Saturday, July 23, 2011

John and Christena A. Christenson History


John (Johannas) Christenson

Christena Akesson Christenson
Copied exactly as written:


Johannes Christenson was the eldest of three children born to Johanna Martenson and Christian Gudmundson, He was born August 16, 1826 in Krokhusetgard, Gunnarp Parish, Hallandslan, Sweden, The family were tennants there, and the whole family worked for the overlord, or owner.

When Johannes came to America he became known as John.

As a lad, John's work at the gard was that of swineherd at least part of the time. Economically, Sweden's people had little of which to boast; but they were able to get some basic education under the auspices of the Luthern (State) church, if they were members.

John's sister Magdalena was born October 27, 1830, and his brother Bengt Magnes on Sept. 19, 1934. His brother died at the age of two. His father died when he (John) was about nineteen years old.

A few years later the family heard the "Mormon" missionaries, and, recognizing the truth of the gospel, they were baptized. John was baptized by Elder Jons Olson on March 23, 1859. He was soon assigned to duties as a missionary, and continued in that work until 1861.

Naturally, John and his sister were anxious to come to America. It was not easy to save money for the trip in that land of small opportunity, where their friends had turned away from them and all was hostile to them and to the church they had joined. Perhaps the hardest of all was leaving their mother, who was too old and ill to travel, knowing they never would see her again in this life.

At last, in the spring of 1861, they were ready to begin their journey to 'Zion'. When they reached Copenhagen, Denmark, where saints gathered to take ship, Magdalena became very ill. One of the saints, Christena Nilsson Holm, took her into her home and nursed her back to health by the time they were ready to sail. The three became friends, and were passengers on the same ship, which left Copenhagen May 12, 1861.

Christena was the youngest of seven chldren. She was born August 4, 1836 at Farlov, Christianstad, Sweden. She was the daughter of Ake Nilsson and Kama Svensson, both of Opmanna, Shristianstad, Sweden.

Because work was scarce in Sweden, Christena's older-brother went to Denmark, and there he found work as a blacksmith. He took the trade name of Holm. He wrote home and told his family of his improved condition, and told them that there was plenty of work for all, so the rest of the family followed him to Denmark. Christena was then fiftenn years old. She found work in a weaving mill. From that time she went by her brother's name of Holm.

While she was working in the factory she heard the Gospel taught by the Mormon missionaries. She accepted its truths and was baptized in the North Sea, on January 8, 1856. they had to chop a hole in the ice three different places before they found water deep enough, as the ice was very thick. It was either this, or to wait, maybe for months for the elders to come that way again. There was great opposition and persecution of the Mormons and their religion. She suffered no ill effects from the cold, but did meet many trails because of her decision to join the Church. She told of a cottage meeting which had been called one evening, secretly, because of the bitter enmity of the majority of the people. Somehow news of the meeting leaked out, and as they were listening to the Elders, an ax was hurtled through the window, striking one Elder in the head, splitting his skull. The Elders poured consecrated oil into the wound and administered to him. Through the faith of those present the Lord heard their petitions; the split bones came together, the Elder recovered and was able to complete his mission.

Christena was the only one of her family to accept the gospel. The rest of the family was very bitter toward her for joining the Church. She was engaged to a young man of considerable wealth. when he heard of her 'crazy notions' he gave her a choice-either him or the church. Without hesitation she chose the church, and went to return the costly gifts he had given her. Her ring and his picture, framed in gold, he threw to the floor, stamping them to pieces in his anger, and said he would do the rest the same way. So Christena kept a few things, which she gave to her daughters many years later.

Emigrant ships were certainly not luxury liners. The passengers carried his little clothing, bedding and food for the journey, and found space for himself somewhere on the ship. They were six weeks on the ocean. At one time, during a storm, Christina fell through a man hole, or trap door which had carelessly been left open. She grabbed the edge of the opening and held on for dear life until she was found and rescued. Had she not, the ballast, shifting with the movements of the wilding pitching ship, would have crushed her.
Monarch of the Sea
Ship the three friends sailed on to America

The three friends crossed the plains together in the Hans Murdock Hancart Company of 1861*. This meant walking all the way from Omaha across Nebraska, Wyoming, and part of Utah, pushing and pulling handcarts which held all their worldly possessions, over muddy, or hot and dusty plains and rugged mountain trails. Slowly the miles fell away. Christena walked all the way, wading most of the streams and rivers until she became ill, and suffered from sore eyes; so it was ruled that she would be allowed to ride across the streams.


They arrived in Salt Lake City on Sept 8, 1861. Now they had to conquer a strange language, learn to understand a strange people, a strange land, Indian troubles, and make a home. The task seemed insurmountable!

John and Christena were married on November 2, 1861, by Bishop Davis of the Salt Lake Seventeenth Ward; and they lived in a house of his for awhile. In 1862 they moved to American Fork. They were sealed Oct. 9, 1862, in the Endowment House.

