I thought it would be appropriate to commemorate the 100th birthday of my Grandpa, Wilburn Norwood Jonas. He went by Norwood his whole life, or Nor to those closest.
Grandpa was born 15 May 1924 in Lewiston, Cache, Utah to Lillian Coley and Joseph Nelson Jonas. The fourth child of eight to his parents. He marriedColleen Mary Andra 27 September 1946 in Elko, Elko, Nevada. Three children were born to him and Colleen; Douglas in 1952, Sandra in 1954, and Jackie in 1960. He died 14 March 1975 in Burley, Cassia, Idaho and was buried 19 March 1975 in Richmond, Cache, Utah.
I was trying to think of a way to commemorate Grandpa. As linked above, I have written of him before. This week, I went through an old book I have that belong to Norwood’s dad, Joseph. Inside were some newspaper clippings and notes. One linked to Grandpa. I share it to show that research is ongoing and can be found anywhere! Just takes a little luck, heaven’s guidance, and you will stumble on them. I will wrote more on the book and other clippings inside later.
Park School was in Richmond. It was only razed in the past few years. Grandpa went to North Cache High School, although he did not graduate. This clipping also has Irwin written in to it. Which tells me he was missed or it is the wrong Jonas boy that was listed. Although, I do have a class picture of Irwin and Norwood together, so I am not clear if that tips it one way or the other.
“Name Graduates of Park School
“The Richmond Park School commencement exercises will be held in the Benson Stake tabernacle Thursday, at 8 p. m.
“The program follows: Processional; Invocation, Bishop J. M. Godfrey; salutation, Garr Christensen; music, school orchestra; talks, Norma Kaye Funk, Margaret Merrill; music, class; class history, Joyce Larson; presentation of class gift, Oral L. Ballam Jr.; awarding of prizes and the presentation of the class. Principal G. G. Merrill; awarding of certificates, Levi H. Allen; class song, class; adjournment to the community building for dancing; benediction, S. W. Allen.
“The list of graduates are: Ivan Anderson, Oral Ballam, LaMarr Carlson, Archie Carver, Garr Christensen, Don Hansen, Warren Hamp, [Irwin written in, referring to Irwin Jonas], Norwood Jonas, Robert Johnson, Glenn Mortensen, Junior Peterborg, Darrell Smith, Gail Spackman, Alvin Spackman, Allen Spackman, James Scott, Boyd Tripp, Olive Biggs, Dorma Anderson, Joy Erickson, Norma Kaye Funk, Bernice Frandsen, Ruth Hutchison, Nadine Johnson, Eva Kershaw, Virginia Kirstofferson, Elaine Lewis, Anna May Lawrence, Joyce Larson, Margaret Merrill, Dorothy Nielsen, Beth Rich, Afton Sorensen, Lyle Wilding.
Here is the class picture with many of these same names. It also includes Irwin and Norwood. I have written about it previously.
Maren Buttars, Jill Spackman, Lisa Webb, and Jackie Jonas in Richmond Community Center
This photo took a bit more work. This was taken in Richmond Utah at the Richmond Community Auditorium, which I believe is now called the Richmond Community Center. This photo was taken in 1967 or 1968.
The consensus is that these were likely students of Eve Reese, who taught in Logan and also at the Smithfield Armory. I found this obituary for her.
SMITHFIELD, UT– Eve J. Reese, 84, died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2000 in Casa Grande, AZ.
She was born June 17, 1915 in Smithfield, Utah a daughter of Thomas William and Louise Minard Jarvis. She married Bert D. Reese on May 23, 1934. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. He pre-ceded her in death.She taught dancing for many years throughout Cache Valley and did the choreography for high school musical productions. She was a member of the LDS Church and with her husband was a longtime dance director in the Cache Stake. She was a member of the Smithfield Civic Club, Bridge Club, and a former member of the Logan Golf and County Club. Following her retirement, she spent her winters in Casa Grande, Arizona where she enjoyed golf, bridge and socializing with her many friends.
She is survived by her three sons, a daughter and their spouses, Daren and Melva Reese, Salt Lake City; Thomas and Dixie Reese, Smithfield; Nansi and Ralph Roylance, Smithfield; Michael and Ann Reese, Nampa, Idaho, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She will also be missed by her dear friend, Dareld Chamness, Casa Grande.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, 2000 at 12 noon, in the Allen-Hall Mortuary chapel. Friends may call Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services.
