1887, September Southern States Conference

An incident from Amy’s account of the September 1887 Southern States conference interested me. I didn’t have a copy of that part of the John Morgan journal so I returned to the Marriott Library to look further. See paragraphs five and six posted here at The Ancestor Files.

From the John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah:
1887
September 11 [Meridian, Mississippi, after leaving Colorado, September 6.]
Met the Elders in council again this a.m. Attended Sunday School at 10 a.m. the pupils recited 126 verses of Scripture by memory and repeated the Articles of Faith in concert. Conference convened at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. meetings were well attended, and a good spirit prevailed. Stayed at Thomas Odums tonight.
September 12-13 President Morgan traveled to Rome, then Chattanooga, where he … met A. R. Smith who has charge of the office. Spent the p.m. in reading papers, letters, etc. … He worked in the office through the 15th getting correspondence into shape and trying to get the run of mission matters. On the 15th took the train to Tuscombia, then on to Florence, Alabama, for the West Tennessee Conference.

September 16... Left for Cowpens Creek to meet the Elders. … Attended to prayer and held council with the Elders. On the 17th ... Held council this a.m. and met in a conference capacity at 11 a.m. …

September 18
Met the Elders in Council and at 11 a.m. met in Conference at Ilutts School House. An evil spirit was manifest from the start and culminated before the meeting closed in an attack by one (?) Gilbert who with an oath caught up a crutch and tried to strike me as I was talking to the people. Elders Elias I. Wright and Asabel [sic, Asahel] Fuller caught him and prevented any serious damage being done. A general [There is neither a space, nor a word, in the transcript here.] seemed imminent and one woman fainted, others screamed and the meeting was broken up. The Elders all went down on Cowpers [sic, Cowpens] Creek and held council and had dinner with the McMurtryes after which I bade them goodbye and started for Florence, arriving at 8 p.m.
The following is from pages 31-32 of a document (typed transcript like the John Morgan Journal transcript) in the John Morgan Collection titled: Southern States Mission History, From October 1875 to December 1904.

1887, September
The month opened very quietly, the Elders moving cautiously to avoid undue excitement among the masses. Reports from the respective Conferences are all in, showing a very gratifying increase in the number of baptisms during the corresponding time last year, in fact, it was the best received for some considerable length of time.

On the 10th and 11th insts. The Mississippi Conference convened at the house of brother Pleasant Odums. President Morgan was in attendance; also six (6) Elders belonging to the Conference. Meetings were held each day, including councils, in which the Elders expressed their views relative to their labors and received some timely counsel and advice on matters pertaining to their immediate duties.

Everything passed off peaceably and quietly; all enjoying themselves in their meeting together. On the 17th and 18th insts. The West Tennessee Conference was held near St. Joseph, Lawrence County. President Morgan was also in attendance here; and also all the Elders belonging to that Conference, numbering seven (7). The meetings on Saturday were well attended and the various speakers touched upon a few of the first principles of the Gospel. All passed off very pleasantly.

On Sunday, meeting was again held, but not with such good results. After two or three of the Elders had spoken, President Morgan arose and addressed the congregation. While speaking, a fellow, by name, Gilbert, arose and seizing a crutch endeavored to strike him, using some vile language in the meanwhile. Owing to the position he was in, Gilbert could not use his stick to any great advantage, and through the force of the blow, being broken, President Morgan caught the stick in one hand very easily. It was wrenched from him, and after making other fruitless attempts to reach the object of his attack, he withdrew, as did also the crowd of roughs who were with him. This circumstance broke up the meeting and no more was held.
From an alphabetized list of Southern States' missionaries; name, set apart date, date returned, from John Morgan collection.
Albert R. Smith. February 13, 1887 - March 8, 1889
Asahel Luther Fuller. February 14, 1887 - November 24, 1889
Elias Smith Wright, September 10, 1886 - November 12, 1888
I took the picture at Red Butte Gardens, Salt Lake City, September, 2008.

1938 Christmas letter identified.

This Christmas note has been unidentified among my mother's things for years. It appears [Aunt] Helen Melvina [Mellie] Morgan Burt Austin [1870-1952, John Hamilton Morgan's oldest daughter] wrote this Christmas note to her brother-in-law, Percy Harold Rex, in 1938. It is a note of condolence, and Christmas wishes, after the November 12th passing of her sister, Bessie Morgan Rex.

Other people mentioned in this note are Percy Harold and Bessie Morgan Rex's sons Harold and Morgan. Jack [John Clayton] and Gail [Morgan Clayton] are her brother-in-law and sister. Wallace [Burt] is probably Aunt Helen's son. Is Sara a daughter-in-law or daughter? Does anyone know who Georgia is?

From Helen Rex Frazier collection.

1937 Christmas letter from Bessie Morgan Rex to her son, Harold Morgan Rex, in the mission field, Brazil.

Percy Harold and Bessie Morgan Rex family members in Randolph, Utah about 1937, left to right; are John Morgan, Bessie, Percy, Helen, in front, Flora Elizabeth and Maeser Morgan.

This letter of December 19, 1937 was written by Bessie Morgan Rex to her son, Harold, while he was serving a mission in Brazil.

This copy of this letter is in my possession. Originally from Harold Morgan Rex family.

Frazier: #4 Frank Union Frazier, 1947 journal entries concluded.

Concluding excerpts from Frank. U. Frazier, Woodruff Utah, 1947 Journal. [I retained his spelling, capitalization, and punctuation (he frequently leaves the final “t” off of thought, bought, etc.)]

Continued from previous journal entries here.

Sun., Nov 2--Emily, Tom, Claira, I went up to Evanston to Conference. Emily did fine with her part. We got the battery for the radio. Francis brough it.

Mon., Nov 3--We started to plow over creek this Morning. Plowed quit a piece. Sold 5 crossbread Rom Lambs to Kearl Brothers Laketown Utah for $200.00. Emily, Elmer, Verla went to Barbara weden dance to night. I was two tired.

Sat., Nov 8--I Killed ten old hens this Morning and Elmer and I sheared the Ewes that we are sending to heard- Emily, Verla put the hens in the bottles 15. Charley Smith died to day. “Very fine old Man” snowing to day and night.

Tues., Nov 11--Emily, I took the Putnams to Salt Lake for May Putnam Holbrock funeral. It was sure a Hell of a day going snowed all down canyon just got in line.

