Miss Helen Burton, soprano, is unmarried and living in Portland (June, 1910) in the old home on Burnside street. Miss Burton attended the old Portland Academy and graduated from that institution in July, 1861. Her father, E, M. Burton, was one of Portland's first architects. Mr. Burton was the architect for the Multnomah county court house. This building as first designed was symrnetrical and pleasing to the eye. It was, however, changed so often by alterations and additions as to lose its original identity. He was also the architect for the "Masonic Temple" building, northwest corner Third and Alder streets, and the Breeden building, northeast corner Third and Washington streets. There are also buildings in Salem, Seattle and other cities in Oregon and Washington wbJrh attest to the skill of this pioneer architect.
Miss Lenora Blossom, soprano, was a daughter of the pioneer merchant, James M. Blossom, of the firm of Northrup (E. J.) & Blossom, these gentlemen being the immediate successors to the first hardxmre firm established in Portland. Their place of business was situated on the northwest corner of Front and Yamhill streets, and at which location Nelson Northrup (E. J.'s father) first opened a little store in 1851, and where business was conducted by the firm for many years. The business has continued uninterruptedly to the present day, and as an outgrowth of this old firm, we have the present one, known over the entire northwest, the Honeyman Hardware Company. Miss Blossom was a student in the Portland Academy, and together with Rebecca Greer, Elizabeth Carter (who afterward married Governor L. F. Grover) and Samuel A. Moreland, composed the graduating class of 1862.
Miss Blossom married Judge J. J. Hoffman, and died in New York city, August 29, 1883, and was laid to rest in the congressional cemetery at Washington, D. C.
Miss Elizabeth A. Failing, soprano, was a daughter of Josiah Failing. "In the days of old" Mr. Failing was prominent in public school affairs. He was a school director when the late ex-Governor Pennoyer taught in its schools, and he has been termed one of the fathers of Portland's public schools. The "Failing School" was named for him. Miss Failing married John Connor, a merchant of Albany, Oregon, who afterward became a banker in the same city. Mrs. Connor died suddenly, May 2, 1884, while visiting her brother, Henry Failing, at Portland, Oregon. This worthy daughter and wife is sleeping in Riverview cemetery near Portland.
Miss Mary L. Millard, soprano, was a daughter of Dr. Justin Millard, one of the first physicians of Portland. She was a student in the Portland Academy, but did not graduate. There was evidently a "touch of romance" in this famous organization, for we find that in 1861 Miss Millard became the wife of Capt. H. L, Hoyt, one of the choir's tenors.
Mrs. Hoyt was a great sufferer for many years, but was supremely patient through it all. She died April 16, 1902, much beloved by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and is buried in Riverview.
Mrs. Alonzo Leland, the lone alto, had a phenomenal voice. Her tones were of a resonant character and full of sweetness and purity as well. What the alto lacked numerically was compensated for in volume and purity of tone.
On June 21, 1853, John O. Waterman was appointed postmaster of Portland. He retained the position until October 12, 1853, at which time Alonzo Leland was made his successor. Both of these appointments were made by President Pierce, James Campbell being postmaster-general. Mrs. Leland was assistant postmaster. The postoffice was then located on the second floor of a two-story frame building, situated on the east side of Front street near Stark. Mr. Leland was also editor of the "Democratic Standard." In the early history of Portland, and before the advent of the telegraph made it possible for the "Associated Press" to disseminate its news, the editors of opposing political papers were engaged continually in violent controversies. We can imagine but dimly the vast amount of gray matter and energy gone to waste over the "political issues of the day."
