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.
We are now in Hindley, Lancashire, England. We drove down here today to crash at the home of Hilton and Rhona McCabe. I met them while as a missionary here about 8 years ago. The friendship has continued and we have kept in contact.
Back on the British Side of the Road
Scotland Motorway
We are waiting to hear word from Salt Lake City. We are supposed to be closing on our home in Oklahoma City. Hopefully everything works out. We will find out tomorrow I guess.
Glasgow City Chambers
Last night we spent our evening in Edinburgh, Scotland. We walked throughout the city, saw the castle, the Holyrood residence, and the cathedral. Amanda got to see her world famous Mary Kings Close. It was very interesting. We got our hostel for the equivalent of $30 which we thought was a gonga deal.
Edinburgh Castle looking north
Edinburgh Castle looking northeast to the Scott Monument and North Sea
We landed in Prestwick on Thursday after flying out early from Charleroi Airport near Brussels. We then picked up our hired car and drove to Glasgow and on to Edinburgh. It took me a little bit, but I quickly adjusted to getting back on the wrong/left side of the road.
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Foog’s Gate – Edinburgh Castle
Half Moon Battery
Walking through Half Moon Battery
Mons Meg
Paul Ross in Mons Meg
It is late and I am too tired to write more of our travels today or of what we did in Edinburgh. We did stop to visit Downham, Clitheroe in Lancashire today where the entire town joined the church and later emigrated to Zion. Now we are back in the old mission. My second visit since being released. It is good to be back.
We did not have internet in Paris, so there has been a long silence. Perhaps that is a good thing.
As a note, I did upload some photos on the blog. They were the ones from Dresden. Well, a few. I hit my limit for the month for how many photos I can upload. As soon as July 1st hits, I will start uploading again. Sorry. There are some great pictures from Dresden and Meissen.
We left Bern and started making our way to Paris. We were planning on hitting the temple in Bern but after trying to figure out the buses, taxis, or trains with attendant costs, backpacks, and traveling all day in our church clothes, we threw in the towel. We just started out for Paris.
See our digital camera, given for our wedding looking at Lake Geneva
We made stops in Lausanne and Geneva.
Amanda at Place Saint-François in Lausanne
Lausanne was beautiful.
Lausanne Cathedral
The view coming in over Lake Geneva was amazing.
Oomp Pah Pah band near the Lausanne Cathedral
Some of the Alps between Bern and Lausanne were breathtaking, much like the Alps we passed through in Northern Italy.
View from Lausanne Cathedral to Lake Geneva
We were supposed to catch a train directly from Lausanne to Paris, but it was fully booked.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Lausanne, Switzerland, was consecrated in 1215 after 45 years of construction. This tympanum and archivolt on the west portal called Montfalcon is elaborately decorated with Biblical statues. It was built in 1517 and named after Bishop Sébastien de Montfalcon.
We were able to book a train from Geneva so we knew our time in Lausanne was limited. We decided to hike up to the Lausanne Notre-Dame. We stopped at some church on the way, St. Michaels or whatever. We heard an Oomp Pah Pah (who knows what they are really called) in a park near the cathedral. It was so hot, the sun was killing us, and we were wearing our backpacks climbing an asphalt mountain made for a welcome arrival at the top. We enjoyed the hike back down to the station to head off for Geneva.
Amanda with Brunswick Monument in Geneva
We had limited time at Geneva as well. We walked over and saw the famous Jet d’Eau and enjoyed what little comfort the breeze brought to us from it.
It just made us want to jump into the water for some salvation from the heat. We walked through the park to see the flower clock, which all these watch-makers got together to show their prowess.
Paul with L’Horloge Fleurie Genève
This massive clock set in a flower bed. However, it was more than 6 hours off, not one of the hands was on the right time. Watch making prowess must have been a think of the past. We then walked up to Saint Peter’s Cathedral where we toured where John Calvin taught.
St. Peters, or Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Genève.
The University of Geneva is right next door. It was all very fascinating. We then had to make our way back down to the train station so we could head off to Paris.
The ride to Paris could have been better. We ended up in an assigned seat going backwards. Plus this train was going much faster than the other trains we have been riding on it and it swayed back and forth. I got sea sick on a train! Boy was I glad when we got to land. I wasn’t feeling well.
Amanda and Arc de Triomphe
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Looking down the stairs of the Arc de Triomphe
Tour Eiffel from Arc de Triomphe
Église Saint-Augustin and Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre from Arc de Triomphe
The next few days in Paris were a blur.
Paul and Amanda Ross with Tour Eiffel
Bowels of Eiffel
Les Invalides
Tombeau de Napoléon Ier
Amanda with Napoleon’s Tomb
It was miserably hot, again, for the first two days. We walked loads and both of us ended up with blisters on our feet. Probably more from the swelling of our feet rubbing. I was fortunate enough to get blisters between my big and index toes on both feet. Amanda got them on top from her flip flops.
Paul at Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Denis
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Ornate tomb of Catherine de’ Medici and Henry II
Tomb of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany
St Denis crypt containing the black marble tombs of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and others of the family
But it was quite the couple of days in Paris.
We hit all the big sites, except the Pantheon.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Arc de Triumphe, Place de la Concorde, Place de la Bastille, Champs-Elysees, Montmarte, L’Opera, Saint Denis Cathedral, Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Invalides, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, and Palais Versailles. I am sure that is not even a full list. But we saw them, and much of Paris in between.
Amanda at Louvre
Louvre
Paul Ross with Luxor Obelisk
Since it is late here, only a few highlights. Amanda got to see the sun set from the top of the Eiffel Tower on the longest day of the year. I was there too. How romantic is that? We had a fancy, full french meal before ascending the Eiffel’s nearly 700 steps to the second state. Mine included deep fried turkey and marinated (basically pickled) red peppers. I probably could have done without the peppers. My baklava was amazing!
Academie Nationale de Musique
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We climbed more than 1000 steps between Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower in one day. On other days we climbed Mont Marte and a whole list of other stairs. Add to that the oppressive heat, and some days we were about as good as dead when we got back to our hotel room. Our hotel had no air conditioning!
Paul Ross at Sainte-Chapelle
Display area, lower chapel, St Chapelle
St Chapelle
Rose Window in St Chapelle
Window detail in St Chapelle
We enjoyed French pastries every morning and every time Amanda would let us.
We did see the Venis d’ Milo and Mona Lisa, along with scores too many of other artworks.
The Metro of Paris is wonderful. We could get to nearly anywhere in relative comfort. However, some of them were hot and the air hung with a motor oil smell and greasiness.
Of course we did the visit to Notre Dame. However, since this post is already too long, I will post later regarding Notre Dame and the top of the Eiffel Tower.
