Remembering Fred

Purpose of this Blog

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The Book of Mormon starts out with the words "I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents..."

I know that my husband, Larry, was most definitely born of goodly parents. They were remarkable people who worked hard, had strong faith and raised their family well. It has been an honor to be welcomed into their family.

This blog is my way of sharing the records that I have accumulated over the years so that ALL the posterity of Fred & Delma Bennett (or any related / interested others) can access them.

I did not have the opportunity to know Delma well, but I did have many wonderful visits with Fred. Also, I transcribed the stories he wrote of his life history, as well as much of his journal, which gave me a deeper understanding of him. I have tremendous respect for this fine man and miss him very much. I hope that through this blog he can be remembered by those who knew and loved him and introduced to those who never had that chance.

Beyond that, this blog will be a repository for records of Bennett Family genealogy. This is my way to both preserve and share the information and pictures I have. I believe that family relationships are eternal. I am convinced that one day all of our family will be united again. Through learning about the lives of the ancestors that went before we can strengthen our relationships with them and learn from their expreiences.

I am proud to be part of the Bennett family and hope some of the next generations will continue to care about their history.

ANCESTRY INDEX

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This post will serve as an Index for photos, documents and stories about Fred Bennett's ancestors. I will list Fred's ancestors in order of the way they are numbered on his pedigree chart and then hot link the things I post about each generation back here to try to make it fairly easy to navigate.

1. Fred Bennett
b. 07 Sep 1919, d. 2004
2. Edward Bennett Jr.
b. 02 Sep 1884, d. 14 Dec 1962
(photo)(photo)
3. Martha Estella Ashby
b. 27 Sep 1867, d. 06 Sep 1961
(photo)
4. Edward Bennett Sr.
b. 03 Jan 1848, d. 09 Mar 1929
(photo)(photo)
5. Elizabeth Jane Wood
b. 08 Aug 1857, d. 28 Feb 1938
6. William Hardin Ashby Jr
b. 07 Apr 1867, d. 03 Nov 1943
(photo)
7. Martha Ann Stevens
b. 12 Apr 1867, d. 07 Nov 1889
(photo)
8. John Bennett
b. 04 Sep 1822, d. 20 Apr 1870
9. Jane Roberts
b. 22 Jun 1824, d. 17 Apr 1905
10. Charles Wood
b. 22 Apr 1825, d. 09 Apr 1912
11. Ann Day
b. 05 Sep 1829, d. 24 Jan 1887
12. William Hardin Ashby Sr
b. 16 Jul 1839, d. 19 Mar 1925
(photo)
13. Nancy Maria Badger
b. 27 Feb 1846, d. 19 Nov 1917
14. Albert Stevens
b. 16 Dec 1829, d. 08 Mar 1910
15. Lettie McKee
b. 14 Apr 1830, d. 08 Jun 1896

PEDIGREE CHART

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New father - 1946

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Army Days

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Army Days - 1941

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Wounded in Action

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Military Hospital in Brisbane, Australia

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1988

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Personal History

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I was born in Holden, UT on September 7, 1919 to Edward Bennett and Estella Ashby Bennett. I was the fourth child of the family of six. My younger brother, Howard, was killed in Nov of 1942 while hunting. I had a good childhood and still remember some of the fun things we did. I was one of the best stick horse riders in the county, or maybe even the state.

At the age of six I started to school. The first day was quite funny. At this time there was a family of two Japs down to Greenwood who went to school in Holden. I had heard so much about them I was afraid. So about the time I got to the old Dance Hall, they were getting out of the bus or car and upon seeing them I panicked, and down the street I went. Only the speed of my sister Lula stopped me from being a coward.

Some of my teachers were Mrs. Barton, Miss Hanson, Myrtle Young Nixon, Lettie A. Stevens, and Mark L Bennett. Seems we all had a good time at school, even if I didn’t learn much. We would sleigh ride and skate in the winter. In the spring we would play Old Sow and basketball.

I started to High School in 1934 in Fillmore. The buses were cold in those days, so in the winter we had cold feet. My friends were Don Turner, George Shaw, Garr Bennett, Wesley Stephenson, Chester Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Douglas Crosland, George Stephenson and George and Arthur Jackson.

When we were in our teens we would go on the mountain for a few days and have a good time. I remember one time when we were up there a cloud burst hit. In a few minutes all the little washes were filled with water. The one going by the old stable in the Pioneer Ranger Station was filled and really roaring. We all stayed in the stable nice and dry, and thought nothing of it. But on our returning home the next day we found the town had had a flood. There was mud on the =lawns and such. Mom had tried to get Dad to come up to see if we were alright. I guess they had been really worried about us.

While I was in my teens I went to a lot of dances and took quite a few different girls. But one stayed with me and is now my wife. She is, in my opinion, on fine person and I love her very much.

In the Spring of 1941 I got my draft notice. I was to go in the army in October of the same year. Delma and I decided to get married at Christmas time or on my first leave. Three years later when I first got home we decided to wait until I was discharged. This we did.

In the army I took my basic training at Camp Roberts, which at that time was the largest training camp in the country. I only got seven weeks of training before Pearl Harbor at which time I was sent to Washington State where we were reassigned to a Montana Division, the forty first division. For four months we were on guard at a water generated power plant. The people there were very nervous for fear of a Japanese invasion, which never came off.

In April we went to California where we boarded the Queen Elizabeth for parts unknown. The Army rumors flew thick and fast, a new one every few minutes. We ended up in Sidney, Australia Harbor eleven days later. That was one place we hadn’t heard of in all the rumors. The people there seemed to be very nice and were glad to see us. They were afraid of a Japanese invasion also. The Japanese army was in New Guinea, which is very close to Australia, so they had plenty to worry about. We were on guard along the coast until December of 1942 at which time we were loaded on ships and sent to New guinea. Christmas of ’42 was spent on a ship in the Coral Sea. We landed at Port Morsby and started to relieve the thirty second division.

On the first of January, 1943 I was flown over the Owen Stanley Mountain Range. Due to the size of the runways only small planes were used, one squad of men at a time, so it took a long time for the Regulars to get on the other side. I never saw so much rain. It would start every day and pour down for five or six hours and to top it all off, every time the tide came in, the water would be nearly knee deep. This along with the mosquitoes and Japs was terrible. A pair of shoes only lasted about two weeks. The stitching would rot out.

On the 21st of January, 1943 I was wounded and sent back to the 105 General Hospital in Brisbane where I spent six months before being sent to San Francisco, to the Letterman General Hospital. I stayed for ten or eleven months and was then sent to Modesto, California. From there I was discharged December 22, 1944.
I married Delma Wood on April 13, 1945 in Salt Lake City with Garr Bennett and his wife Voria as witnesses. We later went to the Manti Temple and were married for time and eternity. We have had a fine life together and have three wonderful children, two boys and a girl. I started working away in the fall of 1951 and stayed at this trade along with a little farming until 1978 when I retired from the job to farm full time. Up until that time my wife and Carl’s wife had worked together along with the kids to do the farm work during the week, and did a good job. I thing she is a better farmer than I am.

I have done many things in my life I’m not proud of. Hopefully I can be forgiven for them. I have enjoyed being a High Priest and hope I can do more of the things the Lord would have me do. This I say in Jesus Name, Amen.

Fred's Journal - July 1987

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July 21, 1987
We had a rain here last night, the first one in a long time. It is really dry. Hope it continues to rain. Carl and I were going on the Mt today but when we got up it was really foggy, so put it off and will try tomorrow. We have a sick calf we need to give a shot to. Will tell you how we make out when we return. We have Ty and Jodi here with us now. They are good kids. They are watching TV. Toni is coming tomorrow. The wind has blown for 5 or 6 days straight. We are sick of it.

July 22, 1987
Just got back from the Mt where we gave a calf a shot. It looks a little better than it did Sunday. I tried to catch it with the rope but the weeds were too tall to throw good. Finally the calf jumped over a big log and fell down. Before it could get up, Carl jumped on it and held it down until we could give it the shot. We also saw a lot of deer, even some big ones. Ty and I are going fishing today down to Paiute Res. Hope we catch a few fish.

July 23, 1987
Just got back from Paiute Lake from a fishing trip. Carl, Phyllis, Ty and I went and had only fair luck. I got three, Ty got two and Carl and Phyllis each got one. They were good fish, one or two were 3 ½ lbs which is a good fish for this country. We will eat them soon. When we got home Toni was here from Idaho. She came last night. Hope she can stay for some time. The wind hasn’t been so bad today.

July 24, 1987
Today has been a very good day, nothing at all to do but wait for 6:00 to come – at this time the Parade and Raids will start. They also will have a pot luck dinner for all. It turned out very good and I got too full as usual. The 24th used to be the best holiday of the summer, but now it seems everyone is too busy to have a good one. Maybe next year.

July 25, 1987
I went out to Cedar Mt today. The sky was cloudy and quite cool, so had a good ride. Saw the cows and 2 bulls. It’s so dry out there all the feed is brown and like wire. I really hope next year is better. I haven’t the heart to go up to the filed and see the crops up there. They are nothing.

July 26 1987
It was a partly cloudy day today with no storm. It was going to rain, but didn’t. Maybe tomorrow? Went to church which was pretty good. It was Testimony meeting. We had two missionaries come home in the last few days. One was Keith Baker and the other David Condie, President’s Condie’s son. I am going on the Mt in the morning. Some of our cows are in Otto’s place, so will go up and get them out. The calf we have been giving shots to died, so no more shots.

July 27, 1987
I started on the Mt about 6:00 and was up there around 8:30. It takes about two and a half hours. I found the cows. Three were in Otto’s. Wish we could keep them in our place. Saw quite a few deer, three or four big bucks. Saw the dead calf at the spring, then came home. The gate by the old Johnson cabin was left open again.

July 28, 1987
Didn’t do much today. Just sat around and tried to fresh up. Riding a horse on the Mt seems to give me out. Went out to Wif Bennett’s to help Delma pick a few apples for canning. It started to cloud up and looked like rain, but then didn’t. It’s dry.

July 29, 1987
It’s a pretty day today, only a few clouds with a promise of being hot later on. Hope it rains. We are going fishing today. Hope to get a few fish. We will sleep in the truck tonight and fish early in the morning. It takes two hours to get to Paiute Res.

July 30, 1987
We went to the Res to fish. Got there around 2:30. Didn’t catch any fish for a long time. Carl and Phyllis go there around 5:00. The fish started biting about 6:00. We each caught one fish before it started to rain. The lightening and thunder was quite bad so we ran for the truck where we sat until after dark. When we went back for the poles, Carl had a 3 lb fish on his line.

July 31, 1987
Today is a good day. Hot and dry for a change. We (that is Carl and I), went to Fillmore to get the fencing from the B.L.M. We got enough for four forties, then went up and pounded a few in the ground in case the wooden pegs were broken off.

Fred's Journal - August 1987

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August 1, 1987
Didn’t do much today. Went out to Cedar Mt and turned the windmill on. The water in the troughs was down. Also caught the horse for the kids and took them for ride down the lane. Happy is really a good horse. Wish he was younger. He is 22 years old.

August 2, 1987
Today is Sunday. I woke up in the night with a cramp in my stomach which put me in the bathroom nearly all day so didn’t get to church. It was Earl and Lola’s farewell prior to their mission. They are going to Ireland. Delma said they really did a good job. Ted came down last night with a video that was made a year ago by Lynda, Larry’s wife. It was my first time seeing it. The thing was really good.

