Since we lived in Oklahoma City for three years, we often visited downtown with visitors and on our own. I was not far from the Memorial at work. The bankruptcy court is only a block away and also received damage. I deeply feel what occurred that day.
“The Bishop of the Ward wanted George to talk in Church and tell of his coming across the plains, but George said he just could not speak in public so his wife’s brother-in-law, George Wood, who was a lawyer, came to his home and took his story down in short hand as George told the story to him. Then they had it read in a reunion. It was as follows:
“In the year of [1856], I with mother left our native land England, with about 600 others for our America “The Zion of Our God,” on the good ship “Horizon,” spending five weeks in our voyage to Boston. Where we took passage on a steamboat to Iowa. Awaiting there for three weeks for our hand-carts to be made that were to carry our “all” across the vast stretch of the plains to Utah. Each family supplying themselves with the necessary food for their journey if they were well. At Iowa City, where we were camped, a gentleman told me that we would starve to death if we went there at this season. One of our people and his family decided to stay over. I became tempted to do likewise and upon telling my mother that we better stay she became much depressed in spirit and told me to wait a little while. During the time she prayed to Our Heavenly Father for guidance. One fellow traveler, after deciding to stay, sent out one day in the woods to hunt for game, and while away was seized with fever and ague. He hurried home and upon entering the tent where mother I were awaiting him, he laid upon the cot and commenced singing in poetry and rhyme, telling mother to take me with her to the valley and that we should get through alright. Mother told me she had made it a matter of prayer and by this means her prayers were answered. I told her then that we would go to the valley at all hazards because I was satisfied all would be well.
“Upon the company starting we were in line with our cart and ready. All went well as we joyously sang, “For some must push and some must pull as we go marching up the hill. As merrily on the way we go, until we reach the valley, Oh!” As days wore on, our spirits lagged as we became weary. Some of our people became sick and were compelled to ride, thus compelling others to be more heavily loaded. Provisions commencing to get scarce as the days wore on, necessitating our captain to put us on shorter rations. Many dying by the wayside where they were buried each night where we camped and their graves were left unmarked except by our tears. At this season and at this part of the plains it commenced getting cold, and were again placed on shorter rations of 4 ounces of flour to each person per day. We traveled to the Sweet Waters River where we camped, being so weak and exhausted that it was almost impossible to move. Many of our people while there died of starvations while others froze to death by the wayside.
“A man from London by the name of Stone, while trying to get to an Indian camp was devoured by wolves; when found by some of our camp, nothing was left of him but his legs inside his boots.
“Receivers were sent out from the Valley to assist us in and could not find us, thinking we were lost on the plains the rescue party concluded to return to the Valley. But one of their number stated that he would go to the States but what he would find us. About noon a horseman was seen coming into our camp, and he looked like an angel to us poor starving emigrants who had eaten nothing but flour for three days. With words of encouragement he entreated us to make another start. But, many, while their will was good, their strength failed them and they dropped and froze to death by the way.
“The relief party returned and met us and assisted us with some provisions. But scores of our brethren and sisters died and were left in unmarked graves by the wayside. At this time I was permitted to sleep in a tent with two of my companions. Each of them dying by my side where I slept by them ’till morning when they were taken away and buried.” In a later trip across the plains to assist the emigrants at one of our camps I saw many of the bones of my companions that had been dug up by the wolves. At the time of my companions death I became despondent through weakness that I longed for death and tried to hide myself from the company that I might die, but one of the brethren returning back for something, found me sitting behind the rock where I had hoped to die. He took me along with him for a day before we caught up with the company. I was permitted to sleep in a wagon that night, where I slept with a dead man all night.
“The next day we were permitted to see and enter into the Valley (November 29, my birthday). Although I was too weak to walk, my feet being much swollen I wrapped them in my mother’s shaw until we were taken care of by kind friends who were awaiting us. But brother Slack, our kind friend, would not allow me only a limited amount of bread as he was afraid it would kill me. But after they had gone to meeting I finished up the whole pot pie which had been prepared for the family, and I am alive yet and I have been hungry to this day.”
“President Parkinson of the Hyrum Stake was present at the reunion and when he heard of the hardships, suffering and hunger George went through, he made arrangements with the Church authorities to grant this couple the privilege of receiving their second endowments. After they received theirs, Mary Ann stood proxy for George’s first wife, who received their second endowments of the 28th of July 1910. This is a privilege and blessing that only a few people have had since the Church was organized…. An addendum was added: “One time while visiting in Mapleton at his son Ben’s home, he and my Grandfather—Marshall Franklin Allen—were reminiscing over old times. Grandfather Allen told of one time when “Brother Brigham” had called him to accompany several other young men in going out to meet the Hand Cart Company, to take them some provisions and assist them into the Valley. As he knelt in prayer the evening before going, he said that he told the Lord that it was a foolish thing to do, going out in such weather and with no roads to follow. But while he was still in the act of prayer, it was made known to him that he should go. It was also made known that he would be able to save many of their lives. After search many hours the rescue party became discouraged. Thinking the Hand Cart Company had been lost on the plains, they decided to return to the Valley. Grandfather said, “I told them I would go ’til I reached the States but what I would find them” About noon they found a group of handcarts with their poor, starving people. Thinking there may be more farther back, he rode on for some distance. He saw a dark spot among some rocks. Upon investigating, he found it to be a young man. He wrapped his blankets around him and helped him onto his horse. Then Grandfather Housley spoke up and said—”The horse had one white leg, a white strip in it’s forehead and the rest of it was coal black.” Grandfather Allen said, “Yes.” Grandfather Housley said, “It was a bright plaid blanket.” Grandfather Allen asked, “How do you know?” Grandfather Housley said, “Because I was the one you found!” Then he stood up and said, “And I want to tell you, if it hadn’t been for the prayers of my mother and the faith of the Saints, I would not have lived ’till you found me and I never would have reached the Valley!”
