Jefferson School, Walla Walla, WA...Brenda Steunenberg Richards...circa 1924...and 1966.

9/14/2014 update. Photo of Jefferson School, Walla Walla, WA.

Just ran across this photo. Written on the back by my father: "Brenda sitting on the steps of Jefferson School in Walla Walla. Washington at Ninth and Emma St. This is the school Brenda attended as a child."  Dated "1966." 

Yep, that's my mom right near the same spot she sat on these steps 42 years earlier!

Probably a good thing mom got there when she did.  All I see now at the intersection of Ninth and Emma Streets, Walla Walla, WA is an empty lot and some newer stores.

Below is an old tattered circa 1924 photo of my mother, Brenda Steunenberg Richards, with her classmates in first grade at Jefferson School in Walla Walla, WA. The arrow on the photo points to mom in the back row. Quite a motley crew.* Please email me if you can identify any of the other kids or the teacher.

"Jefferson School was constructed in 1916. Jefferson has a unique history, that it is the only elementary school in Walla Walla that has not had a woman principal. It is also unique because it has had more minority students throughout the years than any of our other elementary schools."  
History of Walla Walla Schools in District #140 

Here is a photo taken at Jefferson circa 1947-48 on the same steps at the front door. No one we know as I found this online for comparison purposes when trying to confirm the school. Not so motley and the teacher looks more relaxed!

During the mid 1920's, my grandpa Julian and grandma Francis Beardsley Wood Steunenberg had moved back to Walla Walla to be near other kinfolk.  Eveline 'Bell' Steunenberg, widow of assassinated Ex-governor Frank Steunenberg, was also living there. As related in prior posts, grandma Francis' family (Maxon-Wood) were early pioneers in the Walla Walla area and involved in the founding of Walla Walla College.

Jefferson School. You can see the front entrance and steps that served as a place for many photographs over the years, including my mother's 1st grade class. From what I see online, the school still stands today.

Other Beardsley-Wood kinfolk settled over in Milton, (now Milton-Freewater) and Roseburg, Oregon. While living in Walla Walla, my mom and the family would periodically visit her uncles, aunts and cousins at the Farmstead in Milton. All those kin were special to her and I know she remained in touch and visited when she could over the years. Frazier Farmstead Museum.

Julian, Francis and the five kids. Circa 1924 Walla Walla, WA

As we know, Julian had been attending Walla Walla College in 1905 and was home for the holidays in Caldwell, ID when his father was assassinated on December 30, 1905.  Having returned to Walla Walla in the 1920's, grandma Francis and grandpa Julian and the five kids (Doris, Bud, Cal, Jule and Brenda) would soon hit the road and head for California.

More Jefferson School Photographs

Bygone Walla Walla

*A motley crew is a cliché for a roughly organized assembly of characters. Typical examples of motley crews are pirates, Western posses, rag-tag mercenary bands and freedom fighters. They may align with, be (as a group), or include either the protagonist or the antagonist of the story. Dictionary.com defines a motley crew as a gathered group of people of various backgrounds, appearance, character, etc.

Julian Steunenberg at Walla Walla College (now University) circa 1905

Here are a few pictures from Walla Walla College (WWC), more recently known at Walla Walla University (WWU). My grandparents, Julian Steunenberg and Francis Wood Steunenberg, met in Walla Walla/College Place. Grandma had relatives in both College Place and Medical Lake, Washington. Her side of the family (Maxon-Wood) were pioneers in the Walla Walla Valley and the founding of Walla Walla College. There are more photos at the archives that show my great-great and great-great-great grandparents (Maxon-Wood). Another story for another day.

That is my grandpa Julian with a baseball team at WWC. I am not sure if it is an official baseball team of any type or just a bunch of the guys. He is the stern looking one with the long coat, standing second from the left holding his lapel with the right hand and resting his left hand on the shoulder of his friend Clarence Kime. This would have been taken not long before the assassination of his father on December 30th, 1905. Julian was on Christmas break back home to Caldwell, ID when his father, Ex-Governor Frank Steunenberg, was assassinated. For a direct link to the above photo, click here for the WWU archives.

This individual picture was likely taken about the same time (same look!) and comes from my grandparents/mothers photo album. It is nice to now have both the individual and team photographs together. I always chuckle when I see these baseball pictures of what looks more like a bunch of frat boys or Julian at the Walla Walla or Idaho pen!

The three group photos come courtesy of the E.L. Mabley Archives at Walla Walla University. Explore the photo archives if you have the inclination. I am going to keep looking and order a few scans/copies one of these days, with perhaps higher resolution so I can get a better look at the faces in the crowd.

The next photo is of the college student body taken on the steps of the old administration building in 1905/06. I can't be sure if my grandfather Julian is in this group or not. I see a face up toward the top of the stairs that I think might be him but could be wishful thinking on my part. Depends if this is a 1905 or post-assassination 1906 photo. As far as I now, Julian never returned to school after his father/my great grandfather was murdered. I see the president of the college, M.E. Cady, seated in the middle of the photo, about second row with his head turned to the right. WWU link.

