The Life Stories of

John Walter Smithand

Lois Evelyn Bushman Smith

Compiled and Edited by

Winifred Lois Smith Pearson

Daughter of John Walter and Lois Evelyn

Copyright 1996by Irvin B. Pearson Family OrganizationPrinted in the United States of America

by Alexanders Print Shop

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INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Nearly ten years ago my two nieces, Anne Greaves Snow, and Beulah Smith Graf, came to my apartment in St. George to talk about compiling a book on John Walter and Lois Eve-lyn Bushman Smith. They loved their Grandma Smith and they wanted to love their Grand-father Smith too, but they didn't know very much about him. They wanted to know about the early lives of their father and mother who were the oldest children of this couple. They wanted to find stories of their parents' childhoods and read about their trials and their I happy times. They wanted to know why their grandparents divorced after having such a large family of fine, intelligent, healthy, children. Mother didn't talk about her married life, and I had never felt the need to question her.

After studying all that I can find about my parents, I have concluded that we are not supposed to know the answer, or be the judge, as to why these good people divorced. Many of us have surmised what their problems were. Their story tells of many trials. They had hard lives, but their testimonies of the gospel were strong, and they both desired a good life for their children.

I have asked many people to help me with this story as I didn't have much information. The source that furnished the most help was my sister Sarah's journal and diary. When she was a young girl she wrote a diary. She was the family historian for as long as I can remem-ber. She kept notes of our family reunions and many of the reunions she sponsored. She wrote skits of family life when she was a girl in her parents' home. These skits were drama-tized at the family reunions. This was her way of telling the younger children and the grandchildren about their family life.

Sarah's daughter Cleah has gone through her mother's writings to find material suitable for our story. We are indebted to Cleah for her interest and help. The journals, letters and tapes of Walter, Wickliffe, John C., Nathaniel, and Pratt, are used extensively.

John Walter, the father, kept a journal on his mission. He also wrote many letters to his daughter Sarah, which she carefully kept. Both of these sources are used. Lois kept a diary during the last several years of her life which is also used to tell the story of her life after her children were gone from home.

My own children have been very supportive, giving freely of their suggestions. My son got me started on my mother's story by asking me questions. I told him what I could re-member about my life with my mother which he taped and then typed. This gave me the se-quence I needed for her story. Don's wife, Ann Welch Pearson, has proof read the book as it has progressed, giving many important suggestions that have made the stories readable and more interesting. Evelyn Pearson Ripple, my daughter, became personally involved when she and her husband Richard gave me a home in their home. Evelyn has been available to answer questions and rewrite questionable sentences and I have continually used her talents. She has been a constant support and an able critic. Hank and Ada Steenhoek and Boyd and

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Loy Pearson read and evaluated John Walter’s story. David and Suzanne Pearson, Joyce and Val Rollins, read and commented on many of Grandma and Grandpa’s stories.

Other individuals have contributed. My granddaughter Teresa, and her husband, Mat-thew, have taken on the huge task of printing and publishing. They volunteered their talents and their computer. My nephew, John Dawain Smith, willingly accepted the assignment of writing two heartwarming prefaces honoring his grandparents. There is one more person who has taken a personal interest in this book. I have had her do extra typing and formatting of the book. Her name is Beth King. She has been so interested in the story that she seems to be an adopted member of the family. How grateful I am for all my talented and willing help-ers.

Many times I have felt like quitting. I have spent days just sitting and thinking about how to begin, how to go on, what to put in, and what to leave out. I hope my choices have been correct. I hope you enjoy these stories of your honorable ancestors.

Winifred Lois Smith Pearson

276 West 1900 South

Kaysville, UT 84037

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Table of ContentsJohn Walter Smith 6

PREFACE FOR JOHN WALTER SMITH STORY 7CHAPTER ONE

ANCESTORS 10CHAPTER TWO

CHILDHOOD - YOUTH - YOUNG MANHOOD 12CHAPTER THREE

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY 21CHAPTER FOUR

MISSION 28CHAPTER FIVE

Trials---Tribulation---Trouble 42CHAPTER SIX

THE SEPARATION 53CHAPTER SEVEN

JOHN WALTER SMITH'S SECOND MISSION 58CHAPTER EIGHT

LIFE ALONE 61FAVORITE WRITINGS COLLECTED BY JOHN WALTER SMITH 78

CHAPTER NINERETURN TO HIS FAMILY 81

CHAPTER TENFUNERAL SERVICES FOR JOHN WALTER SMITH 86

APPENDIX ONELETTERS FROM JOHN AND SADIE 89

APPENDIX TWOTRIBUTES TO JOHN WALTER SMITH 93

POSTERITY 99Lois Evelyn Bushman Smith 104

PREFACE FOR LOIS EVELYN BUSHMAN SMITH STORY! 105CHAPTER ONE

BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD! 108

CHILDHOOD ! 110CHAPTER TWO

YOUNG WOMANHOOD 124CHAPTER THREE

MARRIAGE! 132CHAPTER FOUR

THE HOMESTEAD! 146CHAPTER FIVE

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IN SEARCH OF A BETTER LIFE! 166CHAPTER SIX

CONTENTED YEARS! 184CHAPTER SEVEN

LOIS' LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH! 203APPENDIX ONE

TRIBUTES TO LOIS EVELYN SMITH! 210

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John Walter Smith

1871 - 1936

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PREFACE FOR JOHN WALTER SMITH STORYThere should not be any misunderstanding concerning those of us who bear the name of John

Smith. I am part of four generations of Johns. My son is "John L.," I of course am "John D.," my father is "John C. and in turn we call John Walter Smith, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather!!

John C. regaled his own family about the number of "Smiths" in the community of Snowflake by giving this account of the Bishop asking for Brother Smith to come forward and give the bene-diction at the conclusion of a church service. With that request, half of the men in the congregation stood up in response. The Bishop then quickly qualified his request by stating that he meant to only ask Brother John Smith to come forward. However, even with that clarification by the Bishop, only half of those who were standing sat down.

I have not found any written reference as to why our Grandfather received the names that he did, but I have my own opinion as to why he was named John. His own Grandfather, Silas Smith, had died at the young age of 58 in the year 1839 during the terrible trying period of the Missouri expulsion of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John Walter's father was only a five year old lad at the time. Who became the guardian, benefactor, and blessing for the widow Mary and her boys Silas and Jesse Nathaniel? It was her husband's brother, the boy's Uncle John.

John Smith, Uncle John, the only one of Grandfather Ashael's sons who made it all the way to the Valley of the Mountains. Jesse refused to accept the message of the Restoration; Silas died in Pittsfield, Illinois; Joseph Sr. died in Nauvoo, Illinois; and Brother Ashael died near Winter Quar-ters, in Iowa. It was Uncle John who saw to the needs of this precious sister-in-law and his be-loved nephews. His concern was evidenced by the righteousness of his deeds in their behalf. He was proxy for his brother as Silas and Mary were sealed by the power of the Holy Priesthood in the Nauvoo Temple. He made sure they always had a roof over their heads, teams for their pioneer trek, and having arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in July of 1847, Uncle John was here to welcome Mary and her boys when they arrived in September as part of Elder Parley P. Pratt's pioneer company.

There is so much more that could be said in regard to Uncle John, however that is an-other story. Sufficient to our task is to recognize that the Patriarch, John Smith, was not only Uncle to Jesse & Silas, but was a true surrogate father to them both. It is no wonder then that Jesse Na-thaniel and Emma Seraphine were united in choosing the name of John for one of their sons.

John Walter Smith was handsome of face and form, gentle in manner and deed, sturdy with a strength greater than most men, inclined to study when given the opportunity, possessed of testimony of Gospel Truths which he could explain concisely, clearly and fervently.

For most of his 43 grandchildren, we know about Grandpa Smith because of affectionate tales shared with us by his children, our parents. For example: The boys could always find their fa-ther in bam or field, prairie or forest, because of his "whistle." It was not an ordinary whistle with pursed lips, but one which is rarely heard in our time. He whistled through his teeth. They were

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clenched with the lips barely open. Try it, it is not as easy as it may sound. His whistle was strong, clear, pleasant and melodious- - and most of all it was constant. The phrase, "whistle while you work" was practiced by John Walter, long before the phrase came of vogue.

Examples of his strength are evidenced by stories of haying time. After the hay was cut and raked, the workers would turn the rows into small mounds called haymows, which in turn would be picked up by those with pitchforks and loaded onto the hay wagon which would move slowly through the hay field, pulled by patient teams of horses, until it was loaded ready for the trek to the bam. The average man, would pick up one of the mows with his fork, hoist the fork over his head and move it carefully to the wagon, tossing it up for those on the wagon to properly place it.

The process was the same for John Walter but with a major exception. Rather that using his pitchfork to pick up one of the mows, he would put one on his fork tines, move to the next, add it also to his fork and then add a third, hoisting the entire amount over his head and with hardly a straw or strand to be lost, pitch the entire load upon the wagon, no matter how high the load and then back to repeat the process, whistling all the while. For those who were witness to this enduring feat of strength which would continue hour after hour and day after day, they have given this de-scription; that it was like watching a small hay stack magically move across the field with the only evidence of how the stack was effecting the move being a pair of legs which could be glimpsed moving steadily under the load. Hat, head, arms and shoulders were hidden from view as this ap-parition of hay marched on, only to be revealed when the load suddenly was thrust into the air to land atop the wagon.

Another example of this remarkable strength is related about his mission to the North Western States. He loved to swim in the Pacific Ocean. One wonders with present day mission rules about such activity, but nevertheless whenever opportunity would permit, John Walter would bravely confront the surf, make his way through the waves and swim straight for what seemed as if he were on his way to China. Others would long before have given up the challenge and made their return to the shore, but not John Walter. He would be but a distant speck, hard to identify, far out be-yond the breakers, moving gracefully with powerful and steady stroke, finally reversing his course, using the same rhythm of arm and shoulder to once again make land. The deed com-pleted, he was always exhilarated and ready to go again.

Over the years I have heard several comment that my Grandfather Smith allowed many to take advantage of him and his circumstances. I have reflected upon this description and have had mixed emotions, particularly have I wanted to obtain redress or justice with those who may have ill treated this gentle and patient man. As the years have passed, and my thoughts of this situation have continued,, there has come to my realization that not once have I ever heard, from family, friends, neighbors, church leaders or anyone, that John Walter Smith ever took advantage of anyone or anything!

Why, that is absolutely remarkable! And then there comes to my soul the sweetest thought, "which would you rather have?" Without hesitation I am proud to be the Grandson of one who "practiced what he preached," who by example "turned the other cheek" and when ever required gave not only his coat but also his cloak.

I oft make my homeward path through the gracious slopes of the Salt Lake City Ceme-tery in order to make a visit to the humble resting place of our Grandfather. There, the simple marker identifies the spot, directly under an indigenous Cedar Tree and I wonder how many times in his mor-

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tality did he make his repose, all alone, under just such a tree, in the wilds of his native Utah, or in his Arizona home or his travels in Mexico.

There was a time when Grandpa Smith came and stayed with us in Woods Cross, Utah. We were living there with my mother's father, by family arrangement after my Grandmother had passed away. It must have been in 1934 or perhaps those early months of 1935. It was a lux-ury for me that cannot be described, only experienced. After a meal or some other activity, my two Grandfathers would retire to the front parlor, and there they would sit facing each other in big, leather, rocking chairs. I don't remember a word of what they said, but I do recall laughter and a great pleasant feeling.

I would crawl upon one Grandfather's lap, who without hesitation would enfold me in his arms and then after a while I would descend, crossing over to my other beloved Grandfather. The proc-ess would be repeated as oft as I desired. I reveled in this marvel of having both of my Grandfa-thers there, together, to give me this precious memory which is mine forever. I loved them then and I love them now.

In behalf of all the family, we thank you, Dear Aunt Winnie for making it possible to have this wonderful book about John Walter.

There will be a day when John Walter and Lois Evelyn, will take their precious daughter, jointly in their arms, and will kiss with love and thanks for helping to keep this treasury of their mortal sojourn in the forefront of our memories.

And thus it will be for each of us. Mortality will conclude one day for us as it has for them. When our turn comes, John Walter and Lois Evelyn will be there with others of our precious and wonder-ful families, to greet us, to welcome us, to love us and to help us. What joys of the heart are yet in store. To the end that we may worthily be greeted by our faithful forbears is the wish and blessing I extend to us all.

John Dawain Smith

Salt Lake City, Utah April 30, 1996

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CHAPTER ONE

ANCESTORSJohn Walter Smith's father, Jesse Nathaniel, was the third child of Silas Smith and Mary Aik-

ens. Silas Smith was a son of Ashael Smith and Mary Duty and was a brother to Joseph Smith Sr., father of the Prophet. Mary Aikens was the daughter of Nathaniel Aikens and Mary Tupper. Her father served in the Revolutionary War under the immediate command of General George Washington.

Jesse Nathaniel's father and mother joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1835 and 1837 respectively and were baptized by Hyrum Smith, brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith. They first lived in Kirtland, Ohio, then moved with the Saints to Missouri and then to Nauvoo, Illinois. They had three boys, Silas Sanford, John Aikens and Jesse Nathaniel. It was during the troublesome times in Missouri in the cold winter, when the Saints were driven from their homes by the mobs, that little four-year-old John died. A year later (1839) father Silas died of a linger-ing illness.

Jesse Nathaniel Smith Emma Seraphine West Smith In Parowan, Utah about 1860 In Parowan, Utah about 1860

At the time the Saints were expelled from Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846, Mary Aikens Smith with sons Silas Sanford and Jesse Nathaniel crossed the plains in Parley's Company and arrived in the

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Salt Lake Valley in September 1847. In 1851 she was advised by Brigham Young to go to Parowan, Utah, and assist in establishing that community.

John Walter Smith's mother Emma was the daughter of Samuel Walker and Margaret Cooper West. Samuel Walker West and wife Margaret Cooper and their children had joined the Church in Tennessee. They came to Nauvoo in 1846 to live but soon had to leave with the Saints when they were driven out. They lived awhile in Kanesville, Iowa, where Grandpa West had employment. In June 1851, they joined the Garden Grove Company and arrived in Salt Lake Valley in September. They were also advised to make their home in Parowan.

Thus, the parents of John Walter Smith were guided by the authorities of the Church and the Lord to this western land and in Parowan, Jesse N. Smith and Emma Seraphine West became ac-quainted. He was 18 and she was 16 when they were married on the 13th of May, 1852, and were sealed by Apostle George A. Smith at home in Parowan.

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CHAPTER TWO

CHILDHOOD - YOUTH - YOUNG MANHOODJohn Walter Smith was bom June 10, 1871, in Parowan, Iron County, Utah, in the old Smith home

which is still standing in that town as a pioneer memorial. He was the 12th child of his father, Jesse Nathaniel Smith, a faithful member of the Mormon Church who practiced the doctrine of polygamy. He was the 8th child of his mother, Emma Seraphine West Smith, the first of Jesse N.'s five wives.

Walter (the name his family always called him) was privileged to be bom to parents who taught their children to be honest, prayerful, and peaceful, to show considerate love for each other and to be obedient to duties in the home and the church. His mother was exceptional in promoting peace in the home, in praising each child for his worth, and in teaching repentance and humility with prayer. Her example as a peacemaker with the other wives was a paramount element of her character.

When John Walter arrived in his parents' home, there were five older sisters and two older brothers. Two years later a younger brother, Samuel F., was bom. In addition to these nine children, John Walter's mother Emma also raised two of her sister's children. Margaret, the second wife, died while her children were still very young.

All of Walter's happy childhood memories in Parowan are of the times he had with the children of his father's large family. His sister Eliza was twelve-years-old when Walter was bom. She was his special baby tender and through life always had a particular love and concern for him. Bathsheba, the daughter of Augusta, the fourth wife, was his close companion as they grew up, while they were going to school together in Parowan and in the years that followed in Arizona.

Walter began his schooling in Parowan. By the time he was eight-years-old, his mother's girls were all married except Sadie. His two oldest brothers, Jesse N. Jr. and Joseph W., were also living at home and were not married.

Father Jesse N. Smith went on an exploring tour to northern Arizona with Erastus Snow in the winter and summer of 1878. While Jesse was away on the exploring tour in northern Arizona, his farm at Parowan was well taken care of by his five boys, Jesse Jr., Joseph W., Silas D., Walter and Samuel. Walter and Samuel also took care of the cows.

In September of that year Father Jesse came home and told his family that he had been asked by the President of the Church to preside over the new Eastern Arizona Stake of the Church, which would include the Mormon settlements in northeastern Arizona. he would need to take his family to live and help build Zion in that area.

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This is the Church house all the Smith Family attended when they lived in Parowan

Birthplace of John Walter. Parowan, Iron County, Utah.

Walter was there when the planning and important decisions were made. He saw the look of worry on his mother's face and then he heard her say with a resigned smile, "We'll go where the Lord sends our father." She impressed them with the fact that if the Lord wanted them to go, he would prepare the way. No sacrifice was too great to further the work of the gospel.

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Thus came about the exodus of the Jesse N. Smith family from Parowan, Utah, which had been their happy home for many years. They were called now to pioneer again and establish a new community in Snowflake, Arizona. This exodus was made in two separate groups. The first group left December 3, 1878, and included father Jesse with his wife Janet and five little girls and three of his married daughters. There were also seven or eight other families that left Parowan with them, comprising a company with ten wagons with teams and some loose cattle to drive along the way. They took the route east over the mountains to Panguitch and south through Orderville and Kanab. They arrived at Snowflake, Arizona, on January 16, 1879.

While his father was gone, Walter was baptized on his eighth birthday, June 10, 1879, by Thomas Davenport. He was confirmed a member of the Church by William McGregor. Some months later he received his patriarchal blessing by William McBride in Parowan.

Father Jesse came back to Parowan in October 1879, and prepared to take the rest of his family to Arizona. He served three months that winter in the Utah Legislature to finish out his term, then came home in March. He sold his property and prepared for the final move to Arizona.

On April 6, 1880, Father Jesse, Emma Seraphine West, Augusta Outzen Smith and nine chil-dren started out in three wagons all loaded with household needs and provisions. They had six horses, two mules and two cows to help pull the wagons.

At the time of this move, Walter's father and mother were nearing middle life. They had made such a permanent beginning in Parowan. They owned a comfortable home for that day, and had to leave many friends and relatives. It was hard for his father to leave the locality he loved and had worked so hard to develop as he had held important positions within the community, the Church, and the military.

They went by way of Parogonah to tell brother Silas and family farewell and started on the route taken by the first group of their family. They found that the melting snows and rain had made the roads mired and muddy through the canyons and the wagons would sink up to the hubs in the mud. Consequently, they decided to turn back and try the southern route over the Hurricane Mountains. Before they turned back, an incident happened to Walter that his brothers loved to tell. This is how Silas recorded it:

When our family migrated from Parowan to Arizona we took two cows. We called them Old Yorg and Nell. We had no extra horse or pony to ride to drive the cows, but they were so gentle and easy to handle that halters were put on them. A saddle was put on Old Yor-gen, as she was the best to ride. We kids had proven that already in taking them to the pas-ture. Walter was put into the saddle with a rope tied to old Nell to keep her coming. The roads became very muddy and many hindrances occurred, but Walter kept plodding right along with the cows and got some miles ahead of the wagons. Night came and the family was ready for camp. Jesse N. Jr. had to get on a horse and bring Walter and the cows back.

When they arrived at Paragonah, they lightened the load on their wagons by leaving much of their household articles with Uncle Silas. They left the cows with sister Daphne and her hus-band John Dalton in Parowan. They were the only ones of the family who did not go to Arizona. After spending the night in Parowan they started on their long journey south. Father and Mother Smith rode with little brother Samuel in one wagon, and Jesse N. Jr., then age 19, drove the other wagon with Aunt Augusta and her four little girls. The third wagon was driven by Silas, age 13, with Walter age 9 and Sadie age 15. They say this last wagon was loaded with furniture. They were

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joined by a wagon outfit of Lewis Harris. Ida Hunt who was on her way home from school in north-ern Utah was traveling with the Harris group.

They stopped at towns and ranch homes along the way, meeting old friends, receiving blessings and good wishes for a safe journey. A day or so would be spent at each place for repairs and to rest and feed the teams. Horses attempted to return home when they camped at night. On steep hills and dugways all the teams were hitched together to pull one wagon at a time up and over the hill.

They spent a few days at Kanab and then went on over the Buckskin Mountains and down to House Rock Springs. While they were camped here, a terrific wind storm came and sand got into everything. Mother Emma had a serious fainting spell and the family feared she would die. Some of the horses got away and Jesse N. Jr. and Lewis Harris had to go 21 miles to find them. All were feeling very despondent. Ida Hunt got them all together by the sick mother and like an angel of peace she led them in singing songs and praying. The gloom was dispelled and Mother Emma recovered.

When they finally reached Lee's Ferry, to cross the big Colorado River, Mother Emma sent Silas to Johnson's farm near the river to get a big pan full of the new alfalfa. She cooked this and the family all enjoyed this much needed mess of greens.

It took two days for them to cross on the ferry and pull out of the canyon. When they reached the top, one team entirely gave out, too weak to make another effort. They caught some range horses of William Flake and used them for a team. They were in real desert country now, no civiliza-tion between here and their destination. They spent a great deal of time looking for watering places which were found in the natural rock holes from recent rains. Father Jesse took all the children to a spring he found in the rocks and filled them all up with water. He then filled a five gallon barrel and carried it to camp on his shoulder. Father was worried over the scarcity of water and when they ran out of water again, Jesse Jr. said, "Pa, don't tell the kids or they sure will start to choke." They arrived at Willow Springs. The roads were so deep with sand that even the range horses so lately acquired gave out, yet they were urged on. Travel was slow and tedious.

After they crossed Moencopy Wash, the Lewis Harris outfit hurried on to secure assis-tance for the Smith family. Some men from Snowflake came in a day or two with Father Jesse's grey mules and a horse sent by Bishop Hunt. He had left the mules in Snowflake on his first trip. Now nearing the end of their journey, their faithful horse Prince became lame. They did not want to leave this dear family horse so he followed the wagons, limping, and was lovingly urged along by the Smith boys. After crossing the Little Colorado River they were met by Lot Smith in his fine buggy and team, with a fresh team tied behind for the use of the weary travel-ers. He had brought some bread, butter and cheese, all of which the Smith family were very thankful for. They arrived at Sunset and rested a day. Here is where their faithful horse Prince died, a sorrow to the family. They went on to St. Joseph and camped one night, receiving the hospitality of the John Bushman family. They went to Woodruff the next night, and the next day, May 22, arrived at Snowflake, ending a hard, difficult journey of one month and two weeks.

Near the time the Smith family migrated to Snowflake, Arizona, the two oldest boys, Joseph W. and Jesse N. Jr. both got married. Thus, the farm work and early pioneering in

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1881 for Father Jesse's family was done by 14-year-old Silas, 10-year-old Walter, and 8-year-old Samuel. As they grew up they hauled wood from the cedar-covered hills near the town for the stoves and fireplaces in their father's three homes, and helped dig the wells for culinary use. They helped build a dam on Silver Creek which furnished water for the farms and gardens. This clear stream flowing by the town provided good swimming holes for the enjoyment of the boys.

Brothers Samuel and Walter (sitting).

Walter's brother Silas tells a swim story:When we first went to Arizona it was some years before alfalfa would grow in Snowflake Valley. There was no hay or other feed except the open prairie land of wild grass. Therefore, when a team was turned out into the open country, in order to have them close at hand, long ropes were used and they were staked, as we called it, one end of the rope tied to the front foot of the animal and the other end to some secure object. The mules (we had both mules and horses) were staked in the creek bottom down by our farm land.Father had business the next day at Taylor and needed a team as it would take too long to go into the hills hunting for horses. Walter and I went for the mules. It took both of us, as one of the mules was a little tricky. Right near where the mules were staked was a nice deep hole of good clear water. The Fish boys were in swimming. They told us to come on in and that the water was fine. The hurry was forgotten—Oh what fun it was going in the old swimming hole.No one could tell how time flies when swimming. These Fish boys were about our age—dry land fish. Then one of the boys said, "There's your dad." It occurred to us all at once, that he was in a hurry. We made a run for our clothes. He got to them first. Of course, the motive for his coming was concern that the tricky mule had given us trou-ble. So, no doubt, great anxiety caused him to hurry to secure us from harm. As a result, seeing the swimming hole occupied, two nice willows were in his hands and catching me first, one willow was soon broken in the whipping and taking the other one,

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he said, "You are the oldest will try this too." Walter was screaming and crying for both of us. The Fishes scampered and fled. After tanning my hide good he turned to Walter, saying, "Maybe you had better have a little too, so you will remember." It only took a few strokes for him. I always thought those few strokes were very light and tender on him though the scare was sufficient.So we grew up together with joys and sorrows as all children do, with never a clash or discord or lack of confidence or withholding our labor and interests one from the other. They were happy childhood days.

These were the days of polygamy. The early day Mormon polygamy could not be understood by those outside the Church. It was a mystery to the world how such fine families were born to these women and that they were reared and taught to live chaste, pure lives. People not of our belief could only judge by their evil viewpoint. The Mormon people believed in honoring and obeying the laws of the land and when the law was passed in the U.S. Congress that a man should have only one wife, they obeyed this law and it became a law of the Church in 1890.

Before 1890, the officers of the law were after the men who had more than one wife. The polygamists were advised by the Church authorities to go to old Mexico. Jesse N. Smith was appointed with others to be on a committee to explore and purchase land in Mexico. This needed to be done as soon as possible. It was in February 1885 that Jesse N. Smith and Jo-seph Fish left on horseback in the night and went to Nu-trioso where Jesse's daughter Susie and her husband Heber Jarvis lived. They were to wait there as arrange-ments had been made for Aunt Em and children, the youngest family, to be brought to this point by team and wagon.

John Walter was now a lad of 13 and a half years. He was given the job of teamster for the wagon which would take Aunt Em and her two little children, three-year-old Hyrum, and two-month-old Carolyn, to meet his father

and go on to Mexico. John Fish was another young lad who was the driver of a wagon taking another young mother and her children. There were a number of other wagons with folks leaving for the same purpose. However these two boys kept their wagons together as they were to meet their fathers at Nutrioso.

Letter written by Walter in Mexico to his Mother in Snowflake. He was 14 years

old.

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It was a cold, snowy winter day when they left Snowflake. Walter's mother Emma was greatly concerned over the welfare of this young mother and her young children traveling in a storm. Prayers and blessings were given for them all. The travelers only got as far as Concho Flat the first day and camped there for the night. The boys hobbled the teams. Next morning Walter could not find his team so they rode John's horses and tracked the other team in the snow nearly back to Snowflake. They arrived back at camp in late afternoon and the two wagons were soon on their way again. A terrible cold blizzard and snowstorm came upon them and it was getting dark. The children began to cry with the cold. Little Hyrum's feet nearly froze. Baby Caroline cried with the colic. Walter sitting upon the high driver's seat holding the lines of the team got the full force of the storm and he was freezing. Back at the Jarvis home Jesse N. and Joseph Fish be-came greatly concerned over the safety of their families in this storm. Heber Jarvis, Jesse N. Smith's son-in-law, offered to go on his pony and meet the folks. He met them not far from Ea-ger. He tied his pony by the side of Walter's team, got in the wagon and took the lines so that Walter could get back under cover. They arrived at John Eager's home where a big warm fire blazed in the fireplace, a welcome sight for these nearly frozen travelers. They stayed all night and the next morning went on to Nutrioso. The fathers were thankful for their families safe arrival and grateful for Heber's kindness and help.

Father Jesse N. now helped with the driving until they arrived in Pleasant Valley country where a telegram was waiting for him. He and Lot Smith were instructed to go ahead of their company and look for a place to locate. Walter again took charge of the team and drove to Mexico. The further south they went the warmer the weather became. The roads were hard and rough. When driving too close to a large cedar tree, half of the wagon cover was torn off leaving them exposed to the heat and bright sun. After many days of travel and camping at night in small settlements with friends, they reached Casas Grandes River in Chihauhau, Mexico. When they arrived, the camp was fully organized. Each one had been given something to do. Walter, with the other boys, had the job of herding the horses and milk cows.

The menfolk in the camp decided to dig a well. After it was about half dug, the rope broke leav-ing the bucket in the bottom of the well. They wondered who could be let down to get the bucket and decided Walter was the lightest. Little Hyrum was very fond of Walter and when he saw "Hot-ter," as he called him, down in the well he began to run around the well and scream, "Get Hotter out of the well, get Hotter out of the well." They got Walter and the bucket out all right.

Walter was asked one night by his father if he could stand as guard over the camp. For the sake of safety from marauders the men took turns guarding. Walter was proud and happy to think that his father considered him man enough for this job and did so well that he soon was taking his turn as night guard along with the men. He was given a gun to carry, a pearl-handled, nickel-plated, cylinder action Smith and Wesson 45 six shooter. Many years later his father gave him this gun as a keepsake. After an absence of ten months, the Smith families returned to Snowflake arriving on December 10, 1884.

During the early days in Snowflake, Arizona, father Jesse N. Smith had two separate good homes built on separate town lots for his wives Janet and Augusta and families. The house Walter's mother had, on another lot, was a large double log house. In 1881, father Jesse N. married Emma Larson, a thrifty Swedish girl who was gifted in all of the arts of homemaking. Aunt Em, as all the family affectionately called her, lived in the north part of the big house and Walter's

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mother Emma lived in the south part with her four, nearly grown, youngest children, Sarah (Sa-die), Silas, Walter and Samuel.

As John Walter grew up he was very kind and considerate of his mother. He had great sympathy for the sacrifices she had made. The poverty and crude conditions of pioneer life she had endured in early days contributed to her ill health in later years. After coming to Arizona she had spells of fainting. Walter and Samuel and dear Aunt Em nursed her during these trying times. He admired his mother's devotion to his father. She loved and revered her husband as a great king among men and shared her love with other women that he might have more glory. She seemed to have a special love and appreciation for Walter. He was obedient and kind and never quarreled with other children, a trait he carried throughout his life.

During his first years in Arizona, Walter attended the Snowflake Grade School which was held three months each winter. Later he was a member of the first class in the Snowflake Stake Academy when it began in 1889-91. The teachers were L. M. Savage and E. M. Webb.

Silas D., J. Walter, and Samuel F. along with Robert C, Augusta's son, were the young men that did all the work on the Smith farms. In the summer there were the large wagon loads of hay which had to be mowed, raked, gathered and stacked. Walter grew into a large, strong, hand-some man nearly six feet tall. He was large framed and was endowed with unusual strength and endurance. He had a reputation in the area around about as an unbeatable hay handler. He could swamp two ordinary men as he unloaded hay to them in the barn or haystack. He had no physical fear (at least he never admitted it) and frustration seemed not to influence his life.

Walter liked to act on the stage and took part in many of the dramas presented by the local town group. He was in much favor as an elocutionist and recited poems and readings at programs and family gatherings. He was a Sunday School teacher from 1891 to 1892 and was First Counselor to President Ezra Hatch of the Snowflake Stake YMMIA. Church duties came first with him which was one of his outstanding characteristics.

Walter had the most beautiful handwriting. It was almost letter perfect, and it was much like the Palmer method style book. Proof that Jesse N. Smith recognized the fine handwriting of his son Walter was that he made him a High Councilman in the Snowflake Stake High Council. His job on the High Council, more than anything else, was taking the minutes. Then years later when Grandfather Smith died, Walter still was kept as Stake Clerk.

In 1891, he had both legs broken below the knees while helping to unload large hollow logs for a flume. The incident is told by brother Silas.

The Snowflake Irrigation Company was making a flume of large hollowed logs to carry water across the wash, a river bed west of town which was dry most of the year. These logs were set upon abutments crossing over. They were the length of the trees, 30 to 40 feet, and were hauled on wagons from the forest after having been split and hollowed out. Wal-ter had brought a wagon load of logs down to where the flume was being constructed. In unloading, all the men took hold of a log together and lifted at the same time, the log be-ing lifted hollow side down. When it was lifted off, the word to "drop" came and all hands let go. Walter was pretty near the middle and was quite well under. A knife in his pocket caught as the log came down and just crushed him down when all hands let loose.

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Of course, no one could rescue him or prevent the crush that came so suddenly, as it was altogether unlooked for. It just seemed like it must have been one of those occurrences that had to be. It didn't seem anyone was to blame or at least everyone should have seen that every per-son was free from danger. At any rate, my poor dear brother had a long period of suffering. There was never any malice held toward anyone that I ever heard. Everyone thought of Walter as a strict, obedient lad. In fact, everyone always thought he was about the best and most straightfor-ward one of us all. It doesn't seem like, as boys together, he ever had to back up or make apologies for a wrongdoing. Maybe that was my notion, but he had no grievances or difficulties as we grew up together and those days to me are dear to contemplate.

After some months Walter recovered from this accident.

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CHAPTER THREE

MARRIAGE AND FAMILYJohn Walter courted Lois Evelyn Bushman when she came from St. Joseph, Arizona, to

attend the Snowflake Stake Academy the winter of 1891. Later in the summer he went to visit her while he was still using crutches from the flume accident. The next year they were engaged.

After the Mormon towns of northern Arizona had been settled, the old Mormon wagon road that was used by the pioneers coming from Utah into Arizona finally took on the name of "Honeymoon Trail." The sons and daughters had grown up, formed romances, chose mates, and true to their faith, wanted to be married in the temple. The St. George Temple was the first such structure completed by the Utah pioneers for temple marriages and ordi-nance work. It was available for these early Arizona pioneers and their sons and daughters. The fall of 1892, John Walter Smith and Lois Evelyn Bushman went by team and wagon, in company with Charles Ballard and Julia Smith (Walter's sister) on the "Honeymoon Trail" to St. George where both couples were married in the St. George Temple on November 2. After a few day's visit with friends they returned home to Arizona.

Son Pratt tells more about the Honeymoon Trail:There are even many stories and songs, written about the famous "Honeymoon Trail." Those Mormon kids were raised right. They knew they needed to be married in the Temple. I'm talking about those Mormon kids in the Snowflake Stake: St. Joseph, Woodruff, Snowflake and Showlow. It was a two-week trip by horse and wagon from Snowflake to St. George and how are an unmarried boy and girl going to go all that distance? They have to camp out each night and people are liable to talk. So, the "Honey-moon Trail" really got busy and this is the plan that they worked out.They would take one wagon, two girls and two boys. And as they stopped to make camp, they would take care of such things as hobbling the horses out to grass, making a campfire and cooking a meal, and when bedtime came, on the way north, the boys would sleep on the ground and the girls would sleep in the wagon bed. Very chivalrous. And on the way back, why, how would they do it? They couldn't let the girls sleep in the wagon and the boys on the ground again, so they would have one couple sleep in the wagon box and the other couple on the ground. And the next night they would change about so they could be perfectly fair about that nice comfortable wagon box.The story I want to tell you is about my dad and mother, John Walter Smith and Lois Evelyn Bushman and the other couple was Dad's sister, Julia Smith and her husband-to-be, Charlie Ballard. So, on the way, the boys slept on the ground and the girls slept in the wagon. And they made the two-week trip in fine shape. After the wedding they headed back home again and about the second night out, Uncle Charlie Ballard started to complain that he thought maybe on account of his health that he'd better sleep in the wagon. And so

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Walter and Lois didn't mind. They had so much love going for them that they couldn't feel the rocks or the bumps under the bed. They rolled that bed down under the wagon every night for that two-week trip coming back home.

Walter and Lois first lived in one room of Locie Rogers' home in Snowflake. On October 23,1893, their first child, a girl, was born and they named her Sarah (Sadie) for her father's beloved sister, Sarah (Sadie) Elizabeth Smith Hulet, who had died some months before from complications after childbirth. Little Sadie and her father were very attached to each other and as she grew up, she was a great comfort to him.

In the spring of 1894, Walter and Lois and baby girl moved to their 20-acre farm, purchased from his father for $735.83, located between Snowflake and Taylor, about two and a half miles from Snowflake. Neighboring farmers ad-joining this land were the Palmers, Willises, Flakes, and Webbs. There was a two-room lum-ber house on this land.

Two sons were born to John Walter and Lois at the ranch: Walter F., born May 5, 1895, and L. Wickliffe, born February 19, 1897. The one-horse shay was used to get the midwife each time.

From her childhood memories, Sarah (Sadie) writes:My earliest childhood recollections were on this ranch. There was a huge fireplace in the bedroom-living room and I remember the stockings hanging there at Christmas time.In the late fall and winter, Father worked for his brother Joseph W. Smith as a mail carrier from Snowflake to Fort Apache. He was furnished a light wagon "buckboard" and team by the U.S. Mail contractor. The winter of 1895-96 was unusually stormy with plenty of deep snow. Many times during these winters when he reached Adair, a mail station where he changed horses and got his meal, he would have to take the mail on horseback to Pinetop and probably in the same way to Fort Apache. He never missed getting the mail through.While Father was a mail carrier, Mother would get very lonesome. In the daytime, the coyotes would come down from the cedar-covered hills right into our dooryard. They were very bold. Mother said they knew Father was away because when she tried to drive them away with rocks, they just turned and stared and snarled at her. They were hungry and were after our chickens. I remember hearing the terrified cackling in the chicken pen. Then at night we would hear the wild howling of these coyotes which made us cringe with fear and we would crawl farther under the bed covers.In the spring and summer, Father plowed, harrowed and planted his crops. At the south border along an irrigation ditch was a long row of stately poplar trees. This was a landmark for miles around. We had a good milk cow, given to Mother by Grandpa Bush-

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man. We called her Flossy. What a wonderful, busy, interesting time was Spring. Father would take us children to the corral to see a newborn calf or a new little colt.After supper in the evening it was always Father who told us our bedtime story. He was a natural actor and acted on the stage in many of the local dramas in Snowflake. He would get out picture books of the Three Bears and always enlarged upon the story. He had to change it a little every time he told it. Then he made the story of the Three Pigs into a real elocutionist's production. The way he imitated the big bad wolf when he blew the pig houses down was a real holocaust of disaster and we children lived it in reality and were scared to death. The wolf looked much like a big coyote. How glad we were when the wolf finally fell into a tub of boiling water. We were thrilled with Fa-ther's way of narration. Then, as soon as the story was finished, with all the sounds and expressions, I would give a big sigh and say, "Tell it again."

From the journal of son Walter F. Smith, we read:In my babyhood days, as I now look back, I think I was very happy that everything was love in our home and the pleasant smiles of our sweet mother made every dish a feast and every small comfort a luxury. Later, I remember that my clothes were not as fine as my schoolmates. My overalls were made from Father's and did not look so fine as boughten ones, and oh how I envied the boys with boughten overalls. In our home we were very conservative and poverty seems to have hung over our heads from the first of our existence. Somehow we always managed to exist. We never suffered from want and we were almost always in debt.

John Walter had a team and wagon for farm work, and a one-horse shay which they used to ride into town on Sundays. He was a Sunday School teacher of the adult class in the Snowflake Ward. Again from Sadie's writings, she remembers Sunday mornings:

One happy memory of this ranch life was when we went to town Sunday morning. If the air was clear and still, Father would take us outside and have us listen to the sound of the sweet-toned bell coming from the church steeple in Snowflake. It usually rang for 10 or 15 minutes in order that everyone in the countryside would hear it. The family all dressed for church and was ready to go. Father taught an adult Sunday School class and we had to be on time. The mare called Puss was hitched to the one-horse shay or surrey. Walter and I were put on the slat floor in front of the dashboard and Fa-ther and Mother sat in the seat with baby Wickliffe. The horse was urged to a fast trot and away we would go, skimming along the road. I liked to look through the slat floor and see the fast motion of the horse's feet and watch the ground whiz by. When we arrived in town, the horse was tied to a hitching post near the red brick schoolhouse where the Sunday School classes were held. Here I enjoyed the kindergarten where I met my many Smith cousins and Aunt Maria was my teacher.

As mentioned in Sadie's memories, in the late fall and winter of 1894-95, Walter worked for his brother Joseph W. Smith as a mail carrier from Snowflake to Fort Apache. He was furnished a light wagon "buckboard," and a team by the U.S. Mail contractor. This winter was unusually stormy with plenty of deep snow. Many times during these winters when he reached Adair, a mail station, he changed horses and got his meal. His sister Susie and her husband Heber Jarvis cared for this mail station. He would have to take the mail from there by horseback. One time when he returned the next day his feet coverings were frozen to the saddle stirrups and he could not

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dismount. Heber and Susie had to help him get off the horse. Nevertheless, he never missed getting the mail through.

The little farm kept Walter busy in the spring and summer. They bought two town lots in the south part of Snowflake. In the summer of 1898, Walter hired some men to help him move the lumber kitchen from the farm house on to the town lots. A smaller room was added to this for a kitchen. Uncle Jim Frost finished these rooms, lined them with adobes, built an adobe fireplace and then plastered the rooms. When it was finished, the family moved in. This little house was on the upper lot above the irrigation ditch where sheds and corrals were built for the animals and Walter also built a good granary for the wheat and oats which were stored there after threshing time. The old frame kitchen served for front room and bedroom and the family was real crowded. The bedsteads in those days were built high up from the floor with a cotton-flowered flounce to hang from the lower part of the bed to hide boxes, and other stored items. Lois had a trundle bed for three of the little children to sleep on, as wide as the parents' big bed. This was low to the floor with castors on the legs and could be easily rolled under the big bed during the day.

They planned to build a fine brick home down on the front north lot. During the time they lived in this little house John Casper and Nathaniel Aikens were born. Lois had a cradle for her babies and Sadie's job was to rock them to sleep. Walter and Lois now had five little children and this little shack of a home was getting just too small.

In 1901-02 they had their nice brick home built. Building a home in the days of 1900 was a long, tedious job. Most of the finishing lumber had to be planed and sawed by hand.

Cement was not yet known. According to the plans of the house, Walter was to quarry the sandstone from the little canyon north of Snowflake and haul it to the new house loca-tion so the masons could build the foundation.

The details of an accident in Walter's family when they went with him for a load of rock are told in Sadie's memories.

Father spent many days going back and forth to the canyon, cutting and hauling the stone. I remember one time Father wanted us all to go with him and spend the day. Mother prepared a large lunch to take for our noon meal and we all rode to the canyon. While Father cut the sandstone into pieces and loaded it onto the flat-top wagon, we children had a good time climbing over the rocks and wading in the clear water of Silver Creek.The wagon was loaded with rock by late afternoon and quilts were folded here and there among the rocks for us children to sit on. The horses slowly pulled the heavy load along to-ward home. Sometimes it was very jolty and I wondered if we would all "sit put" in our places. The little ones were getting sleepy and the sun was going down. It was getting darker. Father hurried the team a little. As we neared town, there were irrigation ditches to cross and rough rutty roads. Little Wick, four years old, was sound asleep when an extra jerk of the wagon sent him from his seat onto the road in the way of the large iron-rimmed hind wheel, which passed over his body. The team was stopped in a hurry. Wick was screaming and then we children all started to cry, but Father and Mother soon quieted us. I held baby Nathaniel while Mother held the suffering little boy. We had little hopes that Wick would live as the same kind of an accident had happened to my cousin Charity, Uncle Silas Smith's daughter, and she had died.

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When we reached home, Father immediately went for Dr. Wolford who was living in Snowflake at this time. The doctor doubted that Wick would live because he had become terribly bloated. Father was sent to Flake's store to get some anphlogistine and with this, the doctor covered Wick's abdomen and back and then put layers of cot-ton over this. Wick was in serious condition for many days. Father and the elders of the church administered to our little brother, asking the Lord to spare his life. The relatives came to our home and all knelt in a circle and prayed. Wickliffe's life was spared. He gradually got better but it was many months before he could walk. This was a mira-cle to all of us and it has been a great reminder to me that the Lord hears and answers prayer.

So, Walter hauled the stone from the canyon for the foundation, Billie Willis made the brick, and Neils Hansen and his father laid the foundation and the brick walls. Ralph Ramsay and George Gardner did the carpentry work. This was one of the nicest homes in town. The family moved into the new home before it was finished, as soon as the roof was on and the floors were laid. They tacked unbleached muslin to the windows, however by fall, glass windows were in place.

Walter was a kindly man and not as aggressive as he should have been, yet if he made up his mind to build or correct a project, nothing could stop him. This was illustrated in a ditch problem remembered by Sadie in her writings:

The big town ditch ran across a corner of our lot. Father decided to cut down a part of the hill and make the ditch go straight parallel to the street. Two Willis neighbors across the street objected and I remember the awful argument that was shouted at my father, but he paid no attention. The Snowflake Irrigation Company was on his side and he won his case and got this big town ditch out of our lot.

Fort Apache in Eastern Arizona, about 1890 to 1912, had its supplies and provisions de-livered by teamsters of the surrounding vicinity who contracted with the U.S. Government to do this freighting. The freight was loaded on wagons at Holbrook, the nearest railroad sta-tion, and was taken to the fort southward, a distance of about 100 miles.

Snowflake, a little farming town 28 miles south of Holbrook, contributed many men who made a fair living at this government freighting. Also they were able to dispose of their hay and grain to the fort for the cavalry horses.

John Walter was a government freighter. His freight outfit consisted of three span of horses and two heavy wagons-one of which was a high box wagon with bows and wagon cover. The one seat was high up in front where one could rest his feet on the dashboard. To his right was a long brake handle used to pull back on when the wagon was going down a steep hill. His horses were collected through trades he had made with his fellow workers except one good team with which he would not part. He said he had to keep something he could depend upon to pull a load. All the other horses were of various natures, flighty, wild, lazy, balky or with some horse ailment that contributed to their unfitness as a draft animal. They would lean back against the single trees if they felt there was a heavy load to pull. The good horses were put with the bad ones to sort of steady and encourage them along.

Walter loved horses and horses loved him. He broke and gentled many horses for other men as well as for himself. He was an enthusiastic horse trader and seemed to always get the

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worst of the deal: some ornery, stubborn, scared animal, much to Lois' dismay and worry. However, this did not bother Walter. It was a challenge to try and make a good horse out of a bad one. He said it was possible for an animal to be possessed of the devil; he knew Satan wanted a body. This horse trading business became an obsession with him. People naturally like those who find favor with horses but in spite of this, it became a joke in the town that if a man had a bad horse he should trade it off to John Walter.

