Index to Early Day Stories

Index to Early Day Stories: 1944-1945 Story Contest
Early Day Stories story contest conducted by the Coos-Curry Pioneer Historical Association ©1944
Index compiled by Robyn Greenlund ©2006

Early Day Stories is a collection of eight stories submitted by adults for a 1944 story contest. These stories are bound together in one volume. When indexed, there are over 150 names and places referenced in this work.

To aid the researcher in using this list, the individual's full name is shown first, followed by the alias that was used in the book (if used). Where a date was not precisely stated, an approximate date was used based on other references throughout the book.

Table of Contents Corrections Annotated Index

Table of Contents

Homestead Home by Ann Connell	1
Empire Boys of the 1890’s by Margaret S. Turkel	13
A City is Born by Mrs. E. Dahlquist	16
The Cammanns by Margaret S. Turkel	17
Oregon Bear Fight by C.C. Farr	19
The Prowler by Daisy Codding	27
A Pioneer Story by Mary M. Randleman	29
The Sturdivant Homestead in the Wildwood by Laurabelle Keating	31
Christmas in 1897 by Nora Truman via Ann (Truman) Connell	38

Corrections

Key to Errata: the first # to appear is the page on which the error is located, the second represents the paragraph on that page and the third is the line number in that paragraph.

Page	Paragraph	Line	Correction and source note
Preface	5	1	Murkel should be Turkel
Table of Contents	8	1	Author should be Nora Truman, via Ann (Truman) Connell
36	1	3	Wee klys should be Weeklys
38	2	2	H anora should be Honora or Hannora
39	1	2	Is should read his

Annotated Index

(Unknown) (CHINESE)
Settlement of Chinese on the river (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

(Unknown) (INDIAN)
        Married a man of German descent. Neighbor to the Collins (1869-1912 - p.1-12).
        Settlement of Indians on Indian Creek, up the river from the cannery in Rogue River area(1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Antone (UNKNOWN)
Young man that had a homestead between the Collins and the town in the Rogue River area (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Kate ANTHONY
Married Charles Winsor. From Cresent City, California (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

"Arcata"
Boat that traveled between Eureka and San Francisco (bef 1920 - p.29-30).

Bailey's Beach
Mining site in 1897 (1897 - p.38-39).

Ellen BAILEY
Teacher at the school (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Thelma BALES
Typist from Coquille High School (p.Preface).

Mr. (Unknown) BEAR
Loaned Capt. Simpson $25,000 on a handshake (bef 1920 - p.29-30).

J.D. BENNETT
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford). Had the second post office in Gravelford for many years (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

(Unknown) BRIGHTS
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

George CAMMANN, JR.
Son of George and Henrietta Cammann (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

George CAMMANN
George and Henrietta Cammann were married in Germany and moved to Empire, Coos County, OR. Owned a skating rink in Empire. Built the Cammann Road between Empire and the Newport Mine (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

Georgina Bendin CAMMANN (a.k.a. Mrs. Alf Reed)
Daughter of George and Henrietta Cammann (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

Henrietta CAMMANN
Wife of George Cammann. Family purchased the first hot air balloon seen in Coos County for a 4th of July celebration in Empire (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

Henry CAMMANN
Brother of George Cammann. Was a geologist. Lived in the skating rink building (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

Asa CAREY
Family from Ellensburg. "Acie-boy" to his friends - rode a wild bear (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Dave CAREY
Moved to Powers (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

(Unknown) CAUGHELL
Large family in Ellensburg. Name was pronounced "Call-hell" (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Florence (Vondergreen) CHAPMAN
Was one of the last people to visit Kate Truman before she died (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Children's Masquerade
Annual Christmas celebration held in the Court House in Empire (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

City of North Bend
Story called "A City is Born" - the story of the foundation of North Bend (1863-1902 - p.16-18).

Daisy CODDING
Daughter of George R. Wasson. Wrote store "The Prowler" in 1944-1945 (1860's - p.27-28).