Fri., Nov 14--Elmer & I went to Evanston and traded our car on a NEW ONE. We got $840 and paid $1076.50 difference. “Plymouth” It snowed to day. We had dinner with Delora.

Thurs., Nov 27--We all had a fine dinner Bruce, Delora, Frankie, Mark, Serlay, Elmer, Verla, Brent, Stephen Kay, Brenda Dee, Emily, Frank U … Very good time togather.

Tues., Dec 9--Elmer, Brent, I went to Almy after wood with Ray Cox’s truck, got a dandy load- going to Mutual tonight.

Thurs., Dec 4--Every body was sure busy on the ranch to day. Electric line men, 4 of them. The ones that is putting it in the houses- 3 – and we cut the sheep out to shear eyes- to take them to dogholler- Elmer and Vern Hopkins tied in the Election.

Sat., Dec 6--We done some work on Bull shed. Aunt Maud, Delora, Mark, come down and had supper with us- Verla, Elmer, Brent went out to Marry, Harvey to a beef steak supper. June calved- a bull calf. Keith Putnam bought the two bull calves.

Tue., Dec 23--We turned the lights on to night. They are sure swell. Can see any wheere in the chichen. Got them in chicken coop also-

Thurs., Dec 25--Little Steve got a rocking horse, Brent a train, Brendy Dee dolls. We all went up to Bruce & Dee and had dinner, also went the rounds down the lane, got home in good time, didn’t get to call up Glenn could not get through.

Tues., Dec 30--Shelby, Fred, Marrioners, Francis, I went to Brigham City to a Land Management Meeting, had a sweel time and good luck. The folks went up to the show, took Aunt Annie, children.
Christmas card is from Grandmother Bessie Morgan Rex's scrapbook, from the 1930's.

Sanborn: #8 George Benjamin Sanborn and #9 Sarah Jane Smith. Part 4 of 4.

George Benjamin Sanborn, on the left, 1935, after retiring from the Union Pacific Railroad, at the time he was working for the Salt Lake City Streets Department.

Daughter Mary Ann Sanborn was married in 1904 to George Francis Hovey. And daughter Ella married John Kellerher in1910. Son Jennings married Iona Cushing. Bill married his sister Sarah’s widowed niece, Mary Schilling. They had a daughter known as “little Mary.” Joseph traveled to the Philippines. He married and settled there. In 1932 he returned home for a visit.

After retirement from the railroad, George Benjamin went to work for the Salt lake City Streets Department, where he swept streets. He was ninety-one years old when he died on November 7, 1936. He was buried in the Ogden City Cemetery.

At that time Sarah Jane moved to Washington and lived with her daughter, Mary Ann. When she was eighty-four she returned to Salt Lake City to visit her son and daughter-in-law, George Benjamin and Amy Haywood Sanborn. Sarah Jane passed away in their care on January 15, 1940. She too was buried in the Ogden City Cemetery, beside her husband, and sons, John and Henry.

It appears the family never placed a marker on their mother/grandmother's grave. We are going to do that in the Spring. All interested in contributing are invited to contact me at my e-mail address on this blog.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

From Marlene Sanborn Silotti histories. I took the picture in the Ogden Cemetery this year.

Sanborn: #8 George Benjamin Sanborn and Sarah Jane Smith. Part 3 of 4

View Sanborns, George Benjamin and Sarah Jane homes in a larger map

Seven additional children were born to George Benjamin and Sarah Jane Smith Sanborn after they moved from Paradise, Utah to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1885.

Eva, March 15, 1885 (died from pneumonia, November 14, 1885). Mary Ann, 1886. Henry, 1888. John William, 1890. Ella, 1892. Gladise, 1894 (died after being ill for four months, October 28, 1895). Jennings Bryan, 1896.

Their first year in Salt Lake City they lived at 549 Post Street. In 1896 they moved to 520 South 8th West, where they lived until their move to Pocatello, Idaho in 1903.

In 1895 George Benjamin began working for the D. & R. G. (Denver and Rio Grande) Railroad as a machinist. Five years later he was working as a blacksmith at the Fort Douglas Shops, and in 1893 he was working for the Union Pacific Railroad as a blacksmith.

According to his granddaughter, Marlene Sanborn Silotti, George Benjamin worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 36 years. In 1903 his sons began appearing in the Polk Directories, also working for the railroad; George B., Jr., Joseph, William, Henry, John and Jennings.

Marlene traced the family through their ward records, and every other record she had access to. In 1885 they moved into the 6th Ward in Salt Lake City, which became the 25th ward in 1902. George Benjamin was listed as an Elder there. They moved to the Pocatello, Idaho 1st Ward in 1903. In 1909 the family moved to Ogden, Utah where they resided in the Ogden 2nd Ward. And in 1913 the family moved back to Salt Lake City. All of the children were blessed, baptized, and confirmed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Their oldest daughter, Sarah Jane, married William Mikesell in 1895. George Benjamin Jr., married Amy LaVena Haywood on June 23, 1898. And the following February 1, 1899, Amy’s brother, George Mark Haywood , married daughter Laura Ellen Sanborn. Two younger sons, Henry and John William were both baptized three days later, on February 4, 1899. John was baptized by Hyrum Groesbeck. [An unexpected early tie.]

John married Henrietta Gall in 1911. They remained in Ogden, after his parents moved back to Salt Lake City. He was still living there in 1914, when he contracted pneumonia and died. He is buried in the Ogden City Cemetery.

The following year, in 1915, George and his sons were playing poker together in their Salt Lake home. “Henry suddenly threw down his cards and without saying a word walked out of the room. Suddenly there was a terrible scream and they found Henry on the back screened-porch. He had drank carbolic acid.” Henry had been discouraged and separated from his wife. His death was called a suicide. Nearly a hundred years later, drinking carbolic acid sounds more like an accident to me. What kind of a bottle was the acid stored in? Could it have looked like a liquor bottle, or anything else?

John Sanborn (1890-1914) and Henry Sanborn (1888-1915) are buried in the Ogden City Cemetery. (Picture taken October, 2009)

In 1924 George and Sarah Jane moved to Winnemucca, Nevada. Sarah received her Patriarchal Blessing while they lived there. Five years later George retired from the railroad, and they moved back to Salt Lake City. They bought a home at 349 Bothwell Court, and lived in the 25th Ward.