While living in American Fork the Christensons would walk into Salt Lake City twice a year to attend the General Conferences of the Church, in April and October. Then they visited with John's sister Magdalena, before the twenty-five mile hike back to their home.

Two children were born to John and Christena while they lived in American Fork. Caroline Josephine was born June 2, 1863, and Brighamine (later Minnie) was born April 21, 1865. Brighamine was premature, and it was touch and go as to whether shey would live, but due to the faith and prayers of her parents, she did live, and grew to preform a very great service as a trained nurse and midwife. She lived to be almost ninety years of age, and to her dying day she was thoughtful and helpful to those who were ill or otherwise needed her.

The companies of saints coming to Utah were sent to different localities to make their homes and build up the outlying towns; so many from the same country were sent to the same place. Among those who stopped at American Fork were Pher Hanson, his wife and sister-in-law, Johanna Herling. They were stopping in Bishop Harrington's yard when the Christensons visited them and welcomed them to Zion. On March 12, 1864, John Christenson and Johanna Herling were married in the Endowment House. Their first child, Joseph, was born April 19, 1865, at American Fork.

In 1866 the home in American Fork was sold for a new wagon and a team of oxen. The family had been called to go to Gunnison, Sanpete County, Utah, to help in the settlement of that country. Because of Indian troubles they travelled in groups. There were eight wagons in their particular group. Among the number of people who travelled with them were William and Joseph Bardsley and Sylvester Whiting. The wagons were of the scooner type, with a heavy canvas top. The women and children rode inside, while the men walked outside, carrying their guns.

This was the time of the Blackhawk war, and there was much trouble and many raids in Sanpete County; so for protection the people in Gunnison lived in the Fort for many years. John bought a house, one wall of which was the wall of the fort. Each family had one room in which to live; and as they tilled their farms they had to station guards and work in groups to guard against surprise by the Indians. Here was born to Christena, John and Tilda Christena, and to Johanna, Anna and Emma.

John Christenson Military Record - Blackhawk War

When the Blackhawk war was over and peace had been established, John built a home for his family on Main street in Gunnison. It was built of native gray sandstone, and was built int he manner of a Duplex, having two rooms and an attic room on each side, with a private room in the middle for John. They moved into this home in 1872, and here they lived, and the children grew up.

The children were taught to respect the rights and feelings of others. There was never a distinction made of any child, and in all their lives they never felt that they were anything but whole brothers and sisters to each other.

Photo believed to be Johanna (left) and Christena (right)

The women were active in church organizations besides taking care of their home and children, so it was a busy life. There was certainly much to be done to wrest a living from the land in that desert country. The girls learned to help their mothers in such tasks as spinning and weaving and knitting, as well as cooking and sewing, and the boys worked with their father on the farm. Any honest means which came to hand was tried to provide for the family needs. John became a farmer, a miller, a tool maker and a tool dresser. While working at the latter trade a piece of steel from a tool he was working on broke off, striking him in the eye, destroying the sight in that eye.

At the time of the "Crusade", John had to build another home for Johanna. This was build in Centerfield, on the farm, and there she finished raising her children.

John couldn't bring his family to American, but he did a great work in taking freedom to his ancestors, in getting their temple ordinances done for them. When his three sons went on missions to the Old Country, John had each of them do what he could to gather up genealogical data so the work could be done.

Part of the time that Joseph, (John's oldest son) spent in Sweden, he was in John's birthplace. Upon his return to Utah he spoke of his great admiration for his father and the great things he had accomplished here, after such poor and humble beginnings in that far away land.

John was known among his associates as a man of integrity. He lived the principles of the Gospel to the letter as he learned them. He was a kindly man, a generous neighbor. He was the president of the High Priest Quorum at the time of his death, which occured June 8, 1903, at Gunnison.

Both Christena and Johanna lived for more than two decades after his death. Christena lived in the home on Main Street, with her daughter Minnie, and she was active in the Relief Society until just a few years before she died. She died at Gunnison on Dec. 20, 1929. She was 93 years of age. Johanna died at 85, on Oct 5, 1925. She was also living in Gunnison with her daughter Anna.

 * It is believed that this actually was the John R. Murdock Company, (not a handcart company).

Author Unknown

Publisher's Note:  Among the few precious items Christena kept of her engagement gifts, was a Lavalierre, that was given to her youngest daughter, Cindy Sorensen.  A lavalier is named for the type of pendant popularized by the Duchesse de la Vallière, a mistress of King Louis XIV of France. Within the fashion world, the name was eventually shortened to "lavalier(e)". The lavalier can be recognized most for its drop (that usually consist of a stone and or a chandelier type of drop) which is attached to the chain and not attached by a bale.)

