Sunday, 26 April 2026 by Sagacity

Melycher Family History

John & May, Mary, Michael, William, Stephen, Michael Jr, Suzanna, Anthony, Anna, Myrtle & Joseph Melycher

My Aunt Jackie married Willie Melycher in 1987. I wrote and shared some memories of their wedding previously. Somewhere around 2003, I stopped and visited Willie. We ended up talking about family history and he whipped out this family history. I have had it in my possession since then. I eventually scanned it so I had a digital copy. Recently I had it transcribed. Now I make it available in a much easier format.

MELYCHER FAMILY HISTORY

This history was compiled by Mary A. Melycher in memory of my husband Anthony F. Melycher. Information was given by family members, vital statistics and birth certificates. It is hoped that each member receiving a copy please keep it undated so that it will be a valuable source of information for the future.

The information was completed on this date January 14, 1986.

The Melycher family name was entered in the American Immigrants Wall of Honor by M.A. Melycher. It will be permanently displayed in the renowned Ellis Island, where the family arrived when they came to America.

Michael Melycher

Born in Austria in the year of 1869 (this information taken from birth certificate of Anthony F. Melycher and from a prayer card given out at the time of the funeral). He died in Bridgeport, Conn. August 22, 1947 at the age of 78. He married Suzanna Gajdosik, who was also born in Austria in the year 1878 (this information taken from birth certificate of Anthony F. Melycher and from prayer card given at the funeral). They were married in Austria. Suzanna died in Bridgeport Conn. on January 7, 1959. They had ten children, one died in Austria. Michael, John and Stephen were all born in Austria, and Joseph, Anna, and Mary were born in Croton Falls, New York, Anthony, William and Rudolph were born in Connecticut.

They operated a large dairy farm on Pond Brook Road, in Newtown, Conn. until their retirement, when they went to live with their daughter, Anna Dzurka, in Bridgeport, Conn. Before the farm was sold many acres of land were given to family members who either built on it, sold it or passed it on to their heirs. The homestead still stands on Pond Brook Road in Newtown, Conn.

Michael Melycher had the first accredited tuberculin tested dairy herd in the area. The farm was a large one averageing around two hundred acres and was operated by family members.

Michael Melycher donated land to build a school in the area of George’s Hill Road, which when discontinued reverted back to him and sold to Thomas and Belle Nicholl.

Michael Melycher

Date of birth – April 14, 1900. Married Helen Moyle Sept. 13, 1937.

Children born of this marriage:

Michael Melycher III – date of birth – April 9, 1939, in Kentucky

Michael Melycher III was married and had four children by the first marriage:

Patty Melycher – date of birth 10-17-62, in California

Kris Melycher – date of birth – 10-29-63 in California

Susie Melycher – date of birth – 6-1-65 in California

Cara Melycher – date of birth – 2-25-69 in California

Michael Melycher III divorced and remarried and adopted Michael C. Melycher – 1-16-77 and had a stepson Jon – date of birth 11-1

Michael Melycher died April 30, 1997

John R. Melycher

Date of birth – April 29, 1902. In Austria, Date of death Feb. 16, 1985

Married

Stephen D. Melycher

Date of birth – Feb. 15, 1906 in Austria. He became a Catholic priest and served in the U.S. Army overseas as a Chaplain.

Joseph R. Melycher, Sr.

Date of birth August 16, 1910 in Croton Falls, New York. Married Myrtle Beardsley Nov. 28, 1935 in Newtown, Conn. Three children born of this marriage, Joseph, Jr., Ronald, Maureen. Divorced Myrtle and married Virginia Scofield. Divorced Virginia and married Phyllis Una Burton May 6, 1961.

Joseph R. Melycher, Jr.

Date of birth – April 15, 1936

Married Sandra Johnson and had two children, Mark and Michael

Joseph R. Melycher, Jr. divorced Sandra and married Mary McCann (divorced)

Mark Melycher – date of birth – April 16, 1957, Danbury, Conn.

Michael Melycher – date of birth – March 10, 1960.

Mark Melycher

Date of birth – April 16, 1957, Danbury, Conn. Married Pollyanna Parks April 15, 1979. Three children born of this marriage: Chrystal Melycher date of birth – August 17, 1979, and twin daughters, Bonnie and Jennifer Melycher – date of birth – February 4, 1981. All born in Danbury, Conn.

Anna Melycher

Date of birth – March 10, 1912 – in Croton Falls, New York. Married Anthony Dzurka in Newtown, Conn. Oct. 22, 1938. One child born of this marriage: Carolyn Dzurka – date of birth – July 13, 1940, Bridgeport, Conn.

Anna Dzurka died Aug. 14, 1990 in Bridgeport, Conn.

Mary Melycher

Date of birth – February 28, 1914. Married Alfred Appell in Newtown, Conn. Oct. 30, 1937. One daughter born of this marriage: Suzanne Appell – date of birth – June 10, 1940 in Danbury, Conn.

