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.
This wasn’t intentional. Not sure why or how it happened, but it did.
Anyone who knows me knows that I stop and visited deceased people and ancestors anytime I am in the neighborhood. Kinda like stopping in to visit any other cousin or friend when you are driving through, are in town, and have some time. Ancestors are very accommodating whenever you want to stop in and visit. Maybe COVID-19 just gave us more time.
I have the following ancestors who are buried somewhat nearby, western United States. I will link each ancestor I have written about previously if you want additional information. Here are my ancestors and where they are buried.
As of this writing, I see there are two ancestors that I haven’t stopped and visited in the last few years and got pictures with the kids and the tombstone, Christiana Andra in Salt Lake City and William Sharp in Ogden (I now have the goal to get it done before the end of the year). I also have a couple of known ancestors without tombstones, David and Gwenllian Jordan in Ogden, Utah, Hubert Jonas in Ellensburg, Washington (but we got pictures at the grave), and Damey Ross in Olivehurst, California (who we visited after hours and couldn’t even locate the grave). We should remedy that but we may just have to stop and get pictures with their grave locations.
I also cheat and use the 2016, 2018, and 2019 photos with three ancestors, Johanna Benson in Spring City, Utah in 2018, John William Ross in San Bruno, California in 2016, and James Thomas Ross/Meredith in Fresno, California in 2019. I could do a 2020 photo for Johanna, but I am not going to California just to redo a tombstone photo with the two Ross ancestors.
Lillian (in background by Wanner tombstone), James, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Louise Wanner (1901-1991) and William Fredrick Andra (1898-1990) on 26 July 2020.
Aliza, Paul, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Ann Bailey (1828-1913), Mary Ann (Lillian “Lillie” Musgrave) Stoker (1861-1935) and Milo Riley Sharp (1857-1916) on 23 May 2020. Mary Ann Bailey is the mother of Milo Riley Sharp, don’t confuse mother Mary Ann with spouse Mary Ann. We shorten our Lillian’s name to Lillie’s spelling in her honor.
Aliza Ross with tombstones for Hermina Jansen (1860-1921) and George Henry (Gerhardus Hendrick) Van Leeuwen (1856-1932) on 28 June 2020.
Joseph Jonas – Richmond, Utah
Tombstone of Joseph Jonas (1859-1917) on 26 July 2020. The S is a mistake put there by someone. Some have put his mother’s maiden name “Schumacher” there, but we have yet to find any evidence of that middle initial or name.
Annie Jonas – Crescent, Sandy, Utah
Lillian and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Annetta Josephine Nelson Jonas (1864-1907) on 11 July 2020.
Herbert & Martha Coley – Richmond, Utah
Lillian Ross with tombstone of Martha Christiansen (1879-1961) and Herbert Coley (1864-1942) on 26 July 2020.
Christiana Andra – Wasatch Memorial, Latona Section, Salt Lake City, Utah
Aliza Ross, Jill Hemsley, Lillian Ross with tombstone of Christiana Wilhelmina Knauke (1869-1957), widow of Friedrich Theodor Andra, on 6 September 2020. She went by Wilhelmina in the United States and married Johann Wendel, as I have written previously. The other grave is her daughter-in-law and grandson, Rebecca Emelia Christensen (1904-1931) and Otto Carl Andra (1929-1929).
Lillie, Paul, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of William Sharp on 27 November 2020. This was the first time I had ever been to William’s grave.
Mary Sharp – Plain City, Utah
Aliza, Paul, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Ann Bailey (1828-1913), Mary Ann (Lillie Musgrave) Stoker (1861-1935) and Milo Riley Sharp (1857-1916) on 23 May 2020. Mary Ann Bailey is the mother of Milo Riley Sharp, don’t confuse mother Mary Ann with spouse Mary Ann. We shorten our Lillian’s name to Lillie’s spelling in her honor.