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Source:
 http://ickes-hallman.org/JohnC%20obituary.html

http://ickes-hallman.org/JohnC%20ship.html

Christena Akeson Christenson


Christena Akeson Christenson

Christena Nilsson Okesson Christenson
Birth: Aug. 4, 1836

Death: Dec. 20, 1929

Inscription:

Chrestena O. Wife of John Christensen 1836-1929
(Publisher's Note: spelling as posted on Find A Grave)

Christena Akeson Christenson State of Utah Death Certificate


Chrestena O. Christensen 1836 - 1929
Gunnison, Sanpete, Utah
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Source:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=28508768

http://archives.state.ut.us/cgi-bin/indexesresults.cgi?RUNWHAT=IDX20842-IMAGE&KEYPATH=IDX208420125348

John Christenson

John (Johannes) Christenson
 Published in the Gunnison Gazette

John Christenson Laid to Rest

After a well-spent life of seventy-four years, and with another well-nigh completed, John Christenson, a pioneer of Gunnison passed peacefully away at his home in this city at 4:45pm, Monday, June 8, 1903.  His illness lasted but a few day.  Pneumonia being the immediate cause of his demise as was brought on by exposure while attending his duties on the farm.  Brother John Christenson was the son of christian Gudmundson and Johanna Martensen.  He was born August 16, 1828 in Kroksered, Halland, Sweden, was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1857, and was soon after assigned duty as a missionary, continuing that labor until 1861 when he sailed from his native land for Utah.  He drove an ox team across the plains, and on his journey met Christena Holm.  Shortly after reaching Salt Lake City, the two were united in marriage which occured November 2, 1861.  He moved with his wife to American Fork in 1862 where he met and married in 1864 Johanna Harling.  With his two wives, Brother Christenson came to Gunnison in 1865 and continued to reside here until the close of his life came.

Deceased with the father of one son and three daughters by his first wife, while three sons and three daughters were the fruit of his union with the second wife.  Both widows, besides eight of their children and a number of their grandchildren, survive.  One child from each family has gone before.

John Christenson has led a life of integrity.  He was energetic and industrious during his whole career.  It may truly be said of him that he practised his religion to the letter, living up to it's teachings and being constant in all the duties required of him.  At the time of his death, he was the local presiding officer over the High Priests, who manifested their love and esteem for their departed brother by attending the obsequies in a body and alternating in bearing the remains from the family home to the place of holding funeral service.

At the funeral, which took place from the R.S. Hall yesterday at 10:00am, there was a very large attendance of relatives and friends, quite a number being in from Centerfield who were associated with deceased from early days and shared with him in the hardships incident to the establishing of this place during the Indian troubles.

Eulogies were offered by Bishop C.A. Madsen, Elders Austin Kearnes, James Hansen, Joseph Christenson, Brigham Jensen, and Frank L. Copening.  The casket was a beauitful one and the floral emblems tendered for evidence of the high regard.  The mortal remains of Brother Christenson were followed by thirty-seven carriages bearing friends to the cemetery where the dedicatory rite was preformed, consigning his body to rest in the earth, eventually to be reunited with the Spirit which animated it, to then abide continually.  Elder Thomas E. Taylor of Salt Lake City offered the dedicatory prayer.

**********************
Posting in Deseret News



*************************

Birth: Aug. 16, 1828
Death: Jun. 8, 1903

Married to Christena Nilsson Okesson Christenson (1836 - 1929)
Johanna Herling Christenson (1840 - 1925)

Inscription:
 
John Christenson Born Aug. 18, 1828 Died June 8, 1903 Amiable and beloved Father farewell: (?) on this perishing stone but in the Book of Life and in the hearts of thy afflicted friends is thy worth recorded.


John Christenson Monument Gunnison, Utah
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Sources:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=28508862

http://ickes-hallman.org/JohnC%20ph.html

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Tilda Christena Christenson Wasden

Tilda Christena Christenson Wasden

GRAVE LOCATION - Block C Lot 4 Grave 6

on the same stone as James Brooks Wasden
STONE SAYS married 9 Mar 1898


Tilda Christensen Wasden
Born 21 Jan 1871, Gunnison, Sanpete, Utah
Daughter of John Christensen & Christena Aakeson

Md James Brooks Wasden, 9 Mar 1898, Manti, Sanpete, Utah
Died 3 Jul 1962, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
Buried 5 Jul, Thursday

Wasden Funeral Held in Lovell

Funeral services for Tilda C. Wasden, early day pioneer of the Big Horn Basin, were held Thursday, July 5, at 10 a.m. in the LDS Stake House with Bishop Scott M. Welch officiating.

Ford and Arthur Welch sang "One Fleeting Hour" and the invocation was offered by Bishop Ernest Jensen of Byron. Mrs. Scott M. Welch read the obituary and Mrs. Phil Reasch sang "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," Bishop Rupert Kocherhans gave the sermon and the Third Ward Singing Mothers sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," the benediction was given by Floyd Allred.

