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Notes
on Willis John Dean References
on the life of Willis John Dean, 1843-1921, his friends and neighbors
on Wagner Creek near Talent, Oregon; also activities at Stearns
Cemetery
and "infidel hall"--the Universal Mental Liberty Hall.
"I remember of having ridden a race in June, 1863," [Thomas H.] Brents
told his listener. "This was with the express rider for the opposition
company. I rode the 225 miles in 28 hours and beat him out. Those were
pretty stirring times."
On one trip out, Brents was carrying about $4,000 in gold dust in his cantinas. As dusk approached he sought a camping spot and soon found a beckoning campfire nearby. As he drew near, he recognized too late the occupants of the spot as an escaped convict from California, and two companions. Assuming a casual air, he tossed the cantinas aside and in answer to questions about their weight, he laughed and identified them as sad irons. His casualness fooled the trio. Next day, he met up with the sheriff of Wasco County and a posse who asked if he had met Berry Way, one of his campmates of the previous night. Admitting that he had, the sheriff replied, "We're after him for murder." Excerpt, "Pendleton Round-Up of 1912 Thrilled Old Timer in Stands," Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, September 20, 1953, page 18. Dean writes about Berry Way and corresponds with Brents in the diary. Once when the [Joe] Sherar party was camped at Cold Camp (southeast of Antelope) John Galligher, another pack train operator, was killed by Jim Berriway (or Barry Way) who was with him. Although Berriway hid the body, it was found and he was charged with murder in Canyon City. He was given the first trial in that camp, a man being named as judge and another as sheriff. A lawyer was hired for $60 to defend him, so anxious were the miners to adhere to the customs. The officials said that he should have a fair trial today and be hung tomorrow. He was. And in a new suit of clothes furnished by the miners. He was the first man hanged in Canyon City and what is purported to be his skull is on display in the museum there, thus pointing an easy, though not painless, avenue to fame. Giles French, The Golden Land: A History of Sherman County, Oregon, Champoeg Press 1958, page 34 [In 1865] I decided to stay in Portland and go to school, so entered the Portland Academy, a Methodist institution. At first I batched alone and went to school but after a bit I found another young fellow who decided to chip in with me, so I had a partner most of the winter. I attended school five months, and then took a notion to go to Forest Grove. I didn't have much luggage. I went there with my batching partner, Willis J. Dean, who was acquainted in that country and had taught country school there. I then went to a farmer's place about five miles north of Forest Grove and worked for him most of the summer. Dean taught school at [Gale's] Creek not far from where I was stopping and I went to school with him for awhile. He had a pretty good education. "After the Covered Wagons," by Russell C. Dement, Oregon Historical Quarterly, March 1962, page 31 In examining the Catalogue of Pacific University and Tualatin Academy 1866-67, the name Willis Dean appears listed in the Preparatory Program, but not among those attending the university. His name does not appear in any subsequent catalogs either in conjunction with enrollment in the Preparatory Program or in the University. Alex Toth, Special Collections Librarian, Pacific University, December 14, 2004 Emma, wife of W. J. Dean, died May 25, 1877, aged 34 years. "[Headstone] Inscriptions at Santa Cruz, Cal.," transcribed by B. Frank Leeds, esq., The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, April 1896, page 187 Emma lies buried in Evergreen Cemetery, near Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz. WALLOWA VALLEY.
LOSTINE,
Feb. 15, 1880.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE
OREGONIAN;
From the numerous letters of inquiry that reach me from Willamette Valley, and elsewhere, I judge that information in relation to this locality is largely in demand. As I cannot answer so many inquiries separately and do justice to the subject, I ask permission to reply to all collectively through the columns of your widely circulating paper. Wallowa Valley lies well up in the Blue Mountains, in the northeastern part of Union County, fifty miles east of Grand Ronde Valley. It extends in a northwest and southeast direction, and is about forty miles in length, with a variable width of from four to fifteen miles, widening out toward the southern extremity. The valley, to distinguish the different portions, is divided into lower, middle or Lostine and upper valleys; the latter is, by far, the most extensive. The soil for the most part is a deep, rich loam, and produces all the cereals and most vegetables in abundance; finer grain fields than I saw here last season are seldom met with, even in the fairest portions of the Willamette. Like Grand Ronde, this valley is frosty, and tender vegetables, especially along the streams, often fail, though it is astonishing what an amount of frost they will endure without injury in this climate. Frost is likely to occur, immediately along the streams, every month in the year, but the foothills are comparatively exempt from it and nearly everything succeeds. For STOCK RAISING
this section cannot
be excelled.
The hills and prairies are covered with a rank growth of bunch, buffalo
and rye grasses, which remain green and fresh until late in the season,
owing to frequent rains. To the east toward Snake River extends an
immense tract of high, rolling prairie, forming a splendid,
well-watered stock range, most of which is also suitable for
cultivation.
TIMBER
is found along the
streams and in
the mountains adjacent. It is abundant, convenient, and of the best
quality, including fir, pine, tamarack, spruce, cottonwood, etc. The
hardwoods, such as oak, etc., are seldom found.
The valley is drained by Wallowa River, which takes a northwest course and empties into the Grand Ronde about fifty miles from its mouth. This stream with its numerous tributaries and Wallowa Lake, which is a widening of the river in the upper valley, are particularly remarkable for the immense quantity and variety of fish with which they abound, especially red fish [sockeye salmon], a species peculiar to these waters. No finer fish can be found in the world than the latter, being acknowledged to be superior even to trout. Not only the disciples of Isaac Walton, but those of Nimrod as well, can find rare sport here, for the forests abound with deer, elk, mountain sheep, brown and black bear, and last but not least, the festive grizzly. Inexperienced hunters are advised, however, to treat the latter with the most profound respect and to avoid as far as possible too great familiarity, as he is somewhat secluded and meditative in his habits and a too-hasty intrusion on his solitude may prove highly embarrassing to one unacquainted with the grizzly's eccentric ways. FRUIT
CULTURE
Too short a
time has elapsed since the settling of this valley, and too few
experiments have been made to prove satisfactorily what kinds of fruit
will thrive in this peculiar climate. As to the common small fruits,
such as berries, etc., there can be no question, as most of them abound
in a wild state and are of the best quality. I see no reason why
apples, plums, cherries and other hardy fruits should not succeed as
well here as in the Grand Ronde Valley, which is equally frosty, and
where excellent fruit is raised--if late-blooming varieties are chosen
and the trees kept mulched in the spring, in order to delay the budding
as long as possible. Some of the more enterprising settlers have
planted orchards and the trees have a thrifty appearance. A small
nursery has been started in the upper valley by a gentleman who has had
large experience in fruit culture in the northern states, and he sees
no serious obstacle in the way of success here. The
POPULATION
of the valley at
present is about
1500, and immigrants are constantly arriving. No other portion of the
state, of like extent, has settled up more rapidly and by
a more
industrious and come-to-stay sort of people. There are, at this
writing, six school districts, four post offices, two stores, two
saloons (we don't boast of the latter, mind), several blacksmith shops,
cooper shops (which supply hundreds of fish barrels during the red fish
season), one chair factory and one sawmill. Our greatest need is a
grist mill; at present we depend on Grand Ronde Valley for flour and
haul it 50 or 60 miles. A flour mill would be a good investment, and it
is hoped that some enterprising man will take advantage of the
opportunity and erect one in time for next year's crop.
The usual squabble in regard to the location of a town site has already commenced. The upper valley will probably carry the day. It is gratifying to note the present state of improvements, and then to reflect that less than four years ago Chief Joseph and his dusky warriors pitched their wigwams on the banks of these beautiful streams, claimed the valley as their own and fought for its possession. Who could blame them for fighting for such an Indian paradise? But the unfortunate red man "must go"--must give way before the advancing tide of civilization. The white man wanted this valley, and the Indian, taking a last, long, lingering look at his lost home and hunting grounds, was obliged to seek some new and more distant vale, to be again routed as his palefaced brother advances. The SCENERY
of Wallowa Valley
admirably blends
the grand, romantic and beautiful, in this respect strikingly
resembling some of the larger Alpine vales of Switzerland. The gently
undulating prairies to the east, the precipitous chain of snowcapped
mountains, with their summits sharply cut against the western sky; the
timber-fringed river and creeks; the lovely bottom lands, and that gem
of the mountain, Wallowa Lake, already recognized as a natural
curiosity, and fast becoming a popular resort--all combine to give this
valley a beautiful diversity of landscape, which renders it the pride
of the settler and the charm of the tourist. But an impartial statement
must include
THE
DRAWBACKS,
for
they are here,
and may seem
insurmountable to some. This locality is high, the upper valley having
an altitude of over 4000 feet; therefore cold winters and late springs
will be the rule. Feed must be provided for stock in winter, although
most winters are open enough not to require it. Last winter stockmen
lost heavily in consequence of deep snow and scarcity of feed. Whether
they were made wise enough by that lesson to provide against a
repetition of such an experience remains to be seen. Stockmen in
Eastern Oregon generally prefer to take the[ir] chances. Thus far the
present winter but little food has been required, though the weather at
times has been extremely cold, and from two to eight inches of snow has
covered the ground most of the time.
ITS ISOLATION
It is fifty
miles to Grand Ronde Valley and twice that distance to Umatilla, our
nearest river landing over a toll road; therefore to market grain from
here would be out of the question. It is essentially
A STOCK COUNTRY.
Cattle, horses,
hogs and especially dairying would prove amply remunerative. All things
considered, the natural advantages are great and far outweigh the
drawbacks, and in my humble estimation, no better locality for
industrious immigrants seeking government land and pleasant homes can
be found than Wallowa Valley.
W. J. DEAN
The Morning Oregonian, February
24, 1880, page 1
Wm. [sic] Dean will teach the Eagle Point school, a Butte Creek correspondent says. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 13, 1883, page 3 W. J. Dean, a liberal lecturer, spoke on "Free Thought" in this place last night. Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 9, 1884, page 3 W. J. Dean, the lecturer, did not meet with much success here Thursday night as the audience was quite small. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 10, 1884, page 3 Wednesday, 20 August 1884 W. J. Dean, a gentlemen seeking for a school came this morn to breakfast He and Mr Lovelady who is getting better went with me to Ashland. I got some flour, & sugar and my boots mended, got home at four Oclock. Diary of Welborn Beeson Wednesday, Sept 3, 1884 attended school meeting in the afternoon voted a tax of 5 Mills on the dollar for school purposes. The Directors have hired W. J. Dean & Miss Rosa [Waters] as teachers for the next six months. Diary of Welborn Beeson W. Beeson of Wagner Creek informs us that the district school there will reopen on the 15th. W. J. Dean, lately of eastern Oregon, and Miss Rosetta Waters have been engaged as teachers. A five-mill tax has been voted for the support of the school, which ensures a successful six-months' term. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 12, 1884, page 3 Monday, Sept. 15, 1884 School Commenced to day. W J Dean & Rosa [Waters] are teachers four of our Children went Emmett will go before long. Diary of Welborn Beeson Friday 10 October 1884 Been nice day. A Jacobs brought the Hog back, because he thought It was diseased. Wm Dean & Smith spent the evening here. Diary of Welborn Beeson
"Phoenix Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 18, 1884, page 3 Mr. Dean, recently from Washington Territory, is teaching the Wagner Creek School, with Miss Waters as assistant. There is a large attendance. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, October 24, 1884, page 3 Welborn [Beeson] gave me a great deal of information in regard to old friends. He tells me that the Robison family and Uncle David Stearns and Uncle John Holton and himself are all that are left of the former residents of Wagner Creek. I afterwards met Auntie Robison, who is living with one of her sons. Although she did not know me I remembered her with a full heart, knowing the many kind acts she has done for the neighbors in all the section around, during cases of sickness and suffering [illegible] with all the kindness and sympathy a noble woman could bestow, and hundreds have felt the benefit of her presence at the sick bed. If she should ever be sick or suffering, it is to be hoped someone will return the kindness tenfold. Excerpt, "Reminiscences of Old Days," anonymous, Ashland Tidings, October 31, 1884, page 1 Saturday, Nov. 8, 1884 I hauled 100 feet of lumber to Breezes shop for Mr Dean to have made into Cupboard for the school house 2.25 Diary of Welborn Beeson Thursday 18 December 1884 Proffessor Dean and party are preparing for an entertainment at the school house. Diary of Welborn Beeson Saturday, Dec. 20, 1884 We attended an exhibition at the School house, in evening which was excelent. Mr Dean, Nick, Mr & Mrs Breeze, Miss Rosa Allice & Charles Sherman, and John Robison being the performers. Diary of Welborn Beeson Sunday 21 Dec 1884 I went down & brought Mr & Mrs Breese & Rosa, up to visit and then Mr True, Breese, & Dean road with me up to the Mill, they are going to start the Mill soon. We came home and had a good dinner, and then I took Breeses home. Diary of Welborn Beeson Thursday 25 Dec 1884 Mr W J Dean to Read Ingersolls answers to Editor San Franciscan Diary of Welborn Beeson The dramatic and musical entertainment at Wagner Creek school house last Saturday evening was well attended, and the audience was highly pleased. The teachers, Mr. W. J. Dean and Miss Waters, are entitled to great credit for preparing such an excellent entertainment, and all who took part receive great praise for their admirable performance. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, December 26, 1884, page 3 Sunday 28 Dec 1884 Wellie Johnnie & I walked down and took dinner at Mr Breeses, Rosa walked home with us so has to be here to be ready to go to Jackson with Wellie and Mr Dean and I tomorrow to attend the Institute. Diary of Welborn Beeson Monday, Dec. 29, 1884 Mr Dean, Rosa Wellie and I came to Jacksonville, the road was frozen thawed a little but is freezing to night. We attended the Institute and organized, with a good Audience. Mr Dean lectured on Modern Education, a good lecture. We are at Taylors. Diary of Welborn Beeson Wednesday 31 December 1884 We attended the Institute untill three Oclock, then paid our board and got our team and come home got home at Six Oclock found all well. Nick and Emmett had been to the Shooting Match and secured three turkeys. Mr Dean eat supper with us and went home. Rosa is here. Diary of Welborn Beeson Interesting entertainments are held occasionally on Wagner Creek under the efficient management of Prof. Dean and Miss Waters. Let the good work go on. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1885, page 3 A First-Class Lecture.