This photo to the right is a bit easier to see and shows the dormitory students from 1905/06. That is Julian siting on the ground (one of the three men) third on the left. I just recently discovered this photograph while browsing the archives. WWU link.

Related Blog links
The Testimony of Julian P. Steunenberg

Julian Steunenberg at the Haywood Trial

Steunenberg Son (my grandfather Julian) On Stand

Julian Steunenberg riding in a carriage going to...?

Telegram from WWC President M. E. Cady

Letter-of-Condolence from J.C. Smith, Walla Walla College

Letter of Condolence from Clarance Kime

Other related Walla Walla/College Place blog posts and letters

Steunenberg's and Religion

Mrs. Steunenberg Pardons Slayer Of Her Husband

Julian Steunenberg (Footnote.com in progress)

Frank W. Steunenberg, the youngest child of Frank & Belle Steunenberg, and younger brother of Julian, later attended WWC and graduated 1924 with a B.A. degree in Theology.



A stroll with my grandpa Julian (circa 1955). A kind and gentle person as was grandma Francis (aka Fan or Fanny). They left me many fond memories.

On The Trail of the Old Pump Organ

This is a sample of recent email back and forth I am having with John and Gabriele, the owners of the pump organ in last weeks post. We are still on the trail of its origins. If anyone has more thoughts or something to add let me know. I deleted a couple of phone numbers and email addresses out of respect for privacy. I stuck in a few more photos too.

3/14/09

John:

Thank you for your efforts to track down more information. I have great fun and satisfaction with the many contacts I have made in recent years and new and surprising discoveries that show up from time to time. I enjoy the detective work!

Walla Walla/College Place played an important part in the early history of the family on the side of my grandmother, Francis Beardsley Wood Steunenberg. Her grandparents and great grandparents (Maxson-Wood) were Seventh Day Adventist and had a great deal to do with the settlement of the Walla Walla Valley and the early formation of Walla Walla College. They brought the first piano to the valley and taught music at the college and in local schools. My grandmother also played and taught piano to local school children. http://www.fortwallawallamuseum.org/livinghistory/sdapioneers.htm

Meanwhile, In Caldwell, ID, the Steunenberg’s (Hollanders) were migrating from Iowa and Michigan, with the boys coming first and settling in Caldwell looking to make their mark and their fortune. Frank Steunenberg quickly became involved in business and politics and rose to become governor in 1897. His wife was my great grandma Belle Steunenberg. Most of the families were Presbyterian but Belle, always somewhat on the outside of the usual family social circles, one day joined up with a small Adventist sect that was getting established in Caldwell. It raised a few eyebrows as generally the Adventists were viewed as somewhat “fanatical.”

Around 1904, my grandfather Julian, eldest son of the governor and Belle, had been sowing a few wild oats as he finished high school and, at Belle’s insistence, was sent off to the Adventist College in Walla Walla. Julian objected being sent to “that missionary college” but Frank Sr. supported Belle’s decision even though Frank himself had not followed his wife into the Adventist religion. Frank had many Presbyterian friends and as well as most of the family but was not a regular at church…much like me.

To make a long story short, it was in Walla Walla that Julian Steunenberg met up with Francis Beardsley Wood. After his father was murdered in December 1905, Julian tried but was never able to finish his studies. Later in 1906, Belle gave her blessing to his marrying Francis knowing it would help soften the blow he was feeling from the murder of his father. Julian and Francis moved around a bit between Caldwell, ID and Walla Walla and Medical Lake, WA, as there was lots of family in all those areas and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Frank Jr., the youngest son of Frank and Belle Steunenberg, who was only five or so at the time of the assassination, was also living in College Place and graduated from Walla Walla College in 1924. So he too was living there right around the time in question as related to the pump organ. Later in the 1920’s, Francis and Julian loaded up the kids (by mother being the youngest and was born in Caldwell) in the old Ford and headed for California. Hence, here we are!

My mother will be 91 in August and lives with by father not far from me here in San Luis Obispo County. They are struggling but maintaining some independence. I have many fond memories of our frequent visits and family gatherings with my grandparents Julian and Francis.

Regards, John

---

Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:22 AM
Subject: pump organ

Hello John,

Gabriele has informed you that I will get in touch with you.

As you know, we acquired the organ in Vernon, BC from the local well-established antique auction house. (Antique Imports - Chartered members of BC Auctioneers Association, 3021-29th Ave., Vernon, BC, 250-542-9119). The owner's name is Victor and he can be contacted. He's a great individual and has been auctioning estates for many years.

Meanwhile I searched for the name "Haines" and found approx. a dozen names in BC, in various places. Yesterday I was able to talk to a Mr. Doug Haines in Silvercreek near Salmon Arm. His telephone number is XXXXXXX. He is apparently 72 years old and lives on an acreage where the Haines' originally homesteaded. He inherited the place. He was kind enough to tell me about the Haines family history. Lyn Haines is buried there in Silver Creek. I asked him if he remembered a pump organ that his grandfather owned and he said: yes. Now, that does not mean that this is proof since we would have to show him pictures. Pump organs were not uncommon.

