In Memoriam

Loreen Steunenberg Dinwiddie 

2/4/1903 - 8/25/2012

109.5 years!

Loreen was previously married to Frank W. Steunenberg (son of Eveline Belle and Ex.-Governor Frank Steunenberg). Loreen and Frank W. are survived by two daughters,  Lois Beth Steunenberg Allen and Florence Alice Steunenberg Willoughby 

Loreen Dinwiddie, 108, Credits Vegan Diet for Longevity

Oregon Member Sees 108th Birthday

Services are pending. My understanding is that Loreen will be buried in the Steunenberg plot at Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, Idaho where she will join many other kinfolk. More information to come. 

Postmarked Boise, Idaho, May 9th, 1907

Here is a post card of Boise showing Main Street and the Idanha Hotel. The card is very common and this one is not in very good shape.  So why bother buying and posting it here on the blog?

The interesting thing about this one is the date indicated by the writer, 5/8/1907, and the Boise, ID postmark of May 9, 1907. Do you know why?

Hint (I am inserting some punctuation that was commonly left out in those days): the writer says, "Does this scene look natural. Trial starts in morning. Have seen your papers?"

Here is a short blurb on the trial in question:
"With the Adams case out of the way for the time being, the state could move ahead with the prosecution of the Western Federation Officials.  After Fremont Wood replaced Judge Bryan and Boise replaced Caldwell as the scene of the trial, the trial of William D. Haywood was finally set for May 9th, 1907."
—Debaters and Dynamiters: The Story of the Haywood Trial by David H. Grover

So not a major historical discovery but an interesting postcard nonetheless. These old cards allow us to reach back and touch a moment in time from someone who was actually there on May 9th, 1907.

Related:
Monday, September 14, 2009
"6/14/(19)07 Big crowds here, on account of Haywood trial"

Steunenberg District Signs mark Caldwell’s past - Idaho Press-Tribune: Members

Steunenberg District Signs mark Caldwell’s past - Idaho Press-Tribune: Members.

Previous related blog post:
Saturday, January 28, 2012
New Signs for the Steunenberg Historical District in Caldwell, Idaho

Steunenberg Family Genealogy

Every so often, Walter Steunenberg sends out an update of the family genealogy.  I'm a history lover but never had the patience for tracking the hundreds of names and multiple generations. However, I am not sure what I would do if someone had not continued this labor of love—as I use this document frequently for reference. Walter provides an invaluable service and continues a tradition of work that began with Grace Steunenberg Croookam, was continued by Helen Maria (Keppel) Toal and contributed to by many family members over the years, including my mother Brenda Steunenberg Richards.

See: Saturday, April 19, 2008 - Tracing the Family Roots

As in the past, I have saved this genealogy record of the Willem Hendriks Steunenberg line of the family to Google documents. You can access it by clicking on the link below. It is about 63 pages and may take a couple minutes to download. Once the document opens, you may want to click on the formatting icon (¶) if all the various marks are still visible. Turning formatting off makes for much easier reading.

 Willem Hendriks Steunenberg

Below are other family lines that Walter has available. Email or write Walter directly if you have his address or let me know and I will request a copy. 

Peter Jansen Steunenberg

Arent Willems Peter Steunenberg

Gerit Hendriks Steunenberg

Jan Hendriks Steunenberg

100,000

Sometime last night (no, I didn't stay up for the event, shoot off fireworks or have a toast), the blog had its 100,000th visitor since 2/10/2008. Now, I am not so big headed as to think it really means much of anything or compares to winning a gold medal at the Olympics. The majority of those hits are probably from me and people wandering aimlessly lost through cyberspace and landing here by mistake—but it is a milestone nonetheless. If maybe 10%, 5% or even 1% were actually where they wanted to be or 1/2% or 1/4% or even less stop by on a regular basis—I am elated. For a blog with a very narrow focus, pretty specific to one state and one family—not too shabby.
Thank you all.

Tara A. Rowe said...

I don't know how much of a percentage I make up, but I'm a better historian for having read your blog all this time. Congratulations on the milestone.

August 9, 2012 7:42 PM

John T. Richards Jr. said...

Thanks Tara. Happy to have you stopping by now and then. John

August 10, 2012 7:49 AM  

 

Harve Haskell said... 