I thought it would be appropriate to commemorate the 100th birthday of my Grandpa, Wilburn Norwood Jonas. He went by Norwood his whole life, or Nor to those closest.
Grandpa was born 15 May 1924 in Lewiston, Cache, Utah to Lillian Coley and Joseph Nelson Jonas. The fourth child of eight to his parents. He married Colleen Mary Andra 27 September 1946 in Elko, Elko, Nevada. Three children were born to him and Colleen; Douglas in 1952, Sandra in 1954, and Jackie in 1960. He died 14 March 1975 in Burley, Cassia, Idaho and was buried 19 March 1975 in Richmond, Cache, Utah.
I was trying to think of a way to commemorate Grandpa. As linked above, I have written of him before. This week, I went through an old book I have that belong to Norwood’s dad, Joseph. Inside were some newspaper clippings and notes. One linked to Grandpa. I share it to show that research is ongoing and can be found anywhere! Just takes a little luck, heaven’s guidance, and you will stumble on them. I will wrote more on the book and other clippings inside later.
Park School was in Richmond. It was only razed in the past few years. Grandpa went to North Cache High School, although he did not graduate. This clipping also has Irwin written in to it. Which tells me he was missed or it is the wrong Jonas boy that was listed. Although, I do have a class picture of Irwin and Norwood together, so I am not clear if that tips it one way or the other.
“Name Graduates of Park School
“The Richmond Park School commencement exercises will be held in the Benson Stake tabernacle Thursday, at 8 p. m.
“The program follows: Processional; Invocation, Bishop J. M. Godfrey; salutation, Garr Christensen; music, school orchestra; talks, Norma Kaye Funk, Margaret Merrill; music, class; class history, Joyce Larson; presentation of class gift, Oral L. Ballam Jr.; awarding of prizes and the presentation of the class. Principal G. G. Merrill; awarding of certificates, Levi H. Allen; class song, class; adjournment to the community building for dancing; benediction, S. W. Allen.
“The list of graduates are: Ivan Anderson, Oral Ballam, LaMarr Carlson, Archie Carver, Garr Christensen, Don Hansen, Warren Hamp, [Irwin written in, referring to Irwin Jonas], Norwood Jonas, Robert Johnson, Glenn Mortensen, Junior Peterborg, Darrell Smith, Gail Spackman, Alvin Spackman, Allen Spackman, James Scott, Boyd Tripp, Olive Biggs, Dorma Anderson, Joy Erickson, Norma Kaye Funk, Bernice Frandsen, Ruth Hutchison, Nadine Johnson, Eva Kershaw, Virginia Kirstofferson, Elaine Lewis, Anna May Lawrence, Joyce Larson, Margaret Merrill, Dorothy Nielsen, Beth Rich, Afton Sorensen, Lyle Wilding.
Here is the class picture with many of these same names. It also includes Irwin and Norwood. I have written about it previously.
I was trying to find some photos and stumbled upon my Mom’s graduation pamphlet I had scanned a few years ago. Thought maybe it was time to share it, especially where I have seen some of her classmates have passed away recently.
1972 Baccalaureate and Commencement – Burley High School – Burley Idaho
These programs courtesy of the following Public Spirited Business Concerns
Amalgamated Sugar Co.
Burley Processing Co.
Burley Reminder
Cassia National Bank
First Federal Savings & Loan Assn., Burley Branch
First Security Bank
Guys ‘N Dolls
Idaho Bank & Trust Co.
Idaho First National Bank Burley Office
McCaslins
Ponderosa Inn
J. R. Simplot Food Processing Division
South Idaho Press
Class Officers
President Garth Beck
Vice President Bud Hoffbuhr
Secretary Jill Hinz
Executives Peggy Wood, Peggy Larson, Kaye Dawn Larson, Jeananne Gruwell, Jean Graham
Class Adviser Mr. David Peck
Baccalaureate Sunday, May 21, 1972 2:30 P.M.
Mr. Tom Gruwell , Principal, Presiding
Processional High School Band Mike Chesley, Conducting
Welcome Garth Beck Class President
Invocation Bud Hoffbuhr
Special Number Bel Canto Choir Elden Wood, Conducting “Battle Hymn of the Republic”
Address Dr. Walter R. Peterson
Cherubim Song Senior Octet
Benediction Calvin Pearson
Recessional High School Band
Commencement Monday, May 22, 1972 8:00 P.M.