We
devote considerable space this week to the masterly lecture delivered
at the late teachers' institute by Prof. W. J. Dean of Wagner Creek. It
is well composed and abounds in solid facts and excellent suggestions.
Having been delivered in pleasing style by the author, it left a
favorable impression on the large audience who listened to it. It is
published by unanimous vote of the institute.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 9, 1885, page 3 The Wagner Creek district school, under the efficient management of Prof. Dean and Miss Waters, commenced a five-months' term not long since, W. Beeson informs us. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 23, 1885, page 3 Wednesday, May 20, 1885 In evening I went to meet W J Dean & John K Stearns to draw up Bylaws governing the Incorporation of the Build Hall, Company. Diary of Welborn Beeson Friday, May 22, 1885 Meeting of the neighbors in regard to building Hall at our house, nothing done as yet. Diary of Welborn Beeson Saturday May 30, 1885 The neighbors met here to form a Corporation to build a Hall, on the Corner next the School house. We did all the mind work, and J R Stearns John Purves, W J Dean are the incorporators Diary of Welborn Beeson Saturday June 6, 1885 I am not well. I chored around home. a Meeting of Directors & building Committee of U. M. L. Hall here to night. Committee ordered to go ahead and purchase lumber nails, etc. Diary of Welborn Beeson Wednesday, June 10, 1885 I mailed to R. P. Earheart 2.50 for fees to Record Incorporation paper for U. M. L. Hall, cost to Register same 25 cts U M L. Dr to fees & sending same $2.75 Diary of Welborn Beeson Saturday June 13, 1885 Boy’s hoeing Corn. Emmett went to Saw Mill to haul down first load of lumber for U. M. L. Hall Diary of Welborn Beeson Sunday, June 14, 1885 Everything growing fine to day. S M Robison & W H Breese called to talk about the Hall. I hauled a load felloe timber to Breese. Diary of Welborn Beeson Thursday, June 18, 1885 Mr Dean Called and is issuing Stock in the U. M. L. Hall. We took 18 Shares. Diary of Welborn Beeson Prof. Dean, Miss Rosa Waters, Miss Brittain and Mr. Sherman, with his son and daughters, of Wagner Creek, made the Josephine County caves a visit a few days since. They are well pleased with their experience and describe the underground recesses as truly wonderful. "Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 19, 1885, page 3 The heavy timbers and coarse lumber for the U.M.L. Hall are ready for the carpenters. B. C. Goddard is the boss carpenter and will soon begin the construction. The hall is to be 28x40 ft., and 14 ft ceiling. "Wagner Creek Items," Ashland Tidings, July 3, 1885, page 3 Monday, July 6, 1885 Emmett & I Chored around. Wellie & Johnie got up a load for me to take to Medford towne Grand Pa helping them. Been very Hot. The Directors of the U. M. L. Hall had Meeting here to night. I gave bond as treasurer. Recd from Sec $2.50 Paid out for Recording 2.75 Diary of Welborn Beeson Prof. Dean of Talent has received a large portable telescope, the most powerful ever brought to the valley. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 10, 1885, page 3 Thursday, July 16, 1885 Mr Dean & I went to Medford and got the windows & Door’s for the Hall, and bought the Shingles for same at three dollars per M. Diary of Welborn Beeson Saturday July 18, 1885 Emmett & Mr Dean went to Medford to bring up 12000 shingles for the Hall. Diary of Welborn Beeson Monday, July 20, 1885 Mr Goddard, Breese, Holton Payne & Son, Mr Dean and James Purves and myself Commenced work putting up the U M L Hall in corner of lot next to the school house lot. Been beutiful day Jessie is taking Music lessons from Miss Rosa Water. Diary of Welborn Beeson Tuesday, July 21, 1885 We all worked at the Hall, laid the foundation we put a number of Newspapers on the NE Corner Stone. We are getting along with it tolerable fast. Mr Dean is the Main Spirit among us. Diary of Welborn Beeson THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY CAVES.
Talent,
June 22, 1885.
To the Editor of the Times:
Having, in company with a party of seven, recently paid a visit to the Josephine County caves, I judge that your many readers would be interested in a brief description of the same and the best way to reach them. We had more difficulty in finding where they are than any other party is likely to have; in fact, would not have found them at all had it not been for Wm. C. Burch, one of the proprietors of the caves, who happened along and acted as pilot. We had been searching for two days, and when he found us were three miles from where they are situated. The Greybacks (this is the name lately given them), generally known as the Williams Creek caves, are situated on Greyback Creek, twenty-nine miles due south of Grants Pass and about the same distance southwest of Jacksonville. There are two caves, called respectively the upper and lower, and are on the side of a steep hill, one above the other, and about 150 yards apart; and from the constant current of air out of the upper one we judge they are connected. The lower one was discovered by Elijah Davidson in 1878 in a somewhat singular manner. He was chasing a bear which ran into the cave to escape pursuit. We are not told that the hunter followed bruin into his temporary den, but we feel safe in inferring that he did not. A clear, cold stream of about thirty inches of water issues from the lower cave, but as yet its source has never been reached. Mr. Burch acting as guide, we entered its subterranean depths and cautiously threaded our way through numerous chambers of various sizes, some from 18 to 20 feet in height and breadth. Some of the connecting passages, however, are small and we had to stoop and even, in some cases, crawl to pass through, running the risk of getting wedged in; but by inducing the most corpulent member of our party (not the writer, I am happy to state) to take the lead, the rest of us were safe in following. This cave has been explored by several hundred feet in different directions, but its extent is as yet unknown, further explorations in many instances being prevented by the narrow passages. The proprietors, however, propose to enlarge all the difficult passages so as to render any part of the cave accessible to the most corpulent person. To describe adequately the appearance of these cave chambers, the infinitely varied forms of stalactites hanging from the roof, stalagmites pointing upward from the floor, and the lime incrustations along the sides, would be impossible for a pen like mine. Spires, obelisks, Corinthian capitals, magnificent arches bristling with many-hued points, Hindoo idols, grim sphinxes, lifelike statues, coral fringes, piano stools, center tables, side niches, suggestive of peanut stands, icicles, fantastical carvings, scrolls, Gothic cornices, grotesque figures, elephant's ears, cupolas, domes, prismatic crystals, flashing back the light of our candles--indeed every varied and fantastic form that the imagination could picture, fancy or suggest meet the eye in making the tour of these cavernous depths. We found the names of several prominent persons inscribed in the soft limestone, among others that of Prof. Thos. Condon, the most noted geologist on the Pacific coast. What a rare treat it must have been to one of Nature's pupils like Prof. Condon to study these varied shapes and with the magic glass of science read the slowly written history of their formation. It seems to be an American habit to inscribe one's name in conspicuous places, though it has been by certain solemn wiseacres denounced as an impardonable display of vanity. We regarded the custom as time-honored, however, and would not depart from it; so future visitors will find thus immortalized the names of S. Sherman, Chas. and Allie Sherman, Lula Leadbetter, Ida Brittain, Rosetta Waters and your correspondent.  The Dean party's graffiti in Adam's Tomb, Oregon Caves. Each one of our party secured a choice collection of specimens, fair samples of which will be placed on exhibition at the immigration rooms in Medford. The best route to the caves is via Kerbyville and up Greyback Creek to California Bar, the end of the wagon road, thence by trail four and a half miles to the caves; or via Williams Creek to Mr. Stevens' place, thence by trail nine and a half miles. W. J. D.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville,
July 26, 1885, page 2
The new U.M.L. Hall on Wagner Creek is to be dedicated on the 4th of October. The exercises will consist of short speeches, readings, music, etc., and a full programme will be published in due time. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, September 4, 1885, page 3 The Liberal Association of Talent will dedicate their new hall at that place with appropriate exercises on Sunday, Oct. 4th and on the following Friday--Oct. 9th--a dedication ball will be given in the same hall. The programme in full will be found among our new advertisements and everybody is invited. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 26, 1885, page 3 DEDICATION
OF THE U.M.L. Hall, of Talent, Will take place on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4. ---- PROGRAMME:
Exercises will commence at 10 A.M.
Instrumental music. Greeting song. Introductory remarks by the president of the Association. Song, Anthem. Address by Gen. E. L. Applegate. Picnic song. Basket Picnic Dinner, served in rear room of hall or in grove nearby. Afternoon session will commence at 2 o'clock. Exercises to consist of short addresses by A. L. Johnson and M. A. McGinnis of Medford; W. F. Benjamin of Roseburg; J. N. Hall of Central Point and others; timely interspersed with music by the Talent Glee Club. COMMITTEE OF INTRODUCTION.--Mrs. Sallie Morton, Arthur Soule, of Phoenix; J. Fountain, Ashland; J. N. Hall, Central Point; H. Kinney, Medford; Andrew Hubbell, Jacksonville. Don't forget your basket. ----
A dedication dance will be given in the same hall on the following
Friday Eve., Oct. 9th.
Tickets, including supper, $2.00. The best of music furnished.
WM.
M. BREESE,
Sec. U.M.L.A. Oregon
Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 26, 1885, page 3
DEDICATION OF HALL AT TALENT.
TALENT,
Oct. 5, 1885.
MR. EDITOR:--
The dedication of the U.M.L. Hall on the 4th was an enjoyable affair. It being the first meeting of the kind ever held in Southern Oregon, people came from far and near, some from curiosity, no doubt, but most from sympathy with the cause of mental liberty. The hall was well filled long before the time for the opening of the exercises, and when all had arrived many were obliged to remain outside and listen by the windows. Exercises opened with instrumental and vocal music by the Talent Glee Club, following which were brief introductory remarks by the chairman, W. J. Dean, together with the reading of a short paper signed by the directors, setting forth the aims and objects of the association. After a song entitled "Lover of Truth, Awake from Thy Sadness," Gen. E. L. Applegate delivered a discourse on "Universal Mental Liberty." No abstract or summary could do justice to Mr. Applegate's speech. It was scholarly, replete with historical citations and intensely logical throughout. It should be issued in pamphlet form and carefully read by all who persist in considering free thought synonymous with vice and immorality. Following was "Picnic Song," a pleasing reminder that even free-thinkers cannot live on feasts of reason alone, but that cookies, sandwiches, chicken "fixin's," etc., etc., that come forth from the picnic basket should in no wise be ignored. Without delay the audience repaired to Mr. Beeson's orchard, where on the grassy lawn, the air redolent with the perfume of overhanging fruit, dinner was served. And we did all eat and were filled, and I don't know how many baskets full of the fragments were taken up. By the way, Mr. Beeson's dogs were all scared off the place by such a crowd, leaving a watermelon patch nearby dangerously exposed. But we didn't confiscate one watermelon--that one was left for manner's sake, and it wasn't ripe, anyhow. Mr. Editor, you should have been there; such occasions are rare. The afternoon exercises consisted of short stirring addresses by Prof. J. N. Hall, Gen. Applegate, W. J. Dean, Father Beeson and a Baptist clergyman whose name I did not learn, followed by select readings by A. Hubbell, B. F. Myer and Father Beeson; also the reading of communications from W. F. Benjamin of Roseburg and Mrs. A. S. Duniway of the New Northwest. The following resolution was passed: Resolved, that the address delivered by Gen. E. L. Applegate was an eloquent, clear and logical exposition of the subject of Universal Mental Liberty; that it was an address that should not only be heard but read and studied, and that he be requested to furnish a copy for publication to one or more of the county papers and also to the Oregonian. The closing song, "Hail to Thee, Liberty," was sung with spirit and elicited hearty applause. The music, both instrumental and vocal, which was frequently interspersed was excellent. In fact the Talent Glee Club, consisting of the Breese family of this place, assisted by Dr. Kahler of Phoenix, produce music that any city of ten thousand inhabitants could justly boast of. As far as could be ascertained all present were pleased with the day's proceedings, many of the ladies carrying away flowers from the vases as souvenirs of the occasion. Many and earnest were the congratulations we received on having reared so beautiful a structure and dedicated it to so noble a purpose. W. J. DEAN, Assist.
