http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0
Bet you've never been to a wedding like this one!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Elizabeth Standley Osborn Benson, part 3
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AN ANGEL OF MERCY
My great grandmother
7 March 1838 - 4 May 1919
Part 3 of 3
by Leslie Mikesell Wood
Part 3 - Elizabeth Standley Osborn marries again:
After the death of Ellen, Jefferson's first wife and sister to Elizabeth, LDS ministers President Parr and Bishop West of Ogden came to East Weber and divided Jefferson's property. Elizabeth received one third, her children one third and Ellen's children one third.
Although at the time of his death, Jefferson's farm was prospering, Harriet Jane Osborn wrote about the Osborn's early days at East Weber: "The grasshoppers took the crops and nothing in the line of food was raised. Everyone was out of bread stuff long before another harvest was gathered. Everyone was out of flour. The children used to take sacks and fill them with Sego Lily bulbs and wild onions and any other plant that could be used for food. These things took the place of bread, but far from satisfactory. Those who had bran sifted it and made bread; they felt themselves very fortunate to be able to enjoy such a treat. I can remember yet how the grasshoppers came like a big black cloud in the air and fell upon the plants and vines. Everything was bent to the ground and the fields were left a barren waste. Men, women and children tried to fight them but to no avail and the crops were destroyed.
Harvesting machines were unknown in those days; grain was cut with scythes and cradles. Women and children followed the men as they finished their harvesting and gleaned the wheat which was left on the ground and this was placed on a canvas and the heads beaten off afterwards. The heads of wheat were thrashed out with a flail (two willows joined together). Some people roasted kernels of wheat and made coffee of them. When the grain was ready to thrash it was thrashed out in an old thrashing machine that was ready to fall apart if you looked at it. The wheat also contained many black dirty bits called smut. The wheat had to be used as it was as our mills were not perfected. Some people ground the wheat in old coffee mills."
David Osborn II, Elizabeth's father-in-law, wrote in his journal: "January 2nd 1863 - After a lapse of over 16 months I find leisure to sit down, and record a few items that have transpired in relation to myself and family during that interval - the first of which is the death of the infant son of Thos. J. Osborn which took place a short time after the death of its father. David and Nancy recovered their health and moved back to Weber and took charge of the family, farm and property of his brother Jefferson. As Elen [sic] on her death bed requested her mother sister Stanley [Standley] to take her children, so after much counselling on the subject Elisabeth [sic] consented to give up little Lydia and Sarah to her mother - and after a few months Elisabeth [sic] was seald [sealed] to David, having been counseled by myself and others so to do. Last spring David sold the farm for $1000.00 and moved to three mile creek near Brigham City where he and family are living at present."
Later David wrote: "January 13, 1964 - "I will here relate also that since I last wrote David had two children added to his family; a daughter by Nancy named Byanca and a son by Elisabeth [sic] named Leonard Wines." [David mistakenly wrote Wines instead of Charles. Leonard Wines was David's step-father.].
Spencer F. Allen who was very close to his grandmother Elizabeth wrote: "At the death of her first husband, Thomas Jefferson Osborn, they were living at East Weber, Utah. She was left a widow at the age of 23 with two daughters, Rebecca and Harriet. Grandmother accepted Church counsel to marry her husband's brother, David Osborn, III [who was often called David Osborn Jr.], in polygamy. They moved from East Weber to Three Mile Creek [Now Perry] in 1862 where they lived three years and then moved to Hyrum in 1865. To that union was born her only son, Leonard Charles Osborn."Elizabeth's 2nd husband, David Osborn III., 1838 - 1917In 1865 David Osborn II wrote in his journal: "Early last spring David sold his farm to Alma Davis & brother, and in June moved over to Bear lake valley and is there commencing a new house and farm, Elisabeth [sic] choosing to remain, being employed in school teaching this summer - and I am mortified in having to say that their separation is expected to be final." A short time later, soon after he married in polygamy to Elizabeth's mother, Philinda Standley [a short-lived marriage], he wrote: "We then sent Michael [Michael Standley, Elizabeth's brother] back to three mile creek and moved Elizabeth Osborn over to Hyrum, who is now living in the house with Margaret [Nancy "Margaret" Osborn Nielson]."
And so Elizabeth's second marriage was finished.
Elizabeth believed and practiced polygamy. She was the second wife of each of her three husbands. She gives some insight into how she formed her beliefs in a letter she wrote:
Deseret News, 24 March 1904, page 4 -
"We are in receipt of a letter signed Elizabeth Benson, dated Hyrum, Cache county, March 21, 1904, in response to the question, "Are There Any More?" in the Deseret News semi-weekly issue of March 17. It was raised by N. T. Sillcock of Riverton, Utah, who testified to having heard a discourse in Nauvoo delivered by the Prophet Joseph Smith in July, 1943, in which the prophet fully explained the doctrine and revelation on plural marriage. He wanted to know if there were others who were present on that occasion.
The writer of the present letter says she was not there herself on that occasion, but affirms that her mother, Philinda Standley was there when the Prophet preached that sermon, and had told her the circumstances and the effect it produced. "She said that she went home crying, and searched the Book of Mormon to find where polygamy was forbidden; that she read where the Nephites were commanded not to have more than one wife, but when she read further: 'For if I will saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people, otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.' she become convinced of the truth of the principle but did not practice it."