Mr. Tom Gruwell, Principal, Presiding
THEME: “I Dream Dreams that Never Were and I Ask, Why Not” – George Bernard Shaw
Processional – High School Band – Mike Chesley, Conducting
Invocation – Connie Smith
Welcome Address – Garth Beck, Class President
Greetings from Austria – Marianne Koch – Exchange Student
“Man and His World” – Senior Choir
Valedictorian – Julieann Kerbs
Trombone Solo – Doug Nichols
Salutatorian – Edi Lou King
“The Halls of Ivy” – Senior Sextet
Presentation of Diplomas – Mr. Norval Wildman, Mr. Albert Klink, Mr. Dave Peck, Mr. Tom Gruwell
Class Song “Crescent Moon” – Class of ’72 – Gwen Bowen, Conducting
Benediction – Wayne Johnson
Recessional – High School Band
Adams, David Ratelle
Allen, Kathryn Marie
Allred, Anthony Jon
Allred, Howard Lynn
Amen, Joanne Marie
Andersen, Debra
Anderson, Roxanne
Anderson, Jerald DeLayne (1954 – 2017)
Anderson, Jay S
Anderson, Todd Michael (1953 – 1972)
Angus, Joyce Ann
Baker, Cheryl
Baker, Rell Dean
Banner, Marc
Barkdull, Marlene
Bewan, Lynnette
Beard, Patrick Scott
* Beck, Garth Warren (1953 – 2002)
Beck, Reid Belliston
Beckham, George Benjamin
Bedke, Douglas Herman
Bell, Larry W
Bench, Michael R
Berkenmeier, JoAnn
Bishop, Gregory Lynn
Black, Don Reid
Bodily, Ted O (1954 – 2019)
Bowcut, Bruce V
Bowen, Gwen
Bowers, Gloria
Bradshaw, Bill A Jr
Breeding, SHelly Marie
Briggs, Larry
Brill, Russel Dean
Brown, Julieann
Burgi, Lysene (1953 – 2016)
Burton, Arlen Lynn (1954 – 2014)
Call, Milo Jay
Campbell, Debra “Debbie” Kay (1954 – 2019) Johnson
Cargill, Elwin Verl II
Carey, Mirian June
Castillo, Yolanda Hernandez
Christian, Debbie Lynn
Clark, Bradley Hales
Clark, Antone “Tony” Lee (1954 -2015)
Coleman, Rick Lynn
* Crane, RoZann
Cunnington, Gaylene
Darrington, Jerilyn
Davids, Michael Lynn (1953 – 2020)
Davis, Donna Emily
Day, Debra E
Dayley, LaNae
Dayley, Lee K
Delaney, William W
Dille, LuRene
Draney, Rex Leonard (1953 – 2007)
Duncan, Rocky Gale (1954 – 2020)
Dunn, Rodney K
Dunn, Roger
** Eames, Lou Ann
Eldredge, Debbie
Farwell, Albert Michael (1952 – 2023)
Fairchild, Aleta Ann
Fenton, Wayne J
Ferlic, Beth Anne
Ferlic, Robert James
Filger, Thomas W
Fillmore, Louise
Fletcher, William Kent
Forschler, Laura Lynn
Forschler, Melody
Frazier, Lon Mitchell
Frost, Verlynn
Funk, Barbara Elaine
Gallegos, Linda K
Garcia, Don J
Garrard, Vickie Lynn
Goodwin, Irene Cecilia
Goold, Gary
Graf, Becky Ann (1954 – 2011) Moats, Kloer
Grafft, Duane Brian (1953 – 2006)
Graham, Jean
Green, Michael Dan
** Green, Sharon
Gregersen, Denice
Gruwell, Jeananne
Guiles, Randy Andrew (1953 – 2015)
Gunnell, Brent Udell
Hanks, Gary Thomas
** Hansen, Rae
Hansen, Sondra
Harper, Leslie C
Hatch, Karol (1953 – 2004) Kerr
Haycock, Con D
Hazel, Stanley Jarvis (1953 – 2008)
Heiner, Paula Jean
Hepworth, Linda
Hess, Steven Lerlan
Heward, William Alex
Hill, Michael Gordon
Hinz, Jill Marie
Hinz, Kathleen Ann
Hobson, Sheryl
Hoffbuhr, Vernard “Bud” Standley Jr (1954 – 1997)
Holm, Steve D
* Holmes, Thomas J
Holt, Phillip L
Holyoak, Kenneth Reid
Hunt, Timothy Lynn
Hunter, Richard A
Jackson, Kelly Ann
Johnson, Becky A
Johnson, Jack Wesley
Johnson, Mary Beth
Johnson, Wayne Richard (1953 – 2008)
Jolley, Patricia
Jonas, Sandy (1954 – alive)
Jones, Steven
Judd, Rockland K (1953 – 2012)
Karlson, Kerry
Kawamoto, Becky
Keen, George E
Keen, Vickie Rae Funk
Kelly, Pat
** Kerbs, Julieann
Kidd, Cory Vaughn
** King, Edith Louise
King, Gary
Knight, Robin Daniel (1953 – 2014)
Kober, Glen R
Koch, Marianne
Koyle, Garth H
Koyle, Shanna
Kunau, Nancy Rae
* Lamb, DeEsta Marie
Larsen, Brent
* Larsen, Scott William
Larsen, Vickie Esther
Larson, Vickey Irene
Larson, Kaye Dawn (1954 – 2019) Silcock
Larson, Peggy (1954 – 2016) Stirland
Lee, Roxanne
Lopez, Manuel Campbell
Loveland, Cynthia (1954 – 1981)
Loveland, Kevin R (1954 – 2008)
Lynch, Gary D
McBride, Anita Marie
McMurray, Susan Mary
* Mackley, Sally Irene
Mai, Kelly
Malloy, Michael John
Manning, Roger D
Marston, Della Kathleen
Martin, Gregory Max (1954 – 1975)
Martin, Stephanie Lyn
Martin, Stephen William
Maselter, Denise Ann (1954 – 2022) Rollins
Matthews, Ennis Eugene
Merrill, Kaye Ellen
Miller, John Edward
Moore, Debra Lynn (1954 – 2002)
Moorman, David Edgar (1953 – 1997)
Navejar, Oscar
Newcomb, Kathy Lorene (1954 – 2020) Bailey
Nichols, Doulgas Arthur
Nielson, Alice Ann
Nielson, Allan (1954 – 2020)
Obermiller, Cynthia Jean
Olsen, Ricky Ross
Olson, Donna Gaye
Ostrander, Diane Kay
Ostrander, Greg
Osterhout, Rex Dale (1954 – 2017)
Otte, Royce Oliver
Page, Linda Marion
Patteron, Peggy Ann
* Pearson, Calvin H
Peterson, Edith Victoria
Pitchford, Debra Faye
Poulton, William Arthur
Powell, Leslie Dean (1953 – 2005)
Priest, Roger Kirk
Ramirez, Adelita
Ramsey, Glenn Douglas
Randall, Steven Grant
Redder, Karen Lea
Reedy, Pamela Hannah
Rehn, Scott Leonard (1954 – 1994)
Rendla, Gary M
Rich, Diane S
Richardson, LuAnn
Rickert, Janice Norene
Ritchie, Neil B
Roberts, Kelly Jo
Robinson, Beth
Ross, Norman Clyde
Russell, Patricia B
Sager, Kent Leslie
Sandmann, Michael Remund
Schorzman, Anne
Severe, Rhonda
Short, David G
Silcock, Richard Donald
Simcoe, Steve Bryan
Sivley, Mary
Smith, Connie Sue
Sowers, Bill A
Spann, Debora
Stephenson, Julia
Taylor, David A (1953 – 2009)
Taylor, Russell Price (? – alive)
Thaxton, Stephen Craig
Thompson, Carlene Diane
Thornburg, Deborah
Telley, Marsha Ann
Tolle, Kent Ray
* Tollefson, Kathryn M
Tracy, Perry Alan (1953 – 2005)
Vannatian, Frances Ruby
Vorwaller, Kristine
