Jonas Family Home at 142 North State Street, Richmond, Utah in 1960
If this picture doesn’t conjure late 1950’s Americana, I don’t know what does. Norwood and Colleen Jonas built this home. The house still stands at 142 North State Street, Richmond, Utah. Colleen stands with her bicycle near the front door.
My mother, Sandy, stands holding the bike upright while Doug is crouched behind it for some purpose. Since Jackie was born in 1960 and Grandma is in maternity clothes, this would have been the spring or summer leading up to August 1960. Doug couldn’t remember which Beck boy this was with the bike in the front. Gary Beck was born in 1947, Kenny in 1949. I am guessing this looks more like a 13 year old than a 11 year old, so probably Gary Beck.
The Cadillac in the driveway is interesting. I don’t recall ever being told the family owning a Cadillac, I heard about Plymouths and Buicks, but never a 1953 Cadillac. In doing more research and a call from my Uncle Doug, the plates on the Cadillac are from 2C. While outsiders consider this unique, Idaho still follows this model. 2C is Canyon County. Vance and Millie Beck, Colleen’s sister, lived in Nampa in Canyon County. Doug also let me know that Becks did own a Cadillac like this and it eventually went to Preston to my Great Grandparents and roamed around Preston and the farm for a few years. Doug told me that he remembers this particular date and instance like it was yesterday!
The bicycle Mom holds is also interesting. It looks similar to an old bicycle I rode around Paul, Idaho in my youth.
Back (l-r): Milo Ross, Willie Melycher, Doug Jonas, Brook Jonas; Middle: Sandy Ross, Jackie Jonas Melycher, Colleen Jonas; Front: Paul Ross, Andra Ross
I have mentioned earlier that I was given scores of Andra photos. I have been scanning them all, preserving them, and uploading them to FamilySearch before I divvy them out to family members. In those photos, I stumbled upon this one. I remember this day, 23 July 1988.
William Francis Melycher Jr and Jackie Jonas, my Aunt, were married at my Grandmother’s home in Paul, Idaho. First time I ever wore a tuxedo. I got into trouble for making the 2 liter containers of ginger ale blow up in the driveway. Of course, shaking and throwing them into the air to see which way they blow up when they finally explode. That was after the festivities…
It was a fun day for us as kids. But I think this is one of the best family photos I have for my own family as well as my Grandma’s family.
Dad just looks so huge. Everyone commented on how big Dad is/was. To me he was Dad and he was always that size.
Mom looks so thrilled. A look she regularly had throughout life.
Jackie is stunning.
Grandma is beautiful.
Andra and I have such blond hair, just like Jackie.
What a happy day it was and this photo reminds me of it.
My Grandma kept a beautiful home and yard. This photo gives a small glimpse of the pride she took in it.
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.Â
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).Â
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.
Jackie Jonas Melycher interviewed for a television show
In 1998, my mother was involved in a crime. In 2020, a television show is doing an episode on that crime. I don’t know how many people were interviewed, where, or why. All I know is that on the 20th of June, my Aunt Jackie and I drove to Twin Falls to be interviewed as well. One of my Mom’s high school friends and a co-worker of mine was also interviewed that day. I have no clue how the show will turn out or when it will be aired. I guess time will tell. But I Snapped this picture as part of the interviews of my Aunt.
This is another chapter of the Jonas history book compiled by Carvel Jonas. “The Joseph Jonas clan of Utah (including – early Jonas family history; early Nelson family history)” This chapter relates to Rosa Nelson Jonas. Reviewing this information in FamilySearch shows some changes and updates to some of the information presented.
The following story was written by Rosa and is typed from a hand-written copy in the possession of her daughter, Verla Jonas Andersen Lythgoe.
“The story of Mrs. Rosa Jonas Andersen. Miss Rosa Nelson Jonas was born in Ellensburg, Kittitas County, Washington, on 5 Sep 1886, the third daughter of Annie Josephine Nelson Jonas and Joseph Jonas on a farm.
“Being Catholic, when about two months old, mother took me to church to be baptized, which was done by mother holding me in her arms, while the priest poured a few drops of water on my forehead. (St. Andrew church records this date 26 Sep 1886) In the meantime two persons stood by her side, one on each side of her, a man and a woman, they are called the God mother and father, they are to become your guardian in case anything happens to your parents.
