Paul Mertin Best 1890-1939

Paul Mertin Best was born 3 Sep 1890 in Pierce County, North Dakota to Charles and Cora M. He had six known siblings; Forrest M, Ruby C, Bertha S, Ronald C, Louise and Rose. His father Charles was a farmer here in Kootenai Co, Idaho.

Paul had a few occupations himself. At the age of 19 he was a Steamboat Engineer in Coeurd'Alene, ID (1910 census). I would love to know more about that. At age 29 he was an engineer in a Wood Yard in Skagit, WA (1920 census) where his children were born. About ten years later he was a truck driver for a wood company (from 1930 census. Hard to read, but I'm sure that's what is says) in Vancouver, WA.

According to a family record Paul married Hazel Sawley 27 Jul 1915 in Sandpoint, Bonner Co., ID. Between their marriage and the birth of their first child they then moved to Skagit, WA where Hazel gave birth to Geraldine 7 Feb 1916. To follow were Melvin born 16 Mar 1918 and died Dec 1979 in Spirit Lake, Kootenai Co., ID, Harold Julian born 3 Dec 1919 and died Jun 1977 in Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai Co., ID and Margaret born 1922.

Paul passed away 12 May 1939 in Coeur d'Alene, ID. He was laid to rest in the Old Paupers Cemetery (now Kootenai County Cemetery) in Post Falls, ID. The only marker to his grave in the third row first plot is a lilac bush.

What little research I have found on Paul has been done by distant relative of Hazel. So I've not been able to obtain anymore information or a photo, only what exists in public records.

Hazel went on to remarry after Pauls death twice more to a Bill Clark and a Duvall. She lived a long life and past away 24 Dec 1983 in Ferry, King Co., WA. I've not yet located where she was laid to rest.