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Builders in the Kingdom
A Sesquicentennial Project
by
Archer-Sunnydell Wards
1980
Cover design by
Nikki Nelson
RICKS COLLEGE PRESS
Kp
To Build a Dream
And so, dream on, oh Pioneer,
As we who build on yesteryear
Give thanks to you for purpose clear -
Your noble dream.
Your mighty deeds still echoes ring;
Your vision ours for honoring;
By building still, we homage bring,
And share the dream.
And generations yet anew
Will forge with anvil brought by you;
And earth is blessed by people true
Who build a dream.
L. May Cheney
Table of Contents
Preface vii
Foreword ix
Poem and Pictures of Area xi
Bishops' Messages 1
Idaho Gem of the Mountains 2
Lyman Settled as an L.D.S. Center in 1882 7
Pioneering 11
Industry 20
Church and Schools 29
Social Life 38
Archer Ward Bishops 33
Missionaries 49
Servicemen 52
Family Histories 54
Map 184
Modem Improvements 188
Epilogue 189
Roster of Officers 190
Preface
On behalf of the Bishoprics of the Archer and Sunnydeil Wards, I would like
to wish you many hours of enjoyable reading and getting to know each other from
the information in this book. To the lifetime members of our Community, I wish
you lots of hours of reminiscing of the good old times that you enjoyed so much.
This year of 1980 marks the 150th birthday of our church and the prophet
Spencer W. Kimball has asked each of us to write our life story for our descen-
dants to read.
One day, while attending a funeral service for one of our ward members, I
was very impressed with the life history of this good sister and felt impressed that
we should have these histories in a book. On the way to the cemetery I asked
Bishop Lyle Robison how he felt about a community history book. He said that it
would be a good sesquicentennial project for our ward. We immediately decided
it would be a worthwhile project so we could know the new members' histories
and they might know ours.
After much prayer. Sister La Verne Hacking was selected as chairman of the
Community History Book Committee. She chose a committee to work with her.
Sister Mardean Pope was selected by the Archer Bishopric to serve with Sister
Hacking and she also chose a committee. They have all put in many, many long
hours in preparing the materials for this book.
Gale Bramwell, the owner of the Picture House in Rigby, Idaho, graciously
came to our ward and took the many pictures we needed. We thank him and his
staff for this.
We hope this book will become more valuable as the years go by. We have
tried to include everything possible to make this a complete history of the com-
munity. If anyone has been offended by the printing or not printing of any
material, we apologize to the individual.
May you enjoy this book and may the Lord continue to pour his blessing out
on our community as He has done in the past and is doing at the present time.
Wayne Siddoway
Second Counselor
Sunnydeil Bishopric
vn
Foreword
Dear Contributers,
This is your book. You wrote it ... at least participated . . . 203 different persons
have contributed, with many of them serving as committee members. It is not
practical to thank everyone individually who helped with this book, but there are
many who went the extra mile and magnified their callings to make this inclusive
and extensive work. May I give special mention of the following:
Archer Committee: Mardean Pope, chairman; Jill Sutton, and Myrtle Ken-
nington.
Sunnydell Committee: La Verne Hacking, chairman; Opal Clements, and
Marilee Byrne.
Family Picture Personnel: Counselor Wayne Siddoway, Gale Bramwell of the
Picture House, Leola Niederer, coordinator; and Jill Sutton.
Family History Committee: Mardean Pope, Opal Clements, and La Verne
Hacking.
Sales Personnel: Mardean Pope, Myrtle Kennington, Gwen Sutton, and Mar-
jory Wilcock.
Historical Writers: Letha Wilcox and Max Briggs.
Community Research, Writing, and Arranging Committee: Bessie Wilcox,
Erma Magleby, Marilee Munns, assisted by: Bishop Lyle Robison, Bishop G.H.
and La Von Munns, Myrtle Kennington, Mary Stacey Buckland Killian, Earl and
Edna Briggs, Artella Schneiter, Ruth Hansen, Neta Taylor, Gwen Sutton, Verge
Young, Vera Robison, Eva Mclntire Coleman Bybee, Alta Hillman Peterson, May
Davenport, and Doralie Briggs Weaver Gambles.
Map, Poster, and Chart Maker: Helen Goodmansen and May Cheney.
Printer: The College Press, including Max Sorensen, manager; Donna Hill,
typesetter; and Brian Sharp, pasteup artist.
Proof Readers: Mardean Pope, Michael Goodmansen, and committee mem-
bers.
Through our work on this book we have become increasingly aware of the
importance of writing detailed personal histories. We are sure that reading this book
will give all of you ideas. We hope this publication will set in motion a new wave of
activity in record keeping.
It is astonishing to think that so much could be done in so little time, especially
during canning and harvesting season. One hundred ninety-six histories with
pictures were ready in two months, and in another month community material was
researched and prepared. I wish to again thank those who labored with me so
diligently hour after hour, both day and night, around my kitchen table.
And to our families who must have thought we had forgotten them at times, we
extend our sincere appreciation for their constant help, love, and encouragement.
The limitation of funds, time, and space in the book itself, have necessitated
the editing of materials contributed. We are grateful for the things that are in the
book. Please excuse us for things that are not.
The following anonymous poem furnished by Mardean Pope, expresses the
feelings of the above mentioned committee members.
IX
A^6> book is entirely perfect
For errors will creep in;
Sometimes wrong information is sent
By someone' s nearest kin.
And even printers make mistakes
For which they tear their hair.
Sometimes two people disagree
On Who, or When, or Where.
It might have been the person
Who wrote the history;
It might have been the typist,
Or blame can fall on me.
So, if you re dead before you re born,
Or married when you re three.
Or I've omitted anyone
Who sent themselves to me.
Or your last name is not your own.
Your picture not too good,
I ask you - please forgive me,
I did the best I could.
Please send corrections for any errors you find with
page number and line to:
La Verne Hacking
Route 3, Box 199
Rexburg, Idaho 83440
before June 1, 1981, for an errata which will be
furnished to everyone who purchased a book.
We encourage all who have been members of the Archer Ward whose his-
tories do not appear in this volume, to kindly send their histories and any other
items of historic value to the Bishop of the Sunnydell Ward, Route 3, Rexburg,
Idaho 83440, to be included in a binder to be kept in the ward for reference.
La Verne Hacking
Chairman
Archer
by Viola Erickson
[f you're tnivelin' up the country
Throui^h the valley of the Snake
And the Archer-Ririe highway
Is the route you choose to take,
Then I say you've chosen wisely
And you' re headed for a treat
When you see the friendly faces
Of the people that you meet.
There's a world of warmth and kindness
In the smiles that you receive.
Makes you mighty glad to he here
And a little sad to leave.
Cause you know by somethin' special
In the way they shake your hand
That hy chance you are sojourning
In a mighty favored land.
For our daughters are the fairest
And our sons the vety best
And our valley is the greenest
You will find in all the West.
Yes, our cattle are the sleekest
And within our sparkling steams
Are the kind of trout and salmon
You have landed in your dreams.
If your favorite sport is huntin
Then, here too, you've chosen well
As observe our local sportsmen
And the stories that they tell.
There's real beauty in our grain fields.
Waving golden in the sun.
And we raise the fmest taters
Butter ever melted on.
So drive slowly through our valley
For the time will come, I know
When your heart recalls the friendly.
Peaceful, Archer, Idaho.
Hill to the cast ot our valley.
* •*»* *^i
^
Round lop (looking Hast - Ross Byrne cattle ranch)
Our peaceful valley (looking West from the Hast hill or from Byrne Siding).
XI
A Message From the
ArcherSunnydell Ward Bishop Archer Ward Bishop
Sitting: Bishop Lyle J. Robison.
Standing (L. to R.): R- Wayne Siddoway and Stanley E. Nielson.
It has been my privilege to have been the Bishop of the
Archer Ward and the Sunnydell Ward. As I look back the
outstanding memories are of a people who care. I have
watched acts of kindness when someone was in need that
would be a credit to any people .
It is fitting that a book be published to keep the
memories intact not only for our generation but for genera-
tions to follow. It is necessary that our children and our
childrens children have "Roots".
I was thrilled when my Second Counselor, Wayne Sid-
doway, offered to act as chairman with the task of publish-
ing the book. He said, "I have lived in many places but
there is a special spirit in this community that should be
preserved." I would like to take this opportunity to thank
Wayne for his dedication.
At this time may I thank all who were responsible for
the thousands of hours of dedicated work that makes this
book possible. It would be impossible to name them all,
however, a few must be mentioned: LaVeme Hacking,
Opal Clements, Erma Magleby, Bessie Wilcox, and
Marilee Byrne, with the support of their good husbands,
have given far beyond the call. Also appreciation is given to
G.H. Munns for information.
I hope you enjoy this book. We have tried to avoid
errors in our endeavors but as with all books there will be
some. I accept full responsibility for them and apologize to
you, and I hope they will not detract too much from your
enjoyment. We will try to publish an errata for the purpose
of making corrections.
I hope that we will be ever mindful of our Heavenly
Father in preparing this Valley for us, a Valley that I know
is choice with a special spirit. I am thankful for ancestors
who obeyed the prophet without question in helping to settle
this Valley. I am happy to call each of you my friend.
May the Lord bless you always.
Bishop Lyle J. Robison
k
w
Standing: Bishop Glen Leak.
Sitting (L. to R.): Delas Munns and Jon Larson.
It has been just over two years since that busy Sabbath
day in October of 1978 when the Archer Ward was divided
into the Archer and Sunnydell Wards. To those who were
not living in these wards there was much confusion about
which bishopric belonged to which ward. We have always
explained that the new ward had the old bishopric and the
old ward, the new bishopric. To say we were new was an
understatement. We were new and green and were some-
what awestruck at how many ward positions there were to
fill in totally reorganizing the Archer Ward. We tried very
hard to listen to the Lord's inspiration in calling people to
serve. As we worked and prayed that inspiration came and
the good people of the Archer Ward responded to these new
challenges as they always have.
Not long after the division of the wards we held a
bishopric meeting and set a ward theme. We chose this
theme, "As families and members of the Archer Ward we
will raise up a righteous generation through concentration
on:
1 . Family Home Evening
2. Family and personal prayer
3. Reading the scriptures
4. Temple marriage and attendance
5. Missionary work
6. Welfare Service
7. Sabbath day
8. Tithes and offerings
We have really worked hard to have all our our sacra-
ment meetings planned around this theme. This theme has
become even more important to us since the Consolidated
Meeting Schedule has been adopted and parents have more
fully assumed their stewardships in teaching and raising
their children.
After the ward was divided, we immediately became
aware of the fact that we didn't have any full time mis-
sionaries representing the Archer Ward. Alberto Rincon
1
from Columbia was being supported by a family from the
ward; however, he was called from his home ward in Col-
umbia. We recognized that the only way to fill our steward-
ship in this area was to go to work and as a result we
currently have nine full-time missionaries in the mission-
field. We are grateful to those seven elders and two sisters
who represent this ward as missionaries.
As a bishopric we recognize that the genius of the
Church and Priesthood lies in total involvement of the
members of the ward and priesthood quorums in the prog-
rams of the Church. The more people we have functioning
in the various callings of the ward, the easier it is to get the
job done. We certainly hope that everyone feels needed and
loved.
As for the future, we hope to continue on in the tradi-
tion that the Archer Ward has experienced since the time it
was originally organized. We know that as we serve the
Lord and cary one another's burdens much joy and happi-
ness will come to us. We know that there is safety and
stability in following the programs of the Church and in
heeding the counsel from our leaders, especially the
prophet. Some day we hope to be able to give a report of our
stewardships and to be able to say, yes, we have kept the
faith and fought a good fight. We have raised up a righteous
generation unto the Lord.
Bishop Glen D. Leak
Idaho - Gem of the Mountains
Arranged and Written by Letha WHcox, Sunny dell Ward Historian
The word Idaho or Ee-dah-how as the Indians called it,
means "Behold the sun comes down the mountain." It is
called the Gem State for its beautiful sunrise, sunset, lakes
and scenic beauty.
As far as we know the first white man to come into this
area was Alexander Henry from the Missouri Fur Company
from whom Henry's Fork takes its name. In 1809 he passed
over the Great American Divide and built a house not far
from where St. Anthony now stands. This was known as
Henry's Fort. It was vacated the following year.
Two years later the house was occupied by Wilson P.
Hunt and a party of sixty men belonging to the Pacific Fur
Company. In October 1811, they proceeded down the river in
fifteen canoes enroute to the Pacific. The horrors encoun-
tered by way of starvation, etc., are beyond description.
Another company deserving mention passing through
Fremont County, but of which little appears to be written,
wasthatof Thomas S. Smith of Farmington, Utah, who with
a party of about fifty persons, by request of President
Brigham Young came northward from Sah Lake City, Utah,
early in May, 1856, with a view to becoming friendly with
the Indians and looking for streams of water and desirable
places to settle.
President Young had heard from Washakie, a noted
chief of the well-watered section of the upper Snake River,
and to this point those best acquainted with the history of the
expedition claim that Mr. Smith with his company was di-
rected to go.
Upon entering the valley, it appears they were attracted
westward by reports of immense quantity and excellent qual-
ity of fish in the River west. They finally stopped not far from
where Salmon City now stands. Here they built a fort known
for many years as Fort Lemhi. It is said that the first grain
produced in Idaho was raised by them.
In May 1857 President Brigham Young with a company
under the command of Captain R.T. Burton including Heber
C. Kimball, Daniel H. Wells, Franklin D. Richards, and
other prominent men and women made the visit and held
extensive consultations with Chief Snag and other Indians,
presenting them with about $3000 worth of supplies from the
General Govemment. Young was at that time acting Gover-
nor and Indian Agent. They returned home in peace feeling
that they had made the Indians their friends.
This part of the vast Snake River Valley still remained
as it was when first discovered, uninhabited save by a few
trappers, horsemen and Indians who later on held un-
molested possession of their immense range.
Remaining in this condition so long, what comprises the
most thickly settled part of the country between the forks of
Snake River, afforded an excellent rendezvous for horse and
cattle thieves, who would collect immense bands of horses
and herds of cattle from the south, west, and north, and cache
them in this valley. When enough were gathered to justify
making a drive, they went through the mountains eastward by
way of Teton Valley and Jackson Hole into the markets of
Wyoming and on to Eastern markets.
In March 1882 the upper Snake River Valley was
opened to Mormon colonization with the founding of Rex-
burg.
The following year, June 1883, a small caravan of four
wagons left Salt Lake City to come to the upper Snake River
Valley. When they arrived at Eagle Rock, now Idaho Falls,
they had to pay $1.00 for each wagon and 250 for each
animal to cross the Snake River on the Anderson Toll Bridge.
Above information was taken from the Special Edition
of Fremont County Journal at Rexburg, Idaho, May 30,
1900.
Other pioneers moved to the south and east of Rexburg
and settled in the area that later became Sunnydell.
Early History of the Sunny dell Area
Compiled by Mae Niederer
Special thanks for source material: Myrtle Kennington, Let ha Wilcox, Ellis Wilcox, and Pearl and Clarence Weekes
Cyrus B. Hawley, sitting with his back against his cabin
observing the beauties of nature after a sudden summer
shower, called to his pioneer wife to come and see a wonder-
ful sight. From their promontory she looked across the val-
ley. Tall sagebrush covered the land, for the most part, with
knee-high grass gently swaying in the breeze reminding her
of ocean waves. Along the northerly bend of the meandering
South Fork of the Snake River grew a fringe of cottonwood
trees, cedars, willows, and kinnikinic. Off in the distance a
patch of pine trees stood tall and stately. On the other side of
the river a dense forest, mostly cottonwood. grew on the old
river bottoms. The scene reflected the mood of the sky. The
sun, which had broken through the clouds, cast lights and
shadows, making a picture of rare beauty and delight. "This
land should be called Sunnydell," said Mr. Hawley. Mrs.
Hawley agreed, and our comer of this beautiful valley was
given a name.
In 1871, two brothers, John and Albert Lyon, settled a
short distance from the head of a creek known later as Lyman
Creek. They were cattle men. In 1873, J. F. Berry, a
brother-in-law, joined them. He was a fanner and raised
some crops in this area.
The summer of 1878 was extremely hot and dry, and
that fall a prairie fire started near the present site of the
Sunnydell school house. There was a sixty mile an hour wind
blowing and the fire swept the entire country up to Island
Park and over to the Teton Basin in about forty-eight hours.
The people saved their homesteads and part of their hay
supply by plowing around their premises.
The Lyon family became discouraged after the fire and
left this area, leaving behind three members of their family
who had passed away while they were living here . The graves
of these three constitute the only cemetery in
Sunnydell--located east of the railroad tracks on the old John
Taylor farm. Years ago the graves were marked by a little
pole fence around them so people would know where they
were, but there are no markers there now.
Five years after the Lyon family moved from the area,
the first permanent settlers came to the valley in the spring of
1883 when Theodore K. Lyman and Silas Buckland settled at
the mouth of this same creek.
Mr. Lyman built his cabin on the south side of the creek
and Mr. Buckland located on the north side. The creek was
named Lyman Creek for Mr. Lyman, as was also the LDS
ward, which, at that time, extended from near Rexburg some
twelve miles south.
One of the first two white children to be bom in this
territory was a daughter, Lois, to Mr. and Mrs. Silas Buck-
land; the other was a son, George Briggs, Jr., bom to the
George Briggs family.
It was in 1883 that Cyms B. Hawley, given credit for
naming our area Sunnydell, and his family came to make
their home here. He and his sons, Cyms B., Jr., and Will,
and sons-in-law, John Hillman and Isaac White, brought
water from springs along the mountainside to their homes-
teads. These five homesteads had the right slope and warmth
for growing excellent fruit-apples, pears, plus, apricots,
cherries, dewberries, and raspberries. This beautiful orchard
was located on the farm that now belongs to Walt and Zella
By bee.
These early settlers immediately set to work building
crude log houses and clearing the land and preparing for
winter. The houses were made of cottonwood logs with dirt
floors and one opening for a door. They were so small and
crowded that the beds were hung against the wall in the day to
make room inside, and at night they hung the chairs on the
walls to make room for the beds.
It was so cold and rainy the fall of 1883 that the settlers
worried about becoming ill from exposure to the elements,
but they worked unitedly so that in a short time all were
settled in a warm place, safe from the wild animals. The
mothers worried about their children being snatched up by
the coyotes who would come right into the dooryard and pick
up the chickens and eat them.
Questions about the Indians in this area were often
asked by the newcomers, but they were assured they only
passed through to hunt and fish. The Indians said it was too
cold for them in the Upper Snake River Valley-there was
nine months of winter and three months of late fall! It has
been noted by early settlers, however, that Round Top,
called Fort Lyon at that time, was a favorite meeting place
of the Indians for their Council Meetings. The first children
in the area found arrowheads by the handful, of many dif-
ferent colors there.
Everyone drove their cattle up on the hill to feed during
the day on the grass which grew thick and tall for miles
around Round Top. In the evening someone would have to go
and bring the cows to be milked. One day as Cyms Hawley
was sitfing on the hill looking for the cattle, he noticed a deer
limping toward a pool of water. When it reached the pool it
laid down and dangled its foot in the water. After this, he
began to watch for the deer as he went to and from taking the
cows. Many times he saw the animal, always repeating the
water treatment, he finally investigated the pool and found it
to be hot water with a mineral content. It was not long before
the animal was healed and no longer limped.
Mr. Hawley told a reporter about this incident and
immediately a piece was written about it in the paper. A man
living in Pocatello by the name of Mr. Heise read the paper
and came up to investigate the place. He immediately filed a
claim on the surrounding territory and established a health
resort, which he operated for many years.
Another early settler near the mouth of Lyman Creek
was John Taylor. This was the very place for
John--wonderful soil, close to the hills, and lots of timber
nearby. During the summer he built a sawmill on Lyman
Creek, half or a quarter of a mile back in. He dammed off
the stream, making a small reservoir, releasing the water for
iiTigation purposes and also ran a water wheel, which he
constructed to furnish power for his sawmill. He did some
custom work sawing, but the mill was built with the thought
in mind of getting lumber to build a home for his family.
When his home was built, it was large and very nice.
More industrious people moved to our area. A man
with the name of D.C. Kruger planted a 40 acre orchard on
the place where Blair Clay now lives. The orchard ran north
from the old Hawley place over to Keith Clement's, and
then west to the railroad track. He later planted fruit trees on
the west side of the track too. He had quite an acreage of
apples and other kinds of fruits. Little Ike Smith and his
family were hired to care for the farm and the orchard. A
warehouse, that is still standing, was built near the tracks,
and apples were shipped from it. Cider was also made and
sold. Later Clem Smith purchased the place and continued
to care for the orchard and ship fruit out for several years.
March 1 1 , 1902, the need for telephones was presented
to Orson Waldram for the Archer district. The line was
completed in 1903 and later extended into the Sunnydell
area. In the fall of 1910 there were three phones in Sun-
nydell. Those who enjoyed this luxury were John Taylor,
James Byrne, and John Buckland. The year 1928 brought
the advent of electric lights. People had formerly used can-
dles, kerosene lamps and lanterns, gasoline lamps and lan-
terns, and carbide lights, home generated Delco electric
lights.
Clarence Weekes recalls that the Jensen family, origi-
nally from Denver, Colorado, purchased 40 acres of sage-
brush next to the Weekes family. When they moved to the
area they had never farmed before, and were equipped with
only their four horses and their bare hands. One of the first
things they tried to do was fence their land. The horses were
all being used to clear the land and get the crops planted, so
Frank Jensen carried green cottonwood posts from down in
the timber clear up to where the old Sunnydell school
stands. They finally got their farm fenced and partly under
cultivation. The bam and the house that they built after they
were here a year or two were the best that there was in the
community. They are still standing and are in good condi-
tion. Six or eight years later, in the spring of 1919, the
Magleby family purchased this land and are still living
there .
Other early families coming to Sunnydell to settle were
David A. Wilcox, Boyd Wilcox, Samuel A. Wilcox, Hill-
mans, the Squires, Jim Byrne, Morgans, Winters, Christen-
sens, Castles, Beckstroms, Kjelins, Niederers, Muirs, Mar-
vin Cook, Sidney Weekes, George Weekes, and John
Weekes.
At first the men took teams, shovels and scrapers, and
went to work without much thought of permanent organiza-
tion, but as more land was cleared and new settlers arrived,
organization became a necessity. It was about 1886 when an
organization known as the Lyman Irrigation Canal Com-
pany was fonned. From the papers of John Weekes we
quote: "In 1886 a survey was run from the river north for
the purpose of getting out water to irrigate the lower land of
Mr. Lyman, the Squires, Wilcoxes, Butlers, Thompsons,
and Paynes. In 1891 the water got through. A corporation
was formed and James Byrne made president with Boyd
Wilcox, secretary.' "
All the men who worked on this canal were interested in
a team owned by James Byrne, named Buck and Deck. They
each weighed between fourteen and fifteen hundred pounds.
Buck was a buckskin, and Deck, an irony gray. No one
around the country owned a finer team and none but the best
teamsters were allowed to drive them. Ethan Young, John
Weekes, and Archie Galbraith were among the favorites.
This team was good on the plow, scraper, or rock boat but
they did their most outstanding work at the head of the canal.
At the command of their driver, they would swim the river,
be it high or low, carrying a man, pulling a wagon or a cable
to the island in the river. One day a boom was caught by the
current and carried down stream some distance. Archie Gal-
braith, John Weekes, and Will Morgan took the team and
went after it. The men tied a cable about six feet back from
the head of the boom, hooked the team to it and started up the
river--the team was pulling from the bank. When they came
to a bend in the river, a stiff current caught the head of the
boom and was forcing it out into the head of the stream. The
river bank at this point was some four feet high and the water
was from eight to ten feet deep. Buck and Deck set their feet
firmly in the gravely soil, but were slowly being dragged
backward with the force of the current.
John Weekes, who could always think quickly in an
emergency, ran back along the boom to where he could jump
onto the bank. He ran to the team and cut Buck's tug with a
pocket knife. As the single-tree fell back, the clip was jerked
off the other end. This threw all the load on Deck, who pulled
with all his might until the single-tree broke, releasing both
horses. The men, watching, breathed a sigh of relief, for had
the team been pulled backward down the bank and into the
deep water, no human power could have saved them.
There were many discouraging times ahead. Excavating
the canal was easy work compared to maintaining its head.
Often the men worked all winter, only to have their accomp-
lishments washed away by high water in the spring; or the
temperamental Snake might change its course somewhat
and, after spring floods, the water flow would drop so low
that the canal would be left high and dry when the water was
most needed. John Weekes recalled working thirty-two con-
tinuous days to get the water back in the canal in time to save
the crops.
It was hard on the men working waist-deep in the water
to force the stream from washing out their headings. Scarcely
a day passed when a life was not endangered by this precari-
ous task. Even the strongest men became discouraged. There
came a day when David Wilcox was the only man on the job.
After work he reported to President James Byrne, who said,
"Stay with it, Dave, and I'll stay with you." Finally in 1891,
the water got through."*
'This information was taken from the book entitled Pioneer Irrigation:
Upper Snake River Valley: compiled and edited by Kate B. Carter.
The other source of information for this history was an article entitled
"History of Archer-Lyman and Vicinity; compiled by Myrtle Kennington.
The first school was held in the home of Marvin Cook.
Laura, his wife, was the first teacher and they had only one
room. The next year, Silas Buckland let the school use his
granary for one term. The following summer Dave Wilcox
and Silas Buckland went to the hills and got out logs and
built a little log school where the Sunnydell school now
stands. After a few years of service this building was re-
placed by a new rock building. The rock was quarried up on
the hill six miles east. Later a partition was put in the school
building which made two rooms, then they were able to
have two teachers. In March 1930 this building burned and
the term was finished in the Lumber Yard building at Byrne
Siding. The next year school was held in a new rock build-
ing. The same rock was used and more added, which came
from the same quarry. A lovely two room school was built
with a full basement that was used as an amusement hall for
dances, basketball, and banquets.
Although this is the first time there has been a branch
organized in Sunnydell, for many years after the school
house was built, church meetings were held in the school as a
convenience for the people who lived in this area. Time was
taken from school hours for Primary, and for several years
there were two Primary presidencies and organizations in the
Archer Ward - one at Archer and one at Sunnydell.
In 1929 the first Primary was organized in Sunnydell
with Helen Hillman, president; Ivy Weekes, 1st Counselor
and Clara Hunsaker, 2nd Counselor; Edna Wilcox, Secretary
and Organist.
Pearl Weekes recalls two instances when Sister Mary
Liljenquist was Primary President at Sunnydell. "We had
many, many socials, dances, and parties of all kinds. The last
of Sister Liljenquist's parties I remember, she asked that we
make a freezer of ice cream. I did, and when she went to get it
to serve, Erastus Weekes, Blaine Liljenquist, and some of the
other boys had taken it down to her home and were eating it.
She found them down there and she made them pay for it!"
' ' Another time Sister Liljenquist had the braiding of the
May Pole over to her place. Some of the children got playing
in the canal there and fell in the water. She used some
blankets to wrap them in, washed their clothes, and she had a
mangle there and pressed them. After that, they still went on
with their May Pole."
Sister Weekes tells about the dances that were held in
the Sunnydell School. "Henry Taylor, who just recently
celebrated his 90th birthday, used to play the violin and his
daughter, Neta, played the piano for the dances. Once in a
while, Delos Nelson would spell Henry off with the violin. I
remember a polygamist dance that they danced up there once
the only time I've ever seen it. One man would take two
ladies and dance with them. Ivy and I had the privilege of
dancing with Selar Cheney that way."
The Sunnydell School was used until the consolidation
of the schools, after which it stood idle for some six years. It
was then converted into a beautiful home by Ezra and Mary
Liljenquist.
In 1915 a branch of the Oregon Short Line railroad was
built through Sunnydell along the hill and the siding named
Byrne was built at this time. Corey Brother's Construction
did the work on the railroad, and they had a railroad camp
down just east of where Steve Sutton lives. All the grading
work was done with horses and mules. The story is told by
Ellis Wilcox that one thing he remembers about the railroad
being built was that one of the crew got a little despondent
and sat down on a rock, put a blasting cap in his mouth, and lit
it.
At one time Byrne Siding was supposed to become a
town as big as Ririe. Although it never did quite make it, it
was the location of several businesses. There were two sec-
tion houses built at the siding for the railroad crew to live in,
and a small depot. That same fall the Sugar Company built a
high-line beet dump and began receiving beets there.
The following year, Oscar E. Mayhugh built a store
which he opened for business in November. Land was purch-
ased from D.A. Wilcox on which to build. A lumber yard,
run by John Buckland also was built in 1917, and joined the
store. They handled a large stock of lumber and some hard-
ware.
In July 1917, a grain elevator was built across the tracks
from the store called the Inter-Ocean Company, later
changed to Midland Elevator Grain Company. Delmo Cook
was one of the early operators of this elevator.
There were also three potato cellars built at the siding for
handling area potatoes for shipment. And in July, 1931,
David Manwaring built coal bins large enough to hold two
car loads of coal there.
In 1912-13 a new chapel was built to replace the old log
structure located near the old Briggs store. The new building
was built of white sandstone from the quarry just east of
Byrne Siding. CM. Squires contracted the job for
$2,375.00. The rock building stood about one-fourth mile
south of Archer School. Mark Austin, stake president, dedi-
cated the building 18 May 1919. This building was replaced
on the same location by the red brick structure now occupied
jointly by Archer and Sunnydell wards. Construction began
May 8, 1953. Cost was originally estimated at $140,000.00.
Total costs were $147,000.00 Sterling W. Sill dedicated the
chapel 12 Dec. 1954. Following is the program and dedicat-
ory prayer.
DEDICATORY SERVICES
ARCHER WARD CHAPEL - DECEMBER 12, 1954
Prelude Music Bessie Wilcox, Ethelyn Erickson
Song Choir and Congregation
"We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet"
Directed by Theron Cheney
Invocation John Wilcox
First Counselor
Introduction of Guests
and Remarks Bishop Bernarr Erickson
Songs - - Primary Children
"This is the Lord's House"
"Bless This House"
Directed by Reta Nelson
Berniece Nielson, Accompanist
Remarks Glenn Sharp
Remarks - Russell Grover
Song Ward Choir
"Seek Ye the Lord"
Remarks _ - - Harry Willmore
Remarks President John L. Clarke
Song Youth Chorus
"True to the Faith"
Directed by Mark Young
Agnes Orr, Accompanist
Sermon and Dedicatory Prayer Elder Sterling W, Sill
Assistant to the Council of Twelve
Closing Song Ward Choir
"For God So Loved the World"
Benediction Gayland Robison
Second Counselor
Postlude Bessie Wilcox, Ethelyn Erickson
The Archer Ward has been greatly blessed t+»ese
peit years in the gathering of funds and in tfie ere«.Hon
of ? beautiful new chapel.
We have been blessed with the materials and means
with which it has been erected. Our efforts have been
well worthwhile.
We ape happy that every family in the ward has
helpecf in some way. We are grateful for this help. In
wishing you a Merry Christmas, we invite you to come
and^take part in the activities and services to be held
in' this new chapel throughout a Happier New Year.
Sincerely your brethren,
ARCHER WARD BISHOPRIC
DEDICATORY PRAYER
by Sterling W . Sill
12 December 1954, Archer, Idaho
In faith and in gratitude, Father in Heaven, we have
assembled in this beautiful building to worship Thee and to
express our gratitude for this building which has been erected
to be dedicated to Thy Name. We are grateful unto Thee, our
Father in Heaven, for all the blessings of our Uves and we are
grateful unto Thee for this lot on which the building rests and
for Thy Gospel as known by the repentent on the earth. We
are grateful to live in this country, to have our freedom to
worship Thee because of our own desire to do so. We are
grateful unto Thee, our Father in Heaven, for the material
prosperity which we enjoyed and which has enabled us to
build this house to Thy Name. We are grateful to Thee,
Father in Heaven, for our families and for all we have, and for
the gospel in our lives which will thus enable us to see the
power of our place of service, and to take us back into Thy
presence. We are grateful unto Thee, our Father in Heaven,
for Thy prophet this year to lead us and direct us by Your
instruction.
We gather before Thee to dedicate this house to Thy
Name. We are grateful. Father in Heaven, for our righteous
values which enable us to build this house. We ask for Thy
blessing on all those who took part in any way in the erection.
Bless those who have planned this building and those who
have furnished the material and those who have labored to
make this building an accomplished fact, and those whose
work, whose time, and whose means have made this building
possible. We pray unto Thee that our payment will save men.
We ask Thee that Thou wilt forgive us of any failure that
You may see in us; that we may be accepted in Thy hands that
this also may be accepted into Thy hands; that we too may be
blessed as Thy children, that Thy children will be pleased to
come here to praise and worship Thee in prayer, and that they
may keep Thy commandments eagerly and that we may study
eagerly and leam Thy ways and walk in Thy paths.
We pray that we may live up to Thy teachings. We pray
that nothing shall be a discredit to this house, or a disgrace to
Thy spirit. Father in Heaven, we pray that Thy children may
be trained here in righteousness, and that Thy servants may
go forth from this house armed with the numerous tidings of
the truth to the ends of the earth and that all men may know
that they are partaking of that glory because of our example.
May they be virtuous and trustworthy.
We unite our prayers to dedicate this the Archer Ward
meeting house as a place to worship to Thy name. We
dedicate the building and the fixtures and the equipment and
the walls and the floors and all that pertain unto it, and ask
that Thy protection might be here. That Thy spirit may be
here, that this place may be a place of reverence and be a holy
house in which we dedicate our lives to Thy service, and that
we may leam to love Thee with all our might and with all our
mind and strength and that we may love and teach Thy
Gospel in service and in love. We pray, our Father in
Heaven, that Thy glory may rest upon Thy people, this ward,
and ufxjn this house, and that we may be worthy to realize
that paimise which Thou hast given to us. Our Father in
Heaven, we ask Thee for all of these blessings and all others
that Thou seest we are in need of.
We dedicate this builiding in Thy name under the au-
thority which we hold in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.
As the years have come and gone, the term Sunnydell
has become almost extinct. Many of the new people in the
area are probably not even aware that such a place has ever
existed. But to the people who have lived in this special
spot--this Sunnydell, as Mr. Hawley so nicely named
it-having the name recalled from their past to once again
distinguish the beautiful place they live, is a very exciting
and special event.
From the early settlement of this area. Archer and Sun-
nydell had separate school districts; they were not consoli-
dated until 1915.
However, Sunnydell had been a part of the Archer Ward
since 2 March 1902 when the Lyman Ward was divided, but
all things change with time. Sacrament Meeting October 8,
1978, was a memorable one in the Archer Ward. The time
had arrived to make the division.
Keith L. Peterson, President of the Rexburg Idaho Stake
and Counselors, Leo M. Smith and Charles M. Grant were in
attendance. President Peterson conducted. The dividing line
was to be the street west from the Leonard Clements home to
the river. All those living on the south side of the street would
be in the Archer Ward.
The name chosen for the new ward was Sunnydell (the
dividing line was almost identical with the former school
district line). The members were asked for a standing vote
which was unanimous and in the affirmative. Bishop Lyle J.
Robison, former bishop of the Archer Ward and Counselors
Stanley E. Nielson and R. Wayne Siddoway were now living
in the new ward. Bishop Robison was released as Bishop of
the Archer Ward and his name was presented for a sustaining
vote as Bishop of the new Sunnydell Ward. The voting was
unanimous and in the affirmative. So it was that Lyle J.
Robison became the first Bishop of the Sunnydell Ward.
His former counselors Stanley E. Nielson and R. Wayne
Siddoway were sustained and accepted by a unanimous vote.
Another officer sustained was Sister Zara H. Beck as Relief
Society President. Her counselors were not chosen at this
time. Thus a new ward came into being with a membership of
306.
It is the smallest ward in the stake, but by no means the
least. While the boundary lines have remained the same,
Sunnydell has been a part of the Bannock Stake, the Frem-
ont Stake, Rexburg and now Rexburg Idaho East Stake.
There were many mixed emotions at this meeting. It was
like dividing a large family who had lived, loved and worked
together through the many years; yet it was willingly ac-
cepted by the members, knowing that it would give many
others the opportunity to serve, and it is through service that
we grow.
Lyman Settled As An L.D.S. Center in 1882
By Max Briggs, Archer Ward
The first real pioneers who came to the Snake River
Forks country, came to Lyman several years before Rexburg
(called "Kaintuck" on 1884 Postal Map) was settled. John
and Albert Lyon settled on Lyon Creek (later called Lyman
Creek) in 1871. These men brought the first cattle into the
country and confined their efforts to stock-raising. It is
thought that old man Lyon and a baby both died and were
buried on this land (east of Keith Clements' present farm
home). The baby smothered from being wrapped too well
one winter. The first farmer was J.F. Barry, a brother-in-law
to the Lyons. He and his wife and four children came to the
district in 1873. He constructed a four-room log house at the
mouth of the canyon on the South side of the Creek. Bill
Bums, a trapjjer, who had a cabin up the river at the mouth of
Bums Creek, assisted in building the house. In 1875, Bill
Ennis, a cow-puncher, gave Mr. Barry some wheat and oats
which were planted. It was cut with a scythe, threshed with a
flail, and cleaned in the wind. The Barrys moved to Moody
Creek in 1878.
The summer of 1 878 was extremely hot and dry and that
fall a prairie fire was started near the site of the Sunnydell
school house. There was a 60-miIe wind blowing and the fire
swept the entire country up to Island Park and over into Teton
Basin in about 48 hours. The people saved their homesteads
and part of their hay by plowing around them. After the fire
the Lyons went to Teton Valley.
Theodore Lyman (who was the son of Mormon Apostle
Amasa Mason Lyman by his sixth wife, Priscilla Turley)
came to Lyon Creek in 1882. He was a widower, but he had
two children, Guy and Theodore, and his mother (widowed
herself in 1877) was with him and took care of the children.
He occupied the cabin built for the Barry's earlier. Because
of the similarity of names, his name was soon given to the
creek and later to the town. He left by 1885.
In the early spring of 1883, Silas Buckland settled on
Lyman Creek and built a cabin on the north side of the creek,
plowed and planted some grain, then went back to Utah for
his wife and five children. His wife was Kamellia Luella
Pack, whose father had been on the Salmon River mission,
earlier.
In 1 879, James H. Murphy of Morgan, Utah, and others
explored through the valley, and in 1883, Mr. Murphy re-
turned with his family. They pitched their tent in sagebrush
high as a horse, and began to clearoff land for a garden. They
cleared three acres, which was planted to rye, beets and
turnips, radishes, onions and beans. The garden matured
without water.
They built a house of cottonwood logs cut from the river
bottoms. The house had two rooms, dirt floor, dirt roof, and
windows covered with cloth. Candles were used for lighting.
During the summer twelve families moved here. They
had to hurry to get houses built before winter set in. The
winter was a lean one; the Murphy garden saved them all
from hunger. Mr. Murphy's rye was used by the whole
colony. It was ground in a coffee grinder and then put
through a sieve. The portions too large to go through the
sieve were used for cereal; the finer parts for flour.
At Christmas time, Mr. Murphy took his homemade,
nailless bobsled down on the river bottoms and killed deer for
everybody. The snow was two to four feet deep that winter.
The following spring several more families moved in.
On the 28th of June, 1883, the Briggs and Arnold
families arrived from Salt Lake City. They crossed the An-
derson Toll Bridge at Eagle Rock, paying a toll of $1 .25 per
wagon. The company consisted of Amos G. and Ruth Arnold
and family and Miss Mary Powell (Mrs. Arnold's sister) who
later became the wife of George S. Arnold; George and Sarah
Susannah Briggs and two small children, and Charles and
Ellen Briggs. Others who came September 9, 1883, were
Wilham J. Young, his wife Zilpah Rebecca (Archer) and five
children who came from Fairfield, Utah; William Simmons
and wife Emma, and Gideon Murphy and wife Alice (Sim-
mons) and three children. These families all settled near the
Murphys. Cyrus Hawley and Frank Cook, who went south-
east above the Lymans and Bucklands.
On the 15th of September came the Edward Galbraith
and John C. Reid families from Smithfield, Utah. They
brought with them two young men, relatives of Mrs. Reid
and Mrs. Galbraith, John Sharp and Isaac Gill. The Gal-
braiths settled on the place where Oral Beck now lives. David
Robison and his two wives, Mary E. and Johanna F., and
their two families also came that summer. Sidney and Ann
Weekes and their small family, and George S. and John,
Sidney's nearly grown sons also came that summer.
About the month of October, another group of settlers
came: Charles Briggs, Sr., his wife Mary Ann(Worrall), and
children, Luke, Mary Ann, Jim and Will. They had stayed
the season on a rented farm in Bountiful, Utah. Charles and
Ellen Briggs were expecting their first child in December and
went back to Utah.
The last of October or first of November another group
of settlers came. The Fosters had been baptized into the
Mormon Church in Michigan and came to Utah in 1882.
They settled in Camp Floyd where they lived one year than
came to Idaho along with the Dan and John Taylor and
Thomas Bates families. Lydia Foster, a sister of Charley,
brought flower seeds and some choice bulbs and shrubs. A
red peony was seen blooming in many places where she
lived, but it was dug up and taken with her whenever there
was a move. She was credited with bringing the first peony
into this country.
As the Fosters made camp on the Portneuf River they
noticed other parties joining them, Dan and John Taylor and
Thomas Bates were among those who came from Tooele.
The Taylor boys were very musically inclined and as they got
out their violins that evening and began to play, the Foster
family joined in and started singing. A mutual friendship
developed which carried on through their lives. The Foster
family settled on the banks of the river on what is known as
the Jack Stacey place and the Taylor and Bates families
homesteaded nearby.
On March 17, 1884 Andrew S. Anderson of Lewisville,
surveyed a canal for the settlers of Lyman - the Square Top
Grove Canal. It was named for a grove of trees which had
been popular for building purposes, and was close by the
head of the canal. A few days later he surveyed a townsite
which was called Lyman, honoring Theodore Lyman who
had taken up land in 1882. The townsite was mostly George
Briggs' property and consisted of a square of 49 10-acre
blocks, divided by six-rod streets. Each block was divided
into four 2 '/2 acre lots. This left space enough for each family
to have its own well and keep its own stock on the place.
The year of 1884 was the beginning of the Briggs store.
People in the community left orders at the Briggs home for
anyone going to Rexburg or Market Lake to bring the few
things they needed and leave them at the Briggs place, which
was quite centrally located. Later George Briggs worked in
Eagle Rock for some time and had to take his pay in store
goods (cash was often very scarce in the Upper Valley), so he
brought ten gallons of coal oil, a sack of sugar and a case of
soap. They sold these in small quantities and when he went to
Eagle Rock next he was able to buy a better variety of
groceries with the money he earned. From this small begin-
ning their mercantile business grew. His home was on a
comer (Lot 2 in Block 34), soon he had a store building on the
comer and did a lot of trade.
Youngs (William J., followed by his son Mark) have
continuously lived on their lot (Lot 2 in Block 37) until the
present time. In about 1885, Luke Briggs received the mail
near the site of the present Lorenzo bridge. It was brought
there from Idaho Falls, taken across the river by boat; after
receiving it there, he delivered it to Rexburg, Teton and Egin.
He received cancellation of stamps for the portion carried
from Rexburg back to Lyman. His total earning for 9 months
was $7, but his efforts helped Lyman get a post office. Near
that time William J. Young obtained his first of three subse-
quent mail routes. It extended from Lyman, through Inde-
pendence, Burton, Rexburg and return. Later he applied for a
bigger route and was granted one including Lewisville and
Rigby . He and his two sons George and Alfred operated these
routes until after the railroad bridge was built at Lorenzo in
1899.
Arnolds lived on their lot (Lot 3 in Block 22) until about
1890. Sidney Weekes lived on his homesite (Lot 2 or 3 in
Block 35) until about 1887 or 1888. Payns, Joseph, Mary
Ann and Hilery, came here in 1883, lived on their farm, east
of where the Lyman Church was later built, until about 1895
when they sold their farm and bought some property near the
church. They buih a home here (Lot 1 in Block 36). Before
this they had lived on the route to the ford near the Amos
Allen place, where people from lona, Willow Creek, and
other southern settlements would go each fall to Rexburg to
get their grain gaiund into flour. Mrs. Payn would always
call to the travelers. "Come on in, mate, and have a bite,"
and panide milk and some cake, cookies or just bread and
butter to the tired traveler.
There were many who had to ford the river because of
necessity. A person never having had this experience could
not realize what it meant. The cobblestones on the river
bottom were hard, the wheels sliding over the rocks caused
the wagon tongue to rock back and forth against the horses
and they found footing very unsure and hazardous. The water
would often come up into the wagon box and at times it would
seem that everything would go down the river. Sometimes
there were accidents when either horse or wagon were lost
and sometimes both. The Arnolds lost their team this way
when they first came here. Briggs in his freighting business
had several narrow escapes, using the fords on the Foster,
Young or Murphy places.
The homestead laws made it necessary for people to live
on the land they "took up" for five years, so mostly people
moved out onto their farms, perhaps just moving back to the
townsite for two or three months each winter so the children
could attend school. The summer of 1 884 saw the first school
established with Zilpah E. Young as teacher. Only 14 or 15
years of age herself, she willingly took on this work. She was
to receive a dollar a month per child -- there were 18 or 20
students. The next year school was taught in the James
Murphy house -- two log rooms where Roy Gardner now
lives. Cora Sill was the teacher there a few years. Then the
district built a one-room log school (Lot 1 in Block 23) where
school was taught until the district was divided. Miss Cora
Sill, Miss Mary Jane Entwistle, Mr. Byrd Trego, and Miss
Florence Adams taught in this school.
The first blacksmith shop was operated by Gideon Mur-
phy. A smithy was a real necessity in pioneer times. Many
times the smith evidenced a touch of genius in the equipment
he could fashion. The shop was probably located near the
Briggs store, in front and a little south of Briggs' big granary.
Gideon Murphy moved to Chapin in Teton valley about the
year 1887. John Taylor was a smith, but in 1885, he traded
his home to the shoemaker, Olaf P. Johanson, and moved up
to the Lyman place. Here he put in a dam up Lyman Creek a
quarter or half mile and fashioned a water-powered saw mill
and made his own lumber for a house. He installed a smithy
near his home and did much work to accommodate his
neighbors. He had married Ann Foster and it was a year or so
later that the Foster and Bates families left here for Teton
Basin. The hard work of establishing canals caused them to
go -- Teton valley was filled with creeks, any of which could
be dammed and turned aside.
