Ezekiel Sanford See
1887 - 1973

Ezekiel Sanford "Zeke" See was born in Wallowa, Oregon. He married May Belle Robbs on February 19, 1901 in La Grande, Oregon. Due to hard times, Zeke lost his homestead in Woodland, Idaho. He broke his back clearing timber from rough country and fencing and plowing the soil for it's meager returns. He built a home from the logs off the land. He buried stillborn children there. When the crop failure and the depression finally got him, his land was sold to cover an overdue store bill. He never looked back. He traded his buckboard and four dollars to purchase a house and three lots in Kamiah, Idaho. He moved in with his family and went to work in a mill until he had enough money to lease a farm. He finally managed to buy another ranch. He never sold the home in Kamiah but rented it out at $5.00 a month. When he went blind several years later, he and his wife finished their lives there and the home is still in the family. His children bought the home next to Zeke to be able to watch out for him after his wife died. He refused to let anyone take care of him. In spite of being blind he took care of the yard and garden until his death. He was a small man with a big heart.

Zeke was never rich, but as a young man he was my idol. He managed to get my Dad and Aunt through High School and they went on to lead quite successful lives. Zeke loved to fish and made friends easily. To my Grandmother's dismay, he was always dragging down and outers home for a good home cooked meal and to put a dollar in their pocket. It was a pleasure to leave the hustle of the city and spend a few days setting in front of the wood stove listening to his stories. I think of him often and tell my grandchildren of his many escapades. When I go back to Kamiah and see his little old house, for just a moment, I see him and get a tear in my eye.

Storm E. See

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