Interment, Smithfield City Cemetery.
Here is another photo of Jackie on the same stage in a different costume/outfit. I am posting this article just after Jackie’s 63 birthday.
This wasn’t intentional. Not sure why or how it happened, but it did.
Anyone who knows me knows that I stop and visited deceased people and ancestors anytime I am in the neighborhood. Kinda like stopping in to visit any other cousin or friend when you are driving through, are in town, and have some time. Ancestors are very accommodating whenever you want to stop in and visit. Maybe COVID-19 just gave us more time.
I have the following ancestors who are buried somewhat nearby, western United States. I will link each ancestor I have written about previously if you want additional information. Here are my ancestors and where they are buried.
As of this writing, I see there are two ancestors that I haven’t stopped and visited in the last few years and got pictures with the kids and the tombstone, Christiana Andra in Salt Lake City and William Sharp in Ogden (I now have the goal to get it done before the end of the year). I also have a couple of known ancestors without tombstones, David and Gwenllian Jordan in Ogden, Utah, Hubert Jonas in Ellensburg, Washington (but we got pictures at the grave), and Damey Ross in Olivehurst, California (who we visited after hours and couldn’t even locate the grave). We should remedy that but we may just have to stop and get pictures with their grave locations.
I also cheat and use the 2016, 2018, and 2019 photos with three ancestors, Johanna Benson in Spring City, Utah in 2018, John William Ross in San Bruno, California in 2016, and James Thomas Ross/Meredith in Fresno, California in 2019. I could do a 2020 photo for Johanna, but I am not going to California just to redo a tombstone photo with the two Ross ancestors.
Lillian (in background by Wanner tombstone), James, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Louise Wanner (1901-1991) and William Fredrick Andra (1898-1990) on 26 July 2020.
Aliza, Paul, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Ann Bailey (1828-1913), Mary Ann (Lillian “Lillie” Musgrave) Stoker (1861-1935) and Milo Riley Sharp (1857-1916) on 23 May 2020. Mary Ann Bailey is the mother of Milo Riley Sharp, don’t confuse mother Mary Ann with spouse Mary Ann. We shorten our Lillian’s name to Lillie’s spelling in her honor.
Aliza Ross with tombstones for Hermina Jansen (1860-1921) and George Henry (Gerhardus Hendrick) Van Leeuwen (1856-1932) on 28 June 2020.
Joseph Jonas – Richmond, Utah
Tombstone of Joseph Jonas (1859-1917) on 26 July 2020. The S is a mistake put there by someone. Some have put his mother’s maiden name “Schumacher” there, but we have yet to find any evidence of that middle initial or name.
Annie Jonas – Crescent, Sandy, Utah
Lillian and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Annetta Josephine Nelson Jonas (1864-1907) on 11 July 2020.
Herbert & Martha Coley – Richmond, Utah
Lillian Ross with tombstone of Martha Christiansen (1879-1961) and Herbert Coley (1864-1942) on 26 July 2020.
Christiana Andra – Wasatch Memorial, Latona Section, Salt Lake City, Utah
Aliza Ross, Jill Hemsley, Lillian Ross with tombstone of Christiana Wilhelmina Knauke (1869-1957), widow of Friedrich Theodor Andra, on 6 September 2020. She went by Wilhelmina in the United States and married Johann Wendel, as I have written previously. The other grave is her daughter-in-law and grandson, Rebecca Emelia Christensen (1904-1931) and Otto Carl Andra (1929-1929).
Lillie, Paul, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of William Sharp on 27 November 2020. This was the first time I had ever been to William’s grave.
Mary Sharp – Plain City, Utah
Aliza, Paul, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Mary Ann Bailey (1828-1913), Mary Ann (Lillie Musgrave) Stoker (1861-1935) and Milo Riley Sharp (1857-1916) on 23 May 2020. Mary Ann Bailey is the mother of Milo Riley Sharp, don’t confuse mother Mary Ann with spouse Mary Ann. We shorten our Lillian’s name to Lillie’s spelling in her honor.
Aliza, Lillie, Paul, James, and Hiram Ross at the graves of Gwenllian Jordan (1842-1900) and David D Williams (1832-1911) on 27 November 2020. Neither have a tombstone.
