Jedediah Morgan Grant
1853-1933

Jedediah Morgan Grant the second was a Pioneer. He was born on the 9th of October 1853. He was the son of Jedediah Morgan Grant and Rosetta Robison Grant.

Anthony W. Ivins remembers that when he and Morgan were children they would ride stick horses and almost think they were real. Anthony Ivins also remembers going up into Davis County and spending a week or a few days with Hyrum (son of Susan Noble and Jeddy Grant) and Morgan on the farm and helping them with the hay, and going down in the bottoms and hunting geese. Morgan and Anthony were a good deal alike, Hyrum did not care so much about those geese, but Morgan and Anthony had the hunting instinct, and Anthony can remember sometimes when it almost rained geese down in those fields, when they would lay there together as they passed over them.

Morgan endured many of the hardships of a pioneer life as he grew to manhood in the Salt Lake Area. In his early twenties he married Lucy Fackrell of Bountiful, Utah on the 29th of May 1876 in the Salt Lake Endowment House. For about six years the young couple lived in Woods Cross near Bountiful, Utah. Then they with their three children moved to Randolph, Rich County, Utah to help settle the area. It was pioneering; Morgan's wife Lucy stood by him and helped him to build the first home, shared his hardships, and encouraged him day by day.

For almost twenty years they pioneered in Rich County, and then there was another new country opened further east. It was in the spring of 1900, that Morgan was called by President Lorenzo Snow, to take his family and go help colonize the Big Horn Basin. The church sent a colony under the direction of Apostle A.O. Woodruff to this new country in the Big Horn Basin. There were groups of men, many of them young men, a few middle aged, who left Morgan County, Rich County, and some of the other counties near by, and drove their teams, through canyon defiles, across bridgeless streams, out into a new country in Wyoming.

There were about 500 people who went to the Big Horn Basin in 1900 and quite a few more followed the next two years. The Grant family at that time consisted of Morgan-46, Lucy-47, Morgan Jr.-20, Joe-17, Henry-15, Estella-13, Jem-12, Lita-11, Austin-8, Wesley-7 and Lucy's youngest brother William Henry Fackrell-39. (Their oldest daughter Alfa-23 joined them a year later. She began teaching school in Lovell the fall of 1901.)

The Grant family left their home on the 27th of April 1900. They went as far as Hams Fork, a small river that empties into the Bear River above Cokeville. There the group that left Randolph was organized into a company, just as the pioneers were that crossed the plains in 1847, with a captain, Alfred Nebeker, a Chaplain, Morgan Grant, and a hostler, George A. Peart. (Family histories report that the family did not travel with the assigned company. They had some difficulty and ended up traveling alone.) Apostle Woodruff was there to do the organizing. There were several other companies, from other parts of Utah, organized at the same place. 

 About three and a half weeks later they arrived in the Big Horn Basin on the Byron flats, they were greeted with a barren land; many of the Grant children describe the place as being just 'sand and salt sage brush.' They recall that they could hardly get a meal prepared that wasn't filled with sand. On very hot days when they saw a heavy cloud gather in the southwest, they sometimes thought maybe they would get a heavy rainstorm, but when it got there it would be just dust and they would quickly put everything away in a food box. If it was just a whirlwind and they were eating they would cover everything and wait until it passed before they could finish their meal.

It was necessary for a canal to be built to irrigate the land. The Grants along with many others lived in a ditch camp for the first four or five months as the Sidon canal was being built. There they lived in tents or what ever they could make do with.

By the end of the summer the colony was running out of money, a source of income was needed, the people fasted and prayed. And then an answer to their prayers came; the railroad needed help building grade for their new branch of the railroad into the Big Horn Basin. Many of the men of the colony went and helped build the grade. As winter was about to set in the people left the ditch camp and went and built homes for their families.

Because the Grant family had many boys they were asked to go down the river and rent a farm with lots of hay on it and raise hay for the colony. The Grant family rented a farm three miles east of Lovell from Mr. J.J. Marshall, the surveyor for the canal. A few years later the Grant family bought the farm, which from that time on became their home.

As the need for hay was no longer needed for the colony after they built the canal, Morgan decided to explore other crops to grow. Morgan was the first man, in the Big Horn Basin to raise Sugar Beets.

In 1905 Morgan and his family began learning how to grow sugar beets. Because of all the work involved in loading and unloading and hauling the sugar beets to the railroad to be transported to Billings, Morgan decided it would be easier to have a sugar beet factory in Lovell. But to have a factory you had to have so many acres of sugar beets. So Morgan turned his whole farm over to sugar beets and he began working on getting other farmers to turn more of their land over to sugar beets. And finally his dream was fulfilled the Great Western Sugar Company built a Sugar Factory in Lovell in 1916.

Morgan was not only involved in the Sugar Beet industry, but for a time he went into the dairy business and had a cheese factory. By hard work and the sweat of his brow Morgan was beginning to show progress he was beginning to prosper.

 In 1918 the flu epidemic hit the Lovell area, Morgan's wife Lucy went form home to home caring for the sick and then she too succumbed to the flu. On the 12th of January 1919 she left this earthly life. Morgan sorrowed greatly over the loss of his wife. Lucy was a hard worker and believed in politeness. Two of her favorite sayings are "Idle hands are the devils tools, if you haven't anything to do gather sticks and scatter them again; and Doors like these, open with ease, to very little keys, two of these are, I Thank You and If You Please."