Sec.
Ashland Tidings, October
9, 1885, page 2
Oration Upon Mental Liberty.
The
oration upon Universal Mental Liberty delivered by Gen. E. L. Applegate
at Talent is a remarkable production, and for profound treatment and
eloquent presentation of the great principles involved in the subject
will rank with the great efforts of the eminent metaphysicians who have
spoken to the world in this generation upon this or kindred topics. In
clear delineation of the idea of liberty and in vivid exposition of the
difference between a biased or faulty separation of the mind and the
free and unfettered action of human intellect, it certainly has never
been excelled. Gen. Applegate is at home in the field of philosophy or
of metaphysics, and in this oration, or in addition to his striking
originality of style and depth of penetration, has reached a finish in
literary execution superior to that of many of his able speeches and
orations. As the oration will doubtless be printed in some shape, no
attempt at a report will be made at this time, and it only need be said
that the oration is one to the logic of which no one of intelligence,
whatever his faith or creed, can find objection.
Ashland Tidings, October 9, 1885, page 2 A REQUEST.--At the dedication meeting held at Talent on Sunday last the following resolution was passed by unanimous vote; Resolved--That the oration of Gen. E. L. Applegate at the dedication of the U.M.L. Hall was an able, eloquent and logical exposition of the subject of Universal Mental Liberty; that it was an address that should not only be heard but read and studied, and that he be requested to furnish a copy for publication to each of the county papers and also to the Weekly Oregonian." WM. BREESE, Sec.
Oregon
Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 10, 1885, page 3
DEDICATION.--The exercises attending the dedication of the new Liberal Hall at Talent on Sunday last proved a grand success and were highly appreciated by a large audience present. The programme consisted as follows: Instrumental music; greeting song; introductory remarks by the president of the association; song; address by Gen. E. L. Applegate; picnic song; basket dinner; addresses by A. L. Johnson of Medford, W. F. Benjamin of Roseburg, J. N. Hall of Central Point and others, interspersed with music by the Talent Glee Club. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 10, 1885, page 3 The Wagner Creek school has resumed studies under the efficient management of Prof. Dean and Miss Rosa Waters. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 23, 1885, page 3 Misses Rosetta Waters and Alice Sherman are assisting Prof. Dean in the management of the Talent school, which is in a flourishing condition. "Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 13, 1885, page 3 Scientific
Lecture.
On the evening of November 22, there was delivered in the U.M.L. hall
at Talent, by Prof. Dean, one of the most useful and scientific
lectures ever listened to in Jackson County. A part of the professor's
subject or text was: "Come, let us reason together." He spoke nearly
two hours to a large audience, who paid the greatest attention and were
much pleased with the masterly way that he handled the matter. Those
who heard him are only sorry that the whole lecture cannot be published
to the people throughout the land.
CITIZEN
Democratic
Times, Jacksonville, December 4, 1885, page 3
Mr. Dean and Miss Watters are doing well with the Wagner Creek school, and intend, during the holidays, to have a school exhibition. "Wagner Creek Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 5, 1885, page 2 Prof. W. J. Dean, of the Wagner Creek school, delivered an excellent lecture at the U.M.L. Hall about two weeks ago, his subject being "Charity of Opinion." It is reported as being an able and eloquent discourse, and its aim is one with which all can sympathize, the inculcation of a greater charity in our view of the people who differ from us in opinions. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, December 11, 1885, page 3 Reply to Anonymous "Christian."
Ashland Tidings, December
18,
1885, page 2 "Christian"'s letter is now lost.Editor
Tidings:
We notice in the issue of the Monitor of Medford, dated Dec. 11th, an article over the signature of "Christian," of Ashland. Now, while I do not know John Smith, nor did I see the article in the Tidings to which "Christian" refers, yet I must proceed to correct some of the errors that "Christian" has made in his article. "Christian" speaks of "reports" having reached Ashland, in regard to the Bible class and Sunday school held in the U.M.L. Hall. It may be reports have reached Ashland that are derogatory to the Sunday meetings held in the hall, for a person may hear almost any kind of reports, in regard to any thing whether it be good or bad. But before "Christian" should have published any such reports, he ought to have ascertained whether there was any truth in them or not. Now, the truth is this: I was raised by strict Methodist parents, and attended Sunday school nearly every Sunday from the time I was eight years old until I was fifteen, and yet I never attended a more orderly, well conducted Sunday school and Bible class than the one now being held every Sunday morning at eleven o'clock at the U.M.L. Hall on Wagner Creek, where the children and all the members are prompt in their attendance and orderly and decorous in their conduct, and where knowledge and morality and everything noble and elevating is promulgated both by precept and example. "Christian" intimates that he has heard reports that innocents are led astray. I would say that there are about twenty-five children attending the class, accompanied by their parents, who are known throughout the county as being among the best citizens of the county, who have never cost the county a dollar in lawsuits, and have never been known to wrong a neighbor in any way. And these parents do not think their innocent children are being led astray, but rather are being led into a higher, nobler life, away from [the] superstition and bigotry that have deluded the ages of the past. Our door is open, and we invite all and everybody to attend our Sunday meetings and judge for themselves. "Christian" says he is not ashamed to own his name. Why then did he not put it down? Here is mine in full. WELBORN BEESON
Talent, Dec. 15, 1885.
CORRESPONDENCE.
Democratic
Times, Jacksonville, December 25, 1885, page 2Talent,
Dec. 18, 1885.
To
the Editor of the Times:
I see in the issue of a local paper of a late date an article over the signature of "Christian." In answer to John Smith, in which he expresses a great deal of "pity for the better class" of people at Talent. Now, "Christian" claims, by his address, to live at Ashland, while I live at Talent, or on Wagner Creek; what is more, have lived here for nearly thirty-three years, and yet have failed to discover who this "better class of people" are that "Christian" alludes to. We have Spiritualists, Free Thinkers, Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Swedenborgians, Agnostics, Free Masons, Odd Fellows, Germans, Irish, Scotch, English and Missourians, and if I was appointed by our worthy President a committee of one to pick out the better class, after more than thirty years' acquaintance with the citizens here, I could not designate some a better class than others. But, to the point. "Christian" claims that by reports he has heard (I suppose Mrs. Blank's sister's aunt's cousin, Tabitha Ann Tibbit's grandmother must have been his informant), that the infidels of Wagner Creek met in the U.M.L. Hall on Sunday for the purpose of practicing Free Loveism, frolicking and dancing. (If they did I don't know as it would be any of "Christian's" business.) But as the hall is situated within two hundred yards of my dwelling, I will here say that a more orderly, well-behaved congregation of people do not meet anywhere in the United States on every Sunday morning to read the Bible and consult the passages found therein and consider the amount of credibility that must be placed on them being of the divine origin. There is also a class of about twenty-five children who attend, where morality and all that is noble and elevating is taught them, not only by precept but by example. The superstition of the past, when the race was in ignorance, is dispelled, and light and knowledge is encouraged to take the[ir] place. Hoping that "Christian" and all others may think it worth while to attend the Sunday meetings at the U.M.L. Hall and there learn that we are not so bad as report says, I will close by signing my full name, which "Christian" failed to do. WELBORN BEESON
The most interesting of entertainments is furnished by the literary society, which holds sessions Saturday evenings "rain or shine." We had a sham lawsuit last Saturday night, which took down the house frequently, by the comical way witnesses had of giving testimony. The case was the State of Oregon vs. Frank Elliott, for the larceny of a fat hog. W. H. Breese, prosecuting witness; W. J. Dean acted as J.P.; W. Beeson as clerk; S. Sherman, prosecuting attorney; with Prof. Trombly and Judge Truitt, colleagues. The defense retained Hons. Adams, Finley and Hicks. The hour of adjournment arrived before the evidence was all in, and the case will be continued next session (next Saturday night), when it will be argued by the able attorneys mentioned and others, perhaps, then go to the jury for decision. Our next question for discussion is: Resolved, that the Chinese are a curse rather than a blessing to the United States. Principals--Affirmative, Truitt; negative, Adams. "Talent Items," A CARD.--I have been the subject of an unprovoked and cowardly attack from a thing in human shape, claiming to be a citizen of Wagner Creek. I have been told that this seditious sediment of manhood stated at Talent, a short time ago, that he knew that I circulated a report and even sent a report to a county paper for publication to the effect that I was one of the committee in charge of the party which took place at the U.M.L. Hall on Wagner Creek, on Christmas Eve, and that much of the failure of the party was due to me being on the committee. In reply to this charge I would beg to say that if my reputation as an honest man and a gentleman will not compare favorably with this disgusting blot upon civilization, I will give up all hope of a future life. I will now state for the benefit of this monstrosity that I never circulated such a report, that I never sent such a report to a county paper for publication [and] that the whole business is a fabrication and a lie. I do not, and never did, own any interest in the U.M.L. Hall on Wagner Creek. Respectfully,
JOSEPH ROBINSON Talent, Or., Jan. 4,
1886.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 9, 1886, page 3 The newspaper with the "attack" is now lost. Prof. W. J. Dean of Wagner Creek, the well-known lecturer, delivered one of his learned discourses at Central Point Saturday evening to a large and attentive audience which was well pleased with it. "Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 29, 1886, page 3 RELIGIOUS ITEMS.--Liberal Sunday school and Bible class meets every Sunday at 11 o'clock A.M. at the U.M.L. Hall, Talent. Excerpt, Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1886 et seq., page 3 Prof. W. J. Dean, of the Wagner Creek school, gave an interesting lecture at Central Point recently. "Brevities," In
Memory of Paine.
At the U.M.L. Hall on Wagner Creek, a meeting was held on the first
Sunday afternoon after the 29th of January, in honor of the one hundred
and forty-ninth anniversary of Thomas Paine's birthday, the great
author that startled the world by first penning the words, "Independent
Colonies of America." Prof. W. J. Dean delivered a most excellent
address. C. K. Klum made some very appropriate remarks, followed by
others. Good music was furnished by the Wagner Creek choir. On motion
and a unanimous vote, Prof. Dean was requested to furnish the Oregon Sentinel
with
a copy of his address for publication. The meeting then adjourned,
fully intending to celebrate one year hence in fine style.W. H. BREESE, Sec. W. BEESON, Asst. Sec. A musical and dramatic entertainment will be given by the Talent Amateurs in the U.M.L. Hall on Wagner Creek next Friday evening, Feb. 19th. Admission 25cts.; proceeds for the benefit of the hall. The entertainment is in the management of excellent hands, and will be a genuine treat to those who can attend. "Brevities," Prof. W. J. Dean, of Talent, is mentioned as a candidate for county school superintendent. "Brevities," W. J. Dean has been appointed administrator of the estate of Thomas Morral, deceased. See his notice elsewhere. "Brevities,"
Mr. W. J. Dean and Mrs. Ersula Robinson of Wagner Creek were married in
Ashland on the 31st ult. Prof. Dean, from his prominence in
educational work, is well known in the county, and the bride, a
daughter of one of the old residents of the valley (Mr. B. C. Goddard)
has a large circle of friends and acquaintances who are interested in
her happiness and prosperity.
"Brevities," The Wagner Creek School opened last Monday with about sixty pupils on the roll. Prof. Soule, of Phoenix, is the principal, and Miss Fisher, of Jacksonville, assistant. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, September 17, 1886, page 3 Lecture
at U.M.L. Hall.
A free lecture will be given at the U.M.L. Hall on Wagner Creek,
Saturday evening, Oct. 30th, at 7 o'clock, by Prof. W. J. Dean.
Subject: "An Agnostic's View of Spiritualism," consisting of a review
of the recent three lectures by Geo. P. Colby at that place.Ashland Tidings, October 29, 1886, page 3 Thos. Paine's birthday was duly remembered at Talent, where an entertainment in honor of the event was held last Saturday evening. Prof. W. J. Dean delivered an able lecture and there were other interesting exercises. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 4, 1887, page 3 The anniversary of modern spiritualism will be appropriately celebrated at the U.M.L. Hall in Talent on Thursday, March 31st. Everybody is invited to attend. An interesting meeting was held last Sunday at the U.M.L. Hall at Talent, which was well attended. The efforts of the late Henry Ward Beecher in behalf of mankind were discussed, and a resolution that he had done more good than all other preachers of his day combined was unanimously adopted. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 25, 1887, page 3 Horses
for Sale.
A
colt and filly, aged three and four years respectively, are offered for
sale at a bargain. Both have been thoroughly broken and are safe and
sound. For further particulars enquire at W. J. Dean's farm near Talent.Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 22, 1887 et seq., page 3 Liberal
Lectures.