Hubert Jonas – Holy Cross, Ellensburg, Washington
Lillian Ross with tombstone of Emma Schriber Jonas (1855-1898), wife of William Jonas on 5 August 2020. William and his father Hubert both do not have tombstones and are buried next to Emma.
Hiram, James, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone for Agnetta Benson (Bengtsson)(1832-1873) and John Nelson (Johann Nilsson)(1827-1902) on 25 July 2020.
Paul, Aliza, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Constance Josephine Eliza Jorgensen Christiansen (1857-1932) on 8 August 2020. Portland apparently isn’t watering their cemeteries this year.
Paul, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Margret Watkins (1816-1902), David Jordan (1820-1893) and Thomas Jordan (1857-1880) on 23 May 2020. Thomas is the son of David and Margret.
Paul, Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Johanna Johannsson Benson (Bengtsson)(1813-1897) on 7 September 2018. I know I am cheating, it wasn’t 2020. But it was recent.
Aliza Ross with tombstones of Hanna Mathea Christensen (1831-1900) and Olavus Jorgensen (1830-1904) on 26 July 2020.
Others visited this year.
Garrett Lee Smith – Weston, Oregon
Paul Ross with tombstone of Garrett Lee Smith (1981-2003) on 9 August 2020. Garrett was my last missionary companion.
Eli Benjamin Stoker – Mullan, Idaho
Tombstone of Eli Benjamin Stoker (1870-1952) on 3 August 2020. Eli is the half-brother to my Mary Ann Stoker Sharp.
Mary Nelson Jonas – Holy Cross – Ellensburg, Washington
Aliza Ross with tombstone of Mary Nelson Jonas (1885-1899) on 5 August 2020. Mary is the sister to my Joseph Nelson Jonas.
Ezra & Flora Benson – Whitney, Idaho
Aliza and James Ross with tombstone of Flora Smith Amussen (1901-1992) and Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) on 26 July 2020. Many know Ezra as the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower.
Spackman Plot Marker – Lewiston, Utah
Aliza Ross with the Spackman Plot Marker. She recognized and wanted a picture with the Pacman tombstone on 26 July 2020.
Walter Theodor Andra – Logan, Utah
Aliza, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Walter Theodor Andra (1896-1967) on 25 July 2020. Walter is brother to my Bill Andra.
Charles Wilson Nibley – Logan, Utah
Aliza, Hiram, James, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Charles Wilson Nibley (1849-1931) on 25 July 2020. Charles is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a member of the First Presidency (non-apostle) to President Heber J Grant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Moses Thatcher – Logan, Utah
Lillian, Hiram, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Moses Thatcher (1842-1909) on 25 July 2020. Moses is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Allison Ann Parker – Logan, Utah
Tombstone of Allison Ann Parker (1976-1997) on 25 July 2020. Allison is a friend and brother of my high school friends Ryan and Russell Parker. She passed away after a tragic accident driving back to Utah after our Senior Prom date night in 1997.
Peter Maughan – Logan, Utah
James, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Peter Maughan on 25 July 2020. Peter is known for various positions and business interests, as one of the founders of Cache Valley, Utah.
Ezra Benson – Logan, Utah
Aliza, James, Hiram, and Lillian Ross with tombstone of Ezra Taft Benson (1811-1869) on 25 July 2020. Ezra is known for various positions and business interests, but most will know him as a an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nels Nelson – Crescent, Sandy, Utah
Hiram and Lillian Jonas with tombstone of Nels August Nelson (Nilsson)(1857-1935) on 11 July 2020. He is the brother to my Annetta “Annie” Jonas.
Stanley Spatig – West Warren, Utah
Tombstone of Stanley Hazen Spatig (1940-2013). Son of Eva Virtue Wanner Spatig, sister to my Mary Louise Wanner Andra.
Joseph & Ann Wayment – West Warren, Utah
Bryan Hemsley, Amanda, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones of Ann Reed (1852-1931) and Joseph Wayment (1844-1931). Amanda’s Great Great Great Grandparents on 24 May 2020.
Louis & Martha Hansen – West Warren, Utah
Bryan Hemsley, Aliza, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Sarah Eveline Judkins (1886-1943), Louis Alma Hansen (1876-1951), and Martha Ann Wayment (1877-1908) on 24 May 2020. Louis and Martha are Amanda’s Great Great Grandparents.
