Sunday, 13 February 2022 by Sagacity

Coley – Christiansen Wedding

Herbert and Martha Coley holding Lillian in 1899

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.

Herbert and Martha Coley (I have the original of Martha, but not of Herbert, so I know it is still out there)

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 Coley and Hannah Thomson in a garden, dresses and even a brooch

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.

5 generations about 1959, Lillian Coley Bowcutt, Martha Christiansen Coley, Joseph Hebert Jonas, Robert Lee Jonas, Joseph Leland Jonas.

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.

Back (l-r): Lydia Leavitt, Estella Blair, Sarah Preece, Susanna Allen, Livinia Wilcox, Clara Wheeler. Front: Lavina Poulsen, Christensia Hansen, Martha Coley, Martha Lewis, Sarah Snelgrove.

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.

Back(l-r): Doreen Neilson, Martha Coley, Golden Coley, Edna Neilson, Unknown, Gloria Neilson holding unknown child, Olof Neilson. Middle: Shirley Coley, Joy Coley (baby), Mary Coley,

Mary (holding Joy), Shirley, Doreen, Unknown, Martha, Edna, Gloria

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.

Lillian, Edna, Martha (sitting) Coley in the 1940’s

“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 Christiansen Coley very small picture enlarged

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.

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.

Art, Golden, Wilfred, Roland, Lloyd, Edna, Hannah, Carrie, Lillian, Ivan at their mother’s grave in Richmond, Utah

I hope some day I obtain more photos to share of Herbert and Martha.

Sunday, 25 April 2021 by Sagacity

Dora Note

Once again, a number of family history photos have found their way to my desk. This one doesn’t really give me anything to place it in context of anything else. What is written on the back is interesting to me.

“Dora”

“Dear baby all is Well with you Dear Dady and I am going to send you something nice soon now”

“your dear Dady”

I will post the back of the card so you can see the handwriting. This card/photo was in a stack of old photos that include teenager photos of my Great Grandfather, David Delos Donaldson, that I will share another time.

David Delos Donaldson (1894-1953) has a few undocumented parts in his life. In 1910 he was 16 and living in Ogden Utah. I have written more extensively regarding his life. He served in World War I, then married in 1919 with twins arriving 28 May 1920. One of those twins was Dora Donaldson. So at least those portions match with Delos and his daughter Dora.

I assume this must have been one of two cards that were sent home since Dena and Dora were twins. It seems strange to write a note to only one of them. I am unclear who wrote it as it states “you Dear Dady and I,” which would make it seem to be written by Dena and that she was present with him. One also gets the impression that this was written to a child, not anyone older. So I am guessing this is between 1924 and 1928.

We obviously do not know if Dena and Delos stayed in the Tent City Auto Camp. I assume they stayed there or at least visited someone there. What were they doing in Phoenix, Arizona? That is a long drive especially in those days. The card is not mailed, so it must have been sent as part of a package or other letter.

Why are the people standing around? Trying to look closely at the vehicles in the picture, they do appear to be early 1920s vehicles. This photo appears to have been a regular postcard that was available, not a photo taken by Delos or Dena. This website states the Tent City was located at 1850 East Van Buren Street in Phoenix. This website further talks about the auto camps and later motels that were common on Van Buren.

As mentioned in the last of the two websites linked on this auto camp, these auto camps became the forerunner of the classic American motel. Interesting to see Delos and Dena take advantage of what is so commonplace in our day yet so fundamentally different in its rudimentary state. What things do we do now that will be odd or so long ago in only a generation or two down the road?

Sunday, 6 September 2020 by Sagacity

Stacey Jo Jonas

My grandfather, Wilburn Norwood Jonas, had an older brother named Joseph Herbert Jonas (1917-1993). I don’t have any memories of Uncle Joe, except his funeral, although I remember hearing stories about him. Uncle Joe married Hilma Grace Erickson (1918-2000). I also do not remember Aunt Hilma. Again, I heard the stories, and also about nearly all their children.