“When I was about four years old, I followed a cousin of mine to school. Not understanding the rules of school, I would talk out loud and go from one seat to another, so the teacher asked me if I hadn’t better go home, my mother may need me. I told him oh, no she has got some more kids home. I said it so loud the whole room began to laugh. That got me, I was so hurt at being laughed at I never went back.
“The fall of 1895, we went to Yakima to pick hops. Although only nine years of age, it was a very interesting trip. People came from all parts of the country.
“One family in particular which attracted my attention was a family traveling in a covered wagon, which had on the outside “Olympia, Washington or bust.” While picking hops they turned their chickens loose, and every night they would go to roost in the back of the wagon, they had a place fixed just on the outside of the end gate. They stayed during the hop season, which lasts about a month or six weeks.
“We were paid one dollar a box and it took four, forty gallon barrels or what they called flour barrels to make a box of hops. The hops were grown in large fields like we grow beets which was one of the prettiest sights I ever seen, to see the way the hops grew. The rows were far enough apart to cultivate between with a cultivation horse. Large poles were even so far apart with strong wire over the top to which a strong cord was tied and fastened to a peg driven in the ground, the hop vine would wrap around this string as it grew. The hops were between six and nine inches long. The most interesting part of this occasion was the Indians, whose camp was just across from where we made our camp.
“We were afraid to go too close so we stood off at a distance and watched them put up their tents. The women or squaws as we call them, did all the work.
Rosa Nelson Jonas
“After we had been in camp about a week, while strolling through the bushes we came upon a squaw making a bed for a new baby, she dug a great big place in the ground, put a layer of rocks in it and made a fire on the rocks. Of course, we didn’t know what she was making but I did know she didn’t want us standing around watching her, and would make motions with her hands for us to go away. I told Mother and she said for us not to go around there any more, because the poor woman was sick.
“Well, we didn’t but one morning before sun up and the ground was white with frost, my sister and I went down to the river and to our great surprise we saw that same squaw that was sick with a tiny baby. We watcher her undress her baby and in the cold water she dipped it. We run home and told mother to come quick that an Indian was drowning her baby. She laughed and told us she was giving her baby its morning bath.
“Now in the Catholic Church the Sunday School has two classes, one that they call the catechism and the other the Bible. They are not allowed to go to Communion or partake of what we call the sacrament, until they graduate from the catechism (spelled Katakismn in her story) class. The day before you go to communion the whole class has to go to confession, which is quite an affair. I’ll try and describe how it is done. They is say, a large closet with a partition running through the center making two average sized closets, with dark maroon draperies hanging in each door way. You go to the right little room, and you’ll find a small bench, to the left, you kneel on it and you find a hole in the partition wall, that comes about to your chin, looking through that you see the Priest sitting in his nice comfortable overstuffed chair waiting to hear you confess your sins, which is done by your saying, “Father forgive me for telling a lie,” or whatever you done that was wrong since you went to confession last. Your punishment is if you haven’t a rosary to get one. It has from 25 to 20 beads each having a different design, each bead means a certain prayer. I had to get one of those beads and say six hail Mary’s every night before retiring and every morning before dressing and two Apostle Creeds so I must have been one of the worst, I thought well, I’ll just show you Priest-I’m not going to freeze my toes saying that while I was kneeling by the bed side, so I’d get up in the center of the bed, cover the quits over my head and bury my face in the pillow and start praying just as fast as I could, sometimes I’d skip a bead and sometimes two, but that did not make any difference because I was covered and no one could see me, and that old Apostle Creed it was too long to say once, say nothing about saying it twice, not me, I didn’t see any sense in learning prayers out of a book when I wanted something because I thought the Lord wouldn’t understand what I wanted.
“Well the next day at Communion all the girls wore white dresses with veils and wreaths on their heads, and boys in black. Up to the altar or railing covered in white you kneel down, put your hands under this white cover that goes over the railing, close your eyes, put your head back, open your mouth, put out your tongue and the priest will put this Communion on your tongue, don’t let it touch your teeth, close your mouth, bow your head. When he had given each one in the class a Communion you all arise and go to your seat. This Communion is about as large as a small sop cracker, I guess that is what it is from what I could see just partly closing my eyes. I wanted to see what he was going to give me anyway and I did. He took it out of a goblet with his forefinger and thumb and layed it on my tongue and stood there and drank the wine it was soaked in.