August 3, 1987
Went to the field today and pulled some old wire from the fence on the east side of the Elm Huffines field. After I got what was enough, I came home and sat in the shade. The weather is hot and dry. I’d like to see it rain and cool things off.

August 4, 1987
Carl went to extraction, but Toni being here made us want to stay home. Later Ty and I went up to the field to hunt squirrels. We only saw one so that’s all we got. He is a good shot with a shotgun. They are going home tomorrow.

August 5, 1987
Toni and kids stared for home about 9:00 this morning. We will miss them a lot but school will start in a week or so, so it’s time to get started. Delma and I went to extraction today but the tape we have is terrible so didn’t get to many names. Toni just called to say she got home. I’m going Home Teaching at 7:30 tonight.

August 6, 1987
Carl and I went to the field today. I have the line for our fence pushed. Harold Beckstrand came with the Carling cat and did the job for us. He is a cousin of ours. After this, Delma and I got our things together and went fishing to Paiute Res. We caught three fish by 6:00 when it started to rain. It really did. We had a terrible night. Our camper got a leak in one corner. When we got up the next morning a flood had come down from the Mt.

August 7, 1987
We came home today with six fish. One weighed about 5 lbs. The others about 3 so we had some good fish.

August 8, 1987
Carl and I went up to work on the fence. We took the tractor and post hole digger but the ground was so rocky we only got the cedar posts planted along with the braces.

August 9, 1987
Didn’t do much today. The kids from Arizona came up and we visited with them nearly all day.

August 10, 1987
Greg and I got things together and went fishing to Paiute Lake. We caught one fish today before it started to rain. We got in the back of the truck and talked until after 11:00 then went to sleep. It rained nearly all night along with the wind. The next morning we caught three more so we had four nice fish to bring home.

Wed. Aug 11, 1987
We came home about two o’clock. I dropped Greg off in Meadow at Donna’s place. He said he had a good time. I hope so. I sure did. We met some people from Farrin, Utah. They were in their 80’s. Sure were fine people. We gave them our worms and marshmallows.

Thursday, Aug 12, 1987
Went to the Mts today. Found four of the cows in Otto’s. Got them out. Then saw some of Otto’s in our place but couldn’t catch up with them. I went hunting a few arrow heads. Found two good ones and several not so good or broken ones. I like hunting for the darn things. Got home about 3:30. Found Delma down with her hip. It is really bad.

Friday, Aug 13, 1987
Pounded steel posts up to the field today. Boy is it hard. It takes 10 or 20 pounds to get them in hardly at all. Delma’s hip is a little better today. Hope it continues to improve.

Sat. Aug 14, 1987
We had the Woods cousin party today. Had 28 people there. All the older people like Clark S. Wood, Hazel, Clyde, and Dean were there. We had a good time visiting. The wind had another good day.

Sunday Aug 15, 1987
Went to church today. It was farewell for Bryan Coats. It was very good. He will make a fine missionary. Lawrence and Lula came out toward night. They are sure good people. Also saw Garr Ashby and Doreen. They are our best friends.

Monday Aug 16, 1987
Pounded posts again today. Should have gone on the Mt but didn’t. Hope tings are fine there.

Tuesday Aug 17, 1987
The same thing today we did yesterday, tried to drive our steel posts through the rocks. Didn’t do very well. I have blisters on top of blisters.

Wed. 18th of Aug -87
Was going on the Mt today but Otto, Garr, & Eastgate were going up to put the cows down in the lakes so stayed home again. Went out and turned the windmill off.

Thursday Aug 19 – 87
It started out cloudy today, but that’s about all it did here. It rained on the Mt a little, but that all. Wish it could rain a good steady rain for a day or two so it would do some good. Chasty & Abe came to visit.

Friday Aug 21 – 87
We found we have got our posts too close together therefore we used too many posts. Should have watched it closer. We might have to buy about 55. We are sort that many. Ted and Harvey Gates are going bow hunting today. They might get wet on the Mt today. He has killed a lot of deer with his bow. Hope he has good luck this time.

Aug 22 – 87
Ted got back today & didn’t get a deer. He said he saw a lot of bucks, but the only ones he saw were too small to shoot.

Sunday (Aug) 23 – 87
Went to church. It was good. Talked to all the kids today. Toni & Larry with their families are fine. We do have some fine kids.

Mon (Aug) 24 - 87
Started stringing wire on the fence & am tired. Hope to get it done this week.

Tuesday (Aug) 25- 87
Same thing as yesterday, but stopped at noon and went to Fillmore to extraction.

Wed (Aug) 26 – 87
We are still fencing & it’s hot & dry. Wish it would rain.

Thursday Aug 27, 87
Got all the wire on today so feel good about the whole thing.

Fri Aug 28 – 87
Went on the Mt today. Ted went with me & took his bow but didn’t get even one shot. I get tired going on the Mt. I guess it’s old age.

Aug 28, ‘87
Didn’t do much today so not much to write about.

Sun (Aug) 30 – 87
Went to church again today. One of our Stake High Council talked to us. It was a fine meeting.

Mon Aug 31 – 87
Started putting wire dancers between the posts, also made a gate.

Fred's Journal - September 1987

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Tues Sept 1 – 87
Garr Ashby & I went down to Mud Lake to look for arrowheads. We loaded our 3 wheelers in Garr’s horse trailer. We went down through Flowell & on out to Clear Lake. Had a good time. Found a few & several pieces. We also saw a lot of nothing.

Wed Sept 2 – 1987
Went to the temple today. It was the Stake day for initiatory and sealing. I took Orvin Stevens, Helen Stevens, Carl & Phyllis & Delma and I. We did one session at 1:30 PM then at 4:30 we did initiatory for 15 Spanish names. We ate in the Temple cafeteria. B.Y.U. got beat by Penn State 17-27.

Thursday Sept 3 – 87
Carl & I along with our wives went fishing to Paiute. We only caught one today.

Friday – Sept 4 – 87
We stayed down there last night & got out as soon as you could see & started fishing again. It was cold to start with, but ended good. The fires in California have sent a great cloud of smoke up here. The sun is nearly red & the moon is really colored. We caught 9 fish, the best one weighed about 3 ½ lbs.

Sept 5 – 87
Went to the Mt today & found the cows in Otto’s again. I can’t think of what we will do with them. I’m tired, but feel better for going.

Sun (Sept) 6 – 87
Went to church & had a good time. It was sacrament & fast meeting.

Mon (Sept) 7 – 87
Today is my birthday. I got a lot of presents & phone calls, then up to the field to finish the fence. Got it finished & cut a little hay in the six acres.

Tuesday (Sept) 8 – 87
Fed the cows & got ready to go to extraction. Oh boy, got a new writer, made things a lot better.

Wed (Sept) 9 - 87
Fed the cows & got ready to go fishing. Garr & Doreen Ashby took a day off the Post Office so will go & stay Wed. night & Thursday. Delma & I had five good fish by Wed night. We didn’t catch a fish all day Thursday. Garr caught one really good & that’s all. We came home and saw a moose in the fields north of Maryvale. It was a big surprise.

Friday (Sept) 10 – 87
Dug & harrowed the ground at Cedar Mt. today. Millard beat Manti score 23-13. Carl went to see it.

Sat (Sept) 11 – 87
We took the disk out to the field so we will be ready for Mon. Melvin & Marg are having an open house tonight for their 50th wedding.

Sept 25 (1987)
Went on the Mt to gather cattle today. Boy did we have a time. We didn’t do bad until they got on the hill before going down in the coal mine country and then we did have a time. The cows with calves got separated and then both would stand and bawl. It really was a circus. Otto Hunter is still going up there on his horse. He is tough.

Sept 26 (1987)
I’m as stiff as can be today and I have a sore butt so will do very little horse riding, only what needs being done. We got all but one of our cows, so did very good.

Sept 27 – 87
Delma & I went after the wood today & got a good load. If we can get two more it should do us.

Oct 1 -1987
We took a few cows & calves over to the sale in Salina today. I hope they sell pretty good. We sent some of those cows we couldn’t keep in on the Mt. We will send some young ones up on the Mt next year.
********

(Journal ends here until he begins again in 1990)

Fred's Journal - November 1990

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Nov 7 – 1990
This is a long way from ’87, but things have changed & I’m going to start again. Delma, my wife, passed away Oct 13, 1990 in the Fillmore Hospital. I’m still in a daze. All the kids, Carl & Phyllis, have treated me very well, but it’s not the same without Delma.

Carl & I went around to the different places & found things as they should be. We are going to take two calves over to the packing plant for beef for the kids this afternoon. We are going over to the temple tomorrow. Hope I can remember how it is done. This will be my first time since Delma got sick last spring.

Nov 8 – 1990
We went to the temple today & had a good time. When you are in that house your troubles seem to be far away & you are at ease. Saw my old friend Barney. He is a fine man. Also saw Max Martin from Scipio. He works in the temple. When we got home we found things fine, so felt good for going.

Nov 10 – 1990
We took the horses out to Cedar Mt today. WE took the shoes off & then put them in the trailer & ran them out. They acted like they had been turned loose. They go up to the hill & will stay there all winter unless the snow gets too deep. Steve Bennett with his wife Denise & their boy Brett (he is a cute little cuss – he likes animals.)

The weather is perfect here today, about 70 degrees, no storm in sight. Rain is what we need & a lot of it. We had a good Sacrament meeting today. Mark Charlesworth came home from his mission. He was in Portugal. Toni & Larry both called this weekend. Also talked to Ted, so all the kids are in touch. Had a good dinner (pheasant) really good. We are going fishing tomorrow, (Otter Creek.)

Nov 13, 1990
We went fishing yesterday & that’s just what it was. We sat on the bank of Otter Creek Res for 8 hrs & didn’t as much as have one bite. The weather was sure good though, about 70 degrees & no wind. We finally left about 2:30 and came home.
It has been just one month to the day since Delma died & I’m kinda blue. Hope it gets better with time. We, Carl & I , are going to Richfield this afternoon after a part for our tractor. Hope they have it.

Nov 14, 1990
We finished making our daily rounds and saw the horses we took out a few days ago. The weather is very good again today, but a change is on the way. Hope it rains a good amount. We need the moisture bad. The war news is not good. I hope they can find some other way. Ryan and Jerid came down last night to sow me their report cards. They had nearly all A’s. Hope they can keep it up. Tamra & Nicolas are both sick with the flue & have been in bed for a few days. Hope they can get better soon.

Nov 15 – 1990
Tamra & Nick are both better today, which is good. It’s kinda cloudy today, but then it wouldn’t dare rain, so it’s just partly cloudy. My TV is on the blink so had a man from Delta come look at it. He ended up taking it to the sop & is supposed to get it back next Wed. Just got back from the store where I bought some milk & Apple Cider. I like cider. I got more Dr & hospital bills today. I wish they would stop sending them. I got letters from Scott, Ty & Toni this day so did pretty good. They are all well.

Nov 16 – 1990
Things are about the same (no rain). Lula called today & said she felt pretty good, but Lawrence was out to the hospital getting his blood tested for sugar. Hope it is ok again. I went down to Dad’s old place & cut the old walnut tree up for wood. It was sure pretty wood. B.Y.U. & Utah are playing football tomorrow. I’m looking for the Y to beat them (I hope.)

Nov 17 – 1990
Well the Y did what I hoped they would. The score was 45-22 in favor of B.Y.U. Ty Detmer was sharp. He passed for four hundred yards or better. Some passer. It is still dry here & no rain in sight. I heard from Toni & Larry last night. They are both OK. Toni & her boys will be down next Wed. It is Stake Conference tomorrow.