Suzanne Appell married Ronald Gaucher in Florida (divorced). Married later.

Joseph R. Melycher, Sr.

Date of birth – August 16, 1910 – Croton Falls, New York

Married Myrtle Beardsley Nov. 28, 1935 in Newtown, Conn. (divorced)

Children born of this marriage:

Joseph R. Melycher, Jr. – date of birth – April 15, 1936

Married Sandra Johnson and had two children, Mark, and Michael. Joseph R. Melycher, Jr. divorced Sandra and married Mary McCann (divorced)

Ronald Michael Melycher – date of birth – July 23, 1938, in Sandy Hook, Newtown, Conn.

Married Patricia Ann Trocolla Dec. 21, 1957 in St. Joseph’s Church, Danbury, Conn. They had four children and adopted one.

Coreen Melycher, Tracie Melycher, Ronald Melycher, Stephen Melycher, and (adopted) William Melycher.

Maureen Melycher – date of birth – June 1943.

Married George Duncan in Danbury, Conn. and had three children, George Duncan, Craig Duncan, Robert Duncan.

Joseph R. Melycher, Sr. also married Virginia Scofield. (divorced)

Joseph Melycher, Sr. married Phyllis Una Burton May 6, 1961

Linda H. (George Duncan), son of Maureen, had two children – Amanda

Craig D. and Linda I. Duncan-Melycher had a son born in Danbury Hospital that died in infancy Dec. 16, 1989. Craig D. Duncan is a son of Maureen Melycher-Duncan.

Anthony Francis Melycher

Date of birth – November 15, 1915, Bridgeport, Conn. Died at Danbury Hospital September 8, 1984 of intercerebral hemmorrhage.

Married Mary Ann Rzchowski June 24, 1939, St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, Conn. He was a trailer truck driver for thirty years, and started and operated Melycher’s Danbury Exterminating Company until he retired in 1981.

Children born of this marriage: Anthony F. Melycher, Jr., Donald William Melycher, Richard Phillip Melycher, Karen Louise Melycher, and Jean Marie Melycher.

Anthony Francis Melycher, Jr. date of birth – April 14, 1940, Danbury, Ct. Died June 2, 1979 in an automobile accident in New Milford, Conn.

Married Christine Brenda Lucsky February 1, 1964 in Danbury, Conn.

Children born or adopted in this marriage: (Served U.S. Army Reserves)

David Anthony Melycher – date of birth – January 17, 1970 in New Milford, Conn.

Melissa Kim Melycher – (adopted) July 27, 1972. Date of birth March 18, 1967, Seoul, Korea.

Leah Melycher – (adopted November 17, 1976) – date of birth – May 2, 1974, Seoul, Korea.

Christine Brenda Melycher married Donald Wharton January 1, 1983 – (divorce January 28, 1985).

Christine Melycher Wharton adopted Adela delCarmen Wharton (DOB 1-81)

Donald William Melycher – date of birth – March 5, 1941, Danbury, Conn. Served in U.S. Air Force November 1959 – November 1962.

Married Patricia Frances Graff November 23, 1962 in Clifton, New Jersey. (divorced)

Children born of this marriage: Timothy Francis Melycher, Todd Christophe Melycher, Tracey Elizabeth Melycher (adopted), and Dennis Melycher.

Timothy Francis Melycher – date of birth – October 13, 1963, Fort Worth, Texas. Served in U.S. Submarine Service of the U.S. Navy.

Todd Christopher Melycher – date of birth – September 12, 1966 in New Jersey. Served in U.S. Navy.

Tracey Elizabeth Melycher – date of birth – September 1, 1967. (adopted). Enlisted in U.S. Air Force.

Dennis Melycher – May 12, 1970 in New Jersey.

Richard Phillip Melycher – date of birth – September 5, 1942, Danbury, Conn.

Married Barbara Boergermann October 12, 1974 in St. Peter’s Church, Danbury, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Jacqueline Theresa Melycher – date of birth – March 17, 1983, Danbury, Conn.

Richard Phillip Melycher, Jr. – date of birth, April 11, 1986, Danbury, Conn.

Karen Louise Melycher – date of birth – August 23, 1943, Danbury, Conn.

Married Vincent Weis June 5, 1965 St. Peter’s Church, Danbury, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Jean Louise Weis – date of birth – May 24, 1966, Danbury, Conn.

Jason Weis – date of birth – January 22, 1972, Danbury, Conn.

Jean Marie Melycher – date of birth – July 14, 1945, Danbury, Conn. Died July 19, 1945 in Danbury Hospital of prematurity. Buried in St. Peter’s Cemetary Section #12 No. 760.

William Francis Melycher

Date of birth – September 21, 1918. Married Laura Henrietta Einsman June 13, 1943.

Laura Henrietta (Einsman) date of birth October 16, 1917, died August 31, 1971.

Children born of this marriage:

Arthur William Melycher, Diane Marie Melycher, William Francis Melycher, Jr.