(To be continued.)

Family history from Marlene Sanborn Silotti.

Sanborn: #8 George Benjamin and #9 Sarah Jane Smith Sanborn. Part 1 of 4.

George Benjamin Sanborn
b. 10 Aug 1845, Brooklin, Maine
p. Isaac Sanborn, Sarah Cobb
m. Sarah Jane Smith, 16 Nov 1874, Endowment House
d. 7 Nov 1936, Salt Lake City, Ut
b. Ogden City Cemetery, Ogden, Utah

Sarah Jane Smith
b. 1 Apr 1856, Keokuck, Lee, Iowa
p. William Smith, Jane Rawlings
d. 15 Jan 1940, Salt Lake City, Utah
b. Ogden City Cemetery, Ogden, Utah

Sarah Jane was born in Keokuck, Iowa on route to the Salt Lake Valley, with her parents and three older brothers. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on August 14, 1856.

By 1860 her family was settled in Paradise, Utah, having first lived in Draper, Utah. Her family’s history is posted here.

They washed and corded wool, spun yarn, knit stockings, and spun the yarn for their family’s clothing. Sarah was too small to reach the wheel so her father made a bench for her to walk on while she worked. Her mother dyed the yarn for the children’s stockings. The dye was made from indigo and chamber lye. “They knit comforters for the men and boys and also for the quilts.”

“They were happy in those days.” Saturday night dances were held every week and entrance tickets were purchased with squash, potatoes, cabbage and other products. One man had a checkered shirt he saved for the dance by wearing a shirt made out of a gunny-sack to work in during the week.

The first hat Sarah Jane ever made was from some straw she and her sister gleaned—it was white leghorn.

“When they started raising sheep and stock, the girls [Sarah had four sisters] sheered as many as twenty-eight head of sheep in one day.”

When their father would bring the corn in, and they wanted cornmeal, they would take a tin pan and hammer holes in the bottom of it, then use that as a grater and rub the corn on it. For three years Sarah Jane never had shoes on her feet. She tied rags on them to save them from being cut by rocks. She gathered rose leaves for her mother’s tea, which she made after the leaves were dried.

In 1875 Sarah Jane married George B. Sanborn in the old Endowment house. “We came all the way from Paradise by horse and wagon. That was seventy years ago last November. We had twelve children; six sons and six daughters. Four sons and two daughters are living and married. Two of my sons are living in Salt Lake. Two sons have been in the World War; one served eighteen months in France, the other served two terms as coast guard and is now in Honolulu working for the Government Air-Line. One of my daughters lives in Washington. I haven’t seen her for 22 years and she is coming in April to see us.”

Record of Ward Members to 1940 in Paradise Ward, lists George Benjamin Sanborn as being baptized, 21 February 1864. Where, or by whom, is not indicated.

(To be continued.)

DUP History, Sarah Jane Smith, A Utah Pioneer of 1856, submitted 1936 by Dau. Fla Barton. Family History records and picture belonging to Marlene Sanborn Silotti. This picture was sent to Marlene by an unknown man she met at the Family History Library many years ago. When the man saw the family name marlene was researching, he said he had a picture of her grandparents standing on the back porch of their home in Ogden that he would mail to her. He and his family lived next door to George Benjamin and Sarah Jane Smith Sanborn.

Mid-century dancers identified!

Thanks to a friend in Woodruff, Utah, I’ve identified the 1950 tap dancers posted here earlier. They are, left to right; Nina Rex, Rose Dean, JaNae Hellstrom, Dick Stuart, Kathy Rufi, Nanette Stuart, and Bessie Frazier.

From The First 100 Years in Woodruff, Art City Publishing Co., 1972, I learned that Dick and Nanette Stuart are cousins. I am cousins with Nina Rex (g-grandfather, William Rex), Rose Dean (g-grandfather, Stephen Vestal Frazier), and Kathy Rufi (g-grandfathers, William Rex and Jacob Rufi). I appreciate all who helped identify these mid-century dancers!

Bessie Morgan Rex, DUP, Daughter of Utah Pioneer, 1935.

This picture of Bessie Morgan Rex [1891-1938] belonged to her granddaughter, Susan Frazier, and hung in her Bethesda, Maryland home. Susan outbid her cousins at the 1998 Rex Family Reunion auction, and took it home. It is granddaughter Susan B.'s creation. She had a small 5x7 shot enlarged, tinted, fixed, and framed. Then she donated it to the auction. This picture was taken about the time of grandmother Bessie's marriage to grandfather Percy Harold Rex (1912]. She is probably wearing her wedding dress.

Bessie's application for membership in the Society for Daughters of the Utah Pioneers is written her hand. It includes all kinds of information, familiar Randolph, Utah names, and a bit of information about her father, John Morgan, I'd never heard of before.

I do apologize for the bits and pieces of this document (which is in my possession). My scanner could not accommodate the large sheet. Picture from my collection.

The First Relief Society Presidency in the Southern States

After reading The Amateur Mormon Historian’s December 1st post, The First Relief Society Presidency in the Southern States, I couldn’t resist. "Sister Victoria Faucett was unanimously sustained as president, Sisters Sinia Lawrence and Emmeline Faucett, her counselors. Sister Joan Manning, secretary; all of whom were elected for six months." It was organized August 10th, 1878. I have a copy of that portion of the John Morgan Journal at home, so I looked up the date.

1878
August 10Conference met at 10 a.m. Attendance improved. The branch from a distance well represented. Held three meetings including a priesthood meeting.

August 11Conference met at 10 a.m. with a good attendance of saints and few strangers. Our meeting was interrupted by a slight shower. Conference adjourned at 9 p.m. after a good time and a general good feeling on the part of the saints. [“Wrote Deseret News” is written after this entry, by Nicholas G. Morgan (is my guess).]

I spent a little time studying the early part of John Morgan's journal looking for the sisters that President Morgan called to The First Relief Society Presidency in the Southern States.

From the John Morgan JournalCassandra [Georgia] 1877
September 10thWrote letters during the forenoon, in the afternoon went up to Mr. Bailey’s and stayed all night.

11th—Started out early in the morning to look up a place to baptize in. Mr. Bailey accompanying me. Selected a spot and went down to Bart Fawcett’s, from there to Mr. Parrs’. Had dinner, returned to Mr. B. and assisted to fix a baptizing place. At night had meeting and preached a long sermon to a good sized audience. Stayed all night at Bart Fawcett’s.

