My Dad shared this article from the North Side Journal from March 2024, Section B Page 15.
People who live in the Magic Valley know there is a Milner Dam near the east end of Jerome County. When the irrigation waters are released in early spring from Milner Dam, the canals flow on the north side and on the south side of the Snake River. But did you know there was an actual town named Milner? And how the town got its name? In the early 1900s, Jerome County farmer I. B. Perrine was transporting his fruits and vegetables from his farm in the Snake River canyon to the Albion Normal School South of Oakley. The trail from the Blue Lakes farm to Albion was a pretty rough ride for his horses and wagon. When he got to what was known as the Cedars, he rode across the river on Starrh’s ferry boat then traveled the rest of the way on another rough trail. He took this route several times and thought there should be a dam here to bring river water up onto the sagebrush areas on both sides. He discussed his thoughts with several of his acquaintances, especially the ones with money to spend on projects like this. He filed paperwork, which was approved in 1903, to own land and water rights in this area and proceeded to get the financing.
When everything was approved, a corporation was formed to build a dam at the Cedars. Peter Kimberly, S. B. Milner, H. L. Hollister, Witcher Jones, Robert McCollum, Paul Bickel, D. C. McWatters, Frank Buhl, and William S. Kuhn all had a hand in the financial end of this project. Before building the dam, canals had to be created on each side of the river.
They started with the south side because the Stricker Stage Stop and some other nearby settlements were already on that side. There were no communities on the north side toward the west which would be the flow of the canals. In order to build canals, there had to be construction workers: so, a town was started on the south side of the Cedars crossing which was named after Mr. Milner. They started with the south side canals flowing west towards where any unused water would flow into Rock Creek just before it dropped into the Snake River. While these canals were built guilt, the town of Twin Falls, named for the twin falls two miles upriver of the Shoshone Falls, was being developed in 1904 near Rock Creek almost 40 miles to the west of Milner. The dam was finished, the gates opened to the south side in 1905. Just after this time, plans were made to create canals on the north side.
The workers from Milner also helped with this construction. We know of all the difficulties the north side had from so much basalt rock that the canal water seeped through, and they had to apply concrete to the first two miles of the canal system in order to get water to the communities west of there. By 1905 the community of Greenwood began to develop on the north side. Most had to shop and bank at Milner, 16 miles away. Many farmers had come to claim free land under the Carey Act. By 1910 the water canal was filling the system and the towns of Hazelton (1911), Eden (1911), and Jerome (1907) had started with canal water flowing through and past them and back down into the Snake River west of Wendell (1907). When the Milner Dam and the canal systems work was finished, the construction workers and business owners and Milner either farmed lands close by on either side or move to other towns.
The bank, grocery store, mercantile stores, saloons and “red-light district” moved to Hazelton in 1914, about 16 miles away. The big Riverside Inn burnt down. The only thing left that shows the town of Milner existed is the cement casing that was around the bank vault and a few graves. (Information from North Side News and Helms family history).
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.
Sandy Jonas Burley High School Diploma
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
Unknown, Marion Murray, Roy Davis in Twin Falls County, Idaho
Sometimes something about a photo just captures something that makes you look closer. This is one of those photos. There is so much happening. Here is what I know.
Roy Elgin Davis was born 24 Dec 1888 in Drexel, Cass, Missouri and died 27 December 1957 in Twin Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho. 1895 found him in Lane, Franklin, Kansas; 1900 found him in Alamota, Franklin, Kansas; 1917-1918 also in Lane, Kansas; 1920 in Poplar Grove, Twin Falls, Idaho; 1930 in Rock Creek, Twin Falls, Idaho; 1940 in Kimberly, Twin Falls, Idaho.
I am not quite sure where Poplar Grove is. But he made it to Idaho in time to meet, court, and marry Joanna Virginia Angeline Todd (1898-1997) on 18 October 1919 in Twin Falls. She was the widow of James Ellsworth Murray (1895-1918), who had been married a whole 2 years, he was 23 when he passed of the dreaded influenza. She had a son, Marion Murray (1917-1997)(another little girl had passed at birth, Virginia). Marion likely did not have any memories of his father and only knew Roy.
This picture of a cold Marion is likely about 1930 when they were living between Rock Creek and Kimberly. The snow on the ground and jackets show it is frigid outside. Roy is holding a horse, unknown man behind them, with this dog in front with what appears a leash. A muscular, strong dog of a breed I do not see often.
Marion in 1935 is found in Hawaii; 1940 in Carey, Blaine, Idaho; drafted from Muldoon, Blaine, Idaho (presumably the mine); and dies near Creston, Cumberland, Tennessee in 1997.