Dear John:  I would imagine a good number of those hits were              intentional because the history you provide your visitors is important information and gleaned from sources not usually in the mainstream historical database. I certainly have appreciated your website and blog and am very grateful to you for all the effort you've put into it. Thanks so much!!   Harve Haskell 

August 09, 2012 7:35 AM 

 

  

John T. Richards Jr. said.. 

Thanks Harve: 

Happy to have you as one of the 100k! John

Aug 2012 07:44:05 -0700

"Give us a Man" by George E. Steunenberg

George Steunenberg
Maybe he should
have run for office.

I still need to get the rest of George's Song's of a Soldier posted on the blog. However, this poem is not from the book but is among many others he also wrote. Being we are now well into election season, and politics is awash with millions of dollars for TV commercials in search of your vote, I thought Give us a Man would be in order (I would add "or a Woman" although might have to rework the poem a bit).

*Any similarity to presidential candidates, past or present, real or imagined, is purely coincidental.

Give us a man in the White House!
   A man who can fill the chair!
Who won't begin seeking another term
   As soon as we've placed him there.
Who will think of the country instead of himself—
   We have such men in the land—
Who will throw the political game to the winds
   And tackle the job on hand!

Give us a man in the White House!
   A man you can see in a crowd.
Who isn't afraid to speak his mind,
   But doesn't speak too loud.
Who will stay on the job when he's needed there,
    But will not kill himself with work.
Who when he must face a camera
   Will do it without a smirk.

Give us a man in the White House
   Who will fearlessly face the facts.
Who will cut his talk down to the minimum
   And speak through his deeds and acts.
Who will fire that army of bureaucrats
   No matter what bosses may say,
And his name will go down in history
   As the man who saved the day!

(Another version with an alternative ending)
Gives us a man in the White House
   Who will fearlessly face the facts.
Who will keep his mouth out of the radio
   And speak through his deeds and acts.
Who will face any danger when duty calls
   And if need be forfeit his life.
And for god's sake give us a president
   Who isn't afraid of his wife!

1952 Eisenhower VS. Stevenson. You may not see the screens below if receiving as an email blog notice. Come to the blog. Political commercials were sure a lot more fun and less expensive to make back in the 1950's.


See more: Museum of the Moving Image - The Living Room Candidate

Where is Stonewall's Arm?

Where Is General Stonewall Jackson's Arm Buried? - National Parks Traveler

The Curious Fate of Stonewall Jackson's Arm - NPR

 'He has lost his left arm; but I have lost my right arm.'
—General Robert E. Lee

General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson.

Although no doubt my great grand uncle, Private Lewis Simpson (click here for blog posts about Lewis and his brother Justus)), would have wanted to get a shot at Stonewall Jackson, it was actually the General's own troops that accidentally shot him in the arm.

Private Lewis Simpson, 89th New York Volunteers, Company K. Courtesy of the Frazier Farmstead Museum

  'He [Stonewall Jackson] will wake up some morning to find his stonewall all gone to thunder and his soul singing rebel anthems with the Devil and his Angels in Hell.'
—Private Lewis Simpson

From Eighty-Ninth Infantry
SIMPSON, LEWIS L.—Age, 19 years. Enlisted, September 17, 1861, at Unadilla, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. K, October 21, 1861; discharged for disability, February 5, 1863, at Frederick City, Md. —Rosters of the New York Infantry Regiments during the Civil War

Lewis was wounded in the left leg at the Battle of South Mountain. As with General Jackson and so many Civil War soldiers, amputation was at that time the best and most effective means of saving a life. Lewis' left leg was not amputated in a field hospital. Instead, the surgery took place three days after he was wounded and had been evacuated to the U.S. Military Hospital in Maryland. Hopefully conditions were at least somewhat more sterile. 

Tombstone for "Stonewall" Jackson's left arm.

The Civil War

Amputation Kit

How a Civil War amputation was performed.

Amputation of the leg 

Amputation of the arm 

"Preserving the stories behind Idaho law"

Copyright ILHS

A recent online article in the Idaho Statesman reminded me once again of the Idaho Legal History Society (ILHS). The ILHS was formed in 2005, the 100 year anniversary of the assassination of my great-grandfather, Governor Frank Steunenberg. Hence, I was very pleased with the design chosen for their logo. Although many important legal events and individuals are scattered throughout the state's history, it seemed appropriate that Idaho's crime and trial of the century would be the focal point of the societies inception. Their sponsorship of the stage play,  The Gate on 16th Avenue, and support and participation in Idaho Public Television's production of Assassination: Idaho's Trial of the Century, was a fitting start to the societies preservation efforts. I was fortunate to have attended both the play and and the premiere of "Assassination" and continue to enjoy a lifetime's worth of memories and historical interests connected to those events. By all means, yes, thank you ILHS for "preserving the stories behind Idaho law."