Arthur William Melycher, date of birth – November 5, 1948. Married Monica Ellen Patronelli – date of birth – June 6, 1953 – marriage date March 11, 1972.

Children born of this marriage:

Michael Arthur Melycher, date of birth – Sept. 20, 1972

Sean Thomas Melycher, date of birth – May 12, 1975

Laura Bridgett Melycher, date of birth – February 5, 1983

Active duty in U.S. Navy Aug. 27, 1967, to retire August 1, 1988

YNC Chief Petty Officer Arthur W. Melycher

Diane Marie Melycher, date of birth – January 11, 1954. Married Joseph Tenk October 21, 1977. Registered nurse

Children born of this marriage:

Daniell Kristen Tenk – date of birth – January 15, 1986 Norwalk Hospital

William Francis Melycher, Jr. date of birth March 25, 1955. Married Paula Larsen 6-18-82 (divorced). Married Jacqueline Jonas 7-23-88. May Melycher date of birth 1-21-89.

Rudolph Melycher

Date of birth – March 17, 1920. Died in Newtown, Conn. on September 20, 1920 of Cholera.

William, Joseph, Michael, Stephen, John, and Anthony Melycher

Ronald Michael Melycher, Sr.

Date of birth – July 23, 1938, Sandy Hook, Conn.

Married Patricia Ann Trocolla – Date of birth – January 22, 1939.

Married in St. Joseph’s Church, Danbury, Conn. – December 21, 1957.

Ronald Melycher, Sr. married Irene Bonadio in Newtown, CT. 9-16-1989

Children born of this marriage:

1. Coreen Ann Melycher – date of birth – July 3, 1958, born Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn. Married Raymond DeBettencourt, Jr. April 23, 1982, Danbury, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Sean Patrick DeBettencourt, date of birth, October 25, 1982, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Coreen and Raymond DeBettencourt divorced October 1995

2. Ronald Michael Melycher, Jr. – date of birth – November 16, 1959, Danbury Hospital. (DOB 12-22-52)

Married Debra Lynn Barry – June 20, 1981, St. Joseph’s Church, Brookfield, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Joshua Michael Melycher – date of birth – August 3, 1983, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Conn.

Heather Lynn Melycher – date of birth – Nov. 11, 1987, Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, Conn.

3. Tracie Marie Melycher – date of birth – November 9, 1960, Danbury Hospital

Married Richard J. Coyle, October 22, 1983, St. Joseph’s Church, Brookfield, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Jennifer Marie Coyle – date of birth – March 18, 1984, Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn.

Emily Ann Coyle – date of birth – March 20, 1987, Danbury Hospital

Caitlin Mary Coyle – date of birth – June 12, 1988, Danbury Hospital

4. Stephen James Melycher – date of birth – September 2, 1964, Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn.

5. William Joseph Melycher – date of birth – November 21, 1968. (adopted June 1970).

William Joseph Melycher and Terry Quilinin had a son born May 8, 1988, William Joseph at Danbury Hospital

William J. Melycher married Terry Quilinin Feb. 6, 1989 in Brookfield

Grandchildren Marriages

Jean Louise Weis to John A. Oman Oct. 23, 1986, King Street United Church Of Christ, King Street, Danbury, Conn. Reception at Fireside Inn, Newtown, Conn.

Melissa Kim Melycher married Dean Edward Jordan, June 4, 1988, Trinity Lutheran Church, Rt. #7, New Milford, Conn. Reception Fern’s Rt. #7 New Milford, Ct. (thunderstorm in progress during ceremony)

Great Grand Children

Jennifer Lynn Oman Born in AirForce Hospital, New Hampshire, July 29, 1987. 7 lbs. 1 Oz. 20 inches long.

Michael David Melycher – date of birth – Nov. 23, 1987 to Tracey Melycher in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Coral Springs.

Melycher Family History Download

Sunday, 19 April 2026 by Sagacity

Ross in Hawaii

I remember Grandpa, Milo James Ross, telling the story of his arrival in Hawaii. He often shared that, upon arriving, he heard over the loudspeakers that he was the father of a new baby boy. Somehow in my mind, I always equated Dad’s birth as the same date Grandpa arrived in Hawaii. Now knowing communications and technology available in 1943, the birth would not have been communicated to Hawaii the same day. The story suggests the birth and related information arrived before Grandpa to Hawaii. But by how much time?

First, Grandpa’s obituary (which I helped write) indicates he enlisted in the Army in October 1942. In the 1997 interview, Grandpa says he went in on “the first draft” shortly after Pearl Harbor (December 1941). He says he was sent to Fort Douglas and shipped out to Fort Lewis the same day. Grandpa also gave me the date for the photo below as 1942, which is almost a year after Pearl Harbor. He was pretty clear to tell me that when he enlisted, he was not aware that Grandma was pregnant. The first draft after Pearl Harbor, whatever that means, seems fairly immediate to me placing enlistment in 1941.