Walter & Myrtle Hansen – West Warren, Utah
Bryan & Jill Hemsley with Aliza, Lillian, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Myrtle Thompson (1902-1959) and Walter Wayment Hansen (1904-1995) on 24 May 2020. Walter and Myrtle are Amanda’s Great Grandparents.
Evan & Lona Jonas – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Aliza and James Ross with tombstone for Lona Rae Jensen (1930-2012) and Evan Reed Jonas (1928-1999) on 23 May 2020. Evan is the brother to my Norwood Jonas.
Spencer & Jimmie Jonas – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Aliza Ross with tombstone of Viola Amelia (Jimmie) Cole (1920-1996) and Spencer Gilbert Jonas (1919-1988) on 23 May 2020. Spencer is the brother to my Norwood Jonas.
Melvin Thompson – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Amanda, James, Aliza, Lillian, Hiram Ross, Bryan and Jill Hemsley, and Alyssa Smart with tombstone of Melvin J Thompson (1925-2018) on 23 May 2020. Mel is Amanda step-Grandpa.
Merle & Belle Hemsley – Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, Ogden, Utah
Bryan & Jill Hemsley, Hiram, Lillian, Aliza, and Amanda Ross with tombstone for Belle Sarah Peterson (1917-2003) and Richard Merle Hemsley (1912-1962) on 23 May 2020. Merle and Belle are Amanda’s Great Grandparents.
Ellen Weller – Hooper, Utah
Tombstone of Ellen Watton Weller (1828-1894) on 23 May 2020. I stumbled upon this tombstone in Hooper. I was walking around, felt inspired to walk over, and looked at this one knowing there was a link. Name looked vaguely familiar. Half-sister to my Hannah Maria Rogers Coley. Didn’t know she was buried in Hooper, FamilySearch didn’t have it either. Her and Joseph Weller are now documented and updated.
Dee Hemsley – Hooper, Utah
Alyssa Smart, Bryan and Jill Hemsley, Aliza, Lillian, Amanda, and Hiram Ross with tombstone of Richard DeLece Hemsley (1936-2013) on 23 May 2020. Dee is Amanda’s grandfather.
William & Martha Wayment – Plain City, Utah
James, Amanda, Lillian, Aliza, and Hiram Ross with tombstones for Martha Brown (1823-1905) and William Wayment (1822-1883) on 23 May 2020. William and Martha are Amanda’s Great Great Great Great Grandparents. The tombstone above Aliza’s head is William Edward Stoker mentioned above, my Great Great Great Grandfather.
Lorenzo Snow – Brigham City, Utah
Hiram, Lillian, and Aliza Ross with tombstone for Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901) on 23 May 2020. Lorenzo Snow is known as the 5th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
David & Ruby Haight – Wasatch Memorial, Salt Lake City, Utah
Aliza & Lillian Ross, Jill Hemsley, with tombstone of Ruby Olson (1910-2004) and David Bruce Haight (1906-2004) on 6 September 2020. David Haight is known as an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I previously interacted with him regarding marriage.
Charlotte Sharp – Ogden, Utah
James and Paul Ross at the tombstone of Charlotte Elizabeth Earl (1816-1907) on 27 November 2020. Charlotte married my William Sharp (1826-1900) after she was widowed of her first husband Charles James McGary (1808-1875).
Lorin Farr – Ogden, Utah
Paul Ross with tombstone of Lorin Farr (1808-1907) on 27 November 2020. Lorin Farr was the first Stake President of the Weber Stake which covered all the territory of all my ancestors in Ogden and Plain City. He was also the first Mayor of Ogden.
Thomas Marsh – Ogden, Utah
Paul Ross with tombstone of Thomas Baldwin Marsh (1800-1866) on 27 November 2020. Thomas Marsh is known as the first Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who had he remained faithful, would have been President before Brigham Young.
Sergene Sorenson – Pleasant View, Burley, Idaho
Lillie, Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with tombstone of Sergene Sorenson (1932-2013) on 2 January 2021. Sergene is the sister to my Grandma Colleen.
