The Story of Mary and Her People

---

1954

My grandparents on both sides were honest, sturdy, ambitious, God-loving people. They had to be to stand the strenuous life of our early pioneers of Utah.

Both the Stevens, and the Bigelows (my mother's and father's people) came in hand-cart companies across the plains from Nauvoo, Illinois to gait Lake, Utah. The Bigelows came in 1850 in the William Snow Company. The Stevens came in 1860. However Stevens family had a wagon load of provisions, also many things Grandmother had brought from England, such as fine linens, silk dresses and so forth.

At that time there were six children in the Stevens family. Emma Jane, the oldest, had married while they lived in New York and remained there. After the four year period lapsed, they came West. She was the daughter of grandmother's first husband, Joseph Stevens, who died of pneumonia in England in 1845. Joseph was a cousin to William Stevens, my Grandfather. My Mother, Augusta, was the youngest. When they crossed the plains she was only four years old and walked all the way. The other children were Sarah; Henry, Ellen, and Percival.

In November 1855, L.D.S. Missionaries came to the town where my grand-parents lived at Bridgewater, Summerset, England. After my Grandfather listened to them teaching the old gospel restored in its fullness, it sounded truthful, reasonable and wonderful to him. Sometime later as he was in his orchard pruning and thinking of this renewed gospel teachings, he went over in his mind the story of the boy of western New York. A boy of fourteen who had gone out into the woods to pray to his God to ask which of all religions were right that he might join one of them.

We know of that Great Vision, and many others given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, or we should know them. Some of us do not value this wonderful knowledge as we should. It came to us without any effort on our part. But oh! The effort and sacrifice our forefathers made to help it grow.

Well, I'll let grandfather tell his own story: "As I was pruning my trees and pondering on all the teachings of those missionaries, I said to myself, "Is this renewed Gospel true?" The answer came and with such force --- "Yes, this renewed Gospel is true" - -- that my pruning knife fell from my hand and I stood there with this great knowledge vibrating and thrilling my heart and soul. Then I went into the house and told my wife: "Emma, this Gospel is true and I am going to America."

Emma was shocked and told him he was foolish; that they could not take all their family and leave their lovely home and go away off to that new country of America.

He did not argue with grandmother; but, studied his Bible and compared it with the Book of Mormon and found that they agree --- Isaiah 2:2 "In the last days the Lord's house shall be established in the tops of the mountains and all nations shall flow unto it." And that prophecy has been fulfilled, in that, people did come from all nations to Utah in the tops of the mountains.

As further proof, Grandfather read the missionary tract showing how the Bible and the Book of Mormon agree: A. In the Bible, John 10:16, Jesus says, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." In the Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 15:21, "and verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: "other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring---." your books and read and compare. See for yourself, how Jesus visited this continent and the people here after his resurrection.) B. Revelations 14. I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the Earth---." The Angel Moroni, who taught Joseph Smith and gave him the Gold Plates which the Book of Mormon was written from, told Joseph Smith, he was the angel seen flying in the midst of heaven by St. John in Revelations 14:6. Joseph Smith was visited and taught by Angel Moroni regularly every year for four years before he was given the Gold Plates, and the Urim and Thummim, by which Joseph was able to translate for Oliver Cowdery to write the Book of Mormon.

Isaiah 29:14 the Lord said: --- "I will do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder---." The Book of Mormon is a marvelous work, because it was brought to light by immortal hands. It is marvelous that a young man with only limited schooling and education and poor as far as this world's riches go, should be called upon to translate and publish it. It is marvelous in the story it tells; the teaching it gives; and the prophecies it contains. It agrees with the Bible, in fact it isa witness for the Bible. It has encountered the most bitter opposition. But, owing to its influence, thousands upon thousands of God's children have been saved from spiritual and temporal poverty and sin, and lifted up to the highest level. The field was ripe for the harvest at the time the Lord established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1830.

D. Joseph Smith the Prophet, sealed his testimony with his blood. Many great teachers and leaders, down through the ages, have suffered death or had to flee for their lives, as did Abraham and Moses. Even our Savior who broke the bands of death, and brought in the resurrection of life and life eternal. All his Apostles suffered death for their teachings. In the middle ages many who tried to give the Bible to the world were put to death by Catholics. Martin Luther, who broke from the Catholic Church and brought more religious freedom to the world, was in hiding for years.

Even our pilgrim fathers, who came to America for religious freedom, persecuted all others who did not believe as they did. Roger Williams had to flee for his life to Rhode Island. In Roger Williams' later years, as he grew in faith and knowledge of God's laws, he left this message: "It is said the Roger Williams refused to continue as Pastor over the largest Baptist church in this country, because there was no regular constituted church on Earth, nor any person authorized to administer any church ordinance; nor can there be until new apostles are sent by the Great Head of the church of whose coming I am seeking." Roger Williams 1599-1683), an English clergyman founded Rhode Island. (The book this was taken from, I found in the Los Angeles Library. See Picturesque America, page 502, which can be read only in the room where it is kept. If Roger Williams had lived until Joseph Smith's time, when Joseph was directed by God, his seeking would have been answered.)

Such was the proof to Grandfather Stevens, and it gave him the urge to come to the tops of the mountains where the church was established. All his descendants should be grateful to him for our religion, and that we are free born Americans.

Grandmother' realized that her husband had received a great message, and an understanding of God's teachings (that he was determined to follow.) So, within a year they left their fine home, orchard, furniture, and packed to come to America. Grandmother had some of the money changed into twenty dollar gold pieces, and sewed them in a clever way into her heavy silk underskirt. Traveling with money was not safe in those days on the ships.

After they had been on the ocean a week their little two year old son became very ill with whooping cough and vomiting. The whales smelled the sickness and followed the ship. Because the ships were small in those days, a whale could raise his huge tail and damage the ship or tip it over. Finally the captain had to come and tell poor Grandmother that the sick child would be thrown overboard. Grandmother begged the captain to give her one more day, the good captain agreed. Then dear Grandmother prayed most of that night to God that if He would save her little boy from such a fate and make him well, she would be faithful in this restored gospel. The next morning her little boy was well, and there were no whales following the ship. The rest of her life Grandmother was faithful to her promise. They arrived in New York in 1856, and remained there about four years; then came on to Utah in 1860.

They located in Oakley, Summit County, Utah. Grandfather began building homes for people. Some of those homes are still standing. There is the large old red brick Stevens home that is still livable with its huge cement basement, upstairs bedrooms, and big bay windows in the living-room and parlor.

Mother told me of seeing the Indian war dance one dark night when she was 13 years old and was left alone with her two younger brothers, Thomas and Franklin, and her little sister Abby. They had eaten supper and gone to bed, when Mother heard that frightening Indian war cry. She got up quickly and looked out of the window.. There she saw them down by the Weber River with a big bonfire, dozens of wild Indians waving their tomahawks, dancing around the fire, yelling and chanting their Indian war cry. The other children awoke and hearing it, came running to look out of the window. They began to cry and say, "Oh, what can we do? They will come and kill us and set fire to our home." Mother said, "Come we will kneel down and pray and the Lord will take care of us." They did and they were taken care of. Mother watched the Indians for hours after she got the younger ones back to bed and asleep, until their fires burned low and they got on their Indian ponies and rode away to the next town, Peoa.

EMIGRATION RECORDS: William Stevens, age 36, sailed May 31, 1856 on the ship Wellfleet with wife Emma Stevens, 34. Children: Emm Jane Stevens 13, Sara Ann Stevens 7, William Henry Stevens 5, Ellen C. Stevens 3, Simon Percival Stevens .2, Emeline Augusta Stevens 4 months old.

TEMPLE INDEX BUREAU: Sara Ann Stevens, born 24 November 1847, at Enmore, Somerset,

England. William Henry Stevens, born 18 September 1849, Durligh, Somerset,

England. Ellen Christine Stevens, born 29 December 1851, Simon Percival

Stevens, born 7 January 1854, and Emeline Augusta Stevens, born 27 February

1856, Durligh, Somerset, England.

After the Stevens' came to Utah in 1860, they had three more children born to them: Franklin F., Thomas Isaac, and Abigail Charlotte.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Seven Stevens children grew up and married. Franklin F. died at 17 years of age of diphtheria. There were 55 descendants by 1900. (1956 makes one hundred years since our Stevens family landed in America. There must be more than one thousand descendants here now.)

Grandmother and Grandfather Stevens lived to a ripe old age and remained true to their faith in the gospel. They were both laid to rest in 1902 at Oakley, Summit County, Utah.

Augusta, my mother, was a divorced, 27 years old, with three daughters, when she met my father. He was 39 years old, and well off in those early days of Utah (1881).

Father had come from his home in Provo, where his wife and three grown children lived. He had been attending the Brigham Young Academy with his children, taking a course in elocution. He liked public speaking and did lots of it.

Father had a cattle ranch and a saw-mill in Wallsburg and come to take care of his business there when he met mother who was visiting friends in the same town. He was a High Priest and took an active part in the Church. Mother was well impressed with him upon meeting him in church and in family gatherings. He asked mother if she would care to go for a ride and see the other side of the valley where his farm and ranch home were. It was a lovely place with old rippling Hobble Creek rushing around the sharp bends. There were trees, shrubbery, wild horses, roses, flowers of many varieties, meadow-larks and blackbirds everywhere. How I loved it all in my childhood days. Wallsburg was certainly a pretty green valley surrounded by hill and mountain.

Well, father didn't lose any time. He then asked Mother if she would care to make it her home. That was in the days of polygamy in Utah and it seemed to be a good plan as they talked things over. Mother, with her three little girls, would live there in Wallsburg and take care of the home there, while the family with the grown children would live in Provo, so they could go to the Brigham Young Academy. They were married in the Endowment House, before the Salt Lake Temple was finished, on the 9th of April, 1881.

Mother's oldest daughter, Bertha, was a pretty, ladylike little girl but delicate. She had asthma from the time she was two years old and was then ten. Dora and Theresa, nine and seven years old, were healthy, robust children.

In August of 1882, a son was born to them named Moroni. He was named after Father's favorite brother who lost his life at sea while on his way to England to fill a mission for the Church. It was said he was thrown overboard for his money and watch.

Mother said Moroni was an unusual child. He said and did things beyond his years. He advised her like an older brother or Sage. Soon after he turned four years old, he took cold and had a cough. When Mother heard him, a whisper told her it was the "church-yard" cough. It terrified Mother. The third day of his sickness, he sat up in his crib and asked Mother if she would like him to sing. Mother said, "Yes, dear, if you feel like it." Then he sang, "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm." He had heard it sung in church many times.