Nov 18, 1990
It is Sunday today & things are still dry. I didn’t get to church today. I thought Rulon would be down so stayed home. He didn’t come, so I should have gone to conference. Ted & Karen went to Delta today & didn’t tell me so I figured they were lost. Finally they came home so I felt better. Bryan & Kay Stephenson came over tonight. Brought me some brownies to eat & visited for awhile. They are sure good kids. Ted, Ryan and Nicholas also came for a visit. I like company.

Nov 21, 1990
It snowed yesterday& is quite cool today. We went out, saw elk yesterday. There were five big bulls & about 28 cows & calves & a small bull. They are sure pretty & big. The TV man is supposed to bring my TV back today. Hope he does. Carl is going to get it over to Glenwood. We moved the cattle down from the field yesterday. They really came along good. We do have some gentle cows. Toni & her family are coming tonight. Hope the roads are in good shape. They brought the TV but it is beyond repair so will have to get a new one.

Nov 22 1990
Things are about the same. It’s cool at night but is not too bad in the day. Toni & family are coming tonight. Hope they have a good trip.

Nov 23 1990 Thursday
It’s a beautiful day today. Toni & family got back in good shape. They got here about 10:30 last night. We went up to Ted’s & Karen’s for dinner which was sure good. She & Ted are both good cooks. Scott had a date with President Condie’s step daughter. She is cute.

Nov 24 (1990)
Another good day today. We went to check the cows. They are fine. Toni fixed all my bills. Boy, talk about bills. She has sure been good in helping with my problems. I sure miss Delma at this time of year. Thanksgiving & Christmas is the most lonely time you could imagine. I’m glad we believe as we do & I’ll get to see her again.

Nov 25 (1990) Sat
Toni & her family went back this morning. She called & said they made the trip in fine shape. They took Scot to Logan & then went on home. B.Y.U. beat the Utah aggies 45 to 10. It was a better game than the score says. They are also playing basketball at the present time. The score is BYU 98 Aggies 94. Good game.

Sun 26 Nov (1990)
Another beautiful day is upon us today, but tomorrow is going to be a difference. Ted, Karen & family went up to Bountiful, Utah today to a Mission farewell. I am going to go to Sac. Meeting and hear Trevor Bennett’s report. If Jerid gets back we are going home teaching tonite. Went Home teaching & only got Melvin Stevens, Wes Stephenson wasn’t home. They said they had a good time. Barta Bennett was out to the meeting. She was in a wheel chair.

Mon 27 Nov ‘90
The weather man said we had a storm on the way but I didn’t believe him. But this morning here it was. It’s snowing right now & it has 2-3 inches on the ground. Wet too. We will take a few bales of hay out to the field to the cows later on today if it stops long enough. I’ve been down to Carl 7 Phyllis’s. They are fine. Don’t know whether Ted is working today or not, due to the storm. Last Sat Ryan & Jerid went over to Wayne Co. to wrestle in a 5 school meet. They sure did good. Jerid took 1st place & Ryan took 2nd in his weight. Good, huh?

Tues 28 (Nov’90)
It has been a beautiful day today. Only in the 30 degree range, but has been quite nice. We took some hay out to Cedar Mt today to feed the little calves in the calf creep. Carl said the meat was ready over to the killing house so will try & get it tomorrow. He also said Lula was feeling a little better. I hope she continues. She is a fine lady & a good sister.

Wed (29 Nov ’90)
We did the chores again today & came home to get warm. It was sure cold last night, but started feeling better when the sun got up. Didn’t get any Dr or Hospital bills today so feel pretty good because of that. Went over & got the meat today. We try and keep the kids in meat part of the time. It should be good. They were quite young & fat. I think I’ll go down to Carl’s & visit for a little while. He is sure good to me since Delma died.

Thursday 29 (Nov ’90)
Another beautiful day today. The sun is shining & it’s very nice in the sun. We did the chores again & then I went to Fillmore to see Lula & Lawrence. They had been to the Dr to have their blood checked. They were OK but have sure had a lot of bad health in the past few years.

Friday 30 Nov 1990
Went to feed the cows again today, then came home & went down to Dad’s old place & got the wood from the old walnut tree that was at the side of the old house. Boy am I stiff tonight. Haven’t done much in the last three months. It was partly cloudy today, but no rain.

Fred's Journal - December 1990

2008-03-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Sat. 1 Dec 1990
Another beautiful day today. We did the chores again & then went out to fix a gate. Got that done & came home & had an egg sandwich with Tamra & Nick. They are good kids & are getting along fine. Today B.Y.U. is playing Hawaii. Also Ty Detmer is up for the Heisman trophy. Hope he gets it. Detmer got the Heisman and also let Hawaii beat them bad. The score was 59-28. I couldn’t believe it. That is the most points ever scored against the Y ever. I still can’t imagine what happened. It was terrible.

Sunday 2 Dec (1990)
Didn’t get to church today. Just sat around & read. Ted invited me up for dinner & it was sure good. They are up to Wild Goose after Christmas trees at the present time. Toni called last night. They are all fine. Larry & Lynda are in New Orleans for a meeting. Hope they have a good time.

Mon 3 Dec 1990
It was Carl’s birthday today. He is 68. Went down & took a card to him then went to Fillmore to the bank. Stopped in Lula’s to see her & Lawrence. They are still having a few problems. Lula with her heart & Lawrence with his blood pressure. It was quite cold today & will be for several days yet.

Tuesday 4 (Dec) 1990
It’s still cool. The sky was a thin layer of clouds & the sun can’t warm things up very much. Someone brought me a cute little tree all lighted and decorated. It’s about 2’ high & is real cute. I think it was Karen. She is a good girl. Ted is working with Ken Zigler over to Fillmore on a new house. Hope he can stay well.

Wed 5 Dec 1990
It’s another beautiful day but quite cool. Jessie Wood, Rulon’s wife, just brought Grandpa Wood down. It’s the first time I’ve seen him since Delma passed away. He is 102 years old & is doing very well for his age. He has been in Idaho with Everett, his oldest boy * his wife Lavern. Clark is kinda unsteady on his feet, but his mind is still sharp. They were going to see Clyde Wood & Karen, Ted’s wife.

Thursday 6 (Dec) 1990
Just got back from the wrestling over to Fillmore. It was with Delta & there were some good matches. Jerid was a JV wrestler & lost his match, but did a good job. Ryan is a fine wrestler & beat his match on points. He sure had plenty of action. I enjoyed the evening. Jerid is going to be a good man in a year or so. He is only 14.

Friday 7 (Dec) 1990
I got up this morning & with Carl & Phyllis, Abe & Chasty, went over to the temple. Had a very good time. Had a fine dinner and got home about 2:30 PM. Today is a day I’ll remember forever. It’s the day Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and started World War Two. I was in Camp Roberts, California expecting to come home for Christmas. Four years later I did get home. Then the following April I did get married to Delma, the best woman for me you could ever imagine. I’m afraid this is going to be a bad time for me, Christmas & all. I remember Delma in everything I do, so may do nothing. Ryan just came down. He is a fine boy along with the other kids of Ted’s & Karen’s.

Sat 8 (Dec 1990)
We fed the cows again today & then came home to sit around & try to get rid of the cold I’ve had since yesterday. Ted & Karen went to Bountiful today for their family Christmas party. I’ve been watching Army & Navy football game. The score is 17-14 for Army. I don’t care how it comes out. The sun is really out today.

Sun 9 (Dec) ‘90
It was another fine day today. The sun was out, but it is still quite cool. Went to feed the cows today & found everything in good shape. Was going to church, but with my cold didn’t think it was a good idea. So stayed home & doctored up. Feel better for doing it. Carl & Phyllis came up today. They are doing quite well. We had a good visit. Jerid & I got our Dec home teaching done tonight. We go to Albert Bennett, Melvin Stevens & Wesley Stephenson’s. It is a pretty good beat & I kinda enjoy it. Karen & Ted has sure got the Christmas lights out. They are very pretty.

Dec 10 1990
It has been another fine day today. It’s even been warmer than usual. We got the tractor fixed today. Carl said maybe the snow has been holding off so we could scrape it off the road when it did come. Hope he is right. We are in bad need of a lot of snow. I am going up to Lavan tomorrow to see Grandpa. When Toni comes down again we are going over to Fillmore to get a marker for Delma. As long as it’s in by Spring its plenty of time. I miss her so much of the time. I miss her so much it’s terrible. I have no one to talk to. Hope it gets better.

Dec 11 1990
Hi!! The month is nearly half gone & still no storm. Hope something changes soon & we get some moisture. I went up to Levan to see Grandpa today. Took him a little meat for Christmas & say hello to Rulon & Jessie. Rulon was to work but I saw Jessie & Clark, her boy, along with his little girl. She is sure pretty. Had a good visit with Grandpa. He is still sharp as a tack. I had to get home before dark. I hate driving after dark, so act accordingly. The TV tonight is no good so turned it off & will read. I’d rather do that anyway.

Wed Dec 12 1990
It was cloudy this morning but didn’t look like storm. However by noon it had started to rain & snow. It did that the remainder of the day & is still at it. By Sat it should really be a good storm. I really hope so. We need the moisture. They are having a singles party tonight. I got an invitation, but don’t feel like celebrating. It will be two months tomorrow since Delma passed away. I can hardly believe it happened.

Dec 13 1990
We had the same old thing to do again this morning (cow feeding). It has been cloudy about all day but hasn’t stormed. It’s raining a little out there now and its 8:00 PM. Ted is to school in Delta. Jerid & Ryan are to Hurricane wrestling. Tamra is still sick so they are having a time. Toni called tonight & said it has been snowing up there nearly all day. They are doing fine. Old Santa Clause has already showed up here even if it doesn’t seem like Christmas. It is two months since Delma died. I sure miss her company.

Dec 14 1990
It snowed!! Only about five or six inches, but it was very wet. The boys got home from wrestling last night or about 3:00 this morning. They were sure tired. We moved the cows. We got in front of them in the truck & they followed us right to the yard. They sure are good cows.

Sat (Dec) 15 1990
It’s a beautiful day today even if it is cold. The sun is out & quite warm. We did the chores as usual & found things fine. It’s the Senior Prom dance tonight & Ryan is going with his date. He borrowed the car & is wearing a tuxedo. Said he’d come down & let me see how pretty he looks (ha! ha!) We are going to get another storm or so they said. Hope they are right.

Sun (Dec) 16 1990
It has snowed nearly all day but hasn’t laid much on the ground. It’s still cloudy tonight, but isn’t snowing at the present time. I had some carolers come earlier tonight. It was Joyce Coats & her family. Then a little later someone knocked & when I went to the door no one was there, but they had left a stocking with some Christmas tree ornaments & some cookies. It also had a note that said if I left the sock out every night till Christmas they would fill it up for me. That is something I never expected & I don’t know who did it.

Mon (Dec) 17 1990
We went out this morning & found our white bull in with Dean Larson’s Black Angus herd so we brought him down to Carl’s & fixed fence all morning. So we had a good half day anyway. Jean Dobson called & invited me along with Wells Kenny & Arvin Stevens out to dinner so I guess we will go. People are sure nice to me, but I still feel very much out of place & would rather stay home (sad but true.) We went & had a good time. Cecil Stephenson was there also.

Tuesday (Dec) 18 1990
Today is a fine day. We did the chores then looked at the mail. I got a letter from Sacramento, Calif about my income tax. They think I owe. Our pension, for my insulation days comes from there, so they figure I should pay. We have an income tax expert on the case so hope she can stop this foolishness. My old friend & his wife just left. They come from Salina. George Jackson & his wife Beth. They are good people. He was raided here played football for B.Y.U. in the forties. He was half back& was a good one.