We are glad to be back Oostrozebeke, Belgium for a day of laundry and relaxing. Thursday we fly out for Glasgow. Britain, here we come!
I previously wrote of an interesting incident I had with Aliza in the Plain City, Utah Cemetery. I have thought about that several more times as we have been back to visit. It seems fitting I finally follow up and provide some additional information on William and Martha Wayment.
Aliza with William and Martha Wayment tombstone in 2016
James, Amanda, Lillian, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Martha and William Wayment in 2020. My William Edward Stoker’s tombstone is in the background.
As you can see, there is a little biography poster for Memorial Day. The history there is pretty brief. I found a couple of histories on William and Martha. I am posting these two for the history to be available for my children, who are descendants of William and Martha Wayment. First is the history for William, then Martha.
“William Wayment (Whayment) was born to Joseph Wayment (Whaymond) and Mary Rook Wayment. He was born 14 May 1822, in Whaddon Parish, Cambridgeshire, England. He was a small and fragile baby, but survived through his parents loving care. William was christened on 2 June 1822, in Whaddon Parish, Cambridgeshire, England. Two years later, there is a christening record dated 6 June 1824, another brother, Robert, frail from birth, who sustained life for seven months, buried 23 January 1825. William was their only surviving child.
“There are several different accounts of Joseph and Mary Rook Wayment and their descendants. Another account is this; the couple also married 15 March 1813, and lived in Barrington, Cambridgeshire, where they had become the parents of six children, three of whom, Ann, John, and Joseph, had died prior to their moving to Whaddon about 1819. This would make William the seventh, instead of the first born. The only surviving child of this union that I can find recordson is William Wayment, our ancestor.
“Whaddon is a small town in the district of Roysten and County of Cambridge with a population at that time of about 319 people living in about 60 houses. The manor belonged to Lord Hardwicke. A famous old stone Parish has stood over the town for many years.
“Very little is known about William’s early years. It is known that he received some education and learned how to read and write. Most likely he went to work at an early age, as was custom for children of that time. It is most probable, his frail beginning coupled with his early work years and sometimes meager meals stunted his growth. He often referred to himself as ‘a runt.’ All of his sons were taller than he. Our best information indicates he was small of stature, about five feet and eight or nine inches in height. He was known as a laborer and sometimes a miner, likely working wherever he could be employed.
“His father, Joseph Wayment, died and was buried 12 July 1840, in Whaddon, Cambridgeshire, England. William was about eighteen or nineteen years of age
“Sometime after the death of his father, William began courting Martha Brown, a young, fair woman of the Bassingbourne Parish. The courtship bloomed and they were married Christmas day, 25 December 1841, in the Parish of Whaddon, Cambridgeshire, England. A clerk at Somerset House, England, pointed this out to Hollis R. Johnson when he requested and received a certified copy of their marriage certificate: William signed his last name as Whayment, giving his age as twenty and listed himself as a laborer. Martha gave her age as nineteen and listed herself as a spinster, a title used under English law for any woman who had never married. William and his bride made their home with his widowed mother, Mary Rook Wayment.
“The Wayment family lived in the same house in Whaddon, Cambridgeshire, England for more than 300 years, but like most others in England, they did not own the property. They only rented. When the Wayment family moved to America, the ancestral home was claimed by the government as a Post Office. The house was one of those quaint old, two story cottages, constructed of white stone masonry and had a thatched roof. Vines grew up the walls and flowers grew on either side of the cobblestone path leading to the entrance. The fireplace was large enough to walk in with seats built on either side of the fire. A kettle hung down, stopping just above the fire. Martha did all of the cooking and baking in this huge fireplace. Years later this house was put on the market and a member of the Wayment family, by the name of Waymond (Wayment), purchased this property. Wayment descendants still reside in this home today, 2006.
“William and Martha Brown Wayment began their married life under very limited circumstances. Although an extremely hard worker, William never accumulated much wealth. Coming from a wealthy family, their modest home and insufficient circumstances were a source of embarrassment at times for Martha. It has been said that Williams earnings were often around eight shillings a week (about two dollars U.S. money). With this money, there were food, clothing, coal and rent to pay for. By careful management they were able to take care of their children as they came into their family.
“Although not a proficient provider, William proved to be a very loving, a kind and caring husband. They had eight children together, six boys and two girls. Two children died early, one at one day the other at one year and three months. It is also said that he was an exemplary father.
“All William and Martha’s children were born in Whaddon, Cambridgeshire, England. 1) Male, Aaron Wayment born 14 Nov 1842 died 15 Nov 1842 2) Male, Joseph Wayment born 7 Feb 1844 died 20 Dec 1931 3) Male, Samuel Wayment 28 May 1846 died 1 Jul 1912 4) Male, William Wayment Born 1 Mar 1849 died 19 Jun 1850 5) Female, Emily Wayment born 15 Apr 1851 died 15 Mar 1925 6) Male, John Brown Wayment born13 Apr 1854 died 30 Sept 1923 7) Male, William Thomas Wayment born 29 Apr 1859 died 15 Feb 1943 8) Female, Martha Wayment born 25 Mar 1863 died 19363
“All their children were taught to be responsible and dependable workers. But as one granddaughter, Thora Wayment Shaw stated, “it seemed necessary for them to come to America to develop their full potential.”
“As their children became old enough, they hired out to work for farmers in the area. Their work included keeping birds out of the cherry trees, pulling poppies out of grain fields and other needed farm work. Among other things, they learned to stand the bundles of grain up in small groups, called “shocks” to dry. When dry, the grain was then piled into high pointed stacks to help shed the rain while awaiting to be threshed. Some of the farmers were very hard on these young workers. Often the children would leave home at five o’clock in the morning and work until they were called for breakfast between eight and nine o’clock. Sometimes the meal was very meager. They would break around noon for lunch then continue to work until seven at night. Joseph and William T. describe one of their employers as “the meanest man on earth.”
“At that time in history, they wore a peculiar type of “smock” clothing. William T. said that it resembled a long sack with sleeves coming out of the corners and a hole in the end between the sleeves to put your head through. This ‘smock’ came down below the knees, which prevented a person from taking a long step. To jump a ditch or run, the “smock” had to be pulled up. Often the jumper landed in the water of the ditch, much to his embarrassment and to the amusement of others. If the “smock” became wet, it seemed to shrink and stick tight to the body it was covering. Usually one had to have help to get out of a wet “smock.”