Mother sent for Father, who came that evening. When he saw how sick Moroni was he took him up in his arms and walked the floor with him and prayed until little Moroni said with a faltering breath, "Lay me down and don't pray for me any more." Father did. Moroni's breath grew shorter and he passed on, leaving a sad, broken hearted mother and father. Mother prayed to know why he had to go and the answer came that it was God's will and that some day she would know why.

And so, life goes on with all our love, hope and grief.

Mary was born February 1, 1884. They had been expecting her arrival for some time, but her father could not put off going to the hills for Oakwood any longer. When he returned home that evening tired, he didn't even unload the sleigh-load of wood, but went right to bed. So, that very night Mary arrived screaming to the top of her voice, as the mid-wife arrived. Aunt Permelia had come and started a fire in the big old fireplace and later, when the mid-wife was warming Mary nearby, she stretched her feet and toes to the fire. Her mother looked over and said, "Oh, what big long feet she has."

The dear old mid-wife said, "Never mind that. It's a sign of a good understanding."

When Mary was two and a half years old, she was busy as children always are. She took a little tin bucket with a wire bail and went to the creek for water. When she held the bucket under the water spout, the wire bail cut her hand from the force of the water. She wouldn't let go, but couldn't lift it either, so screamed to the top of her voice until help came.

To keep Mary from feeling unhappy when her sister Rhoda was born, her wise mother said, "This is your little baby sister and you must take good care of her. Mary took it all a little too seriously, for as little Rhoda grew older, she resented being helped so much.

When Mary and Rhoda were little, their mother took them to Provo to visit Grandma Bigelow, who was living with Aunt Permelia; Father's first wife. There was a canal four feet wide with a two foot plank as a foot bridge across it. The little girls had been told to stay away from it; however, Mary was a curious child and there were wiggly little polly-wogs and water bugs there that interested her, so they both laid on their stomachs on the foot bridge to watch.

Mary had a strong hold on the back of Rhoda's dress, so when the swift running water made Rhoda dizzy, she toppled into the water, Mary hung on, and again screamed to the top of her voice. Her mother heard her and came running not a second to soon, for the force of the water had pulled Mary to where her toes had caught on the other side of the wide plank, which saved her from being pulled in too.

Rhoda was unconscious, but came around after they had worked with her awhile. Mary had saved her life. Her mother said the dear old mid-wife was right, she did have a good understanding and a strong will.

Three years later Percival was born. He also, was a strong willed, ambitious person. Two years after Percival was born, sister Lottie came into the world, a happy, cheerful person, followed by handsome brother Leslie, three years later.

The farm life was a healthy and happy one for the young children, even though there was hard work too. Soon they learned to herd cows and milk them, and chop wood and pull weeds for tile pigs. Yes, there was work, but they bad good times in the swimming hole, gathering wild berries and riding their horses.

Their home was near a small town where everyone was your neighbor. There, in the town, they had parties and dances, day school, Sunday School, Primary and Mutual. It sure kept everyone busy and happy.

Mary learned a great lesson the hard way. It started when she was only seven years old. She began to have night-mares until she dreaded to see night come; then a year later a Primary teacher told how a little girl prayed and had her prayers answered, and that everyone can pray and have their prayers answered. Mary had been taught to pray; but, the teacher said if there was anything we wanted, we should pray for it. That night Mary asked the Lord to take the night mares from her and promised the Lord if He would do that, she would always say her prayers.

The next morning when Mary awakened and had not had one of those terrible nightmares, she was so happy and grateful that she never forgot her prayers from that time forward.

Many times Mary and one of her younger brothers were sent out into the canyons to find the new milk cow with her little new calf. When they could not find them and were tired from looking, they would get off their horses and kneel down to say a prayer. It never failed, they soon would find the cow with the new little calf.

Throughout the years, Mary had many marvelous answers to her prayers.

When Utah became a State in the year 1896, it called for a celebration in every city and town. Mary, now twelve years old, was given a part on the program. It was held in the town hall, and everybody was there -- the band, the singers and so many happy people. Mary was dressed all in white with a gold crown that sat well on her long golden ringlets. She had a silver staff in her hand that went high above her head and she was so thrilled to give the lovely appropriate poem that was written in honor of the occasion. Mary took the part of Utah.

I am the last to arrive,
I am State forty-five,
Utah is my name--
The land of the tillers fame.
Here the fruited trails of the plains attest,
where the feet of the conquerors have pressed;
The flower-covered meadows, and woodlands so gay,
Chase all their dull cares and vain sorrows away.
The question is solved by the prophets of old,
Who saw the wild desert its blossoms unfold,
Who saw the small stone from the mountain roll forth,
Subdue every kingdom and fill the whole Earth.
Nor gold nor glory their exalted quest,
who won for the Bast the unconquered West,
They toiled o'er frozen crest, o'er parching plain,
Eternal wealth in higher worlds to gain.
Forever in remembrance let them be,
Who gave their all for the truth and liberty.
Brave Utah, land of the golden west,
It's the promised land, of the brave and the free.

Utah We Love Thee.

Mary will always remember that applause after she had finished that very suitable recitation. Utah was a Statehood welded together with brotherhood. The Pioneers dream had come true.

That was the last school year for Mary in her home town. She never forgot the bashful boy with black hair, named John, that drew pansies on note paper and asked others to pass it to the girl with curly hair. Then they would tease her and ask if she was his girl.

At thrashing time, breakfast and dinner had to be served for the thrashers. Mary saw John riding his horse across the meadow--coming with the others for breakfast. She went quickly to put on her new pink gingham dress. Her mother asked why she did that, and Mary replied, "Oh, don't you know John is the cleanest boy in town?"

Mary did most of the gardening, milked cows, helped make cheese and churn butter. She was a big girl then and there was lots of work to do on the farm.

That Fall she went to Salt Lake City with her lovely Sister Bertha who had been home on a visit. Mary lived with her cousin, Mabel Young Sanborn, in Salt Lake, and helped with the housework and tended baby. Aunt Mabel, in return, gave her piano lessons as part pay. She was happy to earn money to buy pretty clothes and she saved a little for her schooling later on.

Some years later she went to Provo to live with cousin Susy Young Gates, a sister to cousin Mabel, and attended B. Y. Academy while there. Mary loved the Academy, also President Brimhall, and gained many high ideals of life from this fine institute. That was in the year 1902..

When school was out in the Spring, Mary and her sisters -- Bertha, Theresa and Rhoda -- all went home for a visit. Oh, what good times they had together rambling up and down old Hobble Creek, gathering wild flowers and roses, and listening to the songs of the birds. There was the regular Friday night dances in the old Town Hall to which the girls went with their mother. It was great fun.

There again, Mary met John. He was tall, dark, handsome and poised now. As he danced with Mary for the second time, he asked if she would care to go have ice cream where it was being made at a neighbor's home after the dance was over. Of course she went, for she liked home made ice cream. Then he walked home with her, such a happy evening, the end of a perfect day.

The following days and evenings they saw much of each other. One evening, as they strolled down the old lane, John gave Mary a little bottle of violet perfume. (Many years later when Mary smelled violets, it brought back those happy days of long ago.) Just at sundown they started home from town and Mary stopped to pick some wild roses. As they came to old Hobble Creek, John said, "I hope you will always wear dresses like this one. It shows your pretty neck, though it may not do me any good. You may forget me for the next good looking fellow you meet."

Mary said, with a laugh, "Oh no, not as long as you treat me right."

John exclaimed, "Why Mary, I will treat you right forever." The tone of his voice frightened Mary and she couldn't think of anything to say. John repeated it with more force and tremor in his voice.

Mary was frightened, but answered, "All right! All right!! ALL RIGHT!!!," As she turned to cross the foot-bridge.

John stopped her and said, "That means you're mine forever. Let me take your ring as a token of our vow until I come tomorrow." They had only crossed the foot bridge, when John dropped the ring in the grass.

"Don't worry," he said, "I will come and find it in the morning, if I have to cut every blade of grass."

The next morning, Mary and her sister Theresa, looked for the ring and found

it. Mary exclaimed, "I'll not let him know until he has cut all the grass." So, she put it in her pocket.

Later John came looking for the ring, and after he had cut all the grass, Mary slipped the ring on her finger and said, "Why look, John, here it is on my finger. Are you sure you every had it?" She turned and ran laughing before he could catch her. Many years later Mary felt it was an omen of the future.

At the next Friday night dance, as Mary finished a dance with one of the town boys, he said, "Come go across the street and get a drink of water." On the way home that same evening, John said, "I may be a funny fellow but my girl can't be every fellow's girl. If there is anything you want, I will be glad to get it for you, but don't go out of the dance hall with anyone." Mary did not take him seriously -- sort of laughed it off.

The next Friday night dance, as Mary and Theresa finished a dance with two of the town boys, the four went for a drink of water at the neighbors well. John never came to dance with Mary any more that evening. When the music played for the last dance, and John still did not come, Mary remembered then what John had said.

The fellow who had taken Mary for the drink of water, had won his little game. Now he came and asked if she was not dancing, would she dance with him: To keep from feeling embarrassed, she danced with him.

John had put her fan in his pocket when he last danced with her, and as she, her mother and sisters left the dance hall, John handed it back to her and said good-night. There was a lot of whistling and clapping of hands, which was very embarrassing for Mary. Of course, the other fellow asked if he might walk her home and to cover up her embarrassment, she said yes. She was unhappy, but she wasn't going to let anyone know it.

The next morning Mary and Theresa took a walk to the creamery to watch how they made butter and cheese. Who should walk in, but John and his cousin Earl.

Mary turned and went out the door. She continued to go with the other fellow

until at a dance one evening, when John caught her hand as they danced past each other and said, "Mary, could I speak to you a moment?"

She nodded her head yes, and when they were seated, he said, "Mary, I am sorry for what happened," and she said, "So am I."

Then he told her he was leaving town -- going to Wyoming.

Mary was speechless. It was the first time she realized how much she cared for John. The town would be empty for her. John asked if he wrote to her, would she answer. She replied, "Yes." This she did, but when he returned, he said he never received an answer. He was hurt and told her so. There were busy-bodies in the town who had written John that Mary had been out with the other fellow. He was at a house party where Mary was also and he talked to Mary and tried to plead his case; but she told him it could never be.

When John came back there were misunderstandings. While he was away he was with fellows who smoked and drank and he had taken up some of it himself. That was against all of Mary' s ideals; the gap between them grew; and they disagreed on many things. Then they parted.

Mary went to Canada with her sister Dora who had come to Utah for a visit. Dora expected a new baby and she would be glad for Mary's help at that time.