Wardle, Diane
Wardle, Pamela Kaye
Warr, Dee Ann (1954 – 2013)
Warr, Paul K
** Weirich, Yvonne Denese
West, Monte M
Wetzstein, Lynette Kay
White, Kristine
Whittle, Ferol Kristine
Wickel, Lee Roy
* Winward, Brenda Arlene
Wolf, Richard Patrick
Wood, Peggy Ann
Woodland, Kirk
Woolstenhulme, Steven Leo
Worman, Barbara Ann
Wright, Edward R
Wyant, Ronald Lee
Wyatt, Marla Jean
Young, Richard LeRoy (1953 – 2022)
Zollinger Janene
National Honor Society Members
** Gold Cord – with 3.8 average or above
* Blue Cords – with 3.5 average to 3.8
The sketch of the Burley High School on the front of the Diploma case.
Mom’s actual Diploma.
Burley High School – Burley, Idaho
This Certifies That Sandy Jonas has satisfactorily completed a Course of Study prescribed for Graduation from this School and is therefore awarded this Diploma.
Given in the month of May, nineteen hundred and seventy-two
Tom Gruwell – Principal
Harold W Blauer – Superintendent
W B Whiteley – Chairman Board of Education
Here is a copy of Mom’s Senior picture – 1972
Ole and Constance Christiansen are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter Martha to Herbert Coley, son of Stephen and Hannah Coley. They were married in 1874 in Norway. While I normally like to start these historical posts as a wedding announcement, I trip up there. We do not have any histories that give us an actual marriage date and location. Knowing the period, it is not imagined they were not actually married. Their first child was born in 1875. Curiously, after their immigration to the United States due to their conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they not only went to the Logan Utah Temple to be sealed, but also applied to be married. As such, they were married and sealed in the Logan Utah Temple on 26 April 1893.
Martha was born the second of eleven children to Constance Josephine Eliza Jorgensen and Ole Christiansen on 16 April 1879 in Fredrickstad, Ostfold, Norway. I have not written their history yet, but as linked above, I wrote some limited information on Constance when we visited her grave first in 2018 and again in 2020. Ole was born in Trogstad, Norway and Constance in Drammen, Norway. Both Ole and Constance were baptized and confirmed into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 26 January 1876 in Norway.
What happens for the next few years is unclear on the reasons. Martha’s older sister, Walborg, was born 24 December 1875 in Fredrickstad, then Martha in 1879. We really have no records during this period and so I am unclear if there was another child, or two, in that period of time. Eivelda was born 20 October 1881 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. I have no clue why or what took the family to Australia. Their next child, Constance, was born 9 November 1883 also in Collingwood, then a suburb of Melbourne. Apparently Walborg and Martha were left in Norway while their parents went to Australia. Alice, Martha’s granddaughter recalls Martha telling of her sitting on the mountainside overlooking the fjord waiting for her parents to return and her missing them terribly. Martha’s first brother, Henry Owen, was then born 27 March 1887 back in Fredrickstag, Norway. Ole and Constance were back in Fredrickstag by March 1887.
I have been unable to find the immigration records for the Christiansen family between Norway to Australia and back. But the family was in Australia for at least 3 years, maybe as long as 6 years. They were not back in Norway very long as Rhoda was born in Richmond, Cache, Utah on 18 September 1890. Martha moved with her family to Richmond in the late 1880s. One record has it in 1887, another 1889, Martha was listed in the 1900 Census as immigrated in 1888. Either way, we now are in the vicinity of where she would have met Herbert Coley. Of Martha’s remaining 6 siblings, 5 were born in Richmond and 1 in Hyde Park.
Herbert was born the 5th of 9 known children to Hannah Maria Rogers and Stephen Coley on 12 February 1864 in Lutley, Worcestershire, England. It was while living in Lutley that the LDS missionaries first made a visit. We do not know the conversion story but Herbert and his siblings joined the church. Martha joined 23 August 1867, Herbert 1 June 1881, George 22 August 1881, and Frank 2 June 1882. The 1871 English Census has the family still living in Lutley and Herbert listed as a scholar. The call to gather in Utah was strong enough that these four children made the venture. We don’t know if Stephen and Hannah came begrudgingly or not, but they joined some of their children in Utah. Unfortunately, the other children left in England we do not know where they went or what happened to them.
Herbert shows on the 1881 English Census in Dudley, Worcestershire, England as farm labor for the Doorbar family. Herbert appears to have boarded the Nevada in Liverpool arriving 3 July 1882 in New York City, New York. I cannot see that any siblings went with him on the trip. Stephen, Hannah, and Martha all traveled in 1890 (with Letitia Lea Willetts and her daughter Clara, and two known Frank and Mary Coleys). Stephen Coley was baptized 5 January 1892 and Hanna 26 October 1892 (same day she was endowed in the temple, so either that date is wrong or the prior record could not be found and the ordinance was duplicated. Hannah died 22 October 1894 in Franklin, then Oneida County, Idaho and was buried in Lewiston.
