The Long Journey of 'Grandma' Gregg
An early pioneer couple in Rosalia dies, leaving behind a 66-year marriage.
Mrs. Gregg, wife of Rev. A. J. Gregg, died here Saturday, aged 82 years. Mrs. Gregg was a pioneer of Oregon, having settled with her husband at Eugene when that town was first founded. They removed to the Palouse country sixteen years ago and were among the first settlers here. A husband, one son and three daughters survive the old lady. Few couples have enjoyed so long a journey together as have 'Father' and 'Grandma' Gregg. They were married June 22, 1828, when he was 17 and she but 15. For nearly sixty-six years they have lived together, and a happier and more devoted couple is seldom seen. For many years they have resided in a neat residence on Whitman Street, living alone and doing their own housework.
“For nearly sixty-six years they have lived together as husband and wife, and a happier and more devoted couple is seldom seen.”
This obituary offers a rare, tender look at the domestic lives of early 19th-century pioneers who transitioned from the Oregon Trail era into the statehood of Washington. Their 66-year marriage was a rarity that the newspaper felt compelled to celebrate as a record-breaking longevity.
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