Joe and Hilma Jonas younger

Joe and Hilma had 7 children, Joseph Leland (1937-alive), Hilma Maxine (1938-2002), Earl Reed (1944-1988), Nancy Lee (1946-alive), Evelyn (1948-2017), Ellen Lynn (1951-alive), and Helen (1956-alive). I mentioned above that I remember his funeral. I remember it being at Myers Mortuary on Washington Avenue, almost North Ogden, Utah. I remember the line for the viewing, my mother’s shoes and jeans, and sitting in the outskirts of the chapel to the northeast. There, for the first time in my life, I was haunted by the strains of O My Father. First time I ever heard the song and it penetrated my soul. So much that I wanted to learn it more. My Grandmother, Colleen, a short time afterward showed me it in her old Richmond, Utah hymnal. I taught myself how to play it and the words to the song.

Joe & Hilma Jonas older

As those who know me know, I do a little family history. I had reached out and got to know Joseph Leland Jonas’ daughter Debra. I had e-mailed some of Lee’s other children. But I had never met any of them that I recalled. Lee lived in Yakima, Washington. I had taken a job in 2008 working in the northwest for Inland Environmental. I was going to be in the Yakima area working and so I made a few phone calls. Lee suggested I call his daughter, Stacey, who lived in Moxee not far from them. I called her up to visit with her and told her I was going to be in the area. She not only insisted that I visit, but also that I stay at her house.

I got to know this second cousin of mine on that occasion. We chatted, talked about family history, she took me to visit her parents, I met her family, and had a great experience getting to know each other. It wasn’t planned, but she had quite a few questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the course of the night, we covered nearly every single topic in all the six missionary discussions. I gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon and some other pamphlets.

The next morning we talked some and we separated our ways. I went on with work and eventually to law school. She had some marital issues and normal life. Then I found out she was attending law school in Mesa, Arizona. We stayed more in touch. Then one day, we were talking on the phone and she dropped a bombshell for me. She asked me to baptize her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I told her I would be thrilled and honored to do it.

Stacey Jonas and Paul Ross, Mesa, Arizona

These are pictures from the day she was baptized. We orchestrated it so I could fly down and attend the baptism and confirmation over the course of the weekend of June 25-27, 2016, in her home of Mesa. Once again, she insisted I could stay with her rather than finding a place to stay.

Stacey Jonas, Paul Ross at her baptism in 2016

It was a great weekend. She also let me steal her car and I made a trip over to the Mesa Arizona Temple. I made sure to snap a picture while I was there. Unfortunately you see some of the reflection of the console in the window of Stacey’s car, fun little Jaguar!

Mesa Arizona Temple, 25 June 2016

Stacey later attended the Gilbert Arizona Temple to receive her endowments! Not surprised that she did it, but surprised that I could say I helped her in some small part along the way.

Stacey Jonas and her friend Melanie Walker attending the temple

It is remarkable the bond and friendship I have built with Stacey since we first met, that I recall, in 2008. She has visited us here in Idaho since, some day we will have to make it back her direction to visit again. I am grateful that I could help her in her spiritual growth and striving since we first met as well. In some ways I felt bad we stayed up late that night conversing. I don’t know how much actually links to that night, but I feel a deep sense of appreciation for Stacey and the kinship that we feel, both since we are related, and also spiritually.

I am also aware that I am posting this on 6 September 2020. The 104th anniversary of Lillian Coley and Joseph Nelson Jonas. A date that has held happiness and sorrow for the Jonas family. I can only imagine they are pleased that their Great Grandchildren are associating and helping each other improve.

Sunday, 5 July 2020 by Sagacity

Photos of James Thomas Ross/Meredith

In the last few weeks, family history communications paid some dividends. I found the first quality photos of my Great, Great Grandfather James Thomas Ross also known as James R Meredith.

