Bonham, Calvin R.: "Calvin R. Bonham, died at his home near Sprague last week. He was one of the pioneer blacksmiths of the early days of Sprague." (scrapbook-7-21-1911)
Passing of a Pioneer The Sprague Advocate, July 07, 1911 C. R. Bonham a resident of the Shiloh district and one the old timers of the Sprague country died June 28. A wife and son and two sisters survive him. The funeral was held Wednesday from the home at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Snyder of the M. D. Church of Cheney officiating. Burial was held at the Lance Hills cemetery. Mr. Bonham was 67 years old and came to the Sprague country 25 years ago. The Sprague Advocate, July 14, 1911. Calvin R. Bonham was born in Grant County, Wis., on Jan. 20, 1844 and came to Oregon by way of San Francisco in 1870. He worked at his trade blacksmithing at Canyon City, Oregon, where he became acquainted with the late Hugh McQuaid. In 1872 he was married to Mrs. Sophrona Blackerby who died in 1873; one child a son was born to them who died at the age of seven years. In 1877 he was married to Miss Anna Mires, one child was born to them and he was married and lived on the home place with his parents. In March 1885 he come to Sprague where he engaged in the Blacksmithing business working four years in the railroad shops at Sprague. he was also in the government's employ for four years blacksmithing. He then settled on his farm where he resided until his death. Besides his wife and son he leaves two sisters and one brother. Mrs. E. J. Utt of Hartline, Wash., Mrs. R. G. Brooks, of Hopkinton, Iowa, and Carlos Bonham of Canyon City, Ore. He was laid to rest in the Lance Hills cemetery on Jul 5, 1911. The funeral was preached by Rev. Wyatt of the Congregational church of Cheney and Mr. George Stapish of Hartline, Wash., a nephew of Mr. Bonham conducted the undertaking part of the funeral. The pall bearers were Adam Scroggie, John Garner, E. E. Owen, Frank Louthan, J. M. Mason and Oscar Phillips. Relatives and friends brought many beautiful flowers as tokens of love and respect for the departed loved one. ( Sprague Advocate) Barbara Curtis