From Sadie's journal:Once in awhile Mama would let me go with Papa on one of his short freighting trips, like to Holbrook, Heber or Showlow. This was wonderful to me and great fun and a rest from the grinding labor of housework and washing dishes.I was over 12 years old when Mama let me and one of my little brothers go with Papa on this particular trip. He was taking a wagon load of grain and some mer-chandise to Heber, a little village due west of Snowflake. By freight wagon, it took a day and a half and a night.Papa had a way of whistling between his teeth as he drove along. We enjoyed listening to his whistling melodies. At evening we camped near some cedar trees. The horses were given water from a barrel tied on the side of the wagon; grain bags were hung over their heads and while they chanked their oats, Father made a campfire. Then the grub box, a large wooden box kept just for freighting trips, was lifted out by the campfire The box contained good homemade bread and cookies, a cotton sack of onions and pota-toes, a slab of salt bacon, can of butter, salt and pepper, a few cans of sardines, tin plates, cups, spoons and knives and a big cast-iron frying pan and dutch oven. After the ba-con was fried and removed, Papa sliced the potatoes into the grease with some onions, salt and pepper. A lid was put on this pan, set on some red coals and as it slowly cooked, Papa hobbled the horses out to graze, (which meant tying the front feet to-gether so they would not get far from camp). We then ate these delicious camp-cooked potatoes, and not a bite was left. The roll of bedding was then spread out on the ground. I will never forget as I lay in bed looking up to the clear Arizona sky and viewing the millions of stars.The next day before sun-up, after our breakfast of bacon and eggs, the horses were fed and hitched to the wagon and we were on our way. As we neared a high cliff before arriving in Heber, Papa stopped the teams and told us children about a time when he passed this point by this cliff late one night while taking freight to Heber. He said the horses would not pass this cliff. They balked and reared up in their harnesses and snorted like they were scared of something. Papa said, "I knew something was on top of that cliff. Finally I had to use the whip and they hurried forward." We said,'"Oh, were you scared?"He said, "Well, not as scared as the horses. When I reached Heber, a man told me that a mountain lion had been heard howling in that area."After this frightening story about the cliff, Papa drove a few miles farther on to He-ber, unloaded the freight at the store, bought some candy for us children and we started back home.

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CHAPTER FOUR

MISSION

On April 8, 1903, John Walter received a letter from Joseph F. Smith, the President of the Church, asking him to go on a mission to California. He also heard from the First Council of the Seventies asking him to let them know his circumstances. He wrote the following letter:

Snowflake, Arizona

March 14, 1903

Council of Seventies Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear Brethren:

Yours of the 6th inst. duly received. In reply will say I am at present engaged in a contract to deliver hay to Fort Apache which will not be filled until July 1st. But if it is desired that I should take a mission, I am at your service. I feel like the prophet Nephi as recorded in I Nephi 3: 7 - "I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them to do."

Yours truly,

John Walter Smith

He received a reply to be ready to go on his mission July 1. On July 3, 1903, he departed. Wal-ter and Lois now had six children, the last one, Phillip Otto was a year old. Daughter Sadie wrote, "We were a proud and happy family when we sat on the front seat in church at the missionary farewell program for our honored father and Will Flake who was also going on a mission. Aunt Delia F. Smith had written an appropriate poem and also words to a song for the occasion."

Walter was first assigned to San Francisco, California. He was there one month, then was trans-ferred to the Northwestern States Mission. He spent most of his mission in Eugene and Portland, Oregon.What a joy for his family to read his weekly letters and to share them with his parents and hear their happy comments. His wife and children could feel the love and peace the Lord blessed them with in their home. He sent a large picture to them of himself which was hung in the dining room, and it seemed to the children like he was really there.

Walter was a dedicated, hard-working missionary. Day after day the pages of his journal tell of his walking miles to visit an interested contact, holding street meetings every weekend, trading and re-tracting the areas to which he was assigned. Interestingly, much of his tracting had to be done alone as he and his traveling companion would separate when they arrived in a town or he would set out on his own. In his travels he frequently had to rely on the kindness of strangers for a meal

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or a bed. He spent many hours helping the members by doing everything from blessing their babies, painting their homes, hauling then-wood, praying for their sick and arbitrating their disagreements, to burying their dead.

The confidence of a testimony borne by the Spirit sustained him as he preached the gospel to anyone whose attention he could get. He tells of experiences as he taught numerous minis-

ters, humble farmers, arrogant housewives, little children, the seeking faithful and his fellow mis-sionaries. He preached on doorsteps and street cor-ners. He spent many hours in reading and studying in order to prepare himself for the constant preach-ing he did. Among the sermon topics he mentions in his journal are the pre-existence, the personality of God, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, man's condition between death and the resurrection, the American Indians from Columbus to the present, war and peace arbitration, individual and general salvation, the life of the Savior, the first principles of the gospel, and one of life's questions: "Are we the creatures of our surroundings?" He frequently reports the opportuni-ties that he had to bear his testimony of the truthful-ness of the gospel.

Some excerpts from his journal include:July 3, 1903: I tore myself away from my family...and took the train for Salt Lake City.July 7, 1903: Set apart for my mission...visited President Jos. F. Smith and took dinner with him.July 20, 1903: Attended street meeting on Mar-ket Street (in San Francisco), spoke for the first time in my life at such a meeting, bore my testi-mony that the Gospel had been restored.August 11, 1903: After walking about 20 miles reached Peterson about 2-1/2 miles west of El-mira (Oregon).August 12, 1903: Walked to Elmira, tracted the town, took a bath in the creek. Started for Franklin tracting by the way...Was refused en-

tertainment at 7 places. Found a house where there was no one at home but there were

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three quilts on the porch. After looking around, spread the quilts down and went to bed.August 13, 1903: Went on trading through the country to Junction City...After being refused entertain-ment at 7 places we took shelter for the night in a barn, slept on the hay. Walked 10 miles.August 14, 1903: ...after finishing trading Junction started for Eugene...walked 16 miles. Found a letter there from my wife.August 25, 1903: It was very wet and muddy when we started out this morning and hadn't gone far when it commenced raining again and rained nearly all day...After walking about 13 miles, stayed over night in barn of Mr. Hastings who gave us one quilt and a tent canvas for a bed as his beds were all occupied.September 15, 1903: ...Worked part of the day in Mr. Nye's rock quarry.September 17, 1903: Received letter

from home dated Sept. 10. Baby not well.September 21, 1903: Paid $.25 tithing from money received from Mr. Nye for work.September 23, 1903: Letter received—baby still not well.September 28, 1903: Letter received dated 20th-all well.November 1, 1903: Received a letter with $5.00 from wife.

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December 12, 1903: Attended services of the Seventh Day Adventists in the forenoon. In the evening held meeting on the street. We first took our stand on Willamette St. and sang one song, when a policeman stepped up and said we were blocking the sidewalk and we could not be allowed there, so we stepped around the corner on 8th St. and started over. After prayer and singing I had just stepped out to speak when an egg struck me on the foot, an-other whizzed past my head and went into the crowd on the sidewalk. We had attracted a pretty fair crowd, but this egg gave them such a scare that most of them left. I kept on speak-ing and we had a good crowd. I felt free and spoke with the power of the spirit.December 13, 1903: Attended First Christian Sunday School and service at 10 and 11 a.m. We had rented a hall and advertised our meeting in tracting and on the street and in the two city papers to be held at 2 p.m. We met according to our appointment. Bro. Brown and his grand-daughter Violate Smith and one stranger of all the 3,500 inhabitants of Eugene were our congregation. We held meeting and preached the gospel to them.March 2, 1904: One lady said she would rather have her head cut off than join the Mor-mons.March 7, 1904: Out tracting. We had one long conversation with a lady but were treated cool by most of them. One large tongue-tied lady thought we were not occupying the very enjoyable position just at present when the minds of the people were full of the proceedings of the Senate at Washington investigating into the abominable practices that are carried on in Utah. May 9, 1904: Attended priesthood meeting at Head Quarters which was in session about 4 hours. The sentiment was that more would be expected of the Elders which means more work and a longer mission. Pres. Robinson said that the instructions to him were to send the Elders alone more and don’t allow them to associate too many at one place and that 30 months was soon enough to release them. June 11, 1904: Cleaning and bathing and patching. June 24, 1904: Out tracting alone. Spent about one hour talking with one man at his door where I left a tract. A large cherry tree hung right over the door and the lady said if you care for cherries just help yourself and of course I accepted the offer. July16, 1904: Purchased a suite of clothes for $12.90.July 23, 1904: Attended services of the Seventh Day Adventists. Talk about having the blind leading the blind. I see it manifest there. “Having eyes they see not and having ears they hear not.” They pray for the Lord to send them light but they will not accept it when it comes, for we asked to speak in their church but were refused. August 3, 1904: Tramped over hills, across hollows and through jungles all day to get to the people of Mayger. We did not go hungry for we were eating blackberries all day. August 9, 1904 Tracted Goble, had no breakfast. Made out with a dinner on some crackers, cheese and sardines that we got at a store. Started out for St. Helens tracting by the way. Got supper with a lady by the name of Mrs. Chas. Smith. After being refused entertainment six times we were glad to get to sleep in a barn in the hay. August 14, 1904:...Received letters from my brother Silas stating that my family has diph-theria and that Sadie and Wickliffe are down with it.

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August 21, 1904: Attended Sunday School and services in morning meeting. Dr. Jas. E. Talmage occupied the time speaking. Attended services in the evening and listened to an-other fine discourse by Dr. Talmage. August 29, 1904: On account of Ringling Bros. Circus being in town, nothing was done. Went down on the street and saw the parade. September 19,1904: Took train for Lebanon. Paid $0.25 for dinner. October 2, 1904: ...I was feeling rather blue because the folks were having sickness at home. I wrote them a blue letter.October 23, 1904: In the evening went down on the corner of 3rd and Alder and after the Salvation Army got through we held a meeting with their crowd.October 29, 1904: Elder Hanks and myself held a street meeting in the evening on the corner of 3rd and Burnside. While Elder Hanks was speaking the Salvation Army tried to drown out his voice and run us away with their drum, but we were too much for them.November 6, 1904: Attended Sunday School services. By invitation took diner with Mr. and Mrs. Gallup in company with Elders Martell and Jenkins and were entertained by his phonograph which is the nicest ever heard. Attended services in the evening and I spoke on the 6th Article of Faith.December 16, 1904: A telegram came from Hood River requesting that two Elders come up to attend the funeral of an infant child of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Snider. Elder Wright and I were designated and left on the 9:30 a.m. train and arrived at Hood River 12 noon. Took dinner at Frank Davenport's and rode in a carriage about 3 miles to Snider's home. Held a short service. Accompanied the father to the photographers where a picture was taken of the corpse in the coffin, from there to the cemetery to the interment.December 19, 1904: Administered to Sister Gregory who is near confinement.December 24, 1904: I ran around town doing some shopping and sent some presents home to wife and children.March 4, 1905: We carried our grips and overcoats down to the boat landing intending to take the boat for Portland, but there was none going till next morning. Therefore Elder Quibell and I concluded to cross the river over into Washington and see the saints over there. Paid $.25 apiece to be ferried over. Word was circulated that we would hold a meeting in their school house, at which about 12 or 15 persons came out and we held a nice meeting, good attention, spoke free.March 19, 1905: ...With Pres. Pratt, Elders Quibell, Johnson, and Charles Fritsche consider-ing the organization of the Seattle Branch...Went out on street and held a meeting and from there to the hall for meeting at 7:30 p.m. at which the authorities of the branch and the church were sustained and Elder Quibell was sustained as first and I was sustained as second counselor to Pres. Pratt.April 16, 1905: Attended the Monitor Sunday School, conducted by Mrs. White and of no particular denomination. They had their notice posted that a minister would be there to preach in the afternoon and evening, but he failed to come, so we asked if they would accept

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us as a substitute, and we held a good meeting after S. School and another in the evening. After morning services we went up and swept the hall, cleaned the lamps.

June 10, 1905: Received a letter from wife with a handkerchief for my birthdaypresent.

June 15, 1905: Walked about one and one-half miles into town to attend a funeral. The speakers undertook to tell something of the purpose of our being here and what will be the condition after leaving this life, but they came away short, for they were trying to tell about something they knew nothing of themselves. The things of God are known only by the Spirit of God.

When son Wickliffe turned 8 years old, he wanted to be baptized on his birthday, but his father was still on his mission. On Saturday, February 20, 1905, Uncle Silas Smith took him to the Cottonwood Wash at the west edge of town. A flood was in the wash but Wick was baptized in spite of the muddy water. He was taken to Grandfather Smith's log house and Grandfather Jesse N. Smith confirmed him a member of the Church.

While Walter was gone, Uncle Jesse Bushman helped part of one summer with the farm. Then Lois rented the farm to Rube Rogers. By selling milk and eggs and farm produce, and by boarding the schoolteacher, Lois was able to support her husband on his mission.

Following are entries from John Walter's missionary journal near the end of his mission:August 15, 1905: Spent the day with the elders and Saints out to Woodland Park. Had picnic, racing and games, and the elders had a game of ball in the afternoon. With Elders Johnson and Jenkins, ate supper at Sister Scofields'. With Elder Johnson called on Brother Hawley and talked over with him the trouble between him and Brother Fritsche. Went a short time to the dance and took the train at 11 p.m. for Portland.August 16: Arrived at 7 a.m. After attending class in the morning and reading letters, went downtown with Brother Taylor of Mexico, son of E. A. Taylor, and while down, deposited money for wife's ticket from Holbrook and return. Singing practice in the evening.August 17: Class in the morning. Afternoon called on Sister Becker. She is beginning to get anxious to leave Portland. Also called on Mrs. Jaynes to arrange for bed for the elders we were expecting to come in. Also Mrs. Jorgenson for bed, and had supper with them. Went down on the street and held a meeting.August 18: With Elder Bromley took car and rode out about 8 or 9 miles to Grey's Cross-ing, then walked about 4 miles to see Mrs. F. M. Hudson as she had given me an in-vitation to come out and see her. She was pleased to see us but her son-in-law, E. Eacles was so bitter that he was not willing that we should stay in his house, so after about a half hour, walked back and down to Lent to see Mrs. Trust, but did not find her home. Got dinner at the hotel and returned. Held street meeting in the evening at 4th and Morrison.August 19: Cleaning day. Held street meeting in evening, both on 3rd and Burnside and 4th and Washington and parties got out at both places to oppose us. Their main cry was Mountain Meadow Massacre.

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August 20: Attended Sunday School and services. There were with us Apostles John Henry Smith, Chas. W. Penrose, Rulon S. Wells of the Council of Seventy. Wm. Williams and cousin Clarissa with two of her daughters, two of Jon Henry's girls, also a num-ber of Presidents of Stakes, Bishops of wards and other leading men. Our hall was filled and we had an excellent meeting in the evening, every available place was occupied, there was not even standing room left. Went out with Brother E. W. Johnson and stayed at Sister Peterson's.August 25: Wife arrived at 1 p.m. We got a room at Mrs. Jaynes'. Went out to the Oaks in the evening.August 27: Was a General Conference of the North Western States Mission. Apostles John Henry Smith and Charles W. Penrose were with us and spoke at each of the three meetings; their remarks were excellent. There were also present about 40 elders. Myself and wife took dinner with J. H. Smith; he also gave us $5.00.August 28: Priesthood meeting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. after which we had our pictures taken, then another short session. Heard instructions from President Pratt and the elders were designated to their fields of labor. Ezekiel Johnson, W. JH. Mitchell and myself were re-leased. With my wife spent the evening at Mr. and Mrs. Thomases. She is cousin to the Ramsay boys.August 29: After spending forenoon at quarters, spent afternoon with wife on the Heights and City Park. With the elders held a street meeting on 4th and Morrison. After which with wife went to a vaudeville theater.August 30 and 31: We (wife and Walter) spent at the Fair.September 1, 1905: We (Lois and Walter) spent the day calling on the saints. Called on Mrs. Gross and had dinner; called on Sister Cain. Took car for St. Johns and called on Brother and Sister Oberge and had supper. Called on Brother and Sister Peterson; President and Sister Pratt were there and we spent the evening then went to Brother Holman's and stayed overnight with them.September 2: After visiting with Brother and Sister Holman till about 9 a.m., walked to Brother Smith's and Leaseys, then out to Sister Baureles. From there to Brother Simmons and Westergards and returned to our room about 10 p.m.September 3: I attended Sunday School and services in the forenoon. With wife, had our photo taken. Called on Sister and Brother Holling and attended services in the evening and I gave my farewell address.September 4: We took the boat at 8:30 a.m. up the Columbia River to Cascade Locks and return. Got back at 7:30 p.m. and went to the Fair and witnessed a sham naval battle.

This was the last account John Walter wrote in his missionary diary:Lois spent a fine ten day visit in Portland visiting the great Centennial of Lewis & Clark Exposition with her missionary husband at the close of his mission. They returned back to Arizona by way of the Santa Fe train and stopped off at St. Joseph where Lois had left the children in the care of her parents and brothers and sisters. The happy family returned to Snowflake the next day.

From the journal of Walter F. Smith we read:

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Father went on a mission to California and Mother kept him and prospered. She was a staunch church worker and tithe payer. At the later part of his mission she went to Portland to meet Father and see the fair. We children lived at Grandfather Bushman's while she was away. On their return, we went home and everything seemed to go along real smoothly. Mother kept us in school as usual.

When John Walter came home from his mission in 1905, the family was out of debt. Lois, with her good management, had kept her husband on a two-year mission, provided for her six children and had paid off all the debts incurred from building their new home. John Walter had completed a successful mission. They knew the Lord had greatly blessed them. He and Lois were filled with the spirit of the gospel after this enriching experience and they were desirous of serving the Lord in any way they could. John Walter gave many fine, spiri-tual, faith-promoting sermons in church which strengthened the children's' faith and belief in the gospel. They had great admiration for their father on these occasions.

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CHAPTER FIVE

Trials---Tribulation---TroubleThe next spring after John Walter's return from his mission, another son was born on 27

May, 1906. He was named for his father's mission president, Nephi Pratt.

In June 1906, Grandfather Jesse N. Smith, President of the Snowflake Stake, died. A few months later brother Samuel F. Smith was sustained as President of the Stake in place of his father. Samuel, then living in Holbrook, moved to Snowflake and needed a nice home for entertaining general authorities when they came on church business. Sadie writes in her journal:

After coming home Father wanted to buy another farm. They were out of debt but had no money to buy a farm with. Father sold our fine home~our dream home—to his brother, Samuel F. Smith. Father received enough from this home to buy the farm he wanted.My parents bought a city block a little further south of the town. Father planned to build a cement house, a new building material. He had seen a lot of these kind of houses built in Oregon and they were quite economical. The land was fenced and cor-rals and sheds were built for the stock. It was the fall of 1906 that we moved from our dear home to the old log house of my Grandfather Smith's. This house was empty now as my Grandmother Smith and Aunt Em and family occupied a fine new two-story brick home near by. Our family lived in the log house during the cold winter months. Father and his older sons would get up before daylight and walk in the snow about a half mile to the new lots on the hill to feed their horses, pigs, and chickens, and milk their cows, and then carry several buckets of milk back to the house.In the early spring Father with some help and a carpenter began to build our home. In the late spring our family moved to our land and lived in a tent. Here we children could watch the cement walls of our new home grow up, up, as Father and the men poured the cement mixed into the forms. When the floor was laid for the upstairs rooms, our family moved into the lower part. In August Homer was born before the roof was on. The home was finally finished but it was never as nice as our old brick home. It seemed we were not as happy here. Our parents were worrying over the finances and they seemed to be getting more in debt. In 1911 the 8th boy, Justin Mack, was born here and in 1913 a very welcome little sister, Winifred Lois, arrived in our family.

John Walter had hunches about things he had to do. If he listened to these promptings, things worked out all right. He had two loaded wagons of freight to be delivered to Fort Apache. The men he freighted with did not want to leave until after Christmas. The weather was fine and John Walter wanted to go now. He got his horses and outfit ready and took his little son Wickliffe along for company. Lois fixed a box of goodies to be opened on Christmas Day to especially cheer the little boy. On this trip there were no delays and the freight was delivered in good weather. After a few days travel on the homeward stretch, the rains began. John Walter met his fellow freighters, Locie Rogers, Ellis Stratton, and some of the Willis brothers and they were having a slow muddy time. They were doubling up their teams and taking a wagon at a time over bad parts of the road. Right in the midst of their

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difficulties, John Walter came along on his way home with his empty freight wagons and the teams trotting easily down the slope. With a suppressed smile upon his face, he wished them good luck. He was so elated over the success of his trip that just before he left Fort Apache he sent a telegram home informing his wife of his safe arrival.

Pratt remembers his fifth birthday, May 27, 1911, as follows:I came down the stairs in the old cement house and there was my dad sitting over in the corner at his desk looking over his accounts and one thing and another. I yelled, "Hey, Papa, do you know what day this is?""No, what day is it?""It's my birthday, I'm five years old!"Well, another thing to make me long remember that birthday was that Dad already had a present for me. He took me out to the granary where we hung our saddles and there he showed me a little saddle just right for me. The only trouble was I couldn't find a horse to fit the saddle. It looked like a wart on a log sitting up there on top of those great big horses. Then I found a burro and it looked pretty good on the burro. But all I cared about was that I got a saddle!The saddle wound up years later, after I was grown, at Uncle Preston's. He had eight boys in his family too. One day we came to Dry Lake from Snowflake in our old Ford truck chain drive. Just as we were coming up to the house, up to the yard where the house and barns were, the Bushman layout in Dry Lake, here was little Rex, up on top of the last pole of the pole fence around the corral, just a whipping over and under. There was just enough breeze that was blowing his little old hat back up off his head, and you could just see that horse flying right into nothing, right down the road. That was my old sad-dle. Those Bushman boys enjoyed that saddle with nothing other than the pole fences to ride. So that's how I remember my fifth birthday with my dad.Another story about Dad ~ on the day that Dad was going to ride out to Freeman Hollow and look after some of his stock, he saddled the horse, led the horse out toward the gate, and was going to go through the gate to shut it, and get on the horse and go. I begged him to let me ride in that saddle while he led the horse out to the gate. We went through the gate and Dad turned around to lock the gate. The horse pulled away or maybe he was just standing with his reins down. Anyway, the horse pulled away and started bucking and ran off in the opposite direction. So, about the sec-ond jump I went flying through the air and I didn't know anything after I hit the ground. I couldn't tell you what happened after that because I was out. They hauled me home and when I came to, I was on Mother's lap and she was rocking me and talking with some neighbor friend. I raised up and said, "Hey, where's my Papa?'" "Well, he's gone." I was very disappointed, not that I couldn't ride a bucking horse, but that my dad had gone off without me.

In 1910-12, John Walter and his brother Silas D. Smith got a U.S. Mail contract for de-livering mail from Holbrook to Fort Apache and all the towns in between. When this con-tract expired, John Walter bid alone on another contract, counting on the help of his growing sons, for the years 1912-14. Because of their previous experience, the whole family felt the responsibility; the U.S. Mail must go through. John Walter's three oldest sons, Walter 16,

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Wickliffe 14, and John 12, could be depended upon like men. They had some hired drivers for the mail teams, but the boys took their turns in the summer. Some of the hired drivers were Jerry Porter, Edward and John Webb, Frank Gardener, Moroni Smith, Ellis Stratton, and Alonzo Bushman who later helped drive the car.

John Walter had had an enormous barn built when he had the first mail contract. The woodwork and carpenter teacher of the Snowflake Academy, Professor Alfred Bond, made a proposition to John Walter that if he would furnish the lumber, the carpentry class would build it for free. Professor Bond made a blueprint plan of the barn for the class, with plenty of stalls for horses and cows and room for tons of hay. And so it was built.

Pratt had an experience he remembers in the big barn:Homer had a desire to follow me and to pick my brain and learn all he could and it was almost my interpretation of his following that he was spying on me. So I wouldn't hang around too much. He had dropsy when he was a little fellow so Mother liked him to follow me and go around with me because it was good for his health and helped to get him out. So once something happened that was to Homer's great sorrow and disadvan-tage in trying to follow me.When they were building this great big barn right there on our home block, he had a terrible accident. I wanted to get up on the top to watch them lay the tin on the roof and by going from this level to that level and shinnying up this pole and that pole, I got clear up there and was climbing up those rafters, going right up to the top. Well, Homer, in try-ing to follow me, got up to the manger and then got up into the loft, over to the sta-bles. And that's where the accident came. He stepped on a loose board or something and down he came. Must have been an eight-foot fall, seven anyway, and he cracked his leg on the manger as he went down. I was up on top, looking down to the front of the house and there I recognized Bishop Hunt's horse and said, "Hey, maybe I'm miss-ing something." So I shinnied back down and I hadn't paid any attention to Homer and when I come into the front room and, oh, the dirty looks I got from everyone. "You broke Homer's leg." And Bishop Hunt was there to set that broken leg. Homer, in trying to follow me, had fallen and cracked his leg in the fall. And I got the blame for it.So, long years after the barn was completed, Brother Rencher who married one of Dad's half sisters was up our way and we were all walking together down the road and he says, "My, that's a huge barn. Must have cost about $1,000 to build that barn." And my big brother Nat, not to be overwhelmed by any great man of wisdom and reputation such as Brother Rencher, said, "Brother Rencher, you show me a barn built like that for $1,000 and I'll show you a pig with feathers."

A stable was kept at Holbrook for the overnight team. There were two or three teams at Snowflake, Showlow, Pinetop and the Forks. These stations had to be supplied with hay and grain. Therefore, John Walter, and one or two of his young sons, sometimes two sons alone, were often on a trip with a big freight wagon delivering feed for these stage or mail horses.

Son Wickliffe wrote these memories regarding helping his father with their freighting along with his brother John in the year 1912 when the boys were 16 and 14 years old respec-tively. Older brother Walter would have been 18 at this time:

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During the summer of 1912 my brother John and I did all the freighting of hay and grain to the mail stations for our horses, in order to lay in a supply before it got bad weather. We drove a most dependable team: Grace and Queen.We would haul a load of oats to Showlow and then go to Fry's Ranch, get a load of grass hay and take it to the ranger station down below Black Canyon or take it on to Ft. Apache. There was also a station at Pinetop where we changed teams. Sometimes if we could manage, we had a wagon and team for each of us.In the late fall, about November 30, 1912, the station at Pinetop ran out of hay, so over the weekend, Father sent John and me up with a big load of hay with Grace and Queen. We got within three miles of Lakeside and camped for the night. We were both a little frightened to camp there as we had heard there had been moun-tain lions in the area, but we would not talk to each other about it so we would not scare the other one. There were about three inches of snow. We tied the horses close to the wagon to feed them some hay. We could not make our bed on top of the load because it was so high. Therefore, we spread our bed tarp over the wagon tongue and the double trees to protect us from the wind and made our bed in that nook.We got in bed after eating our supper and the campfire had died down. We both said our prayers and had almost gone to sleep when all of a sudden we heard a noise like a big cat really in distress. It would stop a few minutes and then howl again, each time a little closer. Our horses stopped eating hay. This went on for about one-half hour. We were trembling all over but thought the best thing to do was to lie still and the animal might pass by. We did not carry a gun. He finally went away. After awhile the horses started eating. We felt relieved and finally went to sleep. The next morning we found big tracks only 10 or 15 feet from our campfire. Some months later they killed a big mountain lion near this place.It was hard to keep drivers to drive the mail from Snowflake to Showlow because it was a part-time job. They would leave Snowflake around 4 p.m. and go through Taylor and Shumway then on to Showlow by 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. Then they would get up to leave by 4:00 a.m., arrive back at Snowflake by 9:30 a.m. to make connections with the driver who drove from Snowflake to Holbrook. [Our brother] Walter drove this run a lot of the time while he was going to school, sometimes a full week.One cold evening Walter came home from school sick, so Mother took me and the baby and we made the trip. Usually John and I would go if nobody else could go. Many times when the hired help wouldn't take the night run, Mother would go with one of us boys and take her nursing baby.Another night John and I went on this route and it was quite late after we got above the Solomon Dugway and up through the cedars and started down over the divide. We were both pretty sleepy. Our team was Prince, a big bay horse, and Snip, a bay horse with a white nose. We went through a dip and the rig rolled onto the horses just enough that Prince's tug unhooked from a single tree. He stepped on his tug, causing it to flip up over his back and he started to run. As he lunged forward, he jerked the line from my hand. The horses went down the road full speed. If I pulled on the one line, it would have made them turn out into the rough rocks and tip us over, so we just let them run. The tug was still flipping over his back and exciting him more. It was about six miles to Showlow. We hoped they would run down before we got there. About two miles from

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Showlow there was a freight camp. We yelled at them to stop us. Just before we got to Showlow, Raymond Stratton caught up with us on a horse and we got the other line. He put wire on the tug and we went on our way and Raymond returned to his camp. When he heard us yell he thought there were women on the buckboard. [The boys were still so young their voices hadn't changed.]Another time, Walter was driving the Showlow run. When he left the Taylor Post Of-fice, one of his horses got the line under his tail and broke one tug. Eventually the horses broke loose and the sudden stop threw Walter out of the rig and he hit his head on a tele-phone pole and lay unconscious. A Brother Jensen, who lived in Taylor saw all that happened. When the horses came running home, Father knew something had hap-pened. The other rig was waiting to go to Holbrook. Father jumped in it and started to Taylor. When part way there, he met Brother Jensen and Walter had just gained consciousness. They went back to Taylor and got the mail so the driver could go on to Hol-brook.

From other entries in the same journal, Wickliffe writes:November 1911, the morning of Thanksgiving. I was with Walter on the Showlow run. We were anticipating seeing a big day that day as St. Johns High School was all at Snowflake for a big contest in track, baseball, basketball and some other con-tests. As we came down the road above the Solomon Dugway, it still was not day-light. We could see a big fire. It looked too far away to just be a campfire. When we left Shumway and came over the high hill, we could see it was in Snowflake, but it looked like our big hay barn. We were really worried and scared. Finally, as we came around the hill a mile above Snowflake, we could see that it was our Academy school building. There was no contest that day~St. Johns went home.

Following are writings from letters of John Walter's son John C. Smith telling about helping his father drive the mail route:

One-team buckboards were used almost exclusively from Snowflake to Fort Apache. We used white tops from Holbrook to Snowflake until the advent of the Stanley Steamer in 1912. Due to alkaline water which clogged the Steamer's boiler every three months requiring it to be replaced at a cost of $400, we changed to the Studebaker in 1913. We had two of them. Walter and my Uncle Alonzo Bushman were the princi-pal drivers. Driving cars on those early freight roads was a real problem. Fact is, Father made, and graded a new road just for cars, about two miles west of the old Holbrook to Snowflake road, from the five mile wash south of Holbrook to the seven mile wash north of Snowflake. To keep teams off the road we planked the washes and gullies with two planks only for the car to run over. Father tried to get the county and/or state road commission to help out in this but they wouldn't turn a hand.With the team schedule for the mail we carried on about the same as the ACMI ran it and others for some time back I guess. The outfit left Holbrook at eight or nine in the morning and after a brisk drive, trotting not galloping as one sees in the movies these days, it would reach Snowflake around five P.M. Then the buckboard would take the mail with one of the best teams on the route always, and be in Showlow about ten P.M. via Taylor and Shumway. At four o'clock A.M. it would be on its way back to Snow-flake so that the outfit there might make an early start for Holbrook. Thus you see that

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half of the route, before we got cars, required three drivers. One left Holbrook each morning for Snowflake and one left Snowflake each morning for Holbrook. And one took the mail to Showlow each evening and after a few hours rest returned with the same team, this was the hardest run of all and at night.From Showlow to Fort Apache, the last half of the route, there were two drivers, one leaving each place each morning and passing at the noon of day, near the middle of the run. This route served Lakeside, Pinetop, Cooley, The Forks, some ranger stations and other places with Waysacks, and White River. We maintained a relay station where the horses were exchanged by each driver going either way, first at the Forks of the road as it is called just below Cooley, and later we moved the station to the ranger's station further down some four miles south of Mary's Hole.We followed the bottom of the canyon in those days and for much of the year it seemed the road had no bottom beyond that. Dan Mills and Cal Stratton both of Showlow, handled those drives most of the four years Father had the contract and they had been driving the same route sometime before that. Their salary was $60 per month. We freighted feed, hay and grain, for the horses to Showlow, the Forks and the Fort, and that was a real chore in itself.Our teams were small and fast, recruited from the saddle horse class of the area mainly, and some were only half broke, so it took a lot out of a man and boy, some-times, when they acted up or ran for miles in the dead of night with part of the harness bro-ken and with only one good line perhaps. There was plenty of snow and ice and high wa-ter, mud and gumbo, wind and rain. There were broken down cars and drivers who refused to take over due to bad weather and no one at home but Mother and me and the younger children and a small baby, already it is nine P.M., one foot of fresh snow on the level at Snowflake which depth increased as we neared the mountains. We made it, other times and other conditions, too numerous to mention.But the mail, to my knowledge, got through every day during those four years. Sometimes by horseback and once on foot. Yes, I drove the mail outfit from Showlow to Fort Apache one summer. I was not of age but Father swore in with me and I was accepted. I don't see what the difference was, I knew as much about horses when I was twelve as I know now. Just one interesting sidelight--At the old fort I ate with the soldiers. The first group, troop, were the old run of the mill soldier, $30 per month, they cussed the fate of having to clean their saddles, horses, swords and other equip-ment which the Infantryman didn't have but when they thought about walking, they were all for the Cavalry. The second group who replaced the first were black. They came direct from the Philippines, well via New York, and many of them had married black girls over there. I'll never forget how they exclaimed over the size of the United States. Well, did they ever make a fuss over me, the only white kid, there wasn't enough they could do for me. Now here's the story—this was the troop which accompanied Gen-eral Pershing when he was sent to track down Pancho Villa in Old Mexico. I was well acquainted with most of them. They took a company of Apache Scouts attached to the Cavalry with them. The few Indians who were left at the Fort had to be paid time and a half to keep peace. The Apaches hate the Mexicans, although they understand and talk the Spanish language.

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Following is information regarding the purchase of the Stanley Steamer from memories written by Wickliffe:

Father decided to put an automobile on the run to Snowflake because they were using Stan-ley Steamers on the run through St. Johns, Springerville and into New Mexico on a state highway and having very good success. Therefore, Father decided to buy one. It cost too much (about $3,000) but did a wonderful job. It would make the round trip in four to five hours while it would take the teams six hours one way. My brother Walter was 17 years old on May 5, 1912. He drove the Stanley Steamer all summer. Had to be 16 to get a driver's license. The summer of 1911, Walter drove the team and buggy from Showlow to Ft. Apache (when he was still 16). We relieved Frank Nichols for the summer so he could run his farm. Dan Mills was the other driver. The summer of 1913, I drove the mail up over the mountain while my brother John C. drove the summer of 1914.

There was a sale of old army cavalry horses at Fort Apache and John Walter bought four. They were a light sorrel and two were named Star and Emery. They were being discarded because of their age. In spite of this, they proved most reliable and easy to handle because of their training. Here is an incident of their value and Walter's resourcefulness, as told by son John:

I was carrying the mail from Holbrook in a white-top buggy and had some ex-press and passengers besides. We were stopped at the seven-mile wash, north of Snowflake as one end of the bridge had dropped due to a flood, the results of a typical summer drenching rain in this semi-arid section. Several other people were also held up: two single team Apache Indian wagons; another white-top with the Academy faculty who were just returning home after visits to Woodruff and St. Joseph encouraging enrollment; and there was Burton R. Smith with his single team wagon. Well, in the evening, here came Father from Snowflake with his two-wagon outfit on his way to Holbrook. He was naturally con-cerned about me and the mail. He led my team, each horse singly, across the 20-foot-wide chasm on a

10" x 3" x 24' bridge plank, then with another plank made two tracks for the wheels of the rig. We got everything over. Simple? Sure, but it took Father to think of what to do and then do it. My team was a tall span of matching sorrel

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This advertisement was 8V2 by 11 inches. John Walter used them to adver-

tise his Stage Line from 1910 to 1914.

geldings, the horses Father had bought from the Fort. I noticed no other outfit attempted to follow. They just waited until the flood subsided.

The later part of 1913, John Walter used an automobile between Holbrook and Snow-flake and also during the next year—the first car service at this time. He first used a big three-seated Stanley Steamer car, but this proved too expensive and he shipped it back to the company. He then bought two Studebaker cars, known for their durability. Roads were not made for cars in those days and they were always needing some. From the journal of son Walter F. we read:

For a few years we did wonderful with our little farm. Finally Father became restless and had to have a change. He and his brother, S. D. Smith, got a contract for carrying the mail from Holbrook to Fort Apache for four years. My first year of high school was lost be-cause I quit to drive the Stanley Steamer. In November I drove the Steamer all winter and spring and as it did not do satisfactory work, we had to part with it at a great loss and replace it with some Studebaker autos. I took a great interest in my father's business and did a lot of hard work.

By July 1914, this mail contract expired. John Walter was broke and he would not take another mail contract. However, he had a bunch of good reliable horses and wagons and a good farm so he started freighting again.

Pratt tells about a couple of trips he took with his father:When night came we would pull off to the side of the road. We'd feed the horses some grain, hobble them and turn them out to grass and then we'd proceed to cook supper. And here is where the trouble started with me and my dad.All my life, whenever I'd go with Dad, I couldn't stand his rice and raisin pudding. I thought raisins in that white rice looked like bugs. Anyway, I would pick the raisins out and put them on Dad's dish and I would eat the rice myself.One night we put the horses out to pasture, hobbled them, and put them out to grass. Then we prepared to get our dinner and roll our beds down. Well, this particular time, Dad's idea for rice and raisin pudding was different. The joke was on me because there weren't any raisins to pick out. He'd made the concession of making straight rice pudding for his eight-year-old boy.Just before I was eight, this happy occasion took place out in Dry Lake. Dad and Uncle Preston Bushman had a joint project of growing dry land grain in that great Dry Lake country and they had a bumper crop of oats. So come harvest time I was employed.—capitalize the word employed—to ride one of the horses and keep the leaders going and guide them in the right direction while Dad rode the thresher. The Bush-man boys came down almost every day to visit with us and watch us work. It was the biggest excitement in the valley, as far as they were concerned. My cousin Garland was going to ride one of the horses, one of the team, with me and so he had to stake his little saddle horse, a little blue Indian pony. Dad told us how to do it. He said to "tie one end of your rope (lariat) to the plank and the other end to the foot of the horse." We thought, okay, we'll go ahead and do it. But when it came to putting the rope on the foot, we thought, "Oh, that's a crazy idea—you put ropes on horses necks, you don't put it on their feet." So, we tied the rope on the horse's neck. About the time we got on our horses and

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started cutting grain, this little pony broke loose and started to run, dragging that plank be-hind him. The rope slipped back on his neck and went right between his legs and it just made him wild. He put a kink in his tail and headed straight for his home barn. Dad, very considerate of little boys and their foolishness, unhitched one of his lead horses, got on and went after the runaway pony. When he brought it back, he showed us the way to stake a horse. So we learned a new lesson that day.

This is a story of how my one brother Wick lost his teeth. He was doing a man-sized job. His father had him driving a four-horse outfit and they had just delivered hay and grain to the mail stations on south over the mountain and they were coming near the little town of Show-low and passing the schoolhouse. Wick was following his father with the two-horse team pulling the third wagon and was sitting high on the spring seat and was watching the kids at recess at the school. It was too bad they had to choose recess time to come by with that team of three wagons and six horses. Anyway, one of those blankety blank kids threw a rock at Wick and hit him right in the mouth. It knocked his teeth out and knocked Wick off his seat. He fell from his seat down into the bed of the wagon. Dad realized something was wrong and he stopped his horses. Naturally, Wick's team stopped when Wick hit the wagon and Dad ran back to see what was wrong with Wick. Here Wick was lying on the floor of the wagon bed with his hand over his mouth trying to be brave about it. When he took his hand away, he had a handful of teeth. It hadn't ruined them but it had broken them and he had just pieces of teeth in his hand.

Dad tried to look around and wanted to really bash some heads but the kids had all scattered and gone back into school. So Dad manipulated his teams until he got on into Showlow which is just half a mile or so. There was no doctor. No help was there at this time. Some comfort was given to that little boy by Sister Wilford who ran the hotel and then about the next chance they had to go to Holbrook, they took him to a dentist and had his mouth fixed. I don't know all the particulars but I just remember how awful we all felt about Wick losing his wonderful teeth. Those teeth were so strong. I remember him picking up the baby who was Justin at that time, picking him up like a dog would pick up a pup, by the clothes on his back. And he picked him up and held him by his teeth. Now he wore false teeth for the rest of his life. That is, they weren't false, but they weren't the teeth he was born with.

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Smith's young sons Walter, age 18, drove the Stanley Steamer one winter, missing a year of school. Wick, age 16 & John, age 14, kept the stations between Snowflake & Fort Apache supplied with hay and

grain for the horses that year.

Back; John, Walter, Wick; Second Row; Phill, Father, Nat; Front Row; Pratt, Homer.

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The experiences that the family endured during this mail business helped to strengthen character and instill pride in the hearts of the children for doing their duty with honor. The mail always got through. In John Walter's dealings with hired help, he never used rough or slanderous language; he told them what he expected of them but never reprimanded them. He had some sta-tion keepers and drivers who did not always work for his interests.

The fall and winter after the mail contract expired Walter decided to better his education so he attended some classes at the Snowflake Stake Academy. He also took a correspondence course from the "American Correspondence School of Law," of Chicago, Illinois.

At the time the cement house was built on the town block, Father Walter had a well drilled and a windmill installed on the northeast corner lot. The family intended some day to build a fine, larger home by this well. The well served water for the farm animals and household use.

Soon after the mail contract expired, the pipes of the well broke and there was no money to repair or drill another well. The animals were taken some blocks away and watered at the ir-rigation ditch. Water was carried from a neighbor's pump for home use. The cement house was cracking up and a big piece fell out of the southeast corner of an upper room. Some canvas had to be used to keep the weather out of it. Lois was never pleased with this way of building a house.

Walter and Lois had the same desires and ambitions for the success of their children, the upper-most being that they would remain true to the faith. In the parents' conscientious endeavors, they taught their children to honor their callings in the Church, to honor the priesthood that they held and to plan for future missionary work. In spite of financial struggle and the demands of work, all was made bearable and livable by daily family prayer, a great faith-promoting ritual, morning and evening, kneeling around the breakfast and supper table. This habit of twice daily family prayer has always been remembered by the children as a stabilizing highlight in their childhood home. Within its circle they learned the power of love for each other, their parents and the Lord which re-mained with them through the hard times ahead. This family of ten children all grew up to be hon-orable members of the Church and society and reached out to keep the family circle intact.

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CHAPTER SIX

THE SEPARATIONJohn Walter and Lois were not getting along; consequently, in the summer of 1915, Lois chose

to raise her family alone. The children all sympathized with her. Walter had the characteristic of generally accepting circumstances as they came along. Now he did not defend his plans and ideas and was powerless to stop the devastating course of events as Lois was so unhappy and disap-pointed with their life together.

Lois was permitted to take some homestead land south of Snowflake. By building and living on it, she would get title to the land. She planned to construct a comfortable home there and provide the children with the opportunities and firm direction she felt they needed. However, there would be no money to do so without selling the cement house. Lois had never liked the cement house. Walter had believed that it would be easier and cheaper to build than a brick house but this had not proven to be true and the house had never come together right. It was not what she had en-visioned for herself or her family. The house she had already paid for and so diligently sacrificed to complete had been sold to another family which now was not only living in her home, but seemed to be living more the kind of life she had hoped for. John Walter and Lois' cement home was crum-bling around them as their relationship with each other was crumbling. The internal reinforcements and the materials with which either was built did not seem to be adequate to withstand the tests of time.

In August 1915, under son Walter's direction, the boys made the adobes for the new home and Elmer Gardner did the mason work. E. F. Chaffee, the contractor, with the help of Harry G. Greaves, did the carpentry work. A lovely six-room convenient home of fine workmanship was finished the spring of 1916.

John Walter lived alone in the old cement house a few months then he deeded the cement house and town property to Lois. Lois was able to pay for her new home by selling some of her cows and the old cement house. She also received some financial help from her father, John Bush-man.

In the fall of 1916, Walter prepared to take his teams and wagons to southern Arizona and work on rented farms as that was his only means of making a living and crops could be raised there the year around. The day before Walter left Snowflake, he came up to the homestead. Sadie re-members the departure:

Only I and the younger children were home with Mother. He brought the deed to the farm and gave it to Mother, which was not expected or required from her as she had not asked for alimony in her divorce. Mother and I both cried~I wanted so much at this time to see my parents have a reconciliation. But Father left and I went outside the house with him and watched him walk down the hill, a lonely man.

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With tears running down my face, I vowed I would write to this good man often. He had always been sort of a pal to me. He never criticized or scolded and encouraged me to be a good girl. I walked on a little farther and stood praying to the Lord to bring them together. The next day some of the children and I went down to the big barn and bid Father goodby as he left with his wagons and teams.

Nathaniel's memories of his Father. Taken from his Journal.I have fond memories of being with my Dad the last few years before he left. I was always handy with horses and he would take me with him to drive a team on the freight road and haul supplies for the mail stations along the route from Holbrook to Ft. Apache. I was with him, together with my brothers, when he closed down the operation when the mail contract expired. The times we camped out he would cook the meal and I would round up the horses when it was time to hitch up. He was always quiet, never talked much. I never heard him swear or curse, when he was angry he would say "by thun-der."I shall always remember the day he left. Little did I realize that I would not see him again for 20 years. I was about 13 years old. I stayed around while he loaded the big wagon with all his belongings and hitched up his four big horses to the wagon and got up on the wagon to drive off. I stood watching. Then he got down and took me in his arms and kissed me goodbye. I can never remember of him kissing me before or since. Then he got back on the wagon and said, "You shut the gate and be a good boy," and then he drove out. I shut the gate and was supposed to go on to school as I was late already, but I just stood there and watched him until he was out of sight. I remember the sad-ness that was in my heart as I stood there watching him go and pondering about his future and mine. My Dad had gone out of my life. Little did I realize what a tragedy it was to have a broken home.