I don’t know any of the details of how they met, but the stars seem to have aligned in Richmond. However it happened, Herbert and Martha were married and sealed 1 December 1896 in Logan at the Temple. Herbert was a diligent laborer who would acquire full ownership in their home by 1910. Martha was a strict and involved homemaker and mother.
Herbert and Martha maintained their home, large garden, and raised 10 children. Lillian was born 26 August 1898 in Lewiston (listed in the Coveville Precinct, which is now the area of Cove). The 1900 Census on 9 June 1900 lists Herbert as a farm laborer with his immigration in 1881 and Martha’s in 1888. By 1910, the Census finds the family in Wheeler (about six miles west of Lewiston) where the home was owned outright. We don’t know exactly where the family lived. Edna was born 23 November 1900, Wilford Herbert 1 Mar 1903, Carrie 20 April 1906, and Hannah Marie 3 June 1909. Ole Christiansen passed away 27 February 1900 in Richmond and was buried there. Carrie is listed as born in Richmond, but we do not know the circumstances how she was born there instead of Wheeler/Lewiston. Hannah’s birth certificate lists Herbert as a farmer and Martha as housewife. The 1910 Census on 26 May 1910 shows Herbert as a Laborer and that he “Works Out.” Whatever that meant in 1910.
All the remaining children were born in Richmond. As such, it is likely at this time the family moved to the cabin south and east of Richmond estimated about 2016 E and 9000 N. I have tried to pinpoint where the cabin remains are still located. Here is a photo of the cabin from the 1980s. The 1920 Census on 16 January 1920 lists Herbert as a Farmer and Teamster with the additional insight of “Hauls Milk & Farms.” This same Census also lists Wilford as having his own Farm, but still living with his parents.
It was in this house that the remaining children were born. Ivan Stephan on 26 June 1912, Roland Charles on 20 July 1915, Oley Lloyd on 11 February 1918, Arthur Christiansen on 15 July 1921, and William Golden on 22 January 1924. In 2012 the home had collapsed to a pile of rubble. It was after Ellis Jonas’ funeral we visited as family (Ellis is Lillian’s son). Ellis had taken me there about 2002. Stephen Coley died 22 October 1913 in Lewiston and was buried by his wife.
The 1930 Census taker showed up 15 April 1930 and shows the family in Richmond with Roland, Lloyd, Art, and Golden still in the home. The 1940 Census on 8 April 1940 has the family still in Richmond with Art and Golden the only two remaining.
Over the years, the family kept busy with marriages. Lillian married Joseph Nelson Jonas on 6 September 1917 in the Logan Temple. Edna married Gerald Andrus 17 April 1921 in Richmond and after a short marriage, divorced, and remarried to Olof Alma Neilson 23 July 1923 in Logan, sealed 30 July 1924 at the Logan Temple. Wilford married Edith Dagmar Cammack 15 May 1924 in Logan, sealed 3 June 1946 in Logan Temple. Carrie married Joseph Lorus McMurdie 21 July 1924 in Logan, sealed 21 October 1926 in Logan Temple. Hannah married William Surgeoner Thomson 2 July 1927 in Logan, sealed 14 June 1972 in Salt Lake Temple. Ivan married Clara McMurdie 22 October 1930 in Buhl, Twin Falls, Idaho, sealed 10 February 1932 in Logan Temple. Joseph Jonas passed away 6 September 1932 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. Constance Christiansen passed away 10 December 1932 in Portland, Multnomah, Oregon and was buried there. Roland married Veda Anderson 5 May 1937 in Logan Temple. Lloyd married Verda Anderson (twin sister to Veda) 23 November 1938 in Logan Temple. Arthur married Gladys Bernice McMurdie (his niece!) 10 September 1940 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, that marriage lasted a short time for hopefully obvious reasons. Arthur remarried to Mary Elizabeth Popwitz (his nephew’s WWII widow) 3 May 1946 in Evanston, Uinta, Wyoming. Golden married Shirley Mae Hall 15 March 1946 in Elko, Elko, Nevada, sealed 11 May 1965 in Logan. Many grandchildren were born in these years as well for Herbert and Martha.
Recorded family stories are fairly scant. Nobody wrote much down and that generation was gone before many were asking questions. Ivan Coley told his daughter Colleen that Herbert was a short, very English man. Apparently Herbert met Wild Bill Hickok at one point and shared that fact regularly.
In 1942, Herbert went to visit Ivan and Clara in Buhl. I will have to find out if Martha was there as well. While out in the yard, I have been told by a well, or a trough, he slipped and broke his hip. There was not really much to do for someone in that condition then. He was in terrible pain. He was taken back to Richmond and passed away later of pneumonia. He died 7 September 1942 at age 78 (obituaries all have 75) and was buried in Richmond Cemetery 9 September 1942.
Martha moved into town shortly afterward. Various family members lived in the cabin when they started out their marriages. Martha’s new home was somewhere near 400 South and 200 East. With the new homes I cannot tell as well, but I have tried to pinpoint the spot. She lived in this home until she needed assistance and went to live with Lloyd and Veda in Salt Lake City. When they could not care for her any more, she then lived in a care facility in Logan the last months of her life.
In 1948, Martha was honored for successfully Relief Society Teaching for more than 40 years. Here is a photo from that occasion. You can find more detail here.
Unfortunately I do not have a many more stories. But I do have a few more photos. We have these two photos of a gathering about 1950.
This wonderful family reunion picture from 1955. I have linked the other post sharing the other photo. That link also names everyone in the photo. Martha is sitting surrounded by her grandchildren and children.