“William and Martha Brown Wayment were contacted by the first Mormon missionaries in their area. William Wayment listened to their message becoming convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 28 May 1850. He and his wife Martha opened up their home to the missionaries. This was a very courageous act on their part, because many people in their community stirred up hate to prevent the spread of the gospel. This malevolence made it necessary for the Saints to hold their meetings in different houses and to hold baptisms at night to avoid the mobs that were continually a threat to them. William was ordained an elder in the church 5 March 1876. Between 1850 and 1878, the traveling LDS missionaries always found a bed to sleep in and meals with the Wayment family. William and Martha’s home was also used as a place for the Saints and friends to meet and hear the gospel. William Wayment and George East, both our great-grandfathers, were great friends, tracted together and loved to do missionary work together before they came to America.
“Martha was one of the first to accept the message of the gospel brought by the Elders, however, due to the objections and threats of disinheritance she prolonged her baptism. Martha was baptized on 1 May, 1857, about seven years after her husband embraced the gospel. When word, of her accepting the gospel and being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reached her father, Samuel Brown, he disinherited her, cutting her off with only a few shillings. However, this did not change her mind. Setting an example with her husband, they taught their children the principles of the gospel. All of their children were baptized into the church. Joseph, Samuel, and Emily were baptized by John Jacklin on 7 May 1860.
“The first test of faith and understanding of the gospel for William Wayment came with the illness and death of his mother, Mary Rook Wayment. She died 19 March 1853, and was buried four days later in Whaddon, Cambridgeshire, England, beside her husband. William had fulfilled his final obligation to his mother.
“In the spring of 1863, William and Martha were experiencing some challenging and sobering thoughts. A new baby girl had been born to them 25 Mar 1863. Their oldest son, Joseph, was planning to leave their home to journey with a group of Saints to the Utah Territory in the United States. After careful consideration, the Wayment family set up a mutual plan to migrate to America and the land of Zion. They would all work together to save money, then send one at a time until they were all settled in the Utah Territory. At that time, Joseph worked with his father in the fossil diggings or fossil mines earning money for his transportation.
“On 4 June 1863, William and Martha’s oldest living son, Joseph, listed as Joseph Whaymond, age 19, was the first to leave, sailing from London, England, emigrating to the United States of America aboard the Amazon. This was a large 1600 ton ship, but Joseph was seasick almost all the way across the Atlantic. Arriving in New York 20 July 1863, he took the train to a point on the Missouri River, then by boat up the river to Florence, Nebraska. From there he walked and drove an ox team in Captain McCarthy’ the Dixie Company all the way to Salt Lake City, Utah Territory. It took four months to make the trip from his father’s home.
“Joseph was sent to Salt Creek, Utah, by Brigham Young, to help settle this area. Joseph planted the first fruit trees in Warren. He was the first road supervisor and the father of the first born white child of Warren, Sarah Wayment Hansen. In England, William and Martha continued to guide their children in the gospel. John was baptized and confirmed by John Jacklin on 15 April 1866.
“The passenger’s manifest of 1868, show Samuel and Casting Chapman Wayment emigrated to New York that year aboard the Constitution. Arriving in New York 6 August 1868, they continued across the continent by train to Fort Bento, then by covered wagon in the John Gillespie Company to Salt Lake City. Five years later in 1873, John followed Joseph and Samuel to America on the ship Nevada,and onto the Salt Creek District of Utah, which later was named Warren.
“Samuel Wayment first worked and lived in Deweyville and Cove Fort before settling in the Salt Creek District. They built their home at 1239 North 5900 West where Chester Wayment lived and now Matthew Wayment lives. On that very spot, the first house that Samuel and Castina built burnt to the ground along with the barn. The animals were cooked, so the people who had come to help put out the fire went home, retrieved knives, pots and pans and returned to cut up the meat.
“After Samuel and Castina left for America, William and Martha remained in England with only three children at home. On 4 March 1872, John Brown (Whayment) was ordained a priest by George Wilkins. On 31 May 1873, William Thomas (Whayment) was baptized by John Jacklin. The spirit of gathering to Zion continued to work with the Wayment family.
“The sixth child, John Brown, completed preparations, and at age 19, booked passage on the ship Nevada and sailed from Liverpool, England, 9 July 1873. Arriving in New York, he headed to Utah Territory to join his brothers. John lived with his brother Joseph in what they called “Bachelor Headquarters” in Salt Creek.
“The saving of money was slow and hard to come by so when William T. became about ten years of age, he began working in the fossil fields to help earn passage to America. Part of the time he pushed a wheelbarrow around the mine, which was very difficult for a lad of his age. He worked in the Fossil Fields until the goal was reached. (This was work in the peat bogs. Peat is compact, dark-brown organic material with high carbon content, built up by the partial decay and carbonization of vegetation in the acid water of bogs. Dried peat was and is compressed into briquettes, used in European Countries as fuel, although it is not as efficient as coal because of its large content of water and ash. Peat can also be used for mulching and soil improvement.)
“According to early church records of Norwich Conference, Martha (Whayment) was baptized 13 September 1874, by John Jacklin. On 5 March 1876, William (Whayment) was ordained an Elder by Shadrack Empey. On 4 April 1876, William (Whayment) baptized Sarah East, daughter of George East, Sr. and Rhoda Stanford East into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Sarah was sister to Javes East, who is father of Hazel Caroline East Wayment, our grandmother, who married Theodore Wayment, grandson of William Wayment.) The following week, Sarah East, her parents and six brothers and a sister left England for Utah Territory. They sailed from Liverpool, England, on the ship Wyoming,13 September 1876. Sarah East became a daughter-in-law to William and Martha when she married their son John Brown Wayment. This took place on 7 October 1877, in Weber County, Utah.
“After John Brown left home, the family continued to unite their efforts. Final preparations to emigrate to Utah Territory were made in the spring of 1878. With their savings and help from their sons in Utah, they booked passage on the sea going vessel, the Nevada. The Nevada was Mastered by H. Gadd who hailed his home as Glasgow, Scotland. After leaving their port of departure, Liverpool, England, the ship docked in Queenstown, Ireland, where they picked up more passengers. William and family were numbered among the 443 passengers who made their crossing in steerage, as he was unable to supply the coin for being listed among those 54 passengers in the ship’s cabins. His trade was listed as a farmer. They then made sail for New York where they arrived there on 5 June 1878. There were no deaths at sea recorded on this voyage, however, the people in steerage welcomed a male infant on 30 May 1878, with the surname of Larsen.
“Martha Wayment East, later in life, told granddaughter, Rhea Marriott, “The weather was good all the way over and the ocean was calm to what it usually was, but I was seasick practically all the way. After traveling on water for ten days, we reached Castle Gardens, New York. While we were there, I bought a tomato for two pennies, the first I had ever tasted. From Castle Gardens we boarded Pullman cars to Philadelphia. We changed here to immigrant cars which were very uncomfortable. It was beautiful in the east, but gradual signs of habitation vanished and scenes about us were dry and barren. It was all so strange here, away out west, and very different from what we had expected it to be.”