Wed Dec 19 1990
The weather today is cold with a good wind to make it even colder. It started to snow about 5:00 today & is still snowing. Hope it keeps it up & doesn’t get too cold. Our windmill quit sometime last night. So Carl was going to call Nate Rhodes to see if they could get it fixed. Hope they can, then we won’t have to haul water.

Dec 20 1990
It’s a cold day today. I thought it would be snowing, but I believe it’s too cold. We have about 8 or 10 inches of snow. Ricky, Carl’s boy, came up with the tractor & scraped the driveway out. Made it a lot better. Carl & his family are sure good to me. Wells Kenny got stuck today & while I went looking for a chain someone came along & did it for me. Anyway they pulled him out.

Dec 21 1990
Today is the 1st day of winter & it feels like it too. It was 6 or 8 below zero. This I know for we nearly froze to death feeding. It was 35 below in Rock Springs, Wyo this morning with a wind child of 77 degrees below. We lived in Rock Springs one winter in the early 50’s.

Dec 22 1990
Cold, Cold!! This is the coldest day I can remember & I’m an old man. It only got up to about 10 degrees at the warmest. It got down to -20 degrees last night & may be worse tonight. Toni called tonight & said folks up there were all staying home. I have got a good fire & it’s still cold on the other side of the room. Hope the cars will start in the morning so I can feed the cows. I wish it would warm up.

Dec 23 1990
It was cold again today. In fact, we had records broken all over the state. Went up to Ted’s for dinner, then came home & put all the wood I could in the stove. They say it should start warming up a few degrees each day. Hope so. It got 35 below zero in Flowell so it must have been around 25 or 30 below zero here.

Dec 24 1990
It is another record breaking day again today. Things are getting bad. If a person can get their care started the transmission and brake fluid is frozen up even the power steering is gone. I believe this is the worst it’s been as long as the records have been kept. I sure miss Delma. She had a job keeping me straight.

Dec 25 1990
It’s Christmas! Believe it or not & it’s still cold. Hope it warms up soon. Toni is coming today or tomorrow. She is going to help me out with the hospital and Dr. bills. I never saw such a mess. Went up to Ted’s this morning & saw the kids open their presents. They got some good ones. I also got a whole bunch of good stuff. I hope after these holidays things get better. I really feel bad today because of Delma being gone. She was one fine wife & I love & mess her more than I can say. Larry called to tell me they all had a fine Christmas & are doing good. Grandpa Wood gave me a good check. I believe I’ll get a headstone with that money. I can’t think of a better way for the money, if its fine with Grandpa Wood. Hope he stays well this winter.

Dec 26 1990
It’s still cold. We still have to feed the cows & if the windmill isn’t fixed soon we will have to haul water out to Cedar Mt. It’s been two years since we did it before. Uncle Lawrence is in the hospital for sugar in his blood. He has a bad time with his blood.

Dec 27 1990
Well we had to haul water to Cedar Mt for the cows. We took the tank out in Carl’s pickup & the water in the big truck. It’s so cold outside the water freezes in a few minutes. The calves are worse off than the cows. Another storm & cold weather is on the way, so guess spring isn’t here yet.

Dec 28 1990
The weather is better at the present time, at least it isn’t freezing. Albert Bennett came to see me today. We always have a good talk & I like him to come. Carl L& I are going to take another load of water out to Cedar Mt in case it snows & we can’t make it tomorrow. A storm is on its way & should get here sometime tonight, with cold weather again.

Dec 29 1990
It’s still cold & I’m afraid things around the house will freeze up. I let a little water in the tub run so that should be good.

Sunday 30 Dec 1990
We had some trouble with the water out to the little field. We finally got it thawed out about 3:30. It’s still cold & breaking records all over. Went over to see Lawrence & Lula. Lawrence sure looks tough. David & Bonnie, his wife, were there. Hope he gets better soon.

Mon (Dec) 31 1990
The water was still running out to the little field but we will take a tank out to Cedar Mt this afternoon. Well today is the last day of the year 1990. Hope the next is better, it’s been the worst I could ever have. Especially these holidays. They are killers & no fooling. I feel bad all the time & miss Delma more than I can ever say. I’m glad we believe as we do for I know I’ll see her again & have all our kids & grandkids also. That all that keeps me going.

Fred's Journal - January 1991

2008-03-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesday (January) 1 - 1991
It’s a little warmer today, but still too cold for me. I haven’t heard from any of the kids yet today so don’t know how they are. Aunt Ada called & said she had talked to Lula & she thought Lawrence was feeling a little better. Hope they can get his blood regulated. Carl & Phyllis went to Spanish Fork to see Steven& Denise. I’m going to fix a pot of soup. It works for me. Went to Lester Dobson’s last night and watched a video on the wild horses of Australia. It was right good.

Jan 2 – 1991
This is the coldest winter I can remember. Went to the viewing today, then didn’t feel very good, so came home. Helen B. Peterson called. She was over to Fillmore seeing Lula & Lawrence, so went over to see how they were. She is doing fine. So is Lula, but Lawrence isn’t doing so well. He wants to go home, but until he does better he’ll have to stay where he is. Wish he could start feeling better. He has a poor attitude.

Jan 3 – 1991
Went to Fillmore today to see Lawrence & Lula. Carl went with me. Lawrence isn’t doing very well. Bonnie, David’s wife, was there with Lula, but has to go home tomorrow. It’s still cold & no relief in sight. It is cloudy, but no storm.

Jan 4 – 1991
It stormed today, but still remains cold, but not as bad as it was. We are still hauling water to the cows at Cedar Mt. They drink a lot more than they should. Lula hasn’t called, so don’t know how Lawrence is today. I hope he is feeling better.

Jan 5 – 1991
It warmed up during the night. Hope it stays that way for a while. I don’t like the cold. Toni called tonight and said things were fine up there, but it had been cold. Rulon also called & said Grandpa was fine & had been free of colds this winter. He is nearly blind, so can’t read which is terrible. If I couldn’t see I’d be in bad shape. That’s all that keeps me going. Hope the Good Lord lets me keep my eyesight.

Jan 6 – 1991
It isn’t as cold today as it has been. Went to church today. The program was a high council member from Hatton or Kanosh, Stott was his name. It was good. Went up to Ted’s for dinner. It was very good.

Monday Jan 7 – 1991
Fed the cows again & hauled water out to Cedar Mt. A knock came on the door & there stood Ty, Toni’s boy. I had no idea.

Tues Jan 8 – 1991
I enjoyed Ty coming to visit. He & Karen went to Provo & got me a TV. IT is sure a good one. It has a VCR in it & remote control.

Wed Jan 9 – 1991
Ty had to go back today. He was going to Provo to see his friend who is going to B.Y.U. We fed the cows again tonight and if weather permits will try & go to the temple at Manti. The peace meeting with Iraq failed so it looks like war. Those crazy people in the Middle East are something else. Hope they are beaten & soon.

Thursday, Jan 10 – 1991
Got up early today & went to the temple with Carl & Phyllis. We went through two sessions & then had a good dinner. Saw our old friend named Barney. Never asked for his first name so don’t know what it is. When we got home Carl went to Cedar Mt & I went out to the little field. Everything was fine. Lula is sick today. She shouldn’t have gone to Provo with Lawrence, I don’t think. Hope she gets better soon. She is one of the best people I know.

Jan 11 – 1991
Things are about the same as yesterday. The sun is shining, but it’s still chilly. We had to take water out to the field for the cows. We went over to see Lula & Lawrence today. Lula is run down and unless she slow down she will be as bad as Lawrence. He looks a lot better, but says he doesn’t feel so good. I have the kids here tonight. That is Tamra & Nick. Their folks have gone to Vegas to a wrestling tournament. Will be back Sunday.

Jan 12 – 1991
Today has been a decent day for a change. When we went out to Cedar Mt today we saw two elk, a cow and a bull. That’s the first time I’ve seen elk that close. They were right off the edge of the road. The kids have been very good & had a good night’s rest. We had pizza for dinner & also for supper, except for me. I had bread & milk and two fried eggs. Good, huh?

Jan 13 – 1991
It has been three months today since Delma passed away & I feel kinda bad. I don’t know why it had to happen. It should have been me. I’m sure she could get along much better than I ever will be able too. But then I’m not the judge of such things. Carl & Phyllis had us down for dinner today. It was sure good. Ted & Karen & the boys haven’t gotten home yet.

They finally got home & said they had a good time. The boys did good wrestling.

Jan 14 – 1991
It has been foggy today. Very foggy, in fact. I’ve watched TV all day trying to see if those rag heads are going to withdraw from Kuwait. But I guess not. The war should start after the 15th of Jan. I hope it doesn’t last long. I’m afraid the other side will use poison gas. If they do, I think we should do the same, if not drop an atomic bomb on them.

Jan 15 – 1991
Today is the day Iraq is or should pull out of Kuwait, but they aren’t going to, it doesn’t look like. It looks like we have a crazy man on our hands. The same as Hitler of 50 years ago. Hope someone gets him before a lot of boys get killed.
Called Lula today. She said Lawrence was home & is a little better.

Jan 16 – 1991
We did the chores again as usual & then took a load of water out to Cedar Mt. Then rode up to the field to see if the deer had been getting in the hay yard. They hadn’t, so felt pretty good. When I got home around 4:30 PM I turned the TV on & nearly fell over. The war in the gulf was on & it’s still going full blast. Boy I hope it doesn’t last long. I stayed up about all night watching the TV so feel kinda sleepy today.

Jan 17 – 1991
All you can hear today is the war. I feel sorry for the boys over there because I remember how I felt when I was overseas. I sure hope they can get it over in a hurry & then get home to their families. Our prayers are with all of them.

Jan 18 – 1991
Got up and did the same old thing as yesterday. Except I went over to see Lawrence & Lula. They look pretty good & said they felt better. We are all tired of winter. I think some warm days will help all of us. The war is still going full blast. I don’t see how the country can stand as much bombing as they say Iraq has had. Hope that crazy man gives up soon. He runs for shelter as soon as the bombs start falling, so it’s no wonder he is still in good shape. President Bush tried everything before he gave his OK for war. I think these people protesting the war should all be jailed & the key thrown in the East River, the one with no bottom. (My feelings.)

Jan 19 – 1991
The war goes on. I hope this bombing can do what needs to be done. The enemy has dropped or shot missiles in Israel. Didn’t do much damage, but it shouldn’t have been done. They aren’t even in the war.

Sunday, Jan 20 – 1991
Another day is passed & it’s still winter. I didn’t feel very good, so didn’t go to church. It was Mike Wood’s mission report, so I missed a good meeting. Lula called & wanted me to take Lawrence up to the Dr. tomorrow. Hope they find his problem. Went home teaching tonight. Jerid, Ted’s boy, is my partner & is a good one. We go to Albert Bennett, Melvin Stevens & Wesley Stephensons. We have good visits in all the homes. Toni called & said her boys were home from school & that all was fine.

Monday, Jan 21 – 1991
Took Lawrence to see the Dr. He has a sore arm & is going to see Dr. Richard Jackson from Provo when he comes down to the Fillmore Hospital. They must have his blood doing a little better. They are good people.

Tuesday Jan 22 – 1991
We did the chores again & found things good, but cold. Carl is going to the Dr for his eyes Thursday. Ricky Bennett & I gave him a blessing, so I believe things may be fine. His eyes are quite bad & he is worried as are the rest of us. Ted went with us again today. He is a great help & I appreciate him & Karen.