S. P. Putnam, the noted liberal lecturer, will deliver a service of his
lectures at the U.M.L. Hall at Talent during the forepart of next
month. He will also lecture in Ashland probably at Jacksonville and
Medford. Everybody is invited to attend, regardless of creed.Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 20, 1887, page 3 Prof. W. J. Dean and family of Wagner Creek, who have been quite sick, are now convalescent. "Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 2, 1887, page 3 Meetings of an interesting nature are being held regularly at the U.M.L. Hall at Talent. S. Colver recently delivered an address on the effect of the national banking system on the laboring classes there last week. "Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 16, 1887, page 3 Samuel Colver, the prohibitionist, delivered a lecture at Linkville one evening last week to a fair audience. His effort did not prove popular, even among temperance people, as he is altogether too radical in his views and never makes any converts. The American people may be coaxed, but they can never be driven. "Klamath County Items," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 14, 1887, page 2 John Beeson will reply to Gen E. L. Applegate's lecture on prohibition at the U.M.L. Hall in Talent next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 14, 1887, page 3 Temperance Rally.
All
friends of temperance are cordially invited to attend W. J. Dean's
lecture on Saturday evening, November 5th, at 7 o'clock, in the U.M.L.
Hall, at Talent, when he will review some of the late lectures on
prohibition and show up its inconsistency as a moral movement and the
danger of its adoption to the liberties of the people.
Wm.
H. BREEZE, Sec.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville,
November 4, 1887, page 3
Fun at Talent.
The
following letter from Talent, under date of the 8th inst., explains
itself: Please accept the enclosed complimentary ticket to
our
ball, to be given in the U.M.L. Hall at this place next Monday night,
Feb. 13th. It is to be a valentine party, and all who attend will
receive a valentine. The supper will be given by the ladies of the
society, and the proceeds will go to the Sunday school. We would very
much like to see the Times
represented by Mr. and Mrs. Nickell. We have secured the best music in
the valley and anticipate a fine time. By order of the
COMMITTEE.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville,
February 10, 1888, page 3
Sam. Colver, who has returned from the Willamette Valley, lectured at the U.M.L. Hall on Wagner Creek last Sunday. His subject was the government of the insane asylum. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 10, 1888, page 3 Prof. W. J. Dean , the well-known educator, and Jas. Purvis of Wagner Creek called at the Times office Wednesday. "Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 11, 1888, page 3 S. P. Putnam, the noted liberal orator, who has few superiors on the platform, will speak at the court house next Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, selecting the following subjects: "Universal Mental Liberty" and "the American Republic." Everybody is invited to attend. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 1, 1888, page 3 Sherman sisters are conducting a hotel in the new building built at Talent by their father. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 29, 1888, page 3 Notes from Diary Tell Origin of
Stearns Cemetery
Editor's Note: The following
story about the beginnings of the Stearns Cemetery was taken from a
diary kept by Welborn Beeson, of the pioneer Beeson family.
By ALICE BURNETTE
Mail Tribune Correspondent
TALENT--The Stearns Cemetery on Anderson Creek Road is named for the
pioneer Stearns family, who arrived in Talent, then known as Fort
Wagner, on Oct. 10, 1853.
On Oct. 28, 1857, Judge Avery P. Stearns was buried near "Uncle David Stearns' wheat field." In November, 1862, Emma Stearns was badly burned by having her dress catch fire from a log heap. According to Welborn Beeson's diary, the neighbors who sat up with her included his mother, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Wagner, Mrs. Williams and himself. At noon John Robison ran to tell the folks that Emma was dead. They went up to dig the grave on Grave Hill, in Stearns' field. The coffin was made by G. Naylor and at 12:30 p.m. they marched to the grave. Ira and Beeson, John Mills and John Robison carried the corpse to be buried by the side of her Uncle Avery. This information taken from excerpts from Welborn Beeson's diary shows the beginning of a family plot, which was later deeded for a community graveyard and named for the donor family. In August, 1889, Beeson noted in his diary that he went with a Mr. Dean to help the trustees lay plans to plot the ground. Trustees were John Abbott and Ern Purves. Later in August the four of them spent the day laying off the graveyard into blocks and lots. Beeson wrote: "We laid off 171 lots, 8 by 20 feet. It is a beautiful plot of ground for a cemetery." Later Beeson and Dean went to the graveyard to locate graves and to plot them. A pathetic item from the diary says on Jan. 11, 1890, a little child died. John Briner and "Wellie" dug the grave. The next day, a Sunday, the snow was nearly 15 inches deep on the level. The funeral of the little child took place and the corpse was hauled on a sled. In April, 1890, the local men started fencing the cemetery. Those who helped were Beeson, McCloskie, E. R. Oatman, Boyd and Frank Robison, N. D. Brophy, Clyde Smith, W. J. Dean and Ern Purves. They dug all the postholes, set the front ones, and cut the right-of-way to the county road. A few days later Beeson, Arthur and Allen Abbott and Ern Purves set the posts. This first fence was of wood, the diary states, saying that Beeson went up to Abbott's to see about getting lumber hauled and to Klum's to get nails to make the fence around the cemetery. Oscar Stearns helped on the cemetery fence. It was four boards high and had a good gate. The last entry [in this volume of the diary] concerning the cemetery notes that a number of neighbors met on May 30, 1890, to grub brush from the cemetery. They worked until noon then met at Purves' Grove where the ladies had a dinner. After eating, they marched to the cemetery and put flowers on every grave. Undated circa 1966 Medford Mail Tribune clipping Prof. Dean of Wagner Creek had quite a religious controversy with W. W. Felts of Ashland, and didn't come out second best. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 31, 1889, page 3 An address will be made on the death of Wm. Gifford, late of Talent, at 11 o'clock, March 31st, in the U.M.L. Hall. Text: "If a man die, shall he live again?" Appropriate resolutions will be offered. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 28, 1889, page 3 Stricken in His Prime.
After
a lingering illness, which he fully realized must terminate fatally, B.
C. Goddard, Jr., peacefully breathed his last at twelve o'clock on last
Monday night, at his home near Medford. With patient fortitude he
endured the suffering incident to that most terrible disease,
consumption, and when death came it was but to relieve his earthly
tenement from pain. Deceased was among the oldest pioneers in the
valley, having resided here since infancy, and one of the most familiar
figures in the county. Ever affable and genial, a warm-hearted friend
and a true citizen in the highest meaning of the words, he leaves
behind him only the pleasantest of memories and vain regrets that he
should have been so early called away from life. He leaves surviving a
widow and three little children to mourn the loss of a kind and
indulgent husband and father. Carlos was two days less than
thirty-eight years old at the time of his death. A large concourse of
friends followed the remains to their final resting place in the
beautiful Jacksonville Cemetery on Wednesday.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 9, 1889, page 3 The aged mother of the Robison brothers, living on Wagner Creek, was seriously injured a few days since by a young stallion, which caught her by the arm and pulled her from the stile, breaking an arm and inflicting other injuries. At last accounts she was not expected to live.. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 16, 1889, page 3 Mrs. Susan Robison, who was so fearfully wounded by a stallion colt at the home of her son on Wagner Creek last week, died Tuesday from the result of her injuries. She was upwards of eighty years of age, and suffered excruciatingly up to the time of her death. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 23, 1889, page 3 A FUNERAL ADDRESS.
The
following is a report of the address delivered by Prof. W. J. Dean, at
the funeral of Mrs. Susan Robison, of Wagner Creek:
As we have met to pay the last tributes of respect to the remains of one who was loved by all who knew her, the question is pertinent: Whence the grief depicted on every countenance? It is not an occasion for outbursts of joy, but who shall say that death is always a time for tears? When a darling babe is taken from us, leaving life's journey untried; when a young man or young woman, large in hope and high in promise, is stricken down by the fell destroyer, or when one in the full prime of manhood or womanhood, with life's work but half accomplished, is borne to the grave, we instinctively feel that there is something wrong somewhere, and the oft-repeated, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" is at best but a doubtful consolation; but when one who has far outlived the three score years and ten allotted to the life of man--one old in years and rich in good deeds, lies down to an eternal sleep, why should we mourn? Methinks in this and in other similar cases, if we analyze our feelings, we shall find that grief is caused not so much for the passing away of one ripe and ready for the harvest, as by the manner of death, the suffering, the agony preceding it, and that our tears are accompanied by a hope that human research will sometime discover that much, if not all, of human suffering can be traced to preventable causes. The deceased had long since crossed the bridge that spans the turbulent river of life, and was waiting patiently on the other shore, not for that grim and ghostly spectre in the guise of which our imagination is wont to picture death--but for the cheerful, welcome summons to go hence. Grandma Robison, as the deceased was familiarly known, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1806; married to John Robison in Rose County, Ohio, at the age of sixteen, her parents moving to the latter place when she was two years old, that part of Ohio being then a new or frontier country. In 1857 she with her husband moved to that portion of Iowa known as the Blackhawk's Purchase. In 1853, they with six children crossed the plains to Oregon, settling upon a donation claim on Wagner Creek, Jackson County, where she has since lived, that being in the time of the Rogue River Indian War. They were obliged to build a strong barricade of logs around their rude cabin for protection from Indian attacks, choosing this course rather than frequently fleeing, with their neighbors, to Fort Wagner at the mouth of that creek. A nephew of the deceased named Milligan was shot by Indians in the Siskiyou Mountains when the train to which he belonged was entering the valley, so the family was familiar with the dangers and hardships incident to frontier life. Having witnessed the growth and development of Jackson County from its earliest settlement, the personal reminiscences of the deceased would grace many a page in a history of this part of the state. Her husband, familiarly known as Uncle Johnny Robison, died in 1870, since which time the deceased has had a welcome home with her children, each deeming her presence an honor and a pleasure. It would be of interest to mention in this connection that the deceased was the mother of eleven children, of whom three sons survive her. Of living grandchildren there are twenty-seven, great-grandchildren, thirty-nine, and great-great-grandchildren, one. Grandma Robison, as testified by all who knew her, possessed uncommonly high moral endowments. She was actuated throughout her long career by the strictest integrity and an unswerving adherence to what she believed to be right, and indeed it may be truly said that what she believed to be right would not be a bad rule of life for her survivors to adopt and follow. Few were her enemies, if she had any, they must have been persons of whose merits no community would boast. She was charitable to a fault, and many a neighbor, far and near, could tender most grateful acknowledgment of her kindness, sympathy and self-sacrificing spent during sickness--how she was the first at the bedside of a sufferer and the last to leave it. She felt this acknowledgment in the many acts and expressions of kindness tendered by anxious ones during her illness, and spoke in feeling terms of the "dear friends and kind neighbors." Everything was done that could be done alike by physician, neighbor, friend and relative to relieve her sufferings and prevent the fatal terminator of her terrible injuries, and when death closed the scene the community wept as one person. As to her religious belief, I am not fully conversant. She was a member of the Phoenix Presbyterian Church for a time, but some years since she caused her name to be taken from its books. She had ceased to endorse some of the doctrines of that denomination. She could not believe that a God of infinite love and infinite mercy would condemn to everlasting punishment any of his creatures for committing a finite crime. She believed in a continual existence beyond this life but that it is a better state than this. Death to her had no terrors. She believed that acting in accordance with our best judgment in this life will prove the surest passport to the joys of the life to come. She did her duty here, and we can truly say that the world is better for her having lived in it. Let us cherish the hope that her belief in an immortal life of greater and grander possibilities and opportunities is not a vain one and that beyond the mystic river Grandma Robison will reap the fruition of her highest ideals. Ashland Tidings, May 31, 1889, page 4 A spiritual specialist has been raking in considerable coin at Ashland with his "trance racket," charging $2.50 a trance. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 13, 1889, page 3 We are glad to learn that there are only two cases of spinal meningitis in the county--Miss Hattie Galloway of Medford still being afflicted with it; also a child of Prof. Dean of Wagner Creek. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 27, 1889, page 3 Mrs. Alice Goddard and Blin C. Goddard, Sr., have been appointed executors under the will of the late Carlos Goddard. Their notice to that effect will be found among the new advertisements. "Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 4, 1889, page 3 The son of W. J. Dean of Wagner Creek, who is suffering with spinal meningitis, is very low. "Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 11, 1889, page 3 Lossie Robison, son of Mrs. W. J. Dean, who has been lingering between life and death for several weeks, having been taken down with spinal meningitis some two months ago, died Wednesday, Aug. 7th, and was buried in the Stearns graveyard Thursday. He was about 14 years of age, and a bright, promising boy. "Talent Items," Ashland Tidings, August 9, 1889, page 3 Lossie Robinson, son of Mrs. W. J. Dean of Wagner Creek, who had been ill with spinal meningitis for two months, died on the 7th instant. He was aged about 14 years, and was an unusually promising lad. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 15, 1889, page 3 State Secular Union.
The
first annual convention of the State Secular Union will meet in
Portland, Oregon, at Masonic Hall on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the
12th, 13th and 14th of October, 1889; the object being to secure the
total separation of church and state.A. F. NEUNERT, ) C. BEAL, ) LEE LAUGHLIN, ) Board of Directors. L. AMES, ) J. K. SEARS. ) Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 12, 1889, page 3 B. C. Goddard will soon take possession of a neat residence on his farm on Wagner Creek. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 12, 1889, page 3 We have received posters containing announcement of the fourth annual ball of the U.M.L. Society, to be given at the ball of the society in Talent, on the evening of October 4th. The floor managers are W. H. Breese, John Briner and Emmett Beeson. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 3, 1889, page 3 Prof. Ganiard's orchestra will give a grand "bal masque" at U.M.L. Hall, Talent, on Thanksgiving eve. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 21, 1889, page 3 The masquerade Thanksgiving ball at U.M.L. Hall at Talent last evening was largely attended and much of a success. Ganiard's orchestra of Ashland furnished the music. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 28, 1889, page 3 CLOSE OF THE CONVENTION.