Fast forward a dozen years or so, and we find a picture of Nevin Murray on a bike being held up by Roy Davis. Young Nevin appears to be about 4 or 5 in a dapper suit and hat. Nevin Wayne Murray was born 20 May 1939 in Twin Falls, Idaho. He changed his name to Nevin Wayne Gibson and died 20 November 2003 in Miles City, Custer, Montana.
I want to read into the dates and locations for Marion and Nevin, but it is purely speculation. I located another photo of Marion, Shirley, and Nevin and posted here. Doesn’t appear things went well where Marion’s wife, Shirley Isabelle Cate (1922-1995) remarried in 1944 in Elko, Nevada, and Nevin took on that new husband’s last name.
But like the first, this photo captures a piece of humanity.
Samuel and Margaret Irvine Todd are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter Sarah Armina Todd to Joseph Russell Donaldson, son of William and Catherine Scott Donaldson. Joseph and Sarah were married 19 November 1862 in Pittsburgh, Frontenac, Ontario.
We really do not know much about this family in terms of personality. We do know a few things about their lives from documents left behind. I thought I would write this article in hopes that other photos may be found, but at least I can share this picture of Joseph and his second wife, Agnes.
Sarah Armina Todd was born the first of five children born to Margaret Irvine and Samuel Todd 13 April 1839 in Cape Vincent, Jefferson, New York. We think the family had just barely arrived from Ireland. The family then settled in Pittsburgh where her father worked as a blacksmith and farmer. We also believe Margaret was of the Irvine Clan in Northern Ireland, but have yet to verify any of that. We do not even know if Margaret and Samuel knew each other before leaving to emigrate to Canada. They may have met in the United States or on the ship over the pond. No pictures of her to date have appeared, hopefully one will arise at some point.
Sarah Armina Todd
Joseph Russell was born seventh of nine children we know of born to Catherine Scott and William Donaldson 12 April 1836 in Bredie, Tyrone, Northern Ireland. We still have to confirm the exact location, but this is from family history sources stretching to Joseph and Sarah’s sons. Joseph’s parents emigrated to Joyceville, Frontenac, Ontario we believe around 1842. We have yet to verify much of the information related to this family. I have posted some information on Joseph’s sister, Mary Hutton. I have also made mention of Joseph’s double nephew, William John.
Joseph Russell Donaldson
Anyhow, Joyceville and Pittsburgh are about 1.25 miles apart and it is easy to imagine how Joseph and Sarah met. Both families were in the area long enough they were probably well acquainted with each other and the myriad of cousins living in the vicinity. However they met, the two were married in Pittsburgh in 1862 and went on to have eight children. Joseph worked as a farmer his entire life in the Pittsburgh area.
Margaret Emma Donaldson was born 6 February 1864 in Joyceville and died 11 June 1916. We do not know where she died or if she ever married.
William Scott Donaldson was born 18 June 1865 in Joyceville and died 12 September 1913 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, which took him west. There he met and married Mary Elizabeth Williams. I have written of their life at this link: Donaldson-Williams Wedding.
Samuel Gordon Donaldson was born 23 February 1867 in Joyceville and died 22 October 1933 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. He married Catherine Joyce 18 January 1899.
Joseph Russell Donaldson was born 15 September 1868 in Joyceville and died 19 October 1922 in Toronto, York, Ontario. He married Mary Elizabeth Connell 1 May 1899 in Joyceville.
George Donaldson was born 10 October 1871 in Joyceville and died 8 December 1943 in Watertown, Jefferson, New York. He married Florence Martha Carey 9 January 1896 in Clayton, Jefferson, New York. Here are photos of their family.
Sarah Gertrude Donaldson was born 15 July 1873 in Joyceville. We do not know anything really more about her other than she married Harry Joseph Houghton 22 April 1903. As far as we can tell, they moved to Lakewood or Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
Harriett Edith Donaldson was born 10 September 1875 in Joyceville. We do not know anything more about her other than she married Arnold Lovell 25 July 1903.
Robert John Donaldson was born 26 July 1877 in Joyceville and died 24 May 1878 in Pittsburgh.
Sarah then died 4 October 1880 in Pittsburgh and was buried in the Sandhill Cemetery in Joyceville.
Joseph remarried 15 July 1891 in Ernestown, Lennox and Addington, Ontario. We do not know a whole lot about her other than it appears she was born 14 June 1842 in Quebec and died 20 February 1925. Her parents are listed on her death certificate as Henry Quirts and Ann Jane Farquar. The family used the name of Henry Quirt and Ann Jane Farquhar. Dunlop was the name of a previous husband, Robert.
Unknown, Joseph and Agnes Donaldson, Hattie Lovell, Unknown
Hattie Lovell and Joseph Russell Donaldson
When retirement came, Joseph moved to Kingston, Frontenac, Ontario. It is here we presume he met Agnes. He lived in Kingston until he passed away in that city 19 January 1925. He was buried next to Sarah in Sandhill Cemetery in Joyceville.
Sagacity 