Apparently, the Haines family came originally from the northwestern US . Joseph Haines was a wounded civil war veteran. In the 1880's he took advantage of the Canadian settlement incentives and moved to Salmon Arm, BC as did many other Americans in those days. His son Lyn Haines took over the farm and stayed in Canada. Joseph Haines eventually moved with his wife back to the US since she was not too fond of the Canadian winter... :)

Doug Haines provided the first name of a couple of his cousins who live close to where we are located and I will try to contact them.

Will keep you posted John.

This is becoming a detective story.......

cheers.

A.B. Chase Pump Organ-Did it Belong to the Steunenberg Family?

I have had this pump organ over in the left hand margin of the blog where you might have spotted it already. The current owner has it for sale and it is advertised as previously belonging to Governor Steunenberg. A few kinfolk have heard from me individually and we have exchanged information and ideas regarding its origins. I am putting the organ up as a main post in a last effort to see if someone may be able to suggest or provide other information---be it family related, something about A.B. Chase pump organs and/or perhaps estimates of value.

This pump organ may have belonged to Frank & Belle Steunenberg in Caldwell, ID and/or later one of their children. However, I have not been able to establish any provenance to the governor or Caldwell except what is written in the note below. The connection is a bit stronger to Walla Walla/College Place, WA. The forty-five year old note from a previous owner indicates the organ was purchased in or around 1920 from a relative of Governor Steunenberg that was living in Walla Walla at the time. Both Frank Jr. and Julian Steuneneberg, sons of the slain governor, were residing in Walla Walla during the early 1920's. A specific name of the "relative" is not given in the note. My mother Brenda has a recollection of the fun she had pushing down pedals on a piano or organ but does not remember where or when. She would have been only about two years old in 1920.

I suspect that the organ may have been acquired through my grandmother Francis, Julian's wife, as that side of the family was very involved in the early years of Walla Walla College and specifically with the music department. My grandmother Francis and her grandmother (Caroline Maxson Wood) played and taught piano and probably the organ too.

From the note that has been retained by the current owner:

"History of this A.B. Chase organ, patented about 1878 made in the U.S.A. 1888. Once owned by the former governor of Idaho. Was bought in 1920 in College Place, a suburb of Walla Walla, Wash.; from a relative of ex-governor Frank Steunenberg. During a period of labor unrest between a mining union & mine and, about 1898 Mr. Steunenberg, then acting as governor of Idaho, was assassinated by Mr. Harry Orchard on Dec 30, 1905, as Mr. Steunenberg was taking a walk one summer (I believe that is what it says and of course it is incorrect as was winter with snow on the ground) evening outside his gate near his home. Mr. Orchard was tried, convicted & sent to a local penitentiary for life, but was later pardoned."
"July 4- '64
This organ was also owned until recently by
Lin W. Haines
R.R. 1, Salmon Arm, BC"

If you have read or seen anything about a pump organ in the family or know something about A.B. Chase organs then please let me know. It may have been in Caldwell, ID (c. 1900) and more likely College Place/Walla Walla, WA (c.1920). I have more pictures that have been provided by the seller but the main details are shown here.

Price: $10,000....well $9, 999.00 to be exact. Way out of my league but fun to speculate anyway.

1/2/1906 from J. C. Smith to Julian Steunenberg

This is another letter of condolence written by a J. C. Smith from Touchet, Washington and sent to my grandfather Julian Steunenberg following the assassination of his father, Ex-Governor Steuneneberg of Idaho. I am not sure who J. C. Smith is or his connection to Julian. I am guessing that it may be a J. C. Smith that taught in the Dairy Department at Walla Walla College during 1905/06. I got that bit of information from the book, 60 Years of Progress, Walla Walla College, 1892-1952. We have a wonderful old copy of the book that belonged to my grandmother Frances Beardsley Wood Steunenberg and remains a treasured possession of my 90 years young mother Brenda Steunenberg Richards. Throughout the years, my grandmother, mother and others made various notations of interest that help identify many of those in the book. Some of the pioneers that came by wagon train to the Walla Walla Valley and were involved in the formation of the college include my great-great grandparents J. Franklin and Caroline Maxson-Wood and great-great-great grandparents (I think I have my "greats" right) Stephen and Lois Babcock-Maxson. But that is a whole different story in and of itself that I am slowly putting together.

The 1905/06 period that J.C. Smith was at the college would coincide with when Julian was also there. Touchet, Washington is not too far from College Place, where the envelope was postmarked on its way to Caldwell, ID. If anyone has other information then please let me know.

I have a couple of other similar letters, one from a W. E. Nelson and also with a College Place postmark. Referencing the same books as above, I see that W.E. Nelson taught "Mathematics, Science and other subjects 1904-1914" at Walla Walla College. Well, guess I might as well go ahead and include it below.