“Arriving in Ogden, Utah Territory, 13 June 1878, the family was met by Joseph and Samuel. After fifteen years, this was a joyful reunion. They were then taken to Samuel’s home. After living there a few months, William followed the instructions of church leaders and settled in the Salt Creek area, to help build up the Salt Creek District.
“William and family continued to live with Samuel and Castina, while they built a log house. Their log home was located about a quarter-of-a-mile south of the present corner of 5900 West and 700 North and about 200 yards west of the present county road. There were some trees at that spot, but it was dry and hot. Stumps of these trees marked the spot for many years. William built a bowery next to the house to give a little more shade from the sun. Russian Olive trees grew on this spot for years to give shade to sheep and cattle. Living on the land was a basis to apply later for Homestead rights. William applied for homestead rights to this quarter section of land. The logs for their home were hauled from the Wasatch Mountain Range along with firewood. These trips took several days and they would camp out along the way, where they had several encounters with bears.
“In this new and strange land they had to acclimatize to the semiarid climate. This was indeed a marked change from the verdant area of their home in England. They planted cottonwood trees, yellow roses, tea vines and any other plants that would grow fast. They helped establish the community and met the hardships endured by other families pioneering new homes. Martha Wayment East said, “It was hard work, but we had a good time in our work of making a town.
“William was a farmer and a rancher. He also owned a prize set of horses that he entered in shows and contests.
“Daughter Martha would become the first school teacher in Salt Creek. William T. would become the first residing bishop of Warren and would sustain that calling for 17 years.
“On 5 January 1882, William and Martha traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to the endowment house, where they both received their own endowments and were sealed in marriage for time and all eternity.
“Their daughter, Emily Wayment Negus, with her husband, William, and three of their children, sailed from Liverpool, England, 2 September 1882, on the ship Wyoming. Two of this couple’s children had died and were buried in England. With the arrival of Emily and her family, William and Martha once again had all their living children and grandchildren around then to enjoy, but this was short lived.
“A year and three months later after their sealing, in the spring, William contracted Typhoid fever and inflammation. He succumbed to the illness nine days later on 17 May 1883. He was buried in the Plain City Cemetery, Plain City, Weber, Territory of Utah. His death left his beloved wife, Martha, four sons and two daughters, Joseph, Samuel, John and William T., Emily W. Negus and Martha Wayment without their patriarch. William was also survived by eighteen living grandchildren, all living in the Salt Creek area.
“His obituary said he was an honest, industrious and truthful man, a kind husband and an exemplary father. His house was always open to the servants of God, as a haven of rest and hospitality. His faith was unshaken in the principles of Eternal Life, and he had died as he had lived, a faithful Latter-day Saint. He was interred in the Plain City Cemetery, being conveyed thither by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends.
“Compiled by Joan Wayment Creamer
Sources; West Warren History 1975, Warren History 1995, Ogden Junction Database, New York passenger lists 1851-1891, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Alma W.& Martha M. Hansen, June Wayment Orton, Mildred Wayment Bird.
Back (l-r): Sarah, Martha, Leonard, Mary; Middle: Hannah, Joseph, Ann, Martha; Sitting: Walter Wayment
Here is the history for Martha Brown Wayment.
“On 26 May 1823, Martha Brown became the fourth child born to Samuel and Mary Wade Brown in Bassingbourne, Cambridgeshire, England. She was their only girl who survived infancy.
“Cambridgeshire, a flat coastal plain is located in the southeast part of England. The climate is moderate with much rainfall which produces abundant vegetation. This area produced peat bogs where many men worked.
“Martha’s grandfather, William Brown of Whaddon, has been described as a very wealthy farmer. His son, Samuel, Martha’s father, was disinherited after he fell in love and married a servant girl, Mary Wade who worked for his parents.
“After being disinherited, young Samuel and his wife, Martha’s parents, moved to Bassingbourne where he became a butcher by trade. He also acquired and owned some land and sheep. Later he expanded his business and is said to have become a very well-to-do merchant. Samuel and Mary Wade Brown were good, moral people and highly respected in the community of Bassingbourne.
“The Bassingbourne Parish register records this couple of having nine children, seven boys and two girls. All were born in Bassingbourne. 1) William Brown, christened 24 July 1814, and died 13 January 1894, age 80 2) Martha Brown, christened 15 September 1816, and died 27 June 1817, 9 months 3) Samuel Brown, Jr, born Sept.1818, christened 11 Oct.1818, died January 1890, age72 4) Martha Brown, born 26 May 1823, christened, 20 Jul.1823, and died 12 Apr.1905, age 82 5) Thomas Brown, christened 28 July 1827, and died 21 July 1901, age 74 6) John Brown christened 30 May 1829, and died 18 March 1906, age 77 7) Joseph Brown, christened 25 September 1831, and died in August 1903, age 72 8) Richard Brown, born 15 February 1835, and died 3 April 1835, 2 months 9) Simeon Brown, born September 1840, and died 14 December 1872, age 32.
“It is said that the Browns were a family of large men, with each son being more than six feet in height. They also claim to have had a longevity of life, however only one of them lived to be more than eighty, and that was Martha Brown Wayment. The others, except the two infants and Simeon, lived full lives into their seventies.
“Martha Brown Wayment’s Brothers; William, Thomas and John, joined the English army between the ages of twenty and twenty-five. Because of their height, ‘well over six feet,’ these men were chosen to serve in the King’s Guard and marched in the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Thomas and John deserted the Army and came to America. Thomas’s arrival in America was by quite by accident. The ship he booked passage on wrecked and he was the only survivor. After floating in the Atlantic Ocean for three days, he was rescued by an American vessel, which brought him on to America. Later he married a woman named Lavina and called Clyde County, Kansas their home. They had no children. Thomas wrote to the English government requesting his pension which was given to all English soldiers. The English government replied, telling him they’d give him all that he was entitled to if he returned to England and give up his citizenship in America. Thomas declined and elected to stay in America.
“After coming to America, John Brown changed his name to John Clark. He took a wife and settled in Minnesota. They had a large family. Several years before William T. Wayment died, one of John’s daughters came to Utah and visited with him. She also stayed at the home of Martha Wayment East. That was the last recorded communication with the Clark families from Minnesota.
“William served fourteen years in the English Army, then returned to his home in Bassingbourne. He fought in the Crimean War, Battle of Enlseman and the Russian War of 1848. After the Russian War he returned to England and received a service pension for the remainder of his days.