Herbert’s obituary in the Salt Lake Telegram on 8 September 1942 reads:
“Richmond, Cache County – Funeral Services for Herbert Coley, 75, who died at his home in Richmond Monday at 7:45 a.m. following a brief illness will be conducted Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Richmond South L.D.S. ward chapel by E. M. Hicken, Bishop.
“Mr. Coley was born in England on February 12, 1867, a son of Stephen and Hannah Rogers Coley. In 1885, at the age of 16, he immigrated to the United States.
“On December 1, 1896, he married Martha Christiansen in the Logan L.D.S. temple. He was a prominent farmer in the Richmond district.
“Surviving are his widow of Richmond, 10 sons and daughters, Mrs. Lillian Jonas, Ms. Edna Nielsen and William Golden Coley of Richmond, Wilford Herbert Coley of Logan, Ms. Hannah Thomson and Lloyd Coley of Salt Lake City, Ms. Carrie McMurdie, Ivan, Roland and Arthur Coley, all of Buhl, Idaho, 37 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Martha France of Richmond.
“Friends Pay Tribute to Richmond Man
“Funeral Services for Herbert Coley, 75, prominent Richmond farmer who died at his home in Richmond, Monday at 7:45 a.m. following a brief illness, were conducted Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Richmond South ward chapel by Bishop E. M. Hicken.
The rest of the article follows nearly verbatim what the Salt Lake obituary listed, then this line.
“Burial was in the Richmond cemetery under direction of the W. Loyal Hall mortuary.
Martha passed away in Logan at age 82 on 14 August 1961. Here is the language from her obituary and an article of the funeral. She was buried in Richmond 17 August 1961.
“Richmond – Martha Christensen Coley, 82, died at a rest home in Logan Monday of causes incident to age.
“She was born April 16, 1879 in Norway to Ole and Constance Josephine Eliza Jorgensen Christensen. When she was eight years old she came with her parents to America.
“On December 1, 1896 in Logan she married Herbert Coley. The marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple in 1900. They made their home in Lewiston and Richmond. She was always active in the LDS church, especially as a Relief Society block teacher. Mr. Coley died September 7, 1942.
“Surviving are Mrs. Lorenzo (Lillian) Bowcutt and Mrs. Edna Neilsen, Richmond; Wilford H. Coley, Logan; Mrs. William (Hannah) Thompson and Lloyd O. Coley, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Lars (Carrie) McMurdie and Ivan S. Coley, Buhl, Idaho; Roland Coley, Mesa, Arizona; Arthur C. Coley, Ogden; William G. Coley, Hyrum; a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Richmond South Ward with Bishop Oral Ballam in charge.
“Friends may call at Hall Mortuary in Logan Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and at the South Ward chapel Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until time of services. Burial will be in the Richmond Cemetery.
“Funeral services were held in the Richmond South Ward chapel Thursday for Mrs. Martha C. Coley with Counselor Quentin Peart conducting. Lloyd Coley gave the family prayer.
“Prelude and postlude music was played by Reese Murray. The ward chorus directed by Mrs. Florence Lewis with Mrs. Billie Lou Bagley as accompanist sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” Ila Rae Richman and company sang “That Wonderful Mother of Mine.” Mrs. Florence Lewis and Mrs. Rebecca Lewis sang “In the Garden,” and Ronnie Lewis sang “Beyond the Sunset.”
“Prayers were by William Thomson and Larus McMurdie. Speakers were Mrs. Leona McCarrey who read the obituary, Noel Stoddard and Counselor Peart.
Pallbearers were her six sons, Wilford, Ivan, Roland, Lloyd, Arthur and Golden Coley. The grave in Richmond Cemetery was dedicated by Joseph Jonas. Flowers were cared for by the Relief Society.
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I have written previously about the video that came from the funeral and graveside service of Martha. In that post I walk through the video and the identified individuals. It also scans the 10 children standing in the cemetery. This photo below is of the same instant.
I hope some day I obtain more photos to share of Herbert and Martha.
Ross Clan at the last Manti Pageant
After the church announced that 2019 would be the last year of the Manti Pageant, at least sponsored by the church generally, we decided we wanted to make sure we made it down with the kids.
I have written about my previous experience with the Manti Pageant and the unfortunate crossing paths with roadkill on the trek home to Logan that night. While I enjoyed the pageant in 2004, some of the parts were not well done and became distracting. But the overall spirit of the Pageant was one that I wanted my children to experience.
We went down and attended on Thursday 13 June 2019. I am glad we went down on a Thursday, we hoped the crowds would be a little less, and they were. We arrived plenty in advance, got seats, as you can see above, about half way back in the seating. It was a great location, we got to know our neighbors for the show and I made three trips back to the van to change dirty diapers before the show started. A good bus driver from Salt Lake City took this photo of us while we waited for the festivities.
The show went on and I was impressed with Aliza and Hiram, they paid particular attention through the entire show. Most of it is a great review of church history, the restoration, and particular moments the writer thought important to include. Even afterward Hiram said to me he felt drawn to the pageant and learned some things. I hope they will never forget we attended the Mormon Miracle Pageant.
One part of the show that struck me was the interaction between Brigham Young and James Allen and the recruiting process. The Saints were fleeing the country that refused to protect them. There had even been some suggestions that the Saints would side with a nation willing to defend them. But President Polk became convinced to try and use some of the Saints to build relationships between the Saints and the United States. Young quickly jumped on board and sought a battalion to defend the United States and help preserve the moving church. It proved to be very inspired, not only in the basic enlistment, but in all Young’s promises to the battalion.
As I sat there watching that scene, I was again reminded of our duty to not only build the church and the kingdom, but also of supporting and sustaining the United States. As I drove home, I once again evaluated whether I could enlist and serve my nation yet. I am not sure I am in a position to do so, but I am certainly happy to encourage my own children to serve their nation as well as their church. I am also reminded of James’ baby blessing where he was given certain promises that would seem to include military service.
