10/22/2026
Feb, 22, 1922, Genesee News. W.J. Herman.....
"DEATH OF PIONEER
W. J. Herman Passed Away at Sacred Heart Hospital Saturday Night – Highly Respected Citizen.
W. J. Herman, one of our most highly respected citizens and one of the early founders of Genesee, passed away Saturday night, February 18, 1922, at 8 o'clock, at Sacred Heart hospital, Spokane, following a major operation three days previous.
William J. Herman was born in Detroit, Michigan, March 13, 1850, andwas 71 years, 11 months and five days old when the final summons came. He was united in marriage to Hattie Platt on November 10, 1875, at Le Mars, Iowa, and is survived by his wife and children, W. M. Herman and wife and three children: W. M. Herman and T. H. Herman of Genesee,and Mrs. Victor Shawe of Toledo, Oregon, and one brother, H. J. Herman of Genensee. There are five grandchildren.
Mr. Herman came west 42 years ago and took up a homestead two and one half miles south of Uniontown. He came to the present town of Genesee with a car of goods on the first train into Genesee, where he had already erected the first store building, there being only one 10x12 shanty at that time. The store building was on the sight now occupied by the Herman stores of his sons and was opened for business in 1888.
During his long residence here he held many positions of honor and trust. He was clerk of the school district when the old four-room school building was erected and served in that capacity for many years. He was major of Genesee at the time the Main street pavement was put in and was instrumental in having that improvement made. He was one of the charter members of the old Congregational church when it was founded, his name being first on the church roll and his wife’s the thirteenth name. He had been a director of the Genesee Exchange bank ever since its organization in 1897.
His life was devoted to true service without pomp and ceremony and his loss will be keenly felt, not only by his family, but by his many friends and fellow townsmen.
The body was brought to Genesee from Spokane Monday and funeral service were held Tuesday afternoon. --- continued
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On account of delayed train service, his daughter, Mrs. Victor Shawe, was unable to be present at the funeral. The casket was banked with beautiful floral offerings from friends and fraternal orders. Special music was provide by a quartet composed of Mrs. W. W. Burr, Mrs. R. I. Witty, G. E. Taber and Leon Follett and a solo number, “Tired.” By Mrs. W. W. Burr, with Mrs. Jack Barnes as accompanist.