Wed Jan 23 – 1991
Today is a little better as far as temperature is concerned. The sun is out & if you stay out of the breeze feels good. Went over to Fillmore with Ted & Karen to see Jerid wrestle with Hurricane High. He lost by one point & did very good. Ryan didn’t wrestle because of his neck. He may start again next week. Carl is going up to the Dr’s tomorrow for his eyes. Hope they can help him.

Thursday Jan 24 – 1991
Carl got back from the Dr & was told there was nothing that could be done with his eye. Some blood vessels have ruptured in his eye & unless it gets better on its own there isn’t much that can be done. He has another appointment in one month, so will see then.

Friday Jan 25 – 1991
Not much today to report. The weather is a little warmer out there today. Called Lula. She said Lawrence was a little better, but she has a cold. Seems they go from one to the other. Carl & Phyllis are going up to Lehi to a funeral tomorrow. A cousin of Phyllis’s died.

Sat Jan 26 – 1991
Not much to say today. Fed the cows, came home & read here in the sun. I opened the drapes & the sun shine sure feels good. Ted, Karen & the kids are all fine.

Sun Jan 27 – 1991
Went to Levan today to see Grandpa Wood & Rulon & Jessie. They had all been to church & were having their afternoon after-dinner naps. They were all well & doing fine. Ted, Karen & family went with us. They are all doing fine too. They had a missionary farewell here in church yesterday. It was a Robinson that all I know. They are from some other part of the country & have moved here. The missionary is a girl.

Monday Jan 28 – 1991
Didn’t do much today. Just fed the cows & sat around the remainder of the day. It’s still cold & no storm.

Tues Jan 29 – 1991
Went over to Fillmore today & took Lawrence to the Dr. He was told he was getting better. His blood sugar is down pretty well. His lungs are clear & in short, he is getting better. Lula is also doing quite well. Hope they can both continue to be feeling better. Carl came up today & we had a good visit. That is one fine man & brother. I am listening to Pres. Bush & his State of the Union message. I’m a Democrat, so don’t believe all I’m hearing, but I’m listening.

Wed Jan 30 – 1991
It was -9 below zero this morning so you can see it’s cold. This is the coldest winter. It is the 4th coldest since they have kept records. I’m sick of the cold & also the driest for some time, only 67% of normal. I guess we are in for another dry summer.

Jan 31-1991
Not much doing today. Only cold & dry. Watched TV & then read the Book of Mormon. I have read it before, but got more out of it than ever before. Had the home teachers tonight. C.R. Charlesworth & his youngest son. We had a good visit. He is a son of Mary Bennett Charlesworth, Abe’s sister.

Fred's Journal - February 1991

2008-03-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Friday Feb 1 – 1991
Had to haul water out to Cedar Mt again today. The people fixing our windmill was out there pushing the snow so they could get in & fix it, so I hope we won’t be doing it much longer. It freezes about 1 ½ of ice every night so you can see its still cold.

Feb 2 – 1991
Oh happy day! What a beautiful day we have today. This is the warmest day we’ve had since last fall. If it continues maybe this snow will melt down a little. It’s supposed to storm tomorrow but I’ll be it doesn’t. I’m watching the Utah – New Mexico basketball game. The New Mexico school is ahead at the present time. Ty called last night from Boise, ID. He is doing good in school & is well health wise.

Feb 3 – 1991 Sunday
Nothing much happened here today except the usual Sunday. Went to Sac meeting, then had dinner up to Ted’s. It was very good.

Feb 4 – 1991 Monday
We had a terrible day. We took water out to Cedar Mt & got stuck with the big truck. We didn’t have a shovel & the ice was four or five inches thick. Phyllis finally came out to get us. We came home and got the 4 wheel drive truck, a chain & some shovels and went back. Finally got out & came home about 3:00 PM all pooped out & still am.

Feb 5 – 1991 Tuesday
I’m still tired. I’m getting old. My knees don’t bend good any more, especially the one I got shot in. Went to Fillmore today & took my checks over. Didn’t even stop any other place. I’m about finished reading the Book of Mormon. I got more out of it this time than ever before. Hope things are finally starting to sink in. Good day today. We need rain or wet snow.

Wed. Feb 6 – 1991
It’s been quite warm today for a change. They are fixing the windmill today. Hope the wind blows so the water hauling can be finished. Burton McKee died yesterday, the 5th of Feb. That’s two who has died since Delma. They have both been old. I’m still in a daze from Delma passing. Also Clem Wankier from Levan died yesterday. He was a good basketball player & played against me in my better days. They are having both services the same day & time so guess I’ll go here.

Thursday Feb 7 – 1991
Didn’t do much today except feed the cows & go to the bank & see if Delma had put my Insurance Policy in the Safety Deposit box but couldn’t find it.

Friday Feb 8 – 1991
Got my hair cut up to Ted’s today, then came home & had dinner. Watched TV, then went to bed only to get up again to watch more TV.

Saturday Feb 9 – 1991
Did the chores, then went to the funeral. Burton McKee died in Fillmore Hospital. It was a fine meeting & he was a very good man. Saw John Step & Coral & the other kids.

Sunday Feb 10 – 1991
Did the chores out to Cedar Mt then came home & laid down so didn’t get to church. Went up to Ted’s for dinner, so had a good meal. When I get my own meals it’s not so hot. I have one item & that’s all. I’m getting fat so I’m doing fine.

Monday Feb 11 – 1991
The Gulf War still goes on with no end in sight. I think we have another Hitler on our hands in that rag headed person in Iraq. It’s been a good day today, but still no storm. We need some real bad. Got a letter from Ty last week & from Scott today. They sure are good kids & hope they do well in whatever they do.

Tuesday Feb 12 – 1991
Beautiful day today. We did the chores, then went to the field up east of town. Saw a few deer & still a lot of snow with no water in it. We will take our Sunday School cows up there before they start having their calves. Hope they have good luck with the calves.

Wed Feb 13 – 1991
Its four months since Delma passed away & I feel about as bad as I did before. I pray things change for me soon. I feel terrible. This winter is partly to blame because I spend too much time doing nothing. Maybe Spring will make a difference, at least I hope so. Lester Dobson has asked Carl & I along with Phyllis to go fishing with them over to Fish Lake, through the ice. Hope we have a good time. It is tomorrow or Thursday.

Thurs Feb 14 – 1991
It’s Valentine’s Day today, but things aren’t as they used to be. With Delma gone my good intentions are about gone. Hope things get better. Went fishing to Fish Lake today & just got home. Carl & Phyllis stayed overnight with Lester & Jean. Hope they have a good time. They’ll be home tomorrow . I brought 4 nice fish home – 2 rainbows, one splake & one Mackinaw.

Friday Feb 15 – 1991
Things are doing quite well today. It’s partly cloudy & is nice & warm. We had our first little calf today. It’s a little heifer and is white as snow. We are taking them up to the field Monday.

Saturday Feb 16 – 1991
Toni & Jodi got here about 10:30 or so last night & Toni is cleaning up the house & fridge. She is a very fine daughter. She also has a fine family including her husband, Mike. We have the chores done & it’s been sprinkling a little. Hope it does more of the same.

Sunday Feb 17 – 1991
It was raining when I woke up this morning but didn’t last long. It was a lot better than we’ve had. Toni has been down & is working her head off. Went up to get my Temple Recommend from our Bishop, Lester Dobson. Also did my Home Teaching tonight. I go to Albert Bennett’s, Melvin Stevens & Wesley Stephenson. My partner is Jerid Bennett, my grandson. (Good boy!)

Monday Feb 18 – 1991
Toni went home today & I’m alone again. She & Ted have sure helped me with my bills & income tax reports. Should be in good shape as far as things go. It snowed a little again today as we were taking the cows up to the field. Got kinda wet. I hope it can storm quite often for we need the water. Ty called to see if his mother had started early enough for her to be getting home. He wanted to see her before he went back to Boise to school.

Feb 19 – 1991
The weather today is pretty good but cooler than we’ve had the last few days. Steven & Denise had a baby girl today & are both doing well. They are all very glad. We also have a new calf out to the Cedar Mt. field.

Feb 20 – 1991
Today is beautiful, high cloud & quite warm. Went to Fillmore to get the property in my & Ted’s name in case something happened to me. Saw Lula. She & Lawrence are doing pretty good. Carl & Phyllis have Steve’s boy Brett for a few days. He is a character.

Feb 21 – 1991
It was Lula’s birthday today. Hope she had a good time. I went out to Duggins with Wesley Stephenson, a cousin of ours, to see the cattle they have. They are just about finished calving & have had a good time. They have only lost one calf in over a hundred. They have a good warm house to stay in & a fine calving shed. I had a good time all day. He is a good friend. (Wesley that is.)

Fri Feb 22 – 1991
Did the chores again, but didn’t have any more calves. Talked to Wesley Step & Clair Stephenson. They are both older looking, so don’t feel so bad myself. Brought the Semital Bull in to Carl’s from Cedar Mt. When we left the white one & him were fighting. Hope they both give out soon or they find out who the boss is. Georgia Nixon Gustavason died & they are having her grave side tomorrow at 12:00. I should go.

Sat Feb 23 – 1991
Beautiful day again today. No wind & no storm. Didn’t get up to the cemetery for the graveside today & should have my head fixed. I’m kinda sick today. Hope it doesn’t last. I’ve been reading a book of Albert B L.D.S. Prophets Steaks. Boy I better start doing better. It’s kinda scary.

Sunday Feb 24 – 1991
Well we have a new Bishop as of now. Frank Stevens as Bishop with Kevin Coats as first & Norman Stevens as second Counselor. The outgoing are Lester Dobson as Bishop with Robert Wood first & Carl Bennett as second Counselors. They have been the best we have ever had in my opinion. Drove over to Fillmore last night to have my Temple Recommend signed.

Mon Feb 25 – 1991
Another good day. Not a cloud in the sky. Just got back from the field where I have been looking at the cows. I think they will all have calves, but the question is when? We have three up there & eight to go. Ted got the car inspected while he was over to Fillmore so that is done for another year.

Feb 26 – 1991
Went to the field today & found two new calves. They were doing fine, so left them as they were. Also went to Fillmore for more blood pressure pills.

Feb 27 – 1991
Another good day today. Warm & not much wind. The weatherman says we have a storm coming in from the south. (I’ll have to see it.)

Thursday Feb 28 – 1991
It sprinkled this morning but didn’t last long. Hope it comes again. Ted has been going to feed with us in the mornings. He is between jobs & will go back Monday.

Fred's Journal - March 1991

2008-03-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Friday March 1 – 1991
We did the chores again this morning, then went to Fillmore to deposit a little of the green stuff. I’d like to have like Earl Johnson says, fifty-cents more than I needed. That would be a lot of money. Carl & Phyllis took Steve’s boy home to his parents today. He has been good down here. We have 5 calves up to the field now & one out to Cedar Mt.

Sat. Mar 2 – 1991
Went to S.L.C. today & had a good time. Ted & Tamra went with me. Ted did the driving. We went to see Theron & found him well & glad to see us. That’s the first time I seen him for better than a year. He’s still the same old Theron. We then went to Helen’s. She looks fine. JoAnn was there from South America, Peru to be exact. Also saw four of Blanche’s girls. They sure look good & are really nice. Also had a daughter of the girls with them. (very pretty.)

Sun Mar 3 – 1991
Went to church today. It was Fast & Testimony & was pretty good. Went up to Ted’s & had a good dinner. Then Ted & Karen went over to Fillmore to finalize Delma’s head stone. It’s a good one.