Aliza, Lillie, Paul, James, and Hiram Ross at the graves of Gwenllian Jordan (1842-1900) and David D Williams (1832-1911) on 27 November 2020. Neither have a tombstone.
Hubert Jonas – Holy Cross, Ellensburg, Washington
Lillian Ross with tombstone of Emma Schriber Jonas (1855-1898), wife of William Jonas on 5 August 2020. William and his father Hubert both do not have tombstones and are buried next to Emma.
Hiram, James, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone for Agnetta Benson (Bengtsson)(1832-1873) and John Nelson (Johann Nilsson)(1827-1902) on 25 July 2020.
Paul, Aliza, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Constance Josephine Eliza Jorgensen Christiansen (1857-1932) on 8 August 2020. Portland apparently isn’t watering their cemeteries this year.
Paul, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Margret Watkins (1816-1902), David Jordan (1820-1893) and Thomas Jordan (1857-1880) on 23 May 2020. Thomas is the son of David and Margret.
Paul, Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Johanna Johannsson Benson (Bengtsson)(1813-1897) on 7 September 2018. I know I am cheating, it wasn’t 2020. But it was recent.
Aliza Ross with tombstones of Hanna Mathea Christensen (1831-1900) and Olavus Jorgensen (1830-1904) on 26 July 2020.
Others visited this year.
Garrett Lee Smith – Weston, Oregon
Paul Ross with tombstone of Garrett Lee Smith (1981-2003) on 9 August 2020. Garrett was my last missionary companion.
Eli Benjamin Stoker – Mullan, Idaho
Tombstone of Eli Benjamin Stoker (1870-1952) on 3 August 2020. Eli is the half-brother to my Mary Ann Stoker Sharp.
Mary Nelson Jonas – Holy Cross – Ellensburg, Washington
Aliza Ross with tombstone of Mary Nelson Jonas (1885-1899) on 5 August 2020. Mary is the sister to my Joseph Nelson Jonas.
Ezra & Flora Benson – Whitney, Idaho
Aliza and James Ross with tombstone of Flora Smith Amussen (1901-1992) and Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) on 26 July 2020. Many know Ezra as the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower.
Spackman Plot Marker – Lewiston, Utah
Aliza Ross with the Spackman Plot Marker. She recognized and wanted a picture with the Pacman tombstone on 26 July 2020.
Walter Theodor Andra – Logan, Utah
Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Walter Theodor Andra (1896-1967) on 25 July 2020. Walter is brother to my Bill Andra.
Charles Wilson Nibley – Logan, Utah
Aliza, Hiram, James, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Charles Wilson Nibley (1849-1931) on 25 July 2020. Charles is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a member of the First Presidency (non-apostle) to President Heber J Grant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Moses Thatcher – Logan, Utah
Lillian, Hiram, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Moses Thatcher (1842-1909) on 25 July 2020. Moses is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Allison Ann Parker – Logan, Utah
Tombstone of Allison Ann Parker (1976-1997) on 25 July 2020. Allison is a friend and brother of my high school friends Ryan and Russell Parker. She passed away after a tragic accident driving back to Utah after our Senior Prom date night in 1997.
Peter Maughan – Logan, Utah
James, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Peter Maughan on 25 July 2020. Peter is known for various positions and business interests, as one of the founders of Cache Valley, Utah.
Ezra Benson – Logan, Utah
Aliza, James, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Ezra Taft Benson (1811-1869) on 25 July 2020. Ezra is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nels Nelson – Crescent, Sandy, Utah
Hiram and Lillian Jonas with tombstone of Nels August Nelson (Nilsson)(1857-1935) on 11 July 2020. He is the brother to my Annetta “Annie” Jonas.
Stanley Spatig – West Warren, Utah
Tombstone of Stanley Hazen Spatig (1940-2013). Son of Eva Virtue Wanner Spatig, sister to my Mary Louise Wanner Andra.