Mary went on hoping she would find someone who believed as she did and fill that vacant place in her heart. But as the years rolled by, she found perfection is not on this Earth. It took years to prove that to her, and she came to realize how many faults and failings she had. That this Earth life is only a schooling and a proving ground of what we do with it -- only part of the great Eternity of life.

Raymond was a new busy Mormon town with a nice crowd of young people. Mary joined the girls basketball team of Raymond. A few weeks later they went to Cardston and played a good game with the Cardston girls' team.

At the first dance in Raymond, Mary met Morgan Edwards again. They had met two years before at the B. Y. Academy at Provo in 1902. Soon after, they both were asked to join the Mutual play, and enjoyed each others company. Morgan was taking Mary to the town dances and parties and the town bob-sleigh rides that winter. They had so much fun with that crowd of young people. Morgan was quite the leader of the fun with his jokes and pranks, he also led them in singing folk songs and Christmas carols.

After they put on their first play, they received so much praise, that their leader, Arron Johnson, an old veteran of the theatre, decided to put on three plays; a drama, "Hazel Kirk," a western play, "Jack O'Diamond," and a comedy, "Finnigan' s Fortune." They took them to all the Mormon towns in Alberta; and later, he also took them up through British Columbia. That took the rest of the winter--lots of work, fun and interesting traveling to the different towns. British Columbia is beautiful even in the winter time.

That winter Morgan proposed to Mary. She told him she was going to stay foot loose and fancy free; and she did just that for seven years. When sister Dora's baby was six weeks old, Dora became very ill. The doctor said it was Typhoid Fever. A few days later, baby Norma was very ill with the disease. It was a sad hard time for all of them. Mary took care of her sister Dora and little Norma till they were well. Then Mary came back to Salt Lake City and took a dress making course and lived with her sister Bertha Sheppard and family. She helped with the work mornings and evenings.

That same year Morgan came to Salt Lake City and looked Mary up. As sister Bertha had a sign out for board and room, Morgan said, "That's what I am looking for, Mrs. Sheppard." So he was one of the family, and Morgan and Mary saw much of each other again -- went dancing to Saltaire and had good times together. Morgan told her she would marry him some day. She said, "Don't be too sure. I liked a boy in my home town." He laughed and said, "I will be so good to you, he will be forgotten."

Some years later Morgan went to Seattle and worked on the police force, and wrote such interesting letters of how beautiful it was there with the many lakes and parks and was such a nice place to make a home.

Mary was 25 now and knew it was time to settle down and have a family. So they

made plans; and a year later, Mary met Morgan and they were married in Seattle June 16, 1910.

They moved back to Salt Lake City in November 1912. They were blessed with darling twin baby girls July 9, 1913. They moved to Provo where dear little Josephine was born December 31, 1914. Then they moved to Wallsburg on a big farm. They were there one fall and winter. In the Spring they moved to Roosevelt where blessed Craig was born December 2, 1916.

Morgan began selling white tops for Studebaker. He did so well, the company moved the family to Price, where the company started him selling Studebaker cars. The fall of 1917 the company moved the family to Ogden to a bigger and better position -- better pay selling Studebakers.

That winter of 1918 was the terrible epidemic of the "flu". Morgan had it first and within a short time we were all very ill. After a week, most of the family were getting better and out of danger. Mary became very ill and was taken to the hospital. Dr. Pidcock said she was the sickest patient he had that lived. He did not know how much she was praying to live to raise her children. In her semi-conscious condition, she saw crowds of people marching heaven-ward; and a voice would say, "You may join that happy crowd if you wish to." This would rouse her and she would start praying again that God would spare her life, that she might rear her children.

It was a hard, sad winter for many with that terrible epidemic raging all over the world. Hospitals over- crowded with the sick and dying. Schools and all public places closed.

Just before Mary was taken home from the hospital, she dreamed she died and was in Heaven where all unmarried women and old maids were. Mary Stevens, an old maid cousin who had died years ago, said, "Oh, why are you here with all we unmarried women? You were married and had children on Earth."

Saint Peter, who was listening in, said, "Oh, she is like most women, only married for Earth life till death do them part."

Mary was glad to awaken and find it was only a dream and decided right then she would never let that dream come true. When Mary came home, she told Morgan about the dream and that they must prepare so they could go to the Temple and be married for Eternity, and have the children sealed to them, which they did to some extent but never got that far.

Morgan's brother, Amise, came from the first world war and lived with them that summer. Before he came, Morgan was reading the Book of Mormon to Mary every evening. He loved to read out loud, and Mary loved to listen to him. He was also teaching the adult Sunday School class. Mary was teaching in Primary and was a visiting teacher in Relief Society.

Amise went to Sunday School with them a few times, then said to Morgan, "Religion is only for women and children."

Morgan did not answer him. Poor Morgan seemed to be thinking how to answer him. (If he had only said, "Why, God is a man; so was His Son, Jesus Christ; and only men can hold the Priesthood.")

Morgan seemed confused. He thought so much of his brother just home from the big war, with so much to tell about it all and Morgan was so proud of him.

Morgan did not read any more. The brothers enjoyed evenings together, also helped peel and put up delicious Utah peaches with Mary; And so, time passed on.

Morgan was given a better position with Utah Power and Light in Salt Lake City and the family moved to the big old Sheppard home.

Dear sister Bertha had died of the flu and left her six fine children and her husband. Mary thought she could keep house for both families. There were fourteen of them altogether, with the three grown people, but, with none of the conveniences or electrical appliances we have these days. The flu had left Mary with a cough that sapped her strength. The bread making for so many was too much, with all the other work. So the Edwards family moved, hoping George would find a housekeeper or remarry. But he said, "No one could take Bertha's place in his heart or in his home."

Two years later he died with a broken heart. (I remember, one evening, before he died, he came over to our home and visited with us. How lonely he was, and he said, "There is a long trail a winding into the Isles of my dreams.")

Relatives took the children and the nice old home was sold.

To date, (36 years later) the six Sheppard children are married and have nice families.

Vivian Sheppard Woolley and husband went to the Logan Temple and had her parents sealed to each other (Bertha and George,) for eternity. (A nice ending, after all the joy and love and companionship, with each other and their babies and children.)

How I remember the nice evenings in the Sheppard home, around the piano, all singing together; also the lovely buggy rides in the surrey with the fringe on the and the trips to Saltaire with a nice big lunch. The salt air was so good for sister Bertha. I can see them, she and George, enjoying dancing together there to the tune of (In the Good Old Summer Time.)

Here is how Bertha and George met and fell in love:

Bertha was naturally a refined, dainty, witty, happy little lady. She was very popular and had many proposals of marriage. One -- Dr. Curr of Salt Lake City did his best to win her heart, but she could not love any of them.

She visited our mother in Wallsburg, and chatted with an old childhood friend, Polly Bigelow Allred (who had two children.) Bertha said, Polly, I am as old as you and have never met a fellow I would care to marry. I don't think I ever will."

Polly said, "Oh, yes you will, and I bet it will be soon."

Bertha went back to Salt Lake to live with Aunt Abbie, who was renting an apartment in the Sheppard home. As soon as Bertha met George Sheppard, she remembered a dream of meeting him at a party and choosing him for a partner. Yes, she was sure it was the same face she saw in her dream; and from then on they saw much of each other. That lovely Spring and Summer sitting under the lilac blossoms and out in the orchard, George recited lovely poems to her and read some good books aloud.

And then one day he told her he was in love with her and had been from the first meeting. It was mutual with them, and soon they were married. They were always in love with each other. When dear sister Bertha was so ill and thought she might not get well, she said, "Don't anyone ever seal me to anyone but George Sheppard. If I can't be sealed to him, I don't want to be sealed to anyone." (Now they are in that heavenly home, happy again together.)

Willard Sheppard, the oldest of the family, married a Salt Lake girl, and is now a prosperous businessman of Boise, Idaho. They have one daughter who married and now has children. So, Willard is a grandfather.

Ruth Sheppard married Glenn Tollstrup. He is in a prosperous business of his own. They have a lovely new home in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Their two daughters are married (Shirley and Cidnee.) Shirley has two children, Cidnee has one four year old, pretty little daughter.

Their oldest son, Steven, was a student at the B. Y. U. in Provo, when he received his call to go on a mission for the church to British Columbia. He is now District President of the mission.

Their youngest son, John, is a student at the B. Y. U. and hopes to fill a mission for the church later.

Ruth takes an active part in the church, too.

Harvard Sheppard was in the last World War, and was in Dutch New Guinea most of the time. He is now married and lives in Salt Lake City.

Alice Sheppard married young, and had a large family. She lives in Salt Lake also. Some of her family take an active part in the church.

Vivian Sheppard married Kurtland Wooley. They have a nice home in Bountiful and have a family of our, all taking an active part in the church activities.

Here is a letter from Vivian telling more of the family. Tressa Sheppard was only a baby (not two years old) when her mother died. Vivian tells of her in the letter following:

682 W. Bountiful, Utah

January 4, 1956

Dear Aunt Mary:

We were so relieved to hear from you, to find out your address and we worried, wondering if you were ill. Why didn't you come for any of the Conferences, were you sick? We missed you and hope you'll be able to come in April.

We surely feel we have been blessed this past year. Too often we forget to be grateful for the common ordinary blessings we receive day by day. At this time we are all well.

Kent, the three year old, still doesn't have too good health, but we hope it will improve as he gets older. Craig seems to thrive now and is able to participate in sports without harming his heart. He is nine now, takes piano lessons (and just loves it so far,) takes swimming lessons at the Deseret Gym and generally has a good time and keeps well.

The girls are still both attending the University. Ann will graduate this June. Rae is in her third year.

I heard from Willard for Christmas. He had a heart attack in September and is just now getting back to working half day. This is his second attack, so we are all hoping he will take it easy from now on.

I talked to Alice on the phone last night and she had a lovely Christmas with all her family to her place for dinner: Jimmy, Jean and her little boy, Joe and his wife and their two little girls, Harvard and his wife, Lance and Sue and Alice's husband Fred--so she had quite a crowd. Her children treat her like a queen and always shower gifts upon her.

Also heard from Tressa in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are getting along nicely. She has three children, Marianne about eight, Garth about twelve and Michael, sixteen.

Of course, heard from Ruth. I admire and love her more as time goes by. She's surely a wonderful person. Her boy Stephen is on a mission, has been gone a year. We had the nicest letter from him at Christmas time and he has a strong testimony of the Gospel and is so enthused with the work. He is District President.

We surely hope you are well, write when you can.

Love,

Vivian

# #

In 1934 times were hard. Mary was sewing for the neighbors to help pay expenses, and was keeping house for Morgan and Craig and herself.

