R. G. Lyle, Pioneer, Dies From Pneumonia
Came West With Parents in 1867 and Located Near Pullman Fifty-eight Years Ago
Robert G. Lyle, one of Pullman's best known and most respected pioneer farmers, died at the Colfax hospital Saturday morning after a five
days illness with pneumonia. He was 73 years of age.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Federated church, with the Rev. C. P. Milne officiating. The services were largely attended and the floral tributes were beautiful. Pall bearers, all old friends or neighbor farmers of Mr. Lvle, were C. D. Martin, Frank Parr, A. E. Olson, Walter Snyder, C. O. Kellogg and M. Farley. A quartet including Mrs. L. E. Buchanan, Mrs. J. O. Patterson, Jack Hurley and Vernon Patterson, sang three numbers, "Lead Kindly Light," "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," and "Abide With Me." Mrs. S. T. Stephenson accompanied.
Came West in 1867
Mr. Lyle came west with his parents from Missouri when he was five years of age. After 10 years residence near Walla Walla the family came to Whitman county, locating eight miles west of Pullman on Union Flat creek 58 years ago. After the death of his father Mr. Lyle continued to farm the home place and added to his holdings, raising livestock in connection with wheat farming. A part of the Lyle acreage is timber land and for many years this place has been a popular one for picnics and summer gatherings. In the early days an annual picnic and livestock show was sponsored by Ewartsville Grange was held in Lyle's grove, attracting picnickers from all parts of Whitman county, many of them camping on the
grounds and remaining for the entire picnic. The grounds were always open to the public upon request.
Mr. Lyle is survived by his widow, Mrs. Laura Lyle, and two sons and one daughter. The sons are Robert Elmore Lyle of Mason City, and Floyd Lyle of LaCrosse. The daughter is Mrs. Fern Kanekeberg of Denver, Colorado.
The sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Lyle came as a great shock to his friends throughout the county. He was a progressive, thrifty farmer and was esteemed by a wide circle of friends. For several years Mr. and Mrs. Lyle have resided in Pullman, having purchased a home on West Main street.