12th—Went up to Mr. Bailey’s and in the afternoon baptized the following persons:
Mrs. Martha Bailey Sr.
Mrs. Martha Bailey, Jr.
Mrs. Jane Payne
Mrs. Millissa Jennings
Miss Emma Fawcett
Miss Victoria Bailey
Stayed all night at Mr. Kerke’s.

Haywood Valley [Georgia] 1877

October 16th—Went to Uncle Jeter’s where we remained part of the day and stayed all night at Bro. Marshalls’. Uncle Jeter came over and informed us that he had some folks to baptize the next morning.

17th—Went over to the baptizing place and baptized the following persons:
B.F. Marshall [,] Confirmed by Elder L. [probably Lisonbee]
Jas. Keele “ [Confirmed by Elder] J. M. [John Morgan]
Sinai Lawrence “ [Confirmed by Elder] L.
Elizabeth Keele “ [Confirmed by Elder] L.

After dinner we went across the Mountain to Bro. Moyer's where we stayed all night.

John Morgan journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah. Picture from John Morgan descendant Geraldine M.'s visit to Haywood Valley, Georgia, 2008.

B. H. Roberts speaks at Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan’s funeral, 1930, 2 of 2.

[B. H. Roberts continues funeral address:] Now, in relation to Sister Morgan: You have already been told how Sister Morgan comes of an honored, pioneer family. I remember her father, Nicholas Groesbeck, and I remember his wife, Sister Morgan’s mother. She was a quiet, calm, dignified, splendid pioneer queen—no less! And possessed all of those qualities that I have spoken of in regard to Sister Morgan, the daughter. Her heart was ever open, and her hand ever free to give and help those who came in contact with her. They were a splendid Utah pioneer family of the old stock, and honorable, this Groesbeck family; and not only that, but they were alive to the situation as it arose before them. Nicholas Groesbeck laid the foundation for a great financial career and successful business life. No man outstripped him in that; and he struggled with pioneer conditions and circumstances and overcame them. No man possessed greater character than Nicholas Groesbeck. I know him historically as well as personally, and that is my testimony in relation to him.

As for John Morgan—a Prince! A Prince he was. He was like some of the under-ground springs that flow in the earth, and then by and by they crop up to carry out the purposes of God—that was John Morgan. A Prince in the spirit world and princely here.

John Morgan communicated that wonderful spirit that he was possessed of to many. There are hundreds and hundreds of eminent and successful men in Utah today who owe John Morgan a debt of gratitude for what he conferred upon them through his wonderful influence and through his school; and as President of the Southern States Mission. The numbers who were benefited by his influence are unknown, but they go into the hundreds and perhaps the thousands. He made a mighty contribution to the world in his capacity of leadership. And standing by his side, and ever ready to lend a helping hand, was his queen—that honest, direct, frank, lovely wife of wonderful nature—Sister Morgan. That’s how I regard her. As I looked upon her beautiful, refined face this day, clutched by the hand of death—not even death could mar that face, but gave it a new beauty—she was wonderful to me. That was my thought as I looked upon her and it is true.

We have assurance of the life eternal; we are converted to it. You can’t make me believe that God is so unreasonable that he will bring forth such people as Sister Morgan and then destroy them. He doesn’t go to such pains to produce such characters a these—to refine, to elevate, to purify them and then destroy them. He may permit them to suffer, but destroy them—I would as soon expect him to destroy himself. Such people as Brother and Sister Morgan are the kings and queens of God and of the universe.

Now, may God bless this family, everyone of them. I feel, if circumstances and conditions would warrant it, I would like to place my hands upon the heads of these dear sons and daughter and bless them in the name of God, and in commemoration of their noble father. May the Lord bless them and lead them on to ever hold sacred the life of their dear parents, and to emulate their examples, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

See references at Part 1.

B. H. Roberts speaks at Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan’s funeral, 1930, Part 1 of 2.

[Editor's note: Amy has a new list of Important John Morgan Posts on her blog here. It categorizes the most interesting posts about John Morgan and his family. It is very helpful. I’m pondering how I can come up with something as useful for my blog. ]

John Hamilton Morgan’s wife, great grandmother Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan died June 15, 1930. Her funeral was held in the Waterloo Ward.

In Helen Rex Frazier’s papers is a copy of a document that I believe is the talk B. H. Roberts gave on that occasion. It is not dated. It is simply titled B. H. Roberts, and is with some other documents that appear to be from the funeral also. It illustrates the friendship B. H. Roberts and John and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan shared. It also appears to be the source document used for “Appendix I, A Tribute by B. H. Roberts,” The Life and Ministry of John Morgan, by Arthur Richardson, copyright 1965, Nicholas G. Morgan, Sr., pgs 579-580.

B. H. Roberts

My brothers and sister, I did not come here to speak. I had a desire in my heart that by my being here I might silently bear witness of the love that is in my heart for Sister Morgan and to stir up the recollections by my presence at her funeral of the fond memories that would be awakened of the many years ago; and renew the feeling of tenderness and deep regard that I have for all the members of the Morgan family. But, I expected to do that just by my presence. I expected to honor myself by being present on this occasion, and it is a matter of surprise to be called upon to say even a few words.

Of course, there are some present who will have some recollection, perhaps, of the friendship that I have always enjoyed in my relations to John Morgan. I went for a short time to his night school. I couldn’t afford to go to day school, but I did get an opportunity to go for a few nights, and expected to continue for quite a number of months. I formed my first contract with John Morgan at that time, and later I was directed by President John Taylor to report myself to him in the South, when he presided in the southern States Mission, which I did; and then began the friendship which lasted as long as he lived and that lasts now. I came here today in renewal of it. Both himself and Sister Morgan opened the door of their hospitable home to me, and requested me that whenever in the city to make their home my headquarters and to live with them; and that I did. I have never met anyone whose kindness surpassed the kindness and welcome and steadfastness and hospitality of this good woman, Sister, Morgan, whose remains lie before us; she was unselfish in her ministrations both of service and of lodging, and of food she gave in great abundance, and always made me welcome in her home, as also did her husband.