Scott Sorenson – Pleasant View, Burley, Idaho
James, Lillie, Hiram, and Aliza Ross with tombstone of Scott Sorenson (1951-2001) on 2 January 2021.Lillie, Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with tombstone of Bert Sorenson (1924-1991) on 2 January 2021.
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.
Richmond South Basketball Team. Back (l-r): LeReta Andersen, Elaine Bell, Jeannie Spackman, Hope Anderson. Front: Janet Whitman, Louise Godfrey, Marva Dawn Spackman, Carolyn Spackman, Arlene Alvey.
This photo was shared with me several years ago but I didn’t know who the individuals were in the photo. Only this past weeks I was given a copy of a newspaper clipping with the same photo in it with a little bit of background. Here is the language of the newspaper clipping.
“BENSON STAKE CHAMPIONS – Richmonud (sic) South ward girls were undefeated in eight games, which was good enough for stake honors. The team captain is Arlene Alvey; manager and coach is Marva Dawn Spackman. Left to right, (front): Janet Whitman, Louise Godfrey, Marva Dawn Spackman, Carolyn Spackman, Arlene Alvey. (Back): LaReta (sic) Anderson (sic), Elaine Bell, Jeannie Spackman and Hope Anderson. The Benson stake league has featured some fast girls’ games this season.
Here is the information on the individuals in the photo I could find.
Myrtle Arlene Alvey (1935 – 2017), married Melvin Butterfield.
Hope Anderson (? – ?)
Elaine Bell (? – ?)
Louise Godfrey (? – ?)
LeReta Mary Jonas (1932 – 2018), married Lowell Andersen.
Carolyn Spackman (1935 – 2013), married Leon Fisher, Ray Fiske.
Jeannie Spackman (? – ?)
Marva Dawn Spackman (1932 – 2017), married Gail Alvey.
Back (l-r): Richard Thompson, Dallin Bell, Lowell Andersen, Lenard Christofferson, Dale Andrus. Third: Earl Egan, Robert Anderson, Gilda Grey, Tess Carlson, Joan Atkinson, Phyllis Christensen, Nancy Traveller, Joyce Whittle, Edward Johnson, Burt Erickson, Grant Bagley. Second: Afton Bright, Elaine Thompson, Shirley Spackman, Shirley Albiston, Norma Hunt, Beverly Thompson, Ludean Burbank, Renee Murray, Lillian Jonas. Front: Monte Merrill, LaVar Spackman, Dick Skidmore, Gerald Larsen, Richard Lewis, Claine Skidmore.
Here is another photograph from Park Elementary in Richmond, Cache, Utah. Fortunately, with the help of several we have been able to name all the individuals of this 7th Grade Class of Mr. Grant Lyle Bagley. I believe the list is correct, hopefully with correct spelling of names. This photo was roughly the spring of 1943. The ones without dates I assume are all still living because the databases I check do not show anything on them. Although some have common names which does not help. If I have it, I have provided additional information after the names. I am happy to add more if anyone should know more.
Richard Thompson
Dallin Ray Bell (1931-1988) married Elaine Blanche Tew (1930-2005).
Lowell Andersen (1930-Alive) married LeRita Mary Jonas (1932-Alive).
Lenard Christofferson
Joseph Dale Andrus (1931-1986)
Earl Delbert Egan (1931-1990)
Robert Henry Anderson (1931-1990) married Julia Corinne Cowger (1924-2004).
Gilda Grey
Tess Carlson married Wade Christensen
Joan Atkinson
Phyllis Christensen
Nancy Traveller
Joyce Whittle (1931-2019) married John Rees (1929-1999)
Edward Johnson
Burt Erickson married Ardell.
Grant Lyle Bagley (1903-1949) married Nellie Adelaide Cartwright (1908-2009). Poor lady was widowed for 60 years!
Afton May Bright (1931-1994) married John Cleve Olson (1929-2018).
Elaine Thompson
Shirley Spackman married Darwin Rawlings (1919-2011).
Shirley Albiston married Gary H Larsen (1931-2005).
Norma Hunt
Beverly Thompson (1930-1970)
Ludean Burbank married Christensen.
Renee Murray (1931-1996) married Harry Lawrence Holloway (1929-1996).
Lillian Jonas (1930-2009) married Ray Laurence Talbot (1926-1980).
Monte L Merrill married Eunice Tidwell.
