Alaska

Genealogy Along the Rockies

Genealogy Along the Rockies was a website created by Mary and Don Saban, serving as a regional hub for genealogical research related to the Rocky Mountains. The site featured a traditional HTML design, complete with animated gifs and genealogy affiliate ads, but also contained valuable genealogical information. Mary Saban, the primary genealogist, actively posted her family tree and other resources until her passing on December 20, 2017, which led to the website’s end. The domain was later repurposed by a restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, named Genealogy Coffee & Wine Bar, which has since closed. This article explores the original website’s content and provides links to alternative genealogy resources for the defined Rocky Mountains region.

Alaska Funeral Home Records

Funeral Log Books

This page links to known Alaska Funeral Records whether they be available online or offline. Funeral records are an invaluable source of genealogical information that can provide insight into the lives and deaths of our ancestors. They offer a wealth of details on the deceased and their family, including their names, ages, dates of death, causes of death, and other key information. While funeral records can be found in a variety of places, genealogists must be careful when interpreting the information they contain, paying close attention to accuracy and cultural context. By using funeral records in their research, genealogists can gain a deeper understanding of their ancestors and build a more complete picture of their family history.

Chronicling America Historical Newspapers

Winchester Star

Chronicling America is a Website providing access to information about historic newspapers and select digitized newspaper pages, and is produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP). NDNP, a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Library of Congress (LC), is a long-term effort to develop an Internet-based, searchable database of U.S. newspapers with descriptive information and select digitization of historic pages. Supported by NEH, this rich digital resource will be developed and permanently maintained at the Library of Congress. An NEH award program will fund the contribution of content from, eventually, all U.S. states and territories.

Small Town Newspapers

Winchester Star

Small Town Papers gives you access to the people, places and events recorded in real time over the decades or even centuries! Browse and search the scanned newspaper archive from 1846 up to the current edition! Their archives contain millions of names of ancestors not found anywhere else. Enhance your Ancestry research with their high resolution scanned newspaper archive. Find distant relatives and discover your ethnic heritage by reading the articles about family and friends written back in the day.

Biographical Sketch of Asa Thomas Weeks

Asa Thomas Weeks, born on March 1, 1859, in La Honda, attended local schools before venturing into mining in Idaho in 1881, where he built a notable residence. His journey continued in Alaska, where he also served as a United States Commissioner for three years. After a five-year stint in the lumber industry in Pescadero, he returned to mining in Mexico. Weeks eventually married Elma Chandler and transitioned to successful farming and stock raising in Pescadero.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Clarence Victor Thompson

Born on October 27, 1881, in Eureka, California, Dr. Clarence Victor Thompson pursued his education in local schools and a business college before turning to medicine. He graduated from Cooper Medical College and served as a house physician in San Francisco’s City and County Hospital. After practicing in Alaska, he settled in Pescadero, achieving significant success. Recently, he ventured into politics, winning election as a district supervisor. Dr. Thompson is also affiliated with the Masonic and Elk Lodges.

Biography of Dr. F. Holmes Smith

Dr. F. Holmes Smith, born on October 29, 1879, in Lake City, Minnesota, has experienced a varied career. He served as the company doctor for the North American Commercial Company in Alaska before returning to practice medicine in San Bruno in 1909. Educated at Stanford University and Cooper Medical College, he gained practical experience at the French Hospital. After marrying in 1911, he established a successful practice and became San Bruno’s health officer. Active socially, he is affiliated with the B.P.O.E. and the Masonic Lodge, and he has property and business interests in the area.

Biography of Erik O. Lindblom

Erik O. Lindblom, born in Dalarna, Sweden, in 1857, embarked on a remarkable journey at seventeen to restore his family’s lost wealth after his father’s financial ruin. His quest for precious metals led him across Europe before he reached America in 1886, where he worked in various mining regions. In 1898, he found the first gold in Nome, Alaska, amassing a fortune. A prominent figure in business and fraternal organizations, Lindblom was knighted by King Gustav of Sweden and held several influential positions.

Biography of Frederick Funston

Frederick Funston, born on November 9, 1865, in Ohio, was a prominent soldier from Kansas. After moving to Kansas at a young age, he pursued studies at the State University and worked as a newspaper reporter. His military career began in Cuba, where he served in the insurgent army. Rising through the ranks, he became a brigadier general during the Philippine-American War, known for capturing Emilio Aguinaldo. Funston later commanded several military departments before his sudden death in San Antonio, Texas, on February 19, 1917.

Biography of James A. Masterson

James A. Masterson, born on October 10, 1842, in Lexington, Kentucky, was a significant figure in Union County, Oregon. He and his family moved to Oregon in 1851, where he later became a pioneer in the Wallowa Valley, taking the first wagon into the region and engaging in farming and stock raising. Masterson served as county commissioner and postmaster while also establishing a mercantile and banking presence in Elgin. Married in 1869, he had several children and remained active in community affairs throughout his life.

Biography of Orion Littell Rider

Orion Littell Rider, born on January 7, 1874, in Mason County, Illinois, was a prominent attorney in Vinita. A Grinnell College graduate, he pursued law at Drake University, becoming valedictorian. His legal career included roles as assistant U.S. district attorney and counsel in Alaska. Rider served as Vinita’s mayor and was active in the Rotary Club, American Legion, and fraternal organizations. A U.S. Army veteran, Rider’s commitment to public service and community well-being has established him as a respected figure in Vinita.

Skillings, Marcella – Obituary

Marcella Lucinda Skillings, aged 80, passed away on December 2 at Wallowa Memorial Hospital. Born on June 20, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri, she lived in various states before settling in La Grande. She married Raymond Benjamin Skillings in 1955 and earned a nursing degree in 1968. Marcella enjoyed outdoor activities and spending time with her family. She is survived by her children, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several siblings. Her husband and multiple family members preceded her in death.

Brooks, Leonard H. – Obituary

Leonard H. Brooks, 86, passed away on April 6, 2005, in Surprise, Arizona. Born on September 26, 1918, in Tucson, Arizona, he led a diverse life, including time spent with the Apache Indians and military service as a B-25 bomber pilot in World War II. He worked as a cowboy and engaged in various outdoor pursuits, particularly in Alaska, where he enjoyed hunting and writing. He is survived by his wife Luisa, children Barney and Penny, and several grandchildren. His ashes will be scattered in the Wrangell Mountains.

Dean, John Thomas – Obituary

John Thomas Dean, 22, a former resident of North Powder, Oregon, passed away on May 27, 2005, due to a motorcycle accident. Born on February 25, 1983, Dean graduated from Powder Valley High School, where he was active in football and FFA. Following high school, he began an apprenticeship as a pipefitter. An outdoors enthusiast, he was known for his mechanical skills and strong friendships. He is survived by his parents, brother, fiancée, and extended family. A memorial fund has been established in his honor.

Craig, Marcia Lareen Parker Mrs. – Obituary

Marcia Lareen Parker Craig, 69, passed away on December 12, 2005, in Boise after a lengthy battle with throat and mouth cancer. There will be no funeral; instead, a memorial service is scheduled for March 18 at the First Presbyterian Church in Baker City. Born on March 20, 1936, she grew up in North Powder, graduated from high school in 1954, and later had a successful career in public finance in Alaska. She is survived by her husband, son, and other family members.