Six grandsons were the pallbearers, Grant Wasden, Calvin Johnson, Stephen Blood, Verne House, Philip Wasden and Julian Sorensen.

Interment was in the Penrose cemetery under the direction of Haskell Funeral Home.

Tilda C. Christenson Wasden was born Jan. 21, 1871 in Gunnison, Sanpete County, Utah, the daughter of John and Christena Adeson Christenson. She came to Wyoming in 1904.

She first attended school at the age of four years. Eventually she attended Snow College, Ephriam, Utah and taught one year. She also worked as piece worker in an overall factory and as cook and house keeper in Salt Lake City to help support her brother who was on a LDS mission.

Mrs. Wasden was a member of the LDS church and she participated actively in the church, even in her later years. She worked in all the church auxiliary organizations in many capacities, and she filled a mission call to the Manti temple, Manti, Utah from 1896 to 1898.

Tilda Christenson and James B. Wasden were married in Manti Mar. 9, 1898. In December, 1904 the family moved to the Big Horn Basin to make their home, first to Byron and six months later to a new agricultural development later named Penrose, where they homesteaded on new uncultivated land. As post office, church and school came to the little farming community, the Wasdens were foremost in actively supporting these projects. Mrs. Wasden helped with the sick and assisted at over fifty births in the community since doctors were almost unknown in that locality.

Except for two years, 1931-1932 spent in Utah, the family lived in Penrose until 1955 when Mr. and Mrs. Wasden moved to Lovell.

She passed away Tuesday, July 3 at the age of 91 years, five months and 12 days.

Survivors include her husband; two sons, David of Cody and Brooks of Medford, Ore.; four daughters, Mrs. Alvin Johnson of Lpvell, Mrs. Russell Blood of Garland, Mrs. Jospeh Lohoff of Sheridan and Mrs. Norman Sorensen of Lovell; 35 grandchildren; 70 great grandchilden and one great grandchild. One son, James Orvil, preceded her in death.

James Brooks and Tilda Christina Monument Penrose Cemetery

Penrose Cemetery Penrose , Big Horn, Wyoming
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Source:
http://personal.tctwest.net/~gonefishin/penrose/pafn01.htm#105

James Brooks Wasden

James Brooks Wasden

GRAVE LOCATION - Block C Lot 4 Grave 5


on the same stone as Tilda Christina Wasden
STONE SAYS married 9 Mar 1898

James Brooks Wasden
Born 16 July 1870, Scipio, Millard, Utah
Son of John Brooks Wasden & Sophia Olsen
Md Tilda Christensen, 9 Mar 1898, Manti, Sanpete, Utah
Died 25 Feb 1966, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming (Lovell Nurseing Home)
Buried 1 Mar 1966

James B. Wasden Services Held

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning for James Brooks Wasden, 95, retired Penrose farmer, in the Gold Chapel of the Big Horn Stake Center. Bishop Scott Welch conducted the program which opened with a vocal solo "O Divine Redeemer" sung by Mrs. Phil Reasch and accompanied by Carma Allred. Arthur Asay gave the invocation and Dwight Blood, a grandson, gave the obiturary. Josephine Sorenson played an organ solo which was followed by the sermon given by Ernest Jensen of Byron.

The Closing song was sung by Art, Ford, Klaes and Scott Welch. Their selection was "Jesus, My Savior True." The benediction was pronounced by Orin Jones. Interment was held in the Lovell Cemetery under the direction of Haskell Funeral Home. Max Lowe of Ten Sleep decidcated the grave. Mr. Wasden died Friday in the nursing wing of North Big Horn hospital. Where he had been a patient for three and a half years. Although he farmed for many years in Penrose and served as Bishop of the Penrose Ward for 13 years, he moved to Lovell in 1955.

Mr. Wasden served as a teamster and later construction foreman on some of the first roads that were built in Yellowstone Park. An early pioneer in the area, he first heard of the Big Horn Basin from Buffalo Billl Cody whom he met while he was working on the railroad in Sheridan.

Col. Cody described the opportunities to Mr. Wasden, drawing him a map of this country and telling him of the two routes to the Yellowstone Park, over "Dead Indian hill into Cooke City and up the North Fork of the Stinking Water."

Hightlights of Mr. Wasden's work in the Park were the dedication of the arch at the Gardiner entrance when he was privileged to meet and shake hands with President Theodore Roosevelt, and construction of the Chittenden bridge in 1903.

Mr. Wasden was an active member of the LDS church and had filled a mission in his youth. He was married to Tilda Christensen in the Manti LDS temple Mar. 9, 1898. His parents were Mr. and Mrs John Brooks Wasden of Scipio, Utah.