Joseph & Ann Wayment – West Warren, Utah
Bryan Hemsley, Amanda, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones of Ann Reed (1852-1931) and Joseph Wayment (1844-1931). Amanda’s Great Great Great Grandparents on 24 May 2020.
Louis & Martha Hansen – West Warren, Utah
Bryan Hemsley, Aliza, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Sarah Eveline Judkins (1886-1943), Louis Alma Hansen (1876-1951), and Martha Ann Wayment (1877-1908) on 24 May 2020. Louis and Martha are Amanda’s Great Great Grandparents.
Walter & Myrtle Hansen – West Warren, Utah
Bryan & Jill Hemsley with Aliza, Lillian, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Myrtle Thompson (1902-1959) and Walter Wayment Hansen (1904-1995) on 24 May 2020. Walter and Myrtle are Amanda’s Great Grandparents.
Evan & Lona Jonas – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Aliza and James Ross with tombstone for Lona Rae Jensen (1930-2012) and Evan Reed Jonas (1928-1999) on 23 May 2020. Evan is the brother to my Norwood Jonas.
Spencer & Jimmie Jonas – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Aliza Ross with tombstone of Viola Amelia (Jimmie) Cole (1920-1996) and Spencer Gilbert Jonas (1919-1988) on 23 May 2020. Spencer is the brother to my Norwood Jonas.
Melvin Thompson – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Amanda, James, Aliza, Lillian, Hiram Ross, Bryan and Jill Hemsley, and Alyssa Smart with tombstone of Melvin J Thompson (1925-2018) on 23 May 2020. Mel is Amanda step-Grandpa.
Merle & Belle Hemsley – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Bryan & Jill Hemsley, Hiram, Lillian, Aliza, and Amanda Ross with tombstone for Belle Sarah Peterson (1917-2003) and Richard Merle Hemsley (1912-1962) on 23 May 2020. Merle and Belle are Amanda’s Great Grandparents.
Ellen Weller – Hooper, Utah
Tombstone of Ellen Watton Weller (1828-1894) on 23 May 2020. I stumbled upon this tombstone in Hooper. I was walking around, felt inspired to walk over, and looked at this one knowing there was a link. Name looked vaguely familiar. Half-sister to my Hannah Maria Rogers Coley. Didn’t know she was buried in Hooper, FamilySearch didn’t have it either. Her and Joseph Weller are now documented and updated.
Dee Hemsley – Hooper, Utah
Alyssa Smart, Bryan and Jill Hemsley, Aliza, Lillian, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Richard DeLece Hemsley (1936-2013) on 23 May 2020. Dee is Amanda’s grandfather.
William & Martha Wayment – Plain City, Utah
James, Amanda, Lillian, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Martha Brown (1823-1905) and William Wayment (1822-1883) on 23 May 2020. William and Martha are Amanda’s Great Great Great Great Grandparents. The tombstone above Aliza’s head is William Edward Stoker mentioned above, my Great Great Great Grandfather.
Lorenzo Snow – Brigham City, Utah
Hiram, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone for Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901) on 23 May 2020. Lorenzo Snow is known as the 5th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
David & Ruby Haight – Wasatch Memorial, Salt Lake City, Utah
Aliza & Lillian Ross, Jill Hemsley, with tombstone of Ruby Olson (1910-2004) and David Bruce Haight (1906-2004) on 6 September 2020. David Haight is known as an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I previously interacted with him regarding marriage.
Charlotte Sharp – Ogden, Utah
James and Paul Ross at the tombstone of Charlotte Elizabeth Earl (1816-1907) on 27 November 2020. Charlotte married my William Sharp (1826-1900) after she was widowed of her first husband Charles James McGary (1808-1875).
Lorin Farr – Ogden, Utah
Paul Ross with tombstone of Lorin Farr (1808-1907) on 27 November 2020. Lorin Farr was the first Stake President of the Weber Stake which covered all the territory of all my ancestors in Ogden and Plain City. He was also the first Mayor of Ogden.