“In the year of 1901 July 3, I came to Utah. Feb 6, 1902 I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by N[els]. A[ugust]. Nelson who took a pick and broke the ice in the Jordan River in South Jordan, Salt Lake County, and was confirmed the same day by Bishop James P. Jensen. In the year of 1903 I spent a week in the Salt Lake Temple being baptized for relatives and had my endowments and went through for those I was baptized for and had them sealed. This made me sixteen years of age when I had my endowments.
“In April 1902 I had my patriarchal blessing which (is) a great comfort and help to me because of the wonderful promise of temple work, and of the great relief it would be for those I did work for. It sure is a great comfort to go and read it and reread it. The more you read it, the more it means to you. “So girls, don’t miss getting your Patriarchal Blessing.”
“The following is Rosa’s blessing.
“A blessing given to Rosa Jonas, daughter of Joseph and Josephine Nelson Jonas born in Ellensburg, Kittitas Co, State of Washington.
“Sister Jonas in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of the priesthood conferred upon me, I confer upon your a patriarchal blessing. In as much as you desire to know what God requires of you. If you are faithful you shall never be deceived. You have a knowledge that God lives and your prayer will be answered in those things that will be for your good.
“You are of Israel and are entitled to the blessings which the gospel imparts, and although young, God will increase your testimony. If you are humble, your heart will be fully satisfied. Be careful of the company that you keep. Be modest and careful in the selection of your companionship or you may be deceived. There is much for you to do in the Temples of the Lord, and many of your ancestors names will be presented to you and they will bless you for the labor that you performed for them in the flesh.
“God will give you judgement to select a man of God for a companion, who will lead you back into the presence of God from whence you came.
“Cherish virtue more than your life. Never allow yourself to step from the paths of truth and virtue for I seal this blessing upon you with all your born blessing and I seal you up unto Eternal Life, promising you that none of these blessings shall fail if humble on your part in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
“Rosa lived with her Uncle August Nelson and did housework for her room and board. She wasn’t very tall and some of her children have said she would measure to their arms if their arms were held out horizontal with the ground. A guess she would be a few inches above five feet tall. She had thin brown hair and brown eyes. When she was young she had white hair, until it grew darker as she became a young woman. All her siblings had white hair when they were children. Her hair was probably thinned because of the typhoid epidemic which killed her older sister, Mary. At that time Rosa’s hair fell out by the hand full. Since Mary died 21 Sep 1899, Rosa would have been 13 years old when she lost her hair. Rosa was the only left handed sibling. I am told that Rosa would argue about religious doctrines with her brothers and would hit the stove with a pan to give emphasis to her point of view. Apparently these siblings would argue and defend their point of view vigorously for a few hours at a time. However, after their debates they were affectionate with each other and were able to be good friends after any discussions. They were very loyal to each other.
“A land record in Logan tells us that on the 8 Nov 1905 Rosa and her husband, Christian Andersen, first bought their house in Richmond, Utah. It was located at 137 East 1st South. They bought lots 2 and 3 for $500.00. They lived there until 2 Jun 1920 when they sold their house for $2400.00 and then moved to Thatcher, Idaho. While they were living in Richmond two of her brothers would live with them from time to time. William and Joseph would stay at her home when they came back from the Brigham Young College at Logan. She also lived within about a block of her other brother, John, who had bought a home. She was very helpful to her brothers by washing their clothes and given them a place to sleep when they came home during the weekends. Joseph, her youngest brother, often sought her for advise, and often would take the advice of his sister in substitute of the parental advice he missed. She lived in Thatcher, Idaho, with her two brothers on a far and after a short few years moved back to Richmond, Utah. Later (about 1922) the family moved to Preston, Idaho at 295 West 4th South, where she died years after. The following is quoted in the life story of her husband, Christian Andersen, and was written by their daughter, Mabel.
“Father met my mother, Rosa Nelson Jonas, about a year before they were married. One night (Christian) was singing and playing a lively song and mother and Aunt Delia walked into the dance hall and there sat father playing the accordion and singing this song. Mother took one look at him and said to Aunt Delia, “I should think he would be ashamed of himself.” She thought him repulsive at first. But later on in years she rocked his little kids to sleep and he sang these very same songs to us. Mother did not mind in the least. Aunt Delia and Grandma Andersen decided that Christian and Rosa were meant for each other, so Aunt Delia gave a party and invited the Andersen boys. They were a lively bunch and had a good time that night.”