Catherine COLLINS
Went by Katie Collins. Married Mr. Truman and was living in North Bend when she died (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Dennis COLLINS
        Served in the Civil War. Of Irish heritage. Moved to Hunter's Creek in Curry County in 1896 (1869-1912 - p.1-12).
        Grandfather of Nora Truman. Has been dead in 1897 for about 15 years (1897 - p.38-39).

Fanny Anastasia COLLINS
The 3rd child of Honora and Dennis Collins. Moved to San Franciso and became a dressmaker but returned home later. When she died, her husband took children to San Francisco (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Honora COLLINS (a.k.a. Hanora Collin)
        Wife of Dennis Collins. Also of Irish heritage, Maiden name was McCarthy. Husband spelled her name Hannora and called her Hannah (1869-1912 - p.1-12).
        Grandmother of Nora Truman. Living alone in 1897 (1897 - p.38-39).

Jerry COLLINS
The 2nd child of Honora and Dennis Collins. Worked with father on building the jetty at the mouth of the Coos Bay harbor. Married and moved to Bandon. Eventually moved to Boron California (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Jimmy COLLINS
The oldest child of Honora and Dennis Collins. Died while fording a swollen creek to save a neighbor (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Joanna or Josie COLLINS
4th child of Honara and Dennis Collins. Born in San Francisco at Honora's sisters home there. Died of pneumonia at 20 years old (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

(Unknown) COLVINS
Family up the creek from the Collins (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Ann (Truman) CONNELL
Daughter of George and Kate Truman, born in Rogue River area (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Mrs. Ann (Truman) CONNELL
Author of first prize story ($25 war bond). Story "Homestead Home" on her grandparents in pioneer days (p.Preface).

Coos County Pioneer Association
Coos County Pioneer Association holds [2nd] reunion in Empire City. Empire Band played for the group on the "Montesano" (1892 Oct - p.13-15).

Coos River Rock Quarry
Site of the afternoon festivities for the Coos County Pioneer Association reunion (1892 Oct - p.13-15).

Coquille "Herald" newspaper
The wood from the Sturdivant homestead was used to build the first building for a newspaper, the "Herald" in Coquille (abt 1898 - p.31-37).

(Unknown) CULBERTSON
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

(Unknown) CUNNIFF
Friends of the Collins family (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Mrs. E. DAHLQUIST
Third place winner of contest ($5 of books). Story entitled "A City is born" on the history of North Bend. (p.Preface).

W.U. DOUGLAS
        Traveled with L.J. Simpson to Eire County, New York to discuss purchase of town of Yarrow (Jun. 27 1902 - p.16-18).
        Witness to platt for North Bend by Louis J. Simpson (November 1902 - p.16-18).

(Unknown) DOYLE
        Friends of the Collins family (1869-1912 - p.1-12).
        Landing or farm near the mouth of the Rogue River (1897 - p.38-39).

"East Port"
Steamer from San Francisco to Empire City that was in service in May of 1873 (1873 - p.31-37).

Charles E. ECKOFF
Purchased land from Charles Merchant and his wife for $400. His wife's name was Charlotty. Still living in North Bend in 1909 (Mar. 24 1865 - p.16-18).

Mrs. (Unknown) EDSON
Her husband and son were killed by Indians in the earliest days in Oregon. (Was Mrs. Geisel at the time). Was murdered in Rogue River (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Empire Brass Band
One of the towns with a brass band. Most bands had about 100 pieces in them (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

"Escort"
Tugboat "Escort" has exploded her boilers in Coos Bay in the 1880's (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

L.F. FALKENSTEIN
Traveled with L.J. Simpson to Eire County, New York to discuss purchase of town of Yarrow (Jun. 27 1902 - p.16-18).

C.C. FARR
Wrote store on the bear fight of John Jenkins in 1944-1945 (1945 - p.19-26).

Patrick FLANAGAN
Witness to sale of North Bend acreage to Charles Merchant (Apr. 9 1864 - p.16-18).

Flouring Mill
Flouring mill located in Lookingglass valley provided flour for families in Coquille Valley. People traveled from Brewster Valley to Lookingglass for supplies (abt 1873 - p.31-37).