LaVar Hadley Spackman (1930-2011) (Backwards with Dick Skidmore??) married Kathryn Bell and Theola Newman Buttars.
Back (l-r): Gerald Larson, Claine Skidmore, Richard Thompson, Lowell Andersen, Lenard Christofferson, Dale Andrus, Dallin Bell, LeVar Spackman, Richard Lewis. Third: Renee Murray, Lillian Jonas, Afton Bright, Ludean Burbank, Shirley Spackman, Tess Carlson, Phyllis Christensen, Elaine Thompson, Nancy Traveller. Second: Joan Atkinson, Beverly Thompson, Norma Hunt, Oral Ballam, Shirley Albiston, Joyce Whittle, Edith Smith. Front: Edward Johnson, Dick Skidmore, Monte Merrill, Burt Erickson, Melvin Hodges, Robert Anderson, Earl Egan.
Here is a photograph from Park Elementary in Richmond, Cache, Utah. These names were given to me by one person with some clarification and correction from a couple of more. I believe the list is overall correct, I hope the spelling of the names are all right. I presume this photo was taken about 1944. I do not know anything more about the teacher, Oral Lynn Ballam, either. I could not find anything on the rest of the individuals so I assume they are still all living. If I have it, I provide more information after the names.
Gerald “Jerry” Larson
Claine Bullen Skidmore (1931-2012) married Beth Stoddard.
Richard Thompson
Lowell Andersen (1930-2016) married LeRita Mary Jonas (1932-2018).
Lenard Christofferson
Joseph Dale Andrus (1931-1986)
Dallin Ray Bell (1931-1988) married Elaine Blanche Tew (1930-2005).
LaVar Hadley Spackman (1930-2011) married Kathryn Bell and Theola Newman Buttars.
Richard Lewis
Renee Murray (1931-1996) married Harry Lawrence Holloway (1929-1996).
Lillian Jonas (1930-2009) married Ray Laurence Talbot (1926-1980).
Afton May Bright (1931-1994) married John Cleve Olson (1929-2018).
Ludean Burbank married Christensen.
Shirley Ann Spackman (1931-1976) married Darwin Rawlings (1919-2011).
Tess Carlson married Wade Christensen.
Phyllis Christensen
Elaine Thompson
Nancy Traveller
Joan Atkinson
Beverly Thompson (1930-1970)
Norma Hunt
Oral Lynn Ballam (1901-1993) married Delis Lamb (1901-1981).
Shirley Albiston married Gary H Larsen (1931-2005).
Joyce Whittle (1931-2019) married John Rees (1929-1999)
Edith Elizabeth Smith (1930-1950) married Roy Ariel Sorenson Jr (1924-1998)
Edward Johnson
Dick Skidmore
Monte O Merrill married Eunice Tidwell.
Burt Erickson married Ardell.
Melvin “Dell” Abraham Hodges (1930-1979)
Robert Henry Anderson (1931-1990) married Julia Corinne Cowger (1924-2004).
One of the best parts about being able to spray is that you have a nearly endless amount of time to think about anything you choose. What a wonderful opportunity. I hear of these people who are bored with their job, or have nothing to do, and even this job, that it is so boring. Well, that tells the state of their mind doesn’t it? What a wonderful opportunity. It is like the old fairy tale of the hero getting into the cave of precious gems, with only one stipulation, that he can have any one he wants, but only one. How sad that so many people choose to leave the cave with no gem, or with a tawdry, poor quality gem.
Anyhow, when I arrived at Larry’s this morning, he asked me about my meeting with Larry and Lori Kaye Gleim. I told him about my experience and what it was they said. He was disappointed that she did not want to get to know the family any. He told me that he broke his leg and ended up staying with Donald and Carolyn for a time. For about 4 1/2 months, nearly every day he would stay with baby Lori Kaye and take care of her. He said he would never forget holding her on his knee and how beautiful she was. He said there are some similarities between Toni and Lori Kaye, but he considered Lori Kaye beautiful as a baby. That was only confirmed when he met her at her Grandfather’s, Harley Jepsen, funeral. He said he could see the point of her keeping it quiet, but just did not understand it.