Survivors include two sons, David of Cody and Brooks of Medford, Ore.; four daughters Mrs. Alvin Johnson of Lovell, Mrs. Russell Blood of Garland, Mrs. Elna House of Cody and Mrs. Norman Sorensen of Lovell; 35 grandchildren, 92 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

James Brooks Wasden, age 95, died Friday in the nursing wing of the North Big Horn hospital, where he had been a resident for three and a half years. He was a former resident of Penrose.

Mr. Wasden was born July 6, 1870, at Scipio, Utah, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Brooks Wasden. His earlier years were spent in Gunnison, Colo. On Mar. 9, 1898, he married Tilda Christensen in Manti, Utah.

Interment was in the Penrose Cemetery.

James Brooks and Tilda Christina Wasden Monument

Penrose Cemetery Penrose, Big Horn, Wyoming
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Source:
http://personal.tctwest.net/~gonefishin/penrose/pafn01.htm#105

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

James Orvil Wasden Family


James Orvil Wasden
"Happy"

Publishers Note: Families who are fortunate enough to have in their possession, precious historic family photos, histories and memorabilia, should be gracious and generous enough to share with family members who do not have such access.  A cousin found a history on one of my sites that he wanted to include in a book he was writing, and asked permission to use it.  I told him, "It isn't my history, it's OUR history."

Monday, May 23, 2011

Philip Asay Wasden

Philip Asay Wasden
Philip Asay Wasden, eldest son of James Orvil and Mae Asay Wasden.  This site is for our ancestors, but when wonderful things happen, we just have to celebrate them!  My brother Phil left this morning for Washington D.C.  He will be participating in a Concert this Memorial Day, and was chosen to be one of four vetrans who will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  What a wonderful honor.  Following is a message sent from Phil regarding this event:

"Among the patriotic and rousing numbers we will perform in our Armed Forces Concert this evening, is the thoughtful piece entitled, "Who Are The Brave?" The answer to the question is a powerful rejoinder, “Those who serve mankind!” My thoughts regarding this song are as though there is a “looped” playback of the words in my psyche. In other words, I cannot get them out of my mind. I think of the many Patriots of this country—known and unknown, in times of war and peace, civilian and military; there are many “hero’s.” Are the United States leaders and their decisions perfect? Of course not! They have often blundered putting others in “harm’s way.” Like Tennyson’s account of the Battle of Balaclava, those icons of courage and achievement were the ones carrying out the orders of their superiors. The debates of war will continue long after the battles but they should never taint the pure sacrifice of those who “paid the ultimate price.”

“…Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismayed?
Not though the soldier knew
Some one had blundered:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred…”
n “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.


As we sing tonight, and again next week in the Washington, D.C. Concerts, my thoughts will be upon the many hero’s in my life. I will not embarrass some of the living by naming names however, you know who you are! I have been granted the ultimate honor of being one of the Veterans selected to present a wreath at The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier next Saturday. When I salute, I will salute all Patriot’s of all ages.

We are grateful to all who serve this great country, past, present and future.  Thank you for your service.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Thomas Wasden's Record from Aston, Yorkshire, England to Salt Lake City, Utah


Thomas Wasden
Mary Coucum

This typewritten copy was sent to Dave Carlsen by Dalene Butts on 5 February 1999

[Note from Dave Carlsen: If anyone reading this knows who has the original of this record, please send me a note.]

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Came by railroad from Woodhouse Junction to Liverpool and sailed on the 26th of April 1855, on the ship Wm. Stetson and a prosperous journey. And three deaths, children. Landed on the 8th of May 1855 in N. Y.

And came by rails and river up to Cincinnati, Ohio, U. S. on the 5th of June, 1855 and had a great deal of sickness with the death of Willard and Sarah Ann Wasden. W. 3. & S.A. 1 and left Cincinnati on the 19th of April on the [ ? ] train and arrived at St. Louis on the 26th of April 1859. And left St. Louis on the 28th and arrived in Florence on the 9th of May by the boat Carrier and to our surprise we found the houses deserted. Where we found a comfortable house and brought a fine yoke of cattle and paid $80.00 dollars, also bought another yoke and wagon and paid $125.00 dollars. The wagon been in use before, and left for the plains on the 19th of June.


Before moving on I shot a fine deer and gave a piece to each in the camp. Arrived Ganoe on the 4th of July without any accidents and left on the 5th of July and arrived at Woods River on the tenth of July, each being 140 miles apart, 11th of July camped three miles from the bridge.


We are in the buffalo country and are hunting today. 12th of July, pleasant day traveled 8 miles. In the evening we had a thunder and lightning storm which tore up the tents and we were almost drowned while getting into the wagon at 2 A.M.

13 of July traveled about 20 Miles, pleasant day and plenty of buffalo. (Ft. Kearney is across the river.) [Original copy is so faded this may not be correct.]


14th of July was very hot and no breeze. 2 buffalo killed, one by Capt. Stevensen and one by Brother Roggers. Old man Roggers has been lost since morning on the hunt. Camped at Elm Creek, Brother Lee's axle broke. Traveled between 10 and 15 miles and very busy this evening cutting up the buffalo.