(l-r): Kenneth Barrow, Ellis or Keith Lund, Milo Ross, Jim Jardine, Unknown, Victor Wayment, Earl Collins 16 Oct 1942

The University of Utah Veterans Support Center states Grandpa landed in Hawaii on 4 July 1942. That seems to collaborate the 1997 interview with him enlisting right after Pearl Harbor. I wondered if that was a typo or if they had some records I was not aware. Was he in the army a whole year and just happened to be in Hawaii when the birth was announced?

There had to be some records out there to help clarify or pin down the dates. Military records give the insight needed. It was years since I did this search, and fortunately more records and information are now available. I try to link to them as they are referenced.

The 33rd Infantry Division arrived in Hawaii on 12 July 1943. Multiple independent military history sources — the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Army Divisions records, and others — all confirm this same date. As a reminder, Grandpa was in the 33rd Infantry Division, 130th Regiment, Company C.

The Division’s timeline shows it moved to Fort Lewis in August 1942. In March 1943, after Grandpa arrived in October 1942, the Division moved to Camp Young, California. There it conducted Desert Training Center maneuvers from April to June 1943 and then shipped to Hawaii in July 1943. This follows the pattern in Grandpa’s 1997 interview. (We have many photos of Grandma’s visit to Grandpa at Fort Lewis, I should share some of those.)

Dad was born on 4 July 1943, and the birth announcement came over the loudspeaker as the ship arrived in Hawaii. The official arrival date of 12 July 1943 means the ship would have been at sea on July 4th. “Sergeant Ross, congratulations. Your wife and son are doing well, and, one more thing, before you get off the ship you and your men have guard duty for the next four hours. Welcome to Hawaii.”

Additionally, a detailed record of another soldier, Staff Sergeant Charles Greer, in Company B of the 130th Infantry Regiment confirms the division’s movements through Fort Lewis in September 1942, Camp Clipper/Desert Training Center in early 1943, and onward — matching exactly what Grandpa described in his 1997 interview.

After settling the year, the next question for me was, where did they land in Hawaii and how long were they there? This took some more research to flesh out. I am grateful for those who continue to expand and make available these stories on the internet.

After arrival of the 123rd and 130th Regiments on Oahu in July 1943, the 123rd Regiment was sent to Kauai almost immediately. The 130th Regiment was sent to the Big Island almost immediately and later joined the 123rd on Kauai in December 1943.

Grandpa’s ship likely docked at a port on Oahu, almost certainly Honolulu Harbor. Honolulu was the primary army troop arrival port, rather than Pearl Harbor which was a naval base.

The primary Army installation area on the Big Island was Waikoloa Maneuver Area, near Waimea. Waimea is on the northern part of the island. Waikoloa Maneuver Area, located south of Waimea on Parker Ranch land, was used for live fire exercises in 1943. Camp Tarawa, also in Waimea, was also a major training ground used in late 1943, but primarily by Marines.

Grandpa’s 130th Regiment was almost certainly stationed in the Waimea/Waikoloa before transferring to Kauai in December 1943. I wasn’t able to find a specific named camp for the Army’s 130th Regiment there.

After the 130th joined the 123rd Regiment on Kauai in December 1943, both regiments completed their training and shipped out April 1944 to New Guinea. This comes from the Greer profile, linked above, which noted that on 21 April 1944, the 130th Infantry Regiment sailed from Honolulu to Finschhafen, New Guinea. It took two weeks to get from Honolulu to Finschhafen. Apparently, the 130th traveled on the S.S. Lurline.

The story of Sergeant Philip Beaman matches what Grandpa told in his 1997 interview. During the following months, the men worked to build up the outpost and conducted more amphibious operation training. They were even put to work unloading supplies at the port due to a shortage of stevedores. Grandpa’s account of unloading ships, digging drainage ditches, and building gravel walkways at Finschhafen matches Beaman. According to Beaman, morale suffered badly. According to the division’s own history, The Golden Cross, most men began to feel the division was “World War II’s forgotten unit.” The Division started calling themselves the “4F Division” — the Finschhafen Freight Forward Force.”

The Division arrived at Finschhafen on 11 May 1944 and remained there engaged in jungle and amphibious training. Later in 1944, the Division moved to Morotai Island arriving on 18 December 1944. The Division landed on the west coast without opposition. Grandpa also described in his interview arriving at Morotai, a PT boat mission, the bank robbery incident, booby trap explosion, and guarding the airstrip.

Dexter Kerstetter also served in Company C, 130th Infantry Regiment, with Grandpa. The Japanese had landed a regiment on the island, which lacked heavy weapons but had fortified the thick jungle around Hill 40.

On 10 February 1945, the 33rd Infantry Division landed at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippines. After Lingayen Gulf, Beaman describes combat in the foothills of the Caraballo mountain range, in areas nicknamed Bench Mark and Question Mark. From 19 February onward, there is the drive into the Caraballo Mountains toward Baguio.