“When Samuel Brown, Martha’s father, was too old to work any longer, Samuel Jr. took over his father’s business. Joseph also remained home, making his living as a common laborer. When Samuel Sr. died, he bequeathed all his cash earnings to his youngest son, Simeon. Simeon died of alcoholism at the age of thirty-two.
“Martha Brown Wayment; Samuel and Mary Wade Brown provided their children with the best education available. Martha worked in her father’s butcher shop. From her mother, she learned to be frugal, clean and how to keep a neat, tidy house. It has been said about Martha that she was sometimes upset by the unclean habits of some of the older members of the family around her in England.
“In a Relief Society Lesson Publication, Pamphlet #32, dated December 1910, contains short biographies and testimonies of outstanding pioneer women of the North Weber Stake. Martha Brown Wayment told: “When about twelve years of age, there was a strange preacher came there, called a ‘Mormon.’ They were very desirous of hearing what he had to say and went to a meeting. When dinner time came, she seeing them without dinner, no place to go and no money to buy it with, she told her mother that she would go without dinner if she would let the preacher have it, but her mother was not so inclined.” (Martha Brown would have been fourteen years of age when she saw the first missionaries. The first missionaries arrived in Liverpool, England, 20 July 1837.)
“Sometime after the summer of 1840, Martha Brown met William Wayment. Their courtship culminated into a Christmas day wedding the following year. They were married, 25 December 1841, in the Parish of Whaddon Cambridgeshire, England. A copy of their marriage certificate shows William signed his last name as Whayment, listed his age as twenty and his occupation as a laborer.
“Martha gave her age as nineteen, listed herself as a spinster, a title used under English law for any woman who had never married. Martha and her new husband moved in with William’s widowed mother, Mary Rook Whayment.
“The Whayment home was a white vine-covered masonry, two-story cottage, with a thatched roof. The main floor contained two rooms. The largest room had a walk-in fireplace on one end with built in seats on opposite interior walls. The cooking was done in kettles hanging in this fireplace.
“Martha and William began their lives together under very limited circumstances. Though William was a hard worker, they never accumulated much wealth. It is said that William earnings sometimes amounted to eight shillings a week which is equivalent to about two U. S. dollars. Their modest home and limited circumstances was a source of embarrassment at times for Martha. But by careful management they were able to take care of their growing family.
“As a young bride and living in her mother-in-law’s home, Martha found that circumstances and conditions were not always pleasant. One day at the most distressing of times, Martha threatened to leave the Whayment home and her husband. She went into a small room or clothes closet to get some of her things. Her mother-in-law quickly closed the door, locked her in and kept her there until Martha promised not to leave. Satisfactory adjustments were made and Martha kept her promise to stay.
“All William and Martha’s children were born in Whaddon, Cambridgeshire,England. 1) Male, Aaron Wayment born 14 Nov 1842 died 15 Nov 1842, age 1 day 2) Male, Joseph Wayment born 7 Feb 1844 died 20 Dec 1931, age 78 3) Male, Samuel Wayment 28 May 1846 died 1 Jul 1912, age 66 4) Male, William Wayment Born 1 Mar 1849 died 19 Jun 1850, age 1 year 5) Female, Emily Wayment born 15 Apr 1851 died 15 Mar 1925, age 74 6) Male, John Brown Wayment born 13 Apr 1854 died 30 Sept 1923, age 69 7) William Thomas Wayment born 29 Apr 1859 died 15 Feb 1943, age 84 8) Martha Wayment born 25 Mar 1863 died 1936, age 73.
Martha and Martha Wayment
“All their children were taught to be responsible and dependable workers. But as one granddaughter, Thora Wayment Shaw stated, “it seemed necessary for them to come to America to develop their full potential.”
“Cambridge was predominantly agricultural, producing wheat and other grains, sugar beets, fruits and vegetables. At an early age, the children hired out to work, working for these farmers in the area.
“Around the age of fourteen, Martha had heard the message of the LDS missionaries and recognized the truth of the gospel. At that point her parents would not allow her to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Especially after some incidents occurred that seemed to involve the missionaries and turned many people living in Cambridgeshire against the Mormons. Although they were convinced of the truth, William and Martha delayed joining the church due to her family’s bitterness and influence in their community.
“Martha and William listened to the messages, the Elders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints brought to the area, of the restoration of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. William became convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel they were preaching and was baptized 28 May 1850. This was not a safe thing to do in those days as many were violently against the preaching of the restored gospel. Martha also opened her home up for place to meet, to share the gospel with other Saints and friends. Between the years of 1853 and 1878, the traveling Elders always found a home with Mrs. Wayment. During that time, their house was used for a meeting house for the Saints. The Elders who traveled in that section of the country always found the family ready to share their meals and beds with them as many can testify.
“Seven years after her husband had embraced the gospel, Martha was baptized on 1 May 1857. Some have criticized Martha for waiting so long to be baptized into the Church, however, she was living in extenuating circumstances. Due to the religious persecutions heaped on the early Saints, they had to meet in secrecy. Martha was one of the first ones to become interested in the restoration of the gospel. When word of her accepting the gospel reached her father in Bassingbourne, he disinherited her, cutting her off with only a few shillings. Her father then used his influence in the Parish to oppose all new members and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, this did not change her mind. Martha’s testimony of its divinity sustained her. She helped set the example and taught their children the principles of the gospel. With her husband, she encouraged her children to join the Church, and all of them were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“In the spring of 1863, Joseph, the oldest son, determined to go to America, to gather with the Saints in Zion. At this time, both him and his father, William, were working in the fossil diggings. (This was work in the peat bogs. Peat is a compact, dark-brown organic material with high carbon content, built up by the partial decay and carbonization of vegetation in the acid water of bogs. Dried peat was and is compressed into briquettes, used in European Countries as fuel, although it is not as efficient as coal because of its large content of water and ash. Peat can also be used for mulching and soil improvement.)
“The family set up a plan and fund for their relocation to the Utah Territory in America. Joseph, the oldest, was first to go. He left 4 June 1863. He was followed by Samuel and his new bride Castina Frances Ann Chapman. They sailed 24 June 1868. Two years after Samuel left, Emily married William Negus. They made their home in Whaddon for the next 12 years. Their sixth child, John Brown completed his preparations, and at age nineteen he left for America on 9 July 1873, aboard the Amazon.
“In 1871, their daughter, Emily and her husband William welcomed their first child, a son they named John. Their joy was short-lived, for when John turned eight-and-a-half months, Emily contracted typhoid fever and developed severe complications. Martha Brown Wayment, took her grandson, John and raised him until he was three years old. At that time, he was returned home to his mother who had finally recovered from her ordeal. Emily was very grateful for the loving help she received from her mother and her sister Martha. Due to the closeness John had developed with his Grandmother Wayment, Emily would often strap pack-baskets on the back of their donkey, where John would ride when they went to visit his grandparents.