We give place to this corroboration of N. T. Silcock's statement, not by way of defending polygamy, but merely to show that it was publicly taught by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, notwithstanding the denials of his opponents who pretend to be his friends. There may be others who were present on the occasion referred to, and our columns will be open to them if they wish to give their evidence. They cannot be very numerous however, because the event occurred more than sixty years ago."
Elizabeth married Moroni Benson on the 12th of January 1867, and so to them two daughters were born, Margaret Cyrene and Linda Vilette "Lindy" Benson. On the 1870 census of Hyrum we find Moroni age 37; Elizabeth 32; Rebecca Benson [Osborn] 12; Harriet Benson [Osborn] 10; Leonard Benson [Osborn] and Margaret Benson 2. Moroni's first wife Martha is in Hyrum at another house with her and Moroni's children. The custom was for the polygamous husband to spend one week with one wife and the next week with the other. Perhaps this is what Moroni did as he was not in Elizabeth's Hyrum household during the 1880 census, just Elizabeth Benson 42; Leonard Benson [Osborn] 16; Margaret Benson 12; Linda Benson 3; and Harriet Benson [Osborn] 20. In the 1900 census Elizabeth is marked as widowed [although Moroni didn't die until 1917] and at the Hyrum home of her daughter Rebecca (Osborn) Allen and children. Moroni is still living in in Hyrum with Martha and their children.
A couple of items made the newspapers during the time Elizabeth was married to Moroni: In the Utah Journal, 29 April 1881, page 3 - "Hand Hurt - On last Wednesday morning a middle aged man named Moroni Benson, while running the lath mill of the U. O. [United Order Co.] in Hyrum, brought his left hand in contact with the saw in such a way as to injure it very severely. The palm was sawn across near where the fingers join it, and the fingers badly hurt.
The patient was brought to Logan immediately to D. B. Lamorenux, who found it necessary to amputate, close to the palm, the first and fourth fingers. there is reason to fear permanent injury to the second finger, but it was not deemed necessary to amputate it."
Utah Journal, 25 Dec. 1889, page 8 - "Disastrous Runaway.
Moroni Benson was driving homeward on Saturday evening from the hay field, riding on a hay rake. Opposite the U.O.M. & B. Co's., shop a man driving a buggy ran into the rake.Benson was thrown from his seat, one wheel was broken from the rake and one of Benson's legs was caught and fastened in an angle made by the shaft, cross bar, and an iron brace uniting them. He was held firmly and dragged head downward for nearly two blocks, the horse running at top speed. Finally it ran on to the sidewalk, being headed in that direction by Mr. Albert Shorten, who tried to stop it. Here the remaining wheel struck a gate and tore it from its hinges. A short distance further on, it struck a post and at this point, so severe was the shock that the horse became disengaged from the rake.
Mr. Shorten ran to the assistance of Benson, whom he found in the position above described, his leg imprisoned, and his head on the ground underneath the axle of the rake. He was entirely unconscious when rescued, although but a moment before he had screamed twice when being dragged. Mr. Shorten procured a vehicle and took him home. Dr. Parkinson was sent for and found that Benson's body and head were badly bruised, and that his spine and brain had suffered severe concussion. There were also several scalp wounds, but for a wonder, no bones were broken. He had a very narrow escape from death."
Spencer F. Allen wrote: "Grandmother would hire a team and wagon and go to the mouth of the canyon and get wood for winter. In the springtime the young cattle would be sent to the canyon and then be brought back to town in the fall. On one occasion Grandma went to the designated place to get her calf but a man claimed it. Evidently, there was no brand on the animal. Grandmother suggested that the calf with others be driven past her place and she would be in her corral with her brass bucket and call the calf and if it came and acted as if it had been raised there it would be hers, otherwise she would forfeit all claim to it. The ward teachers acted as the judge and declared it to be her calf.
In the "History of Hyrum, Utah", page 152 is written: "One school was held in the one room home of Elizabeth Bensen [sic]. The children sat around the room on little low benches and the teacher sat in the middle of the room in a rocking chair. They would come up and stand by her side to learn to read. The pupils had slates and pencils. Some had one book. Margaret C. Nielsen, Margaret Savage, Mrs. Barnum, and Elizabeth Osborn were some of the early teachers." The author of this did not realize that Elizabeth Benson and Elizabeth Osborn were the same person.
Spencer F. Allen wrote: "Grandmother was quite well educated for her day and often taught school in part of her small home in Hyrum. Patrons could pay anything that she could use in her home. Some families were too poor to give tuition but their children were still welcome at her school.
In the early days when reading material wasn't plentiful she would read every word of all that came, memorizing all the poems as she was very fond of poetry, and she wrote poetry to her relatives and for anniversaries. In later years when her eyesight was poor, she used a large magnifying glass and would read from a set of large type church works she had, or any large type writings from magazines or papers. She loved children and used to teach them many little poems. One was how to spell potatoes with O's: Put one O, Put two 0's, Put three O's, put four O's, put five O's, put six O's, put seven O's, put eight O's." [I think it was more to learn to count than to spell.]
The Ogden Standard Newspaper, 29 May 1882, page 3:
Died [excerpt from an article about the death on Sunday, May 21st 1882, of Robert Fox Runcle]
"He had no family or relations here, and during his long illness Mrs. Elizabeth Benson has given him every attention and care. He was poor and alone, and her reward will surely come from Him who never fails. - Logan Leader."