The State Secular Union Winds Up Its Business and Adjourns. Election of Officers Yesterday Forenoon, and a Concert and Grand Ball Last Night-- Lecture by S. P. Putnam Tonight.
The
third day's session of the Oregon State Secular Union convention opened
in Masonic hall yesterday morning at 9 o'clock. The greater part of the
forenoon was devoted to the election of officers.
The following officers were elected: President, C. Beal; vice presidents [a list of dozens of vice presidents follows, including] W. J. Dean, Talent; W. H. Breese, Talent; P. Britt, Jacksonville; O. Coolidge, Ashland; J. D. Fountain, Ashland. On the whole the secular convention has been a success. Considerable interest has been awakened in the principles of secularism and more active work in the state will follow. Local unions will be organized throughout the state and a more largely attended convention will be expected next year. Excerpt, Oregonian, Portland, October 15, 1889, page 6 The Secular Association for the state held a session in Portland last week and was well attended. The convention reported membership of 2000. Resolutions were adopted demanding that church property be taxed, that the Bible be not used in public schools, and that church and state be separated still further than at present, by doing away with army chaplains, chaplains in congress, legislative bodies, etc. The present form of administering the oath in our courts was also criticized. At the election of officers, C. Beal was elected president. "General Notes and News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 24, 1889, page 4 The U.M.L. folks of Ashland will hold a meeting next Sunday, to be addressed by Prof. W. J. Dean of Talent, the object being to form a club of the society which will introduce a number of prominent lecturers to the Ashland public during the winter. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 12, 1889, page 3 The owners of the property of U.M.L. Hall, Talent, request that the chair which was carried off some time ago by mistake be returned. "Here and There," Ashland Tidings, June 6, 1890, page 3 GRANGE
RESOLUTIONS.
Editor Tidings:--The following Resolutions were
adopted by the Wagner Grange, of Talent, Dec. 13, 1890:
Resolved. That this grange is opposed to the repeal of the mortgage tax law. Resolved. That this grange is opposed to the repeal of the usury law. Resolved. That this grange is opposed to the repeal of the three hundred dollar exemption law, and the deduction from assessments for indebtedness. Resolved. That this grange earnestly urge our representatives to pass a law empowering our railroad commissioners to enforce their demands upon the railroad companies of this state. W.
J. DEAN, Sec'y.
Ashland
Tidings, December 19, 1890, page 3
There is a drama on the tapis at the U.M.L. Hall to come off in a couple of weeks, under the tutelage of Prof. Dean. "Talent Items," Ashland Tidings, December 26, 1890, page 2 The entertainment under the management of Prof. W. J. Dean, which was billed for March 6th, is postponed on account of measles. Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 3 The Talent Grange has seventy members. Following are the present officers: James Purvis, Master; Mrs. Sulie Dean, Overseer; George Anderson, Secretary; E. K. Anderson, Treasurer; W. J. Dean, Lecturer; Miss Stella Duclos, Lady Assistant Steward; T. Lynch, Steward; W. J. Stewart, State Deputy. "Here and There," Ashland Tidings, April 10, 1891, page 3 Miss Rosetta Waters, of Talent, is in St. Helena, California, where she will take a two years course of study preparatory to adopting the profession of nurse. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, October 23, 1891, page 3 Prof. W. J. Dean and his stepsons now publish the Talent News, which is bright and spicy and a credit to the boys. Democratic Times, March 4, 1892, page 3 H. H. Goddard is building a new barn for W. J. Dean, 20x20x40 feet in the dimensions. "Talent Items," Southern Oregon Mail, July 22, 1892, page 4 B. C. Goddard, Jeff Bell and sons, Waldo and Blaine Klum, of Talent, have been among the rusticators in the Dead Indian country lately. M. H. Coleman and W. J. Dean and their families are camping in the Big Butte Creek section. Ashland Tidings, August 5, 1892, page 3 Of Local Interest
(Prof. J. G. Clark in Reform Journal)
I visited Jackson County not long since and met some of the leading
People's Party workers, among them the true and tried Ira Wakefield,
who come within six votes of being elected Circuit Judge. Mr. Wakefield
is one of the most effective stump speakers in the state. He has a
pleasant little farm home near Phoenix and nearly all his neighbors for
miles around are earnest advocates of our party, not least among them
being S. H. Holt and Wm. H. Breese. The latter has a little fruit ranch
in Talent, where he plays the role of Vulcan and does the best
blacksmith work of any man in the two counties of Jackson and
Josephine. He is a well-educated German, and while his efforts as a
stump speaker reveal more or less of the Teutonic twist in the use of
English, he always succeeds in making his points more clear and telling
than a large majority of our native workers do.
Excerpt, Southern Oregon Mail, August 12, 1892, page 2 B. C. Goddard and wife and Mrs. Sula Dean paid a visit to Colestein's last week. Mrs. Goddard intended to remain several days, but the light air of that altitude rendered breathing difficult and she was obliged to return the second day. "Talent Items," Southern Oregon Mail, August 26, 1892, page 4 GHOSTS(S)
Friend Lyttleton of Ashland sees a vision and in language classical
enough to do credit to an experienced litterateur writes
it up in the Record. But
whether what appeared to him was a veritable ghost, or the product of
an overwrought mental condition which the circumstances had brought
about, is the question. In his article Mr. Lyttleton arrives at no
conclusion; but from the reading between the lines we judge that he
would decide in favor of the spook theory. The undersigned would relate
an experience in which a vision was seen, equally distinct, perfect in
outline, and under circumstances that could not be considered
agreeable. I was occupying a small room in a strange hotel in a strange
city. In the still hours of the night, I was suddenly awakened
apparently by a movement of the bed upon which I was lying. At once
attributing it to the presence of intruders, I raised my head and
peered around the room. In the clear light of the moon shining in at
the window, there was outlined a form of a rough-looking man with
slouched hat and close-buttoned coat, standing at the foot of my bed.
At first sight of the intruder a cold chill crept over me and each particular hair was about to stand on end, after the manner of a porcupine's quill, when reason came to the rescue. Like friend Lyttleton I am inclined to philosophize, especially in the presence of unusual phenomena. What better opportunity than this! So I rose to a sitting posture and took a square look at my strange visitor. There he stood as motionless as an Egyptian mummy, and about as good looking. I mentally asked: Is this a reality--an actual intruder, whose presence bodes me no good; or is it a semi-reality--a "ghost or goblin damned," come with some important message from the unseen world; or is it the natural offspring of a fully developed nightmare and whose grandparent was a hotel mince pie? I was bent on solving the problem. I spoke politely to the gentleman. That vacant, stony gaze was the only response. I can see that countenance yet. I leaned forward with outstretched hand toward him. This move was accompanied by another chilly sensation, for the nearer I approached, the more distinct the figure. That stare was anything but soothing. But in a moment my fear gave way to philosophical curiosity and I continued to extend my hand slowly--very slowly--toward my unwelcome visitor. I touched the gentleman's coat, a slight shock and--what transformation! The intruder had fled. The ghost had dematerialized. My coat and hat were hanging on the post at the foot of my bed. That was all. W. J. D. Talent News, September 1, 1892 The largest hog that has been weighed at Talent weighed 514 lbs. It was raised by W. J. Dean. "talent News Items," Valley Record, Ashland, Oregon, December 21, 1893, page 3 Reno Goddard, who is cinnabar mining on Applegate, was spending Christmas with numerous friends and relatives hereabouts. "Personal and Social," Valley Record, Ashland, Oregon, December 28, 1893, page 3 Mrs. W. J. Dean and Mrs. Coleman of Talent returned Monday from a pleasant visit with relatives at Sacramento and the [San Francisco] midwinter fair. "Personal and Social," Valley Record, Ashland, Oregon, March 1, 1894, page 3 A meeting will be called soon to try to raise means to build a new school building. The one now in use is not fit to confine criminals in, much less innocent pupils and teachers. Mrs. B. C. Goddard passed over to the unknown shore after a long and painful illness, at her daughter's home, Mrs. Ersula Dean, on Saturday morning, March 18. A large procession of her friends and neighbors followed her remains to the Talent cemetery, where, with appropriate ceremony she was laid away to the long rest, after so long a journey on earth, she having passed her sixty-sixth birthday. She was a dutiful wife, affectionate mother, and true friend. Sic transit gloria mundi. "Talent Items," Medford Mail, March 24, 1893, page 1 OBITUARY
Mrs. B. C. Goddard died on the 18th, ult. and was buried in the Stearns
Cemetery on the Sunday following. A large number of people, many from a
distance, attended the funeral.
The following brief address prepared by W. J. Dean was read by Welborn Beeson at the grave:-- Again we are called to pay the last rites that the living can pay to the dead. Again we are brought face to face with a mystery, the solution of which is as far from our grasp today as it was in the dawn of human intelligence--the mystery of death, a mystery only equaled by that of life itself. Man advances from helpless infancy to vigorous maturity, dwells for a brief time in the zenith of his powers, then, by reverse steps, decays and dies. As was said of old, "Man wasteth away and where is he?" Ah! that question "Where is he?" is the one question connected with death. Has an answer ever been given that completely satisfies the head and heart? Will the answer ever be given? Will man ever pass into the valley of the shadow of death with a full knowledge of what the end of the journey will be? It will be asked what was the belief of the deceased regarding these ever-recurring inquiries. I will say that she has answered them over and over again, briefly, yet clearly as it is possible to answer them--she did not know. It is my duty and privilege to state that in matters of religion the departed one was an agnostic. She may have entertained a hope--that hope, which though banished by reason so often finds refuge in the heart--of a continued, conscious existence beyond this life, but her religion, if so it could be called, was the religion of humanity. It consisted in doing good, in kindly acts, in alleviating suffering, in sympathizing with the afflicted. The innumerable acts of kindness and charity, her self-sacrificing nature for which she was noted, will lovingly linger in the memories of all who knew her as long as life shall last. In sickness she was a willing and devoted nurse, as so many can testify. Ungrateful indeed would be that recipient of her self-sacrificing devotion, in time of need, who would not drop a tear to the memory of the departed. It may be said that she possessed one belief, well defined, unmixed with doubt--that, if there be a beyond, to do her duty in this life, as she understood it, would be the surest passport into the joys of the next. She was a devoted wife, an affectionate mother, a kind neighbor, a true friend. Patient in suffering, concealing her own ills and sorrows, she shrank from receiving that care and assistance in time of need that she was ever ready and willing to extend to others. Thus she lived and thus she died, Patient, true, consistent ever, With honor, truth and love allied, Her life was one of high endeavor. And it can with truth be said that the world is better for her having lived in it. Mrs. Dameris Goddard was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, November 13, 1826. She moved with her parents to Ray County, Missouri, when about 9 years of age, and was married to Blin C. Goddard in 1844--49 years ago. In the spring of 1864, she with her husband and four children made the long and tedious journey across the plains to Jackson County, Oregon, locating near Phoenix. Two years later they moved to Wagner Creek, where she resided until the time of her death. She was the mother of four sons and four daughters, four of whom are still living, Hendrick, Reno, Mrs. M. H. Coleman and Mrs. W. J. Dean. In early life she was strong, being able to perform a prodigious amount of labor, but about fifteen years ago she became afflicted with heart troubles from which she never recovered and which resulted in her death. For the past 14 months she has lived alternately with her daughters that she might receive their personal care and attention. She gradually grew worse, becoming prostrated about three weeks ago. All was done that loving hearts could suggest and willing hands execute to stay the progress of the disease and alleviate her sufferings. No one could have received more watchful care and nursing. It were fitting that she should have the same loving care and sympathy during her fatal illness that she had willingly devoted to scores of others under like circumstances. "Sweet may she slumber while the ages shall roll; For no visions of sorrow can intrude or control; But enfolded by nature in peace she shall dwell, While with hearts full of sorrow we bid her farewell." Talent News, April
1, 1893, page 3
Mr. and Mrs. W.
J. Dean and daughter, Minnie, Editor Robinson and Welborn Beeson, of
Talent, were pleasant callers at The
Mail office
last week. They are of such people as comprise our best friends and
their visit cannot be too often or too lengthy to forfeit the pleasure
of our meetings.
"Purely Personal," Medford Mail, April 7, 1893, page 3 DEATH
OF B. C.
GODDARD.
B. C. Goddard, who was
living alone at his place on Wagner Creek, was suddenly stricken down
with paralysis while milking early in the morning of the 3rd inst. He
crawled to the house, a distance of a few yards, where about four
hours later he was found lying on the porch by a sewing machine agent
who at once went for assistance. Dr. Geary was summoned but he had
little hope from the first. For about two days he suffered greatly,
then sank gradually into a comatose condition from which it was
difficult to rouse him, and died at 9 P.M. on the following Wednesday.