“Their son Joseph had sent back to England, a marriage proposal for a local girl. It is likely that Martha gave encouragement to Ann Reed to accept her son’s Joseph’s proposal and join him in the Utah Territory. Ann completed the necessary preparations leaving Liverpool on 24 June 1874.
“It took almost another five years, continued efforts, working in the fossil fields for William and his son William T. to earn enough money for them, along with Martha and young Martha, to emigrate to America. By the spring of 1878, they were making the final preparations to emigrate to Zion. With their savings and some help from their sons in Utah, they booked passage on the ship Nevada, and sailed from Liverpool, England, 25 May 1878. This was fifteen years after theirfirst son, Joseph had emigrated to Utah Territory. After arriving in New York, they boarded a Pullman train which took them to Philadelphia. There they changed to immigrant cars, which were very uncomfortable.
“By rail they arrived in Ogden, Utah Territory, 13 June 1873, and were met by their son’s Joseph and Samuel. William and Martha followed the instructions of the church leaders and settled in the Salt Creek area. They lived with Samuel and Castina while William and William T. built a log house located about a quarter-of-a-mile south of the present corner of 5900 West and 700 North and about 200 yards west of the present county road. There were some trees at that spot, but it was dry and hot. Stumps of these trees marked the spot for many years. William built a bowery next to the house to give a little more shade from the sun. Russian Olive trees grew on this spot for years to give shade to sheep and cattle. Living on the land was a basis to apply later for Homestead rights
“In this new and strange land they had to acclimatize to the semiarid climate. This was indeed a marked change from the verdant area of their home in England. They planted cottonwood trees, yellow roses, tea vines and any other plant that would grow fast. They helped establish the community and met the hardships endured by other families pioneering new homes. Martha Wayment East said, “It was hard work, but we had a good time in our work of making a town.”
“Their daughter Emily, her husband William Negus and their three living children arrived in the fall of 1882. Martha once again rejoiced at having all of her children and grandchildren around her again.
“Martha and William Wayment continued being active in the Church they had learned to love. On 5 January 1883, they traveled to Salt Lake City, where they received their endowments and were sealed in marriage in the Endowment House.
“That spring, William contracted Typhoid fever and succumbed to this decease on 17 May 1883, at age 61 years and 3 days. He left Martha, his beloved wife, four sons and two daughters; Joseph, Samuel, John and William T., Emily W. Negus and Martha Wayment. Also, eighteen grandchildren.
“Martha Brown soon found herself completely alone. Her daughter, Martha, married Edward Marriott. Then her youngest son, William Thomas Wayment, married Maud Mary Bullock 4 July 1883. Daughter Martha was soon divorced from Edward Marriott and moved back home with her Mother. After her daughter returned to teaching school, Martha helped take care of her grandson, Arthur. Her daughter Martha then married David East on 25 December 1885, Arthur spent most of his time living with his grandmother Wayment.
“Martha was able to do her own work and lived near her daughter, Martha for more than twenty years. She continued to enjoy her church meetings, her children and her grandchildren. But she was never without problems.
“Emily’s husband, William Negus, met his death trying to uncouple the double tree to loose the team when the horses floundered in crossing a swollen stream on the North edge of Warren. William Negus drowned along with his horses on 31 March 1890.
“Martha was not idle. On 16 November 1885, she received her citizenship paper. Her husband had applied for his but died before they were granted. In 1886 Martha Brown Wayment received an important document for a land grant. It was, “the original grant of Homestead given to Martha Wayment, widow of William Wayment (deceased). The south east quarter of section two in the township six north range three west of Salt Lake Meridian in Utah Territory, containing 160 acres.” Signed by Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, and dated 18 October 1886. This tract of land is located on the west side of the present road 5900 West and extending from about 300 North then extending west to the Little Weber River. Martha gave four acres of this tract of land to her daughter Martha Wayment East for a home site. The rest of the tract was given to her son, William Thomas Wayment, and used to pasture his horses and cattle. Martha Brown Wayment’s log house was moved north to be nearer her daughter Martha’s home.
“Martha said that in her lifetime, she had read the Bible about one hundred times. She could quote scriptures freely and read the scriptures regularly to some of her grandchildren. She was always faithful and devoted to the Church and taught her children to live the same way. Martha was a very religious person. She read widely of any Church literature available. Her son, William T. said she read all the books he brought back from his mission.
“It was also said of Martha that she had the ability to handle any problems that arose in her family. She could discern and counsel sensitive situations with solutions in a way that helped hold her family together. Her daughter Emily said, “I learned how to keep a clean home and how to cook good meals from my mother.”
“Martha Brown Wayment was an outspoken person. She was described by her grandson, Chester T. Wayment for being set in her ways, but he loved to go to her home, because she always was kind to him. ” She would buy groceries from a traveling ‘grocery man’ and among her purchases was always a bag of gumdrops. Martha would enjoy the sugar off the outside of the gumdrops, then dry the off and feed them to her grandchildren. Chester said, “I ate many of those gumdrops and if I tried not to she would get very angry. She did this to all her grandkids.”
“In her later years, Martha had become very heavy, but she continued to care for most of her needs and enjoyed good health up to the time of her death. On that day, she had been visiting her daughter Emily. While returning home, she saw the traveling grocery wagon heading to her home. She hastened to arrive before him. Arriving about the same time, she told him she would need time to gather her eggs first. Martha used eggs as payment for her groceries. She asks him to come back, so he didn’t have to wait on her while she gathered and cleaned the eggs. When the grocery man returned, he could not find Martha any where, nor did she answer when he called out for her. Later her lifeless body was found in her outhouse (outside toilet). It was determined that she had died of a massive stroke or heart attack. Bishop William L. Stewart had met Martha by the old school house at noon, and reported, “she was walking quite smart,” on the day she died.
“From the Standard, Ogden, Utah, Saturday evening 18 April 1905, Column 2, pg. 7, Vol. 35. MRS. WAYMENT BURIED, The funeral services, over the remains of the late Mrs. Martha Brown Wayment, who died at her home in Warren on Wednesday last, (12 April 1905), were held at the Warren Meeting House at two o’clock yesterday afternoon. (Friday 14 April 1905.)
“”The services were presided over by Bishop William L. Stewart and the ward furnished the music. The speakers were, DR. H.C. Wadman, Frank Barrows, Joseph V. East, Thomas H. Bullock, John F. Burton, George W. Larkin and Bishop Stewart.