John Walter took a load of freight to Fort Apache on his way south and was accompanied by his half brother Lehi L. Smith, who also took a freight outfit to the fort. When Lehi re-turned, he told Sadie of his sad parting with her father.

Walter worked on farms in Ashurst and Ft. Thomas, Arizona. In 1917, he took a train trip to see his son Walter F. who was training in the U.S. Navy at San Diego, California.

In the fall of 1919, son Wickliffe with wife Blanche and small son Gerald, went to Ashurst, by team and wagon to work with his father on a farm. Blanche was an understand-ing and kind daughter-in-law and with her good sense of humor and good homemaking abil-ity, John Walter enjoyed a few pleasant years with them. He lived with them until 1925. Then Wickliffe and family moved to Tucson where he attended evening classes at the Uni-versity of Arizona and worked in the daytime for a dairy. John Walter then went to Duncan and worked on a farm, then he rented a big farm at Virden.

Now, much change had taken place in the family at Snowflake. In the fall of 1919, Sarah (Sa-die) married Harry G. Graves. Later the spelling of his name was changed to Greaves. The wedding was in Lois' new home. John C. was on a mission in the North Central States. In September 1920, Walter F. went to St. George, Utah and married Eleanor Seegmiller and attended Dixie College. The next year Nathaniel A. and Phillip O. went to St. George and attended school and in the summertime, worked with their brother Walter in Nevada.

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Lois and family had lived in this lovely six-room home for seven years. Her great desire was to have her children get a college education and for this reason she planned to move to Salt Lake City. She could work on genealogy there. However, she could not find a buyer for this nice home. So, it was left in the care of a relative and they hoped to sell it later. In July 1923, the Lois B. Smith family bade Snowflake farewell and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah.

The children who went with Lois to Utah were: John C, recently returned from his mission; Pratt; Justin; Winifred; and married daughter Sadie with her husband Harry and their two children, Cleah and George. Homer came by train with Grandfather Bushman and the furniture. The Family traveled together in two Ford cars. Nathaniel later came and joined the family in Salt Lake City and here they were active in the 18th Ward. Sadie and Harry and their family lived in the Central Park Ward. Phill stayed in St. George with Walter & family.

While John Walter was in Virden, he was active in the ward there and met his nephew, Henry L. Smith and family. John Walter had a strong testimony of the gospel and was well versed in the scriptures. He was active in the Church wherever he resided. He was a Sunday School teacher in the Virden Ward. He was an interesting and inspirational speaker.

Sadie writes:We knew so little about Father after he went to Arizona. By request, Henry L. Smith wrote an account of our father when he lived in Virden and that area.Uncle Walter came to Virden, New Mexico, as I remember it, about 1925. He had a team and wagon, and a few other necessities such as a small cook stove, a small cupboard, dishes and bedding, etc. He rented an 80-acre farm and raised mostly corn. It was a good farm and his crops were pretty good. He pitched his tent under a large Cottonwood which was his base of operations. One of his neighbors once told me how regular he was at milk-ing his cow, usually at noon and midnight. I think it was about 1927, or thereabouts, that the farm he had rented changed hands and he had to move. If I remember correctly, it was at this time that he took a six-month mission to the Central States, where he had the rare privilege of having his son Pratt, (I believe it was) as a traveling companion.

During the time Uncle Walter lived in Virden we did everything we could to help him. He was very independent, and was always afraid he might impose upon someone. My wife, Beatrice, many a time would slip out and tie a loaf of bread or something else in his saddle while Un-cle was at priesthood meeting or church, etc. He would usually leave his horse at our place as we lived just across the street from the church house.

We tried to get him to come and live with us, but he said he would rather be up on the farm so he would be close to his work. Our children all loved him very much and called him Grandpa, as he was the nearest to a grandpa they ever knew. I never knew a man more faithful in attending to his duties than was Uncle Walter. He was a very well-read man, and he loved to discuss and converse about the principles of the gospel.

After returning home from his mission, he gathered together his belongings and went up to Gila, New Mexico and rented a farm there. That was about 100 miles from Virden. One of his neighbors there tells that one Saturday morning she looked out and saw Uncle Walter passing by on his horse all dressed up, and she shouted, "Where are you going, Brother Smith?" "Oh," he said, "I thought I would go up to Sunday School." "Well," said the neighbor, "Better wait 'till

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tomorrow. It's Saturday today." "Well," said Uncle Walter, "I must have lost track of the days of the week."

I believe it was 1930 or thereabouts that Uncle Walter came by with his outfit, headed for Coolidge, Arizona, or down there in that section somewhere. He had a big black stallion which was a well-bred animal, but was not too good on the road. As he had a long way to go, he asked me to trade him one of my horses for that big horse of his, as my horse was younger and could travel much better on the road. I traded with him to help him out.

At that particular time, we were in litigation with the Federal Government over our wa-ter rights, and frequently I would be called to Phoenix, Arizona, to represent our district. After Uncle Walter had left Virden for a couple of days, I was called to Phoenix and went down by car. As we passed by Bylas on the Indian Reservation, I saw Uncle Walter camped out near the Gila River. We went over to see how he was getting along and visited with him awhile. He was on his way to his son's place in Globe. Wick had a dairy in Globe and I learned that he stayed with Wick for a week or two then went on down into the valley where he farmed for awhile. I do not know how long he lived in the Coolidge country. I lost track of him in this move and the next we heard from him he was with his daughter in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Uncle Walter was a wonderful man. He never had any desire to do a wrong to any man. He was the kind of man who would rather suffer wrong than do a wrong. He set a wonderful ex-ample and left a heritage of which his children and grandchildren can be justly proud. Our ac-quaintance with him will always be fondly cherished.

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Sadie was very close to her father. She felt he was a pal to her. Sadie made great ef-

forts to stay in touch with her father after the divorce.

The four older children of John Walter at-tended the Snowflake Stake Academy.

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CHAPTER SEVEN

JOHN WALTER SMITH'S SECOND MISSIONIn the year 1926, the Church called all men who were willing to go on a short term mis-

sion which was supposed to appeal to the farmers of the church. Since their crops were laid by, all they had to do was routine chores and they could be helping with the missionary ef-fort. A lot of men responded and among them was John Walter Smith. He asked to go to the Central States Mission and while he was there the President agreed to send him down to the Arkansas District to visit his son Pratt. Pratt had been called as a missionary from the 18th Ward in Salt Lake City. Now these two had the rare privilege of serving as traveling com-panions on their missions. Pratt tells about his mission labors with his father:

When Dad got down there to the conference, they had put in a new conference president and they were short of missionaries. So President Bennion said, "Well, Brother Smith, I'll let you stay here and labor in this conference." Which he did and we traveled together until the next conference which was about three months. Then I got transferred to another companion but he went home early, so Dad came and traveled with me again which was convenient and we were together about two more months. We traveled together about a total of five months.Now, we wanted to get back to some people we had been to before and the ride we got took us almost to there and when we got there the house was all dark and we didn't want to disturb them so we went over to the schoolhouse and put up for the night in the school-house. We'd lay out on a bench and Dad got one of these great big Webster dictionaries for a pillow. And when he got up the next morning, he said, "My goodness, that's the hardest book I ever had my head in." He had a good sense of humor.Dad was a good missionary because he could read people. An illustration to that was at Paragould, Arkansas. We were coming in to visit a family of Saints there: Sister Conrad and four or five children, seemed like a couple of teenaged girls and then some little squirts. I can't remember what Brother Conrad's business was but he had regular busi-ness hours. He was very gracious to all the elders but had never felt ready to be baptized. I had never been there before but the report from other elders who had been there before was always very favorable. Sister Conrad was just the highest type of Mormon. Well, Dad, evi-dently because he didn't want to be caught talking to kids entirely, or women, had a lit-tle man-to-man conversation with Brother Conrad and that went on into the gospel. We were there two days and Brother Conrad said to me, "Well, why haven't you Eld-ers set down and talked to me like this? I've learned more in the last day with your father than I ever knew before in my life about religion."But anyway, after we had left there, long after Dad had left the mission to go home, I got word toward the end of my mission that Brother Conrad had been baptized and I wanted so much to go there and congratulate him and I know that he would say, "It was Elder Smith Sr. who converted me to the gospel. Amen."I remember another family. The father's name was Lester Rush. He had a furniture business with his brother-in-law. Brother and Sister Rush had a daughter Frances who was the main-

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stay of the Sunday School, leading the singing, teaching the classes and everything else. She worked in a big office down on the main street of the town just over the river from Oklahoma. They had a crippled sister and a crippled brother. Both born crippled. The sister died and then I heard later that the other sister had died. The mother was just a nice old grandma type. But this is where Dad started saying that the elders were too much at home here. They had to behave themselves when they ate dinners at the Rushs! Dad said that was typical all the way through his mission. He kept talking about that. He told us, "Don't be afraid of the better class of people. We've got to make Mormons out of all of them." He told us to go to them and preach and not just spend our time with the poor people. They are flattered to have a well-dressed young man come stand on their porch and talk to them.About this time in our literature from our mission headquarters there was talk of a speech by Senator Smoot that he gave at conference in Salt Lake City. He said we should be carrying the gospel to the educated people. You have to be a little sharper and a little smarter to talk to an educated person than you do to a dumb farmer. Well, for Dad, that was strictly according to his gospel and according to the way he thought. He thought too many of our members were of the lower ranks like sharecroppers. They didn't even own the land, they were just farming it and maybe they could make a bale of cotton a year out of the land and that bale of cotton was worth maybe $500. And that was their levy for the year. So they would buy some coffee and syrup and a lot of corn meal and put it in the wagon and head the mules back down the road to go spend another 12 months. He thought the gospel should be shared with the more educated people.When I was traveling with Dad, I tried to fix it so he was the speaker of the day. We would sing together and stuff like that and I would walk among them and maybe we would hold two street meetings on a Saturday. We couldn't hold a street meeting on any other day. That was their religion. "For five days thou shalt labor and go to town on Satur-days." Dad was good in a hall or when we would have conferences. Of course, he was only at two conferences and then he went home. But I paved the way a lot for Dad, I know that. Because he had been away from it for so long, it took a little while and then pretty soon we started to see him blossom forth in the way he would speak and talk to people and everything.As far as Dad was concerned, he was a good speaker and he knew how to put reason into it. He never would hold the Bible and read out of it because he had to have his glasses on to read, but he could quote and tell stories about what was in it. He'd say, "You look in about the 5th Chapter of Luke and you'll find this." And he would tell the story that way. He knew the scriptures very well and held to them. "Maybe you don't think this is im-portant, but I'll tell you, Matthew thought it was important, and he said something like this..." That is the way Dad would present it and when we would have the meeting in the hall or something like that he was very good at it. I thought he was good.Dad had an easy way of meeting people, both when we were out in the country trading or if we were doing city work. In other words, Dad was a good salesman and he made a good missionary. He didn't have a bombastic way in his preaching, but was just sincere in putting across the point. He was a little bit like a good attorney. I think that his experience in church in his younger years was in teaching a Sunday School

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class or a Mutual class. He didn't ever hold an executive job but his ability to hold conversations was good. He could make a point and would hold it and keep coming back, giving illustrations and keep coming back to that point again. He could tell it right. He had it right in his head.

When he went on his mission he didn't have any extra money so when he went through his money, he quit. But he stayed out there five months. He was a good missionary. That mission did him a lot of good. Dad was one of the best missionaries that ever hit Arkansas.

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CHAPTER EIGHT

LIFE ALONEThe family knew little about John Walter after he went to southern Arizona. Following

are letters written by John Walter to his daughter Sadie in the years 1918 through 1932. They tell of some of his activities and also the many towns he had to move to in order to get work.

San Carlos, Ariz. Feb. 24, 1918My Dear Sadie -I have got back to work again. I had a very nice trip and visit that I would not have missed for a considerable. I think it did Walter good as well as myself.I received your letter and photo, it looks nice, won't do to praise any you will think it is just flattery. I don't think I could better my condition any by coming up there, although I should like very much to have your company as you could be a great help to me and I could be a help to you. If you don't get the kind of a job you want when you com-plete your course and think you would like to try school teaching I think I can get you a good position in a school down here. If you think anything about this decide soon for will have to apply early. As ever your father, J W Smith

Cork, Arizona March 24, 1918My dear Sadie -I received your letter of the 11th last Sunday when I went to Ft. Thomas and got my mail, continue to address me there.I don't know how long we will be located here, maybe two or three weeks. I was out today to Sunday School and meeting. I don't often have the opportunity but when I do I try to improve it. You have cause to feel very much complimented for the other day as I was showing your photo to some of the men, they remarked you looked very much like me. You will find enclosed a check for $10.00. I have so many accounts to meet and have been so far behind that it seems like I don't catch up very fast. Let me hear from you occasionally your affectionate father, Jno Walter Smith

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Ft. Thomas, Ariz. June 1, 1918

My dear Sadie -

I received your letter of the 19th May- perhaps about the time you received my last letter, you must try and write to me often even if I do neglect you. I haven't had a word from Wal-ter for a long time, if you have any late news from him I wish you would let me know. I certainly did appreciate my visit with him, I would not have missed it for anything and I think he enjoyed it equally as well as I.I just received a letter from Wick in which he told me he intended getting married this June confer-ence. He also stated that the Bishop had proposed to your mother to send John on a mission for the church, which I think will be the best thing to do. I am working now with the farmers, have been helping harvest their grain. It has been very cold here all the last week, almost freezing every night. The second crop of hay here is al-most ready to cut. I am having an excellent opportunity to study the conditions and possibilities of this valley and cannot but see that a great many of the failures are due to slip shod ways of so many of the poor farmers.Give my regards to Uncle Silas and Aunt Maria and also Aunt Ellen, and if you ever see your grandfather and grandmother (Bushman) tell them I often think of them and wish a kind remem-brance. I trust you will make the most of your time in school and that it may prove a blessing to you, but remember that it is not so much the education we get from others as it is the education we give ourselves. And after all the best thing is to get a

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good a noble husband and be sealed for all eternity and raise an honorable family. May the Lord bless you, Your affectionate father, Jno Walter Smith.

Ft. Thomas, Ariz. Dec. 1, 1918My dear Sadie -I received your letter of October 30th all right and have rather neglected you. We are allowed no gatherings at all. Today I have been thinking of home and wondering if the Smith relatives were not having their annual reunion. And I haven't heard from over there and wondered if this last big storm wasn't rather severe, and poor Wick, how is he getting along carrying the mail over that long dreary waste. I fear there is too much worry and exposure in that job to be profitable. I don't know which job would be preferable a mail carrier or a soldier. There has been very few cases of the flu in this neighborhood, but has been worse farther up the valley. I am doing fairly well nothing to complain of, as ever your father.

Ft. Thomas, Ariz. May 4th, 1919My Dear Sadie:I have been thinking a great deal of you and of your situation among men and felt that I must write you a good plain letter of warning; for you to be very careful about how you act, and how you receive courtesies of men; you are innocent and unsus-pecting, but the minds of most men are evil and full of deceit and corruption. There are many nice girls from this valley who have gone out to work at outside towns such as Globe, Miami and Cliffton who have taken up with men just because they had a little money and could make a show and appear nice, but they were immoral and full of disease; and the health, the bodies, and the lives of those who became their wives were wrecked as the consequences of their crimes. We talk about sacrificing our boys to be soldiers but there is some honor about offering ones life for his country; but to sac-rifice our girls to be wives for libertines and whoremongers is worse than dishonor—it is crime.The purpose of marriage is and should be for the rearing of a family but when the gen-erative organs are killed by the diseases of immorality, a woman might just as well be in her grave as to be a living tool for debauchery. Don't think that the only ones to be suspicious of are the outsiders or gentiles, for I have found even among Mormons, charac-ters to be avoided even where I least expect it. As you are among entire strangers if any should offer advancements before you return their courtesies, inquire well into their life's habits and characteristics. We are in the image of God, the great creator and he has implanted within us the powers of creation, and if we kill those powers through sin, we kill our chances for Godship, for if we are not creators we cannot be Gods. Can a man be a creator alone? No! Neither can a woman; thus the man is not with-out the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord. And as God created them male and female and said they should be one, what did he mean, one what? One

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creator. Thus we sing: In the heavens are parents single No, the thought makes reason stare Truth is reason, truth eternal Tells me I've a mother there.Read also Doc. & Cov. Section 132. Marriage is a very high and honorable position, and in accepting the high honors and obligations it brings, one should not be deceived but should thoroughly know their companion, or at least sufficient so they could enter it with full trust and confidence. Perhaps I have said enough but as you are deprived of your father's watch care, I have felt that I must at least give you this much advice and warning. You are old enough and with the experience you have had, I trust you can appreciate it. You are like as a lamb among wolves; so do not be afraid to advise with me. May heaven guide and guard you. Your affectionate father, Jno W. Smith

Ft. Thomas, Ariz June 8, 1919My dear Sadie -I received your letter a few days ago and your birthday remembrance tonight which is highly appreciated. You all can remember the 10th of June and I hope you always will remember it. But I cannot remember your birthdays and I have no records and no place to keep it if I did have one, what little I do have is scattered, scattered.Walter is in the United States and writes that he hopes to get a discharge and be home by the middle of this month, but don't be disappointed if he doesn't come for the peace treaty hasn't been signed yet.I have been hoping that I might be able to come down and see you while you are there in Phoenix, but as time advances I don't seem to be getting any nearer towards coming. The harvest is now on us and then there is something coming right along all the time. The weather is getting quite warm here during the day but the nights are al-ways cool so a person can sleep well.I don't know where you are working now or what pay you are getting, but I have been wondering if you could not do better if you could get a Post Office job they pay from $1000 to $1800 a year for clerks. There is now an opening up here at Stafford if you want to try for that position it might pay you to write them. And if you would talk with the Post Master there at Phoenix perhaps he could help you to get a position.I don't know as I have anything for to tell at this time but I am always interested in your wel-fare, as ever your affectionate father, John. Walter Smith

Mesa, Ariz May 21, 1922My dear Sadie -I received your good kind motherly letter sometime ago and I tell you it was appreci-ated. It is a shame that I am so negligent in writing and especially to you for you have been so good and faithful in writing to me through the long years, and what would have been my condition if it had not have been for Sadie.

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Phill has been with me today and we went to church with Lon and Edith. There are so many people here that I know, And it is so different from the Gila.It is warming up a little but not at all uncomfortable yet. Some are cutting the second crop of hay and the thrashing has commenced.May the Lord bless you and your little babies, as ever your affectionate, Father.

Ft. Thomas, Ariz. Sunday, last day of 1922Dear Sadie and John -First think I want to thank you for the presents and good wishes, and above all for the kind remembrance.Blanche will have the book devoured before I know it and I almost have to sleep with the slippers on to keep her from getting away with them.Well I know I had ought to write more often than I do, but you see I have got so much property on my hands that it keeps me digging all the time to take care of so much. But then that need not hinder you from writing. I would be pleased very much to receive a letter from you any time and I will try and rob time enough to answer it.Judging from the photo you sent me your little girl must be growing to be a very pretty child. Little Myreel talks plainer than Gerald and she is a little mamma over her fam-ily of dolls. They have no sickness nor colds, we are having such mild lovely weather. Wick has his grain planted and I have been irrigating all the week.Wishing you a prosperous New Year, Affectionately, Jno. Walter Smith

Long Beach, Calif. 939 Linden Ave. Aug. 21, 1923My dear Sadie -Your favor from Winslow reached me in due time and I did certainly appreciate it for I get very little in detail. I trust you will be well pleased with your change and that the change will be profitable.Fred Bushman was here last Friday and Saturday and I spent Saturday afternoon with him and Silas and N.J. I met a great many people here from Snowflake Stake and other parts of Arizona that I have known. The climate here is very pleasant, the sun is shaded by a cloud or fog or there is a nice breeze blowing. I have not seen any hot days like we had in Arizona.May the Lord bless you in your new home. Give my love to all the children. As ever your affectionate father, Jno. Walter Smith

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Ft. Thomas, Ariz. Feb. 10, 1924Dear Sadie -In digging out my unanswered letters I found yours of Jan 9th and I had almost for-gotten it. We are having beautiful weather in fact the winters here as a rule are fine, cold nights and warm bright sun shining days.Wick and Blanche went up to mutual and I am here watching the kiddies and writing letters. There is so little happening here that would be of interest to write to you, Oh yes, Wick has two hens setting.About all our troubles are Dam and Ditch until we can't do a dam thing else, it sometimes gets rather discouraging and dam monotonous. Well we keep well as well as could be expected and are able to eat what we have to eat and all we can get to eat. And have made up our minds to live just as long as we can if we don't amount to much in the world we can help make filling. I would like to see you and those little grandchildren as I have never seen one of them. As ever your Affectionate father - Jno. Walter Smith.

Duncan, Ariz. P. O. Box 161 Q.Oct. 26, 1924 R. Dear Sadie -It has been some time since I received your nice welcome letter but I have neglected answer-ing. It has been perhaps because I have been so on the go and moving.Well we have got away from Ft. Thomas and am thankful for it, and will try it here or at Virden 9 miles above here for a while and perhaps make it my home. I just returned from a trip to Tucson to see Wick. He is having some experience trying to buck school and keep a family, but the experience will be worth more to him than the school.I wish you would take the time and write and tell me all about the boys and what they are doing as none of them ever write to me anymore. What is John doing, and Nat and Phill. Is Pratt and Homer and Justin going to school and what school? What is your mother doing and how is her health? They act as though they thought I had not a care or a thought for their welfare. And how are you and your little babies getting along. Do you think really that you are all any better off away up there (Utah) than you would be in Arizona? I don't mean Snowflake but our State is very liberal in her schools and I would like to see her sons and daughters get the reward. I doubt if there is a school in the west that will surpass the Arizona University at Tucson. As ever your father, John W. Smith

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Duncan, Ariz. R F D #1 Box 78 Jan. 2, 1925My dear Sadie -I have put off writing to you for a long time and the longer I put it off the harder it is to get to write. I used to have a time getting letters from Wick when I would be away, he always complained he didn't have time and he had Blanche to cook and help him.I suppose I have as much time as anybody but when I write something else must lose, if it is just a little sleep.You wanted me to tell you all about myself. Well as I have nothing else to write you won't be offended if I write something about my doing. After two or three years pulling at Wick trying to get him away from Ft. Thomas as I could see we would never make it there, as it took all I could make to keep them living, he finally decided he wanted to go to school, which I am glad of and I bought his half of the stock. But I think he choose rather an inopportune time as he is not helping me any now when I need his help in making the move and I am not able to help him. Well I have made the move, bought a new farm of choice land in a good locality, pure mountain water and good society, mostly people from Old Mexico.I am milking cows, feed calves and trying to get the land plowed and ready to seed the new crop. Am farmer, chore boy, cook and dish washer.I received your card of Christmas greeting, am mighty thankful you can think to write to me once in a while for if it was not for your letters I would know very little about any of you.I greatly appreciate your last letter, it was just what I had been wanting to know for a long time but could not find out.I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year and I hope some day to see those nice little babies, take good care of them.With love your father, Jno W. Smith

Duncan, Ariz. RFD #1 Box 78 April 17, 1925Dear Sadie -I received your last letter last Sunday and was surely pleased to get it and thankful for your expressions of your childhood memories. I didn't think that other letter was your true sentiment, when I received the first I felt like firing a letter right back and tell you some-thing but concluded I'd better wait a little.Ere you feel inclined to censure Faults you may in others view Ask your own heart ere you venture If that has not failings too.

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Find that little poem by E. R. Snow, learn it and sing it, teach it to your children and see if it won't be a help to you. I have trusted that your older children would remember me as you knew me at least, no matter what influence your mother might have over the younger ones.As for my offering help to Pratt, I was not aware of doing such an unpardonable crime. Is it a sin and a crime for a parent to offer aid and succor for one of his erring ones and rescue him from filling a criminal cell and save him from the disgrace that would follow?Your mother claims the law gave her the children, that does not change the fact that I am their father ~Haven't I shown my love for you and tried to help you, even my getting entirely away from you was because of my great love for you. I trust that some day you may know the truth, so far I have borne my load alone.Tell your mother if she will let Homer come down here and help me this summer I will pay his fare down here and pay his way through school at Tucson next winter if he will go there and stay with Wick. I want to know at once. If he is not coming will have to make other arrangements.As ever your affectionate father - Jno Walter Smith

Paragould, Arkansas Sept. 4, 1926Dear Sadie -Your favor of August 16th reached me in due course of time. Our conference was held at Little Rock (the capital) August 12th. From there I traveled with a young elder and Pratt traveled with the Conference President till we got away over here in the eastern part of the state and we had an opportunity to get together again and were sure glad of it.I appreciate what you wrote that Senator Smoot had said regarding how the gospel would be carried to the leading people of the world. We get to preach the gospel to those whom we associate with, and if our converts all come from the lower classes one may judge the kind of people we associate with.While I have been traveling with Pratt we have had the pleasure of presenting the gos-pel to mayors of cities, policemen, lawyers and judges, and politicians, to educators, presi-dents of colleges, professors and teachers of schools, and a number of people of the first rank in society. Our aim has been to get the gospel before all and if those of the upper crust would hear us we would have no trouble getting the under crust to listen.This is a work that the more one does the greater is his enjoyment and as I have realized from the first that my time would be short I have tried to make the most of it, and our joy comes in doing. I don't know when I will be released and am not worrying about it. I would like very much to see you all, but am afraid I won't be able to come that way. May the Lord bless you and Harry and your family, as ever your father, John W. Smith

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Gila, New Mexico Jan. 16, 1927Dear Sadie -Yours of the 28th Dec. reached me the other day, the mail department even can't keep up with me.Well I have been rather negligent in not writing more than I have but since I got home I have been trying so hard to catch up a little and get going again and the time rushes by so fast and when one is inclined to postpone and so on, letters don't get written. Am sorry you are having so much sickness. Trust the sick ones are improving with no serious re-sults as the measles are apt to leave a person affected somewhere and of course at-tacks the weaker parts.Well I came off up here determined to try again, there is no such thing as giving up, one may fail and sometimes a little failure is for the best and we often get our greatest expe-riences through adversity. I trust you will continue to write occasionally as I am always concerned about you and want to know how you are.May the Lord bless and preserve you, as ever your affectionate father, Jno Walter Smith

Gila, New Mexico Dec. 10, 1928My Dear Sadie and family -You are right, I have not been writing to any one. Of course we always can find plenty of excuses.You would like for me to visit you and have your children get acquainted with grand-dad, well. How different to the answer I received when I expressed a wish to learn more about my boys and let them become acquainted with me. I was answered, "We know all we want to know about you."Well I am in hopes I may see you some time. I have worked hard this last year, trying to make something but all my successes have been failures and I have been trying to get away but it seems I am so poor I can't, perhaps by another year I will be able to walk away. I keep well and am hearty. Extend to Aunt Daphne a Merry Xmas from me. And give John and Nathaniel and their families my kind regards..May the blessings of Heaven and earth attend you and may we all inherit that great boon, the gift of eternal life, the greatest gift that our Heavenly Father can give, I desire and pray in the name of Jesus Christ,As ever your father, A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, John W. Smith

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Gila, New Mexico May 5, 1929Dear Sadie and family -I received your letter of April 1st in which you were complaining of the cold. Our days are warm and pleasant but it is still freezing nearly every night.The climate here is very much the same as Whiteriver, Ariz. Our altitude is near 6000', good soil and a big stream of clear pure water. I came here with the hope of buying but am still renting and am not satisfied with conditions as they exist and unless there is a change, this will be my last year here.You expressed a hope that your children might become acquainted with me. Well I hardly dare express a wish or a desire for my life has been one round of disappointments, but it has been my hope for years to be at Salt Lake City at the Conference of April 6, 1930. I am well and working hard but work is life.May the Lord bless you all, as ever your father - John W. Smith

Gila, New Mexico June 30, 1929Dear Sadie & family -I received your reminder of the 17th last evening. I can't take time to go to the post office oftener than once a week. Well its true I haven't a bunch of kids demanding attention but I have a bunch of squealing pigs. And I have no one to wash up the dirty dishes.You say "my children are not all against me." That is one of the surprising things of life to think that after your mother's great effort in wielding all the influence she could mus-ter, to think that one of them could give me a consideration. It was for them that I made the great sacrifice, a partial sacrifice was not sufficient, it must be a complete and absolute.I am proud of my children and if they don't see everything as they should they are not to blame, they don't know all and I don't know that they ever shall.Well, the weather is warm enough now but it looks as though we might get some rain.As ever your father, - John W Smith

Gila, New Mexico Dec. 24, 1929Dear Sadie -You never forget your poor old dad, and I am ashamed that I am not able to return the remembrance. But just now I am cutting every corner and trying to save every dollar to apply on a little place I am buying at Virden. It looked easy at first, I thought I had

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ample, but prices have dropped and almost every avenue has closed and it seems almost impossible to get money. I am trying again if possible to get a place I can call my own. In all of these years of struggle and toil I haven't been able to get ahead. If I make a good crop there is sure something to happen, there will be something to destroy it or a failure in the market so that I never get any thing and the next year up and at it again. And then they wonder why it is that the farmers are all quitting the farms.It is almost enough to discourage the stoutest heart, we exist along from one year to the next. But there is a change coming and I am afraid it is nearer than we anticipate. While our nation and England are making great overtures for peace it seems to me that the war clouds are hovering mighty low. There is trouble brewing between England and Rus-sia, and the colored races are galling under the domineering and oppressive rule of the white man. "The slaves are rising against their masters" and "the remnants of the land are be-ing angered against the gentiles," note the trouble in Haiti and the U.S. Marine rule in Nicaragua. All pointing towards the fulfillment of prophesy.I didn't think of writing this way when started but it's all right. You mentioned in one of your letters last winter how you disliked the long cold winters up there and looked with longing eyes to the sunny south. Well I will be pleased to invite you to come and join me in my new house. I like it the best of any place I have found in these parts, good cli-mate and good society. Harry may not find so much to do at his trade but he can learn to farm and you can raise chickens and turkeys and pigs and calves and babies.May the Lord bless you with a prosperous New Year, as ever your father, Jno W Smith

Virden, N.M. Mar 23, 1930Dear Sadie & family -Of course you will have to keep on writing if you expect me to write to you. Writing at night is almost out of the question with me and there is always so much to see after on Sundays. I am obliged to forgo my long expected and hoped for and planned for trip to the Centennial Conference. Together with the expense of moving and right now is the main planting season, so I can't leave. But we hope to have a radio installed and hope to catch some at least. We had a splendid rain last week, a regular soaker. If George is so anxious to get out on a farm let him come to me. While I am not fixed just now I hope to be better situated another year. The very best schooling is to learn to do by doing and if he (George) can get out where he can learn to handle and care for stock, will be the best schooling he can have.Give my regards to John and Nat. If I don't get to write each of you a separate letter, you hear from me occasionally. Your father, John W. Smith

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Virden, N.M. Aug. 31, 1930Dear Sadie & family -It is sometime since I heard from you and if I expect a communication I must do something to keep the channel open. You stated in one letter "that you hoped I had my plant-ing all done," you don't seem to realize that this is a land of one continuous round for as one crop comes off another is planted, have just finished planting my fall crop of potatoes and setting out late cabbage. "Will plant wheat this week or next for winter and spring pas-ture. My crop so far this year is not very flattering. Some of the damage was caused by frost and heavy rain and flood and part through ignorance, but of course hope to do better in the future.May the Lord bless you all. As ever your father, John W Smith

Miss Haricleah Greaves -My dear little grand-daughter. You have the honor of being the first of my grand-children to write me a letter and I trust you have started something that you will not regret but that you will continue to remember your grandpa to write me a letter. There isn't any of my grandchildren living where I may visit them and get acquainted with them so we must form an acquaintance through writing. If I am deprived of the blessing and privilege of associating with my own children and grandchildren, yet I have my brother's children and their children to visit and they seem to appreciate my vis-its as much as tho I were their grandpa. May you grow to be a nice good girl, helping mamma and papa and be good to them. As ever your grandpa, John Walter Smith

Florence, Arizona April 5, 1931Dear Sadie & family -It's a shame that I have neglected writing to you like I have but I trust you will excuse me if you can only understand the circumstances.I wouldn't write to you at Virden until I knew something definite. After I gave up the place I was on I commenced hunting for a place to rent and after trying from one to another for over two months I decided to come here. I threw some horse feed and my bed and chuck in the wagon and came here and left cows, tools and everything.Even after I got here it took some time to find what I wanted and even after I found it I came near moving off. Since I finally settled I have been so rushed and I can't write at night and Sundays there is always something. (So much for excuse)However, I am here and getting a little crop started and have hopes of making a little. I am doing all my work with borrowed tools and it takes so much time chasing them back and forth.

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I have been wondering how you are getting along, does Harry have work? If not how do you live? If you were only here with me, my stuff will soon be growing and we can live. I haven't any money to send to you but if you were here I could feed you. Let me know at once how you are getting along for I am anxious to know.

Florence, Ariz. Dec. 13, 1931Dear Sadie -Your favor of Oct 14th received in due time, but am on the move again and don't know where I am going. I made a trip to Douglas looking for a market for produce and also for a place to move to. Saw Homer and Justin in Tucson. Also made a trip to Snow-flake. Aunts Janet and Augusta are looking quite aged and feeble.I came here with nothing and am going away with less, no market for anything. I have tried to eat all I could so have got that much out of it. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a pros-perous and happy New Year. Don't write until you hear where to write. Affectionately your father, John W Smith

Franklin, Ariz. April 3, 1932Dear Sadie & family -I expect the time has about arrived that I should begin to think about my annual message or epistle which ever you prefer. Franklin is in Greenlee Co., 3 miles south of Dun-can and borders on the New Mexico line and on the south side of the Gila river. Virden is 6 miles farther up the river and is on the north side and is in New Mexico. The season is long enough here to mature cotton and usually some cotton is grown here.This spring has been very cold and backward but we are in hopes warm weather has come now to stay. I don't know what to write about, there are no smart tricks or cute sayings of the baby's to tell and I have no little calves or pigs nor chickens to tell about, although my neighbor has a cute little curly black pup dog, he also has two white horses, one black cow some chickens and a pig. The sun it riz in the east and sets in the west and the same moon shines here that shines in Manassar, and the world jis keeps on going round an round and round.If anybody gets out of work and can get nothing to live on they blame it on to Hoo-ver. If we have a spell of windy or stormy weather its all Hoover's fault; the most powerful President the U.S. ever had. We thought after such a wet winter that there would be plenty of good grass but the cows are getting poorer and the horses are eating loco. I have managed so far to find something to eat even if I do go ragged and dirty. If you or any of your kin should come by this way just please call on John Walter Smith if he shouldn't be at home, just walk in and get supper ready and he will soon come.

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Franklin, Ariz. May 15, 1932Dear Sadie & family -After two or three attempts at writing to you will try again. We have had a very cold and backward spring, the late freezing has done considerable damage, espe-cially with fruit and early grain. I usually stick pretty close on the place. Sunday is about my only day off when I attend Sunday School and church, so I am not very well loaded with gossip. No doubt you learned of Aunt Augusta's death. Have the children write, would like to see what improvement they are making in school.May the Lord bless you and may you be able to get something to live on during these hard times. As ever your father, John Walter Smith

Franklin, Ariz. June 12, 1932Dear Sadie -Many thanks for the birthday remembrance and the present.You mention that Aunt Daphne often calls up and I wondered if you ever go to see her and do you realize that she is your father's only living sister.Now on account of the present political crisis and what I fear I see in the near future I want to give you the warning to get out of Salt Lake City as soon as you can. (Why what's the matter?) In a few days the Rep. convention will convene at Chicago to nominate Hoover for re-election. About two weeks later the Dems will convene to nominate who? And whether it shall be Al Smith or Al Capone he will be elected, he will be a Tammany Hall product and will have the sanction and approval of the Pope at Rome and will be elected by the influence and power of the Pope and his administrations must be sanctioned by the Pope. The Labor Unions and all the Fraternal orders are organizing up to the last man. What for? There is a reason in all of this. If there isn't a drastic change immediately and something definite done we will be in a vortex of anarchy inside of twelve months. "The devil will be given power over his own dominion," and Salt Lake City will be one of the greatest hell holes in the U.S., all who will, will be forced to flee for their lives. I give you this warning that you may have the opportunity to dispose of your property and get out while you can. I want you to give the warning to the boys, but it is not for publication.I trust the Lord will watch over you and preserve you, as ever your father, Jno. Walter Smith

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Franklin, Ariz. Sep. 8, 1932Dear Sadie -In reply to your favor of Aug 14th will say - Yes the Lord is able to take care of His saints, but how do you suppose he is going to take care of them if they will not do what they are told to do?I warned you in my last letter that if you wished to dispose of your property while you can get something for it you had better do so right away and get out of Salt Lake City and asked you to pass the warning on. Again I give the warning and ask you to pass it on to the boys if you do not their blood may be on your skirts. Read Matt. 24: 15, 21, 22, and Luke 17: 32. Don't hug to yourself the delusion that because you are in Salt Lake that you are all right. Wasn't Jerusalem called the Holy City?On Aug. 13th Henry and wife and mother and Jesse and Emma and I went in a car over to Snowflake. Spent Sunday, had a wonderful fine short visit with Aunt Daphne and Samuel and back home Monday. I am doing all right and am well if not as young as I was 20 years ago. As ever your father - John Walter Smith.Wick doesn't write much oftener than you do. I had a letter from him some time ago, he stated the price of milk was so low he was just barely making expenses, his address, is - New Modern Dairy, Globe, Ariz.

Sadie answers her father's letter:

Salt Lake City, Utah September 24, 1932Dear Father:I received your letter some weeks ago. I am glad we have a subject now to talk about that will keep your letters coming.I gave the boys your warning. They all said that there had been prophecies that in the last days the people would flee to the Saints in the mountains for safety.You have not told me where you got your warning and where we should go to. Provo, or St. George?I surely feel like these times are strenuous. It makes any one think how the problems of this age will be solved. I don't think it will make much difference whether this nation is ruled by Dem's or Rep's these times have been foretold and are bound to come. I think though that when the capitalists cease to rule and the rich cease to rule the poor that better times will come. Have you warned the other relatives here (Nephi Jensen and Aunt Daphne?)I saw Aunt Daphne to a birthday party given for Aunt Maggie Jensen. She told about seeing you at Snowflake.

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I just get hungry to go back to Snowflake on a visit and see my old playgrounds. We are too poor to take any vacations. Hope you are well and are being blessed.

Your daughter, Sadie

Duncan, Ariz. Oct. 20, 1932 R.D. Route 2, Box 74My dear Sadie -

You will note in some of my former letters that I told you that the Democrat nominee would be elected, who ever he might be. And if you wanted to get the money out of your property you had better dispose of it while you could and get out of Salt Lake City. The Democrat nominee was elected, by what power was he elected? The Catholic Church declared after the election of 1928 that if they failed then that they would get the next President. But you say Roosevelt is not a Catholic. Roosevelt is not a Henry Clay either. He is a politician and he was running for President. In the D & C we read "And the devil will have power over his own dominion." What and where is his dominion? In the Book of Revelation we read from what source the kings and rulers of the earth will receive their power. You may think we have been having a hard time under Hoover's administration but just wait and see what the next 4 years will bring. Well if you want to stay in Salt Lake City just stay in Salt Lake City. Affectionately your father, John Walter Smith

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FAVORITE WRITINGS COLLECTED BY JOHN WALTER SMITH

CHARACTER

There has been so much teaching and preaching about building character that a person might think that character might be built like building with brick and mortar or like molding as a statue out of clay.

Whatever else character is, it is not a static thing, it is not fixed or stationary; but it is pliable and changeable; it may be enlarged, polished or refined; or it may be dwarfed or marred or de-graded.

Character may be likened unto a tree. A person may cultivate and prune a cottonwood tree and make of it a very beautiful tree but it will still be a cottonwood; while the oak may grow on the mountain side where it is stunted and grows snarly and scraggly.

Lucifer was just as much a character as was our Savior; Cain was a character as well as was Able. So, in building character, which is your model? What kind of a character are you aiming to build? I may build for myself a very enviable reputation, and some person may slander and de-fame me and ruin my beautiful reputation, but he cannot injure my character that is in my own hands. I alone am responsible for it. I may build it up or I may mar or degrade it.

INTELLIGENCEIt is that which some men are endowed with, which enables them to go through life without

education.

EDUCATIONIt is that which some men acquire which enables them to go through life without intelli-

gence.

THE POOR OLD BACHELOR'S WOESThe poor old bachelor when off to his cold cheerless house he goes,When it snows and the cold wind blows,There will be no one there to greet him he knows.And there'll be no warm fire by which to warm his cold toes and his red nose;So off to his cold chilly bed he goes,With his toes encased in yarn hoseFor fear before morning they might chance to get froze.

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And he covers up his eyes and his nose beneath the bed clothes,Then he puffs and he blows with his head beneath the bed clothes,And he swears that he knows before morning he'll surely be froze.Then he puffs and he blows with his head beneath the bed clothes, And he rubs and he Oh-oo-Oo-sAnd he swears that he knowsNo mortal on earth ever suffered such woes.Then off to his dreamless slumber he goes.Then when the cock crows,Out comes his nose from beneath the bed clothesAnd he sees on his window the cold snows,And hears how the cold wind blows.He knows if he should get up and put on his cold clothes, he would surely befroze.So back goes his head beneath the bed clothes.He will just take another doze.These are only a very few of the poor old bachelor's woes.

WHEN SHALL PEACE COME

Can the people of the United States or the people of the whole world do anything to divert the wars and the great destruction that is coming on the world?

Yes! There is one thing they can do and the only thing they can do to divert the great destruction that is coming on the earth, and that is to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the gospel of peace and love. As long as envy, jealousy, hatred and strife exist and the unsatiable greed for wealth and power exist in the hearts of men, there will be no peace-there can be no peace.

When men in power have learned to rule with equity and justice and can deal honestly and justly with one another—when there is a spirit of brotherly love and peace abounding in the hearts of all men we shall have peace and not until then.

FROM JOHN WALTER SMITH'S THOUGHTS ON "JOY"Does gold make the blood run thicker or make it any more blue? I am thankful that there is

one who can see beneath the tinsel and dazzle of jewelry and silks; and can even read what is beneath the ragged coat.

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Your Name

You got it from your Father - ‘Twas the best he had to give,

And right gladly he bestowed it;It is yours the while you live.

You may lose the watch he gave you, And another you may claim

But remember, when you’re tempted,To be careful of his Name.

It was fair the day you got it, And a worthy name to wear;

When he took it from his Father - There was no dishonor there.

Through the years he proudly wore it. To his Father he was true

And that name was clean and spotlessWhen he passed it on to you.

It is yours to wear forever, Just as long as you shall live;

Yours, perhaps, some distant morning -To another boy to give.

And you’ll smile as did your Father -Smile above that baby there;

It’s a clean name and a good nameYou are giving him to wear.

--Anonymous

This was one of John Walter’s favorite poems.

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CHAPTER NINE

RETURN TO HIS FAMILYAfter returning to Gila, New Mexico in 1926 following his mission, John Walter worked

on various farms. The Depression was coming on—an unfortunate time for farmers. In his lonely hard work on rented farms, with barely enough to sustain him, and no encouragement from anyone, he thought, "Why do I stay here?" He had a premonition to break loose from this way of life and live his remaining days among his children and grandchildren—these were his loved ones. All had honorable families and were true to the faith which made him rejoice. Therefore, in June 1934, he sold his cow and came to Utah by bus to visit his married children. He first came to St. George to see Walter F. and Eleanor and family, then to Phill and LaVern's at Panguitch, then to Salt Lake City where he visited at the homes of Sadie and Harry, Nathaniel and Lydia, Pratt and Laura, and John C. and Sally at Woods Cross. He also visited with his aged sister Han-nah Daphne Dalton. Son Homer B. was on a mission in Texas.

Sadie remembers:I will always remember the happy expression on his face and his jubilant attitude in seeing the grandchildren—it was time he came.When Father first came to Salt Lake City, he spent most of his time at my home. He com-mented on the beautiful stories in the Bible, how they could be put into moving pictures or in pageants for the benefit of the young people. He spent much of his time studying and writing. Father composed a pageant about the resurrection of the Savior, taking the story from both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, showing scenes on both continents. I was glad I could type the script for him and enjoyed listening to his interesting discussions.On the 18th of August, Father returned to Snowflake with relatives going to the Jesse N. Smith Centennial. I went with him. This affair was held August 21-22, and commemorated the December 2,1834,100th birthday of Jessie N. Smith. They had the celebration earlier in the year so that more of the relatives could at-tend in the summer.

Sadie returned home with relatives and John Walter went to southern Arizona to sell his stock. He re-

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turned to Salt Lake in January 1935, in time to see his youngest son, Justin Mack, leave for his mission to Argentina. Father Walter took this opportunity to give him a bless-ing.

Walter lived with son N. Pratt and family, who had a small printing busi-ness in Sugarhouse. He attended the temple some. He was a deep thinker on many subjects. He was greatly con-cerned over the smoke that hung over the city. At this time most of the homes were heated by coal furnaces. He worked on an invention that would consume this smoke. He even sent to Washington, D.C. to get a patent for his invention but he did not have the money to perfect it.

Walter was not very well. Pratt re-members:

Dad used to say, "I wonder if when you cook the potatoes you could put in a few extra so that between dinner and supper I could maybe get one and eat it." He had that old ulcer knawing away in his stomach. Or he'd say, "Maybe you could make just a little extra mush this morning so I could have some in the middle of the forenoon." The guy was really going through it. And then he'd go uptown to the old Jensen apartments and visit with his sisters up there, Adelaide and Daphne. He'd say, "I can't stand it up there. They're living like birds. They don't put out enough food for a sparrow." So he would spend his time at Sadie's and poor old Harry's with the Depression when he wasn't making any money. So he would come and live with us most of the time. We claimed him. John lived way out to Woods Cross and Nat and Lydia just had a small home and they were up on Douglas.

In March he came to live with Sadie's family who had moved to a smaller place until they could get a little house built on the land they had bought at 1700 East near 33rd South. He was welcome in their home and when they moved out to their land he helped dig the cellar for their little home. He lived with them in this unfinished home and slept in the attic. It was the warm welcome and the love the grandchildren had for Grandpa that made him comfortable.

