OBITUARY: Francis M. Plymale, Medford, Jackson County, Oregon ********************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES(tm) NOTICE: ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm ********************************************************************************* Transcribed and formatted for use in USGenWeb Archives by Elizabeth Corethers 26 Jan 2003 *************************************************************************** Medford (Oregon) Mail, Friday, 23 Feb 1900, p. 6 FRANCIS M. PLYMALE IS DEAD Francis M. Plymale, a pioneer of the valley and a prominent citizen of Medford, died at the family residence Friday night, February 16, 1900, at 11 o'clock, after a long and painful illness. Mr. Plymale was born in Giles County, Virginia, March 17, 1833. He was, therefore, at the time of his death, a little less than sixty-seven years of age. His parents moved from Virginia to Illinois in 1835, and crossed the plains from Illinois to Rogue river valley in 1852. His father and next older brother died in Jacksonville December, '52, of typhoid fever, leaving Francis, then a young man of nineteen, as the practical head of the household. The family removed from Jacksonville to the valley in 1854, where Francis and his mother took up donation land claims. The claim located by Mr. Plymale at that time is now part of the estate left to the family. Mr. Plymale engaged in farming and stock raising and continued in the business until the Southern Pacific railroad was completed through the valley and the town of Medford located, when he leased his farm, removed to the new town, and became a partner in the mercantile firm of Angle & Plymale. The firm continued in business until about two years ago, when the partners sold out, dissolved partnership and retired from merchandising. Through exercise of economy, good judgment and correct business habits, Mr. Plymale was enabled to acquire a handsome competence. He was moderate, conservative and tolerant on all questions, honest and conscientious in his dealings with his fellow men, had the courage of his convictions, and was singularly pure and unimpeachable in personal character. He was large hearted, liberal, public spirited, and the growth and prosperity of Medford are in some measure due to his wise counsel and abiding faith in its future. He was united in marriage to Jane E. Nichols in 1865, by whom he had six children, two sons and four daughters. Mrs. Nora Johnson, the second daughter, died some years ago. Those living are Mrs. J. W. Curry, Mrs. H. G. Nicholson, Media Plymale, F. G. Plymale and J. E. Plymale. Mr. Plymale was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge of Medford, of the Jacksonville camp of that order and of the A.O.U.W. Francis Plymale, so far as known, did not have an enemy, and few men had so many friends. He was truly what the world would call "a good man." He was buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery Sunday, at 2 o'clock, under the auspices of Medford lodge, I.O.O.F. The preliminary ceremonies at the family residence were deeply solemn and impressive, and the tribute of County Judge Crowell, who was a special personal friend of deceased, was tender, touching, pathetic and full of heartfelt sorrow. Mr. Plymale leaves, besides family and relatives a host of friends throughout the county who will be pained to hear of his death. Medford (Oregon) Mail, Friday, 23 Feb 1900, Jacksonville Items, p. 3 Mrs. Sarah Zigler, of Roseburg, who came to Medford in response to information concerning the dangerous illness of her brother, F. M. Plymale, and who was at his bedside when he died, is visiting relatives and friends in Jacksonville, the guest of her oldest sister, Mrs. M. J. Armstrong.