Mon Mar 4 – 1991
Nothing much happened today. Just wind & no rain.

Tuesday Mar 5 – 1991
Did the chores & then went up on the Mt (Cedar that is) to see the horses, but couldn’t find the darn things. We have 7 new calves now & expect more soon.

Wed Mar 6 – 1991
The weather today was cool. Guess it stormed up north but all we got is cold air.

Thursday Mar 7 – 1991
Cool again today. Carl said it was 20 degrees on his porch so that’s cold enough for this time of year. We went up to the field & cut some posts for a shute for our calf table so I’m tired as usual. This old age is for the birds. I can hardly do anything.

Friday March 8 – 1991
Carl & I went out to the field to dig some post holes. The rocks were terrible. Some big & some little, cemented in with hard pan. We had some time but finally finished the holes. Now tomorrow we are going to dig up the old posts & move them to their new home.

Sat March 9 – 1991
We got the posts & shute moved finally & it looks pretty good. Ted & Karen put on a new door for the kitchen. Did a good job & it looks nice.

Sun Mar 10 – 1991
Went to church this fine day & had dinner up to Ted’s. Also took a book home to Albert Bennett’s. Also heard from Toni. They are fine.

Mon Mar 11 – 1991
It’s cloudy again today but hasn’t stormed much. Went to Fillmore today.

Mon Mar 18 – 1991
A whole week has gone by & I’ve been lazy as usual. I’ll try & remember a few things. Our cows had another calf, which is good. They haven’t had a bit of trouble. Reed Wood died last Sat night in his sleep. Delma worked for him for the period of time I was in the Army. He was a good man. Went to church today & took care of the High Priest roll for Don Turner. Carl & I went out to the field this morning & fixed the shute for the calves. Hope it works.

Tues Mar 19 – 1991
Its cloudy today & it should storm, but we all know how that is. Until it starts raining we can’t be sure. Went to Fillmore to the bank & Security Title to pay a bill today & stopped in to see Lawrence & Lula. They are doing a little better.

Wed Mar 20 – 1991
Still no storm. About the time it gets here it splits and goes South and North leaving us high & dry in the middle. (Sad story.) Went to Reed Woods funeral today. It was a good short meeting. He was 84 years old.

Thursday Mar 21 – 1991
Didn’t do much today. Fed the cows & came home. Started to read as usual. Karen called & said Tamra was sick in Fillmore so I went over & got her. She had a ear ache, but is better today. U.N.L.V. beat Utah in NCAA.

Friday Mar 22 – 1991
Went to Fillmore to the bank to get my insurance fixed so the Co. can get the payment directly from the bank each month.

Sat Mar 23 – 1991
I was glad to see Toni, Mike & Jodi. They came last night about 10:30 I was surprised. We had a good visit all day. Karen got me some new kitchen curtains & put them up today. They sure look very nice.

Sunday Mar 24 – 1991
Toni & family left this morning for Las Vegas. They will stop on their way home Wed. I sure have some good kids for which I can thank Delma. She is the one.

Monday Mar 25 – 1991
Not much happened today. Did the same old thing.

Tuesday Mar 26 – 1991
It was going to storm today but didn’t. It seems this place isn’t supposed to get any storm. Carl & I went to Delta & bought two metal gates. We came home & put one up. It works fine.

Wed Mar 27 – 1991
Toni, Mike & Jodi came home from Las Vegas today & said they had a good (time). Mike’s folks are both well & doing fine.

Thursday Mar 28 - 1991
Did the same old thing again today. It’s a good dry day. We went up to see some deer & saw quite a bunch next to the highway.

Friday Mar 29 – 1991
Toni, Mike and Jodi went home today. I really enjoyed the visit & will miss them. Ted & boys brought a load of wood over, so I’ll have some green wood for next winter.

Sat Mar 30 – 1991
The same old chores after which we took the harrow to the field, so we can start or spring work next week. They are working on the overpass out south of here so will be unable to get our drill over the pass. Will have to go out the road to a box to get it over the freeway. Hope we get more rain.

Sun Mar 31 – 1991
Went to church today & had dinner up to Ted’s. Ted is still working for Ken Zigler. Carl & Phyllis came up for a visit. They are good relatives. The best brother in the world as far as I’m concerned.

Fred's Journal - April 1991

2008-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Monday 1 April – 1991
Carl & Phyllis went to S.L.C. today to see Carl’s eye Dr. Hope they can find something to help. He has me worried. The weather is cloudy but they are at least a mile high.

April 5 – 1991
We started our spring work last Mon. so have been busy for a change. We dug & planted the land up to the field. It may have been in vain, but if you don’t sow it’s for sure you can’t reap. We did it anyway. Carl & Phyllis are going to Salt Lake today for Lester’s boy’s wedding. They will bring Lula & Lawrence home tonight. The family is still fine as far as I know. Hope they continue.

April 8 – 1991
It’s cool again today, but still dry. We had 3 new calves out to Cedar Mt today. They all seem fine. Ted has been fixing a leak in my shower today & finally got it done. Jerid has been down to mow the lawn. It looks pretty good.

Tuesday April 9 – 1991
Things here are about the same as yesterday. Larry called from Arizona last night. He is there for a few days seeing the kids. Talked to all of them. Larry caught a 5 lb bass and is going to take it home to mount it. He does a good job.

Wed 10 April 1991
It’s snowing outside! I thought I’d write this down before it stopped. This is the first storm that has amounted to anything for a long time. Ted & Karen are going to Fillmore later on today.

Thursday April 11 – 1991
(It Snowed!) Believe it or not I got up this morning to 5-6 inches of snow. The best one all winter. Also it has snowed off & on all day. We, that is Carl & Phyllis & I, were going to the temple today, but chickened out when we saw the snow. They put Mom’s marker up today. Boy it sure is pretty. I hope she likes it. We all think it’s very good. I didn’t think they’d do it today in the snow, but they did.

Sat April 13 - 1991
Today is 6 months since Delma passed away. It is also our anniversary. We got married the 13th of April in ’45. I still feel terrible about the whole thing, but I know things will be fine if I can keep things together. Toni called today. Said tings in Idaho were fine.

Friday April 18 – 1991
I’ve been busy for the last week so will write all I can think of today. Rulon Wood called last Sat on the 13th to say Clark, his Dad was getting weaker all the time. I will try & go up next Sunday to see him. He has a fine family. We have been trying to get the water down from the canyon. We had a ditch bank fall off down in the canyon. Had to get 80’ of 15’’ plastic pipe to fill in the bank. Ted has been helping us with the hard work. Went to the temple & got two sessions. Carl & Phyllis & Abe went with.

Sunday April 21 – 1991
Ted’s birthday today. He is a good boy as are my other kids. Yesterday we went up & worked on the ditch & tried to get the water down, but unless it storms more even if we do get a little water it won’t do much good. I talked to Larry & Toni on the phone last night. They are well. Forest, Larry & Lynda’s boy, is going over to Denmark for an exchange student this summer. I think that I great. I hope he enjoys it. It was going to storm today, but the sky is blue & the wind is going to blow. (I think.)

Mon April 22 – 1991
Went up to Levan yesterday to see Grandpa. He is getting a lot weaker, but still went to church. He is a remarkable man. Rulon & Jessie are both well. We’ve had a good visit. We had a full pond, so turned it on the sprinkler only to find Dean Bennett hadn’t drained his line, so it had broken from the frost last winter.

Tuesday April 23 – 1991
Dean finally got his sprinkler fixed so we could turn the water on. It is going good, but we are using more water through the sprinkler than we are getting in the pond. So will soon have to turn it off until it builds up again. We have been up the ditch every day, but haven’t done much good. There is just no water. We are going to try & do the calves Sat. Hope Ted can help.

Sat April 27 – 1991
Here it is Sat & it’s messy. We have had a good storm, both rain & snow. We were going to do the calves today, but will do them Monday. It’s raining & snowed last night. Toni & family came down Thursday night, but have been in Provo with Scott who is playing in a golf tournament. I have the water on the six acres also so am busy for a change. Ty & Jodi are up to Ted’s but will be back soon. I’m here looking out at the snow. (Oh happy day!)

Sunday April 28 – 1991
Toni & her family just left for home. It’s at times like this I miss Delma the most. I am going to Levan & then Santiquin to dinner for Grandpa’s birthday. I will try & write as who is there. All of Clark’s kids, along with myself were there. We had a fine time & had a good visit. Got home about 5:00.

Mon April 29 – 1991
We finally got the calves done today. I did the knife work & cut my finger & also stabbed my hand when the calf kicked. Found out today little Tamra has the shingles. Boy I hope she gets over it soon. That is about the worst thing I’ve had. We have one sprinkler on up to the field. Hope to keep it going.

It’s a beautiful day today. It’s kinda windy, but still good. We have a pretty good stream of water going in the pond now, so turned another sprinkler on this morning, so now we have two. The deer are all still bad up there, but not much can be done about it. All the calves we doctored are still on all fours so they should be alright. I went over to Lula’s & Lawrence’s for dinner last night to celebrate Laurence’s birthday. She is a good cook. I ate too much as usual. It was really good. Went out to Lester Dobson’s today to see his ostriches. They are huge, the old Tom was mad & tried to kick me, but I kept away from him. They are expecting eggs anytime. Hope they get some soon.

Fred's Journal - May 1991

2008-03-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

Friday May 3 – 1991
We still have a good stream of water going in the pond & we are using it as well as we can. Dean Bennett has it now for a few days. The deer ware still up there eating the alfalfa as fast as it comes up. I wish they’d leave.

Sunday, May 5 – 1991
Went to Church today & took the High Priest Roll for him. He had the water. It was a good day weather wise. Dean has the water so we can take it easy. I had some company today. Earl & Lola Stevens, also Abe & Chasty Bennett. They are all good folks. Carl & Phyllis brought little Brett, Steve’s boy, home with them. He sure is a good little kid.

Wednesday, May 8 – 1991
It’s windy today & is supposed to storm tonight. (Hope it does.) We still have a little water up to the field. We have been up to the canyon nearly every day to work on the ditch. Carl does all the walking. My leg is getting a little worse all the time so Carl has taken the hard part.

Sunday, May 12 – 1991 Mother’s Day
It’s a beautiful day today. The sun is shining & the rain we had yesterday is gone. We have had the water for the last 4 or 5 days. The sprinklers are going fine. It’s Mother’s day today & is going to be a hard day for me. I never realized how much a person can be missed until now or the last 8 months. I feel out of place every place I go & days like today only makes it that much worse. Hope I can feel a little better soon.

Monday May 13 – 1991
Today Carl called to say he & Phyllis were sick. I was down to his place yesterday & he wanted to know if I was well. I am up till now. Hope I can continue. Toni & Larry called yesterday. They & their families are all well. Ted & Karen went to Provo this morning.

Tues May 14 – 1991
Got up this morning to cloudy skies & the prospect of rain (I hope.) Carl & Phyllis are both sick today with colds. Hope it doesn’t last too long. I’ve got a little cold, but it isn’t bad yet. I haven’t seen Ted yet today, so don’t know how they made I up to Provo yesterday. We had a nice storm here about noon. It rained hard for about 3 hours. The best we’ve had in a long time. I was up to the field when it started & slipped all over the road getting out. It still looks like it could come again. I guess it flooded up to S.L.C. from the news reports.

Wed May 15 – 1991
Delma’s birthday today. She would have been 70 years old had she lived. I miss her very much as you can imagine. She & Lola Stevens are the same age to the day. It rained all last night & was it wet. I didn’t do much. Went out to the rock garden to see the water for the cows & that’s all. Also went to see Carl & Phyllis. They are both sick. Hope they can get to feeling better soon. It’s still quite cold, but should warm up soon.