Bishop Kidman's wife came for a fitting of her dress, and found Mary very ill. She called the doctor. He came and said Mary must be taken to the hospital immediately. Bishop Kidman took Mary to the General Hospital, where she underwent a major operation. Weeks later as she lay in the hospital recuperating, she looked out of the window, up at the blue sky, and was wondering what life was all about.

A voice answered: "This is my Work and my Glory--To bring to pass the Immortality and Eternal Life of Man."

This message brought comfort to Mary. She had heard that quoted many times before, but it had a real message and meaning for her now.

Sometimes we have to face death to understand what life is for. It may change our thinking too.

The day Mary was brought home from the hospital, that darling Craig had cooked a good dinner.

Craig wanted so much to go to College and learn to be a lawyer. We didn't have the money to send him so he decided to join the U. S. Marines and try to make it that way. He studied long and hard on the ship until he passed all the tests there; but when he sent his papers for the final tests he couldn't make it. It was a big disappointment.

The four years Craig was in the Marines, he wrote wonderful letters home to his mother. They were a great comfort to her.

In 1935 Brother Percival came to visit and told Mary the news of the did home town: - of John's death in Evanston, Wyoming, where he was Sheriff for years; and of the large funeral held for him in Evanston; also one was held in Wallsburg (his home town) where he was buried. Friends came from near and far.

It was a shock to Mary and again she had a lonesome feeling.

Soon after, Rosalie and her husband, with the two little girls, drove from Redwood City to visit. She took Mother Mary home with them to get her well and strong.

Mary then kept house for a friend and her husband who worked in the city. They paid her well.

She had time to read and study her Bible. She needed its comfort, for she felt she was getting old, unneeded, lonely and unloved, since her family was now raised and married.

Then one night in a dream, John came and told Mary she must have faith in herself and in all good things. He told her she would always be loved and she must cultivate love That dream stayed in Mary's thoughts and she also wondered why John came to bring her that message.

She knew it was right, for the Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son," to teach all things of God and of His love, that He might win all souls who listen, learn and obey His laws to gain Eternal Life.

Some months later, Mary dreamed she made a drink and passed it to all her family and friends. But as she picked up her drink, John walked in and she handed him her drink. He hesitated and said: "Are you sure you wish to share your drink with me?" She said, "I am sure." She awoke and wondered why that dream. That still small voice said, "The drink was a symbol of love."

That set Mary thinking of the lovely memories of long ago, in the Spring of youth; and for the sweet young love they had for each other. She resembled how he had played his guitar and sang all the new and old songs. One little song he sang to Mary that remains fresh in her memory is:--

"There may be others like my Mary

But I don't think they can be found

She is my high-born constant lady.

I'm happy 'cause my Mary's come to town."

In 1936 Mary received a letter from her son Ralph, saying they expected their new baby soon and he wanted her to come and help them if she could.

Some two years before she had gone to help Rosalie and gave up her dress-making shop in Hermosa, in 1933 when Joan, the first granddaughter was born. She had to leave Craig to board with Rhoda and Furman until she came back in February, 1934; that was Craig's last year in High School.

So Mary gave up her work and went to help with her first grandson. Sarah had high blood pressure and was on a strict diet; so little Merritt did not have a good start (only a five pound baby.) He looked pinched and starved The milk the doctor ordered for him didn't agree with him, so the doctor had him taken to a hospital for a week, but he didn't get any better. Mary worked night and day with him. She wanted his milk changed, but the doctor said, "No." Mary prayed they would change his milk. Then Sarah's friend said her baby was the same, until they changed the milk and then he got well.

So Sarah changed Merritt's milk without the doctor's consent, and Merritt got well. Mary felt her prayers had been answered.

While Mary was so busy with the sick baby, in one of her short naps, she dreamed John had left a message for her with his mother. A message that would be a comfort to her. Again it set Mary to thinking. She knew dreams had directed people all down through the ages, even in the Old and New Testament.

A few days later Mary received a letter from her sister Rhoda, saying she was coming from Idaho to visit in Utah and hoped we could all meet and go to Wallsburg with flowers for Mother's grave.

Merritt was five months old and a dear healthy baby. Ralph said, "Mother, I know you want to go to Utah. I cannot pay you as I would like to, but here is enough money for your trip to Utah."

Just before Mary was to leave on her trip, she dreamed she was in Heaven. As she was looking around, she saw a great coliseum. She wondered what would be going on in there, so she hurried and went in. As she turned to look for a seat, John called, "Mary I have been waiting for you." As she took her seat by John, she awoke with a peaceful happy feeling. She knew dreams have a purpose and meaning for them, so she prayed to know the answer.

The answer came that she could be sealed to John. Again she prayed if it was right, everything would work to that end, and it did.

Rhoda and Mary met at Percival's home. Leslie came with flowers that he had grown, to take to Mother's grave. We all enjoyed the ride through beautiful Provo canyon and the visit with relatives and friends in Wallsburg.

Mary visited John's mother. She gave Mary the Evanston newspaper with a good write-up on John as Sheriff there for years. Mary knew as she read it, that it was the message she dreamed John left with his mother for her. Here is a copy of the write-up:

Sheriff Davis was in no sense a politician. Rather should it be said that he was a friend to everyone and particularly to all unfortunates, the distressed and the helpless. A dumb animal in affliction had an instant claim upon his attention. Children adored him. His was a heart over flowing with genuine sympathy and kindness. He drew people to him with the attraction of a nature which was filled with goodwill for all with whom he came in contact. For him, no trouble was too great if someone in need could be benefitted. It was no matter of courting favors. The destitute stranger in town received as much or more of his thought and attention as did the distinguished visitor in his office. He was deeply and sincerely interested in young eople. Many a boy, beginning to live dangerously, has been restrained and encouraged to take a fresh start by Sheriff Davis. His rebuke was stern and, coming from one whose kindness was personified, was often punishment enough for young offenders. Friends without number mourn the passing of Sheriff Davis.

Sister Rhoda and Mary also went to Salt Lake City to visit relatives and friends there. (That was their last visit together. Rhoda passed to the great beyond, three years later, and left another lonesome feeling in Mary's heart.)

Mary visited Aunt Mable while in Salt Lake City and told her of her girlhood days, and of her dreams of late. Aunt Mable said it was wonderful; and, that Mary should be sealed to John. Aunt Mable also said her son Joseph would be glad to go to the Temple with Mary as proxy for John.

Mary had her Temple recommend with her, and everything was taken care of, as she prayed it would be if it was right. So it was proof enough for her.

Mary was sealed to John. It was a wonderful experience; and has been a comfort to Mary.

It was just another of those love affairs to bud on Earth and Bloom in Heaven.

Later Mary received a letter from John's sister saying John's mother was glad Mary had been sealed to John, because Mary was always his choice.

Where, when as death shall all
the world subdew,
Our love shall live, and later
life renew."

--From "Amoretti," by Spenser.

---

[The following is apparently written by Mary's daughter, Josephine SLR]

As I remember my father, when I was a little girl:

He was tall and fine looking, with dark brown curly hair and blue eyes. He was gentle and affectionate. I loved to hear him sing - - especially the song, "Who's on The Lord's Side, Who." I also loved to hear him recite poems -- like "Quoth the Raven Never More," and others.

He had studied elocution at the B. Y. Academy In 1879, when he and his three grown children attended there. He was always on programs for speeches and special occasions -- like one fourth of July, I remember he gave Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. I was so proud of him.

Mother told me when he spoke in church, (when I was a baby) it would be so quiet you could hear a pin drop. But in later years, after he married his third wife and Lafey and Percival (his two sons) were born in 1888, the U. S. A. Marshall arrested father for living in polygamy. Rather than go to prison, he mortgaged his fine big farm to a man who went his bonds, while father went to Mexico.

When he came back, some two years later, he had many debts to pay also the mortgage on his farm and three families to keep. He worked and planned day and night until all was paid off. Then he bought more land and cattle. His mind was on the material things of life and he did not have time for the church any more, or the finer things of life. It's a sad story, for he had been a High Priest, a Sunday School Superintendent, also a Justice of the Peace. He had also been in the Stake High Council at Heber City.

In the early days of Wallsburg, he took turns as Indian scout with the other men.

When he was old (79 years) and still riding horses over his ranch and farms, his oldest daughter, Emily came from Vernal and got him to go back with her to live with them, (that was in 1921). A few days after he was there, he did not come for breakfast. One of the children was sent to call him. She came back and said Grandpa is on his knees saying his prayers by his bed. Later Emily went and found him dead. It was a shock to her, but I am sure it was an answer to his prayer. May the Dear Lord forgive him, as He forgives us all.

But I am wondering if we can forgive ourselves for neglecting to keep God's Laws, which hinders our progress here and hereafter.

My mother was an attractive little lady with light brown hair and charming grey eyes, happy, good-natured and friendly with everyone. She had very good judgment. Her advise was always good.

She was a reader of good books, but never read novels. She always kept up with church work: taught in Sunday School for years; was President of the Primary; was Relief Society visiting teacher.

We had company at our house a great deal. Mother liked people and they liked her. She was good company.

She died of Pneumonia at 60 years of age in 1918 in Provo where she had lived for fifteen years. There was a large funeral for her there; then she was taken to Wallsburg for burial. Another large funeral was held for her there where she had lived many years. Old friends and neighbors all came to say their last respects to one they had loved in the years gone by.

Sister Rhoda passed on in 1939.

Rhoda's life was a most outstanding example of devotion to others. It was well known among the entire family that she denied herself always, to help others--thinking of their desires more than her own.

As a daughter, she was most devoted to her mother. During Mother's last illness, every desire was granted. She also held the center of the family circle, to receive and distribute to all members of the family the news events of interest to them. She kept the family in contact with each other.

Thus her passing was more keenly felt by every member of the family.

Rhoda was studious and ambitious, even in her youth. She worked to pay for music lessons. Later on she worked to take special courses at the A. C. She also went to Iowa and took up special studies there.

But her greatest ambition was motherhood. Her letters were always full of the thrill and joy she found in her two lovely children, (Richard and Evelyn Nelson).

Rhoda was cheerful, she was never strong and robust. She had a good sense of humor.

One day in conversation, Mary said, "I will pray about it;" and Rhoda said, "O will you?" and Mary said, "Why of course. Don't you say your prayers?" She said, "O yes, if I am frightened."

She wrote this when she sent a hanky to Mary:

"I send this token with love,
Wishing blessings from above,
To use as you choose,
But never to dry a tear."

When I received the telegram of sister Rhoda's death, it was such a shock, it left me cold, then I asked the Lord why she had to go and leave her two children. The answer came, that it was best and that she was happier there than she had ever been in this life. Also there was a peacefulness came with the answer.