Thomas Marsh – Ogden, Utah
Paul Ross with tombstone of Thomas Baldwin Marsh (1800-1866) on 27 November 2020. Thomas Marsh is known as the first Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who had he remained faithful, would have been President before Brigham Young.
Sergene Sorenson – Pleasant View, Burley, Idaho
Lillie, Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with tombstone of Sergene Sorenson (1932-2013) on 2 January 2021. Sergene is the sister to my Grandma Colleen.
Scott Sorenson – Pleasant View, Burley, Idaho
James, Lillie, Hiram, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Scott Sorenson (1951-2001) on 2 January 2021.Lillie, Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with tombstone of Bert Sorenson (1924-1991) on 2 January 2021.
Buhl School, 5th Grade, 1947-48, Alice Blayney teacher, Bud Coley is in front row, fourth from left
This photo is from Colleen Coley Todd. She lives in Buhl and is my cousin through the Coley line.
I thought I better share it in hopes we might be able to name some more of the individuals in the photo. Any information I get I would be happy to add and update. I would anticipate most of these kids were born in 1935-1936.
I know two of the people in the photo. The name of the teacher, Alice Blayney, caught my eye. I have been involved in some Blayney litigation in Minidoka County for 4 years now. I was curious if she was related.
Alice Marguerite Blayney was born 3 July 1923 in Acequia, Minidoka, Idaho. She later married Allen Lester McCain (1913 – 1994) 21 June 1953 in Rupert, Minidoka, Idaho.
She is the older sister of William Donald Blayney (1930 – 2014). I am the Personal Representative of Donald Blayney and his wife Irene Vilhauer Blayney (1926 – 2015). I am still in that probate on an appellate level and now defending a separate litigation in relation to the Probate. How is that for a small world?
Front row, fourth from the left in the black sweater is Lorus “Bud” Ivan Coley (1936 – 1962). He is the reason Colleen has the picture as it is her brother. He was born 1 August 1936 in Buhl, Twin Falls, Idaho and died 23 October 1962 in what may or may not be a hunting accident in Twin Falls County mountains.
On 26 June 2014 I stopped for a visit at the Richmond, Utah, City Cemetery. I have a number of family buried there. It had been several years since I had been to the cemetery. I stopped by the Jonas family graves and was shocked by what I saw. Open scarring and damage to the tombstones. This is a follow up to a previous post.
Tombstone of Irwin J Jonas, notice the top side has been completely chipped away, along with the obvious metal dragging across the surface.
I reached out to Richmond City Hall to find out who was in charge of the Cemetery. I was given the name and phone number of Jeff Young and Cheryl Peck. I called and left a message for both. I returned to the Cemetery to take some additional pictures.
Tombstone of my grandfather, Norwood Jonas. Notice how the top corners are both completely chipped away.Backside of tombstone for Joseph and Lillian Jonas. Notice the apparent dragging of the mower deck along the back of the stone.
Over the next few weeks, I called and left messages for Jeff Young and Cheryl Peck. I indicated who I was and why I was calling. I never received a call back from either.
Tombstone of Herbert & Martha Coley. Notice the large chips and damage to the top of the stone.
A month or two later after no response from Mr. Young or Ms. Peck, I called back to Richmond City Hall. I was given the phone number for Marlowe Adkins. I had met Mr. Adkins when I worked for Inlande Environmental and Richmond City was doing some upgrades to their wastewater treatment facility. Mr. Adkins explained to me that the Cemetery had a Citizens Committee that was responsible for the Cemetery and Mr. Young was the one to talk to regarding the care of the Cemetery.
Tombstone of Ole Christiansen. Notice the large chip out of the top right, the corner worn off the bottom right, and the rounded damage on the top left.
I had not been to the cemetery for probably close to 8 years. As far as I can tell on the family tombstones all the damage occurred during that time.
I walked around the cemetery and snapped photos of the obvious damage on other grave markers.