I previously wrote about James’ life story here on 8 January 2012. I also posted pictures of our visit as a family to James’ grave at Belmont Memorial Cemetery in Fresno, Fresno, California at this post.

This past week, in conversations with Darlene Neault, a granddaughter of Martha Elnora Cackler, she let me know she had some photos of Jim and Martha. I was very interested in obtaining a copy. She was kind enough to mail them to me! Very trusting. I scanned them and already mailed them back to her. These photos are uploaded to FamilySearch and I will also share them here.

Martha and James Meredith, photo has 1946 written on the back.

As a refresher, James was born 22 September 1869 in Snowville, Pulaski, Virginia. He married Damey Catherine Graham 9 August 1887 in Hiwassie, Pulaski, Virginia. Four children were born, Robert, John “Jack”, Fanny, and James. Damie passed away 3 February 1933 in Marysville, Yuba, California. James remarried Henrietta Fountain 8 June 1936 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California. She passed away 21 February 1946 in Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona.

That brings us to his marriage to Martha Elnora Cackler, widow of Daniel Gordon Brewer, 14 July 1947 in Fresno, Fresno, California. Daniel and Martha had 7 children together. Martha’s granddaughter, Darlene, had these photos in her possession.

I have a younger picture of James, but it is pixelated and not any good to really zoom in to see any facial features. I hope some day to get a better scan of this photo.

James & Damey Ross

But until then, I now have photos of Jim later in his life. James passed away 13 April 1951 in Fresno. Martha passed away 31 July 1974 in Fresno. James was buried in the larger Brewer family plot of Martha’s family.

I understand these two next photos are on their wedding day.

Jim and Martha on the happy marriage date

Jim & Martha with wedding cake

These next three pictures are also of James and Martha. I am still trying to figure out who exactly the others are, but I understand Darlene is in two of the photos. As I get the information, I will update the post.

Unknown four girls, I believe second from left is Darlene, then Martha and Jim

Unknown couple, James, Martha

James, Martha, Unknown, Darlene

I hope there are more photos out there to discover. These were pretty exciting!

Sunday, 3 December 2017 by Sagacity

Cove Fort

Having taken work all over the western United States during the great depression, David Delos Donaldson finally landed employment at the Ogden Depot in 1937 as Supervisor of Maintenance. In 1939, he took his wife, Berendena Van Leeuwen Donaldson, back to California for an extended trip to visit family on both the Donaldson and Van Leeuwen family lines.

David and Dena hit the 1939 San Francisco World Fair and then wound their way over to Phoenix and up through Utah back home to Ogden. A number of photos exist from this trip, including these two from Cove Fort, Utah.

David and Dena Donaldson at Cove Fort, Utah

David and Dave Donaldson at Cove Fort, Utah

On 4 November 2017, our little Ross family traveled to Cedar City, Utah for the Cedar City Temple Open House.

We immensely enjoyed our visit. Well worth the trip. Beautiful temple in every regard.

Cedar City Temple

Paul, Amanda, Aliza, Hiram, Lillian, and James Ross at the Cedar City Temple Open House

Jill Hemsley with Aliza, Hiram, Lillian, and James Ross at Cedar City Temple Open House

After we drove past Cove Fort on the way down, I kept thinking of the picture of my Great Grandfather David Donaldson and Grand Uncle Dave Donaldson from 1939. I knew on the way back I wanted to stop and see if I could find the same site.

We stopped and had a great visit with the missionaries who serve at the site. They also helped us find the spot of the picture from 1939 and we took the following picture.

Paul, Amanda, Aliza, Hiram, Lillian, and James Ross with Jill Hemsley recreating a 1939 photo of David and Dave Donaldson.

Here is the photo again for comparison. The door behind Uncle Dave is the one behind Aliza and Jill. The grey rock at the right of the bottom window behind me is the same to the right of Dave.