Click on the pictures to enlarge. I will work on transcribed copies...sometime...but I think you can read most of it.

"Conversion of Harry Orchard - Turning a Criminal Into A Christian" ?

Caldwell's 1st SDA Church 1909

If you are receiving this as an email notification, the formatting may be rather scrambled. Come to the blog for better viewing (at least I hope it's better!).

I will get to the point of the title of this post in a minute. First let me give a little family related Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) history. As some of you know, the SDA church played a significant role in early Steunenberg history. We still have a few kinfolk who are SDA's. Much of our more readily known SDA history began when my great grandma, Eveline "Belle" Steunenberg, left the Presbyterian Church to join a small and newly established SDA church in Caldwell, ID. 

From Big Trouble:
"The community's general air of well-being was reflected in the bustling jollity of Caldwell's holiday festivities, formally ushered in on Saturday, December 23, with Christmas exercises at three downtown churches. The most impressive were those at the Presbyterian Church, the house of worship that attracted many of Caldwell's leading citizens. Belle Steunenberg had stood proudly among its founders, a teacher in its Sunday School, a doyenne of the congregation, a community leader 'jeweled with Christian graces,' until her inexplicable defection to Caldwell's tiny eight-member Adventist Church when it was inaugurated a year before—an act of such breathtaking betrayal it had left a strong residue of resentment in the front pews."
—Big Trouble by J. Anthony Lukas

Sunday, April 20, 2008: Steunenberg's and Religion

However, the family SDA association actually began quite a few years earlier in Walla Walla, WA with the grandparents and great grandparents of  Francis Beardsley Wood, my grandmother, who would marry Julian Steunenberg in 1906.

(Right) From my mother's (& her mother Frances Wood Steunenberg's) copy of 60 Years of Progress - Walla Walla College (1951-52). Stephen and Lois Babcock-Maxson (top) and J. Franklin and Carolyn Maxson-Wood (below)—my great great great and great great grandparents.

My grandparents Julian and Frances Steunenberg were life long SDA's and we visited them frequently during the years. Although never "preachy" and always accommodating, they did not talk a whole lot about the SDA, but we learned to respect the Sabbath and various SDA practices. For example, being a frequent visitor to grandma's kitchen, I always remember those funny Loma Linda can goods in the pantry. We laugh about it today as one of my sons is vegetarian and my daughter is vegan. I am still a carnivore of sorts but to a much lesser degree. We all eat more healthy these days and little did we realize that grandma and grandpa Steunenberg were far ahead of us in that regard. Years later we further learned the value of a vegan diet from Loreen Steunenberg Dinwiddie.




Re-enactment (Left) at Fort Walla Walla Museum of pioneers Carolyn Wood, husband J. Franklin Wood and her parents Stephen and Lois Maxson.

I cannot recall grandma and grandpa ever speaking of Harry Orchard. My mother always said that during her youth, Orchard, and Frank's assassination, were clearly not topics of conversation within the family.

Although I will always have the utmost love and respect for my SDA friends and family, and great grandma Belle, I do have a different view when it comes to the glorification of a mass murderer through the years and Orchard's alleged Christian conversion. I have shared thoughts on Orchard before and they have not changed appreciably over the years.


Here is an excerpt from A Good Hanging Spoiled written by me some years ago:

"In terms of Orchard's much debated religious conversion and whether it was genuine or contrived — I have always viewed it as a moot point, as he will be judged by a far greater entity then this mere mortal. Perhaps it was Charles "Pete" Steunenberg, brother of the fallen governor, who found the perfect blend of religion and punishment. Pete said something to the effect that if Harry Orchard had found religion then the sure-fire way to guarantee he kept it was to keep him right there in the Idaho penitentiary! His letter published in the Idaho Statesmen raised a public outcry and served to snuff out a near successful attempt by Gooding, Hawley and others to obtain Orchard's release."

"One matter on which much of our family probably does agree is the post-trial treatment of Orchard during the long years he spent at the Idaho penitentiary. He became a trusty, had his own cabin outside the prison walls, was given freedom to roam about as he pleased, and was photographed with governors and their children and grandchildren. As he grew older, Orchard was written about and pictured in the press as the nice old grandfatherly type. I cannot think of any mass murderer ever receiving such favorable treatment in the history of the American prison system! One can argue whether Orchard should or should not have swung from the gallows, but to go from a wanted poster to a poster child for Idaho was and is a tough pill to swallow for our family and friends. Frank Steunenberg never had his opportunity to grow old or to enjoy being a grandfather to my mother Brenda or his other grandchildren. Were it not for that dastardly deed of Harry Orchard on the evening of December 30th 1905, he would have most likely lived to see some of his great grandchildren—perhaps even this one."
John T. Richards
2007