“…Rosa made a nice cream cake with plenty of whipped cream on it. (Christian) came to see her that evening in his rubber tired buggy so he could eat it, batched by himself… On the way home father put the cake on the floor of the wagon so it would be safe. The high spirited horse became frightened and started to run away. Father pulled back on the lines and raised his foot up and set it down right in the middle of the cream cake! When he got home he cut around his foot print and ate what he could of the cake. As a result of these meetings father and mother were married on 29 Jun 1904 in the Salt Lake Temple.”
“Rosa wrote a letter to her oldest sister, Margaret, to apologize for not writing her until after she was married about her marriage. Joseph Jonas, her father, wrote back and said that Margaret would forgive her because she had died.
“Rosa became the mother of Christian’s two children, Pearl and Ivy, who were from Christian’s first marriage. “Rosa was strict and so was Christian.”
“Rosa and Christian moved into a house in Richmond, Utah. Christian added one room downstairs and two rooms upstairs and a bath. He made a stairway and maintained a “well groomed house and yard.” “We had a shanty or summer kitchen where “Rosa and her daughters” did the canning of fruit and washing. The shanty was a couple of rods from the backdoor. We had a cement sidewalk and a big stone rock for a step…” Their “home had the first running water in it to come out of the wall hot… We had the first electric light in Richmond.”
“Rosa and Christian had six children. The first five were born in Richmond. The last was born in Lewiston. They are the following children: Mabel Rosetta, born 23 Oct 1905; Cyrus Christian, born 21 Dec 1907; Cleone Annetta, born 24 Nov 1909; Merlin Jonas, born 19 Sep 1913; Verla Jonas, born 16 Mar 1917; Arvie Jonas, born 31 May 1921.
“I remember moving from the ranch at Thatcher to Lewiston. Mother was expecting Arvie and she rode in the back of the wagon on some hay. The meager furniture was loaded into the wagon drawn by Jupiter and a bay horse named Sailor. Verla was bundled up in blankets and quilts, also Merlin and I (Mabel). Snow was on the ground, it was cold. While we were pulling the dugway by Riverdale where it was icy and slick, ol’ Jupiter fell on his right front shoulder. This turned the front wheels of the wagon causing it to tip. But quick as a flash Jupiter was on his feet and gave a lunge throwing the wagon the other way. Sailor pulled his line and up the dugway we went. I always felt that I owed my life to Jupiter because if the wagon had gone over it would have dumped the stove on top of me…” Another night during the trip they stayed at a range house and they fixed breakfast for them. Joseph Nelson Jonas was driving the wagon.
“Rosa and Christian had one of the most beautiful homes. (They) had a beautiful garden bed of tulips; and beds of gladiolas…(their) lawns were nice and green with no weeds…In Richmond and Preston they used to have large raspberry patches. We girl used to get up at four in the morning and pick the berries before it would get too hot. Then again at five in the afternoon when it was cooler we would again go into the patch and pick berries. (Rosa) sold many of the berries to people living near.”
Rosa & Christian Andersen
“In the winter when the snow was deep a group of people would get together and decide to have a surprise on some member. The women would open the door and yell SURPRISE!!! In they would go and take all the furniture out of their room and take up the rug or carpet and start to dance. Christian would be there with the accordion. He would take a chair and sit in the corner and play all night. About midnight they ladies would give the rest of the people lunch. They would eat and dance some more. After the dance was over the men would carry the furniture back into the house again.”
“The following information was taken from the obituary of Rosa Nelson Jonas. “Preston-Mrs. Rosa Jonas Andersen, 64, died in a Preston hospital at midnight Tuesday. She served as president of the Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association in the Preston Sixth Ward, as a Primary teacher, and for eight years was captain of the Hiawatha Camp, Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday noon in the Preston Sixth Ward Chapel by Bishop A.C. Lundgreen. Friends may call at the family home Friday evening and Sat. until time of the services. Burial will be in the Ogden Cemetery under the direction of the Webb Mortuary of Preston.”
Back(l-r): Ira Hillyard, Unknown, Bob Johnson, Junior Petterborg, Irwin Jonas, Unknown, Unknown. 2nd from Back: Unknown, Ruth Rich, Kaye Funk, Anna Lawrence, Joyce Larsen, Ruth Hutchinson, Nadine Johnson, Darrel Smith. Middle Row: Unknown, Unknown, Eva Kershaw, Lyle Wilding, Unknown, Afton Sorensen, Dorothy Nielson, Unknown, Norwood Jonas. 2nd from Front: Alvin Spackman, Bernice Frandsen, Unknown, Glacus Merrill, Joy Erickson, Unknown, Allen Spackman. Front: Garr Christensen, Oral Ballam Jr, LaMar Carlson, Unknown, Gail Spackman, Ivan Anderson, Warren Hamp.