Previous Mayor of Richmond Ross Plant’s tombstone didn’t fare any better.
This is obviously from repeated mowing and dragging the mower deck across the stone face.
Notice the large chip on the top right.
Both top corners completely chipped away.
Dragging of the metal along the back by the mower.
Large gash across the top chipping the stone and leaving the metal rust.
American Legion medallion completely broken from its rod.
The American Legion badges don’t even have the posts anymore.
This has been sitting there for a good while.
Looks like the city is kind enough to not throw away everyone’s hook!
Substantial chipping away on the corners of the stone.
Watch your step.
The entire stone has been pushed aside.
After not hearing from Mr. Young or Ms. Peck for several months, I reached out to an attorney regarding liability for the damages to these stones. Ultimately, the determination was made that proving the date of the damage was going to be hard and second Utah only has a small time frame in which to make notice of the injury. The king has again protected itself against liability. There would be no recourse against Richmond. Some of the FindaGrave photos uploaded in 2010 did have some of the damages showing, so we were obviously over the known injury time frame to make a claim.
Hopefully citizens and residents of Richmond would care how their Cemetery is being cared for, but I guess since it happened and no action was taken, I guess I might be wrong. Not my fight. But I can hope that shining a light on the issue might help.
Aliza, Hiram, and I went to Preston, Idaho at the end of July. If anyone knows me, I like to stop and visit people, family, and cemeteries. While we were out visiting, we made a few stops at some cemeteries. I thought I would share these couple of photos with Aliza and Hiram with the tombstones of a few of their ancestors. All on the same date!
This is the grave of Wilburn Norwood Jonas, 15 May 1924 – 14 March 1975, who is their Great Grandfather, my Grandfather. There are other posts on Norwood. This grave is in Richmond, Utah.
Hiram and Aliza at Wilburn Norwood Jonas’ grave.
These are the graves of Joseph Nelson Jonas, 19 March 1893 – 6 September 1932, and Lillian Coley, 26 August 1898 – 11 February 1987, who are their Great Great Grandparents, father of Wilburn Norwood Jonas, whose grave you can see right behind Hiram. I have also previously written about Joseph and Lillian.
Hiram and Aliza at Joseph and Lillian Jonas’ graves.
These are the graves of Hannah Maria Rogers, 4 June 1932 – 22 October 1894, and Stephen Coley, 28 January 1830 – 22 October 1913, who are their Great Great Great Great Grandparents. This is the grandparents for Lillian Coley above. For whatever reason I didn’t get a picture with Herbert and Martha Coley’s grave, the link between. These graves are in Lewiston, Utah. I have written of Hannah and Stephen also.
Hiram and Aliza at Hannah and Stephen Coley’s graves.
These are the graves of Mary Louise Wanner, 5 March 1901 – 30 August 1991, and William Fredrick Andra, 11 February 1898 – 13 March 1990, who are their Great Great Grandparents, parents of Colleen Mary Andra, wife of Wilburn Norwood Jonas. I need to write a biography yet of Mary and William but have been overwhelmed by it in the past and just need to work on it some day. These graves are in Whitney, Idaho.
Hiram and Aliza at Mary and William Andra’s graves.
These are the graves of John George (Johann Georg) Wanner, 29 October 1870 – 5 January 1947, and Regina Friederike Nuffer, 26 January 1869 – 10 March 1942, who are their Great Great Grandparents, parents of Mary Louise Wanner, whose photo is above, but also the tombstone to the left of Aliza’s head. I have written of John and Regina in the past.
Aliza and Hiram at John and Regina Wanner’s graves.
These are the graves of Ezra Taft Benson, 4 August 1899 – 30 May 1994, and Flora Smith Amussen, 1 July 1901 – 14 August 1992. There is no relationship with the Bensons, but it is the same cemetery as Wanners and Andras. He was the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, the kids know him as a previous prophet of the Lord. They were happy to make the visit.
Aliza and Hiram at Ezra and Flora Benson’s graves.