Kerstetter’s history continues, that on 13 April 1945, during a battle he advanced ahead of his squad. The forward movement had been halted by intense fire that inflicted casualties. Kerstetter advanced beyond his squad and worked his way up the ridge where Japan’s defenses were located. Japan’s soldiers had the ridgeline defended with machine guns, mortars, and infantry in spider holes. He systematically took out enemy defenses with well-aimed rifle fire and grenades. Climbing above the defenses, he dropped down the ridgeline to destroy a cave entrance defense and its four defenders. He resumed his advance on the ridgeline defenses and next encountered a machine gun position, which he destroyed with accurate rifle fire and a grenade, killing four enemy soldiers. Kerstetter then fired on about 20 of Japan’s soldiers behind the main line of defense, scattering them. Out of ammunition, he returned to his squad for resupply. Having good knowledge concerning the locations of Japanese defenses, he led a platoon to the ridgeline and on the way took out a rifle position. The platoon was able to secure the ridgeline. Kerstetter killed 16 Japanese soldiers that day. Company C then held the hill, deterring Japanese counterattacks. During a counterattack two days later on 15 April 1945, Kerstetter was wounded in the leg by sniper fire and sent to a field hospital. He was promoted to sergeant and recommended for the Medal of Honor.

Grandpa being in the same Company was likely involved in some way with much of Kerstetter’s history. The Greer article places the 1st Battalion of the 130th Infantry fighting on Hill 1802 in the Labayug-Alibeng area from 23-25 February 1945. That is just two weeks after landing. The book about the 33rd Division places Hills X and Y in the Kennon Road fighting of late February to March 1945. It was Hill X that gave Grandpa the Silver Star and the whole Unit received the Presidential Citation. Shortly after Hill X Grandpa was wounded while tending to other soldiers who were awaiting medical attention. All this brutal mountain fighting took place on the approaches to Baguio.

Grandpa spent several weeks in recovery. University of Utah says two months, but that cannot be accurate. By mid April 1945 the 130th Infantry Regiment called in air support to help rifle companies get through a network of fortified hills. The fighter-bombers broke Japanese resistance and the 130th finally got across the river. The 33rd Infantry Division liberated what was left of Baguio on 26 April 1945. Grandpa indicates he was present for that liberation, which puts his recovery time at only a couple of weeks, not a full two months.

After Baguio, there was plenty of mopping up work required. The Division mopped up isolated pockets of Japanese troops around Baguio and captured the San Nicholas–Tebbo–Itogon route on 12 May 1945. Fighting continued and on 6 June 1945, Company I of the 130th Regiment was given a Medal of Honor for their activities near Tabio, Luzon. Grandpa indicates he was present at the Japanese surrender at Luzon in June 1945.

On 30 June 1945, all elements of the 33rd Division went to rest and rehabilitation areas. The division then landed on Honshū Island, Japan on 25 September 1945 and performed occupation duties until it was deactivated in early 1946. While the Division performed occupation duties, Grandpa had been honorably discharged 30 September 1945 and shipped home.

I am posting this article ahead of the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Baguio City.

Sunday, 15 March 2026 by Sagacity

More Donaldson Pictures

Scanning and working through the photos of Dave & Betty Donaldson continues to be a gold mine. While many of the photos are more routine or mundane, once and a while a few pop up that are an insight into the past we did not previously have. Here are some of those photos. I hope there are even more yet to be found.

Likely in southern California, Dave looks like a young teenager. Dave was born in 1928, I guess he is about 12-14 in the photo.

Maxine, Gladys, Dave, Dena and Dora Donaldson

This photo is fun as it shows a glimpse into the young Donaldson family kids. I don’t have many photos of my Grandma Gladys and every extra one gives more reality to her childhood. Dave was born in 1928, I am guessing he is about 7 or 8 here. Even though Dena and Dora are twins, you can tell they are not identical. I still cannot tell them apart though. I love the wallpaper advertisement in the back ground. It looks like the boonies, but close enough to town to have a large sign advertising wallpaper.

What is the Donaldson family doing in Long Beach, Los Angeles, California in 1932? What is the occasion? Who were they visiting? The neighborhood looks nice. They are dressed nice too.

Dave & Betty Donaldson in Jackson, Wyoming

It looks like a fun ride, but Betty also seems to be holding on extra tight.

This photo is a bit of an enigma to me. I believe this is a pre-war Milo Ross. I haven’t seen this photo before. But why would Dave & Betty have it in their possession, how did they get it if it predates my Grandma Gladys? The hat is similar to some other photos I have seen.

You can see both of these two photos have Grandpa with probably the same hat. The last one, with the horse in the field, probably dates this into the 1930s. I don’t know how to track down that planter and date it. But I am guessing late 1930s, maybe early 1940s.

Here is another with the same gun.

John Telford, Jan Birch, Richard Michaelson, Milo Ross

This photo was a delight. Another young photo of my Dad with his first cousins. I am guessing he is 6 or 7, so about 1950-1951.