Spencer F. Allen wrote: "Grandmother told me many of the experiences she had while going out among the sick. In those days doctors were scarce and usually only found in the larger cities. No matter at what hour of day or night, in fair or stormy weather, she would leave whatever she was doing and go to help relieve the suffering of the people. She was often called an Angel of Mercy."
If there were hard feelings on either side it was not evident when her ex-father-in- law David Osborn II, wrote in his journal about a birthday party the family gave him on the 31st of March 1881. "David wrote a lengthy address (read by Nora) in which was portrayed the many events pertaining to the history of my past pilgrimage from first to last - it was very pathetic & I could not refrain from tears - next followed a recital of communications and blessings by five or six of my grandchildren and Elizabeth Benson chiefly in poetry some original & some selected - all expressing their good will & wishes for the return of many other such days."
A poem written by Elizabeth Benson, provided by Nancy Miles, 31 July 2009:
The Widows Lament
O, He asked me for my daughter, I must smile and let her go.
I must let him take her from me I would be wrong to answer no.
I must see her love another She that once was all my own
Fate deprived us of her father When she's gone I'm all alone.
He has nobly wooed and won her Take her from me It's all right
Though it robs me of my sunshine Leaves my home as dark as night.
I had a group of darling children Alone I reared my little brood
Toiled for them both late and early To procure their clothes and food.
One by one they went and left me Choose their mates and went their way.
Its all right They have my blessings but I'm all alone today.
Oh tis hard to be a mother For it always has been so.
She must all her feelings smother And must let the last one go.
From my Fathers home I wandered From the mansions of the blest.
I long to hear him calling Daughter thy work is done Come home and rest.
On April 1, 1882, David Osborn II, wrote: "yesterday being my 75th birthday I called in all my grandchildren, also Elizabeth Benson & family to Margaret Nielsen's where we partook of a good supper prepared by her & her daughters - we tarried till after 10 o'clock talking, drinking beer made by Rebecca Allen & eating apples from John Willson [sic]. I amused them by reciting many incidents of my early life - also of Thos. Jefferson, the father of four of them who were present - he having died when they were quite young." and in October 1890 he wrote: "Elizabeth Benson also made quite a visit among the relations with her daughter and granddaughter. Well, it's seldom I enjoy such reunions & when we part I always feel that this may be our last meeting in this world."
David Osborn's last mention of his ex-daughter-in-law in his journal was after his 84th birthday in April of 1891. In talking about his estate he wrote: "I now wish to qualify this request by directing that Elizabeth Benson shall receive an equal portion with my other children - she is a branch of Jefferson's family and her situation is such that she needs assistance. Jefferson was faithful to me & his counsel was good to the family after his mother's death."
She taught her children to do their part in the family and to not only assist at home but to work for others for the benefit of them all.
Spencer F. Allen wrote: "In those days the women and order children helped to make the living while the men were in the fields or canyon, or building roads and ditches. The women would care for the cows, hogs, chickens and sheep. They would shear the sheep and then wash, card and spin the wool from which they made stockings, shirts, dresses, underwear, quilts, blankets and sometimes mens pants, caps, coats, etc. They churned the cream and made cottage cheese from sour milk. Products they might sell to neighbors brought: for a fat hen 15 to 25 cents; eggs, 9 to 15 cents per dozen; pork chops, ribs and bacon 5 to 10 cents per lb. From beef tallow, the women made candles for lighting their one room home or dugout."
As for Elizabeth's children, Rebecca became the second wife in polygamy to Simeon Franklin Allen in 1875 and died in 1908 a few months before her 51st birthday. Harriet Esther married Andrew Jackson Mikesell in 1882 and died in 1926 at the age of 66 years. Leonard Osborn married Mary Sophia Simpson in 1885 and died in 1938. Margaret Cyrene Benson married Joseph Ervin Hatch in 1886 and died in 1933, Linda "Lindy" Villette Benson married Amos Christopher Atkinson in 1894 and died in 1952.
Spencer F. Allen wrote: "Grandmother had a loom and wove many carpets. After my mother's death (Rebecca, 7 July 1908, at Hyrum, Utah) she stayed at our family home and assisted in the raising of my four younger sisters.
She used part of her homestead-right on 40 Acres in Grays Lake and the balance on 120 acres in Pocatello Valley, Idaho, on land that joined my homestead. At this latter place she had a flower garden, raised chickens and ducks, made cheese, and helped in many ways to be self-supporting. She was independent, didn't want anyone to have to pay for her burial.
In the wintertime she did some Temple work and received her second endowments in the latter years of her life. She was a strict observer of the Word of Wisdom and an honest tithe-payer. Her greatest desire was to live the life of a true Latter-day Saint. She visited much among her relatives and was always found assisting about the kitchen. I am sure when the books are opened many will call her blessed."