The first baby bom in the settlement was George Briggs,
Jr., bom 13 August 1883 to George and Sarah Susannah
Briggs. His mother wrote: "When our house was completed
it consisted of one room, 14 by 16 feet, without floor or
windows. We hung a quilt over the door opening until fall
when we were able to buy lumber for a door. For fumiture we
had a home-made table and cupboard, an old stove, and posts
driven in the ground for a bedstead. " Other babies bom that
season were Elizabeth Reid, bom 22 September 1883,
daughter of John C. and Jane Reid; and Lois Buckland, bom
4 December 1883 to Silas and Luella Buckland.
"In the spring of 1884," wrote Mrs. George Briggs,
"we had no seed to plant our land. Grandma Briggs and I
prayed eamestly to the Lord to open up the way for us to get
seed. One night my husband dreamed that he went over the
river and met a man who said, 'Are you the man who has a
pony to trade for oats and potatoes?' It was so real to him that
the next moming he went to the river, and crossing it, he met
the same man he had seen in his dream, and he let him have
enough oats to plant six acres of land and a double bed wagon
load of potatoes in exchange for the pony. Grandma and I felt
that our prayers had been fully answered."
"On July 25, 1885, a thought came into my mind to go
with Severin Christensen to the Snake River Valley, after he
told me of the land and conditions of this new place, which
had been settled about two years. ' ' With these words Olaf P.
Johanson told of his first entry into the Snake River Valley.
Just arrived from his native Sweden where he had filled a
mission, the entire experience was new to him. He told of
first leaming how to put the hamesses on the horses; his first
experience riding in a covered wagon, and cooking meals
over an open fire. It took them a week to travel from Hyde
Parte to Lyman. From Smithfield they traveled with Sidney
Weekes who was making a return journey.
When they arrived in Lyman August 3rd, they found all
the houses filled. "Severin and I cut willows and cottonwood
and put up a shanty. Severin had a wagon cover and he put
that over us. It was just east of Mark Young's place (the
William J. Young cabin)."
"It was soon made known that I was a shoemaker, and
the people brought their shoes for mending. It was dry and
dusty, and because the wind would gather up the dust from
the ground, I had to put my chair on the table so I could sew
the shoes and the dust would not blow in my face. Thank the
Lord we only lived in this place two days.
"August 5th, John Taylor came and offered his place to
me. It was located about half a mile east from where we were.
He asked fifty dollars for it. The house was 16' x 18' and
about 6' to the roof, and about 7 logs to the square. It was
made of large cottonwood logs which had been picked up
along the river. The cottonwood was used for the roof and dirt
was put on top of it. There was one door on the south and a
window on the west. The floor was made of sawed lumber.
There was one stable, a well with a curb made of split
cottonwood; there was a squatter's right to 160 acres of land,
also. I liked the place but it was hard to raise the $50. Severin
had a heating stove which he let John Taylor have for $17. I
was to make a new pair of boots for $7. That was nearly half
the debt and the balance he would take as I was able to pay it.
On the 6th of August we moved in." Johanson returned to
Utah the next summer and returned to Lyman the fall of 1 886
with a bride from Sweden.
Lyman became a branch of the Bannock ward on Oc-
tober 27, 1883, with Sidney Weekes as presiding Elder.
Meetings were held regularly in private homes until June
1884, when a little log meeting house was built. In Nov.
1883, William J. Young was made President of the
Y. M.M.I. A. March 24, 1884 the first Sunday School was
organized with William J. Young as superintendent, George
Briggs and Isaac Gill as counselors and Norman Foster as
secretary. This meeting was held at the home of Hyrum
Simmons, there being 51 persons present. Each week the
Sunday School was held in different homes of Roman
Seipert, Henry Foster and William J. Young. The Young
home was a social center for the pioneers and the hospitathty
and entertainment of this musically minded family brought
much joy and gayety into their lives. They were the proud
owners of an organ, the only one in the community, and
Brother Young did much to develop the love of music in the
hearts of the people .
The first Y. W.M.I. A. was organized on August 30,
1884, with Nora Foster as president. The first Primary was
organized February 25, 1885 with Annie H. Weekes as
president. Mary E. Robison was the first president of the
Relief Society.
On June 5, 1884 at a meeting held in the Amos G.
Arnold log home, Lyman branch was organized into a ward
with Sidney Weekes as bishop and George Briggs as first
counselor. Later, Niels C. Christensen was chosen as second
counselor. Stake President Thomas E. Ricks and Elders
Heber J. Grant and Wilford Woodruff of the Quorum of the
Twelve were present. By July 31,1 885 the total ward mem-
bership numbered 137.
On May 18, 1886 a new bishopric was set apart for
Lyman Ward by John W. Taylor. It consisted of Amos G.
Arnold, Bishop; Dana O. Walton, first counselor; and
Hyrum B. Simmons, second counselor. These men served
until May, 1 887 when Amos G. Arnold resigned and William
J. Young was chosen as presiding priest with George Briggs
as assistant on May 17, 1887. Lyman again became a branch
and was attached to Rexburg First Ward until August 21,
1887 when Samuel A. Wilcox was sustained as bishop. On
November 27, 1887 Amos G. Arnold was chosen as first
counselor and Hyrum B. Simmons as second counselor. In
1890 Bishop Wilcox selected new counselors, John Castle as
first and Thomas Atkinson as second. In 1900 Thomas At-
kinson became bishop with Olaf P. Johanson as first coun-
selor and D.A.Osbum as second counselor. They served
until the ward was divided.
The first burial ground selected by the citizens of
Lyman, Oneida (now Madison) County, Idaho, was located
in the field later homesteaded by Enoch Martin, and owned
successively by Charles Bums, and Fred Dietrich, and pres-
ently (1978) by George Fyfe - the southeast quarter of
section 30, township 5, north range 40, east of the Boise
Meridian.
So far as can be determined only three children's graves
were located in this burial place, and apparently they were all
buried close to each other -- a rod or two west and 500 feet or
so north of the house built by Charles Bums. These graves
are: William David Murphy, son of Gideon M. and Alice
Simmons Murphy, bom 14 Jan. 1885; Charles Joseph
Weekes, son of Sidney and Annie Bennett Weeks, bom and
died 1 July 1885; and Minnie Foster, daughter of Charles H.
and Sarah Janett (Nettie) Wilson Foster, bom Oct. 1 884, and
died Sept. 1886. The Foster cabin bumed and the little girl
lost her life in the fire.
This ground was on a rocky knoll and had other disad-
vantages, and in the year 1 887 a group of citizens set about to
select a site for a cemetery. The plot of ground they selected
was located near the northeast comer of the southwest quarter
of the northwest quarter of section 33, township 5, north
range 40, east of the Boise Meridian. At the time his plot of
ground was chosen as a cemetery, the land belonged to the
U.S. Govemment. It is located near the edge of the hill; the
beautiful, juniper covered mountain makes a choice back-
ground for this cemetery.
Among the citizens who were residing at Lyman at the
time this cemetery was located were Amos G. Amold,
George S. Amold, George Briggs, Charles Briggs, and
Charles Briggs, Jr., Thomas Bates, Charles Foster, Edward
Galbraith, William Simmons, Henry B. Simmons, Henry
Foster, Samuel A. Wilcox, Olaf P. Johanson, John Castle,
Alfred Higgins, Hymm Thompson, James H. Murphy, John
Reid, Silas Buckland, John Taylor, Willard Weekes. Joseph
Payn, David Robison, Sidney Weekes and others. In the
spring of 1892, Alanson S. Sutton came west and filed on the
land where the major portion of the cemetery plot was lo-
cated. In September, 1892 a group of the above named men
entered into an agreement with Mr. Sutton to purchase the
land. Mr. Sutton agreed to give the land (about ten acres)
provided that no part of it should ever be used as a "potter's
field."
The first burial in the cemetery was Margaret Jane Burt
Squires, wife of David M. Squires. She died 19 October
1887, shortly after the birth of her second child. The next
year David moved back to Brigham City, Utah, and had his
wife's body disinterred and moved to Brigham City. The next
burial was Fanny Louisa Higgins Marshall, wife of John
Horsey Marshall. She died 27 November 1887, aged 35
years, and left five children, all under 10 years of age.
Another early burial was Edith Ellen Bates, daughter of
Thomas George and Nora Alberta Foster Bates, bom 13
January 1888 and died 23 September 1888.
In 1891, 1895, and 1896 the dread diphtheria stmck in
the community and many families lost heavily. In 1891 the
John C. and Jane Reid family lost four children in five days.
In 1895 the Charles and Ellen Briggs family lost two boys and
the John and Emily Higgins Castle family lost three children
in a few days. In 1896 the Sidney and Annie Weekes family
lost three children in two weeks. Several other families lost
children through these epidemics.
On April 1 , 1899 a mass meeting was held and a cemet-
ery organization was effected with Alanson S. Sutton as
president and George Briggs as secretary and Heber C. Robi-
son, Isaac Smith and John Taylor to constitute the rest of the
board of Trustees. Under the direction of this group, fence
material was provided and a fence built around the cemetery
plot; which also included a tract of land on the southeast
which was under Alfred Higgins' entry. This fencing also
included a tract of land on the northeast of the cemetery plot
10
which was owned by the United States Government, but was
later tiled on by John W. Jackson. Alfred Higgins agreed to
deed the land to the cemetery organization as soon as he
obtained a patent from the government.
In December 1904 the cemetery was surveyed and plat-
ted by O.E. Peterson at a cost of thirty dollars. The platting
did not include a portion of the cemetery I8OV2 feet east and
west by 2 1 0 feet north and south lying near the north side and
extending south in about the center of the cemetery where
burials had taken place before 1904.
February 4. 1889 excavation began for a new meeting
house on the same lot as the old one (lots 3 and 4 of block 34).
The snow had to be scraped away and fires built to thaw out
the ground. There was a large stand built in the east end of the
room, about two feet higher than the main floor, where a set
could dance the quadrille. Here the old people would sit and
look on while the dancing was in progress. The length of the
meeting house was 45 feet, with 24 '72 feet wide and a I2V2
foot ceiling. Pine lumber was used on all the sides. There
were three windows on both the north and south sides. They
were six feet four inches. The door, seven by three feet, with
a transom above the door. The roof was of shingles. Most of
the lumber used was brought from the sawmill in Wyoming;
they went with team by way of Victor. By going there they
were able to get the lumber very cheap. They made more
comfortable benches; each family either made one or paid for
one.
Sidney Weekes was a polygamist and spent some time
in prison as a result of living his religion. His first wife was
Susan Elizabeth Pilgrim and she remained in Smithfield,
Utah. Ann Bennett Harris was his second wife, she was the
widow of Joseph Harris who was killed from a tree falling on
him while working in the mountains.
Another polygamist in Lyman was Alfred Blackburn,
whose wives were mother and daughter -- Catherine Briggs,
and Mary Jane Entwistle. His first wife lived in Lyman (lot 1
of block 2), while his second wife lived mostly in Rexburg.
He, too, served a prison term because of living his religion.
David Robison was a polygamist and a man of God. For
many years he served as patriarch in the Bannock (Rexburg)
Stake. His third and fourth wives both lived in Lyman, on
either side of the road leading to Rexburg. They were Mary
E. Grover Simmons and Johanna F. Kafvelstrom. He raised a
fine family, many of whom are active in the church, both in
Lyman, Archer, and elsewhere.
"May we all strive to pattern our lives after our Pioneer
ancestors, who pioneered this great country, and left us a
heritage we can never forget."
—Max E. Briggs, September 20, 1978
Pioneering
The Ferries
In 1885, population north of the river had grown to
4,253 people. Before the ferries, people north of the river
went twice a year to Taylor Bridge (Eagle Rock, now Idaho
Falls) for supplies. The trip took about two weeks. Some
anchored boats for the return trip. On the way back the men
unloaded the wagons and took them apart, rowing them
across piecemeal, coming back several times to pick up the
loads, then reassembling the wagons and reloading them.
The horses swam across. The Briggs family lost a wagon
fording the river with a load of supplies for the store; so did
the Arnold family and others. These ferries filled a desper-
ate need of the people in crossing a natural geographic bar-
rier.
In 1886 Hyrum Grayle of Butte, Montana, Dan Perry,
and CM. Squires, constructed a ferry on the south side of
the Snake River to shorten the route to Idaho Flls and points
south. It was located about three miles above the present
Heise resort, near Blakeley's. Later the boat was sold and
moved downstream to a site on the main river near the
Menan Buttes. Prior to this time there had been a wire
basket on a cable used to bring supplies and mail across the
river. Early settlers remembered going to the river bank and
calling to the people on the other side if they had articles to
send across. This was a big help, as was the ferry later.
About 1894 Richard C. Heise (pronounced Hice), a
traveling salesman, learned from fishermen on the south
fork of the Snake River, about the curative powers of the hot
springs on the north side of the river. Mr. Heise homes-
teaded the surrounding land and built it up with a post
office, a hotel, a swimming pool and adjacent camp
grounds.
About 1900, through the efforts of Mr. Heise and help
from the county in building access roads, a ferry was put in
three miles above Heise Hot Springs. Thomas Morgan
bought this ferry in 1906 when he was 98 years old. About a
year later some young ruffians too hard for him to handle
persuaded Mr. Morgan to get some help. A Mr. Drake and a
Mr. Harrington and perhaps others gave some assistance.
Mr. Morgan was still on the job until he was 103. (He died
at age 108.) The ferry was operated by members of the
Morgan family for many years thereafter.
Ezra Rapp purchased the ferry from Eari Morgan in
1931 and operated it with his sons until the bridge was
completed in 1938. Ezra Rapp also hired rodeo stock from
Montana and attracted cowboys from a wide area to put on a
three-day rodeo on property he owned south of the river
near the ferry. He held a July 4 rodeo annually for several
years.
11
Upper Ferry
Morgan (with white beard)
Upper Ferr>
Mr. Morgan (with white beard) sitting on side
Because of demand for ferry service, it became neces-
sary to have another ferry, hi 1907 Elof Nelson built a ferry
and moved to a lower position to take advantage of a better
current one mile below Heise. A year earlier, Elof built a
house overlooking the ferry position. He and his family
lived there. He had a bell which was rung by patrons. Elof
and his son, Delos, operated the ferry until Delos went on
his mission to England in 1919, at which time they sold to
M. Eugene Holt of Salt Lake City.
ing fell into the river. She struck her head on a rock laying
about one-half her scalp back. Mr. Nelson made sure there
was no hair in the wound and poured whiskey on the scalp
and open wound, laid the scalp back in place, and marvel-
ously it healed. Afterwards she had what appeared to be a
natural part in her hair.
A story is told of one family who ferried their cow
daily across the river to graze. In the evening the cow was
waiting for her ride home.
In 1927 when the Gros Ventre flood occurred, no
Palisades Dam stemmed the flow. The logs and other debris
were so thick they covered the water. Mrs. Holt from her
vantage point in the house on the hill could see a poor old
porcupine stranded on a log. As old Porky moved near one
end of the log, it would dip into the water, and as he would
scramble to get to the other end, he would get wet again.
Finally Mrs. Holt saw the log come to rest against the bank
and the porcupine was saved.
The force of the debris had torn loose one boat under
the ferry. That boat was lost downstream. The ferry plat-
form and the other boat under the ferry eddied around to the
north bank of the stream and lodged there. Downstream,
Delos Nelson resisted three strong impressions that he
should go up the river. Since he no longer had any connec-
tion with the ferry, he saw no reason to go, but finally he
did. There he found and helped Mrs. Holt retrieve the ferry
platform and boat. Mr. Holt was south of the river on his
farm land at the time the flood hit and was unable to get
home for several days.
The Holts operated the ferry without accident to pas-
sengers from 1919 to 1937.
Mrs. Bertha Gavin, daughter of Mr. Heise, decided
that a bridge was needed to assure better access to Heise Hot
Springs at all seasons. She worked tirelessly for years, seek-
ing help from the state and county. When the old 1899
bridge at Lorenzo was to be replaced, the bridge was dis-
mantled and brought to the lower ferry site, piece by piece,
and reconstructed, beginning the fall of 1937. The Holt's
ferry was dismantled at this time to make room for the
bridge.
At one time Elof Nelson was maneuvering a car off the
ferry, and it kept rolling back. He was keeping track of the
safety of his wife, but she moved to the other side of the
ferry, and she stepped on a short plank and losing her foot-
The above budge was over the Snake River at Lorenzo. Through the
efforts of Bertha Gavin, the bridge was moved up river just below Heise
in 1935. It was replaced recently by a two-lane bridge of steel and
concrete.
12
The contractor, a Utah man accustomed to the small
rivers in Utah, was unimpressed by warnings from local
residents to hurry the construction before the sharply rising
water should occur sometime in the spring. The bridge was
reconstructed from both ends to meet in the middle. It was
nearly finished when the water began rising rapidly, (with
no Palisades Dam to check the flow). Work was speeded up
as water shook the bridge. With the bridge vibrating alarm-
ingly, two of the Holt sons helped put in the last bolts which
stabilized the bridge. It was Easter Sunday 1938!
Credits: Foregoing material was secured from Snake River
Echoes. Vol. 4. No. 2 and 3, memories of Nelson and Holt
families, and compilations of Myrtle Kennington and .Mary Stacey
Buckland.
In 1965 a major change was made greatly improving
travel between Archer, Ririe and other areas to the south.
The Twin Bridges, located approximately three or four
miles west of the Bertha Gavin Bridge on the Archer Ririe
Highway, made it possible for travelers to have a more
direct route.
The first of the Twin Bridges going from Archer to Ririe.
The second of the Twin Bridges.
Twin Bridges Park on llie island between the \\\o budges on Archer-Ririe
Highway.
Present day railroad bridge over the South Fork can be seen east of the
Twin Bridges. (Built in 1915.)
Canals
In 1883 the first permanent settlers arrived, Theodore
K. Lyman and Silas Buckland. They settled on the north
and south sides of what was Lyon Creek, but became
Lyman Creek, named for the man who lived on its banks.
The land from the South Fork of the Snake River to Rexburg
became known as Lyman.
Cyrus B. Hawley also arrived in 1883. He discovered a
warm spring along the hillside and with the aid of his sons,
Cyrus, Jr., and Will Hawley, and sons-in-law John Hillman
and Isaac White, brought water from this and other springs
along the hillside down to their homesteads. There was an
even flow of water, and though not large, was sufficient to
water the large orchard and berry patches and other crops.
About 1886 the early settlers organized the Lyman Ir-
rigation Company. Among those who would not be discour-
aged were Silas Buckland, Sidney Weekes, John Weekes,
Robert Weekes, Samuel Wilcox, Boyd Wilcox, David A.
Wilcox, Charles and Wm. P. Squires, Joseph and Hilary
Payn, Edward Butler and a Mr. Thompson. It took five
years (1891) to get the water through. After the survey was
made, the men came with hand plows, slip scrapers, and
tongue-scrapers to help with the work. Stone boats were
built to bring the rock they needed from the foothills.
Slightly below the present railroad bridge was the first canal
head.
As the river changed its course, sometimes the canal
head was left high and dry for the next season's use. The
13
head of the canal has been moved gradually upstream.
Sometimes their winter's work of riprapping was washed
out by the spring high water. At last the head was located at
its present site, and it has been possible to maintain it for a
number of years, one of the better heads on this side of the
river.
The means of holding the river in its course, so water
was available to the head of the canal was always a prob-
lem. Triangular cribs of logs were built pointing upstream
and were filled with rock. Booms made of logs, firmly
secured to the noses of the cribs, and pointing upstream,
helped to deflect the water in the desired direction. The
cribs were fastened by cables to the sides of the river banks.
If the river was cutting into the bank at an unwanted place,
the men did riprapping, which was dumping into the river,
rocks large enough to hold against the force of the river's
current.
> ^^ "^^^^aaik. ^ -
Riprapping on north bank of Snake River (South Fork). (Men unknown)
A rock boat was a contrivance for moving rock short
distances, and where the space was too small for wagons to
be used. The rock boat was made by placing two logs paral-
lel about four feet apart. Heavy planks were nailed across
the top for a floor. A pole was nailed on each side above the
planks and parallel to the logs. A short chain or cable was
fastened to one end of the boat, to the ends of the logs to
pull against. Teams of horses were hitched to this cable.
Rocks too heavy for the men to hft were rolled on to the
boat. Teams pulled these boats to the river bank where the
rocks were rolled into the water to help control erosion.
Whole trees were secured to the rocks with branches down-
stream to help reduce erosion to the river banks.
Robert Weekes and Henry Sutton became experts at
crib and boom making. John Hillman was the powder man.
Rock was blasted from the point of the hill near where they
were working.
These were discouraging times. John Weekes remem-
bers working thirty-two consecutive days to get water back
in the canal in time to save the crops. Men worked winter
and summer, often in waist-deep, icy water. Life-
threatening situations developed almost every day they
worked. James Byme was president of the company, Boyd
Wilcox, secretary, and David A. Wilcox was work fore-
man. Some days Wilcox was the only man on the job. After
one such day, he reported to James Byme who listened and
then replied, "Stay with it, Dave, and I'll stay with you."
And he did. Stockholders gave much credit to these two
men for the success of the first canal sometimes called the
Byme Ditch. A shack was built near the canal head. Some
men stayed there all winter, struggling against the river.
They returned home only for supplies and clean clothes.
Their wives struggled on at home. When stockholders be-
came aware they did not have sufficient rights they began
leasing water and have done so ever since. They have sub-
scribed for additional water rights in Upper Snake River
storage .
In 1897 a new head was constructed to water the higher
ground of the people on the canal. This new branch was
called the Taylor ditch. It watered part of the Hillman place,
the Taylor place, and part of the Buckland place. The ditch
turns west at Lee Sutton's comer and runs into the main
canal down by the Sunnydell school. There the water is
regulated, and if there is too much water, part of it goes
through a check and straight on to the river.
In 1902 they reorganized with John Taylor acting pres-
ident, and Henry Sutton, secretary-treasurer. They renamed
the company Consolidated Feeder Canal Company. The
purpose was to build a canal which would extend into Bur-
ton. After a month's work a report meeting was held and
John Taylor became president, Roman Siepert, vice presi-
dent, with Henry Sutton as secretary. Work was to begin
immediately with a wage of $3.00 for an eight-hour day for
man and team and $2.00 for single hand. The secretary-
treasurer was bonded for $1000, and the directors for $500.
A contract was let to Webster and Woodmansee to
build the canal for $20,000. As the work went on, one and
then another of the stockholders sold his stock. Finally
only Sunnydell and Lyman stockholders were left. They
were liable for the $20,000 which they paid by mortgaging
their farms. The company had not completed their job, and
the company, now reorganized as the Sunnydell Irrigation
Company hired their teenage sons to finish the work. The
loan was paid to stockholders who didn't really expect to
ever be paid.
Water masters were David A. Wilcox (15 years), Ed
Galbraith, Emil Niederer, CM. Hacking, Floyd Wilcox,
D.O. Wilcox, Sr., Irvin Byme, George Munns, Jack Smith,
Dick Boulter, Stephen Grover, Bill Allen, Theron Cheney,
and Sam Kennington (he served two different times).
Lenroot Canal
Quotes from Journal ofOlofP. Johanson
Willard H. Weekes planned the Lenroot Canal and
submitted the plans to Edward A. Lenroot and Olof P.
Johanson. The idea was to have an independent canal for a
few farmers. It was surveyed by Andrew Anderson in the
spring of 1891. E.A. Lenroot took out the cut, and got
Severin Christenson to do his work for four miles. Severin
had two teams ready. He would work one team until they
became tired, then let them rest while the other team
worked. He finished his work in record time. Willard
Weekes also worked. O.P. Johanson started June 1, 1891,
14
using a team and scraper. By June 20 they had a small ditch
ready to where the cut was. In May 1892, work began
again. June 1, 1892, water was brought to the Johanson
fanii. There was considerable trouble getting the ditch to
hold water. They put a dam in the slough to raise the stream
so they could get water.
In January 1895 the capital stock amounted to
$1104.80 and a little more. There were 110 shares and a
little more, at $10.00 a share distributed as follows: E.A.
Lenroot, $548.40; O.P. Johanson, $309.50; Willard H.
Weekes, $246.90.
After they had been in operation a few years they found
that it was very difficult for a small company to handle a
river. The Town or "Square Top" canal people joined with
Lenroot people. The canal was enlarged several times and
the route changed somewhat. More details in O.P. Johanson
history.
Floods
by Mary Stacey Buckland
Up to date the histories of Sunnydell have told all the
nice things about Lyman Creek; let me tell how very cruel
and powerful it was at times. It could bring tons of mud and
water down on us with very little warning like in the spring
of 1962, Valentines day to be exact.
There was deep snow on the foothills and in the moun-
tains. All of a sudden the weather turned warm and rain
began to fall. Ross and I were packed and on our way south
for the winter. Ross was very ill and his suffering was not so
severe down there. When the rain kept coming he turned to
me and said, "I think we had better go back home, we are in
for trouble." And he was right. By the time we arrived
home the water was coming off the hill bringing everything
that would float. It caught in the headgates and bridges
damming the water off. Max, Laurence, Steve and Delia put
on hip boots and took pitchforks and shovels to try and dig
the debris loose. I worried that they would be swept away
with the current. Gladys and I were getting everything we
could move upstairs. Many times during the spring run off
Delia and Steve had played on the front doorstep with this
fishing poles but this time there was no fun or games.
Lm talking about a stream of water 500 feet wide
sweeping down on us with a force that was unbelievable.
The cattle were in the shed bedded down for the night and
when the water started running around them they panicked
and climbed up on the manure pile. The boys tried to drive
them out into the field but they couldn't get them to budge.
One of the cows had a calf which dropped in the water and
was carried away by the strong current. The young calves in
the pens had to be carried to higher ground. We had moved
the cars down in front of the Sunnydell schoolhouse, except
for Max's which stood in water up to the windows. Laur-
ence and Eva had taken their small children to her sisters
where they were safe.
The long night dragged on and the water rose higher
and higher. Our granery and haystacks were standing in
three feet of water; our underground gas tank had water
running down one opening and gasoline shooting up out of
the other and as luck would have it we had just had the tank
filled.
By three o'clock in the morning water was filling our
basement. We had a sump pump we used to water our
garden so we hooked it up, and I stood on the bottom step of
the stairs and held the pump upright while it pumped the
water trough the back porch over the sandbag in the door-
way and into the river of water running by. When the water
raised and was running over the sandbag in the back door
like water over a dam I decided I couldn't save the furnace.
I went into the front room to see what was going on to find
water shooting from the cracks at the side of the front door
out across my new carpet. We had only had it a few months.
By morning we felt we had done all we could. One of
the boys hooked a tractor on a hoover wagon and backed it
up to the back door We loaded the little ones, Delia's three:
Karen, Cary and Julie, and two of Steve's: Kelly and
Sherry, a few clothes and food. Ross was so very ill we
decided to move down to Delias.
It was morning and as I looked back on my home there
were tears in my eyes; everything we had worked for for
thirty-three years was covered with mud, potato vines and
straw.
Then as I turned my head back my eyes caught sight of
my precious grandchildren looking out over the river of
water that surrounded us. They were in the campershell on
the back of our pickup and as the poet said so well,
"Perhaps you may have seen one day roses crowding the
self same way out of a winding wayside bush." It was then
that I took time to thank God we were alive and safe.
We moved again that night after sandbagging Delia's
home. Willow creek was flooding this area. We decided we
would find higher ground again so we ended up at Steve's.
We made beds on his front room floor. There was Ross and
I, Delia, Dean and three little ones, Max, Jo Ann and two
youngsters. You might call it wall-to-wall people. We did
get some rest after many hours.
Next morning the men went back home to check on the
cattle. Water was still running everywhere. Our well was
full of mud, no furnace, the yard was covered with a foot of
mud. The second morning they milked the cows with water
running in one door of the milking room and out the other.
They would have to sit on top of the milkers to hold them
down so they wouldn't float away, they stayed put better
when they were full of milk than when they were empty.
And now comes the cleaning up. First of all there was
no clean water. I stepped into my back porch, my washer
and dryer and also the deepfreeze had to be hauled to the
junk. The floor covering was on top of six inches of mud,
the basement was half full of a mixture of broken fruit jars.
Fall fruit, everything that had been stored down there for
years, soaked in the slickest mud you ever saw. Everett and
Alta Brindle came and helped. Everett, Dean and Larry
carried five gallon buckets full of debris out to his pickup. I
don't know how many loads he hauled onto the hill.
The MIA girls washed fruit jars for hours. The county
agent said we shouldn't eat any of the canned goods. The
15
mud in the yard we scraped into a pile as big as our house.
The moldy grain and hay we hauled away.
The hour by hour, day by day struggle of trying to
salvage and rebuild a home. To know the feeling of hear-
tache and despair one must live cannot be expressed in
words. That flood water soaked up the roots we had planted
so deep in our Sunnydell home and made it easier to pull
them up when due to Ross's health, we were forced to sell
and move away in 1963.
The Farm Bureau elected Ross Buckland chairman of a
flood control committee, and he in turn dictated letters to
me that we sent far and wide appealing for help. Frank
Church and Ralph Harding gave of their time and effort and
in result, we now have a flood ditch to protect folks living in
the Sunnydell area from the spring runoff of Lyman Creek.
1962 flood
Ross and Mary Buckland's home
' -srS
Mud, Mud. Mud!
The Flood of 1962
by Myrtle Kennington
On February 10, 1962, Sunday morning, it was an-
nounced in church that we should all go home early be-
cause the ward was being flooded. The rain had started
early that morning. It was one degree above freezing. The
ground had been frozen solidly and was covered with at
least two feet of snow. All the canals were drifted full. The
rain cut into the tremendous snow pack on the hill and
every low place was a waterfall. A five foot wall of water
rolled down the country. Milk cans, tractor wheels, logs,
hay bales, straw, wood piles, were carried down by the
swift current.
When the five-foot wall of water reached Sam
Kennington's, the only place the water could go through
was their driveway because of the high ditch banks on
either side. As it came through it looked like Palisade. It
really boiled out. Billy Luthy and LaVar Squires came
down in a rubber raft to watch the water go through the
driveway. They said water flew sixty feet in the air. It was
as high as the telephone pole. When Myrtle opened the
door of the house, she said it was just like opening a
headgate, letting all the water rush into the basement
home. It got within six inches of the ceiling. It took about
two weeks to pump it out.
The only humor in the situation was provided by
Myrtle's chickens. They were housed in an old school bus,
which was flooded until the water went in and out the
windows. But they were happy. They could fly from the
roost to a steel barrell of wheat that was in the bus. The
cover had floated away. The chickens would eat, then lay
their eggs, or vice versa, then fly back to the roost. It was
a week before Sam could get out there, wearing hip boots,
to find the barrell half full of eggs. It was a real hen party.
Sam had been working for Ross Byrne and couldn't get
home for that length of time .
When the water finally went down, the hole in the
driveway would have held a threshing machine. A big
telephone pole was washed down which served as a bridge
for Myrtle to cross to get down to school to cook for the
school lunch program.
When the water came into our place all the phones
went out on above us. Jim and Marie Munns had water on
their floor. Glen and Bess had it in their basement and on
their front room floor. The current was straight through
Myrl Weekes' barnyard.
Many homes in Archer had their basements flooded.
The flood followed the Lyman Creek drainage pattern, all
the low places were flooded, those on higher ground es-
caped.
When water reached Earl Briggs' home, three men
stood ready to try to cut the frozen canal bank but Earl
said, "No, that would send it down to the church and my
father-in-law, Herman Erickson." It flooded Earl's base-
ment. He lost many valuable records.
The flood stories given are typical of damage to many
homes. We urge each family to write their personal stories
in their own Books of Remembrance for their posterity.
16
Flood Control
Curreiu running through the yards of Myrl Weekes
Strong current rushing toward home of Lamont (Bill) Wilcox's.
Bridge out
There seems to be an ever present need for flood con-
trol work along the Snake River bordering our community
and within the community along the flood plain of Lyman
Creek.
Past residents of Archer-Sunnydell well remember the
tremendous floods coming from Lyman Creek during a sud-
den winter thaw along with warm rains. The snows on the
foothills would melt rapidly causing a torrent of water to
cascade down Lyman Creek and spread out over the low
lands. After the last great flood of 1962, the Army En-
gineers built a big dike along Lyman Creek just as it reached
the first farms and diverted any flood of the future into the
Snake River. Now we can all sleep at night when a January
thaw arrives.
The Snake River constantly has to be watched during
spring runoff. Many times in the past the river has
threatened to wash away fertile farm lands and inundate
homes near the river, but Civil Defense and the Army En-
gineers Corps have come to the rescue.
Several men of our community have served as com-
missioners of the Flood Control District. George Briggs
served on the Madison-Jefferson District for four years.
Later Marion Hacking was a commissioner. This district
encompassed all the Snake River between Heise and
Roberts.
The present Flood Control Board has a representative
from each county along the Snake River and is an outgrowth
of the former board. Representing Madison County as
Commissioner of Flood Control District I was Sterling Mag-
leby, who served for twelve years. He was succeeded by
Earl Wilcox.
Dugways
Some years heavy snows cause a problem.
In our hurry to get to Rexburg, we have forgotten the
shortcut over the Sutton dugway and across the dry farms.
The dugway is located about Vi mile north and west of the
old Henry Sutton home. Soil and gravel surfacing have been
washed away, but the carefully placed mortarless masonry
of lava rock remain a monument to the skill of the hardy
men who built it.
The foothills rise sharply from the valley floor, and the
drainage pattern has produced many openings to the bench-
land above. A road followed the base of the foothills just
above the canal. Wherever the rock formation allowed, a
road or dugway was built to gain access to the higher land.
Many dugways have been improved and are county
roads today. Some have been abandoned or changed. The
old Squires dugway wound along the west face of the hill to
higher ground. From the lower part of this dugway, a road
continued north at the foot of the hill to give access to a
bridge across the canal and into the Sutton cemetery.
In the 1930's that dugway was abandoned, and heavy
equipment took a more direct route for the road to the hills
above .
Access to the cemetery was changed and now enters
from the road on the west. The Ladies' Study Club planted
17
the trees now lining the driveway. They also planted some
of the trees and shrubs on the grounds. Some of those in-
volved were Eliza Buckland, Mary Liljenquist, Erma Mag-
leby, Mary Buckland, Nell Buckland, Blanche Guymon,
Miriam Nelson, Norah Grover, Mrs. Pauline Robison, and
others.
Health Care
There was a scarcity of doctors in the early days of our
valley and lack of roads and severe weather made it hard for
them to see all the sick and to be present at the arrival of
each new citizen. So there were many women called to care
for the less serious problems as diseases, child birth and
minor accidents.
Some of the early pioneer women who helped care for
the sick were Mary Robison, Lydia Foster Sanford, Char-
lotte Wylie, Fannie Mclntire, Mary Wilcox, Ida Weekes,
Annie Olson, and Sarah Susannah Briggs. Later Isabel Nel-
son, Martha weekes. La Von Weekes, Lucy Burr, Margaret
Ann Briggs, Annie Galbraith, Melissa Wilcox and many
others answered the call to serve wherever and whenever
needed.
Some of the above women also had special training in
Midwifery from Dr. Shipp in Salt Lake City, Utah.
During the smallpox epidemic of 1901, Cliff Buckland
came down with this dreaded disease. Though the doctor
vaccinated the family, still Claude Buckland became ill and
fearing that he would expose the rest of the family, lived in
a tent in Kelly Canyon until all danger was over.
It was a real act of bravery because he was very ill and
could have died alone in his tent so far away.
Old Pioneer Homes
.^%
In 1893, John Taylor, Sr., started to build a house in Sunnydell. He built
a water wheel on Lyman Creek and used mowing machine gears to run it
fast enough to run a circle saw. He sawed all the lath, window and floor
casings from the heavier coarse lumber and planed it by hand.
After the open well with its waist high casing and two buckets on a
pulley, the wells were closed in and water pumped by hand. The above
pump was on the Herbert and Minnie Johnson Williams home where
Viola Erickson now lives. The child is Audrey Williams, sister of Bessie
Wilcox.
Pioneer home of Marshall Grover, Si , eiiaiidnia Cjiover. children, and neighbors. This home was built behind the home now occupied by Delas Munns.
Post Offices
To continue the history of the post offices that has
already been written by Letha Wilcox and Max Briggs, we
quote from the National Archives and Records Service,
Washington 25, D.C. as follows:
as follows:
Sunnydell, Madison County,
February 15, 1900.
Discontinued May 15, 1922.
Postmasters
Fredrick H. Winters
Ella Young
Ida I. Weekes
John P. Burr
Oscar E. Mayhugh
John P. Burr
Idaho, established on
Date of Appointment
February 15. 1900
December 26, 1905
August 20, 1906
September 10, 1909
May 20, 1918
May 12, 1919
The United States Official Registers, published bian-
nually, show that Mrs. Weekes was paid $64, for 1907 and
$83 for 1909. Since Sunnydell was a fourth class office,
Mrs. Weekes was appointed to her position by the Postmas-
ter General.
The postal records in our custody do not show the
frequency of payment to postmasters or the mode and fre-
quency of transportation of the mail to Sunnydell.
From 1906 to 1914, John Blackburn held the contract
for carrying the mail to Archer and Sunnydell. He aLso
carried passengers to Heise Hot Springs Resort.
Blackburn Stage at Heise Hot Springs
In the spring of 1920 Jedediah Snedaker became the
new rural carrier. For the first few years of his contract, he
met daily at the Wilcox-Hacking crossroads in Sunnydell
with Joe Bordenave, who covered the rural area to Heise
with a horse and buggy. When Jedediah Snedaker assumed
the carrying of the mail, all other post offices except the one
at Thornton were closed. He retired in 1950. Clair Bailey of
Thornton has been the carrier from then until now - 1980.
We have had excellent *>ervicc from all of our mail carriers.
(For additional information on this and other subjects see
History of Lyman by Verge Young.)
Mail Joe - Joe Bortlcnavc
County Officials
The Archer-Sunnydell Community has provided many
county and state officials.
Even before we had a Madison County, C.B. Hawley
served as a Deputy Sheriff and United States Marshal for all
of southern Idaho.
Zackary Clay was County Assessor of Madison, Frem-
ont, Teton and parts of Jefferson and Clark counties.
Clarence Hillman was a Deputy Sheriff.
George Briggs, Sr., served as County Commissioner
of the old Fremont County during the years 1 9 1 0 to 1914.
Later George Briggs, Jr., served as County Commis-
sioner during the years 1939 to 1946.
Another resident of Archer, John Taylor served the
people of Madison County as a Commissioner from 1922 to
1930.
W.I. Holley was a County Commissioner during the
1940\s.
Carl J. Johnson served as County Assessor for six
years between 1934 to 1940.
One of the noted lawmen of the Prohibition days was
Sheriff Harry Munns. He preserved law and order in Madi-
son County for six consecutive terms between 1918 and
1930.
Marion Hacking served as Deputy Sheriff during the
years of 1924 to 1929 as an aide to Sheriff Munns.
Marion Hacking again served his county as Probate
Judge from 1963 to 1973.
Two members of the Archer-Sunnydell community
have served in the Idaho State House of Representatives.
Jacob Magleby served during the years 1924 to 1928, and
his son. Sterling Magleby, served during the years 1946 to
1948.
A former member of our community. Ford Smith, has
had an unusually long period of service in Madison County
as Sheriff. He has served 25 '/2 years and is retiring this year.
Robert Mclntire was an early Constable of the Archer
precinct.
As we go to press, we note that Wayne Beck has just
been elected a County Commissioner.
We are proud of the fine service these men have given
to their county and state government.
19
Industry
The economy and industry of our community has al-
ways been strongly Unked to agriculture. When the first
settlers came into the valley, they were faced with the awe-
some task of carving farms from a land of sagebrush and tall
prairie grass. There were places where the prairie grass
would be as high as the stirrups on a horse. Jim Byrne, an
early farmer and rancher in the area, used five head of horses
on a one bottom plow to break up the ground to make it
suitable for farming. The plow would get stuck in the buffalo
grass sod. He would have to chop the sod up with an axe to
get the plow out.
•V>vrw'^^"> [^
Can you find John D. Wilcox sitting on the sulky plow, lower left hand
comer? Picture shows modem (1912) machinery accumulated to work
their dry farm homestead by sons: John E.. Orris, and David O. Cabin was
home to John E. and family. (Photo by E.L. Liljenquist who developed his
pictures in a makeshift dark room in the cellar by the valley home of his
father-in-law, John D. Wilcox.)
Early farming was done with horses. Some harvesters
required as many as thirty head of horses. All driven by one
man from two lines. Most farmers raised their own work
horses for use on the farm and also horses for riding. Today
Keith Munns raises horses for commercial sale.
The hills bordering the community were all open range
and provided feed for cattle and sheep. Henry Sutton and Jim
Byrne each ran a band of sheep, a band being about 1000
head. John Weekes also ran sheep. The sheep were taken to
summer range at Elk Flat and Gam Mountain east of our
community and brought back in the winter to be cared for.
Later on, others in the area had small flocks and would run
them with a co-op band.
In 1890 Alanson Sackett Sutton bought two thousand sheep in
Oregon and started to trail them back to Nebraska. As they left Boise they
took the wrong trail and winter overtook them near the present site of
Burton. They bought hay and wintered the sheep through. When spring
came the country to the east of Burton looked so inviting that Mr. Sutton
decided to stay and make his home here.
He wrote to his son, Henry, who was farming in Nebraska at that
time. Henry and his wife, Emma, and children, arrived here in 1892. The
Suttons and others had large herds of sheep for some time. (The lambs in
the picture are from the Ross Byrne farm).
As the population of the community grew, and more
ground was brought under cultivation, it was necessary to get
more water to the thirsty crops. Wells had been dug for
culinary use and some springs were large enough to take care
of watering stock, but more water was needed for crops. Men
worked with teams, shovels and scrapers, hand plows, slip-
scrapers and tongue scrapers.
Twenty-four head of horses on combine on John Taylor farm.
Working with Slip Scrapers on the John Taylor farm.
20
Boats* were made to haul rock from the near-by foothills. The
head of the canal was difficult to maintain. High water in the
spring or the tempermental Snake River's change in course
could wipe out accomplishmens that the men had worked so
hard for. The first canal was completed and the water finally
got through in 1891 . As more water was needed, more work
on the canal system was undertaken. Stockholders in the
canal company mortgaged their farms to provide the money
needed for the work to be done.
In 1915 the Oregon Short Line Railroad was built
through Sunnydell along the hill. The railroad siding was
named Byrne because of its close proximity to the farm of
James Byrne, an early settler in the area. There were section
houses for the men employed there to live in and a small
depot. The train came from Idaho Falls and made a large loop
through Sunnydell, Walker Siding, Newdale, Parker, past
the buttes, and back to Idaho Falls. The train was known to
local residents as Sagebrush Annie.
Train crossing Lyman creek in Sunnydell by John and Anne Zooley Foster
Taylor's Home.
Sagebrush Annie, Galloping Goose or Tri-weekly.
Sometimes it was affectionately called the Galloping Goose
or even (jokingly) the Tri-Weekly because the train came
around once a week and tried all week to go back. Since the
Teton Dam Flood, June 5, 1976, a great deal of the track was
destroyed and has not been replaced. Today the east belt local
originates in Idaho Falls and runs through Orvin, Lincoln,
lona, Ririe, Byrne Siding, Walker Siding, Parkinson,
Moody, Newdale and to the canyon rim. Here (since the
bridge is out) the train is switched and returns to Idaho Falls.
The run is unscheduled, but usually runs up and back later in
the day.
A few times a brush fire has been started by sparks from
the train which threatened nearby grain crops. But everyone
in the community rallied and helped to put out the fires with
minimal losses.
The coming of the railroad to the community opened up
new opportunities for farming and also brought new business
to the area. In 1915 the Sugar Company built a high-line beet
dump at Byrne Siding and began receiving beets there. Prior
to this, beets had to be hauled to Thornton. The Utah-Idaho
Sugar Company rented some of the fertile lands in the valley
to grow beet seed. They brought in Japanese to do the hand
labor.
Byrne Siding became the site of many different busines-
ses through the years. In 1916, O.E. Mayhugh built a store
there. In 1917 Boise Payette built a lumber yard next to the
store that handled a large stock of lumber and some hard-
ware. The first manager of the lumber yard was John Buck-
land, followed by Frank Jensen who was the early owner of
the SterHng Magleby farm. The lumberyard filled a real need
by providing materials necessary for the erection of homes
and farm buildings in this new community.
'Explanation of rock boat on page 53.
Beet Dump
One wagon ready, one being dumped
21
1
Polatu cellars, warehouse and grain bins ovMicd b) the Sutton Biothers
who run 3,000 acres of potatoes, grain and hay.
Load of beets. Beets were picked up with a hoot; on a long icnife, tops cut off and beets piled to be picked up later or thrown into wagon bo,\ to be
hauled to beet dump.
In 1928 the Buckland brothers decided to try raising
potatoes. They formed the Sunnydell Potato Growers As-
sociation and built a potato cellar at Byrne Siding. Idaho is
famous for its russet potatoes, and the potato industry grew in
our area. John Weekes built a potato cellar at the Siding.
Floyd Wilcox later bought out his interest and bought and
sold potatoes. A co-op cellar was built at Byrne Siding in the
1920'sby Kenneth and Carl Buckland, Floyd Wilcox, Arthur
Niederer. and Jacob and Sterling Magleby. It consisted of 32
bins and a sorting and loading area. Sterling Magleby can
recall the time that baking potatoes sold for 50 cents per 100
pounds. The cellar was abandoned many years later during
the depression.
Ronald Hill also built two cellars at Byrne Siding. One
had a warehouse over it for sorting. It was equipped with
washing machines, three sorters, conveyors, air cooling sys-
tem and furnace. When in operation, it took thirty men for a
full crew.
About 1944 George Munns and Richard (Dick) Boulter
built two cellars at Byrne Siding and sold potatoes under the
name of Boulter and Munns. Dick ran the store at the siding
and lived in the back. Everett and Myrtle Clay had owned the
store previous to that.
