, Nebraska and working as a R R Laborer.
- Eliphalet Hunnell (now 31) was also living in Aurora City, Nebraska with his wife and son, working as a R R Laborer.
- George Hunnell (now 35) was living with his wife and three sons in Henderson Township, York County, Nebraska, working as a day laborer.
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So, it appears that Willis was the one who was running the two farms, while his mother-in-law and sister-in-law were taking care of the home and kids.
On May 16, 1901 Willis married Caroline, in Aurora, Hamilton County, Nebraska. Willis was 43 and Caroline was 20.
Willis and Caroline’s first two children were born in Farmers Valley, Nebraska: Lillian Mae, born July 19, 1902 and Willis Marion, born January 1, 1906.
Sometime before April 1910, Willis, Caroline and their children, along with Caroline’s mother, Lois and soon after, her brother George moved to Missouri.
In 1908, Willis’ oldest son Fred (now 21), moved to Central, Oregon along with Caroline’s brother Frederick Hunnell, now 30. The farms in Nebraska were sold at some point, as the Plat Maps for 1923 show new owners.
Mount Vernon, Lawrence County, Missouri 1910-1914
Mount Vernon was platted in 1845. The city was named after Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington. This area was known as the New Madrid area of the District of Louisiana (1804) then Missouri Territory (1812), Wayne County (1830), Greene County (1834), Barry County (1837), and finally Lawrence County in 1845, when both the county and the new county seat of Mt. Vernon were officially founded.
During the Civil War, both Confederate and Federal troops were headquartered here, and loyalties were sharply divided. Mt. Vernon remained in Union hands through the rest of the war, and over 100 different regiments either camped or passed through her during the period of 1861-1865.
The first telephone in town was installed in 1885, and in 1891, the Greenfield and Northern Railroad was built, contributing greatly to early commercial development.
The 1910 Federal Census shows the Van Matre’s owned their own farm free of mortgage in Mt. Vernon Township, Lawrence County, Missouri. Why they relocated to Missouri is not known.
1930 Lawrence County, Missouri, showing layout of townships.
W.W. Van Matre property is marked in blue in Mt. Vernon Township, section 36.9
The 120 acre property on the 1930 Plat Map of Mount Vernon Township, Lawrence County, Missouri, still under the name of W. W. Van Matre in Township 28N, R.26W, section 36, owning 120 acres in SE 1/4 N 1/2 and SW 1/4 NE 1/4, although they had moved to Oregon by that date. It’s possible Caroline’s brother George managed the farm for them, as George and his family owned his farm just below where the W. W. Van Matre property was.
Caroline’s mother, Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell, died September 22, 1910, at the age of 62 in Mount Vernon, Misssouri, so I surmise that she moved with them to Mount Vernon.
Mrs. Hunnell found dead10
Mrs. Hunnel ws found dead in bed at her son-in-law’s W. W. Vanmeter, last Friday morning. Mrs. Hunnel was subject to heart trouble.
Louis Pratt (Bray) Hunnell Obituary:11
“The many friends of Mrs. Lois Hunnell were shocked and grieved to hear of her sudden death at the home of her daughter at Aurora, Mo. On Friday Sept. 23d Mrs. Hunnell has scores of friends in Hamilton county, having been an early settler and a woman of kindly thoughts for everyone and. always present to render sypathy and aid in sickness and death. The funeral and interment will be in Misssouri at her late home.”
The obituary implies she’s been in Mount Vernon for quite some time. It appears she came to Missouri with Willis and caroline between 1908 and 1910. It also refers to their home in Aurora, although they lived in the Southeast corner of Township 28N R. 26W part of Mount Vernon (Section 36), not in Aurora Township. Although the funeral ws in Missouri, her body is buried in Farmers valley Cemetery, Hamilton County, Nebraska.
The comments on her character, kindliness and helpfulness, is what was also said about her daughters, Dora and caroline that has been passed down by the Van Matre family.
Willis and Caroline’s daughter Clara Lois Van Matre, born July 31, 1911 and son Carroll LeRoy Van Matre, born October 2, 1913, were both born in Mount Vernon, Missouri.
Not much is written about their time here or of any events that took place while they were here, but we can assume that Willis was farming, participating in community affairs and continued his interest in the Woodmen’s Lodge. They lived in Mount Vernon until the fall of 1914 when they moved to Central Oregon.
I was able to find a the following newspaper clippings in Missouri:
Premiums Awarded at Mr. Vernon Street Fair, Held September 17-19, 191212
Live Stock
Sow, 1st and 2d Van Matre
Boar, 1st and 2d Van Matre
Sow and Pigs, 1st Van Matre
Van Matre Sale – 2 Sep 191513
O.O. Harlan secured his herd boar at the Van Mater sale last fall. He will sell 20 of his offspring at Marionville, Sept. 11.
Cloverdale, Oregon 1914-1918
Deschutes County, Oregon80
Willis moved to Central, Oregon about 1914 and most likely stayed with his son, Frederick in Bend, Oregon.
Whether the rest of the family came in 1914 or 1915 is not clear. In February 1915, the family moved to Cloverdale, Oregon and purchased their ranch. Their daughter, Evelyn was born on January 29, 1917 in Cloverdale.
It’s interesting to note that I found three Cloverdale’s in Oregon. One in Tillamook County, one in Lane County and another in Deschutes County. They settled in the Cloverdale in Deschutes County (Crook County at the time).
Cloverdale is an unincorporated community in Deschutes County [originally Crook County], Oregon. It is located about five miles east of Sisters [between Sisters and Redmond], on Oregon Route 126. In the late 19th century, Cloverdale became important stop on the A.J. Warrin Road, an alternative route to the Santiam Wagon Road on the way to Prineville. The community provided services for travelers and local homesteaders, with a store, blacksmith shop, and facilities for camping and boarding horses. By the 1920’s or 1930s, the route fell into disuse and the buildings either fell down, were torn down, or moved.14
Cloverdale was named by R.A. Ford, a local farmer who was also a teacher and a county school superintendent. He surveyed the nearby Cloverdale Ditch, which is parallel to Whychus creek. The ditch is used for irrigation. Crops grown in the area include clover, alfalfa, potatoes, grasses and vegetables. The one-room Old Cloverdale School was built on George Cyrus Road (a.k.a. Cloverdale Market road). Also, known as the Cyrus School, it is listed as a historic resource by Deschutes County. A new school was built in 1919. The 1919 school shares a site with the Cloverdale rural Fire Protection District station and as of 2011 was in use as a preschool.
On April 24, 1916, Willis purchased the NW 1⁄4 of Section 8, Township 15 S, Range 11 E (Cloverdale), 160 acres from Garrett W. and Anna K. Vanderwall for $6,200.15 The property was on the West side of Cloverdale and on the South side of the McKenzie Hwy. Family stories say he arrived in Central Oregon in the fall of 1914. I found evidence that he stayed in Bend until he moved to Cloverdale in February 1915, when he ” bought Mr. Waldron’s option in the Vanderwall ranch”. The purchase of the ranch was recorded April 24, 1916.
As previously noted, Willis was known for raising high quality stock, including horses, cattle and hogs. The following was found in the Bend Bulletin on October 11, 1916:16
Winners at the Sisters Fair
Horses.
W. W. Van Matre draft foal, first;
Swine.
W. W. Van Matre, Poland China boar, first; sow, six months to one year, first; sow with litter of pigs, first.
Children’s Department.