There was a relationship formed here that would be difficult to describe. I never had a brother that I was conscious of—both of mine dying in their infancy. So I can hardly tell just what it would mean to have a brother; but, so far as I can conceive of it, John Morgan was a brother to me, as well as President and Director of my early activities in the ministry. How much I owe to him! We became united, I think as few men become united. We were together in storm and strife and under circumstances and conditions when threatened by mobs that tried men’s souls, and I found him steadfast and true all the while. I gather that he must have had some idea about me, because he was the one who urged that I take his place in the Southern States Mission when he was released; and I carried on that work a number of years. When it was found necessary for me to go across the sea to England, I went, and he returned to the South. Afterwards, we became united in the same council, and we threshed out many, many things pertaining to the department of the Holy Priesthood which we were called to preside over.

I have met no man who surpassed John Morgan in the possession of those fine qualities of manhood and power that are universally admired. I loved him with all my heart; and when he passed away, I never got rid of the feeling that there was a vacuum at my side, where he had always stood from the first of our acquaintance.

That may sound very egotistical to some of you. But I merely wanted to assure these sons and daughters of my dear friend that because the circumstances of life have torn his family and myself somewhat apart, and other interests have crossed in, and other things have had to receive my attention, resulting in our separation somewhat, and making that close friendship and association that formerly existed between us well nigh impossible, yet there hasn’t departed out of my heart one bit of respect and honor and friendship and love for them and for their mother and father.

To me Sister Morgan was a noble woman, true and constant in her friendship. I hope to renew that friendship under those circumstances when we shall more frequently meet together than we have in the past few years in this world in which we live. She ministered to me as any kind, elder sister, I imagine, would minister to a beloved brother. And, frankly, I loved her, and cherish her memory. My association with her and the children in their younger days, presents to my mind a constant picture of regard and love and fondness for them—everyone.

I am here to make these remarks in the manner of a confession—a confession of neglect of that early friendship that was formed. And, as a confession is good for the soul, I hope these good friends of mine will accept it as a confession of neglect concerning those ties of friendship that were formed in the strength of my early manhood; and I want to assure them that those ties that bound us together then are still strong, so far as I am concerned.

(To be continued.)

Part 2.

Thanksgiving 2009. B. H. Roberts’ Thanksgiving Psalm, 1918.

I didn’t know of B. H. (Brigham Henry) Roberts’ friendship with my great grandfather, John Hamilton Morgan, when I saved this clipping from the Church News. I just liked it. It first appeared there November 22, 1975. Studying the John Morgan Journal, I’ve discovered what devoted friends they were.

A friendship forged, during their years together in the Southern States Mission, and other Church assignments, B. H. Roberts frequently stayed in John and Helen Melvina (Mellie) Morgan’s home. From my scant knowledge of their friendship, and amateur approach to locating material in John Morgan’s journal, I’ve listed a few random entries here. You can learn more about their association from these history blogs, The Ancestor Files and Amateur Mormon Historian.

From John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.
January 1, 1889At home during the a.m. Spent the afternoon and evening with daughter Mellie and husband [Andrew Burt] with quite a few friends. Brother B. H. Roberts came in during the evening and spent an hour or two.
January 9, 1889Attended Council Meeting at 1 p.m. Present were A. H. Cannon, B. H. Roberts, and myself. Quite an amount of business was transacted. A motion prevailed to not make any appointments at 10 a.m. for meeting on account of interfering with Sunday Schools. B. H. and brother Spry spent the evening with us.
July 10, 1889At work about the place during the morning. Attended Council Meeting … Brother Cannon loaned me his horse and buggy and Mellie and I drove out to the Penetentiary [sic] and had a pleasant visit with B. H. Roberts who was looking and feeling well. [If you scroll down on this link, B. H. Roberts is in picture P-08.]

December 28, 1889Snowed this a.m. and continued during a great part of the day. Brother Roberts and I called at the Gardo House and had a lengthy conversation with President George Q. Cannon relative to our trip East. A number of the details were arranged and an appointment made with the First President on Monday. During the p.m. we visited the “News” Office. Historians Office, Z.C.M.I. [Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution] and other points in the interest of our trip. Brother Roberts spent the evening with us.

From this blog,
B. H. Roberts spoke at daughter Myrtle’s passing in Manassa, Colorado.

B. H. Roberts assisted in daughter Bessie's blessing in Salt lake City, Utah.

The index page from The Life and Ministry of John Morgan, by his son Nicholas G. Morgan, below, references B. H. Roberts.

The address B. H. Roberts delivered at Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan’s funeral in 1930 will be posted next week.

#18 William Smith & #19Jane Rawlings, in the Sanborn line.

Avon (old Paradise), Utah, cemetery hill, October 2009.

William Smith
b. 6 Jun 1811, Stoke St. Milborough, Shopshire, England
p. Samuel Smith, Sarah Serjeant
m. 1849, Herefordshire, England
wife: Jane Rawlings
d. 14 Apr 1890
b. Paradise Cemetery, Paradise, Utah

Jane Rawlings
b. 8 Mar 1827, Parish Holdgate, Bouldon, England (neighboring parishes)
p. William Rawlings, Jane
d. date unknown
b. Paradise Cemetery, Paradise, Utah

Born in England, in neighboring parishes, William Smith and Jane Rawlings were married 1849 in Herefordshire, England. Church records show William Smith was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints on January 24, 1854.

In 1856 Willliam and Jane were on their way to the Salt Lake Valley. Their first daughter, Sarah Jane, was born April 1, 1856 in Keokuk, Iowa. They were traveling with their children, William 5, Joseph 3, and Thomas 2. The family laid over for about three weeks, until Jane recovered from childbirth.

The family was part of a company of overland emigrants which left Florence, Iowa, about June 1, 1856 with Elder Philemon Christopher Merrill, Captain, “a splendid man.” They are listed as William Smith, wife and 4 children. The company averaged fifteen miles each day. They were called together for prayer every night and morning and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on August 14, 1856. A journal keeper from the group noted that day, "crossed the creek a number of times. Road rough much of the way & bad crossing. Clear & warm, most of the day. Cool morning."

After arriving in the Valley the family lived "in the first place they came to." Draper. On February 8, 1858, their son John Sergeant Smith was born there.

In March 1860, Joseph G. Crapo, Alvin M. Montierth, Barnard White, and William Smith, who were residing at that time in Draper, Utah, decided to visit Cache Valley in hopes of finding a location for settlement. They had heard about the lush, green valley with plenty of water and timber. They joined a wagon train that was going north and traveled with them until they reached Ogden’s Hole. They then followed an old Indian trail north into Cache Valley. Barnard White drove the first wagon and team of mules into Old Paradise (Avon) on April 1, 1860.