My Great Grandma Berendena Van Leeuwen Donaldson with Eddie, Irene, Mary, and John Telford

Dena Michaelson and Berendena Donaldson at Will Rogers house (that I believe burned down in 2025)

Dena Donaldson and Dena Michaelson at their home in California. Interesting partial reflections in the water on the sidewalk.

David Donaldson and friends in San Francisco.

This photo appears to be a postcard of sorts. Here is the back of it.

The back gives us more information. The date – 11 December 1917. Taken at 225 Market Street, San Francisco, California. Jack and Byron both appear to have signed their names, but the rest of the writing is David’s. David and Jack are from Ogden, Utah. Byron is from Evanston, Wyoming. I don’t know which is Byron and which is Jack. I also cannot tell Jack’s last name and have been unable to locate something that matches. Kielman? Kiefman? Kilfner?

I located Byron Powell, born 21 July 1894 in Winters Quarter, Carbon, Utah and died 12 September 1957 in Ogden. Byron registered for the military draft in Uinta County, Wyoming, which includes Evanston in 1917-1918.

Dena, Dave, Dora, Maxine, David inside vehicle, and Gladys Donaldson on a trip

Again, I don’t know for certain which is Dora and which is Dena. But another fun photo of my Grandma I did not have before.

I don’t know where this photo is from, but I believe it is somewhere in southern Utah. Probably near or in Zions National Park.

Sunday, 8 February 2026 by Sagacity

Heyburn Gill Family

The Heyburn Citizens group received some photos from a Rose Pederson in Vancouver, Washington. These were given to the City of Heyburn. I took the opportunity to scan them and make them available more widely.

Burley Idaho Feb. 1920 – Mr. E. Bowman – Jossie & Flossy (Bays) – Walt Gill

I was able to track down Walter Arthur Gill fairly easily. Walter Arthur Gill born 19 July 1889 in St. Edward, Boone, Nebraska. The 1900 Census has him with his family still in St. Edward. The 1910 Census has him in Heyburn, living with his parents. His brother, Amos, is living next door with his family.

This letter from 1911 indicates he was now the owner of some real estate in Heyburn, Idaho.

This letter indicates his homestead application is allowed in Section 14, Township 10 South, Range 23 East. This would put this farm east of Heyburn’s A Street (400 West), west of 300 West, south of 400 South, and north of 500 South. Nothing on the 1910 census tells me exactly where they were living, but I don’t know that was where he homesteaded either.

Walt Gill (holding son Art Gill – born in 1922), Eva Lenore Anderson (from Edith’s prior marriage), Edith Marion Howell Gill, Amy Jane Hall Gill

Walt is the son of Arthur Erwin Gill (1854 – 1923) and Amy Jane Hall Gill (1858 – 1935). He married Dolly Genevera Baily (1891 – 1966) on 11 January 1911 in Albion, Cassia, Idaho. I do not see any children and do not know how that marriage ended.

He married Edith Marion Howell (1899 – 1940) on 19 July 1921 in Rupert, Minidoka, Idaho. The 1920 Census does not provide where he lives, but Dolly is not with him. Ralph Arthur Gill was born 4 April 1922 in Jarbridge, Elko, Nevada. Aimee Jean Gill was born 21 January 1924 in Idaho (not clear where).

I cannot tell how long he was on the homestead he claimed. It doesn’t seem to have been very long.

Burley Idaho – Feb. 1920 – Anona Gill on Flossy – Lady & Rock (Blacks) – Walt Gill

Anona Gill (1912 – 1974) is his niece, daughter of Amos Hiram Gill (1881 – 1940) and Jane A Vizzard (1881 – 1953).

Edith remarried to Robert Earl Taylor (1894 – 1953) on 27 January 1931 in Elko, Elko, Nevada.

The 1930 Census has Walt living in Inyo County, California. He appears to be in or around Bishop, Inyo, California for the 1940 Census and reports he was also living there in 1935. The obituary for his mother lists him as living in Taft, Kern, California in 1935. When he registered for the draft in 1942, he was living in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. He remarried to a Jessie Opal Shafer, nee Fowler, in California. She was using the Gill name for the 1940 Census, so likely married before then.

I don’t know what Nancy is as referenced as a name on the photo. Maybe that is her shadow on the horse?

Walter died 13 February 1943 in Hollywood. He is buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Sunday, 7 December 2025 by Sagacity

Pearlie letter to Jim

This letter was shared with me by Erron Alvey. Erron and I are cousins descending from James Thomas Ross/Meredith and Damey Catherine Graham. I have written about them before. In 2020, I shared that some more photos of James/Jim were found and I hoped that more would be found. Erron is a descendant through Robert “Bob” Leonard Ross, brother to my John “Jack” Ross. Bob’s daughter, Mary, is Erron’s Great Grandmother. It appears that some of Jim’s possessions and photos have come through the generations to her. She provided some photographs and other documents for scanning, I scanned 215 documents in all. Among them, was this letter. Pearlie was married to James Thomas Ross/Meredith Jr. Envelopes suggest Jim was living in Winton, California. None of the letters have an address on them.