The burial took place at the Wagner Creek cemetery last Friday,
attended by a large number of relatives and friends. The following
brief address was read by W. J. Dean at the grave:--Again the fell destroyer, Death, has taken from us a valued citizen. Again we are brought to face with "the great mystery that shrouds this world."He believed that religion--which to him was synonymous with superstition--has ever been a drawback to human progress and that by the decadence of religion--for he looked upon it as declining--may be largely measured the advancement of the race. He could hardly be called an agnostic of the Huxley type for he was a radical unbeliever in another state of existence. To him there was ample evidence against, and little in favor of, a conscious existence beyond this life. He has often been heard to remark, in substance, that all there is of us--moral, mental and physical--begins and ends in this world. To many, such views would seem cold and cheerless, but with those who hold them they form the basis of the highest ideals of humanity. Possessed of a remarkably retentive memory and being a great reader, the deceased was a man of unusual intelligence. His accurate knowledge of history, ancient and modern, has often been a surprise to me. Having had also a varied experience in many lines of business and being a great observer of men and things and, withal, a careful and logical reasoner, the judgment of "Squire Goddard," as he was often called, in matters of interest to individuals or to the community, was often sought after and generally considered as unassailable. Blin C. Goddard, the subject of this memoir, was born in Chenango County, New York, May 25th, 1822, having therefore passed the three-score-and-ten milestone of life. His father, James Goddard, was a soldier and quartermaster in the war of 1812. It is worthy of note that the steelyards that he used in weighing out rations to the soldiers in that war have descended as an heirloom to the deceased and have ever since been kept as an interesting relic in his family. The deceased left his paternal home at the age of sixteen and made his way to the then "out west" state of Missouri.Talent News, August 15, 1893, page 1 W. J. Dean was going about with two canes last week, a result of a severe attack of lumbago. "Talent Items," Medford Mail, October 20, 1893, page 2 Citizens Didn't Mass.
One of the amusing things in local affairs is the way in which the Record editor
swelled up in his issue of last week as the representative of an
indignant populace who were about to arise and wipe the ground with the
city council of Ashland--and the way the swelling collapsed when a mass
meeting he had called failed to meet and the true situation forced
itself upon his comprehension. Capt. Teel and W. H. Breese, the genial
Talent anarchist from Russia [sic],
were with him on the question, and he had concluded that they had
public opinion by the foretop--so the Record called a
meetin'--a "mass meetin'" for the purpose of "protesting against the
city council allowing poor unfortunate men to be worked in droves on
the street with ball and chain."
To be sure to catch somebody, the call was very cutely made for Monday evening at the city hall--the time and place of the regular meeting of the people's party club. The club met--that is, sixteen members of it--but the indignant citizens failed to mass. Excerpt, Ashland Tidings, January 18, 1894, page 2 Mr. Breese Explains.
EDITOR TIDINGS:--In your issue of Feb. 5th, you published an article
from the Talent News "Let
Us Have Peace." I have no time, inclination or desire to notice the personal slurs of
that sheet.
The words of Burns, "Oh, wad some power the giftie gie us to see oursel's as ithers see us," explains all when you read between the lines. After publishing the article in question you treat your readers to the following explanation: "The above is quite a Breezy hint from the News. It seems to be striking at the boss populist of Talent, who threatened to double the rent of his hall if the club didn't confine its discussions to lines laid down by somebody's platform." The explanation is utterly misleading, and I trust that your remarks are the result of misinformation. I am not the owner of a hall, but secretary of the U.M.L. Hall corporation. As such I am authorized to charge one dollar per night. Suppose I rent the hall to the populist club of Talent for fifty cents per night and pay the other fifty cents out of my own pocket to the U.M.L. Hall corporation, who is hurt or wronged? Suppose a resolution is introduced which is antagonistic to the Omaha platform and populist doctrines, and I refuse to donate fifty cents per meeting for such purposes, have I a right to refuse my donation? These are the facts in this case. The U.M.L. Hall is at the disposal of all political parties, religious organizations and home secret societies at one dollar per night. For shows and dances apply to the secretary. WM. H. BREESE, U.M.L.H. Corporation. Talent, Feb. 10th, 1894. Ashland Tidings, February 15, 1894 The Talent News has suspended publication. After living two years and six months its publisher has decided there was too much of glory and not enough of cash in the business. The News was a bright little sheet and Editor Dean [Robert Edward Robison] a brilliant, pithy and good hard sense writer. Medford Mail, July 20, 1894, page 2 Misses Belle and Myrtle Stearns are in charge of the Sherman restaurant at present. Meals at all hours and styles to suit customers. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Goddard, near Talent, December 8th, an eleven-pound son. So the populist list increaseth, both in weight and numbers. "Talent Items," Medford Mail, December 15, 1894, page 2 The latest thing out that the Tidings literary editor has run across is entitled "The Bible Prophecies" by W. J. Dean of Talent. It is a 30-page pamphlet printed by Mr. Dean's stepson, Edward Robison, at their home, on a little 7x11 hand inking press, one page at a time, and considering that the mechanical work was done by a young man of 17 who had never spent a day in a printing office in his life, the typographical appearance is most creditable. Mr. Dean has already made considerable of a reputation locally as a liberal writer and talker and has entangled the representatives of orthodoxy not a little on frequent occasions in debates, being full of pointed argument upon Bible subjects. The little book will be sent to any address postpaid for 15c by Edward Robison, Talent, Oregon. Ashland Tidings, May 6, 1895, page 3 The two Talent blacksmith shops being unable to do all the work, therefore Andrew Briner has started a branch iron and wood repair shop at his place opposite W. J. Dean's residence. "Talent Items," Ashland Tidings, September 3, 1896, page 3 The U.M.L. Hall has gone into private hands and will soon be remodeled. Robt. Purvis and Harry Lynch are the new proprietors. "Talent Whispers," Medford Mail, December 25, 1896, page 4 The Talent U.M.L. Hall Association is moving its hall about half a mile south of its present location. Ashland Tidings, September 16, 1897, page 3 W. J. Dean of Talent, who was in town Tuesday, met with a peculiar accident recently, by which the middle finger of his left hand was badly crushed and the bone broken. A large stick of wood which he was putting into the stove in the hall at Talent caught the finger between it and a section of the stove. Ashland Tidings, February 23, 1899, page 3 Wagner Creek Theatricals.
The sterling melodrama, "Joe Ruggles, or the Girl Miner," will be
produced by the popular Wagner Creek amateurs, at the U.M.L. Hall,
Talent, Saturday evening, Jan. 19. The play will be preceded by the
roaring farce, "Black Magic," by Prof. Hermann and "Uneeda" Bill.
Ashland Tidings, January 10, 1901, page 3 History S.O. Spiritual Society.
(Communicated) I
have been requested to write a short history for publication of the
factors which contributed to the organization of the First Spiritual
Society of Southern Oregon. At this time, when "Memorial Hall" is
completed, and the event of dedication on April 2, 1905, to the cause
of Spiritualism will be celebrated, this explanation will give the
facts and also be a kind remembrance to two of Jackson County's old
citizens.
Mr. and Mrs. John Holton were early pioneers to the Pacific Coast. They came to Jackson County when the red men still laid claim to Rogue River Valley as a hunting ground. My acquaintance with Mr. Holton dates back about twenty years, and I soon found that he held (then to me) peculiar views about the future life. Mr. and Mrs. Holton were Spiritualists, and their knowledge of Spiritualism dated back to the Rochester rappings on March 31, 1848. They often told me, when they "passed over," as they called it, all their property should be donated to the promulgation of Spiritualism, and a hall with free rostrum for both men and women was their ideal. Others favorable to organization were Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Payne, of Ashland, also Mrs. M. J. Hockersmith, and on Nov. 24, 1888, we met at the farm home of John Holton, on Wagner Creek. I called the meeting to order, stated the object of this preliminary meeting, and John Holton was called to act as chairman and myself as secretary. Mr. and Mrs. John Holton again expressed their desire to give to an incorporated society which was legally organized under the laws of the state of Oregon, all their property, real and personal, and proposed that we incorporate under the name "The First Spiritual Society of Southern Oregon." Committee on incorporation, constitution and by-laws--Mrs. L. E. Payne, Mrs. M. J. Hockersmith and Wm. H. Breese, to report at the meeting to be held on Dec. 20, 1888, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Breese, to form a permanent organization. On Dec. 20, 1888, a permanent organization was perfected, and the following constitution adopted: ----
Whereas, Experience has shown that
knowledge can be more rapidly acquired by combination of effort than
singly, we, whose names are hereto annexed, have agreed to form an
association to be known as the First Spiritual Society of Southern
Oregon, and for its better government do hereby establish the following
constitution:ARTICLE I.
Section
1. The name, style and title of this Association shall be the
First Spiritual Society of Southern Oregon, and our aim and object are
set forth in the following declarations:
ARTICLE II.
Section
1. We believe that there is a spirit world and that mankind in
the way of evolutionary and progressive soul unfoldment do retain their
individuality after that change takes place known as death; and we
believe that if we observe certain psychological conditions, soul
aspirations and sympathies, we may become connected with and receive
communications and light by influx from such spirit world and they can
return and communicate with us.
Section 2. We believe that the truth will never suffer by investigation; therefore, in order to get the best and most thorough information on all subjects we hereby declare that our rostrum and platform is free to all. Nobody shall be debarred from expressing his or her honest opinion on account of race, color, religion or sex. Section 3. We believe that mere physical phenomena will not spiritualize mankind, and may be produced independently of the moral qualities of the medium, but that the higher phases of mediumship, consisting of the currents of inspirational speakers and writers, are dependent for their moral value and force upon the purity of the instrument through which they are transmitted, and consequently we hold all mediums or teachers who act in that capacity before the world to strict accountability for their moral conduct while acting in such capacity. Section 4. We believe that "morality" is a relative term and progressive as humanity, and therefore this society will not prescribe special rules of moral conduct, leaving that to the individual conscience of its members. Signed by J. Holton, Mrs. H. C. Holton, R. T. Young, Mrs. A. E. Young, L. E. Payne, Mrs. L. E. Payne, Mrs. M. J. Hockersmith, Mrs. S. A. Morton, Mrs. M. J. Sherman, E. C. Payne, Miss A. J. Payne, Miss E. R. Young, J. B. Plummer, William H. Breese, H. C. Stock. ----
Trustees
elected for one year--R. T. Young, Medford; Mrs. L. E. Payne, Mrs. M.
J. Hockersmith, Ashland; John Holton, W. H. Breese, Talent.
Officers--R. T. Young, president; Mrs. L. E. Payne, vice president; Wm. H. Breese, secretary-treasurer. Since organization the society held regular quarterly meetings for social and intellectual purposes, whenever convenient. Mediums for physical phenomena have at different times served the society and presented tangible proof to the physical senses, that the ego, the intellectual, rational soul, survives the physical dissolution of the body. The philosophy of Spiritualism has been presented by able exponents of national reputation. The present board of trustees looks to the inauguration of a policy so that all prominent speakers and mediums of national reputation will stop at Ashland. The society at present has 57 members and many sympathizers, and we hope with regular Sunday meetings and a lyceum for children in our new hall we shall soon double our membership. Spiritualism is not an obscure belief today. The phenomena are subject to scientific demonstration. The proof to the physical senses of men, of a future life, rest on the phenomena of Spiritualism. Scientists and scholars recognize this and are investigating. Every day some prominent one steps into our ranks. The daily papers are publishing fair and exhaustive reports of our meetings. The philosophy of materialism, that all living organisms, together with intelligence and love, are expressions and developments of physical laws and forces, will soon be laid on the musty shelves. Spiritual philosophy and phenomena have accepted the challenge; this intellectual battle has got to be fought out between the agnostic scientist and the Spiritualist. The orthodox church lives only on tradition, and does not count in this contest and in this age of critical investigation. The age of "I believe" is past. It has fulfilled its mission and served its purpose. This age demands facts, and proof of the immortality of men. Spiritualism has the facts and proof, and courts investigation. Only on these lines can the church add "knowledge to their faith" and confidently meet the future, realizing that man has only one life and it belongs to two worlds. W. H. BREESE, Secretary 1st S. S. of S. Ore. J. E. SMITH, President. Ashland Tidings, March 30, 1905, page 1 Mrs. W. J. Dean, of Talent, had an exciting runaway experience, Saturday. Fortunately she received no injuries, but her escape seems almost miraculous. She was driving in a buggy near the James Reames place, in Phoenix precinct, when her horse took sudden fright of some clanking chains on a team of horses being led behind a loaded wagon which she met. The horse whirled and ran and Mrs. Dean was hurled out of the buggy to the ground. She heroically clung to the lines, though, and was dragged under the upturned buggy for a distance of fifty yards by the frightened steed before she was able to stop it. Some painful bruises and abrasions were the most serious injuries the lady received, but the experience is one she is not likely soon to forget. "Jackson County," Medford Mail, May 26, 1905, page 1 Prominent People Coming
Talent, Aug. 26, 1907
Editor Southern
Oregonian,
I wish to announce through your widely circulating paper that Mrs. Clara Waldo, Oregon State Grange Lecturer, and Hon. J. Voorhees, State Organizer, are expected to be in this county in a few weeks for the purpose of organizing granges. They intend to visit any locality that offers a fair prospect for success in that line. Mrs. Waldo is one of the most entertaining speakers in this or any other state, and all, especially those engaged in agricultural pursuits, should hear her. Any parties who desire to have a grange organized in their neighborhood will please communicate with the undersigned to the end that arrangements can be made for place and time of meeting, etc. Also when requested the undersigned will gladly answer questions and furnish literature bearing upon the aims and objects of the organization. It is perhaps needless to say that the grange, or Patrons of Husbandry, is generally conceded to be by far the best and most influential farmer's organization in existence. No organization would exert a greater influence in arousing an increased interest in agricultural pursuits in Rogue River Valley or in advancing the moral, intellectual and social standing of its people than the grange. No other institution has exerted a greater influence in making farm life more attractive to the young. In fact to be helpful to the young, morally, intellectually and socially is a distinctive feature of the organization. In a word, the grange is an up-to-date institution and stands for progress all along the line, and it is hoped that several will be established in this valley. W. J. Dean
Southern Oregonian,
Medford, August 28, 1907, page 8
The Grange.