The area chosen was located at the forks of East Creek and Little Bear River. Today it is a small agricultural community on U-165 eleven miles south of Logan and three miles southeast of present-day Paradise.

They returned to Draper to bring their families to the new location. On May 12, 1860, Joseph G. Crapo and Alvin M. Montierth returned with their families. On their return trip they stopped at Salt Lake City and convinced David James to join them at the new location. All of the settlers were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and David James had served as their Branch President while they were in England.

They were able to get a crop planted that year which they irrigated from springs on the east side of the Muddy or Little Bear River and they had a good harvest. Four homes were built on one side of a small road and four homes on the other side of the road in fort style. The following families spent the first winter on their chosen location either in the fort, small cabins, or in dugouts: David James, Joseph G. Crapo, Alvin M. Montierth, William Smith, Barnard White, William Woodhead, James Lofthouse, Enoch Rollins, Charles Rollins, Edward Davenport, John Sperry, Jerome Remington, Winslow Farr, Jr., James Bishop, Elijah Tams, Leonardis L. Crapo, Prince Albert Crapo, and Dr. Ellis.

In February 1861, Apostle Ezra Taft Benson and Bishop Peter Maughn called David James to be bishop. Apostle Benson remarked while visiting the settlement that "This is like Paradise".

They suffered many hardships and trials in Paradise—including being taken as prisoners by Indians. William Smith and another man guarded the outside of the meeting where the women and children were for safety. When the Indians were “a talking together” William and another man went to Logan for help. By giving the Indians food, clothing, and blankets, they were able to make peace with them.

Their daughter, Sarah Jane, said, “Wolves could be heard on the roof howling and scratching, trying to get into the dugouts. They would keep a fire all night so the smoke going up would keep the wolves from coming down the chimneys.”

In 1860 they started to raise crops. “When the crops were up the grasshoppers came so bad one could not see the sun. The next day the crops were all destroyed. For seven years the pioneers fought the pesty hoppers--then came the crickets. And for two years they destroyed every thing. The seagulls came as a blessing to the pioneers, as they rescued them from starvation by devouring the crickets.”

The first wagon load of wheat William Smith ever sold was at Box Elder. All that he received for the whole load of wheat was a washtub, a few clothes, a little sugar, and a few other things.
In the spring of 1868, the town was moved north about three miles from the original site, to minimize conflicts with the Indians, who liked to camp near the first site. The original settlement is now called Avon, named by Mrs. Orson Smith in honor of Avon, England, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

William Smith, was a farmer and a “stockraiser.” He was a Seventy and a High Priest. He died in Paradise in April 14, 1890. He and his wife are both buried there.

Their children are:
William, born 1851, Stoke St. Milborough, Shropshire, England
Joseph Rollings, born 1852, Stoke St. Milborough, Shropshire, England
Thomas Rawlings, born 1853, Ludlow, Shropshire, England
Sarah Jane, born 1856, Keokuck, Iowa
John Sergeant, born 1858, Draper, Utah
Hyrum, born, 1859, Paradise, Utah
Mary Ann born 1862, Paradise
Martha Amelia, born 1865, Paradise
Ellen Rawlings, born 1867, Paradise
John, born 1869, Paradise, Utah
Emma Louise R., born 1872, Paradise, Utah

William Smith family marker at the Paradise, Utah cemetery.

Posted today in memory of Marlene Sanborn Silotti (Nov 22, 1931 - Jul 12, 2009)Genealogist Extraordinaire!

DUP History, Sarah Jane Smith, A Utah Pioneer of 1856, submitted 1936 by Dau. Fla Barton. FamilySearch. Family records. John W. Van Cott history of Avon at, onlineutah.com/paradisehistory.shtlml and cacheregister.com/citypages.php. Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah, Utah Pioneers Book Publish Company Publishers, 1913, p. 1171. Pictures by the author. Please advise me of any errors you may find here.

John Hamilton Morgan and daughter, Mellie, 1886 trip to Southern States Mission, Part 4, conclusion.

1886 John Morgan traveled with the emigrants February 19-21 from Chattanooga to Kansas City, where he saw them safely off, and began his return to Chattanooga. He arrived there on the 22nd, was met by brother Kimball at the depot and found Mellie no better.

February 22-25, ... Busy at work at my cash book and other office work during the day, wrote some and attended to Mellie the greater part of the day. ... John Morgan continued to attend to his convalescing daughter, Mellie, much of the following month. On February 28th he wrote, Mellie not improving much. And on March 1 … Obtained a feather bed of sister McDaniels for Mellie. …

March 6 Read and wrote during the day. Attended a circus at night. Mellie improving very much. …

March 8 Wrote and read during the day. Attended to Mellie who is improving slowly. …

March 13 Elder Jno. P. Murphy called this a.m., having just arrived from Utah to fill a mission. He spent a part of the day with us. Wrote some letters today and in the evening we administered to Mellie.

March 14 Accompanied brother Murphy to the Depot and saw him off to Georgia. Afterwards got a carriage and took Mellie and Misses Sarah and Susie Fowler to Lookout Mountain. Went to Rock City, Natural Bridge and other points. Returned at 6 p.m. Mellie standing the trip pretty well. …

March 17 Mellie still improving, but quite weak.

March 18 Mellie not so well today. Wrote some letters and attended to Mellie. Beautiful weather.

March 19 Writing and reading today. In the evening brother [perhaps Elias S.] Kimball returned from a seventeen day trip into Georgia. Reported all well.

March 20 At work with brother Kimball getting things in shape to go west.

March 21 Reading and writing the entire day.

March 22 Made preparation to start west tonight. Finished up my correspondence and looked up my business. At 6:10 p.m. took M. and C. train to Memphis. Mellie feeling much better. …

March 25 Arrived at Pueblo at 8:10 a.m. and had breakfast. Waited until 12:35 p.m. and took west bound train to Salida at which point I left Mellie to go on alone while I turned back to Pueblo. Snowed considerably. A fire in Salida today burned two of the center blocks in the place.

"In her youth Mrs. Austin acted as her father’s
secretary and accompanied him
on numerous tours of the mission and to other
parts of the United States."--From the obituary
below.