David and Dave Donaldson at Cove Fort, Utah

The missionaries had to visit with others about the history of Cove Fort. The large tree in the old picture was only removed a few years ago, along with the well that David and Dave are standing in front. We were able to figure out which side of the fort from the shadows (both sides look the same). The fort was restored in the 1990s, so you can see the improvements in the windows, mortar, and the top of the walls above the roof. But the photo is roughly the same area and vicinity.

I literally stood on the ground where my Great Grandfather David Donaldson walked some 78 years earlier. Thanks to my family for indulging me.

The fort was an interesting place to learn and stop as well. I recommend any passing through to stop.

Sunday, 17 March 2013 by Sagacity

Edna Coley Neilson

With the recent passing of Ivan Blaine Neilson, I decided to prepare a history for his mother Edna Coley Neilson. Especially since I just recently came in possession of a number of new photographs of the family. Some day I will write a history of her parents, my Great Great Grandparents, but I am hoping some more photos of them will appear in the upcoming months.

Edna Coley was born 23 November 1900 in Lewiston, Cache, Utah. She was the second of ten children, my Great Grandmother Lillian being the oldest, born to Martha Christiansen and Herbert Coley.

I don’t know much about Edna’s personality. I have been told by numerous people that Edna was the preferred child of Martha and was often doted on to the the dismay of the siblings. I don’t know that tells me much of her personality though.

Edna married Gerold Andrus (1903-1984) 17 April 1921 in Richmond, Cache, Utah. The next month, 15 March 1921, Harold Christian Andrus was born. Gerold and Edna were only married for a very short time, a shotgun wedding and a shotgun divorce.

Edna married Olof Alma Neilson (1891-1960) 23 July 1923 in Logan, Cache, Utah. They were sealed 30 July 1924 in the Logan LDS Temple. I don’t know if Harold was adopted legally or not, but Harold went by Harold Christian Neilson the rest of his life. The only father he knew was Olof and Olof treated Harold as if he was his own son.

Olof and Edna would have what appears to be ten children together. The records certainly show ten children, but I believe one of them is a duplicate, or mistakes in names leading to a duplicate child. Nobody is alive to confirm either so I will list all ten but point out where I believe the duplication exists.

Alma Russell “Russell” Neilson born 23 Jun 1924 in Richmond. He married Gloria May Olson on 9 Oct 1946 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. He passed away 13 September 2017 in Washington Terrace, Weber, Utah and buried 19 September at Washington Heights.

Olga Helen “Helen” Neilson born 28 July 1926 in Richmond. She married LeRoy “Roy” Hulse Draper 25 May 1943. She passed away 4 March 2015 and was buried 9 March at West Point, Davis, Utah.

Olof and Edna, Harold, Helen, and Russell Neilson

Olof and Edna, Harold, Russell, and Helen Neilson (14 May 1927)

To Lillian and Joe, when she was 10 months old.

To Lillian and Joe, when she (Helen) was 10 months old

Olof and Edna Neilson holding Russell

Martbamary Neilson born and died 2 July 1927 in Richmond. He does not have a tombstone if he is buried in Richmond.

Hebert Neilson born 25 November 1928 and died 26 November 1928 both in Richmond. He has a tombstone in Richmond.

Aenotta Neilson born and died 1 September 1929 in Richmond. This and the next child were either twins or just variations on a name. Only a documentation exists for the next child.

Jennetta Neilson was born 1 September 1929 and died 2 September 1929 in Richmond. Jennetta also has a tombstone where Aenotta does not, you would expect Aenotta would since they were supposedly twins.

Ole Neilson was born and died 19 October 1932 in Richmond. He was buried 20 October 1932 in the Richmond Cemetery and has a tombstone.

Russell Neilson

Ivan Blaine Neilson was born 26 April 1935 in Richmond. He died 16 January 2013 in Yuma, Yuma, Arizona. He was buried 25 January 2013 in Smithfield, Cache, Utah. He married Gloria Gilgen 8 June 1954 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. They were later divorced. He remarried to Rebecca Anne Pitcher 4 September 1981 in Smithfield.