Delmoe Cook also stored and sold potatoes at Byrne
Siding for a few years.
In more recent years, Jess and Stan Sutton ran the potato
warehouse at the Siding as a fresh pack operation along with
Jess's sons, Steve, Lee and Garth. They bought some
potatoes but mostly sold their own.
The Midland Elevators had a grain shipment operation
at Byrne Siding. Delmoe Cook ran this. Later, the San Diego
Fruit and Produce Company rented the Midland Elevator
buildings and packed fresh peas in ice for shipment that had
been grown on the rented ground of Jim Byrne.
A large wood grainery was built next to the tracks at the
Siding by Russell Grover, Herman Zollinger, and Ed
u
1^^ ^^
.Sacks of grain stacked for dcli\cr_\.
Covington, which is still in use today. In 1960 Mark Grover
bought some of the ground at By me Siding. The store is now
used as a family residence.
One of the early industries in this area was the planting
of fruit trees and subsequent harvesting of the ripe juicy fruit.
Many of the early settlers planted their own small orchards to
care for their family needs. A Mr. Kruger, who owned the
farm now known as the Budge Clay and Keith Clements
22
taniis, decided the growing of an apple orchard might be a
rewarding project.
This deteriorating warehouse is all that is iett of the once thriving Kruger
orchard.
When the orchard was planted, it covered about ten
acres of land both east and west of the railroad tracks. A
warehouse (still standing) was built next to the tracks and
when the apples were ready for market a large crew helped
pick and prepare the apples. Mr. Kruger sold Wealthy,
Mcintosh, and Delicious apples, and some cherries, apricots,
peaches and pears. Later in the 1920's and early 1930'sClem
Smith was owner of the orchard, and he made a great deal of
apple cider which he generously donated for ward parties.
Another orchard nearby was owned by a Mr. C.B.
Hawley. The land was engineered by Little Ike Smith, father
of Sophia Smith Young and grandfather of Verge Young and
Vera Robison, who leveled the land so it could be efficiently
irrigated and cultivated and planted the trees. Some of the
fruit trees are still on the Walt Bybee farm. This orchard was
about five acres. They grew pears, peaches, apricots, plums,
apples, and cherries. There were also melons, grapes and
berries. Water for this orchard and also some of the homes-
teads near the hill came from a number of springs located a
mile or so above the Hawley farm. A ditch was dug in the side
of the hill to get the water to the orchard.
Bishop O.P. Johanson also had a small orchard and sold
many apples of the Gano variety.
Bishop and Louisa Johanson ready to market their load of apples in
Rexburg, or along the way.
The Schuyler Clay orchard of about five acres of apple
trees was located on the present George Munns farm directly
south of his home. Orris Wilcox had the orchard for many
years before George Munns bought it.
The big problem with the fruit growing industry was the
late frosts in the spring and the early frost in the fall. The
growing season just wasn't long enough. Some years the crop
was frozen in the bud. It proved to be an uncertain venture
and after a few years was discontinued.
Today many residents of our community have their own
berry patches which helps to keep them out of mischief for
the summer. The Marion Cheney family have their fruit farni
and together market raspberries, strawberries and other veg-
etables and fruits. Jack and Marjory Wilcock have the latest
berry farm and, with the family, harvests hundreds of cases
of raspberries each week of the harvest season.
4l*^^im
A fall scene of pan ot the Wilcock raspberry patch.
Part of the Marion Cheney raspberry patch.
Many early homes in the area as well as the L.D.S.
tabernacle in Rexburg, the administration building and old
gymnasium building on the Ricks College campus, our
Archer Ward Church House, Lyman Chapel, schools, and
many monuments in the area were made with an off white
color sandstone. There were three rock quarries in this area
that provided the stone for these buildings. Al Higgins oper-
ated a quarry which he sold about 1900 to Charles Briggs.
The quarry was about one and one-half miles south and east
of Byrne Siding. The last large piece taken from this quarry
weighed eleven ton and was hauled to Heise Hot Springs. It
was used as a marker for Richard C. Heise. It can be seen
today across the street north of Heise Hot Springs.
William Wylie had a quarry about one-half mile north
and east of the Briggs quarry. Josiah and Heber Blackburn
had a quarry about one and one-half miles south. In this
quarry was also some pink rock which was used for trim.
The rock was blasted and cut in sizes desired by contrac-
tors. It was hauled on wagons drawn by four, six, or eight
23
horse teams to locations of use. When the railroad came
through in 1915, a great deal of rock from these quarries was
shipped to other areas from Byrne Siding. The last carload to
be shipped from the B lackbum quarry was used in a church in
Pocatello.
There is also a rock quarry still in use today by the
Squires Dugway. This quarry is owned by Ross Byrne and
leased to the Army Corps of Engineers. They use the rock for
flood control along the Snake River.
The productivity of the land was greatly enhanced with
the advent of the sprinkler system for irrigation of land that
was too steep or rolling for conventional methods of irriga-
tion. In 1949 Ross Byrne put in the first sprinkler system in
our area on 70 acres of ground. Today sprinkler systems are a
common site in our community and provide jobs for the youth
in pipe changing.
In order to make full use of their farms and to have an
additional source of income, most farmers have added cattle
to their fanning operation. This is a means of utilizing feed
and at the same time adding needed fertilizer to the soil. A
few men have set up feed yards, summer pastures and cow-
calf operations and have gone into cattle raising and feeding
on a larger scale. These include Ross and Laurence Byrne,
the Wilcox Brothers, Sterling and John Magleby, the Bums
Brothers, the Munns Brothers, George Munns, Stan Sutton,
Brent Grover, Bill Luthy, Dale and Leonard Clements, and
Steve Sutton. Not all of these men are still in the cattle
business, but have helped to bring added industry to our area.
Rulon Wilcox, Bill Luthy. and 1 .
I
-i
Grade A U.,ii\
Brent Grover's feed yard.
aii?%-'Mi
Magleby's summer pas
Bill Luthy at work in his dairy bam.
Since Ross Buckland built the first Grade A Dairy in our
community, there have been many farmers who have added
dairy cows to their farm operations. Among these are Lind
Robison, Kenneth Hacking, Gordon Niederer, Spencer Orr,
LaMont (Bill) Wilcox and son, Gilbert, Stanley Nielson, Bill
Luthy, Larry and Chad Weekes, Chester Nelson, and Bert
Howell. Instead of milking cows by squirt, the modem
dairyman has a milking parlor and the latest of equipment to
carry the milk by pipe to a bulk truck which transports it to the
cheese factories.
Cheese making in Archer started in 1924. Plans to
increase milk production started a few years before. David
Man waring, a secretary at the Nelson Ricks Creamery Com-
pany at Rexburg, Idaho, in connection with his father-in-law.
24
Herman I ruksoii aiul sons' daii\ ham In the early days one part was used
to grind tlour tor hiiiiselt and others.
John Hart, who was a banker in Rigby, Idaho, shipped into
this vicinity many dairy cows from Wisconsin and Oregon.
They sold them to farmers to increase milk production.
Because of this, many factories were started in the valley.
The one in Archer started in the abandoned rock school house
still standing across the street north from Sutton's store.
Manwaring took care of the bookkeeping and management of
the new cheese factory. To begin with, cheese makers from
the Nelson Ricks plant in Rexburg gave instructions and
demonstrations on how to make cheese. From 1924 to 1943
when the plant closed down, the following men operated and
assisted in running the one man plant in the following order:
Carl J. Johnson, Alvin Erickson, Gerald Jeppson, Cal Neil-
son, George Walker, Alf Hubbard, and LeRoy Hardy. All of
these cheese makers later worked with Nelson Ricks Cream-
ery Company. Joel Robison and Ernest Weekes were milk
haulers and were noted for their prompt and regular de-
liveries. Oswel Wilcox, Jr., was a milk hauler in the upper
part of Archer. All of these men did grocery shopping for
their customers also.
Schoolhouse later used as Cheese Factory across street from Archer Merc.
Chickens were a very necessary part of every farm until
the last few years. Not only were they used for meat but for
the eggs they layed each day and for the constant strident
cock-a-doodle-do at 5 a.m. every morning that started us off
on our days work.
Among the largest of the chicken and egg producers
were Jesse and Gwen Sutton, Marion and Alice Cheney,
Howard and Ethel Allen, and Walt and Zella Bybee.
'^
Howard Allen Chicken Coop.
Our community has had a store since the very early
settlers put down roots here. George Briggs, Sr., started the
first store at the same location where Howell's store is today.
He hauled produce and dry goods from Market Lake (near
Roberts). Others who have run the store at that location are
Frank Bums, Bert Luthy, Albert Aeschbacker, Elmo Robi-
son, DeLore Grover, Learin Terry, Leston Woods, and today
it is run hv Boh and Roninia Howell.
hlowcirs K(iiinir\ Koinor l'i^hcia stun.-
About a mile further east Henry Erickson had a store.
Others who have run that store are Steve Grover, Maylon
England, Kent and Wendy Woods, and today it is run by Stan
and Pauline Sutton. Englands also ran a store across the road
to the east for a short time . Then this building was taken over
by a Mr. Hoover who ran a taxidermy shop there for a short
time.
liv-ill) luicksoil slOK
25
,VVA>*^
i
'•e-^'jr:
***.i.
Left to right: Ellen (Mrs. Charles) Briggs, attectionately known as Aunt Nellie; Florence Briggs, daughter of George Briggs, Sr.; Mrs. George Briggs. Sr.
owner of store.
Sutton Grocery
With the strong emphasis on farming in the community,
there was always a need for blacksmiths and mechanics. John
Taylor was probably the earliest known blacksmith in the
area dating to 1885. Others were Gid Murphy, WiUiam Fyfe
and Robert Mclntire. Ray Drowns had a shop across the
street from the George Briggs store. In later years, Howard
Erickson built a garage onto Henry Erickson's store and was
a mechanic there. Kendall Davidson later took this shop over
and was a mechanic there for many years. Mel Wilcox also
helped many farmers to see that their machinery was kept in
good working order. He worked from a shop behind his
home. Many times he would build parts that couldn't be
obtained elsewhere. Newell Piquet had a mechanics shop
next to his home . Clayton Grover has a mechanic shop next to
his home. Elden Lauritzen also runs a mechanic shop next to
his home.
A typical Blacksmith Shop - Fred Jensen, Thornton.
P'm
«i -
.^-
Lauritzen Repair Shop
26
A very recent industry to come to our community is that
of Peterson's Room Dividers owned by Brent and Dixie
Peterson. Room dividers are made here and shipped all over
the United States. His shop is the only one operating today.
*t.
-•jyM^'i
Recent exhibition of ground power threshing machine.
Home ot Peterson Room Dividers.
Farming has always been the life blood of our economy.
We have always been a community of farm folks. Many
kinds of crops have been grown beginning with the small
grains, seed peas, radish seed, sugar beets, com, potatoes,
and hay. Weather and prices often change the crops grown,
but come spring, every farmer is busily engaged in his favo-
rite occupation. From the first scant yields of grain on virgin
soil, to the present modem irrigation, selected seeds, modem
methods of weed control and fertilizatioin, our farms are
yielding crops beyond even the fondest dreams of the pioneer
settlers.
Try to find 6'6'" man, LaMar Wilcox, in the com.
%k
«^:
<k
Horse powered threshing machine
Bishop Russel Grover had a cart pulled by a Shetland
pony which gave much pleasure to the children at Primary
Camivals and otherentertainments, as well as his own grand-
children.
Rass (Erastus) Weekes had a donkey. His Uncle Marvin
Wilcox had traded an Ingersol watch for the animal and sold
it to Rass for 75 cents. Everywhere Rass went he took the
donkey, and wherever he went he gave rides to his young
friends. Rass lived with his mother and stepfather, the Yan-
ceys, who bought land from Joe Lewis, a bachelor who lived
with Schuyler Clay. The Yancey's then lived where Vive
Larson now lives, and it was here Rass had the donkey. The
Yancey's subsequently moved to LaBelle. Rass and his wife,
DeLila Niederer, now live at Sugar City.
The Good Ole' Days
Harvesting potatoes the hard way.
Steam engine thresher with hell.
27
Hanetitii; erain on the John Grover drvfarm.
Horse and bugg> J.i\ s i men unknown). Note the grain ^la^ks ,iik! ilic ^ira\^
stack behind the horses.
"CTWr
Putting up hay with a derrick.
Harvester Crew: Henry Taylor (front) fourth from right with bib overalls
and white band on hat, children: Ross and Vera Buckland.
28
Transportation
Sleigh built in Melvin Wilcox's shop by Melvin and Rulon Wilcox and Bill
Luthy. Bill paiiitcJ ihc ilosigns on the sides of the sleigh
Typical buggy of the early days.
Church and School
Social life for the early settlers of Archer and Sunnydell
was centered in the home, church and school. Families and
neighbors spent evenings together having candy pulls or
making popcorn balls, or sometimes in singing. Then when
the church was built and the auxiliaries were organized, the
choir held singing practices every week and held parties as
they visited homes or had sleighing parties. The MIA spon-
sored dances, concerts, road shows and plays. The ward held
reunions in the hills and went huckleberrying together; the
Relief Society held sewing bees and bazaars, and scouts had
camping and fishing trips. Sleighing was a favorite pastime
in the winter for the yoiung people and listening in on the
party line telephone was a pastime and necessity for the
elderly.
Schools provided programs, plays and parties which
were attended by everyone.
Dances were a real part of the social life here in our
community. First they were held in the churches, then
schools, until the Erickson Dance Hall was erected and the
Young Orchestra was available to play for the dances.
Almost all the entertainment was home grown and satis-
fying until the advent of the automobile and the snow plow
which opened up a whole new field of entertainment outside
of the community.
The first meeting house in the community, built about
October 1884, was located a little east and south across the
street from the old Briggs store. Dimensions were 25 feet by
18 feet, and an 8 foot ceiling. There were two windows
north, 2 south, a door in the west. Seats were axe-hewn
plank set on blocks of wood. A table served as pulpit, and
planks around the wall for seats. Meetings and entertain-
ments were held here.
The second meeting house (also log) was started in
February of 1889 and was located a little south of the first
Typical buggies of the early days.
29
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32
Second Log Church
Remodeled as part of a bam now at Lind Robison's.
Old Tithing Granary
Sill standing across from Howell's store.
meeting house. Snow was removed and fires built to thaw
the ground. The house was about twice the size of the exist-
ing one and sported a shingle roof. It measured
45' xlAVzWlVi'. Pine timber was on all sides, three win-
dows south, three windows north, door in the west with
transom above. In the east end of the building was a large
stand about 2 feet built above the floor level where a set
could dance the quadrille and the old people could sit and
watch.
In 1912 Eliza Buckland helped organize a group of
ladies who spent time fixing the school ground and school
house. They started a small library and raised funds to buy an
organ. During World War One, that same group became
members of the Red Cross and turned out as much knitting,
sewing and contributions as any chapter in the county. In
1935 they banded together and started a little club known as
the Sunnydell Study Club. They raised money and bought
kitchen equipment for the new school house. One of the last
projects was the planting of the trees leading down the lane to
the Archer Cemetery.
She served on the state, district, and local boards of the
P.T.A. and was also a member of the Daughters of the Utah
Pioneers.
Eliza was in the first group of farm people who in 1927
organized the Archer Grange in Madison County. She or-
ganized Granges for more than 25 years.
Archer had its Book Club to stimulate the reading and
reporting of good books.
Education
As soon as homes had been built and tilling of the soil
commenced, it was felt necessary to provide education for
the children. The first school in Sunnydell was held in the
home of Marvin Cook whose land was later sold to D.A.
Wilcox. Marvin Cook's wife, Laura, was the first teacher.
School was held in one room. The next year or two Silas
Buckland permitted the school to be held in his granary. The
following summer Dave Wilcox and Silas Buckland went up
in the hills and got out logs which they used in building a
log school house on the ground where the Sunnydell School
now stands. It was a crude building but the best they could
build because of lack of finance. The Sunnydell School
District was designated as District No. 39.
After a few years this building was replaced by a one-
room rock building with the rock coming from a quarry a few
miles east in the hills. Later a partition was used to divide the
room into two sections and two teachers were hired.
It was in 1910 that Samuel P. Oldham and Mabel
Weekes taught school on opposite sides of an eight foot
wainscoting divider in the first Sunnydell rock school. Some
children thought it fun to toss objects over this partition. A
large bell hung in the little belfry above. It was a special
privilege for a child to be allowed to pull the rope that rang the
bell.
The next year two sisters came to Sunnydell from the
Midwest. One, Pearl Eldora Lewis taught in Sunnydell, and
her sister. Opal Dee Lewis, taught at the Herbert school about
five miles straight east on the Rexburg bench.
In March 1 930 this rock school burned down in the early
morning before the pupils had arrived. The only thing saved
was a pencil sharpener. The remainder of the school term
found the students attending school in the lumber yard at
Byrne Siding.
A new rock building was constructed during the follow-
ing summer, using the rock from the burned building and new
rock as needed. The new building was completed in time for
the new school year. The building consisted of two large
rooms and a full basement. It was heated by a modem stoker
coal fumace and water came from a deep well. It even had
33
Sunnsdell Schod
double restrooms. The basement was used for meetings of the
Sunnydell Branch Sunday School and Primary, dances, ban-
quets, and basketball games.
The upstairs rooms were for four grades each with a
teacher for each room. The students were seated in rows
according to their grade.
This schoolhouse was used until the consolidation of the
Archer and Sunnydell schools. After being vacant for a few-
years, it became the home of Ezra and Mary Liljenquist who
made it into a beautiful, cozy haven.
Archer Schools
In the spring of 1884 there were quite a number of small
children in the Archer-Lyman area and the parents began to
wonder what to do for them in the matter of education. There
were no schools yet but Zilpah Young, a girl of 15 years, was
asked to teach the children in her home for the sum of one
dollar per month per child. There were eighteen to twenty
children, some of them larger than the teacher but the parents
were well pleased with her work.
In 1889 after the second log church was built, it was
used for a school . After the division of the school district . the
Archer school was held in various places until 1900 when
William Squires, Edward Lenroot and O.P. Johanson were
elected trustees. They chose a spot for the new school and a
log building was erected north and east of the Briggs store.
When the school northeast of the Briggs store was
outgrown, a lot of pressure was exerted to build a school
nearer the hill. A happy medium was reached by building a
two room rock schoolhouse one mile east of the old school.
After just a few years, it too, was outgrown. (The building
was used for a dwelling for a short time and later converted
into a cheese factory, and more recently to a workshop,
garage, and storage building.)
On a lot where the Erickson cinderblock shop now
stands, stood an old two-room log cabin (formerly the Saf-
ford home) with a dirt roof. It was used for two seasons for
freshman and sophomore high school classes. Mr. Johnson
was the teacher, very strict, they said. The school was refer-
red to as the Wild Cat College on Coyote Knoll.
Sunnydell was suffering growing pains, too. The dis-
trict was divided. The building was then able to accommo-
date the pupils. Sunnydell kept its school until the district was
consolidated, when several small schools were closed. Be-
cause of crowded conditions, it was decided to rent the
Herman Erickson Dance Hall for two seasons. Temporary
dividers, eight feet high created four classrooms. In each
room was a pot-bellied stove with a stovepipe extending out
the window. The children remember it was not very warm.
Principal was Miss Johnston; other teachers were Eugene
Nutt, Mamie Hall, Ed Oldham, Miss Pearl Lewis, Blanche
Collins. A new building was in the works, but not ready; so
makeshift conditions continued a little longer.
For part of a year, Clarence Hillman taught the seventh
and eighth grades in the ReHef Society room upstairs in the
Archer Ward rock building. Later in the year they moved into
the new four-room brick building during the 1915-1916
school term.
Several years later (early 1930's) an addition was built,
containing a gym, stage, rest rooms, a principal's office, and
two classrooms. Later on (early 1940's) one of those clas-
srooms was converted into a lunch room. This building was
used for many dances, parties, and events of many kinds that
had formerly been held in the Erickson Dance Hall.
Front view of Archer School taken 1980.
Archer Ward Chapel
(Rock building)
August, 1912, the new bishopric. O.P. Johanson.
Charles O. Jeppson, Sanuel P. Oldham, and clerk Carl J.
Johnson met to discuss need for a new meeting place. Mat-
ters were presented to the priesthood of ward and stake who
agreed. Charles M. Squires was asked to draw up plans. In
December plans were made for laying out a small townsite,
and a building committee appointed: O.P. Johanson,
Charles O. Jeppson, S.P. Oldham, George Briggs, Jr., E.F.
Grover, Luke Briggs, Wm. P. Squires, D.O. Wilcox. John
Weekes, Chris Nielson, Herman Erickson. and Ed. Old-
ham. A canvass of the ward was made for funds. They
received $2500 in notes (half in cash, half in labor), and
promises of $1,000.
February 17, 1913 the committee met and decided to
start work at once. Next day the site was staked out and
hauling of rock began from the Charles Briggs quarry. CM.
Squires was architect and contractor. Melvin Squires.
34
Lawrence Squia^s, Thomas Jeppson, and Wayne Cheney
were the permanent crew. Henry Bums and George Young
were added to the crew, and others as needed when the
tlnishing drew near. C.W.& M. (Consolidated Wagon and
Machine Company) of Rexburg ordered two cars of planks,
bridge timber, and lumber from Oregon which came to
Thornton. It was haulded by wagons to Archer and piled up.
November 29, 1913, a ward reunion and Thanksgiving
dinner and program were held in the new building. Stake
President Mark Austin was there. He gave a $100 donation
and complimented the ward for such a splendid job done in
so short a time. Next day the first Sunday School, MIA, and
other meetings were held there. The building was long in
being paid for. World War I and the flu epidemic interven-
ing. The total cost of the building and fixtures was
$7,465.98. At a ward conference, held May 18, 1919, the
building was dedicated by President Mark Austin. It was a
joyous occasion.
The building was still sound, but too small, and was
removed after the new chapel was dedicated December 12,
1954.
ARCHER WARD BUILDING COMMITTEE
Back Row (L, to R.): Herman Erickson. John Weckes, D.O. Wilcox,
Sr., Samuel P. Oldham, Wm. P. Squires.
Front Row: Charles O. Jeppson, Olof P. Johanson, George Briggs, Jr.,
Ed Oldham.
Not present for picture: E.F. Grover, Chris Nielson. Luke Briggs.
"^•
ill in I
I
I
I
I
I
Archer Ward Chape! 1913-1954
35
Scout House 1935-1954
RELEF SOCIETY - 1947
Front Row (L. to R.): Officers, Ruth Clay, Myrtle Kennington, Opal Clements, President, Trieste Robison.
Second Row: Leal Cheney, Martha Briggs, Hannah Briggs, Lucinda Smith, Bessie Whittaker, Zelda Wilcox, Norma Robison.
Third Row: Veda Weekes, Tressa Niederer, Leah Weekes, Mable Briggs, La Verne Hacking, visitor, Edna Hill, Martha Hacking.
Fourth Row: Martha Weekes, Fannie Mclntire, Isabel Nelson, Winifred Rawles, Pearl B. Weekes, Jeannette Sharp, Bertha Young, Bertha Jeppson, Alice
Tea, Mabel Reno.
Back Row: Areva Packer, Frona Erickson, Ehtelyn Erickson, Martha Erickson, Bessie Erickson, De Veda Erickson, Lulu Cook, Leah Weekes.
Erma Magleby and Rachel Sutton were stake board visitors and attending another ward.
36
Scout House
Elof Nelson with his troop of Boy Scouts went to the
mountains for a week of fun and work. Object: to procure
enough logs to build a house the scouts could call their own,
nice enough to deserve admiration and respect, one durable
enough to resist rough use, one the boys would help create
themselves and so appreciate it more. The house fulfilled all
this and more. It was used as a classroom and for many
parties and exhibits. When the new chapel was to be built
upon the site (1953), the building was sold and moved to a
hillside overlooking Heise Hot Springs where it now serves
as a novel dwelling place.
New Brick Chapel
Fund raising for the new chapel was conducted under
the leadership of the building committee. Members were
chairman Glenn Sharp, Russell Grover, Sterling Magleby,
Keith Clements, Lillis Sutton, Rulon Wilcox, George Nel-
son, Bemarr Erickson, Eldon Robison, Kenneth Hacking,
Ronald Hill.
Many fund-raising projects were initiated. Some were:
dinners, entertainments, plays, dances, food sales, bazaars,
auctions, talent shows, cash donations, and a ministrel show
which was performed at Archer, Lyman, Burton, Hibbard
and in two Rigby wards. The photo was taken at Burton
January 26, 1948.
Construction of the new chapel began May 8, 1953.
Thousands of hours and dollars were donated to the con-
struction and furnishing of the building. Last meeting in the
old rock chapel was held December 5, 1954 at which time
Mae Davenport took pictures of the assembled members.
The following Sunday, December 12, 1954, the new build-
ing was the place of meeting and thanksgiving. Dedicatory
prayer was given by Sterling W. Sill.
The ward was pleased to share the new chapel for
eleven months while Lyman Ward was constructing a new
chapel (July 26, 1965 - June 26, 1966, Lyman's dedication
date).
Front Row sitting on floor (L. to R.); Mark Young, Vema Grover, Lawrence Squires, Verge Young, Trieste Robison, Vera Robison, Elva Robison.
Middle Row seated; Agnes Orr, Jeannette Sharp, Marshall Grover, Dean Robison, Lucien Young, Interlocutor (M.C.) Norman Erickson, Sam Grover,
Ollie Wilcox, Glen Squires, Ford Smith, Clem Young.
Back Row standing; Endman Eldon Robison, Glenn Sharp (building committee chairman). Coach Velma Burns, Evalyne Grover (make-up), Mark Grover
(production crew), Bessie Wilcox (accompanist), Floyd Wilcox, Erma Grover, Clayton Grover, Melva Grover, LeRoy Hare, Martha Erickson, Bemarr
Erickson, Kenneth Hacking, Ethelyn Erickson, Endman Howard Allen, Newell Piquet, and Carl Grover (production crew).
Not present for picture; George Nelson, Theron Cheney, Rachel Sutton, Pearl B. Weekes.
37
Present day chapel (1^80), dedicated December 12, 19^4.
Social Life
Music has always been a real part of both the church
and community in the Archer-Sunnydell area.
It all began with the William J. Young family who
settled here in 1 883 and brought with them the gift of music.
In the Archer Ward history written by Bishop O.P. Johan-
son we find this short paragraph--
"William J. Young, a pioneer of 1883 together with
his talented family, have done more than anyone else in
promoting and developing a musical atmosphere in this local-
ity and have charmed us with their harmonious voices."
The story of William J. Young began, according to
family tradition, when he chose to herd sheep barefooted
using the money earned to buy music lessons instead of
shoes. His life was filled with music and he did leave a great
legacy of music to his family which has been handed down
for generations and has spread all over the west wherever
members of the family have lived.
The Young family learned to sing as a family — and in
solo, duet, trio, and quartet. Each member also learned to
play at least one musical instrument. The family organized a
family orchestra in 1905 and played for many years at the
Erickson Dance Hall. The original group featured Myrtle
Young Pratt at the piano, Alfred on the trumpet. Robert as
violinist, Clem on the trombone and Laurence B. Squires as
drummer. They played many old time favorites such as the
"Varsuviane," Walz, quadrille, 3 step, Berlin Polka and
reels.
Before long the orchestra was in great demand to play
for dances four or five nights a week in towns ranging from
Ashton to Pocatello, West Yellowstone, Medicine Lodge
and Dubois.
As orchestra members married or moved to other
communities, their places were taken by nieces and
nephews and in-laws. But wherever a member of the family
moved, they immediately became involved in forming their
own orchestra, in teaching music, leading ward choirs and
in promoting good music everywhere.
We do recognize the many members of our ward who
have and are adding to our musical culture. The Musical
Heritage program given recently in our ward by Sister Ruth
Barrus paid tribute to all of these fine folks.
YOUNG ORCHESTRA
Left to right: Mark Young. Glen Squires, Ray Palmer. Mark Lee.
(Played together 35 years)
38
'J{.
Henry Taylor
Henry Taylor's father taught him to play the fiddle,
and he played for dances at Heise Hot Springs. On the
17th of March 1912 he played there for a St. Patrick's Day
Basket Dance and bought a basket for 55 cents. It be-
longed to Miss Hazel Mattson of Poplar, Idaho. They fell
in love and on the 12th of April, 1912, they were married.
They built their home in Sunnydell where six children
were bom and raised. Henry and his daughter, Neta,
played the music for many Primary and other dances in the
Sunnydell School House. In the year 1948, Henry and
Hazel sold their farm to Keith and Opal Clements and
moved to Idaho Falls.
Herman Erickson's Dance Hall
The following was taken from the records of former
Bishop O.P. Johanson: "Alfred P. Young and others asked
the bishop if it would be all right if they formed a company
and built an amusement hall. The bishop at the time was
George Briggs, Jr. He gave his permission and told them
that they should go ahead with it. At that time, 1911, the
Rexburg Stake Tabernacle was being built and the bishopric
did not feel that they could take the responsibility of raising
funds for another building. The Archer Amusement Com-
pany was formed with Charles Merrill Squires, Laurence
Calvin Squires, Laurence Bond Squires, Wm. Porter
Squires, Herman Erickson, George S. Weekes, Carl J. John-
son, Robert A. Young, Clem Young, Alfred P. Young, and
Roger Millward."
burg who drew up plans for the Ricks College building also
drew plans for the hall. The dimensions of the main floor
were 58'x35'. The stage was 12' deep. There was a balcony
about 6' deep. Work on the hall was begun in 1911. The
first party in the hall was held on Thanksgiving 1911,
though the building was not complete. The cost was about
$1500. Material was purchased from the B&M Company of
Rexburg. First lighting used was coal oil (kerosene) lamps.
Next came gasoline lamps. August, 1919, a Delco light
plant was installed, later giving way to electric lights when
power became available in the community (1925). Wiring
for Delco light system for the dance hall was $166.00.
Callers for dances at the hall were James Briggs, Sr.,
D.O. Wilcox, Sr., Hilery Payn and others.
School was held in the hall for two years. (See article
on schools.)
News item from Rexburg paper fall of 1937:
"Erickson's Hall at Archer is being torn down and the
material will be used for other buildings. For 28 years it has
been the place of amusement for young and old. Originally
built from subscriptions from leading citizens, it later be-
came the property of Herman Erickson. It has held many a
festive party. Young and old have met in the dance hall and
have also laughed and wept at the plays presented there.
Now it is to be removed and the timbers used for another
building. One more open air party will be held there after
the roof is removed, and before the floor is taken out. To
those who attend will come many happy memories of other
joyous occasions. "
Some of the ward dance directors who instructed in the
hall were: Carl J. and Geraldine B. Johnson, Ernest and
Pearl F. Weekes, Bemarr and Martha Erickson, Mrs. Eva
Wade, and Mrs. Alma Grover, a teacher in Archer School.
Mary Stacey Buckland recalls:
The first time I, Mary Stacey Buckland Killian, re-
member going to the Archer Dance Hall, it was a Thanksgiv-
ing day in 1919. They were having a childrens' dance. My
mother had died the summer before; Eva and I walked from
our home on Grover lane. It was close to three miles. There
was snow on the ground that crunched under our feet as we
walked and chill wind that turned our cheeks pink and our
hands numb.
"As we walked into the huge building we felt rather
like two little orphans, anyway it looked huge to us. The
music sounded like heaven to us as we danced. If there were
no other partners, we danced together. I doubt if either of us
knew the first thing about dancing. Eva was eight and I was
ten. When they played the home waltz we were asked to line
up; at the head of the line stood a lady dressed in a sun
bonnet and such a huge ruffled skirt. Each ruffle had pock-
ets and when my turn came to reach into one of the pockets
for a sack of goodies, I looked up into the sweetest face I
have ever seen. She patted me on the head and smiled. I
don't recall what the treat was in the sack, but I will always
remember the sweet smiling face of Mary T. Wilcox.
"Through the years from this first dance I attended
until the hall was torn down in 1937. No words can describe
the happiness the dances I attended brought into my life."
Entertainment
Every winter the community produced several plays.
Wards exchanged performances. One such exchange took
place between Archer and Ririe. The Archer cast rode in
two sleighs. A sleigh loaded with scenery, painted by L.C.
Squires, and props went to Lorenzo through LaBelle and on
to Ririe, the long way around, to the railroad bridge across
the South Fork of Snake River. The teams were blanketed
39
Mothers and Daughters Party atErickson Dance Hall
about 1935
P „ , ^ MOTHERS DRESSED AS DAUGHTERS
Front Row: Agnes Orr Rachel Sutton with baby, Mrs. Heber Will.ams. Els.e Wilcox. Hilda Briugs, Bertha Young Mabel Bums
"":.:it^:t fr:MrC""^"- '^"^ "^""- ^^"^ ^^^-^^ "■-• ^-^ ^-^ (.^e^'Zce Chene. Esther Bums,
'^1':: M^rtt Wn;.::^^ ^''"''' '°^^'^ '-" ^^^^^^-^ ""^"°^" ^-^^ ^^^^»- ^"- ^^- -^"■^> B-^gs. Manha Hac..ng, Mary N.ede.r, Alice
wm
P ,„ ^ „ DAUGHTERS DRESSED AS MOTHERS
Tr;,r;!rKT.;;:Bl:''.rB"r"'- ™"" "''"• '-'^ ^°™^ -^-^^-Of C,..,, Wa„.. A„.„. b., Bn,,s, P,„. Pa,„. Pea.
40
and fed nearby. The play cast walked over the railroad ties
on the bridge to waiting sleighs, rode to the theater, per-
fomied their play, ate oyster stew at the cafe, and came back
the same way to their homes in Archer Ward. The whole
night was required for these excursions.
.An Archer play cast about 1922. Recognizable in the picture are:
Back Row: Unknown, Unknown, Clint Barber, Everett Clay, Clarence
Cheney, Unknown, Herb Williams, Silas Cheney.
Front Row: Gertrude Norman, Zilpah Squires, Unknown, Ronella
Squires, Juanita Young, Lula Jeppson.
Opal Clay, who took the picutre, was also in the play cast.
Bishop Johanson, in Rexburg one day, met a Mr. O.L.
Fams worth from Parker. Mr. Famsworth wrote plays, and
he and his family performed them in various communities in
the area. There had been some misunderstanding, and so the
family was in Rexburg, but was disappointed in an engage-
ment. Bishop Johanson grasped the opportunity, started ad-
vertising, and by nightfall a good crowd gathered at the
church to see the first of many Famsworth Players' produc-
tions. The troup)e appeared regularly for two night stands for
many seasons. They always had two plays ready for per-
formance. They would stay overnight at the home of Bishop
Johanson or at other homes.
Other notes of interest: Mrs. Famsworth was a fine
seamstress who sewed in exchange for her children's music
lessens. The mle in the family was that the children prac-
ticed their music as a first priority. Naomi played piano for
their dance orchestra which was busy each weekend. Vems
played xylophone and dmms, Melba played violin and
piano, DeLin was a trumpet player. After Naomi was mar-
ried, the family began their play production. DeLin was
only about 9 or 10 at the time, and helped with the music the
family performed during the intermission between acts.
(Naomi was the mother of Ethelyn Erickson.)
Another troupe that was enjoyed, was the Walters
Players. The Stutz Theater Company also performed here.
They painted their advertising on some of the natural geog-
raphic formations such as the lava rocks on the Sutton Dug-
way and the hillside on the Heise Hot Springs road. The
group stayed ovemight at the home of Wm. P. Squires. The
family had two teenage children, a boy and a girl, who
played piano and violin numbers to entertain between acts.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Fourth of July celebrations in the late teens and early
20's were homemade and a great deal of fun. Boweries were
built on the north side of the present Archer school building,
hung with bunting and covered with willows for shade.
These served as concession booths where were sold fruit-
flavored soda pop (50), candy bars (50), homemade pie,
cookies, doughnuts, popcom balls, firecrackers, caps (for
noise-making cap guns), punch, homemade ice cream,
gum, balloons, all day suckers, etc. The cost of pop and
candy bars was 3^/^ cents each. They thus provided some
money for the organization which sponsored the booths.
Homemade goodies were donated to the cause for fund-
raising.)
Cattle were gathered up and corralled in the yard at the
Louisa Weekes place next to the school grounds (the present
Esther May Boulter home). An impromptu rodeo was held.
There were lots of horse races on the road north of the
school. Games and races for children were held on the
grounds. One year Roy Robison and his partner, and Archie
and Herb Galbraith, all from Lyman, ran a chuck wagon
race from the Archer Church to the school house comer.
They loaded, stove, gear, poles, etc., stopped to build a
fire, fry an egg and eat the whole bit. It is said the eggs were
not overcooked.
Frank Bums, the proprietor of the store (formeriy the
Briggs store), played a large part in these celebrations. He
fumished some of the merchandise for the booths, but more
than that was the ice to make the delicious ice cream, and to
keep the soda and punch cool.
When the ice on the river froze 12" to 14" thick, he
and others sawed large blocks, and lifting them with tongs,
loaded sleighs and hauled them to a shed behind the old
store, and there buiried them deeply in sawdust where they
melted very slowly. They lasted very well sometimes into
August or later. The precious stuff was sold for 1 cent a
poimd.
Winter Carnival
Winter entertainments included a carnival held on the
main road near the Lyman church or on the road near Archer
school. Contestants paid an entrance fee and came from
many nearby communities. Events included horse racing,
pulling contests, bobsled racing, and ski racing. Two piles
of snow were shoveled up about three feet high for ski
jumps. Two skiiers at a time contended with each other.
Each skiier held a 25 foot rope anchored to the saddle of a
rider on a fast horse. Sometimes the rope was held by the
rider or tied to the tail of the horse. It was possible some-
times for the racer behind the slower horse to win the race
by handling his rope skillfully. Prizes were awarded from
the entrance fees.
Archer Athletic Association
About 1916 Clarence and Ben Hillman, Floyd Wilcox,
and Wallace Clark organized the Archer Athletic Associa-
tion. Members did some wrestling, boxing, and developed a
crack basketball team. Alma Briggs was center; guards were
Wallace Clark, Melvin Hunsaker, and Homer Raymond, a
41
Sunday School teacher described as "fast as greased lightn-
ing"; and as forwards, Karl Magleby and Clint Barber, an
Archer school teacher. Glen Squires was a sub. Perhaps there
were others. The team played in the Erickson Hall.
The evenings entertainment concluded with a dance.
Young's Orchestra playing. At the hall, there were a coat
check booth and concession booth. Tickets were sold at the
door. Soda pop and homemade candy, doughnuts, ice
cream and cookies were sold. After expenses, proceeds
went to the Athletic Association for uniforms, equipment,
etc.
On one occasion, the club played ball with Coach
Clyde Packer's good team from Ricks Normal College. At
the first quarter the club's team was much ahead and still at
the half. Someone was getting worried. By the third quarter,
the teams were evened up, and the older team was tiring.
The college won by a few points, but had really earned
them!
In 1916 or 1917, Clarence Hillman organized relay
teams on his school grounds. He had a girl's team that could
beat any competition they met, including the boy's relay
team. This was bitterly painful to the boys! The girls were:
starter, Thelma Carlson, described as having the getaway
like a racing quarter horse; second, Eulalia Sutton; third,
Floy Clay; last heat, Clara Briggs, described as being able
to run like an antelope. These girls took all the meets they
entered. (These girls were popular partners for playing
Evening Chase. Only after they were run down, could they
be beaten.) Other star performers were Ted Stacey and Myr-
tice Burr. They could "jump over the moon" with their
pole vaulting, a couple of very good young grade school
athletes.
Verge Young recalls:
No description of characters would be complete with-
out the inclusion of Frankie McFate.
Franklin Daniel Richard McFate came from Utah to the
Thornton area as a comparatively young man. His wife,
Sadie Taylor, was the daughter of John Taylor who was one
of the early pioneers of this territory.
Together, with a small son, they settled on a farm
directly east of us in Archer. That was in the spring of 1 9 1 1 .
By the time I was bom and had become a small boy -- a
dozen or more years later -- a neighborliness had been estab-
lished between the McFates and us which, of course,
seemed to me to have always existed.
Frankie was a strikingly small man of perhaps five feet
two inches in stature. His wizened features created an in-
stant impression which left one with no doubt as to who he
was after but one encounter.
No one could murder the king's English in such a
consistently horrendous manner as did Frankie McFate.
Yet, it was this same colorful misuse of grammar which
added to rather than distracted from his personality and
character.
The McFates' home was located half-way between
Zach Clay's place and where we lived on the north side of
the street. It was a humble home, but perhaps not much
more so than were most of the homes in the valley at that
time.
There was no situation in which Frankie became in-
volved, even be it of a more serious nature, but that he could
completely reverse the perspective by quickly responding
with an instantly coined witticism. Many of his witty quips
became bywords up and down the valley.
One day in Zach Clay's field a small group of men
were gathered to witness an innovationist demonstrate the
capabilities of a new Forson tractor. It happened that the
tractor was able to pull two twelve inch bottom plows, but
/as unable to move a plow which had but one sixteen
lOttom. Amos Allen, a man of some pedantic inclinations,
"reckoned" as to how it was because the two twelve inch
bottom plows had two "cuttin' capacities." Frankie re-
soned, "If that's the case, then if you hung enough plows
on the thing, it would go by itself."
He one time remarked that he'd sure hate to live down
where Selar Cheney lived -- down by the brush. "I'd be out
of wood all the time," he said. When asked why, he re-
plied, "To close to haul it and too far to pack it."
The strange and interesting feature of his philosophy
was that his remarks always smacked so strongly of the
truth.
One simple remark that he made has been told and
re-told so many times through the years that it has become
legend. It was threshing season and the crew, who were
customarily neighbors, were seated around the dinner table.
Zach Clay, after he eyed Frankie heaping the food on his
plate somewhat out of proportion, said, "Frankie, your eyes
are bigger than your stomach." Frankie's reply, after steal-
ing a furtive glance at Zach's huge belly, was a chirp of two
simple words, "Your's ain't?" It was reported that Zach
laughed harder than anybody.
Frankie was a neighbor among neighbors. He seldom
went anywhere that he didn't send a member of his family
over to inquire of my dad if he would like either to go with
him or send. Such instances ring clearly in my mind. It was
a familiar occasion when his son, Jay, came to our door to
say, "Pa wants to know if Bob wants a ride to meetin'."
Many are the cold winter evenings I can recall Frank
and Sadie seated at our living room table with my dad and
mother, munching apples, while they played their favorite
card game , ' ' High Five . ' '
Sometimes when my dad went to town, he would drive
the buggy along an old road which extended across the hill.
Occasionally he gave me permission to go with him. One
such time, as we passed the McFate place, we noticed Fran-
kie walking across his yard. Customarily my dad called out
to him, asking him if he would like to send to town. Frankie
replied that he guessed not, unless he (dad) could maybe
bring back to him some new pig heads. Puzzled, my dad
asked him what he meant. Frankie retorted that all his pigs
were eatin' their heads off.
His pigs, it seemed, were his nemesis. I remember
once his telling this story: "I fed this small pig a five gallon
bucket of slop, and he gobbled it all up. Then I put the pig in
the bucket and he only half filled it."
42
Such was the \'\k and personality of Frankie McFate.
He and Sadie and their six children left our neighborhood in
1930. They moved to Rexburg where Frankie worked at odd
jobs until his death January 1 1, 1943. Among other things
he planted the trees in Porter Park.
Archer Ward Bishops
George Briggs, Sr.
First Bishop - 2 Mar. 1902-10 Feb. 1907
(4 years, 1 1 months)
George Briggs, Jr,
Second Bishop - 10 Feb. 1907-14 July 1912
(5 years, 5 months)
George Briggs was bom October 15, 1858, at Tupton,
Derbyshire, England. He and his family were baptized into
the LDS Church, June 19, 1876. George began immediately
saving to come to Zion and in the spring of 1877 he came to
Utah. Work was hard to find in Salt Lake City and being an
excellent miner he went to Evanston, Wyoming, to work in
the coal mines. There he met Sarah Susannah Blackburn
who became his wife on December 9, 1877, in Evanston.
The next year they moved to Utah and were sealed in the
Salt Lake Endowment House. In 1883, they came by wagon
and ox-team to this area and camped in the trees where they
later built their home and store. He and his wife and family
were always active in the Church. When Lyman ward was
organized he served as counselor to Sidney Weekes. On
March 2, 1902 he was chosen the first bishop of Archer
Ward. His was the task of building a new ward with a
complete new staff, and arranging for the physical facilities
needed in the church building which in the division was left
to Archer. Nearly all the furnishings, the organ, and the
song books went to Lyman who had to hold church in the
home of a member.
Bishop Briggs served for five years until February 10,
1907. After his release, he was called to the stake high
council where he served two years until called on a mission
to Great Britain. He died following an attack of influenza in
1919.
George and Susannah Briggs had thirteen children,
five sons and eight daughters, Charles B., Sarah Susannah,
George, Jr., Esther, Pearl, Joseph, Florence, Mary Ann,
WiUiam J., Alice R., Clara E., Alma, and Rachel. They
raised ten to adulthood.
On the 20th of March 1964, George Briggs, Jr. , died at
the family home in Archer. Funeral services were held 24
March 1964 in the Archer Chapel. He was the first white
child bom to Mormon Pioneers in the Upper Snake River
Valley. He served as bishop of the Archer Ward, Ward
Clerk, Superintendent of the YMMIA, and many other
church positions. His civic responsibilities include 30 years
as a member of the board of directors of the Lenroot Canal
Company, serving much of the time as president or secret-
ary, as school trustee of the Archer School district for sev-
eral years, elected as Madison County Commissioner in
1938 and served two terms. In 1944 he helped organize
Idaho's first Flood Control district, comprising an area on
both sides of the Snake River from Heise to Roberts. He
was appointed by the govemor to the first board of directors
of the Flood Control District and served as chairman of the
board for six years. His counselors in the bishopric were:
first counselor, William Blanthom and Charles O. Jeppson,
second counselor.
He was a young man of twenty-four years when called
to preside over a ward of pioneers. He was able to unite the
people and in his soft-spoken way, brought peace and
goodwill to the ward.
