Precious (Starr) Shedd
Oct. 4, 1908; Oregonian, p 6 (photo)
"Death Claims Respected Oregon Pioneer of 1848"
Corvallis, Or., Oct. 3
 
   Mrs. S. L. Shedd died at her home in Corvallis, October 2. Precious Starr was born in Ohio, February 28, 1832, and moved with her father's family to Iowa in 1839. She received her education in a pioneer log schoolhouse. In 1848 she made the memorable trip across the plains by ox-team, starting April 12 and arriving over the old Barlow trail. They came by Fort Hall and Laramie, landing in Oregon September 23, being among the first immigrants to reach Oregon after the Cayuse war. They located near Bellfountain, Benton County.
 
   The first husband of Mrs. Shedd was J. H. Caton, to whom she was married December 31, 1848. They lived on the Caton donation claim in the Belknap settlement, Benton County, until 1859, when they moved to Corvallis, where she had resided ever since. Mr. Caton died in Eastern Oregon in 1863, and November 12, 1865, his widow was married to S. L. Shedd.
 
   Mrs. Shedd was the mother of six children, two of whom, J. L. Caton, of Monroe, Or., and Mrs. Ida Fortson, of Sacramento, Cal., are living. She also leaves three grandchildren, the children of Mrs. Fortson. Mrs. Shedd is survived by one half brother, J. W. Starr, of Junction City; one sister, Mrs. S. A. Thorp, of Corvallis, and five brothers, S. E. Starr, of Portland; L. H. Starr, of Eugene, and M. L., S. C. and C. P. Starr, of Bellfountain.
 
   Mrs. Shedd was a prominent member of the Grange from its early organization, and was a charter member of the Rebekah Lodge of Corvallis.
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