Monson Family of Monson Creek

Munson Creek and Munson Falls were named after Goran Munson. He came from Michigan and settled along the creek in 1889. This info was provided by Mr. Munson's daughter, Mrs. D.H. Near of Tillamok. Munson Falls and Munson Creek are located approximately 6 miles south of Tillamook.
McArthur, Lewis A., and Lewis L. McArthur. Oregon Geographic Names. Portland: Oregon Historical Society, 1974. Print.
Goran Munson was born in Varmland, Sweden, on November 22nd, 1843, and came to America when he was 23. On his way from Michigan he stopped in Chicago to do his trade work as a brick mason. He came to Tillamook in 1879 (contested by other sources. The other source states 1889). Goran invested in property in Pleasant Valley, which was known at that time as Nestocton. He was in charge of the post office there for several years. He married Maria Elofson in 1883 and she was from Stockholm, Sweden. They had two children. One boy and one girl. The sons name was Edgar G. Munson, who was a telephone manager for Tillamook County for several years and he died February 9, 1946 in California. Goran's daughter was Esther M. Munson, who married Dwight H. Near of Tillamook. Dwight was the manager of C.J. Brier Dry Goods Store in 1933. While Goran's children were still in school, Munson sold his property and bought several other ranches, eventually, he moved to Tillamook City with his family, where he was interested in the grocery business until his death.The Munson homestead property was sold several times and finally became the property, of Publishers Paper Company. The company turned over about 35 acres of virgin timber land surrounding the Munson Creek Falls. The lease continues indefinitely as long as the park is maintained properly for public use. The falls have been surveyed at 319 feet high and the park is to be left in as natural as state as possible. It was dedicated as a park in October, 1966, also at the same time the 16,635 acre, tree farm was dedicated. Goran Munson passed away on November 18, 1918 and his wife passed on, September 4, 1923.
Tillamook Pioneer Museum. Tillamook Memories; Places We Love Come Back to Us as Sweet Music. Tillamook, Or.: Tillamook Pioneer Association, 1972. Print.

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