The following is a view expressed by a great grandson of Orchard:  
"For years, I've researched the history that surrounded my great grandfather, Albert Horsley, aka Harry Orchard. In discovering that a documentary has been produced, I again find it sad that commentary surrounding Harry Orchard and his deeds forgets that there is a side to this story that fails to mention the pain and decimation that has affected our family. Harry Orchard destroyed the lives of his Wife and Daughter in Canada, and the scars that he inflicted erased any joy and happiness that these two people might have enjoyed during their lifetimes. He destroyed their livelihood when he burned down their cheese factory in Canada and added insult to their lives by running off with an other women, leaving them penniless. While I did not know my Great Grandmother, I am told that she was a hollow bitter woman whom no one enjoyed being around. Her bitterness affected my Grandmother deeply, and I never once remember her smiling. While the Stuenenburg family lost a great member of their family on December 5th 1905 in a terrible event perpetrated upon them by my Great Grandfather, Harry Orchard also destroyed his own family, people just as innocent as the Stuenenburgs. My Great Grandmother and Grandmother refused to discuss my Great Grandfather in any terms other than to mention that he had left them. It was only after my Grandmother had passed away that we found an obituary of Harry Orchard in her belongings and discovered the history of Harry Orchard. Learning that you are only a generation or two away from a mass murderer isn't a family history that you are proud of."

"As I am an atheist I was further frustrated to learn that a religious organization holds Harry Orchard up as an example of the transforming power of God's Forgiveness. This is almost too much to tolerate. Harry Orchard was a monster, plain and simple. No higher power is going to judge him. He spent his days in Jail for the most part in relative comfort, and thanks to the Seventh Day Adventists, as a semi-celebrity. He should have lost his life, as should his three co-conspirators, at the end of a noose."
Larry Taylor, June 15, 2010—From Assassination; Idaho's Trial of the Century-Feedback:

And here is a 1983 article from the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin about "Uncle Frank", the youngest child of Frank and Belle Steunenberg. Uncle Frank was about 5 years old at the time of his father's assassination. He graduated from Walla Walla College in 1924.

September 4, 1983
"I want the world to know that when this incident is mentioned I want them to be aware of the real hero of this story: my father, instead of the criminal who killed him."—Frank W. Steunenberg

So all the above leads me to the article and cover photo below of  Harry Orchard from a hard copy of Adventist Review. Just below the photo is a link to the online version of the same magazine and article. You can find all the references online that are not in the hard copy version.

I learned of the upcoming article when Sandra Blackmer, Feature Editor of Adventist Review, contacted me regarding use of some photographs she had seen on this blog. As was the case at the time of the Haywood trial, Harry Orchard continues to elicit many different viewpoints, all of which I respect and welcome. I am happy to provide photographs and information—even where viewpoints might differ.

Click on this link for the online article:
Conversion of Harry Orchard - Turning a Criminal Into A Christian

Now, some 110 plus years later, the discussion and debate continues. The article provides an interesting and already familiar SDA viewpoint and comes with an excellent list of references available online. I was pleased to see at least cursory attention given to Belle Steunenberg's role (as controversial as it remains) and acknowledgement of the destruction and suffering caused by Orchard.

Jim Nix, Director of the Ellen G. White Estate at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, wrote the original article for a presentation he had put together a couple years ago and had asked at that time if he could use some photographs. I want to also thank Sandra Blackmer, Adventist Review Editor, for requesting permission to utilize my photographs on this occasion and for our always friendly and interesting contacts. I welcome them anytime.

One other little tidbit related to Jim, I believe he also bought a copy of Harry Orchard, the Man God Made Again, from me on eBay three years or so ago. That was before Jim and I had direct contact a year or so later. If I had known, I might have written a few friendly comments on the inside cover and signed my name to it! Thank you again Jim and Sandra for your recent and past contacts and for continuing the discussion.
  
Other Links:
Click here for references from the Web version of the above article


Saturday, March 22, 2008-Brenda Steunenberg Richards-The Graduate-Class of 1936-Honorary Diploma September 2004

Sunday, April 20, 2008-Steunenberg's and Religion

Saturday, September 13, 2008-Mrs. Steunenberg Pardons Slayer Of Her Husband

Saturday, December 29, 2007-Letters from Assassin Harry Orchard

"Just past 7:30 p.m., he gasped three or four times, like a man trying to catch his breath, and muttered something unintelligible. As Will leaned closer, trying to hear those last syllables, the governor sank back and died.  'Frank died in my arms', Will wrote a sister in Iowa, 'and I hope the fellow that killed him will die in my arms, only in a different manner.'" —Big Trouble by J. Anthony Lukas
(*Will Steunenberg, brother of the slain governor).


Left: Frank—probably circa early 1890's before he became governor.

No Neckties Allowed #4 - Governor Steunenberg, Sheriff Harvey Brown & other stuff

I hope everyone is enjoying a nice Thanksgiving weekend and getting some quality time with friends and family. For those that are Boise State fans, there is unfortunately nothing I can say to relieve your pain and suffering.