John Walter was living with Sadie when his oldest son, Walter F., died, on August 8,1935, in the Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake City after an operation. The funeral was held in St. George. All of Walter F.'s brothers and sisters and both of his parents were there. This tragic death affected all of them deeply. Brother Walter, only 40 years old, had been such a leader in the family. His death was a great sorrow for them all, especially for his wife and four young children.

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After the funeral John Walter returned to Salt Lake. It was hard for a man his age, 64, to get work. In October he got a job digging potatoes in Idaho. He then planned to invent a potato digger.

When he came back to Sadie’s home in November he was not very well and she thought

the job had been too hard for him. In the winter of 1936, his health began to fail. He be-came discouraged and one day he said, “well Sadie, there is one thing I have loved to do and have been successful at and that is missionary work, teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I think if I had the chance I would love to spend the rest of my life at that work.”

He continued to get weaker and was taken to the Salt Lake County Hospital. They found he had cancer of the stomach and liver. On May 7, 1936, he died in the hospital with his be-loved daughter Sadie by his bedside. In her writings Sadie invites us to share this tender ex-perience:

I enter the hospital with feelings of fear and anxiety. I am led to the sick room of my father. I sit by his bed shocked at the dear wasted form so racked with pain. "Why had they not called me days before? Why had I not come without being called?" His blue sunken eyes seem to stare and pierce me to the core. I condemn myself for all the things I neglected to do for him. My dear Daddy—He can hardly talk but manages to say how glad he is to see me, and how could I find time to leave my children and hopes someone is taking care of them.A nurse comes in with a hypodermic needle for Father to quiet his groans. He tries to wave her away and mutters, "It does no good now. You are just seeing how fast you can kill me." I feel a desperation come over me that soon my dear father will leave me. I am panicky. Can't I do something to prolong his life? Not just sit here? The nurse wants me to stay right here and then she leaves. I feel glad she is gone. I would like to lock the door for fear she will come back with that needle, that needle that my father says is killing him. He has gone to sleep and I do so want to hear what he was trying to tell

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me. I feel like I must start circulation for him. I rub his feet and legs which are cold and clammy. This rouses him. I tell him by rubbing toward the heart we might keep up proper circulation. He shakes his head, lays his hand over his abdomen and groans as if to say, "My trouble is there and oh, how I suffer." He shakes his head many times like I need not hope. There is no hope. He looks at me with all the love in his soul. I feel he is say-ing, "My dear, how thankful I am that I have one of my loved ones who cares enough to be with me now." He asks about no one else. He seems satisfied that I am here with him in this sacred hour. He is unable to talk. I can hardly keep from weeping or sobbing out loud. I want to cheer him up. I feel my grandparents are waiting on the other side to welcome him to paradise. I remember he was his mother's pride and joy and I know then that I understand his worth.I weep for the lonesome earth life he has led, not for his going. I think of my childhood days. I can see Mother who did not understand Father, weeping over their difficulties and I weep with her.The nurse comes in with another "hypo" for Father. After she has gone he turns on

his side away from me as if seeking a peaceful rest. With a gentle sigh of "Thank goodness it has come," his whole body becomes entirely still. I realized I am alone with death.

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I cannot touch him—I cannot move. I whisper a prayer that God will accept him. As if in answer the sun just coming up sends streams of sunbeams through the window onto his bed.

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CHAPTER TEN

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR JOHN WALTER SMITHThe funeral was held on Mother's Day, May 10, but it was Father's Day this day to his family.

The funeral program follows.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR JOHN WALTER SMITHMay 10,1936

Richards Ward Chapel, 1:00 p.m.Salt Lake City, Utah

PRELUDE MUSIC: "Sweet Hour of Prayer"

BISHOP'S REMARKS: He excused the two missionary sons, Homer B. in Texas and Justin M. in South America. Also excused son L. Wickliffe Smith and family in Globe, Arizona, a brother, Joseph W. Smith in Snowflake, Arizona and a brother Samuel F. Smith, also in Snowflake on account of a stake conference.

PALL BEARERS:

Nathaniel A. Smith, Son John C. Smith, Son Phillip O. Smith, Son Pratt Smith, Son Harry G. Greaves, Son-in-law George Smith, Half-brother

UNDERTAKER: Mr. Olson, Inter-Mountain MortuarySONG BY WARD QUARTET: "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me"PRAYER: Ahsel Smith (Half-brother of deceased)SOLO: "Going Home," by Mr. WoodSPEAKER-Nephi Jensen: "To me, death is a beautiful thing—a passing."

He gave the characteristics of Walter Smith as a simple man. He lived close to the teachings of the Savior and seemed like Him. He gave a few traits that were like the Christ, such as not being in the same thought that the world believes now. He was not of this world. He was a deep thinker but his ideas were not in line with worldly things, he just loved the simple things. He was kind and never indulged in talking about people's faults. He was patient and long suffering. He was the son of a wonderful father, Jesse N. Smith, another man that loved the simple life. Jesse N. Smith loved the Prophet Joseph Smith. His son is now mingling with wonderful personages, such as his father and prophets of this latter day.

SOLO: "I Think When I Read that Sweet Story of Old," by Mrs. Ruby Childs

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SPEAKER-WINSLOW SMITH: He gave a very wonderful cheery speech, "Death is necessary and we go into another more beautiful world."

SPEAKER-MACK DALTON (Nephew): This is Mothers Day. A father has passed to the other side to meet his dear little mother whom he always thought so much of. He loved his children and liked to be with them. He dies disappointed and broken-hearted. He told how he visited him in the hospital and tried to cheer him up.

SONG BY QUARTET: "Abide with Me." PRAYER: DON C. SMITH, (Half-brother)

Grave was dedicated by Silas D. Smith, a brother. John Walter Smith was buried in

City Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Before the funeral, the body was taken to Margaret Jensen's home for friends to view and before leaving for the funeral, Brother Johnson, a missionary companion of John Walter Smith's gave a very comforting prayer.

Walter lived separately from Lois the last twenty years of his life. They never ob-tained a temple divorce and neither remarried.

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In the year 1971, John Walter's Centennial, their posterity numbered 265, counting living and dead and in-laws-and Walter and Lois.

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APPENDIX ONE

LETTERS FROM JOHN AND SADIEFROM JOHN C. SMITH

Snowflake, Arizona

January 2, 1917

Dear Papa:

We received your letter and the money and thank you very much. Have you received the letter from us yet? We addressed to it Eden and thought you might not get it.

We have been having a good time during the holidays. There has been something doing every night. School begins again tomorrow. Sadie is visiting at St. Joseph. We are all well, al-though there is some sickness in town.

Winnie and Justin wish you a Merry Christmas, and wanted to know if Santa Claus got there for Justin figures that Snowflake could take about all of Santa's toys. We are all well and hope you are the same. Wishing you a prosperous New Year,

I remain your son. John Smith

P.S. Santa brought me a loppin horse Justin

Santa brought me some twin dolls Winnie

oxoxoxox W.

oxoxoxox J.

Winslow, Arizona

4-2-23

My Dear Father:

Truly life is sad when I contemplate the condition of our old home. The change that came was a big blow to me in many a way and my love is divided. Dear old Mother still in my home town plodding, scrimping and praying. And my dear old Dad, yes really old now, working here and there discontented. I know you are, no home, no nothing. I love you both with all my heart but my God, how sweet it would be to go "Home" and find Papa and Mama and love and not as now have a true child's devotion divided. I trust that very few more sad things ever come into my life as this one!

But Papa, I really don't think you have done right toward us children in your actions. To us older ones, we understand, understand the heartache of a broken love, the sorrow of separation from

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your wife, children and a home of your own. But the kiddies at home do not understand that and your example has a moral effect upon them toward life and includes to disrespect rather than respect toward you. I realize it all, my person has inherited from you or your ancestry that spirit of self submissiveness or denial to self in hours of trial and feeling comfort in seclusion instead of buck-ing the world and fighting.

You stay too much by yourself. That only adds to your sorrow. Life is short as it is so what's the use of worrying. You have much ability in many lines. Use it Papa, and God will bless you and your children will rise up in praise to your dear name forever and ever, and don't forget that we love you and suffer much in your sorrow and find great joy in your success. Every prayer we offer contains a petition to God for your self being. Mother is loyal to you and teaches the kiddies true father respect. It is not her fault with them if they disrespect you but because of their childlike love for dear old Daddy they want you to be something and are disappointed because you're not what they can rightfully expect.

Please don't censure me too strongly for this letter. I am still just Johnny and may not know all but my convictions prompted me to this.

I trust you are always well and will be buoyed up in spirit in your work and will try to be dif-ferent. With love and blessings I am your devoted son.

John C.

Winslow, Arizona

April 26, 1923

My Dear Father,

Your letter gladly received. But even yet I see you haven't been able to place yourself in our (the childrens') shoes. We, none of us, wanted to see you go. If you want to know how anxiously we tried to stem the oncoming sorrow, consider this, that Wick and I in our childlike enthusiasm vowed that one of us should die by the hand of the other, as the lots fell, thinking that by a death, unity may be brought about in the home. Our hearts calloused, of course, to the thought of separa-tion, but this was the first impelling instinct.

We loved you and Mother too, just as you loved your parents and to have you get out of the way was NOT our wish, but what could we do or say? Mother said and we held our tongue because we loved her. She acted first. Sheep always follow the leader. We are sheep and love both but we're not mature enough to decide which one was right so followed the first to act, whether all the beliefs went that way or not. Imagine if you can, the same sorrow in Grandfather Smith's home. What would have you done? If you can fully see such a condition then perhaps you can real-ize what we have undergone.

No Father, the children at home, I think, are justified in their ideas and it is not wholly mercenary either, it is a "Pal Dad" they crave, an example of world affairs to follow. I had you daily to copy after, and did so, but they haven't. They respect you as I do for your pure upright life and I know we are bigger and better for it and for that you shall receive just recompense, but in the world of business I know righteousness in that nobler sense is forgotten. The daredevil-type holds sway,

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we've got to be a bit brusk in our dealings, and consider the other fellow to take care of himself even though we do get rich, we were once poor. If we don't act this way we are left behind. It may not be right, but I can live my religion and make money too. Other things I fail in which are not as vital.

Don't consider me too seriously. I just wanted you to know my thoughts. I am not trying to adjust matters or bring a reunion that is your's and Mother's job.

I sincerely trust that you meet with every success and continue on in health and strength. As ever I am your son with love and blessings,

John C. Smith

FROM SADIE (SARAH)My Dear Father,

February 2, 1974

(You passed away 38 years ago and Mother passed away 25 years ago.) I have an old letter, written in pencil, that you wrote to Mother, pleading with her not to get a temple divorce. And you question her if she is sure she wants that divorce? You plead with her to adopt a more constructive policy than trying to tear each other down.

You condemn her in a way like she is the cause of you both being separated. You do not admit your failings. I know if you really loved her, told her so, many times, and asked her to forgive you wherein you have erred as a husband, and also if she would say she loved you and would ask you to forgive her in not being a true, kind understanding wife, surely two sensible people, lonesome for love, with a mutual desire to the happiness and welfare of their children could resolve difficul-ties.

But Father, in your letter you did not say you loved her and could not live without her. You seemed to have more consideration for the children and we all have our own homes and families now. But it is you two people that will eventually stand alone at the head of your family and there needs to be love between you. Therefore, you need to be a glorious exam-ple for your posterity.

Then, in the last part of your letter you show fear, quoting from your letter, "I think it would be much better that we try and come to some understanding rather than a greater division." So do I, Father and Mother, but you both will need to be humble and forgiving and loving. I wonder if Mother ever got your letter. I hope not. You may have written this to get the worry off your chest. Your plea did not show love, kindness or compliment her as a fine, beautiful, capable woman. I know Mother was not kind to you. She was always nagging and complaining. I wondered when I was a child, growing up to young womanhood, if either of my parents loved each other. See-ing no special kindness, it was hard on us children and I think we as a family could have been more kind and considerate to each other.

Your loving daughter, Sarah

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Letter from John Walter to Lois which Sarah refers to above:Father's Plea to Mother:

So you have made an application for a cancellation of our temple sealing. Do you really and truly want that; and do you feel down in your soul that such would be the proper thing and that nothing else would do? Do you think you would be perfectly and absolutely satisfied after you should get it?

Do you really and truly feel that you are better and happier than you would have been if you had not been divorced?

While I am satisfied that you would rather murder me than to speak to me, yet don't you really think it would be more sensible that we try to get together on some terms, that we scrap the war-ships and agree to dis-arm and enter into a — of peace and adopt a more constructive policy over trying to tear each other down. I don't see that this cut-throat policy is getting anybody anywhere.

Your divorcement hasn't changed the fact at all of me being father to the children, neither will a cancellation of our temple marriage change that fact. Neither will it make you any more their mother, but will only add more to the complication of the case.

Now I think you had better consider well the consequence for it will affect more than just your own self. While the children may give their consent, do you think they would all feel perfectly right about it?

I think it would be much better that we try and come to some understanding rather than a greater division.

Take your time to consider this and answer when you feel so disposed.

The father of your children.

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APPENDIX TWO

TRIBUTES TO JOHN WALTER SMITHMELVIN R. SMITH, GRANDSON

This event happened about 1930. It was probably in the fall of the year between Thanks-giving and Christmas. Our milk truck was broken so Dad was finishing deliveries in Central Heights (west of Globe) in our old Dodge 4-door sedan. It was after dark and we were heading back to Globe.

John Walter Smith (Grandpa) was coming from Florence, where he had been farming. He was driving a wagon with two horses. He had another horse with a hurt hind foot. Dad said that I could ride home with Grandpa, which was about 3 miles.

Grandpa did not say very much that I can remember. He told how the horse was hurt. On one of the steep down grades on the mountain road between Superior and Miami, the wagon wheel ran over the hind foot of this horse, cutting it and causing it to bleed at every step. Later at home my family commented that Grandpa was out in the corral taking care of the wounded horse.

It may have been at this time that Grandpa moved to Verdin, New Mexico, where Henry L. Smith lived.

I heard my parents' comments after that time that many of the widows would love to marry him, but he only flirted with young ladies. My unexpressed feelings were that he did not want to marry anyone, that he still loved Grandma.

During this time of my life, my father related several stories of horses and how gentle Grandpa was with horses. A fragment of one story of Grandpa is still in my mind. The Black River was at flood stage. The only way to cross the river was on some narrow planks. Grandpa lead each horse, one by one, over the river on these planks. These horses must have had complete trust in him to guide them safely.

Near this same time, Grandpa lived with us for awhile. Dad was building a walk-in icebox to the rear which is east of the milk house. Part of the hill was dug away to do this. Grandpa would work at this even before breakfast. Then he would sit on our front porch which faced south and read the scriptures. He said that the scriptures were better than books that our church leaders wrote. The scriptures were the word of God.

My mother did not seem to like my grandfather too well. At least, she complained that he sat outside waiting to eat rather than coming inside to try and help. My opinion was that my grandfa-ther would have only been in the way and caused more problems.

My father's cousin, Henry L. Smith, had a lot of respect for Grandpa Smith and always defended him in the brief comments that I heard.

In the late 1920's in Tucson I saw my grandfather for a brief moment. While living at the Sun-set Dairy, an older man drove up in a big truck. He had on a felt hat. He was helping someone move. Someone said that he was my grandfather.

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THEODORE H. GREAVES, GRANDSON

Grandfather Smith was really in my life a very short time when he lived with us a few months just before he died. I see now that he was sick and old. He didn't seem to talk much and stayed to him-self. I remember seeing him climb up the ladder by the back door to go to the attic where he slept. When he sat at the table to eat with us he would lean on the table with one arm bent in front of him and sort of bend over his plate. I thought it a little strange at the time but perhaps he had pain. I have no memory of any conversations, or sitting on his lap or hearing any stories from him. I would like to think that these types of contact occurred. Those precious memories are lost.

GERALD W. SMITH, GRANDSON

It is interesting to think back and realize that I don't recall too much about my Grandfather Smith although I was his oldest grandchild.

About the only time I remember Grandpa Smith was once in the early 1930's when he was traveling through Globe from Mesa, going, I think to Duncan, Arizona. He had a team of horses and a wagon for his mode of travel, and my dad thought it would be a good experience for Myreel, my sister, and I to ride with him on the wagon into Globe from a few miles out of town. We asked him about the horses, their names and how fast they would go and how long they had been traveling, etc., but we thought we would never get to town.

I will always remember him as a poor, humble, good person. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and of the Church being true. So I feel I had good ancestry. He never wavered in the Church in all his hardships and that has helped me and my family to stay true to the Church of Jesus Christ and the gospel.

CLEAH G. CHIPMAN, GRANDDAUGHTER

Grandfather Smith was always somewhat of a mystery to me. No one spoke much about him, especially in Grandma Smith's presence. I suppose I grew up thinking he was not worthwhile and a problem. I met him for the first time when I was in junior high. My mother was always kind to him and spoke about him with sadness and compassion.

Grandpa Smith had come to stay with us for awhile. I had never seen him before. One of my friends had given me a cute little kitten. I was so thrilled to have something that belonged just to me. One night the kitten ran into the street and was killed. When we found him the next morning I was devastated. I cried all through breakfast. Grandpa Smith thought I was making too much fuss over "just a cat." I'm sure he thought that was a lot of love wasted on a worthless cat. He had had so little love shown to him.

When I was in high school he came to live with us. Our house was so small. I was going to my first formal dance. I had the ironing board set up in the little front room, pressing my beautiful blue taffeta formal. Grandpa Smith began singing, "Oh, she almost drives me crazy and I don't know what I'll do if I don't find that pretty little girl that I saw dressed in blue."

Grandpa Smith and my mother spent a lot of time talking. He was trying to write a play about bible stories to be made into a movie for young people. He was ahead of his time. He was working on other religious articles. My mother was helping by typing for him. In reading some of my mother's histories I find that Grandpa told her at this time that the one thing he had

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been successful at in this life was missionary work and preaching the gospel of Christ, and that he would like to spend the rest of his life being a missionary.

When Grandma Smith lost her memory before she died, she would talk about Grandpa Smith without hatred or bitterness. We have always hoped this was a time of softening of her spirit and feelings towards him before she joined him in the hereafter.

ANGELINE ANNE GREAVES SNOW, GRANDDAUGHTER

Grandpa died when I was in sixth grade. That year was the first time he had ever lived with us. His stay was for just part of a year which ended when he died of cancer of the stomach at the Salt Lake County Hospital on May 7, 1936. We didn't realize how sick he was. He seemed a lonely old man who didn't smile much. Quite different from the energetic and hopeful Grandpa we had first met a few years earlier when we lived in our big 5th East home. He was excited about another of his inventions and wanted help to get a patent on it. His idea was to clean the smoke with a device in the chimneys before it poured out polluting the air. He failed to get any financial support from anyone during those Depression years.

When he moved from Arizona to Salt Lake City, my parents were trying to establish a home on property they had purchased on 17th East. My mother, his oldest daughter, made him welcome to take his chances with her family of six children. His trials in life make a sad chapter in our memo-ries. My mother, Sarah, who was 21 years old when her parents separated, spoke only good of her father to us children. Mother especially praised her father's many missionary experiences, and said he captured the complete attention of an audience as he spoke with much spirituality and eloquence. But I felt resentment because he and Grandma had been divorced after having ten chil-dren. Grandma had a life of frugal living, using her earnings to make a home for her younger children. Grandma visited us often and we saw her continually at her various apartments in Provo and Salt Lake and at many family gatherings. Divorce in our generation was almost un-heard of. Nobody's grandparents, let alone parents, were divorced in those days.

Mother displayed many family pictures in our front room, one a large framed picture of her fa-ther. Here was a handsome man whose father, Jesse N. Smith, was a first cousin to the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was because of Silas Smith, our grandpa's grandfather who was a brother to Joseph Smith, Sr. Grandpa never knew his grandfather because he died of persecutions in Mis-souri. Nevertheless, we were all grateful to our Grandpa who brought us this treasured relation-ship to a Prophet of God.

When Grandpa came to live with us in our smallest house, the temporary home Dad built in a hurry until he could built Mother's dream home, we lived at 3203 South Imperial Street in Salt Lake City. We had no plumbing. We had our first outhouse. Grandpa helped his son-in-law, Harry Greaves, dig the hole for it. He was around doing odd jobs to help clear the land and finish the house. Grandpa slept in the attic and had to climb a ladder to get up there. It must have been terribly hot or terribly cold depending on the season. But Grandpa never complained.

I didn't like Grandpa joshing me about the tiger cat I babied. This grand cat, named Jessica Esmerelda, eventually had 72 kittens. She is the last cat I had or wanted. Grandpa was right. Cats were a nuisance.

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Grandpa used to put great teaspoons of sugar on his breakfast cereal and my eyes got round when I watched him pile the sugar on his food because we knew Mother disapproved of us using too much sugar.

Memories of Grandpa's last Thanksgiving stick in my craw. Poor Grandpa had no place to go as all of us were invited to Uncle Pratt's house as were Grandma and all the rest of her family who lived in the area. Of course Grandma and Grandpa couldn't be in the same house together and that created a big problem. Grandpa left our house early that day and I didn't even have a chance to ask him if I could stay home with him and maybe we could have Mother bring a couple of plates of food out for us. He wasn't home when we returned either, but shuffled in later looking real sad. What an opportunity missed to ask him some secrets as to why his marriage went awry and of the great dreams he had which failed. Would he have said anything? I often think back to this Thanksgiving and wish that I had been mature enough to give him love and approval by staying home and having a "pretend" Thanksgiving dinner with him. The saddest words of tongue or pen are the words, "It might have been."

Whatever the reason for the civil divorce, my heart was breaking as I sat with my favorite cousin, Beulah, at Grandpa's funeral. We cried and cried and wished we could have known and communicated with him better. The funeral held May 10th was three days after his death, just one month short of his 65th birthday.

Hearing the following situation many times was like seeing the writing on the wall. Mother remembered well the happy days when her parents built a lovely home in Snowflake. Her mother, Lois, was proud to have her husband called on a mission to Oregon. Even though she was left at home with six children, she felt the honor and pride that comes with having a husband serve the Lord, and reminded her children of this blessing often. She boarded a school teacher, sold baked goods and was able to support her husband on his mission and even finished some rooms in the house while he was gone. The real bonus was at the end of Grandpa's successful mission. Lois went to meet her husband and attend the World's Fair in Portland. Then Elder Smith and his wife, Lois, returned to their beautiful home and children in Snowflake.

John Walter's father, Jesse N. Smith, died soon after Grandpa's return from his mission, leaving the stake without a president. Our family wonders why John Walter was made to feel obli-gated to make his nice home available to his younger brother Samuel so he could move to the area, become the new stake president, be provided a job at the ACMI, and have a decent place to entertain general authorities when they visited. It must have been hard for Lois to take her seven children and move to a two-room log cabin.

So Grandpa went to farming, not his talent of preaching and teaching. He ran the mail route, delivering the mail sometimes by horseback, in any kind of weather. He needed help, but none could help him or his wife. They got a civil divorce. They did not obtain a Temple divorce. Grandpa's self esteem must have been destroyed after he returned from his mission. He could have been given opportunities that would have built it and saved his marriage. He was a man that let others push him around. His posterity doesn't want him pushed around in history. There is no denying he was a brilliant man who could preach a stirring sermon. My parents never missed tak-ing their family to decorate Grandpa's grave on Memorial Day as well as going themselves on other special days. After my father died we continued to take Mother to the spot in the Salt Lake Cemetery for the five years until her death. It is a hallowed spot we visit still.

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If it be God's will, may there be a reconciliation in heaven of two people we love very much.

MYREEL SMITH LEWIS, GRANDDAUGHTER

You said you want bits and pieces and that's just about what mine will be. Although I do re-member Grandpa living with us I couldn't tell you how long, or what years or much about it. He was a very quiet man and wasn't one to meddle in my adolescent escapades nor be opinionated about what I was doing nor saying. He never seemed (as I can remember) to correct any of us children when he was around us although I'm sure we always needed it.

I always looked on him as a very kind, gentle grandpa. But because I was caught up in so many activities of school extracurricular, I doubt I paid much attention to him, for which I'm ashamed now. As I very vaguely remember he lived with us in Ft. Thomas and I must have been less than three years old. The only instance I can remember with him was riding in a buggy on a cloudy day to a church meeting (probably Sunday) to Ashurst and we all sang, "Oh, it Ain't Gonna Rain No More, No More..." Or perhaps this was while in the house at Ashurst.

Then when we went to Globe he lived with us off and on several times it seems. He died when I was a junior in high school (1936 I believe) and I do remember being saddened by this news. He wasn't living with us then, but was in Salt Lake City, I believe. One Sunday that I remember (we may have done it more times, I don't know) we took our Sunday dinner...and you know what a good cook my mother was so I remember it being roast beef and all the trimmings and a chocolate cake. I don't know why I would remember the menu particularly. But I do remember how we all enjoyed it as well as he. He lived in a little tin house on a ditch bank. As a child I didn't think that was so bad but now that I'm grown and have so much, I'm saddened to think he had to live like that. It must have been summer time because I remember him perspiring and his dark curly hair wet around his face. He was a fine looking man.

I also remember him always getting bathed after working at the dairy with Dad and sitting in a straight chair in the living room reading the scriptures until supper was ready.

I know, to have an extra mouth to feed was a burden or could have been, to my mother, but I only remember her saying something one time, "Grandpa sure is a big eater." Then she'd shake her head. He and Dad always seemed to get along okay. I know Dad often commented what a hard worker Grandpa was. So I'm sure he appreciated him.

This certainly is just a few snatches. I'm sorry for that. How I wish I could remember more about him. I remember my mother telling me that when he lived with us in Ashurst and/or Ft. Thomas that he always held me in church because they each had responsibilities and also because I'd sit on his lap for hours without hardly moving...probably too fat! Mom did say I was chubby... Also I can remember that he always did go to church regularly with us in Globe when he was there. The gos-pel seemed to mean a great deal to him, something I hadn't appreciated until now I'm grown, have my own family and had to earn my own testimony. He seemed to be often called on to pray in meetings.

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JOHN DA WAIN SMITH, GRANDSON.

I want to share a memory that to my mind is sacred and dear. We know that there was a strug-gle, never fully understood by any of us, but there was some difficulty that John Walter and Lois Evelyn had to endure. It really doesn't matter today what the problem was. They carried whatever it was with dignity and control. They both kept themselves faithful and worthy.

My memory has to do with the Oh, so sad time of the passing of our Dear Uncle Walter. All of the family had gathered in St. George, to be with Aunt Eleanor and her wonderful children. Un-cle Walter's body, unlike our practice of today, was there in his casket, in the front room of their home. We could all visit together, with love and tenderness and even though so sad, there was a warmth of family that is just simply supernal.

In just such a setting, family members were seated about the room, some standing by Uncle Wal-ter's body, words were softly spoken. I was seated directly next to the casket, at the head. Across from me was Grandfather John Walter, also seated, but at the feet. Grandmother Lois Evelyn was standing by the casket looking lovingly at the form of her firstborn son. I viewed this scene, looking first at Grandma Smith and then to Grandpa Smith. Even at that age I was aware that there existed a problem. Then all of a sudden, Grandma Smith went over to Grandpa, she turned and quickly sat upon Grandpa's knees, so that both were facing Uncle Walter. Grandmother had her arms about Grandfather's neck. He in turn had both of his strong arms holding her. They were weeping, and Grandma said,"Oh my Dear, what shall we do without him?"

She placed her neck on his shoulder and for a few precious moments, there they were, two par-ents, two lovers, two faithful, gentle and capable souls, arm in arm, just as they should be. The scene is sacred to me. I was there, I am a witness. It is the view I have of them with every thought which concerns and includes them. It is the vision I have of them, even today, even now, where they are.

Wishful thinking? No!

A price has already been paid. Justice requires it's penalties and the lonesome hours, days and years have exacted their due. The pictures of my mind, formed in those early days in St. George, prevail. For this peace of mind, I promise to each of us, if this is what you too desire, the scene of love and tenderness will also be yours.

ALICE SMITH HANSEN, NIECE

About your dear father, my knowledge is so limited. I always thought of my father's brother as a very good man, very faithful to his church and one of the best looking men I had ever seen. My mother always thought my dad was really handsome but I thought Uncle Walter was better look-ing than my dear dad. Uncle Walter visited once in our home after he left Snowflake and Mother did her best to make him welcome and arrange household schedules so that Smith brothers could be together as much as possible without any interference from family members. Fa-ther expressed his deep sorrow when his brother passed away in Salt Lake city.

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POSTERITY

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Phil, Emma, LaVern, Stan and Garland. Photo taken in 1957

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Lois Evelyn Bushman Smith

1872 - 1949

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PREFACE FOR LOIS EVELYN BUSHMAN SMITH STORY

A person may look in vain in the various encyclopedias or biographical dictionaries for an en-try under the name of Lois Evelyn Bushman Smith, however, it is my strong witness that there is a record, yea an Holy Record, in which this beautiful name does now prominently appear, and that is the volume which is known eternally as the "Lamb's Book of Life."

It is a simple and basic requirement which entitles an entry in this sacred record and which the Prophet Joseph Smith identifies as "the first law of heaven." What is this basic requirement? OBEDIENCE !

We may use the synonyms of "faithfulness,""perseverance,""endurance," "commitment," all which describe this indomitable, industrious, energetic soul; but the summary adjective which identifies and describes Lois Evelyn Bushman Smith is that heavenly term which has eternal measurement because it is "the first law of heaven."

What are the influences that mold and form the integrity of an obedient child?. Of course there is an innate character which prevails, but life is full of circumstances each of which leave their mark upon each of us. Lois Evelyn was born in a community founded by a Prophet of God, named after a Prophet of God (the Book of Mormon Prophet Lehi), to parents who were worthy of the friendship, guidance and a lifetime association with God's Prophets. As a child and young teen she was reared in another community founded by a Prophet of God and again, named after a Prophet of God (even St. Joseph, now called Joseph City, after the Prophet Joseph Smith).

To her last day on earth, her love for, and faithful adherence to the teachings of the Prophets of this Dispensation was her hallmark. She loved the brethren. She knew them, and they in turn, knew her. Sweet memories of my childhood include hearing "Grandma" in animated talk make comment concerning some discussion she had had with Elder Ballard (Melvin J.), Elder Hinkley (Alonzo A.), Elder Smith (Joseph Fielding), President Grant (Heber J.) and many more.

Reference to Lois Evelyn must also involve her parents and her brothers and sisters. She was devoted to them all, and they to her. It has always been an evidence of enduring family love with just a touch of amusement, to note that she and her mother shared something very special in a wonderful exchange of surnames:

The mother: LOIS ANGELINE SMITH BUSHMAN

The daughter: LOIS EVELYN BUSHMAN SMITH

She knew all about being a "pioneer," traveling as a child with her father by team and wagon in an adventure over some of the most rugged terrain in all of North America. As we speed over the smooth and well graded highways in our air conditioned cars, listening to a symphony from our tapes or radio, traveling at speeds that do not even permit the counting of the telephone poles that connect the communities along the way; we can hardly imagine making the journey from Lehi, Utah to St. Joseph, Arizona on a barely identified trail and taking a month or more to do so. The same mode of travel marked her entrance into womanhood as she and her sweetheart John Wal-ter Smith accompanied by friends and other family, all for the same purpose, made their way over

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much of the same rugged terrain called "The Honeymoon Trail," in order that their marriage could be performed in the sacred precincts of the Holy Temple in St. George, Utah.

"Prophets," "Family," "Temples," "Obedience," these are the nouns which become the adjec-tives describing this amazing, darling woman whom we have the privilege to call Mother and Grandmother. She is the very epitome of our heritage. If it were permissible for her to once more gather us around that she might teach us, there should be no question as to what she would say. In truth the "Legacy" of Lois Evelyn Bushman Smith is contained in her own recorded words, stated but a few months prior to her departure from this life.

It was 1948, Lois Evelyn had experienced a series of strokes which primarily affected her asso-ciation with the "here and now." She seemed to be brightly and happily involved with her past, her parents, her husband and her children. Under these circumstances, a family gathering was held.

Grandmother was engaged in conversation; a wire recorder transcribed all that was said in the interchange. For the most part her answers seemed "out of touch" with the present and were the cause of laughter by those who were there, including our precious little Grandmother who seemed to be pleased at being the center of attention.

After a bit of this merriment, a serious tone is injected as this question is put to her. "Mother, if you could have any wish, any wish at all, your most secret or heartfelt wish; what would it be?"

There is a long pause, everything and everyone is silent. Then quietly, firmly and with a positive quality to her lovely voice, there comes the expression which is our "legacy," an expression which is the sum of being born and reared in communities named after Holy Prophets of God, be-ing taught by parents whose testimonies of the Prophets are sure and true; and after living a life of "obedience" to all that is represented in these teachings and testimony; this precious soul gives her response: "My wish is for all of my children and my grandchildren that they will always be faithful Latter-day Saints!!!"

There is no hint of the debilitating strokes, there is no hesitancy or confusion between past and present. Her response is clear, exact, precise and timely. Her wish is real and pertinent. It en-compasses everything about this lovely woman. It is an expression of all that is sacred and impor-tant to her. It is the evidence of the "obedience" of her life; and it is the "proof of her love for each member of her family.

We know her wish, she is deserving of it's fulfillment, and that is the part that is required of each of us. How wonderful that because of the love and labors of her daughters, we now have a faithful record of "Grandma's" life, and labors and loves, which if faithfully read and followed, can be an assist in helping each one of us to fulfill her sacred wish.

The following pages have been carefully prepared by one who proudly carries her mothers name. We have already noted:

Grandmother: LOIS ANGELINE SMITH BUSHMAN

Mother: LOIS EVELYN BUSHMAN SMITH

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and to these precious names we add their namesake, who is the author of this valuable history:

Daughter: WINIFRED LOIS SMITH PEARSON

As we peruse and study this "treasure of memory," let us keep foremost in our hearts and minds the debt of gratitude we will always owe, for this example of love, evidenced by a daughter's trib-ute to her mother.

Let us also pass this "baton of righteousness" as exemplified by the stories of faith and cour-age contained herein to those members of the family of Lois Evelyn Bushman Smith that are newly arrived and are still to come; remembering always that she deserves the fulfillment of her sacred wish for all the generations of her posterity.

John Dawain Smith

April 19,1996

Salt Lake City, Utah

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CHAPTER ONE

BIRTH AND CHILDHOODOn the 28th of June 1872 at 11:15 p.m. one of the noble spirits that was reserved to take part in the last dispensation, came to the home of poor humble parents who thought she was just the nicest baby in the world. They had other children, all nice, but none just like this beauty with her blue eyes and black hair. She was fair and fat and made the whole family happy. They nearly worshiped her. When she was about six months old, her father dreamed he was leading her through a stream of water and the current was so swift that he had to hold to her to keep her from going down stream. The next day she had eleven worm fits and continued to have them most all day. This frightened her parents as every fit seemed to take her breath and stop her heart. The elders and her parents exercised faith and pleaded for her life, and her life was spared which made her parents happy and strengthened their faith in the Gospel.

So writes John Bushman of his dear daughter, Lois, in a letter to her on her 37th birth-day.

Lois Evelyn Bushman was born June 28, 1872 in Lehi, Utah. She was blessed and given a name in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 31, 1872 by Daniel S. Thomas. This new baby was named Lois after her mother; however, she was called "Lola" by her family and friends most of her life. She was the fifth baby to come to this family. There were little John, who died when he was six months old; then Homer, a strong healthy boy baby, Maria a sweet daughter; Martin another little boy baby who died when he was six months old; and now a second little daughter. After having two of their five babies die before they were a year old, no wonder these parents were anxious when this little baby became seriously ill and rejoiced in her recovery.

The home where she was born was a three room adobe house built by her parents the first year of their marriage. John Bushman's father and mother, three brothers and one sister lived near them in the little pioneer town of Lehi, Utah. John's mother, Elizabeth Degen Bushman, was a midwife and delivered most of the babies born in this town. She must have been pleased to be the midwife who delivered the new baby, Lois Evelyn. The baby's other grandmother, Maria Foscue Smith, also lived close by in the little town of Draper and she was a frequent visitor in the John and Lois Bushman home.

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CHILDHOODWhen little Lola was nearly four-years-old her father, along with 200 other men, was called by

President Brigham Young to settle on the Little Colorado River in the northwestern part of the Territory of Arizona. This was a mission to establish a permanent settlement in that section of the country. All the families were expected to pool their property, with the object of having all things in common and of working together in a united order. John left February 9, 1876 on his first trip to Arizona. He planned to come back to complete the sale of his property and then take his family with him to Arizona.

Lola's mother, Lois Angeline, had been afflicted with rheumatic pains most of her life. She had been very sick during the last four years while she was having her last three babies. When John re-turned from Arizona after an absence of six months, Lois' health was not any better and they had not found a buyer for their property. John and the other brethren needed to return to Allen's Camp in Arizona if the settlement were to survive. It never seemed to enter John or Lois' minds to give up the mission as many others had done. Their commitment to the call was firm.

At this time the authorities of the Church were advocating that men who were able to provide for more than one wife enter into the practice of plural marriage. John reasoned that if he were to take a second wife on his next trip to Arizona, Lois could remain in Lehi another year and give her body a better chance of healing. It would give them more time to be prepared for the move of the entire family, and they would have additional time to find a buyer for their property. The decision to accept plural marriage was made jointly by John and Lois, and it was Lois who suggested that John ask Mary Ann Petersen, a friend of the family, to be his second wife. It was also Lois' suggestion that John and Mary take a little companion to keep Mary company when John was gone on explor-ing expeditions or when he worked long hours farming and building up the new settlement. Lois suggested that they take little four-year-old Lola to accompany them.

On Monday, February 12, 1877 John, Mary and young Lola started on their long journey. Af-ter fifteen days they arrived in St. George where John and Mary were married in the new St. George Temple. John also took little Lola into the temple to see the baptismal font standing on the backs of twelve bronze oxen, as he remembered his parents did with him in Nauvoo when he was very young. Lola also remembered this experience for the rest of her life.

John, Mary and Lola joined several other families that were making the trip to Arizona. One of the families, the Hunt family, had a little daughter, Nettie, near Lola's age. The girls became good friends and played together during the long journey. Years later Nettie wrote of an incident that happened one morning on this journey:

Lola and I were playing by the coals left of the camp fire while the men harnessed the horses and the women were putting things into the wagons. Little girls wore long dresses then and as Lola turned around with her back to the fire, her dress fell right on the hot coals and in a moment her dress was blazing. He father and my father were near. I can still see them as she dodged between the wagons. Father had on his buckskin gloves, so it was only a few moments until he had the blaze put out. I have thought it was so sweet of her mother to have let Lola come with Aunt Mary and I saw the look of terror in Aunt Mary’s eyes and later, thankful tears.

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In a letter which Mary wrote to Lola’s mother she comments on the long wait they had at the San Fran-cisco Mountains:

Lola and I were alone and she said, “how long must we be in this wilderness?” and I said, “I do not know darling.” and she said, “Oh never mind, a good time will come if we wait a lit-tle longer.” And then I said, “You are such a comfort to me Lola dear, how I love you and I am so glad you are here.” And Lola said, “I love you too, Aunt Mary.”

On April 30 this group of travelers reached its destination. It had taken them nearly two months to make the trip from St. George to Allen’s Camp.

Life was hard in this dry and windy Arizona settlement. The water that was hauled in barrels from the little Colorado River was so muddy it had to stand several hours until the mud settled to make it fit for house-hold use.

Quite often the Indians nearby would come as curious visitors to the little settlement to see how the Mormons would make a living there. No doubt little Lola would hide behind Aunt Mary’s skirts or peek through the cabin window on such occasions.

Despite the hardships of that first year in Arizona, the fall harvest was plentiful due to the hard work of John Bushman and the other men in the settlement and the blessings of their Heavenly Father. When Christmas time came around all the community had reason to enjoy a happy social time. Little Lola remem-bers that Aunt Mary took very good care of her. Years later she wrote about htat Christmas in Arizona:

I remember that first Christmas in Arizona. When I awoke in the morning I saw on a chair beside my bed a saucer of dried raisins and a beautiful rag doll standing against the back of the chair. Its features were embroidered with black thread and its hair of brown wool, and it had a pretty calico dress. I though it so beautiful.

The next memorable event Lola had while she was in Arizona with her father and Aunt Mary was on February 14, 1878. This was a delightful Valentine's Day because Mary Bushman's little daughter, Elsie May, was born. Not only did Lola have a new little baby sister, but her dear mother in Lehi had sent her a beautiful, handmade valentine cut from very thin paper with this message written on it. "For my little blue eyed Daisy, Mother's precious little girl and Grandma's own little darling, Lola Dear." (This valentine is still among the keepsakes left by Lois Evelyn.)

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Each letter John and Mary wrote to Lois in Lehi contained some comment about little Lola. They seemed to know how much this mother needed to hear about her little daughter so far away. The fol-lowing are comments from John's letters:

We are all well and your dear little daughter is sleeping sweet. She will be so pleased in the morn-ing when she sees what "Ma" has sent her.

Your lady is well and prettier than ever, she runs to meet me every evening I come from work and hugs and kisses me, and I hope you will not be-grudge me that comfort, for you have four to my one of those sweet comforts.

The following passages are quoted from Mary's letters:I have our room fixed up quite comfortable and would like to have you come and make us a long visit. If you cannot come before, come on the 28th of this month which

is Lola's birthday and I will try to get a good dinner for you. I think I can make it if you will come. I will begin to save the eggs and butter now. Bring Mother with you and your two little baby boys also for I should like to see them and get a kiss from them. Lola says, to tell Ma to bring each sweet little thing and she will kiss and hug them so tight that they cannot get away.

In another letter Mary writes:Dear Lois, I hope you will not forget me in your prayers for I cannot you and I know your dear husband has not forgotten you and he never will. He calls me Lois half of the time. Your little ladybird is well and as fat as she ever was. She is such company for us. When I feel bad she comes to me with the tears in her eyes and says, "Aunt

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Mary what is the matter with you? What makes the tears in your eyes? Wipe them off and I will kiss you and then I will hug you too." Oh that is so much comfort. If I did not have her here I should die, for I can be comforted a great deal by her. I love her and think all the world of her.

Mary wrote this next letter when her baby was a month old. It was also just a month be-fore they left Arizona to come back to Utah:

We are all well. I have got along splendid so far, and so has the baby. She is as sweet a babe as you ever saw. I wish you could see her and decide whether she is a Danish baby or Dutch. John says she is Danish but Lola does not think she is for she does not speak a Danish word. Lola thinks the world of her.When she hears us say it is a fine spring morning she says, "Pa are we going home today?" She wants to see that sweet little Wick and Pet and Ma, but she thinks she will have to cry when she sees you. There are some families going to start for Utah to-morrow, and I hope it will be our turn soon.I am so glad to hear you have improved in your looks. A man was here the other day. He said, "Lola must have a good looking Ma." John jokingly said she got her good looks from her Pa, but the man did not seem to think so.

Several years later this excerpt was found in a letter written by John Bushman about his daughter Lola:

When she was older she loved dolls and cared for them until she had quite a family. When but a child she was always very reserved and never intruded herself upon anyone. When she was four years old she went with her father and auntie to Ari-zona and left her brothers and sister in Utah. She was a great comfort to her father and auntie who made much of her. She was such a modest lovely child, always near but never in the way or boisterous. Her gentle retiring disposition helped to make a reputation for her father and auntie as nice people.

After being in Allen's Camp 15 months John Bushman, Aunt Mary, baby Elsie May and little Lola went back to Lehi. It took John and his companions one month to reach their des-tination. They arrived May 4, 1878. Little Lola was back with her mother, brothers and sis-ter. It was a happy reunion. That summer and fall preparations were made to move to Ari-zona. What a lot there was to do. John must plant one more crop in the rich soil of his Lehi farm, as they would need the harvest to take with them to Arizona. Mary, with her experience of the past year, was a wonderful help in deciding the important items that would be most use-ful in the new home.

There was much sewing to be done. Cloth was purchased by the bolt, so Lois and Mary made their dresses and the dresses for the little girls out of the same fabric. They made quilts, jellies and jams as well as dried fruit and corn to be stored for the journey. All that could be used and moved was gathered together. The countless necessities to sustain and keep up with the needs of the growing family had to be purchased or made.

John was very busy too. He sold or traded everything he could: his home, his farm land and the farm equipment that he was unable to take. He harvested and prepared as much of his crops to take

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with them as they could carry. The yield would supply food for the winter months and seed for spring planting.

On Tuesday, October 22,1878, they bade farewell to relatives and friends in Lehi and started on this long, rough journey of 600 miles. The John Bushman family making this eventful journey included the following:

Wife Lois Angeline Smith BushmanWife Mary Ann Peterson BushmanDaughter Elsie May 8months oldSon Preston Ammaron 2 years oldSon Wickliffe Benjamin 4 years oldDaughter Lois Evelyn (Lola) 6 years oldDaughter Maria Elizabet 8 years oldSon Homer Fredrick 10 years old

John Bushman had three wagons well loaded with provisions, clothing and farm tools. He had five span of horses and 21 head of cattle. Traveling with them were six other men and their families who had approximately the same amount of livestock and equipment.

It was a wonderful trip in spite of its hardships. In the evening at camping time all enjoyed singing and stories. The roughest part of the trip was getting down to the Colorado River, crossing it and then climbing up out of the steep canyon. After leaving the canyon they came to the long stretch of Arizona desert with few watering places. The Utah travelers arrived at Allen's Camp De-cember 7, 1878. The few families living there rejoiced at their arrival which now increased the group to twenty families.

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The cabin that John and Mary had occupied when they left for Utah was empty, even the bed, baby crib and other belongings they had left the year before had been taken by other families that had come and stayed a short time and then moved on, probably not realizing that the family who left them there would be back. It was a one room cabin and not large enough for the nine Bushmans, so some of them still slept in the wagons until the cabin could be made larger. John, Lois and Mary never complained because this was their mission and they believed in following the counsel of their leaders. At first they didn't have any floors, but they were thankful to have a roof over their heads again. They did not need riches to be happy. They were serving their Heavenly Father and knew the joy of his blessings.

