Death of a Pioneer.
Mrs. Hetty McClure Bond died at Irving, Oregon, April 14, 1901, after an illness of six days, aged 65 years, 7 months and 25 days.
Hettie McClure was born August 19, 1835 in Bruceville, Knox county Indiana. She was married October 9, 1851 to I.W. Bond who survives her. In March 1853, they with a small party of friends started across the plains for Oregon. For seven long months they traveled with ox teams before reaching their destination. They were of the party whose provisions gave out near Diamond Peak. For a time it seemed that starvation was staring them in the face, but residents of Eugene hearing of their condition immediately sent men with pack horses loaded with provisions to meet them.
On reaching the Willamette valley they settled on a donation claim about eight miles northwest of Eugene, which place is still their home. “Aunt Hettie, as she was familiarly known, was the mother of ten children, seven of whom are living. They are V.S. Bond, Mrs. Lou Robertson, Allen W. Bond, Mrs. Emma Wheeler, Mrs. Kate Wheeler, R.B. Bond and Miss Amanda Bond. All reside in Lane county and were present at the funeral. She leaves one sister Mrs. Jane Lyons who was also present. She has had 46 grandchildren and 41 of whom are living.
It was always a pleasure to visit her home, as the many who have had that privilege will testify. Her Christian faith and cheerful disposition enabled her to ever look on the bright side of life even under trying circumstances. Aunt Hetty had been a faithful member of the Christian Church for more than fifty years. She was every ready to help the needy, and eternity alone with reveal how many lives have been brightened by her acts of love and words of kindness. She was looking forward with pleasure to the celebration of their golden wedding which would have taken place next October, but life to uncertain and the bereaved husband is left to mourn her loss.
The funeral, which was conducted by M.L. Rose, pastor of the Christian Church at Eugene, was largely attended, many coming from a distance to testify to the love and esteem with which she was held.” Junction City Times, April 20, 1901, pg 5, col 5
To learn more about the Bond family and see pictures of their home, and headstones please click this “find a grave link“.
Oregon Newspaper Research 