Elizabeth was found in the 1910 census in Hyrum, Cache County, Utah living with her grandson Spencer F. Allen, his wife, Sarah, of 2 years, their daughter Laurena, 2 months old and Spencer's younger Allen sisters: Calista, age 19; Zena, age 15; Maud, age 12 and Nellie, age 9.1916, Elizabeth and Maud Allen, Calista Allen Clawson, Hedda LaRee Clawson, Zina Allen [Calista died a short time after this photo was taken.]Unidentified Utah publication March 1917:
"Birthday Anniversary - The latest event of the week was the birthday party tendered Sister Elizabeth Benson on Friday, March 7, it being that lady's 75th birthday, her grandchildren, nieces and friends gathered at the Allen home to show her honor.
Her sister and brother-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Burnham of Richmond, came down for the occasion. A very nice supper was served, after which the evening was spent in music, games and social pastime.
Original poems were read by Mrs. Lydia Hall and Mrs. R. C. Allen. Sister Benson has three daughters and one son living 38 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren living.
Lines written by Lydia O. Hall (affectionately inscribed to Elizabeth Benson March 7, 1913.)
"Today we've met together A slight tribute to pay,
To one we love and honor On her seventy-fifth birthday.
Who's life has not been one of ease And pleasures have been few,
But spent with the sick, or sorrowful, To see what she could do.
She has raised a good big family, Her trials should be done;
May peace and happiness be her lot Is the wish of everyone.
And when this life is ended, And we meet on earth no more,
She will gain a just reward With those who have gone before."
Poem by R. C. Allen, March 7, 1913.
"Dear Aunt Elizabeth, bright and cheerful Contented, smiling who would say,
As they see her climbing up the hill, She's seventy-five years old today?
Three-fourths of a century she's been here; Labored and toiled from day to day
To hundreds she's brought comfort and cheer, When on beds of sorrow or pain they lay.
An angel of mercy she's ever been Among the needy, the sick the poor;
She's traveled often as we have seen Bringing comfort to many a door.
So dear Aunt we have met today A few of your friends, grand children too,
To show honor on your natal day, And bring comfort, joy and cheer to you.
Tho' your children are scattered and cannot be here, Of grand-children and friends you have quite a few;
The nieces and nephews all bring you good cheer And of great-grandchildren we see at least two."
In July of 1916, shortly before Moroni Benson died [28 January 1917] he was interviewed by A. A. Savage who wrote a short sketch of Moroni's life. He was born on the 25th of July 1933 in Independence Missouri of a Mormon family. He also had fought the Indians after arriving in Utah and had been shot in the leg with an arrow in 1853. [He was one of the town of Hyrum Utah's founders, and along with David Osborn and David Osborn Jr. his name is on the Hyrum Founders Monument.]
Moroni told of marrying his first wife Martha on the 6th of April 1862, but the only mention of Elizabeth was in the next to last sentence of the sketch. "Besides his two wives, Moroni Benson is survived by twelve children, all of whom were present at the funeral except one. He has fifty grand-children and Twelve great grand-children."And so Elizabeth's third and last marriage was finished.
1916, Elizabeth with her great-granddaughter
Hedda LaRee Clawson. Little Hedda died early in 1921.
Mary Mikesell Dean, Elizabeth's granddaughter told that Elizabeth taught school under all three names, Standley, Osborn and Benson. She was a lively, vigorous person. She wrote songs and poems and had a poem or poems published. She was called Grandma Benson by her family. She had her temple underwear in a box ready for her funeral. Mary said that she killed and dressed a couple of chickens then walked to church and died in church.
From an Unknown publication in Utah:
"Pioneer Lady Answers Last Call
Funeral services over the remains of Sister Elizabeth Benson were held at 2:30 p.m., May 7th, at Francis, Summit Co., Utah, with Bp. Marion Corbett presiding. Six grand-sons acted as pallbearers.
Bishop Corbett and Coun. Atkinson had both known Aunt Elizabeth - as they affectionately called her - for many years and testified of her industry and unselfishness, her kindness to many who were sick or in want, and her devotion to her religion. During the services a solo and three songs by the choir were beautifully rendered. Her brother Michasell [Michael] Standly [Standley], made some remarks and endorsed what had been said.
After the dedication of the grave she was laid to rest in the Francis cemetery.
Obituary
Sister Elizabeth Benson, a well known and highly respected old lady and a former resident of Hyrum, passed away at the home of her daughter Mrs. Amos C. Atkinson at Francis, Summit Co., Utah, after one hour's illness following a stroke, May 4th, 1919.
She was the daughter of Alaxeander [Alexander] Scoly [Scoby] and Philinda Upson Standley, and was born March 7th, 1838, at Portage Co., Ohio. She went with her parents to Nauvoo, and shared in the persecutions in the early days of the church and often spoke of seeing the Prophet Joseph Smith. She came to Utah in 1852, walking the entire distance and driving cattle. Settled in Bountiful, Davis Co; was married in 1854 to Thomas Jefferson Osborn; was left a widow in June 1861, and moved to Hyrum in 1865, with three children, and shared in the hardships of pioneer life. She taught school in her own home a number of years, she then met and married Moroni Benson, one of Hyrum's pioneers, who has preceded her to the great beyond.
She was the mother of five children, her oldest daughter, Mrs. S. F. Allen, preceded her eleven years, leaving a family of small children. Aunt Elizabeth did a mother's part by living with them for seven years.
Elizabeth Benson is survived by one son and three daughters; Mr. Leonard Osborn of Kamas, Utah, Mrs. Andrew Mikesell of Dubois, Idaho. Mrs. Joseph E. Hatch of Randolph, Utah and Mrs. Amos C. Atkinson of Francis, Utah. She has 46 great-grandchildren and she leaves one brother and two sisters.