15th of July camped at Elm Creek. Very pleasant day. Death of a child of Brother Lee, four days old. About 20 minutes before 10 o'clock this evening as I was getting in bed I heard the calling and yelling as of a herd of buffalos or Indians on the cattle herd, but to my surprise it was the welcome cheers of our lost brother Roggers.

[Pages lost] and a few drops of rain, all well. Camped at Skunk Creek a train of [ ? -- could not make out the name] came up late this evening with 10 wagons.

20th of July traveled 10 miles and camped at Little Mud Creek and a very Pleasant day and all sand hills. We passed a tribe of Sioux Indians camped at the Panney Springs, quite friendly.

21st of July was a very pleasant day. We traveled 14 miles, camped on the Muddy Creek.

22nd was a pleasant day with a great deal of sand hills, traveled about 15 miles. A little rain in the evening. Nesflins Train is ten miles ahead. We have many lame cattle in the camp now.

23rd a wet morning. It rained while at dinner, started at 12 A.M. Traveled 9 miles. Brother Hastings cow left behind.

24th was a beautiful morning with the death of two oxen, one of Brother Teners and one of Brother Chamberlains. A young girl died, daughter of Brother Allen---Elizabeth Allen, aged 15 years. She and her mother and brother came to this country on the Ganoe, the same train and ship as we did, and are still camped this evening by the Platt, three miles west of the Bluff Creek.

25th of July a wet day, traveled 10 miles with very bad roads through sand hills. There are plenty of flies and mosquitoes.

26th of July traveled 10 miles. Beautiful day and in the evening Brothers Eldridge, Young and Coward came in the camp with three wagons. Brother Stainpour's ox dead.

27th traveled 12 miles, very pleasant day. There are a great many lame cattle.

29th A very heavey sand hill 1/2 mile long. We had to double teams, it took til dinner time. Traveled about 7 miles. Was a thunder storm in the evening. There are a great many Indians about warring with the Panners.

29th. Pleasant day with the death of Sister Hoppley, wife of Brother Hoppley, died of cold, been exposed to hardships which she could not endure and buried at Castle Creek. A train of some 10 or a dozen wagons returning from Utah and Ogden City; traveled about 12 miles. Sister Gumbar Con left on mistake. Brother Silver is strained a little in the arms and breast, in going through a san bar the cattle turned around and stood on him, very nearly upsetting the wagon. Camped about nine o'clock in the evening. Many Indians around. Camped by the Platt.

30th Pleasant day. One ox died of Sister Gumbar. Traveled about miles.

1st of August traveled 11 miles. A great deal of sand. Pleasant day.
2nd. Fixed up the wagons till dinner time. Pleasant day and in sight of Chimney Rock twenty miles ahead. Traveled 10 miles with a little rain in the evening with the death of Brother Griffith's child, five months old, died of diarreah.

3rd. Pleasant day. Traveled 18 miles with a very heavy thunder storm in the evening we passed a train of wagons from Salt Lake-------- and camped five miles the other side of Chimney Rock.
4th. Pleasant day. 18 miles and we have camped.

[Remaining pages in journal are lost.]


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Source:  http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rhutch/famhistory/twasden/thomas_wasden_journal.html

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

James Orvil Wasden


James Orvil Wasden

That 27th day of May, 1910, was a beautiful spring morning at our farm home in Penrose. It was my birthday. I was 9 years old, but no one was thinking of that right then. We children had been sent to play with friends, but with the appearance of the midwife, I suddenly knew what was happening. So, keeping out of the way as best I could, for our home was only a two room log house at that time, I hung about trying to think of something to make Mama feel better… then I had to go away, so I took a pail and went out to the water barrels which were on a sled across the irrigation ditch by the front gate. Dipping from the “waterhole” I poured water into the barrels until the midwife came out and said, “your Mama wants to see you.” Is it a boy or a girl?” I didn’t wait for an answer.

Wrapped in the little blanket Mama had made and lying beside her was the new baby brother, all red-faced and tight fisted. Late afternoon after she had slept, Mama said, “I’m afraid we didn’t do much about your birthday - not even a present or a cake.”

“Oh, but the baby is my present. He’s mine, the nicest present ever.”

Mama smiled and called us her twins and perhaps that helped foster that special something between us.

Naming the baby was an important family affair. Many names were discussed but not one seemed right. At last Mama said, “If he’s your birthday present, you should help name him.” Then we went over all the list of names again and when she came to Orvil, I said, “That’s the name for the baby, but he should have Papa’s name, too.”

So on the ninth day of June we took the baby to Church and Papa blessed him and named him James Orvil. I took care that he was called Orvil.