Preserving the stories behind Idaho law 
The Idaho Statesman

Idaho Legal Historical Society Website

Some Highlights from the ILHS website:
The Trial of Big Bill Haywood

ILHS Newsletter Winter 2012 (Sheep versus Cattle, "Stocky" Stockslager, "Diamondfield Jack" Davis, etc.)

Flashback Blog Posts:

Sunday, February 15, 2009

 The Idaho Legal History Socie

Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Legal History Lesson from 1901
 

Saturday, June 27, 2009
Visit to the The Idaho Pen - 11/8/2007
 

Friday, September 25, 2009 A Couple of Personal Notes I Received Regarding the Frank Steunenberg Assassination & Haywood Trial Historical Events/Projects of 2005-2007
 

Monday, June 29, 2009 of Premiere Night - Assassination: Idaho's Trial of the Century

FOLD3

www.footnote.com

Don't forget to check out my Fold3 pages now and then. I suggest clicking on "Spotlights." Those receiving this as an email update may not see the above image. Click instead on: Recent Spotlights.

For a good July 4th activity, explore the Revolutionary War Collection. Some aspects of navigation on Fold3 will be limited for non-subscribers.

Monday, July 4, 2011

In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776 — and many years later a lawyer is born

Sunday, July 4, 2010

The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America

Have a safe and happy Independence Day.

Idaho Penitentiary

As you may know, I always have a fascination with the Idaho pen. Here is a different view on an old real photo postcard (RPPC) that I have not seen before.

John's Collection

Pinpointing where Harry Orchard's cabin outside of the pen walls was located seems to garner several different viewpoints. I do have a copy (obtained from the ISHS) of an old schematic diagram of the pen and grounds that purports to show the location. I will have to dig that out and see how it compares to an enlargement of this photo. I believe the small cabin was located on the nearest side of the pen shown above. Any ideas let me know.

Clearly visible in the back ground, when I enlarge the image and play with the contrast, is the Boise Natatorium (above).

John's Collection

Here we have an inside and outside view of the Natatorium. This card is postmarked December 19, 1905. Eleven days later Frank Steunenberg will be brutally assassinated by Harry Orchard.

John's Collection

And another recently acquired and more common RPPC view of the pen taken from I believe up toward Table Rock. Correction 7/2/12: Amber Beierle, Education Specialist at the pen, tells me this view is more north from Castle Rock. Thanks Amber.  Visit the Old Idaho Pen

Idaho boys in Spanish-American war.

Here is an interesting old stereoscopic photograph. I will continue to post a few old photographs, postcards, etc., without too much dialogue. Playing catchup with a few items I have had sitting here for awhile.

John Richards Collection

I am always interested in Idaho items and information from the Spanish-American War, be it to share or for sale. Someone out there has to have an old Krag-Jorgensen or Trapdoor rifle that belonged to the Idaho 1st. That looks like a Krag nearest the camera in this photograph.

Brief History of the 1st Idaho Volunteer Infantry

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Company A of the First Idaho Volunteers

Monday, May 19, 2008

Cover Addressed to Governor Steunenberg -1899

Saturday, December 20, 2008
1st Lt. George Steunenberg in the Spanish-American War

1st Lt. George Steunenberg
of the 1st Idaho Volunteer Infantry
Writes of the Trip from Hawaii to Manila

Roster of the 1st Idaho Volunteer Infantry

Gathering at the Golden Gate: Mobilizing for War in the Philippines, 1898

Freighting in Idaho

John Richards Collection

Here is a postcard and a photograph that I am moving up from the unarchived section at the bottom of the blog. I will be deleting those soon.

My grandfather Julian Steunenberg (click here for more about Julian, the Haywood trial, Walla Walla College, etc.), eldest son of Governor Steunenberg, reportedly ran a freighting business out of Caldwell for awhile that would have been similar to the one above. Most were probably taking supplies to the mines near Silver City.

