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Matney
Post Office (June 12, 1895-April
23, 1896), for a short time in history, became one of the most popular
places in southern Wasco Co., since mail from "home" was infrequently received
and much appreciated. The Post Office was founded by Isaac MATNEY
who came to Wasco County from Kansas in 1885. It was located on upper Mill
Creek at the foot of the James M. Hartman Grade about 12 miles southwest
of The Dalles.
Some 30-40 families on upper Mill Creek came
to Matney to pick up their mail. Isaac brought the mail out along with
supplies for the mill from The Dalles. Isaac had a small store and post
office there. He also contracted with Sam JOHNS to haul supplies from The
Dalles to Johns' lumber mill nearby. Johns established the mill in 1886.
Some of the other original settlers
at Matney were James Hartman, Jake Babcock, P.G. Whetmore, C.W. Whetmore,
Al Turner, Kent Turner, Jack Davis, Sam Johns, Lloyd Mitchell, Walter Scott,
Mr. Clark, Mr. Fancher and sons William and Douglas Fancher, and Vess Fox.
Later residents were Bert and Charlie Wyatt, Peter Fagan with sons Guy
and Hugh came in 1893. Mr. Wise and Arthur Day came in 1908. Glenn Hammond
arrived in 1910 and A.J. Preston came 1909 with Lester Marquiss arriving
later (may have had some relationship to Isaac Matney).
A nearby, related landmark is Matney Flat,
located southeast of Condon (now in Gilliam County) which takes its name
from H.C. Matney who settled there in 1872. Matney Post Office (December
4, 1886 to April 20, 1892) with postmaster Godfrey Schilling was
probably located near Matney School at this location.
Isaac Matney was born January, 1830 in VA,
married Margaret, born May, 1830 in Missouri. Their children were
Charles, born December, 1872, Eva, born April, 1883 in Kansas, Frank, born
February, 1885 (from 1900 Wasco County Census). The following children
were born after 1900: Roy (died young), Jenny who married Al Turner, and
Ivy who married Jack Davis. Frank and Ivy went to California, Charlie lived
in Portland. Jenny lived on upper Mill Creek and her daughter Grace married
James Gosson. Isaac Matney died February 18, 1910.
Parts of the information above comes from
notes prepared by Grace Gosson, who was a granddaughter of Isaac Matney.
Much of the information about the settlement of Matney was copied from
a 3-ring binder in the genealogy collection of the Clark County, Washington
Genealogy Society. |