“”The speakers eulogized the life of the deceased, referring especially to her religious convictions, her kindly disposition, her affection for her family, and of her true friendship. The meeting house was entirely too small to accommodate the large number of relatives and friends. A large funeral cortege followed the remains to the Plain City Cemetery, where they placed in her last resting place. The grave was dedicated by Joseph H. Folkman.”
“Her death was 12 April 1905. She was laid to rest next to her husband William Wayment in the Plain City Cemetery. She was survived by four sons and two daughters, Joseph, Samuel, John and William T. Wayment, Emily W. Negus Mullen and Martha Wayment. Also, surviving was 46 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. The posterity of William and Martha Brown Wayment now numbers well over two thousand.
“Two recipes brought over from England by our Wayment Grandmother; Martha Brown Wayment.
YORKSHIRE PUDDING, 1 pt. of sifted flour salt, 1 pt. of milk, 4 eggs, Beat well. About 3/4 hour before the roast is done, pour off dripping from the pan-leaving enough to keep pudding from sticking. Bake 3/4 hour.
“OLD ENGLISH MINCE MEAT, 3 lbs. Beef chopped fine, 1 lb. Suet, 10 lbs. Apples (green) chopped, 3 lbs. Raisins, 1 lb. Currents, ½ lb. Lemon peel, ½ lb. Orange peel, ½ lb. Citron, ½ gal. hard cider, 1 tsp. Allspice, 1 tsp. Nutmeg, 1 tsp. Cinnamon, tsp. Cloves, 3 cups Brown sugar, Salt to taste, Boil slowly until fully cooked, then seal in bell jars. Makes about 10 quarts. May let set for a few days to improve flavor.
“Sources; West Warren History 1975, Warren History 1965, Warren History 1995, Database New York passenger lists 1851-1891, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Alma W.& Martha M. Hansen, June Wayment Orton, Mildred Wayment Bird, Bishop William L. Stewart Journal.
The writing of this post comes after receiving two photos in the mail this week of my fourth great grandparents. I supposed there were photos out there somewhere and finally found some of them.
Here is the photo I had been given of Hanna Mathea Christensen Jorgensen by one of the descendants of her daughter, Amanda. These old photos that are a watercolor/drawing of a photo means there is a photo out there somewhere. It was just a matter of finding it. This photo obviously had some issues with it, like water damage and the print just bothered me for a number of reasons.
Hanna Mathea Christensen Jorgensen
Well, I found a descendant of another daughter, Othelia, in the past month. She provided me this photo of Hanna, the actual photo the print above came from. It too looks like a print, it is of higher quality, and the eyes are. Further, they removed some of her facial features, which I suppose they could be viewed as a defect, but they offer much more personality and flavor than the doctored picture.
Hanna Mathea Christensen Jorgensen
Along with the photo of Hanna come the colored print of Olavus. I have also seen his name spelled Olaves, Olavis, and variations of that. No clue on actual pronunciation, but I have my guess. But his tombstone has Olover Jorgensen. But that we have this coloring means there hopefully is still an actual photo floating out in the world somewhere. The ears seem a bit much, maybe they were actually like that, or maybe it is the imperfections of the artist.
Olavus Jorgensen
Before I get much into the facts, I think it is important to share the story of Olaves and Hanna as told by their daughter. Amanda Emilie Jorgensen wrote this short biography about 1933. She married Albert Sigvard Swensen. Her grandson, Robert Mathis, shared the handwritten story with me.
~
“History of my Parents
“My father Olaves Jorgensen was born in Drammen Norway 19 November 1830.
“When he was twelve years old he started working in a saw mill for Mr Kjer.
“My mother Hannah Mathea Christensen was born in Drammen Norway fourteen November 1831. She was a dressmaker when she was old enough to work. They were married fourth november 1855 in Drammen Norway. Two girls were born there. Constanse and Olga. Then Mr. Kjer transferred Father to Fredrikstad Norway to another saw mill and he worked there until he came to America in 1896.
“Mother was very religious and always went to a church but never felt satisfied. She lived in an apartment house and was talking to a lady named Mrs. Ask that lived across the hall. Religion was mentioned and mother said she wanted to find a religion that baptised people like Jesus was baptised.
“Mrs. Ask asked her if she had ever heard about the Mormon people and mother said no. Mrs. Ask said to be ready Sunday afternoon and she would take her to hear the Mormon Elders.
“As soon as mother heard the Elders preach she knew it was the true church. The Priest and other people tried to tell her it was wrong but she wouldn’t listen. The Elders had to take her to the ocean to be baptised after dark as they would be arrested and put in jail if they were seen baptising people.
“Mother was a very faithful member and the missionaries were always welcome in their home. She was President of the Relief Society for years.
Father wanted to join but didn’t dare to because he knew he would lose his job. Father was baptised just before he and mother came to Utah.
“They went directly to Richmond Utah in Cache Valley to be near their daughter Othelia. They were here four years and had never had the opportunity to go to the temple when mother died in November, 1900. Father and Othelia and Constanse came to Logan and did the work for mother and she was sealed to Father. Father died in November 1904 and they were both buried in Richmond Utah.
“Mother told me that the pastor of the Luteran Church said her parents Christen Hansen and Marie Evensen were the most beautiful couple he had ever married while he was a pastor.
~
Olavus Jørgensen was born 18 November 1830 according to his christening record, christened 26 December 1830 in Bragernes, Drammen, Buskerud, Norway. His parents are listed as Jorgen Olsen and Oline Knudsdatter.
Olavus and Hanna Mathaea Christensdatter were married 4 November 1855 in Stromso, Buskerud, Norway.
On the 1875 Norwegian Census, Olaves is listed as a Skiber ved Kjos Brug at Nygaard Gulbergsiden Glemmen, Ostfold, Norway. Not sure what that means and I could not find a good translation. He did something with ships.
On the 1875 census and in the family history records are the following children:
Konstanse Elise Olavesen who is 18 and born in Drammen. Her husband, Ole Kristiansen is also listed along with their oldest daughter Valborg Olsen. Ole and Valborg listed as born in Glemminge. It is interesting that my Constance/Konstanse’s last name is Olavesen which should give more clarification on her father’s actual name. Valborg/Walborg Olsen, her father certainly was Ole, but it is interesting they appear to have stopped using the datter by this point. I have written on Constance previously and you can read about her here.
Constance Josephine Eliza Jorgensen Christiansen
Olga Olavesen, 15, born in Drammen.
Marie Olavesen, 11, born in Fredrickstad.
Otilie Mathilde Olavesen, 8, born in Glemminge.