Orvil was sixth of seven children; David, Sofe, Brooks, Minnie, Elna in that order. The seventh member, Lucinda, arrived at a later date. Well, he grew as babies will and was a really good baby even in the eyes of his impatient sister. Of course it became my business to tend him and rock him, to sleep in the cradle for Mama had so much to do. Mama became very concerned over an enlargement which appeared on the baby’s neck and seemed to bother his breathing. What to do with no doctor available? What does a mother do? I remember the consecrated oil and the administration and after awhile the enlargement disappeared and was forgotten.

Cindy, Minnie, Grandpa & Grandma, Orvil and Elna
Even as a small lad he was happy. He’d look up from his business at hand always with that wide smile as though he enjoyed whatever he was doing. Such a spirit was a needed influence in our home for not all of us were as calm dispositioned. School days began when he was absorbed in the business of finding out what was in all those books, but no matter the task or situation, his attitude was to do a good job and be happy about it. This earned him the sobriquet, “Happy” and that became his name to everyone.

After Sunday School, 7 July 1918, families and baptism candidates gathered at the canal near the southeast corner of our farm and there Orvil was baptized. That afternoon in Testimony meeting he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints. He felt keenly the importance of that ordinance. He was happy when he was ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. Proudly he performed his responsibilities in the Church and Priesthood. As a young man he served as Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Counselor in the Branch Presidency and after the Penrose Branch was disorganized due to lack of enough members he joined the Byron Ward and taught in the Sunday School there.

A severe attack of measles left his weak eyes weaker, so from that time on he wore glasses. He and I both had the same problem of one eye sighting a bit higher than the other so the glasses helped that, too.

I was married in 1920 and lived in Basin for several years. With roads and transportation being what they were, visits were infrequent and I missed many happenings. But Mama said that was his unhappiest time. He didn’t want me to go away.

After graduating from the eighth grade at Penrose, Orvil attended high school in Powell. He loved sports of all sorts and wanted to play football so much that he often jogged the ten miles home after a practice session if no transportation was available; jogged or ran, so the ribbons won in tract events were a natural result. After high school he remained on the farm working with our father.

He loved to hunt. The McMullough peaks west of Penrose afforded many happy hours when work was not too pressing. There he found antelope and deer, and also predators such as the coyote.

He grew to nearly six feet tall, taller than either brother, with light brown hair, blue eyes and always that friendly twinkle. He spoke rather slowly and I doubt if anyone ever felt uncomfortable around him - unless there was mischief afoot. He loved to joke and would save one up for weeks so he could enjoy the blank look on my face when he sprung it on me. He was now carrying the burden of all the farm work. Papa was ill. His heart was grossly enlarged and returning bouts with malaria, contracted while on his mission in Florida, made it necessary to take a rest. He and Mama went south for the winter leaving the home place in Orvil’s care. Most of the stock had been sold so there was little for him to do during the winter months.

He came to our place in Lovell and stayed with us for a month. When he decided to go home he said, “Good-bye” and hiked off across the fifteen miles to Penrose. Of course we went up there to be sure he got home and was all right. He said, “Oh, I didn’t want to put you to any bother. Besides I hike a few miles all the time.”

There wasn’t much work to be had that winter, but he was not idle. If there was nothing he could do to help Alvin, he did little chores about the house. I was so grateful for the buttons sewed on, the everlastingly holey sox mended. I teased him about making some girl a great husband. He said, “I can’t see laying around when I’m not busy, letting any woman do all these things when I am more able to do them.”

One evening I prepared a large chocolate pudding for dessert. I called the family to supper. No one came. I called again, crossly, “Come and get it, or I’ll throw it out.” Everyone ran to the table. I lifted the pot of pudding from the stove and at that instant it slipped from my hands with a big splash all over the stove, table, chairs and floor. Everyone laughed, except me. They all cleared out except Orvil, still laughing, who helped me clean up the mess.

Delilah Mae Asay circa 1932
On a day in late summer, 1935, Orvil came to visit and I sensed with something on his mind. He said he had found the GIRL, now if he could only get her to marry him. “Did she turn you down?” “No, I haven’t asked her yet.” “Well, silly, how’s she going to know if you don’t say anything? Go, do something about it.” Next time he came in, Mr. Happy was back. Delilah Mae Asay, youngest daughter of Adelbert and Delilah Mae Boice Asay, had said, “Yes.” 
Delilah Mae Asay and James Orvil Wasden
Wedding Day 4 Nov 1935

They went to Salt Lake City and were married in the temple, 4 Nov 1935. They moved to a cottage on our parents’ property for Orvil would continue to work the farm for Papa as he had always done.

It was a proud day when on the first of August, 1937, their son Philip Asay Wasden was born, and again when on 7 August, 1939 they announced the arrival of a daughter, Marlene.