Thursday May 16 – 1991
Boy today is beautiful. Just a few clouds & warm weather for a change. This has been the best storm we have had in years. We may get some more this weekend. I hope so. Things are green & really pretty. The deer are still up to the field but I don’t think we have quite as many. We also have the water up there. It is sprinkling good. Carl is feeling a little better today but looks kinda tough.

Saturday May 18 – 1991
The wind has had a hay day yesterday. It started early & stayed late. We had gusts to 70 miles an hour, so you can imagine how things are. Carl has pneumonia so has been grounded for 4 or 5 days. The wind is still with us but not quite as bad as yesterday. Scotty called from Logan last night. He still has 2 weeks to go. I feel pretty good now. We still have the deer up to the field. Hope they leave soon so the stuff can grow. The cattle are all doing good.

Sunday May 19 – 1991
It’s a beautiful day here today. I didn’t get to church today. The ox got in the mire yesterday. The water broke out up in the canyon so went up there to look things over. We need about two sections of plastic pipe the 15”. Toni just called to say things were good up there. Carl is still ailing so Rick & I will give him a blessing today sometime. I need to talk to Ted today so will go up there in a few minutes.

Monday May 20 – 1991
Went to Salina for 2 sections of 15” pipe for the ditch up in the canyon. Hope we can get it fixed.

Tuesday May 21 – 1991
Our cousin, Barta Bennett Millvile died last night. She has been in terrible shape for a week or so. She has been in the Fillmore hospital for about 3 years, so it is a blessing she could go. She was ready. I’m waiting around here for a part of the pipe that was shipped from Logan yesterday. Should have been here this morning. Hope it comes.

May 23 – 1991
The pipe fitting got here on the UPS & Ted, Rick & I went up & put I on, then got the water back in the pond. It has been a job trying to keep the water going. It seems the adversary is sitting on our shoulders every since we got the water piped down. I hope things improve. It’s either drought or trouble. Went over to Salina today to see my old friend, George Jackson, but he wasn’t home so didn’t get to see him. Ted & I got the horses in this morning so can go riding any time.

Thursday, May 24 – 1991
I hate to write on the bottom of the page from my lap. It’s bad. The water up to the field is still quite good yet. The deer are still there also. Ted & Karen are going up to get Larry from the plane. He will be here for Memorial day along with Ted & Toni. I’m glad of that. I’m going to give closing prayer in Barta’s service. Hope I can do a good job. We are all going up to the Field after the funeral. I hope someone comes.

May 25 – 1991
We had a beautiful day yesterday but got busy & didn’t write. (Sorry). Larry came yesterday also. Was sure glad to see him. It’s Sat. today & Barta’s funeral today & I’ve got give the closing prayer so I’m kinda nervous. Then after we are going to have our yearly get together. It’s also a good day today. We had a good time up to the field. Lots of good food & about 60 or 70 people. They all left early because of the rain. It started and lasted about 20 minutes, then was beautiful again. But everyone had gone except a few of the die hards like me & my kids.

Sunday May 26 – 1991
Another beautiful day today. Toni got here about 2 or 3 in the afternoon & had got to go back tomorrow but a little visit is good. My gets all get along well together. I feel proud of all of them & I know Delma did also. I sure do miss her.

Memorial Day Mon May 27 – 1991
It’s kinda cool today & a jacket feels good. The cemetery was really pretty & everything went as planned. I should have gone to Levan, but didn’t have time. Will go for sure next year. We have the water up to the field. It seems good to have some for a change. Carl is feeling better. He goes to the Dr. tomorrow so will know then.

Tuesday May 28 – 1991
Toni went home yesterday & arrived safely. Larry went this morning & should call when he gets home. I have some fine kids & they picked very good mates so I’m very happy with the whole deal.

Thursday May 30 – 1991
Missed again yesterday (sorry.) I don’t know whether you think this is worth it or not, but things around here are quite dead. Carl went to Salina to get a rubber part for our sprinkler. We will fix that as soon as possible.

Friday May 31 – 1991
It rained all morning & was a good soaker. We changed the water & got wet from it and the rain.

Fred's Journal - June/July 1991

2008-03-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 1 – 1991
Changed the water, then went out to Cedar Mt. We found the cows way over to the South side. The feed has never been better as far as I know. The last week or so the rains have done wonders for the grass.

Sunday June 2 – 1991
Dean took the water today & will have it for four days. Went to church. It was Pres. Condie’s & wife’s farewell for their mission. They are to be Pres for the Billings Montana mission. It was a good meeting.

Monday June 3 - 1991
Went out to Cedar Mt to fix the backstop on the hay. I got hit by a long that fell from the top of the stop. IT hit me on the hip & knocked me down. Carl came running & helped me up. I kept working & it seemed to help. Hope it gets better soon.

Tuesday June 4 – 1991
I feel better today even if I did have a terrible night. I didn’t sleep hardly any, but wait till tonight.

Wednesday June 5 – 1991
It’s been a beautiful day today, kinda windy, but nice. Didn’t do much, just fixed the backstop to the field, then came home to read. I’m reading the New Testament which is kinda hard for me to understand. (Dumb, huh?)

Thursday June 6 – 1991
We took the water from Dean this morning, then put the horse in the trailer & went out to Cedar Mt for a ride. The first one in a year. Had a good time. I let the old horse take his time & didn’t hurry. The gnats & mosquitoes were thick so sprayed me & the horse with Off. After that it wasn’t as bad. I enjoyed the ride.

Sunday June 30 – 1991
I’ve been a stinker! This is the first time since the 6th of June . We have been busy & the book has been under some papers so didn’t see it. (Out of sight, out of mind.) We have been changing water, fixing fence, cutting hay. Even went on the Mt on the horse. Nearly killed me for a few days, but am feeling better, so will try it again one of these days. WE still have more fence to fix & more hay to cut. We are going to help Dean Bennett with his so will start tomorrow. Hope to do a good job. Ted & Karen are up to Ogden for a birthday. Should be home tonight. Saw George Hunter yesterday. The first time for years. He has lung cancer from too many cigarettes. Should have quit sooner. Just got back from the field. I go up there to read & think, so that’s a good place.

Saturday July 6 – 1991
I’m waiting for a ride to go to Hinckley, Utah to a funeral. A man I used to work with died. It is Beryl Wood’s son. She talked at Delma’s funeral. Things here are very hot. It should get up to about 100 degrees today. We haven’t had a sprinkle for nearly 2 months so it’s really dry & dusty. We got all the hay up yesterday except the patch of Oat hay which isn’t quite ready. Ty got home safe yesterday. He was sure a good kid while he was here. Carl and I are going to try it on the Mt again Monday. Hope we can make it. They have asked Grandpa Wood to be grand Marshall of the Utah Stampede this year. He is 102 years old. That is an honor & one well deserved. I’ll try to go up to see the parade the first day and give him thumbs up. He is a great man & has some fine kids.

July 9 – 1991
I’m just resting today. Went on the Mt yesterday to fix fence. Boy that’s some job for an old man. We did real well for the time we were there. Got it all done except the K.B. part of it. Bryan Stevens still has his part to do, then we can take the cows up. We have some good cows, so should be easy to get up there.
Went up to Levan Sunday & had a good meal. Ted & Karen also all their kids were there along with the biggest part of the other folks. Earl & Lillis were the only kids missing except for Delma. Earl was feeling bad, so Lillis had to stay with him. Their daughter was there with her new husband. They are going to live in Hawaii. He is an Hawaiian. (dark skinned.) Wish it would rain. We really need it. We still have a little water up to the field so should have a little 2nd crop for a change. The Lord has been good to us this summer. Hope we can continue to have his blessings.

July 25 – 1991
It’s been a long time since I last wrote but I’ll try & remember some of the things that has happened. WE got the hay up. Carl hauled it with the hay wagon. That sure makes it nice for me. They had a 24th of July parade yesterday. The kids all did fine. They also had the three wars represented. I was the one for World War II. Jerry Steven Coats for the Korean & Ross for the Viet Nam. We didn’t have a person for the Persian Gulf so that was left out. Lillian Wood died on the 21st of July & they are burying her today. I will be going & I think Clark Wood will be down from Levan. I cleaned the house up a little today so hope they can get in if they do come. Poor old Clyde. He sure looks tough, but then he has been through a lot the last few months. Hope it gets better for him soon. Wish it would rain. The dust is knee deep. The wind blows every day.

July 26 – 1991
It’s another good day today, if the sun & wind can be classed as good. I wish it would rain so it could cool off & settle the dust. I got a letter & pictures from Lynda today. The pictures are sure good of the boys & Larry & Lynda. Also Lynda has always been able to write the most interesting letters ever, so I really enjoyed the letter & pictures. My old friend Murray Davies died yesterday in the Beaver Mts of a heart attack. He was a nice person. They are having his services tomorrow. Carl went to Provo today to see the Dr. Hope he comes home with good news. He has spots on his lungs.

Religion

2008-03-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

William Hardin Ashby & Nancy Maria Badger

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Birth Certificate - Original

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Birth Certificate - Amended

2008-03-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Marriage Certificate

2008-03-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Temple Sealing

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Childhood Memories

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*Describe the house you grew up in
The house I grew up in was a small four room affair. It was in its day a nice brick house with a large lot and a lot of fruit trees, apples, peaches and such. It wouldn’t be classed as anything today because now if you had six or eight kids you have to have six or eight bedrooms plus kitchen, bathroom, living room, laundry room, family room and what else? But we felt we had plenty of room and were a close knit family.

*Describe your yard as a child.
When I was growing up our yard was much like any other yard in the little town. There were corrals in one end, with the granary and sheds close to them. Everyone had a chicken coop where he got the eggs and a fat hen or rooster now and then. It was my job to cut their heads off with the ax. The poor things would really flap around in the snow. We would hang them up so they would bleed out good and cool out also. Then we would have a good meal.

*What toys did you play with as a child?
The first thing I can remember playing with was a kiddy cart. It was a three wheeled cart made from wood which you pushed with your legs. This acted as a motor (your legs I mean). After we wore that out and got a little older, Dad got us a bicycle. We also made stick horses and would take the bark off to make any color we wanted. If we wanted a white horse we’d take all the bark off. This was like the one Fred Thompson rode and was very popular. Hoot Gibson rode a black with a white face, so we’d take the head bark off for his horse. It was lots of fun. I had two friends who would come down all the time – George Jackson and Arthur Jackson. Their dad had died so they didn’t have much to do. George Jackson got to be a big boy and was the fullback for BYU. He died in Salina two years ago, his wife also.

*What games did you play as a child?
The game I liked the best was Run Sheep Run. When we trimmed the fruit trees every spring the limbs were put in piles to be burned. When they got dry we would get all the kids in the neighborhood and have a good time roasting potatoes and corn over the fire and then play games such as Run Sheep Run. We wold burn all the limbs, even twigs. We always had good times in the good old days.
Also Carl and I got a basketball and hoops for Christmas one year. We went out in the yard and put the standards up and by the afternoon had the neighbors there playing ball. This ball was I think the best Christmas present I ever got. I enjoyed it along with half the kids in town. We have had as high as 15 or 20 playing ball at one time. We finally put a basket up at either side of the yard because of the amount of playing.

*Tell about your neighbors as a child.
Our neighbors as a child were the best. There were the Bennetts on one side along with the Turners on the other. Our Aunt Sue was a funny woman. She’d not let her kids play with us for fear of us teaching them bad habits, so we didn’t get to play with Jess or Ned much. The Turners on the other hand were opposite as can be. We’d play all the kids games at night, or whenever we got together. Donald Turner, or just plain Don, was my best friend then and now with the exception of family.