His good wife, Martha, was equally active in the
Church, serving as president and secretary of the Relief
Society. When her health was impaired, her husband and
son. Max, spent many years caring for her. They surely set
a fine example to all ward members in compassionate ser-
vice.
43
Olof p. Johanson
Third Bishop- 9 Sept. 1928
First Bishop in Rock Building - 14 July 1912
(16 years, 2 months)
Bishop Johanson' s call to serve as bishop of the Archer
Ward came to him in Sweden where he was serving as a
missionary. After hurried farewells he boarded a ship and
was on his way home.
He arrived home July 1 , 1912, and was sustained bishop
on July 14, 1912. His first work was to provide a new
church building for his ward, which he accomplished in time
for a ward Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 29, 1913.
As bishop it was his responsibility to gather funds: $750
for the new gymnasium at Ricks College, and $950 for the
L.D.S. Hospital at Idaho Falls, which took six years to
collect.
Besides these contributions, the ward members were
constantly sacrificing to care for the sick, bury the dead and
render the extra care and love needed by families who had
sons fighting in World War I.
Special fast days were held to raise money for the saints
abroad.
Twenty-three missionaries served in the mission field
during these years. Tithes increased showing the faith of the
saints.
There was truly a great feeling of goodwill in the ward
all these years.
Bishop Johanson concludes his history by saying:
"In conclusion, I give my testimony that there is no-
thing in all the world so satisfying as service to our fellow
men. Nothing that pays dividends so regularly, so unstint-
ingly. I bear witness that as Nephi said, (God asks no favor
that cannot be performed, if we do our part.) I attribute my
many calls to different positions, not so much that I was able
to fill them, but because I was willing to work. My service
with you shall always be a cherished memory."
James Ray Smith
Fourth Bishop - 9 Sept. 1928-July 1941
(12 years, 10 months)
Bishop Smith was bom in Richmond, Utah, January 7,
1887, son of Isaac and Betsy Ann Bateman Smith. He came
to Lyman in 1904 and worked in the sugar factory in Sugar
City. After attending a missionary course at Ricks College,
he received his mission call to the Northern States. He mar-
ried Pauline Weiland in the Salt Lake Temple the 27th of
April 1910, and left the next day for Chicago where he served
in the East Iowa district. On returning from his mission, he
and his wife settled in Lyman where he was president of the
Elder's quorum and second counselor to Bishop Rytting. In
1918 he moved to Archer where three of his five children
were bom.
His first teaching experience in the ward was in Sunday
School. In 1924 he was called to serve as first counselor to
Bishop O. P. Johanson, where he served for four years. In the
summer of 1928 he became the new bishop. He chose as his
counselors. Brother D.O. Wilcox, Sr. , Carl Johnson, then
Raymond Briggs as second counselors, respectively. Many
things happened during those years, not the least of these was
a real depression. Part of the time gasoline was rationed. Jobs
were hard to get and some of our young men were employed
by P.W.A. Brother Bert Carlstrom was ward clerk and
served continually for 32 years with five bishops.
During this time the building program was light, how-
ever, a scout house was built. During this time twenty-one
elders were called on missions. Bishop Smith was instrumen-
tal in establishing an album of all ward missionaries.
He is a favorite speaker at funerals. He has earned the
love and respect of the people in Archer. He is now ninety-
three years old and spends his time between his daughter,
Alta Fisher in Utah, and his son, Dee in California.
Sterling Magleby
Fifth Bishop - 13 July 1941-13 Aug. 1946
(5 years, 1 month)
Sterling Hans Magleby was sustained as bishop of the
Archer Ward on June 29, 1941 , and was set apart by Apos-
tle Albert E. Bowen, July 13, 1941. His first official act as
bishop was the blessing and naming of his new baby son,
John Harrison Magleby. It was on December 7, 1941, that
the full weight of the office of bishop seemed to come. All
at once the world was at war and soon it began to strike our
own ward. Our boys, who had previously expected to fill
missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
were under the control of county draft boards and were
44
William I, Holley
Sixth Bishop - 16 Aug. 1946-13 Jan. 1952
(5 years, 5 months)
registered for selective service. Only those boys were al-
lowed to stay home who were physically handicapped or
where there was extreme need for them on the farm. So
there were very few of our boys who were unable to answer
their country's call. In some homes several sons were called
and great were the hardships the families were called to go
through. It seemed that almost every Sunday we would have
one or more boys in uniform come to church services. They
were home on furlough prior to going overseas. George
Munns and Richard B. Boulter sponsored a dance for each
departing serviceman. We tried to counsel them to stay
clean morally and to stay close to the Lord. They received a
Bible and a Book of Mormon from the ward to help them. It
wasn't long before they were in the heart of battle, then
familes at home needed encouragement. Soon we got word
of casualities and before long we had several of our fine
young men killed in action. Rationing at home was hard but
our ward members did very little complaining.
The regional and stake store houses were established in
1941 from which we drew furniture, food and clothing. A
typical ward welfare assignment consisted of forty-five
pounds of butter, twenty-two dressed chickens, several
cases of eggs, a truck load of potatoes and a few thousand
pounds of wheat. The Relief Society assignment was for
seven quilts, seven sheet blankets, sixteen sheets, twenty-
one pillow cases, twenty-one dish towels and eighty-three
other articles . A good share of the dish towels were made
from colored chicken feed sacks and with a little handwork
they became beautiful as well as useful. Much canning was
done on the stake level in the church cannery.
It was possible to call only a few missionaries into the
field because of government restrictions, but several lady
missionaries were sent. Bishop Magleby performed many
marriages in his home for servicemen who couldn't go to
the Utah temples because of car and gas rationing. The
Idaho Falls Temple was finally completed and ready for
service in 1945. Many of the ward members were able to
attend the dedication.
During the almost six years Bishop Magleby served, he
had the same two counselors and ward clerk. They served in
harmony and love, always with a desire to serve the Lord
and the wonderful ward members.
While Bishop Holley was serving, the welfare program
continued to expand to better serve the members of the
ward. Bishop Holley accepted all assignments without re-
servation and carried them through to their completion.
Wherever there was a need in the ward, he knew the help
that should be given and many times he used his own funds
to supplement the welfare assistance. The welfare program
was the essence of brotherhood under his direction.
Fresh fruits and vegetables were raised in our ward and
distributed to the needy within the ward, in addition to the
amount brought from the storehouse in Rexburg during
these years. One year the sisters of the ward were given the
assignment of donating sixty-eight pounds of dried beans
and fifty-two dressed chickens. They also asisted at the
cannery in Idaho Falls, canning seventy-one cases of com.
Other things furnished for the welfare program was butter,
fresh eggs and clothing. The clothing was gathered from the
homes and sorted. Any article that could be used in the ward
was distributed here and the remainder sent to the Deseret
Industries. Five of our sisters were sent to Idaho Falls to
help prepare used clothing to be sent to the Saints in Europe.
The things that were made and donated to the welfare prog-
ram were women's and children's clothing, quilts, and other
items for the home.
Under the leadership of Bishop Holley, Archer Ward
began gathering funds to build a new chapel. The committees
for this fund raising project were Glenn Sharp as general
chairman; LiUis Sutton, treasurer; Henry Erickson, secret-
ary. The following committees worked under them: livestock
committee: Russell Grover, Rulon Wilcox, Jesse Sutton,
George Niederer; finance committee: George Nelson, De-
Imoe Cook, Lind Robison, Keith Clements; entertainment
committee: Ernest Weekes, Samuel Grover, Bemarr Erick-
son, and Eldon Robison. Ronald Hill worked on the agricul-
ture committee. Some of the projects under the direction of
these committees consisted of the donating of ground to raise
potatoes. Calves and pigs were bought and distributed among
the membership of the ward to be raised and sold. Programs
were put on and dinners served, and a play and minstrel show
were produced. There were also voluntary contributions.
45
With Bishop HoUey as a county commissioner during
the heavy snows of winter, we had the very best of snow-
plow service as the road had to be kept open for him to get
to his meetings in town.
Bishop Holley had the special talent of making every
person feel that he or she was a very special friend.
BernarrB. Erickson
Seventh Bishop - 13 Jan. 1952-May 10, 1959
(7 years. 4 nuniths)
Bernarr B. Erickson was sustained bishop of the
Archer Ward January 13, 1952. The ward had been gather-
ing funds to build a new chapel for approximately four
years. The original committee continued until their work
was completed, and a committee was appointed to supervise
the actual construction of the building. They were: Bishop
Bemarr Erickson, Loren Grover, Newel Piquet, Sterling
Magleby, Keith Clements and Russell Grover.
On June 3, 1952, word was received from the Presid-
ing Bishopric that our building program had been approved
for $110,000 — half of that amount to be raised by the
ward. Early in 1953, Harry Willmore was engaged as build-
ing supervisor for the new chapel. May 8, 1953 was the
ground breaking ceremony. Bishop Erickson had the honor
of taking the first shovel of dirt, then excavating for the
chapel was done by dragline. By October the steel beams
had been hoisted into place by Melvin Wilcox and the brick
laying completed. The roof was on in November; plastering
began in February 1954; in March the steeple was raised and
Ray Palmer and his crew of female artists had finished the
painting and decorating. Later Glen Sharp bulldozed the
trees out from around the old chapel and on December 12,
1954, the dedicatory service was held with the prayer of-
fered by Elder SterUng W. Sill.
The total cost of the building was $143,000. A total of
$35,448.80 in cash was donated by the people of our ward
and friends of the ward. There was $34,624.98 made on
projects; $2,582.28 was raised by refunds and entertain-
ment; $12,934 hours of actual labor donated which was
matched by church funds.
Bishop Bemarr and Martha (Mattie) Erickson spent
most of their time working on the new church except for
time off on Sunday to care for the old chapel and its people.
These years were filled with activity and with the spirit
of giving. The ward was united throughout these building
years and all are proud of our chapel.
George H, Munns
Eighth Bishop - May 10, 1959-30 Mar. 1969
(9 rears, 11 months)
O
-jS*,'*
George H. Munns was sustained bishop of the Archer
Ward May 10, 1959.
The following improvements were made during his
tenn as bishop:
1 1 May 1960, water cooler in foyer, $265.00; 23 May
1960, microphone in chapel; 1961, loud speaker in Jr. Sun-
day School room; 7 October 1960, new roof on porch of
church; 10 January 1961, chapel repaired; 1961, 62, and 63,
seventy-five percent of Aaronic Priesthood received indi-
vidual awards. Archer Ward Aaronic Priesthood was high-
est in the stake.
1961, gymnasium refinished and outside of church
painted; 1962-63, all payments due on Ricks College au-
ditorium paid in full — total $3,678.50; 1963, p(itato pro-
ject on Rose Weekes farm; profit to ward $2,970; 1963-64,
assessment of $5,012.70 was paid on new seminary build-
ing; 1963, last payment of $100 made on ball park guaran-
tee; 1963, paid $149 assessment to Teton Peaks Boy Scout
Council. 1963, Twenty-four couples completed temple pro-
ject and had their endowments and sealings in the temple.
1964, east side parking lot completed; 1964, assessed
$ 19 1 a year for eight years for remodeling the nursing home
in Idaho Falls into a rest home; 1964, fixed roof of chapel,
$465; 1965, library in church remodeled; Grant Bums do-
nated his labor, material $34. 1965-66, Lyman Ward met in
Archer Chapel while new Lyman chapel was under con-
struction. 1969, Chapel cleaned and refinished for $1,750.
A sudden thaw brought flood waters down from the
hils and on February 11, 1962, many homes in the ward
were damaged causing extreme hardship to many families.
Under the direction of Bishop Munns, men worked all night
and with all available equipment to keep more homes from
being flooded and to help those who were stricken. After the
flood subsided. Bishop Munns and the Relief Society presi-
dent. Sister Erma Magleby, traveled to every home dam-
aged, going by power wagon over roads undermined and
46
flooded. After making notes of the damage done and the
needs of each family for the immediate future, orders were
made out and taken to the stake welfare storehouse and
commodities brought up by truck. Church resources were at
their disposal and all help necessary: mattresses, bedding,
commodities and home repairs were given to five families.
Twelve or more homes were cleaned by the Relief Society
and water samples were taken from the flooded wells to be
tested by the state. It was a great testing period for the
welfare program, and we were made proud and happy as a
church group, to see the fine way that members and non-
members alike, were cared for.
During this ten year period, there were 23 mis-
sionaries, 1 15 marriages, 69 deaths, 78 funerals, 1 12 births
and 25 families or couples sealed in the temple. Member-
ship of Archer Ward was 522 with 150 families.
This was a period of great spiritual and financial
growth.
John Russell Grover
Ninth Bishop - 30 Mar. 1969-15 Feb. 1976
(6 years, II months)
On March 30, 1969, John Russell Grover was sus-
tained bishop of the Archer Ward, Rexburg Stake. For
some time the need was felt to clean, paint and renovate the
chapel and gymnasium. It was not until early in March that
approval was received from the general authorities to do
this. Bids were let March 23rd and work was expected to
begin soon. The Passey brothers' bid of $1,775 was received
and accepted March 30, 1959, by Bishop Munns.
The first task of the new bishopric was to follow up on
these plans. The chapel, recreation hall and chair room, also
the wood trim on the exterior of the church was painted and
completed June 20, 1 969, at a cost of $ 1 775 . The gym floor
was sanded and sealed. The Relief Society presidency, Ella
Mae Wilcox, La Von Munns, and Diane Siddoway chose
the drapes for the chapel at the cost of $960. They were
hung at the windows September 17, 1969. The Relief Society
room's drapes were cleaned in August 1970 at a cost of $73.
A water closet was replaced in August 1970, hot water
heater installed in August 1970at a cost of $289.85. In 1971
new office furniture and equipment was also purchased:
desk and chair, $167; typewriter, $78; tape recorder, $1 10.
Much needed equipment for the library and classrooms was
purchased: overhead projector, $97; variable speed mi-
rophone attachment record player, $148.57; microphone,
$45. Also, Roof repairs, $148.12, and a lawn mower
purchased June 23, 1970 for $75.
January 1973, the ward records were put on comput-
ers. On the 14th of April 1973, a new front door was instal-
led in the church, the foyer painted and carpeted.
The road was oiled from Henry's Store south to the
comer by Bishop Grover in August and September 1970. It
was also oiled north of the store to the next mile.
Mark G. Ricks was assigned and set apart as Regional
Representative by Elder Packer 30 September 1970.
A drain ditch was built in October and November 1970
to take care of the flood waters from Lyman Creek.
June 1, 1975, Elder Boyd K. Packerofthe Council of the
Twelve was the visiting general authority at stake confer-
ence and our stake was divided. We are now in the Rexburg
Idaho East Stake with Lyman, Rexburg Fourth, Sixth and
Tenth. Keith Peterson was sustained as president of our
stake with Leo Smith and Charles (Tiny) Grant as coun-
selors.
In 1969 President Ririe had written to the First Presi-
dency concerning enlarging the tabernacle, adding on a
gymnasium to the side, etc.. to make it more serviceable.
The First Presidency suggested finding a suitable site and
erecting a stake house rather than adding on to the taberna-
cle. Permission to build on the present site was given in
Jaunary 1972. It was dedicated the summer of 1976. The
use of the old tabernacle as a meeting place was discon-
tinued and our first conference was held in the fieldhouse at
Ricks College the first Sunday in January 1970, until June
1976.
The population of the ward was steadily increasing
with programs being changed. During this time the Deseret
Industries in Idaho Falls was being built for the purpose of
giving work opportunities to handicapped and aged, with
voluntary help assisting and teaching the trades to be
learned.
Everyone always felt encouraged and uplifted by Bil-
shop Grover's hearty, congenial manner.
Lyle James Robison
Tenth Bishop - 15 Feb. 1976
47
Bishop Robison was the last Bishop of Archer before
the division and the first of Sunnydell.
The mettle of the people of Archer was tested when we
were called to help care for the flood victims of Rexburg
and Sugar City. Homes were opened for housing and all our
old Maytag washers were out on the front lawn trying to get
the dirt and mud out of clothes and bedding caught in the
flood waters. It took several washings before the clothes and
bedding were usable. Trucks, tractors, pumps, heaters,
shovels, and elbow grease were taken to Rexburg and long
hours were spent pumping out basements, shoveling out
mud, hauling away debris. Our Relief Society lessons on
compassionate service were really put into action.
The 13th of June 1976, the Archer Ward was given the
assignment of assembling 750 new wheelbarrows for use in
the flood area. The Fifteenth Elder's quorum was given this
task.
The 27th of June 1976, Archer was assigned along
with other wards that escaped the flood to furnish enter-
tainment for the flood victims in the form of meals and
programs.
On the 13th of July 1976, the first of four entertain-
ments and meals was held for the members of the Fourth
and Twelfth wards. More than 1300 members attended,
including our own. A delicious stew supper, with Kendall
Davidson as chef, was served with homemade bread, butter
and watermelon, on the church lawn.
The same menu was served the Salem Ward members
on the 20th of July. On the 27th of July the Eleventh Ward
members were our guests. More than 800 were present.
On the 3rd of August, another 800 Third Ward mem-
bers were with us.
After each dinner a fine program was given and each
family was given a loaf of homemade bread to take home.
On August 22, 1976, a special party for our own ward
members who worked so hard furnishing the entertainment
for the flood stricken wards was enjoyed.
On September 5, 1976, Bishop Robison reported that
the total cost was $1600 cash, plus the purchase of 1500
pounds of meat for $976, 2000 pounds of potatoes, 600
pounds of onions, 750 pounds of carrots which came to
$321.00. Paper plates, cups, and utensils came to $1047.00;
2400 loaves of homemade bread were donated for the par-
ties held for the flood victims. A total of 3900 people at-
tended the four parties.
The annual Elder's quorum breakfast was held on July
4, 1976. Since this was the bicentennial there were lots of
patriotic displays, flower gardens were red, white, and blue,
fire hydrants were painted in the same colors. The Relief
Society made afghans, quilts, etc., in patriotic shapes and
colors. Recognition was given to those who read historical
accounts of our nation's founding. Patriotic songs were
sung. Bessie Wilcox composed one that was sung in Relief
Society. Floats and parades were of a patriotic nature.
Poems were written, and we were made conscious of our
national heritage in every imaginable way.
Our share of payments were made on the stake building
fund, seminary building, bishop and clerk office project.
scout registration, new speaker system in the stake, etc.
A shelter on the lawn behind the church was finished in
time for the 4th of July breakfast 1977. Classrooms were
carpeted.
On October 8, 1978, the Archer Ward was divided
along the road from Jesse Sutton's to Leonard Clements,
east and west. The north side of the community retained the
name of Archer Ward. The south side and new ward was
called Sunnydell. Sunnydell was glad to keep Bishop Lyie
Robison, and his counselors, Stanley Nielson and Wayne
Siddoway. Archer was happy with their new Bishop Glen
Leak and counselors, Delas Munns and Jon Larson.
The big project right now is the sesquicentennial his-
tory book of the Archer-Sunnydell wards.
Herman and Olive, Custodians
Few buildings have had the tender, loving care enjoyed
by the Archer rock chapel and the present Archer-Sunnydell
building. Herman Erickson began as custodian in 1918,
and, aided by his children, continued until his retirement in
1966 at the age of 89. At first he would not accept more than
five dollars a month for his care of the old rock building. In
hard times, he would accept nothing.
Herman put a Delco motor and generator plant in the
basement of his home about 1919, from which he lighted his
own home and the church across the street, until the electric-
ity came into Archer in 1926. Ward members paid a very
small fee for this service. By 1953, Herman's salary was $70
and was increased a little during the years by each bishop.
Herman and his daughter, Olive, shared the salary when they
worked together.
After 1966 Olive took over the work and has continued
until the present time, now acting as custodian for both
Archer and Sunnydell wards. Many people remark about the
fine condition of our building and grounds, evidence of
service above and beyond the call of duty.
In addition they cheerfully performed any personal ser-
vices requested by ward members, such as, opening the
building at odd hours for rehearsals, retrieving left articles,
family reunions, etc. They also conscientiously maintained a
lost and found department.
Herman Erickson
(See pages 155 and 156 for Olive's history and picture.)
48
Missionaries from Archer Ward
(1902-1980)
Departure
Departure
Missionary
Mission
Date
Missionary
Mission
Date
Charles B. Briggs
British
25
Feb.
902
Lyle Mayes Cheney
Northern States
28 Aug.
957
Nels Christensen
Danish
April
905
William 1. Holley
West Central
11 Dec.
957
George Briggs, Sr.
British
14
Dec.
909
Lottie Holley
West Central
11 Dec.
957
Olof P. Johanson
Swedish
25
May
910
Renell Cook
Mexican
19 Jan.
958
David Cheney
Eastern States
2
Nov.
911
Gloria Robison
Eastern States
29 June
959
Oscar B. Neilson
Australia
3
June
912
Garth Elwin Briggs
Eastern States
2 Nov.
959
George S. Weekes
Southern States
3
Dec.
912
Keith Elisha Grover
Canadian
30 Nov.
959
Silas L. Cheney
Swiss Gennan & Eastern States
1
Dec.
913
Blair John Grover
Great Lakes
27 June
960
Thomas C. Jeppson
Northern States
18
Nov.
915
Dale J. Hansen
Southern States
29 Aug.
960
Karl A. Erickson
Swedish
26
Nov.
915
Marvin H. Robison
Great Lakes
23 Jan.
961
John E. Wilcox
Southern States
Mar.
887
Lowell Cheney
North British & Calif.
24 Apr.
961
John E. Wilcox
Southern States
Mar.
897
Delbert Cheney
Great Lakes
30 Oct.
961
John E. Wilcox
Southern States
4
Dec.
915
John H. Magleby
Central British
30 Oct.
961
H. J. Williams
British
4
July
906
Clarence Cheney
New England
27 Nov.
961
Edward P. Oldham
Swiss-German
21
Nov.
907
Leal Cheney
New England
27 Nov.
961
Wayne Cheney
Southern States
3
Dec.
916
Melvin Cheney
England-North British
15 Aug.
962
Isabel Weekes
Central States
4
Jan.
916
Rozella Weekes
French
4 Feb.
963
Charles Weekes
Northern States
6
Apr.
919
LaMar Wilcox
Canadian Alaskan
6 Jan.
964
A. Clarence Weekes
Central States
7
Apr.
919
Eric Erickson
Eastern States
24 May
965
H. E. Smart
Central States
12
May
919
Darnell Weekes
No. Germany
28 June
965
David Cheney
Southern States
30
Sept.
919
Roxcy Jeppson
Florida
5 July
965
Luke Briggs
Eastern States & England
3
Apr.
920
Silas Lavel Cheney
Gulf States
10 Jan.
966
Olin H. Jeppson
Western States
25
June
921
Phillip Ray Niederer
South West Indian
7 Mar.
966
Sarah S. Briggs
California
5
Mar.
922
Julian Lee Cheney
England-Central British
19 June
966
Gerald J. Jeppson
Canada
6
Dec.
923
Norman Small Erickson
Florida
19 June
966
Raymond George Briggs Northern States
7
Jan.
926
Dale Larsen
North West Pacific
27 May
968
D. O. Wilcox, Sr,
Eastern States
8
Jan.
926
Darrell Cheney
Scotland
20 Sept.
968
Elmer Weekes
Canada
6
Nov.
926
Lyle Nelson
Northern States
18 Nov.
968
Sterling Magleby
Eastern States
19
Nov.
926
Martin Davidson
Eastern Atlantic States
6 Sept.
969
John N. Jackson
Canada
30
Oct.
927
Neil Hansen
Urguay
10 Jan.
970
Marion S. Cheney
Central States
27
Nov.
927
Jack Schofield
England (left from Driggs)
20 June
970
Orrin B. Jeppson
Western States
7
Jan.
928
Nolan Cheney
Norway
6 Sept.
970
Theron Cheney
Western States
26
Oct.
930
Linda Nelson
Brazilian
9 Nov.
970
Robert U. Weekes
East Central States
8
Mar.
930
Rodney Beck
Denmark
9 Jan.
971
Henry E. Erickson
Swedish
16
Jan.
929
Lynn Cheney
Alabama-Florida
28 Aug.
971
Lewis A. Wilcox
North Central
3
July
930
Victor S. Erickson
England
18 Sept.
971
Ermil E. Liljenquist
Eastern States
4
Jan.
931
Alden Brindle
Texas
Oct.
971
Florence Jackson
Northern States
14 June
931
Hal D. Erickson
California
10 Nov.
971
Elmo R. Smith
North Central
16
June
935
Richard Thomas Sutton
Calif-Spanish
4 Nov.
972
Millie Wilcox
Western States
20
Oct.
935
Tonya Jean Erickson
Hong Kong
6 Jan.
973
Kenneth Hacking
Canadian & New England
27
Jan.
936
Rosalie Hacking
Hong Kong Health Mission
14 Apr.
973
Norman B. Erickson
Western States
Mar.
936
Ruth Nelson
Andes-Peru
24 July
973
Opal Cheney
East Central
14
Nov.
936
Emil Niederer
England
27 Oct.
973
Stephen Grover
California
11
June
936
Garth Nelson
Perth Australia
17 Nov.
973
Eva Niederer
Canadian
23
Oct.
937
Phillip Boulter
Florida So. Spanish
12 Jan.
974
Opal Weekes
Eastern States
25
May
940
Georgia Erickson
North England
26 Jan,
974
John N. Jackson
California
26
May
940
Bradley Kay Nielson
Australia South
23 Feb.
974
Cyrus Budge Clay
Great Britain & U.S.
25
June
939
James K. Jeppson
Oregon
27 Apr.
974
Meda V. Briggs
Eastern States
14
June
940
Milon Neilson
California
20 July
974
Lewis R. Allen
East Central
21
Jan.
940
Foryl Kidd
Scottish
24 May
974
Lynn C. Nelson
Northern States
15
Nov.
940
Richard B. Grover
French Belgium
1 June
974
Wendell B. Cheney
East Central
9
Nov.
940
Arden Howell
Australian N.E.
8 June
974
Marvin Dee Smith
New England
15
June
940
Herman S. Erickson
Phillipines
27 June
974
Katherine Holley
Northern States
16
Sept.
943
Eileen Hacking
Pennsylvania
7 Sept.
974
Selar & Florence Cheney California
1
Dec.
945
Randall Sutton
Seoul Korean
7 Dec.
974
Robert Parley Mclntire
Southern States
2
Dec.
945
Garth Ray Oakey
Taiwan
10 May
975
Zula Susan Nelson
Eastern States
14
Apr.
946
Wade Nelson
Columbia Cali
5 July
975
Afton Cheney
New England
1
Dec.
947
Dee Orr
Georgia-Atlanta
13 Dec.
975
LeRoy Hare
Southern States
23
Feb.
948
George Kidd
Holbrook-Indian
25 Mar.
976
Elmer LeRoy Holley
Swiss Austrian
23
Jan.
948
Ronald L. Orr
Michigan-Lansing
24 Apr.
976
Lorin Homer Grover
Southern States
4
Dec.
949
Robert Beck
Arkansas-Little Rock
22 May
976
Ira L. Holley
Finnish
7
Feb.
950'
Stephen & Rula Grover
Guatemala
June
976
John Oswel Wilcox
Swedish
7
Feb.
950'
William LaVar Squires
New York -New York
10 July
976
Raymond Kay Briggs
West Canadian
6
Nov.
950
Kevin Grover
Arkansas-Little Rock
17 July
976
Merlin Orr
East Central
19
Jan.
951
Genevieve Kennington
Leeds England
1 Mar.
977
Louetta Robison
North Central
25
Feb.
951
Peggy Grover
Oakland Calif.
12 Mar.
977
James A. Holley
North Western
25
Feb.
951
Douglas Robison
Australia
22 Mar.
977
Clarence Myrl Weekes
Great Lakes
25
Feb.
951
Jason Nielson
Philippines
9 July
977
Calvin M. Cook
Central States
19
Mar.
951
Karen Wilcox
Philippines
12 Nov.
977
Julia Jeppson
Southern States
27
June
951
Lane Beck
Penns, Pittsburg
14 Jan.
978
Stanley B. Sutton
Japanese
17
Nov.
953
Dennis Grover
Taiwan
13 June
976
LaRee Munns
Samoan
23
June
954
Marion &
Theron Allen Cheney, Jr. Great Lakes
9
Nov
955
La Verne Hacking
Canadian
15 Apr,
978
Lyle S. Briggs
Northern States
22
Feb.
956
Keith & Opal Clements
Minnesota
3 June
978
Richard Magleby
Mexican
22
Feb.
956
49
Missionaries out in 1980
Archer Ward Missionaries
Sunnydell Missionaries
Entered
Entered
Mission
Mission
Name
Mission
Field
Name
Mission
Field
Scott Howell
Japan Tokyo North
22 Feb. 1979
Theron and
Danny Westover
Wisconsin Milwaukee
22 Feb. 1979
Dorothy Cheney
Ohio Columbus
9 Jan. 1980
Tony Bell
Australia Adelaide
2 Aug. 1979
Kenneth and
Martha Erickson
California Los Angeles
18 Oct. 1979
Laurel Hacking
Iowa Des Moines
25 Sept. 1979
Steve Munns
Australia Brisbane
15 Nov. 1979
Enc Hill
Australia Melbourne
6 Mar. 1980
Kevin Luthy
California Fresno
17 Jan. 1980
Shane Oakey
Arizona Holbrook
10 Oct. 1979
Trieste Robison
Florida Tampa
15 April 1980
Larry Ricks
Illinois Chicago
6 Mar 1980
David Kidd
England London South
31 July 1980
Rick Robison
Nevada Las Vegas
30 Jan. 1979
Jody Weekes
Pennsylvania Philadelphia
7 Aug. 1980
Duane Siddoway
Italy Catania
17 Oct. 1979
Kent Sutton
California Oakland
14 Oct. 1978
Bemice Weekes
Louisiana Batton Rouge
22 Jan. 1980
Blaine Wilcox
No. Carolina Greensboro
18 Dec. 1979
Mardell Cheney
Australia Melbourne
27 Aug. 1980
Marion and
Alice Cheney
Texas Houston
24 Sept. 1980
Scott Howell
Danny Westover
Tony Bell
Martha Erickson
Steve Munns
50
Trieste Robison
Jody Weekes
Theron and Dorothy Cheney
Laurel and Kenneth Hacking
Eric Hill
Shane Oakey
Larry Ricks
Rick Robison
51
Duane Siddoway
Kent Sutton
Bemice Weekes
Blaine Wilcox
Marion, Alice, and Mardell Cheney
List of Men from Archer and Sunny dell
Wards Who Served in the Military During
World War I
Eighty-nine boys and two girls of these, our own, have
been called to defend the right.
Two of these boys made the supreme sacrifice, giving
their lives for our freedom - Robert Weekes and Ronald
Niederer. We hold their memory most dear.
Others who served include: Silas Levell Cheney,
Thomas Charles Jeppson, Dewey S. Niederer, William
Fyfe, Frederic Weekes, John Wallace Clark, Clarence Burr,
John B. Carlstrom, Marshall Leslie Weekes, Allen S.
Weekes.
Weslie Lavem Grover, Elias Niederer, Lester Luck
Briggs, Henry Briggs, Orris Wilcox, James Edward Martin,
Alex Fyfe, Clarence Hillman, Errol Hillman, Frank Bel-
lino.
Joe Giordon, John Albert Martin, Stephen H. Taylor,
Charles Sutton, Frank A. Jensen, Mr. Alguard, Leslie Paul,
Donald A. Hacking, Myrtice C. Burr, Isaac Briggs.
Men and Women Who Served in the
Military During World War II
Marvin Anderson, Robert Allen, Grant Aeschbacher,
Ralph and Wayne Beck, Roston Blackburn, Roy Boulter,
Arnold and Glen Briggs, Earl Briggs, Wallace Briggs,
George Brisco.
Marjorie Buckland, Silas Buckland, Beulah Bums,
Lee Bums, Walter Bybee, Elmo Cheney, Wendell, Urgan
and Gerald Cheney, Dale and Budge Clay, Cecil and Loren
Cook, Glen and Kenneth Davis.
Lynn M. Dewey, Howard and Stanley Erickson,
Samuel D. Fullmer, George Fyfe, Murtis Fyfe, Carl and
Dayton Grover, Thayne, Bryce and Vem Hacking, Adison
52
Holden. Melvin and Roy Holley, Blueford Hopper.
Don Hubbard, Albert Johnson, Vance Koon, Ray
McBride. Charles Nelson, Delos Nelson, Ronald, George
and Gordon Niederer, John W. Perham, Grant and Ivan
Petersen, James Rawles.
Ellis and Joseph Rice, Martell and Dan Sharp. Irvine
Schneiter, Dee Smith, Elwood, Stanley, Ford and Dyle
Smith, Mervin Stoddard, Mark Sutton, Byron and Lorin
Taylor, Wesley Virgin, Warren Walters.
Jacob, Abraham, Moroni and Harry Whittaker, Frank
Weekes, Lee C. Weekes, Robert, Arthur and Antone
Weekes, Ross Weekes, John Wilcox, Keith, David and
Leroy Wilcox, Lamont and Grant Wilcox, Melvin Wilcox.
Men Who Served in the Korean Conflict
Earl Beck, Max Briggs, Earl Wilcox, Verle Wilcox,
Clifford Wilcox, Boyd Wilcox, Glen Ray Nelson, Steven
Lloyd Weekes, Ray Sidney Weekes, Max Oakey.
Raymond J. Tea, John Howard Allen, Laurence Kay
Luthy, Ira Kent Grover, Kay Raymond Briggs, Clifford
Spence Munns, Calvin M. Cook, Chester Reno, Darrell
Ashbocker, Gary Ashbocker.
Dennis Ashbocker, Clayton L. Grover, Loren Homer
Grover, Lyle Robison, James A. Holley, Billy Ray Luthy,
Charles Higley, Stanley Sutton, Murland Higley, Samuel
Larry Grover.
Brigham Whittaker, Dwayne Luthy, Dean Kirkham,
Charles D. Niederer, Denver Erickson, Terry O'Neil Hig-
ley, Lyle Cheney, Thell Weekes, Lynn Briggs, Sidney
Hemsley, Henry Tea, Cleve G. Weekes.
Men Who Served in the Viet Nam
Conflict
Val Gene Dumont, Kenneth L. Hacking, Laurence
Byrne, Blair Clay, Nolan Erickson, Dennis Pope, Monte
Bowen, John Perham, Douglas Terry, Alan Robison, Hal
D. Erickson, Julian Cheney, LaMar Fyfe.
'Continued from page 21, line 1, word 1
A rock boat was a contrivance for moving rock short distances. It
consisted of two logs lying parallel about four feet apart. .Above were nailed
heavy planks for a floor. Two poles were nailed above these planks. A cable
or chain was fastened to one end so a team of horses could be hitched to it.
Rocks too heavy for men to lift were rolled onto the boat. Boats were drawn
by horses into locations too small or too dangerous to maneuver wagons.
Rocks was then more easily dumped over the river bank to help control
erosion by river currents.
53
LIFE
HISTORIES
Lila Gardner Anderson
Ula
I was the daughter of James Gardner and Myrtle May
Rackham. My parents had 10 children, six girls and four
boys.. Only one has passed into the next life to be with our
parents. I was the seventh child, bom April 26, 1917 at
Moody Creek, Idaho, and was named Lila Gardner. Archie
Ricks baptized me in a creek on September 5, 1925.
As a child I went to school in Moody in the red school
house that is still there. It had two classrooms and a gym-
nasium. We walked to school when the weather was good. In
the winter time we took a one horse sled with a small box.
Every winter I had pneumonia and was out of school a good
share of the time. In my fourth and fifth grades we went to
Ogden in the winter so I could be out of the deep snow. Dad
worked for the stockyard while we were there.
Dad had a dry and wet fann so we had about 70 head of
horses. In the spring we would take them out to Kilgore.
When we needed them again in early fall for harvest we
would go up and get them. We would take one saddle horse
and our white top buggy and our field glasses. We would fish
and hunt while we were there. I had a happy childhood.
I was married on November 23, 1935 to James Derral
Anderson of Sugar City by Bishop Stucki of Fourth Ward in
Rexburg. This is where I went to church while I was living
with my Sister Winnie Thueson before I was married. I
stayed with her and helj)ed with her children. On special
holidays I helped her husband. Bob, deliver Wonder Bread.
Derral and I moved to California on 91st Street near
Broadway December 3 , 1 935 and lived with his mother Sarah
Anderson and her five children to help care for them.
Our first son was bom in South Gate on December 27,
1936, DeLoy J. Anderson. He married Trenna Dawn
Schofield of Ashton. They have five children and six grand-
children. He is the bishop of the Wrightwood Ward in
Califomia and is currently building a chapel in Hesperia,
Califomia. He will soon be building the Wrightwood Ward
Chapel.
In April 1938 we came to Idaho for Derral to work for
his brother Cleo on the overpass between Sugar and St.
Anthony and on small bridges between Rexburg and Rigby.
We lived with my sister Bessie Jensen and I took care of her
family while she worked.
We moved back to Califomia in September. Our first
daughter was bom on December 17, 1939 in Los Angeles.
Norlene is married to Ed Reichenbach who works for Ricks
College as an electrician. They have three children and live in
Archer.
Ourthirdchild was a boy bom January 28, 1943 in Bell,
Califomia, Herbert LeRoy. He is married to Diane Buley.
They have seven children, six living; their second daughter
died shortly after a premature birth. He is a high councilman
and lives in Wrightwood where he works as a carpenter.
Our last child, Sheila, was bom March 13, 1948 in San
Gabriel. She is married to Bob Foster. He works for the city
of Rexburg; they live in Lyman and have four children.
We were married and our children were sealed to us in
the Idaho Falls Temple on August 26, 1953. All of our
children have been married in the temple.
Derral was a machinist for many years then he went to
work as a Salesman for Farmers Insurance. I cooked in a
school for 22 years and in the summer I cooked at Sears in El
Monte, Califomia and the last five years I worked for the Los
Angeles summer camp program.
I retired in June 1979, sold my home in San Gabriel,
Califomia, and bought a home in Archer to be with my girls
and their families.
Earl and Rhea Beck
Earl and Rhea and daughter, Christy.
54
Earl Lee Beck was bom in Labelle, Idaho, November
25, 1927. He was the fourth child of Clarence Lee Beck and
Elsie Pauline Miller. When Earl was three years old his
parents moved from Labelle to Archer. Earl spent his child-
hood helping on the family farm and attending the schools in
Madison County.
Immediately following the end of the second World
War, Earl joined the United States Navy and served there for
23 months. After receiving his discharge he returned to
Archer and fanning.
January 13, 1950 Earl and Rhea were married by Bishop
W.I. Holley in Archer.
Rhea was bom and raised at Pingree, Idaho, which is
west of Blackfoot. Her parents were Willard Jackson and
Elva Dance. She was bom September 27, 1927. Upon gradu-
ation from the Thomas High School she became a telephone
operator in Blackfoot, later transferring to Rigby.
Earl and Rhea rented Clarence Beck's farm in April of
1950. They spent the next 15 years there farming during the
summer and working in one way or another in the potatoes
during the winter.
They are the parents of four children: Brenda, who was
bom October 10, 1950, is married to Lane Parry and lives in
Lander, Wyoming. Brenda attended the L.D.S. Business
College in Salt Lake City and worked in the Church Office
Building until her marriage. She has four children, two boys
and two girls.
Jerry lives in Sunnydell. He married Sheryl Stoddard
and they have four children. Jerry was bom at Rigby, Idaho,
May 30, 1952.
Janet and her husband, Rob Webster, Hve in Rexburg.
They just recently became the parents of their second child.
They have one boy and one girl. Janet was bom September
20, 1956 at Rigby, Idaho.
Christy was bom November 18, 1960. She graduated
from Madison High school and has one more year before
getting her associate degree at Ricks College.
Jerry and Janet also attended Ricks College.
In March 1965 the family moved up the road a short
distance to the farm where they now live. They bought the
Dave Wilcox house and farm.
Earl and Rhea have been active and served in many
callings in the church. They received their endowments and
their family was sealed to them August 18, 1965.
Earl loves to farm and takes great pride in the good crops
he grows.
They are proud of their children and grandchildren and
enjoy associating with their friends and neighbors in the
Archer, Sunnydell area.
Jerry and Sheryl Beck
Jerry and Sheryl Stoddard Beck were married August
20, 1971 in the Idaho Falls Temple. We met while attending
Madison High School. We dated for about four years before
we decided to marry. Jerry attended Ricks College for a
while, waiting for me to graduate from high school. We were
married a few months after my graduation.
(Left to right): Collette, Sheryl, Darren, Jerry, and Wesley.
Sheryl' s parents are Harold and Norma Goulding Stod-
dard of Rexburg. She has four brothers and one sister. Jerry's
parents are Earl and Rhea Jackson Beck of Archer. He has
three sisters.
We moved to a mobile home parked just east of Jerry's
parent's home right after our marriage. Jerry helped his dad
farm and they rented ground in Archer and Ririe. For the first
few winters Jerry drove truck and worked at Sutton's
warehouse.
Jerry became interested in hunting and fishing with his
friends. He also bought a motorcycle and cycling is a favorite
pastime.
Sheryl went to work a few weeks after they were mar-
ried at the Sears store in Rexburg. She worked part-time as
their bookkeeper and helped in the catalog sales. After eight
months she went to work at the Ricks College Physical Plant
as a secretary. She worked there until a few weeks before
their first baby was bom.
Collette, our first child, was bom March 22, 1973 in
Rexburg. We remember that she had lots of dark hair. She
always loved books as she grew up, and leamed to read at an
early age. She enjoys reading, talking, and writing. She will
start second grade this fall. She has leamed to ride a bike this
spring andd likes to swim, dance and has started taking piano
lessons.
Our second child, Wesley J., was bom December 3,
1974. Wesley was a big baby, weighing almost 9 lbs. when
he was bom. Wes has always been interested in farming with
his dad and Grandpa Beck. He enjoys his trucks and tractor
and dirt. He has leamed to ride a small bike this summer and
Wesley and his sister can be seen riding their bikes together
often. Wesley will start kindergarten this fall.
Darren DeLynn, our third child, was bom January 31,
1978. Darren loves being outdoors, riding on the machinery
with his dad and grandpa. He likes his toy tractor and trike.
He especially like to go to grandma's, where they spoil him.
Darren is always in the shadow of his older brother, Wes, and
sometimes forgets he can't say and do all the things Wesley
can. This tends to get him into trouble regularly.
Our fourth child, Meggan, was bom in Rexburg, Au-
gust 18, 1980.
55
Sheryl's full time job is her family. She enjoys sewing
for them, gardening and learning to be a better cook. She has
worked in the sports program. Relief Society, and Primary.
Jerry is keeping busy in a body shop in Rigby. He is still
doing some farming, but is a full time body and fender man.
He became interested in auto body repairs about four years
ago, working during the winters in his dad's shop. This
spring he made the decision to go to work full time in the
body shop business. Jerry has served in the Sunday School
over the past year.
We enjoy camping and fishing during the summer when
we get the chance. We also like to take the family swimming
and for pizza.
We have liked living in Archer-Sunnydell during the
past nine years of our married life . We appreciate our family,
friends and neighbors that have made our life together happy .
Robert and Peggy Beck
Robert Paul Beck was bom May 13, 1957 in Rexburg,
Madison, Idaho, to Wayne Mark and Zara Zelda Hendricks
Beck.
Peggy Sue Monson was bom April 10, 1958 in Burley,
Cassia, Idaho, to Niles Thomas and June Humphery's Mon-
son.
Robert was reared in Archer and spent a lot of his time,
as most farm boys do, swimming in irrigation ditches, sorting
potatoes at harvest time, and keeping his mother busy. He
attended grade school in Archer, then moved on to junior
high school in Rexburg. He was a cute little boy with blonde
hair and lots of freckles.
Robert began high school in the fall of 1972, and in the
spring of 1975, graduated from Madison High. During his
senior year, Robert was called to serve as Seminary Presi-
dent. He grew spiritually from this assignment and learned
how to be an example to others as well as a leader. Robert was
a friendly guy with a big smile, and he still had lots of
freckles .
Peggy was the second child in a family of four girls. Due
to her father's job, her family moved approximately every
three to four years. After her birth, the Monsons moved to
Boise, Shelley, and then Preston, where Peggy attended first
through fourth grade. One of the things Peggy remembers
most about these years is throwing away her cafeteria tickets
so she could go home with her best friend for lunch. Her
friend's mother worked, so every day they would have their
favorite treat — bread and butter with sugar on top. Peggy's
mother never found out.
At the end of 1974 Robert met Peggy. She ended up
erasing the pencil markings in his Algebra book before he
handed it in that day. Little did she know what this episode
would lead to.
The summer went by, Robert slaving away for his dad
on the farm, and Peggy slaving for her dad at the store. They
never saw each other until school started that fall. Peggy had
her eyes on him, but was too shy to say anything. Then one
day, while doggedly doing a shorthand lesson, who should sit
down beside her but Robert Beck! They went to a movie that
weekend and have been dating ever since.
Robert left for Little Rock, Arkansas to serve a mission
on May 22, 1976, the same week Peggy graduated from high
school. While Peggy attended Ricks College, worked at the
bank, and "waited", Robert served as district leader, zone
leader, and assistant to the mission president in Arkansas.
They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on De-
cember 16, 1978 by Donald O. Merrill.
They began married life in Apartment No. 5 above
McDonalds on main street in Rexburg. It was quite a dump to
begin with, but it wasn't long before it became their home.
Peggy practiced on her cooking and cleaning skills, and
Robert on his plumbing, carpentry, and "taking out the
garbage" skills.
They belonged to the Ricks College 1 1th Ward — a
ward specifically for married students. Robert served as
Elders Quorum president and second counselor in the bishop-
ric, while Peggy served as homemaking teacher and educa-
tion counselor in the Relief Society. They met many friends
in this ward. They also made a move to the basement apart-
ment of Lois Hoffman, who became a dearly loved friend.
Robert graduated from Ricks College in May of 1980.
Another move took them to Archer where Robert
worked as the Watermaster. They were now members of the
Sunnydell Ward where Robert served as Deacons advisor and
scout master.
Little Jared Robert Beck was bom June 23, 1980 in
Rexburg, Madison, Idaho. He brought with him a big sur-
prise for both sides of the family — the first grandchild with
bright red hair (and the temper that goes with it!).
