Earliest Pioneer Dies In Portland

Edward Gibbons, one of the earliest pioneers in
Washougal, died at his home in Portland on Saturday, May 30th.

He was born in Niagara County, New York, October 19, 1835, and on his parents emigrating to Lake County, Illinois, he accompanied them and there resided until 1847 when they made the overland journey to the great Northwest, settle in Clarke County, Washington Territory, a mile and a half east from Washougl. In 1849 Mr. Gibbons and his father went to California gold fields, but soon returned, settling on Gibbons Creek where he made his home until a few years ago when then moved to Portland.

In 1865 he married Miss Charlotte Fletcher, daughter of Thomas Fletcher, who lived at Goodwin on the Lacamas river. They celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on March 26th last.

Besides the widow, ten children are left; namely: Ellen Connor, Laura Hayden and Clara Love of Portland, Rosie Grinder of Oak Point, Wash., Jake of Washougal, Henry and Pearl of Kelso, Wash., William of Carrolton, Wash., Walter of Newberg, Oregon, and Ray who lived with his mother in Portland.

Mr. Gibbons took part in the early Indian wars along the Columbia, being enlisted in a volunteer company which saw service at the Cascades and leter honorably discharged.

In the early days there was a blockhouse on the island opposite where A. Brauer now lives. and the Gibbons family along with other settlers, gathered in this blockhouse at night for protection the men leaving their families there also while they worked in the fields. Mrs. Joseph Gibbons was a very good friend of Mrs. Richard Ough, who was a full blood Indian woman, and Mrs., Ough always gave Mr. Gibbons waring of any raids intended by the Indians, at the risk of her own life.

The Gibbons family had a heard time with the Indians crossing the plains. A band of Indians would ride uyp, tip over their wagons by turning the oxen and cramping the wheels. The Indians would then take what they wanted in goods and cattle and ride away.

Joseph Gibbons, the father of Edward Gibbons, was the second permanent settler in the Washougal country. David C. Parker built a home at Parker's Landing in 1845 and Joseph Gibbons took up a claim on Gibbons Creek in 1847. He transported his family from The Dalles by boat, driving his cattle along the northern bank in quest of a spot that would suit his requirements. The mouth of Gibbons Creek took the eye of the old pioneer and with the help of his son Edward and Charles Carter erected a log cabin.

Edward Gibbons' mother's maiden name was Maria Giddings (Aug 28, 1816, NY - June 8, 1901).

The body was brought to Washougal and interment made in the Odd Fellows cemetery, attended by a large number of old neighbors and friends.