*Describe the downtown of your childhood.
I remember the down town of Holden. We had two places to buy candy and soft drinks. The main road went through the place. We saw some cars and a lot of wagons and buggies. I really enjoyed this place. We lived two blocks from the main road and went to one of the stores nearly every day.

*Describe the stores you went to when you were young.
When I was young the town had two stores: Wood’s Market and the old co-op store, just west of the church house. This store was the oldest in town. It was started by a few of the richest men in Holden. At first they sold tokens for the money used only at the store. They sold everything from candy to cloth and axes and shovels, everything you could buy. It wasn’t too big, but it was quite a store. When I was in about second grade the school teacher we had sent me over to the co-op to buy some adhesive tape. I went over and got it for her and I thought I was something special to get assigned that job. Only then I found out what she wanted the tape for. I was the first one she used it on. I got my mouth taped shut for talking out of turn in class. There were three or four other boys who later got this as well, but I was the first. Anyway, the co-op was later owned by the Edward Stevens family, but finally closed sometime in the late twenties or early thirties. The Wood’s Market was started by John and Edward Wood. Later on John bought Edward out and ran the store. It has been in the Wood family since it started. It is now owned by Max Wood, and his son plans on buying it. We are related to all of these men. John and Edward Wood are our uncles.

*Do you recall any special summer trips or vacations while you were growing up?
The best trip I can remember was the one in Spanish Fork. We had two of Dad’s sisters living there. Every year the town had a 4th of July celebration so that is the time we climbed in the old Model T and went to Spanish Fork. Trips from Holden to Spanish Fork would take all day and there were always lots of flat tires. Still, we looked forward to those times. I had two cousins who were a little older than me, but we always got along and had a good time. One day while we were at the park a man let a big balloon get away from him. It floated up in the sky where the wind started blowing and the balloon headed for parts unknown. I thought it would come down, so I started after it. I ran till I was pooped out and the balloon never did come down. It was a good time anyway.

*Tell about the medical care you had growing up. How does this compare to today?
When I was growing up only the bigger towns had doctors. The smaller towns had people who were good with the old time remedies. Holden was no exception. Maranda Giles Turner was her name, and she was a dandy. If any of us kids had ailments Mom would send us up to Maranda’s. She only lived 1 1/3 block from our place so the trail got hot from just me. I’d cut me with a knife and had rashes galore. She fixed me up and everyone else in town. She was a fine woman and we owe her a lot. She wouldn’t take any money. Today you get in the car and drive to Fillmore to the hospital which today costs you an arm and both legs. However, we are lucky to have it. A lot of lives have been saved because of it.

*How much was your first allowance? When did it start? Was it conditional?
On Sundays Dad would give me five cents if he had it. I can’t remember when it started, but not very early. It didn’t hurt me, because not many others had one either.

*As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I kinda laugh now when I think of the thoughts I had on what I wanted to be. All the boys wanted to be cowboys and the girls nurses. Later on I changed my mind. I decided I wanted to be a fighter pilot, although to this day I’m a coward for flying. It’s funny how things turn out.

*Tell about any pets you had as a child.
When I was growing up I wanted a dog, so Dad said I could have one. I can’t remember who I got him from , but he was black in color with a tip on his tail, so we called him Tip. When he was about a year old he was run over by a car and killed. When I went to pick him up by the side of the road I felt terrible. I cried all the way home where we buried him. After getting over the pain of losing this one dog I got another. He was about the same color and lived about the same amount of time. This one was shot by a man. A pack of dogs got in the man’s cattle and my dog was one of them. I felt so bad Dad said no more dogs. I never tried to get another dog because I’d feel so bad at losing them.

*What is a special smell you remember from your childhood?
My Grandma Bennett made a special kind of bread called saltrisen. This was something the pioneers made. It had a funny smell, but it sure tasted good, especially when it was warm and had plenty of butter. Also I like the smell of potatoes and onions.

*Did you ever steal as a child? If so, were you caught? What happened?
The first time I ever stole was up to Grandpa Bennett’s. The old lady who lived next door was named Mary Evans. She had a pie cherry tree just through the fence. They were ripe, so I thought I’d try a few. But about the time I got going good she showed up and chased us out, then came up to Grandma and told her score. When Dad came home from the field Grandma told him, so he got me by the hand and we went to the lady’s house to ask forgiveness. I also got caught later on getting the same thing (cherries). They were my weak point, and I still like them.

*Have you ever tried anything really dangerous? How did it feel?
When I was young, I was a climber. Nothing seemed to frighten me. We had some big poplar trees near our house and when the wind would blow I would go up in the trees and let the wind blow the branches I was on. I got a great kick out of this and always had a good time with no problems, which was lucky and good.

*What were you afraid of as a child?
The first fear I can remember was of the horse traders who camped on the lower street about a block from Dad’s house. I’m sure they were not as bad as we thought, but then if our parents said they would trade us to the horse traders we all did an about face and did better. The animal I was afraid of was a skunk. We were down the lane picking plums one day - I can’t spell the kind of plums they were so I won’t try – but a skunk ran up the ditch right through us kids and I’ve never gotten over it. I’d still rather fight a bear than a skunk and that’s a fact.

Holidays

*Tell about Easter as a child.
I remember Easter as being a day of running wild in the hills east of town. We’d take our lunch and stay all day. When I got old enough to ride horses we’d go on them and go farther. There were about three springs within five or six miles of town. We’d go to Church Springs. Wild Goose was another neat place, and of course Bennett Field. This would happen on Saturday, the day before Easter. Then on Sunday we would go to church.

*Tell about 4th of July during your childhood.
During the 1930’s the 4th of July used to be a big thing. It started with fireworks, and included a little parade and program in the town hall (which has since been torn down). The people of the town would vote on a young woman to be Miss Liberty. She was the most important person for the day. Our sister Blanche was voted Miss Liberty one year. She gave a very moving speech. She was a fine speaker. They don’t have anything now except a day off from work.

*Tell about Halloween as a child.
When I was young, Halloween was a big day and night. The school had programs and costumes. At night the bigger kids did things that were not very good. One such thing was getting an old outside toilet up in front of the store or some other public building or taking buggies apart and putting it together again up on a big barn or granary. I helped do some of these things when I got bigger. In those days they used to milk cows by hand, and would let the calf suck part time while milking. We would go and turn the calves in with the cows and when the person got ready to milk the found the cow already milked by the calf. These things weren’t very good, but everyone did it when they were young, so folks took these things in stride.

*Tell about Thanksgiving when you were growing up.
When I was young the dinners we’d have up to Grandma and Grandpa’s house were the best. All the uncles and aunts and cousins would come and we’d have a time. I don’t know how the old folks stood the kids all running around and talking as loud as possible. They had two big tables in two different rooms with all kinds of food on each. Then, after the prayer and blessing we started in on the food. I was one of the most rowdy kids and every year Dad would warn me about not letting me come next year, but I always went. Those good old folks are all gone now and so are the good old fashioned Thanksgivings.

*Describe a night at Grandma’s house.
Thanksgiving at Grandma Bennett’s house was always a big treat. All the brothers and sisters would be there, as well as all their kids. They would arrive the day before so that made it so we had to sleep over. They had a room that was for sleeping. We had wall to wall people in the room that was for the boys and laughed and talked all night. The old people would yell “You kids shut up and go to sleep!” but we never did. I wish sometimes things could go back to the way they were then, but I know they never will. All of those I called old people are all gone now as well as a lot of those who slept on the floor.

* Describe getting a Christmas tree as a child.
We had beautiful trees and would always go to the mountains and pick the best one we could find. We had good times trimming them. We didn’t have any of the things they have now, but did have a lot of popcorn and would string it in long lines to put on the tree. Also we would make paper chains of red and green paper to put on the tree. We had a little angel for the top which made it very pretty. As a child that was the best time of the year.

Discharge Papers

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Enlistment Record

2008-03-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

Teen Aged Years

2008-03-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

*Tell about your first crush. What was he or she like?
The first crush I can remember was when I was about fourteen years old. It was over a girl from out of town named Elaine Clark. She came here to spend the summer with her grandparents. She had blond hair and somehow looked different to me that the girls from around here. I never even talked to her, but she was sure pretty. She left to go back to school in the fall and in a very short time she was forgotten, at least by me.

*What was your most embarrassing moment?
When I was 16 or 17 my two friends and I decided to go get some grapes from Delma’s grandparents. We waited until 10:00 or 11:00 at night and then went to go get our fill. We just got to the grapevines when someone started to yell at us. We started to run, and I ran into the arms of Delma’s Uncle Clyde. He grabbed me and her grandpa also got me by the arm. I wouldn’t tell them who I was so they dragged me up the house where Delma, Beryl, and her grandma were. I remember Delma seeing me and laughing. I had torn a hole in my pants getting over the fence, so when they finally let me go I had to back out of the house. I had promised to tell my folks but didn’t until one night Dad and I were milking the cows. Dad said “I heard someone got into Uncle Will’s melons and grapes, do you know who it was?” Thinking he already knew, I confessed. He nearly knocked the cow over getting up. I got a Scotch blessing you can bet.

*Were you responsible for household chores? What were they? What did you like most or least?
I didn’t do much in the house. I had a job of carrying in wood from the woodpile into the house, and I had help from Howard and Carl, so I didn’t hurt myself. After I got bigger I helped Dad chop it. I’d rather chop it than carry it, even if it was harder. The girls and mom did the house work. We always had good meals and plenty of it. I can never remember being hungry.

*Describe fashion when you were young.
When I was young the fashion was not very important. The dress in those days were pants and shirts on week days and if you had a suit or better pants and shirt you wore that on Sunday. I had a pair of shoes I wore on Sunday and I went bare footed on week days or as long as Mom would let me. The girls did a little better. They had colored dresses and nearly all wore little straw hats with brims on them. The styles today are not very good. The young men wear sneakers with the laces trailing behind. Only at church do the kids look good. At least those who pass Sacrament wear white shirts and ties.

Courtship & Marriage

2008-03-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

Family

2008-03-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

Martha Estella Ashby

2008-03-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Martha Ann Stevens Ashby

2008-03-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

William Hardin Ashby Jr & 2nd Wife Melissa Coleman

2008-03-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Children of William Ashby Jr:
(Back Row L - R) Warren, Arthur, Jeptha, Clinton, Alfred
(Center L-R) Katie, Melissa, Mary, Harden (Father), Estella, Virginia
(Front) Esther

Edward Bennett Jr & Martha Estella Ashby

2008-02-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Family of Edward Bennett Jr.

2008-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Taken at 50th Wedding Anniversary Party

Back (L-R) Blanche Bennett Ratty, Lula Bennett Peterson, Ted Ratty, Lawrence Peterson, Helen Bennett Peterson, Victor Peterson, Fred Bennett, Delma Wood Bennett, Phyllis Cook Bennett, Carl Bennett(holding Steve)

Middle (L-R)Bonnie Ratty, Nancy Peterson, Edward Bennett Jr, Estella Ashby Bennett, Lester Peterson

Front (L-R) Julie Peterson, Janet Bennet, Gloria Ratty, Ted Bennett, Rick Bennett, Toni Bennett, Sandy Bennett, Larry Bennett

Edward Bennett Sr & Elizabeth Jane Wood

2008-02-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Fred's paternal grandparents

Family of Edward Bennett Sr.

2008-02-01T08:20:00.000-08:00