WILLIAM JOSEPH CARPENTER

William Joseph Carpenter was born on March 13, 1846, in Galena, Ohio, the eldest son of Deming and Ester Carpenter. He was born in the same log cabin where his father had been born (Statesman Journal, 1935, p. 10).

A Civil War veteran, William first enlisted in November 1861, serving in Company H of the 46th Illinois Infantry. After 11 months, he was discharged but promptly re-enlisted in December 1863, joining Company L of the 17th Illinois Cavalry. He served under Captain Robert St. George Dyrenforth—who later gained notoriety for his failed attempts to manufacture rain by launching explosives into the Texas sky. William served honorably throughout the war and, despite enduring heavy combat, was never wounded. In 1865, he received an honorable discharge.

In 1867, William married Melissa Ruthven Kenaston in Rock Island, Illinois. Over the years, the Carpenters lived in several locations across the Midwest, including Nevada, Iowa; Platte, Nebraska; Keya Paha County, Nebraska; and East River Township, Iowa. They had 10 children, 9 of whom survived to adulthood.

The family eventually settled in Oregon, moving to the Portland area in 1906, where William operated a meat market. In 1916, he and Melissa purchased a farm in the Webfoot area of Dayton, Oregon, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Melissa passed away in 1927.

A beloved member of his community, William was honored on his 90th birthday with three separate celebrations held by family and friends. At the time, he was one of only two surviving Civil War veterans in the area (Statesman Journal, 1936a, p. 10). According to reports, he “was active until taking ill in June, being able to drive his own car and go about as if many years younger” (Statesman Journal, 1936c).

Five months after his 91st birthday, William died of pneumonia. He is buried beside his wife, Melissa, who had preceded him in death by nine years.

Obituary:

William J. Carpenter was born March 13, 1846 in Delaware county, Ohio, the eldest son of Deming and Esther B. Carpenter. He enlisted at the beginning of the Clivil War but had only served a few months when he suffered in a severe attack of the measles. Due to exposure and hardships the disease often proved fatal. Ill health, followed as an aftermath and so, Mr. Carpenter was discharged until such time as he had completely recovered.

He reenlisted December 19, 1863, in Co. L 17th Regiment of Illinois Calvary Volunteers, under Captain Rogert St. George Dyhunforth and served during the remainder of the war, fighting in numerous battles but was never wounded. He was honourably discharged at Fort Leavenworth on December 20, 1865, by S.C. Williamson, First Lieut. And Asst. Commander of Musters.

On March 14th of the following year he was married to Melissa Ruthan Kinaston [sic]. For several years he farmed and worked at carpentering. They moved to Nebraska later and about 1896 Mr. Carpenter owned and operated a meat market at Clark, Neb. He carried mail from Stromsburg to Clark around 1900. Later they moved to Portland and Mr. Carpenter operated a meat market and store there in 1912. A few years later they moved to a farm in the Webfoot district, near Dayton, where he remained until taken to Portland due to his last illness.

Mr. Carpenter died at the Veterans’ Hospital in Portland, August 9th, 1936, at the age of 91 years, four months and 28 days. Mrs. Carpenter preceded him in death nine years at the age of 81 years, 4 months and 11 days. A daughter, Ethel, died in infancy and their eldest daughter, Etta Drucilla Myer, died at Springview, Nebr. in 1934.

The surviving children are: five sons Ollie Elmer and Joel Vilah of Nampa, Idaho; Clyde Henry of Los Angeles, Calif., and Otis Wayne and Earl Roff of Portland; and three daughters, Vida Lorena Elwell of Calif, and Othie Edwina Gardiner and Miss Osyth Ethelyn Carpenter of Portland. There are 36 living grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and at least one great great grandchild who resides in Bassett, Nebraska. Mr. Carpenter was also survived by three brothers, Vilah, of San Diego, Ira of Isle, Minn., and Frank of Iowa Falls, Iowa, and one sister, Miss Rhoda Walters of Rochelle Illinois.

Interment was in the Odell cemetery in Webfoot, beside the grave of his wife.

*Source of above obituary has not yet been identified.

(Statesman Journal, 1935, p.10)

(Statesman Journal, 1936a, p.10)

(Statesman Journal, 1936b, p.7)