This is my fourth "No Neckties Allowed" entry that I started awhile back. These entries comprise an informal smorgasbord of information and contacts from recent weeks.

First up today are some links from our friend Gary Eller, who continues his good work of finding, preserving and recording historic Idaho music. Check it out, as you can sample the music and his CD's are available to purchase for folks on your holiday list.

The Idaho Songs Project

Early Songs of Southern Idaho and the Immigration Trails

The Idaho Songbag available from the Idaho Humanities Council

Miscellaneous
J. Anthony Lukas & Big Trouble - A look back

Dark Destinations (the old Idaho Pen)

As some of you know, Harve Haskell has been in contact with me from time to time regarding his interest in Frank Steunenberg, the assassination, and the connection to Sheriff Harvey Brown of Baker County, Oregon. Now if that sounds familiar, it is, because Harve and Gary Dielman (see Saturday, November 20, 2010 post) are each writing about the eerily similar murder of Sheriff Brown shortly after the end of the Haywood trial. I am guessing there may be a friendly competition between Gary and Harve as they continue researching and writing their respective books. Apparently they already know each other but I will do my best not to reveal any pre-publication secrets unless they have provided permission to do so. Mums the word.

Here is a sample of a recent email exchange between Harve and me, posted with his permission. I thought others might be interested in some of the information. My answers are interspersed throughout the email in red. These are just our informal emails so don't hold us too accountable for spelling and punctuation.

From: harve haskell
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 8:48 AM
To: john richards steunenberg family
Cc: harve haskell
Subject: information re: Franks' children

Dear John:

Greetings! It has been awhile since our last communication. Progress is slow, but hopefully thorough.

To that end, I suppose the information is probably right under my nose somewhere, however I cannot readily locate it, and I am currently righting the Chapter on the last few days of the Governor as seen and experienced through his own eyes and thoughts. It is a time of great reflection obviously as I'm sure it would have been if he had been that sense of impending doom.

I cannot seem to locate all the information on the names, dates of birth, etc. of all his children. Did I read that he had five? I believe that the girl Frances was born August 8, 1892.

The five children of Frank and Eveline “Belle” Steunenberg are:
1. Julian Pope Steunenberg (my grandfather) born July 1, 1886, Knoxville, Iowa and died Feb. 11, 1966 in Ventura, CA. Married Oct. 18, 1906 in Caldwell, ID to Francis Beardsley Wood.

2. Felix Steunenberg born Dec. 13, 1888 Caldwell ID. Died May 1894 Caldwell, ID.

3. Frances L. Steunenberg born Aug. 12, 1892, Caldwell, ID. Died Aug. 1956 in Stockton, CA

4. Frank Willis Steunenberg (sometimes referred to as Frank Jr.) born Mar 1, 1900 in Caldwell, ID. Died Aug 12, 1990.

5. Edna Jessie Steunenberg born Sep. 25th, 1902 Caldwell, ID. She was an adopted child by Frank and Belle in 1905. Died on Jan 1, 1981 in Sonoma, CA. Married Herbert Oldridge (date unk).

I know that Julian was the eldest son, but do not know his date of birth. Based on the testimony, that I could make out, he appeared to be somewhere between 16 and 18 when this occurred, is this correct?

Julian was about 19 at the time of the assassination and nearing 21 at the time that he testified in June 1907.

I know that Frank (Jr.) was born after Julian and attended Walla Walla College. Was that the same institution Julian attended as referenced in that letter from Frank Senior where he sends money to Julian to return home on the train?

Yes, Julian attended Walla Walla College and that is where he met my grandmother Francis. We have a lot of historical connections to the development of Walla Walla College on my grandmothers side (Maxon/Wood Family). Julian’s brother Frank attended later and graduated 1924 and went into the ministry. Julian did not complete college after his father was assassinated. He married my grandmother soon thereafter and they were lifelong SDA’s. Most are gone but there are still a couple of SDA family members living today.

I believe I have made out most of the correct wording in the letter but am not exactly sure what the first sentence says. It appears to say "Herewith (pay, fare, pan ?) to (Huntington?)

Yes, “Herewith” and I have assumed that to be referencing Huntington Oregon, near the Oregon/Idaho border, a major train route and as you know no doubt, in Baker, County!

However, to me, when taken in context with the rest of the letter it does not quite make sense. I get the sense that the majority of the $25. is for something else, something more important, say tuition? But also, it is not clear to me whether the reference of the $3.00 fare regards the entire trip from place of departure to Caldwell, or just from Huntington home?

The $3 as I view it is just Huntington to Caldwell and would seem to be the appropriate amount for that relatively short distance. The rest of the money would be for the greater portion of the fare and expenses.
3/16/1905 - Letter from Governor Frank Steunenberg ("Pop") to son Julian

Additionally there is a reference to a Mr. Oleustaurm (sp.?) allotting Julian a certain amount of fund, as though he were in charge of the balance. Do you know of this man? Was he a headmaster, or College Dean?