Wayne and Zara Beck
*" ■■■— ■ M
Front Row (L. to R.): Sharon, Carolyn, Zara. and Valynn
Back Row: Doyle, Layne, Wayne, Rodney, Robert, and Bryant
Wayne Mark Beck was bom the 8th of January, 1926, at
LaBelle, Idaho. Zara H. Beck was bom 22 April 1929 at
Rexburg, Idaho. Wayne's parents, Clarence and Elsie Beck
and family moved to Archer in the year 1929 to the farm
where Wayne presently resides and farms. Zara was bom to
Lucius and Claudia Dayley Hendricks and raised in Lyman,
Idaho. Her grandparents, John F. and Henrietta Dayley lived
in the present Gordon Neiderer home next to Wayne's fam-
56
ily. Consequently they became childhood friends, playing
together, whenever Zara visited her grandparents.
After Wayne's military service in World War II, they
met again and began seeing very much of each other, and
were married 16 December 1947 in the Idaho Falls Temple.
They lived for a short time in Lyman, Archer, and in Taylor,
Idaho before returning to Archer in 1955, where they finally
settled and farmed on the "Soule Place". They lived there
until 1966 when they purchased Wayne's father's farm,
remodled the old home, and settled there permanently.
Wayne graduated from Archer High School at age 16
and worked for farmers in Idaho Falls and Montana until
joining the Navy at age 17 to serve his country and served
until May 1946, when he was honorably discharged. While
in the Navy, he served as a signalman on a troop ship in the
Pacific. He has served as a director on the Sunnydell Canal
District, as a counselor in the presidency and president of the
Sunday School. He is currently the Ward Employment
Specialist and a counselor in the Rexburg East Stake Sunday
School. He and Zara are also officiators in initatory work at
the Idaho Falls Temple and enjoy this very much.
Zara has been a Primary teacher in Taylor, Lyman, and
Archer wards, served on the Stake Primary Board
1954-1961; as Spiritual Living teacher. Gospel Doctrine
teacher, and is presently serving as the Relief Society presi-
dent of the Sunnydell Ward.
Wayne and Zara have been blessed with eight children,
all of whom are honorable citizens and are active in the
kingdom. First, Carolyn, bom 27 August 1948 in Rigby,
Idaho, is now married and has five children and lives in
Ucon, Idaho. Rodney, bom 28 May 1951 in Rigby, Idaho,
served a mission for the Church in Copenhagen, Denmark
from 1971-1972. He then retumed home to confinue his
education and take a wife. He now resides in Boise, Idaho,
where he has three children. Doyle was bom 29 June 1953 in
Rexburg, Idaho. He and his wife live in Idaho Falls, Idaho,
where he is the owner of a successful constmction firm. They
have twin sons. Robert, bom 13 May 1957 in Rexburg,
Idaho, served a mission in Little Rock, Arkansas, from
1976-78. He currently lives in Sunnydell and has one child.
Layne, bom 1 December 1958 in Rexburg, Idaho, has been
active in school and church, holding such positions as first
assistant in the Priests Quorum and teaching the Missionary
Preparation class in the Sunnydell Ward. He served a mission
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1978-80. He is currently
attending Ricks College. Sharon was bom 28 November
1961 in Rexburg, Idaho. She has been active in school and
church, holding such positions as Beehive, MIA Maid, and
Laurel president, student govemment positions and J.V.
cheerleader. She is currently continuing her education at
Ricks College. Bryant, bom 19 May 1968 in Rexburg, Idaho
is currently a Deacon in the Sunnydell Ward where he serves
as secretary to the Quomm. Valynn was bom 24 April 1969
in Rexburg, Idaho. She is still in Primary where she is a
Merrie Miss.
These eight children have brought much joy and happi-
ness into Wayne and Zara's lives. They are very grateful for
the opportunity they have had to support their sons on mis-
sions. They have taught and allowed their children to work
hard, which is a very necessary achievement.
William and Mary Lou Bell
I, William Bell, son of George Martell and Lucille
Sommer Bell, was bom and raised in Rexburg. I attended
Madison High School and after graduating I married Judith
Susan Jacobs of St. Anthony, Idaho, on June 14, 1958. To
this marriage were bom five children, namely: Trista-21i
Tony-20, Michelle- 18, Cody- 16, and Derik-12. In the spring
of 1970 we bought 5/8 acre of pasture from Henry Erickson
in the Archer townsite . We moved here in the spring of 1 97 1 .
We lived in a 10x60 trailer house rented to us by Mahlon
England, while I was building a home to live in. It was a
struggle trying to build a home and work, too. By June of
1971 we were able to move into the home. It wasn't com-
pletely finished but we had to get out of that little trailer or
lose our minds. Over the years we have managed to finish it.
In the Spring of 1972 Judy and I were divorced. Tony,
Trista and Cody remained here with me and Michelle and
Derik moved into town with their mother.
Later this same year I married Mary Lou Davis Wes-
tover, daughter of Wain and Bertie Gamer Davis of Hibbard .
She had previously been married to Orian Keith Westoveron
November 15, 1957. They had both graduated from Madison
High School. Orian served a mission in the Northwestem
States Mission before their marriage. He was the son of Ray
Westover and Olive Smith Westover of Rexburg. They lived
in Rexburg all their married lives. They had a son, Danny. In
1968 Orian died of a kidney transplant.
Mary Lou and I were married in Rexburg on July 15,
1972, by Bishop Merle Jeppesen and for a year we lived in
her home in Rexburg. It was too small for our family so in
February 1973 we moved back out here to Archer.
In August of 1973 we had a son, Travis. When Travis was
bom Mary Lou had severe complications and the doctor told
us that she had less than 50 per cent chance to live . She was in
the hospital for a total of 40 days. Through faith and prayer
she was healed and was able to retum home to us. During this
time the people in the ward were very good to us. Food and
many other aids were given. We leamed to love and ap-
preciate the people here very much.
In the eight years of our marriage we have seen many
changes. Michelle and Derik have come to live with us.
Danny, 21 , is in the Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission. Trista is
working in Idaho and waiting for a missionary serving in
Paraguay, South America. Tony is serving in the Australia
Adelaide Mission. Michell will be a senior at Madison High
School this year. Cody will be in the ninth grade, and is
presently serving as president of the Teachers Quorum. Derik
will be in the 7th grade and is a Deacon. Travis will be in the
second grade at Lyman school.
I have worked for Roger Amj)CO Foods, Rogers Divi-
sion in Idaho Falls for 15 years; this year I am transferring to
the Rexburg plant.
Mary Lou works as a Deputy Clerk for Madison
County.
57
We and our children are active in the Church. I am
secretary of the Young Men's organization and Mary Lou is
first counselor in Relief Society.
We enjoy living in the Archer Ward and are proud to call
it home.
Three of our sons have moved pipe during the summers
for the Jess Sutton family. This has been particularly interest-
ing because they have worked on the Sommer's place which
belonged to my Grandfather William Sommer. My mother
was raised there. I remember going there as a boy and staying
with my Grandpa Sommer and knowing Bishop Grover then.
We, as a family, have a testimony of the truthfulness of
the gospel. We are a missionary family and hope our other
three sons will follow in their two older brothers footsteps.
We're grateful to the people in this ward who have an influ-
ence for good on our family's lives. We know God lives and
He hears and answers prayers. We hope we will be able to
continue living here in this good community and that we can
be an influence for good to the people we associate with.
Kenneth and Lois Biorn
(Left to right): Kenneth, Jr., Lois, Kenneth, and Jennifer
Kenneth Gene Biom was bom November 29, 1949, in
St. Anthony, Idaho.
Lois Schmitt Biom was bom November 27, 1953, in
Ashton, Idaho.
We were married October 18, 1975, in the Idaho Falls
Temple. Also on this day we both received our endowments
and were sealed, one of the most rewarding and happiest days
in both of our lives; something that we have never regretted,
rather enjoyed since that day.
Jennifer Biom was bom April 9, 1977, in Rexburg,
Idaho.
Kenneth "Andrew" Biom was bom March 7, 1979, in
St. Anthony, Idaho.
Ken attended North Fremont High School and grade
school. He spent four years in the U.S. Navy. During the four
years in the Navy, he was stationed in San Diego, Califomia;
Great Lakes, Illinois; Charleston, South Carolina, and Jack-
sonville, Florida. He was a boiler technician. After he retum-
ing home, he attended Ricks College in 1973-74. May of
1974 he worked as mechanic for Stones Town and Country
Motors for two years and several other places as a profes-
sional mechanic until in 1979 when he started working for
Peterson Room Dividers.
Lois grew up on a small farm northwest of St. Anthony.
I was the youngest of six kids in my family. I leamed to work
in the hay, milk cows, fix fences and all the other things that
go with farming, but I really enjoyed and treasure those
years. I love horses and spent many hours riding an old white
mare we had. When I was nine, I was kicked in the stomach
by one of our horses and was taken to Idaho Falls with broken
ribs and a mptured spleen which was causing intemal bleed-
ing. I came very close to not making it, but through the power
of the priesthood and faith and prayer I did. This is when my
testimony started. I wasn't very big, but I leamed to be
thankful.
I went to grade school and high school in St. Anthony. I
really enjoyed my years in Mutual. I think it is a wonderful
organization, but the teachers I had helped to make it that
way. After high school I started working at the Rexburg Food
Center in the bakery, where I learned how to decorate cakes.
Then the flood came and I never went back.
Jennifer enjoys going to church and enjoys hearing
stories and talking about Jesus. She likes to say her prayers
and reminds us if we forget to help her.
Andy is starting to listen to stories and hold still during
prayers.
We lived in St. Anthony for three and one-half years
after we were married, then in April of 1979 we moved to
Lyman, then in August moved to Archer, where we really
enjoy it.
Esther May We ekes Boulter
Esther May
In a small log house (no longer standing) about a quarter
of a mile from the intersection where the Archer Merc, now
stands, I was bom on February 19, 1901 . My parents, George
Sidney and Mary Ann Briggs Weekes, named me Esther
May. I was the fifth of seven children.
Growing up in Archer was different then. There was a
church, a school, a dance hall, a few homes and a lot of
58
sagebrush east of our home. I recall we couldn't play far from
the house because Indians frequently traveled through the
area and everyone was afraid of them. I don't recall anyone
ever having been hurt by the Indians, but we never knew
whether they were friendly or not.
I started school in the new rock school house just east of
my home (later used as a cheese factory). I attended five
years of school in this building, two years in the dance hall
(no longer standing) near where Norman Erickson now lives,
a short time in the church house (east of where the church
now stands), and I finished my eighth grade in the Archer
School as we know it now. I attended one year at the Ricks
Academy in Rexburg.
Our family was very active in all the organizations in the
ward. I taught several classes over the years, in both Primary
and Sunday School, and was secretary of both organizations.
Of course, we always attended Sacrament meetings, Sunday
School, Primary, M.I. A., and any other dances and activities
in the ward.
In 1925 one of my friends introduced me to Richard
Harvey Boulter. Afterdating for some time, Dick and I were
married on December 1, 1925. We were blessed with two
children — Roy Richard Boulter, bom March 18, 1927, and
Lola May Boulter (Smith), bom June 3, 1939. The first two
years we were married, we hved in LaBelle, Idaho, where
Roy was bom, then we moved back to Archer. We lived for a
short time on the "old Edwin Stacey place" (where Bert
Howell now lives), and in the Erickson place just south of my
present home, before moving into the home I presently oc-
cupy.
During these first few years we were in Archer, Dick
worked with his team on a W. P. A. project on the roads and
canals in the community. We soon purchased our first
second-hand truck and Dick went to work hauling produce,
etc. For many years he hauled coal from the Blind Bull Coal
Mine in Utah, over very treacherous roads, to the members of
the community.
In 1938 we purchased the grocery store at Byrne Siding
(in Sunnydell Ward). We operated the grocery store, and
Dick buih and operated a potato warehouse with George
Munns and later with our son, Roy, at Byrne Siding until
1959, when we retired and moved back to the home in Archer
where I still live.
Before our modem conveniences, it was necessary for
the men to take teams and sleighs to the hills to get the
winter's fire wood. Many times my brothers and Dick made
these trips together. They would come back telling of tem-
peratues 35 below zero and of lifting the quilts, all frozen
stiff, and climbing under them to sleep. It was often neces-
sary for them to walk beside the sleigh rather than ride, in
order to keep their feet from freezing.
Many people will remember hayrides, caroling trips,
scout outings, and mutual outings to Yellowstone Park and
other places of interest, for which our trucks were the trans-
portation. Dick and I used to enjoy these trips whenever the
occasion arose. Archer and Sunnydell Wards have seen our
family through the depression years of the 1920's, prosper-
ity, marriages, divorces, many happy times and a few un-
happy times. We now have six grandchildren and one great
grandson. After years of service to his community, and
loving care of his family, Dick passed away on February 19,
1969, and 1 will continue my retirement in my home not a
mile from where I was bom.
Roy and Miriam Boulter
Roy and Miriam
George Leroy Boulter and his wife Fran Ciida Isabell
Newbolt moved from Draper, Utah, to the area of Lorenzo,
Idaho, west across the Snake River from Archer. Richard
Harvey was the oldest son; he had one older sister named
La Von in a family of twelve children. Richard was about ten
years old when the family moved to Idaho. He grew up on
farm dwellings between Labelle and Menan.
George Sidney Weekes and his wife Mary Ann Briggs
moved from Cache County, Utah, after their marriage in
1891 and raised their family of seven children in Archer,
living about a quarter of a mile west of the Archer Merc
intersection. Esther May, their fifth child, married Richard
Harvey Boulter on December 1, 1925. They moved to
Labelle, Idaho, where they lived for two years. Roy Richard
Boulter was bom to them March 18, 1927. Soon the family
moved to Archer living in various locations until they settled
in the store at Byrne Siding, above Archer, in 1937. Two
years later Lola May Boulter was bom.
Roy grew up working beside his dad, trucking coal from
the Blind Bull Mine in Wyoming. Later he helped operate the
px)tato warehouse at Byrne Siding. He was old enough to join
the army just at the close of World War II. He did so and
serviced planes stationed in Japan. He also served for some
time in the merchant marines.
Marion Phyllis Whitaker met Roy in 1 948 and they were
married May 17, 1949, living in part of the Charles O.
Jeppson home on the site of the Chester and Ina May
Nelson's present home. The other part of the house was
occupied by Dennis and Rita Nelson, who were also new-
lyweds.
Miriam is the daughter of Henry Archibald Whitaker
and Blanche Cheryl Lowe who were both from the Rigby
area. She was bom in Hollister, Idaho, near Twin Falls. She
attended school in Pocatello and Rigby as the family moved.
Her high school graduation exercises were held 17 May
59
1949, which was also her wedding date. The nuptial rites
preceded the scholastic ceremony by several hours.
Roy and Miriam soon moved to a house near Byrne
Siding that was formerly owned by Archie Guy man. While
living there Victoria Christine was bom, 24 November 1952.
Richard Philip was bom 10 January 1954 and Roy Valdean
was bom 23 February 1956. There was room for the children
to play about the house and up the hill to the railroad tracks.
These tracks were the tracks to follow when the kids disap-
peared but occasionally there were other places to go such as
the time Vikki and Phil went east across the dry farms to take
a drink to daddy on the harvester. Dick owned grain com-
bines with which he and Roy did custom cutting. Each of
Roy's kids had plenty of time on the platform beside their
dad, or in the sun in the back of a truck, chewing wheat into a
chewing gum. In time each leamed to operate the combine
and drive the tmcks with varying degrees of skill.
Val's first interests were in art and drawing. He also
spent considerable time in 4-H projects; his pig won the grand
champion award. He began moving around and working at
different jobs early. He has traveled widely.
Vikki was active in local girls organizations; she was a
very sociable person. She sang in high school choirs and
participated in other extra curricular activities. After high
school she attended a business college in Boise, then worked
for the State of Idaho. In 1973 she married Dalla Gene
Reynolds in the Archer Ward Chapel. They live in Boise
where their son Dallas James was bom in 1974.
Philip was also active in 4-H, high school choir and
drama, and ward social functions. He served a mission in the
Florida Ft. Lauderdale Mission from 1974-76. He attended
Ricks College and BYU receiving a bachelor's degree in
Sociology. He served in Idaho and Utah National Guards.
The last two years of his military service has been with
special forces.
Although the family is well scattered through the inter-
mountain region. Archer continues to be the hub of activity.
Roy and Miriam moved first into the house owned by
Bill Wilcox then to the house west side of the five acre plot of
land on the Dalby townsite where they built a cinderblock
basement home in 1960. They built an addition topside in
1975 so there is room for the entire family, and portion
thereof that may drop in.
Roy began working for the Idaho Department of High-
ways in I960 and continued until his retirement in 1975.
Meanwhile Miriam took secretarial courses and worked for
the State Department of Highways when Roy was injured in
1965. Later she studied Spanish and other subjects and even-
tually began a college degree through Brigham Young Uni-
versity which will soon be completed. In 1973 she began
working as secretary for the U.S. Forest Service. She has
worked into the information field which is the subject of her
college courses.
Earl and Edna Briggs
Earl Albert Briggs, son of James and Hannah Elizabeth
Nelson Briggs was bom August 23, 1908, at Archer, Idaho,
Fremont County. He was fourth child bom in a family of
Edna and Earl and daughter Sandra
seven: Clara, James, Edith, Earl, Elmer, Mildred, and
Wyora.
His father, James Briggs, Sr., bom in England, came
home to Archer when he was four years old with his parents,
Charles Briggs, Sr., and Mary Ann Worrell Briggs and
brothers Charles, George, Luke, William, and sister Mary
Ann (Weekes). They settled in Archer area in 1883.
Earl attended elementary school at Archer. He was
promoted from first grade to third, completing elementary
school in seven years.
He leamed the value of work at an early age, helping
farmers weed and thin beets, weed potatoes, haul hay and
helped on threshing crews. He and his brother, Elmer,
farmed the Olaf P. Johanson farm for years and then Earl
farmed it alone.
Earl and I, Edna Erickson, were married April 9, 1941 ,
in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. We were
privileged to have my mother and Earl's mother and father,
and his sister, Clara Hunsaker, accompany us. Our first home
was in the basement apartments of Henry Erickson's home
and store. Earl was still working at the Johanson farm.
Earl was inducted into the armed forces World War II on
21 March 1944. He was in the ordinance department —
automotive mechanic at General Mechanic Motor Pool, on
all gasoline and deisel equipment for overseas shipment. He
took this training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland.
He was released from the army in September, 1945.
Earl then worked for Midland Elevator at Byme Siding,
then at Rexburg for twenty-four years as a cheese maker for
Nelson Ricks Creamery. He and I work as custodians of the
Archer School now.
Church positions held: Priest advisor, Sunday School
superintendency, secretary of Elders Quorum (Archer
Ward).
I, Edna Erickson Briggs, daughter of Herman and
Gladys Edna Blackbum Erickson, was bom December 4,
1917, at Archer, Idaho, Madison County. My brothers and
sisters were: Eugene, Alvin, Henry, Howard, Bemarr, Nor-
man, Stanley, Ada, Ohve, and Phyllis. My father, Herman
Erickson, came from Sweden when he was twenty years old
60
and settled in Archer with his parents, Erik and Kristina and
sisters, Matilda (Payn) and Emma (Grover). My mother was
bom in Brigham City. She and sisters. Leal and Geraldine,
came to Archer to visit their sister Lula Jeppson and later
married Herman Erickson, Clarence Cheney and Carl John-
son respectively.
I attended elementary school and two years of high
school at Archer, and as a junior at Madison High School,
Rexburg, Idaho. I was a teacher in Primary when seventeen
years old, sang in the Archer choir, had the privilege along
with other members of the choir to sing with the Ricks
College Choir at General Conference, April 6, 1940. I also
had the privilege of being in the dancing group from Archer
that won a trophy from the Rexburg Stake and was chosen to
dance with the other groups of the Church at Saltair Pavilion,
Salt Lake City, Utah. These are two experiences I will never
forget.
January 1, 1945, four years after we were married we
were blessed with the birth of our daughter, Sandra, our only
child. What a wonderful blessing she is to us, and her hus-
band and children. Earl was in the service. With the help of
Dr. M.F. Rigby and the Red Cross, he received a furlough to
come home for the blessed event.
When Sandra was in elementary school at Archer she
helped us with the custodial work.
We were also custodians of the Lyman school for one
year from February, 1977 to February 1978. We have been
custodians for thirty-one years and are at the present time.
The positions I have held in the Church are: Primary
teacher, secretary of Y.L.M.LA., secretary of Primary,
teacher in Sunday School, Visiting Teacher, all in the old
Archer Ward. At present I am librarian for Relief Society,
supervisor of twelve Visiting Teaching districts, also his-
torian for Sunnydell Ward Relief Society. I am also a
member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and have
served as secretary and organist of that organization.
Our hobbies are gardening and enjoying the company of
our daughter, Sandra, and son-in-law, Ben Homer, and
grandchildren, Earlene and Todd.
Elmer and Clea Briggs
The story of this couple starts as many others of "good
Httle Archer Ward." — "We (Elmer and Clea) having been
bom of goodly parents, "
Eric Elmer (Elmer E.) Briggs, son of James Briggs and
Hannah Elizabeth Nelson, was bom May 24, 1911, at
Archer, Madison County, Idaho.
Elmer was the fifth child in a family of seven. His
parents lived on a small acreage, and he leamed at an early
age that everyone must work to get along.
Clea May Weekes, daughter of George Lelen Weekes
and Martha La Von Galbraith, was bom May 10, 1915 at
Archer, Madison County, Idaho.
Clea, the oldest of a family of eight girls and two boys,
also leamed the value of hard work and that each member
must be willing to give as well as receive.
Both grew up in Archer where they attended school and
Clea and Elmer
enjoyed the activities of the school and church. They re-
member the special Christmas programs, the children dances
in the old hall, the sleigh rides and caroling parties.
Elmer finished school in Archer, then went to work to
help his father provide for the family — many the acres of
beets he has thinned, topped and loaded.
Clea went on to Madison High School in Rexburg
graduating in May of 1933. She was class valedictorian of a
class of 108 students.
Elmer enjoyed basketball and played on the Church
M-Men team for several years.
One thing they both looked forward to was the huck-
leberry trip their families took each August. They all went
together into the hills and spent a full week camping, berry-
ing, having fun, and getting out wood for the coming winter.
This tradition has carried down in their families.
Their first date was an April Fool's Dance in the Sun-
nydell school house, but they were not to be fooled. Love and
respect grew and they were married September 8, 1934, in
Idaho Falls, Idaho. The following July they made a trip to
Logan, Utah, to have their endowments and were sealed on
July 2, 1935. The couple made their home in Archer and
lived there except for three years during World War II when
Elmer was employed by the U.P. Railroad in Pocatello.
Their present home was built in 1942. The Briggs'
have seven children, three sons and four daughters:
Mrs. James (Loretta) Dennis, bom October 9, 1935;
now living in Rexburg, Idaho. Lynn Briggs, bom December
25, 1937, of Archer, Idaho. Mrs. Lee (Elaine) Yokom, bom
April 27, 1939, of Canon City, Colorado. Mrs. George
(Barbara) Hardy, bom March 21, 1941, living in Idaho Falls,
Idaho. Mrs. Edwin (Madeline) Colbum, bom July 22, 1942,
of West Jordan, Utah. Lee Briggs, bom December 24, 1954,
of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Larry Briggs, bom September 26,
1956, living in Sugar City, Idaho. They have eighteen grand-
children.
Elmer has always worked for an employer, as they just
live on a small acreage. He has done farm work for several
people in the area, doing custom hay baling and grain com-
61
bining. He managed a potato warehouse for several years. In
1956 he started working at a potato processing plant in Idaho
Falls. Within a few months he had worked up to an assistant
foreman position which he held for seventeen years, when he
retured in 1972. He was then offered a partial retirement job
acting as sexton for the Sutton Cemetery, and he and Clea did
this job for seven years. During all these years of employ-
ment, his wife worked right along with him whenever she
could leave their family.
The Briggs' have always been a close knit family,
enjoying the same things and going places together. Whether
it was church or school activities, work or play, it has been a
family affair. They shared the good times and the bad.
Fishing trips to the Salmon River area to fish for the elusive
salmon will long be remembered, and the family relives those
good times as they gather for an evening and watch their
home movies. Many vacations were taken to surrounding
states by the family.
The highlight of all these vacations was probably the trip
Elmer and Clea took to Germany. Loretta and her husband
were stationed there in the military, and in July of 1973 the
Briggs' spent forty-five glorious days visiting Copenhagen,
Denmark, and traveled all over Germany. They made a tour
in Austria where the "Sound of Music" was filmed. Several
days were spent at the Olympic grounds in Munich. They
attended the L.D.S. conference with President Harold B . Lee
presiding. It brought tears to ones eyes to stand and hear the
song, "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet," being sung in
seven different languages.
They also took a trip into Switzerland and went to the
L.D.S. Temple at Bern.
The Briggs' have both held various church positions,
and enjoy their friends.
Now that they are retired, they are always together.
Whether it be working in the garden, going to town to shop,
or on a vacation or fishing trip — where you see one — you
always see the other.
Lynn and Norma Briggs
Lynn Elmer Briggs, a descendant from Lelan and
Martha Weekes whose daughter, Clea, is his mother; Elmer,
his father, is the son of James and Hannah Briggs.
Lynn was bom in Archer on December 25, 1937, and
has Hved here all his Hfe except for the two years he and his
family hved in Pocatello during the Second World War and
the four years he served in the U.S. Navy. He has four sisters
and two brothers.
He met his wife. Norma Lee Snodgrass Jokom, in
Boise. She was bom in Putney, West Virginia on March 21,
1944. Her father was George Everett Snodgrass, a coal
miner, and her mother was CorDelia Louise Campbell. Her
father died in 1948 and her mother remarried to Frank Leon
Yokom in 1951 and moved out west to Boise, Idaho. Step-
father died in August 1973. Norma has two sisters and two
brothers.
Lynn and Norma were married on September 8, 1964,
in Boise and were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on April
8, 1977. They have three children: Cathy Lynn, age 15, bom
June 15, 1965; Susan Hannah, age 1 1, bom June 29, 1969;
and Jame Everett, age 4, bom April 8, 1976.
Lynn works for the Department of Transportation on the
sign crew. He has worked there for fifteen years. Norma has
driven school bus for Madison County for five years.
They plan on living in the home they built as long as they
live.
Max E, Briggs
Front Row (L. to R.): Lynn, James, Norma.
Back Row: Cathy and Susan
Max
Father, George Briggs, Jr., was the first child bom in
the Lyman area. His parents were George Briggs, Sr., and
Sarah Susannah Blackbum. He arrived on 13 August 1883,
one-half block west of where I, his son. Max, now hve. He
died 20 March 1964. Both George Briggs, Sr. and Jr. served
as Bishops of the ward and contributed much, along with
their families, to the area.
Mother, Martha Bums, bom 9 June 1885, Salt Lake
City, Utah, to Charles and Susannah Stacey Bums, married
62
22 June 1904 at Archer, sealed in the Salt Lake Temple 5
October 1904. died 2 August 1957. Children: Raymond
George married Leah Margaret Hansen, Elda Susannah mar-
ried Lorin Butler, Chester Bums who died at the age of ten,
Meda Vilate married LeRoy Woolstenhulme, Max Elmo
(myselO bom 16 August 1921, and Wallace Orval married
(1) Dorothy Jean Cheney and (2) Maijean Johnson.
I have always lived in the house my parents built in
1915, which we have modemized and remodeled during the
years. We had eighty-five acres of land and a large dry farm
south and east of Byrne Siding. We had landg stretching from
the south end of the mountain north to Lyman creek. There
was a great view of the Snake River and of the entire valley. I
did much of the work.
I attended ten grades of school at Archer. The gym and
high school rooms were being added the year I started school.
I excelled in spelling and history. When I graduated May 9,
1935, it fell my lot to deliver the welcome address. I entered
Madison High School in Rexburg in September 1935 for my
last two years of high school riding the bus every day. In my
junior year I took Home Economics and was secretary of the
Home Ec. Club. My senior year I was exchange editor of the
"M" news. At the later part of the year, as part of the weekly
assembly program, Dewain Sylvester and I "broadcast"
news reports. I also took two years of seminary. In 1939, a
youth conference was held at Ricks College campus. Presi-
dent Heber J. Grant was present and addressed the group. At
seminary graduation. Earl J. Glade, managing director of
KSL adressed the group. I was asked to give the invocation. I
was appinted counselor in Sunday School, November 17,
1940 until May 29, 1946 when I was inducted into the army. I
served in Japan in the 71st Signal Service Battalion in Tokyo
where I served until April 1947 as Personnel Transit Clerk. I
enjoyed the work, the officers, and enlisted men. I was
discharged June 1, 1947. When I returned I was appointed
teacher of the genealogical class in Sunday School and taught
three or four years. I was greatly interested in genealogy and
have spent many years in research work. I have been a ward
checker of genealogical sheets since the program was started.
My mother died 2 August 1957 after suffering several
strokes in the preceding five years. Her speech was lost and
her left side paralyzed four and one-half years. Father and I
cared for her at home, one of us always stayed in the house
with her. After her death. Father's health somewhat im-
proved, he was operated on for cataracts (both eyes) the next
summer, and again enjoyed reading the Church books and
papers and hoeing weeds in the yard. We were glad that his
health stayed good until after his 80th birthday.
I was appointed Ward Clerk when George Munns was
called as bishop, 24 May 1959, and served until 29 December
1963, when my father's illness became worse and he could
no longer be left alone. I was ordained a High Priest 26
November 1978 by Stake President Keith L. Peterson.
In January 1975 I suffered a heart attack. When the pain
eased, I got my cousin. Grant Bums, to take me to Rigby to
Dr. Asael Ttall. He diagnosed my trouble as a heart attack
and called an ambulance to take me to the Idaho Falls L.D.S.
Hospital. I was in intensive care a few days, then in the
hospital for several more days, then stayed with my brother
and sister-in-law, Raymond and Leah. I had a backset later
which required an operation, so I was till June recovering.
This is when I sold my cattle and my farm, as I had no
insurance.
My hobbies have been working on my genealogy, col-
lecting postage stamps and Firstday covers, also some coins.
Because of expense, they hve been somewhat limited, but I
have enjoyed them and believe they have all be educational.
Raymond and Leah Briggs
Leah and Raymond
Raymond George Briggs was bom May 23, 1905, in a
two room log house on the present George Nelson farm, the
first of six children bom to the Briggs family. His father,
George Briggs, Jr., son of George Briggs, Sr., and Sarah
Susannah Blackbum was bom the 1 3th day of August 1 883 at
Lyman, Oneida County, Idaho. His mother, Martha Bums,
daughter of Charles Bums and Susannah Stacy, was bom 9
June 1885 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
His Grandfather Briggs was a mine worker, farmer,
merchant and the first bishop of Archer. His father was a
fanner, county commissioner, canal board secretary and the
second bishop of Archer.
Raymond was blessed as an infant on 2 July 1905 in
Archer, Fremont Stake, by his Grandfather George Briggs,
Sr . , then bishop of the old log church house across from what
is now Howell's store.
He started school in the old rock building that was later
converted to a cheese factory and began school the next fall in
the old dance hall owned by Herman Erickson.
In the summer Raymond enjoyed swimming in the can-
als and in the winter it was ice skating. His chores were
getting the wood and coal in the house and riding the derrick
horse when they were putting up hay.
He finished high school at Ricks Normal College. While
still in high school he was called to serve as Sunday School
second assistant with Jr. Ray Smith as superintendent and
George Nelson as first assistant. When Brother Smith was
called to the bishopric. He was made first assistant to
Superintendent George Nelson in the Sunday School, a posi-
tion he held until called on a mission.
63
It was at this time that Raymond met Leah Hansen,
daughter of Jacob Hansen and Dora Madsen. She was teach-
ing school at Archer and Hving with the Will Squires family.
She was bom in Mount Pleasant, Utah, 26 September 1901 .
Raymond asked her to go to a Sunday School officers party at
the home of J. Ray Smith, and they continued to see each
other.
Raymond's mission call was to the Northern States
Mission with the mission headquarters in Chicago. He left for
his mission January 6, 1926. This was a sad time for Leah as
her mother died the day he left for his mission . Brother David
O. McKay taught all the missionary spiritual classes, and the
missionaries had a general feeling that Brother McKay might
be a President of the Church. Raymond was set apart by
Apostle Richard R. Lyman. Thirty years later Raymond and
Leah's son, Lyle, was called to the same mission.
Raymond didn't receive a Dear John letter on his mis-
sion, so when he arrived home, he and Leah were married
June 6, 1928 by Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith in the Salt Lake
Temple.
They started their married life in Archer in a two room
house purchased from Ivan Robison. He worked with his
father on the irrigated farm and enjoyed associating with and
going fishing with their good neighbors Ike and Iva Nelson.
Their first child was bom 5 May 1929, a little daughter
named Doralie Mae. Their first son was bom October 10,
1930, and he was named Raymond Kay. Two years later,
September 23, 1932, Lola Martha was bom bringing more
sunshine into their home.
In 1934 Carl J. Johnson moved to Rexburg so Raymond
was called to be second counselor in the bishopric. J. Ray
Smith was the bishop and D.O. Wilcox the first counselor.
Their next baby boy arrived before the doctor January
31,1 936, and just before a big blizzard. He was named Lyle
Spencer.
Their third son. Garth Elwin, was bom October 10,
1939, just after they had finished remodeling their home.
November 22, 1945, the night before Thanksgiving,
Lola became very ill and passed away. She had been ill with
rheumatic fever and had spent months in bed but seemed to be
improving.
In August 1946 Raymond was called to be first coun-
selor to Bishop William I. HoUey with Kenneth Hacking as
second counselor. He served until 1952.
Leah had always been active working in the different
organizations in the ward and stake and also as a member of
the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers until she suffered a stroke
in March, 1976.
Doralie and Theron Gambles live in Rexburg. She has
seven children and eleven grandchildren. She works at Ricks
College and is a counselor in the Young Women's organiza-
tion in the Fifteenth Ward.
Kay and Georgia live in American Falls. They have
seven children and three grandchildren. Kay is managing the
Oneida Elevator and is stake president.
Lyle and Gladys live in Chino, Califomia. He is an
engineer, and they are also in the real estate business, also
active in the Church. They have five children and five grand-
children.
Garth and Kolene live in Salt Lake. They have five
children. He is a C.P.A. and an assistant manager in their
business. Garth is in the stake high council.
Leah passed away March 20, 1980, at the age of 78, and
Raymond passed away April 24, 1980, at the age of 74. They
left our community a better place because of the excellent
examples they have always set.
Everett and Alta Brindle
Alden, Everett, Alta, and Joyce
Alta and Everett were married July 25, 1947, in
Pocatello and were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple February
27, 1957.
Alta was bom in the home where we now live on July 3,
1914 to John S. and Ida (Grover) Weekes.
Everett was bom near Formoso, Kansas, May 26, 1912,
to Samuel O. and May (Clark) Brindle.
After we were married we traveled in our old army tmck
on to Craig, Colorado, for a short honeymoon, bringing back
a load of belongings.
We lived here at this place until April 1948 when we
bought a small farm near Annis, Idaho, living there one year.
While there, Joyce was bom 11 September 1948.
We moved back to the John Weekes home which we
purchased in the spring of 1949 where we still live.
Stanley Glenn, our second child, was bom March 27,
1951, but he lived only one day.
Alden W. was bom September 26, 1952.
Joyce married V. Rex Larsen of Driggs, Idaho, on June
21, 1967, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They have one daugh-
ter. Donna, bom February 14, 1970, and a son, Travis, bom
November 18, 1976. They have their home at 481 Maple
Drive in Rexburg, Idaho. Rex is fire chief of the Madison
County Fire District. They also have a carpet cleaning busi-
ness as a sideline job. Rex is a finance clerk in their ward, and
Joyce works in the Relief Society.
Alden served a two year mission to South Texas in
Otober 1972. He married Tanya Raybum in the Idaho Falls
Temple. They have two sons: Ryan, bom January 4, 1976,
and Daniel Raybum, bom August 19, 1980, at Idaho Falls.
Alden works as an electrical engineer at the atomic works
64
near Idaho Falls. He is a scout leader in their ward, and Tanya
works in the Relief Society.
They have their home at 2830 Salmon in Ammon,
Idaho.
Greg and Janet Brown
Front Row (L. to R.): Cliff, Gregory, Janet, and Dana Lee
Back Row: Clint and Shanda
Gregory Ned Brown was bom, February 8, 1947, in
Rexburg, Idaho. He attended schools in Edmunds and Sugar
City and graduated from Sugar City High School in 1965.
He enhsted in the U.S. Navy in 1966. He spent four
years in the service during which he attended military
schools, was stationed in Florida, and traveled a lot, includ-
ing a cruise around the world.
Janet Lynne Dustin Brown was bom June 24, 1950, in
Driggs, Idaho. She attended schools in Victor, Idaho. In
1962 her family moved to Rexburg, Idaho.
Janet graduated from Madison High School in 1968 and
from Ricks College in 1970.
Greg and Janet met in December of 1967 while he was
home on leave from the navy.
They were married June 10, 1970, in the Idaho falls
Temple. Greg and Janet lived in Piano for two years. On
February 16, 1972, they were blessed with their first son,
Clint Ned Brown.
In June 1973, they purchased their home in Archer. On
September 1, 1973, they were blessed with their first baby
girl, Shanda Lynne Brown. One year later on September 2,
1974, another son. Cliff Dustin Brown came to bless their
home. Dana Lee Brown, another sweet daughter was bom to
the Brown family on April 22, 1977.
Laurence and Joan Buckland
Laurence Ray Buckland was bom May 15, 1928, in
Sunnydell to Ross and Mary Stacey Buckland. He was bom
in the home of his grandparents, Claude and Eliza Buckland,
where Max Oakey now lives. Ross, Mary, and baby Laur-
ence lived with the grandparents about a year until they
completed their new home which Stanley Nielson now owns.
As Laurence grew older he helped his father on the
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Joan, Laurence and Tammy
farm, raising hay and milking cows. They owned the first
Grade A dairy in this area. Laurence is handy with leather and
enjoys trading and hunting.
He married Eva Dayley and they had four children:
Larry Ray Buckland, bom August 4, 1950, in Rigby, Idaho.
Larry Hves in San Diego. He is a hair dresser. He is taking
many tours and enjoying life.
Danny Buckland was bom February 14, 1953, at Rigby,
Idaho. Danny is married and has four children. They are now
living in Ririe. He served in the Armed Forces for ten years.
Nancy Jane Buckland Wallin was born June 29, 1 956, at
Rexburg, Idaho. She is married and has two children. She
lives in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Pamela Gay Buckland Reese was bom June 2, 1960, at
Rexburg, Idaho. Pam is married and has one child. She lives
in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Laurence and Joan Youngstrom Jones were married
October 16, 1970, in Judge Marion Hacking's home, here in
Sunnydell.
Joan having six children and Laurence having four,
made quite a family. Together they have 17 grandchildren.
Joan was bom June 29, 1934, at Idaho Falls, to Joe and
Inez Tolley Youngstrom. She lived in Menan for 18 years,
then being married after graduating from Rigby High, moved
to the Rigby area. She enjoys reading, sewing, crocheting,
and yard work. She moved to Sunnydell after marrying
Laurence.
Her children are: Cynthia Ann Jones Morgan married
Bruce L. Morgan February 4, 1971. Their marriage was
solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple, August 31, 1972.
They have four children and live in Idaho Falls. Bruce is the
first counselor in the thirteenth ward bishopric. Cindy was
bom January 9, 1953.
Val LeRoy Jones was bom June 3, 1954, at Rigby,
Idaho. He is married and has three children and lives in Idaho
Falls. Kerry T. Jones was bom July 25, 1956, at Rigby,
Idaho. He is married and has one child and lives in Rigby.
Kevin E. Jones was bom July 25, 1956, at Rigby, Idaho. He
lives in Rexburg, Idaho, and works at Hollist Tire and Oil
Service Station.
65
Teresa Jo Jones Luce was bom March 28, 1959, at
Rigby, Idaho. She is married and has two children and lives
in Rigby. Tammy Sue Jones was bom April 14, 1963, at
Rigby, Idaho. She lives at home, attends Madison High
School and plans to graduate. She enjoys sports, sewing,
drawing, painting and crafts.
Ross and Grant Burns
and the
Frank Burns Family
Front Row (L. to R ' Irvine, and Lee
Back Row: Esther and trunk Burns, Ross, and Dwight
Ross and Grant Bums, sons of Frank Charles and Esther
Briggs Bums, live congenially together in the home of their
parents and operate the Bums farm. Their father. Frank
Charles Bums, was bom 13 August 1883 at Salt Lake City,
Utah, the oldest of nine children bom to Charles Bums and
Susannah Stacy Bums. The family made their home by the
Beck Hot Springs in North Salt Lake. Frank's father worked
in the lime quarries and lime kilns. When Frank was old
enough to work, he worked at Cudahip Meat Packing, and
later worked for a tailor in Salt Lake city.
His favorite sport at this time was duck hunting and ice
skating. The lime kiln dust was hard on Charles' lungs so he
had to quit this type of work and find another way to make a
living. The family moved to Idaho in 1900 and bought 40
acres in the Archer area covered with sage brush. The family
all pitched in and helped clear and bum the sage, and level the
land.
Frank married Esther Briggs October 1 1, 1905, in the
Salt Lake Temple. Esther Briggs was bom September 1,
1886 to George Briggs, Sr., and Sarah Susannah Blackbum.
Her family were among the first pioneers to arrive in this area
in June 1883.
Her parents started a store the year after they arrived
here, (George Briggs Mercantile and General Merchandise).
Esther went to work in the store at the age often. From then
until her marriage most of her time was spent clerking in the
store. She enjoyed needlework, crocheting, knitting and
playing the piano. Esther inherited her musical talent from
her mother.
She met Frank Bums in 1900, the boy who five years
later she was to marry. Square dances, sleigh riding parties
and amateur theatricals were among the activities enjoyed by
Frank and Esther during their courtship. Both families were
faithful Latter-day Saints and active in the Church.
Frank and Esther's first home was a two room log house
standing near the spot where they built their new home in
1947, where their sons Ross and Grant now live. Their first
son, Ralph, bom July 1906, died three days after birth. In the
following years five more sons were bom to them: Irvine,
Dwight, Lee, Ross and Grant. They were all bom at Archer.
Early in their married life they moved to Magrath,
Canada, to work for his Uncle Jim Stacey in the lumber yard.
On May 5 a blizzard came that lasted three days and drifted
snow to the eaves of the house. They decided that was not the
place for them and moved back to Archer.
Frank and Esther made their living farming until her
father, George Briggs. Sr., passed away in 1919 and her
mother decided to sell the store to them. They moved into the
living quarters at the rear of the store in 1920. The store was
the home and business for the next 26 years. Ross and Grant
and the other boys helped in the store when not in school.
In 1946 because of failing health, Frank and Esther sold
the store and built a new home east of the store on their farm.
Ross and Grant now live in the family home and operate the
farm.
Esther was active in the Church organizations in Archer
for many years. She worked in the Y. W.M.I. A., taught in
Sunday School and Primary, was Primary chorister and Re-
lief Society chorister. Her musical talent was shared with the
ward. Esther Briggs Bums died 1 1 November 1957.
Frank was ward clerk and he served on the school board
for many years. He served on the board of directors for the
Lenroot Canal and was also secretary of the board. Frank C.
Bums died 25 July 1949.
Irvine and Mae Burns
Mary (Mae) and Irvine
Irvine Frank Bums, second son of Frank Charles and
Esther Briggs Bums, was bom 29 August 1907 at Lyman,
66
Fremont County, Idaho. His mother's parents, George and
Susannah Briggs, were some of the first settlers in the Archer
area in 1900. Irvine started school in 1915 in the old dance
hall. When Irvine was twelve years old his parents purchased
the Briggs Mercantile business from his Grandmother
Susannah, and he helped in the store, hauled freight for the
store and helped on the farm.
He was always interested in sports, especially basket-
ball and baseball, playing catcher or short stop. He enjoyed
taking part in plays and giving readings. Irvine graduated
from Ricks College in 1928. In July he went to Aberdeen to
work in the potates. That fall his father bought him a Dodge G
Boy truck. He hauled grain on the Rexburg Bench. When the
grain was finished, he hauled potatoes for Bucklands and
beets wherever he could get a job.
He signed a contract with San Diego Fruit and Produce
for five years to haul green peas, potatoes and equipment. In
the winter he bought and loaded potatoes for them. In 1932 he
went to work for Taylor Chevrolet selling and collecting
part-time until 1934. He always enjoyed selling and the trip to
Salt Lake City for the selling seminars and new car shows.
Irvine's church activities: In the presidency of the Elders
Quorum, Sunday School superintendency. Young Men's
association counselor, taught M-Men class in mutual and
coached their basketball team.
Irvine married Mary LeRay Munns, daughter of Henry
Alvin and Sarah Ann Weekes Munns, bom 3 Octobert 1915
at Archer, Idaho. Her parents lived at Herbert, Idaho, in the
summer on a dry farm and moved to Rexburg in the winter for
school. Her father was sheriff of Madison County at this
time. When she was old enough to go to school the family had
moved to Rexburg. Father built a brick home in Archer and
the family moved into it in 1926. Mae went to sixth grade and
through freshman and sophomore years at Archer; her junior
and senior year at Madison High School, graduating in May,
1.933.
Irvine and Mae were going together during her senior
year at Madison and were married 2 1 June 1 933 in the Logan
Temple.
We lived in Ririe, Idaho, the first summer we were
married where Irvine was employed by San Diego Fruit and
Produce. When his contract with them was finished, we
moved to Rexburg to work for Taylor Chevrolet Company as
a salesman until January 1942. After a trip to California with
some friends, we moved back to Archer to stay with my
mother who was not well enough to be left alone. Irvine
rented land to raise potatoes and also raised cattle.
In 1942 Aunt Rebecca Terry, my mother's sister, passed
away and her fourteen-year-old daughter, Joye, came to
make her home with us. When she wasn't in school or
working elsewhere, she helped us on the farm. We really
enjoyed having her as part of our family. She married Orviel
D. Call of Rigby, Idaho, on 1 1 April 1947. They have four
children and ten grandchildren. We have had a very close
relationship with Joye and her family. They make their home
at Hazelton, Idaho.