The
local grange held a pleasant and profitable meeting last Saturday from
10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with a most substantial and appetizing
luncheon served in the hall at noon. A large number of the members were
present, and the meeting is said to have been one of the best since the
grange was organized. County Deputy W. J. Dean, of Talent, was present
in an official capacity to instruct the grange in the secret work of
the order and afterwards delivered an interesting talk to the members.
Mr. Dean has been making a special study of the soil, and it is the
intention of the grange to arrange a date in the near future and invite
Mr. Dean to make an address on that subject before an open meeting of
the order.
Excerpt, Central Point Herald, January 30, 1908, page 1 COLVER-ROBISON WEDDING
A
quiet, pretty wedding took place in Upper Wagner Creek Valley June
18th, at the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Dean, the latter the
bride's mother. The contracting parties were Mr. Louie Colver and Miss
Minnie Robison, daughter of the late Robert Robison. Rev. Robt. Ennis
of Jacksonville officiated, and the happy couple stood in a bower of
roses. The bride wore a beautiful white mohair dress and the groom
appeared in the conventional black. After the ceremony the company
repaired to the dining room and partook of a sumptuous dinner. The
immediate relatives and a few intimate friends comprised the wedding
company. The happy couple will go to housekeeping in the old historic
Colver house at Phoenix. Both Mr. and Mrs. Colver are grandchildren of
prominent pioneer families of the valley. They have the good wishes of
a host of friends and relatives and were the recipients of many
beautiful and useful presents.--One of the Guests.
Ashland Tidings, July 2, 1908, page 1 Recalls
Early Meeting with Harvey Scott
W. J. Dean of Talent, Or., writes the
following interesting
reminiscence of early association with the late Harvey W. Scott of the Oregonian:Late in the fall of '64 I found myself marooned for several days in the city of Portland, Or.--rained in. I was just down from the John Day mines and was heading for some educational institution, not yet fully decided upon, but with the University of Seattle strongly in the lead. The next day after arrival, as I was strolling leisurely along the streets dodging the big raindrops to the best of my ability a sign in a storway [sic] attracted my attention. It was "Portland Library Rooms." Below this conspicuous heading there was some reading matter in small lettering which, had I taken the trouble to examine, would no doubt have played havoc with the foundation of this sketch. Be that as it may, my aimless strolling came to an end then and there. In a jiffy I bolted up those stairs into the library room and was soon cozily seated poring over an interesting book and not caring a rap whether the downpour outside let up or not. I put in full time until noon and was back promptly at 1 o'clock. Next day ditto; but near the close of the day I noticed that the librarian passed near me several times looking rather inquisitively in my direction. Finally he came and sat down by me, asked my name, business, where from, where bound, etc. In few words I gave the desired information and he was intensely interested at once. "If you wish to enter a good school," he said, "you can do no better than go to the Pacific University at Forest Grove. I have recently graduated from that institution and can heartily recommend it." He generously offered to loan me an "armful of books" if I could make any use of them. He talked rapidly and very earnestly for some time, outlining the good points of that university and eloquently dilating upon the advantages to me, or any other young man, of a thorough course of study. When the time came for closing the library and I was about to retire, he incidentally called my attention to the fact that of course I had not noticed that the library was not free to the public, that certain monthly dues were required, etc. This was an embarrassing revelation, and I hastened to apologize, but he cut me short, said he took in the situation exactly and almost commanded me to come to the library whenever I pleased and make myself at home, also to count on him as a friend--that he would gladly assist me in any way he could. Then he gave me his name--Harvey W. Scott, adding that while acting as librarian he was putting in spare time reading law and doing some writing for the Oregonian. Needless to say, I took his advice and was soon enrolled as a pupil at Pacific university. During the school year that followed, whenever I had occasion to go to Portland, Mr. Scott would insist on my calling on him "for a chat." This I was glad to do, for he was one of the most entertaining conversationalists I ever knew. He could make any subject interesting. While but little humor seemed to flow from his pen, in private conversation he showed a keen appreciation of the ridiculous and was a master hand in bringing out the absurd, ludicrous or grotesque in any subject matter in hand. He was intensely in earnest and seldom hesitated, from motives of policy, in giving vigorous expression to his opinions. For many years it was my good fortune to keep in close touch with this valuable friend. His letters to me were replete with cheering words and wholesome counsel. So it may be inferred that the writer will ever hold in grateful remembrance the name of Harvey W. Scott. Medford Mail Tribune, December 1, 1910, page 7 Oliver Reno Goddard, whose death from pulmonary tuberculosis occurred on the 15th inst., was born on the E. K. Anderson place near Talent on January 5, 1865, and has always resided in the county of his birth. On May 23, 1894, he was married to Miss Belle Nyswaner, who survives him. He is also survived by one son, Jay Goddard, one brother, Hendrick H., and two sisters, Mrs. Sabra A. Coleman and Mrs. Sula I. Dean, all of whom reside in Talent precinct. Early last spring Mr. Goddard had arranged a very cozy and convenient tent-camp in an ideal location a short distance west of Phoenix. He wished to remain in his tent home as long as possible, but finally it was found so inconvenient to give him proper care and attention several miles away, he was removed to the residence of his sister, Mrs. Sula Dean, near Talent, and from this residence the funeral took place. As requested by him, he was buried next to the graves of his parents, B. C. and Demaris Goddard, in the Stearns Cemetery near Talent. The ceremonies were brief, consisting of appropriate songs and a short address by the undersigned.--W. J. Dean. Ashland Tidings, January 25, 1912, page 6 EMMETT BEESON. A true son of Oregon is Emmett Beeson, having been born near Talent in that state in 1867 and showing in his character and in his conduct during his life those qualities of sturdy and rugged earnestness which are the West's heritage to her sons. He is a practical farmer, having been born on a western ranch and acquiring his knowledge of the details of the business in the practical and efficient school of early experience. Emmett Beeson was born on his father's farm near Talent, Oregon, on September 18, 1867. He is the son of Welborn and Mary Catherine (Brophy) Beeson. His early life was a test of his strength and reliability. At an age when most boys are not considered out of their childhood, Emmett Beeson was called upon to assume such responsibilities as do not always fall to the lot of a full-grown man. His father had acquired an old donation claim and with his four sons had also taken up claims on the Antelope. When Emmett Beeson was only fifteen years of age, his father's health broke down completely, leaving Emmett, as the eldest son, to assume all the obligations of the claims and the responsibilities of the operation of a home in the new western country. Some time later the father died, leaving a family consisting of his wife and eight children, of whom the youngest was but five years old, entirely dependent upon the exertions of this man of twenty-five. How well he fulfilled his responsibilities the record of his life shows. He now owns upward of seven hundred and seventy-five acres of land in Jackson County, and is living in one of the prettiest little homes in that section of the country. The house is situated in the midst of an eleven-acre tract, and is noted for its traditions of true western hospitality. On November 14, 1891, Mr. Beeson married Miss Elizabeth Briner, of Jackson County, a daughter of Lemuel Briner, one of the early settlers of this section of the country. To Mr. and Mrs. Beeson have been born four children, Earl D., Everett L., Elton E. and Ellis B. Emmett Beeson is quite active in the politics of his section, giving his allegiance to the Republican Party. He is well-known in political circles for the honesty and uprightness of his principles. Fraternally he is a member of Ashland Lodge, No. 944, B.P.O.E.; Talent Lodge, I.O.O.F.; Oregon Lodge, W.O.W., and Talent Lodge of the Fraternal Union of America. Assuming as he did the responsibilities of manhood when scarcely more than a boy, Emmett Beeson's life has been an example of the power of sturdy and unremitting labor in the interests of others, and of the determining influence which responsibility and duty can have upon an upright character. Joseph Gaston, The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912, 1912, page 840 HENDRICK H. GODDARD is one of the prominent ranchmen and public-spirited citizens of the Wagner Creek district in Jackson County, residing near Talent. He is a carpenter by trade and occupies nineteen acres of the old homestead. He was born November 30, 1885, in Missouri, the son of Blin C. and Damaris (McClain) Goddard, the former a native of New York and the latter of North Carolina. After their marriage the parents removed to Missouri and made that state their home until 1864, when they crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon, spending their first winter on the old E. K. Anderson place, west of Talent. In the following spring they moved to a farm west of Phoenix, where they spent nearly two years. In the fall of 1867 the father traded that property for a ranch of one hundred and twenty-six acres on Wagner Creek, of which nineteen acres is now owned by the subject of this review. In 1880 the father bought a ranch at the head of Elk Creek, but after residing for two years upon that property he returned to the old home farm, where he lived until the time of his death, in August, 1893, the mother passing away in March of the same year. The father was a republican of considerable prominence in the community and served for two terms as county assessor of Jackson County. He was by trade a carpenter and during his agricultural pursuits at various times occupied himself with the business of building. Hendrick H. Goddard was reared in the home of his parents and in the schools of Oregon pursued his education. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade and during the greater part of his life he was employed in the construction of buildings. His little farm, upon which he makes his home, is cultivated by his son, Ormy. On October 22, 1882, Mr. Goddard married Miss Maggie A. Sherman, of Phoenix, Oregon, and to them were born three children: Fred R., who is attending the Littlejohn Medical College at Chicago, Illinois; and Adelbert C. and Ormy M., both of whom reside at home. In his political views Mr. Goddard is a republican and although he has never been an office seeker he has served for one term as deputy assessor and also for one term as justice of the peace of the Talent precinct. He also takes an active interest in educational matters and for twenty years was a member of the local school board. Fraternally he is a member of Oregon Camp, No. 438, W.O.W. He is one of the well-known and highly respected citizens of his community and is greatly esteemed by a large circle of friends. Joseph Gaston, The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912, 1912, page 498 JOHN R. ROBISON resides in Talent, Jackson County, where he has a comfortable home with eight acres in connection, on which he has planted fruit trees. While waiting for these trees to begin bearing he is employed as a janitor of the city school building. He is a native son of this state, having been born on Anderson Creek, Jackson County, November 19, 1865, a son of Samuel M. and Hannah E. (Barneburg) Robison, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Ohio. In 1853 the father crossed the plains with his parents, the journey being made with ox teams, and the mother arrived in this state a short time afterward. Their marriage was celebrated in April, 1864, following which they settled on a part of Grandfather John Robison's donation land claim on Anderson Creek. The father acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land and made his home upon it until the time of his death, which occurred in September, 1911, when he was seventy-five years of age. The mother, who survives, is residing on the home farm. John R. Robison was reared on the home farm, acquiring his education in the public schools of Jackson County. In 1887, upon attaining his majority, he took charge of the home place, his father having given him at that time forty acres on the north side of the farm. He resided there for two years and then removed to the farm of his father-in-law on Coleman Creek, which he operated for five years. He then took up a homestead on Applegate Creek, where he lived until the spring of 1903. In 1906 he took up his residence on Wagner Creek and the following year traded his Applegate property for the place upon which he how resides in Talent. He has improved this property, having his land all planted to fruit trees, and is at present employed as janitor of the city school building. In 1887 Mr. Robison was united in marriage to Miss Marcia Coleman, a daughter of Hubbard Coleman and a sister of the present county clerk, W. R. Coleman. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robison, only one of whom now survives, Ethel, the wife of W. A. Childers, of Oklahoma. Mr. Robison is a Republican in his political faith and takes an active interest in public matters. Fraternally he is connected with Talent Lodge, No. 11, I.O.O.F. He is also a member of the Rebekahs and belongs to Oregon Camp, No. 348, W.O.W., of Phoenix. Mr. Robison is a well-known and popular citizen of Jackson County and is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Joseph Gaston, The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912, 1912, page 826 ROBERT EDWARD ROBISON is one of Oregon's native sons and is engaged in agricultural pursuits on a portion of the old family homestead in Jackson County, near Talent. He was born January 30, 1878, the son of Robert Robison. The donation claim upon which he lives was taken up in 1853 by his grandfather, John Robison, who in that year crossed the plains from Illinois to Oregon with ox teams, in company with his wife, Susan Robison. He took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres in Jackson County, near Talent, upon which they spent the remainder of their lives. Robert Robison, their son, was reared on the old homestead, of which he later acquired two hundred and forty acres, and on that place he made his home until the time of his death, which occurred in 1880. The mother of our subject is still living and is now the wife of W. J. Dean, of Jackson County. Robert E. Robison was educated in the public schools of Jackson County, and at seventeen years of age he took charge of the home farm, which he operated until the time the estate was settled. He is now the owner of eighty-five acres of the original homestead, which he has developed into one of the finest farms in the county. Mr. Robison was married in 1899 to Miss Blanche M. Morgan, of Tillamook County, and to them were born three children, only one of whom, Erma, now survives. Politically Mr. Robison is an adherent of the principles and practices of the Republican Party, in which he takes an active interest. He is a member of Talent Lodge, No. 211, I.O.O.F., and also belongs to Talent Lodge, No. 187, of the Rebekahs. He holds membership in Oregon Lodge, No. 438, W.O.W., of Phoenix, and belongs to the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America at Talent. He is one of the representative citizens of Jackson County, a man of progressive ideas, individuality and a wide acquaintance, being greatly respected by the members of the community among whom he was born and has made his home since childhood. Joseph Gaston, The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912, 1912, page 705 OLD TALENT CLASSES PICNIC IN PARK.
