Charles Monroe Succumbs At 78

Charles L. Monroe, 78, a native of Lewiston who had recently been making his home at Stanfield, Ore., died at St. Joseph's hospital at 2:30 a.m. yesterday.

He had been a patient at the hospital the last four days and in ill health for a number of years.

Mr. Monroe was born at Lewiston, Nov. 8, 1878. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Monroe. In 1897, he went to work for a harness maker, R. M. Coburn of Lewiston, where he learned the harness making trade. In 1902, he left his trade to become a member of the Lewiston police force.

Long-Time Law Officer

He was a police officer under Chief of Police William Schultz. When Schultz later became sheriff of Nez Perce county, Mr. Monroe transferred to his office as one of his deputies. He continued to serve under other sheriffs in the office until 1912.

From 1912 to 1919, he was in the stock business in the Snake river area with his brother, Walter Monroe, and Clarence Stevenson. He again served on the Lewiston police force under Chief of Police Eugene Gasser before going into the United States marshal's office at Boise. Later, he lived at Grangeville and Culdesac before moving to Oregon. He was a member of the Elks lodge.

He was married to Lulu Devin at Lewiston, Aug. 2, 1916. She survives at Stanfield. Other survivors include two brothers, Otis Monroe, La Grande, Ore., and Walter Monroe, Clarkston; and a niece, Mrs. Charles Williams, Grangeville.