Ivan Blaine Neilson

Lastly, Martha Mary Neilson was born and died 6 July 1937 in Richmond. She is buried in Richmond.

Lillian, Edna, Martha (sitting) Coley in the 1940’s

Russell Neilson

Harold Christian Neilson

Helen Neilson

Russell and Gloria Neilson

1955 Coley Reunion, Richmond, Utah

I named the people in the reunion photo here.

Olof passed away of a heart attack at about 9:30 am 13 April 1960 at home in Richmond. He died almost instantly. He was buried in Richmond on 15 April 1960.

Edna’s mother passed away 14 August 1961. The family gathered for the funeral 17 August 1961 for the funeral. The photo below was taken that day in the Richmond Cemetery.

Art, Golden, Wilford, Roland, Lloyd, Edna, Hannah, Carrie, Lillian, Ivan Coley at their mother’s funeral in 1961

Edna, Will Thomson, Lillian in the mid 1960’s

Edna lived close to her sister, Lillian Jonas, now Bowcutt, and Lillian makes regular reference to Edna in her journals. The thing that stands out to me is how close they were in that Edna would regularly aid or stay with Lillian. Also, Lillian makes regular reference to Edna’s attending the temple in Logan.

Harold took his own life 9 March 1966 in Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona. His body was brought back to Richmond for burial.

Edna lived in Richmond until she passed away 6 April 1983 in Richmond. Her funeral was held 9 April 1983.

Edna’s funeral program

Sunday, 24 February 2013 by Sagacity

Sergene Andra Sorenson Jensen

With Aunt Sergene’s passing, I thought I would make some of the photographs I have of her and her life available. I am wrapping this around the language of her obituary.

Sergene was born 2 February 1932 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho. She is the sixth of twelve children born to Mary Louise Wanner and William Fredrick Andra. My Grandmother, Colleen, is the fifth and was four years older than Sergene.

Sergene standing, Ross, Donald, Jon Wanner, unknown, Kay Wanner all kneeling, and Larry, Dennis, Sharon Johnson, and Dale Andra

Sergene in school

Colleen, Larry, Ross, Dale, Sergene about 1945

Sergene graduated from Preston High School in 1950. She was a cheerleader and the Preston Night Rodeo Queen where she was pictured on Roy Roger’s horse, Trigger Jr., on the cover of the Preston Rodeo program in 1949.

Sergene in High School (I only have a scan of a copy, hopefully some day I can have a scan of an original)

Andra Family Portrait, 1947; back (l-r): Bill, Golden; middle: Sergene, Millie, Colleen, June; front: Don, Larry, Bill, Dale, Mary, Ross.

Immediately after high school she married a guy from Malad who turned out to be quite abusive. Sergene defended herself and quickly had the marriage annulled.

Sergene married Bert B Sorenson 22 August 1950 in Nampa, Canyon, Idaho. Two children were born to the marriage, Scott B Sorenson (1951) and Andrew S Sorenson (1953). Bert worked for Mountain Bell.

June, Millie, Mary, Colleen, Sergene, about 1956.

Sergene, Scott, Bert, Andrew Sorenson in Preston about 1957

1959 Andra Reunion, Phyllis (Don), Utahna (Golden), Sergene, Mary, Colleen, Millie, Edith (Bill).

Bert, Andy, Jackie Jonas, Sergene about 1964

Bert, Sergene with Jackie Jonas in front, and Andy Sorenson about 1964

June, Millie, Colleen, Sergene mid 1960’s

Andra Reunion, 1967, Sergene, Colleen, Millie, June, Mary.

