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The Mt. Adams Sun, Bingen, WA., December 18, 1936, page 1

R.A. BYRKETT WAS ACTIVE AND HARD WORKER, SAYS GROSHONG

"Rufus Byrkett was a fine, sturdy and straight forward man, one that Klickitat County will miss," spoke A.B. Groshong, Wednesday, when the subject of the passing of Mr. Byrkett was asked.
Mr. Groshong, one of the early pioneers of this section himself, and one that was here when Mr. Byrkett came, and having had many deals and meetings with Mr. Byrkett in all his times here as an early settler should know of what he speaks too.
Mr. Groshong was asked of some of the things Rufus Byrkett had done during his long life in the Mt. Adams area. He reported, "Rufus, as few people are aware, was the second Worshipful Master of the White Salmon lodge, 163 Masons.
"He came to this county in 1886 settling in Trout Lake. After coming to White Salmon in 1908, he was made Worshipful Master of the lodge. He came here in January, and in December of that year was elected.
"It was December 28 he was elected. He demitted from Trout Lake lodge, 136. The White Salmon lodge was instituted in 1907.
"He served out his term as Worshipful Master and held his membership in that lodge up to the time of his death."
Mr. Groshong went on to say, "I cam remember the year his firs wife died. She passed away in the present L.G. Seaton home here. Mr. Byrkett was again married in September 28, 1910.

MARRIES HIM

Mr. Groshong was Justice of the Peace at White Salmon at that time and married Mr. Byrkett and Goldie Smith in his office there.
Mr. Groshong said, "Rufus Byrkett was a very active pioneer. He was always willing to help financially or by labor donations.
"He was the type of man that did things at his best. He did not start anything without attempting to finish it. While he was a member of the Masons, he worked through the various chairs not just to gain the honor of setting in each, but because he wanted to gain by it and because he was interested in his work.
"He belonged to the Odd Fellows, was Grand noble officer at one time. He filled all his places with activity, and proved his worth.

SPORTSMAN

Groshong reported him "an ardent sportsman" selecting fishing as his main sport. He made several trips to the back country this summer and showed himself very active in his sport of angling.
"Yes" concluded Mr. Groshong, "Rufus Byrkett was a very active man. He was of the group consisting of J.C. McGinnis and T. Wyers, Sr., that bought the spring to inaugurate the first water system for the town of White Salmon."
R.A. Byrkett had made many friends, he had even given of his time, money and labors both of the communities of Trout Lake and White Salmon, and will be missed by all.
Thus ends the active life of one of our early pioneers, who labored and helped us to make this county what it is today.