This is Glacus Merrill’s class from what I believe is 1936. He taught class at Park School in Richmond, Cache, Utah. Several individuals have assisted me to name the individuals I have so far. There are too many unknowns that I hope to clarify in the future. If anyone can help, I would certainly appreciate it. My Grandfather, Norwood, and his brother, Irwin, are both in the photo. Irwin died in World War II, and I assume some of the rest did as well.
I have listed all the individuals below with some limited information I could find on them. At the very bottom is Glacus’ obituary.
Here is a copy of the obituary I found for Glacus. Wow, I wish my school teachers had been this amazing.
LOGAN – Glacus G. Merrill, 96, died of causes incident to age in Logan, Utah on Saturday, February 9, 2002. He was born May 27, 1905 in Richmond, Utah to Hyrum Willard and Bessie Cluff Merrill. He is a grandson of Marriner W. Merrill, a pioneer prominent in the settling of Cache Valley, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the first president of the Logan LDS Temple. He married Constance B. Bernhisel in 1925, and they were later divorced. He married Marie B. Bailey, March 24, 1945 in Washington D.C. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple.
While attending school, he participated in track and football at North Cache and Brigham Young College, where he graduated in 1925. Glacus graduated from Utah State University in 1935 and also attended the University of Utah and Chico State College in California. He is a graduate of the REI Radio Engineering School in Sarasota, Florida. He was the principal of the Richmond Park School for 11 years and served in the U.S. Navy for four years during World War II. He served an LDS mission to California from 1954-1955. While living in the East, he served as President of the West Virginia Farm Bureau and the State Black Angus Association. He is an honorary Kentucky Colonel. He also served as President and District Governor of Lions Clubs in Utah and West Virginia, and was a member of the Lions Club for 42 years. Glacus was Vice President of the West Virginia Broadcasters Association, and is a member of the USU Old Main Society. He established a Scholarship Fund in the Communications Department at USU. The Montpelier, Idaho Jaycees presented him with their outstanding Citizen’s Award. He was also a member of the Montpelier Rotary Club, Utah Farm Bureau, VFW and American Legion. He is a member of the “Around the World Club” having traveled around the world with his son, Gregory. He and his wife, Marie traveled extensively. Merrill was a popular Rodeo announcer in his early days. He authored the book “Up From the Hills” which was finished in 1988 and is available in area libraries.
Honored by the Utah Broadcasters as a pioneer in Radio Broadcasting, Merrill started his broadcasting career in 1938 as part owner and Program Director at KVNU Radio in Logan. After serving four years in the Navy, he built his first radio station Clarksburg, West Virginia. He owned and operated 11 other stations in West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Idaho and Utah, including stations in Montpelier, Idaho and Logan, Utah. He was well known for his frank and outspoken editorials, news and comments on KBLW in Logan. He has given over 7,000 newscasts and editorials always ending them with the saying, “Have Good Day Neighbor.” In 56 years of radio broadcasting, he trained several young broadcasters who are now making good.
As a hobby, wherever he lived, he operated a cattle ranch and farm. He served in many civic and church activities including counselor in the LDS Stake MIA, counselor in the East Central Stake Mission Presidency, 5 years as a Branch President and 11 years as District President in West Virginia. He also served as Deputy Scout Commissioner in Idaho and for 12 years taught the High Priest Class in the Logan 3rd Ward and served for several years as the High Priest Group Leader. He was an avid supporter of many missionaries in the area.
His wife, Marie preceded him in death on April 22, 1993, as well as six brothers and one sister. He is survived by his two daughters, Darla D. (Mrs. Dennis Clark) of Logan; Madge (Mrs. Melvin Meyer) of Smithfield; one son, G. Gregory (Joan) Merrill of Logan; nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, February 14, 2002, at the Logan 3rd Ward Chapel, 250 North 400 West, with Bishop Grant Carling conducting. Friends and family may call Wednesday evening, February 13th, at the Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 Norther, Logan from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Richmond City Cemetery.
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.
Sagacity 