All of the families lived in cabins that were grouped together to form a fort. One of the log cab-ins was a church house and the children went to school there too, sitting on log benches. Brother McLaws was the first school teacher. They had a tool shed to the side. The water wagon was used to let the muddy Little Colorado River water settle until it was clear enough to drink. In the milk-house, milk was kept for everyone and there they made their own butter and cheese. For several years everyone ate at one big table. These pioneers lived the United Order which meant that every-one put into the order all of his belongings, then they all shared alike. There was work for everyone and each did his part.

Aunt Adele Bushman Westover writes the following description of the Old Fort:The houses were built close together, the north, east and west sides, with a small opening in the north east corner. The store house and water wagon were in the center of the fort. The cellar was in the north west corner. The houses were built of cottonwood logs, standing upright with mud in between the logs. The roofs were flat and covered with dirt. The Bushmans lived on the north end of the fort a short time, then on the east side.There was a tannery where brother Henry Despain took charge of tanning the cow hides and then making them into leather. Brother Charles Peterson made this leather into shoes for everyone. John Bushman had a machine to make brooms. The women made tallow candles out of beef tallow for lights and they also made straw hats that were braided. There was a store in the center of the fort where supplies could be bought. John Bushman was the clerk. They also had a blacksmith shop.

Lola's older sister, Maria, has written more detail about their life in the Old Fort. She makes it all sound happy and pleasant, which is the attitude her parents had about this mis-sion:

The Food They AteAfter a year of eating at a central table, the group decided for each family to eat separately. Enough cows were kept down from the mountain dairy to supply the people with an abundance of milk and cream. There were plenty of eggs, chickens and pork at all times. For several years Hans Nielson attended to the feeding of the pigs and chickens. He would collect the garbage each day and in the evening gather, divide and deliver the eggs. The third summer they had garden vegetables, wonderful melons and cantaloupe in abundance. There was no market except among the Indians who would trade blan-

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kets, moccasins and buckskins for produce. The melon season became famous, even this early in the history. Friends from the new settlements to the south came over for weekends and returned with their wagons loaded.Crops were better each season. Sugar cane was introduced as a crop. A molasses mill was built. As the fruit trees were not old enough to bear, the ladies would prepare the melon rinds for preserve made with molasses. Great barrels of those delicacies were stored in the commissary. Sugar was very rare and sold for one dollar a pound. From the dairy in the mountains came great loads of delicious cream cheeses and tubs of the choicest butter. The climate was good for raising corn and beans. At this time pota-toes would not grow in this section of Arizona. Squash and corn were dried for winter use. Dried fruit was freighted in from Utah. The flour obtained from Albuquerque was very dark and sticky.These early years taxed the ingenuity of the housewife if she hoped to spread before her hungry household a variety of tempting foods. Mothers Lois and Mary became adept at this and in the summer time they would take their children and friends on picnic parties un-der the trees by the river.After the evening meal, everyone assembled in the meeting house for devotion. The meeting was announced by the caff of the bugle. At first it was merely a cow's horn blown upon, later a triangle made to ring. The Bishopric presided. A hymn was sung and some Elder was called upon to lead in prayer. Then, after friendly greetings were exchanged, all returned to their homes. A most sublime spirit comes with the memory. It did not re-quire much time and was a very impressive, sacred hour.The clear atmosphere of Arizona enhanced the moonlight evenings in the Old Fort. Each family, sitting in front of their own door, would sing community songs together or with the group around their home. It was possible in the pale moonlight to clearly see the faces of neighbors across the court of the fort.

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Water Was Always a ProblemHans Nielson hauled the water from the river by ox team. When the rainy season was at hand

filters were made to clear the water according to directions from the text books. Alternate layers of coarse gravel, charcoal and coarse sand were placed in a large barrel which was supposed to cleanse the water. Then the water was poured over the top of the barrel and drawn out near the bottom. It came out cloudy and still salty.

The water was always hard so that each family had to have its own leach in the back yard. This was a crude wooden box-like receptacle, elevated on four legs, and slanting to the front. It was filled with cottonwood ashes, and water was poured over the top which drained into a ves-sel. This lye was used to soften the water for washing. A half cup in a boiler of water would soften it for laundry purposes. The lye was also used in making laundry soap.

For forty years the settlers depended on river water for culinary use. It was either hauled from the river or dipped from the canal. Much of it was "riley," if not outright muddy, and was a source of annoyance to the housewife who took pride in her white wash. Besides not being clear, the water contained salt which was so disagreeable to the taste that the area became known for its bad water. Friends who came from neighboring communities to visit would often bring a keg of water for drinking.

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Inside the Log CabinsJohn McLaws, a professional carpenter and cabinet maker, a real artist with the lathe, made all of

our furniture. By good fortune, some high quality pure white plaster of paris in stone-like blocks was discovered at the edge of the plateau nearby. A large lump, when burned, could be pulverized and would dissolve in water. It made beautiful whitewash for secluded it from view. At night the trundle bed was drawn out into the room. With homemade lace covers and doilies, those rooms made a charming picture. The kitchen dining room floors were wood. They were scrubbed once a week by the housewife, or one of the big girls, on her knees.

The sick were cared for by the family and neighbors. There were no doctors for these pioneers in northern Arizona. Each family had to depend on its own knowledge, or the knowledge of a good neighbor, to help in time of illness. Their medicine was herbs from the native plants, such as sage tea. Mustard plasters were often used for sore throats; ice packs and hot packs were also used because they were available.

These devout people also depended upon their Father in Heaven to inspire them to administer the right medicine, if they had it, or to heal the sick with a priesthood blessing. If the sick person regained his health, he thanked the Lord for his blessings. If he did not get well the loved ones mourned his passing and acknowledged the Lord's will.

In March 1880 when little Elsie May, Aunt Mary's daughter had just had her second birthday she had a severe case of the croup. The Bushmans tried everything, but the little sweetheart died March 7. This was a sad time especially for Aunt Mary and little Lola. But they were not alone in their sorrow. Many of the pioneers lost their little children who were sick with the childhood dis-eases.

When new babies were born a neighbor who had some experience in helping deliver new babies would be the midwife. Mother Lois helped deliver many of the new babies that were born in the Old Fort. Mother Lois had two babies herself, June and Jesse, while living in the little log cabin in the Fort. Mary had all four of her babies while living in the two room log cabin. They were Elsie May, Lillian, Adele and John Lehi.

Our Neighbors the Navajo IndiansDuring those early years, before the United States Government established schools among the Indians,

members of the Navajo and Hopi tribes made frequent visits to Fort St. Joseph. They usually came in groups or companies of five to thirty or more. They were gaily attired in their parade clothes, with their cheeks, foreheads and chins painted a bright red. In addition to beautifully colored Navajo blanket cos-tumes, some wore beaded moccasins, leggins, belts and jackets. Their ornaments of silver were made of hammered coins artistically though crudely hand engraved. They wore necklaces, bracelets and immense disks threaded together for belts. Occasionally the buckskin leggins were decorated with silver buttons. They also wore necklaces of small tinkling bells around their necks and waists.

They were always friendly and clean and well mannered. They did not beg. It was the policy of these pioneers to feed them and treat them as honored guests. They were responsive, truthful and honorable in all their dealings.

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Lola's brother Jesse makes this comment about the Navajos:Father was the clerk at the store in the center of the fort. He said the Navajos often pawned beads for groceries, to be returned to them upon payment on a certain date. It was unusual for an Indian to ever break his promise.

The RailroadA very memorable experience in the childhood of Lola occurred while everyone still lived in

the fort in the fall of 1881. The Santa Fe Railroad was being built. The railroad track was being laid about a mile south of the town site and followed along the Little Colorado River. When the first train was due to come through, it stopped at Holbrook, about 12 miles east of the fort. Henry Tanner took a wagon-load of children to Holbrook to see the new train. Lola was 9 years old at this time and soon saw the railroad become a great asset to her little community. It stopped at St. Joseph for passengers and produce and saved the people of the town many trips by team to pick them up at Holbrook.

SandstormsThe northern part of the Territory of Arizona was noted for its terrific winds and sandstorms

in the springtime. It seemed the wind blew most of the time, but when a sandstorm came, it would start at sunrise and increase in velocity until sunset. All would be quiet and calm until the next day at sunrise. These sandstorms always lasted three days. It was impossible to work out-side, so everyone sought shelter. John Bushman frequently made brooms for the community dur-ing such storms. Great sandbanks would be drifted, much like snow drifts. The sand had to be cleared away from the door with a shovel.

Along the river one mile to the south, grew many cottonwood trees resembling banyan trees, only more irregular. The force of those mighty winds would bend them to the ground and hold them there until the sand drifted over them. They would take root and spring forth anew, reaching lofty heights.

A framework of sheds and bowers was improvised over and around individual cabins in the fort. These provided a great protection from extreme summer heat when overlaid with those large leafy cottonwood boughs.

These harsh dry winds were especially damaging to the eyes. There were many whose eyes were injured permanently. Mother Lois Angeline's eyes were seriously affected and she was never able to read again. It seemed that this handicap would crush her as she had been an avid reader all of her life. She was able to satisfy some of her need for reading by having others read to her, sometimes paying them to do so.

Mother Lois was never free from the crippling pain of arthritis but did not invite sympa-thy, and did not talk about her troubles. It was decided that she should accept the urgent invitation of her mother and sisters in Smithfield, Utah to visit them for a few months and try to regain her

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health. She took her two youngest children, June and Jesse, and her oldest daughter Maria as a baby-tender and went to visit her family in Smithfield. It was the spring of 1882 when she left Arizona.

Pleasant Valley DairyDuring the summer and fall of 1882 John Bushman and his Arizona family were assigned

to take their turn at Pleasant Valley. Pleasant Valley is a beautiful place with its level, grassy plain some two miles by five miles long. It is surrounded by well-timbered mountain slopes in the Mongolian Mountain Range about 25 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona.

The Mormons colonizing the Little Colorado River Valley in 1876 recognized the commercial value of this locality for the livestock industry, dairying and lumbering. These United Order indus-tries flourished for many years, supplying the colonies along the Little Colorado with the necessi-ties of life. This dairying business was carried on by workers assigned for that purpose from Sun-set, Brigham City and St. Joseph. During some of those years produce from Pleasant Valley saved the colonies from disbanding when the floods came and destroyed the dams made by the pioneers on the Little Colorado River whose crops did not mature because of lack of water.

John Bushman tells in his diary about taking his family to this lovely mountain retreat for two months:

On August 16, 1882,1 took my wife Mary, and all of the children, Homer, Lola, Wick-liffe, Preston, and Mary's two baby girls, Lillian and Adele, and went to the Pleasant Val-ley Dairy to take care of the St. Joseph stock for two months. This is a real paradise for cattle, horses and sheep. Plenty of shade and a good variety of grass, with plenty of good water. The valley is owned jointly by Sunset, Brigham City and St. Joseph.This fall we are milking two hundred cows. We have a good grade of cattle and fine horses and good sheep and all the three wards are prospering in stock. On September 3, after milking, we went with a group to the top of Dairy Mountain, all on horseback, where there is a beautiful lake, some wild fruit and game. We stayed there about one and a half hours, had a picnic lunch, picked some gooseberries and raspberries and saw some wild turkeys.

Lola also remembered the wonderful two months they spent at Pleasant Valley. She thought it was all wonderful except the trip up Dairy Mountain because she had to stay behind and tend her two little sisters, Lillian and Adele, and Grandma Leavitt when she would rather have gone up the mountain. On September 18, 1882, they watched the great comet near the sun all day. This was a big thrill, and an exciting experience for all of them. They left this pleasant valley on October 19. Before leaving for home they dug 125 bushels of potatoes and butchered nine hogs to take back to the United Order storehouse. This produce would be used during the winter by the families in St. Joseph. It took them four days to get home.

Aunt Mary's Sickness and DeathMother Lois was getting ready to come back home to Arizona by Christmas of 1882, but hus-

band John wasn't able to leave right then to go get her. His obligations in the Church and farm didn't

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seem to get any easier with time. It was October 1883 before he was able to leave for Utah. One of the purposes for driving to Utah was the need for more farm equipment which he could buy more easily and cheaply in the stores he was familiar with in Utah. After a month of visiting and shopping, John, Lois and the three children started for Arizona. They arrived at Fort St. Joseph on December 7, 1883. Lois was happy to be with her family again and also happy to see the new little three-month-old baby boy, John Lehi; however she was saddened by Mary's poor health. Mary had a growth, or tumor, under her arm which was very painful.

On the 19th of December, Mary had an appointment to see Sister Ramsey, who was reported to be well versed in treating tumors. On the 20th they met her at Greer's ranch and Sister Ramsey pre-scribed a poultice of castor oil and raw cotton which would scatter the tumor, cause it to disperse, and make it disappear. She applied the poultice to the tumor. It did disperse, but it did not dis-appear. It spread all over Mary's body. Lumps came on her neck and elsewhere. She grew weak and feeble, and her health was much impaired.

Their neighbors, the Nielsons, were leaving St. Joseph and moving to Heber. John arranged for Mary to move into their cabin the latter part of December 1893. This was an opportunity for her to be in a quiet room of her own, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy family. Lois would be close to Mary's cabin and she, John or the older children were always near her.

Mother Lois suggested that her eleven-year-old daughter, Lola, stay with Mary and help with the care of the little ones. Once again Lola was Aunt Mary's girl; only this time instead of Aunt Mary taking care of Lola, Lola was going to take care of Aunt Mary. Lola lived with Aunt Mary for the rest of her second mother's life. Aunt Mary lived another year and seven months with very little relief from her pain except when her husband and the elders would administer to her, sometimes three times a day. Mary died July 5, 1885.

Many years after Aunt Mary's death, Lola's father asked her to write a tribute to Aunt Mary. The following is what Lola wrote:

AUNT MARY or MY OTHER MOTHERI sometimes flatter myself that I am the authority in our family on Aunt Mary, for as a little girl I went with Father and Aunt Mary to Arizona. They were married on the way to Ari-zona in the St. George Temple. I remember so distinctly their showing me the twelve big oxen on which the baptismal font rests. These childhood memories have remained with me very vividly.The first Christmas I spent away from my Mother was so filled with thrills and pleasure by my second Mother that I doubt whether I missed my mother and brothers and sister in Lehi as much as a little girl a long ways away should do. On that Christmas morning when I awoke, there on a chair beside my bed was a beautiful rag doll Aunt Mary had made with her own hands. The doll had beautiful black hair made from black wool, with black thread oudining the features. The clothes were just lovely. The Christmas sweets consisted of a dish of raisins. I thought that Christmas the best ever.She guarded my health as zealously as my own mother would have done and I always had a pretty clean apron on. Her prowess as a housekeeper and cook have become a family tradition. Her cooking was always done in an orderly manner and the results were tasty and enjoyable, it seemed to me, no matter how rough and meager the food.

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In regards to Aunt Mary's personal appearance, I distinctly remember a habit that would do credit to any young lady of today. No one ever saw her hair disorderly or disheveled. The secret of her neatness was that first thing every morning she performed her toilet and her hair then stayed combed for the rest of the day and no one ever saw it other-wise. Hair styles of those times were plain but very becoming to Aunt Mary.As befitting the wife of an early Arizona pioneer, Aunt Mary seemed to love work, was economical and never complained of hard work or hard times. In the fort the sis-ters helped each other by having sewing "bees." No one could accomplish more than Aunt Mary at these bees. When Mother, Maria, June and Jesse went to Utah to have Mother's eyes doctored, Homer, Wickliffe, Preston and I stayed with Aunt Mary and Father and Aunt Mary's two little girls, Lily and Adele. Father took us all to Sunset Dairy, later called Mormon Dairy. There were people from other settlements here, but we were the only children. I well remember them all going up on Dairy Mountain on horseback, and leaving Sister Leavitt, Lily, Adele and me at the cabin.Aunt Mary's patient and serene nature was fully displayed during her last sickness. The long fight against the deadly tumor, entailing the long treatment in the Salt Lake Hospital, found this second mother was just as sweet as ever. When she knew she was dying her request of her husband was that the other mother take care of her children.

A New HomeWith the beginning of the year 1884, the United Order was changed to the Stewardship

System. The property was divided, and each family was responsible for its own interests. In the spring of 1885 a town plot was laid out some distance west of the fort. It was surveyed and lots were numbered. The heads of families drew numbers and soon allwere working to improve their lots. Now they all planned their living on an individual basis. The fort was gradually being abandoned as new homes were built in the town.

John Bushman built a one-room lumber house on his town lot. It was a large room, 22 feet long, and was the first building in the new town. The family moved into this home in November of 1885. To the family it seemed big and roomy after the tiny two room cabin they had lived in for seven years.

When John Bushman moved his family from the fort to the new home, he had a family of eleven children. Lois had eight children and was expecting another in December. She also cared for Mary's three little children. The eleven children were: Homer 17, Maria 16, Lola 13, Wickliffe 11, Preston 9, June 6, Lillian 6, Jesse 4, Adele 4, John L. 2, and baby Florence, age 1.

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CHAPTER TWO

YOUNG WOMANHOODLola grew up to be a beautiful young lady. She was charming and modest. Her home life was a

happy one.

Her father John Bushman, was an early riser. He always got up before daylight, and his first job was to make fires in the stoves so the house would be warm when the family got up. Then he would go out to his farm animals, feed and water them and milk the cows. By the time he came back in the house the family would be up with breakfast ready and they would kneel for prayer. It was their custom to turn the backs of the chairs to the table and each person would kneel by his chair for prayer. When prayer was over they would turn the chairs around and sit down. After a hearty break-fast, father and the boys were ready to go to the fields to work. John Bushman was a good farmer. He was also a good manager of his finances. He believed in paying his debts when they were due, and he never incurred debts that he couldn't pay. He always lived within his means and taught his children these same values: rise early, plan your work, and stay out of debt.

Lola's mother, although crippled all her life, was a happy person with a beautiful singing voice. She had memorized many songs which she taught her children, and they sang in their home. Her eyesight was failing. Her arthritis was always a handicap. Her husband was gone from home sometimes for weeks at a time on church assignments, or on business for the town. Her discipline and good management were put to the supreme test during these years. The older members of the family were trained to help. Her home was always in order and her children neatly clothed. Mother Lois was also very busy in church work and community service. She was the Relief Society President of the St. Joseph Ward for 16 years.

Lola’s sister June writes a tribute to their mother that tells a lot about their home life:Our home was a castle in which Father and Mother ruled with love and understanding. Mother planned every detail with care. All members of the family had tasks to do, so no matter how many guests might be in the house, life remained serene and pleasant, for Mother was an artist in keeping a happy, cheerful atmosphere. To me Mother always seemed to be the power behind the throne. She was the one who kept the family together as a unit. She had such ability to manage that her home was always well ordered, even though she herself was unable to do the work.

I don’t remember doing anything I did not want to do, for ti seemed that Mother had an ability for getting her children to enjoy doing their part in the house. Mother’s method was for us to sing while we worked, and she usually wanted it to be a lively song to keep us speeded up. When the work was all out of the way we were promised an evening of book review which was inducement enough to keep us gladly at our tasks.

Mother had a cheery, genial, understanding disposition. She was gifted with the spirit of song . Her soprano voice was exceptionally true and of clear tone. She was always collecting new songs. She sang in her home and at public socials and taught her family to sing. Father's duties called him away much of the time, but affairs at home seemed never to suffer, for

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Mother was there to organize and skillfully supervise.

During the summer of 1886, John Bushman bought a fine new Mason and Hamlin organ for his family. This organ was one of the few musical instruments in that area. Friends joined the family in singing parties. Wickliffe and Lola learned how to play chords on the organ to accompany the songs. This became a happy pastime for the young folks.

On January 15, 1888 Lola received her patriarchal blessing. She was 15 years old.

A blessing by Lorenzo H. Hatch, Patriarch, pronounced the following blessing upon the head of Lois Evelyn Bushman, daughter of John and Lois A. Smith Bushman, born in Lehi, Utah County, Utah, June 28, 1872.

Dear Sister Lois: In the name of Jesus of Nazareth and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head and seal upon you a Patriarchal blessing. In as much as you desire to know the mind of the Lord, behold I say unto you be com-forted, for great are the promises and blessings which are in store for you, that you might live to see Zion Redeemed and rejoice under the influence and power of the Holy Spirit which shall testify of your acceptance.You shall be guided in the paths of wisdom and your feet shall stand in Holy places in the Temples of our God and be associated with a man of faith and raise up a posterity which shall become mighty in the redemption of the waste places of Zion. Great things are required at your hands.You have been born in the midst of the Saints. Millions have desired this blessing but it has been reserved that the covenant made unto Abraham, that those who were more noble should be born heirs to the Priesthood. Thou are through the loins of Ephraim and en-titled to all the blessings of the new and Everlasting Covenant. Oh! be exceedingly humble and the visions of the Lord shall be made manifest and your life shall be spared and you shall aid in the redemption of your dead and witness the fulfillment of the promises that have been made to the children of Lehi as testified of by the Prophets in the Book of Mormon and many shall rise up and call you blessed for you shall be crowned with many blessings. Your table shall be spread with plenty and your Guardian Angle will whisper peace and admoni-tion and your name shall remain in the Lamb’s Book of Life. You shall exhort your sisters and bear testimony of the great Latter Day Work. If your faith fail not and you will seek with all your heart you can remain up on the earth when the knowledge of God shall cover the whole earth’ when there shall be none to hurt in all the Holy Mountain, and be exalted with your husband in the Celestial Kingdom. I Seal these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. (Copied from the original manuscript.)

Lola learned many arts of homemaking important in that day. Then clothing was all home-made and cloth was purchased by the bolt. She became a good seamstress. Her mother would cut out stacks of shirts and overalls, petticoats, underwear, dresses, coats, and so forth. Then the women of the family would sew for many weeks. Lola pieced many beautiful quilt tops and carded the wool batts for the filling. She learned to knit stockings when quite young and became so swift and accurate she could almost knit a pair a day. She knit many pairs of those wool yarn socks and stockings for their large family. She was also a good cook. She and her sisters had much of the responsibility of preparing the meals, especially at times when there was company, which was

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often, as her father was Bishop of the St. Joseph Ward, and active in the business of the surround-ing communities.

Lola was also involved in the Church organizations as Secretary of the first Primary of the St. Joseph Ward, Treasurer of the YLMIA from 1889 to 1890, and a teacher Sunday School. In the fall of 1890 she was made President of the YLMIA and served here until her marriage in 1892.

In 1888 John and Lois decided to add a brick addition on to their lumber house. By late spring the plans for the new addition were made. They would add three rooms on the first floor: a large parlor and two bedrooms. Upstairs there would be four bedrooms. The frame part of the house which they were now living in would be the kitchen and a large dining-living room. It took John, his neighbors and the hired help nearly two years to complete this home. There were many delays and interruptions in the building process. Bricks had to be made and lumber had to be hauled many miles. Also there were farm work and church duties that had to be taken care of. The brick they made was the first brick to be made in northern Arizona; and this was the first brick home to be built in this area. Lola and her sisters under the direction of mother Lois made rag rugs, wove rag carpets, and made the window curtains for the new home. On the 11th of February 1890, this new brick home was dedicated by President Jesse N. Smith. Relatives and friends were invited to the program and dinner as this was the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Lola's parents. Lola and her sisters prepared the large dinner that was served to all of the guests. Lola was adept at making pies, and she probably had made many pies days before to have ready for this special occa-sion.

In the winter of 1890, Lola's older brother Homer, urged her to attend the Snowflake Stake Academy so she could get acquainted with some new friends. After her parents' silver wedding cele-bration and the completion of their new home, she accepted her brother's invitation and attended the academy for five months. Her brother Homer paid her expenses. She enjoyed this experience and made many new friends.

In the spring she had many of the new friends write in an autograph album to take home as a memento of this time. Lola's album was a small 4 inch by 7 inch book covered in a yellow-gold velvet. Many friends wrote clever saying. Some were their own creation and some were famous quotations from plays or books. Among those who signed the book was John Walter Smith, her fu-ture husband. Here are a few of the entries in her autograph album:

"In all your getting get wisdom." Nettie Hunt

Friend Lo,

When you get old and cannot see,

Put on your specks and think of me.

Ever your friend,

S. Freeman

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Dear Lois,

As you pass through the school of life,

Remember the key to success is

"obedience."

Your friend and sister,

Ellen J. Smith

Remember me is all I ask,

And if remembrance be a task,

Forget me.

Melissa

Friend Lois

Our lives are albums, written through

With good or ill-with false or true,

And as the blessed angels turn

The pages of our years,

God grant they read the good with similes,

and blot the bad with tears.

Walter Smith

Friend Lola,

“Hope for the best, be ready for the worst,

and take what God sends.”

And remember,

Nella T. Hunt

After her good experience in snowflake and in school, Lois returned to St. Joseph to help her family .

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Heber1891 was a hard year for the settlers of St. Joseph. Their seventh dam on the Little Colo-

rado River had washed out. Crops would be small in St. Joseph. In May John Bushman took three of his children, Lola age 19, Wickliffe age 17, and little John L. age 8 to his ranch near the small settlement of Heber, Arizona

Heber was about 30 miles south of St. Joseph in a fertile valley on the edge of the big pine forest. They lived in the house of John Scarlet, a southern convert and former inhabi-tant who had moved away . Father John had them help him plant a garden of potatoes and corn which they cared for all summer and they milked ten cows and took care of their calves. Lola helped her brother milk the cows. She also made butter from the cream and fed to the calves. During the day the cows were turned out of the corral to feed on the abun-dant grass and in the evening they were herded back into the corral.

In her spare time Lola pieced several beautiful quilt tops. Her father came several times during the summer to take produce home. While Lola was in Heber this summer she told of hearing mountain lions in the late evening, but there was never any trouble with them.

The children received several letters of instruction from their parents the following is a letter from their mother:

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Dear Wick, Pa thinks you had better dig the potatoes before you come down and fetch them to Heber and bury them for it might freeze before you get back. He wishes you to bring some corn, all that you can fetch. If you cannot get it husked bring the ears. We have no corn to feed the pig. Put the plow and hoe in a dry place so they will not rust. Pa's eyes are very bad. He can scarcely get out. The children are not well. June, Adele, Lon and Virgil have coughs and fever. Keep John from getting wet, make him wear his shoes. We quilted the quilt you sent. Your Mother.

The late summer of 1891, a handsome young man, John Walter Smith, came to St. Jo-seph to visit Lola. He was the brother of her sister Maria's husband, Silas, and the son of the Stake President, Jesse N. Smith. This may have been the time Walter asked Lois to marry him. She was 19 years old and Walter was 20 years old.

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CHAPTER THREE

MARRIAGE

When Lois was twenty years old she married John Walter Smith, son of Jesse N. Smith and Emma Seraphine West of Snowflake, Arizona. They made the trip by team over the well worn road to St. George, Utah in company with Charlie Ballard and Julia Smith, Walter's sister, who were also going to get married. It was 350 miles from Snowflake, Arizona to St. George, Utah. It took two weeks of tiresome travel to reach their destination. On November 2, 1892, the two young couples were married in the temple. After a few days of visiting with friends in St. George, they started back to their homes in Arizona. They brought with them a great amount of dried fruit which they sold to help pay their expenses. Lois tells that they had a very jolly trip.

During the first year of married life, they rented a room in Locy Roger's home in Snowflake. Lois' sis-ter Maria lived just a block away. She had been mar-ried to Silas Smith, Walter's brother, for two years. Lois and Maria had many hpapy visits during the next year. On October 23, 1893 Lois and Walter had their first child, a baby girl. They named her Sarah for Wal-ter’s very dear sister, Sarah Elizabet Smith Hulet, who had recently died after childbirth. Walter’s sister was

always called sadie and so Walter called his little daugh-ter Sadie, and this is the name she was called most of her life

In 1894, Lois’ father-in-law, Jesse N. Smith, sold her husband a 20 acre farm for $750. It was located about two and one-half miles south of Snowflake. Walter was to pay for the farm as he could. They lived on the farm in a two room lumber house for five years. During this time two little boys were born to this family: Walter Fenwick was born May 5, 1895, and Lorenzo Wickliffe was born February 19, 1897. Wickliffe was born about a week after his mother's brother Wick-liffe died in St. Joseph, Arizona. Lois was not able to attend her brother's funeral so it was a great

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comfort to her to name this new little baby for her dear brother.

Walter made a good living on the farm. He had a good team of horses, a wagon and a one horse shay. Each Sunday morning they would drive to town in their one horse shay and stay all day attend-ing the morning and afternoon church services, and visiting friends and relatives. Usually they would pack a lunch to eat between church services. Sadie remembers how wonderful the Sundays were. They were the highlight of the week.

Lois and Walter purchased a city lot in Snowflake and moved the lean-to kitchen from their farm home to the south part of their lot which was just above the big irrigation ditch that carried water to all of the gardens in town. The old frame kitchen served for front room and bedroom and the family was really crowded.

The lot Walter had acquired for his new home was a city block with a street on each end and an irrigation ditch running through about the center which was ideal for the plan of living in those early days. The barnyard and livestock were on one side of the ditch and the dwelling, garden spot and orchard were on the other. It was considered a choice location. Walter and Lois planned to build a fine brick home on the north lot facing town.

In 1901, Walter, with team and a flat top wagon, hauled rock from the little canyon north of town in order that the mason could build the foundation. Billie Willis made the brick and Neils Hansen and his father laid the foundation and built the brick walls. Ralph Ramsay and George Gardner did the carpentry work. The bedstads in those days were built high up from the floor with a cotton flowered flounce to hang from the lower part of the bed to hind boxes and stored items. Lois had a trundle bed for three of the little children to sleep on which was as wide as the parents’ big bed. This was low to the floor with castors, on the legs and could be easily rolled under the big bed during the day. They added another lean-to room to this for the kitchen in their temporary home . In htis tiny makeshift house two baby boys were born. John Casper arrived December 7, 1898, and Nathaniel Aikens was born September 14 1900. When the family finally moved from this house after living in it for five years, it was used for the chicken coop. A longstanding joke in the family was that John and Nat were born in the chicken coop.

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Sadie tells in her writings about living in this little house by the big ditch:

Living by a big ditch which was always full of water and keeping the little boys from getting into it was a continual worry to Mother. Walter got a little red wagon for Christmas. When spring came, Walter and Wick would both pull the wagon around the house together like two horses and see how fast they could go. In going around the house, they had to pass the ditch. They took little John, two and a half-years-old, for a ride. The faster they pulled the wagon the more John squealed with delight.

I was watching this fun and then suddenly I let out a scream. Walter and Wick called, "Mama!" and like a flash Mother came out of the house and ran to the ditch where John's legs were sticking up. That was all that was seen of him. In a second, Mother had him out. John was wearing a wide-brimmed felt hat which protected his head when he flipped head first into the muddy ditch bottom. "My goodness," said Mother as she washed John's face, "I'll be glad when we move into our new home."

It was during the rock hauling time that a near tragedy happened to the family. One fine sum-mer morning the family went with Father to the canyon. Mother Lois had prepared a nice lunch to take. They would spend the day. The children were in high spirits when they thought of the delicious picnic they would have at noon. While Father hammered slabs of rock loose and placed them on the flat top wagon, the children had a glorious time wading in the clear stream of Silver Creek, and climbing around the rocks among the cedar trees.

By late afternoon the team was hitched to the wagon and they started toward home. Mother had folded quilts and placed them between the rocks for the children to sit on. There were irri-gation ditches to cross when they neared town. The ride was jolty. After crossing a bad ditch a child's scream was heard. Little Wickliffe in his sleep had fallen off the wagon and the hind wheel had run over his body. The team was stopped and baby Na-thaniel was handed to Sadie to hold. Father and Mother got the cry-

ing child, both fearing he would die. Mother held the little moaning boy and Father continued to drive home. There were hushed whimpers from the other children.

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There must have been some pleading prayers to the Lord in behalf of this precious little four-year-old son. Father and the elders of the church administered to Wickliffe. Then Father went imme-diately to get Dr. Woolford who had them spread anflegistine all over his back and abdomen to draw out the inflammation. For many evenings relatives would come and hold a prayer circle around the child's bed. It was some months before Wickliffe recovered. This healing was a miracle and a testimony to the family that the Lord heard their prayers.

Sadie tells about her two brothers when they were little boys. She named her story:

"Wick or John"I was three years older than Wick, but I can still remember the lively little fellow that Mother had to keep out of the wood box or cupboards. And then 22 months later I had another brother, John. Wick was chubby and fat and John was slender, so they kept the same height for many years. When someone called for either one of them they would say, "Come here Wick or John."The Lord had work for these little boys to do and they were destined to grow to manhood in spite of the accidents and old superstitions.John Casper Smith was the seventh John in line of blood descent from Great Grand-father John Smith. John Smith died while crossing the plains, and the other five Johns died in infancy. Mother did love the name of John, in fact it was a beloved name to all the family. I remember hearing her pray when John was a baby, and pleading with the Lord to let the guardian angels protect him that he would live and fulfill a wonder-ful mission on earth. When he was a year old he had the whooping cough very bad and he had delicate health for a year. I have seen Mother take the little fellow in her arms and cry and plead with the Lord to save him. She could hardly shake off that fear that had grown up in her mother's family over the name of John. We wonder if "7" is a significant number.Our new brick home was built but not finished. We moved into it before the walls were plastered. This was the home of our childhood memories. We had so many places to make play houses. The boys would pile up wood or boards and play they were on a wagon hauling freight. Our Father did a lot of freightings with his teams when he was not working on the farm . The boys would take the teams of horses to the farm to pas-ture when they were not in use. We had one yellow horse they called Fox. He was a gentle horse and they used him a lot. Wick and John liked to go with their daddy and would say “go to sorn to get old sox,” old pox.” We had a lot of fun over these two little boys’ dialect.

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One summer the family spent in a canyon near Shumway, Arizona working on a dream mine. A Mr. Jones had talked Lois’ husband into helping him find gold there. Lois went with him and took all the children. Living in a tent she cooked all the meals for this camp of miners and their hired help. Walter put about $600.00 into this mine which could have gone into finishing the new home. Unfortu-nately, they didn’t get anything out of the mine.

In 1902 the sixth child, Phillip Otto, was born in the unfinished brick home. In 1903 John Walter was called on a mission to the

North Western States. This left Lois with the full burden of caring for their six children and supporting her husband on his mission. She was blessed in her efforts. Through the Lords sustaining help and her good management she was not only able to send money to Walter, but she finished some rooms in the house and paid off all the debts they had incurred while building the home.

Lorenzo Wickliffe Smith wrote the following story which gives a glimpse into everyday life in his childhood home with Walter on his mission and Lois finding ways to care for her children and support her missionary husband:

Sadie was 10 years old and Walter was 8. They were sent after the cows but could not find them this evening so Mother left Sadie with the children and she took Walter and went back to look for the cows. It was after dark when they returned with the cows and they still had to milk them.

Nathaniel, who was past three years of age, was crying for his milk. Each night he would take his tin cup out to the corral and sit by the fence. Mother would milk from the cow in his cup and he would sit there and sip this warm milk, several cups full. Nathaniel was a beautiful child, very plump with brown curly hair that hung in ringlets to his shoulders.

Mother was always figuring out some way to make a little more money to send to Father on his mission. This is one way she did it. The soldiers from Fort Apache came through Snow-flake about once a month, going to Holbrook to meet the train for their payroll. The company in-cluded one carriage with four officers in it, drawn by four horses or mules. There were about 6 or 10 wagons to carry supplies drawn by 6 mules each and there were 60 mounted cavalry men. They would camp in the back street near Ellen Willis' or Ramsey's places. They would pitch tents and set up camp.

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Mother sent Walter and Wick down to the soldiers with cookies to sell to them. Then the soldiers asked for more things. They would take whole pies, cakes, buckets of milk and butter-milk. Mother would always be prepared, as she knew about when they would come. Then she would send the money off to Portland, Oregon, to Father.

Mother fixed up one bedroom very nice and painted it, then rented it to a school teacher who taught in the Snowflake Stake Academy, a Miss Miller. The rest of our new brick house was not finished completely at this time.

From the journal of Walter F. Smith we read:Father went on a mission to Oregon and Mother kept him and prospered. She was a staunch church worker and tithe payer. At the later part of his mission she went to Portland to meet Father and see the Fair. We children lived at Grandfather Bushman's while she was away. On their return, we went home and everything seemed to go along real smoothly. Mother kept us in school as usual.

When her husband was released from his mission in 1905, Lois had saved enough money to make the trip to meet him in Portland, Oregon. They were able to spend a delightful ten days visiting Walter's many friends and several days visiting the World's Fair and the Lewis and Clark Exposition which was being held in Portland. On their way home they stopped at St. Joseph and picked up their six young children who had been staying with Grandpa and

Grandma Bushman while their mother made this exciting trip.

The fall and winter of 1905-06 was a won-derful, happy time for this family. They ac-knowledged the blessings of the Lord in their home and were diligent in their church duties. Walter was a popular speaker and participated in many church activities. The children loved to listen to him preach and quote the scriptures. On May 27, 1906, an-other son, Nephi Pratt Smith was born. He was named for his father's mission presi-dent, Nephi Pratt.

Lois and Walter had been married nearly fourteen years. Lois had supported Walter in all of his endeavors, even though living conditions had not been good. She may not have agreed with all of his ventures, still she had supported him. Her great desire when she was married was to have a large family. Now she had six fine sons and one beautiful daughter. She also wanted her children to be properly fed and clothed and to have a good home that they would be proud of. This had all been made possible by patience during

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their hard times, and lots of hard work.

During the summer of 1906, Walter's father, Jesse N. Smith, died. He was the Stake President of the Snowflake Stake and had been since the town was settled. It took several months for the Church authorities to replace him. They finally choose Samuel F. Smith to be the new Stake President. Samuel was Walter's younger brother. All during their growing up years, Samuel had looked to Walter for advice and help in difficult situations. Now Samuel was in a difficult situation. He was living in Holbrook when he was called to be the Stake President, but he was required, in this new calling, to live in Snowflake. He had no home there.

In those early days, the small Mormon settlements had no hotels or accommodations for travelers, so the townspeople were required to provide for any one who visited. The Stake President was expected to accommodate visitors from Church Headquarters who came for conferences. Someone suggested that Walter sell Samuel his new home, and when members of the Smith family heard this they thought it was a fine idea and encouraged Walter to do this for his younger brother who had just received this special calling.

Walter was influenced by his family and felt that it was his duty to sell his home to Sam-uel, but when he told Lois of his intentions, she was not in favor of parting with this home that had taken them so many years of hard work to build. Where would they live? What about the children? They loved this new home. They had worked hard for it and waited long for it. Walter promised he would buy another city block and would build another home for his family. So their new almost finished home was sold, and Walter had to find another place for Lois and their seven children to live as Samuel and his family needed to move in right away.

When Samuel bought the home, he paid Walter $900.00 for it. This money could have been used to build a new home, but Walter spent much of it to buy a farm from his brother, Lehi. The farm was ten acres, most of it above the ditch in sagebrush and located about a mile and a half south of Snowflake.

The family moved into the only available house in Snowflake which was the north four room apartment of the log cabin, Jesse N. Smith had built for his first wife Emma, Walter's mother, when they first came to Snowflake in 1879. They would soon have to move from it however, because Grandma Smith had promised it to the school teachers when they came to teach school.

Walter bought a city block south of Snowflake. It was on a hill, too far away and on too high a ground for them to get water from the big town ditch. Therefore there were no trees on this block and no means of having a garden. The family planted a garden in their field, two and one-half miles away. Walter built corrals and barns for his livestock but there was no water. Walter's half brother Don, lived across the street but he was not willing to let the boys take water from his lot.

During the winter months the boys had to go several blocks from the log cabin to the corrals to feed the cows, horses, pigs and chickens. Then they would milk the cows and carry the milk several blocks in the cold and snow to their log cabin home. In order to water the animals they hauled water from the city ditch several blocks for the small ones and drove

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the horses and cows to the ditch to drink. Sometimes it would take two or three of the boys to control them and keep them from running away. During the cold winter months, this was a big chore. Walter finally had a well drilled, but it quit working and the family still had to drive the stock to water and carry their drinking water. There was no money to drill a new well.

John Walter decided to build a cement house on the new lot he had purchased. In Port-land, Oregon, where he had served his mission, many of the homes were built out of Port-land cement. It was not as expensive as brick. However, neither Walter nor the men he hired to help him build this house had ever had any experience building with cement. The con-struction of the house was slow and there were many delays.

In Nathaniel's journal he describes how he felt about the family's situation:

It almost tore Mother's heart out to move out of her new home. I recall the move to the old log house, and then delays in the construction of the new cement home came and more de-lays and finally we had to vacate the log house for school teachers.The new house was only up to the square with the sub floor on the second story. Fa-ther got a tent and attached it to the side of the wall and we moved to the new home without a roof on and used the tent as kitchen and dining area and everything else. The wind always seemed to be blowing and the sand and gravel would fly. We slept in the house without a roof, and in this condition of living my mother gave birth to her eighth child in a room with a sub floor as a roof. The baby was named Homer Bushman Smith.During the time they lived in the cement house two more children were born.

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Justin Mack was born February 17, 1911, and last of all a baby girl, Winifred Lois, on July 10, 1913. After eight boys the family re-joiced to have this little girl. It seemed the whole family was wait-ing for her. She was a great com-fort to her mother because of her sweet, happy disposition.

Sadie was good at keeping a diary and has some entries about herself and her brothers and sisters around this period of time:

August 19, 1913: How strange I have hardly thought there was a little girl in the family. Yes, I have a little sister after waiting so long. I'm old enough to be her mother. The little dear was born on the 10th of July. Her name is Winifred. We call her "Winsome." I've been so busy since she came I have had no time to write or read, hardly to wash or comb my hair. I hope her life will be a happy and useful one. One thing she will not always have a baby to tend and will have brothers older than her.

November 30, 1914: Last night I sang a solo in Mutual. Mama said it was the best she ever heard me sing, that made me feel good because when praise comes from your own folks it is genuine and sincere. I am on a committee for getting songs for the Mutual contest and it keeps me a jumping.

December 16, 1914: It will soon be the end of this semester in school. I dread the exams a little. I hope I will pass all right.

September 15, 1915: Yesterday was Nathaniel's birthday he is 15 years old. He is at the age where he likes a little notice so I gave him a fan and a chocolate bar. He very much appreci-ated this.

Last night Pratt and Homer did not come home from school until away after dark. Mama made them go to bed without their supper. I was in bed when they went to bed and could hear them talk-

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ing in the other room over their cruel punishment. Homer did not say much but Pratt was a snif-fling and saying how hungry he was and how he was going to eat and eat in the morning.

Justin is the little fellow that thinks. He asked mama wouldn't she be glad when he was a man. Mama said, "Oh, she hadn't begrudged him his babyhood." Then Justin quickly asked, "Which one, the little red one?"

Justin was with papa when he planted the grain last spring. Papa scattered the grain across the soil by throwing it with his hand. Justin got tired and wanted to go home. He said to papa, "I'll be glad when you get through wasting that stuff, I want to go home."

Winifred does talk so cute, she used to call Homer, "Murmur" and me "Teddie." She talks a little plainer now. When she wants a drink she says, "ola."

She notices nice things and likes to be dressed up and makes a fuss over me when I am fixed up. I am afraid she will be spoiled cause she likes to boss.

May 10, 1916: The Alumni Ball, Tuesday night was great. The wedding dance last night I attended I had the best time I've had in a year. I wore my yellow messaline and wore my hair done up in the latest roll. My real school days are over and it seems my real girlhood is over. I feel just as girlish but times and circumstances change. The years roll by too fast. Life is so full and so short.

Years later Sadie sums up the hard work and the good times in Snowflake:My three oldest brothers, Walter, Wick-liffe and John were my companions during school days and at town socials, like the Friday night dances. What wonderful memories I have of those three oldest brothers. We were so near and dear to each other, and shared our problems and joys.The other five brothers, Nathaniel, Phil-lip, Pratt, Homer and Justin, I had to care for them, tend them and keep them out of mischief as they came along. So my home life was much hard work tending big heavy babies, scrubbing floors, scrubbing bib overalls on the washboard, mixing a big pan of bread every other evening to be risen up the next morning for baking and for yeast fried hot cakes for breakfast. Oh, so good!I do not wish to dwell on the hard work as we had many happy times. Birthday parties and the charm of Christmas day and our church activities and socials

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where we met our dear friends and cousins. This town of Snowflake in those days was just full of our cousins. We had many wonderful times, hayrack rides, picnics, horseback riding and in the winter dancing and public Christmas Eve parties. Then the 4th and 24th of July celebration and the Smith Reunions were all so enjoyable. We loved also the Bushman Re-unions when we took a whole day by team and wagon to get to St. Joseph to visit our grand-parents.

Nathaniel's journal tells of the mail contract that the family started about this time:Father bid on a contract to carry the mail from Holbrook to Fort Apache for a four year term and his bid was accepted. Then his family wanted in on it and as pressure mounted he gave in and took in his older brother Silas D. Smith as a partner. This was a sad day as he turned out to be dishonest and almost wrecked the business. After some hard feelings Silas finally got out.My Father and Mother together with all the boys pitched in and ran this mail service to a successful conclusion. However this mail contract was a lot of hard work and no profit. Mother supported her husband in this undertaking, even going with a young son and tak-ing a nursing baby with her when the night driver was not able to go, and this hap-pened many times during the last two years of the contract.

John tells of the time he drove the team and his mother took her nursing baby and ac-companied him on this night drive:

Mother wasn't afraid. This incident happened when my father carried the mail from Hol-brook to Ft. Apache. Father, Walter and Wick happened to be away from home on some other part of the mail route. We had a hired man to take the mail from Snowflake to Showlow in late afternoon.This particular time it had snowed. The hired driver rolled himself in the snow after he had gone a little way on the trip and came back to the house and told Mother the storm was too bad to drive up there and he did not like to travel late at night. He said it was im-possible to make the trip. Mother had a nursing baby but she felt she would go if neces-sary. She looked at me and said, " John if you will drive I will go along with you." So by nine o'clock that evening we were ready and mother and I took the mail to Showlow.

Nathaniel concludes his story:My father did not renew the mail contract. He was deep in debt, but he had some good horses and wagons, so he started freighting again.

In the spring and summer of 1915 John Walter and Lois were not getting along. The ce-ment house was crumbling. A big piece had fallen out of the southeast corner of an upstairs room, Sadie's bedroom, so she had to hang a canvas over it.