Cooking.
Lillian Van Matre, Cooking, first.
Special Prizes.
For best general farm exhibit, W. W. Van Matre, cash $15, first prize given by Assn. W.W. Van Matre, for best display grains and grasses, $2.50 in merchandise.
In February 1917, W.W. Van Matre registered his Ford and is showing as follows17:
27584 Van Matre W W, Sisters (Ford-1326376).
Perhaps this is his first automobile?
While in Cloverdale, the W. W. Van Matre family was very involved with the community and farming. I found him and his family frequently mentioned in the Cloverdale Section of The Bend Bulletin newspaper between 1915 and 1918. below are some fun and interesting clips: Other sources will be noted.
- January 6, 1915 – Mr. Van Matre and son of Bend were guests at Waldrons over Monday night.
- January 27, 1915 – W. Van Matre of Bend spent Monday and Tuesday in this section.
- February 17, 1915 – Willis Van Matre of Bend, formerly of Farmers Valley, Nebraska has bought Mr. Waldron’s option in the Vanderwall ranch and is moving his family here this week.
- March 3, 1915 – Fred Van Matre of Bend was visiting his parents Thursday night. Mr. and Mrs. Grube were calling Sunday evening on the Van Matre family. Elvin Van Matre was in Sisters on Sunday.
- March 31, 1915 – March 29. – Willis Van Matre and E. L. Waldron made a business trip to Long Hollow ranch Thursday.
- June 2, 1915 – Rev. Towne conducted services at the school house in honor of the old soldiers Sunday. Three were present. Mr. Burnside of this community being one. Music was furnished by a quartet, Mrs. Templeton, Mr. and Mrs. Skelton and Mr. Beyers. There were also songs by Lillian and Marion Van Matre, recitations by Dona Cyrus , Sherman Johnson, Orval Kelly, Geneva Rivetts and Mrs. Kruchek. Dean Van Matre went to Bend on Thursday, returning Sunday.
- December 29, 1915 – Mr. and Mrs. Van Matre and family went to Bend Saturday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Hunnell. Mr. Hunnell is Mrs. Van Matre’s brother. [This would be Evelena Louise (Rose) Hunnell, 37 years old, wife of Wilbur Xenia Hunnell.]
- March 1, 1916 – Mr. Hoover autoed out from Bend Sunday bringing Mrs. Van Matre home. E. L. Waldron and W. W. Van Matre are in Bend today on Business. Elvin Van Matre went to Redmond this morning.
- June 21, 1916 – The Cloverdale Council Club met at its regular meeting Friday night. The following program was rendered: Son, the Jolly Four; recitation, Jno. Dokkine; song, W. D Van Matre; tableau, Esther Cyrus and Clara Van Matre; solo, Mrs. Templeton; recitation, Esther Cyrus, tableau, Four girls; recitation, Clara Van Matre… Elvin Van Matre went to Bend on Saturday and returned Sunday. Dean Van Matre, Walter Boyd and Floyd Grube spent sunning, fishing and picnicking on the Metolius.
- July 5, 1916 – Wilma Hunnell of Bend is spending the week with her aunt, Mrs. W. W. Van Matre.
- December 27, 1916 – Quite a number of Cloverdale people attended the Christmas exercises in Sisters Christmas evening. Among those present were Vern Skelton, Mr. and Mrs. A. Templeton, Dean Van Matre, Miss Idell Miller, Floyd Grube, Miss Maud Grube, Alvin Van Matre and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Seaman.
- Dec 24, 1917 – Mr. Peterson, Mr. Van Matre and Mr. Peterson’s cousin, Mr. Holly, went to Redmond Saturday and attended the county council. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson spent Sunday afternoon at Van Matres’.
- July 12, 1917 – Deschutes County Draft List Shows Many Names of Those Who May Serve. Included in list: Elvin W. Van Matre, Sisters.
- August 9, 1917 – Lillian Van Matre spent Monday with Georgia Woods, of Sisters. W. W. Van Matre delivered hogs in Redmond Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Van Matre were calling on Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Peterson Sunday.
- August 30, 1917 – W. W. Van Matre was in town Saturday getting lumber from the mill.
- October 4, 1917, p. 4 – Mr. and Mrs. Frank Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hodson, Mrs. and Mrs. Harold Kline, Idella and Earl Miller, Vern Skelton and Dean and Lillian Van Matre attended the Sisters fair dance Wednesday night. Clyde Hauck and Gladys Brandenburgh were supper guests at the W. W. Van Matre home last Thursday evening. Gladys Brandenburgh is a niece of Mrs. Van Matre. Fred N. Van Matre, of Bend, is foreman at the Wing Mill at Sisters, formerly the Duckett mill. Viola Miller and Lillian Van Matre were calling on Gladys Parberry Sunday afternoon.18
- November 17, 1917 – W. W. Van Matre was reported fixing the Cloverdale telephone line near Sisters with R.J. Skelton.
- December 12, 1917 – W. W. Van Matre is reported as being elected Vice President of the Council Club. La Dona Cyrus was the guest of Lillian Van Matre Sunday night. H. K. Boyd is working for W. W. Van Matre at present.
- December 12, 1917 – Mrs. and Mrs. L. A. brandenburg, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Van Matre and family and W. K. Hunnell and family and Miss Clement, all of Bend, spent Thursday and Friday with Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Van Matre. Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Wilson spent Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Van Matre.19
- January 5, 1918 – W. W. Van Matre received a Telegram from Mineral Point, Wisconsin, reporting the death of his father Nathan Kelly Van Matre.
- January 5, 1918 – A party was given at Van Matre’s with a list of guests. Dean and Lillian attend the Christmas Dance at Sisters. Dean spent Christmas day at Bend.
- In February 1918 W. W. Van Matre is reported as being on the Jury List for 1918.[
- February 7, 1918 – Verne Skelton and Dean Van matre helped John Gotter take 25 fattening steers to Redmond to ship Friday. Idella Miller, Verne Skelton and Dean and Lillian Van matre spent Sunday evening with Miss Rose Hunnell at Cline Falls.
- June 12, 1918 – Dean Van Matre and Idella Miller [Deans future wife] made a trip to Bend on Saturday. Ladona and Mrs. W. W. Van Matre made a trip to Bend last Tuesday. Mrs. W. W. Van Matre attended the Red Cross last week.
- June 26, 1918 – Grade Students pass into High – Those who received their diplomas were: Lela Fay Miller, Gladys E. Parberry, Laura Ladona Cyrus and Lillian M. Van Matre. Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Van Matre and family motored to Sisters Sunday morning. Ladona Cyrus was a guest of Lillian Van Matre Sunday.
- September 4, 1918 – on Sunday the W. W. Van Matre family and daughter-in-law motored to Deschutes [just East of Tumalo] to spend the day at the L.A. Brandenburg home [Caroline’s Sister and brother-in-law]. On Thursday W. W. Van Matre with Mrs. Cutler, Mrs. Weston, Bert Hodson, C. Christy, Mr. & Mrs. R.J. Selton and Verne Van Matre made a business trip to Bend. Mr. & Mrs. Dean Van Matre were charivaried by a few Cloverdale people last Monday night.
- Definition of Charivaried: a noisy mock serenade performed by a group of people to celebrate a marriage.
- In July 1918, Elvin W. Van Matre, who has been in Wilder, Idaho for the past year, returned to his home July 14, where he visited a few days before going to Bend. He leaves Monday, July 22, for Camp Lewis, where he will take training for the U.S. army. In the same clipping it says the family, with Elvin, motored to Bend on Saturday.