I am sad the Mormon Miracle Pageant will not occur at least every couple of years. Even more sad that The Man Who Knew is already gone and that my children will not get to experience the powerful Clarkston Pageant telling the story of Martin Harris. Even now I get chills when the Spirit confirms to me my witness of the Restoration.
The other powerful part of the Manti Pageant is the testimony of the temple watching over the pageant and the audience in attendance. The two seem to go well together. Just like Clarkston is powerful for Martin’s grave nearby, or Hill Cumorah Pageant for the location.
I snapped this photo as we were leaving. Future visits to Manti will likely be confined to temple attendance for special events. I wonder how Manti will do losing a major event each year. Like most towns, they will revamp, revisit, and move forward. I wonder how I can find other ways as powerful as this to help my children gain testimonies of the Restoration, Revelation, and the beautiful world and plan in which we live.
Manti Temple, Jun 2019, after the Manti Pageant
Paul Elementary 1988-1989 Faculty: Back (l-r) Tracy Haskin, Annette Winward, Sherry VanEvery, Joy Hansen, Jennifer Reynolds, Bonnie Willis, Marvin Stearns, Claudette Bray, Karen Bagley, Jan Mee, Millie Laib; 3rd row: John Dutton, Michelle Ennis, Ella Suhr, Nancy Allen, Eileen Boots, Laura Workman, Brenda Goodsell, Carolyn Erwin, Dorothy House, Linda Johnson; 2nd Row: Ann Stearns, Janice Hansen, Cindy Danielson, Tammy Broadhead, Teresa Lowder, Ann Hollins, Helen Wyant, Elaine Mayes, Shirley Zemke, Frank Peterson, Lauriene Hathaway; Front: Irene Renz, Madena Wilson, Robin Anderson, Carolyn Peterson, Mary Frances Cozakos, Joann Fowler, Connie Williams, Anna Marie Andersen.
I mentioned a while ago that I ran into Robin Anderson, my fourth grade teacher, and told her I was missing photos from elementary school and asked if she had copies. She said she had a scrapbook full of all the years she taught and would let me look through the photos for a scan.
She later provided the book and I scanned my missing fourth grade picture. I also stole a copy of this picture at the same time. This was the Faculty picture for Paul Elementary, Paul, Idaho for the 1988-1989 school year. It was a refresher for those adults that were hovering over us those years in grade school.
Nancy Allen
Anna Marie Andersen
Robin Anderson (4th grade teacher)
Karen Bagley
Eileen Boots
Claudette Bray
Tammy Broadhead
Mary Frances Cozakos
Cindy Danielson
John Ray Dutton (1935-2023)
Michelle Ennis
Carolyn Ann Jones Erwin (1940-2022)
Joann Fowler
Janice Hansen
Joy Hansen
Tracy Haskin
Lauriene Hathaway
Ann Hollins
Dorothy Ann House (1928-2009)
Linda Johnson
Millie Laib
Teresa Lowder
Elaine Spencer Mayes (2nd Grade Teacher)(1940-2024)
Jan Mee
Carolyn Peterson (1945-2008)
Frank Peterson
Irene Quenzer Renz (1924-2021)
Jennifer Reynolds
Ann Stearns
Marvin Stearns
Ella Lucille Senften Suhr (3rd Grade Teacher)(1927-2005)
Sherry VanEvery
Connie Williams
Bonnie Willis (5th Grade Teacher)
Madena Wilson (1925-2000)
Annette Winward
Brenda Arlene Winward Johnstone (1st Grade Teacher)(1954-2024)
Laura Workman
Helen Wyant
Shirley Lila Zemke (1928-2015)
Jim & Ko Tateoka
Scanning photos for a friend, I stumbled upon this photo in a set of pictures that seem to be an Emerson Ward party likely in the early 1980s. Since I recognized these two, I thought I would share. Rather than write a history of them, I will share their detailed obituaries. Jim & Ko lived not too far from me when growing up. I remember meeting Ko on several occasions at Brucia Crane’s home as a young kid. Jim sometimes would help move water for the Werners who lived near us. A couple of times while we swam in canals, he would pull up and visit with us and tell us to be careful. Later, I come to know their children, and Ted has become a very good friend of mine. Interesting who comes in and out of our lives.
“Jim Suyetaka Tateoka Hazelton, Idaho
“Jim Suyetaka Tateoka of Hazelton, Idaho was called back to his heavenly home on November 1, 2006, at the age of 83. He died of complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Jim was born on February 20, 1923, in Garfield, Utah to Tokizo and Natsuko Tateoka. When he was a young child, the family moved to Ogden, Utah. He was fourth in a family of five children. Jim grew up and acquired his love of farming on the small truck farming operation the family ran. Jim graduated from Ogden High School in 1941. He excelled in his studies maintaining excellent marks throughout his formal school years. Jim served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He saw action in Italy. Jim was a member of the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Many of his army buddies were Japanese Americans from Hawaii. They taught him to speak “Pigeon English” and to play the ukulele. He would sing Hawaiian songs to his family. Some of the songs included, “Don’t Say Aloha When I Go,” “Sweet Leilani” and “Hula Oni Oni E.” This provided many hours of enjoyment to his children. Jim was a quiet person and yet he had a quick wit and a “fun” side. After he was discharged from the Army, he and his brother Matt purchased a farm in South Jordan, Utah. On Febrary 11, 1956, Jim married Ko Takeuchi in Salt Lake City, Utah. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with all their family in attendance. He continued to farm in South Jordon and with Ko began to raise a family of four sons and one daughter. In 1969, Jim took a “leap of faith” and moved his family to farm in Hazelton, Idaho. The family has received many blessings from this move. He was a member of the LDS Church and served as a home teacher and membership clerk to four bishoprics. Jim and his family were sealed and his marriage solemnized in the Ogden Temple May 25, 1976. He is survived by his wife Ko, and children, Mark (Itsuko), Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Paul (Nadine), Hazelton, ID, Penny, Portland, OR, Ted (Rebecca), Hazelton, Idaho, Tom (Jami), Waukesha, Wis.; grandchildren, Luke, Charlotte, Joseph, Elise, Benjamin, Claire, Olivia, Sophia, Amelia, Julia, Grace, Mae and Tak; his brother; Tom of Riverton; and sister, Momoko of Salt Lake City. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Sam and Matt. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006, at the Emerson LDS 1st Ward Church, 127 S. 950 W. in Paul, ID, with Bishop Ted Tateoka officiating. A viewing will be held Friday, November 3, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. at the Hansen Mortuary Burley Chapel, 321 E. Main St. and one hour prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Paul Cemetery with military rites. The family would like to express their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Richard Sandison for his faithful and tireless service, and to the staff of the Cassia Regional Medical Center and Hospice for the loving care that was extended to Jim and his family during his stay. The family would especially like to thank Barbara West his attending nurse for her kindness and excellent care she gave to Jim.
