Pioneer Stockman Called By Reaper

Charles Melkhart Dies At Somerville Home - Once Drove Bands of Horses East to Kansas City.

Charles H. Melkhart, 71, a resident of Nez Perce county since 1884, most of that time in Lewiston, and among the best known stockmen of central Idaho, died yesterday morning at Somerville home following a lingering illness. He was a native of Germany and came with his parents to the United States when he was two years old.

Melkhart came here from California and at different times was cattle foreman for J. D. C. Thiessen, Hank Trimble and William Caldwell and was known all over the northwest as a range rider. He attained prominence among livestock men when he made two trips overland with bands of horses from the Bueny & Schissler ranch in Tammany to Kansas City. Later he purchased several hundred acres of land on the upper Snake river in the Corral creek section and engaged in the livestock business, disposing of his interests and purchasing a stable in Lewiston.

Official Positions

Mr. Melkhart was field deputy assessor for several years before his health started to fail and at one time was poundmaster of Lewiston.

He is survived by a widow and three stepsons: Keith Harrington, Roy Harrington and Bert Harrington; also four nieces, two in Spokane, and two in Nebraska, and two nephews living in the east.