History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

OLIVER BARTMESS AND FAMILY

     Oliver Cromwell Bartmess, father of Samuel E. Bartmess, was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1819. His father, Jacob Bartmess, was a native of Maryland, whose wife was Sophie Rizer.
     Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Bartmess visited with their son's family in Hood River one summer and greatly endeared themselves to Hood River residents. They were the parents of four children, Sophia, who became the wife of Dr. J.H. Crouse; Martha Almeda, wife of Dr. L.T. Strother, Samuel Edward, of Hood River, and Wm. Francis, of LaFayette, Indiana, but besides caring for their own, they gave a home and parental care to nine orphaned children: William, Ella and Jane Clark, Sara Thompson, Joe Gregory and Mary Gregory, who became the wife of Adam Brant; Sophie Gregory, who married H.V. Harrison, Maggie Gregory, wife of J.E. Hanna, Ida Gregory, wife of J.L. Zeigler.
     The families of H.V. Harrison and J.L. Zeigler came to Hood River in 1888, J.E. Hanna came in 1890.
     After their visit in Hood River, Oliver Bartmess and wife returned to their Indiana home where Mrs. Bartmess died in 1893. From that time on, Oliver Bartmess made his home in Hood River with his son, S.E. Bartmess. He was a kind-hearted man, interested in furthering every good work, and was called "Uncle Oliver", by his Hood River friends. A ride on his bicycle was a daily stunt, returning one day from a longer ride than usual, he lay down to rest, and fell asleep, passing away without a struggle at the age of 87 years. A peaceful ending to a well spent life.

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