I have not researched Mr. Oleustaurm (never been quite sure on the spelling) to any degree. I assumed it was a railroad official that the governor may have known and would bill him for any extra cost based upon Julian having the letter. It seems the $25 check may have actually been written payable to this person.

I would so much appreciate any help or direction you can give me here. I am also trying to place this letter within a time frame. Was it written perhaps in Julian's first year away at College, and if so, what was the name and locale of the College?

It is postmarked March 16, 1905, so some nine months prior to the assassination. Appears to perhaps be a Spring break of sorts for Julian and he is coming home from Walla Walla College/College Place, WA through Milton, OR (another stop on our family history trail), Pendleton and Baker City to Huntington and home to Caldwell.

If there is an obvious source of reference on your website for all this information (including names and dates of birth of children), I would greatly appreciate your steering me in the appropriate direction.

Let me know anything else and eventually I will get back to you. Thank you for your comments regarding a desire for factual accuracy. I may share these questions and answers on my blog. If I do that, do you want me to keep you name confidential so the source of the questions is not revealed? Regards, John

Thank you so much for your continued assistance and support on my project. I believe that I have discerned, or at least have a good working theory as to what finally happened to Jack Simpkins and who murdered Harvey K Brown.

Best Regards, Harve Haskell

From: John T. Richards Jr. [mailto:john.t.richards@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 3:56 PM
To: harve haskell
Subject: Frank Steunenberg letter

Harve:

Here is another personal though politically pertinent letter written by Frank Steunenberg on 1/12/1890 to the family in Iowa. He had been elected as a representative to the Constitutional Convention for Idaho in early 1899. I think it gives you a flavor of his dry humor, lack of formality and down to earth nature (my interpretation of a few of his personality characteristics).

On November 5, 1899, the citizens had voted to ratify the State Constitution and on July 3^rd 1890, President Harrison signed it into law and Idaho became a state.

I have attached the four page penned letter first followed by a three page transcribed version. This is in the COI archives but not online. You might want to check with Jan Boles regarding other letters and photos that are not yet posted as a part of the online collection. Please reference the COI archives if you use any of this material.

(The above photo is just a teaser. I will post the complete four page original and three page transcribed version soon as another COI Archives Spotlight, jr).

As for Sheriff Brown, I keep looking but is not much out there.

John

From: John T. Richards Jr. [mailto:john.t.richards@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2010 2:36 PM
To: harve haskell
Subject: FW: questions re: steve adams testimony (?) at George Pettibone Trial

Harve:

You raise many interesting questions on which I am not sure I can shed much in the way of new information. Poor Sheriff Brown, although right there in Caldwell from the very beginning after my great grandfathers assassination, has been relegated but to a footnote in history. I too have attempted to find out more about him in past years but only run across bits and pieces including this Oregon Genealogy web page that has been around for years. I took another try at it using my footnote.com account. You probably have already, but you might want to browse my Footnote.com "Spotlights." Most relate to the Haywood trial and Steunenberg.

The mysterious Jack Simpkins in another player that I believe was more deeply involved in this matter then we shall ever know. Although Orchard gave a detailed and chilling account, I believe he still carried a few secrets to his grave.

A few specific links are below:

Sheriff Harvey Brown Charges Bomb to Miners

Is Simpkins in the toils?

Idaho Detective (Sheriff Harvey Brown) Bomb Victim

May be a victim of Idaho Miners' Union

Steve_Adams_who_may_repudiate_his confession

I made a few notes in red below interspersed with your email. You have brought Sheriff Brown and Steve Adams back up on my radar screen. I will keep my eyes open. As you indicated, historical information can get so overwhelming that sometimes I forget stuff that is sitting right under my nose. I have so many documents, copies and notes that keeping up is impossible. While being asked for information, photos, news accounts, etc. for the Assassination: Idaho's Trial of the Century project, my blog became a reasonably quick and easy way that I could start posting some items as I found them and not have to go dig though files and boxes each time. However, the blog is only a small sample!

If you ever want to see this wonderful 1906 court docket pictured at the links below with some names you will recognize, just go over to the College of Idaho, Smylie archives in Sterry Hall and mention to Jan Boles, archivist, that we been in contact and he will be happy to show it to you along with any of the other Steunenberg documents (although most of them are online for viewing).

1906 Criminal Docket Cover

Docket spine with title

Court Docket Names

Photos of the docket courtesy of Jan Boles, COI Archives

You should be able to open and view all the above links at Footnote.com but navigation will be restricted.

Harve, how would you feel about me sharing some of our correspondence on my blog? I am ok whichever way you might feel about it.

Keep me posted on the progress with your book.

John

From: harve haskell [mailto:hshaskell.2@live.com]

Sent: Friday, August 06, 2010 2:08 PM
To: john richards steunenberg grt grnson
Cc: harve haskell
Subject: questions re: steve adams testimony (?) at George Pettibone Trial

Dear John:

I may be looking in the wrong places, but if I am I think I've looked in ALL of them.