Wouldn’t it have helped us now if her granddaughters had been named in her obituary?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

From John Hamilton Morgan journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

John Hamilton Morgan and daughter, Mellie, Part 3

On January 28, 1886, John Morgan’s party left the steamer at Vicksburg and spent the next three days in route to Chattanooga by train. They spent a night at Memphis where John Morgan held meetings with twelve elders from Utah, wrote letters, and assigned two missionaries to W. Tenn. and one to Miss.

Arriving in Chattanooga on January 31, 1886, he was busy thereafter getting Elders assigned and attending to other mission business through February 5. John Morgan’s Groesbeck nephews, John and Joseph, aren’t mentioned again.

February 5
Wrote some letters and went with Mellie to get her photograph taken. Met brother Tillman from Ala. And had a talk with him. In the evening visited brother Jno. McDonald on Boice Street.

February 6
Wrote a number of letters and attended to mission work most of the day, principally posting the office books. A pleasant change in the weather.

February 7
Walked out on Whiteside Street with brother Tillman and visited Frank Paynes and Jno. Jenning’s family. In the afternoon walked up to the top of Cameron Hill and in the evening went to hear Dr. Bachman preach at the First Presbyterian Church.

February 8
At 10 a.m. Mellie and myself started to go up Lookout Mountain. Visited Rock City and had dinner at Mrs. Wilsens. Then drove to the Natural Bridge. Then to Sunset Rock and then to Saddle Rock and Grand View. Had a very pleasant day of it.


February 9
Very busy all day at work at Mission correspondence. Elder Rouche came in from New Orleans. Rained in the afternoon. …

The work of the mission continued. February 14 At work in the office with emigration matters. Getting ready for the company that leaves on the 18th inst. …

February 18
Emigrants coming in on all the trains. At 6:10 we left for the west, picking up parties at Stephenson and other points along the line. Had to leave Mellie in Chattanooga suffering from a severe attack of Eyresipelas [sic, Erysipelas].


(To be continued.)

From John Hamilton Morgan journal, Special Collections, Marriot Library, University of Utah. According to a letter from Mrs. Emma Guthrie, printed in The Life and Ministry of John Morgan, by Arthur Richardson, copyright 1965, Nicholas G. Morgan Sr., pgs 335-337, a Mrs. Melissa (Payne) Jennings was baptized by John Morgan.

John Hamilton Morgan and daughter, Mellie, 1886, Part 2

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1886
January 21
Writing and mailing emigration circulars to the Elders and attending to mission affairs. John and Joseph Groesbeck arrived from Utah.

January 22
Obtained transportation of Mr. Wrenn for self and party to Meridian, Miss. Going to New Orleans. Took 11 a.m. train over Western and Atlantic Ry. And went to Dalton. Lay over two hours. Visited the Court House where the murderers of Joseph Standing were acquitted. At 4:35 took East Tenn. Train to Rome, Georgia where we took sleeper for Meridian. Had a rough ride during the night.

January 23
Arrived at Lauderdale at 5 a.m. and changed cars to M. and O. Ry. And arrived at Meridian at 6:20 Bought ticket and at seven continued our journey to New Orleans. Arrived at 1 p.m. Hired rooms at 221 Gravier Street. Walked about town and went to Robinson Dime (?) Museum.

January 24
Visited the French market early this a.m. then walked about the wharf and visited a Liverpool steamer and a packet running between N. O. and Vicksburg, both very fine. Then took street cars to Greenwood Cemetery which we passed through. Then went to west end by steam (?) spending an hour there. Returned to the city and attended the St. Charles Theatre, “Streets of Paris.”

January 25
Went out to the Exposition this a.m. and met six Elders from Miss Conference visiting and sight seeing. Attended the Exposition all day. Returned tired and hungry. Walked about town a while.

January 26
Went out to the Exposition this a.m. and spent the day. Returned at 4:30 and took steamer, Jas. D. White, to Vicksburg.

January 27
Awoke in time to see Baton Route and during the day steamed up the river, passing Port Hudson and other points of interest.

January 28
Quite cool today. Still on the boat. Arrived at Vicksburg at 3:30. Walked up into the city and got a carriage and drove out to the National Cemetery. Had a fine view of the river. Returned and went to the Verandale House and met Mr. Peck. One of our party in the Blockade.


(To be continued.)


The Groesbecks arriving January 21, could be: John Groesbeck, born 1866 to Nicholas Harmon and Rhoda Groesbeck, and Joseph Groesbeck, born 1864 to John Hamilton and Helen Melvina (Mellie) Morgan. They are probably part of the party mentioned on the 22nd traveling to New Orleans.

The John Hamilton Morgan journal, Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah.

John Hamilton Morgan and daughter, Mellie, 1886, Part 1

This picture is scanned from The Man Who Moved City Hall; Nicholas Groesbeck Morgan, by Jean R. Paulson, published 1979 by Press Publishing Limited, Provo, Utah, pg 24.

[Picture caption:] The oldest daughter of John and Mellie Morgan was named for her mother. This photo of Helen Melvina Morgan Burt was taken by noted photographer C. R. Savage. Helen later married George Austin. [John Morgan called his daughter Mellie.]

"In her youth Mrs. Austin acted as her father’s secretary and accompanied him on numerous tours of the mission and to other parts of the United States."--From an obituary for Helen Melvina Morgan Austin, death 1952, sent me by a Groesbeck descendant. In 1886 Mellie accompanied her father to the Southern States Mission. She was sixteen years old, having been born January 19, 1870 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This previous post from John Morgan’s journal concluded in Manassa, Colorado on November 27, 1885.

1885
December 25 [Salt Lake City, Utah]
At home quiet with the family. Had our Christmas turkey alone, and had a very pleasant day …

On the 27th, after bidding the folks goodbye, John Morgan took the train to Springville, Utah where he stayed at brother in-law Harmon Groesbeck’s. On the 28th … At 1 p.m. met my daughter Mellie on the D. and R. G. train and with her continued on east. Passed the day quietly and pleasantly.

December 29
Awoke soon after leaving Black Canyon and enjoyed the scenery across Marshall Pass. Arrived in Pueblo on time and found Mellie’s pass had not arrived and so concluded to go to San Luis Valley on a visit. Went to bed at the Depot House.

