Pioneer Woman Taken By Death

Mrs. Harriett Evangeline Wildenthaler, widow of S. Wildenthaler, resident of Lewiston for 67 years and among the best known women of this community, died at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Maude Kincaid, 224 Ninth street, where she lived for many years.

Death was attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage. Mrs. Wildenthaler was taken slightly ill Monday and remained in bed. Her condition was improved and the fatal attack came without warning.

West by Ox Team

Mrs. Wildenthaler was a native of Illinois, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Palmer. When she was in her infancy her parents moved to Kansas and in the middle '60s traveled west behind an ox team and located at Walla Walla, where her father engaged in farming.

On March 10, 1877, she married Mr. Wildenthaler, a resident of Idaho territory since 1862, who came to Lewiston in 1870 and engaged in the grocery business. Their first home was at Second and D streets.

Mrs. Wildenthaler played an important part in the advancement of Lewiston. Coming here when the town claimed but a few hundred permanent residents, she enlisted her services with the church, fraternal and social life of the community.

She was a member of Mountain Gem chapter of the Eastern Star, which existed until its hall burned and all records were destroyed. Laurel chapter was then organized and she continued her membership, serving as worthy matron and also as treasurer of the grand lodge of Idaho. She was a charter member of the Tsceminicum club and its past president and a leader in organizing a free library. Whe the club took over the sponsorship of advancement of the library, Mrs. Wildenthaler assumed a leading role and was largely responsible in establishing the present library 40 years ago, made possible by a donation from Andrew Carnegie.

Mrs. Wildenthaler was a communicant of the Presbyterian church and active in work of the ladies aid until two years ago.

Active In Charities

More than 30 years ago she organized the Associated Charities of Lewiston, a group banded together for giving aid to the needy. The work of the organization continued until the Red Cross became firmly established here and took over the task of assisting those in need.

Mrs. Wildenthaler is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Maud Kincaid and Mrs. Harriett Perkins, both of Lewiston, and her sister, Mrs. Sarah Smith, Moosejaw, Sask.; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.