- July 30, 1918, H. O. Wilson is helping W.W. Van Matre with his haying. The farmers are finding it hard to get help for haying.
- In October 1918, their son Elvin joins the Army Ambulance corps and sent to France.
- In 1918 W. W. Van Matre is reported to be one of the acting judges of the 1918 election.
- September 11, 1918 – W. W. Van Matre moved his family to his newly purchased home in Redmond Saturday and Sunday for the purpose of getting the children in high school.
I found conflicting information regarding the sale of the Cloverdale Ranch:
- In the September 13, 1918 copy of the Bend Bulletin: the following article was printed:20
“Through deals closed yesterday afternoon and this morning two Deschutes county alfalfa ranches have changed hands at a total consideration of $18,400. One of the ranches involved in the sale, which was made by J. B. Minor, included the Van Matre holdings at Cloverdale, consisting of 160 acres of irrigated land, which was taken over by Black Brothers & Harris, stock raisers of Hampton Butte, and will be used by these gentlemen in their stock industry for the production of alfalfa…”
– - In the October 5, 1918 edition of the Bend Bulletin I found the following:
“Black Bros. & Henderson, who recently purchased the Van Matre place, took possession of the ranch on Friday.”
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- September 10, 1923 – The Deschutes County Deeds, Book 36, page 236,
records Willis W. Van Matre transferring the deed to the NW 1⁄4 of section 8, Township 15 S Route 11 E, to C. M Vermillion for the sum of $10 plus Mortgage of $4,700. This is the same property he acquired on April 24, 1918 in Cloverdale.308 C. M. Vermillion is the same name that is on the 1935 Plat Map above.
Perhaps W.W. was just leasing the property to Black Bros. & Henderson until he sold the property in 1923.
Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon 1918-1942
The clipping from The Bend Bulletin, Cloverdale Section dated September 11, 1918 states:
”W.W. Van Matre moved his family to his newly purchased home in Redmond Saturday and Sunday for the purpose of getting the children in high school.”
It was after they moved to Redmond, that on April 10, 1918, W.W. and Caroline’s youngest son, Everett Eugene “Bud” Van Matre was born at a hospital in Bend, Oregon. The first and only child born in a hospital.
Land Records
Change of street names complicates our evaluation of where the properties were located. I’ve been able to determine that Greenwood Avenue was previously called Howard Street and Fir Ave was previously called Oak Street.
W. W. and Caroline purchased several parcels of land in Redmond. It appears from what I could piece together, that they lived in their home in Lot A in the Collins Addition (#2 on the map). This property was between Fir Ave (Oak) and Elm Ave., between 9th and 10th street. In looking at the addresses given over the years. This would account for the different addresses given, e.g. 9th street in 1920 census, Oak Street in 1930 census and referred to as the 10th street home in The Bend Bulletin.
They later moved to a home “on the highway” which I assume was at the location marked #4 or possibly #1.
The map shows where I believe their various properties that they acquired were located, based on the deed transactions.
Deed Transactions for W. W. and Caroline Van Matre:
Below are the land deed transactions for W.W. and Caroline that I found. In some cases, the descriptions are confusing, so refer to source listed for exact descriptions: (See map above)
- June 10, 1919: Purchased Lots 1, 2, 3, & 4 in Fair Acres Addition from O.K. Olson to Caroline Van Matre.21 Area marked 1.
- June 10, 1919: Purchased all of Block A in Kenyon’s [Collins?] Addition “2.3 acres more or less” from Olive B. and C.W. Taylor 319. This is where I believe their home farm was.22 Area marked 2.
- June 10, 1919: Purchased all of Lots 5 & 6 in Fair Acres Addition from C.F. and Mary Randolph23 Area marked 3.
- April 15, 1920: Purchased Lots number 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 in Block 7 of the Collins Addition from Isaac and Josa Martin.24 Area marked 4.
- April 15, 1926: Purchased 1⁄2 of block 6, plus blocks 4, 5, 6, 8 9, 10 and 11, from Cecil and Ella A. Kenyon.)25 Area marked 5.
- October 25, 1927: Purchased Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 in Block 7 of the Collins Addition from L.S. Roberts, Sheriff through a Tax Auction. This is a bit confusing, as it looks like they already purchased this property 15 April 1920. I found no record of them selling it prior to this date, so perhaps there was a tax issue on the property that caused this deed entry.26 Looks like same property marked 4.
- January 18, 1929: Sold part of the property in the Collins Addition to Emma Royal.27
- April 9, 1932: Sold a portion of the Fair Acres – NE Corner of Lot 1, 200 x 200 feet, to Frank Henniger.28
- March 25, 1936: Sold 1⁄2 acre, 150 x 150 feet of the SW corner of Block A, Collins Addition to their son Dean Van Matre.29 Area marked 6,
- February 2, 1937: Sold property on 6th street of the Collins Addition to Albert J. and Pearl Thibodeau.30
- 13 Dec 1937: Sold 1⁄2 acre, a portion of Lot 1 of Fair Acres to John Duvall.31
- 15 April 1938: sold 1.15 acres of the Collins Addition property to S. J. Holbrook.32
- 11 Dec 1938: Sold part of Lot 1 in Fair Acres – 20 x 130 feet – to Walter H. and Josephine Booth.33
- 22 Jul 1940: Transferred or sold Lots 5 & 6 of Fair Acres, Bock A of Collins Addition to their children: F.N. Van Matre of Bend, D.W. Van Matre of Redmond, E.W. Van Matre of Ontario, Lillian Farrell of LaCross, Kansas; M.W. Van Matre of Redmond, Clara Berni of Crescent; C.L. Van Matre of bend, Evelyn Wilson of Redmond, Everett E Van Matre of Redmond.34
- 22 Jul 1940: Willis and Caroline transferred to Caroline, one-third interest in Block A of Collins Addition excepting the portion already transferred to Dean.35
- 21 Oct 1944: Caroline acquired Lots 1-5, Block number 14 of Ellinger’s Addition from her son Marion and his wife Elinore.36 I believe she moved to this property and lived there as a widow. Area marked 6.
The 1920 Federal Census shows Willis and Caroline living on 9th Street in Redmond along with 6 of their children. They own their home, free of mortgage. Willis was 62; Caroline 38; Lillian 17; Marion W 14; Clara L 8; Evelyn M 2 years 11 months; and Everett 8 months. I believe this is the house in Collins Addition, off of Oak (now Elm). Section marked 2.on the above map.
The New Redmond Union High School was built in 1922. This is where many of their children attended high school. Fred was 22 and Elvin 20 by the time they came to Central Oregon. Dean and Lillian most likely attended school in the old schoolhouse. Marion would have attended several years of school at the old schoolhouse and may have attended a couple of years in the New RUHS. Clara, Carroll, Evelyn and Bud would have attended the new high school. This is also where Buds children, Dennis and Wayne attended high school. I, myself, attended high school at RUHS.
When a new High School was built in 1971, the building became Evergreen Elementary School. In about 2011 it was refurbished and became Redmond City Hall.
The 1930 Federal Census shows them W.W. and Caroline living on Oak Street (now Elm). This is most likely the same property as listed as 9th street in the 1920 census. Willis is 72 years old, Caroline is 49. They are living with their four youngest children: Clara L, 8; Carroll L, 16; Evelyn M, 13; and Everett, 11. They own their home and Willis is doing General Farming. By 1930, their son Marion is married to Elinore and living in Brooks, Oregon, working at the Brooks Scanlon Camp and working as a Timber faller. Their daughter, Lillian, is married to John H Farrell and they are living in La Crosse, Kansas.