When my mother passed away, we bought her home and
forty acres where we now live. We also bought forty acres on
the south from Albert Ashbacker.
In 1963 Irvine was selling cars again, this time for
Rexburg Motor Company, and I decided to take a business
course at Ricks College. In 1967 I went to work in the
accounting office at Ricks College for thirteen years. I retired
January 15, 1980. I enjoyed my work and made many good
friends. I tlew to Mexico City with one of my friends at the
office, Mona Jensen, and her family for ten days.
Irvine and I took a trip to Hawaii with my niece and her
husband, Helen and Virgil Crisman; one of our nicest vaca-
tions. Gardening, crocheting, knitting and reading are among
the things I enjoy doing.
I have worked in the auxiliary organizations of the
Church most of my life as Junior Sunday School coordinator,
Sunday School teacher, Y. W.M.I. A. first counselor for six
years, Jr. Gleaner and Laurel teacher for three years. Primary
secretary and Primary teacher, and at the present time I am
second counselor in M.I. A. and Bee Hive leader.
Kyle and Joan By bee
Front Row (L. to R): Joan, Bnan and Kyle
Back Row: Timothy and Michelle
On November 30, 1950, I, Joan, was bom to Gamer
and Mary Fullmer Pincock. I was raised and attended
schools in Rexburg. While attending Madison High School,
in my sophomore year, I met Kyle Bybee, son of Walter and
Zella Sutton Bybee, at a dance. From that time on we dated
for two and one-half years.
In the middle of March, 1969, Kyle picked me up from
school, we rode around awhile and stopj)ed at the R&B
Drive-in, then he gave me my ring and asked me to marry
him. (Very romantic, huh!)
On September 12, 1969, we were married in the Fourth
Ward Church at Rexburg, Idaho.
We made our first home in a basement apartment in
Rexburg. Kyle farmed with his dad in the summer and
worked for Suttons in a potato warehouse in the winter, and
I worked at Stockman's Cafe. After eight months we saved
enough money to put down on a trailer home. We moved it
to Dell Hollow where we now reside.
On December 26, 1971, our first son was bom, weigh-
ing eight pounds. We gave him the name of Timothy Ray
Bybee, his middle name after his great grandfather Walter
Ray Bybee.
67
Kyle still farmed with his dad and in the winter months
worked at Sutton's warehouse to make a living for his fam-
ily.
On January 19, 1973, mother asked if I would stay
with the kids while Daddy and she took my brother to the
mission home. On January 20, 1973, our next baby decided
to make an early appearance. She weighed six pounds thir-
teen and one-half ounces. We named her Michelle Bybee.
When my parents came home, they came up to visit me; I
heard mother say, "I leave her home to babysit and come
home to find a new grandbaby," and then she laughed.
Michelle was greeted at our home in Sunnydell by her
brother and grandparents.
In November 1974 we bought a double wide and later
we put a fireplace in it to save on our power bill. When we
had time in the summer and fall we would go camping
together with friends to get our firewood. It was nice to be
in the outdoors, and to cook over a fire which I had never
done before. We had a good time and enjoyed ourselves.
Later Kyle and I decided we would like to have another
baby, not knowing what was going to happen. In 1978 on
November 5th, our third child was bom, a boy weighing six
pounds four and one-half ounces. We named him Brian
Kyle Bybee, he was the first baby bom in the new Rexburg
hospital. They gave him a quilt which some Beehive girls
made and donated, and had our picture taken for the paper.
Archer Ward was split in October 1978, so Brian was
the first baby to be bom in our Sunnydell Ward.
While living in the Archer and Sunnydell Ward, I've
served as a Primary teacher for six and one-half years. I've
enjoyed the little kids and have grown to love each one of
them. I've also served as recreation leader for one year and
have enjoyed working with the ladies.
In November 1978 Kyle was asked to assistant finance
clerk for the Sunnydell Ward. Kyle has served in this posi-
tion for the last year and a half. He enjoys his work and
hopes to continue to do a good job.
We are thankful that we were brought up in the Church
so we could bring our family up in the same surroundings
and gospel life.
Walter and Zella Bybee
Walter LaMar Bybee was bom January 27, 1921 at
Lyman, Idaho. He was the first child bom to Walter Ray
and Margaret Palmer Bybee. He was followed by one
brother and three sisters: Garth, Dora Lee, Elaine, and Sha-
ron. His father farmed in the Lyman and Bone areas; also
was a cheese maker for many years. When Walt was eleven
his mother passed away so he learned at an early age to be
independent. He attended school at Lyman, Archer, and
Madison High.
Zella Sutton was bom July 28, 1922, at Archer, Idaho,
the first daughter bom to Lillis and Rachel Briggs Sutton.
She has two brothers and four sisters: Jesse, Stanley,
Genevieve, Laura, Carol, and Ada Lou.
Walt and Zella became acquainted in their school days
at Archer. They were married October 5, 1941. and have
four sons and one daughter.
Front Row (L to R ) Walter and Zella
Back Row: Kyle and Gregory
Clyde Sutton Bybee was born in Belton, Texas,
November 21, 1943. He married Charlotte Mae Mortenson
August 6, 1965. They have three daughters and one son:
Valerie, Becky, Beverley, and Kevin. Clyde attended
Technical School in Denver, Colorado, and is presently
living in Evanston, Wyoming, working for Bell Telephone
Company.
Blair LaMar was bom July 4, 1945, in Rigby, Idaho.
He attended medical school in Salt Lake City, Utah, and
Portland, Oregon. He is a professor at the University of
Utah College of Medicine and is working as a Pediatrics
Specialist in cancer research. In 1971 the Church called
medical missionaries to serve in the missions. Blair had the
honor to be the first medical missionary called. He served in
Westem Samoa.
Karen Sue was bom December 5, 1947, in Rexburg,
Idaho. She was married to Michael Leatham April I, 1967.
They have two sons and one daughter: Bart, Eric, and Jodi.
Karen graduated as a registered nurse from Ricks College
and is presently employed at Sacred Heart Hospital in
Eugene, Oregon.
Kyle Ray was bom July 4, 1950, in Rexburg, Idaho.
He was married to Joan Pincock September 12, 1969. They
have two sons and one daughter: Timothy, Brian, and
Michelle. Kyle is engaged in farming with his father.
Gregory Walter was bom July 19, 1965, in Rexburg,
Idaho. He will be a sophomore at Madison High School this
fall.
Walt was a member of the Rexburg National Guard
and was in active training when World War II was declared.
He attended several military schools including Officers
Cadet School at Camp Hood, Texas. He served with the
third army in the European Theatre.
The family united again after the war, engaged in farm-
ing, first renting Grandpa Sutton's farm. They moved to
their present home in the spring of 1948. In 1955, Walt
went to work for the Atomic Energy Commission. He
worked for both the Security and Fire Department divisions,
retiring in August 1977. Since that time he has continued to
farm with Kyle.
68
For relaxation the family has enjoyed the out-of-doors,
camping, boat riding and fishing.
Zella has served in the Primary, Sunday School and Re-
lief Society in various positions. Walt is presently serving as
Sunday School superintendant.
Laurence and Marilee Byrne
Front Row (L. to R): Matthew, Karl, and Stacey
Back Row: Michael, Marilee, and Laurence
James Laurence Byrne was bom 14 May 1942 at Rex-
burg, Madison County, Idaho, the oldest child of James Ross
and Lila Joyce Squires Byme. Laurence grew up in Sun-
nydell on his father's farm near the sidehill. He attended
elementary school in Archer. He graduated from Madison
High School in 1960. He attended one year at Ricks College
and then transferred to the University of Idaho at Moscow
where he majored in architecture.
Marilee Georgia Munns Byme was bom 8 October 1944
at Rexburg, Idaho, the third child of George Henry and
LaVon "L" Clements Munns. She was raised in Archer
attending elementary school there. Her father farmed and she
enjoyed helping him on the farm more than doing work in the
house. She graduated from Madison High School in 1962 and
attended one year at Ricks College. She continued her educa-
tion at the University of Idaho majoring in business educa-
tion.
Laurence and Marilee were married 10 September 1965
in the Idaho Falls Temple. They both continued at the Uni-
versity of Idaho. Laurence graduated in 1966 and Marilee in
1967.
In February of 1967, Laurence joined the Air Force and
was sent to San Antonio, Texas to Officer's Training School.
His first assignment was at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka,
Kansas. He was in the Civil Engineering Squadron and
became Chief of Operations and Maintenance. Both Laur-
ence and Marilee enjoyed their stay in Kansas. It was close to
most church history spots and they enjoyed traveling to these
places. Laurence took flying lessons in small aircraft.
Marilee worked as a private secretary to the manager of a
television station.
Their first child, Michael James, was bom 25 January
1969 at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas. Michael
enjoys sports and plays the piano.
In June 1970, Laurence was sent to Suwon Air Force
Base in Korea for one year. While there he was able to travel
to Japan and went to Hawaii on leave. Marilee retumed to
Archer, Idaho, during his absence. Their daughter, Kari
Dawn, was bom 1 September 1970 at Rexburg, Idaho while
her father was in Korea. She was a week old before Laurence
knew about her because he had been in Japan when the word
arrived. Kari plays the piano and enjoys riding horses.
Laurence was released from the Air Force in July 1971
having attained the rank of Captain. Laurence decided to
return to Sunnydell to help his father on the farm. They made
their home in Sunnydell in August 1971 . Laurence farms and
helps his father with a cow calf operation.
Another son, Matthew Brian, was bom 12 September
1973 at Rexburg, Idaho. Matthew is a cowboy and loves the
horses. A daughter, Stacey Kim, was bom 1 1 June 1975 at
Rexburg, Idaho. Stacey likes all the farm animals. She is
looking forward to kindergarten this fall.
Laurence has served on both the Madison County and
the Idaho State Board of Directors of the Farm Bureau. He
also served on the Board of Directors of the Madison Fremont
Cattlemen's Association. He is currently serving as Sun-
nydell Elder's Quorum President. Laurence and Marilee
enjoy square dancing and Marilee has taken up a new hobby
of cake decorating.
Ross and Joyce Byrne
Front Row (L. to R.): Ross, Marie, and Joyce
Back Row: Laurence, Laurence Squires, JoAnn, and Louise
James Ross Byme was bom at their home in Rexburg,
Idaho, November 19, 1917, to James Byme and Mary Hop-
kins Jensen Byme. Mary, a gracious and lovely woman, had
two little girls by a previous marriage, Grace and Lucille.
Grace married G. T. (Bud) Parkinson and lives in Evanston,
Wyoming. Lucille married Basil Holley, brother to our
Bishop William I. Holley and lives in Salt Lake City. Ross
has an older sister, Ann, who married Russell Flamm and
lives in Rexburg.
69
Most of the time Ross lived on the farm in Archer. He
attended school in Archer for awhile. After that the family
would move into Rexburg for the winter months so the
children could attend school there. He learned to work and
often drove a team of horses at a very early age. Ross would
miss a lot of school in the spring and fall because of work to
be done on the farm. He graduated from Madison High
School in 1936. Later on he enrolled at the University of
Idaho. He just got started when his father became ill, and he
came home to run the farm.
Lila Joyce Squires was bom on April 2, 1920 in her
parents' home in Archer. (This house presently belongs to
Glen and Bess Squires.) Her parents were Laurence Bond
Squires and Minnie Bums Squires. She had two sisters and
three brothers, Norma, Elwin, Leo, Dellis and Sarah. Dellis
and Sarah died as babies. When she was three they moved to
Califomia. Her father was a carpenter. He thought oppor-
tunities would be greater there. She attended school in the
Los Angeles area until she was sixteen. They moved back to
Idaho in 1935.
They lived with her grandparents, William Porter and
Zilpha Young Squires, in the home that LaVar and Shirley
Squires now own. Later they moved into Rexburg. Eventu-
ally they moved back to her grandparents' home. She
graduated from Madison High School in 1938. It was during
her high school years that she met Ross Byme from the
neighboring ranch. They were married December 21, 1939.
From then on they lived on the Byme ranch and his
parents lived at their home in Rexburg. Ross has always been
interested in raising good livestock (as was his father) . At one
time they were in the pig business, along with sheep, then
purebred shorthoms and now purebred herefords and quarter
horses. They also mn approximately 300 head of commercial
cows. There was always plenty of work for all including their
four children. James Laurence bom May 14, 1942, JoAnn
bom June 18, 1947, Zelpha Louise bom July 16, 1951, and
Lila Marie bom June 28, 1959. All of their children were
bom in Rexburg, Idaho.
They have tried to be community-minded. Ross has
been involved in breeders associations, cattle associations,
irrigation districts and is presently president of Palisades
Water Users. He also worked with the scouts in the commun-
ity for many years.
Joyce has been a member of the Cowbelles for many
years and has served in many of the church organizations.
She is presently a ward librarian. Joyce always has a lovely
garden. She enjoys working in the yard.
There have been good years and bad years, but they feel
it is a wonderful way of life and a good place to raise a family.
Elmo and May Cheney
The parents and grandparents of the present generation
of Cheneys came to Sunnydell from Teton Basin. David and
Lodema Cheney and family came in the early Twenties. The
children were Pierce, Alice, Selar, Clarence, Silas, Wayne,
and Rulon. Selar, Clarence and Wayne remained in Sun-
nydell.
Clarence married Alice Leal Blackbum. Their children
Front Row (L. to R.): Luana, May, Elmo, and Nina
Back Row: Laura, Evan, Cathy, and Carmen
were Orpha (Whittaker), Fenton, Wendell, Elva (Dewey),
Urban, Miriam (Johnson), Gerald, Alice (Johnson), Vera
(Duffm), Rita (Griffith).
Wayne married Lula Jeppson. Their children are Hugo,
LaRae, Mae, Roxcy, David, Dean and Glenda.
Selar came here with his wife, Florence Allen, in 1924,
and settled with his family. He taught school and farmed.
Their children were Marion, Theron, Thelma (Briscoe),
Opal (Christensen), Albert, Eva (Tyler), Afton and Elmo.
Florence's mother, Harriet Allen, was also an important part
of the family.
Elmo grew up on a small farm in Sunnydell. At eigh-
teen, he was drafted and served in the Pacific in World War
II, and received the purple heart. After his discharge he
attended Ricks College. About this time, he met his sister
Eva's babysitter, Louisa May Rasmussen, and nearly two
years later they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Elmo and May have lived their entire married life in Sun-
nydell.
May was bom and raised on a farm near Ucon, Idaho,
with four brothers and five sisters, the daughter of Joseph L.
and Dora Simmons Rasmussen. She joined the school Thes-
pian Club and graduated from Ucon High School with high
honors and gave one of the graduation talks. Soon five little
girls came to join the family, Sharon, Helen, Ruth, Joan,
Catherine. These were busy days. The girls loved story-
telling while shelling peas or weeding the garden, playing
games on the lawn, picnicking in the hills and visiting
Grandma Cheney across the road for a treat of dried apples
and a couple of pioneer stories.
After a lapse of eleven years their only boy, Evan,
arrived. Oh, what mothering he got. After Evan came four
more little girls. Carmen, Laura, Nina and Luana. The next
few years were a busy assortment of weddings and having
babies, all mixed up together. Temple marriages have been
the rule in our family.
While Sharon married Marden Robert King, June 6,
1969, Evan was the three year old gift bearer at the reception.
Carmen attended Helen's reception, August 28, 1970, as a
tiny seven week old bridesmaid dressed like the other girls
70
when Helen married Michael Goodmansen. Carmen and
Laura were little flower girls in 1973, for the weddings of
Joan to Larry Reeder, and Ruth to Timothy Hales on May 17,
and July 3 1 st, with Nina's birthday in between on June 30th.
We also celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on May
25th. 1973.
The next year November 18, 1974, Luana was bom.
Before she was five months old, she contacted meningitis,
but with the blessings of the priesthood, she recovered com-
pletely. Then Sharon became ill early in April and died of
cancer. We are grateful for the strength of the gospel in
knowing she is only separated from us for a little while.
Church service has always been important to us. Elmo
has been a stake missionary and been a home teacher, and has
filled several assignments in priesthood quorums. May has
served as Sunday School and Relief Society Visiting
Teacher, and twenty-five years in the Primary, including
fourteen years teaching boys classes. She especially enjoyed
scouting activities. At present they are both enjoying their
calling as temple officiators in initatory work.
Elmo has worked at carpentry, plumbing, meat pack-
ing, and is not engaged in concrete construction.
Talents and interests in our family include arts and
crafts, building things, painting, needlework, and crochet-
ing, studying nature, camping, writing poetry and stories.
We have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints and have tried to give freely of our time and
talents.
Marion and Alice Cheney
III i ^ ' ' 1 I
1
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Front Row (L. to R.): Twila, Doreen, Marie, Alice, Marlon, Nadine,
and NIta
Back Row: Lowell, David, Mar dell, Delbert, Lynn, Nolan, Darrell,
Julian
Marion, eldest son of Selar and Florence Allen Cheney,
was called on a mission to Texas. He left November 28,
1927. In January he and his companion had been traveling all
day, catching rides when they could. They were headed for
the Dencie Rawls home, but decided it was too late to travel
further, so rented a hotel room in Henderson, about fourteen
miles from the Rawls who were members of the LDS Church.
During the night they awoke, choking with smoke. They
grabbed everything they could and climbed out on a roof to
make their escape. They continued to the Rawls home. On
Monday, a daughter, Alice, helped them wash their smoke-
blackened clothes, which made a good impression on Mar-
ion. He and other companions visited the Rawls' home sev-
eral times during his mission. After he was home a year and a
half, he decided to write to Alice. Letters flew back and forth
for about three months and they were married April 1 1 , 1932
in the Salt Lake Temple. They started out in a one-room log
cabin which has grown as the family increased. They had to
clear their land from cotton-wood trees, first with a stump
puller and a team of horses, then with a bulldozer. What a
difference!
Marion gave Alice a cow for her birthday. She sold it
and bought raspberry plants. They have two and a half acres
now. This was the most profitable cow they ever had.
Marion and Alice have had thirteen children, eight boys
and five girls. There was always lots of fun in their family,
singing, story-telling, gospel discussions, playing and work-
ing together: thinning beets, weeding potatoes, picking rasp-
berries, building additions to their house, building a bridge
across the Lenroot canal which divided their property, land-
scaping their home, raising a bounteous garden and building
their own beautiful park. Marion is an artist. His pictures
hang in the offices of dentists and doctors, several chapels
including ours.
Marion has served as a teacher in Priesthood and Adult
Classes in Sunday School, organist for the Priesthood, High
Priest Group Leader. Alice was always at church with her
family. She recently served as a counselor in Relief Society.
They are officiators in the Idaho Falls Temple, where all of
the children were married except Nolan, who was married in
the Oakland Temple, and Mardell who just turned nineteen
and is serving in the Australia Melbourne Mission.
All the children have had two years college at Ricks,
except Mardell who will finish when he returns from his
mission. All have gone on to other schools for further educa-
tion.
Their children are: Marie who married Eldon Lauritzen
and has five children, Linda, Andrea, DeLea, LeGrande, and
Darwin. Marie now teaches first grade in Rexburg.
Twila married Lewis Williams. Their children are
Larry, Neal, Laura, and Nathan. Twila has a degree in
horticulture and taught school until she was married. They
live in Taylor, Arizona.
David, a computer specialist at Thiokol, married Ann
Cook. They have Mark, Sherrie, Dale and Marcia. They live
at Hyde Park, Utah.
Nita married LaVal Herschi. She has a B.S. degree in
elementary education. Their children are Kerry, Lynn,
Becky, Ricky, Heather, Wade, Heath and baby Kyle. They
live in Afton, Wyoming.
Delbert married Rama White. He is teaching in Thayne,
Wyoming. They have Paul, Jana, Desiree, Justin, and
Sharina.
Lowell married Geniel Gibby. He is a dentist. They
have Deliece, Rachelle, Shauna, Shawn and Lisa. Their
home is in Minot, North Dakota.
Doreen married Weldon White. He is in the insurance
business in Bountiful, Utah. They have Hardin, Catrina and
71
Shantelle (twins), Branden, and Nanette.
Julian married Bambie Hendricks. He is studying in
Glendale, California, to be a chiropractor. Their children are
Kaisha and Shallyn.
Darrell works in insurance and married Kathy Harrop.
They live in Annis. Their children are Ryan, Trent and
Jeffery.
Nolan, a dentist, married Mary Beth Cooper. They live
in Livermore, Califomis. Their children are Alan, Blair and
Camilla.
Lynn is an electrical engineer. He married Cynthia
Anderson. They live in Columbus, Indiana. Their children
are Lance, Candace, and Tamara.
Nadine married Edward Ward, a carpenter. They live in
Ucon. They have Jennifer, Heidi and Brittney.
Since Mardell left for his mission, Marion and Alice
have accepted a call to the Texas Houston Mission, having
already sent all eight sons and one daughter, Marie, on
missions.
After forty-eight years of married life, Marion and Alice
were honored at the Family Living Fair at Ricks College
where they received the Distinguished Family Living Award
which was given for "leading exemplary lives and rearing an
outstanding family."
Theron and Dorothy Cheney
Front Row (L. to R.): Grandma Mary Mayes, Leia, Dorothy, and
Theron
Back Row: Douglas, Kelly, Silas, Melvin, Merlin, Lyie, and Theron
Theron Allen Cheney, second son of Selar Edward and
Florence Allen Cheney, was bom the 26th of December in
1909, in Victor, Idaho, but didn't live there very long be-
cause his father was a school teacher and moved around a lot.
Some of the places they lived were Sublette, Wapello, Hib-
bard, and Clark, before they moved to Sunnydell about 1924.
As a boy Theron liked to work with animals. He liked
horses most and learned to drive a team at a very early age.
When his older brother, Marion, was called on a mission,
Theron worked hard to help support him, with the agreement
that Marion would do the same for him.
Theron was called to Nebraska on his mission. It was
rough going in those days, right in the bottom of the depres-
sion. When he got home he went to California to live with his
uncle, Wayne Cheney, and finished high school. While he
was there he met Dorothy Frances Mayes and was married
about a year later.
Dorothy was one of the older of five daughters bom to
George F. and Mary McClain Mayes. She was bom in
Lincoln, Cass County, Nebraska, January4, 1917. Herfolks
later moved to Los Angeles, Califomia, where her father
worked in the post office.
After their marriage in the Sah Lake Temple, January
14, 1935, Theron and Dorothy spent the first year of their
married life in Salt Lake City. Their oldest son, Theron, was
bom October 6, 1935 in Salt Lake. Then they moved to
Califomia for about two years where Theron worked in the
South Gate Post Office. They moved to Sunnydell and have
lived here ever since. Their second son, Lyle Mayes, was
bom 28 January, 1937 in California. The rest of their family
was bom at home, here in Sunnydell. They were Merlin
Gene, 18 May 1939; Melvin David, 8 March 1942; LaMar
Max, 31 May 1944; Silas Lavell, 21 July 1946; Lela Jo, 3
December 1950; Kelly LaMoin, 8 February 1954; Douglas
Marcellus, 6 March 1957. Their fifth son, LaMar, drowned
in the Snake River when he was about a year old, 1 August
1945.
Lela Jo was the only girl. She was greatly loved by all
as a sister and daughter. Five of their sons, Theron Jr.,
Lyle, Melvin, Merlin, and Silas, went on missions for their
church. Six of their children were married in the temple and
all have moved away.
Theron and Dorothy have been active in the church all
their married life, attending meetings and the temple regu-
larly. They sang in the choir and Theron was a director in the
ward and in the stake Sunday School. Well-versed in the
scriptures, he has filled teaching positions. After retiring
from work he became a temple officiator.
Dorothy has served as a teacher and visiting teacher in
Relief Society, and other responsible positions.
Theron has been a hard worker at whatever job was
available and labored to support his family. When his health
failed, he went back to school and got a degree so he could
teach. He taught in Rigby schools for about twelve years.
Previously he taught in Sunnydell and Lyman on a temporary
permit. About the time Theron's health failed, Dorothy sec-
ured work at Fresh Pack in Lewisville to help with the family
finances. She worked there about fifteen years. Theron had
many talents--he taught art in school, he was a gifted poet,
did handcrafts, and rock masonry work. He was a good
carpenter.
Theron and Dorothy always had a productive garden, a
good orchard, and beautiful flowers.
They are at present fulfilling a mission in Ohio for the
L.D.S. Church.
It has been his brother's, Elmo's, pleasure to write his
history.
72
Reginald and Jerry Child
Jerry, Corey, and Reginald
Reginald C. Child, Jr. was bom April 1 1 , 1930, in East
Providence, Rhode Island to Reginald C. Child, Sr. and
Lillian Williams Child. He was an only child. He grew up in
Rhode Island, attending elementary and high school there. In
1951 he entered the Air Force for four years, three of which
he spent in England. Upon his return he moved to California.
There in Anaheim he was in law enforcement for thirteen
years, nine of which he was a detective. He attended Fuller-
ton Jr. College, Orange Coast College, Santa Ana City Col-
lege and the University of Southern California. He has a
teaching credential in Criminal Law. After leaving the police
department he owned and operated three businesses. In
January, 1974 he became associated with the Fontana Un-
ified School District.
Jerry Lee Madsen was bom August 30, 1946, in Rex-
burg to George Madsen and Blanche Johanson Madsen. She
was the youngest of five children. Her grandfather, Joseph
Johanson, once owned the farm and house where Walter
Bybee currently resides. Jerry was raised in Rexburg. She
graduated from Madison High School, Ricks College, and
BYU. In 1969 she accepted a teaching position in Southern
Califomia with the Fontana Unified School District. Jerry
enjoys teaching school. She teaches any and all courses
related to business.
After she met Reg at Fohi in 1974, a friendship bloomed
immediately. They were married on February 8, 1975 in
Rexburg, Reg liked the area and it was decided they would
move to Rexburg which they did on June 5, 1975. Neither
had a job when they arrived but within a couple weeks Reg
was working for the State Highway Department in Rigby and
Jerry had been hired by the Madison School District.
One year to the day of their arrival in Idaho the Teton
Dam broke. They had gone to Salt Lake City Friday night and
heard the news on the radio Saturday moming. A hasty trip
home brought the disaster sharply into focus. Everything
they owned had been in the flood's path. There was a water
mark five feet high on the living room wall of their rented
house. The pendulum clock had stopped at exactly 11:07.
Because of their circumstances they qualified for a HUD
trailer house which they parked in St. Anthony.
The Childs purchased approximately five acres from
John Magleby. Many hours were spent putting up fence,
planting and watering trees, etc. A favorite pastime was to
drive to their acreage and daydream about what it would be
like one day.
By this time Jerry was expecting their first child. After
many hassels with HUD over purchasing the trailer house,
the goal was finally accomplished and the trailer was moved
to Archeron Friday, July 1 . At 1 1:15 a.m. onSunday, July 3,
1976, Reginald Corey Child made his dramatic appearance.
Jill Sutton was one of the nurses on duty.
Since their move into the Archer area things have con-
tinued to change and improve. Now a lovely new home
stands where the HUD trailer once was. They have accumu-
lated quite a variety of animals. Reg now works with Dayton
Grover as a produce inspector.
Reg loves the outdoors. He enjoys yard work and takes
great pride in his home and property. Jerry enjoys horseback
riding and can be seen from time to time on the bench or along
the river bottom.
Both Reg and Jerry love the Archer area and the friend-
liness of their friends and neighbors. They are looking for-
ward to many happy years here. This is home!
Budge Clay
Front Row (L. to R.): Myrtle and Everett
Back Row: Enid, Budge, Diane, and Dale
Zachary Clay, bom Sept. 25, 1886, in Pennsylvania,
attended college in Grinell, Iowa, came to Idaho, homes-
teaded an acreage in Archer, taught school, was assessor in
Fremont county, married Floy Maggie Hawley, daughter of
Cyms B. Hawley who had homesteaded in upper Sunnydell.
Their children were Everett Hawley, Aug. 9, 1894,
Genevieve (Smith), Floy (Green), Opal (Haws).
Everett attended school in Sunnydell, Archer, and Wil-
ford. He helped set out orchards on his Uncle Schuyler's and
the Hawley homestead. He enjoyed music and dancing, and
sang at many ward functions and funerals. He took part in
dramas.
Myrtle Alice Dale was bom in Grouse Creek, Utah,
73
May 29, 1894, came to Idaho at age 15 to live with her
grandparents, Edward and Mary Kimber. She worked at
Heise Hot Springs where she met Everett. They were married
Dec. 17, 1917. Their children are Budge bom 31 August
1918, Dale, Enid, and Diane. Through the years the family
worked and played together. Myrtle was an excellent cook,
found time to comfort the sick and with Everett won many
prizes for their waltzing.
In the spring of 1928 they bought the Byrne Siding store
from Mrs. Mayhew, where they lived until 1939, then sold it
to Richard Boulter.
Everett bought the Kruger Ranch which had earlier been
a part of Grandad Howley's homestead.
Budge attended school at Sunnydell, Archer, and Madi-
son High and attended the U of I for one year. He accepted a
call to the British Mission in June 1939. Due to the war in
Germany, he completed his mission in Florida returning
home to marry Nina Ruth Cook in the Logan Temple, Dec.
17, 1941. Ruth was exceptional in all her activities including
homemaking, music and school teaching. It is hard to under-
stand how she could so successfully complete the many jobs
in the few short hours of the day.
We bought 40 acres of Dad's farm. From 1943 to '46, I
served in the army Air Force . Having sold our forty acres , we
bought Father's Kruger Ranch.
Our children are Blair, who married Delpha Whittaker -
children, Bobby, Gary, Chantelle. and Cherice; Shari who
married Keith Merrill - children, Lonny, Shaun, Travis, and
Jason; and by second marriage to Ricky Fuska, one son, RJ;
Ronda who married Dennis Call - children, Tony and Tif-
fany; Kelly who married Peggy Smith - children, Erin and
Melissa.
Ruth and I were divorced in 1961. I worked in Califor-
nia from 1960-66. Ruth and the children were planning to
come to California to be reunited as a family when her school
term was over. It wasn't to be. She was stricken with a
terrible malignancy which took her from her loved ones in
June, 1963.
I returned to Idaho in 1967 to work in the potato
warehouse in Thornton and there met another lovely young
lady, Lois Byrne, daughter of C.C. and Jane Byrne. We were
married July 29, 1967, by Bishop Mark Ricks in the home of
Lois' parents. November 11, 1968, a lovely little girl,
Michelle, came to bless our home. February 27, 1970, a great
little guy came to join us, Kevin Lyle.
Lois and I purchased the old Albert Nelson home in
which we lived. By laboring together we saved enough
money to build a new home. We built it almost completely by
ourselves. Lois was a great help, nailing roof sheeting, sub-
flooring, sheet rock, painting and finishing cabinets and
doors. We moved into our new home in May 1970, having
completed it in the space of one year. Lois kept our new home
spic and span as she did the children. We did many fun things
together, picnicking, fishing, hauling wood, but differences
arose and divorce came, November 1978. Perhaps I am just
too hard to get along with. I love the children and I love Lois.
I am lonesome here in this home we built for our family.
Kevin and Michelle come out and stay with me on weekends.
We play, ride horses, and have fun. Seldom a day or an
evening pass that I don't call or go over to Lois' mother's
home where they are living, to see them. The children like
their school over in the old Madison High building where I
attended high school. They are great kids.
Dale and Ethel Clay
Dale and Ethel
Dale was bom July 31,1 920 to Everett and Myrtle Clay.
He lived in Archer until 1942 when he went to serve in World
War II.
Ethel was bom to Henry and Jesse Plumb on February
16, 1931 in National City, Califomia, a suburb of San Diego.
She has lived in many places. She met Dale at a country-
westem dance in Red Bluff, Califomia in January 1966.
They were married June 10, 1967. They lived in Red Bluff
until 1970 when they moved home to Archer. Dale was
already well known in Archer, and it didn't take long for us
all to love Ethel. They both have a way of making everyone
they meet feel special. They became the dance directors in
Archer and shared their enthusiasm for dance with the youth.
It wasn't hard to leam a love for dance watching them.
Because of the fun they had all of the kids they taught still
have a special relationship with them.
Dale is retired now, so they share most of their hobbies
and interests together. They both love to fish, hunt and ride
horses. Dale is known to many between Archer and Califor-
nia as the Archer River Rat with Ethel always at his side.
Ethel also enjoys playing the organ, which she does very
well.
Between them they have six children and they especially
love their grandchildren.
They live next to their resting place, for now they reside
just north of the Sutton Cemetery, where they say they "have
the quietest neighbors in town".
74
Gary and Patricia Clay
Left to Right: Steven, Patty, Matthew, Rachelle, Jason, Nathan, and
Gary
Who would have thought that when Dale Taylor and
Patricia Ann Jane Davidson Clay brought their son, Gary Lee
home from the hospital June 26, 1 95 1 , at Redding, California
that John Williams and Sarah Charlotte Whittaker Perham
would bring home his sweet little future wife, Patricia Ann,
from Gloversville, New York on January 17, 1955.
Patty moved with her family from New York at three
years of age to Archer, Idaho. She attended school and
primary. On February 2, 1963, she was baptised into The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She enjoyed six years of 4-H especially the horseman-
ship division. She went on numerous 4-H outings including
one trip to Coeur d'Alane which she thought was probably
the prettiest place in the world. She taught three years as Jr.
Leader and leader of a horsemanship class and won many
awards and trophies. She was a member of the Rexburg Posse
Club, and with the help of many friends, and a good horse
won Rodeo Queen in 1 97 1 . That night she received roses and
her horse was awarded an extra bucket of oats!
Pat graduated from Madison High School and four years
of seminary. She completed five years of girls camp and was
active in sports. She received seven years of individual
awards and enjoyed teaching the younger children in Primary
and Sunday School.
After attending Ricks College, she was trained to be a
nurses aide at the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital. Patty furthered
her education in Orem, Utah, becoming a medical assistant.
With this knowledge she moved home with her parents to
intern in Idaho Falls. Upon completion she worked as a
medical assistant in Rexburg. At this time Patty and Gary
were married on October 29, 1974, aftertwo years of dating.
Pat was blessed with her first son, Steven Lee Clay on
May 29, 1975. She and Gary were grateful for the many
hours of time and love spent by their families, and in the
wisdom and experience of the baby's grandparents.
The next year this little Clay family moved to California
to work and be near Gary's mother and stepfather. While
enjoying family and friends in California, they felt the rural
atmosphere of Idaho would be of benefit to their children.
The new year of 1978 brought a new arrival in the form
of a dariing daughter. Rachelle Kristine was bom January 1 8,
1978.
On September 16, 1978, after much prayer and study,
Pat was baptised into the Seventh Day Adventist Church. It
was at this time she realized how much her family really
loved her.
The following year on February 12, 1979 Jason Michael
brought his warm and mischievous smile to the family.
Madison Memorial Hospital was the setting for a sur-
prise birthday party given to Gary in his honor, June 26,
1980. The doctor and nurses presented him with not one, but
two precious gifts, Nathan Alan and Matthew Paul, promis-
ing that this day would be remembered for generations to
come .
Thinking of his children, Gary recalls his early years as
a child on a ranch in Manton, California. While attending
grammar school Gary was privileged to have his Grand-
mother Davidson teach him in the first, second and fourth
grades. At the age of eleven he moved to Redbluff, Califor-
nia, where he finished his elementary education and went on
to high school. During these years Gary enjoyed car racing,
sports, girls, rodeo and many mischievous pranks.
Later he lived in Sacramento, California where he
worked and attended classes at American River College.
Looking for a change, Gary came to Archer, Idaho.
This is where he met his loving wife, Pat. Together they share
the gift of life and love.
Dale and Darlene Clements
Front Row (L. to R): Shane, Clay, and Don
Back Row: Gene, Darlene, John, and Dale
Dale Leonard Clements was bom October 16, 1938 to
Leonard L. and Florence Naomi Briggs Clements. He was
bom in the old Galbraith home in Lyman. His parents were
engaged in dry farming and the family home was located at
Herbert (due east of Archer), so his pre-school years were
spent there. He had one older brother, Clair B. After Dale's
first grade year, the school at Herbert was closed. Because of
this change, his parents bought a home in Rexburg where
they lived each winter. Then in the fall of 1953, Dale's
parents sold their home in Rexburg and bought their fifteen
75
acre farm in Archer. During his high school years, Dale
especially enjoyed F.F. A. and the intramural wrestHng prog-
ram. He graduated from Madison High School in 1957.
Darlene Artella Schneiter was bom October 9, 1941 to
Erven Clair and Artella Ann Weekes Schneiter. She was bom
in her Grandpa Weekes' home (located directly north across
the road from the Archer school). She had an older brother,
Bobby Clair; and later a younger sister. Hazel Margret,
joined the family. Darlene's father was in the Army and they
moved around a lot, living in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Mary-
land and Germany, but Archer was always home. She
graduated from Ririe High School in 1959 as valedictorian.
Dale and Darlene were married on June 19, 1959, by
Bishop George H. Munns at Archer. Their marriage was later
solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on September 18,
1968.
They moved into the two-room house Dale had purch-
ased earlier and moved to his parents' place here in Archer.
With the exception of the summer of 1960 when they lived at
Ririe, they have stayed in their original home even during
remodeling and additions.
Dale and Darlene have been very blessed with a family
of five sons: Gene "D" bom January 20, 1960; Shane "L"
bom April 10, 1962; Don "E" bom January 17, 1964; Clay
"S" bom May 18, 1969, and John "W" bom September 6,
1976. All were bom in the Rexburg Hospital. The oldest
three boys were sealed to their parents September 18, 1968 in
the Idaho Falls Temple.
Dale worked year-round for the Utah-Idaho Sugar
Company for nearly eighteen years, until it shut down and he
was laid off in April 1979. A few years ago he purchased part
of his father's farm and rented the rest, so with the help of his
sons they farmed in the summer and cared for their cattle herd
through the winter.
Most of Dale's hobbies were shared by his sons. They
all enjoy fishing, hunting (including archery), snowmachin-
ing, huckleberrying. trapping for fox and coyote, and the
newest interest is beekeeping. They all love being in the
mountains and out-of-doors.
Dale also enjoyed auctioneering and did it frequently for
family organizations and church fund raisings. In 1976 he
took on the project of compiling the Archer Ward Cookbook
for the Elder's Quomm. Dale also served on the finance
committee during the time of the flood suppers and as a home
teacher for several years.
Both Dale and Darlene have served as officers in family
organizations and Darlene was included in many of Dale's
and the boys' hobbies. In addition, she enjoys genealogy and
stamp collecting. Her first love and most time-consuming
hobby is her family and serving in the church auxiharies. She
has served nearly twenty years in the Primary in various ward
and stake capacities, as a Relief Society visiting teacher and
as Sunday School genealogy teacher. She also served on the
Madison Community Council.
Gene, Shane, and Don all have maintained very good
grades in school and have been very active in the F.F. A. as
officers and in contests. Gene and Shane both won trips to the
national F.F. A. contests in Kansas City, Missouri in 1978.
Gene, Shane, and Don have all achieved the Eagle rank
in scouting and Clay has just recently become Boy Scout age.
All three older boys have served in several leadership posi-
tions in their Priesthood Quomms over the past years.
Gene was married March 7, 1979 and lives here in
Archer with his wife, Julie.
Dale developed cancer and passed away March 18,
1980 at the family home in Archer.
Gene and Julie Clements
Julie and Gene
Gene is the son of Dale and Dariene Clements. He was bom
in Rexburg on January 20, 1960. Gene was outstanding in
school, scouting and F.F. A.
Julie Bowles is the daughter of Aldon and LaDean
Bowles. She was bom in Idaho Falls on September 27, 1960
but her parents lived in Rigby. They then moved to Blackfoot
on a ranch and then to another ranch at Leadore then to
Dubois on another ranch. They then moved to Salmon and
then to Rexburg where Gene and Julie met in October of
1977, at a victory dance at Madison High School. They
danced every dance together except for three.
They then started dating regularly. They had a lot of fun
getting to know each other. They dated until September 27,
1978, which was Julie's birthday, when Gene asked Julie if
she would marry him. Of course, Julie accepted. They then
planned the seventh day of March, 1979 to be their wedding
day. It tumed out to be a very special day for them. They
moved a trailer down from Teton to Sunnydell for them to
live in.
In May Julie graduated from high school. After gradua-
tion Julie worked getting her house and yard organized. Gene
was working for Jess Sutton as a dry farmer. His job lasted
until November. He then found a job working for Dell Bar-
ney building a bam to keep his cows in. In April he got a job
at Ricks College, working in the physical plant as an assistant
carpenter.
Meanwhile, Julie worked in the home and the yard and
taught primary. Gene also had a church job as the young
men's secretary.
76
Gene and Julie have had a very happy life. Although
Gene's father passed away just after their first wedding
anniversary. He died on March 16, 1980. On their first
wedding anniversary. Gene and Julie were sealed in the
Temple for time and eternity. They have been married now
for a year and a half and they are expecting their first child.
Life has treated them very well, and they are very happy.
Keith and Opal Clements
Opal and Keith
I, Keith, was bom March 19, 1911 in the home of my
grandfather, Olaf Anderson, 252 W. 1 N. in Rexburg, Idaho;
the second child and oldest son of Irene Anderson and Cecil
T. Clements. I was blessed 11 May, 1911, by my grand-
father, Eugene P. Clements, president of Canyon Creek
Branch.
Father taught school at Haden, Idaho. When I was five
weeks old my parents moved to Clementsville, five miles
east of Canyon Creek on the Sugar City-Driggs highway.
Father, his three brothers and their father had homesteaded
land in Clementsville. They were able to establish a post
office at Clementsville; my grandmother. Bertha E. Cle-
ments, was first postmistress. When the Clementsville
Branch of the L.D.S. Church was organized there, my father
was called as first Branch President.
I attended school at Rexburg, Hibbard, Madison High
and Ricks College.
My father had an irrigated farm in Hibbard and a dry
farm in Clementsville. When I was thirteen, my younger
brother, Denton, and I did the work on the dry farm. After he
married, I worked alone for a few years. In the late thirties I
left the dry farm. I worked in the summer in grain fields in
Washington and Oregon, in winters fed sheep or worked in
potatoes in this area. The year of 1941 I spent in the U.S.
Army stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. On Dec. 10,
1941, I married Opal Weekes in the Salt Lake Temple.
Through the years I have been active in the Priesthood
Quorums. I served in the presidency of the Sunday School at
Hibbard, Sunnydell and Archer, on the building committee
when our present chapel was built, and as a counselor in the
Archer Ward Bishopric. I served as an officer in the Madison
County ASCS organization, also in Madison County Farm
Bureaus and Madison County Beet Growers Association.
HISTORY OF OPAL WEEKES CLEMENTS
During the years from 1853-63 nine of my ancestors,
namely Robert and Ann Mary Bauldry Weekes, son, Sidney,
Susan Pilgrim, Robert, Elizabeth, Thomas, Christina and
Isabel Orr came from England, Scotland and Ireland to
America because of their membership and faith in the doc-
trines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I
am grateful they had the faith and courage necessary to
endure hardships they encountered.
My parents, Ida Grover and John S. Weekes, came from
Utah to Idaho in 1883-89 in their youth and settled in Lyman
and Sunnydell. They were married 20 November 1894 at
Lyman. Two years later they had saved enough to buy a new
wagon so they could travel to Logan, Utah, to be sealed in the
temple for time and eternity.
They worked diligently clearing the land of sagebrush,
helping to build canals and ditches and their home, on land
Father had homesteaded. They had a family of eleven chil-
dren, Leslie, Isabel, Lyman, Bertha, Maude, John Samuel,
Ursel, Opal, Eldera, Alta, Madonna and Ross, a grandson,
was like a son and brother. They were noble, wise and
ambitious parents teaching by example as well as precept. Of
necessity we were taught to work and held responsible for
tasks assigned to us.
I, Opal, was bom 17 January 19 10 in our family home as
were all the other children. I attended school in Archer,
Sunnydell, Ricks College and BYU. During a period of
eleven and a half years I taught school in Tetonia, Hibbard,
Swan Lake and Rigby.
In 1940 I served a short term mission in the Eastern
States Mission, laboring in Pittsburg and had the privilege of
attending conference in the Sacred Grove and taking part in
the Cumorah Pageant, very sacred and choice experiences. It
has been my privilege to work in the auxiliary organizations
of the church, to do research and temple work which have
strengthened my love and testimony of the divinity of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ.
On December 10, 1941, Keith and I were married in the
Salt Lake Temple. That winter we purchased our farm in
Sunnydell where we lived until we left to fill a mission in the
Minnesota Minneapolis Mission in June 1978. We served in
Barron and Ashland, Wisconsin. Keith was first Branch
President of Ashland Branch. Our mission was a very choice
and special experience. We know the gospel is of divine
origin.
Leonard and Naomi Clements
June 8, 1909 a son was bom to John W. and Janet
Urguhart Spence Leatham Clements at Herbert, Idaho. He
was named Leonard Leatham Clements. He was the fourth
child in a family of five children. He was baptized June 30,
1917 by Henry C. Blunck and confirmed July 1, 1917 by
George H. Dille at Herbert. He was ordained a priest at
Archer Feb. 28, 1954 by Bernard B. Erickson and an elder
Sept. 8, 1968 by George H. Munns at Archer.
77
Naomi and Leonard
He grew up at Herbert and attended schools at Herbert
and Rexburg. He graduated from grade eight at Rexburg.
In April 1911 Naomi's mother, Margaret Ann Galbraith
Briggs, because of severe health problems, went to the Salt
Lake Temple and was baptized and annointed for her health.
She received a blessing and was promised by President
Joseph F. Smith that she would have another child which
would be the means of restoring her health. This blessing was
fulfilled March 31. 1912 when a daughter was bom to Luke
and Margaret Ann Briggs of Archer. She was blessed and
named Florence Naomi Briggs on May 5 by her father, Luke
Briggs at Archer. She was baptized July 3, 1920 by Clarence
Cheney and confirmed July 4, 1920 by Carl J. Johnson.
She attended school at Archer and Rexburg and
graduated from high school in 1930 with the first graduating
class from Madison High School.