Sergene purchased The Wig Wam in Burley in 1969. She purchased the Ponderosa Beauty Salon in 1973 and the Merle Norman Cosmetics store in Twin Falls in 1976. She only purchased the businesses, not the buildings in which they were located. The Ponderosa closed in the 1980’s and the salon with it. I don’t know when she sold or gave up the Twin Falls store. She ran the Burley location until she retired from it in the early 1990’s. It was a sort of forced retirement as the restaurant next door caught fire and Sergene not to make the repairs to her building but just close shop.

Times News, 18 May 1976

Sergene with her parents in the late 1970’s

Colleen, Millie, June, Sergene, 1977.

Sergene and Bert in the early 1980’s

Millie, Colleen, Sergene

Sergene had a knack for golf and bowling. She participated in the Idaho State Amateur Golf Tournament for 53 consecutive years. She was honored as the Burley Municipal Ladies Golf Association champion from 1956 to 1986. She regularly participated on the Idaho Women’s and Chapman couple’s golf circuits. She also served as a member of the Idaho Couples Golf Association.

Bert and Sergene in the late 1980’s

Bert passed away 4 March 1991 in Burley, Cassia, Idaho.

Sisters at a funeral, 9 March 1991, Burley, Idaho, Colleen, Sergene, June, Millie.

Sergene and Colleen in San Diego

Sergene married Harlan Brent Jensen 13 November 1991 in Elko, Elko, Nevada.

Harlan and Sergene Jensen in the mid 1990’s

Millie, Sergene, and puppies

1998 Andra Reunion, Milie and Vance Beck, Sergene Jensen, Colleen Lloyd.

Harlan passed away 4 February 2002 in Burley.

Sergene then spent considerable time with her dear friend and companion Edward Neil Dean from that point forward. They were close friends and golfing buddies.

Sergene, Neil, and Vance Beck in 2007

Sergene and Neil at Lava Hot Springs in 2008

Ross, Don, Larry, Sergene, Neil Dean at 2010 Andra Reunion

Sergene passed 14 February 2013 in Lake Havasu, Mohave, Arizona.

Sunday, 30 December 2012 by Sagacity

1952, 1957 Utah American Legion State Champions

1957 Utah American Legion Baseball Champions. Back(l-r): Ellis Jonas, Lionel Benson, Jed Pitcher, Ken Chambers, Larry Federico, Bruce Pitcher, R.L. Pitcher, Joe Watts, Richard Lamb, George “Dutch” Reese. Front: John Hale, Glade Mather, Robert Eliason, Jim Mack, Doug Brinley, Vernon Rice, Brian Thornley, Lee Burke.

This is a photo that was handed out at Uncle Ellis Jonas‘ funeral. I thought I would make it available. The photo is of the 1957 Smithfield American Legion Team. This photo was taken at the Regional Tournament in Winslow, Arizona. The 1957 Smithfield American Legion Team had won the Utah State Championship.

Ellis Jonas is listed as the manager and George Reese is the American Legion Representative.

Absent from the photo are Terry Griffen, Brian Toolson, Todd Peterson, Ferris Groll, Charles Wood, Mark McCraken, Ned Gylenskog, and Claire Nielsen.

The following photo is of the 1952 Smithfield American Legion Team. This photo was taken at the National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas. The 1952 Smithfield American Legion Team had won the Utah State Championship as well as the Regional Tournament.

1952 Utah American Legion Baseball Champions. Back(l-r): DeVon Britenbeeker, Royce Lumberg, Jon Hyde, Erle Reese, Reese Naegle, Jerry Hansen, Richard Hodges, Hal Jensen, Ellis Jonas. Front: Darold Whatcott, Ralph Tresedor, Cleon Hodges, Ross Godderidge, Jerry Coleman, Ferrell Karren, Ralph Roylance, Kay Inglet, Jack Reese.

Ellis Jonas is listed as the manager and Jerry Coleman as the bat boy.

Lastly, here is a little insert regarding Ellis as the coach. I think it speaks for itself and his regard in Smithfield.

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