Not long after the death of his wife Morgan moved to a brick house in town, while his son J. Morgan Jr. ran the farm. Morgan succumbed to the charms of Mrs. Pheobe Steer Pidcock, a widower with two daughters; they were married on the 1st of April 1920. This marriage was not successful and lasted but a short time. In 1922 Morgan sold his farm to his son Morgan Jr. Morgan lived in the Big Horn Basin for about twenty-five years, after which time he returned to his place of birth, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

 In addition to his activities as a farmer and rancher, Morgan took an active part in church work. He became a first counselor in the Shoshone branch in 1900. Later he was appointed presiding Elder in the Lovell branch and at the organization of the Lovell Ward he became first counselor in the bishopric. He was the first stake clerk of Big Horn stake, and later served several years on the stake high council. In 1919 Elder James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve ordained him patriarch of the Big Horn stake. Morgan spent the remainder of his days in the Salt Lake Area.

Following several weeks of illness Morgan's spirit left this life to once again be reunited with his wife Lucy. Morgan was 79 years of age when he departed from this life on the 11th of January 1933 in a Salt Lake Hospital. During his funeral services Elder David O. McKay spoke on how he had been impressed with J. Morgan Grant (II) as a pioneer and a home-builder. Elder McKay spoke of Morgan as a pioneer in developing the west and as a pioneer in the church, and in looking after the spirituality of his family.

Elder McKay and Pres. A.W. Ivins spoke of Morgan's many sterling qualities, of his honesty and frankness, his kindly spirit, his sincerity, integrity, and fair-dealing. Pres. Ivins spoke of Morgan as a man who made his way up by the sweat of his own brow, made it honorably and uprightly, until he was among the foremost of farmers and ranchers with whom he was associated. Jedediah Morgan Grant (II) was laid to rest beside his wife Lucy Fackrell Grant in the Lovell Cemetery, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming.

Taken from:

Life story of Lucy Fackrell Grant

Life History of Joe Grant

Funeral Service of J. Morgan Grant (II)

Obituary of J.M. Grant (II)

Story of Alfa Grant Showalter

Lucy Fackrell Grant
1853-1919

On a lovely spring day the 27th of May 1853, six months after Joseph Crumb Fackrell and his wife Clarissa Dempsey had entered the Salt Lake Valley, to settle in Bountiful, they were blessed with a lovely little daughter, whom they named Lucy. She was their fifth child of fourteen, one who died in infancy and one at 3 years old.

At the age of sixteen, her beloved mother became ill with the measles and passed away. Lucy and the rest of the children were also ill in bed with the same illness as their mother, and they were told that if they got out of bed they would die. When Lucy was told that her mother was, no more of this world, she felt she couldn't let her go without one last look at her, so she got up and ran into the room were she was, when she was discovered she was scolded severely.

As soon as Lucy was well she assumed the cares and responsibilities of helping keep together the home for the family. Up to this time she had never mixed and baked a batch of bread, this was because of the hard times and the fear that the bread might be spoiled; also she had been needed to help her father in looking after the geese and the sheep. Seven of the children were younger than herself with the baby being only two years old, she was the eldest daughter living at home at the time, but feeling these duties to be hers, she assumed them willingly, as family and home were always first with her.

A few years later she went into Salt Lake City, where she went to work for a Sister Redfield, who was the mother of the wife of Senator Reed Smoot; she stayed there learning the things that helped her prepare for her marriage and homemaking. She was still there when she made her marriage plans and on the 29th of May 1876, in the Salt Lake Endowment House she married Jedediah Morgan Grant (II). For six years they made their home in Bountiful where three children were born, Alfa born 29 April 1877; J. Morgan Jr. (III) born 11 August 1879; Rossetta Grant born 18 Mar 1881.

Then the family moved onto a cattle ranch on the North Fork of Otter Creek, about five miles out of Randolph, Utah. With them came Lucy's brother Henry Fackrell. While living here five more children were born Joseph Crumb born 29 Apr 1883; Henry Charles born 25 Dec 1884; Estella born 7 Sep 1886; Jemima born 20 Dec 1887 and Lita born 22 Feb 1889. For awhile, while living on the cattle ranch Lucy's brother Jim Fackrell lived with them while he taught school in Randolph. A sadness came to them on the 28 Apr 1887 their six year old daughter Rossetta died.
Due to a drop in the price of cattle they were unable to make the payments on the ranch, so they moved onto a 320 acre farm about two miles out of town. There was a heavy growth of sage brush on the farm when they moved onto it so the children would often be out burning sage brush especially in the Spring of the year. Lucy was always a zealous church worker holding various position in the Religion classes and Sunday School.

When the Woodruff Stake was reorganized she was chosen and sustained as Stake President of the Relief Society. The manner in which she received her calling was rather unusual. A conference was being held at Woodruff, Utah. Her husband, Morgan was away in Oregon, and there was urgent work to be done in the fields, the land had to be cleared of sage brush if there were to be crops planted. Even though it was not women's work, Lucy knew the necessity of helping. She had spent the day in the fields with her boys, when word was sent to her asking that she be at stake conference. She attended and accepted the position of Stake Relief Society President.