On the 30th snow drifts delayed their travel. Ultimately, … brother Hislet [sic, Heiselt] took me to Manassa where I met Annie and the baby both quite well. But the weather intensely cold.

John Morgan won’t receive the pass he needs for Mellie to travel further with him until they get back to Pueblo on January 7th.

1886
January 1
… A terrible wind storm came up in the night drifting the snow through everywhere and making everything cold.

January 2
Busy making Annie comfortable and getting the snow out of the house. At home most all day.

... John Morgan continued busy with Church meetings, speaking, writing, and visiting throughout the communities. He and Mellie arrive back in Pueblo on the 7th where he got a room in the Victoria Hotel. They couldn’t get out on the 8th as they … spent the day quietly waiting for the snow blockade to be broken. … at 8:30 p.m. went aboard the sleeper for the east, with a prospect of getting away during the night.

January 9
Laying at LaJuanta all day …. January 12 Some indications that we would get away today but night found us in the same old spot.

January 13
At 12 it was announced that we would get away during the afternoon and at 3:15 p.m. we pulled out in two sections, cheering and in high glee after our long confinement …

January 14
Ran all day through Kansas, snowing, raining, and sleeting at entervals [sic]. Evidences of heavy storm all along the road. Telegraph poles prostrated and deep snow banks. Arrived at Kansas City at 10:30 p.m. and went to the Lindell Hotel. Very tired and over all the streets there is a glare of ice.

January 15
Visited about over the city with Mellie and in the evening met Lon at the Union Depot. At 6:30 left over the Ft. Scott and Gulf Ry. For Memphis.

January 16
Changed out of the sleeper into chair car and rode to Memphis in chairs. Arrived on time. Called on Mr. Ellis and received a pass for self and daughter to Chattanooga. Had a short visit and chat with Mr. Hughes at the M. and C. Ticket Office. Walked over to the M. and C. Depot and at 10:20 left for Chattanooga.

January 17
Arrived at Chattanooga at 9:45 a.m. and met brother Kimball at the Depot. Went to boarding house and slept part of the day. Talked over mission matters with brother K.

January 18
Called on Mr. Sutton this a.m. on railroad matters. Walked about town with Mellie a while. A rainy disagreeable day. Busy in the office all day and evening on mission business.

January 19 and 20
Busy during the day writing and sending out emigration circulars. Got Mellie a pair of shoes and in the evening visited the South Tredgar Iron Works. A Mr. Stewart presented Mellie with a copy of Robinson Crusoe as a birthday present.

(To be continued.)

Lon [Leonidas] Morgan is John Morgan’s brother. Click here . and scroll down for a picture and mention of Lon.

Elias S. Kimball. In these 1885-1886 journal entries, when John Morgan refers to Brother K. or Brother Kimball, it appears that he is referring to Elias S. [Smith] Kimball. You can search for a biography here.

From John Hamilton Morgan journal, Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah.

Glenn and Helen Rex Frazier, Part 8

After his wife, Helen, passed away June 26, 1982, Glenn overcame his fear of flying. He flew to Maryland to visit his daughter Susan as often as he could. She treated him royally and they enjoyed one another’s company. He began using Helen’s cane after she passed away. For the most part he enjoyed good health, and always had plenty of energy to help someone else. He helped his son and his daughter’s families in countless ways.

Glenn is standing next to Brigham Young’s statue in the United States Capitol Rotunda, Washington, D. C. Susan took him to the White House, the National Cathedral, the Smithsonian, the Washington, D.C. Temple, and introduced him to her friends. He loved staying there, and looked forward to each trip.

Daughter Susan took Glenn to New York City. His son, Rex, was there on business at the time. They had a wonderful time together.

Glenn and Susan outside her Bethesda, Maryland home.

May 25, 1989, Susan received a Masters Degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. Glenn was proud and happy to be with her in Baltimore to celebrate her accomplishment.

Friends and family celebrated Glenn’s 80th birthday on December 27, 1989 at a gathering in the South Salt Lake City Hall.

Glenn loved to reminisce and visit with family. His siblings kept in touch. L-R, Delora Frazier Frodsham, Bruce Frodsham, Verla Madsen Frazier, and Elmer Frazier visited Glenn.

His sisters-in-law, Winnie and Flora, kept in touch with Glenn. One day they met at his home in Salt Lake, spending the day with him, washing his walls, blinds, curtains, cleaning his house, and lifting his spirits.

Symbolic of the countless celebrations Glenn participated in with his family, he is with his son and daughter at the Salt Lake Temple, attending a granddaughter’s 1989 wedding. Glenn and Helen have three children, fourteen grandchildren, and thirty-six great grandchildren.

Glenn continued serving in his quorum and watching over the widows he was assigned to home teach. Many a lonely, needy person he comforted in their loneliness, and was thus comforted in his own. Helen’s passing was a deep loss. He said there was no way he could go on without her for more than ten years!

In June, 1992, a month before Glenn passed away, he was with a granddaughter when she graduated from the University of Utah.

Glenn and his grandchildren had such good times together. He was an available and willing chauffeur. And as such, they became good friends with their grandpa. He got them to gymnastics, dentists, work, school, practices and they frequently went out to lunch together.

The Iceberg, an old fashioned drive-in, selling the world’s best shakes, was a frequent haunt of his. A couple of granddaughters reported a challenge they had in the drive-through there one day. They stopped by the Iceberg after gymnastics. Glenn hadn’t noticed a plastic milk crate in the middle of the drive way when he turned in, and drove right over it. Unfortunately it got stuck under his truck.

He attempted to dislodge the thing by first rolling back and forth over it, to no avail. He got out of the truck and used his cane to push against the crate from every conceivable angle. As his granddaughters looked by, calling from the truck, one of them suggested he let her crawl under the truck and free it. He would have none of that, and continued poking at the crate with his cane.

As the tension of the situation mounted, Glenn began experiencing some tightness in his chest. He pulled out his little bottle of nitroglycerin tablets and popped a few. He had angina, and this kind of stress brought on pain. Calming finally, he drove off with the crate dragging under the truck. In recounting the tale Glenn laughed as much as his granddaughters did.

Glenn passed away the afternoon of July 4, 1992 at the L.D.S. Hospital. A couple of nights earlier his grandchildren had been with him, sitting on his bed laughing, and playing cards together.

Glenn and Helen Rex Frazier are buried together at Elysian Gardens, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Pictures and history from my collection.