John Baptist Sareault, aged 79 years, pioneer resident of Cowlitz prairie passed away at the Toledo hospital Thursday afternoon after a lingering illness. Mr. Sareault was born on Cowlitz prairie near where St. Francis Mission church now stands, April 24, 1857. In 1877 he accompanied his father to Canada where he attended school for a time at St. Laurent college. It was there he met his wife, whose maiden name was Rose Marie Major, who preceded him in death eight years ago. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sareault came west and lived for 15 years in Portland, where Mr. Sareault was employed by the firm of Frank Brother Implement company. From Portland Mr. and Mrs. Sareault moved to Cowlitz prairie, where he had since lived. Mr. Sareault was the father of 15 children, nine of whom survive; Mrs. W. J. Steffen of Crofton, Neb.; Mrs. I. J. Marques, Mrs. B. J. Hall and Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney James E. Sareault of Chehalis; Charles H. of La Grande, Ore.; Mrs. J. F. Borte, Miss Irene, George P. and Joseph A., of Cowlitz prairie. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; one brother, David of Vancouver Island, B. C.; and one sister, Mrs. M. A. Webster of Skagway, Alaska.
Funeral services were held at the Cowlitz Mission church with requiem mass at 10:30 am Saturday, Rev. Father Daniel, O.F.M., officiating. Interment was in the family plot in the Mission cemetery in charge of Cattermole's of Winlock. Pall bearers were Raymond and August Brooling, Shirley and James Marquis and Anthony and Charles Borte.
Mr. Sareault had a host of friends all over the county. He was highly respected, and had much to do with the early development and progress on Cowlitz prairie. He enjoyed excellent health until a few years ago, only about a year ago undergoing a major operation successfully that few men of middle age can survive.
Source: The Chehalis Bee-Nugget, 8 Jan 1937, page 3.
Transcribed by Diana Smith. She has no further information on this individual.
Editor's note: John B. Sareault and other members of his family are listed on the transcription of burials at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Cemetery (a.k.a. Cowlitz Mission).