W.W. took first honors for senior bull calf in the 1930 County Fair.37 He also took first place for boar of one year or over in the Poland China class, first place for winter pigs and second place for sow one year or over.38
On 18 January 1932, the following was found in the Bend Bulletin:39
“County Court Proceedings Bend, Ore. Jan. 14, 1932.
The county court of Deschutes county met this day pursuant to adjournment, all members of being present, and the following proceedings were had, to-wit:
In the Matter of the Establishment of the Redmond-Terrebonne Section of the Dalles-California Highway:
This matter came regularly on for hearing upon the viewers’ report, this being the time fixed for the final reading thereof, an dit appearing to the court from said report that the viewers have allowed damages for right-of-way as follows:
Caroline Van Matre, tracts 1, 2, 3 and 4, Fair Acres addition to Redmond, $200.00…”
As you can see from the Map above, their Fair Acres property is close to the junction in North Redmond where 5th and 6th street come together onto Hwy 97 (The Dalles-California Highway). Perhaps there was right of way issues as they widened the Highway that prompted this action. 6th street would be paved in 1934. Later, in 1950, Caroline sold a section of this property to the state, most likely for changing the flow of traffic. In 1951, streets 5th & 6th in downtown Redmond changed to a one-way system.
In 1933 W.W. and Caroline moved to the property on The Dalles-California Highway (Hwy 97 which was also 6th Street in Redmond at the time). I’ve not been able to determine if they moved to the Fair Acres property or the Collins addition property. They both have sections on 6th street. The address was described in the 1942 Bend Directory as N. 6th at City Limits, Redmond, Oregon.
Their son, Dean moved his family to the house on 10th Street, according to a clip in The Bend Bulletin.40 Then on March 25, 1936 they deeded about 1⁄2 acre on the SW corner of the property in Section A of the Collins Addition to Dean, which is where I believe the house was. The 1942 Bend Directory shows Dean living at 1013 Oak (now Elm Street), Redmond, Oregon. See Figure 181, page 383, section marked 2)
In the 1940, Federal Census we find Caroline, Willis and their youngest son, Everett. Willis is showing as having worked 26 weeks in 1939, working on own account as farmer. He worked 24 hours the week prior to the census being taken. Residence is showing Rural (most likely still in the house on sixth street). They own their home free of mortgage. By now, Willis had transferred or sold all property in his name.
Willis died on 11 December 1942 in Redmond, Oregon at the age of 85 at the Cottage Hospital in Bend, Oregon. He is buried in the Redmond Cemetery in Redmond, Oregon.
As stated above, wherever W.W. made his home, he was prominent in community affairs and was a member of the Modern Woodmen’s lodge for over 50 years. All of his life, he made his livelihood by farming. For a long time, he was president of the Deschutes County Fair Board. The Rodeo grounds were called the Van Matre Rodeo grounds.41 The family was well known and respected in both Bend and Redmond. He was well known for his interest in registered Poland China Hogs and as a cattle man. He had been ill for over three years preceding his death.42
Willis W. Van Matre Obituary
The following obituary was published in the Redmond, Spokesman newspaper and posted on his Find A Grave Memorial:43
Willis Van Matre Buried Sunday
Well-Known Resident Pioneer of Redmond
Funeral services were held Sunday in Niswonger and Winslow chapel in Bend for Willis W. Van Matre, 85, who died Friday morning at the Cottage hospital there. Burial was in the Redmond cemetery.
Van Matre had lived near Redmond for 28 years. He was born July 28, 1857, in Mineral Point, Iowa county, Wisconsin, and left there in the fall of 1879 for Central Nebraska, where he made his home until 1910. January 26, 1885, in Henderson, Nebraska, he married Miss Eudora Hunnell, who died September 20, 1899. Three sons were born to this union, Fred N., Dean W. and Elvin W. On May 16, 1901, he married her sister, Caroline, who survives him.
From Nebraska, the Van Matres moved to Southwest Missouri and lived there until the fall of 1914, when they came to Oregon.
They settled first in the Cloverdale community, farmed there for four years and then moved to Redmond, where they have lived since that time.
All his life, Van Matre made his livelihood by farming. He was well known for his interest in registered Poland China hogs and as a cattle man.
Wherever he made his home, he was prominent in community affairs. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen’s lodge for over 50 years. For a long time, he was president of the Deschutes County Fair Board.
He had been ill for over three years preceding his death.
Rev. Devere L. Penhollow officiated at the funeral services, for which he also sang. Mrs. M.A. Cunning played.
The six sons who survive were pallbearers. They are Dean W., Marion W. and Everett E. of Redmond, Fred N. of Bend, Elvin W. of Ontario and Carroll L. of Portland. Other survivors include the widow; three daughters, Mrs. Ernest M. Wilson of Redmond, Mrs. Robert Berni of Crescent and Mrs. John Farrell of La Crosse, Kansas; 16 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Charles Allen of Jaynesville, Wisconsin, and a brother, Morris, of Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
Find A Grave Memorial# 76601253
Caroline Van Matre - Redmond, Oregon 1942-1958
Caroline continued to live in Redmond and kept involved with her family, community affairs and stil handling her land transactions. The following are excerpts from The Bend Bulletin:
- 22 Jun 1944:44
“Mrs. W. W. Van Matre is home from La Crosse, Kansas, where she spent the winter with her son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. John Farrell [her daughter Lillian] and also visited her son Everett Van Matre and wife in Illinois. Everett is in the service.” - 25 Oct 1944:45
Realty Transfers: “Oct. 21—Deeds
M.W. Van Matre [Marion] to Caroline Van Matre, lots 1 to 5 inclusive, block 14, Ellinger’s addition.” - 01 Nov 1944:46
“Mrs. John Farrell [Caroline’s daughter Lillian] of La Crosse, Kansas is visiting her mother, Mrs. Caroline van Matre and other relative.” - 01 Nov 1944:47
Realty Transfers: “Oct. 24—Deeds Caroline Van Matre to M.W. [Marion] Van Matre, portions of lots 1 and 4 and lots 2 and 3 and third interest in lots 5 and 6, Fair Acres.” - 12 Feb 1945:48
Caroline is listed in the 1945 Jury List. - 11 Jul 1945:49
Realty Transfers: “July 7—Deeds Caroline Van Matre to George E. Galdwell, lots 4 and 5, block 14, Ellinger’s.” - Nov 1945:50
Carolyn was on a Grand Jury where one woman, 5 men and two youths are facing varied Counts. - 13 Feb 1946:35051
Caroline has been summoned for Grand Jury. - 16 Feb 1946:35152
Caroline is listed as a guest in North Redmond, at a Stork Shower for Mrs. William Marsden [Theodora, Dean Van Matre’s daughter]. - 12 Jun 1946:53
“Mr. and Mrs. John Farrell, former Bend residents, arrived in Bend today from Redmond, where they have been visiting her mother, Mrs. Caroline Van Matre, and other relatives. The Farrell’s live in Hays, Kansas, where he is manager of a Penney store. He held a similar position here 18 years ago. Mrs. Farrell is a sister of Fred N. Van Matre of Bend.” - 12 Feb 1948:54
Caroline attended a Bridal party for Miss Nancy Organ. - 07 Apr 1949
Realty Transfers: “Deeds, March 28
Caroline Van Matre to Evelyn M. Wilson, lots 1 to 3 inclusive, block 14, Ellingers.”