The letter is dated 1934. That is right in the depths of the Great Depression. During this time in California, Jim is planning on making his way to the Salt Lake City Temple. There he will make covenants only available in temples. His closest temple at that time would have been St. George. But he has family and friends in Salt Lake City. I don’t know if he made it to Vernal and Lapoint to visit James and Pearlie and their family. But this certainly gives some more insight into the ongoing conversations and relationships that existed. I will share the scans of the letter below. I will also share some of the stash of photos that have come over, unfortunately most are unnamed individuals. Jim was baptized and confirmed 17 April 1898. He received his endowment 20 June 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Damey, who has passed away in 1933, also received her endowment vicariously on the same date. They were also sealed that same date. This letter is 11 months before Jim made the trip and received these ordinances.

Pearlie May Marshall was born 16 September 1892 in Gladesboro, Carroll, Virginia and died 17 September 1976 in Vernal, Uintah, Utah. She married to James Thomas Ross (1895 – 1964) 4 June 1913 in Laurel Fork, Carroll, Virginia. They divorced and she remarried to Ashley Bartlett in Vernal, Utah, 22 November 1938. James Jr and Pearlie had six children: Vesta Virginia Ross (1914 – 2007), Eugene Dale Ross (1915 – 1986), Iola Inez Ross (1918 – 1976), Ernest Howard Ross (1919 – 1922), Sydney Bea Ross (1922 – 2010), and Carma Ross (1924 – 2015). All but Sydney were born in Lapoint, she was born in Rupert, Minidoka, Idaho. Ernest died in Rupert while there.

Lapoint, Ut

July 20, 1934

Dear Dad,

We were surely pleased to get your letter as we half been expecting one for some time.

How are you and what are you doing? We are all well as usual and not doing much of any thing.

Are times getting any better down there? Don’t seem to be any better here, besides the water situation is getting serious.

Just enough for gardens and maybe that won’t last.

No hay or grain raised if under the White Rocks Canal and not much under the Government Canal.

Glad you are coming to Salt Lake City to go through the Temple.

Nothing would please me better than to go through with you, but I haven’t a penny now and don’t suppose I will then, but if it is possible I will be there.

One of my neighbors used to work in the Temple. She said you could get some one there to go through with you, but I will if I can get there.

I wish Tom would go and be sealed to you and have our work done but I’ve about given up all hopes.

You must be sure and come on out here whether I can meet you there or not.

It won’t cost much more and we want to see you so bad. The children talk about your a lot. Sydney and Carma are getting to be quite big girls now. Eugene hasn’t grown much since you saw him. Surely sorry to hear Jack had cancer of the stomach. Hope he is better by now.

How are Fannie’s folks?

I wrote her 2 or 3 weeks ago but haven’t heard from her.

Do you still stay with Florence? How are her and her family? Tell her to write and tell all about herself and kiddies.

Where is Orson? How are he and his wife getting along. Where does Mary live and how is her health now.

Dad and Mother are getting quite feeble. They ask about you often. Said give you their love. All the rest are quite well. The depression has hit them all.

Irma and Bill are still here but would like to lie in Calif.

Well, Dad don’t wait so long to write us as we are always anxious to hear from you. Be sure you make your plans to come on here when you come to Salt Lake.

Would like for you to come stay with us. It was not cold here last winter so maybe it won’t be this.

Any way come for awhile. I’ll meet you if I can.

Please write soon.

Love from all

Pearlie

Sunday, 19 October 2025 by Sagacity

Golden Gate International Exposition

The Golden Gate International Exposition, held on Treasure Island in San Francisco, was the 1939-1940 World Fair to showcase technology and culture. It is fun to see evidence that my Great Grandparents made the trip.

“Airplane View from Oakland

“Showing San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate International Exposition.

“In 1939, San Francisco, Oakland and the cities around the Golden Gate invite the world to join them in celebrating the completion of the world’s two largest bridges, spanning San Francisco Bay to the East Bay, and northward to the vast Redwood Empire.

“In the foreground of this picture is an architectural sketch by Chesley Bonestell of the Golden Gate International Exposition. Forty million dollars will go into the staging of California’s World Fair, which will open February 18, 1939, for a period of 228 days.

Dave, David, and Dena Donaldson at the Golden Gate Exposition

I tried to pinpoint more of where this photo was taken. But much of the World Fair is no longer there. I am fairly certain that is the Tower of the Sun in the background, but nothing else seems to line up with the limited maps.

Sunday, 5 October 2025 by Sagacity

Navy Air Show – 1945

Back (l-r): Bob Reading, Smo Smolinsky, Dick West, Jack Seabolt, Norm Reid, Bill Plunkett, Skull Nelson, Wes Harper, Junior Locher; Front: Jack Simmerman, Bob Johnson, Mike Michaelson, Al Thorngren, Norm Schram, Hoot Nejdl, Ted Wallover.