When I went to her funeral in Salt Lake City and met her two children--so lonesome and broken-hearted for their mother, I told them of my prayer, and the message I had received and that they should not grieve so for her, for she was watching over them and could see that they would be well taken care of. I knew this also, because I had prayed that the way would be opened for me to take the two children; and here is the answer: "It was not for me to do." These words came as a comfort:

"Heaven's within you to bud and unfold,
If you'd listen, obey what you're told,
By that still small voice that whispers within
Comes from your Creator with truth to unfold."

The children were given a good home with their Aunt Gertrude Stradley who lived in Midvale, Utah, close to good schools and High School. Both children loved their Aunt Gertrude. She is a real Latter-Day-Saint and has earned a crown.

Richard was drafted in the second world war when he finished High School, and Evelyn married Verdis Cook, when she finished High School.

Richard wrote me some interesting letters after he was drafted. Here are parts of some of his letters:

San Diego

July 20, 1944

Dear Aunt May:

I bet you could not guess where I am going Saturday. I have leave to go home. O Boy! I am in training to be a Basic Engineer.

I just finished washing my clothes. I am laying here on the floor in my bathing trunks writing this letter to you. I certainly would like to see Craig and Ralph, but I am afraid we won't be lucky enough to meet in this big war.

You ask about our training? Well I'll tell you, it is pretty tough. Most of the fellows are plenty tired and ready to get to bed. It's not too bad, at least no one has died yet. There are a lot of Mormons in our Company 54 men came from Salt Lake City (all of them are Mormons). A lot of fellows came from Oregon and Arizona. There are a lot of Mormons in both groups. All in all, our Company is about half L.D.S. so you see I am in good company.

Tell everyone hello for me.

Love

Richard Nelson

Here is another letter:

Gulfort, Miss.

Sept. 7, 1944

Dear Aunt May:

Thanks for your letter, also for Craig's letter and address. He is a swell fellow. I have always admired him. He sure was lucky to meet Ralph out in the Pacific Islands. Little sister, Evelyn is starting on the tenth grade. Her birthday is on the 29th of August. I sent her a necklace with a heart shaped locket on it. It has a place for two pictures inside, also a small chip diamond on the inside.

I have been taking boxing lessons, and last night I boxed at the Tournament, an Indian from Arizona, and was lucky enough to win. I box again tonight, Hope I win. I'll let you know later. Boxing is good clean sport, that develops your muscles, and coordination, and teaches you how to protect yourself. I haven't been hurt yet. It is time for class. All for now.

R.N.

Here is part of another letter from Richard:

USS Hornet

January. 2, 1945

Dear Aunt May:

You ask me what I am doing, so I will try to explain. I am a plane captain of a fighter plane, and it is my job to see that the plane is always ready to fly. I help the pilot in and out of the cockpit, and help strap him in. I put gas and oil and oxygen, and hydraulic fluid in the plane whenever it is needed. I also keep it clean and well greased. I am usually up on the flight deck, so I get plenty of fresh air and sunshine, sometimes rain. We have rain gear so we don' t get wet.

We don't have a Mormon church here, so I go to the Protestant, when I get a chance. It does us good. We feel better, and have a kinder feeling for our fellow men.

We stopped at Pearl Harbor on our way over; I had liberty in Honolulu. Wish I could have seen Craig.

Ralph is sure lucky to get home and see his new baby boy. Congratulations to him.

We entered a small port today; however, I cannot tell you the name.

Here is a part of the last letter I received from Richard:

USS Hornet

March 5, 1945

-- The war is looking better. I sure hope it is soon over. Lately we have attacked Luzon, Formosa, and Indo-China. We have had a few thrilling and fighting hours. I made Seaman First Class a few days ago, so I will get $15.00 more dollars a month. . . ."

The Hornet; a big Air Plane Fighter, was caught in a terrible South Sea cyclone, which damaged it badly, but no loss of life. Richard said he would never forget that time. (That happened at the end of the war in 1945.)

Richard married in about a year after he got home from the war. He built a nice home at Midvale and was blessed with a lovely baby girl. They named her Carolyn. When she was ten months old, Richard went to help Evelyn's husband, one Saturday morning, build a machine shop. There were a few clouds in the sky, and a streak of lightning struck Richard in the back of his head and he fell dead. His broken hearted wife said, "O Richard, how can I live without you? I love you so much, and always have been so proud of you."

At his funeral he was praised as a boy scout, and by his church. Salt Lake City's Mayor Glade (of the Glade Candy Co.), who spoke at Richard's funeral, said he never had such a cheerful, willing, intelligent young fellow work for him. He also said he did not believe Richard's death was an accident, but that he believed Richard had been called to that Heavenly home for some good reason.

A year later his wife went to the Temple and was sealed to him. Two years later she remarried. Now she has a baby boy, three years old.

Richard did a strange and peculiar thing the summer before his death. He would take his lunch and go to the cemetery and sit by his mother's grave to eat it. He said he felt nearer to his mother and could visit with her there.

And now he is with her, helping with the work over there.

---

PERCIVAL

Brother Percival was always an ambitious boy. After he finished the grade school in Wallsburg, he raised sugar beets to have money to pay his board, room and expenses at the B.Y.U. in Provo.

Later mother sold her home in Wallsburg, and bought a home in Provo, to help him to go the B.Y.U.

In 1913 Percival was called on a mission to the Eastern States. Mother mortgaged her home to send him on his mission. After he came home from his mission, he worked and earned the money to pay off the mortgage.

He was engaged to marry Margaret Meldrum when he was called on his mission. They put off their marriage until he came back. Then she was called on a mission to the Northern States before he returned home. When her mission was finished, they were happily married. (1915).

Percival bought a home across the street from the B.Y.U. He continued some studies there along with his work. Later he taught automobile mechanics at the B.Y.U.

They had a family of four children; they now have eleven grandchildren.

Margaret took a course in dressmaking and clothing, and received her diploma (degree). Their daughter, Afton, graduated at the same time. Afton took her degree in Education and business.

She married a returned missionary a year later. They have a nice family of five children now, and live in a fine home in Pleasant Grove. Keith owns the Picture show business there. He is also in the Bishopric.

Afton is on the Stake Board of the Primary.

LaVell Bigelow, their oldest son, graduated from B.Y.U. in 1939 with a B.S. Degree in Geology, and minored in English. He joined the Navy Air Force. After he passed all the requirements, he was sent to Florida to continue his schooling there.

In Florida, LaVell mastered all branches required for flight training, and obtained his wings. (He was rated as Ensign throughout this period.)

In 1941 his sweetheart, Avalon Christenson and his mother Margaret flew to Florida and LaVell and Avalon were married there.

Three days later Pearl Harbor was bombed. LaVell was sent to war out in the Pacific, as pilot on an aircraft carrier.

He advanced rapidly because of his excellent background training, his native ability, and because of the urgency of war-time.

LaVell heard the good news; that world war two was ended, by radio, as he was flying a bombing mission over Japan. He was at the head of a large airplane squadron and was told in this radio message to have all planes jettison the bombs in the ocean and to return to the carrier. They did just that, with much satisfaction.

Several decorations followed his return to the States. His rapid advance, and final appointment to the Pentagon was in recognition of his excellent safety record of: "No accident in leading the squadrons, and high degree of consideration for his fliers."

LaVell is now in Washington D.C., in charge of the Aircraft and Anti-submarine Affairs.

LaVell and Avalon have four sons: Chris, Robert, Michall and William Bigelow. They all take an active part in the L.D.S. church there in Washington, D.C.

Ruth Bigelow Wilsted, the younger daughter of Percival and Margaret, is a graduate nurse. Her husband is LeRoy M. Wilsted. He is now a Captain in the Army Air Corps in Reno, Nevada.

They have one eight year old son, named LeRoy, and have a nice home in Reno.

Richard Bigelow, the youngest son of Percival and Margaret, made music his major study until he was through High School. He played the piano beautifully.

He still loves his music, but he took up the study of Medicine at the University of Utah. He finished his studies in Medicine in New York.

He is now House-Doctor in the General Hospital in Salt Lake City.

He married Suzzette Fish, and they now have a baby boy, named Sean Stephen Bigelow, who is their pride and joy.

Sister Lottie was a warm-hearted girl, with a happy disposition. She married young and was the mother of nine children. She buried three baby boys. Her first babies were twins. The boy lived only a few hours, but the girl lived and was named Emma.

Leslie was a year old and Nathan was about the same when they died. It was sad time for Sister Lottie.

The names of the others are: Donald and Pirce, Mary Alice, Frank and Margaret Walters.

They all married and have families, except Frank.

Mary Alice married Carl Smith. They have one son and two daughters and a nice home in Pocatello.

Margaret married Roy Barton. They built a new home in Greenville, Utah. There are three boys and a girl by a former marriage -- Robert, Kenneth, Richard and Peggy Daun. They all take an active part in the church. Margaret did her mother's Temple work in the St. George Temple, 23rd April, 1952.

Lottie died in April 13, 1951, at her daughter's home, (Mary Alice).

Margaret is President of the Primary in Greenville; she says she loves church work. She has had many wonderful experiences since she joined the Church and knows of assuredly of the Divinity of it.

Donald Walters is an Elder in the L.D.S. Church. He and family take an active part also.

Here is a poem of Sister Lottie's:

Would you go around the puddles
Of poverty and strife?
And build for yourself a clear road
In the battle-field of Life?

The clear road and the broad road
Was strewn with gold and gain.
But it lead you to a dark lake,
To where you must ever remain.

O, no! I will choose the puddles,
And go through them with a smile,
For Jesus our blessed Savior
Gained by His earthly trials.

Lottie says, "These encouraging words were dictated to me by an unseen Angel. I only wrote them down. They were a comfort to me at that time."

Pirce Walters was accidentally shot and killed on a hunting trip, leaving a wife and two sons.

This was given to sister Lottie in answer to her prayer, "Prepare thy heart for me,

And I will prepare thy food for thee."

Before brother Leslie was born, Mother visited Aunt Lucy Bigelow Young, who did Temple work and lived by her faith.

She gave Mother a blessing, that the baby she was expecting would be a comfort to her, especially in her later years.

That blessing came true, Mother said, Leslie always remembered to do nice things for her. She said he never forgot to bring something different and good to eat -- something to tempt her appetite. He was a comfort and a companion to her after the older ones were married and moved away.

He is now a grandfather, but he never forgets to take flowers to his mother's grave way up in Wallsburg.

He married Nora Davis. They had three lovely daughters: Katherine, the oldest, married and has several children; Rowena married Robert B. Wilson, and they live across the street from Leslie and Nora, in Spanish Fork, and have three lovely boys, that make life interesting for their grandparents.