It was an interesting starter thought for the day. I sprayed for a couple of hours thinking about that. I think of the doctrine that at the last day all things shall be made known. Those things which are secret shall be shouted from the rooftops. Now, whether that has any bearing on me, I do not know. However, Lori Kaye’s mother, and Lori Kaye will some day have to face that. At some point, Lori Kaye’s own children will have to be told who is their biological grandfather. At some point, Carolyn, for what reason she is hiding all this, pride, children’s hearts, or something else, will have to face it an answer it. It will all have to be sorted out. Especially someone who is where she is now, you would hope the wife of a Stake President would be more honest with her own family. The wife of a High Councilman, who is a representative to a student stake, would also be more honest with their own family. Anyhow, to each their own. However, I would feel that I would seek to know the man to whom I was born in the covenant to. The man to whom untold priesthood blessings will come to me.
I finally took a moment to drive near the elementary school, and notice the foundation of the old Evan’s store still there across the street (the old Malad High School). It was Diane Evans Spackman’s grandparents store. (I stayed with the Spackman family in Eagle last year. She told me about it last year, finally I took the time to pay attention to see if I could see it. It is still there.
I sprayed this lady’s lawn who was in the back yard while I was working. We started talking. She told me about her husband’s death in February (Bill Price). She told me about his death, how it happened, and how she is struggling. I was not sure how to reply. But I just listened. She asked me about my winter and I told her about my marriage. She was excited and told me about her marriage. Eventually, I found out she currently lives in what was her parents house. Then, found out her father was a four term Senator to the state of Idaho. She asked me if I liked to read, and I told her I did and biographies were my favorite. I told her I was currently reading a biography on Borah. She then told me that U.S. Senator Borah was a friend of her father. In fact, she remembered her father and Sen. Borah talking on the front porch of that house. I was surprised. She told me about her memories of the man. Who would have thought I could get personal testimony on a man whose biography I was reading at the time. I was very impressed with how genuine Helen Daniels Price was. I spent a good half hour visiting with her about the lives of others. She was a librarian in Malad for 25 years or so. Such great people in the world everywhere.
At some down time, I read some of the Nuffer family history that Larry gave to me. It was a very interesting read about Neuffen, Germany. Also some of the surrounding towns my family is from. It was interesting to learn that John Nuffer (son of John Christoph Nuffer, my Great, Great, Great Grandfather) studied architecture and building in Stuttgart before converting and coming to America. That is why he ended up building so many buildings including the Oneida Academy. He also worked on the Logan Temple. It was interesting to read his blessing by Apostle Teasdale and setting apart as a Seventy before going back to Germany for a mission. It will be interesting to read more.
I visited with Lorraine Dives today, whose son is Larry Dives, who lives in Pleasantview, and works at the Malad Post Office. We had a good visit about her yard and how it is improving. It is these types of experiences that I like. Mingling with those individuals who are the salt of the earth and go about doing their own thing.
Of other news, something to add to the usual surprises of life. Amanda returned home on Thursday evening to find that there was a fine layer of dust throughout the house. Originally, due to the dark nature of the dust, it was assumed to be coal dust. There are workers replacing the old coal furnace in the basement, and somehow they ended up shooting dust up into both apartments. Our landlord, John Payne, send a nice cleaning lady to take care of the problem. Saves us from having the clean the whole home I suppose. But it was not a happy thing for Amanda to discover.
Well, that will do for today. Tomorrow is spraying in Malad again. I have to admit, it is the only place in the country I know of, and somehow a great source of pride to me, that they fly an American flag on every other light pole on the main streets. The clincher, on the other poles there is a Welsh Flag. Reminded me of my mission, and I am excited that a city takes its heritage to heart and shows it. So many cities have become mainstream Babylonia. Here is a town who has not forgotten some of what it is and where it came from. Plus, I have a special place in my heart for Cymru. I even bought a Welsh Book of Mormon a while back and would like to learn to read it. I hope Malad is doing it for the right reasons, and continues to do it, for it is a wonderful thing.
Tomorrow Amanda and I attend Prairie Home Companion. I am really excited. Not that I have to leave at 5:30 in the morning to finish work in time, but that I am going to personally attend a Prairie Home Companion. I have always admired them, even from when I was in Junior High. Also, tomorrow night after Prairie Home Companion, Amanda and I attend the last Utah Temple, Ogden. That will complete our goal of attending all 11 temples. If we had time, I would like to get in both Idaho Temples (soon to be 4!).
Sagacity 