(I originally published this in 2008. I edited it and updated it with pictures for today, the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice.)
I thought I would write a little in relation to Veteran’s Day. For the most part, it seems this holiday is somewhat forgotten in the United States. Really, American’s celebrate the same day on Memorial Day in May. I can understand the European View of holding it on the 11th of November. It is the day WWI ended.
Arlington National Cemetery, Nov 2005
I remember well the time I first experienced Veteran’s Day. I sat in the Eccles Ward Chapel in Patricroft, England. I sat there on 11 November 1999. The services started at 11 AM. We had the hymn, opening prayer, and a few comments by the Bishop until 11:11 arrived. It was then we took two minutes to remember what was done. Somehow those two minutes seared into my heart and soul.
Growing up in Idaho means we have little or no realization of any war. There are small war memorials inside of cemeteries and an occasional one in a park to commemorate. No war in modern days has taken place anywhere near Idaho. Even the American Civil War means little to Idahoans. My grandfather served in the Philippines during WWII but he spoke so little of it. I had Uncles and Great Uncles who perished in WWI and WWII. I have been to their graves but they are the dead, just like the other dead in the cemetery. The idea of dying for one’s country meant very little to me.
Irwin John Jonas
One of my first memories of England is the day after we arrived. We were taken into Altrincham Town Centre and there we proselyted for an hour on the way to the mission office. I did notice the cenotaph. I thought it rather oddly placed.
Arlington Cemetery, Nov 2005
While I served in Hyde, Cheshire one of the ways we knew where to turn in town was at the cenotaphs. The same in Dukinfield. When we arrived early at a member’s house we would loiter at the cenotaph to street contact until time for dinner. Regularly I thought these things were oddly placed. I knew they were naming those who died in the ‘Great War’. For some reason or another I thought they doubled up on the names over the various cenotaphs. It never occurred to me names are not typically duplicated on these things, or if they do, the intention is not to do so.
Ellis Seth Jonas
Suddenly I found myself sitting in a church meeting remembering. These souls did not fight for my country. However I felt come into my heart a gratitude for their sacrifice. Could I do the same thing if called upon? Somehow a dawning realization came upon me of the hundreds if not thousands of names I had seen on cenotaphs in my first year in England. They were everywhere. There were continuous reminders of the dead who fought for their country.
About a month later I found myself walking the streets of Runcorn, Cheshire. There is a large cenotaph probably 15 feet tall. The bus would drive by it every day. I could not help but notice the little red, fake flowers on popsicle sticks stuck in the flower bed all around it. The cenotaph meant more to me by this point but what were the little red flowers? I noticed each of them had a name written on them and they appeared hand-made.
James William Ross
I asked what the little red flowers meant that were still scattered everywhere a month after the 11th of November. I was then told about Flanders Fields and the poppies. The poem was shared with me. It made sense, I felt the poignancy of it. I have a cousin, Harry Coley (1891 – 1917) who died in Broodseinde, Flanders, Belgium as part of the war. His body was lost in the mud and potholes of the war and never recovered.
The imagery is intense while the poem isn’t all that catchy to me. In fact, some of it still doesn’t make sense to me so I share only the first verse here:
In Flanders Fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
David Delos Donaldson (back), John Edmund Donaldson (left), and William George Donaldson
Would I have this type of courage? Would I be willing to go and serve my country so willingly? Even if I was drafted, unwillingly? To set aside all other hopes and aspirations to serve my country? I did so to serve a mission for my church. I would think I would be willing to for my nation. While I am not entirely enamoured with my country at the present, would I still be willing to do it? Probably.