Mary Ellen the younger daughter, was her daddy's pal. She was also a religious girl, and was married in the Temple. Soon after, her husband had to go to war. She came to California with him where he was in training. She got a position as stenographer. After he was sent over seas, she went home for Christmas.

Later, on her way to California, she took a cold. The Doctor gave her the sulfa drug and in twenty-four hours she was dead. It was a terrible shock to everyone, especially to her father. It made him sick for weeks.

My Sister Dora

Sister Dora was very capable and ambitious. As a girl, she was full of fun, and rather sensitive about some things.

She was engaged to marry Will Lamb, who had gone to Raymond, Alberta) Canada to make a wedding stake. Later he sent for her (that was about 1899).

As we were seeing her off on the train, she said, "Oh, yes, I want to tell you all one more thing: If any of you ever write and kid me about little Lambs, I will not answer your letters."

We never did, for she was serious; but we all had a good laugh, later on.

Dora and Will had a nice family -- two sons and five daughters.

Floyd lamb went to sea. He never married.

Katherine came to Salt Lake City and took a nurses course at the L.D.S. Hospital,. When she finished, she married Dewey Ernshaw. They have a daughter taking special studies in New York, and a son at home going to High School.

Norma Lamb married W. L. Minshull. They had five sons. He died and she is raising the family alone.

Dean Lamb married and has a family.

Inez Lamb married J. O. Hicken, who is now councilor in the Stake Presidency. Their oldest son Kenneth is home from a mission in Germany. He did some out-standing work in the mission field there so Ruth writes me. Their second son, Jack Hicken is also on a mission for the Church -- in South Africa.

Leila Lamb married Roy Finley. They have a nice family.

Marie Lamb married Grant Smith, who is now President of the South Western States Mission.

They also have a family.

Dora and Will took an active part in the Church at Raymond. Dora was in the Relief Society work for years. She died after a long illness from cancer in 1934, leaving a sad, lonesome husband and her seven grown children to mourn her death.

Will married some years later, a fine widow lady, who said at his death, she had never had a cross word from him in their twenty years of married life. He died in 1955.

Will was counselor in the Bishopric for years, and Mr. Lee Brewerton, who spoke at Will's funeral, said he was one of the finest men he ever knew and that he was always ready to help the unfortunate and contributed to every good cause, along with paying his tithing and fast offering.

Dora and Will both set a fine example for their family to follow.

Sister Theresa married Parley Black, on his return from a mission for the church. They had a daughter named Louise.

When Louise was eight years old, Theresa was operated on for cancer of the breast. A year later it broke out under her arm, but she continued to do her house work and church work.

She was President of the Relief Society (in Arco, Idaho) at the time of her death --- three years from the time of her operation.

She took to her bed about a week before she died.

Theresa's first councilor, Mary, came to help and take care of her. (Mary's husband had been Bishop, and had died recently, leaving her and one young adopted son.)

Theresa's dying wish to Mary and Parley was that they would go immediately after she passed on and be married to each other and comfort each other and raise the two children. So they did, and they also had children of their own.

Parley prospered and they moved to a nice home in Logan close to the Temple.

Parley has been a Temple worker for years. They now have many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Louise, their only daughter, married a fine man, Emery Mitton, of Ogden. Their first daughter was named Theresa. They had twin boys, Parley and Emery.

Parley married at nineteen and has a baby boy born April 2, 1947.

Theresa Mitton graduated from Weber college April 2, 1920, majoring in music, and was given a Piano Recital by her music teacher, Fredric Dixon. She has also taken Special Studies at the BYU at Provo. She filled a Mission for the Church and is now teaching school in Idaho.

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How Father was Healed of a Rattlesnake Bite

When the Mormon Pioneers were on their way to Utah, a Mormon scout rode back to the emigration wagons and told the young people where they could find ripe choke cherries up a deep ravine.

Taking buckets the young folks happily hurried up the ravine after the cherries, singing as they went. Curly headed little eight year old Daniel Bigelow running along with his pail came following, but as he trudged up the ravine he heard that most terrifying sound of a rattlesnake. He looked quickly to see which way to jump, but in that instant the snake struck him just below the knee.

The poor little fellow had heard how poisonous the, rattlesnake bite is so he was very frightened. He then called to his older brother, who came running back, and saw the drop of blood where the snake had struck him.

He took Daniel back to tell their mother, who with the others did all in their power for him. But the poison had already gotten into his blood, and soon he was a very sick little boy. He with the others thought that he was going to die.

He saw his poor mother wipe away her tears as she saw and realized he was getting weaker. It was then he told her he wanted to be baptized before he died. She then called the elders and told them of Daniels dying request. The elders came and carried him to the river and baptized him.

From that day on he grew better until he was well and strong again, which strengthened his faith while he was young. All the people knew a miracle had taken place in their midst. That their prayers had been answered and so they gave thanks to their God.

Father told us this Pioneer experience of his when we were young children, and I never forgot it. Now I am leaving a writing of it for my children and grandchildren.

It is only another of the many such happenings to strengthen the Pioneers' faith in their Creator God, and help them to know they must keep his commandments, or else there would not have been a L.D.S. Church. But it was and is God's work and God's will; and will carry on and on --- and joy and peace will be in the hearts of all those, His helpers.

Mary Bigelow Edwards

Father, Daniel Bigelow, married his first wife, Permelia Mecham, on the 23rd of July 1865. Father was 23 and Permelia was 33 years of age. They had a family of five children and buried their two younger children.

The three older ones were in their teens when her husband, Daniel, asked her consent to marry a second wife. Polygamy was practiced in those days, so, she gave her consent even though she was not happy about it. She was a good wife, loved her husband and children dearly to the end of her days.

Don, their son, married Annie Boren and had a large family. They are all married and have families. I was in Provo at the time of Don's death in 1954. There was a big funeral and the speakers told of his good, busy life, of his missions for the church and Temple work for the dead. He was 87 at the time of his death.

Emily, their daughter, married Mark Batty. They lived in Vernal and also had a large family. Emily's son, Paul, filled a mission for the Church. She was Relief Society President for years and died in 1952 at the age of 83 years.

Polly, their second daughter was a beautiful girl and full of fun. She married Frank Allred, a handsome fellow and a farmer. He played the guitar in the orchestra for the town dances. He and Polly were a happy pair and had a nice family of four daughters and five sons. They lived in Wallsburg where Frank died in 1918, leaving Polly broken hearted and to finish raising their large family alone. All of their children to date are married and have families of their own, with the exception of one, a tall handsome prince of a fellow, who is taking good care of his mother, now 86 years old.

Polly buried her daughter, Tressa, who was thrown from her horse and killed. She said what a shock it was to her, but was trying to accept it as God's will. They buried two other married daughters also, years ago, named May and Bessy. Tressa leaves a husband and two grown daughters, Maxine and Lamor, who both attended the B.Y.U. at Provo, where they met the young men they later married. They also took an active part in Church work, like their mother Tressa, who worked in the Sunday School, Primary, Mutual and was also Relief Society President.

Orel, is a constant worker in the Church and has filled a full time Stake Mission in Sacramento Stake and a six months Stake Mission in Salt Lake. She has been President of Relief Society two different times and is now serving in that capacity. She has been President of Primary and was head of the Junior Seminary in 1943, chorister of the Singing Mothers for years in the Ward and Stake, chorister for Mutual .and later President of the Mutual. She has worked consistently in the Church since she was 12 years of age. The only time she took off, was to have her five babies and says she is so thankful to the Lord for these opportunities to serve and that she has been blessed all her life.

Her second son, Ed, was on a Mission in Indiana when she wrote this letter in 1955. He served two years in the Korean War, was the Chaplin's assistant for fifteen months, and has been organist in different organizations for years. He attended the B.Y.U. and is now serving in the Mission home at Ft. Wayne.

Orel's oldest son, Johnny, served in World War II and in the Korean War as first and second Lieutenant. At present he is at the L.D.S. Business College and is also dance instructor at Arthur Murrays.

Her oldest daughter, Doris, is organist for her own Ward, also, second counselor in Primary. She has four children. Marilyn, her second daughter has four children and is a counselor in the Primary and is also with the Singing Mothers. Marilyn's younger daughter, Jane, was a student at the B.Y.U. and was chosen first attendant to the home coming queen, Miss Barbara Benson. Jane has lovely soprano voice which she exercises in public.

Polly's son, Dan Tree, is Superintendent of Valley Center First Ward of Mill Creek Stake. His wife Lois is Ward director of Relief Society. Polly's son, George, is Counselor in the Bishopric of the Cottonwood Fourth Ward and his wife Thelma is Primary President.

Orel Greening and husband are Temple Workers.

Since writing the short story of Sister Polly B. Allred, she has passed to the great beyond, without pain or distress, March 30, 1957. Her five sons, Frank, Dan Tree, George, Reed and James Wynn and daughter Orel Greening, were at her funeral held in Wallsburg, L. D. S. Ward Chapel. She was born February 18, 1871 at Wallsburg, daughter of Permelia and Daniel Bigelow and was a member of the L.D.S. Church, serving in various auxiliaries. On November 3, 1893, she married Frank H. Allred, who died April 19, 1919. She had also buried three married daughters, May, Bessy and Theresa. Polly had twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren at her death.

Father married his third wife, Clara Ostensen, May 9, 1887. She was working for Aunt Lucy Bigelow Young, father's sister, who was responsible for their marriage. Clara was 23 years of age and father 44. Aunt Lucy talked to Clara about the marriage and got her consent to speak to father about it. Then she invited father to her home in Salt Lake City to meet Clara. Later she helped arrange for the marriage to take place without the knowledge or consent of his other two wives, which was not in keeping with the Church rules and regulations. Father soon began to lose his close touch with the Church and it turned out that it was never a happy marriage.

They had a family of three daughters and five sons. Lafey, the oldest son, joined the Navy and made a good record for two years. Then he was taken ill and died. The Navy buried him with honors in his home town. Lucy, the next in age, married Lewis Fausett and had a nice family. Harold died in babyhood. Carry and Phillip also died in their youth. Ada married a Heber City boy, J. F. Sorenson. They came to California to live arid raised a fine family. Dewey Bigelow married Susie Wall and lived in Wallsburg, where they raised a nice large family.

Dewey was appointed Bishop there, September 3, 1943, and served in this capacity for five years. On October 18, 1948, he and one of his sons were hunting deer. Dewey dropped his gun and it went off, killing him instantly. It was a shock to all the towns-people, especially to all his family. He was loved by everyone and always had a special interest in all young people. One of his sayings was; "It makes me feel good, just to be good."

