This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: KINNAIRD Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/nZB.2ACE/331 Message Board Post: The Hood River Glacier, Hood River, OR., July 18, 1918, page 1 T.J. KINNAIRD DIES IN THE HOOD RIVER The body of T.J. Kinnaird, pioneer Northwestern railroad man, for many years a local merchant and for the past two years storekeeper for the Oregon Lumber Co., at Dee, who was drowned at Maple Dell on the West Fork of Hood river Friday, was found Saturday morning. Mr. Kinnaird, accompanied by Alva West, son of J.W. West, had just crossed the river and were at the head of a box canyon when young West, glancing up, saw Mr. Kinnaird swimming in mid stream. The water, while deep, was not treacherous at that point. Young West hurrying to the aid of his companion, a man of 55 years, passed into a depression of the bank. When the point at which Mr. Kinnaird had fallen in the river was again in view the swimmer had disappeared, and the young companion is of the opinion that Mr. Kinnaird stumbled on a rocky shelf jutting over the river and was injured by the fall. He was a good swimmer, and except for an injury or cramps could easily have reached shore. Parties spent the night searching the river. Dynamite and grappling hooks were used. The Oregon Lumber Co. mill and logging camps were closed down, while their crews joined the search until the body was recovered. Mr. Kinnaird, Masonic lodge member, was an early agent of the O.W.R. & N. Co. here. Later he entered business in partnership with J.R. Kinsey. Before that he had been connected with the Transfer & Livery Co. The Kinsey and Kinnaird homes here were adjoining. A peculiar coincidence is that Mr. Kinsey died Monday night previously. His widow and one daughter, Miss Lottie Kinnaird, teacher of the Pine Grove school, survive. With members of the Masonic lodge in charge, the funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at Riverside Congregational church. Rev. J.L. Hershner officiated. Interment took place at Idlewilde cemetery. The casket, resting at the altar of the church, was covered with a mass of floral tributes. ------------------------------------- The Hood River News, Hood River, OR., July 17, 1918, page 1 T.J. KINNAIRD IS DROWNED IN RIVER Hood River was shocked Saturday upon learning that TJ. Kinnaird had been drowned in the west fork of Hood River while fishing near Maple Dell. Mr. Kinnaird and Alva West left Friday on a fishing trip and late in the afternoon were trying their luck at a point just above a box canyon, where the rocky walls rose abruptly from a deep and treacherous pool. Mr. West turned away for a moment and upon preparing to resume fishing he saw that Mr. Kinnaird fallen in and was swimming near the middle of the stream. Mr. Kinnaird was a strong swimmer, but he was impeded by his clothes, a pair of heavy boots and his fish basket slunk about his neck. He was carried down into the box canyon and sought in vain to reach the shore. The nature of the banks at this point made it impossible for Mr. West to attempt a rescue. Mr. Kinnaird apparently attempted to secure a footing on a sunken island near the middle of the pool when he sank beneath the surface. Mr. West at once preceded to summon help from Dee. Nets were spread across the stream below the pool and during the night searching parties dragged the stream and used dynamite in an effort to raise the body. Early Saturday morning their efforts proved successful. The body was brought to this city. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at the Congregational Church with the Masonic order, of which Mr. Kinnaird had long been a member, in charge. Rev. J.L. Hershner also assisted. Mr. Kinnaird was born 54 years ago in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He spent his boyhood and school days there, moving west to Malcolm, Iowa, when about 19 years old. He lived in Malcom for six years and there occurred his marriage to Miss Cynthia Maguire. Upon coming to the Northwest, Mr. Kinnaird engaged in railroading and was a trusted employee of the O.W.R. & N. Company for about 20 years. His last three years with the railroad were spent as station agent in Hood River and at that time he was one of the oldest employees in point of service on the company’s payroll. He resigned his position in order to engage in the transfer and livery business here. Later he formed a partnership with the late J.R. Kinsey and conducted a grocery business. When the partnership was dissolved the business was continued by Mr. Kinnaird. Of late he had been in charge of the Oregon Lumber Company store at Dee. Mr. Kinnaird was made a Mason while living at Farmington, Washington, and continued a member of that lodge up to the time of his death. He was one of the men who were largely instrumental in securing the erection of a Masonic temple at that place and had always been a faithful and respected member of the fraternity. He was also a member of the Woodman of the World. To all who knew him Mr. Kinnaird was known for his many excellent qualities as a citizen, husband and father. Many friends will mourn his loss and feel a ready sympathy for his wife and daughter, Miss Charlotte. One sister, Mrs. Thomas Watkins of Portland, also survives. This was posted for reference only. I am not related to, nor am I researching this family. If you have additional information about the person or event listed above, please post it as reply to this message.