THE SEPARATIONLois had come to a point where she felt she must separate from her husband. Certainly

this was not an easy decision, and was not hastily made. They had been married for twenty-three years, had ten children and had experienced much together. Yet the negatives seem to

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have been enormous at this point and Lois determined she could do better at raising her fam-ily alone.

Lois was a very private person. Although her older children seem to have had some strong opinions as to the cause of this divorce, Lois shared little with them about her mo-tives in making the decision.

Sadie was twenty-one years old in 1914. She was at an idealistic age. Many of her friends were engaged and some were marrying. Her sensitivity about her parents' marital problems are apparent in her diary writing:

December 16, 1914: I hope I will not be a nagging kind of woman because I believe that will rile up tempers more than anything, but I am inclined that way and I will have a struggle to always be calm. If I can get a man that is considerate of woman's rights and loves to have me help in his plans for a living, then a woman could not help but be pleasant.I think a woman's place is to be a perfect home-maker, make the husband happy in a clean, neat home, that is if the man has "git up" enough to give her a comfortable place. A man can be made a disgruntled, morbid old fellow if he has a nagging wife. A wife can be made a mis-erable nagger if she is held down by pov-erty or oppression in a way for the benefit of her family by a unappreciative husband.I dread to get married when I look at my par-ents, but still I love them. They have only made mistakes and do not know how to make things right. How careful we should be in choosing our companions for life.The following quote from Nathaniel's journal expresses his opinion about his parents' separa-tion and eventual divorce:

Five years after Homer was born, and two more babies, the Smith family interference was enough. Mother thought all of this interference was because of her so she asked for a divorce and was granted a civil divorce.

Here were two good people, clean and pure with ten wonderful children, driven apart by rela-tives' interference, and the children lost the companionship of their Father and not only that, they had to take abuse and be discriminated against by school and church leaders. I was too young to realize much of the emotional feelings of my mother, but I soon realized the relatives blamed her for the separation.

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Sadie included the following in her private papers which sheds some understanding on the differences in her parents' personalities:

Mother Lois looked upon life as a serious business. She never cared for public notice or po-sition. Her highest aim was to have a comfortable home, raise her children up to be good Latter Day Saints, and to be able to feed and clothe them properly.Mother had a clear insight into finances and economy. She would rather be poor than in debt. All her life she had been a faithful tithe payer and she taught the principle strongly to her children. If her husband would have been humble enough to have listened to her advice on care of their farm, and how to take care of their money and stay out of debt, she could have been a wonderful helpmate to him.My parents were married in a most sacred manner and both Mother and Father believed in this sacred temple marriage.

In 1915 Lois filed on a 160 acre homestead. The land was about one mile southwest of Snowflake. If the family could fence this property, build a home on it, and live there, the property would be theirs.

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CHAPTER FOUR

THE HOMESTEADThey called it "Smiley Heights" because it could be seen for miles and miles from all

directions as you approached the town of Snowflake. But it was the proud home of Lois B. Smith, built by the united effort of a united family, under the leadership of her oldest son Walter. From the time he was a little boy he was often reminded and impressed with the im-portance of the position of being the oldest son.

This was written by Nathaniel and he continues to tell the story of the homestead:The thought of a new home to be built on a tract of land acquired simply by homesteading and improving it was all the impetus needed for a determined family. So Lois' young sons went into the surrounding hillsides and cut and hauled the cedar posts, set them in the ground and strung four lines of barbed wire around this 160 acre piece of land. It was a mo-mentous task. Now they had to build the house.To build this home for Mother all labor was assigned to the boys. Only skilled help such as carpenters, masons and plasterers were hired. One of the carpenters hired was one Harry Greaves, who later married Sadie. Wick and John dug the trench for the footings. Walter, Nat and Phill dug the basement for food storage.The house was to be made of adobe, hand made. It was covered with white stucco. An esti-mated 16,000 adobes (dobbys) would be needed. Walter, Nat and Phill were assigned to make them. Wick, John and Pratt were to haul them by team and wagon the three miles up to the top of the hill, the building site.The complicated dobby mill was built down by the main irrigation ditch on the "little farm" where suitable material was available. A large area was cleared of sagebrush and leveled for laying out and drying the "dobbys." Water was piped to the mill from the ditch and piles of dirt were heaped up at the mill site with a team and slip scraper and were later shoveled by hand into the mill.The mud mixer was propelled by a horse hitched to a boom. As the material and water were mixed to the proper texture a gate was opened and the mud pushed out onto the table where Walter would filled the molds. A mold held two "dobbys" 12 by 5 by 3 &1/2 inches. Nat and Phill, known as "off bearers," carried the molds full of mud off to the drying field. These had to be turned every day until cured. Walter would keep the "off bearers" on the run. That number 15,999 and 16,000 seemed a long, long time in coming.Looking back, it seemed Walter never tired nor got discouraged and we all respected his authority. We all took pride in the building of this home which when finished was as fine as any in Snowflake.

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After Lois and the children moved into this new home, she had it dedicated on February 11, 1916. A few friends were invited. Her father and mother came, the bishop of the Snow-flake Ward and the Snowflake Stake Presidency. John Bushman, her father, gave the dedica-tory prayer. The two oldest children, Sadie and Walter, sang a duet "Sometime We'll Under-stand." All present made favorable remarks on the effort that had been made to build this

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noted white house on the hill. Altogether it was a nice affair. Lois' parents stayed in the new home that night.

John Walter lived alone in the old cement house for a few months and then with his team and wagons loaded with freight for Ft. Apache, he went south to the Gila Valley. Before he left he gave Lois the town lots and the deed to the 20 acre farm. This was a touching surprise for Lois as she did not expect it and did not ask for it.

It was up to Lois to guide and direct her ten children in their future endeavors. When she filed for a divorce she did not sue for any property nor any alimony, just the children. In the divorce she was given custody of the eight minor children. All of the children stayed with their Mother, even Sadie and Walter, the two oldest ones who were over 18 years of age.

All during Lois' married life she had insisted on having family prayer twice a day. The family would kneel around the breakfast table and supper table and either the parents or one of the older children would lead in prayer. Now the family needed this spiritual help more than ever and they always knelt morning and evening to pray. According to the older chil-dren their mother was the one who always saw that all the children attended their church meetings. She knew that they had to keep active in the Church and do well in school in order to be successful.

There were many relatives and townspeople who would be watching this family, Divorce was looked upon as evil. In those days a married couple might separate, but they wouldn't divorce. Lois and her children were aware of this feeling and they were determined to prove otherwise. Sadie, Walter, Wick and John, had all graduated from the Snowflake Stake Acad-emy with good feelings. They had been active in the school musicals, athletics, and nearly all of the other activities. The year Walter graduated he was student body president and the year before he was junior class president. John C. was also the junior class president. These four children graduated before the divorce.

Nathaniel had a different story to tell. These incidents happened in 1917, the year after the divorce and are told by him in his journal:

I was very fond of school and had good marks. In the summer I always looked for work to make a little money to help support the family. I would always turn my checks over to Mother and she would put down in a little book to my credit. She did this for all the boys when they gave her money. When I got in my second year in high school I was doing very well in my classes, but could not get a chance to play basketball on the team or even practice with them. In those days the basketball courts were outside and it was cold to stand around in your gym suit. The coach was my cousin. He would let other kids play, but not me.This was typical of the discrimination I was beginning to get used to, not only in sports but in other school and church activities as well. I soon became discouraged and felt inferior. I fell in with a group, mostly cousins, who treated me as equal and we sought other interests. We started to tamper with tobacco. One day about eight of us were in a neighbor's barn smoking Bull Durham and someone tipped off the school. It was against the rule to smoke and attend school. We were all caught in the act.We didn't worry too much as some of the kids had influential dads. The school board met that week. The president of the board for a church school was the Stake President, and that was my Uncle Samuel F. Smith, my father's brother. The majority of the board was also rela-

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tives. It was agreed that smoking could not be tolerated and the best way to impress the school was to make an example out of one of the group, and the President said it should be me because I would not make it anyway. It was decided that I was to be expelled immedi-ately, with no hearing or recourse. This action was related to my mother by one who was in attendance.Mother was heartbroken. She said, "It serves you right," and did not condone to any degree what I had done. But she felt I should have another chance since the other boys were not expelled and could stay on and get their high school education. She went straight to the prin-cipal of the school. He said he was only following orders, so then we went together to see President Samuel F. Smith. I recall he kept us waiting and waiting and finally he came in and said, "I know what you came for but the action has been taken and approved by the authori-ties." The decision was final. I was literally kicked out, not only of school, but out of Snow-flake as there was nothing I could do there. This was just before Thanksgiving.The next morning I went to Holbrook and got a job driving stage from Holbrook to Keams Canyon for my brother Wick who needed some help in the winter.

Shortly after the family moved to the homestead Lois asked one of the big boys to take their little three year old sister, Winnie, outside and tend her. The boys were playing a game of baseball. The buckboard, a small wagon, was close to where they were playing their game and the high seat was a perfect place for an observer. This was the seat chosen for the little sister. She was very happy and laughed and clapped her hands when her brothers hit the ball. Then one swift ball came her way and hit her on the left cheek. It knocked her over and the right side of her face hit the wooden brake. A large sliver came off the brake and pierced her cheek. Mother Lois was not able to get the sliver out and the closest doctor was in Winslow, 50 miles away. Lois took her little girl to Winslow.

Sadie had been working at Uncle Homer Bushman's store and saving a little money. She makes an interesting entry in her diary at this time, June 9, 1916: Sadie writes:

Strange how I write in here when there is trouble in the air. Mama has gone to Winslow with little Winifred to have the sore on her face fixed. I am home to tend things. Mama wrote a letter today and said the puss had eaten into the bone toward the ear. Oh I hope dear little sister will get well. I do want her to live, my only sister. We are going to have a prayer circle here among us.I let Mama take all the money I had $21.00. We are so poor. I don't know what we will do for the doctor bill. Papa won't sell the little farm, which is just eating itself up with interest. If he would only sell it and pay Mama some. Surely there is sunshine somewhere to come.

Lois must have realized the anxiety her children at home felt, following letter to them from St. Joseph on June 12, 1916.

My Dear Family,The doctor only wants to dress Winnie's face once in 4 days now. It is getting along

fine. I thought it would be cheaper to stay here than in Winslow. I will have to go down Friday and maybe he can tell then how much longer it will take. I did not mean to frighten

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you children, because her life is not endangered, tho the sore is much worse than I thought. Please send my mail to St. Joe. Can't write more this time, it is mail time.

Love to all from Mama

The doctor said he could not get the sliver out of Winnie's cheek without cutting the cheek to remove it. This would have left a large scar across her face for the rest of her life. Lois wouldn't permit the operation and took her daughter home. According to the doctor's di-rections, Mother Lois massaged the cheek with cocoa butter every day. After several months of faithful mas-saging, the sliver popped out. The wound took several more weeks to heal, but left only a small scar thanks to a mother whose persistence wouldn't let her little girl's face be marred for life.

During the first years on the homestead, it was very hard to keep up with the expenses; however, Lois managed by selling cows and produce from the farm. Her older sons left home to get work and each one faithfully sent the money they earned home to their mother to apply towards the debts incurred in building their new home. Also, Grandfather Bushman helped Lois with her finances. Although money was always scarce, Lois was anxious for her older children who had graduated from high school to continue their edu-cation. Walter, the oldest son, joined the Arizona Mili-tia for a year and then joined the Navy in 1918 when the war started. Wickliffe got married and he and his wife Blanche lived at home with Lois.

Wickliffe worked for the railroad, using the team and wagon. He received $9.00 a day, which was pretty good pay in those days. Sadie went to Provo and attended the B.Y.U., learning to become a stenographer. She also took classes in music and art. John C. went to the University of Utah. He was in the reserves while he completed one year of college. Then John C. was called on a two year mission. Lois and her sons agreed to support him.

In the spring of 1917 Lois' father wrote her requesting that she come cook for them while they had conference visitors. Lois' mother was blind now and it was difficult for her to do cooking for big groups. We can assume Lois probably went to St. Joseph to help her parents at this time.During the spring of 1918 Grandpa and Grandma Bushman, who now lived in Lehi, Utah, urged Lois to come for a visit. Lois' sister June, who lived in Canada, would be there. Sa-

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die was in Provo going to school and Lois could visit with her. In a letter Lois writes to Sa-die she says, "You must not set your mind too much on me coming back there, tho I would like to. We may not be able to get the money and I must take Winnie if I go." In this same letter Lois writes, "I try to be well but my side and back bother me lots, especially in the forenoon." This is the first indication of Lois' trouble with her back. However, as her life progressed it became a major problem.

Lois accepted her parents' invitation and her daughter's urging to come to Utah. With her five-year-old daughter she took the train to Salt Lake City. They had a wonderful two-week visit with Grandpa and Grandma Bushman, daughter Sadie, sister June, and all of the other rela-tives who lived in that area.

While visiting Lehi, Lois re-ceived a letter from home telling her that most of the family at home was sick with the flu. The disastrous world wide flu epi-demic of 1918 had broken out. Mother Lois and five year old Winnie hurried back home. They found all of the family in bed with the f lu except Wick, Blanche and Phill. Phill told his mother that he would go outside in the fresh air and dig a big hole and then fill it up. The fresh air and exercise kept him from getting the flu. Wick and Blanche took care of the sick, getting their meals and whatever else they needed. When their mother arrived home they collapsed in bed with the flu. Phill had cooked a big pot of beans, the only thing he knew how to cook, and he had done all the outside chores. Mother nursed the family back to good health.

John received his mission call. He was to leave in July. On June 13, 1919 Mother Lois writes to Sadie:

Dear Sadie,We got word today that John is coming. He will be set apart (for his mission) in Salt Lake City, come home and leave from here to his field of labor. So can't you see? They will all be home but you, so of course you will have to come. Mr. Chaffee told me Harry is expected to be here the last of June. Please get me a white tablecloth if they are reasonable, but don't pay any fancy price. Also if you want to get stuff for a "W" dress where you can see to pick it out, do so. I will be so glad to have you all together again and we ought to have as happy a time as possible. But my, there will be some work! I hope my old back will hold up. With love, Mother.

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Mother Lois had a great deal of back pain in her life. Years later it was diagnosed as kid-ney stones. She lived with this impairment until they were removed when she was in her six-ties. Sadie did come home for John's farewell. She stayed on with the family until her mar-riage a few months later.

Walter and Sadie had been working most of the summer. They wanted to do something for their mother. They decided to get her a mother's ring to wear on her left hand ring finger. She had never had a wedding ring. They got a plain 14 karat gold band and had engraved inside the band "To Mother from Sadie and Walter." Lois wore this ring the rest of her life.

Sarah (Sadie) and Harry were married October 2, 1919. Harry had been baptized a mem-ber of the Church while he was stationed at Camp Kearney, California, and had been an ac-tive member for over a year. However the Snowflake Stake President, Samuel F. Smith, felt they needed more time before going to the temple. They were married in Lois' home on the homestead, with a large crowd of friends and relatives attending. Harry bought a town lot from Lois and built a cozy two room house on it. The following June they obtained temple recommends and went to Utah where Grandpa and Grandma Bushman accompanied them to the temple. They were endowed and sealed for time and all eternity. The following is a letter from Grandpa John Bushman:

Lehi City, Utah June 22, 1920Dear daughter,Sadie and Harry came and went through the temple for the dead and I think they got a pretty good un-derstanding of the endowments. We had them act as proxies for your grandmother Maria Foscue Smith's children that she had by Preston Thomas, sealed to her and her first husband, John Smith, also the little Indian boy. We were glad Harry and Sadie came to the temple for all of our children and grandchildren have been married in the temples so far, and we hope the others will keep up this splendid record.We are yours truly, John and Lois

Harry and Sadie lived in Snowflake for two years and then moved to Winslow for better work oppor-tunities.

Mother Lois not only had back trouble much of her life, she also suffered most of her married life with

toothaches. It seemed all of her teeth were bad, but there was never any money to pay a den-tist. She heard that there was a dentist in Holbrook who would pull all of your teeth and fit you with false teeth for a small fee. Lois decided it would be a good thing to have all of her teeth out, then there would be no more toothaches. So she took some of the hard earned money and went to this dentist. She had one of the big boys drive her to Holbrook. She felt

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she should take her two youngest children with her as she would be gone all day and they were too young to be home alone so long.

The dentist pulled all of her teeth and made impressions for false teeth at the same time. Her young children remember the ride back to Snowflake. Their mother was in great pain and bleeding profusely. She had brought several old towels with her, anticipating this condi-tion. The young children remember these towels soaked with blood from the open wounds of the extracted teeth, and the suffering their mother was going through. It was weeks before the swelling and soreness healed and she was able to put the false teeth into her mouth. They didn't fit well and she was constantly lifting them off her gums with her tongue. Despite the discomfort Lois wore them rather than go without teeth. But she wore them only when she went in public or when she had company. Without them the shape of her face was changed. Now her full mouth was sunken and she had a different appearance. She never went to an-other dentist as there were always too many other places for the money.

Many years later her daughter, Winifred, who remembered this awful trip, was now mar-ried and earning money. She sent her mother money to see a reputable dentist and have a good set of false teeth made. When asked if she had her new teeth, Lois confessed that she had sent the money to her missionary son, who needed it at that time.

Lois had jobs for all of her children: animals to take care of, wood to cut for the stove and fireplace, water to carry from the windmill to the house and to the chickens and pigs. All the jobs had to be done each day, so it was hard for the children to sluff even one day or something would suffer. All the children were dependable and took care of their assignments most of the time. Justin was six years old when he was assigned to take the milk cows to pasture and to herd them until noon. He did his job faithfully until one day he complained that he didn't like this job because he got so lone-some. So Mother Lois let him take his little four-year-old sister Winnie with him. Together they would go hand in hand herding the gentle old cows out to pasture. At noon they would come back with the cows, still hand in hand and very happy.

A favorite place for Justin and Winnie to play was in a sandy dry wash not far from the house. After a rainstorm the water would drain into this gully and then in a few hours it would all be gone, either having soaked into the sand or run on down the hill to a larger stream. The sand was clean and fine and made beauti-ful sand castles. With rocks and sticks the children could create

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many wonderful houses, corrals, animals, and so forth. The next rainstorm would wash their creations all away, but this didn't matter because they would just build them again.

Many of the rainstorms on the hill, where the homestead was built turned into spectacu-lar thunderstorms. It was thought that the reason this hill got so much thunder and lightning was because of the tall windmill located just south of the house and on a little higher ground. When the thunderstorms occurred the children would kneel on the window seats, under the big front windows, and watch the spectacular lightning put on a great show. The loud thunder and the wind beating the rain against the windows were more exciting than any scary movie. The children were never afraid of the lightning and thunder because they had been told that the tall windmill would attract all the lightning and it would never hit the house. This proved to be true as the house was never touched during a thunder storm.

Pratt tells some stories about living on the homestead:When Homer and Justin played with me up on the homestead, I would put a rope harness on each of their arms and they were my team, my horses. I had made plows and scrapers and wagons and I had to have a team to pull them. Grandpa Bushman was admiring my handi-work of making scrapers that looked like the kind that grown men used and admiring my plow, which had a real scouring board and blade on it, and a nice scraper and all the other farm tools that I had. And he said, "Well, that's very interesting. What do you do for horses? Do you have horses with this?" And I said, "Yes, my kid brothers, Homer and Justin are my horses." "Hummm, how do you make them go?" asked Grandpa. I said, "I just cluck to them like I do horses." "I know, but if you have to go fast, how do you make them go?" asked Grandpa. "I whip them," I said. "Oh, you whip your little brothers?" said Grandpa. "No, he isn't my little brother when he's got the harness on, he's my horse," I defended.One of the first purchases outside of the home made by our mother was a set of Books of Knowledge. There were about 22 or 24 books in the set. My brother Justin learned to read from this set of books before he'd even started school. He went through that whole set of Books of Knowledge, page by page, in a year or two. He could tell you where to find any-thing in those books. It was beautiful, so we referred to him as the little professor. The Books of Knowledge were wonderful for all of us. We would turn to them and look up things. In all the homes I had been in as a youngster around Snowflake, my boy friend's homes and oth-ers, even my relatives, I had never seen anything like the Books of Knowledge in their homes. I thought what a wonderful mother we had. She had to see that we had our brain de-veloped as well as brawn and whatever else you make out of a human being from eating beans and bread and milk.Our good old music teacher in Snowflake, Rufus Crandell, was on the faculty of the Snow-flake Stake Academy. After teaching music at the Academy, he would go across the block and teach for about 15 to 30 minutes a day in each of the classes in the grade school. There he got acquainted with my little brother and sister, Justin and Winnie. He got to teaching them to sing duets which was encouraged, of course, in our home. Well, they got to be popu-lar in all kinds of doings and goings on as Brother Crandell selected them to come and sing duets for programs. It would be a two part duet; it wasn't just a couple of kids standing up there singing in unison. It was a beautiful little harmonious two part duet. We were all proud of those little rascals.

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The homestead was an especially happy place for the four youngest children. Pratt had a knack for creating playthings. He found some old baby buggy wheels and wooden boxes that had been discarded. With hammer and nails and wires and ropes he created three little cars, one for each of the little boys, Pratt, Homer and Justin. These boys would ride or push their little cars all over the expansive homestead. When they came to a hill they would get in their car and coast down the hill. One favorite hill was called "knob" hill. They could coast down it for several blocks. They cleared away the sage brush and made a regular road from the top of the hill way down to the valley below.

Pratt tells of having diphtheria:

Closeness to my mother began in my 12th year. The occa-sion was a diphtheria quarantine. I was the victim and she was the nurse. We were confined to our new home on the homestead. Win-nie, Justin, Homer, and Phill were boarded and bedded at big sister Sadie's little house in town.

We were quarantined for about two weeks. And do you know - I enjoyed it. I didn't sleep in the room which we boys called our room: Mother moved me into her room and it was so nice in that bedding with the smell of my mother on the pillows. I felt like I was closer to my mother. We visited and talked a lot, not as a mamma and sick little boy, but as two people. She read several books to me such as Ivanhoe, "Lady of the Lake", James Fenimore Coo-per's books, and stories by Sir Walter Scott— classics I was going to get in high school Eng-lish about two years later.She even made looking at my infected throat fun. She would bring me a hand mirror and the sun would come through the west window of the room right by my bed which was next to the window. I would hold that hand mirror up and the light would reflect into my throat and I would see that white stuff on both sides of my throat and I talked funny. Mother said I was looking at my Marble Hall. Then she would sing me the song, "I dreamt That I Dwelt In Marble Halls," and we had a big laugh out of that.When I was well enough to be out of quarantine, I couldn't walk: I just had to shuffle along. It seemed to hit me right in the small of my back. The new school house was just completed and the old school house, right across the street, was made into an apartment house. Mother rented an apartment, just because of me, so I'd only have to walk across the street to school. I didn't want to use a cane or crutches. It took me about a year to get to where I could walk and I still can't run very well. I had one of the sweetest nurses in the world. She stayed with me through all that and was my pal forever after.

When Lois moved to the apartment across the street from the school, her youngest child, Winnie, was six years old and ready for school. This seemed quite ideal for the little girl to only have to cross the street for her first year of school. It was also Justin's first year of school as this doting mother had kept Justin home to be a companion to his little sister: they were such good friends, and little Winnie would have been lonesome if left all alone. Justin was eight years old and was just starting school. However, he was only in the first grade a few days when his teacher had him go into the second grade. The second grade teacher only had him a few days when she could see he was able to do all of the second grade work and

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promoted him to the third grade. He was now with all of his eight-year-old friends. This quick promotion was probably a result of his love of studying in the Books of Knowledge.

Another interesting family story tells of how Winnie learned there was no Santa Claus. It was at the Christmas program for the elementary school children. All the first graders were excited because Santa was coming to their program and would give each child a gift. At the end of the program out trotted old Santa with a big bag of goodies on his back. He started to talk and laugh. The more he talked the more nervous Winnie became. Finally she couldn't stand it any longer. She stood up and said in a very loud voice, "That isn't Santa, that's my brother Phill!" Miss Sarah, her first grade teacher, rushed over to her side, had her sit down and told her to be very quiet and not talk anymore. Winnie had been hearing Phill rehearse those speeches for several weeks around the house. Phill was in a lot of school and church programs. He loved the stage and put on a great show, and when he rehearsed, he did it with gusto.

Pratt tells of having just completed his first week as a freshman at the Snowflake Stake Academy. That week had included a study of Joseph Smith, the first vision, Angel Moroni, and the gold plates. Pratt remembers:

When I got home from school that first Friday afternoon, Mother greeted me with the teas-ing question, "Well, what did you learn in school today?" Standing in the middle of the room, I simply and sincerely stated, "I learned that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God." In reply, Mother grabbed me around the waist and through tears she sobbed, "That is what I would like to hear from all of my children."

The McNary Lumber Company was enlarging its operation. The freighters were not able to bring in the great amount of supplies that were needed, so the lumber company built a railroad from Holbrook to McNary. The train stopped in Snowflake about one hour for the train employees and the passengers to eat their noon meal. Walter had become a close com-panion and advisor to his mother in planning ways and means for the family and he sug-gested that she build an eating house on her property that was now just across the street from the new railroad station. Mother's brother-in-law, Uncle Don Smith, who was the station master, decided to build a restaurant about the same time on a corner lot half a block west. But this didn't stop Mother Smith.

Walter and Nathaniel had good paying jobs at McNary and said they would pay for building the restaurant. The building cost $1500. Ray Tanner built the lumber structure for $1200 and Roland Fish did all the finishing work for $300. Sadie christened the place "Mother's Kitchen." The building was shaped like a store, with a big room in front and kitchen and bedrooms in back. There was the big barn behind the restaurant that housed the horses, cow, pig and chickens.

There was competition from the start. A Mrs. Sponseler took over the management of Uncle Don's place and claimed she had first right. The train passengers were told that her place was the official eating house for the Apache Railroad. When the train came in, Pratt who was fifteen, would go to the train and invite passengers to "Mothers Kitchen," and Homer, age twelve, would stand at the front of the restaurant and pound a triangle which gave a high clanging sound. Mother was busy inside preparing food with Justin and Winnie helping. They would glance out the window to count the customers who were coming.

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Sometimes they were happy at the number of people who decided to try their cooking and sometimes they were "blue" when all went to the Sponseler Cafe. They hired a girl from town to wait on tables and Pratt handled the counter and cash register. Lois and her boys did very well for about two years then Lois' business slowed down to the extent that she had to close up.

After John C. came home from his mission in the summer of 1921, Walter F. was con-cerned about the younger brothers' missions. He called the family together and formed the Smith Family Missionary Organization with Walter as President and Mother Lois as Secre-tary and Treasurer. He asked each family member to pay some cash each month to help send brothers on missions. This became a great family tradition and they helped support six brothers on their missions.

In September Walter went to St. George, Utah to marry Eleanor Seegmiller. Walter had become acquainted with Eleanor when she was the home economics teacher at the Snow-flake Stake Academy. Her home town was St. George. Walter attended Dixie College and was elected class president that first year. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in many school and town programs including the school musical, "Rob Roy." He enrolled in school again in September of 1922 and was elected Student Body President.

Walter had his two younger brothers, Nat and Phill, come to St. George to attend school. Nat had been out of school for five years. He finished his third year of high school at Dixie High.

Phill had two years of college at Dixie Normal Col-lege where he met his sweet-heart, LaVern Allen. After they were married, he went to Provo and attended B.Y.U.

In the spring of 1921 Lois was sustained as Presi-dent of the Y.L.M.I.A. in the Snowflake Ward. She tells about the calling:

May 1921 Bishop Wil-liam Smith called me out of the Relief Society hall where I was helping quilt and told me they had selected me for President of the Y.L.M.I.A. in the Snowflake Ward. I started to tell him I was too old and out of date, but he would not listen and said they wanted me to take hold and that the outgoing President, Alice H. Smith, would help me get started etc. The next Sunday I was sustained as President with Phoebe McPherson first counselor, and Charlotte Ballard as second counselor. We took charge that night. A secretary was not put in at that time. In July Lucrettia Grisson was chosen secretary, and a very good efficient one she proved to be. Tom W. Tanner was President of the Young Mens with great

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initiative ability and love for public work. Roland Fish was first counselor and Philemon Rogers was second counselor, both timid in public though good men.

The first week we had a big public party, free refreshments, and the Taylor Mutual was in-vited. On May 31st we had the May activity, a pageant which was nearly ready when we came into office. The Bishop wished the Mutual to plan the 4th of July program, as we were to have a patri-otic activity that month anyway. After Mutual on May 22nd, the Bishop had the new officers come into his office at the Academy, where after giving instructions and some good advice, he set us apart. The Bishop, being mouth for me, gave a wonderful blessing which I have tried to live up to. The summer work commenced June first. Mothers' and Daughters' Day went off successfully on June 18th, the first large crowd of which we took charge without the young men. Lois served successfully in this calling until she left Snowflake in 1923.

On June 28, 1922, Lois was fifty-years-old. On this birthday she learned that she had many good friends in Snowflake. Her dear friend Julia Smith Ballard, gave her a surprise birthday party. Julia and Lois were brides in the St. George Temple on November 2, 1892, and since that memorable trip they had been close friends.

When Lois could no longer make a profit with the restaurant, she felt like it was time for the family to move on. The younger children would never have opportunities for advance-ment in Snowflake. The older boys had to leave town to find work, and Nat and Phill had gone to St. George to finish high school. They couldn't sell the homestead for what it was worth, so she asked Uncle Homer Bushman to look after it. Lois deeded the restaurant to her son Wickliffe, and she sold the farm to Uncle Jim Frost. He was to pay for it with monthly installments.

Lois left for Utah in the summer of 1923, with John, Pratt, Justin and Winnie. Homer was in southern Arizona with Wickliffe. He had earned $53 working in the cotton fields of Gila Valley. Homer came to Utah on the railroad with grandpa Bushman and the furniture. Homer says: "The railroad trip, from Winslow to Salt Lake City, Via Pueblo, took two and one half days and fifty- three dollars, or all my summers wages."

Traveling in their Model T Ford, they stopped in Winslow and convinced Harry and Sa-die to come to Salt Lake with them. Harry and Sadie loaded up their new Ford and set out on the long journey.

Many years later Sadie made up a game that was played at one of the family reunions, using the story of this trip as its basis. Those who participated in the game were given a name. The names given were the names of the people making the trip, or the parts of the two cars, the old Ford and the new Ford. When these names were mentioned in the story as Sadie told it, the person in the group assigned to that name would stand. It was a fun game and tells the story of this great exodus in a very amusing and unforgettable manner.

THE SMITH FAMILY EXODUS FROM ARIZONA TO UTAH

In the summer of 1923, Mother Lois B. Smith and her family that were in Snowflake at this time planned to leave and go to Utah in their Old Ford.

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The three oldest children were now married and she wanted the rest of the family to get a college education and she wanted to work in the temple.

She rented her nice home on the homestead at Snowflake to a cattle man. They boxed things to be shipped from Holbrook by train to Salt Lake City and took what was needed on the long trip in their Old Ford.

Mother Smith also wanted Sadie and Harry and Cleah and George to go to Utah with them. They now lived in Winslow. Harry had bought a New Model T Ford.

So when Mother Smith left Snowflake all ready for the long trip they stopped in Winslow. They were nearly a week there, and persuaded Harry and Sadie to go along with them. Harry's New Ford and Mother Smith's Old Ford would travel together.

It was a lot of work for Harry and Sadie to pack up on such a short notice and ship their furniture on the train to Salt Lake City. But they did this much to the joy of Mother Smith, as she would now have most of her family in Utah.

They all left Winslow on July 23, 1923. There were Mother Smith age 51, John (25), Pratt (17), Justin (12), and Winnie (10), all in the Old Ford. The New Ford carried Harry Greaves age 36, Sadie (30), Cleah (nearly 3) and George (18) months.

In Mother Smith's car there were two canvas water bags, two rolls of bedding tied on each fender, a canvas tent tied on the top of the Old Ford, a box of auto tools on the left fender, a tire tied on the back of the Old Ford. The backseat of the Old Ford had Winnie and Justin, a lunch box and three suitcases. Mother Smith and John and Pratt rode in the front seat.

In this hot weather the engines of the Old Ford and of the New Ford would get hot when all the water had boiled out of the radiators from such exertion and buzzing of the engines when the cars climbed the long steep hills. At every station or farm house they passed, a good supply of water was obtained to keep the Fords running and cool and all the water bags were filled again to supply the needs of the car radiators and quench the thirst of the travel-ers.

Mother Smith's Old Ford had a tire blow out, so Harry, Pratt and John worked at this un-til all was ready. The Fords had to be cranked for sometime before they would go. They con-tinued their journey and by nightfall they had reached Peach Springs, a section station of the Santa Fe railroad.

So here they camped, their first night out. The tent was erected, rolls of bedding spread out, lunch boxes opened, campfire made, canned beans opened and warmed in the dutch oven, bread laid out for sandwiches. The canned beans sure tasted good and the big boys loved to feed them to little George.

What a hot dusty day it had been. The rolls of bedding received the tired travelers. Be-fore the sun was up, Harry and Mother Smith had eggs frying over a campfire in the frying pan.

The Old Ford was again loaded with the tent and the bedrolls and fresh water was put in the canvas water bags which were tied to the side of the Fords. The New Ford was reloaded

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with bedrolls and suitcases. Then John and Pratt took turns cranking the Old Ford. The New Ford engine started going when Harry gave the first crank.

That day they traveled as far as Searchlight, Nevada. George was sick from eating so many canned beans, so Harry and Sadie, Cleah and little George stayed in a hotel that night. This place was an old mining town.

The next day was hotter than ever. The Old Ford got to coughing, so the travelers had to stop and let it cool off.

Sometimes Harry with his New Ford would have to help push the Old Ford up the steep hills. There were no paved roads and so they bumped along over the rocks and holes making the dishes, spoons, knives and forks dance and rattle and the tools in the tool box made a loud noise. Winnie and Justin got their heads bumped and Mother Smith got a back ache.

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Harry's New Ford had a flat tire. Of course the Old Ford would have to stop so Pratt and John could help Harry. When all was ready to go, the exasperating thing would happen, all the men folks would take turns cranking the Fords, wasting time, to get them to start. What a relief when the sound of a buzzing engine gave forth its willing voice that at last it was ready to tackle the long journey again. Away they would go, everyone happy again and eve-rything rattling.

In spite of the trouble to start the cars they would just have to stop when a patch of bushes was sighted.

During these delays when George was left alone in the car he would get busy and begin throwing things out of the New Ford. First would go the pillows and cushions, tin plates, cups, spoons, knives and forks, hats, bags, water bags, purses, books, the precious Kodak and flashlight and some of the sacks of his dirty diapers. And so there was another delay to repack the New Ford. After this experience Cleah was left in the New Ford with George and she would holler if George began throwing out the Kodak and flashlight and other things.

When the car tools were put in the tool box, on they would go.

Winnie lost her hat and Justin lost his prize pocket knife that he valued very much and they both cried a lot about it.

More tire trouble. A chance to get out the lunch box and eat. George was getting sick. John and Pratt repented of feeding George canned beans. Pratt had to walk back down the road to find a wrench they had left when they changed a tire.

Finally they came to a town and got gas. Tires were pumped with air, the Fords and the water bags were filled with water and Mother Smith, Winnie, Justin, Pratt, John, Harry, Sa-die, Cleah and George all had a good cool drink.

They were nearing Utah. The country was getting more mountainous, and the roads wound around perilous canyon sides and up steep grades. They were narrow, dirt, rocky roads. The Old Ford and the New Ford had to go very slow with their precious occupants. The two Fords made an awful noise in low gear, just like it was their dying effort.

Finally they came where the road narrowed with a high cliff on one side and a deep can-yon below on the other side. It appeared impossible for cars to pass one another. Mother Smith in her Old Ford with Pratt, John, Justin and Winnie drove on ahead. Harry in his New Ford would lose sight of them in the many turns in the road. The grade of the road was gradually going down. Finally a car came towards the New Ford around the bend. It passed the Old Ford all right with its occupants, and they stopped to see from their point of view what would happen to the New Ford and its occupants.

There was not room to pass. At least it appeared so to Harry, so he turned the New Ford as close to the cliff wall as he dared, going very slow. Just after the on-coming car had passed, the New Ford had got at such an angle that it could not stay upright, so it gently tipped over and laid on its side like it was worn out, spilling out the crying children, the bedding, boxes, suitcases, Kodak, flashlight and lunch box. All the water ran out of the bat-tery and radiator. And the car top was bent a little. No other harm was done, thank goodness.

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Mother Smith and the Old Ford had stopped. John and Pratt ran up the road to help the New Ford get on its wheels. Sadie was scared. Harry with the help of the men in the car that passed, lifted the New Ford upright again. Then came another repacking. Harry coasted down the hill until they came to a small town called St. Thomas where all spent the night and until noon the next day repairing and resting.

The New Ford was put in running order again. So eventually after the usual arm-twisting ordeal of cranking the Fords they were on their way again.

That evening they reached St. George and met Walter and Eleanor and their two girls, Evelyn and Beulah. Nat and Phil had been there but were out in Nevada working in the mines. Mother Smith left word for them to come to Salt Lake City that fall and finish school there.

They spent a day and night in St. George and then Mother Smith and the occupants of the Old Ford went on to Salt Lake City.

Harry and Sadie and children stayed in St. George to get medical care for their baby George. Harry and Sadie went to Nephi in one day and then on to Salt Lake City the next day.

The time of travel from Winslow, Arizona to St. George, Utah was three days and from St. George, Utah to Salt Lake City, Utah, was two days. Five days in all, a trip never to be forgotten. Almost as thrilling and tiresome as the days of the pioneers in their covered wag-ons.

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CHAPTER FIVE

IN SEARCH OF A BETTER LIFE

SALT LAKE CITY

When Lois and her four children reached Salt Lake City, they went to Lois' sister Maria's home. Maria lived just off State Street on Canyon Road. She had four daughters, Daphne, June, Elizabeth, and Marie, and two young sons, Derryfield and Garland. Grandpa Bushman had sold his property in Lehi and moved in with Maria's family, as he wanted to continue working in the temple, like he and his wife Lois Angeline had done for many years, In spite of a full house, Lois' family was welcomed into the home where they stayed until a suitable place was located. Derryfield and Garland were the same age as Homer and Justin, and they became good friends. The boys took their cousins all over the "big city" and showed them the sights. Maria's girls made quite a fuss over little Winnie.

Right next door to Aunt Maria's was a home for rent. Lois rented this house. For some reason it was only available for a short time, so Lois had to house hunt again. She found a small house on "I" Street nine blocks east of the temple. The big boys moved all their be-longings to this home in the old Ford. There were six children at home now, John C, Nathan-iel, Pratt, Homer, Justin, and Winnie. Phill had decided to stay in St. George and live with Walter and Eleanor and attend school at Dixie College.

John C. found a job selling Fuller Brush products. Nathaniel and Pratt enrolled in the L.D.S. High School, Homer went to Bryant Junior High, and Justin and Winnie went to the Longfellow Elementary School. The principal of the elementary school, Miss Frost, was of the opinion that a rural school in Arizona could not be at the same level of achievement as the city schools, so she had Winnie and Justin take their previous grades, 4th grade and 6th grade, over. The children never liked Miss Frost or the Longfellow School.

John C. must have done most of his brush selling in the rural area near Salt Lake City, using the old Ford for transportation. He brought home a lot of farm produce as payment for his products. This was no problem for Lois. She was used to cooking farm produce. One item John seemed to get the most of was eggs. In those days there was no school lunch. Children either brought their lunch to school or they went home to eat. Justin and Winnie went home to eat lunch, and the usual lunch Mother Lois fixed for them was eggs poached in milk over toast. Justin and Winnie always liked poached eggs in milk over buttered toast the way their mother fixed it.

The Lois B. Smith family now lived in the Twenty-first Ward of the Ensign Stake. There weren't any special accomplishments, or acquaintances made during their membership in this ward. However the bishop must have been happy for four active members of the priest-hood, who attended regularly all the required meetings.

In October there was General Conference. One reason Lois had moved to Salt Lake City was so that her children would have the opportunity of attending such gatherings. The whole

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family attended. Lois packed a lunch each day, and the family would eat on the lawn and then find good seats where they wouldn't miss a word of the sermons given by the general authorities. After the last session on Sunday, the family piled into the old Ford for the ride home. John decided to go on Third Avenue to avoid the traffic. The first block of Third Ave-nue, from Canyon Road to "A" Street is very steep. John put the car in low gear and started up the hill. He had not anticipated the heavy load. He was used to driving the old Ford with just his slender body and a little produce in it. About half way up the hill the car stalled and started to roll backwards. All the boys jumped out and started pushing. John was the oldest and the largest and he thought, the strongest. He had one of the smaller boys take the wheel and he got behind the car to push also, but he lost his footing in the excitement and slipped and fell. One leg was under a back wheel. When the boys got the wheel off John's leg it was broken.

The following is quoted from a short history of John's life, written by his daughter

Gayle:Fortunately, there were no serious injuries to anyone except Dad. For several weeks he re-quired the use of crutches. In such a predicament, he found time to reconnoiter in the splen-did and relatively new L.D.S. Church Office Building at 47 East South Temple. In the same location, in a Family Genealogical office was a pretty, dark-haired, brown-eyed girl from Woods Cross, Utah. Perhaps this tall, slender, sandy-haired young man was looking for a little sympathy as he would hobble from office to office, but nevertheless, it was under these circumstances that my Father met Sarah "Sally" Hatch who soon become his sweetheart.Thus the greatest blessing in John C.'s life came because of his broken leg.

In the spring of 1924 Aunt Maria was called by the Church authorities to fill a mission in Washington, D.C. searching out genealogy in the archives of that city. She was also asked to give classes on research methods. She was able to have her family with her during this mis-sion. Aunt Maria felt she must accept this calling. It was agreed that Lois would take their father, John Bushman, into her home and care for him. Lois was happy that she would be able to care for her father and thus repay him in a small way for all the help and support he had given her. However she would have to have a larger home, and one closer to the temple. The home she decided to move into was on South Temple Street, about two and one-half blocks from the temple. It was a large white house with a turret on the roof, giving it the ap-pearance of a castle. The move was made and Lois' home became the gathering place for the Bushman relatives who came to visit their father and grandfather.

One of Grandfather's granddaughters, Lettie Palmer Bates, lived next door in the Covey Apartments. Her husband, Ivan, was custodian of this large apartment house and was always available in an emergency. Lois was very grateful for their willing help with Grandpa when she needed it. But Lois' best helper in taking care of her father was her fifteen-year-old son, Homer.

Homer was very meticulous in caring for Grandpa. He helped him with his bath, shaving, hair cutting, fingernails, toenails and dressing. He massaged his back and feet and Grandpa loved it all and let everyone know how much he enjoyed Homer's good care. The two of them shared many good stories.

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Just across the street from the house, a new mortuary was being built. It was the Larkin Mortuary. Grandfather Bushman would go across the street to visit and became good friends with a young mortician. He told this young mortician that he wanted him to take care of him when he died and so drew up a contract to that effect. It was a tailor-made contract, with Grandpa telling him all of the details he wanted taken care of when he died which included shipping his body to Joseph City, Arizona. Grandpa was assured he would have good care when he died.

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When the family moved to South Temple Street, they moved to a new ward. They now lived in the Eighteenth Ward, Ensign Stake. Bishop Thomas A. Clawson was the Bishop, and became a very good friend of the family and of Grandfather. He was like a father to the four boys, especially the older ones.

Nathaniel tells in his journal of his mission call while living in the Eighteenth Ward:The year I was in school in Salt Lake City, I became very active in the church. Bishop Tho-mas A. Clawson was like a father to me and of course my mother told him she would like me to go on a mission. When school was out in the spring I returned to my old job in the mines. The boss gave me my old job back which made me very happy. This was one of the best paying jobs in the mine and also the safest. I could send Mother a good check each month and save a little for more schooling. My hopes were high and I was in good with the company. Then all of a sudden my plans were changed. I received a letter from President Heber J. Grant dated November 15, 1924 as follows: Dear Brother, You have been recom-mended as worthy to fill a mission, and it gives us pleasure to call you to labor in the South-ern States. The date appointed for your departure is December 3, 1924. You will be expected to present yourself at the church office, 47 East South Temple Street at 9 A.M. the day before your departure to make arrangements for your transportation and to be set apart. Please let us know your feelings with regard to this call, and have your reply endorsed by your Bishop. Praying the Lord to guide you in this matter I remain.Sincerely your brother, (signed) Heber J. Grant President of the ChurchIt was one mad scramble, but I was on that train December 3, 1924 with 35 other missionar-ies headed for the Southern States and other points along the way, since I was the oldest mis-sionary in the group, I was made captain, and thus was the beginning of a marvelous experi-ence and a complete change in my life for which I thank the Lord.

One year after Nathaniel left for his mission, Pratt received his call to fill a mission, which would never have happened without the counseling and sincere interest of a great bishop. It was also a turning point in Pratt's life and a great blessing to him, his mother and all the family.

Lois kept in close contact with her daughter Sarah and her little family. Harry had to leave home many times in order to find work. Two more babies were born to Harry and Sarah. First, a beautiful little girl they named Angeline. She was called Angie most of her childhood. Then she chose to be called Anne. Then on February 27, 1926 a darling little boy was born. His name was Theodore Harry and of course he was called Teddy. When Harry was out of town Lois would let her young son Justin go stay with his sister and help with the little children. The family tried to get together on special occasions, so they could keep in touch with each others' activities. Grandfather was always one of the group. When Theodore was blessed, Grandfather was there and helped with the blessing. Grandfather only lived three months after Theodore was blessed, although he kept active, he slowed down consid-erably. He died May 30, 1926.

Once again there was a dramatic change in Lois' life. Her father had planned to be buried in Joseph City beside his two wives. All arrangements had been made. She wanted to go to her father's funeral in Arizona, and she decided to go back and live there. Lois packed the family and their belongings and left for Arizona. Maybe she would go on to Mesa and the

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warm climate would be good for her health. The back pain she had suffered with for many years seemed to be worsening. She was always looking for some herb or health remedy that would help. Winnie remembers her mother waking in the night moaning with pain.