In October 1944, there are several property deed transactions between the family. This was most likely the process of distributing the property. Marion stayed in Redmond and farmed, so, much of the property ended up being transferred to him. He most likely bought the other siblings shares of the Redmond farm properties.
In December 1943, Caroline’s son Marion and his wife, Elinor, acquired the Ellingers Addition property from Arthur H. Tifft. At some point before 1946. I believe Caroline moved to this property since the Bend Directory dated 1946 (Ref 186) shows Caroline living at 243 N. 10th Street, Redmond. Marion’s address is showing as RD1, Redmond, a different address. In September 1953, Caroline then acquired the property in Ellingers Addition from Marion and Elinor.
In 1948 Caroline lost her son, Dean, in a Truck accident on the Ochoco highway outside of Prineville. He was buried in Redmond.
In January 1952, I found Caroline participating in the Community Presbyterian Church meetings.55
Then, on October 1952 Caroline lost another son, Frederick Nathan Van Matre. Fred had been ill for some time and died at the Matson Memorial Hospital in Milwaukie, Oregon.
Technically Dean and Fred were Caroline’s step-sons and nephews, but Caroline raised them since Fred was 13 and Dean was 4 months old when her sister, Dora, died. I’m sure that Caroline felt about them as she did her own children. She was reported to be a kind, loving mother and grandmother and very well loved, according to family stories.
Between 1952 and 1958 I found very little about Caroline. Sometime prior to her death, she moved or was moved to Mt. Angel, Oregon, where she died on September 9, 1958 at the age of 77.
Caroline Verdaline (Hunnell) Van Matre Obituary
The following notice appeared in the Bend Bulletin – 10 Sep 1958:56
Funeral Services Set at Redmond
Special to The Bulletin
REDMOND — Funeral services for Mrs. Caroline Van Matre, 77, will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church in Redmond. Burial will be in Redmond cemetery.
The Rev. D. L. Penhollow will officiate, Mrs. Van Matre died Monday in Mt. Angel after a long illness.
She was born Feb. 19, 1881 in Nebraska and had lived in Redmond since 1916. Her husband died in 1942.
Survivors are, sons Marion and Everett in Redmond; Carroll, The Dalles; and daughters, Mrs. John Farrell, Aloha, Ore.; Mrs. Robert Berni, Pasco, Wash.; Mrs. Ernest Wilson, Hillsboro; a stepson, Elvin Van Matre, Fruitland, Idaho; 11 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and a sister, Mrs. Florence Hunnell, San Jose, Calif.
Who was Robert W. Van Matre?
There is a headstone for Robert W. Van Matre with only 1921 inscribed at the Redmond Cemetery. It implies that this was an infant that died at or close to birth. I was able to find that there was a Robert Ray Van Matre who died November 24, 1921 in Redmond. As we know, records frequently have errors, so this may be (most likely is) the same Robert.
Did Caroline have another child? She would have been 43 years old in 1924, so it’s definitely possible.
Or could the child be Deans? Dean and Idella were married in 1918 and it looks like he and Idella lived in Redmond about that time. This would also be between their other two children’s births: Theodora in 1919 and Joyce in 1933. In my opinion, I find this as the most likely.
I’ve eliminated the other siblings as follows:
- Fred and Lillian Van Matre were living in Bend, not Redmond. Their daughter Bonnie was born in August 1921, making it impossible for Robert to be theirs.
- Elvin was not yet married and living in Idaho at this time. So, unlikely would be his.
- Lillian was 19 and could have had a child out of wedlock, but I find this highly unlikely.
- I eliminated the other children based on their age, too young.
Willis Wiley and Sarah Eudora "Dora" (Hunnell) Van Matre Children
1. Frederick "Fred" Nathan Van Matre
son of Willis Wiley and Sarah Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre.
Born: 22 May 1886 in Farmers Valley, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 17 Oct 1952 at the age of 66 in Milwaukee, Clackamas County, Oregon, USA.
Married: 16 Jan 1910 Lillian Alvina Wolf in Crook County (now Deschutes County), Oregon, USA
Find A Grave: Memorial #30870745 buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Bend, Deschutes County,Oregon, USA.
Lillian Alvina Wolf daughter of Robert A. and Sadie Ann (Hibbard) Wolf.
Born: 16 Sep 1891 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA.
Died: 14 Jul 1979 at the age of 87 in Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA.
Married: 16 Jan 1910 Lillian Alvina Wolf in Crook County (now Deschutes County), Oregon, USA
Find A Grave: Memorial #86736388 buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Bend, Deschutes County,Oregon, USA.
Note: I was unable to find a reason why Lillian was in the area. From what I could find, her parents, Robert and Sadie, remained in Cook County, Illinois.
As mentioned above, Fred, along with his uncles, Fred Hunnell and Wilbur Hunnell, came to Central Oregon in 1908 and settled in Bend. Bend, Oregon was established in about 1904, so very early days for Bend. You can find his story at my post Frederick Nathan Van Matre.
Frederick Nathan and Lillian Alvina (Wolf) Van Matre Children:
- Mable Belle Van Matre (1910-1980), married Walter Ray Barnett.
- Clara Isabelle Van Matre (1912-2007) married Donald B. Anderson.
- Eudora Marie “Dodie” Van Matre (1914-2004) married 1st Duward Wilber Helyer; married 2nd Walter J. Long.
- Lucille Ruth Van Matre (1915-1985) married Lester Bernard McConnell.
- Margaret Sarah “Margo” Van Matre (1917-2009) married Wilfred Burgess.
- Bonnie Etta Van Matre (1921-1998) married George Louis Walker.
- Norma Jean Van Matre (1924-2008) married Bill Imus Murphy.
2. Ernest Willis Van Matre
son of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre and twin of Elvin.
Born: 12 May 18941 in Farmers Valley Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 22 April 1896 at the age of 2 in Hamilton County, Nebraska, USa.
Find A Grave: Memorial #37538480 buried at Farmers Valley Cemetery, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
3. Elvin Wiley Van Matre
son of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre and twin of Ernest.
Born: 12 May 1894 in Farmers Valley Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 22 Dec 1975 at the age of 81 in Fruitland, Payette County, Idaho, USA. or Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon, USA.
Married: 16 Oct 1932 Verna Skinner in Napa, Sonoma County, California, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #29969303 buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon, USA.
Military: First World War, US Army, Enlistment Date: 22 Jul 1918, Discharge Date: 31 May 1919.
Verna Claire Skinner daughter of William S. and Ellen “Ella” (Sacket) Skinner.
Born: 25 Sep 1897 in Napa, Napa County, California.
Died: 5 May 1991 at the age of 93 in Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #29969627 buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Ontario, Malheur County, Oregon, USA.
CLOVERDALE BOY RETURNS FOR VISIT – 21 Jul 191857
CLOVERDALE, July 21.–Elvin W. Van Matre, who has been in Wilder, Idaho, for the past year, returned to his home July 14, where he visited fa few days before going to Bend. he leaves Monday, July 22, for Camp Lewis, where he will take training for the U.S. army.
Elvin Van Matre Drafted – Ambulence Corps – 15 Oct 191858
Elvin Van Matre, who left for Camp Lewis with the July 22 draft call has arrived safely in France. He is in the Ambulance corps.