I continue to scan photos that belonged to my Great Uncle and Aunt, Dave and Betty Donaldson. This one had names typed on the back. Chauncey “Mike” Michaelson married my Grandma’s sister, Dena Donaldson on 7 December 1943 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.

This photo says “Navy Air Show” at “NAS Santa Rosa, Calif.” on 31 March 1945. Dena and Mike had a son born 29 October 1944 in Brigham City, Utah.

The back of the card has the names written on it. I assume it is accurate as it was likely from the time, but the handwriting gives further definition. I can also tell there are a number of nicknames, so I wasn’t able to find most of the people listed in the photo. Either the name was too common or the name given is not sufficient.

Wes Harper – could be Wesley Raymon Harper (1922 – 1982) of Larned, Kansas.

Bob Johnson – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Junior Locher – could be Junior Lewis Locher (1919 – 2003) of Glasgow, Virginia.

Chauncey De Orr “Mike” Michaelson (1922 – 2006) of Montpelier, Idaho.

Hoot Nejdl – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Skull Nelson – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Bill Plunkett – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Bob Reading – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Norm Reid – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Norm Schram – could be Norman Hayner Schram (1922 – 2011) of Pontiac, Michigan.

Jack Seabolt – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Jack Simmerman – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Smo Smolinsky – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Al Thorngren – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Ted Wallover – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Dick West – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Sunday, 14 September 2025 by Sagacity

Drops of Water

Little drops of water,

Little grains of sand,

Make the mighty ocean

And the pleasant land.

Thus the little minutes,

Humble though they be,

Make the mighty ages

Of eternity.

Julia A Fletcher

That poem seemed to fit as I work through more photos that belonged to my Great Grandparents. These photos found their way to my (Great) Uncle Dave and (Great) Aunt Betty. I scanned and worked through these photos, in some cases over 100 years later. I wonder what thoughts or emotions my own family’s photos might evoke in 100 years. The little minutes add up.

David Donaldson was born in 1894. If this photo were taken at 18 years old, then it would be 1912.

These are the two same women from the separate photos above, probably the same day. No clue if related or some other occasion.

David certainly appears older in this photo than the prior one. His 20s or 30s?

I can recognize Dena and David on the left, along with David’s mother Mary. I would have been guessing on Alvin, but his age and size appear to match. Who is Ms. Berry? There are so many Berry/Barry/Beery ladies in Ogden in 1920, even within a mile and half of the house, that I cannot make any identification. The Donaldson family in 1920 were living at 2270 Ogden Ave, Ogden, Utah. I have written a biography about my Great Grandparents, David Delos Donaldson and Berendena Van Leeuwen.

David Delos Donaldson holding little girl

This photo has a couple of interesting pieces. I don’t immediately recognize the little girl as one of David’s children. The family lived in Ogden. The mountains seem to line up. But I generally think it is early 1920s. Interesting note, I appreciate that the baby clothing between boys and girls were somewhat interchangeable. Perhaps this is actually David William Donaldson and the same day as this photo:

Berendena Van Leeuwen Donaldson holding child

This photo is interesting to me as I don’t see Dena as quite as young as when her first kids were born in 1920. I cannot tell if it is a boy or girl she is holding, but if it is David/Dave, then this could be around 1929-1930. Dena was born in 1898, so 1930 would put her at 32 years old.

Berendena Van Leeuwen Donaldson with the three Ross grandchildren, Milo, Caroline, and Judy

Milo was born in 1943, Judy in 1946, and Caroline in 1948. This photo seems it could have taken place in 1950 to 1951.

I don’t know whose car it is, or the make and model. The plate says 1949. I don’t know if plates had to be replaced every year, or if they were longer time increments. If they are only one year, then this would appear to place the photo and the one above in 1949 or 1950.

This photo is interesting. It had 1940 written on it, so my Grandma turned 19 that year. She married in 1942. Doing an AI search, it showed one of the locations near Grotto Geyser. The small piece of the sign to the right appears to begin with the letter G. Here is a modern shot from Google Maps from 2013. It really does not look like the Grotto Geyser features have changed much in 85 years.

This photo was a fun photo of Grandma. Her teeth in the picture are different than I remember. Going back through all the photos I have of her and Grandpa, I don’t have many pictures of her full-toothed smile. Having her tongue in her teeth distorts how her teeth look.

This photo is interesting in that the back says it was taken 28 June 1939 in Napa, California. The only explanation for the photo must be while they were in California for the 1939 World Fair. Here is a photo from that occasion.

Here is another fun photo. Berendena Van Leeuwen Donaldson and Catharina Johanna Van Leeuwen Collins are sisters. Dena was born in 1898, Kate in 1902. Dena passed away in 1959 and spent the last 4 years of her life in a wheelchair, so this is before that. You can see she is standing on the right and holding on to the side of the image. Guessing, this is probably early to middle 1950s.

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