Sunday afternoon the
old-time classes of the Talent public schools during the years from
1885 to 1889, under the principalship of W. J. Dean, had a delightful
picnic in Lithia Park. These students with their families made up a
jolly party of about one hundred, many of whom stayed to the band
concert in the park. Of course Mr. Dean was the dean of the bunch, and
is to be congratulated on the splendid visible results of his tutelage
during the village years of Talent. Of the forty-five pupils attending
the classes during the four years mentioned, all are living except four
or five. Most of those attending the picnic yesterday are from valley
towns, and others who could not be here are scattered over the country.
Many were the delightful recollections of the school days of thirty
years ago as the members of the party told stories and "joshed" of the
times when they were younger.Those present at the dinner were W. J. Dean and family, G. M. Lowe and family, A. F. Abbott and family, Henry Hansen and family, Laura Patten Powell, L. A. Abbott, Neil Patton Thornton, E. A. Purves and family, R. B. Purves and family, L. J. Davis and family, Welborn Beeson and family, F. E. W. Smith, R. E. Robison and family, J. B. Leach, Miss Edyth Anderson, from Tillamook, and Bertie Webster Mount, from Dunsmuir. An association was organized with Mrs. Lillie Lynch Davis for president. Anyone belonging to the classes in the the Talent schools for the years 1885 to 1889, who was not present yesterday, is asked to communicate with Mrs. Davis. Ashland Tidings, September 4, 1916 Former Schoolmates Picnic.
In
Lithia Park on Sunday, the 24th, W. J. Dean called together his former
students, whom he taught at the Wagner Creek School thirty-two years
ago. The object of this meeting was to get together the members of the
old class, who for various reasons could not attend the picnic given in
the park on Sunday, the 10th, when the old class was reorganized. After
dinner a few toasts were given and an interesting letter from an absent
member was read. Mr. Dean delivered a short address on mental science,
pointing out the importance of always looking on the bright side of
life. Then a few old school songs, such as "Old Dog Tray," were sung.
About eighty were present, including twenty-two of the old scholars and
their families and neighbors, thus proving love for Mr. Dean and the
appreciation of his earnest work.
Ashland Tidings, September 28, 1916, page 4 Talent, 11/9--'19
Dr. F. R. Goddard--Dear
Friend--No doubt you would like to
know how
the little cow is getting along. Well, her lameness must have been
quite serious for we could see no gain worth mentioning until the last
3 or 4 days. I think she will get over it, but it will be slow. She is
gaining in flesh, however, and she needs to for she was pretty thin.
She will not do much for us until fresh again, but think she will be
all right then. So we will take her at $50.00 if you say so &
let
the amount apply on note or not, as you wish. Very truly W. J. DeanLetter to Dr. Fred R. Goddard, Klamath Falls, Oregon, postmarked 6 a.m., Nov. 11, 1919 W. J. Dean of Talent is quite ill at his home on Wagner creek above town. Mr. Dean has been in poor health for some time. “Talent,” Medford Mail Tribune, December 9, 1920, page 5 Professor W. J. Dean, a former well-known schoolteacher of the Talent and Wagner Creek districts, died at the home of his stepdaughter, Mrs. L. O. Colver, at Phoenix yesterday morning. The deceased was 77 years of ago and had been a resident of Talent for many years and was among the early instructors of Jackson County. Funeral services will probably be held from the Colver home at Phoenix tomorrow, with interment in the Stearns Cemetery at Talent. "Saturday's News," Ashland Tidings, March 16, 1921, page 3 CLASS
REUNION WAGNER SCHOOL HELD SUNDAY.
The fifty[-year] annual reunion
picnic of Prof. W. J. Dean's class of the Wagner Creek school, the
class of the years 1883, '84 and '85, was held in Lithia Park Sunday.
Eight members of the class with their families, about forty persons in
all, were present to partake of the feast provided. Those of the class
answering the roll call were Lilly Lynch Davis, secretary and leader of
the class; Nora Webster Hanson, Lovia Webster Abbott, Gusta Schneider
Bostwick, Hattie Garvin Bruin, Theresa Abbott Lowe, Allen Abbott and
Welborn Beeson. In looking over the roster of the class of about forty,
it was found that four of the girls and one of the boys, together with
their beloved teacher, W. J. Dean, have passed on, and of the others,
however far they have scattered, here is their home.It was decided to call the class Dean Chapter No. 1 of the Pioneer Schools Alumni, and to meet again in the park on the first Sunday in August, 1922. Ashland Tidings, September 7, 1921, page 1 As you drive from Ashland to Medford you will see on the south side of the road as you enter Phoenix a beautiful green lawn and a tree-shaded house. When I interviewed Mrs. Dean at her home there recently she said: "I crossed the plains to Oregon with my parents while the Civil War was in progress. I was born in Ray County, Missouri, on September 19, 1856, and was 8 years old when we crossed the plains, in 1864. My father's name was B. C. Goddard. He was born in New York state. My mother's maiden name was Demaris McClane. There were eight of us children, but there are only two of us living now--my brother Henry Hudson Goddard and myself. "My father was a justice of the peace at St. Louis. Missouri was so torn by strife during the Civil War that Father decided to go out to Oregon. Father bought a farm just west of Phoenix. He was a carpenter, builder and contractor, and one of the first contracts he took was to build a grist mill on the Applegate. We lived on the place just west of Phoenix till 1866 and then moved to a place on Wagner Creek a mile and a half south of Talent. Father served as county assessor of Jackson County two terms. This was in the '70s. Father died in 1893. "I was married when I was 18 years old to R. D. Robison, who crossed the plains to Oregon in 1853. The Rev. Bonebrake performed the marriage ceremony. We had three children. My husband died on November 6, 1880. Some time after his death I married Professor W. J. Dean, a graduate [sic] of Pacific University at Forest Grove. He taught school in the town of Joseph in the Wallowa Valley, coming from there to teach here in Talent. That was in 1884. We were married on July 31, 1886, by Judge J. P. DePitte of Ashland. My son, R. E. Robison, has a farm near here. My daughter, Minnie, married Louis Colver, an architect." Fred Lockley, "Impressions and Observations of the Journal Man," Oregon Journal, Portland, August 16, 1933 MRS. ERSULA DEAN PASSES IN PHOENIX
Mrs.
Ersula Dean, who formerly resided on Wagner Creek, died today at the
age of 77 years, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Louie Colver, at
Phoenix. Mrs. Dean had been a resident of Jackson County for seventy
years. Announcement of funeral services will be made by the Conger
funeral parlors.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 13, 1934, page 1 ------------------
STATE OF OREGON INVENTORY OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES State Historic Preservation Office Oregon State Parks, Salem, OR  County:
JacksonName (Common): Dean (W. J.) Barn Name (Historic): Dean (W. J.) Barn Address: Across road from 7093 Wagner Creek Road, Talent, Oregon Original Use: Barn Date of Construction: 1892 Physical description of property and statement of historical significance: The Dean barn is [a] side-opening, hewn frame barn with a lean-to on the west elevation, standing on the west side of Wagner Creek Road, across from mailbox #7093, one mile south of Talent, Oregon. This structure has a gable roof, vertical plank siding and is in poor condition. The building's framing is pinned together with wooden dowels. W. J. Dean was a school teacher and farmer who settled in the Talent-Wagner Creek area of Jackson County [in 1884]. He married Ersula Goddard Robison, the former wife of Robert Robison (d. 1870s), on July 31, 1886. Ersula was the sister of Hendrick H. Goddard and daughter of Blin and Demaris McClain Goddard, who settled in Jackson County, Oregon in 1864, Wagner Creek district in 1867. She was one of four Goddard children. Blin and Hendrick Goddard were carpenters and constructed numerous houses and barns in Jackson County (see Robison-Dean house and Ferns house file sheets), including this barn, as noted in the Talent News, July 15, 1892: "H. H. Goddard is building a new barn for W. J. Dean, 20 feet by 20 feet by 40 feet in dimension." Recorded by: L. Scott Clay Date: 05 April 1979 Photography by Marjorie Edens, SOHS Neg. No. 35mm -37-28A Sources consulted: "Ormy Goddard," Atwood Kay. Jackson County Conversations. Jackson County Intermediate Education District, Medford, 1975. "Lewis Beeson," Atwood Kay. Jackson County Conversations. Jackson County Intermediate Education District, Medford, 1975. "Hendrick H. Goddard," Gaston, Joseph. Centennial History of Oregon, Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912, volume 4, page 468. "Dean Barn," Talent News, Talent, Oregon, July 15, 1892. ------------------
STATE OF OREGON INVENTORY OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES State Historic Preservation Office Oregon State Parks, Salem, OR  County:
JacksonName (Common): Robison (Robert) - Dean (W. J.) House Name (Historic): Robison (Robert) - Dean (W. J.) House Address: 7681 Wagner Creek Road, Talent, Oregon 97540 Original Use: Residence Date of Construction: ca. 1870s Physical description of property and statement of historical significance: The Robison-Dean house is a small one and one-half story, wood frame building on the east side of Wagner Creek Road, one mile south of Talent, Oregon. This house has a gable roof, board and batten siding and rests on a hewn sill. The structure has a "T" plan, and a small pedimented gable porch protects the entry on the west elevation. The Robison-Dean house was constructed during the 1870s by Blin Goddard for his daughter and son-in-law Robert and Ersula Goddard Robison. Following Robert Robison's death in the late 1870s, Ersula remarried W. J. Dean on July 31, 1886. Dean, a school teacher and farmer, settled in the Talent-Wagner Creek area of Jackson County [in 1884]. Ersula was one of four children born to Blin and Demaris McClain Goddard who arrived in Jackson County in 1864, settled on Wagner Creek in 1867. Blin and his son, Hendrick, were carpenters and built numerous homes and barns in the county (see Dean barn and Ferns house file sheets). The Deans were politically of the Populist Party of the late nineteenth century, as were many in the Wagner Creek district, Robisons, Beesons (see Emmette Beeson house file sheet), Fosses (see Emmette Beeson house file sheet) and Goddards. Many of these families in the Wagner Creek community formed an organization which built the Universal Mental Liberty Hall (UML Hall), which stood on the southwest corner of Anderson Creek and Wagner Creek roads. The rule of UML Hall was that the hall was open to anyone to speak on any topic, provided they would be open to questions from the audience following their talk. This hall was named "Infidel Hall" by some valley residents, due to the prevailing atheist views of several families in the area. This Wagner Creek organization, which appears unique to the area, may have been a part of the national Free Thinkers movement of the nineteenth century. The hall was used for some religious purposes as seen in a notice in the Talent News, November 15, 1892: "Reverend Isaac Morrison will preach in the U.M.L. Hall this evening . . . Everybody Invited." This structure served social needs as well; Talent News September 1, 1892: "The dancing entertain[ment] given by Jus. Aid and Frank Robison at the U.M.L. Hall on last Friday evening was a pleasant affair." W. J. Dean appears instrumental in the formation and construction of the U.M.L. Hall, built [in 1886]. Universal Mental Liberty Hall site--Township 38 South, Range 1 West, Section 35, Tax Lot #1000. A member of the Goddard family [Robert Edward Robison] was publisher-editor of the Talent News, Talent, Oregon, between [1892] and 1896. Recorded by: L. Scott Clay Date: 05 April 1979 Photography by Marjorie Edens, SOHS Neg. No. 35mm -37-31A Sources consulted: "Ormy Goddard," Atwood Kay. Jackson County Conversations. Jackson County Intermediate Education District, Medford, 1975. "Lewis Beeson," Atwood Kay. Jackson County Conversations. Jackson County Intermediate Education District, Medford, 1975. "Hendrick H. Goddard," Gaston, Joseph. Centennial History of Oregon, Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912, volume 4, page 468. "Dean Barn," Talent News, Talent, Oregon, July 15, 1892. Articles. Talent News, Talent, Oregon, September 1, 1892 and November 15, 1892. Last revised November 8, 2009
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