Elvin Van Matre, Arrives from France – 11 Jun 191959
Elvin Van Matre, who arrived recently from France, visited with Mr. and Mrs. Dean Van Matre Friday afternoon.
Elvin is showing as a passenger on a U.S. Army Transport. (date not noted)
The 1920 US Federal Census shows Elvin working as a “hired man” as a farm laborer at the age of 25, at the farm of Hubert and Ernadine Benham Farm in Wilder Precinct, Canyon County, Idaho.
The 1930 US Federal Census shows him still single, owning his farm at the age of 35, Dairying, in Fair Precinct, Malheur County, Oregon.
The 1940 US Federal Census shows Elvin and Verna on the same farm along with their daughter, Janet, 3 and their baby son, Ernest, 6 months.
The 1950 US Federal Census shows them living in Fruitland, Payette County, Idaho. Elvin is a County District Manager / Supervisor. It’s likely they sold their dairy farm. Their daughter, Janet, is 13 and son Ernest is 10.
Skinner – Van Matre To Wed – 14 Oct 193260
Verna Skinner To Wed In Bay Section Sunday
____________
A Ceremony of interest to Napansd will be performed at 2:00 o’clock Sunday afternoon in the bay secrion, when Miss Verna Skinner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Skinner, former Napans, becomes the bride of Mr. Elwin Wyley Van Matre of Ontario, Oregon.
mr. and mrs. Skinner, prominently known here, are residents of Jordan Valley, Oregon, although with their family they have resided in Berkeley during the past year. Mr. Skinner is a brother of Mrs. L. J. Norton of this city, and Mrs. Skinner is a sister of Mrs. Margaret Imrie.
The nuptials will be solemnized at the home of the bride’s brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Evan Gheen, 89 Bonnie Lane in Berkeley. Relatives and close friends will be in attendance. The bride is to wear a traveling dress of dark green trimmed in fur and she will have brown accessories.
Miss Skinner is a charming young woman and has been extensively entertained in the bay section in compliment to her approaching nuptials. She was educated in Oregon and received her college education at Corvallis. Of recent years she has been secretary for her father, who owns a large farming interest in Oregon. She is one of a family of nine children.
Mr. Van Matre is a business man of Ontario, owning a large dairy in that section.
Mrs. Margaret Imrie and Miss Janet Imrie of Napa will be among those who attend the wedding. They expect to spend the week-end in the bay section.
Elvin Wiley and Verna Claire (Skinner) Van Matre Children:
- Janet Clair Van Matre, married Frederick Brook Sower.
- Ernest Van Matre (1939-2016) married Julie Pence.
4. Dean Wilbur Van Matre
son of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre.
Born: 4 May 1899 in Farmers Valley, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 17 Sep 1948 at the age of 49 East of the Ochoco Summit, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA in a truck accident.
Married: 24 Aug 1918 Idella Mae Miller in Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #30988627 buried at Redmond Memorial cemetery, Redmond, Oregon, USA., plot A276.
Idella Mae Miller daughter of Henry Clarence “Hank” and Emily (Richardson) Miller.
Born: 4 Jul 1898 in Scio, Linn County, Oregon, USA.
Died: 4 Feb 1994 at the age of 95 in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon, USA
Married 2nd: 6 May 1951 Bert Elmer Ware in Oregon USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #30988706 buried at Redmond Memorial cemetery, Redmond, Oregon, USA., plot A277.
The 1930 US Federal Census shows Dean and Idella living in Redmond, working on his own account as a Dairyman. They are renting their home in Redmond, Oregon. Idella is 31, dean is 30 and their daughter Theodora is 10.
The 1940 US Federal Census shows them living in Redmond and Dean is working on his own account as a Trucker. They own their own home. Idella is 41, Dean is 40 and their daughter Joyce is 7. Their daughter Theodora is living with her husband William Marsden.
Dean Van Matre Dies in Accident – 17 Sep 1948 61
Dean Van Matre Dies in Accident
Prineville, Sept. 17 — Dean Van Matre, Redmond, was killed, apparently instantly, early this morning when his lumber-laden truck left the Ochoco highway grade and turned over. The accident occurred about four miles upgrade from the Ochoco ranger station, west of the Ochoco summit.
First to reach the scene of the accident was Wallace Allmack, Prineville, who arrived shortly after the truck left the grade, about 6 o’clock this morning. The accident was was being investigated by Ray Hafstad, membeer of the state police force, with headquarters in Bend.
The body was brought to the Prineville funeral home.
Mr. Van Matre, a brother of Fred N. van Matre, kBend contractor, had been a resident of central Oregon some 25 years. He was a native of Nebraska. Surviving are his wife, Idella, and two daughters, mrs. Bill Marsden and Joyce van Matre, Redmond. Mr. van Matre was in the trucking business in Redmond.
Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made.
Stock Auction Operator Crushed by Lumber Load – 18 Sep 1948 62
Stock Auction Operator Crushed by Lumber Load
PRINEVILLE. Sept. 18.–(/P)– Dean Van Matre, about 40, a Redmond stock auction operator, was. found crushed to death under a truck load of lumber Friday.
His body was discovered on the Ochoco highway 21 miles east of here by Wallace Almack, Prineville, a passing motorist.
Police said Van Matre apparently lost control of his truck on a grade as he hauled a load of lumber from Mitchel to Redmond.
The body was pinned below the truck.
Van Matre Rites Are Announced – 18 Sep 1948 63
Van Matre Rites Are Announced
Redmond, Sept. 18 (Special) — Funeral services for dean Van Matre, kwho was killed yesterday in a truck accident on the Ochoco highway, will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Community church here, with Rev. D. L. Penhollow officiating.
Mr. Van Matre was born May 4, 1899, in Stockholm, (sic), Neb., and came to central Oregon with the family about 25 years ago. he is survived by his wife, Idella; two daughters, Mrs. Theodore Marsden and Joyce van Matre, both of Redmond; his mother, Mrs. Caroline Van Matre, of Redmond and the following brothers and sisters: Fred N. Van Matre, Bend; Elvin W. Van Matre, Fruitland, Idaho; Marion W. and Everett V. Van Matre, both of Redmond; Carroll van Matre, The Dalles; Mrs. Lillian Farrell, hays, Kans.; mrs. Clara Berni, Crescent, and Mrs. Evelyn Wilson, Redmond.
Burial will be in the Redmond cemetery. Zacher mortuary is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Idella M. Ware Obituary – 17 Feb 1994 64
Idella M. Ware
Idella Mae VanMatre Ware, 95, died Feb. 7, 1994, in Longview at teh home of her daughter, Theodora Clanfield. She had also lived with her daughter for a few years in the 1980s.
She was born July 4, 1898 i Richardson Gap near Scio, Ore., the daughter of Henry Clarence and Emma Richardson Miller. The family came to the Cloverdale, Ore., area in 1915.
On Aug. 24, 1918, she married Dean VanMatre, who preceded her in death in 1948. She married Bert Ware in Redmond, Ore., on June 6, 1951. He died in 1954.
Mrs. Ware was a longtime member of the Redmond Saddle Club. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had been a Pythian Sister.
She is survived by two daughters, Joyce Kofford Williams of Bend, Ore., and Theodora Clanfield of Longview; a sister, Fay Isaacson of Portland; 158 grandchildren’ numerous great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held Freb. 10 and interment was at Redmond Memorial cemetery. Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home, Bend, was in charge.