(Unknown) GAUNTLETT
Family in Ellensburg (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Mr. & Peter GLYNN
Of Irish descent. Lived thorough the potato famine in Ireland (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Mrs. Idyle GODARD
Teacher at Coquille High School typing class (p.Preface).

Government Works
Across the bay from Empire City. Site of the picnic for the Coos County Pioneer Assocation reunion (1892 Oct - p.13-15).

GRANDMA
Was living with her daughter and son-in-law in 1860's on the South Inlet. She was blind at this time (1860's - p.27-28).

Gravelford Bridge
Bridge over the North Fork of the Coquille at Gravelford built by pioneer volunteer labor. John M. Sturdivant spent 2 1/2 months working on it. Also helped build the Fox bridge on the North Fork (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

Gravelford Infrastructure
Settlers on the East Fork of the Coquille built the road to connect to the Coos Bay Wagon Road at Dora at the junction of the North and East Forks of the river (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

Gravelford School
First school built was a one room house, built on the Jackson farm and was both school and church. Was replaced with another school across the road. 35-40 students in the second school (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

John A. GRAY
Notary Public in 1889 (Dec. 30 1889 - p.16-18).

Mrs. Mabel (Hazard) HACKER
Student in school in Empire with Charles Stauff. Later married L.H. Hazard. Living in Coquille in 1944-1945 (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

(Unknown) HALL
Home located at the Overland crossing. Mrs. Hall was remembered for her kindness to the Sturdivants. Good descriptions of house and lifestyle (1873 - p.31-37).

Jacqueline HANSEN
Typist from Coquille High School (p.Preface).

(Unknown) HANSON
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

Peter B. HINES
Wrote novel that featured character names "Cappy Ricks" based on Capt. A.M. Simpson of North Bend (bef 1920 - p.29-30).

Mary (Duncan) HUME
Wife of R.D. Hume (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

R.D. HUME
"Salmon King" who owned a salmon cannery on the Rogue River at Ellensburg (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Hunter's Creek, Curry County
        Creek off the Rogue River where the Collings family lived in 1896 (1869-1912 - p.1-12).
        There was no bridge over Hunter's Creek in 1897 and no stage (1897 - p.38-39).

Harry HUNTLEY
Father was Judge Huntley. Harry lived in North Bend (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Judge [Jeremiah] HUNTLEY
Family in Ellensburg (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Alex JACKSON
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford). Had the first post office in his home (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

John JENKINS
Owned 80 acres of bottom land on the Coquille River, near Coquille (Coquelle City). Story is of his fight with a bear in the valley. Died before 1940 (1888 - p.19-26).

Laurabelle (Sturdivant) KEATING
Daughter of Emily and John M. Sturdivant. Raised on homestead on the east fork of the Coquille. Author of story in "Early Day Stories" (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

(Unknown) KRANTZ
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

Charles LARZELER
Witness to sale of North Bend acreage to Charles Eckoff (Mar. 24 1865 - p.16-18).

Libby Brass Band
One of the towns with a brass band. Most bands had about 100 pieces in them (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

Libby Mine
Called the Newport Mine in abt 1870-1872 (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

Pauline LOCKWOOD
Typist from Coquille High School (p.Preface).

Capt. (Unknown) McCARTHY
Sea captain from Skibbereen, Ireland. Father of Honora Collins (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

J.S. McNAMARA
Notary Public in 1864 (Apr. 9 1864 - p.16-18).

Jim & Mary Ann McVAY
Friends of the Collins family of Irish descent. Lived at "Handy" ranch (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

John & Martha McVAY
Friends of the Collins family of Irish descent. Jim & John were brothers, and Martha and Mary Ann were sisters (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Samuel S. MANN
Witness to sale of North Bend acreage to Charles Merchant (Apr. 9 1864 - p.16-18).

Marshfield Brass Band
One of the towns with a brass band. Most bands had about 100 pieces in them (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

Mrs. E.C. MATHER
One of the Doyle family. Married E.C. Mather of Coquille (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

C.H. MERCHANT
Father of John C. Merchant. Was at one time an employee of Capt. Simpson in North Bend. Loaned Capt. Simpson $20,000 on a handshake. Died well before 1940 (bef 1920 - p.29-30).