She was stricken while in Sunday School after bearing a faithful testimony on the date above stated."
[Obituary provided by Nancy Miles, 31 July 2009]
Elizabeth Benson, Francis Cemetery, Summit Co., Utah
<back to part 1 <back to part 2
Elizabeth's findagrave.com memorial page
[Some free LDS clipart in this article are courtesy of mormonshare.com]
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Have a great summer!
Hi family, this will be my "Summer blog" so if you want to reply/comment, please do. It has finally gotten warm on this old farm. Last week we were in the 90's for 3 days but this week we're back in the 70's.
Boyd got all of his hay baled, and most of it in the barn. We had a little rain but as soon as it dries on the bales, he'll be back to work. For a while he's busy with David's pump company. The bridge is being replaced on our road so we have to go an extra 24 miles on each trip north. Boyd made 3 trips yesterday, David and Lisa each 1 so that's a lot of extra gas. The delivery truck drivers will not be happy. Hope no one in this area needs an ambulance for two months.
Thelma gave us a scare last week, I just talked to her and she's feeling better. She has to use her walker now but said she will soon be back using her cane.
I'm watching Michael Jackson's funeral right now. It's sad. I remember him from when he was a little boy singing with his brothers. I have always enjoyed his performances.
As you can see there is not much of interest happening on the farm. I'll be back when I have something more to say. I Hope to hear from you all, please add a comment. Someone must be doing something interesting. Love,
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thelma in hospital
1 July 2009 - e-mail from Ginny this morning:
"My mom Thelma is in the hospital at holy Family. She has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She was having trouble breathing so I took her in this morning. Her blood pressure has been really high, and she has fluid on her lungs. not sure if they are going to keep her overnite or not. but they are giving her oxygen and medication. We would appreciate your prayers for her. Thanks a lot! Ginny"
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Thelma Mikesell Winters
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My Life
by
Thelma Mikesell Winters
Written to her daughters in December 1987
I was born the 5th living child of Jeff and Florence Mikesell - In a little yellow house in Pocatello, Idaho in April of 1934.
My memories of Pocatello were what my mother told me, as we left there when I was 4 years old. She said Daddy had quite a time getting the doctor to come to the house as he was drunk, and I was delivered without his help.
Ernie (who was 12 years older than me) had to baby sit some as I got older and Mom said he would tie me to a tree and play Marbles with his friends. I was lucky to be born into a large family with older ones to help me - and I expect I was thoroughly spoiled for a while.
Della Ann was 2 1/2 years older and she played with me. We had lots of tea parties. Once she had gathered the yellow dandelion blooms and put them in a jar with some water. At some later date she gave me some of the juice for a tea party. (I was a good girl and ate everything she gave me, even the mud pies.) Well, this time it really backfired, as I became unconscious and my legs wouldn' t hold me up. They called the doctor and he said I had been drugged or was drunk. Finally Della Ann showed them where we had been playing, and the doctor discovered the dandelion wine! grandpa Andrew Jackson Mikesell with Thelma and Della Ann
I know now that life was pretty hard for Mom and Dad as I was born in the "big depression" and they already had a family to feed. Daddy had been laid off at the Railroad. (I remember him as a tall, handsome man with thick black curly hair and beautiful blue eyes, and a very deep voice!)
I didn't realize till I was older that Dad was crippled in his feet and back from the spinal-Meningitis that he had when he was a teen-ager. He told me he went to sleep one night in the late fall, and when he woke up, it was spring.
Mama was a vivacious red-head with a sparkle in her brown eyes. She said at one time her hair was long enough to sit on when braided, and she wore it wound around her head, but it gave her a headache. So one day she just cut the braid off. When Daddy came home that night he cried over her lost flaming tresses! But she never grew it long again. She was 13 years younger than Daddy and always ready for a good time! She lost her mother at the age of 15. Mama had taken care of her mother for 2 years before that. Grandma died of Brights disease, a kidney failure. She said the doctor would come and poke needles into her mother to release the fluids from her tissues.
Florence was the oldest of the family so was delegated to her mother's place at the age of 13 to raise her 6 younger brothers and sisters, cook the meals and care for the home. Her father went off to work and was away for long periods of time. He was also a Bishop in the Mormon Church and had many responsibilities there.
The year that they had the bad flu epidemic, that killed so many, Mama (as a young girl) went with her father to take care of the ill and mostly to bury the dead.
Mama had fun times too! She told of riding in the Rodeo with her brother Carlos. And of singing in public, also with Carlos. She loved to go to dances, and I imagine had many admirers. Her fiance was killed in World War I and she later married Jeff, who was from a neighboring family. The day they were married Mama said she ate 19 bananas on the trip home in the wagon. I guess it was the first bananas she had ever eaten.
She often talked of the wonderful time she lived in. She saw the first cars built and drove them, and lived long enough to see Man walk on the Moon.