Amanda Olavesen, 3, born in Glemminge.
Amanda Emilie Jorgensen Swensen
With the gaps in the children, we know of at least one more child, Olav Emil, who was born 28 October 1870 in Fredrickstad and died 16 February 1871. There may be more, but we don’t have records of them yet.
Constance married Ole Christiansen. I have linked her history page above.
Olga married Oskar Darius Danielsen and remained in Norway. They had 10 children together. They were LDS but I think they struggled with activity due to the constant flow of LDS people out of Norway to Zion.
Mari Caspara married Lorenz Christian Mathisen. I believe they also remained in Norway but I have not been able to confirm anything on this family.
Othelia Matilda married Niels Lillienqvist Eskelsen. I believe Othelia emigrated with her parents. She met and married Niels in Utah and married him in 1896 in the Logan LDS Temple. She did not emigrate with her parents in 1896.
Amanda Emilie married Albert Sigvard Swensen in 1894. I referenced her and provided a photo in a previous post.
Olaves and Hanna immigrated alone to the United States. They departed from Glasgow, Scotland on the Circassia and arrived 17 December 1896 in New York.
Hanna and Olaves are located on the 1900 Census on 10 June 1900 in Richmond, Cache, Utah.
I really don’t know anything more than what Amanda wrote above.
Hanna died 2 November 1900 in Richmond at age 69. Her death certificate indicates her name as Hanna Mattie Jornsen and she died from Asthma. The certificate says her husband is Oloyes Jornsen, probably some sign of a person taking the record from a thick accent.
Olaves died 16 November 1904 in Richmond at age 74. His death certificate indicates his name as Oloyes Jornsen and he died of LaGrippe. I had to look up LeGrippe, which is apparently another name for influenza. His son-in-law, Neils Eskelson provided the information and indicated Olaves was a widower.
We are now in Hindley, Lancashire, England. We drove down here today to crash at the home of Hilton and Rhona McCabe. I met them while as a missionary here about 8 years ago. The friendship has continued and we have kept in contact.
We are waiting to hear word from Salt Lake City. We are supposed to be closing on our home in Oklahoma City. Hopefully everything works out. We will find out tomorrow I guess.
Last night we spent our evening in Edinburgh, Scotland. We walked throughout the city, saw the castle, the Holyrood residence, and the cathedral. Amanda got to see her world famous Mary Kings Close. It was very interesting. We got our hostel for the equivalent of $30 which we thought was a gonga deal.
We landed in Prestwick on Thursday after flying out early from Charleroi Airport near Brussels. We then picked up our hired car and drove to Glasgow and on to Edinburgh. It took me a little bit, but I quickly adjusted to getting back on the wrong/left side of the road.
It is late and I am too tired to write more of our travels today or of what we did in Edinburgh. We did stop to visit Downham, Clitheroe in Lancashire today where the entire town joined the church and later emigrated to Zion. Now we are back in the old mission. My second visit since being released. It is good to be back.
We did not have internet in Paris, so there has been a long silence. Perhaps that is a good thing.
As a note, I did upload some photos on the blog. They were the ones from Dresden. Well, a few. I hit my limit for the month for how many photos I can upload. As soon as July 1st hits, I will start uploading again. Sorry. There are some great pictures from Dresden and Meissen.
We left Bern and started making our way to Paris. We were planning on hitting the temple in Bern but after trying to figure out the buses, taxis, or trains with attendant costs, backpacks, and traveling all day in our church clothes, we threw in the towel. We just started out for Paris.
We made stops in Lausanne and Geneva. Lausanne was beautiful. The view coming in over Lake Geneva was amazing. Some of the Alps between Bern and Lausanne were breathtaking, much like the Alps we passed through in Northern Italy. We were supposed to catch a train directly from Lausanne to Paris, but it was fully booked. We were able to book a train from Geneva so we knew our time in Lausanne was limited. We decided to hike up to the Lausanne Notre-Dame. We stopped at some church on the way, St. Michaels or whatever. We heard an Oomp Pah Pah (who knows what they are really called) in a park near the cathedral. It was so hot, the sun was killing us, and we were wearing our backpacks climbing an asphalt mountain made for a welcome arrival at the top. We enjoyed the hike back down to the station to head off for Geneva.
We had limited time at Geneva as well. We walked over and saw the famous Jet d’Eau and enjoyed what little comfort the breeze brought to us from it. It just made us want to jump into the water for some salvation from the heat. We walked through the park to see the flower clock, which all these watch-makers got together to show their prowess. This massive clock set in a flower bed. However, it was more than 6 hours off, not one of the hands was on the right time. Watch making prowess must have been a think of the past. We then walked up to Saint Peter’s Cathedral where we toured where John Calvin taught. The University of Geneva is right next door. It was all very fascinating. We then had to make our way back down to the train station so we could head off to Paris.
The ride to Paris could have been better. We ended up in an assigned seat going backwards. Plus this train was going much faster than the other trains we have been riding on it and it swayed back and forth. I got sea sick on a train! Boy was I glad when we got to land. I wasn’t feeling well.
The next few days in Paris were a blur. It was miserably hot, again, for the first two days. We walked loads and both of us ended up with blisters on our feet. Probably more from the swelling of our feet rubbing. I was fortunate enough to get blisters between my big and index toes on both feet. Amanda got them on top from her flip flops. But it was quite the couple of days in Paris. We hit all the big sites, except the Pantheon. Arc de Triumphe, Place de la Concorde, Place de la Bastille, Champs-Elysees, Montmarte, L’Opera, Saint Denis Cathedral, Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Invalides, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, and Palais Versailles. I am sure that is not even a full list. But we saw them, and much of Paris in between.
Since it is late here, only a few highlights. Amanda got to see the sun set from the top of the Eiffel Tower on the longest day of the year. I was there too. How romantic is that? We had a fancy, full french meal before ascending the Eiffel’s nearly 700 steps to the second state. Mine included deep fried turkey and marinated (basically pickled) red peppers. I probably could have done without the peppers. My baklava was amazing!
We climbed more than 1000 steps between Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower in one day. On other days we climbed mont marte and a whole list of other stairs. Add to that the oppressive heat, and some days we were about as good as dead when we got back to our hotel room. Our hotel had no air conditioning!
We enjoyed French pastries every morning and every time Amanda would let us.
We did see the Venis d’ Milo and Mona Lisa, along with scores too many of other artworks.
The Metro of Paris is wonderful. We could get to nearly anywhere in relative comfort. However, some of them were hot and the air hung with a motor oil smell and greasiness.
We are glad to be back Oostrozebeke, Belgium for a day of laundry and relaxing. Thursday we fly out for Glasgow. Britain, here we come!