When she was set apart for this position, She was given a blessing and was told, that her life's work would be among the sick, and she was promised that if she would go to whatever sickness she was called too, she would never bring the illness back into her home. Her daughter has memories of the many times Lucy went out to take care of any and all illnesses. Some of the illnesses were highly contagious communicable diseases such as Typhoid fever, smallpox, diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, and etc. Each time upon her return she would go into an old shed. There she would bathe and change her clothes so that she would not bring the illnesses into her home. Truly she was an angel of mercy and her blessing was fulfilled.

While living on the farm two more children were born Austin born 19 Nov 1890 and Wesley Dempsey born 23 Aug 1892. Wesley was the last completing her family of 10 children. Her children were a source of joy and pride to her to the end of her days.

A couple of positions she held were an instructor in the Primary Grade and Ladies Dept. in Randolph, Utah between 22 Dec 1892 and 30 June 1892 another was instructor in a Religion Class in Randolph, Utah between 1 Oct 1897 and 20 June 1889.

In 1897 when the "panic" hit which was blamed on President Grover Cleveland they couldn't make the mortgage and lost the farm.

It takes courage to leave a home and answer a call to assist in colonizing a new country, but Lucy Fackrell Grant had that courage. In 1900, having been called by President Lorenzo Snow and under the direction of Apostle A.O. Woodruff the family gladly responded to leave their home. Lucy's father was concerned about her not wanting to go and came to visit her. She told him yes, that she wanted to go because in the Big Horn Basin her sons might find land on which to build homes. This was the last time Lucy saw her father as he passed away that winter. It took the company four long weeks to make the trip. One of her daughters, who at that time was thirteen years of age, tells that she clearly remembers the day they crossed the South Pass and met two men on horseback. It had been a hard day's travel, for the company had covered only one mile, Lucy and two of her little girls were walking along by the wagon in the mud and slush. The two men on horseback looked pityingly at their struggles and said, "it's a hard trail folks." Such hardships did not discourage them, these very words were typical of Lucy's entire life, "a hard trail,' but she followed it cheerfully.

When they finally arrived in the Big Horn Basin, on the Byron flats, they were met by Apostle Woodruff who after greeting them said, "This Sister Grant, is to be your home." The pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley in obedience to President Young's "this is the Place," could not have faced a more barren land or more discouragement. Those of her children describe the place as seeming to be just "Sand and Salt sagebrush." They recalled they could hardly get a meal prepared that wasn't filled with sand. On very hot days when they saw a heavy cloud gather in the southwest, they sometimes thought maybe they would get a heavy rainstorm, but when it got there it would be just dust and they would quickly put everything away in a food box. If it was just a whirlwind and they were eating they would cover everything and wait until it passed before they could finish their meal. For eight months the family lived in a ditch camp, where everyone pitched a tent, lived in their wagons or what have you for shelter while the Sidon canal was being built.

During this time Sister Grant gladly shared with anyone in need. The Grant family was very fortunate in possessing two cows, but the family only used so much, because of the many babies in the camp, it had to be shared with all. One incident in which kindness brings its own reward was when a Mr. Marshall who had been sent from Omaha, to act as a surveyor on the canal, brought his wife and two daughters from the east, there for the summer. They were refined wealthy people of the world, used to every luxury possible of the day and living in places where neighborliness had been forgotten. The Grant family shared milk with them also. At the end of summer, when they were preparing to leave for the east, Mrs. Marshall came expecting to pay for the milk they had received. Sister Grant refused any pay whatever, insisting that she was only too glad to share what they had with others. Mrs. Marshall was very surprised and vowed to repay her in some way. The Grant's rented a farm from Mr. Marshall for one year and then they bought it, which from that time on became her home.

When the family first moved on to the Marshall farm, they found a rather distressing situation a large house stood on the place and part of it was occupied by the family of the tenants of the previous summer. The people who were then on the farm were very much opposed to having anything to do with the so called "Mormon" believing the untruths and tales the world would have them believe. They flatly refused to permit the Grant family to live in the unoccupied part of the house. There was only one thing to do and that was to build a small cabin of their own in another corner of the farm.

Soon after the wife of the tenant became seriously ill with erysipelas, there was no one for miles around to go to their assistance, but Sister Grant, whom they had despised because of her religion, gladly went. For days she devoted every minute of her time in saving the life of Mrs. Tracy and also taking care of the rest of the family. Needless to say, the family had their ideas about "Mormons" changed very suddenly, and from that time on Sister Grant considered Mrs. Tracy one of her most faithful friends.

On the 28th of Oct 1900 organization of the church in the new colony called the Shoshone Branch was established with Byron Session Branch Pres., Jedediah M. Grant First Counselor and W.W. Graham Second Counselor, Mrs. Lucy Grant, Relief Society President. Lucy held this position about one year or until the Big Horn Stake was organized. Sister Grant's home was always open to the weary travelers, and at conference time, it had always been sort of a “headquarters" for conference visitors. Her children relate how many times there was scarcely room to step; so many beds had been made on the floor. Many times Apostle Woodruff, who stayed at the Grant home a great deal of the time would say, "Sister Grant, put these good people up for the night, they're tired and hungry." She never failed to respond to this call. Once again a sadness came to their home when their son Wesley died at the age of 13 with a heart ailment.