John Richards Collection

And here we see the move from horse to steam power. "Best Steam Engine in Lumber Freighting Idaho 1905." This photograph is probably an old copy made on photographic paper from another photo and sold for use in news publications and periodicals (from the markings on the back).

Idaho Freight Wagons

Find-A-Grave...Whoops!

I noticed quite a bit of Steunenberg related activity recently on Find-A-Grave. A lot of deceased kinfolk have been posted by one of the Find-A-Grave participants. I can't say I have frequented the site to any great degree but it has come in handy when trying to locate a particular cemetery and/or grave-site. You can join in and sign up for free (you have to put up with all  the ads) and make your own corrections and changes to  the listings.

Below are a number of Steunenberg entries. I have not gone over them in detail but do see a few facts and figures that need to be corrected or added. However, the one that stood out immediately was a entry on Loreen Steunenberg Dinwiddie.

Wait a minute! Loreen is still with us! 

Loreen Steunenberg (1903 - 2012)

The above link doesn't go anywhere now but I printed out a copy before it was removed. I had contacted the creator and informed him that Loreen was alive and well at the ripe old age of 109. As far as anyone knows, she is the oldest woman in Oregon.

I sure appreciate all the work this gentleman is doing on Find-A-Grave. OK, so he made a mistake...but Loreen has continued to defy the odds and fool us all. 

Update: Monday, August 27, 2012 - In Memoriam

Loreen-Oregon Adventist Conference

More Find-A-Grave pages that I have randomly listed.

Frank Willis Steunenberg (1900 - 1990)

Grace "Jenny" Steunenberg Crookham (1875 - 1951)

Josephine "Josie" Steunenberg (1873 - )

Charles B "Pete" Steunenberg (1867 - 1948)

Carrie M Steunenberg (1865 - 1955)

Albert K Steunenberg (1863 - 1907)

John Steunenberg (1858 - 1923)

Bernardus Steunenberg (1824 - 1907)

William L Steunenberg (1857 - 1946)

Cornelia Steunenberg (1833 - 1876)

Bernardus Steunenberg (1824 - 1907)

Brenda Steunenberg Richards (1919 - )

Carroll Arthur "Cal" Steunenberg (1913 - 2009)

Jules Bernarr Steunenberg (1915 - 1946)

Frank "Bud" Steunenberg (1911 - 1980)

Violet Wood Steunenberg (1916 - 1985) 

Frances Beardsley Wood Steunenberg (1888 - 1976)

Julian Pope Steunenberg (1886 - 1966)

John Harold Steunenberg (1921 - )

Ballads of the Owyhee Country

If you haven't picked up your copy of the new and improved 2012 version of Ballads of the Owyhee Country—now is the time. It's a 47 page booklet with 22 songs on CD performed by "Banjo Man" Gary Eller, John Larsen and friends. Of course it includes some of my favorite desperado's such as Dynamite Harry (well not a favorite I guess but I do like Gary and John), Diamondfield Jack and Hey Ho Lyda (Southard). You can buy it through the Owyhee County Historical Society Bookstore (scroll down on the OCHS page and click on the photo next to "Other books for sale in our bookstore 1").

While you're on the OCHS website, check out some of the back issues of the Owhyee Outpost. I just picked up a couple with articles by Ned Williams (see: Did Steunenberg neighbor William 'Bill' Williams know about the bomb?) and another by Edith Steunenberg Ferrar (Delamar, Idaho). Only $10 bucks each and you are supporting the preservation of Idaho history.

For more information, you can contact Gary through his Idaho Songs Project website. You won't want to miss all the information and sample recordings of historical Idaho music and ballads. 

Memorial Day 2012

Home and Away: Remember the Fallen

Remembering Honor, Duty and Country

The Blue Star Service Flag

This one was in the possession of Julian & Francis Steunenberg, my grandparents. Uncle Cal and Uncle Jule served during WWII. Each star represents a family member serving in the war. Uncle Frank (Bud), the third son, served in the Marines prior to WWII.

A few related blog posts:

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Remembering D-Day

Friday, May 23, 2008

The Marines

Monday, May 25, 2009

"dits"and "dahs"

Monday, Nov. 10, 2008

Staff Sargent Jule Steunenberg

Sunday, May 29, 2011

In Memoriam: Private Lewis Simpson