Charles MERCHANT
Purchased land from Thomas Winchester for $500 (Apr. 9 1864 - p.16-18).

John C. MERCHANT
Manager of Herman's Men store in Coquille (abt 1940 - p.29-30).

(Unknown) MINARDS
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

"Montesano"
Sternwheeler steamboat "Montesano" used for the Coos County Pioneer Association festivities (, 1892 Oct - p.13-15).

Jack MORGAN
Married Joanna Collins. A Welsh sailor (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

George T. MOULTON
Had a general merchandise store in Coquille and recalled hearing the story from John Jenkins on his fight with the bear. Mr. Moulton died in 1940 (1888 - p.19-26).

Mrs. (Unknown) MOULTON
Wife of George T. Moulton. Reported to be living in Marshfield in 1944-45 (1888 - p.19-26).

Newport Mine
The Newport Mine was later called the Libby Mine (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

North Bend Brass Band
One of the towns with a brass band. Most bands had about 100 pieces in them (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

Jimmy OLSON (a.k.a. "Uncle Jimmy")
Friend of George Truman who mined with him on Bailey's Beach (1897 - p.38-39).

Emil PETERSON
Credited for bringing together stories for benefit of CCPA. Living in North Bend. Donated books pubished by Binford's and Mort, of Portland. For third prize (p.Preface).

Pioneer Hotel
Destroyed by fire in 1880's. Another hotel of the same name was moved to Empire on barges from Utter City. This building was also destroyed by fire abt 1920-1930 (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

Mrs. Albert POWERS
Donated first prize savings bond. Living in Coos Bay (p.Preface).

Capt. Alf REED
Married Georgina B.H. Cammann (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

(Unknown) RILEY
Friends of the Collins family (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Judge (Unknown) RILEY
Family in Ellensburg (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Capt. A.M. SIMPSON (a.k.a. "Cappy Ricks")
Story in 1944-1945 told of how large sums of money were loaned and repaid, all on a handshake. Had offices in San Francisco and North Bend. Died well before 1940 (bef 1920 - p.29-30).

Louis J. SIMPSON (a.k.a. L.J. Simpson)
        Purchased all of the city of Yarrow except the two blocks from the Symons for $25,000 (Jun. 27 1902 - p.16-18).
        Louis Simpson and his wife Cassie file a new platt for the land they own and rename it North Bend. Some of the features of Yarrow remained (November 1902 - p.16-18).

R.W. SIMPSON
Witness to sale of North Bend acreage to Charles Eckoff (Mar. 24 1865 - p.16-18).

(Unknown) SMITH
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

Elijah SMITH
Store in Empire. Manager was from Boston. Chartered the "Montesano" sternwheeler streamboat for the Pioneer Association picnic (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

Mrs. Thora SMITH
Mentioned in thanks for publication of booklet (p.Preface).

Mr. & Mrs. SPILLANES
sister and brother -in-law to Honora Collins living in San Francisco (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Alexander STAUFF
Father of Charles Stauff. Was a pioneer scoutmaster in Empire (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

Charles STAUFF
        Donated second prize. County treasurer of Coos County. Father of Margaret Stauff Turkel (p.Preface).
        Brother of Ernest Stauff. Grew up in Empire. When about 10, was dressed as a girl, including corsets (1870-1890 - p.17-18).
        Grew up in Empire, Coos, OR. Provided crabs for the Tim Hayes saloon. Born in abt 1877. Member of the Empire band in 1892. Played Santa Claus in Empire in 1892 (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

Ernest STAUFF
Brother of Charles Stauff. Grew up in Empire. The Stauffs were very close friends of the Cammann family (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

(Unknown) STRAHANS
Family in Ellensburg (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

Daily Leander STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

Ella R. STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

Emily (Patterson) STURDIVANT
Married John M. Sturdivant in 1870 in Missouri. Came to Oregon in 1873 by train to San Francisco. Arrived in Empire City May 2nd, 1873. Moved to Myrtle Point in their "sunset years" (1870's - p.31-37).

