Cathlamet Gazette - 26 April 1895
Cathlamet, Washington

TWO PIONEERS GONE

Died-At El Paso, Texas, on April 12, 1895, Robert Birnie, aged 71 years.
In the death of Mr. Birnie, who was the eldest son of that historic pioneer, the late James Birnie, the Columbia river and more especially Astoria, loses one of its earliest inhabitants. The family register shows that the deceased was born at (Fort George) now Astoria, Oregon, in 1824, the territory embraced by Oregon and Washington, at that time being British possessions. Mr. Birnie having charge of the Fort for the Hudson Bay Company. Mr. Birnie emigrated to California during the gold excitement, where he lived for some years and acquired considerable wealth. After leaving California he drifted southward to Arizona and Mexico, where he held some very responsible positions as a mining expert and finally locating in El Paso, Texas. Mr. Birnie was a proficient Spanish scholar and served in the capacity for some time in the courts of California, Arizona and Mexico as interpreter, where his services were in great demand.
Since removing from the Columbia river, Mr. Birnie visited his old home at Cathlamet on several occasions, the last visit being about ten years ago. Owing to the cessation of silver mining, Mr. Birnie lost heavily. The deceased was a man of keen, mental qualities and kindly disposition and the intimation of his death will bring a feeling of sadness not only to his immediate relatives but to the large circle of early pioneers who were fortunate to be his associates.
Mr. Birnie leaves a grown up family in California, three sisters and his brother, A. D. Birnie of this place.

(As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society volunteers in 2007.)