SNOWFLAKE

Grandfather Bushman's body arrived in Joseph City on schedule. The funeral took place according to Grandfather's plans and all the family felt good about the whole affair. In the evening the family gathered in the old Bushman home that Grandfather had built in 1890. All the children expressed their feelings for their father and paid special tribute to Maria and Lois for the care they had given him.

Lois' brother Virgil offered Lois and her three youngest children a small home on his farm in Winslow. The boys could work on his farm, and Lois would have a place to stay un-til she decided where she would go for the winter. Either someone had told her, or when she made a trip to Snowflake and she found out the condition of her property there. Her house on the homestead had been completely destroyed, and the restaurant she had deeded to Wickliffe was in bad repair. The big barn Walter had built for his freight equipment and his many horses was gone. It had burned down and arson was thought to be the cause. Uncle Jim Frost, Walter's brother-in-law, who had bought the farm, was behind in his payments. Lois had two missionaries in the mission field and needed the money on a regular basis. She decided she must spend some time in Snowflake to settle her property.

The little house Harry had built when he and Sadie were married was empty and still in good shape. Lois and her three children moved into it. The children enrolled in school, and to their surprise were put into the class they would have been in had they stayed in Snow-flake. This was a happy benefit of coming back to Snowflake.

Nat was nearing the completion of his mission and had to make a decision about where he would return home. He chose to return to his mother and family in Snowflake and give his mission report there. The following is quoted from Nathaniel's Journal:

On December 4th a new LDS Chapel, in Jacksonville, Florida, was to be dedicated. It was one of the finest, and would include an apartment for the missionaries. David O. McKay of the Council of the Twelve was coming. A great conference was called for the missionaries of Florida South, Mississippi, Alabama and South Georgia Missions. All of the South Georgia elders were in attendance. In the last session Elder McKay read the names of the Elders to be released. When he read my name I wept openly. My two years were up all to soon.I had a problem. My mother had moved back to Snowflake. I wasn't sure I should go there or to Salt Lake City and report my mission. I finally decided I should go to Snowflake to report to Mother first. I routed my trip home through Pine Bluff, Arkansas to visit my brother N. Pratt who was serving his mission there. He had now been out one year. It was a happy reunion. I spent two days with him and then went on to Holbrook, Arizona. I caught a ride on to Snowflake with some truck drivers. Mother and her three young children were surprised to see me. After a warm greeting we all knelt down and thanked the Lord for my safe arrival.

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Mother and I had many long talks. One of them was looking into my finance account. From the money I had sent home to Mother I had fifty dollars left. I had paid all my mission from the money I had sent home to Mother and she had dished it out to me as I needed it on my mission. Little did I realize the money I had sent home would come back to me on a mis-sion. That money really worked. Mother did that for all the boys, but I was the only one with enough credit to pay all. I was anxious to get back to work to build up a credit again.My homecoming report was the next Sunday and I was very humble as I knew the Smith relatives would be watching closely. I fasted and prayed for guidance to say the right thing. I walked up to the old home we boys built for Mother and was sad to see it was gone, not even a splinter. The basement and foundation that I had helped dig were left. I wept a little and ask God why these people would allow this to happen to a property owner and tax payer. I had a hard time to contain my feelings. I prayed for wisdom.Sunday afternoon was my test and I was never more humble. The old Stake House was packed, but the man I wanted to see most was not present. President Samuel F. Smith found it convenient to go to Taylor for church that day. Perhaps it was because he had a hand in my ouster from school about ten years earlier. Elder Leonard Fillerup had just returned from his mission and he was to give his report also. The Bishop appeared very nervous to me for some reason, and asked if it would be alright if Elder Fillerup could talk first. I was a little puzzled that he should ask me, he was in charge. Elder Fillerup talked for about 30 minutes on salvation for the dead and everyone nearly went to sleep. After a musical number by the choir the bishop came over to me and asked if I wanted him to introduce me as Nat Smith, I snapped back, "You can introduce me as Elder Nathaniel A. Smith, President of the South Georgia District of the Southern States Mission".I recall how tense the air seemed. I took a good hold of the pulpit and then said, "The Lord gives unto men weaknesses that they may be humble, and if they will humble themselves sufficiently before him he will make things stronger unto them. (Ether 12) I know my weak-nesses and pray that I may be humble enough to give my report that it will be acceptable to him and pleasing unto you." At that moment the spirit came over me like I have never expe-rienced before, I began to speak under the influence of the Holy Ghost and it seemed words came with power and force and my voice rang with the power of the spirit, the tenseness was gone, everyone seemed in harmony with the spirit. Surely the Lord was with me and had answered my prayers. I paid great tribute to my dear mother and her great faith, the audience wept, they laughed, the spirit seemed to stir them up to such a point. What a glori-ous feeling it is to be endowed as I was for those fifteen minutes and what a great climax to a wonderful mission. I know now why I went to Snowflake to give my home coming report. After the meeting I was swamped by well wishers and the bishop had me go with him to his home to tell his wife what a good talk I had given, as she didn't attend. I recall he told her that it was because my father was such a good speaker.

Lois spent the rest of the winter straightening out her business affairs. Lois' health was no better than it had been in Salt Lake City. She was anxious to move on to Mesa; when

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spring came and school let out, Lois said goodby to Snowflake for the last time.

MESA

Lois' sister Lillian and her husband Wesley Palmer lived in Mesa with their large family. They had thirteen children, some were married and gone from home; however, many were still in Mesa. They were a great asset in helping Lois find living quarters and getting settled in this new environment. Lois needed some kind of employment to teenage boys cafes.

The young boys visited these establishments with their sales pitch, and to then-surprise many of the places they contacted were willing to try this venture. The boys put together two scooters. Each had a large wooden box in front for the boys to hold to and control the scooters. They put several shelves inside each box to set the pies on. This was their method of delivery. Their house was close to the business section of town, so the boys didn't have to travel far. Uncle Wesley helped them locate a good milk cow and some chickens which they were able to keep in their back yard. Farmers comprised the population of the small Arizona towns and therefore it was not unusual for each family to have their cows, pigs and chickens on their town lot. Lois' specialty was cream pies and the cow and chickens furnished the milk, cream and eggs for those delicious, banana, coconut and lemon cream pies.

The business was a success. Lois would make the pies very early each morning so they were fresh each day. The boys would deliver them before noon, collect the money for the day's delivery and the empty pie plates. The customers at the eating counters came regularly for a piece of Lois' pies.

When school started in the fall, the boys and Lois had to get up a little earlier to have the cow milked, the chickens fed and the pies made and delivered before school, but they didn't seem to mind. The business went on as long as they lived in Mesa. All three children were in high school. Homer and Justin were seniors and Winnie was a freshman.

In the year of 1927 this family lived in Mesa was the year the Arizona Temple was dedi-cated. Many people from all over Arizona came to the ceremonies. Lois' three oldest sons came with their families. There were Walter F. and Eleanor with their two little daughters, Evelyn and Beulah; Wickliffe and Blanche with their three children; Gerald, Myreel and Melvin; and John C. and Sally with their first child, John Dawain. Also John Walter, the children's father was there to see his grandchildren and their parents. This was the first time he had met Eleanor, Sally or their children. It was the first time Justin and Winnie had seen their father since they were very small: Justin was four-years-old and Winnie was two-years-old when their father left Snowflake. It had been eleven years since they had seen him.

Spring came. School was out for the year. Homer and Justin had graduated from Mesa High School. There was no college for the boys to attend in the area, so Lois looked toward Tucson where the University of Arizona was located. They could live in Tucson just as well as in Mesa.

TUCSON

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They moved to Tucson and Homer and Justin entered their freshman year at the Univer-sity. Pratt was home from his mission. He had gone to Salt Lake City to give his brother Wickliffe worked at. Lois was happy in Tucson with so many of her children around her.

Lois found a home on the outskirts of town, but not too far from the university on the corner of Vine and Linden. Pratt, Homer and Justin all registered as freshman in the Univer-sity. Tucson had a small branch of the Church, and the family became welcome members, as the branch needed members who had some background in church activities. The branch president was Brother Dewey. He soon found everyone a church job, and in a few months he called Phill on a mission. Phill was excited about that as he was called to go to Germany. He would be the first member of the family to go on a foreign mission. He loved the language. He learned it well and used it fluently and with gusto the rest of his life. Pratt only went to the first quarter of school, because he thought he should get a paying job to help support Phill on his mission. Justin and Homer had part time jobs, but they stayed in school. Lois tried to find work but the only work she could find was house cleaning which proved too hard for her aching back and so she had to quit.

Pratt tells a story about his closeness to his mother during that first quarter of school:

I was working for the Elite Ice Cream Company and going to school. My job required that I stay until about 11:00 to close the machinery down and do odd cleanup jobs. I would always wrap up a pint of ice cream to take home. And of course, I had to walk that long distance to our street in Tucson. Mother would slip on a housecoat and sit on the edge of her bed or we'd go in the front room and divide this ice cream between us. That got to be a nightly ritual and we would talk about members of the family and mail she had received that day and plans for the future and friends in general. Homer, Justin and Winnie couldn't get in on that fun. I'd had to have brought home a gallon of ice cream if they had woke up every night, or if I'd come home earlier. But Mother and I got along fine on one pint of ice cream and it was sure fun.

Pratt tells about finding and fixing some old cars:I had spotted a couple of old Model T Fords in the back lot of the Sigma Chi house in my goings and comings around Tucson and I knocked on the door and asked the old caretaker whom they belonged to and were they for sale. He said I could have them if I could pull them off the lot. I borrowed the company pickup, the special delivery one from Elite Ice Cream, and I drug both the cars, one by one, up on the lot right next to us, up on Vine and Linden, our first home in

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Tucson. Then I started to work on the one that looked like it needed the least work. My little sister Winnie was my helper. I would ask her for a certain tool and she would find it for me. After a while as my helper she became so well acquainted with the tools and their names and what they were used for that I just had to mention the tool and she would get the right one for me. We fixed both Fords. They would run pretty good. Homer and Justin used these cars until they graduated from the university four years later.

The two youngest boys were still going to school and working at old jobs. Mother had moved closer to town with her family. They were now just a block from the church house, which made it some easier for Lois to get to her meet-

ings. She had been called to be the first counselor in the Relief Society and enjoyed this calling very much. Phill had completed his mission in Germany and was back in Tucson. He was very active in the Church, as were all the boys, but Phill especially liked the Mutual. He loved singing and conducted all the music. He also had a lot of experience with dramatic

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arts, and was asked to direct the annual MIA drama. He had given his sister Winnie a part in the play he was directing. One evening at rehearsal Winnie was acting off with some of the other young people and Phill dismissed her from the play. This was supposed to be an exam-ple to the others of what would happen if any more "goofed off."

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ST. GEORGE

It had been three years since Lois left Snowflake in 1927. She had expected the warm climate to cure her backaches, which seemed to be getting worse. Her son Walter F. had graduated from BYU and was now working out of St. George as the Farm Advisor of Wash-ington County. He had become well acquainted with Dr. McGregor, a physician of good standing in St. George. Walter wanted his mother to come to St. George and have Dr. McGregor examine her to identify her illness that had lasted so many years. Lois decided this was what she must do. Phill, Pratt and Winnie accompanied her to St. George.

She had the physical exam and the doctor found that she had a large stone lodged in her kidney. It was too large to ever pass through with the normal discharge from the kidney, and according to the doctor an operation was the only way to remove it. Lois couldn't decide to have an operation without more counseling. She stayed in St. George that winter and her daughter Winnie graduated from Dixie High School. Then mother and daughter moved back to Salt Lake City. Winnie enrolled in the L.D.S. Business College and Lois worked in the temple and the genealogical library. That winter Winnie decided to take out her endowments so she could accompany her mother to the temple in the evenings, and she wouldn't have to always go alone.

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Finally Lois got up courage to get a second opinion on an operation. Instead of going to another medical doctor, she went to Apostle Melvin J. Ballard and asked for a blessing. She told him about her condition and that she needed advice on her decision to have an opera-tion. Apostle Ballard gave her a blessing. Among other things, he told her that the Lord ex-pects us to do all we can to help ourselves, and then he blesses us to have strength to do so.

Lois went back to St. George and had the operation on the 25th of April 1932. After a successful operation she writes, "I feel that through faith and prayers and keeping the Word of Wisdom my life was spared and my health has been better than for many years." Lois' backache was finally gone. The stone Dr. McGregor removed was as large as the top knuckle of Lois' thumb and was as hard as a piece of marble rock.

Homer and Justin graduated from the University of Arizona. They came to Utah to find work and live with their mother in Salt Lake working at odd jobs until they could find some-thing in the field of work they had been trained for in college. They attended church in their old ward, the 18th Ward in the Ensign Stake. Bishop Clawson was still the bishop. He re-membered the family well and was anxious for another missionary. He called Homer to fill a mission in Texas.

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PROVO

Lois decided to go to Provo with her two remaining children. Justin and Winnie could both attend B.Y.U.: Justin as a graduate student and Winnie as a freshman. In those days, widow's children were given their tuition and student body activity cards. Justin found a job delivering the morning newspaper which paid him about $20.00 a month. Lois found a small apartment in the upstairs of a house close to the college. The rooms were small and the ceil-ing was slanted, but the price was right: four dollars a month. Lois and her two children lived here and were thankful for the opportunity of continuing their education.

Lois knew how to economize, she had been practicing all her life. She was able to feed the three of them on the rest of Justin's earnings as that is all the money they had during that winter. An example of one way Lois economized was how she obtained their milk supply. Milk becomes a major part of the diet of people who are raised on a farm. Lois found that she could get skim milk for ten cents a gallon if she went to the dairy and picked it up. The dairy was about a mile from her apartment. Each day she would walk to the dairy and get a gallon of skim milk. In order to keep it cold and fresh she would wrap wet cloths around the gallon container and set it in the little window in a pan of water.

This was a happy year for Justin and Winnie. Every week they could attend the student body dances on their complimentary student body cards. They both loved to dance and they never missed this great opportunity. Lois was also very happy as she knew her children were in good company and having a good time. The next year they were in Provo, Lois found a house for rent with several bedrooms that was furnished and close to the campus. This was

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an ideal situation to take boarders. Lois had boarders for about two years. Daughter Winnie also found a good job working for Walgreen Drug Store.

Homer had been on his mission for about a year when the bishop of the Provo Manavu Ward, called Justin to fill a mission in Argentina. Lois and Winnie felt sure they could keep him on his mission and it was the spring of 1935 when Justin left.

Before the last two missionaries returned home a sad trag-edy came to the family. Lois’ oldest son Walter had an op-erations for appendicitis. Something went wrong and Wal-ter died three days after the operation. On August 8, 1935. This was a great sorrow to Lois and to all the family. Lois had always gone to her oldest son for counsel and advice . All the family mourned his untimely passing. He was just 40 years old. His devoted wife Eleanor, two sons and two daughters survived him. He was the first member of the John Walter -Lois B. Smith family to leave this mortal life.

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BACK TO SALT LAKE CITY

Lois and daughter Winnie moved from Provo to Salt Lake in the spring of 1936. Winnie was able to transfer to a Walgreen Drug Store in Salt Lake City. They lived in the Raymond Apartments, just one and one-half blocks from the drug store. Homer returned from his mis-sion in August 1936. He found work and was able to help with Justin's mission. On Novem-ber 6, 1936 Lois' baby daughter, Winifred Lois Smith, married Irvin Brown Pearson in the Salt Lake Temple. They left Salt Lake City the day after they were married for Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Irvin worked for the Indian Service.

Lois and Homer now moved to 112 No. Main Street. Lois always lived in walking dis-tance of the temple and the genealogical library. Doing research in the genealogical library for her ancestors gave Lois great satisfaction. She received a life certificate from the Genea-logical Society of Utah for her dedication and perseverance in this work. She was a visiting teacher in the Relief Society, a position she held in every ward she lived in, and she be-longed to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Justin returned from his mission in October 1937.

In the summer of 1939 Lois had a wonderful experience. The following is taken from her writings:

In the summer of 1939, with others of the western relatives, I attended a Bushman reunion held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where we met over 200 relatives, mostly non-Mormons. I also visited Washington, D.C., New York City and at Niagara went across to Canada. At Palmyra in the Sacred Grove I attended the Mission Conference, also the Sacred Pageant at Hill Cumorah, and also points of interest on the way home, such as Kirtland Temple in Ohio, Nauvoo, Carthage and Independence, Missouri. I reached Joseph City, Arizona the 31st of August. A week later my son came to take me with him to California and I had a fine visit with son John C. and family at LaVerne, California. I visited Los Angeles, and then went on up the coast to San Francisco and saw the city and the fair, then came through Ne-vada to home in Salt Lake City.

Justin had met a lovely girl while participating in church activities and they were mar-ried February 29, 1940, leap-year day. Soon after their marriage they left for Ft. Knox, Ken-tucky, where he served in the U. S. Army as a Lieutenant. Homer had gone off to work for the Merchant Marines in New York City. In 1943 he was drafted in the army and served in World War II in England and France.

Lois now lived at 134 North Temple Street and was a member of the 17th Ward. In 1942 she took seriously ill with stomach trouble and had to have an operation to save her life. The evening before the operation her family had a prayer circle for her. She was operated on in the L.D.S. Hospital and after some weeks she was able to be home. That coming June she was 70 years old and her family had a party for her at Harry and Sadie's home.

Homer returned home in 1946 and in 1947 his sweetheart from England, Freda Foden, came to America. They were married and lived in Salt Lake City near Lois for over a year.

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CHAPTER SIX

CONTENTED YEARSBy the late 1930's, Lois' children were grown and on their own. Six of Lois' sons had filled

honorable missions. The push for education was over. All the children had some college educa-tion and four had graduated from a university. Nine of the ten children were married in the tem-ple, and were starting to raise their own families. Harry and Sadie, Nathaniel and Lydia and later Homer and Freda lived in Salt Lake City. Eleanor and children had their home in St. George. Wickliffe and Blanche owned a dairy in Globe, Arizona. John and Sally were doing well in La Verne, California, and Pratt and Laura were in business in Smithfield, Utah. Justin was in the army, and he and Eileen were stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Homer was also in the army. He didn't marry and settle down until 1947. Irvin's work took him and Winnie to many of the west-ern states. After five years of moving around they settled in Lay ton, Utah for two years, and fi-nally settled in Hurricane, Utah.

Lois no longer needed money to support her children; now they could help her. Each of Lois' children agreed to send her five or ten dollars a month and some were better at this than others. It seemed most of the families were just barely making it financially as their families were young and were just getting established in work and in new homes. Lois would often receive money for her birthday, Christmas, and Mother's Day. While Homer was in the army he was able to get the soldier's monthly benefit pay for his mother which was $37.50 a month. This was a great bless-ing for the several years it was available. About 1940, the Federal Government established a wel-fare program to aid the elderly. Lois applied for this assistance, and received about $30.00 a month from this program. There was usually just enough money to pay her rent, utilities, tithing, and groceries. Her children helped with extra money for her to take trips to visit family who did not live in Salt Lake City and to do research for her ancestors.

Lois kept diaries for most of time from January 1940 through 1945. This was a very busy and rewarding time in her life, and the daily entries in her diary give an excellent account of her ac-tivities. The following are entries telling of a wonderful month-long trip.

The year was 1943, the month was July. Her granddaughter Evelyn Smith, Walter and Elea-nor's oldest daughter, was her companion:

June 30: Got my ticket. Round trip $80.47. Pullman and birth.July 1: Got a nice large handbag and some other things I needed, $5.90.July 11: Prepared meat and cooked for dinner, gravy, potatoes, carrot salad, rice pudding. Have plenty left for lunch tomorrow. We went over to Nat's. Saw all of them. Got oranges, etc. for lunch to take with us. Nat gave me $3.00 to help with my expenses. I had Homer's $37.00 which I paid tithing on in his name. I paid tithing on my old age check which will be here about Wednesday. Nat will take care of it. Evelyn went to Aunt Rose's. Stayed all night, went to Cleah's for lunch on the 12th.12: Went to Boston Bid. had glasses fixed, did some shopping. Mary and Wayne Carrol called in. Got a letter from Adele. John is a little better. Finished my packing and fixed lunch

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to take along. My precious Nat came and took us to the Union Pacific Depot, checked our stuff and put us on the train.13: After a good night's rest ate an orange for breakfast. Evelyn went to the diner. Scenery beautiful. Lunch about two from stuff we brought from home. Wrote card to Mrs. Evans from Cheyenne, Wyoming.14: A good rest. Orange again. Train is one and one-half hours late to Chicago. The busiest station I ever saw, we finally got through the gate and on the train to Louisville. We arrived 6:40 p.m. Justin and Eileen were there to meet us and we very much appreciated it.15: They looked fine. We visited every chance. Justin goes very early but has a little time in afternoon when there is nothing doing in the evening. There happens to be MIA this evening and Justin is president. They are comfortably fixed.16: The weather here is warmer than in Salt Lake City.17: Saturday night—went to a dance review in Louisville. Mack and I stayed at the mission home while the young folks danced.18: Home in forenoon at 2 p.m. went to Sunday School and Sacrament meeting. Had won-derful talks by missionary soldiers. Made Lemon pie. Visited the Estes.19: Carolyn D.'s day. Sent card. Goldville is where the commissioned officers live. In after-noon went to commissary and we drove around to see Fort Knox.20: Mack is a darling. They treat him like he was 10. In afternoon went out to pick wild blackberries. Evening young folks went to MIA which was changed from Thursday. I stayed with Mack.21: Made blackberry pie and 3 pints of jam and talked and talked.22: Made two lemon pies, potato chowder and summer squash for dinner. We went to meet Justin after work, then ate. In evening went to Theater No. 1 Fort Knox "Duberry was a Lady."23: After breakfast took Mack walking. Finished mending, then made rice pudding for des-sert. Evelyn fixed the halibut and fixed the peas. Lettuce and tomato salad. In evening Eileen and Evelyn made bacon and tomato sandwiches. Milk. Jam.24: Washed rugs and fixed dinner. Picked wax beans from their garden. They also have let-tuce, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and many kinds of flowers. At 3 p.m. Eileen, Evelyn and I went to Justin's graduating exercises of 3 months in the Armored Force School. At 5 p.m. we went to the Goldville playground to celebrate the 24th. Had baseball, soldiers and ladies. Then picnicking and singing.25: Helped with lunch. Then went to Sacrament Meeting at 2 p.m. A soldier talked first, then a missionary, then Sr. Murdock, then Eileen, then Major Hill. All very fine. Eileen plays for singing. Corp. Brown directs singing. Spent evening at home.26: Afternoon Evelyn and I went on bus to Louisville Library. Took taxi to the mission home and stayed there that night. MetPres. Jensen and Sr. Sedoris. Had breakfast with Pres. Jensen and four elders.27: Received letter from home. Walked about four blocks to Filson Library where we spent two hours. Kentucky records. Wickliffes. Went on to public library where I found southern

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Smiths, etc. On way in dress shop got Eileen two house dresses. Came home on bus about 4 p.m. Went to MIA. Justin gave lesson on "Signs of the Times" by Joseph F. Smith. After-wards singing practice directed by Keith Brown (soldier).28: Wrote to Homer and took to post office. Justin and Eileen took us to show in evening.29: Did my laundry. After which took care of little Mack who was feverish from cutting more teeth. I kept him while Eileen and Evelyn went to a show.30: Went to Louisville and to the public library, Saw a sign: Dr. Witherspoon. Witherspoon is a family name, I thought I had found a relative, but I found no interest. Came home in eve-ning. More visiting with my dear ones. Mack has two new teeth and he feels better.31: 9:30 a.m. Evelyn left for Washington, D. C. to see her uncle, Jay Seegmiller. Made co-conut and banana cream pie. Justin whipped the eggs and they were as good as those in Mesa.August 1: A beautiful Sabbath morning. Fasted and had prayer. Prepared dinner to eat after fast meeting which commenced at 2:30 p.m. A soldier, President of Branch. 23 soldiers, 2 missionaries, 6 ladies present. Half or more bore their testimonies. After which Afton and Mona ate dinner with us. Ray also. Afton slept with me that night.

2: Wrote letters and cards. Went to children's clinic with Eileen and Mack. Bought corn (3 ears for 10 cents). Mail; check from Nat ($20.00).3: Took letters to post office. Letter from Pearsons. Lemon pie. Potatoes au gratin. Tried phoning Homer.4: 5 a.m. Tried to phone Homer. Received a letter from him. He cannot get off. Letter from Evelyn in Washington, D.C. will be here Thursday.5: Talked to Homer over phone from Fort Meade. He can meet me at Laurel, 25 miles from Washington, D.C. tomorrow.6: Eileen took me to Fort Knox about 9 a.m. where I took the bus for Washington. Ticket $19.80.7: Reached Washington, D.C. after 12 noon. Took bus for Laurel, 25 miles further ($.35) where my Homer boy met me about 4:30 p.m. It was a happy meeting. Nearly five years since he went away from home. We had a good visit, then found a room for me to stay for the night. Homer went back to Camp, Fort Geo. G. Me-ade.8: (Walter F. Passing) At 9 a.m. Homer and I went to Sacrament Meeting in Washington, D.C. We met Aunt Maria B. Smith. She looked fine. Then Homer took us to lunch, after which we went to Aunt Maria's apartment and had a nice visit with her. Homer took me to bus station about 5:30 p.m. to go back to Ft. Knox and he went back to Fort Meade. My train did not leave until 9 p.m. so we had a good visit.9: Reached Goldville about 11 p.m. unexpected. All well.

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10: Made lemon pie with Afton Pratt watching me to learn how. After supper they went to MIA. I took care of Mack while they went to mutual. I love to take care of him. He is such a darling.11: At 10 a.m. Justin came and took us to Lincoln Memorial Park near Hodgenville. Bought some booklets. Had our lunch in the park and had pictures taken. Justin had to go on guard at 4 p.m. and stay all night. We wrote letters and visited. Eileen is a beautiful host-ess. Takes life fine.12: Justin came in and saw us about an hour. Eileen took us to Louisville where we took the train at 12:30 for Chicago. Marie Seeg-miller Roundy (Eleanor's sister) met us at the U.P. Depot. Gave us a lovely room and has treated us fine.14: We came into town with Marie and I checked the libraries, found Newberrys best for research. Found two books on the Mitchells that I have hunted for, for some time. We all went back and stayed at Marie's.15: Sunday, Doyle and Marie took us to University Ward Sunday School. Saw Beatrice Rogers and Francis Broadbent from Arizona. After which we ate our lunch in Jackson Park near the museum which we visited. Then Doyle brought me near Newberry Library and helped find a room where I will stay until Saturday and do researching. Was so kind and fine as a son. Room $1.00 per night. I stayed five nights.16: Bought food to eat here in my room near Newberry Library, Chicago, then went to library one and one-half blocks from here. It is a good library though I haven't found anything important yet. Closes about 9:30 p.m. Wrote cards.17: Post Office one-half block. Walked to the public library and looked in the one across the street but decided Newberry is better. Came home and after resting spent rest of day at library. Looking for Mitchells. Cold night.18: Spent day at library looking for Mitchells and Trouts. I met Mears and Mears genealogist. The lady showed me a few things and gave me a circular.19: Received a card from Evelyn and a letter from my dear son Homer. Spent af-ternoon in library. About 8 p.m. went with Mears and Mears about 3 blocks to their home on Clark to get their pamphlet, "What is up in your family tree?" ($.25)

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20: After a good night's rest went to library. Looked in Virginia families (books), South Carolina and Texas. Found Garland B. Foscue and four Mitchell families. At 4 p.m. packed suitcase and took key to desk. Walked four blocks to Michigan. Took bus to Randolph Public Library where I met Marie and Evelyn. We went out to supper then to the famous Hull House. Very interesting. (Jane Addams).21: Stayed at the Roundys' home. They have been most lovely to us. At 8:30 p.m. Marie went with us to depot where we took the train to Salt Lake City. Having upper berths, they were not too handy. I had to use a ladder.23: Reached Salt Lake City at 11 a.m. Phoned Nathaniel. He came and took us to my apartment. Evelyn went on to St. George.

This was a wonderful trip for Lois. She visited her family and did genealogical re-search. It certainly was a treat for her children to have their mother Lois visit as she al-ways kept busy cooking and washing and tending babies.

Lois lived just across the street from the temple grounds which not only was convenient for her, but for all her relatives who came to the temple. Some would come in work clothes, change into clean clothes at Aunt Lo's and attend the last evening session at the temple. Some would attend a temple session and drop in at Aunt Lo's for a short visit' and a snack after. She always had food on hand for her visitors and enjoyed the chance to share a few minutes or a few days with relatives.

Here are two entries from Lois' diaries which tell of such visitors:April 9, 1943: Virgil and family came about 7:30 p.m. Got ready here. Went to temple where son Burton and Francis Meaker were married at 9:30 p.m. by Pres. Chipman. They went back to Provo that night. (The rest of this little story is that Uncle Virgil and Aunt Ruth and the bride-to-be picked up Burton after a long day of work at Geneva Steel and headed straight to Aunt Lo's where Burton bathed and put on his suit. Then they headed to the tem-ple where the young couple were married.)November 29, 1944: Ruth, Grant and wife went to temple, 2 o'clock session. When they were out came here for supper. Also Virgil and Eleanor were here to eat. After, they went to Provo. Eleanor will go on to St. George tomorrow.

Many relatives who came to Salt Lake City for conference, doctors appointments, busi-ness or just to visit, stayed at Lois' because it was so convenient, and they were always made welcome. Many of the cousins and grandchildren who were leaving on missions ate their meals at Lois'. The Church didn't furnish meals at the mission home in the 1940s.

Lois tells in her diary of two young missionaries she helped feed in 1941, Morris ;

Bushman, son of her brother Alonzo, and her granddaughter, Myreel Smith, daughter of Wick and Blanche:

April 20, 1941: Edith and Morris came and he went to missionary home. Had lunch here.22: Morris has breakfast and supper here each day while in the mission home.29: Morris is to leave in the night. Came to tell me goodby. Going to JapaneseMission.

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Sept. 8,1941: Myreel stayed all night with me. Irvin took her things to missionary home, then the Pearsons headed home.11: Went to temple with Myreel.12: Myreel eats her meals here.13: Saturday afternoon, Myreel and I went to Sadie's and helped with peaches.14: Sunday, Nat's Birthday. Myreel and I had dinner with them and went to church in their ward. After, we had a party for Nat and Myreel, all the relatives were there.17: Wednesday, Went to church office with Myreel when she was set apart.27: Myreel's birthday. Sent her $1.00 and letter.

Lois' diaries, from 1940 to 1945, tell of her temple work, her continual search for the ge-nealogy of her ancestors, and of the many trips she made to find more information, and to visit her children. She also notes the birthdays of her loved ones: children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, nieces, and nephews and others. To all of those she named in her diary she sent either a card, letter, book or other gift. She also received many letters. Most were from her children and close relatives. However she received many in answer to letters she had written concerning genealogy and family histories.

She was active in her ward, the 17th Ward, Ensign Stake. She seldom missed her Sunday meetings and usually commented on the good program of the sacrament service, sometimes telling a little about the theme of the sermon. She paid her tithing promptly and paid tithing for her sons in the army, Homer and Justin. When they sent her money, which was every month, she would pay tithing for them on the money they sent her.

Her experience making quilts ever since she was a young girl, was soon discovered as she notes often of going at 10 o'clock in the morning and quilting until meeting time on Re-lief Society days. Sometimes she stayed after meeting to quilt. She tells about the time the Relief Society President asked her to fix a quilt top that had been poorly set together. It took her several days to unpick the blocks and set them together properly.

Lois knew her quilts. She made quilts for all of her grandchildren when they got married, and all of the new babies when they were born. When she visited her children it seemed they always had a quilt for her to work on or finish for them. She mentions using this great pio-neer talent many times in her diaries:

May 6, 1940: Put Justin's quilt on and went to Genealogy at night.7: Quilted until 1:00 p.m. Went to Relief Society Teacher's topic meeting after which we had a Mother's Day program. Then quilted again until late.8: Quilted all day.9: Quilted all day.

April 13,1943: Went to Red Cross class at 10 a.m. Quilted from 12 to 2 p.m. Relief Society meeting at 2:00 celebrating Mother's and Daughter's Day. Daughters took charge beautifully. Quilted from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. also took Bushman Pedigree Chart to Bro. Bennett.

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Wrote to Uncle Preston. Received my check $30 today. Thanks (This was her welfare check.)Nov. 2, 1943: Went to Teachers Topic and Theology Relief Society Meeting. Quilted for two hours. Then went over to Nat's. Sister Bowering had me take pieces for a quilt to get in shape. Someone else had started it.Nov. 6: Washed etc. and answered letters. Copied finished work of Mitchells in record. Worked until midnight at quilt blocks for Relief Society 17th Ward.Nov. 8: I wrote Homer. Went over to Nat's. Shopped some. In evening finished quilt blocks for R.S.Nov.9: Did not feel so well. Sent quilt blocks to R.S. and book to meeting by neighbor Sister Hokenson.

Most all of the activities with her family are recorded in her diaries. It is quite amazing that a person her age would be able to accomplish so much. She seemed to be busy from early morning to late at night. In 1943 she records one day very simply in three words:

Feb. 18,1943: Busy all day.

In the front page of one dairy it asks for personal information. Lois fills in the blanks and we learn the following:

NAME: Lois B. Smith, ADDRESS: 112 No. Main St., MY HEIGHT IS 5 ft. MY AVERAGE WEIGHT 130 lbs. SIZE SHOES NO. 5.

The following are special excerpts from her diaries showing how she tallied each birthday be-ginning in 1940. Also these few entries tell of some of her research and temple activities.

January 3,1940: Went to temple to look over sheets and have my card restamped. Then to library to search for Mitchells until 9 p.m. Went home and did hand work until 12:30 a.m.February 5th, 6th and 9th: Norman's, LaVern's, and Gordan's day.February 17th: My baby boy is 29 years old today. He has been a blessing and comfort all the days of his life. It is a great privilege to be his mother. Eileen and Beth came in and brought a small box from Justin. I waited until they left to open it. It was a wrist watch for me on his birthday. Later a corsage was delivered to me from him also. I showed my neigh-bor, Mrs. Kerry, and she wept with me.February 18: Mary Westover's birthday. I walked to Sunday School with her and Velma. Af-ter church went over to Nat's for dinner, everything very tasty. Lydia is a wonderful cook.February 19: Virgil, Ruth, June, Fred, Jessie, Florence, Sadie, and I did sealings for our an-cestors. Took names and went through the 4 o'clock session.February 21: Aunt Sariah's birthday. Went to temple with her daughter Florence. Took Jo-seph Smith names.February 22: Pratt came on business. In the evening we went to "The Light That Failed," at the theater. I saw the same play at the Palace Theater in Portland in 1905.March 3: Eleanor's birthday. Spent all day in Library.

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March 5: Eldon's and Freddie's birthdays. I spent most of the week in the library searching Mitchells. I took 40 names out on baptism sheets. The names went through index and I put 40 more in.March 7: Ada Carol's birthday, one year old.March 10: Angeline's birthday, sweet sixteen.March 11: Spent all day in Genealogical Library.March 12: Went to temple to get finished sheets to send to Aunt Maria. Evening went to Sa-die's to cut quilt blocks. Went to show with family.March 13: Rented my homestead to Rex Shumway for $8.00 a year. He sent me check in advance. Cut quilt blocks all day.March 14: Gerald Wickliffe, 21 years old, on a mission in North Central States Mission. I sent him $1.00. Went to library. Hunting Franks.March 18: Silas Bushman called to get baptism names for his children to do in the St. George Temple. I spent the rest of the day in the library searching out more names.March 20: My granddaughter Cleah was operated on for appendicitis on March 18. Got along fine. Went to library all day.March 25: The library was closed on the 25th for Arbor Day. I did my washing. Ironed in the evening.March 27: Spent all day in library, also March 28.April 3: Bruce Nephi birthday, 6 years old, a bright and understanding boy. Library in fore-noon, then attended other business.April 4-5-6: Attended conference. President Clark in charge, all very good. General Relief Society Conference April 4. Amy Brown Lyman in charge, wonderful talks by Mission Presidents and others. Sunday I attended both meetings after which the Arizonians met at 5:30 p.m. at the Lion House and had dinner and program. At 7:30 p.m. men went to Priest-hood Meeting and after some went to Coconut Grove and some went to missionary reun-ions.

In May of 1944, Lois records a day which includes her writing many letters.May 23, 1944: Drew $30.00 from Zion Savings and paid rent for another month. Also paid $1.05 for telephone for month. Letter from Homer. He is leaving Georgetown 28th of May, can be gone 2 weeks. Sent airmail to him, also one to Gerald, Rex, Wallace, Eleanor, Beu-lah, Win, Donnie, Pratt, John, and Vaughn Bushman.

This next collection of entries tell the story of Lois' grandson George John Greaves. He was the second member of her immediate family to meet death. It was a time of great sadness.

March 12, 1940: George John Greaves is 18 and handsome. He is graduating from High School.March 12, 1943: George's day, he is 21 years old and in the Air Force. I gave him a birthday card and a book.April 17, 1943: Went to Provo on the Orem train with Sadie to attend the wedding reception of Burton Bushman and bride at Uncle Virgil's. We got back home at 1:00 a.m. and found

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George had arrived from Cedar City where he had been instructing flyers. He had left his locker and bags here and went home.April 18, 1943: Harry, Sadie, George, Angeline and I went to the Union Pacific Depot to see George off to Randolph Field, Texas.August 30, 1943: George was able to come home for two days before his next assignment. He looks fine.March 12, 1944: George is 22 years old today. He is home in Salt Lake for a short visit.March 13, 1944: George and Angeline came in town to see me today. They looked fine and are lovely young folks. Angeline took the bus to Provo and George started for Tucson.December 27, 1944: At 7:30 A.M. George phoned from home. He flew here and was leav-ing shortly. He and his father called me. Then they decided they had time to come and see me. George does look fine and handsome. He left for Long Beach to see his wife and then he will be off again.February 5, 1945: Sadie called after she went to the doctor with Lois. I went to the Daugh-ters of Pioneers meeting at Relief Society Hall and missed her call. I went home early. I went to the drug store and called Sadie. She said they just got word that George was killed in an airplane crash.February 6, 1945: I went to Teachers Topic meeting and then came down to Sadie's and Harry's home. I stayed all night. Angeline came.February 8, 1945: Cleah and Parker came. Also Ted. Phill and LaVern came with baby Emma Lois. Winnie came on 5:00 a.m. bus.February 9, 1945: We went down to meet the body. A soldier friend of George came with it all the way and was to stay with it until after the funeral. The casket was taken to the home where it rested until just before the funeral which was held in Grand View Chapel. A most wonderful spirit with the talks.February 13, 1945: I filled out family group sheets and took to temple index to be cleared. Harry did endowment work for George. I went home with them to stay with children while they went to Long Beach to see Barbara, George's wife, and new baby. Sadie washed this morning.February 14, 1945: Harry and Sadie left for Long Beach 8 a.m. They got Angeline at Provo, and she helped drive. Reached there Thursday night. Found all well.February 20, 1945: Did Sadie's ironing and some mending. Wrote Homer today. Paid rent, $35.February 21, 1945: Harry and Sadie came in

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afternoon. Had a good trip. I went home.March 12, 1945: George's natal day, would have been 23 years old. Found a beautiful card. In evening went to the Greaves'. Sadie had made a birthday cake in his honor. I stayed there all night.

Lois received the old age pension of about $30 a month until 1944. The President of the Church, Heber J. Grant, suggested members of the church who could afford to live without this government assistance should discontinue it. Lois was always faithful to the counsel of the Church authorities and she felt she could make it without that $30. On January 21, 1944, she writes in her diary, "I called up the department of public welfare that I wished to drop the Old Folks assistance. On January 25th a case worker came and fixed it up for me. I know the Authorities are inspired."

Irvin and Winnie moved from Layton to Southern Utah in 1944. In the spring of 1945, Nat sold the grocery store and moved from 2nd West up into the Avenues of Salt Lake. His store is where Lois had shopped for many years. It had been a convenient walk for her to get groceries and visit Nathaniel and family. She missed this wonderful contact.

Lois' diary for 1946 is sketchy. Mostly it contains the names of family members written in on their birth dates and notes on special visits from family members or a trip to see one of her fami-lies. She also writes of the visitors who come at General Conference:

April 4, 1946: Thursday night John C. came. Pratt did not come. John L. Westo-ver, Adele, and June came.April 6: 1:00 p.m. 38 relatives came in every day to meet relatives.April 7: Evelyn and babe came in morning and took bus for Dixie in evening. John C. and his group left for home after meeting.

Lois writes of a trip to California to help with a new baby and to visit her two families living there. It is her last trip to California.

Oct. 10, 1946: I left for Colton. Went to Pratt's. Homer phoned to Laura when I would be there. Took taxi to their home. All home that night. Lovely children. Laura was feeling quite well.Oct. 13: Janet Eva born Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Laura seemed fine. We went to church.Oct. 14: Kids went to school. Lolly stayed with me. Pratt off on business.Oct. 15: In afternoon took Lolly with me to R.S.Oct. 20: Pratt brought Laura home from hospital, all fine.Oct. 21: Pratt took me to L.A. to see the Moorehead cousins.Oct. 27: San Bernadino Stake Conference at Riverside. Matthew Cowley in charge.Oct. 28: I went to LaVerne with John's family. Went one day to Orange Grove. Spent two days with them.Oct. 29: Pratt put me on the bus to Mesa. Stayed at Wesley Palmer's. They treated me fine.

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Oct. 31: Aunt Lillian's B-Day. Spent the day with her and family.Nov. 3: Went with Lillian to a four ward Relief Society Conference. Verna Lewis President.Nov. 4: Went with son Wickliffe to Globe where I stayed a week. Went to state fair at Phoenix with folks.Nov. 5: Saw Myreel and Malin and little girls.

Homer was married September 8, 1947. He and Freda lived with his mother in her apartment for several months. Then Mother Lois decided that to give them more room, she would rent the smaller apartment which was located in the rear behind the apartment they had all been sharing. Homer and Freda stayed until the spring of 1948 when they found a larger place. Now Lois had to take the bus to visit any of her children. She had a telephone but she was not in the habit of using it to any great extent.

Sometime in June of 1948, Lois had a stroke which left her unable to take care of her-self. When her family found her, she recognized them but could not tell them what had hap-pened to her. There was very little food in her apartment and she was very hungry. Her daughter Sarah took her to her home.

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CHAPTER SEVEN

LOIS' LAST ILLNESS AND DEATHUp until the time Lois was almost 76 years old, she lived in her own apartment in Salt Lake City

where she continued to thrive on the visits of her expanding family and on the work she was doing for her progenitors. Around the middle of June 1948, she had a stroke. Nat and Sadie had been at-tentive to Mother. In addition to taking her places and frequently stopping by to see her, they called her on the telephone. One day Sadie had tried several times to call Mother, but the line was always busy. She became worried that something was wrong and decided that she had better go up to Mother's apartment to see her. Mother was very ill. She had tried to telephone for help but she hadn't been able to dial the number correctly or to get the receiver back on the tele-phone. She wasn't in very good condition because she hadn't had anything to eat ~ we don't know for how long. She had a stroke and her capacity to think and to find things was gone. So Sadie took her to her home.

During the last seven months of Lois' life her daughter Sarah wrote in her diary about the major happenings concerning her condition and passing. With some additional comment the following diary entries are just as Sarah wrote it.

June 20: I have had my Mother here with me for over a week. She is losing her health and is unable to do her own work. Her memory is going and she seems like she is living in the early part of her married life when she had little children of her own, and yet she is rational to the immediate present. I remind her when she gets something twisted and she wants me to straighten her thoughts out. Some of the family think just let her go on in her talk and not correct her.Today we had a big dinner. Win and her family, Homer and Freda, Eldon, Lois, Ann, Grandma and me. Homer furnished the chicken. After dinner Nat and family came and John and his friend Mr. Wood with his recorder. He recorded Mother's voice and her testimony which we can keep. Homer took pictures and Nat took Mother for a ride. The children all went to the zoo. When Mother returned she was very tired. This was all in honor of Mother's seventy-sixth birthday.This condition of my dear little Mother seems so sad to me. She is happy, and if she is in a blissful world of thought why should I want her to return to this world of worry. But I can't help but long for her old personality.Her physical health is also weak but we feel, Win and I, that it is up to her daughters to care for her. So I will care for her three months and then Win will care for her for three months. There is sure a commotion around here with Win's kids here. (Ada Carol 7 years old, Don-nie 5 years old, Boyd 3 years old, and Evelyn 9 months old.) I wonder if it bothers Mother. She sort of worries over the children and gets to talking about visiting Aunt Lily who lives over the hill and talks about all sorts of old time families. Win is to take her in another month, and I don't see how she can manage.

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Saturday while we were eating supper Homer, Freda and Eleanor came and Homer gave Mother $5.00. Then just as we were leaving to go to the Motor View Theater, Nat came and gave her $10.00.Sunday morning: Mother got up early as we told her it was Sunday. Every day is Sunday to her. She is always asking us if we are going to meeting tonight and how awful it is to see us working on Sunday. So now that it is Sunday she is happy. She is always wondering how the little babies are and where did those two little girls go.She won't go to sleep at night until all the lights are out. Last night we wanted to read. Ann was in the front room and I was in the dining room. She called all the names of her ten chil-dren and told them to get to bed. She said, "It is outrageous to burn so many lights."With Mother here it is a greater amount of work, yet she does want to help with the kitchen work and then we can't find things. She always wants to go home and we have to tell her that this is her home.

Mother Lois went to Winnie's home in Hurricane, Utah, August 18th. Winnie's young daughter, Ada Carol, remembers going for walks during the summer days, with her Grand-mother. The family also remembers Grandma always went with them when they went any-where in the car. She was very contented to just sit in the car, usually with an older child she was told she was tending, while they did their errands. They also remember how she liked to help in the kitchen and they would find cooking utensils and food in many unusual places.

She needed to have constant supervision. She didn't have any trouble as far as her physi-cal activity was concerned. She was able to walk, and able to do things for herself. If she was looked after, she was able to take care of herself in the bathroom and to feed herself. Our main concern was that she needed to be watched so she didn't get lost in her confused State of mind.

