Every once in a while, I come across familiar family names in the archives and it would not surprise me if many of them have descendants living in or near Philomath to this day. Some of the most prominent citizens of Philomath’s past have streets or roads named in their memory.
It’s common for homes and land to be handed down from generation to generation. The world has become a much bigger place compared to 100 to 150 years ago, of course, through the various effects of modernization.
In 1922, Charles H. Newth died suddenly supposedly after a bout of acute indigestion. Newth was a well-known doctor in the region with his medical practice in Philomath for roughly a quarter of a century.
A year later in February 1923 — which was 100 years ago this month — one of Newth’s daughters, who lived in Harrisburg, received some interesting news.
This item is from the Feb. 10, 1923, edition of the Eugene Daily Guard:
“Mrs. Alex Wooley enjoyed a visit from her mother, Mrs. C.H. Newth, and her brother, Harland, of Philomath, the first of the week. They also brought her the news that a $40,000 estate in England has been added to the extensive property her deceased father has left in the vicinity of Philomath. No division has been made of any of the properties as yet but it is thought each of the Newth heirs will receive at least $35,000.”
To put that figure in perspective, $35,000 in 1923 would equate in purchasing power to $607,479 in today’s dollars. By the way, a search of “Newth” in the Benton County property records returned no results.
150 years ago
1873
Married: At the residence of the bride’s parents, near Philomath, Benton Co., Oregon, Jan. 29th, 1873, by Rev. N.W. Allen, Mr. M.B. Wallace, of Astoria, W.T., to Miss Elda A. Gates. (Published Feb. 8, 1873, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1898
Candidate: Ed. L. Bryan, of Philomath, has been mentioned as a suitable candidate for the office of prosecuting attorney for this district. Mr. Bryan is an able young attorney, and we do not know of any attorney whom we would be more willing to support than Mr. Bryan, should he receive the nomination. (Published Feb. 8, 1898, in the Lincoln County Leader).
100 years ago
1923
Basketball: The Philomath basketball team defeated Shedd her Friday, 20 to 16. (Published Feb. 8, 1923, in the Albany Evening Herald).
Death: The funeral of the late James P. Slade, who died yesterday at the family home at Philomath, will be held at Philomath, probably Thursday afternoon. Mr. Slade was born January 14, 1851, and celebrated his 72nd anniversary last month. (Published Feb. 13, 1923, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1948
Commissioner: A third republican candidate for county commissioner threw his hat in the ring just before noon today, when Howard A. Lutz of Philomath filed his nomination certificate. Already in the race were M.O. Mack, incumbent, and Walter Schmidt, both of Corvallis. Lutz listed his slogan as “honest and fairness to everyone.” He has been a resident of Benton county for 40 years, is a World War I veteran, and at various times has served on the Philomath city council and school board. (Published Feb. 7, 1948, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
50 years ago
1973
City of Philomath: City revenues are being managed responsibly and Philomath is in good financial health, councilmen were told here Monday night by an independent auditor. The balance sheet of assets and liabilities showed all 10 of the city’s major budget categories “in the black,” with surpluses in five accounts. Philomath finished the fiscal year with a budget surplus of $82,430. (Published Feb. 13, 1973, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).