Busy helping others; busy rearing her own children, teaching them to follow in her footsteps, the years passed quickly. Lucy was able to see her sons go on missions. In her Patriarchal blessing Sister Grant had been promised that she should live as long as life was desirable to her. Her only desire was that she be permitted to live until she could see her children developed into good men and women and building homes of their own. This dream she saw fulfilled most of her children settled in the vicinity of Lovell. There they raised their families, and happy indeed were the days when the families met together in the old home on the ranch, bringing joy to the hearts of Brother and Sister Grant.

The grandchildren brought joy to the hearts of their grandparents. Many of the grandchildren, who were then little, still speak of the happy visits there. They tell of the wonderful dishes, which no one else could cook just like “Grandma”, and how she let them help her. She taught them other things, such as sewing, knitting, and tatting, leaving many wonderful memories. One Granddaughter, Nelliemae Grant remembers a favorite poem of hers:
Doors like these open with ease,
Two very very little keys,
Two of these are,
I Thank you and If you please.
A Grandson Nolan Grant remembers how she didn't believe in idle hands. She would tell him to go gather sticks and scatter them again if he had nothing else to do.

Sister Grant continued her life of service, always ready to aid in sickness and distress, and never for pay. When the "flu" epidemic which took such a toll, came to the land, she nursed the first victims in her locality, and during the long siege of sickness she went from home to home, helping. One of her grandchildren, who was then a little girl, relates that her only memory of her grandmother was as she stood in the doorway, holding her baby brother, looking in upon the rest of the family who were stricken with the "flu".

The strain of taking care of so many proved to much for her, and a few days later, on the 12th of January, 1919 she, herself succumbed to the flu. At the time of her death she was five foot six and one-half inches tall with brown hair, gray eyes, about one-hundred fifty pounds in weight and sixty-eight years of age. Many mourned her passing her family found it hard to give her up, but somehow it seemed that she would have preferred it that way. On the 13th day of January 1919, she was buried in Lovell, Wyoming. Her mission finished; her life of service completed. She had erected a monument of Love and Mercy unto herself, and her children could truly say, of her, "such a Mother as ours is not dead, but a living Presence."

Jude Allen May
1859-1946

ChildhoodJude Allen May is the son of James May and Martha Allen. He was born the 14th of October 1859 at Bountiful, Davis, Utah. He was the second child in a family of fourteen children.
In 1861 his parents moved to Calls Fort (now called Harper) Utah. It was here that he spent his childhood days and grew to manhood. He was not able to obtain much schooling but he did enjoy reading, especially church doctrine. These he loved to read to his children and grandchildren. His father was a farmer so the boys helped with work on the farm and the many chores. He loved animals and felt they should have good care they were always fed before he ate.

RosalieIn the spring of 1881 He met Rosalie Elvira Perry. She lived at Three Mile Creek (now Perry, Utah). He rode a horse 20 miles back and forth to court her. They were married 22 Dec 1881 in the old Endowment House in Salt Lake City, by Orson Wells.
The first year they lived in Harper (Calls Fort). Here their first child, a girl, was born, but they were only permitted to keep her a few weeks before she was called home.

Rockland IdahoIn 1882 they moved to Rockland, Idaho where he took up a homestead in partnership with his brother James after 14 or 15 years. Jim sold his farm to their younger brother Andrew. Jude enjoyed farming. He built a one room log house on the farm and later added two more rooms. Here the rest of the family was born.

Move to Lovell, Wyoming
He sold his farm in Rockland, Idaho and on the 27th of September 1905. He started with his family and team and wagon to move his family to the Big Horn Basin in Wyoming. On this trip his wife Rosalie kept a daily diary of how far they traveled each day, where they spent each night and of their expenses on the way.
After arriving in Wyoming he helped with the building of the Highland Canal in Cody Country and the Lovell Canal, he also worked to help build the railroad, with his helpmate, Rosalie, by his side cooking in one of the railroad camps to help finance the building of their home.

Getting settled
Jude rented the land where the Lovell Sugar Factory now stands and in 1907 raised some of the first sugar beets in Wyoming. (The sugar factory was built on this site in 1916)
He bought the old Strong saloon and moved it to a lot on the south end of town. Ten years later they completed the brick house to the east and moved there to live for the rest of their lives.

Jobs in townAfter they moved to town he held various jobs: worked on the highway, the Brick and Tile factory, the Glass factory, and the Sugar factory. He was a member of the Town council and a Justice of the Peace.
The last job he held was riding the Globe Canal. He had a two wheeled cart and a horse named Bud. He kept all the head gates clear and open so the people of Lovell could water their gardens.

RetirementLater years he spent his time gardening, raising onions, carrots and cantaloupe which he sold to make a living for Rosalie and himself.
Rosalie and Jude spent three winters working in the Salt Lake Temple, staying at the home of Aunt Ine Peters, Rosalie's sister. This they enjoyed very much, but they were always glad for spring to come so he could get back to his land.

Surgery
In August of 1946 he was finally persuaded to go to the hospital to have cataracts removed from his eyes, which had been slowly blinding him for the past twenty years, the last three being totally blind. On August 7, 1946 the bandages were removed from his eyes. He went to the window and looked out, "OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WORLD!"

Tribute to Grandpa MayGrandpa May lived about thirty minutes after the bandages were removed and he was able to see. The Doctor said his heart could not stand the shock of being able to see.