When we left Pocatello, Daddy had been ill with walking pneumonia, but the boss said if he'd bump another man off the job at the railroad for 1 day, he could get a pass for the whole family to go to Washington, so that's what we did. I thought it was wonderful! We lived in a great big house on Mt. Kit Carson at the foot of Mt. Spokane. There were some very interesting people on the mountain and we walked many miles to visit each other. Daddy worked for $1.00 a day for the W.P.A. and we had no transportation of our own. Being 27 miles from Spokane we had to depend on a neighbor or relative to get groceries and supplies. We had a nice garden with a strawberry patch and a few chickens in a coop for eggs and fryers. In the early spring we ate a lot of dandelion greens and pig weed. Jimmy and our cousin Lynn did a lot of fishing and hunting and that really helped as they brought back lots of game to eat. My mother's brother Carlos, and my dad's sister Mary (Aunt May) and their families lived on the mountain also. I remember going into Spokane in the back of the pickup with Uncle Carlos and his family. Aunt Nelly took us to see a Gene Autry show (he was her favorite.) We got the groceries for both families and on the way home we were hit by a cloudburst. It rained so hard that kids and groceries almost floated out of the bed of the pickup. It was like sitting in a bath tub! I was 5 1/2 when Mama said she was going to Spokane to the hospital to get a new baby. I figured she didn't love me anymore, so I put some of my things in a shopping bag and took off for the nearest neighbors. Daddy didn' t come get me for 2 months. That's the last time I ever ran away from home! I realize now that Mama was very ill, spent 2 months in the hospital before she had Leslie (my younger sister). I never thought then that the sweet little baby Mama brought home would someday write our family history to pass down to my children. We were in the process of moving to Spokane to a small house on the east side. Mom, Ernie and Leslie were already living there and one Sunday (Dec. 7, 1941) Ernie walked all the way back up to our place on the mountain to tell Daddy and the rest of us that we were at war with Japan, as they had bombed Pearl Harbor. Ernie went into the Army, and later Jimmie went into the Merchant Marines and after that the Army. Mama and Betty worked at Galena making parachutes. Daddy planted a "Victory garden". Everything was "rationed", and times were hard but it was for a good cause because we loved our country and was proud of it. We bought saving bonds, and most homes had stars in the windows for their men in the service. We invited service men from the Army, and Navy bases to stay in our home when on leave. Betty and Della went down to the USO and danced with them. We went. on picnics to Natatorium park with many of them. Betty was a pin up girl. I collected aluminum and rolled it into a ball and helped with Daddy's garden. I remember being in the classroom at school and hearing over the radio that President Roosevelt had died. We all cried, because we loved him. He had been a good president. When the war was over Mama took us to town that night and there was dancing and hugging in the streets. I'll never forget the joy on the faces and I'm glad she let us be a part of it. As a child growing up, I was sort of a Tom Boy. I didn' t play with dolls but usually had a "Club" of some kind most of the time with me as President. Once, after I had my paper route and earned enough to buy myself a bike, I formed a detective club. Every time we heard a siren blow we would ride to the scene and take notes on all that happened, then report at the next meeting. I rode a lot of miles on that bike! cousins - Louise Dean and Thelma with her bike My folks had left the Mormon church and we were baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, while we still lived up on Mt. Kit Carson. I'm really grateful for the church, as it was the center of my life during my growing years, and later when raising my own family. I met Wayne when I went to Harper, Oregon to live with Ernie and his wife Edith for my senior year of high school. He was a handsome cowboy and sang to me - and won my heart. And has become my best friend. Our life together has been great! We have 4 lovely daughters and 7 wonderful grandchildren. We have lived a varied, but exciting life together, and made many friends and memories along the way. The hard times tend to fade in our memory as we reflect back over our 35 years together. The last 7 years have gone quickly, as we travel in our Motor Home to where ever inclination takes us. Sometimes to be with family and friends and sometimes just to be by ourselves, way out on the desert gathering artifacts of a civilization that walked and camped in the same places over 10, 000 years ago. We don't have riches or property to leave to you girls and your families, but we are glad that through Leslie's efforts in putting this project together, we can at least leave you some knowledge of your background and heritage and we take pride in passing it on to you.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Elizabeth Standley Osborn Benson, part 2
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AN ANGEL OF MERCY
AN ANGEL OF MERCY
My great grandmother
Elizabeth Standley Osborn Benson
7 March 1838 - 4 May 1919
Part 2 of 3
by Leslie Mikesell Wood
Part 2 - Elizabeth marries and marries and marries:
Elizabeth was still 15 years old when she married her 24 year old brother-in-law Thomas Jefferson Osborn. Jefferson, as he was called, was the eldest child of David Osborn, the 2nd, and Cynthia Butler Osborn who had been with the same wagon train west. Cynthia had died on the trip, leaving her husband with young children. Jefferson was married to Ellen, Elizabeth's older sister. Elizabeth became the second wife in polygamy for the first time.In trying to understand this marriage it is helpful that Jefferson wrote about his wife Ellen and her health in his journal. "On the 13 of Sep 1857 I was married to Ellen Standley daughter of Alexander Schoby and Philinda Upson Standley. I took my wife back to Missouri, rented a room and we took 4 boarders while I still worked for Sam Frost in the Blacksmith shop.