Dean Wilbur and Idella Mae (Miller) Van Matre Children:
- Theodora Mae Van Matre (1919-2000) married William Young Marsden.
- Joyce Dean Van Matre, married Michael Kofford.
Willis Wiley and Caroline Verdaline (Hunnell) Van Matre Children
5. Lillian Mae Van Matre
daughter of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre.
Born: 19 Jul 1902 in Farmers Valley Precinct, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 8 Dec 1997 at the age of 95 in Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon65
Married: 7 Jun 1929 John Henry Farrell in St. Paul Parish, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
John Henry Farrell son of Thomas and Bridget Farrell.
Born: 18 Jul 1896 in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, USA.
Died: 2 Jun 1969 at the age of 72 in Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon, USA.66
Aunt Lil, as I knew her.
Lillian worked for the First National Bank in Kelso, Washington for several years before her marriage in 1929.
John Farrell was manager for the J.C. Penney Company in Bend, Oregon before transferring to Vineland, New Jersey.
Both the 1930 and 1940 Census shows them as living in Lacrosse, Kansas, most likely due to another transfer for John.
At some point they moved to Hillsboro, Oregon where they retired.
John died at the age of 72 and Lillian lived on her own for many years. Lillian was very proper and I recall a time my husband at the time (W.Wayne Van Matre) and I visited her for tea (probably about 1970 or so), in her home in Hillsboro. She was a very proper lady and had a beautiful home in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Her sister, Evelyn, contracted Alzheimer’s, and after Evelyns husband, Ernie, died, Lillian took her in and cared for her until Evelyns death. Aunt Lil would die 2 years later.
Farrell-Van Matre Nupitals Are Held – 9 Jul 192967
Farrell-Van Matre Nuptials Are Held
_________
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Farrell are now at home at 213 North Eighth Street, Vineland, N.J., according to word received by friends in Bend.
Mr. and Mrs. Farrell were married June 27 at 4 p.m. in the St. Paul parish, Philadelphia, after which they went to dVineland, where Farrell is manager for the J. C. Penney Co.
Mrs. Farrell was formerlyl Miss Lillian Van Matre of Redmond, and left the latter part of June to visit relatives in the east before her marriage. Farrell was employed in the J. C. Penney Co. store in Bend until recently,. His mother, Mrs. B. G. Farrell, who made her home with him in Bend, attended the wedding, and is now at Vineland.
6. Willis "Marion" Van Matre
also known as Marion W. Van Matre and son of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre.
Born: 1 Jan 1906 in Farmers valley Precinct, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 11 Jan 1978 at the age of 72 in The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon, USA.
Married 1st: 11 Jul 1928 Elinore Lynette Howard in Ephrata, Grant County, Washington, USA.
Married 2nd: 14 Aug 1971 Grace Viola ((Kramer) Tibbets in Wasco County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #76846254 buried at Odd Fellows Cemetery, The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon, USA.
Memorial #30988629 duplicate memorial showing him buried at Redmond Memorial Cemetery, Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA, plot B340.
Elinore Lynette Howard daughter of Emmett and Lottie (Walkley) Howard.
Born: 18 May 1910 in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon, USA.
Died: 7 Aug 1964 at the age of 53-54
Find A Grave: Memorial #30988628 buried at Redmond Memorial Cemetery, Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Grace Viola (Kramer) Tibbets daughter of Bernhart and Luella Kramer.
Born: 28 Mar 1906 Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho, USA.
Died: 15 Mar 1987
Married 1st: 1923 Ray L. Tibbets
Find A Grave: Memorial #76846221 buried at Odd Fellows Cemetery, The Dalles, Wasco County, oregon, USA, inside Mausoleum.
Marion Van Matre
Willis Marion Van Matre, went by the name “Marion”. Many records show him as Marion W. Van Matre. In 1920 Marion and Harold Hunnell opened a Car Wash-Oiling Station in Bend, Oregon. By the 1930 US Federal Census, he had married and is listed in the Brooks, Oregon US Federal Census as a timber faller in the Brooks Scanlon Lumber Camp 3, where he and Lenore lived. In the 1940 Census, they were living in Redmond, and he is a Butter Maker in a creamery. They owned their own home valued at $1500, on 9th Street. In the 1946 Bend Directory, he is listed as a farmer in Redmond. The 1950 US Federal Census shows Marion at 55, living in Redmond, Oregon farming, with his wife, Elinore, 39 and two children Donald, 18 and Marilyn, 15.
From 1952-1955 Marion is showing as serving a three-year term as director for The Redmond National Farm Loan Association.68
Sometime after the death of his wife, Elinore, in 1964, he relocated to The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon. He married Grace Tibbets in 1971 in Wasco County, most likely, The Dalles, Oregon.
Marion Van Matre Escapes Injury – 30 Sep 194169
ESCAPES INJURY
Redmond, Sept. 30–Marion Van Matre, employed at the Central Oregon Cooperative Creamery, escaped possible serious injury at the Coop plant this week-end when an ammonia pipe on which he was tightening a connection burst in his face. creamery employees donned gas masks to turn off the escaping fumes. it was necessary to order repairs from Portland according to Marvin Davidson, manager of the cooperative.
Grace Tibbets Van Matre Obituary70
Grace Tibbets Van Matre
Grace Tibbets Van Matre, 89, a resident of The Dalles since 1932, died t. a local nursing home on March 15.
She was born March 28, 1906 in Knappa(sic), Idaho to Bernhart and Luella Kramer.
She graduated from The Dalles High School in 1923(?) and married Ray Tibbets that year. He died in December of 1963. In August of 1971 she married Marion Van Matre. He died in January of 1978.
Mrs. Van Matre was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Rebekah Lodge, Mill creek Grange and the Quinette Club. She worked for many years at The Dalles cherry Growers as a manager-chemist in the maraschino cherry department.
Survivors include a daughter, mrs. Bill (Frances) Berki, The Dalles; a step-daughter, Marilyn Bauer, Kelso, Wash.; a stepson, Don Van Matre, Crescent City, Calif.; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grand-children. A son Lester (Bud) Tibbets, died in 1984.
Funeral services will be at Zion Lutheran Church on Tuesday at 1 p.m. with Pastor Delmar Anderson officiating. Entertainment will be at The Dalles 100F memorial Mausoleum.
Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in charged of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
Willis Marion and Elinore Lynette (Howard) Van Matre Children:
- Donald Dee Van Matre (1931-1998) married Anita Rose Sandwick.
- Marillyn Mae Van Matre, married Wayne B. Bauer.
7. Clara Lois Van Matre
daughter of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell Van Matre.
Born: 31 Jul 1911 in Mount Vernon, Lawrence County, Missouri, USA.
Died: 24 Feb 1994 at the age of 91 in Hillsboro Washington County, Oregon, USA.
Married: 15 Dec 1935 Robert Bruce Berni in Multnomah County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #60056950 buried at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon, USA.
Robert Bruce Berni son of Albert and Anna (Deneke) Berni.
Born: 23 Nov 1902 in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Died: 24 Feb at the age of 91 in Beaverton, Washington County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #60056915 buried at Valley memorial Park Cemetery, Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon, USA.
They are showing as living at 5064 SW Normandy Pl, Beaverton, Oregon in 1993 and 2455 SW 172nd Ct., Aloha, Oregon in 1995, although Berni had passed by that time.
