History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon
MRS. NANCY MONROE AND FAMILY D.M.C. 1878
Nancy Sturgeon began life in the northwestern part of
Pennsylvania, at the town of Fairview in Erie county, and near Lake Erie,
on November 10, 1836.
She was married to William Ferguson January 1, 1855,
in her home town. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson continued to make their home in Fairview,
and there were three children born to them. Mattie, now Mrs. Zane, Myron
and Judson Herbert Ferguson.
In 1868 the father died and in 1870 Mrs. Ferguson, with
her children moved to Iowa. Her sister, Ella Sturgeon, accompanied her to
Iowa and the two sisters opened a dressmaking establishment which proved
a financial success. About this time she became acquainted with Mr. John
Monroe who was engaged in the sawmill business.
They were married in. 1871. In 1875 her eldest son, Myron,
died at the age of eighteen years. Later Mrs. Monroe moved to California
and then came to Hood River to visit her sister in the fall of 1878.
She was pleased with the country and remained and from
that time her life has been a part of the life and history of Hood River.
At first she lived in the little cabin built by F.C. Sherrieb on his homestead
and then on the Levi Pitts place; then she cooked for the mill hands at Lyman
Smith's sawmill. At intervals she made fashionable dresses for the women
of Hood River who could afford the luxury and as her charges were always
light for the service rendered, she was kept busy. Her son, J.H. Ferguson,
and her husband, Mr. Monroe, joined her in time and they lived in one of
Dr. Adam's houses.
In 1881 she bought the farm of Samuel K. Husbands, and
moved there. Her daughter, Mrs. Zane, came west about this time and made
her home with her mother while her husband, Mrs. Zane, was getting established
in business in Portland. About the year 1892 Mrs. Monroe sold her farm to
H.F. Davidson and moved to the town of Hood River, purchasing a house and
lot from Mr. Corum. This place is now a part of the business section of the
town. She next bought two lots east of the armory building, which she has
improved and made into a cozy little home.
Mr. Monroe died several years ago, Mrs. James Graham,
another pioneer woman, made her home with Mrs. Monroe for some time, but
she has passed on, and Mrs. Seymour is now her companion.
Mrs. Monroe's work and influence in Hood River has always
been found on the side of justice and right. She was identified with the
work of the pioneer churches and was a member of the First Congregational
Church when Frederick Balch was pastor. She is now nearly eighty three years
old and is strong and active, cheerful and happy.
Mrs. Monroe lived in her cottage on Cascade Avenue, doing
her own work and caring for her garden and flowers, until her last illness
which began in April 1926. Her daughter, Mrs. Zane, came from Portland to
her and remained with her until the end, November 7, 1926. She died as she
had lived, loved and honored by all.
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