We burned a coalpit, we had to stay with it night and day. We took turns comeing [coming] home for food. I very foolishly tried to test my wifes bravery accordingl [accordingly] I slipped a wedge out so that I could raise the window and slip into the house unperceived by her. O how can I ever make amends. My naturay [naturally] brave wife fell to the floor in a swoon or fit, it was hours before she regained conciousness [consciousness], she never again was the same merry healthy brave woman. But was ever nervous, sleepless and an invalid. Troubled with Nightmare [nightmares] and constant fear or dread of some unseen intruder. She bore her misfortune uncomplainingly. Was industrious, equinomical [economical], very Religious, loving and obedient. Being a helpmete [helpmate] in its true sense. To her wise council [counsel] I often attribute in a measure my success in after life."
Jefferson had had trouble with his health also. In his journal he tells about his first trouble with his lungs. He had several bouts of trouble with them after this experience, and they were eventually the cause of his death:
"I continued working for Frost comeing [coming] home at intervails [intervals]. Frost moved about 3 miles. He had one old cow that kept running back. I was obliged to go for her on foot, this aggrevated [aggravated] me being of a quick temper so one night I procured a Hickery [hickory] cudgel and taking her by the tail I whipped her severely. I retained my hold and ran all the distance home, the consequence was I had over done. before I got the chores done I took a chill, bled at the lungs and was dangerously sick all the rest of the winter. In the spring I recovered and went to work again."
Keeping in mind Elizabeth's kind, sympathetic heart, at her young age she became a member of the Osborn household, taking on household, childcare and nursing duties that would depress a less loving person.
Ellen and Jefferson had been married the year before leaving Nauvoo for Utah. In his journal he wrote, "I married 14 September 1851, Ellen, daughter of Alexander Standley, left my parents and moved to Belleview and worked in a blacksmith shop six months. June 1st I started for Salt Lake and arrived there 9 September 1852." [dates are different than those stated by Church records and some other accounts of the trip]
"I settled in East Weber and put up a house in October. Our child, Cynthia, was born 25 Oct. 1852. The Indians were troublesome and we had to move into a fort.
24 of January 1854 I was married again, (to Elizabeth Standley, sister to Ellen). December 31st we went to my father-in-law, A. S. Standley's burial. My daughter Cynthia took sick the 5th of February 1855 and died and left us without a child. Lydia, our fourth child was born 3 January 1857." Two girls had died in infancy before Cynthia's birth. Two children, Sarah and Thomas Jefferson Jr., were born later to Ellen, the first wife.
Elizabeth had married Jefferson in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City. Rebecca Osborn, born on the 14th of Sept., 1857, and Harriet Esther Osborn, my grandmother, born the 21st of March, 1860, were the only two children of this couple.
The Utah War, was an armed dispute between the Mormon settlers in Utah and the United States government. The trouble lasted from May 1857 until July 1858. They had no pitched battles and was finally resolved through negotiation. The Mormon troops were called the Nauvoo legion.
Jefferson was appointed a Captain of 50 men in the Nauvoo Legion, 1st Company of the 5th battalion, when the Governor of Utah Territory put Utah under martial law. Jefferson mentioned in his journal: "I took a prisoner for 24 hours". In September 1857 he wrote in his journal: "Today I raised 10 men, armed, mounted on horses and a baggage wagon. They all appeared willing to go and the brethren and sisters are to do their best to fit them out with but two exceptions, Brother Parsons is unwell but would rather go himself and take his boots than to have someone else take them. Willie Mullen told his wife his gun was broke when it was not and when I went to see him he was loading his gun for a fuss with me or any other man that might come to take it to use in defense of our country." Even if they could afford them, they were very hard to get, so they had to share their shoes and guns.
At one time thousands of Mormon's abandoned Northern Utah communities including Salt Lake City. A few men were left behind to set the homes and fields on fire if the army arrived. The war was stopped by the cold and snow as much as by the Mormon Legion.
Harriet Jane Osborn Davis, Jefferson's little sister wrote about that time period: "Another sore trial of the Saints came when Johnson"s Army was sent to Utah. Able-bodied men and boys over 18 years of age were required to act of soldiers to keep the army from entering the valley. My future husband was one of these boys, although I did not know him at the time. My brother [Jefferson] was called to go, as were many of my relatives. I was nine years of age and helped pound many pounds of dough with which to make soda crackers for our soldiers. The old men who were left at home with the families had to make regular trips with loads of provisions to the men. All winter they camped in the snow and suffered much. In the Spring, President [Brigham] Young made a treaty with Johnson's Army, in which they promised that if they would be allowed to enter the city they would not harm people or property. Brigham Young did not have much faith in the promises of the Army due to past experiences, wherein the Saints had been treated very badly by the government; so he called the Saints together and instructed them to move south to a camp until the danger was over.
When we left we didn't know where we were going. Men were left behind and instructed to set fire to everything, homes and all, if the promises of the Army were not kept. President Young said that this time they were not going to enjoy our homes that we had struggled so hard to get. After we started to move it began to rain. I had to take turns with the others driving the stock. We went to Bountiful the first day and stayed with some friends of Father's, by the name of Bergess." Harriet Jane does not say if Elizabeth and Ellen and their daughters went with her father on this trip, but Jefferson was in the Legion and would not be home to protect his family.
[Sept. 28, 1857] "Lydia is very sick." [Oct 12] "Lydia is better, there is a great deal of sickness, flucks [flux?] and diarrhea. Mary's child is very sick and J. Wadsworths child is lying at the point of death." Jefferson was worried about Lydia while he was away with his troups but he got home during the 1st part of December.