Here is my dilemma: Sheriff Harvey K. Brown stated that he was supposed to testify at "the trial" upcoming some time after September 1907. I have found written reference to the fact that the Defense was paying him for his testimony in the Steve Adams Trial in Coeur d 'Alene. I have only found two references to trials for Steve Adams. One was prior to the murder of your Great Grandfather. The other is a passing reference to another trial for Adams after the Haywood Trial. However I can find no record of the trial of Steve Adams in Northern Idaho after Haywood's Trial which I know took place because after he recanted his testimony against the WFM leaders i know that he was to be prosecuted for "related" crimes.

The first trial is referenced in Big Trouble beginning with the last paragraph on page 500 and goes for several pages. Adams was tried in Feb 1907 (before the Haywood trial) in Wallace for the murder of alleged claim jumpers Fred Dyer and Ed Boule (not charged in the current trial). It resulted in a hung jury. It was at this trial that Adams recanted his previous confession to the murder of these two men. There was at least consideration given to refilling the charges and requesting a change of venue away from Northern Idaho. Adams was also wanted in Colorado for crimes committed there. As far as I know, he was never extradited to CO to face charges but I could be wrong on that count. I have seen only brief references that there was a second attempt to try Adams in Northern Idaho (post Haywood Trial) but it also resulted in a hung jury.

While in Wallace, McParland met Sheriff Brown who was there with Steve Adams uncle, James Lillard. Brown was not there to testify. McParland, through his newfound connection with Sherriff Brown, then launched an effort to influence Lillard to encourage Adams to “come clean.” I would assume that Sheriff Brown’s reference to upcoming trials could only mean the Pettibone, Moyer and Orchard trials. Of course, we know Pettibone was found not guilty and charges against Moyer were dropped.

Adding to my confusion is the Trial of George Pettibone in January of 1908. It would seem more likely that this was the trial Sheriff Brown was referencing that he was supposed to testify at for the Prosecution. But by September 30, the date of his death the Haywood Trial was over, he had been acquitted. I can find NO Trial Transcript of Pettibone's Trial other than he was tried in January 1908 and acquitted as well in March 1908.

I have not seen a trial transcript anywhere. Just the various brief references that he was tried and acquitted.

It would seem common sense that if Steve Adams had confessed implicating the Big 3, which we know he did, and also led Jas. McParland and Gov Gooding to the burial site of the "Hellfire" Bombs Pettibone had given him for another assignment, which then helped to support his confession, that if he then recanted his confession they could/would still put him on the stand read his confession, he could deny the truth, but the State could shore it up by the fact that part of his confession was proven by the Pocatello discovery that Adams led them to himself.

Adam’s actually recanted only that part of the confession related to the two claim jumpers that he was accused of murdering. Interestingly, under cross examination, he stated for the record at his trial that the rest of his confession was true.

I can sense that at different times (Haywood Trial, Pettibone Trial) Either/ or the Prosecution and Defense felt there was some value in Harvey Browns testimony about what Steve Adams told him on his extradition to Idaho from Baker City. It is known that Brown encouraged Adams to come clean. Some part of their conversation was important to both sides.

Conflicting information was reported that Brown would testify at: A. Steve Adams Trial in North Idaho, which I believe was held in January 1908. or B. Brown would testify at the Pettibone Trial, which also started in January of 1908. The timing of his execution on September 30, 1907 suggests one or the other wanted him out of the way by Trial time.

Brown was in Wallace to attend the trial but did not testify. I would like to find out more specifics about whether Brown was in fact going to be called to testify at Pettibone’s, Moyer’s and/or Orchard’s trial.

But here is something else that does not add up: If Adams testimony, or recanted testimony, was not used at Haywood's Trial why would they introduce it into Pettibone's Trial where Sheriff Brown then might be necessary to testify about he and Steve Adams private conversation on the way to Boise???

There was probably a fleeting hope that Adams, still under some threat of extradition to Colorado, would come clean, boost the prosecution and get a guilty verdict against Pettibone. Although Haywood had been freed, such a verdict against Pettibone would stain and cripple Haywood and the WFM even more.

I am hoping/praying you have any answer to any of the above that will help clarify some or any of this. Brown was certain that this is the reason for his death and said so in a death bed statement. He knew he had been followed closely in the prior weeks of his death. He had received a threatening letter postmarked Colorado in which he was told if he didn't leave the country(Idaho) and if he testified that he was a dead man.

One cannot say with certainty, but we have an established history of threats, intimidation and murder during that period. There is no reason to doubt Sheriff Brown’s feelings about the subject, just as my great grandfather felt the same although did not share it to any extent with family.

Any Ideas, thoughts, guesses, John?

Sincerely Yours, Harve Haskell

(I look forward to following Harve's progress with his research and book. If anyone has information, opinions and/or comments regarding Sheriff Brown, please let me know or post as a comment to this entry, John).