Grandpa May (as he was called by everyone young and old in the town of Lovell) had a great deal to do with making the town of Lovell a nice place to live and raise a family.

There was not a widow or a person in need that he didn't know about and help. He never waited to be asked or thanked.

The twenty acres where the cemetery is was given to the town of Lovell by Grandpa May.
His cheery whistle as he jogged along in his cart behind Bud, cheered many hearts. Every child in town got his turn to ride and listen to his stories besides getting their share of apples and good things he grew in his garden.

Grandpa May was an active member of the church and held many positions to numerous to mention here. He was always honorable in his dealings with men. He always said "A mans word is as good as his bond."

Very few people who lived in the town of Lovell, Wyoming will forget Grandpa & Grandma May and the wonderful heritage a loving couple can leave.

(Compiled by the children of Nellie Amelia May Grant)

Rosalie Elvira Perry May
1859-1953

Virtuous Woman
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband can safely trust in her, so that he will have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hand to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of ildeness. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31)
Thus may be summed the life of: Rosalie Elvira Perry May, born February 15, 1859 at Three-mile Creek, later called Perry, Box Elder county, Utah, daughter of Henry Elijah and Elizabeth Zabriskie Perry. The 4th of 8 children, she is the last of the original Perry family.

Pioneering Family
Her parents came to Utah with a Mormon Pioneer Handcart Company and settling in an unbroken ilderness, the family knew all the vicissitudes, heart-aches and joys of pioneering. In these surroundings Rosalie grew to young womanhood, receiving her schooling at the little pioneer school which consisted mainly of learning the three R's. However, as with many pioneers, she somehow learned the many things which go into the making of a great lady.
While stories of crossing the plains and of the Indians were being told the young girl was helping her mother and learning to weave cloth, spin yarn, strip cane to be made into molasses. After Pres. Snow organized the United Order Rosalie had the experience of living that order. When the Primary was first organized she was called to be President in Perry, although she was very young at the time.

Early LifeAs a child she was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Before her marriage she cooked and did housework for others usually receiving as pay 50 cents per week perhaps a second hand dress or pair of shoes. But she was a happy person with a pleasing appearance and personality.

Jude Allen May
When young Jude Allen May, from Harper, son of James and Martha Allen May came courting he traveled horseback, 20 miles a trip. Having won his suit, they arranged with another couple and all traveled in a spring wagon to Salt Lake City where they were married in the Old Endowment House. (Dec. 22, 1881). She brought dignity and love and special nobility to her role of wife and mother. Thus was the springtime of her life.

Rockland Idaho
A year after their marriage the Mays moved to Rockland, Idaho where they homesteaded, remaining there 23 years. Their first baby did not long remain with them, death claimed her tiny form. When Elizabeth, the second baby was about 2 years old she was lost one day and as the frantic parents searched everywhere Rosalie finally saw the baby's bright red dress in the stream near the home and rescued the little girl from drowning.

Heaven on Earth
These were the summer years with the children coming and the busy days of training them and keeping the home and assisting her husband in making a livelihood for the family. Rosalie grew up with the idea that home is one's heaven on earth and such she always tried to make her home, to make a place where her husband and children loved to be, a haven from the stress of the world, there the family worked and laughed and played and prayed together.
Often on a warm afternoon Father May would carry a rocking chair down to what the family called "The Willows" where the mother could sit with the newest baby in the shade and rest while he cut willows and fashioned whistles for the older children. Thirteen children came to bless the home three of who died in infancy. For several years she served as Primary President while still living at Rockland.

Lovell, WyomingIn 1905 when the town of Lovell was in its infancy the May family moved here to make their permanent home. Bringing their household goods and driving teams and wagons they came by way of Yellowstone National Park. In 1906-08 the railroad was being built through the basin so the Jude found work there and the Rosalie cooked for the railroad workers in order to finance the building of their home. They were both ardent church workers and also took an active part in the life of the community.

Church Membership
Rosalie’s membership in the church was an integral part of her life. She was so firm in her testimony, so sincere in the manner in which she lived the teachings of the church she was and will be an inspiration to others to emulate her example. All her life a tithe-payer, when away from home she sent it to the family to pay for her. Last Sunday a granddaughter, Mary Jane Wilkerson, gave to the Bishop her grand-mother's last tithing. She served as Treasurer in the Relief Society organization and for many years was a Relief Society Visiting Teacher. Through her regard for this work and the dignity and warm-hearted friendliness she gave to it she taught many younger women of the ward the joy and worth of it. Her religion was a workable plan. She did not speak ill of any one. She felt that since one does not know what compulsions caused another to behave in certain ways it was right to leave his judgment to God.

Charity, a Way of Life
A mark of how she was held in the esteem of her associates was the title we all lovingly gave her of "Grandma May". The world was her neighbor. No one was ever turned away without receiving the comfort or help for which he hoped from her. In her book of poems is pasted these lines:

A friend is blue, a heart is sad.
Do not withhold your smile.
It may be all that's needed
To make a life worthwhile:
Grey skies grow blue, and storm clouds bright,
The sun is undefiled
And broken hearts are new again
Because somebody smiled.
Grandma May was always busy, always cheerful. Her flowers were for everyone to enjoy. Her salt rising bread was a special treat for which she was famous. She believed work a blessing and to her laziness was a sin.