August 6, 1930, Leonard and Naomi were married at
Rexburg by Bishop William J. Ovard. They niade their home
at Herbert and farmed with Leonard's parents.
March 28, 1931, a son was bom and they named him
Clair B. Clements.
October 16, 1938 another son was" bom and was named
Dale Leonard Clements. This was all the family they had.
In late October 1935 their home and Leonard's parents' '
home was destroyed by fire caused by an explosion of
gasoline and his father and Delas Munns, who was visiting,
were badly burned.
While living at Herbert a branch primary was organized
and Naomi worked as counselor under Mary Luthy. They
were a very close-knit small community and formed lifelong
friendships, especially with the families of Henry Luthy and
Gilbert Leatham. They worked, played, hiked, fished,
hunted, camped, farmed, fenced and worked their cattle
together as friends.
Leonard was clerk of the Herbert School Board but in
1943 they lost the school and purchased a home in Rexburg
where they spent the next ten winters. In 1953 they sold that
home and purchased a home at Archer and from then on
drove daily to the dryfarm to work.
Sept. 18, 1968 they were sealed for time and eternity at
Idaho Falls Temple. Dale was sealed to them at this time but
at this time the work for Clair has not been done.
On January 12, 1959, Naomi's mother's health failed
and she came to live with them until she passed away, July
22, 1965.
In 1 976, because of health, they rented the farm to Dale .
July 12, 1977 Leonard suffered a stroke and has been dis-
abled since then.
In the fall of 1979 Dale contracted cancer and March 16,
1980, passed away. His family took over the farm. Leonard
still owns the land his father homesteaded.
Leonard has served many years as a home teacher and
Naomi has worked in primary, M.I. A. and Junior Sunday
School.
June 1, 1949, Clair married Wanda Taylor and four
children were bom to them. They have made their home for
many years in the San Francisco area.
Dale married Darlene Artella Schneiter on June 19,
1959 and they had five children.
Leonard and Naomi celebrated 50 years of married life
August 6, 1980.
Mildred Corey
Mildred and Darwin
Darwin Vay Corey, son of Ira Vay and Celia Alice
(Simmons) Corey, was bom May 2, 1907 at Sterling City,
California.
The family moved to Lyman, Idaho when Darwin was
about seven months old.
It was at Lyman that Darwin grew up and received his
schooling. He completed his elementary schooling there , and
graduated one of the highest in his class. He also completed
four years of high school and two years of college at Ricks in
Rexburg.
Playing baseball, hunting, fishing and camping were his
main recreations.
He was called to serve a mission Feb. 6, 1936 to the
Northwestem States. On March 13, 1936 he received his
endowments, just before leaving for his mission.
The fall of 1 938 Darwin was called on a second mission,
a short termed to the Central States. This made it possible for
him to take part in several of the temples-the Cardston
(Canadian) Temple was one of them.
On his retum home he was sustained as president of the
78
Young Men's Organization in Lyman. He worked and held
many positions in the ward.
Mildred Hannah (Briggs) Corey, daughter of James and
Hannah (Nelson) Briggs was bom Dec. 21, 1916 at Archer,
Madison County, Idaho.
Her schooling was at Archer and also at Madison High
School in Rexburg. She was active in church and commurtity
activities during her growing up years.
Darwin and Mildred were married March 21, 1940 in
the Logan L.D.S. Temple in Logan, Utah.
They made their home in Archer. Both of them were
active in church work, holding positions in the Sunday
School and Primary. Darwin was a home teacher and Mildred
was ward librarian for nine years.
Darwin was the sexton of the Sutton Cemetery for nine
years.
Genealogy work has been one of their main interests.
They have spent many hours on research work on both sides
of their family. Darwin also spent many days doing temple
work for the dead.
Darwin passed away August 9, 1978 at Riverview Hos-
pital at Idaho Falls, Idaho. At the time of his death he was a
High Priest.
Delmoe and Lulu Cook
Lulu May and Delmoe
Wiley Delmoe Cook was bom to Daniel Wiley Cook
and Lillian Lestra Haws at Vernal, Utah on the 26th day of
December 1897. When he was about three and a half years
old his parents moved from Vemal, Utah, to Idaho, and
settled in the Teton area where he grew up and was schooled
until he attended Ricks College . It was there he met Lulu May
Munns, who was bom in Lehi, Utah, to Henry Alvin Munns
and Sarah Ann Weekes on the 26th day of July in the year
1899. Lulu May was almost ten years old when her parents
finally left Utah and moved to Idaho settling in the Archer
ward. She attended elementary school in Archer then went to
Ricks College where she met Wiley Delmoe in the fall of
1917. They had a very eventful courtship and after serving as
doctor and housemaid to both sides of our family which
survived the terrible flu epidemic of 1918 and the quarantine
was lifted at the state lines and the Temples were opened
again, we finally got married in the Logan Temple on Feb-
ruary 19, 1919. Lulu May was 19 years old. After our short
honeymoon we returned home and engaged in dry farming.
Then we bought in the valley in 1 926 the home where we now
live. We are still farming.
We are the proud parents of eleven children. Nina Ruth
was our oldest . She was mother of four children and a school
teacher. She taught until cancer caused her death. Cecil
Munns was the second child and first son. He was a very
studious person, always with books. He served in the Second
World War in the Medical Corps. He also was a lifetime
school teacher. He served a mission to servicemen. He died
in a car accident. He was father of six children. Lulu Grace,
our second daughter, was really spiritual all her life. She
worked in her church. She is mother of eight children. She
educated herself for secretarial work in business finns. Lorin
Delmoe, second son, served in the Second World War in the
Navy. He's father of three daughters. He was severely
wounded in the war. It afflicted him all his life. He worked as
an officer of the law. Ila May, our third daughter, served as a
telephone operator for some time, then married and worked
as secretary at the Atomic Energy Site in Arco for quite some
time, but is now secretary at State Hospital South. She is
mother of four children. Calvin Munns is our third son. He
was a school teacher. He served in the war in the Intelligent
Agent Corp in Japan, and was a lifetime Church worker. He
also died of cancer. He filled a mission for the L.D.S. Church
in the Central States. Loa-Ann is our fourth daughter - a real
mother, housekeeper, school teacher and Church worker.
She is always teaching somewhere. She is the mother of
seven children. Lillian Colleen is our fifth daughter. She has
a number of talents--music, art, puppet shows, school
teacher and an entertainer. She is the mother of five.
Renell Wiley is our fourth son. He served a mission for
the L.D.S. Church in Mexico. He is a good, devoted husband
and father. He has six children. He has always been a good,
faithful worker in the Church. His vocation is plumbing and
he serves every one who asks him.
Wrell Munns is our fifth son. He has always been a good
helper on the farm. He is a good farmer, also a good
mechanic. He is the father of three children. Delia, our sixth
daughter, died in infancy.
Delmoe has set a good example for the children and has
been a faithful father to them. He has served in a number of
capacities in Church such as teacher, Elder's secretary for
nine years; in the presidency of the Sunday School; a coun-
selor in the bishopric; genealogy supervisor, home teacher,
the presidency of the High Priest Quorum in the stake. His
main hobby is reading.
Before our son-in-law, LeRoy Hare, was married we
financed him on a mission for the L.D.S. Church in the
Southem States. He was always so appreciative of it. He
watched for an opportunity to do something nice for us.
When he was superintendant of schools in Grace, Idaho, he
had to have a school bus brought from Macon, Georgia. So
he said "That is my chance. I'll take Delmoe and Lulu May
Cook down on a tour of my mission and make them ac-
79
quainted with some of the people I helped bring into the
Church," which he did. It was a very enjoyable trip. The
Southern states were so different than I had pictured them. At
times I felt like a little school girl. We had a boat ride through
a part of the Okefenoke Swamp. We also attended the Hare
reunion.
I have worked in Church as a Sunday School teacher and
spent thirty-two years as a primary worker. I was in the
presidency of the primary and taught the Blue Birds and
Guide Patrole, preparing boys to be Deacons. I have worked
in D.U.P. counselor and president for twenty-three years.
Bill and Elvia Cook
Front Row (L. to R.): Samuel, Elvia, Renell (Bill) holding William Ray,
Bruce
Back Row: Kathleen, Michael, and Coreen
It all started when Bill was called to serve his mission in
Southern Mexico, on January 8, 1958. When he was transfer-
red in March of 1959 to Coatacoalcos, Veracruz to be the
president of the branch, he met the Notario family. Sister
Notario was the president of the Relief Society, and that is
when Bill and Elvia met. Since Bill was on his mission they
got acquainted by letters. He finished his mission in August
of 1960.
Renell W. Cook was bom in Sunnydell August 30,
1937. He grew happily on a farm, went to Archer Ward
meetings and school. He graduated from high school in 1955
and attended Ricks College. He also served in the National
Guard. On January 2, 1961, he married Miss Elvia Notario
Nino in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico. Bill and Elvia
traveled to Los Angeles where they were sealed in the tem-
ple, January 7, 1961. Elvia's parents were also sealed there
the same day and Elvia was sealed to her parents. Her sisters,
Lupe and Letty, accompanied them to Los Angeles.
Elvia went to kindergarten and grade school in Coat-
zacoalcoz, high school and one year of college in Jalapa (the
capitol of Veracruz). In Jalapa she attended the University of
Fine Arts and graduated as a ballet teacher. She has a sec-
retarial diploma, but never worked at it.
On January 2, 1962, a beautiful girl, Kathleen, was bom
to Renell and Elvia while they lived in the little white house
on the hill in Sunnydell. Bill and Elvia worked first on his
sister, Ruth's, farm, then at the Sugar Company, and later on
Howard Allen's farm, during which time Elvia's sisters
(Lupe and Celia) visited and helped with baby Kathleen.
Then in March, 1964, they all left for California. A second
beautiful girl, Coreen, was bom September 19, 1965, in San
Fernando, Califomia. Bill worked at General Motors at that
time. In March, 1966, they bought a ranch in Mexico near
Elvia's home town, where they spent a delightful seven
months, and also where their first baby boy, Renell Michael,
was bom on September 21, 1966. They moved back to
Califomia in the same year, where Bill then worked as a
sheet-metal mechanic . In July of 1 970, they returned to Idaho
(Sunnydell), where they lived with Bill's folks while they
built a basement home. Samuel Wiley was bom on June 3,
1971, in Rexburg. He has a special talent with the piano, and
enjoys baseball. Warren Bruce was bom July 29, 1974, in
Rexburg. He enjoys singing and watching Sam play baseball.
On February 23, 1979, William Ray was bom in Rexburg.
He is the family's pride and joy. He dances to the music very
well.
Kathleen has attended schools in Califomia, Mexico
and Rexburg. She was advanced from 2nd to 3rd grade in
Califomia. She has won many awards and held many offices
throughout her life. She recently attended the Miss United
Teenager Pageant with 80 other girls, where she placed in the
15 finalists and won first runner-up in "My Country" essay
competition. Coreen went to Archer and Rexburg schools
and also won awards and held offices. She will be Madison
High School's wrestling cheerleader this coming fall. Both
girls are honor students. Renell Michael attended Archer,
Lyman and Rexburg schools. He enjoys playing basketball
and plays baseball, where he played for the All-Star team. He
also plays the guitar and helps his Grandpa on the farm.
At the present time Bill works as a sheet-metal mechanic
and Elvia is a lab technician at Pro-Ida Foods, Inc.
Kendall and LaMarr Davidson
Front Row (L. to R.): Cortney (Brad's son), LaMarr, and Kendall
Back Row: Kendall, Brad
80
Cora LaMarr Davis Davidson, daughter of Cora Cumi
Cheney and Martin David Davis was bom January 31, 1926
at St. Anthony, Idaho. She attended St. Anthony schools and
Ricks College, then worked for a short time in Salt Lake City
as secretary until her marriage. Then she spent her time at
home enjoying the duties of wife, homemaker and mother. In
recent years since her family has been grown, she has been
working at the Golden Living Retirement Center in Rexburg.
LaMarr served in the M.I. A. for about 30 years as a
teacher, counselor to four presidents, and as president; Stake
M.I. A. board member several times, stake girls' camp staff
12 years; Primary teacher, Sunday School secretary. Stake
Relief Society counselor, and is presently serving as Welfare
Leader in Stake Relief Society, and ward Relief Society
cooking specialist and visiting teacher.
LaMarr was married December 19, 1945 in the Idaho
Falls Temple to Kendall Grover Davidson, son of Ella
Spaulding Grover and John David Nathaniel Davidson. He
was bom January 26, 1923 at Parker, Fremont County,
Idaho.
Kendall graduated from junior high at Parker as valedic-
torian, then attended St. Anthony and Sugar City high
schools. He spent six and a half years in the military service,
two and a half years overseas. As Platoon Sergeant he was
involved in five major campaigns in the European Theater.
While fighting in France he was decorated for meritorious
service . He achieved rank of Staff Sergeant . After the war he
re-enlisted for two more years. He taught school in the Army
program at Camp Lee, Virginia and Fort Knox, Kentucky.
His family was with him.
Mechanics has been a part of Kendall's life since he was
a youth. At age seventeen he went to work as a mechanic in a
local garage. He was a motor pool sergeant in the Army
Combat Engineers. In March 1956 he moved his family to
Archer. For fifteen years he operated his own business.
Archer Service. He repaired everything from farm machinery
to broken toys.
In 1969 he closed his business to teach automotive
classes at Ririe High School. He also serves as transportation
supervisor.
Kendall has been active in the Church all his life as
teacher in the auxiliaries, Stake M.I. A. secretary and Exp-
lorer leader. Scout Master, Advisor for the Priesthood
Quomms, Counseor and Superintendent of M.I. A., Stake
Missionary, Welfare Clerk, Elders Quorum Presidency,
Sunday School Superintendency, Counselor in the Archer
Ward Bishopric, and Stake High Councilman. He received
the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth
and the Honorary Master M-Men Award.
Kendall loves to cook. He has been chef for many ward
and stake outings, and was chef five different evenings when
Archer Ward hosted other wards involved in the Teton Dam
Flood.
Kendall and LaMarr are the parents of three sons: Ken-
dall David, bom October 14, 1947 at St. Anthony, Idaho
lives at home and commutes to work at the Deseret Industries
in Idaho Falls. He eamed all Individual Awards in the
Aaronic Priesthood program, and the Duty to God Award.
He is Elder in the Priesthood, Home Teacher, Ward Choir
member, and Temple worker.
Martin Calvin was bom August 16, 1949 at Fort Knox,
Kentucky. He married Maylin England and they have three
children. (History in this book)
Bradford John was bom February 20, 1951 at St. An-
thony, Idaho. He eamed all the Aaronic Priesthood Awards,
Duty to God Award, and Eagle Scout. He married Clara Ann
Newman October 2, 1970, sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple
January 25, 1980. They live in Howe, Idaho where he is
assistant manager and shop foreman at the Simplot Farm.
They have two sons, Burke John 9, and Cortney Dee 6.
Martin and Maylin Davidson
Maylin, Jody Kay, John, Martin, and Becky
The Martin Davidson family history started June 24,
1972 when Martin Calvin Davidson, bom August 16, 1949,
the son of Kendall G. Davidson and Cora LaMarr Davis, and
Maylin England bom March 8, 1 952 the daughter of Mahlon
J. England and Verda Elizabeth Birch, were sealed for time
and all etemity in the Idaho Falls Temple by President Cecil
B. Hart.
Thirty days after they were married, Martin left for
active duty in the United States Air Force, stationed on the
small island of Okinawa, Japan. A short time later Maylin
joined him there.
The young couple was stationed there for almost three
years. During this time they were very active in the Kadena
Servicemen's Branch. They were able to see the dedication
of a chapel-the first in the Ryuku Islands.
Martin was kept very busy with his Air Force duties by
travel to many places in the Pacific, leaving his young bride
alone in Okinawa. But she did not have too much time to get
lonely as her church duties kept her very busy. Cub Scouts,
Sunday School classes and Relief Society duties. Martin was
very busy also. He was the branch clerk as well as cubmaster.
Two months before the couple came home they were
blessed with the birth of a baby boy, John David Nathaniel
Davidson II bom November 14, 1974. He is a real ray of
sunshine.
81
On January 19, 1975, the young couple with their new
baby were able to come home, back to the United States.
What a wonderful feeling to be back in this choice land.
They were able to spend about thirty days home in
Archer among friends and family.
Marquette, Michigan was to be their new home
stationed at K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base. It was hard to make
friends there. But soon the family was in full swing again.
Martin became branch clerk again, and before long Maylin
was teaching Sunday School.
In September they were finally finished with their milit-
ary duty and able to travel again to Idaho.
Martin got a job with Petrolane gas service as truck
driver, and soon they were able to buy a mobile home and set
it up in Sunnydell where they could be close to both families .
John decided he wanted a baby sister and thought it
would be a good birthday present . On the morning of his third
birthday November 14, 1977, his baby sister, Jodi "K,"
Davidson, was bom. She is a very special young lady.
Then as a surprise to everyone, another baby sister was
bom November 23, 1978, Thanksgiving day - Becky Lynn
Davidson.
Martin has stayed very busy. He is now the resident
manager of the Rexburg office for Petrolane gas service. He
has been cub master and Sunday School teacher. He was
ordained a Seventy 28 November 1976. His experience as a
missionary serving in the Eastem Atlantic States and Penn-
sylvania Mission have proven very helpful.
Maylin has been active in Cub Scouts, Sunday School
and especially the Primary where she has been a teacher for
over ten years. She is now serving as a member of the
Primary presidency for Sunnydell Ward.
Donald and Jo Ann Drussel
Don attended schools in Burley, Idaho. He was in the
U.S. Service during the Korean conflict. At the time of our
marriage 26 July 1956, in Oakley, Don worked for Denton
Well Drilling. In 1956 we moved to Idaho Falls and he began
working for Hopkins Well Drilling with whom he has been
employed ever since.
I, Joan, attended elementary and high school in Oakley,
Idaho. During these years I enjoyed riding in the posse with
the Oakley Vigilantes. In my junior year in high school I was
a contestant for rodeo queen in the Cassia County Fair. I was
victorious so I reigned as royalty over the rodeo in my senior
year.
It has been my pleasure to teach in Sunday School and
Primary. In 1940 1 was president of the M.I. A. in the Archer
Ward. For ten years I worked as a loan officer in the Idaho
First National Bank in Rexburg. At present I am employed at
Petersen's Room Dividers here in Archer.
Our children are Connie Hobson Clawson. She was
bom September 27, 1953 (her father is deceased). Kevin
Read, our first son, was bom November 15, 1957. Dale, our
second son was bom May 12, 1960. D Lene, our second
daughter, was bom March 7, 1970 and Michael arrived June
8, 1977.
Front Row (L. to R): Michael, Mayo Harper, Jo Ann, Travis (Kevin's
son), Don
Back Row: Kevin, Belinda, Catherine. Dale, and D'Lene
The three older children are married and we have four
grandchildren - all boys.
Connie married Curtis I. Clawson. They live in Rexburg
and have two sons, Kent, seven years old and Torey age five.
Connie works for Safeway in Rexburg.
Kevin married Belinda Grover, daughter of Demar and
lola Bowcutt Grover. They live near us and have one son,
Travis, who is eleven months old. Kevin is employed at
Pro -Ida in Ririe.
Dale married Catherine Brood and they have one son,
Brian, who is eighteen months old. They live in Rexburg
where Dale is employed with Ted Ard at Phillips 66.
Of course D'lene and Michael are sfill at home with us.
My mother, Mrs. Mayo Harper (widowed), also lives near us
in a mobile home. She is loved by all of us and is with us in
our picture.
Gene and Nina Dumont
Gene, Mai, and Nina
Gene Dumont was bom in Rigby, June 11, 1921 to
Lewis and Alta Jenkins Dumont. His mother later married
Seth Grover and came to Archer when Gene was in the sixth
82
grade. He spent two years in the C. C. Camp in Park Valley,
Utah, then joined the Navy for three and a half years during
World War II. While he was yet in the service, he married
Nina Terece Grover, August 27, 1945.
Nina was bom March 22, 1923 to Wesley LaVem and
Thelma Lucille Carlson Grover. Grandma Augusta Carlsen
lived with us at Archer on the farm where my father, LaVem,
called Vem, lived all his life. His parents were Marshall and
Isabel Orr Grover. who homesteaded in Archer, called
Lyman at that time.
Grandma Carlson was bom in Sweden and spoke no
English. I, Nina, learned to speak Swedish. I was very close
to my grandmother, and talked only Swedish to her.
I was the oldest of five daughters. Irene married Jay G.
Fikstad. They live in Idaho Falls and have three children.
Doris married Nyle Larsen and lives in Idaho Falls. They
have two children. Gwen married Dale Sommers. They live
in Idaho Falls and have three children. Zena married Ray
Sharp. Their home is in Sugar City and they have three
children.
I went to Archer Elementary and two years of high
school, finishing at Madison High School. I worked at the M.
H. King store.
Gene Dumont came home from the service on furlough
for 30 days. We were married and had that month together in
Rexburg. I continued working until he was released, then we
both worked in Rexburg. He helped build Dr. Green's apart-
ment house. We worked one summer for Charlie Sutton then
he began working for Farmer's Feed and Supply, where he
still works.
On December 7, 1955, Gene suffered the loss of his arm
just below the shoulder, as it was caught in an auger at work.
He was never one to feel sorry for himself and took it in his
stride, helping his family feel that it was no handicap.
Val Gene was bom November 24, 1946. He went to
Archer elementary and Madison High School. He enlisted in
the Navy June 21, 1965 and was released July 1969. He
served in the Philippines and Viet Nam. He became ill after
his retum and though much improved is still under the
doctor's care.
Rhonda Lee was bom September 27, 1952 in the Ashton
hospital. Dr. Kruger attending. She had the same schooling
as Val. She joined the Navy January 21, 1971, where she
spent seven and a half years, two and a half of them in
England. While in England she met Tom Wunder. They were
married in Archer and went back to England. After two and a
half years they retumed to Norfolk, Virginia, where Gene
and I visited them. Both were honorably discharged from the
Navy and now make their home in Tacoma, Washington.
Gene and I love our home in Archer. Our neighbors are
just out of this world.
Mahlon and Verda England
Mahlon J. England was bom 3 February 1922, the son
of Charles William England and Mirinda Alberta Jensen. He
was the fifth child of eight.
Verda Elizabeth Birch was bom November 28, 1924,
the daughter of WiUiam Richard Birch and Elizabeth Percilla
Front Row (L. to R.) Mahlon and Verda
Back Row: Jerrie and Joe
Layton. She was the tenth child of ten.
Mahlon joined the U.S. Marine Corps September 15,
1940, and spent most of World War II as Master Sergeant
with the Second Raider Battalion in the South Pacific. Upon
retuming home from the war, Mahlon and Verda traveled to
Bozeman, Montana. After a very long engagement they were
finally married September 23, 1944. They resided in St.
Anthony where their first child, William B. England, was
bom September 25, 1946.
When the Korean War broke out Mahlon was recalled to
train forces. Verda and Billy were able to travel with him to
Camp Pendleton. After military service they retumed to St.
Anthony where they had the Mahlon Radio and T. V. Repair
Shop. Their second child, Maylin, was bom March 8, 1952.
They ran the radio shop for several years then the third child,
a daughter, Jerrie "K" was bom October 20, 1955. A few
months later they moved to Moreland, Idaho and Mahlon
went to work at A.E.C. as a reactor control electronic techni-
cian. In 1956 they moved to Shelley and on May 9, 1956
were able to go to the Idaho Falls Temple to be married for
time and all eternity by President William L. Kilpack and the
three small children were sealed to them. Then eight years
later after many prayers, a fourth child, a little boy, was bom
July 17, 1964, Joe B.
In 1970 the family bought the Archer Store and moved
to Archer. A few months later they built the England Merc
and ran that store and gas station for about a year. Then
Mahlon went to work at the Rexburg Lumber Company for
about two years. Then he was asked to come to Ricks College
as the chief electrician in the electrical department. He also
works as the real estate broker for Peterson's Real Estate
where he is very busy but very happy. He is active in his
duties and is a High Priest in Sunnydell Ward and Assistant
High Councilman.
Although Verda spends most of her time home now due
to illness she is always willing to give a helping hand. She has
been very active in her church, serving in Relief Society and
Primary and is presently a visiting teacher.
83
After returning from an honorable mission to Perth
Melbourne Australia. Billy married Barbara Jean Moss De-
cember 15, 1967 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They live in
Idaho Falls and Bill manages the Little Tree Inn and owns
two hot dog stands. He was recently made a Seventy and has
served in several Elders Quorum presidencies.
Barbara is very active as work leader in Relief Society.
They have three children - Bret 10, Clint 8, Lara 4.
Maylin was married to Martin C. Davidson June 24,
1972 in the Idaho Falls Temple by President Hart. After
spending three years in Okinawa, Japan, they returned home
and are now living in Sunnydell, Idaho. They have three
children - John 6, Jodi "K" 3, Becky 2.
Mahlon, Verda, Jerrie "K" and Joe now live in their
newly remodeled home in Sunnydell.
Joe is attending Madison High School and is very active
in sound and lighting, and Honors, his Priesthood duties as a
Priest. And is working toward his Eagle Scout.
Jerrie "K" is very active in every form of medical
science and is now working in radiology department at Paric-
view Hospital and is a surgical technician at Riverview Hos-
pital in Idaho Falls. She is always active in all forms of
emergency medicine as Advance EMT-A. She is active in the
young adult program in the Rexburg East Stake and has
worked for twelve years in the young girls camp program.
Martha (Mattie) Erickson
Front Row (L. to R.): Nolan, Utona, Martha, Dan, Bernarr, Lanta, and
Hal
Back Row: Gary, Galen, Sheila, and Carlo
Bemarr Blackburn Erickson was bom Nov. 15, 1913 at
his parents' home in Archer, Idaho. He was the fifth child in a
family of eleven. His father, Herman Erickson, was bom in
Sweden and immigrated to the U.S. in 1898 at age 20.
Herman married Gladys Edna Blackburn from Brigham City,
Utah, in 1904. Bemarr was named after a famous health and
diet doctor, Bemarr McFadden who was a friend of his
father's.
When Bemarr was six years old, his parents built a
house on the Dalby townsite north of the church house. The
Erickson's had one of the first radios in the valley. People
would come for miles to listen to it. When Bemarr was in the
eighth grade, they bought a player piano that was enjoyed by
everyone.
Bemarr was very bashful and didn't like to be around
girls. As he got older, one particular young lady caught his
eye. Because he was still so very bashful, his brother and a
friend dragged him onto the dance floor to dance his first
dance with Mattie Jackson. That is all it took to break the ice
and they were married on Nov. 15, 1933 in the Salt Lake
Temple .
Martha Elizabeth Jackson (Mattie) was bom March 8,
1913 in a small log house located just east of her home now.
Her parents, John William Jackson bom Nov. 30, 1866, in
Fillmore, Utah, and Eliza Ann Nichols bom April 10, 1872,
Fillmore, Utah, had purchased the property between the
Erickson comer and Munns place on the east. The summer of
1913, a new larger house was built on the comer on higher
ground. (This is Mattie 's home now).
John William Jackson died when Mattie was only
twelve, leaving her mother to care for the family of five
children including John N., Florence, Thelda, Mattie and
Wyora.
Raised on a farm in her early years, Mattie leamed to
herd cattle, sheep, pigs, and to help care for chickens. She
attended eleven years of school in Archer. She sang alto in a
girls choms, played violin in the school orchestra, and par-
ticipated in every drama that was produced. In 1929, the
depression hit and times were hard. She attended hre last year
of high school in Rexburg at Madison High School. She
wanted to go into nurses training after high school but depres-
sion and no money changed those plans.
After Bemarr and Mattie were married in 1933, they
moved into a log house just northwest of the church house on
the Dalby townsite. Six children came to bless their home
while they lived there. Then in 1 946 they purchased the home
that Mattie was raised in. Here three more children were
added to their family. Their children are:
Sheila Mae December 1934
Gaylen Bemarr July 1936
Gary Jackson April 1938
Nance Carlo April 1940
Utona Rae April 1942
Lanta Maria July 1945
Nolan Bemarr September 1948
Hal Delyn May 1950
Dan DeLyn June 1956
In 1952, Bemarr was called as Bishop of the Archer
Ward. Both Bemarr and Mattie have spent many hours,
months, and years in the service of their Father in Heaven, as
well as serving the community.
Bemarr and Mattie farmed and milked cows for a living.
In 1964 their son Gary passed away following a short illness.
In Dec. 1968 another son, Gaylen, was killed in a logging
truck accident.
During the Vietnam War, two sons, Nolan and Hal each
served active duty in Vietnam. Those were years of worry
and prayer.
In November of 1972, Bemarr passed away following
open heart surgery. Six months later, the youngest son, Dan,
died in a accident.
Mattie has worked hard all of her life. A few years ago
she decided to go to school to fulfill her life-long dream. She
84
became a certified nurses aid and enjoyed working at Madi-
son Memorial Hospital.
In April of 1*^79, Mattie was asked by her bishop to
serve a full-time mission for the church. Her call came later
from Pres. Spencer W. Kimball to serve in the California Los
Angeles Mission. She accepted the call and is engaged in this
service at the present time.
Carlo and Ellen Marie Erickson
Front Row (L. to R.): Carta Jean, Ellen Marie. Carlo, and Steven
Back Row: Julie. Sue Ellen
Nance Carlo Erickson was bom April 16, 1940 to Ber-
narr B. and Martha Erickson. He has lived all his hfe in
Archer, with the exception of six months shortly after he was
married when he worked for Loren Grover and they lived at
Hamer, Idaho. He attended grade school at the Archer School
and graduated from Madison High School. He attended a
heavy equipment school the summer after he graduated from
high school. On June 10, 1959 in the Idaho Falls Temple he
married Ellen Marie Mortensen, the daughter of Annes and
Maud Mortensen from Salem. Ellen Marie was bom Sept. 5,
1939 at Salem. She had graduated from Sugar-Salem High
and was attending Ricks College from which she graduated
one year after their marriage having majored in business.
They moved into the log house across from the Archer
Church. On May 27, 1961, Sue Ellen was bom and on March
22, 1963, Julie was bom. In the summer of 1965 they started
building a house on the south side of Carlo's dad's house and
in October of that year they moved up there.
On March 20, 1971, Steven Carlo Erickson was bom
and on Dec. 12, 1975 Carla Jean Erickson was bom.
Carlo has worked for U & I Sugar for twenty years and
when his dad passed away the farm was divided and he now is
buying and mnning the fifty acres around his house and rents
the twenty acres that belonged to his aunt, Florence Swallow,
east of the red bam.
Sue Ellen Erickson graduated from high school in 1978
and is now attending Ricks College majoring in clothing
construction. Sue Ellen was Jr. Sunday School assistant
organist for two years before the ward was divided and then
was organist until we went on the new block plan. She is now
Young Adult secretary in the ward. She was active in 4-H
completing many serving and cooking projects and a horse
project in which her horse had a heart attack and died when
she was loping down the road. She borrowed the neighbor's
horse and finished her project.
Julie will be a senior in high school this year. She has
been active in 4-H completing clothing and cooking projects
and one beef project. Julie has been class president of her
M.I. A. classes twice during the last few years.
Stephen is a fourth grader this year and Carla is very
busy at home.
Carlo is presently serving as a counselor in the Elders
Quorum Presidency and Ellen Marie is teaching Sunday
School. Ellen Marie has taught Primary and Sunday School
and been a secretary and a counselor in the Relief Society and
counselor in the Primary over the years. She also has taught
4-H for about ten years and is a member of the Daughters of
the Utah Pioneers, serving as secretary.
DeVon and Carole Erickson
Fro'"'- -■ .: -' } DeV on and Carole
Back Row: Alison and Douglas
DeVon Henry Erickson was bom at Archer, Idaho to
Henry Erick Erickson and DeVeda Christina Nelson, Jan. 6,
1937.
He attended grade school in Archer and received several
100/ attendance and reading skill awards. He graduated from
Archer Elementary in 1951.
On his twelfth birthday he was ordained a Deacon. He
received several Priesthood awards through the years.
He attended Madison High School. He played in the
band and marched with them in Salt Lake in the 24th of July
parade. He was a straight "A" student in all his science
classes.
He attended Ricks College one semester.
He went to work for Mountain Bell Dec. 12, 1955. He
worked as a lineman for eight years, a splicer for seven years.
He is a central office repairman out of Rigby now. While
working for the telephone company he has worked all over
the state of Idaho and three months in Arizona.
85
He received a certificate for distinguished service from
Governor Andrus, Sept. 20, 1 976 for service to the people of
Idaho during the Teton Dam Disaster.
I, Carole, Mureen Stewart, was bom at St. Anthony,
Idaho to Frank Stewart and Delia Pearl Nickell of Felt, Idaho.
I spent all my life on a farm. When I was six my folks
bought the Felt store and post office, which we ran for 14
years.
I attended grade school at Felt and Tetonia. I graduated
from Tetonia Elementary School in 1951.
I attended Teton High School. I was a member of the
F.N. A., F.H.A., Pep Club secretary, librarian, band, Senior
Girls' Day attendant. Winter Carnival Queen, three years
seminary, seven years 4-H. I graduated in 1955 and attended
one semester of college.
After I started high school I spent my summers working
at the Flat Rock Club at Macks Inn, Idaho. It was during my
fifth summer there that I met Dee, as he was there working for
the telephone company.
He had asked me out several times before I would go
with him and that was my fatal mistake, when I said yes.
We were married Nov. 8, 1957 at Tetonia, Idaho. We
lived in Pocatello the first four months. Then my dad died and
Dee transferred to Idaho Falls, and we moved to Archer, so
we could be closer to my mother to help her out.
Donald Dee was bom Oct. 7, 1958 at Driggs, Idaho.
We bought the Martha Grover home which we have
remodeled and built on to.
Laurie Ann was bom Jan. 21 , 1960 at Rexburg, Idaho.
Alison Rae was bom Sept. 19, 1961 at Rexburg, Idaho.
We thought this would be all the family we would have,
then seven years later Douglas Stewart was bom on May 20,
1968 at Rexburg, Idaho.
When we brought him home the kids were so tickled
they thought we should stop at school and use him for ' 'Show
and Tell".
As a family we have spent lots of time camping, fishing,
bike-riding on mountain trails and enjoying the scenery of
Idaho.
Dee and I have taught 4-H. I have been the P.T.A.
President, Ward Drama Director, Primary teacher, Work
Director Relief Society, M.I. A. Counselor, Member of
Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
Dee is very talented. He is plumber, mechanic, electri-
cian and repairman. There just isn't too much he can't fix. He
likes to experiment and build things. He always has some
kind of a project going.
Donald, Laurie, Alison and Doug attended Archer
Elementary. Donald and Alison graduated from Madison
High. Donald enjoyed art and weight lifting classes. Alison
liked her metal shop class. The teacher sent a note home
saying she had done a better job on her project than the boys.
She took wood shop and built her cedar chest, and a beautiful
clock. She is talented in arts and crafts.
Laurie graduated from Moscow High where her hus-
band was attending college. She is a good seamstress, cook
and homemaker.
Doug starts Junior High this fall. He is looking forward
to it. He likes sports and camping and his scouting.
Laurie married Dwight Gordon Gump July 23, 1976 in
Archer, Idaho.
Donald married Kelle Jo Smith Nov. 30, 1978 in Rex-
burg, Idaho.
Donald and Kelle Jo Erickson
Don.iid and Kelle
Donald Dee Erickson was bom October 7, 1958 in
Driggs, Idaho, to his parents Devon and Carole Erickson.
They lived in Archer where Donald attended elementary
school. He then attended Madison junior and high school in
Rexburg. He graduated in 1977. After high school Donald
worked on a drilling rig for about one and a half years. In
November of 1978, he married Kelle Jo Smith, daughter of
R. Brent and Connie Smith. Kelle was bom in Rexburg. She
attended Lincoln Elementary School. She later attended
Madison junior and senior high school. She graduated from
high school in 1979. She worked part time during high school
and then full time during the summer as a bookkeeper at
Mickelsen's Lumber. She is now attending beauty school.
Donald is working at a gas station in Roberts, Idaho. They
live in Archer, across from Sutton's store.
Eugene and Viola Erickson
Left to right: Bonnie, Denver, Val, Viola, Alton, and Dyle.
The little white house that sets on the North side of the
road about a block east of the Archer school house has been
the setting for some of the sorrow and much of the joy of my
86
life. There I came as a bride after being married in the Sah
Lake Temple on November 30, 1934 to Hennan Eugene
Erickson. We started our life together with much happiness,
a lot of dreams and very little money.
Two years previously my parents, Dencie and Winifred
Rawls, had moved from Texas to Idaho. (I was bom at
Temple, Texas, September 28, 1915.) I was still a little
homesick for my friends and the tree covered country of East
Texas to which we had moved when I was ten years of age.
Eugene, bom October 11, 1905, was ten years my
senior - a fun loving, cowboy type person, considerate and
kind, always concerned for others and willing to lend a
helping hand.
When we had been married a" little over a year, De-
cember 27, 1935, our first child, a son, was bom. We named
him Denver Eugene. We had four other children: Alton
Herman, bom July 16, 1939; Bonnie Jean, bom May 11,
1945; Dyle Dero, bom July 20, 1950 and Val Amette, bom
October 20, 1952. Each of the five children, so different in
appearance and personality, were equally precious to us.
About a year and a half previous to Val's birth, Eugene had
undergone surgery to correct a goiter condition . At that time I
learned that his general health was drastically impaired, so
much so that his life was threatened. He died on April 6, 1 953
when Val was just five and a half months old.
In addition to the heartbreak of losing Eugene, the
pattem of our lives was greatly changed by his death.
The following year Denver, along with several of his
friends, decided to attend an airline training school - a move
in which I encouraged him as we felt inadequate to operate a
farm that had been losing money even when we had Eugene
to head the family. I sold the farm, keeping only the house
and a small piece of land, and during the children's
growing-up years worked at various jobs to support them.
Financially, we had some rough times, but in love, good
health and the family's unfailing sense of humor we were rich
beyond measure. We were also blessed in that we lived in
Archer, a community where, with only one or two excep-
tions, I felt the enduring support, love and understanding of
my neighbors. Our children are Denver, Alton, Bonnie and
Dyle.
Alton was the first of the children to marry. He and
Linda Rice were married the 5th of August, 1960. Their
marriage was solemnized June 2, 1979 in the Oakland Tem-
ple. They live at Senora, Califomia and have two daughters,
Keeley and Kristie.
Denver and Dorothy Caller were married June 12, 1962
in the Idaho Falls Temple. They have four sons and two
daughters and live at Fort Jones, Califomia. Their children
are Eugene, Kelly, Jennifer, Judd, Hymm and Aaron.
Bonnie and Scott Hamilton were married September 9,
1966 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They have two sons and one
daughter. Amber, Scott and Ryan. They live at Las Vegas,
Nevada.
Dyle and Nan Kirkham were married December 15,
1972 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They have two daughters.
Tiffany and Melanie, and live at Sonora, Califomia.
Val married Julie Boyle February 13,1 976 in the Idaho
Falls Temple . Val and Julie were divorced in 1 979 but Julie is
still very dear to me and we keep in touch. Val lives in Idaho
Falls.
In 1979, in order to have time for some of the things I
have always wanted to do, I retired from working for Utah
Power and Light Company. I am enjoying working in my
yards and garden during the summer months and in the winter
months I am writing a book, thereby fulfilling a lifetime
dream.
Like most mothers, my main joys come from the love of
my family, but as I look out the window of the little white
house and view the peaceful tranquility of this agrarian com-
munity I thank our Heavenly Father for the lavish manner in
which He has showered our land with blessings.
Henry and DeVeda Erickson
Front Row (L. to R.j: Henry and DeVeda
Back Row: DeVon, Blaine, Renee', JoAnn, and LaTawn
Henry Erick Erickson - third child of Herman Erickson
and Gladys Edna Blackbum - was bom February 16, 1909, at
Archer, attended church and school here and filled a mission
to Sweden, 1929-31. He was set apart by David O. McKay.
He met his wife DeVeda Christina Nelson at an Apron and
Overall dance in the old Archer dance hall.
I, DeVeda, am the oldest child of N. Douglass Nelson
and Emma Marie Johnson. Grandfather, James D. Nelson,
came to Idaho in 1883 and moved his family in 1885. Doug-
lass filled a mission to Scotland in 1909-1 1. Emma's family
moved from southern Utah to Thornton and Douglass and
Emma met at church and were married in the Logan Temple.
All of my ancesters came across the plains by handcart or
wagon train before 1868.
Henry and I were married December 2, 1935 in the Salt
Lake Temple and have five children, Devon Henry, Donna
Renee', JoAnn, LaTawn, Blaine Herman, and twenty-two
grandchildren (eleven boys and eleven girls). We love our
sons- and daughters-in-law as we do our own.
Our children attended church and school in Archer,
Madison and Ricks. All received their L.D.S. boys' and
giris' awards, golden Medallion and JoAnn, golden Gleaner,
Blaine Eagle Scout and attended National Jamboree at Valley
87
Forge. They did well in school, many times on the Honor
Roll. They were active in school, class and studentbody
offices, band and pep band and pep clubs, sports, 'Girl of the
Month' and talent and beauty contests, two with degrees at
Ricks and LaTawn with a degree at B.Y.U., taught school in
several cities. Those small hands have grown to man and
womanhood, are good citizens and helping to build the king-
dom with the talented skills and professions and dependabil-
ity in places far and near.
Henry wanted to go into the store business like his
grandfather Blackburn, so when the old dance hall was torn
down he used the material as much as possible to build a
small store. It was hard going without money-but we won't
dwell on those painful years. The Second World War was in
progress and we were badly in debt. Henry decided to go to
Los Angeles, California, where Howard, his brother was, to
get work. I stayed and took care of the store, three children
and measles. The next spring I traveled by bus to L.A.
During that one year we were gone, Henry's mother died on
July 2 and my mother on Aug. 2, 1942. It was a devastating
blow to me. In 1950 my father died from a potato cellar
accident.
We sold the store and bought Blaine's house in 1974 (as
it was on our farm). We've made lots of mistakes, had lots of
struggle and heartache, also have had some great highlights.
We've stood in many holy places. I've left my written tes-
timony on the Mount of Olives. We've walked the paths
where Jesus walked nearly 2000 years ago, stood on Mars
Hill in Athens and thought of Apostle Paul, seen the original
painting of "Mona Lisa" at the Louve in Paris, saw the
Crown Jewels in London, visited Sweden, Denmark, Nor-
way, the countryside where the "Song of Norway" was
filmed, left my testimony at the Sacred Grove-and felt the
spirit at "Adom Ondi Ahman," stood in the nation's capitol
and went through the Washington D.C. Temple.
We've lived through a wonderful age, seen many
changes in transportation, communication, etc. We have a
testimony of the gospel - we've listened to many of our
children's and grandchildren's and they've listened to ours.
Henry has been president of elders, in the Sunday School
superintendency and M.I. A. He always tries to be present at
family blessings, baptisms, ordinations. At present he is a
High Priest. I have been Primary president. Relief Society
organist, president of P.T.A., started the first Halloween
party for children at the school house, started a literary club
that went strong for a few years, bought a four-plex from my
friends in Rigby and secured the only loan for 6Vi percent
interest given in the state of Idaho that year, to build another
set. Sorry to say we sold them.
Archer is beautiful, has two stores, close to two shop-
ping and cultural centers, recreation of every kind within a
few miles and a beautiful cemetery for a final resting place.
Nolan and Connie Erickson
Nolan Erickson was bom September 29, 1948 to Ber-
narrB. Erickson and Martha Jackson. He has spent all of his
life in the Archer area, working in West Yellowstone for two
summers on a dude ranch and a few months planting trees for
his relatives in Northern Idaho. He spent three years in the
army, one of them being in Viet Nam. He came home from
the Army and attended a few months of college. He also
worked for about nine years at the Sugar Factory before it
closed in 1979. On May 14, 1971 he married Connie Munns
in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Connie is the daughter of Merlin Munns and Marie
Weekes. She was bom August 10, 1951. She also has spent
all of her life in the Archer area. She worked on a dude ranch
in Montana for two summers, one of them the same summer
as Nolan. She graduated from Ricks College in 1971.
Nolan and Connie now have five lovely children -
Tammy 8, Tracy 7, Terry 6, Kelsey 4 and Tina 1 . They have
been a lot of fun and joy in our lives. At present Nolan is
secretary in the Elders Quomm and has been in the Sunday
School superintendency. Connie has taught primary for
about seven years.
Norman and Bessie Erickson
Left to Right: Georgia, Norman S , Bessie, Tonya, Norman B.. Victor,
Eric, (Insert) Herman.
In September 1939 East meets West - Bessie Amelia
Small of Bangor, Maine , meets Norman Blackbum Erickson
of Archer, Idaho, and on March 11, 1941, they were married
in the Salt Lake Temple. They built their home where the old
dance hall used to be. Visitors from heaven started on Feb-
ruary 4, 1943 - Eric who married Beverly Wilcox
(sons/daughters: Eric David, Cassie Lou, Clinton Earl,
Michael Norman, Swen Milton, John Russell, Donna
Amelia) live in Salt Lake. Georgia Maria, September 8,
1945, married Scott Kenneth Steinfeldt (daughters/son:
Heidi Alesia, Meegan Ann, Scott Kenneth, Jr.) live in Salt
Lake. Norman Small Novembers, 1947, married Susan Ann
Matthews (son/daughters: Norman Matthew, Heather Ann,
Andrea, Celeste Amelia), Archer, Idaho. Tonya Jean, March
31, 1950, presently living at home. Victor Small, August 20,
1952, married Mona Donelda Frances Young (daughters:
Pauline Amelia, Jennie Lee), Archer, Idaho. Herman Small,
March 10, 1955, living in Salt Lake. Second in importance,
all six children served full-time missions for the Church.
Eric, Eastern States; Georgia, Leeds England; Norman S.,
Florida; Tonya, Hong Kong; Victor, London, England;
Herman, Phihppines Cebu. All that are married were married
88
in the temple. Four boys had a taste of military. Eric at Fort
Ord, top honor graduate from supply school. Nonnan S went
to R.O.T.C. Officers Training Camp at Fort Knox; Victor
four years army, paratrooper, firefighter, postal clerk, office
supply clerk; Herman R.O.T.C. in college; Norman Black-
bum was a Western States missionary, and Bessie from New
England mission, went out with lady missionaries at times.