If during the two months Lois stayed at Winnies there was a stressful incident they don't remember any particulars. Winnie remembers the night in October, when Eleanor and her sister came to take Mother Lois with them to Salt Lake City. They arrived very late at night. Mother had her coat on for a long time waiting for them. She and Winnie sat in the front room side by side, holding hands, never dreaming it would be their last visit. Mother seemed in good health physically, and in good spirits emotionally. Had Winnie known that she would not do well in her new setting she would have kept her in Hurricane. It never oc-curred to Winnie to telephone Sadie and confirm the arrangements for their Mother to come to Salt Lake City at this time. In those days telephone calls were not so routine. Plans had been made earlier and Winnie had been told that Sadie would be ready for her Mother.

Sarah writes in her journal of Mother Lois' return to Salt Lake:October 26: Well fruit season is over. I have my bottles all filled in the basement fruit room, and the apples are nearly all picked and are standing in baskets ready to be sold.Last Monday Cleah and three children surprised us by coming on a week's visit. She came with another Salt Lake girl who has two little children and drives her car. Their husbands are both working in geology for the Oil Co. in Arizona.Eleanor and sister drove from St. George and Mother came with them. I saw her on my birthday and reminded her about it. Then she hugged me and wished me a happy birthday. I

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did want her to do this because I probably will never receive any more cards from her as she seems to have forgotten all. She seems so lost yet knows us all.Homer and Lydia got a look at the home Nat and I thought would be all right for Mother to stay in. County welfare would give her $73.00, $60.00 for the landlord and $13.00 for her personal expenses. Well after Lydia's and Homer's decision they took her out and Homer has her and wants to keep her, but he wants me to come and bathe her. Freda is expecting a new baby in January. I think Homer is not using good judgment in having mother come there. Just wait until the mess and trouble begin. She is helpless in so many ways. It seems to them that Win and I are not kind to Mother, but just let them try. They'll change when they see how hard it is.November 2: About noon today Homer called me saying it was so hard to manage Mother in the toilet situation and now they felt we should put her back in the old folks home. We went to Homer's and I gave her a sponge bath, then I took her to the store and bought her some new shoes. Now we took her back to Hazel Black's Convalescent Home.November 14: My daughter Lois, had an infected foot from x-ray treatment to remove warts. This began several weeks of treating her foot and taking her to three or four different doctors.November 28: Last Thursday was Thanksgiving. We got Mother the night before. Homer and Freda, who were also to dinner, took her back to the nursing home that evening.December 2: Nat phoned that Mother is very unhappy. He took her home, planning to keep her there, but found they did not have the facilities needed to tend her, so they returned her to the convalescent home.December 5: We got Mother Saturday night. Today was fast Sunday. That evening we all went to meeting. I had Mother put on her suit which I had kept here for special occasions and I curled her hair and she looked very nice. At church there was such a fine feeling of good will and I felt the spirit of the Lord. Mother was calm and listened intently. It seemed she was her normal self.December 23: Two weeks ago I had Mother over the weekend. She had a lame leg and complained of dizziness. She fell twice in the evening and again the next morning. So I decided to keep her home with me a week. We almost felt like we would not take her back to the old folks home again but I took sick with a stiff painful shoulder. The doctor said to use hot wet packs. Nat and Lydia came and took Mother back to the Black home as I was getting helpless. Harry spent half the night wet packing my shoulder and the pain was terri-ble. The next morning I was sore and stiff. I called another doctor who told me wet packs were the worst thing I could do. Ted came home with an electric heating pad, my early Christmas present. The doctor came that evening and found me hugging the electric pad. He said that's the thing to do. After three days going to his office, I felt nearly well again, but I had to continually keep warm and apply heat. My daughter Lois still has a sore on her foot.

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Cleah and Parker are coming for Christmas.

LOOKING BACK {from Sadie's journal}

January 4, 1949: The day before Christmas, my daughter Lois and I went to the doctor's for treatment. When we came out to our car to go home there was dear Mother in the front seat with Ted. Mother seemed worse in her rambling talk. She could hardly pronounce her words. Her face had a sick look. After I bathed her and put her to bed with warm clothing I noticed she could hardly use her right hand. Then I took her to the bathroom and she could hardly walk. I had to feed her. Christmas morning she was weak so I did not try to get her up until noon. Parker and Cleah had come the night before and the little children were up early.I fixed Mother mint tea and it seemed hard for her to drink. I had to rush to fix dinner, fried chicken and trimmings. We all enjoyed the dinner and I took a tray of food to Mother and fed her what she liked. I dressed her and brought her in the front room to see the Christmas tree, open her presents and read the greeting cards she had received. She really seemed to be far off, not with us, and showed only slight interest in what I did for her. She soon dropped her head from side to side saying she must lie down so I took her back to bed, undressed her and tucked her in. I was thankful my aching arm was better and that I intended to take care of Mother myself.Christmas night Nat and Lydia, Homer and Freda came to see Mother. Sunday, the next day while we were eating dinner Mother fell out of bed. Ted with cotton wiped the slight blood wound on her right temple. She seemed to be in great pain. Harry asked her if she would like to be administered to and she said, weakly "Yes." Theodore and his father gave her a bless-ing and she seemed to calm down. We phoned for Nat, Homer and Pratt. They came with

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their families. We thought she was going then. We gave her some nourishment and she rested.Monday I got a nurse to come and clean her up and give her an enema. This seemed to revive her although she appeared to be getting weaker. Homer and Freda came that evening. After we had changed her bed and rubbed her back she seemed to relax into a deep sleep. By morn-ing she had gone into a coma. I phoned the boys and they all came down again. Telegrams were sent to all the brothers and sisters away from home and near kin. Homer worried about letting people know so he got up in the

night and sent telegrams saying Mother was seriously ill. We felt they should get a warning. He had been away from home when Father and Walter died and knew the awful shock of hearing after they were gone.Everyday Homer came and helped me take care of Mother. Homer helped me wash the clothes. We had to change the bed each day. He would rub Mother and go buy so many needed things. Winifred came Tuesday evening. Justin came Thursday afternoon and he was a great help keeping water in Mother's mouth and relieving her parched condition. Friday morning Nat and Justin administered to Mother and dedicated her to the Lord. Poor Justin wept so he could hardly say the prayer, then Nat sealed the prayer with a wonderful prayer for his mother's soul. The next morning Justin was anxious to see another doctor to do some-thing for his dear mother. I had no objections. It was his privilege, his last gesture of love for his mother. The doctor came but only gave Mother 24 more hours to live. He said her suffer-ing from the high fever would be alleviated by putting water in her stomach through a tube. They did this and even gave her a little milk. Justin constantly kept a wet sponge of water in her mouth and the swelled and parched condition of her tongue left and she looked more normal. Some thought it was absolutely unnecessary to do anything so near the end. But to me it was a beautiful act to help Mother pass away more comfortably. Homer brought a large beautiful bouquet of flowers as if to tell Justin and me. "I want to do something for my dear Mother, too."New Years Day at 1:22 P.M. she breathed her last with Justin, Winnie, Harry and I by her bedside. Homer and Nat came a few minutes after her passing. We knelt by her bed in prayer.That evening we all went to the mortuary to make arrangements for the funeral and to pick out a casket. Harry and I, Win and Justin liked a beautiful blue plush casket. It was the same blue as the color of her eyes and her eyes never faded. The plush was soft, delicate and feminine like our mother. The others said it was too expensive, and that we were just putting it in the ground. They ruled out the blue casket.

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Winnie could not sleep that night. She was up early and wanted to leave for town on the bus. I thought it strange she would not ride up with us later in the afternoon. She said she wanted to look around. She went to the mortuary and paid the difference on that lovely casket so when we arrived, there was Mother looking so lovely in the beautiful blue casket of her baby girl's choice. She was privileged to have her way and do a last beautiful act for her mother.

The funeral was held January 3, 1949, at the Taylor Mortuary in Salt Lake City, with Bishop Rulon Hinkley of the 17th Ward officiating. The music was furnished by members of the 17th Ward. Many of Lois' friends from this ward that she had become acquainted with during the past seven years she had lived there were in attendance. Her brother Virgil and wife Ruth and some of their family, and her sister June and husband Hyrum and some of their family were in attendance. Many nieces and nephews who lived in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas were also present. All of her children and their companions and most of her grandchildren were in attendance. After the funeral a number of the relatives went to Nat's and had a delicious lunch, prepared by Lydia, and a meeting. It was like another fu-neral, talking of their love for Father and Mother and their noble heritage.

Lois' only request was that she be buried in St. George close to her oldest son, Walter. Her body was taken to St. George and all of her children followed in the largest snow storm northern Utah had seen for a long time. Many of the children rode the bus because of the storm, and because of the storm, the hearse didn't arrive in St. George until 4 P.M. It was also cold and stormy in St. George, so the planned grave side service was held in the Pickett Mortuary. It was well attended and the speakers, who had all been close friends of Lois' son Walter, gave beautiful tributes. Two of her brothers, Alonzo and Jessie and a brother-in-law John L. Westover were there from Joseph City. They also took part on the program. Lois was buried, according to her wish, near her beloved son Walter.

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APPENDIX ONE

TRIBUTES TO LOIS EVELYN SMITH

Tributes to Mother

A letter from Sadie to her mother Lois on Mother's Day 1927:

Salt Lake City, Utah May 4, 1927

My dear Mother -

I wonder sometimes if I am the most negligent of your children, of showing respect with letter or present on such days as Mother's Day and birthdays.

I am so busy with my little ones (troubles) that I almost fail to think of others. I would liked to have got you some remembrance besides a letter, but time is a premium with me. I have the little troubles all in bed now, have damped my cloths for tomorrow's ironing and snatching a few minutes to you.

I want this letter to carry loads of love to you. The molding of my character, my privilege of coming to this earth, my education I owe to you and your mother interest. You made one point stand out clearly in your teachings to me—to be virtuous and modest.

When I received the quilt top made so nice, I thought, my how nice to have a mother.

Give my love to Homer, Justin and Winifred. Hope you are well and do not have to suffer on account of ill health.

If there has been much rain there this spring, probably you could raise something on the lot there this summer. May the Lord protect you so that you have a long useful life. Love to all your daughter, Sadie

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Tribute to Lois from her oldest Son Walter F. Smith

St. George, Utah May 10, 1935

Dearest Mother,

It's a good thing that mothers day comes at lease once each year, because then our thoughts go home and our mothers hear again that we love them.

We are almighty proud of you and the stand you have taken for righteousness. Your standards have been high and your mother's influence has penetrated a lot of homes.

All of your sons and daughters should achieve greatness after the good start in life they have received and if they make a great name for themselves It will be due to that good start.

We received a fine letter from Homer, and we haven't written him for months. He is surely doing fine - we must write to both he and Justin.

May the kind heavenly Father continue his mercies and blessings upon our dear little mother is the prayer of your Loving Son.

Walter F. Smith

A letter from son Walter to Mother Lois September 1934. Walter was always interested in his mother's affairs and advised her with her financial undertaking.

September 20, 1934

Dearest Mother and Winnie

I have been trying to think through your problems as house keeper for a group of boys and I am offering this letter with a hope that it will be worth something to you by way of suggestions.

I imagine the feeding problem will be your greatest task. I think the main thing to keep in mind is to "fill them up." They won't expect much for $18.00 per month. You should keep this in mind also. Give them lots of vegetable stews. You can generally buy chuck and joints which help flavor and make up fine stews. Then lots of beans and potatoes, potato hash, Irish stews, cabbage and squash, rice puddings etc. When eggs are high as they will be all winter, and with milk and meat also high, feed them the cheaper foods. I have an

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idea that meat prices will come down because the Govt has quit buying cattle and there is yet a large surplus of cattle with a small supply of feed through out the state.

In working out your laundry problem, I've been wondering if you couldn't find some woman who takes in washings that would give you a weekly contract for doing this work at from $1.50 to $2.00 per week. This would be much better for you and save you the risk of purchasing a machine. Now of course this is only my opinion, my main thought is to save you all the unnecessary work possible. Don't expect too much help from Winnie, especially where she is putting in 8 hours work per day and is also trying to take some courses at the university. You must both save yourselves.

We have now finished up our work here in fine shape. I am leaving this evening for St. George. The bus stops at Provo only a few minutes so I will not expect to see you there.

I talked with Nat on the phone. Justin was at the library so I did not get to see him. You must give him my love and best wishes. I sincerely hope he is successful with his exams and that he gets an appointment. He is surely deserving of a fine position. Pratt came to see me yesterday. I didn't get to see Laura and the baby. We are always exceedingly busy here, every minute is scheduled up. You see we try to hold a convention for the agents as well as put over the boys' and girls' club contests.

I think Eleanor expects to put over the American Legion Auxiliary work on her way to Salt Lake. She leaves home Thursday morning. Her meetings in Salt Lake are Friday afternoon. She is visiting the units on the way. She may stop to see you.

Now remember, take care of yourself. Your health is of first importance. We all love and honor you and we admire you for your ambitious thrift. Must close for now. Your loving son, Walter F.

Sunday - Mother's Day , May 9, 1948 LaVerne, California

My Darling Mother:

I think of you so much and wish it were possible for us to stop in and see you oftener but as always we miss the good things when it is too late or when we get so far away that it is impossible of performance. And although our Mother's Day card went to you with all our hearts, it seemed cold and matter of fact when I realized all you mean to us and it was a poor expression of our appreciation of the place you hold in our hearts. Since because of other interests lately I feel very strongly the urge today to write you this letter as a payment of the many letters I should have written you during the years.

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All my life I have been very dependent upon you though I have given you reason to believe otherwise. My first recollections were when you had me get down on my hands and knees to overcome my coughing spells. I remember how stern you attempted to be with me in this thing to break me of the habit of dependence. I could always see you out of the cor-ner of my eyes and knew that no matter you would always be there if and when I needed you. And I am sure that throughout all eternity I will find strength in the consoling fact that you love me and are near by to help if it is needed though I may appear strong enough to carry on alone.

I also recall the time a rock from my sling went through Minnie Willis' window. I don't know what would have happened to me if I had to have faced her alone but I knew all was well because you were home and I could seek refuge in your love and near your chair as much behind as possible. All through my life as I look back upon the herculean tasks you performed. The jobs you helped us to complete; the responsibilities in the Church you taught us to respect; the counsel in being upright and honest; the severe rebuke for taking that one penny out of the little red comb case on the wall. All these things come to my mind and many more as I contemplate the happenings to me as a tow-headed kid and I am astonished that you could be the author of so much when so few years ago you were a slip of a girl yourself very dependent.

The Lord has truly blessed you and he has blessed me through you. I have a won-derful wife and three God-fearing children because of you and your teachings to me in my youth. And though I may have gone far to one side, I am secure in the knowledge that God lives and that the gospel we embrace is right and the thrill of this conviction will keep me, with the Lord's help, in the embrace of His blessings. This is my sacred heritage from a noble woman-my dear mother. May the Lord bless you and I bless you with the joys that come to a full and eventful life. With love your son John C.

September 14, 1948 Dearest Mother,

I hope you are enjoying your vacation with the folks in Dixie. We all miss you around here, it seems sorta empty feeling when you are not here. I hope your health has improved and that this change of atmosphere will do you good.

Forty-eight years ago today you brought me into the world and you gave me constant care and guidance throughout my life. Although I have been a worry and a problem child to you at times, I feel grateful for your great influence upon my life. Now that I am nearing the half-century mark, I should be able to go along and keep out of mischief and follow your counsel as I should. Your constant desire has been for the welfare of your children and I know that your prayer is that we will endure to the end. I don't suppose there will ever be a time when we won't need the good counsel and advice you always wanted to give us.

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I am enclosing a little birthday present for you for my birthday and I want you to know how much I really appreciate the personal interest you have given me all my life.

May the Lord bless you, Your loving son, Nathanial A. Smith

June Twenty-Eighth Dearest Mother,

Many happy returns of this great day, a day that has come to mean a lot in many lives of children and loved ones. The more I see and hear of your posterity, the more I know this date is going to be held in loving remembrance throughout the coming generations. The day always means much to me. Your sweetness and loveliness has an intimacy that will make your life and work remembered with bright vividness. Your valor in the cause of right can be equaled by but few men who hold the Priesthood. Your "fight" has been your blessing in disguise.

I had a long visit in Snowflake one evening early in the month with John H. Ballard. We compared a lot of notes on our "Maws" and how they shaped our lives. We all want to erect some kind of a monument to our "Maws" but I suppose they would appreciate more than stone and plaques, good lives as a monument to the excellence of their job.

All my love and blessings to you, Your loving son, N. Pratt Smith

November 29, 1944

Dear Mother Smith,

I am writing to tell you about a lovely talk in the Riverside Ward a week ago Sunday that Pratt gave. He paid you such a lovely tribute that I wanted to tell you about it. He talked on prayer, family prayer. He said he could always remember his mother's prayers and that he thought his mother was a "holy" woman and would receive the highest degrees of glory. It was so sweet the way he worded it that I felt you ought to know a few of those things your boys think of you. I know I would love to hear such words of praise from a son of mine. Love, Laura (Pratt's wife)

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The following was written on a scrap of paper found among Lois' notes:

To Mother Lois B. Smith from Homer (her seventh son):

Mother If I ever do anything splendid,

If I ever am noble and true—

T'will be because you, DearMother

Loved me and helped me through.

For you give me the real inspiration

To measure up and to be

More worthy of all your goodness

And your wonderful faith in me.

On Lois B. Smith's 100th anniversary, her daughter Sadie sponsored a big family reunion. The reunion also honored her father who would have been 101 years old on June 10.

WRITTEN FOR THE FAMILY REUNION HELD ON LOIS' 100TH BIRTHDAY JUNE 28, 1972

June 17, 1972

My dearest Mother,

Twenty-three years and five months have gone by since January 1, 1949, the day I said good-by to you. I have not seen you or talked to you since that day; however, your sweet spirit and life-long example and teachings have been my constant companion.

Since that New Year's Day 1949, two beautiful children have come into our home, Mary Joyce and David Rey. They are very special spirits, and seem destined to fill important missions here on earth. The thought has come to me many times that you were influential in choosing these choice personalties for me to love and enjoy. You have always been so much a part of every good thing that has happened in my life.

When each baby was born, you were there to keep me from overdoing and to enjoy with me the blessings of a new one: trip to Rapid City, South Dakota when Ada Carol was born; trip to Oklahoma when Don Mack was born; Boyd was born in Salt Lake City but you came each day to the hospital to visit; trip to Hurricane when Evelyn was born. Your

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motive in coming each time was to help, not to receive, yet I always got the impression you loved every minute of it.

This is one of the great lessons I learned from you. Happiness comes from giving of yourself.

When we were planning my wedding it was such a happy time. Money was scarce but then we were used to that. We figured, by scrimping, I could have $50 for my trousseau. Of course, the wedding dress was the most important. We shopped for days walking the streets of Salt Lake City until we found just the one and within our budget. It was "marked down" to $19. How we rejoiced together over our good fortune. I still have the sheer temple robe, now quite yellow, and the veil and apron you made for me to be married in.

One year that stands out in my memory as being an unusually happy year was my freshman year at B.Y.U. Justin had graduated from the University of Arizona and decided to work towards a Master's Degree at the "Y." With two children in school you thought it would be "cheaper" if we all lived together and you kept house for us. You were right, it was cheaper. That was certainly one of your talents, miraculously making money extend and extend and extend. Jobs were scarce. I didn't find any work. Justin had a paper route which constituted our only source of income.

We lived in two tiny attic rooms. The rent was $4 a month. Justin slept on a cot in the room used for the kitchen. You and I slept in the other room in a double bed that was the major piece of furniture because there wasn't room for anything else. Our clothes hung on the wall with a curtain over them to keep the dust off.

Fixing good meals from "nothing" was another one of your talents. I remember your daily walk of two miles to buy skim milk for 10 cents a gallon. The trips were made daily because we had no refrigeration, just a wet cloth wrapped around the milk container sitting in a shallow pan of water in the window ledge. The breeze through the window evaporated the water and kept the milk cool. You could make many good things out of milk, and if there was any left at the end of the day it was never thrown out but set to make clabber and then cottage cheese or buttermilk.

That winter Justin took me to all the student body dances. Our activity cards were issued with our tuition so the dances didn't cost us anything and I don't think we missed one dance all winter. I'm sure I was the most popular coed in school. Justin was such a good dancer, he still is, and so much fun to be with that we had a great time. This was one of the very choice experiences of my life. He taught me to love to dance.

This must have been a great satisfaction to you to have your children out sporting in such good company.

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The valuable lesson I learned from you this year was that happiness and money are not synonymous. Happiness comes from sharing, giving of yourself, working together and loving each other.

Do you remember Dr. Bailey? He came into your life when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I remember how sick you would get at night. I would hear you beside me (I wasalways your bed partner) saying over and over, "Oh, dear me!" Oh, dear me." Many times you would be violently sick to your stomach. How I wanted to help you but there seemed to be no help. Just the passing of time and then the attacks would go away.

I'm sure when you heard of Dr. Bailey and his belief that proper eating could cure many illnesses you were ready to accept his philosophy. From then on you read books, listened to lectures, and used the information to improve your eating habits. When you found something that was good for you, you always wanted everyone you loved to share your new-found knowledge, so we all ate whole wheat bread, honey on our cereal and tomatoes without salt.

I remember an incident that shows your concern and desire to help the eating habits of all your associates. It happened in Tucson. Every week we had the missionaries for dinner. We lived on the outskirts of town in a little house on Vine Street. By the time the mission-aries walked out there, they were pretty hot and hungry. I can remember Homer in the kitchen fixing the dinner plates. I'm sure there was a variety of food on each plate but the item that really impressed me was the large wedge of lettuce with hot meat gravy over it. Your latest reading material stressed using green raw vegetables in place of heavy starchy foods, like potatoes.

Of course, the missionaries politely ate their lettuce and gravy, but I'll bet they wrote about that meal in their diaries.

You had one guide that helped you evaluate all of these ideas about food. That guide was the Word of Wisdom. Vegetables, fruits, whole wheat, meat sparingly (we couldn't afford it anyway), and absolutely no tea or coffee. I can never remember seeing tea or coffee in our house, even for company.

When you were recuperating from your kidney stone operation in the St. George hospital, you had severe gas pains. Mary, the head nurse, wanted you to have a cup of hot tea to relieve the gas. You told her, no thanks, you didn't drink tea.

She said, "Oh, now Sister Smith, this won't be breaking the Word of Wisdom. I'm giving you this as medicine." However, you didn't drink the tea.

These are just a few of the incidents in our life together when you taught me the Gospel of Jesus Christ by example.

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Many more stories come to my mind about missionary brothers, family prayers, strict attendance to church, paying tithing and being kind and honest and compassionate in dealing with family, friends and neighbors.

You were quiet and unassuming in your manner but your adherence to the gospel wasvery determined and you never faltered. For all of this I think you, my dearest Mother, and pray that your example will be felt by my children, grandchildren and future posterity for all eternity.

Always with love, your baby daughter, Winnie

Tributes to GrandmotherMY UNFORGETTABLE GRANDMA SMITH

WRITTEN BY CLEAH (Oldest child of Sarah (Sadie)

In my mind's eye I see two little children sitting in a big arm chair while their grandmother feeds them from a bowl of soft boiled eggs mixed with bread crumbs. As they open their mouths like baby birds, she gives first one and then the other a spoonful...I can still remember how good those eggs tasted as a loving grandmother fed my brother George and me while our mother was in the hospital with a new baby sister, Angeline.

Grandmother Smith was the only grandparent I ever really knew. My father's mother died when he was just a few days old, and we never saw his father, who lived in Greece. I did not meet my Grandfather Smith until I was in my early teens. But I remember Grandma Smith from my earliest childhood recollections until the time of her death. She was short and round with blue eyes and thick brown hair that had just a little gray in it when she died at age seventy-six. I loved watching her comb her long beautiful hair as she would braid it or twist it into a bob, and pin it in place with big hair pins. She was very independent, and would lift her head and square her shoulders as if to say, "I can bear my burdens. I can take care of myself." To me she was a very strong character.

Grandma Smith was in our home many times over the years. She always talked to me and tried to inspire me to do what was right. I always thought she was about as righteous as the President of the Church, Heber J. Grant. He was one of my childhood heroes, and I always thought of my grandmother in the same light. Right was right and wrong was wrong, and there was no compromising gray area. I learned from her to never criticize the authorities of the Church from the ward officers on up to the general authorities. She en-joyed sacrament meeting, and if someone had not attended she would tell them what a good meeting it was, how wonderful it was, and they should have been there.

Grandma Smith could not be idle. Whenever she was in our home she had to be busy even if she did not feel good. She never complained about not feeling well, or about her

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other problems. She was always making quilt blocks or rag rugs, peeling vegetables or fruit. Her hands were always busy. There was a steady stream of conversation or inspirational sto-ries, and the oral history of ancestors and grandparents and relatives. Someone would say something funny, and we would have a wonderful giggling session. Grandma would snort when she laughed, and then we would all laugh even harder. Grandma would always admon-ish me to help my mother. She could see that my mother needed help, and Grandma could not stand idleness. I suppose there were times when I silently resented her "Cleah, do this," or "Sadie, let Cleah do that," but I valued her approval. Later we came full circle when I had three small children and she was visiting in my small apartment. As we visited I went about doing the many chores that had to be done. She commented that it looked like I was going to keep on until everything was done, and that I NEEDED to sit down and rest.

Grandmother did not own a home in her later years, and it seemed like she moved a lot from one apartment or house to another. She was always looking for something better in price or living conditions. The men in the family who helped her move commented, if not out loud, at least to themselves, "Not again?"

When Grandma came to stay with us she always lost her glasses, then we would all have to get busy and look for them. She was so upset with herself for losing them. This did not happen just once or twice, but always. You have to be older to understand how this can happen.

Grandma Smith worried about our health, and advised my mother about nutrition. I remember the herb teas they brewed to purify our bodies. There was sage tea (awful), burdock tea (it may have been poisonous; at least it tasted like it), grapefruit rinds brewed (bitter, bitter, bitter)... if it was bitter and revolting it was good for you. There was no way of getting out of drinking it, so down the hatch and get it over with. I wonder if sage tea con-sumption in your youth assures you of a long, healthy life.

Grandma always remembered birthdays with a birthday card or a good book which she had read before giving it to you to see if it was proper for your young mind. I remember one special birthday present when I was six years old. Grandma was not living in Salt Lake at the time. I waited for the mailman and I knew my Grandma Smith would not forget me. How excited I was to get a package from her. It was a box of penny candy, all different kinds. We hardly ever had candy, so it was a wonderful present. I think I tried to eat it all by myself.

I think of my grandmother as having the kind of faith that moves mountains. She was so poor, without a steady income. She always paid her tithing. How did she raise her family to accomplish so much with so little of material things? She relied completely on the Lord.

She made formals for Aunt Winnie, sewing them by hand, with such tiny, even stitches. She was a master quilter, and made many beautiful quilts. No one could match her

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tiny, even stitches. She made satin quilts to sell. I remember her showing me pieces of satin and trying to match the colors for quilts. Each side would be a different color, and they should complement or blend together. She said Uncle Homer helped her as he had a goodeye for the right combination of colors. Once she asked me to choose two pieces of material for a beautiful satin quilt that she would make for me when I married.

Grandma Smith was an excellent cook. She could make a dinner out of very little, and it was always delicious. She loved to feed you when you visited her. She was famous for her pies. Her pie crust was made without a recipe. She went by the feel of it. In her last years, I remember how disgusted she was with herself as she said she could not make pies anymore. They did not turn out right. She felt she had lost her touch and there was no writ-ten recipe.

Grandma loved genealogy and temple work. Once she took me with her on the bus to visit someone who might give her some information on a family line. She loved family reunions. Her enthusiasm let us know that our relatives were the most wonderful people in the world.

Grandma enjoyed being able to give you something. I went shopping with her when I was about 15. She was looking for a dress and they were on sale. If you bought one dress you could buy another one for a penny. She tried on a dress that caught her fancy. It was too small, so she got stuck in it. We were in the dressing room giggling and trying to get her out of it. She finally found a dress that was the right size, and that she liked, so she decided to buy it. Then to my delighted surprise she told me to find a dress for myself for a penny. I can still remember the dress. It was white with big colorful, mostly red flowers on it. I was excited as I did not have many clothes. Grandma was happy to be able to give me some-thing, and especially to find such a bargain.

Another time I was visiting Grandma with my brother George when we were young adults. She wanted to treat us to an ice cream cone. We tried to pay for it, but she insisted on treating us. George proudly commented to me how independent she was. It made her happy to be able to give her grandchildren a treat.

Grandma loved big families. I got the impression that she thought her children had not had big enough families. I remember her saying that her grandchildren would make up for it. With that hex or magic wish or petition to heaven, many of her grandchildren had very big families. She loved babies and enjoyed little children. Once when she was visiting me we were watching my oldest son, about two years old, doing something funny. He was watching us out of the corner of his eye to get our reaction. She laughed and said, "I guess we shouldn't laugh, but we need to enjoy them."

There was no pretense to Grandma. She thought you should be proud of your age and not lie about it as some older people do. She would always tell her age proudly. She did not

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wear makeup and thought older women who wore makeup or even just lipstick were silly. It was okay to look your age. You should not pretend to be something you were not.

Grandmother Smith was very proud of her family...all those sons...her grandchildren...and I have always been very proud of her. Grandmother Lois Evelyn Bushman Smith was indeed a choice spirit and an elect lady. I honor her memory, and am thankful for her tremendous example to me.

Cleah Greaves Chipman.

MEMORIES OF MY GRANDMA, LOIS B. SMITH By Angeline (Anne) Greaves Snow (Sadie's third child)

A grandma who made you feel important, who truly loved you and accepted you, this was Grandma Smith.

Grandma was around during most of our growing-up years. It was 1923 when she convinced her daughter, Sarah, (Sadie) and husband, Theoharis (Harry) Greaves to leave Snowflake and travel with her and her four youngest children to try their fortunes in Salt Lake City. Uncle Pratt and Uncle John drove the Model T Ford carrying Grandma, Uncle Justin, and Aunt Winnie. My father led the way in his Model T with Mother, and their two little children, Haricleah (Cleah) and George. Mother was pregnant with me so everyone was quite alarmed when Harry failed to negotiate a curve and turned the car on its side. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

A favorite story we liked to hear Mother tell was how her mother cooked for the Greek carpenters who came to Snowflake to remodel the LDS Church as well as build Uncle Preston's home and even a home for his future mother-in-law. Grandma declared he built her the best kitchen cabinets in town. She approved of her daughter being courted by the handsome Greek, when some of the townsfolk lifted their eyebrows. Therefore, Grandma was happy to keep the key to the little house Harry had built to store his belongings and carpenter tools while he answered the call to fight in World War I. She, like Sadie, was thrilled when word came that Harry had been baptized into the Church before he went overseas.

We saw lots of Grandma during our growing-up years and spent lots of the special holidays associating with her. I can remember the night when she and Aunt Winnie spent the night with us in our house on 5th East. I slept between them and didn't exactly know which way to lie. Grandma remarked in the morning that she didn't know how I did it but that I had slept "straight as an arrow" all night. What she didn't know was that I hadn't slept.

When she moved to Provo, I was impressed with the seemingly big home she lived in while Winnie in particular attended B YU. I had a turn to stay with her for a week. It was

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so fun practicing the acrobatics I had learned at Columbus summer school and more fun hearing Grandma declare how good I was. It was a grand treat when Aunt Winnie had mecome down to Walgreen's Drug Store where she worked on the corner of University and Center Streets in Provo. She'd always buy me an ice cream cone.

Grandma wanted us to use our time well. She taught me to embroider. She had a way about her, a real sense of humor. She always declared that I made knots as big as "chicken heads." We'd all have a good laugh and next time I'd try to make the knots smaller.

Grandma did lots of genealogy and worked in the Salt Lake Temple. It was exciting to ride the street car, then later the bus to uptown Salt Lake City to see the sights, especially on Temple Square where we wore out our welcome at the old museum that used to sit where the new visitor's center is now on the southeast corner of the square. But we never wore out our welcome at Grandma's various apartments where we always stopped to visit. Her loving arms were always open to us and she listened to us, quizzed us, and praised us for anything we were involved in. She always gave us some little treat, usually a spoonful of brown sugar. No wonder we went to see her so often. Those Depression days made us feel pretty battered around, and her loving praise built our self-esteem, and made us feel someone thought we were beautiful.

Being a nosy kid, I queried her about Grandpa. But all she would say was that "he wasn't a good provider."

Grandma told me a story that she did not say was a secret. Therefore, I will relate it as I could never forget it. One day Jesse N. Smith came to her home in Joseph City when she was only 16 years old. He came to ask her father, John Bushman if he could have beau-tiful, young Lois for one of his wives. (Grandma was very modest and she would never give me the idea that she was a beautiful young girl. Mother and others have often said that she was known as a beautiful girl. Her photographs show this to be true.) As I remember the story, her father called Lois in and said, "Ask her yourself." When JNS did, she ran out of the room crying and her father said to him, "Well, there's your answer."

The places she lived in Salt Lake City that I remember visiting on our frequent trips to uptown were: first, the Raymond Hotel, a block or two south of South Temple on Main Street, a foreboding place with long dark halls, where you had to search for the right door to her dark and plain little room; then the Kimball Apartments, just above North Temple on a cheerful second floor where her view showed Main Street and you could look southwest to beautiful Temple Square where she spent much of her time; and a four-plex type, red-brick (?) apartment on North Temple, near West Temple. Later she moved to a back, smaller apartment so Homer and his bride who had just returned from England, could live alone in the front apartment.

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Grandma was always making quilts. Everyone who got married got a special one. She got tired of waiting for me to get married. She said she was proud I'd graduated from college but that now I should find a good man, get married and have some children. Shegave me a quilt ahead of time and said to put it in my hope chest and she would make a prettier one when I got married. She never lived to see that day, so she must have wanted to make sure I got a quilt made by her hands. She always remembered our birthdays. Her gift was usually a book (good literature) chosen from Zion's second-hand book collection.

In later years she had a bad fall, followed by a stroke. She lived with us during her illness, but her memory was in the past.

She still had her cheerful nature. I was home after graduating from the BYU, working at KSL for a year before I'd leave again. When we'd enter the house she would remind us, "Shhh, you'll wake the babies." On one occasion I heard her say her husband would be home soon. She was in the days of her wifehood those last days of her life.

I have memories of 76-year-old Grandma lying in our northeast bedroom; of relatives visiting her as she was in a coma state; of her final release from life; and of her death on New Year's Day 1949. Her funeral on January 4 was a beautiful tribute to a woman who had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ; a woman who always paid an honest tithing, truly a widow's mite; a woman who kept the Sabbath Day holy, never missing a meeting; and a woman who dedicated her later years working in the Temple to further serve the Lord.

I loved Grandma Smith a lot. I knew she loved me too. She loved all her family.

TRIBUTE WRITTEN BY TED, SADIE'S SONApril 15, 1988

I found a birthday card Grandma sent me and I recalled that she sent a card each year. I don't know if other grandchildren received cards, but I suspect they did.

You would remember, perhaps better than I, visiting her at her apartment on North Main. I remember her as plump, pleasant and not too much taller than I was. It was always an adventure to visit her because we traveled on the street car (or bus?) and had to climb up to the 2nd or 3rd floor in the old building where she lived.

When we lived on 5th East (I was younger than 9 years old) I hitch-hiked to Provo to visit Grandma Smith and Aunt Winnie. But, unfortunately, the only memories I have deal mostly with Aunt Winnie and her boyfriend, Irvin. Grandmother seemed busy all the time. Anyway, I became more interested in the other boys next door.

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TRIBUTE WRITTEN BY GERALD, WICK'S SON AND JOHN WALTER AND LOIS' FIRST GRANDCHILDJune 5, 1988

It is interesting to think back and realize that I don't recall too much about my grandparents and I was the oldest grandchild. But I remember Grandma was very family and relation oriented. She was with my mother when she had her last daughter, Inez, who only lived about two weeks.

I also remember her in Salt Lake City when I went to school in Logan in 1936-37, my first year. She said I could come to Salt Lake City for the Thanksgiving holiday. She al-ways fed me whole wheat bread and mush. And, of course, she had salt-rising bread around. I remember Uncle Justin and Uncle Homer being there. The apartment was next to the corner on Main Street across from Temple Square. Of course, it is gone, now. The Mormon Handicraft store is on the corner now and that is all that is left except for the big parking lots.

I think it was on Friday of that Thanksgiving holiday in 1936 that Grandma Smith took me to a genealogy class she was attending and the teacher was Joseph Fielding Smith. She was very temple work and genealogy minded.

I don't remember much about her in Tucson, Arizona, in 1925 when my brother Glenn was born and Uncle Phill just returned from Germany from a mission.

She was determined to have all her boys go on missions. I remember my dad sent money to her to help support some of his brothers on missions while we were living in Globe, Arizona. I think all my uncles and aunts were in on this program.

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-251-TRIBUTE BY MYREEL, WICKLIFF'S OLDEST DAUGHTER

I remember Grandma probably when I was as young as five years old in Tucson. I have no idea where the home was but it seemed "right down town or by the University" to me. My folks must have left me for a few hours or the day as I remember Grandma washing on a scrub board in the yard and I got to play dolls with some really fancy ceramic dolls perhaps in colonial dress or French court dress. I remember thinking how pretty they were. (If they were as nice as I remembered they were, I'd never have let a child touch them, but maybe Grandma was desperate to give me a toy, I don't know.) Also, one moonlight night I remember a whole lot of us laying on a big bed on a big porch and talking and visiting. It seemed the moon was so clear and bright that it must have been spring or summer. I don't know how many uncles or my brothers were there. This may have been the same house as above.

I also remember Grandma Smith coming to Globe every few years. It seems my mother always had her patch overalls or levis when she came which she willingly did by the hour. (Now sometimes I do the same for my daughters.) I remember Grandma and Mom laughing that now she had her mending caught up again until she would come again. (Seems few mend anymore...clothes are so accessible. I even remember Winnie making the remark that as she walked up the hill to BYU she was proud that her stockings had darns, or had been darned, instead of holes.)

When Dad would come into the house, Grandma would slap him heartily on the back and give her hearty, throaty laugh and they'd enjoy a few moments of conversation. She always seemed proud of her "Wick." I'm sure Mom and Dad were always so busy with the dairy that a lengthy conversation was hard to come by. I can't remember how long she'd stay but it seemed she was incessantly busy whenever she did come, which I'm sure was a great help to my Mom. I never heard my mother say anything derogatory about Grandma so they must have enjoyed each other's company a great deal. Though small in stature, she always encouraged us to stand up straight! I remember her calling that to me one morning as I left for school. I hardly knew what she meant. I thought I stood straight always!! I do wish that I had her teach me more of the genealogy of our Smith and Bushman families. Seems I wasn't around her enough or not interested enough to learn but Lenore B. Carpenter knows it backwards and forwards: I love having her tell me "the connections." She said she learned it from my grandmother when she came to Joe City. Too bad...and my loss...that I didn't want to learn like Lenore did. I do remember many, many Bushman reunions in Joe City. So fun to dance with cousins that you didn't know. Grandma always seemed to thor-oughly enjoy visiting with her brothers and sisters and introducing them to me.

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LETTER TO GRANDMA FROM MELVIN, SON OF WICKLIFFE. HE SERVED IN THE 2ND WORLD WAR.

June 26, 1943 Globe, Arizona

Dear Grandmother:

Happy birthday! You have probably had many happy ones. I hope that you have many more because the work you are doing is needed very badly to be done and no one can fill your place when you leave.

If the war is over by your next birthday, which I hope it is, I will come up and take you for a little ride like we did last November. I really had fun with my two grandmothers that trip. It isn't always that I can have two grandmothers to travel with. Let's make it a date, that I come up for your birthday the first year that the war is over. I have never seen Salt Lake in the spring. I have only seen it covered with snow. We must have laughed half the way on that last trip. Most boys never get the chance to have so much fun with their grandmothers.

Well, remember the date I have with you and I'll try and remind you again of our date. You need a little recreation once in awhile.

As ever your grandson, Bud.

MEMORY OF GRANDMOTHER SMITH WRITTEN BY MELVIN R. SMITH, June 21,1988

My first memory of my Grandmother Smith was in the late 1920's, in Tucson, Arizona. She lived on 6th Street near the church and across the street from the Tucson High School. At least all of these places were a short distance from each other. She lived in a smaller house in the rear.

Living with her were Homer, Justin and Winnie. The older boys were going to the university which was also nearby.

At another time, it seemed that she lived out in the country.

After we moved to Globe, we made a trip to Tucson and got an old upright piano from her. She was living in a different house, but it was only a few blocks from her place on 6th St.

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An interesting moment was just before Christmas in the early 1930's. A huge box came to our house filled with popcorn, homemade candy, and probably toys. She was living in Salt Lake City at this time.

It seemed that she made several trips to visit us in Globe. At least one time she helped my mother bottle some fruit or vegetables.

For years when I was a child she would send a birthday card. It was always ad-dressed "Master" preceding my name. She was the only person that addressed a card that way.

She had a great interest in genealogical research. Most of the conversations that I heard she was talking about genealogy.

Both of my grandparents always seemed happy to see me. They both made me feel that I was a good person and that they were proud of me and my efforts.

Tributes from Other Relatives

RUSSELL AND MERLE WESTOVER

I remember back to B YU days when it was a privilege to board and room at Aunt Lo's place and thus get better acquainted with most of her children. She was a real mother away from home and made my time in Provo a choice experience. Thanks for helping make that a special part of my life.

FRANCES BUSHMAN PEELMt. Pleasant, Utah April 25, 1988

My main memories of Aunt "Lo" were when my parents went to New York in 1938 and she came to our home. She was always sweet and kind and I always liked to be around her.

I do know that she did a great amount of genealogy and in contacting the Foscues in the east. They all speak of her and have even sent me copies of the Foscue report she had put in the genealogical library in Salt Lake City.

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It seems back in my mind that she went to New York with my parents, Genevieve, Lenore and Uncle Jess, and she was always leaving her purse places. So much so that they would always check her out before going on.

INA RILEY BUSHMANMay 28, 1988

Aunt Lo became very dear to me in the times I met and visited with her. You see, I wasn't blessed with close relatives. My father had one brother and one sister and she had one son. So I was really happy to join the Bushman family and acquire such a special group of relations.

As a new member of the Church I went to the temple to be married with little knowledge of it all.

As we got to the temple, there stood a beautiful little lady who embraced us all, even me. And Mom Ruth said she was Aunt Lo. So Ruth and Virgil and Aunt Lois Smith were there as President Chipman married Vaughn and me in the Salt Lake Temple. I remember Ruth and Lois crying joyfully and I found my tears fell as well. It was a sweet gentle wedding and I can clearly remember it today, with your sweet little mother showing her love and giv-ing of it to Vaughn and me. She immediately included me as part of the family and I appre-ciated that. With love, Ina

BURTON D. BUSHMAN3973 N. 300 W. PROVO, UTAH 84004

I remember Aunt Lo as a gentle little lady with an ever-present smile. One incident always comes to mind when Aunt Lo is mentioned. It was in April, 1943. I had just re-turned from my mission in January and had secured a job in construction as an iron worker, building the Geneva Steel Plant. I had wooed and won a lovely girl from the Mexican colonies who was going to the Y. On this our wedding day, my parents, Virgil and Ruth Bushman, had picked up by bride-to-be and came by the steel plant where I jumped in the car at 5 p.m., quitting time. We drove to Salt Lake City and went to Aunt Lo's apartment just across the street from the temple. She welcomed us with open arms and I was able to shower and change from my dirty work clothes. After, she supplied us with tasty refreshments. We all went over to the temple where I was married to Frances L. Meaker. I have always been grateful for her kindness and hospitality.

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\ !ALICE SMITH HANSENJOSEPH CITY, ARIZONA APRIL 1, 1988

Your mother, dear, was always kind to me. She was president of the M.I.A. in Snowflake and we all loved her. She had pretty hair and always combed it in an attractive manner. She surely was not afraid of work.

I think I have already told you how your mother and Grandpa Bushman went with Delbert and me to pilot us through the Salt Lake Temple when we were married. She was the first to congratulate and give me a loving kiss when I first became Mrs. Hansen. Maybe these little incidents will help you to know that your Snowflake cousins really loved and appreciated you. My good parents never criticized your parents and we grew up respecting you, every one.

MORRIS BUSHMANPROVO, UTAH APRIL 24, 1988

I think that it was in 1938 that the Bushman Reunion was held in Joseph City, Ari-zona and that Aunt Lo and Aunt Maria were present. I recall that there were a great many Bushmans in town for Sunday and that these two little Aunts (they seemed small and petite to me) were both dressed in black dresses and were on the back row in the old church build-ing that their father presided over as Bishop. They were singing so happily and enjoying the nostalgia of the old building and again being back in the city that they grew up in.

Aunt Lois was a beautiful lady and had fair skin and was always smiling and pleasant. She knew everyone in Joseph City in those days and was at home and enjoyed visiting with whomever she met.

I recall that in 1939 Aunt Lois was living at the Kimball Apartments in Salt Lake City just north of the temple and that it was always possible for a B YU student to get a meal, a bed, a hug and a smile from Aunt Lois if you were caught overnight in Salt Lake City. I recall that my mother was staying with Aunt Lois when I left for my mission in 1941 and that I visited my mother at the apartment of Aunt Lois. Aunt Lois could always find a bed and a meal for everyone and I hope at this point that I never put her out of her own bed.

In 1939, I believe that I am right on this date, a Bushman Reunion was held in Lan-caster, Pennsylvania, and my parents, Uncle Jesse Bushman, and my sister Lenore went to this reunion. Also my brother Elwin was just finishing a mission in the Eastern States and met his parents in Lancaster. It was decided that Aunt Lois would return with them to the

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west. They picked up another new car in Detroit, Michigan, and used this for Elwin and Aunt Lois to help take care of the added passengers and luggage. They visited Niagara Falls and Elwin told Aunt Lois to get a good look now with the lights on as they turned them off at midnight and Aunt Lois gasped and thought that was amazing. Elwin said that she was good company all the way home and heard many stories about the Bushmans and the early days in Joseph City from her. Elwin tells of taking Harold Bushman's old Model T Ford to Salt Lake City and staying with Aunt Lois when he entered the mission home in 1937.

I wish that I could tell you more. She was a beautiful person and a joy to be around.

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