This zinc headstone marks the graves of Martin Rowley (1838 - June 5, 1897) and his young wife Clara (1856 - Jun 3, 1894).
Obituary of Martin Rowley:
MARTIN ROWLEY DEAD. PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY AT THE INSANE ASYLUM.
The Funeral Will Be Conducted by the Masonic Fraternity to Which He Belonged.
Martin Rowley, a resident of Marion county for the past thirty-four years, and a trusted employee of the state insane asylum near this city for a long time, departed this life at the asylum at 5 o’clock yesterday after an illness of two weeks only. About 15 days ago, Mr. Rowley had an attack of la grippe and a few days later facial erysipelas set in, causing him much suffering.
He was sitting up during the afternoon and about 5 o’clock he made the remark that he must lie down, when his heart failed and he sank back in death. Dr. W. T. Williamson was hastily summoned and reached Mr. Rowley’s bedside just as he expired.
Martin Rowley was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, fifty-nine years ago and came with his parents to the United States at the age of 9 years, locating in the then wilds of Minnesota. In 1862 he came to Oregon, locating in Marion county. He was married to Miss Clara Yost, with whom he lived happily until after her death in 1895.
He leaves four sons and one daughter to mourn his death; two of the sons are living in Minnesota, as is the daughter, who is married. The other two Harry, aged 17 years, and Frank, 9 years old - are now in this city. Mr. Rowley was a member of the Protection lodge, No. 2, A. O. U. W., to which order he belonged for fifteen years; a past master of Salem lodge No. 4, A. F. and A. M., and a member of Multnomah Royal Arch Chapter No. 1, of which organization he was an honored a highly respected member.
He was appointed night watch at the asylum during the early part of Dr. Harry Lane’s administration and was soon promoted to the position of supervisor. Later he resigned the position and became a partner in the hardware firm of J. C. Brown & Co., in which business he was engaged for about two years. Being unfortunate in business he again returned to work at the asylum, being again appointed to the position of supervisor, which was held until his demise, having been a faithful officer in that institution for over eight years. He was held in high esteem by his friends and associates.
In speaking of the deceased and his virtues, Dr. W. T. Williamson last night said: "He was an honest man whose word was good for anything, under any circumstances". The funeral will occur tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at 2 o’clock unless a different announcement is made tomorrow morning. It will be in charge of the Masonic fraternity, and interment will be had in Rural cemetery. -Daily Statesman Jan 7, 1897
Obituary of Clara Rowley:
At the family home, No. 363 Center street, Salem, on Sunday, June 3, 1894, of cancerous trouble, Clara, wife of Martin Rowley, aged 36 years.
The deceased had been an invalid for about seven months. She was the mother of two sons, one of whom is living. Her maiden name was Clara Yost, and she and Mr. Rowley were united in marriage in 1889. The funeral services will be conducted at the residence at 2 p.m. today by Rev. J. Bowersox.
Interment will be in Rural cemetery. Two cars on the Chemeketa street electric line will be in waiting for those desiring to attend the interment of the deceased. -Oregon Statesman Jun 5, 1894
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