Frances May STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

George Alfred STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford. Served in WWI and WWII in the medical corp. Youngest boy (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

Ira STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

James Alexander STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

John M. STURDIVANT
From Virginia. Family of 13 children, 5 of which fought in the Civil war. Family of Dutch origin. Settled on the east fork of the Coquille in 1873. 10 years older than his wife (1870's - p.31-37).

John Robert STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

Laurabelle STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

Mary J. STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford. Taught school in Coos County before 1900. The oldest girl (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

Nancy Jane STURDIVANT
Daughter of Emily and John M. Sturdivant that died when 13 months old. Grave was located about 200 feet from old house (Nov 1876 - p.31-37).

Thomas M. STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

William Tell STURDIVANT
One of the children of John M. and Emily Sturdivant in Gravelford (aft 1873 - p.31-37).

(Unknown) SWAN
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

Letitia SYMONS
All but two blocks of the town of Yarrow signed over to Letetia by her husband, Thomas Symons (Mar. 20 1891 - p.16-18).

Thomas W. SYMONS
        Purchased land from Charles Eckoff and his wife for $16,000. His wife's name was Letitia (Dec. 30 1889 - p.16-18).
        Thomas and his wife went to Portland and filed a platt for the town of Yarrow on the site of North Bend (Jun. 17 1890 - p.16-18).
        Thomas and Letetia Symons are in Erie County, New York when visited by L.J. Simpson, L.F. Falkenstein and W.U. Douglas regarding the sale of Yarrow (Jun. 27 1902 - p.16-18).

(Unknown) TAYLOR
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

Beatrice TAYLOR
Typist from Coquille High School (p.Preface).

The Letter Box
A landmark for pioneers. Stood at the forks of Cammann Road and the roads to the Newport Mines and the road to the Randolph and Whiskey Run mines (1870-1890 - p.17-18).

C.W. TOWER
Witness to sale of North Bend acreage to Thomas W. Symons (Dec. 30 1889 - p.16-18).

George TRUMAN
        Married Catherine Collins. Became superintendent of the Hume farmhouse in later years (1869-1912 - p.1-12).
        George Truman was mining with Jimmy Olson at Bailey's Beach in 1897 (1897 - p.38-39).

Harry TRUMAN
        Son of George and Kate Truman (1869-1912 - p.1-12).
        Harry is the brother to Nora Truman. He was 6 in 1897 (1897 - p.38-39).

Nora TRUMAN
        Daughter of George and Kate Truman (1869-1912 - p.1-12).
        Wrote letter to her sister, Ann (Truman) Connell concerning Christmas in 1897. Published in "Early Day Stories". She was 8 in 1897 (1897 - p.38-39).

Mrs. Margaret (Stauff) TURKEL
Author of second prize story ($5 war savings stamps). Living in Coquille. Her story was "Empire Boys of the 1890's" [Born Jul 21, 1908 in Coquille, Coos, OR. Died Mar 21, 1986 in Washington, DC ( - p.Preface).

Utter City
Reported to have been a ghost town before 1890. [It was located on the west bank of Isthmus Slough, about a half mile south of the Highway 42 and 101 junction (1880-1892 - p.13-15).

Dr. (Unknown) VONDERGREEN
Doctor for the community of Ellensburg. His wife was the mid-wife (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

George R. WASSON
Owned a sawmill at the head waters of the South Inlet (1860's - p.27-28).

Mrs. George R. WASSON
Wife of George R. Wasson. Living in the 1860's on the South Inlet (1860's - p.27-28).

(Unknown) WEEKLY
Early family living at Gravelford (Gravel Ford) (abt 1875 - p.31-37).

Thomas D. WINCHESTER
Purchased 53.45 acres from the US Government for $1.25 an acre. This land became the City of North Bend. His wife was named Maria (May 5 1863 - p.16-18).

John C. WING
Notary Public in 1865 (Mar. 24 1865 - p.16-18).

Charles WINSOR
R.C. Hume's business manager. Later moved to North Bend (1869-1912 - p.1-12).

R.T. WOMBLY
Witness to platt for North Bend by Louis J. Simpson (November 1902 - p.16-18).

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