Sincerity
She said sincerity is one of the most beautiful words in the language.
Also found in her book are these lines she liked:
You don't have to tell how you live each day
You don't have to say if you work or you play.
A tried, true barometer serves in the place.
However you live, it will show in your face.
The false, the deceit that you bear in your heart
Will not stay inside, where it first got a start,
For sinew and blood are a thin veil of lace;
What you wear in your heart you wear in your face.
If your life is unselfish, if for others you live,
For not what you get, but how much you can give;
If you live close to God, in his infinite grace,
You don't have to tell it, it shows in your face.
Neighbor and Friend
Once she wrote when life became hard and there was time for thought; she would get much good and comfort from these lines. She hoped this could be said of her at the close of her life and truly her life is so fulfilled:
To me honors or fame appeal not at all.
I covet no treasure or wealth manifold.
Flowers and tokens you may gladly withhold,
If only some day you can say at the end
"She was a neighbor, she was a friend".
Full Life
The autumn years were busy and full and rich, too. With the children grown and now establishing homes of their own, there was the increasing number of grandchildren to love. There was more time to devote to the church where she worked on various committees and helped in many ways. She was a member of a neighborhood quilting club. On the days when they gathered at the home to sew on a quilt how the stitches and chatter flew and here she had as much fun as anyone. The young daughters of club members often proudly displayed their hope chest quilts, showing off the beautiful stitches of "Grandma May". She had few of the conveniences and luxuries we so take for granted today, but she knew the real riches; the rich gifts of the mind and spirit.

Temple Work and gardening
The Mays spent several winters in doing temple work, and, oh, the joy they experienced in doing this great work. Each spring they returned happy in the knowledge of a service rendered, then raised their garden and prepared for the next winter and trip.

Life as a widow
Her life's companion was called to his eternal home August 7, 1946. Since then Grandma May has taken a trip to California to see the ocean, one to Arizona and four to Utah, visiting her family.

She never grew old in heart but as she once said winter does come to those of many years. So in the winter of life Grandma May was kept warmed at the hearth of her children's love. She visited one or another of her children and then when she was tired of visiting come home to Ralph and Gladys Wilkerson. Last February 15th she celebrated her 93rd birthday at the home of Oliver and Grace May, with 60 members of the family present.

Nine months ago she went to visit a daughter, Mrs. I.H. Tippetts, at Hurricane, Utah. Here she continued with her hobbies of crocheting and reading the papers and keeping up with the news of world and local affairs. It was stimulating to discuss current events with her because she was so alert and had her contributions to make.

IllnessOn December 10th a blood vessel broke in a leg resulting in a serious condition which confined her to her bed from December 13th until her death, caused by bronchitis, occurred on Monday, January 26, 1953 at 4:20 a.m. During all her illness she never complained and for each and every service she repaid with her special little smile and "Thank you".

Now her spirit transplanted... To some far fairer clime ... The angels left ajar the gate... The sweet fragrance of her soul... To waft back to us waiting... To meet again in a heavenly time.Grandma May is survived by 10 sons and daughters, Oliver C. May, Lovell; J. Hyrum May of Phoenix, Ariz.; Frank P. May, Caldwell, Idaho; Richard Morgan May, Delta, Utah; G. Allen May, Burlington; Mrs. I.H. Tippetts, Hurricane, Utah; Mrs. Nellie Grant, Layton, Utah; Mrs. W.A. Tippetts, Springville, Utah; Mrs. H.C. Tippetts, Provo, Utah;, Mrs. Ralph Wilkerson, Lovell, Wyo.; 68 grandchildren, 146 great grandchildren, 8 great, great grandchildren: A total of 233 living descendants. There are 7 sets of twins in the family; 2 grandchild sets, and 5 great grandchild sets.

There is so little we can say... So little we can do... When God had called a loved one home... Who means so much to you... When smiling eyes are closed in sleep... According to God's will... And that dear voice you loved to hear... Has suddenly grown still... But there are those who think of you... And those who always care... And who would help your heart to lift... The burden you must beat... And so this gentle message is... sincerely meant to be... A prayerful thought of fond regard... And heartfelt sympathy.
Her son Frank was unable to attend. He spent three days with her at Christmas time.

Wilson Ellsworth McGonagle
1862-1933

Wilson E. McGonagle, a prosperous general farmer and stock raiser of Franklin Township, has brought his farm of 155 acres into a high state of cultivation, and through his enterprising methods set a dependable example to his neighbors. He was born in Franklin Township, Harrison County, Ohio, October 10, 1862, a son of Thompson and Asenith (Vickers) McGonagle, grandson of Thomas McGonagle, and a descendant of one of the sturdy families of Scotland.

Wilson E. McGonagle received his educational training in the public schools of Deersville, Ohio. Until 1887 when he was married, Mr. McGonagle remained at home, and during that period acquired a useful fund of knowledge relative to the best methods of carrying on agricultural operations. With the exception of three years when he was away, Mr. McGonagle has lived on his present farm since 1888, and is now recognized as one of the best farmers in his neighborhood.