A Wasden family reunion was scheduled the next summer in Yellowstone Park. My family was not able to go and leave the sawmill, but made it possible for me to go with Lucinda and our parents. We had fun setting up the tent and making up the beds in it. Orvil and Mae and their two little ones rode in the beet truck as that carried our food and other necessities and the beet rack would make a safe bed for their family, it being quite high from the ground. The notorious bears of Yellowstone would not bother them there. The camp had just settled for its first sleep when such commotion arose as to rouse the dead! Woofs and grunts, and Mae crying out, “My children, my babies.” Everyone was looking for flashlights or weapons when we heard Orvil laugh. It seems that Mae had used her broom to sweep the debris out of the beet box and had left it there. She grabbed it up and swept Mr. Bear right out of the beet box when he got up there looking for food. That was a highlight of the reunion.





Adelbert and Delilah Asay Family 1940.  Mae Asay Wasden is seated
on far right holding Marlene (abt 1 year old), Philip (abt 3)
seated on grass and James Orvil Wasden standing behind.


The future was looking brighter. It was Valentine’s Eve, 1943. Orvil had just come by to tell Alvin that at last Papa was leasing the farm to him to run and the bank would finance him and in a year or two he could buy the place. He was so happy that day. He said, “Who could want more? I have my good little wife, a son, a daughter, a way to make a living for them and will soon have the farm. I’m going home and we’re having a Valentine party tonight and really celebrate.”
James Orvil and Mae, Philip and Marlene Wasden
Approx 1942

The next time we saw him was in the Lovell Hospital. The live coals in the kitchen stove triggered the explosion which wrapped him in flames burning over most of his body. When he roused enough to know I was there, he acknowledged me with a faint smile and said, “I’ll be better.” He died on the 16th for at that time there was nothing could be done except deaden the pain. The funeral service was held in Byron Ward and his final resting place is on the hill overlooking the valley of Penrose which had always been his home.

But life goes on and we who are left, must adjust. The threads of life are not all broken, just extended beyond our sight, so we were happy when on 11 August that year of 1943, another son was born and named James Orvil Wasden.
Mae holding baby J.O.,  Philip, and Marlene
Abt October 1943

Momma, Jim [J.O.], Marlene and Philip
"Big Asay House" in Lovell, Wyoming
_________________________________
Source:  Wasden Histories Compiled by Sofe Johnson, 1964

Photos from Historic Wasden Family Photos

Valentine Tragedy

James Orvil Wasden



GRAVE LOCATION - Block C Lot 4 Grave 8



James Orvil Wasden
Born 23 May 1910, Penrose, Park, Wyoming
Parents James Brooks Wasden & Tilda C. Christensen
Md Delilah Mae Asay, 4 Feb 1935
Died 16 Feb 1943, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
Buried Saturday
Fire Accitent Claims Life of Penrose Man
Death relieved the suffering of Orvil Wasden of Penrose Tuesday morning after he had been fatally burned 24 hours earlier at his home. He received the burns when a large oil can, containing tractor fuel, exploded as he was pouring from it into a fire in a stove. The fuel saturated his clothing after the explosion and he ran from the house and for some distance before Mrs. Wasden overtook him and threw a quilt around him. The first quilt was also burned and a second was needed to completely smother the flames.
The couple then drove in a truck loaded with coal to the home of his parents, where Dr. Graham of Powell was called and immediately after the examination he was taken to the Lovell Hospital where he was treated to ease his suffering. He remained conscious during Monday and passed away just 24 hours after his accident.

As a result of the fire in the home the kitchen was completely burned, but neighbors controlled the blaze before much other damage was done.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced, as a brother is expected to arrive from California today or tomorrow.
************
Funeral Held at Byron for Wasden
Funeral services for Orvil Wasden were held Saturday afternoon in the Byron Ward chapel. They were conducted by Bishop Walter G. Stevens. The choir sang "Thru Deepening Trials," and John Jensen offered the opening prayer. Ted Stevens and Ralph Ericksen played a violin duet, "The End of a Perfect Day."
R.L. Allphin read the obituray and made a few consoling remarks. Dr. Thos. B. Croft was the main speaker, telling of religion in life and the fine things deceased had done to make a full and complete life while here on earth. Merrill Tew sand, "I Am A Pilgrim," and the benediction was offered by Floyd Cowley.

Interment was made in the Penrose cemetery with Albert Shumway, Fred Hopkin, Arnold Berthelson, Alden Anderson and Thurman Rorer pallbearers.

James O. Wasden, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Wasden, was born on May 27, 1910 at Penrose. He attended school there, and later at Powell where he was outstanding in athletics, winning several track ribbons. He was married to Delilah Mae Asay on February 4, 1935 and was the father of two children, Phillip 5, and Marlene 3. He is also survived by his wife, parents, two brothers, Brooks, of Pomona, Calif., and David of Cody, four sisters, Mrs. Alvin Johnson of Lovell, Mrs. Russell Blood of Ralston, Mrs. Oscar House of Ralston and Mrs. Norman Sorenson of Lovell.
(taken from the Lovell Chronicle)