Art and Golden Coley
In fact, I feel some desire to serve in the military. My life hasn’t permitted the chance and my wife is against the idea. I don’t think I will be making the decision to join. But I wish to honour those who do and especially those who died in doing so. Accordingly, when I saw my clock at 11:11 this morning, I stopped for 2 minutes to remember. What does our future hold? I don’t know. But our past is nobler because of these good souls who gave all. Not only to join, but they never returned. We were on the side of right then, and our nation was preserved. I hope and pray our nation continues on the side of right and we will yet be preserved.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington, VA, Nov 2005
An Wanner uncle of mine arrived in Whitney, Idaho a year after his death in WWI. His remains arrived in a lead casket which was buried with great fanfare for the small community. WWII repeated this scenario with another Uncle, another family line, buried in Richmond, Utah. His body arrived months later and he was interred with great fanfare. May we live our lives in such a way, regardless if dying for our nation, but let us die in such a way that the community wishes to come out and pay homage for your great sacrifice for the future of man, good, and our country.
I have this photo sitting on my desk at work. It is a little 2×3 inch picture inside a soldered silver metallic frame. It belonged to my Great Grandmother, Lillian Coley Jonas (1898 – 1987). It came from the collection of photos left to her by her mother, Martha Christiansen Coley (1879 – 1961).
My first impressions of the picture remind me of Lillian’s brother, Arthur Christiansen Coley (1921 – 2004). But for his age, the clothing are the wrong time frame. But because of the family resemblance I can see in Uncle Art, I know this man is related to me.
Since the picture belonged to Martha, I have often wondered if this is a picture of her father, Olle Christiansen (1853 – 1900). But the hat, tie, shirt, and suspenders don’t match for a person who passed away in 1900.
Since he looks like Uncle Art, but the person in the photo has to be greying and older by the 1930’s, then I believe this is one of Marth’a brothers. I know very little about the brothers. Martha had three brothers: Henry Owen Christiansen (1887 – 1932), Roy Christin Christiansen (1892 – 1892), and Ole Loren Christiansen (1898 – 1977). Since Roy died as a baby, I know it isn’t him.
That leaves me to Henry Owen and Ole Loren. Henry Owen and Martha seem to have done very little to keep in contact. Not a single letter, post card, or photograph that we can tell document anything in communication. Plus he died in 1932, so the photo above had to predate that date. I am not a great teller of fashion styles and changes, but I believe the above photo’s clothing would date during the 1930s into the 1940s. As such, I believe this photo is of Ole Loren.
I have one photo of Ole Loren. Don’t you think they are close enough in features that they could be the same. However, I do not know if Henry Owen looked like him.
Sister, Ole Loren, Florence?
I don’t even know which sister of Loren’s is on the left. From other photos and correspondence I very much believe this is Rhoda. With the letters and cards between the two, it is very likely this photo was provided to Martha by her. The photo only says “Sister, Loren, and wife” on the back. Ole Loren, who I believe went by Loren, probably to differentiate him from his father, only had two wives that I am aware. Sara Strong (1900 – ?) who he married in 1918 and Florence Knapp (1898 – ?) who he married in 1926. I don’t know what happened to Sara, there appears to have been a divorce. For the time of this photo, Florence is likely his wife. I can tell the sister on the left is a sibling to Martha and Loren, I just don’t know which one.
Henry Owen Christiansen appears to have died in Tillamook County, Oregon. On his service registration in 1918 he is living in Northport, Stevens, Washington with a wife of Anna Wilda Christiansen. I believe she is Anna Wilda Hooser from Texas. They appear to have had children named Mary, Madison, Gerald, Henry Jr, and John. Quite a bit more research to properly piece the family together.
Ole Loren Christiansen appears to have died in Oakland, Alameda, California. I believe two children were born to Sara, Ruth and Robert, and two to Florence, Lorraine, and Lucille. Lorraine and Lucille may have been twins, both born the same year.
Without more photos to compare, I don’t believe I will pin point these individuals while in mortality. But at least I have narrowed down the family relationships. If anyone has more information on Ole Loren Christiansen or Henry Owen Christiansen, I am very much interested in any clues or leads you can provide.