Elzie Bigelow, the youngest son, married a Salt Lake City girl, who is a worker in the Temple. Sometime after their marriage they filled a Stake Mission and later were called on a mission to New Zealand (about 1948.) After they came home they were made home missionaries of the Stake. La Rie, his wife, went back to her position in the Temple. They are both good Church workers.

In the Second World War, Lucy's son, John, was on a destroyer, the U. S. S. Hazelwood. It had a most dangerous mission to perform and just before the war ended, it was hit by a Jap suicide plane and damaged so badly it could not go out again. One hundred men that were on it were killed and John not even so much as was hurt. He said they were six weeks getting the dead bodies off the ship after which they gave the boys six weeks leave. John couldn't find six hundred dollars he had saved, but felt lucky to get off with his life. Then about two months later, his Captain sent all his money to him, which made him very happy. Lucy's son, Leonard, was lucky for he never left New York. He was stationed on Long Island all the time and said every time his name came up to be sent over, his boss would say, "We can't spare Leonard, he is the main one who understands his work here." Lucy' s son, Carl, was exempt because he was a fireman on the trains.

Clara Ostensen Bigelow's parents, who joined the Church and came to America in 1860, met on the ship and fell in love, at which time President Snow married them right there on the ship. Their first baby was born on the Platte River and when the baby was three days old, the young mother washed baby clothes in the Platte River. They were both converts from Norway. Clara is with her parents and some of her children and many dear ones who are in the Heavenly home where love and peace abide.

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Sister Lucy Bigelow Fausett's True Story

Christmas Story of December 25, 1951, Salt Lake City, Utah.

We had an outstanding Christmas, one we will always remember with reverence and gratitude to the Dear Lord. We all stayed home and listened to Radio Christmas stories, about our Savior. Everything was so peaceful. In the evening Elzie and La Rie came and brought a snapshot for us to see. It was only a few black marks with a white background. That's all you could see of the picture, but La Rie said there was a face there if you can be inspired to see it. But said, one must be inspired to see it.

The story is, some young people were out celebrating, when one girl used some terrible language; then one of them said, "Aren't you afraid to talk like that?" and said, "What would you do if Jesus stood there? " The girl said, "I would take His picture, and she snapped her camera. When she saw the picture later, she fainted. La Rie had seen the face on the picture before. We were all looking at it. I was hoping I could see it. Then all at once it just seemed to stand out so plain. I can't explain the heavenly feeling that went all through me, "I said, I can see it." La Rie said, "Yes, I can see by the expression on your face." The tears rolled down my face. La Rie said, it did the same to her when she saw it. It sounds like an absurd story, but the feeling that comes with seeing the Face, is enough to convince one of the truth of the story. Then one by one saw the face, till we all saw it. It was the face of our Savior. It was a lovely Christmas, never to be forgotten, we were all in the mood for it. La Rie works in the Temple, helping people with their work. Jesus knows more about what we think and do than we realize.

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A MIRACULOUS HAPPENING

It was the fourth of July, 1919, Morgan and I with our five lovely children and a basket of lunch, were on our way to the play grounds over and down a hill by the Ogden River. We took a trail that wound around the hill. It was very steep. Daddy had the lunch basket and I had Josephine's hand. I had some coats and pads to sit on. Daddy, Ralph and I had turned the bend of the hill and were at the bottom, looking back up the hill at Rosalie and Rhoda, who were coming down very slowly. They both had new patent leather slippers on which made their little sleep slip on the gravel and rocks. Dear little Rhoda said, "I can't come any further. My feet are slipping."

Her daddy called back, "O, of course you can. Rosalie is coming. Come on.

She stood still for a minute or so and then said, "Well, here I come.

But her little feet slipped so much that it started her to running. She was running so fast, she could not make the turn of the hill, but pitched head first down, like she was shot out of a gun, straight down to where we were standing. She passed a big tree--it looked like she was going to hit it head on--and then she passed us and struck on a deep soft ditch bank covered with grass. She had her head high and struck her chest. It scratched her chin and cut the inside of her lower lip on her tooth.

We were so thankful she was not killed, as it looked like she would be.

As we picked her up and found she was still alive and not too badly hurt, I said, "O, how did she miss that big tree. She could have been killed or injured for life."

Ralph, who was 8 years old, answered, "Well, Mama, didn't we ask the guardian angels to take care of us in our family prayers this morning?" (O, the faith of children--why can't it stay with us always.)

I wish I could take Ralph back with me some day and look up at that hill and renew his faith.

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SAYINGS OF PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG

Mother told me many times that my Father said to her: "That he loved the Prophet Joseph Prophet Joseph better than his life--that he loved him far beyond the love of women, that he would give his life for the Prophet Joseph at would have helped the Prophet."

Mabel Young Sanborn, daughter of
President Brigham Young and
Lucy Bigelow Young
Born in the "Lion House"
22nd of February, 1863
Salt Lake City, Utah

In May of 1950 cousin Mable Young Sanborn in her 85th year and the last living one of Brigham Young's children, took an airplane from Salt Lake City Washington, D. C. to unveil her father, Brigham Young's monument in the Hall Fame, as the, great colonizer.

The following December she passed to the great beyond. Her funeral was held in the tabernacle. Relatives and friends came from near and far. High tribute was paid to her. She was the mother of four sons and one daughter also had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Two of her sons filled foreign missions. Daniel in England and Joseph, in Germany. Her youngest son, Joseph, held an executive position in the last World War. She also lost a grandson in that war. Robert McCallister, who was a flyer, was shot down in the Pacific Ocean while in action. He was a son of Daniel McCallister.

Cousin Mable was a worker in genealogy for 40 years and was in the genealogy building for many years helping people with their work. I lived with her when I was young, as her baby tender. She was like another mother to me, I loved her dearly.

Morgan Edwards and family moved from Salt Lake City to Hermosa Beach, California in 1922. There the five children finished the ninth grade and went to Redondo High School.

The children loved the beach and the swimming.

Ralph went to sea when he was only fifteen and worked up and studied until he made Second Engineer rating. He was 25 years old. Soon after, he met a pretty young girl in Oakland. He married in 1935. They now have two sons. Merritt, the oldest, is attending the University at Berkeley. His ambition is to teach history.

Morgan, the younger son, is in the seventh grade. He is also ambitious. Ralph has a nice home in Oakland.

In 1945, the last war, Ralph was Second Engineer of a ship that was carrying high octane gasoline, also other high explosives. If they received an S.O.S. call, they quickly moved as far away from it all as they could. It might have been a Japanese trap. One shot from the enemy would have set off the explosives on their ship and sent them all to kingdom come.

Rhoda Edwards married Furman Myers when she was only seventeen and Furman only twenty. His mother and I had to go with them to sign their marriage license.

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The Bigelow Genealogy

The Bigelow Genealogy has been traced back to England, to the 16th Century. Cousin Busy Young Gates, who was a great worker in Genealogy, has traced it back.

We have the record of John Bigelow and Mary Waren's marriage, in Wattertown, Mass. of 1671.

My grandfather Nahum Bigelow, born February 9, 1785, in Vermont; his wife, grand mother Mary Gibbs Bigelow, was born in New York, 1809. They were wed December.12, 1826 in Lawrenceville, Illinois.

Their first child, Mary Jane Bigelow, was born 1827. Hyrum B. 1829, Lucy B. 1830, Asa B. 1832, Lavinia B. 1834, Liola B. 1836, who died in childhood, Saria B. 1838, Moroni B. 1840, my father Daniel B. 1842. The last baby was born July 4, 1844, a week after the Prophet Joseph Smith was murdered.

They named the baby Joseph Smith Bigelow.

In grandmother's history, she writes he was a perfect beautiful baby, but only lived nine months when he was taken in. Grandmother was also very in with chills and fever. She prayed that she and the baby would get well. She was told by that still small voice that she would get well, but the baby was in the hands of the Lord, which was her only comfort when the baby died.

In 1838, L. D. S. Elders brought the Gospel to my Bigelow grandparents, at that time they were Baptists. But as the gospel was explained to them, how it was revealed to that young farmer boy who went out in the woods to pray to know which of all churches was right, that he wanted to join the right one, and of that first great vision, and of the many others, of how to organize the church. My grand-parents were converted to the truth of the Gospel and moved to Nauvoo in the fall of 1839 and went through the trouble with the saints there, until they were all driven out in 1846. It's a great history of all the hardships they went through and also the crossing of the plains of a thousand miles. God was surely helping them, or they would have died. It is a wonderful history to read. I know, for I have read it and how the church has grown through the years and is still growing.

Grandmother writes of her grandfather Benjamin Gibbs, who would be my great grandfather, who was in the Revolutionary War.

The Bigelows came to Utah in the William Snow's Company in 1850. Grandfather died in 1851, and grandmother died in 1888. At that time she was living with her daughter Lucy Bigelow Young, wife of Brigham Young. Her youngest daughter was Mabel Young Sanborn, whom I went to live with in Salt Lake City when I was young, as her baby tender. She was like another mother to me. Aunt Lucy was living there for a short time, so I came to know and love her also. Aunt Lucy went to Germany with her granddaughter, Emma Lucy Gates, who went there to study music at that time.

Here is a little Genealogy of the Bigelow family that came to Utah in 1850.

Mary Jane married John Cook. They had two sons and she died a few years later. Hyrum Bigelow married Martha Mecham. They had twelve children. They made their home in Arizona.

Lucy Bigelow married Brigham Young. They had three daughters.

Asa Bigelow married Elvira Mecham. They had a rather large family. I do not know how many, and made their home in Provo City.

Levinia married Brig Witt, and had a large family. They made their Heber City.

I have written of Uncle Moroni, being lost at sea.

Saria died of childbirth. She married a man by the name of Cooke

I have written of my father Daniel Bigelow.

The Mission Inn, Riverside, Cal.

January 2, 1931

Our Dear Mother Mary:

Just a line to tell you just how happy us two kids are. The Inn here is just Heaven, that has been misplaced. We are enjoying it to the fullest extent. Our room is beautiful; the meals are wonderful; and we are walking around on the clouds; except once when going down stairs Rhoda stumbled. But all in all it's just Love.

Rhoda and Furman

(Rhoda wrote at the bottom of his note.)

"I did not stumble, Furman just pushed me. You know how he is (huh?)

It started raining last night. When it rains in Riverside it pours. See you all soon.

Love Rhoda

Furman was a lieutenant in the Sea Bee's, in the last World War. While he was stationed out on the Island of Tinnean, in the Pacific Ocean, Sunday morning, when the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle Choir came on the air, Furman would call the men to listen. It was a great treat to those men at that time.

Furman is business manager for a large architectural company in Los Angeles.

They have a nice home with a large heated swimming pool, in Tarzana, San Fernando Valley.