On September 6, 1887, Mr. McGonagle was married to Alice White, a daughter of Joseph and Mahala (Johnson) White, and their children are as follows: Jesse, who married Ada Birney, a farmer of the State of Wyoming; Harry L., who married Gladys Eslick, is engaged in farming with his father, and Melvin, who is at home. Mr. McGonagle belongs to the Deersville Methodist Episcopal Church and his wife is a member of the Christian Church. Since January, 1918, Mr. McGonagle has served as trustee of Franklin Township. For two years he was a member of the Township School Board, and four years he was assessor of Franklin Township, proving himself as capable in public office as he has always been when conducting his private affairs, and he stands very well in public esteem.

Wilson E. died Sunday evening, at 7:20 p.m., May 28, 1933 at his home of a complication of diseases, aged 70 years, 7 months and 18 days. He had been ill one year. He was a life long resident of the Deersville Vicinity. He is survived by his widow, Sarah, three sons, Jesse T. of Powell, Wyoming, Harry L. residing near Deersville, and Melvin, at home. He also leaves two granddaughters, Marie Mae and Esther Lee McGonagle, of Powell, Wyoming. Funeral services, in charge of The Clark Funeral Home, Uhrichsville, will be held at the Deersville M. E. Church (or were held at the home) on Wednesday at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Stewart of Dennison, assisted by Rev. Ickes, followed by burial in Deersville Cemetery.

Taken from sketch on Wilson E. McGonagle page 924, Histories of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio by Eckley and Perry pub 1921, and Newspaper Clipping's of obituary.
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Wilson's granddaughter Marie remembers him as being tall and thin. She remembers him being out of the house most of the day, except when Melvin was sick, and then they were in. Melvin had pneumonia really bad, they thought they were going to lose him. Jesse asked the Dr. if he was doing all he could do. And the Dr. thought he was doing all he would be allowed to do. Jesse asked what needed to be done. One thing they did was open the window and another was to get a nurse. Both things were not something they would have allowed to happen if Jesse had not been there. But Jesse was in charge, and he took over. He helped the nurse to nurse his brother back to health. The rumor went around when he opened the window that he had taken his brother out and put him in a snow drift and packed him in snow. When Marie and her family left Ohio Marie remembers Melvin as being very thin and white and wondering if he would make it.
Wilson loved to sing. Wilson's daughter-in-law, Gladys remembers playing hymns for him and his son Jesse once when Jesse and Ada were home on a visit.

Wilson was a member of the Methodist Church while Sarah Alice was a member of the Christian Church since early girlhood, but when they could they would attend either church. (Re Gladys McGonagle)

Sarah Alice White McGonagle
1859-1948

Taken from a Newspaper Clipping, and Family Bible
Mrs. Sarah Alice McGonagle was born in Franklin Township, Harrison County, Ohio, on the 5 April 1859, the daughter of Joseph and Mahala (Johnson) White and departed this life 14 Nov 1948, aged 89 years 7 months 11 days. She was the eldest of four children: Homer and Jesse, who preceded her in death and John of Cadiz.

She was married to Wilson E. McGonagle on 6 Sep 1887 at Rev. N. Cramblett’s; the Rev. N.W. Cramblett performed the wedding. Wilson E., her husband, preceded her in death and to this union three children were born, Jesse T. McGonagle of Powell, Wyo., who married Ada Birney on the 24th of Dec 1913 in Dawson County, Nebraska by Rev. Fowler; and Harry L. of Tippecanoe R. 1, who married Gladys Eslick on June 5, 1917 at Cadiz, Ohio by Rev. A.A. Sebastain; and Melvin of the home. Two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews together with a host of friends remain to mourn her loss.

She united with the Chapel Christian Church on Weavers Run when 13 years of age. Later she transferred her membership to the Christian Church at Tappan of which she remained a member.

She had been in poor health for the past 7 years. Even though she suffered great pain she was ever patient and kind to those who ministered to her needs.

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This information was given by Marie McGonagle Grant, her granddaughter.
Sarah Alice White McGonagle was called Allie. Allie was seventeen and living at home when her father died. She was very small with a very tiny waist. When Marie was nine years old, and she and her parents lived with Grandma Mc (Allie) for two months. Marie was taller than Allie at that time.

Marie remembers her Grandmother Mac as being a very sweet and loving lady. She remembers that her Grandmother used to make sugar cookies filled with boiled raisins. Still to this day this type of cookie is Marie's favorite cookie.

Marie remembers that her Grandmother didn't spill things, she didn't make messes, and she was very neat, nothing was out of its place. She didn't tell people to pick up shoes. She did it.
Marie remembers that her Grandmother felt sad that she would never see her Grandchildren again. Marie's little sister Esther had put fingerprints on the window on the front door and Grandma Mac (Allie) would not let any one wash them off.

She loved to make poems. Her daughter-in-law Gladys McGonagle said she had a Diary full of poems she had written. But we have been unable to find the Diary. Perhaps it was sold with some of the Photo Albums. Allie made beautiful quilts. She made one for each of her two granddaughters and was making one for her foster grandson but never got it finished.
Marie remembers her Grandparent’s house. It was on a hill. They lived in the hilly part of Ohio. You would walk in the front door into the living room on the main floor and you would walk out the basement door in back. There was a small upstairs.

She remembers there being a path from Uncle Harry and Aunt Gladys McGonagle’s to her grandparents. It was about a one mile away. But if you went by road it was more like 3 miles away.