"I had a letter instructing me to go to G S L city to receive the ordination of a Bishop." "I was ordained a Bishop to act in East Weber under the hands of Bp. Hunter and Stoker" On the 4th of March 1958, he presided over the wedding of his brother David Osborn to Nancy Thorn, "the first couple I ever married".
Jefferson also mentions the evening they went to a dance and "enjoyed ourselves very well, although it was rather noisy" and that "Rebecca, Elisabeth's child was blessed at our fast meeting" and "the children had a dance and conducted very well but there was some men and boys on the outside of the house that were very troublesome and ill mannerly" He wrote about building a school house and using it for preaching services. The area was still having trouble with the Indians. Two of the Mormon men were killed.
"Dec the first we had as cold weather I think as I ever felt. In Jan [1859], I took a very bad cold and have been unable to cut my own fire wood. On the 7th of Feb., Franklin Standley [Elizabeth and Ellen's oldest brother] died. About the first of March there was a division of the estate by arbitration, there was $713. belonging to Ellen and Elizabeth."
"We have had a long and tedious winter, it is now the 19th of March and snowing and storming very bad, my health is getting better. There is a great many soldier teamsters and some deserters in the country and there is likely to be a great deal of stealing of horses this spring. On the 25th of Dec 1858 Rebecca [Jefferson's sister] was married to Richard Thorn at our house and" [The journal ends here, Jefferson became ill with consumption and died the 9th of June 1861.]
Jefferson's father David Osborn the 2nd wrote in his journal: "Aug. 14th, 1861. About the first of June I heard that Jefferson was sick and wanted to see me. I went down to Weber immediately. He had been quite poorly had taken cold which affected his lungs, which caused him to cough and spit blood considerable, he rested but little at night, but had got better and was able to ride round and see to his stock and other concerns. He had been afflicted with an inward disease of a consumptive character for some years past, but his disposition was such that he would not suffer it to keep him in the house. " "He walked with me over his farm and showed me his young crop which looked very well, also the improvements he was making, also showed me his cattle and horses."
"I heard no more from Weber till 1 o'clock on Sunday when a messenger came with the intelligence that Jefferson died that morning." "He had taken a relapse, sent for and got the medical aid of Dr. McIntire, suffered much but died in his rocking chair quite easy." "I now give the case of Ellen his wife. She had given birth to a fine boy a short time previous to his death and became totally deranged in her mind and continued so nearly all the time until Monday morning June 17, when she also departed this life and was buried by the side of her husband and children. We called the child after it's father, Thos. Jefferson." "The death of the infant son of Thos. J. Osborn took place a short time after the death of it's father."
Obituary, Deseret News, 26 June 1861:
"Departed this life at East Weber, June 9th, of consumption, Thomas Jefferson Osborn.
Br. Osborn (the son of David and Cynthia) was born February 20, 1829, in Green county, Indiana; was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, when nine years old, in Pike county Illinois, from whence he gathered with the Church to Missouri, in company with his father, thence removed to Nauvoo, Illinois, and emigrated to these valleys in 1852. He was appointed Bishop for East Weber Ward in the spring of 1858, in which capacity he was acting at the time of his death, to the general satisfaction of all."
Jefferson was buried near his little children which he had buried.
Michael Standley writes: "About the first of June 1861, Mother [Philinda Upson Standley] was called to Weber for sickness in the family there. In those days the mail was supposed to be tri-weekly, that is, they went over one week and tried to get back the next. Lydia and I were alone and Mother was gone a long time with no word.
When she came home she brought Ellen and her three children with her. The baby had been born soon after Mother had reached there and the husband, Jefferson Osborn, had died a few hours afterward. All this seemed more than Ellen could stand in her weakened condition. She felt she would not live long and requested Mother to care for her children. She followed her husband in a week or so and the baby went a few months later."The death of Ellen Standley Osborn was summed up in just one sentence:
Deseret News, 3 July 1861 - "Died: At East Weber, June 9th, 1861, Bishop THOMAS J. OSBORNE, aged 30 years. Also ELLEN, the wife of T. J. Osborne, on the 17th June, aged 28 years."
We can only imagine the work and worry that our Elizabeth had over the illness of her husband while helping her pregnant sister Ellen and doing the majority of the work raising her own and Ellen's children.
After Jefferson's death, his brother David Osborn the 3rd and his wife Nancy, moved to Weber and took charge of Jefferson's farm and property. Wanting to follow Ellen's death-bed request, after much consideration Elizabeth consented to give up little Lydie and Sarah into their grandmother's care.And so Elizabeth's first marriage was finished. She had two children, Rebecca Adaline Osborn and Harriet Esther Osborn, my grandmother.
Elizabeth (Standley) Osborn Osborn Benson and her children
Elizabeth at center; top clockwise: Leonard Osborn,1863-1938 [son of David Osborn III]; Harriet Osborn Mikesell,1860-1926 [daughter of Thos. Jefferson Osborn]; Margaret Benson Hatch,1868-1933 [daughter of Moroni Benson; Linda Benson Atkinson,1876-1952 [daughter of Moroni Benson]; Rebecca Osborn Allen,1857-1908 [daughter of Thos. Jefferson Osborn]. Photo provided by Dorothy and Joe Kennedy.
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