They have two nice little girls -- Carol, eight years old, and Gail, six years old.

Rosalie married Hyrum McFarland, June 9, 1932. They have a nice family of three children: Joan, born November.17, 1933, Barbara born April 14, 1935, and Steven born August 15, 1941.

Joan married David Eugene Bohannon, Feb. 7, 1953. They have two children:

David Dewey born July 8, 1954 and a beautiful baby girl Lisa Cherie born October 9, 1955.

Barbara married Leonard Ross Fosty, May 23, 1954. They have a lovely baby girl, Cheryl Ann, born Sept., 1955.

Steven is a grand fishing pal for his Dad and the best boy a mother ever had, so says Rosalie.

Hyrum and Rosalie have a successful Grocery and Meat Market in Menlo Park, also, a nice new home there.

Both Rosalie's and her brother Ralph's children have been blessed and named, and baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, by good men holding the high Priesthood, which is on record in Salt Lake City, for time and all eternity.

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PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF BRIGHAM YOUNG

by His Daughter
Mabel Y. Sanborn

Much has been written about the greatness of Brigham Young as a leader, a Statesman and an Empire Builder. I wish to present him in a more domestic light, and it is this side of his life of which I wish to give a glimpse The Picture that comes most vividly to my mind is the time of Evening Prayer. Imagine a large room- - much longer than wide, a heavy velvet carpet, a large hand carved mahogany sofa at one side, gilt framed mirrors and built-in wall cabinets, a large square piano at one end of the room and embrasured windows- -the entire room taking on the soft mellow tones of the dark red wood. Seated at a large circular table in the center of the room is our beloved father. Calm, majestic, his eyes and smile beam with loving watchful care over us all - his wives and children who are grouped around the sides of the room, each in his or her own place. Father converses with one and then another, asking about an absent child, or one of the children who had been ill; and then quietly he says, "Let us pray" and we all kneel down and listen to his dear voice as he petitions Our Father in Heaven to bless us all, the members of the Church and His people all over the Earth. After the Prayer, the opportunity was afforded for any of the family who wished, to consult father upon matters of interest and importance to themselves. The older members of the family would often stand about and visit awhile, the young folks hurrying away to the Theatre, where each one of us had our own particular place. A certain part of the Auditorium was set apart for father' B family and another part for the families of the Apostles and other prominent men. The performance always started at a very early hour, so that people could have plenty of sleep and be prepared for the labors of the next day. The beautiful old Theater! Planned and built by father in 1862, the year before I was born; where all the great actors and actresses of the day were proud to perform for Brigham Young and the splendid band of Pioneers who came from the New England States to settle in the tops of the Rocky Mountains.

Father fostered the best in Literature, art and drama, for his family and for the people. We were brought up on Shakespeare. The rule of the Theatre was for some celebrated actor to come out here for the season and be supported by a splendid local company some members of which bad received training in London, England, before joining the Mormon Church and coming to Utah. David MacKenzie, the tragedian, John C. Graham, James Ferguson, James Hardie, John S. Lindsay and our wonderful comedian Phil Margetts were all fine actors and acknowledged as such by C. W. Couldock; Julia Dean Hayne, T. A. Lyon and many others who played a stock season here in the early days. Edwin Booth, Layrence Barrett, John McCullough, Salvini, Janishack, all trod the boards of the Theatre and declared it to be perfect as to acoustics, comparing favorably with the largest and best in the East and most surprising to find out here so far away from civilization. I remember hearing my mother tell of an incident during a short engagement here of Lucile Western. She put on the play of Oliver Twist. When it came to the celebrated scene where Bill Sykes murders Nancy - dragging her around by her long hair, several women fainted - father ordered the play taken off and something less gruesome substituted.

I was the last one of father's children born in the Lion House, the two children younger than myself being born elsewhere) therefore my personal recollections are of a time when peace and plenty reigned. I have heard my dear mother tell of some of the hardships they encountered in the earliest days. There were no luxuries then, each had to do his or her share towards the good of all. My mother was married to my father just as he was leaving to pioneer the way to the "Valleys of the Mountains", and she did not see him in for nearly two years. She went up to St. Louis with my grandmother - and they worked there as maids in private households, until father sent word that he had arranged for mother to come West with a party of Saints, and with a family by the name of McMullen. Mother, who was then aged eighteen, drove the horse team, cooked for the family, took care of a number of children and nursed Mrs. McMullen, who gave birth to a child on the way. Mr. McMullen drove the ox-team which pulled their household goods and other freight.

Father's birthday, June 1st. His last birthday but one was spent at St. George, where my mother had her home, it was fittingly celebrated by various ceremonies, and on his arrival home, early in the afternoon, five little girls and myself dressed in our best white dresses stood waiting and ready; three on either side of the path leading from the gate to the house, with baskets of flowers which we strewed before him and singing in our childish voices a little song the words of which had been composed for the occasion by Sister Randall, a dear old lady friend of mine:

To President Brigham Young
All hail our noble chieftain
Loved prophet of our God
When men did seek to slay thee
Faithful to God you stood.

Chorus:

Hail! al hail to Brigham Young
Oh Lord preserve his life
to guide Thy faithful saints in peace
While sinners dwell in strife

Oh may you live still many years
God's purpose to fulfill
And give to us the right to be'
Saviors on Zion's Hill.

A simple little song and a simple little ceremony thought up by a child, but it touched my father's heart, and there were tears in his eyes as he patted my head and thanked us for our offering, before he passed into the house.

One other recollection of my revered father that comes often to my mind, concerns the Temple at St. George. He lived to see the completion of that Temple in January 1877 and how beautiful it looked - all heavenly white against the bright red sandstone hills. I was fourteen that year, but old enough to see and know of father's deep and abiding interest in temples and temple work - and his joy and gratification at the completion of the St. George Temple. He gave great attention to the perfection of every detail of the building and its furnishings and drew a plan of the lower floor The great bronze font supported by twelve life-sized oxen, which cost upwards of $7000.00 was a personal gift from him.

In August, 1877 he was lying ill, and all the church was in mourning. How we all fasted and prayed, but his time had come. His Father called him Home. If the sky had fallen, if the world had come to an end, we could not have been more stunned. I remember the hurried preparation of departure of Apostle Wilford Woodruff, my mother and myself from St. George. The trip had required a week, always before sometimes two. We were three days and nights. telegraphing ahead for relays of horses and drivers, sleeping as we could- -Pres. Woodruff sitting on the seat of a buckboard. Most of the way Bro. Woodruff sat on mother's round top trunk which was roped to the back of the buckboard- -Mother wanted to sit back there, or have me occupy that unstable and jolting seat, but Bro. Woodruff would not permit us to. He was seventy years old, but he insisted that Mother and I should sit on the front seat with the driver--while he slid around and bounced up and down on that terrible old trunk--hanging on to the binding ropes so that he would not be shaken off. And O, the roads were rough and rocky, and we had to travel so fast. It was all he could do to keep on the trunk at all. But arriving here just two hours before the funeral was to take place. Oh, how solemn and impressive was the simple service. No pomp nor ceremony. Singing by the Choir led by Bro. George Careless, accompanied on our wonderful organ by Joseph J. Daynes. Thousands upon thousands of the saints, their eyes and hearts full of grief, crowding to the very doors of the tabernacle, and filling the grounds. Addresses by the Apostles and others, and then the slow solemn march to the private family cemetery, three blocks away, bands and muffled drums playing the requiem of their departed Leader and Prophet. Father left explicit instructions to how he wished his funeral and burial to be conducted. Plain pine coffin, not painted, only varnished to show the grain of the wood; no embellishments whatever, the name-plate and handles to be without ornament. The interment was completed while we stood and gazed - spellbound. An oblong granite slab had already been lowered to the bottom of the grave, which was not the traditional six feet deep-four additional slabs had been placed upon the bottom slab, one at each end and two on the sides forming a granite box large enough to hold the coffin. The edge of these stones had all been firmly cemented together. When the funeral cortege arrived at the grave, a prayer was said, dedicating the grave - then the coffin was lowered into the granite box. The masons were there with their trowels, and cement. The top edges of four slabs which formed the sides of the box were coated with cement, and the top slab the size and shape of the one at the bottom, was lowered upon these edges, making thus an air-tight box. The masons went around the edges again with their trowels and cement to make sure that ever possible leak was closed, and than another prayer was said to dedicate the tomb to stand until the last Judgement Day so that no evil power could molest or interfere in any way with the last resting place on Earth of Brigham Young. This is the tomb as we see it today surrounded by an iron fence to protect it from vandals. It was the express wish of my father that no monument be erected at or near his grave, this was made very emphatic in the codicil of burial instructions attached to his last will and testament. And none of his family were to wear mourning.

Brigham Young needs no monument in stone. His deeds were monument enough.

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A Short History and Background of My Father
JOSEPH MORGAN EDWARDS

My Great Grandmother Edwards was converted to the Latter-Day Saints Church in Wales. She was a widow with three small boys and a daughter. She came to Utah in the early 1860' s and settled in Paragonah. My Grandfather was the youngest of the boys. His name was David Edwards and be was three years old at that time. He grew up in Paragonah, married Eliza Barton and they had eight children. The second eldest being my Father, Joseph Morgan, born November 13, 1884.

My Father grew up on a farm going to college at Cedar City with his older brother Barton. It was during Dad's second year that his Father was called on a Mission to go to Wales. Grandfather sold all of his sheep and his farm and moved his family to Provo, where Grandmother opened a boarding house. Since Grandfather took all of the money from the sheep and the farm to maintain himself on a mission for two and a half years, there was no other way to support a family and send the children to college. It was at the B. Y. U. (then called the Academy) that my Mother and Father first met.

[Written by Josephine, from paragraph below.]

Dad and Mother were married June 16th, 1910 in Seattle, Washington, where Dad was on the Police force. They had five children. My older brother, Ralph. My two sisters who are twins, Rhoda and Rosalie. I was the fourth child and my youngest brother Craig the last.

My parents moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, when Ralph was a baby. In the Fall of 1922 Dad and Mother moved to California. We children remember the trip to California as one filled with adventure and fun. We lived at Hermosa Beach, going to elementary school there, and High School at Redondo Beach. Dad got a job with the police force. We attended church at Redondo where a Branch had just been organized.

Dad died when he was fifty-six years old on July 3rd, 1941. He had been ill with heart trouble and rheumatism for years. The funeral service was a lovely one. The two who spoke were Dad's old friend, Joseph Randall from the Redondo Beach Branch, and Garrett Barlow a close friend of Craig's. Carl Hawkes sang "O My Father" a favorite of Dad's. Dad was laid to rest in the Inglewood Cemetery.

 

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