The 1950 US Federal Census shows them living on highway 97, Odell, Klamath County, Oregon. Robert, 47, is an Operator of a wholesale Oil station. Clara is 38, their daughter Roberta J. is 10 and their son James, is 5.
Robert Bruce Berni Obituary – 27 Feb 199471
ROBERT BRUCE BERNI
Donelson, Sewell & Mathews Mortuary
Robert Bruce Berni, 91, of Hillsboro, Oregon, died February 24, 1994, of causes related to pneumonia and Alzheimer’s disease. He was born November 23, 1902, in Portland, Oregon.
Mr. Berni ws born the son of Albert and Anna Daneke Berni and grew up and received his education in Portland. he went to work for Standard Oil as a wholesale distributor and worked for them for 25 years. He married Clara Van Matre December 15, 1935, in Portland, Oregon.
They lived in Pasco, Washington for several years where he worked for Continental grain as a grain elevator manger and retired in 1968. They moved to beaverton in 1973, from Pasco, Washington and he worked part time at Payless in Customer Service until he was 89 years old.
He was a member of the Pasco elks Lodge and the Shrine Lodge in Pasco. he was also active at the Episcopal Church in Pasco.
Survivors include – Wife: Clara Berni of Beaverton, Oregon; Son: Jim Berni of Tualatin; Daughter: Jane Duncan of Aloha, Oregon;; 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Holt and Albert Berni.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 18, 1994, at 2:00 pm at Donelson, Sewell & Mathews Mortuary in Hillsboro OR. Officiant will be chaplain Ray Holder of Tuality Community Hospital. Reception will follow the services at the Funeral Home. Private interment will follow at Valley Memorial Park, Hillsboro. The family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association at 1015 N.W. 22nd Ave., Portland, Or. 97210.
Robert Bruce and Clara Lois (Van Matre) Berni Children:
- Roberta Jane Berni
- James Robert Berni (1944-2016), married Marlen Rae Roake
8. Carroll LeRoy Van Matre
son of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre.
Born: 2 Oct 1913 in Mount Vernon, Lawrence County, Missouri, USA.
Died: 14 May 1981 at the age of 67 in The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon, USA.
Married 1st: 6 Jun 1937 Jacqueline Hope Hardison in Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Married 2nd: 28 Apr 1947 Anna May Seitz in Goldendale, Klickitat County, Washington, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #113261160 buried at Odd Fellows Cemetery, The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon, USA.
Jacqueline Hardison daughter of Warren F. and Nellie E. (Randle) Hardison.
Born: 16 Jul 1914 in Dudley, Kootenai County, Idaho, USA.
Died: 3 May 1942 at the age of 27 in Wasco County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #59611354 buried at Lincoln Memorial Park, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA.
Anna May (Seitz) Chllders daughter of John Killian and Catherine “Katie” (Krimple) Seitz.
Born: 25 Apr 1908 in Mccracken County, Kentucky, USA.
Died: 13 Dec 1996 at the age of 88 in The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon, USA.
Married 2nd: 23 Sep 1981 Fred Childers in Wasco County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #113261103 buried at Odd Fellows Cemeteery, The Dalles, Wasco County,Oregon,USA, Woodland section.
The 1950 US Federal Census shows Carroll, 37 and Ann Van Matre, 37, along with daughter Carol Gay Van Matre, 11, living on a farm in West Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon. Carroll is a Dock Foreman for a Truck Line.
Redmond Miss Becomes Bride of L. Van Matre – 13 Jun 193772
Mr. and Mrs. Warren F. Hardison announce the marriage of their daughter Jacqueline to Carroll L. van matre Sunday, June 6, in Redmond.
The wedding took place at the bride’s home at 10 A.M. After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served.
The bride, formerly of Portland, had her sister, Miss Marygolde Hardison, as her only attendant. Homer Jahns was best man.
The bride wore a white afternoon dress with carnelian trim and carnelian and white accessories.
Mr and Mrs. Carrol L. Van Matre will make their home at Bend.
New Incorporations – 3 Jan 193873
Harrison Feed Co., Redmond. W. F. and Nellie E. Hardison and Jacqueline Van Matre. General seed and feed business. Capital stock $50,000. Cunning & Brewster, attorneys, Redmond.
Funeral Notices – 6 May 194274
VAN MATRE–Jacquelene Hardison, May 4, at The Dalles, Or., beloved wife of Carroll and mother of Gaye; daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Hardison; sister of Mrs. Harold Nelson and Mrs. E. G. Hanson, all of Portland. Services Wednesday, May 6, at 1:30 P.M., at The Little chapel of the Chimes, 430 N. Killingsworth. Interment Lincoln Memorial Park.
Carroll LeRoy and Jacqueline (Hardison) Van Matre Child
- Carroll Gaye Van Matre, married Earl Clinton Houston.
9. Evelyn Marilda Van Matre
daughter of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre.
Born: 29 Jan 1917 in Cloverdale, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Died: 1 Oct 1995 at the age of 78 in Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon, USA.
Married: 18 Sep 1938 Ernest “Ernie” Myrtlo Wilson in Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #241922711 buried at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon, USA.
Ernest “Ernie” Myrtlo Wilson son of Ernest Myrtlo and Mary (Dority) Wilson.
Born: 11 Mar 1916 in Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, Idaho, USA.
Died: 1 Oct 1995 at the age of 70 in Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #241922768 buried at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon, USA.
Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Ernie, as I knew them.
The 1940 US Federal Census shows Ernie, 24 and Evelyn, 23, were living at 832 NE Hancock Street Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon and states they were living in Cedarville, Black Hawk County, Iowa in 1935. Ernie is showing as a Pharmacist, they are renting their home. Ernie is college educated.
By 1950, Ernie is 34, Evelyn is 32. They are living in Redmond, Oregon and Ernie is a Post Office Clerk for the U.S. Post Office. Their son, Terry E. Wilson is 7 years old.
From the time I knew then (in the late 1960’s) they were living in Hillsboro, Oregon. I remember Evelyn and Ernie fondly, as wonderful, friendly and fun people.
Ernest Myrtlo and Evelyn Marilda (Van Matre) Wilson Children
- Ernest Terry Wilson (1942-2007), married Kathleen Rae Jones.
- Ann Marie Wilson (adopted), married 1st: unknown; married 2nd Unk Sayce; married 3rd David John Rixe.[her marriage record between Ann and John Rixe shows her as Ann M. Sayce. Number of marriage=3.)
10. Everett "Bud" Eugene Van Matre
son of Willis Wiley and Sara Eudora “Dora” (Hunnell) Van Matre.
Born: 10 Apr 1919 in Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Died: 9 Sep 2011 at the age of 92 in Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Married: 18 Dec 1943 Betty Eline Millsap in Jackson County, Missouri, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #85153529 buried at Redmond Memorial cemetery, Redmond, Deschutes County,Oregon, USA.
Military: U.S. Army (I assume, as I couldn’t find a record). He was in the service from at least 1943, when he met and married Betty, until after the end of the war.
Betty Eline Millsap daughter of Clell and Aletha (Vance) Millsap.
Born: 1 Mar 1927 in Camden, Ray County, Missouri, USA.
Died: 17 Jan 2019 at the age of 91 in Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #226795258 buried at Redmond Memorial cemetery, Redmond, Deschutes County,Oregon, USA.
Betty and Bud Van Matre were the adored grandparents of my children. You will find their story at my post Everett “Bud” Eugene Van Matre.
Citations and Attributes:
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