“Ko Takeuchi Tateoka died peacefully in her home on April 14, 2013. Her loving family surrounded her, as did the soft light of the late afternoon sun, fresh flowers in colorful bunches, and Luna, the new family cat. Ko was 80 years old.
The Tateoka family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the viewing room at the Morrison Payne Funeral Home on 321 E Main St. Burley, Idaho. Funeral services for Ko will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Emerson 1st Ward LDS Church located at 127 South 950 West, Paul, Idaho. (Bishop Burt Belliston officiating). Prior to the funeral, a viewing will take place in the Relief Society room of the Emerson LDS Church from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Burial services will be held immediately following the funeral at the Paul Cemetery on 550 W 100 N Paul, Idaho.
Ko was born in the Sugar House area of Salt Lake City, Utah on May 25, 1932. Her parents, Seiichi and Tsune Takeuchi had immigrated to the U.S. from the coastal city of Mikawa, Ishikawa, Japan 14 years earlier in 1918. Ko was the third and last of three daughters born to the Takeuchis. Older sisters, Kimi and Fumi were ages 12 and seven at the time of Ko’s birth.
“In 1935, Ko’s family moved from the Sugar House area to a home and small truck farm on 2213 South 4th East in Salt Lake City. Ko entered first grade at Madison School on State Street and 24th South and continued attending the school through the ninth grade. She then attended Granite High School on 3303 South 500 East and graduated in 1949. Ko earned her teaching degree in Business Education in 1954 from the University of Utah. She took a teaching position at Olympus High School where she taught typing and shorthand from 1954-1956. Throughout her life, Ko gave much credit to her father Seiichi who had always stressed the importance of education. Despite the many hardships and barriers of those times and as a result of his influence, Ko and her two sisters received their college educations.
“In February of 1956, Ko married Jim Tateoka, a farmer from Garfield, Utah and moved to South Jordan Utah. Jim and his brothers farmed ground on 10000 South 2700. It was there that four sons and a daughter where born to Ko and Jim. In 1969, they moved their young family to a farm in Southern Idaho’s Magic Valley off of Kasota Road in the Emerson area. Ko was a fulltime homemaker and mom until 1980 when she re entered the teaching ranks. She taught 3rd grade at Eden Elementary School in Eden, Idaho and later took a teaching position in the business department at Minidoka County High School in Rupert, Idaho. Ko retired from teaching in 1993. She found teaching to be a very rewarding and fun profession.
“Ko enjoyed membership in various community organizations including the Kasota Sagehens, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, The Mini Cassia Retired Teachers Association and the area “Nisei” Club. She was a strong member of the LDS Church, serving in many positions in the Emerson 1st Ward and Paul Stake. Ko enjoyed gardening, traveling, movie going, watching football and visiting with her kids, grandkids, and many friends. She loved the holiday season and the cheer, lights, gifts and joy it always brings.
In her later years, Ko cared faithfully for husband Jim who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away in the fall of 2006. In October of 2010, Ko began her extended stay at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center in Burley, Idaho. She resided there until returning to her own home on Kasota Rd. in recent weeks.
“Ko is survived by her five children, 13 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. They are: son Mark and his wife Itsuko of Miliani Hawaii and their two children, Luke, also of Miliani, and Charlotte of Salt Lake City, son Paul and his wife Nadine of Hazelton, Idaho and their three children, Joseph of Chicago, Illinois (wife Alison, son, Parker), Elise Mongillo, from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, (husband, Anthony, sons, Oliver, and Nikolas) and Benjamin of Provo, Utah (wife, Alexa), daughter Penny from Portland, Oregon, and her daughter, Claire from Brooklyn, New York, son Ted and his wife Becca from the Emerson Area, and their four daughters, Olivia Brown of Provo, Utah, (husband, Braeden Brown), Sister Sophia Tateoka ( currently serving in the Honolulu, Hawaii Mission) and Emi and Ju Ju (Emerson Area) and son Tom and his wife Jamie of Waukesha, Wisconsin and their three children, Grace, Mae and Takeuchi. (Ko’s parents and sisters, Kimi and Fumi are deceased.)
“Many many sincere thanks are due the following individuals and groups: The wonderful staff at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center, Dr. Glen Page, Deanna, Pam and Amanda of Horizon Hospice, Bishop Burt Belliston, Dustin McCurdy and family, Loa Maxwell and Margaret Merrill, The Emerson 1st Ward Relief Society, Jan Allen, Mildred Whitesides, and Ralph, Ben and Kristie. Thanks also to the many friends who called, stopped by, and brought in meals, sweet eats, cheer, and support during Ko’s time at home. We appreciate you!
“Services are under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home, in Burley.
Sagacity 