When her grandfather, Wilson E. McGonagle died, Harry and Gladys sold their farm and moved in with Grandmother (Allie). She remembers her grandparents having two phones. One phone was just for Uncle Harry. They had put up the line themselves and they didn't have to pay for that phone. The other was for everyone else.

Marie's mother said that her father, Jess, grew up on coffee, meat and bread. They would dip the bread in sop (meat juices). They didn't eat fruit. They had apricot trees but didn't like Apricots. They had a grape arbor. They had raspberries. Ada picked some for her mother-in-law, Allie and her sons Melvin and Harry thought they would not be good for her, Allie. Marie doesn't remember Allie getting sick from them. Marie remembers going to a neighbor’s, the Vickers, and she must have stayed awhile. When she left, she had walked about 1/2 mile when a man asked her if she was the McGonagle girl and where she was going. She said she was and that she was going to her grandparent’s. He told her that she had better turn around and go back the other way because she was going the wrong way. Marie wasn't sure that she believed him but turned around and sure enough she had been going the wrong way.

John Wesley Birney
1849-1910

This information was taken from three newspaper clippings.

Monday morning while J. W. Birney was picking tomatoes in his garden, eight miles northeast of town, he took a pain in his chest and went to the house to rest. Finding no relief he went to bed. He continued to grow worse and before medical aid could be summoned (in half an hour) he had quietly passed away.

It was a case of acute heart trouble. He had always been a robust man and the news of his death came as a great shock to the community.

John Wesley Birney was born in Tippecanoe, Harrison County, Ohio, October 17, 1949. Moved to Fulton, Mo., June 18, 1890 and to Dawson Co., Nebraska April 1, 1891 where he resided until God called him home at 8:50 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 1910 at the age of 60 years, 10 months and 10 days.

He was married to Miss Carrie Lee, July 11, 1878. To this union was born five daughters, four of whom survive him, one having died in infancy. He leaves a widow, four daughters, and seven grand-children to mourn his loss, besides one sister and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was converted at fourteen years of age and united with the M.E. Church. When he took up his residence in Dawson County he united with the United Evangelical church. For several years he has been a member of the Bethel Evangelical church where he was buried. When the M.E. class was organized September 28, 1902, he became a member and class leader and remained active in the Lord's work, being Sunday School superintendent or assistant and class leader until his promotion.

He was a loving husband, a kind father an esteemed neighbor and a friend to all.

He was a man who read much and the Bible was his text book. He had no Commentaries, but he had a knowledge of the work of God. As a citizen he took great interest in the affairs of his country, and his council was good both in regard to state and nation and the church.
Mr. Birney with his family have lived on a farm near Cozad, Neb., for the past 20 years and is widely known through the community in which he lived, whom to know was to love, and respect. He was a good neighbor a splendid citizen, and above all a good Christian as he was an active and willing worker in the church.

He has been a Mason for over 30 years and several years a member of Meridian Lodge No. 188 of Cozad, Nebraska. He was buried by the lodge with full Masonic honors. He was a faithful Mason, a diligent Christian and a useful intelligent citizen who will be missed by all.

His faith was firm in God, his fellowman and his community where he is remembered as an ideal man worthy of imitation. His honesty, usefulness and cheerfulness have erected to his memory a higher monument than friends could make.

His work on earth is finished and God has called him to Himself, and may we be able to bow in humble submission to God's will. The multitude of friends and neighbors of this community extend their heart felt sympathy to the bereaved and stricken widow and children in this, their time of sorrow. Funeral services were conducted in the Bethel church by the pastor, Rev. L.R. Hansberry, assisted by the former pastor, Rev. W.A. Horuaday, and the Evangelical pastor, Rev. Shaffer. The pastor preached the sermon from I Thes. 4:18-14. The funeral took place August 29th at two p.m. after which the remains were laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge of Cozad.


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John's sister Isabella and husband George Johnston and family had come to Nebraska from McLean County, Illinois in the spring of 1891.They purchased a quarter section of land near Lexington, Nebraska. They came for Isabella's health. They traveled by rail with some stock and hay. George Johnston also homesteaded 80 acres northwest of Lexington (N.E. of Cozad). In order to keep it he had to build a house and live in it 6 months. This he didn't want to do. So he wrote to John Wesley Birney who had lost everything in a Rock Quarry in Ohio, and told him he could have it if he came out.

John Wesley Birney had had a Rock Quarry Business near Deersville, Ohio, with another man. Everything was going fine until one morning John went to work and found out that his partner had gone with all of the money, he had only a stone (9 1/2 long x 1 3/4 wide x 1 3/4 tall) left. Being as that was all he had left from a $10,000.00 business. They called the stone the $10,000.00 Whetstone.

The Birney's sold their good furniture to make the trip. The marble top dresser, the desk-chest of drawers and the wardrobe were their old furniture.

Information taken from Marie Grant granddaughter of John Birney and Isabelle Smith granddaughter of Isabella Birney Johnston.
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A niece of John Wesley Birney's, Mary George writes to cousin Roscoe Johnston in Feb 1964: "I remember it was like a funeral when Uncle J. W. Birney lost his money in a stone quarry and they left Tippecanoe, almost penniless, to go "out west" and start over from scratch."
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John Wesley Birney grew strawberries for a time and his daughters picked them. We have a picture of them in the field.
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