At any rate, people often ask me about the little frame on my desk. All I usually say is it is my Great Great Grandmother’s brother, I don’t know which one. Most don’t say anything about that, but a number of commented on how intriguing the picture is. I agree, some day I will learn more on Loren and Henry and hopefully can provide an update.
I stumbled upon a photo of a Great, Great Uncle, Wilford Herbert Coley, posted on a website. I e-mailed the lady who posted the picture and she forwarded my e-mail to her brother. As it turns out, the family has a number of film reels taken from the early 1960’s. I asked him to share any that he thought I might be interested in. He indicated that one was from a funeral and it seemed to include extended family. He could only identify his grandfather, Wilford Herbert Coley, in the film.
On a hunch, I sent him this photo and informed him that it was taken 17 August 1961 at the burial of my Great, Great Grandmother, Martha Christiansen Coley, in Richmond, Utah. This is Wilford’s mother and I knew he was at the funeral. I also knew that if the family was into filming events, this could very well be one such event to catch.
Art, Golden, Wilford, Roland, Lloyd, Edna, Hannah, Carrie, Lillian, Ivan Coley at their mother’s funeral in 1961.
He responded to me stating the film was from the same funeral and it actually covered the carrying of the casket from the hearse, some scanning of the crowd, and then the final shots of the 10 siblings standing together in which this photo was taken. He shared the converted video from the film with me yesterday.
The 10 siblings in the picture above and film are as follows from left to right.
Arthur Christiansen Coley (Art), 1921-2004
William Golden Coley (Goldie), 1924-2009
Wilford Herbert Coley, 1903-1966
Roland Charles Coley, 1915-2005
Oley Lloyd Coley (Lloyd), 1918-1998
Edna Coley Neilson, 1900-1983
Hannah Marie Coley Thomson, 1909-1982
Carrie Christiansen Coley McMurdie, 1906-1992
Lillian Coley Jonas, 1898-1987
Ivan Stephen Coley, 1912-1994
The film starts out with children carrying flowers out of the church. I am pretty sure this is the old Richmond, Utah South Ward Building (demolished after the 1962 earthquake). I do not think we will be able to identify any of these girls because of how cloudy and short the video is at this point.
The film then moves to the Richmond, Utah Cemetery viewing the place where Martha will be laid to rest. Two girls appear in the background, again probably too short a span of time and too fuzzy to identify them.
We jump to the casket being carried by 6 men, the 6 male siblings. On the far side of the casket from right to left are Roland, Wilford, and Art. On the near side from right to left are Lloyd, Golden, and Ivan.
In the background right as the pallbearers appear with the casket are two girls dressed in white. The taller of the two are Connie Gittins (Wilford’s granddaughter) and an unknown girl.
A young unidentified girl walks in front of the group bearing the casket.
Then we start the first scan of the crowd counter-clockwise from the south. These are the individuals:
Wilford Coley
Short boy in white that Bob Jonas steps in front of
Bob Jonas in white shirt
Steve Coley in white shirt
Gary Coley revealed when Steve Coley steps aside
Art Coley
Mary Coley (Art’s wife and Bob, Steve, and Gary’s mother)
Lillian Coley Jonas
Carrie Coley McMurdie
Edna Coley Neilson
Hannah Thomson
Tall guy in background (probably Lorenzo “Ren” Bowcutt?)
Lady in white in background
Tall thin man in background
Shorter man in foreground, very short time
Then we move to the 10 siblings back and forth as mentioned above in the photo.
The video is below. Be sure to open it in full screen and to have your mouse on the pause button so you can look more carefully.
If anyone can add more information, I certainly welcome it. I hope we can identify every person in the video but I think I hope for too much. After all, this was taken 40 years ago! Nevertheless, the video is interesting to see people living and moving who are now all gone from mortality.
For those interested, here is a copy of Lillian Coley Jonas’ journal that includes this funeral. Martha died on the 14th of August 1961. I also include the other two journals we have for her.
Sagacity 