Norman started to sing in the choir in 1938. At present he is
president of the choir and music librarian. Norman fanns and
is an employee of Ricks College for twenty years. He is a
member of Freeman Institute, active in political activities,
helped organize Farm Bureau in this area and helped set up
the insurance division, agent for seven years, served on
L.D.S. stake board, many ward positfons. Temple work, at
present High Priest. He and Bessie served as ward dance
directors. Bessie was Block Warden during Second World
War from Glenn Sharp to Leland Weekes. Coming west she
worked in I.E. (S.H. Kress as cashier), Rexburg J.C. Penny
clerk, later cashier, stake Primary, ward Relief Society,
Sunday School and Junior Girl leader for several years.
Picture of her class of nineteen girls was in the Church News
and in the lesson manual. She has been ward librarian since
1958. Since splitting the wards, she is also Meeting House
Librarian. She has been working at the Ricks College Learn-
ing Center since 1965. All eight of the family have taken
classes at Ricks, three graduating - Eric, Norman S. and
Tonya.
Eric works as group manager for micro-graphic techni-
cal services. He has two offices, one at the granite vault and
one at the genealogy building. He is a former bishop of
Hunter 16th Ward and is presently on the High Council.
Georgia took blue ribbons in F.H. A. sewing and cook-
ing. At college she toured with dance club. She has worked in
banks seven years as head teller and loan officer. Since
returning from her mission she has been secretary to Wendall
J. Ashton, Church Public Relations.
Tonya taught Sunday School, M.L A. Special Interests.
She has done lots of traveling in and out of the United States,
worked in church office translation department, also in
1975-78 served in auxiliary security for the church. Main job
with others was to protect the Prophet. Presently, 1980,
Archer precinct committeewoman, active in Republican
party.
Herman won track events in high school, completed the
50 mile hike with the Archer scouts, won gold medal in
Explorer Olympics' 440 yard and gold medal 220 yard dash
in 1973, trophy in Provo with Shawna Wasden 1977 Bronze
dance team, trophy for dance marathon in 1974, Valhalla
dance team at Ricks, 1977, on tour to New York -Florida
returned by pioneer church trail putting on performances at
every stop.
In 1967 we went back to Maine as a family to pick up
Eric from his mission and have the children meet their rela-
tives for the first time. When we returned at the end of three
weeks, the next day Norman got in the 1960 Ventura Pontiac
(a very good car) which had been traveling at 80 miles an
hour at times, the steering rod fell down on the ground. We
knew who to thank for watching over us.
Norman S. and Susan Erickson
Left to Right: Matthew, Susan, Celeste, Andrea, Norman S.. and
Heather
Although we lived within ten miles of each other and
both went to Madison High School (Norman graduating three
years before me) we did not even know each other or meet
until Norman returned from his mission in Florida where he
served 1967-69 and was working at the Food Center. We
both attended Ricks College, Norman having already com-
pleted a year before his mission. We married Jan. 8, 1971 in
the Idaho Falls Temple and graduated together from Ricks
College in the spring of 1971 . That summer Norman went to
ROTC basic training for six weeks in Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Decisions for school had already been decided so when he
returned we made our plans for our move to Logan, Utah, and
Utah State University.
While in Logan our son, Matt, was bom Jan. 21, 1972,
named after his father and with my maiden name. Norman
Matthew Erickson brought many blessings into our struggl-
ing "married students" status.
Norman had three jobs besides going to school. He
worked for Smiths Clothing, maintenance man for girls
dorms and night watchman at a lumber yard. I learned how to
almost make ends meet, sewing, canning and learning how to
make bread. We worked in the student wards and gained
experience in various callings in the church.
Heather Ann was bom in Logan, Aug. 4, 1973. So with
expanding needs our goals changed and we began looking for
opportunities to come back to Rexburg. After Norman's boss
became paralized after an operation he asked Norman to
manage the Smith's Clothing Store in Logan. Norman en-
joyed the job but his thoughts kept straying back to Archer.
Through various applications for employment he secured the
job as clothing manager at Cal Stores. Later he became
assistant manager and has been manager for the past three and
a half years.
In June of 1974, we became members of the Archer
Ward. Since our arrival we have built our home on the land
once owned by James Tea. When we moved into Archer
Norman was made Elders Quomm instructor. I was asked to
be primary choristor, serving in that position for three and a
half years.
Andrea was bom the day we were to move, June 14,
1975. I went to the hospital and Norman moved us in. Since
89
then one more child has been given to us, Celeste Amelia,
bom Jan. 26, 1978 which concludes our present family. We
feel blessed to live where we do, to associate with good
neighbors, friends and family close around.
Norman has served as ward clerk under Bishop Lyle
Robison. He was ordained a Seventy and when the ward was
split he was made Seventies President of the Archer Ward. I
was asked to be in the Young Women's MIA Presidency as
second counselor and Beehive advisor.
Norman has been a member of the Archer Ward his
whole life with the exception of his mission and college
years. I became a member in 1975.
One of our most interesting experiences since we have
lived in Archer happened on that oft remembered day, June
5, 1976. Norman stayed at the store when the Teton Dam
broke. Seeing much more water than expected rolling and
churning over the fields from Sugar City, he and a co-worker
climbed to the Cal Store roof for safety. Stranded and a bit
regretful, he had a birds-eye view of destruction and happen-
ings of the area. Come evening Norman's parents came to
pick me and the children up to "go find Daddy" for we had
no idea what had become of him. Back roads over the dry
farms were all that were available and were crowded and dust
laden with traffic. We went to my parents' home to ask if
Norm had been there. There we found out he had been
stranded, rescued by heUcopter and was on his way home on
my parents' European scooter. We had passed him in the
clouds of dust.
Our prayers for safety had been answered. The Lord
watches over us.
Royle and Donna Erickson
Front Row (L. to R.): Laura, Donna holding Seth, Royle holding
Nathan, and Melinda
Back Row: Teresa, Renee', Annette, Janine, and Deonn
The Royle Erickson family had its beginning on August
21, 1958 when Royle Dee Erickson and Donna Mary Hack-
ing were married in the L.D.S. Temple at Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Royle came from Star Valley, Wyoming, son of Duard
Hyrum and Vera Hoopes Erickson. Royle was the youngest
of six children and was bom July 17, 1939. He spent the first
five years in Smoot, then his family moved to Fairview. He
enjoyed hunting and developed his skills until he became
well known as a maiicsman. He graduated from Seminary and
Star Valley High School, played saxaphone in the school
band and achieved the position of first chair. In the fall of
1957, Royle attended Ricks College at Rexburg, Idaho, and
with the rest of the college band went on tour to Alberta,
Canada. He met Donna at a high school dance and after
dating for five months, they were engaged, then married four
months later.
Donna was bom in Tremonton, Utah, where her par-
ents, Clarence Marion and La Verne Liljenquist Hacking and
sister Marjory lived. She was bom May 7, 1940 in the Bear
River Valley Hospital. Her father worked for International
Harvester until March of 1943 when they moved to Sun-
nydell, Idaho, where they bought a farm. Donna loved horses
and other animals and helped on the farm driving tractors,
tmcks, and teams. She was very active in 4-H taking projects
in foods, clothing, etc., and eamed her way to National 4-H
Congress with all expenses paid. She attended first grade in
the old Sunnydell Schoolhouse, grades 2-8 at Archer School
and grades 9-12 in Rexburg. Donna graduated from Bee
Hives as an Honor Bee having eamed the most badges in the
Rexburg Stake. She graduated from Seminary in 1957 and
from high school in 1958.
After their marriage, the Ericksons lived in Johnson's
Motel in Rexburg while Royle attended Ricks College. A
daughter, Deonn, was bom on May 25, 1959, and a week
later they moved to Star Valley, then on to Logan, Utah,
where Royle received his B.S. degree in elementary educa-
tion. While in Logan, two more daughters were bom, Renee'
on May 6, 1960 and Annette on May 18, 1961. Royle milked
cows, was a custodian at the college and at a grade school,
worked on a chicken farm, canned peas at Del Monte, and
pumped gas. Royle taught fifth and sixth grades in and
around Idaho Falls until 1972. While living in Idaho Falls
another daughter, Janine was bom August 8, 1964. Royle
taught sixth grade in Archer for five years then transferred to
Washington School in Rexburg. After leaving Logan, the
Ericksons lived for six years in Idaho Falls then purchased the
Arthur Niederer home in Sunnydell in 1967. Five more
children have joined the family: Teresa (April 15, 1968),
Melinda (March 22. 1973), Laura (November 11, 1976),
Nathan Royle (July 13, 1978), and Seth Duard (March 10,
1980).
Royle and Donna have both taught 4-H; Royle, gun
safety as a project and at 4-H camp; Donna, home ec and
horse projects. As they became old enough, the girls were in
4-H too. Deonn was awarded the First Security Bank wrist-
watch, Renee' and Janine won Morgan horses and Annette
was awarded the Foley Foods award. Deonn graduated from
Ricks College in Home Economics and Family Living in
April, 1980 and at present works as a reading tutor and as a
microfilmist. Renee' graduated from Ricks in 1980 in the
field of Custom Sewing. She works in alterations and drapery
at the cleaners. Annette attended Ricks spring semester and
works as a salesp)erson in women's wear. She was top sales-
person for multiple sales in a four-state area. Janine is taking
lessons in equestrian jumping and dressage and has won
ribbons in all the classes she's entered this year. She'll be a
90
junior at Madison High School this fall. Teresa will go into
junior high school and makes delicious bread and babysits a
lot. Melinda is seven and loves to ride horses and play with
kittens and the neighbor children. Laura is three and loves
horses and Lindsey Smith across the street. Nathan is two and
does just about everything! Seth is five months old and the
best baby yet.
The family has always been active in the church. The
older girls have held several positions as choristers and
teachers. Royle has been on genealogy committees, taught a
few classes, been in several Elders Presidencies and is now
ward clerk. Donna has been work director in several wards
and a college stake, taught Sunday School, worked as prim-
ary chorister and is now chorister in Relief Society. Donna
takes time out for a hobby of restoring horse-drawn vehicles
and Royle reloads bullets, hunts and loves to get out
firewood. And there you have it, a real quickey from 1958
right down to this Sesquicentennial year, 1980!
Stanley and Ethelyn Erickson
I
Front Row: Stanley and Ethelyn
Back Row: Gaynel and Lane
Stanley and Ethelyn Erickson and family have built a
lovely new home across the road from the Ward Chapel on
land previously owned by his father, Herman Erickson, who
immigrated from Sweden to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1897 to
be near the LDS Church. In July 1900, he came with his
parents, Erik and Kristina Anderson Erikson, later spelled
Erickson, to Archer, Idaho, and settled on forty acres of the
120 acres previously purchased by his older brother, Karl.
Gladys Blackburn, from Brigham City, Utah, visited
her sister, Mrs. Charles O. Jeppson, and met Herman. Later,
November 18, 1904, they were married in the Salt Lake
Temple. They worked hard, leveling the farm and making
irrigation ditches. They were one of the first families in the
area to have electricity and a telephone in their home. They
had a large family - Eugene, Alvin, Henry, Howard, Bemarr,
Norman, Edna, Stanley, Ada, Olive, and Phyllis.
Herman is remembered for his long and faithful, effi-
cient service as custodian of the Archer Ward Chapels. He
was interested in music, sang in the choir many years and
served as choir president. He owned a grist mill and ground
cereal and flour for himself and others.
Gladys served as Relief Society secretary for a long
time. She was noted for her hot bread and cake and young
people flocked there to enjoy it.
Stanley, their youngest son, bom June 2, 1919, helped
on the farm as did all the boys, going to school through the
eighth grade in Archer. He milked cows, rode horses and
helped with the fann work.
Stanley was drafted into the army in 1942 and served
with the 781 St Military Police Battalion in Africa. He served
as an honorary guard at the Mema House Conference in
Cairo, Egypt, where President Roosevelt, Chang Kai Chek,
Churchill and others were present. He was discharged in
1946 and returned home to farm.
Amos Kenneth Thompson, with his parents and
brothers, moved from Isanti County, Minnesota, to Rexburg,
Idaho. Kenneth attended Ricks College in the winter and
hauled grain from Clementsville to Rexburg with team and
wagon. He played the violin and played for dances around the
community. At Riverside Gardens, he met Naomi
Famsworth who lived with her family in Parker, Idaho,
where her father operated a game room, refreshment foun-
tain, and dance hall. They had a family orchestra and played
for dances all over the valley every night except Sunday.
Kenneth and Naomi had lived in Salt Lake City, Boise,
Spokane, Washington, while he worked for the Utah Power
and Light Company.
Their children were Dorothy, Ethelyn, Orville, and
Ronald. The family moved to El Paso, Texas where Kenneth
worked for Maryland Casualty Insurance Company.
Ethelyn attended school in El Paso, finishing high
school there. She came to Rexburg to attend Ricks College,
became acquainted with Phyllis Erickson and her family. She
and Stanley were married in the Salt Lake Temple April 3,
1946 and moved to Archer. He started farming, purchased a
small tractor and combine, and did custom work for many
years. He was active in 4-H, a leader for seventeen years,
teaching classes in electricity, livestock, and woodwork.
Ethelyn loves music, served as music director, ward
chorister and organist. Relief Society and MIA organist, is a
soloist and has sung at many ward functions and funerals.
She has been a member of the Rigby Chansonettes for twelve
years. Ethelyn is a fine seamstress, does home sewing and
custom work.
Their children are Kirk, who married Joy Fullmer and
have three children - Kirtricia, Keith and Seaan. Kirk is in the
Air Force doing security work, presently in Korea. Diane
married Danny Crossley, has two sons, Dustin and Mathew.
They live in Archer and work in Rexburg. They are amateur
clowns. Gaynel is attending Madison High. She is active in
music and sports at school and church. Layne is attending
Madison High, enjoying farming and football.
Victor and Mona Erickson
Victor was bom in the Madison Memorial Hospital
August 20, 1952. His parents are Norman B. and Bessie
Small Erickson. He graduated from Madison High in May of
91
Left to Right: Mona, Jennie Lee, Pauline, and Victor
1971. That year in September he went on a mission to
London, England. He came home in September 1973 and
went in on the block plan to Ricks. He joined the Army
Reserve in January of 1975. He decided to go in the active
Army in September of 1976. Victor went to both infantry
school and airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He
then went to Fort Lewis, Washington and was stationed at the
2nd and 75th Airborne Ranger Battalion which was located in
the Ninth Infantry Division. This was in November of 1976.
Mona was bom in the Tacoma General Hospital in
Tacoma, Washington on October 17, 1956. She graduated
from Statium High in March of 1975. She attended Knapp
Business College and graduated in March 1976 as a junior
accountant.
Mona is a convert to the Church. She joined June 8,
1974. She was introduced to the Church by one of her sisters.
Her sister Lonna and herself are the only members of the
Church in a family of four daughters. Her father teaches
diesel mechanics and is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air
Patrol. Her mother is housewife and works part time as a
babysitter.
Victor and Mona met while Victor was in the Army.
Tacoma is only a few miles from Fort Lewis. Victor and
Mona were both active in the Young Adult program, so it was
not difficult for them to get acquainted. The first time they
really became acquainted was at a Young Adult trip to Ocean
Shores. Victor had just bought a Datsun, Honeybee, two
weeks before the trip. Mona had two other girl friends with
her that day and decided to ask Victor if he could take all
three of them. Victor said he would be happy to. The drive
took a little over an hour, and in that time everyone in the car
got to know each other. Victor was particularly impressed
with Mona's pretty green eyes and has always liked long hair.
Mona had long, pretty red hair. Victor was also impressed
with her personaUty. She seemed to have it all together. She
was mature and fun to talk to. Mona was overcome by
Victor's good looks and big brown eyes. He was also fun to
talk to, and was a gentleman. Victor and Mona had a very
good courtship. On Victor's birthday the 20th of August, he
told Mona that he loved her. She said that she felt the same
way. But it wasn't until the 28th of November that Vic
presented Mona with an engagement ring. Vic was a bit shy.
They set the date for the 1 6th of December and were married
in the Manti Temple. The first time Victor's parents met
Mona was on their wedding day. The parents became ac-
quainted through Vic's letters and phone calls with what a
top-notch gal Mona was. So in a sense they knew her pretty
well.
Victor and Mona resided in South Tacoma after the
wedding and reception. Victor was shipped to the 2nd Battal-
ion 1 St Infantry. He had to spend a lot of time at the base and
on maneuvers. Both Victor and Mona were active while in
the service. Victor was a stake missionary and Mona was a
primary teacher.
Their first baby was bom on the 1 7th of October 1 978 at
the army hospital at Fort Lewis. It only cost them $13.00 for
the delivery. They named her after Mona's mother and used
Victor's mother's middle name. Pauline Amelia is her name.
Victor was honorably discharged from the army in Au-
gust 1979. Thefamily moved from Tacoma to Archer. Victor
was heard to say, "Three years of the army is enough for any
man."
Their second baby girl was bom at home on June 7,
1980. Her name is Jennie Lee.
The Erickson family is happy and feel they have been
blessed very much by their Father in Heaven.
Victor is employed by the K-Mart in Rexburg and is the
men's wear manager there.
Mona is happy with her job as a housewife and mother.
Michael and Helen Goodmansen
Front Row (L. to R.): Knstina, Helen, Michael, and Benjamin
Back Row: Steven, Spencer, and David
It was late afternoon in the Tetons. Her twelve rooms
completed, Helen was lounging on the linen room floor,
staying out of sight of the guests of Jackson Lake Lodge . She
was enjoying a novel while the other maids rumbled their
cleaning carts in and out. A shadow fell across her page as an
unfamiliar resonant voice spoke, "Excuse me please," and
she looked up to see a very tall "temporary" houseman,
loaded with clean sheets, picking his way over her feet.
Several weeks earlier, Mike had noticed the name of
Helen Cheney on a mailbox. A former missionary compan-
92
ion in the North German Mission had also been named
Cheney. He wondered who she was and kept an eye on the the
box. Weeks later when she finally noticed him, he discovered
thn.>ugh bashful conversation that Helen was Elder Cheney's
third cousin. They became friends at the Lodge, before Helen
departed for Ricks College and Mike returned to BYU.
Through many letters and visits romance bloomed and they
were engaged in January. The following August Mike took
Helen to the Idaho Falls Temple to be married for eternity.
Thus, a new family was formed, August 28, 1970.
Weeks later, after Mike had resumed his studies in
Provo, they learned that living happily ever after takes a lot of
hard work, budgeting, and help from the Lord. A letter from
the draft board forced a hasty decision that January and
through the Lord's guidance Mike chose Army ROTC as a
way of filling his military obligations and completing his
schooling as well.
Two sons joined their happy home while Mike com-
pleted his studies - Spencer James, bom September 14, 1971
and David Nils, bom May 4, 1973, just after Mike graduated
from BYU with a BA in English.
Following where the Lord led them, they moved to
Virginia to fulfill a short military assignment and make their
home for four years. Miraculously, the Lord provided Mike
with a teaching job in October 1973 in Petersburg, Virginia.
This was a time of teaming and growth for them as they filled
church positions there. Helen was called into the Primary
Presidency, then as Spiritual Living teacher and finally to
serve in the MIA leadership. Mike was called as an executive
secretary and then as a ward cleric.
Their family grew as well, with the addition of Stephen
Daniel on January 16, 1975 and Benjamin Neal on April 16,
1976 (the Bicentennial year).
Ingenuity during financially lean years taught them in-
dependence and the joy of simple blessings. The $10.00
Christmas was their best ever. Working together as always,
they fought back the Virginian undergrowth to eek out a
small garden. As money tightened Mike took odd jobs moon-
lighting and Helen did babysitting and sold paintings.
They found many friends in Virginia, many nonmem-
bers. Their missionary efforts brought rich rewards and
friendships to the family as they shared the gospel with their
neighbors and associates.
The time came, however, when Virginia no longer met
their needs. The Lord guided them once again, this time to
the Rockies, but their stay in the East had yielded rich and
exciting experiences. They had visited national monuments
and on the way West they saw the Hill Cumorah Pageant,
Kirtland, Nauvoo, Independence, and all the church historial
sites as they followed the Mormon trail west.
Arriving in Sunnydell August of 1977 they began
searching for a house to buy. Mike began teaching at Eagle
Rock Junior High in Idaho Falls so the best choice seemed
nearby. Once again the Lord made his will known and the
decision to remain in Sunnydell was made. They employed
the skills of Ron Wodscow to build a self-designed Southern
Colonial home on the site of the old log cabin where Helen's
grandparents, Selar and Florence Cheney, had lived.
Kristina Vilaty was bom on March 18, 1979 to join the
happy family. Later that year Spencer turned eight and chose
to be baptised into the church. This year Helen and Mike will
celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary, grateful for their
little family and the blessings of the Lord; always willing to
lend a hand in the Kingdom and striving to "endure to the
end."
Elbert and Ina Goodson
Front Row (L. to R.): Jason, Shannon, Tammy, Patty and Mike
Back Row: E. J. and Ina
My name is Ina Kay Neville (Goodson). I was bom
April 18, 1953 in Idaho Falls. I married Elbert Jay Goodson
on July 28, 1972. We have six children. Their names are
Michael Jay Goodson, bom in the Madison Memorial Hospi-
tal July 20, 1973; Tammy Kay, bom in the Madison Memor-
ial Hospital June 29, 1974; Patty Kae, bom May 26, 1975 in
the Madison Memorial Hospital; Patricia K., who is Patty's
twin sister was bom May 26, 1 975 and died on the same day;
Jason J., bom July 26, 1977 in the Madison Memorial Hospi-
tal; Shannon D., bom April 13, 1980 in the Madison Memor-
ial Hospital. We have lived in Howe, then moved to Rigby,
then we moved out here about a year and a half ago. My
husband drives tmck for Muir and Roberts in Rigby. We
moved here in the first month of 1980.
I attended the Ririe school for six years and the Rigby
schools for six years. My husband also attended the Rigby
schools. He was in the service for about four to five years.
We both enjoy fishing and I like playing baseball and vol-
leyball.
Ada Marie Greene
Ada Marie Greene was born January 11, 1939 in
Archer, Idaho, the daughter of Agnes Christina Grover and
Joseph Lavell Orr.
Those of you with growing children realize what kinds
of emotional as well as material things children need - some-
times you feel you need that kind of help too! Although
divorced for nine years, Ada has worked hard to give her four
children what they've needed as best she could. She has
worked in farming at Byme Siding, as one of a "two man"
operation for eight years to support her children.
Ada has one son and three daughters: Shelly Marie
93
Front Row (L. to R.): Shelley and Neal Ward
Back Row: Julie. Wendy, Ada (Mother), and Bryant
Greene bom July 29, 1961; Bryant Spencer Greene bom
August 8, 1963; Wendy Lee Greene bom January 3, 1967
and Julie Carole Greene bom August 29, 1968.
Her father, a retired carpenter, and Ada built the house
she and her children live in now. It is located where the Elmer
Weekes home used to be. Running her own twenty acres,
clearing land to put in a huge lawn, attending parent-teacher
conferences, baking goodies for school and church and being
an All-State softball player are just a few of the things Ada
does well.
Working right along beside her Dad since a tot, Ada
hopes all of her children will leam to work and not give up on
the things they really want in life.
Bryant, the oldest, at home now, has always been good
at and enjoys working with wood. Being a senior this year
means thinking of the future and his Mom knows he will
make it a great one if he wants to.
Wendy in the eighth grade sure likes working with hair
and hopes for something in the beauty field for her future - her
Mom thinks she could be anything she wants to be.
Julie graduated from Primary this year and she wants to
be like her Grandma Orr. She's already a good cook and her
Mom hopes she will find as good a man as Grandma found!
Shelly was married this year to Neal Ward of Rexburg.
She works at Valley Bank and tries to keep up with her farmer
husband. Her Mom hopes she'll have a special and happy
life.
Brent and Maureen Grove r
I, Brent L. , was bom January 22, 1943, at Idaho Falls,
Idaho, to DeLore and Veola Grover.
I was raised on the family farm in Archer and attended
school in Archer and Rexburg. I graduated from Madison
High in 1961 and attended Ricks College for two years.
I worked for Wilcox Bros, and J.R. Byrne during my
high school years and drove truck for Richard Komes.
I went into trucking in 1966 and in 1969 I took a job in
Pocatello selling trucks. I moved from there to Smith Chev-
rolet in Idaho Falls in 1970 where I worked seUing tmcks
until 1974.
While employed at Smith Chevrolet I met Maureen
Smith, and we weremarried July 23, 1971, in the Idaho Falls
Temple. We purchased a mobile home and located on a
comer of Dad's farm in Archer.
In 1974 we purchased a small farm west of Rexburg and
built a tmck shop there. We started a small business involv-
ing truck sales and purchased two semi-tmcks in which we
hauled logs, lumber and agricultural products. Our tmcking
soon grew to four trucks and we had six year-round emp-
loyees.
In the spring of 1975, Max Briggs sold us his farm
across the road from where we were living. We started
constmction on our new home almost immediately and with
the help of Dad, LaMont Merrill, Brent Peterson and many
others experienced in the building business, we moved into
our new home in January of 1976.
We have three children, Randall Brent, bom October 6,
1972; Angela Mary, bom August 17, 1974, and Justin De-
Lore, bom September 19, 1977.
As of this date I am still in trucking as well as farming
our own farm and renting several others. We have about 200
cows which I calve with the help of Maureen and my hired
men.
Front Row (L. to R.): Justin, Angela, Randall
Back Row: Maureen and Brent
I, Maureen, was bom January 6, 1949, to Floyd Merl
and Mary Amanda Bailey Smith at Idaho Falls, Idaho.
I am the last of five children. I have one sister and three
brothers. I was raised in the Shelton Ward which is approxi-
mately four miles west of Ririe on a farm of about 100 acres.
My father owned milk cows so I was sometimes called upon
to do the milking, and I always helped stack the hay. Several
carefree summer hours were spent swimming in the irrigation
canals and sleeping out under the stars. In the winter we
would go sledding and tobogganing.
I attended school at Ririe, Idaho, where I graduated
from high school in 1967. My mother passed away in 1966
which left me the woman of the house and taught me many
94
valuable homemaking skills. My father remarried in 1967.
I attended Ricks College and graduated in 1969. I maj-
ored in business and after graduation started working as a
secretary for Smith Chevrolet in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It was
there that I met a handsome, young truck salesman. Brent
Grover, who introduced me to Archer. We were married July
23, 1971, in the Idaho Falls Temple.
We purchased a mobile home and set it just through the
field east of Brent's parents. DeLore and Veola Grover. The
next summer we planted a lawn and garden.
Our first child, Randall Brent, was bom October 6,
1972, at Rexburg, Idaho. Our second child, Angela Mary,
was bom August 17. 1974, in Rexburg, Idaho, In November
of 1975 we sold our mobile home and moved in with Brent's
parents while our home was being built. In January of 1976
we moved into our new home, which sits directly across the
highway from where our mobile home was. We have tried to
improve our surroundings and have planted a yard and garden
and have added a metal shop and several corrals.
My father passed away in March of 1976. Our third
child, Justin DeLore, was bom September 19, 1977, in
Rexburg, Idaho.
I have enjoyed the Archer-Sunnydell Ward because the
people remind me so much of the area in which I was raised. I
have had many chances to serve as an MIA Maid teacher.
Relief Society secretary. Primary teacher, chorister, and I am
currently serving as Archer Ward Primary president.
I enjoy working in my yard, swimming, baseball, sew-
ing, singing and ceramics. I feel that we are living in a
blessed place and at a blessed time.
Carl and Melva Grover
•-•-.
Idaho Falls and eventually retumed to Archer to make their
home.
Melva, daughter of Leah Smout and Albert J. Weekes,
was bom 1 1 August 1920 in Idaho Falls. During her early
childhood years a little cousin, Bessie Hunsaker, came to live
with the family. She and Melva were like sisters. Melva
attended school at Sunnydell and Madison High and church
at Sunnydell and Archer.
On March 24, 1939, Melva married Carl Grover in
Idaho Falls. Carl farmed with his brother, Mark. In 1945-46
he served in the U.S. Army, one yearofthis time was spent in
Germany. When he retumed home he continued farming.
They lived in several homes but one they enjoyed most was
that of Sam and Evelyn Grover.
In 1967 Melva's father, Albert Weekes, lost his life in
an accident leaving her mother alone . Shortly thereafter, Carl
and Melva retumed to her childhood home to take care of her
mother and the farm. For twenty years Carl has worked for
Muir and Roberts, a potato company in Rigby. Recently
Melva has worked there also. Carl is a counselor in the
Sunday School, Sunnydell Ward. Melva is secretary in the
Relief Society, has also helped with luncheons in that organi-
zation and for funerals.
One of the highlights of Carl and Melva's lives was the
arrival of Peggy Carlene, their only child. She was bom 14
December 1955 at the Madison Memorial Hospital in Rex-
burg. She has added much joy to their lives; graduated from
Madison High School and Ricks College as an honor student.
She taught and enjoyed her work in Junior Sunday School in
the Archer Ward. In 1977-78 she served a mission beginning
in the California Oakland Mission; it was divided and she was
released from the San Jose Califomia Mission. After retum-
ing home she went to BYU to school. She spent the following
summer with friends in Illinois and Wisconsin. When vaca-
tion was over she retumed to Provo, this time to work. While
in the area she met Scott Green, son of William and Valrie
Green, from American Fork, Utah. He had also served a
mission in Califomia while she was there. Courtship fol-
lowed and they were married 3 1 May 1980 in the Idaho Falls
Temple. Her parents, Carl and Melva, were sealed the same
day, 31 May 1980, in the Idaho Falls Temple.
yii
Left to Right: Scott and Peggy Green, Melva and Carl
Carl Spencer Grover was bom 13 August 1918 in the
home of his parents, Emma Marie Erickson and Elisha F.
Grover, in Lyman, Madison County, Idaho. His boyhood
days were happy days, spent on the fann. His brothers and
sisters are Marshall, Sam, Agnes, twins Edna and Elsie,
Steven, Mark, Carl, Dayton, Zola and Lavar.
On 24 March 1 939 Carl married Melva Weekes in Idaho
Falls, Idaho. They moved to Burton for a short time then to
Clayton and Thelma Grover
Clayton LaMar Grover and Thelma Hawkes were mar-
ried December 14, 1949, in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Two children were bom to this union: Kevin LaMar
Grover, May 27, 1957, at Rexburg, Idaho, and Bryan Gene
Grover, December 16, 1969, at Rexburg, Idaho.
Clayton and Thelma established their home in the
Archer area. Their first home was a one-room log house
which was later moved onto their own farm. Clayton worked
in the potato warehouses and operated his farm. Thelma
worked in town as a clerk in different stores. Clayton was
drafted into the army February 19, 1954, and was released
Febmary 9, 1956. He spent one year of his army life in
different parts of the "states and one year in Korea. The year
Clayton was in Korea, Thelma lived with her parents in
95
Front Row: Thelma, Bryan, and Clayton
Back Row: Kevin
Rexburg. They returned to their home in Archer, and Httle
Kevin came to bless their home in 1957.
In 1959 Thelma' s mother died and they moved to Rex-
burg to her former home and took care of her father who was
ill at the time. They lived there for one year and then moved
back to their home in Archer. Clayton opened and ran a repair
shop for two years. In 1962 they tore down their old home
and built the home they are living in now.
Bryan came to bless their home in 1969 and November
1, 1970, Clayton went to work for the State Highway De-
partment in Rigby, where he is still employed and is now the
shop foreman.
Kevin received his education at Union-Lyman, Archer
and Madison Jr. and Sr. High School, Bryan at Union Lyman
and Archer Elementary.
Thelma continued to work in town when Kevin was in
school. She managed the Deb-N-Heir Children's Shop for
seven years until Bryan was bom. When Bryan was ready for
school she started to work for Madison School District. She
worked at Lyman and Archer schools as a tutor, helping the
children at school, which she is doing now.
In July 1976 Kevin served a mission to the Arkansas
Little Rock area and completed it in July 1978. He is going to
school at Ricks College where he is studying Electronics and
is working for the college in the Electronics Services De-
partment. In August he will complete his schooling. Kevin
has worked in Sunday School for the stake and ward and has
been involved in the Young Adult program.
Bryan is a normal young boy enjoying school, wrestl-
ing, baseball, hfe, hunting, fishing, and farming with his
dad.
Clayton has worked in the scouting program, has been a
home teacher and is now secretary in the Elders Quorum and
assistant ward clerk.
Thelma has been in the Primary in about every capacity
except president. She was on the stake Primary board for four
years and Young Womens president for three years, visiting
teacher for a number of years and worked in the Sunday
School for several years.
At this time our family spends a lot of the time in the
hills getting out wood for the winter, which we turn into
family fun times. We all enjoy cooking and camping in the
hills. We also enjoy huckleberry picking and Clayton does a
lot of hunting in the fall.
Dayton and LaTrese Grover
Dayton was the son of Elisha Freeman and Emma Marie
Erickson Grover. He was bom October 24, 1921, in Rex-
burg, Idaho, the ninth child in a family of eleven, six brothers
and four sisters.
Dayton lived in Archer all his life, attended school at
Lyman and Archer and a business college. During World
War II he was drafted into the service for a short time.
Because of a health problem he was discharged.
LaTrese was bora in a small ranch house near Bancroft,
Idaho, November 5. 1924, to Harrison and Veda Mae John-
son Crowell. She had three brothers.
LaTrese went to school in Bancroft and enrolled in
nursing at Pocatello General. She did not like nursing and
came to Ricks. This is where she met and married Dayton,
Febmary 13, 1946. They have six children, four boys and
two girls.
Judy, the oldest, is married to Kershasp Pundole. They
have a boy and a girl. Kershasp was working for Bank of
America in Manilla, Philippines. He is now working for
I.B.T. in the Boise area.
Front Row (L. to R.): Mitchel. Judy, Rodney, and Beverly
Back Row: LaTrese, Dayton, Wayne, and Jerry
Jerry, the next in hne, is a teacher at Madison High
School and also coaches boys' basketball. He married Rae
Wightmen of El Cerrito, California. They have four little
girls.
Wayne married Vicki Lee from Hibbard. They work
with Vickie's dad, John Lee, raising calves and selling re-
placer milk for small calves. Wayne and Vickie have two
boys and two girls.
Bev married Ed Fox from Salt Lake City. Ed is working
96
for a Counter Top shop, and Bev works parttime at this and
that. They have a girl and boy.
Rodney, the tlfth child, loved life and loved playing
football, which he did very well. Rodney was working in the
timber for Earl Wilcox. While cutting trees, a tree hit him
from behind, and he was hurt July 5, 1976 and died July 13,
1976.
Mitchel, who is number six, is still at home. During the
last two summers, he has been working for Idaho Crop
Improvement. During the fall he works for the farmers in the
area. He also raises calves with the help of Wayne and his
father.
Dayton and LaTrese first lived in the Wayne Cheney's
house near the old Henry Erickson house, and Bishop Ber-
narr Erickson's house west of the church house was their
second home. Next they bought the little four-room house
near Russell Grover from Carl Grover. Later that house was
sold.
Dayton moved his family in the new house he had built
across the canal from Learin and Edna Terry, now owned by
Earl Wilcox. We love our new home. A lot of work had to be
done in order for the lawns and trees to be planted. The family
had to clear the brush and fill in the slough. They all worked
to make the yard what it is today.
Dayton has worked at many different jobs. He had been
raised on a farm, so farming came first. Next he worked in
potato warehouses in the winter. During the summer he and
his brother ran a small sawmill. Dayton really enjoyed this.
Later on he went to business school under the G.I. Bill. He
was hired by the Fresh Fruit and Potato Inspection as an
inspector. Later when his supervisor died, he was moved up
as the supervisor of the Rexburg District of the Fresh Fruit
and Vegetable Inspection.
LaTrese taught school in the Archer School for seven-
teen years. Two years were spent at Rigby and the last four
years were at the Madison High School Library. She loved
teaching and loved the students as well.
Frank Ricks was one of the principals at Archer while
LaTrese was teaching there. What fun they had. Students
were taught all sorts of games as well as square dancing.
Lessons were never forgotten.
Life in Archer for the Dayton Grovers has been very
rewarding. On Sundays you can see the yard full of children
and adults all having a good time, visiting and eating good
food prepared by Mom Grover. Fishing and hunting are one
of the topics being discussed, along with wood hauling.
The Grovers love working in the yard, have swarms of
bees, and a lovely garden surrounded by pine trees. The
flowers are LaTrese' s hobby. She loves to give them away.
The Grover family boys are good athletes, cheered by
mom and dad. Judy and Beverly played the piano.
The Dayton Grover family have had a great life in the
Archer and Sunnydell area.
DeLore and Veola Grover
I, William DeLore Grover, was bom June 21, 1912, in
Archer, Idaho. My parents were William Leslie Grover and
Veola and DeLore
Sarah Grace Squires. I grew up in Archer and attended school
there through the eighth grade and three years high school. I
attended Madison High School in Rexburg the fourth year
and graduated in 1931 . I helped my father on the farm and
hauled milk to Rexburg every day. Sometimes in the winter I
had to cover the route with a team of horses and a sleigh. We
had a large dry farm rented for several years. Dad also owned
a small farm in the valley where we raised beets and potatoes.
I worked for different potato dealers in the winter months. I
had many friends with whom I enjoyed sleigh riding, danc-
ing, skiing, basketball and other sports. My father, brothers
and I spent much time hauling timber and always had a good
supply of wood on hand. I spent much time in my younger
years trucking potatoes, beets, and grain for other people in
the community.
I married Veola Young in 1938. We continued to farni
and work for wages until 1948 when we bought our 40 acre
farm. With it, along with my share of the land my father gave
me, we did quite well.
In 1955 I began working as a carpenter. I helped build
the Archer, Lyman and Clawson chapels, to all of which I
also donated many hours of labor. I worked on the St.
Anthony and Rexburg Seminary buildings. I helped build
many houses in Idaho Falls and Rexburg and several summer
homes in Island and Yellowstone Parks. I helped build each
of my children's homes as well as my own.
I was secretary of the Elders Quorum for several years,
worked in the Boy Scout program about three years and have
had a home teaching district for most of my life. I am
presently serving as First Counselor in the Sunday School.
We have enjoyed several trips to Arizona and California
in the winter months since my retirement from work.
Our children and grandchildren all live close by which
greatly enriches our lives.
I, Veola Young, was bom in Goshin, Bingham County,
Idaho, September 17, 1913. My parents were J. Roy Young
and Elizabeth Louisa Wilcock. I grew up in Shelley, Idaho,
on a farm. I attended Shelley schools and graduated from
Shelley High School. After graduating from Ricks College, I
came to Archer and taught school for two years. DeLore and I
met while we were roller skating in the Archer School gym-
nasium. We attended many dances in the old Dance Hall, and
97
later, in the school gymnasium. After the snow came it
became so deep that we had to walk or ride in a bob sleigh to
school.
After going together for almost two years, DeLore and I
were married on May 7, 1938. Our marriage was sealed in the
Logan Temple on June 8, 1939. Our first child, Merrill
DeLore, was bom September 23, 1939. Brent LaRelle was
bom January 22, 1943, and Dixie Joan on May 28, 1944.
William Roy (Billy) was bom March 31, 1950.
For the next few years I was a busy homemaker. In 1962
school teachers were very scarce, so I accepted a position in
the Archer-Lyman schools as fourth grade teacher. I taught in
Lyman one year and two years in Archer, then resigned
because I didn't have a four-year certificate, which was
required by then.
I have always loved music. Much joy and satisfaction
have come into my life because I could play the piano, both
by note and by ear. I was asked to be Sunday School organist
at age 12, and all through high school and college I played in
the orchestra, chorus, operettas, solos, and for instmmental
numbers. After coming to Archer. I played piano in the
Young-Squires Orchestra for several years. I have served in
the Primary, Relief Society twice, and Sunday School twice
as organist, and at the present time, I am serving as ward
organist for the second time.
DeLore and I have enjoyed dancing and going on trips to
the mountains with our families and friends, picnicking,
cutting wood, and picking huckleberries. My hobbies are
sewing, reading and crocheting.
Grace Grove r
Grace and William Leslie
I, Sarah Grace Squires Grover, was bom the 6th of
Febmary 1893 in Archer, formerly known as Lyman. My
parents were William Porter Squires and Zilpah EUzabeth
Young. I grew up on the farm next to the foothills, where
LaVar Squires now lives. My father had homesteaded this
land. I had four brothers and one sister. We had a very happy
home life. We lived three miles from the Church, but man-
aged to get to most of our meetings. Our church building was
down by the Howell store. On Sundays my mother would fix
lunch, and we would go with a wagon or buggy and team of
horses to Sunday School. We would eat lunch at my grand-
mother Young's place, which was nearby, then retum to
church for the 2 p.m. sacrament meeting.
I have lived in this community all my life except for a
short time. My grandparents were among the first settlers of
this community. I received my schooling in Archer, which
was from first to eighth grade. I was a member of the first
class to graduate from the eighth grade in Archer. We at-
tended school in a one-room log school house with a dirt roof
which would leak very badly when it rained. It was heated
with a stove that burned blocks of wood and didn't give off
much heat. The snow would drift through the cracks between
the logs.
As children we spent much of our time playing on the
hillside. In the spring we picked flowers and herded cows. In
the winter months we would have coasting and skiing parties .
As we grew older our entertainment was dancing and having
house parties. Our ward also furnished much of our enter-
tainment, such as drama, by the talent from our ward and
community. Our family made several trips to Brigham City
in a wagon, where we stayed at my Grandma Squires' home.
My father would work with his brothers while we were there .
As we became older we would attend dances in other
communities where we met young people from different
areas. It was at one of these dances that I met my husband,
William Leslie Grover. We were married the 7th day of June,
191 1, in the Salt Lake Temple. We went by train, accom-
panied by my Uncle Charles M. Squires. As my husband was
a farmer, we moved into a small house on 20 acres of land
which was a portion of Will's father's farm. Will cultivated
beets all summer for the Sugar Company. He used a one-row
cultivator pulled by one horse, which he walked behind.
Ourfirst son, William DeLore, was bom June 2 1 , 1912,
at Archer, Idaho. He married Veola Young. Our second son,
Marshall Glen, was bom the 23rd of July, 1915, at Archer.
He married Verda Hadlock. Our third son, Wallace Leon,
was bom the 7th of August, 1926, at Archer. He married
Sarah Myler. Our first daughter, Grace LaRee, was bom
May 19, 1929, at Archer, Idaho. She married Glen Keith
Munsee. Our second daughter, Shirley Fontane, was bom
April 5th 1936, at Archer. She married Vardus Radford.
They were all taught to work and help with various kinds
of jobs.
Will was active in the Elders Quomm, Sunday School
librarian, and also a teacher in the Sunday School. He served
as a director on the Lenroot Canal Company for several
years. He was ill for many years and passed away the 23rd
of June, 1955, at the age of 66.
We have 20 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. I
am 87 years of age.
Ina May Grover
I was bom 17 October 1900, fourth child, first daughter
of John L. Waldemar and Matesnia Victoria Hjort, at Egin
Idaho.
In 1902 my parents left Idaho with wagons and horses
98
Raymond and Ina
and settled at Horse Prairie Valley, Montana. That was a new
wild country owned by cattlemen. This is where I grew up
with five brothers and four sisters.
I learned to do everything there was to do. Cooking and
washing dishes I hated. Sewing and riding horses I loved. I
liked to fish and hunt rabbits and prairie chickens. Whatever I
did was done well.
I attended school through seventh grade at Grant, Mon-
tana. Then my parents moved back to Egin where I graduated
from the eighth grade.
We lived on a farm at Egin and I learned how to raise a
garden and how to can fruit and vegetables and everything
else a farm girl had to do.
On 19 June 1922 I married Lyman Branson, also from
Egin.
We lived on a farm and raised six chldren, five girls and
one boy. In 1940 our home burned down, and we moved to
St. Anthony where we built a small home and the children
attended grade and high school. My husband had an incure-
able disease and was in the Veterans Hospital at Salt Lake
City, Utah, a lot of the time, so I worked as a motel maid
during the summers and as a seed sorter during the winter.
My husband, Lyman, died 24 April 1951.
On February 27, 1952, I was baptized into the L.D.S.
Church. March 12, 1952, I married Raymond Grover and
moved to Archer where I have resided 28 years. I have been
assistant work director in the Relief Society, a visiting
teacher, and am a member of the Daughters of the Utah
Pioneers.
I have 31 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and two
great-great granchildren, 24 step grandchildren, and 36 step
great-grandchildren.
Ray died 24 September 1975.
I went to the temple at Idaho Falls, February 2 1 , 1978,
and received my endowments and was sealed to Lyman
Branson, my first husband.
Kent and Elna Grover
Ira Kent Grover was bom September 3, 1929, in
Archer, Idaho, to Raymond and Katie Arborella Browning
Grover. He attended schools in Archer and Rexburg,
graduating from Madison High School in 1947. He served in
the armed forces during the Korean War from February 18,
1952 to December 9, 1953, and was decorated with the
Bronze Star for bravery and also with the Combat Infantry
Badge. He was married to Elna Helen Branson on October
20, 1955, at Archer by Bishop Bemarr Erickson.
Elna was born March 28, 1934, to Lyman Sargent and
Ina Mae Waldemiar Branson in Egin, Fremont County,
Idaho. She attended shcools in St. Anthony, Idaho, graduat-
ing from South Fremont High School in 1952. She also
attended one year at Ricks College in 1953-54.
They have spent all their married life in Archer where
they were engaged in farming the first two years. Kent has
also spent most of this time employed in Idaho Falls.
They have been blessed with one daughter and two sons:
Helen Kaye Grover was bom July 9 1956, at St. An-
thony. She attended schools in Archer and Rexburg and
^ A
Front Row (L. to R): Heidi, Dee, and Helen Brown, Elna and Kent.
Dena Brown
Back Row: Ken, Marilyn, and Gary
graduated from Madison High School in 1974.
She was married to Kerry Devon Brown on March 1 , 1974, at
Archer by Bishop Russell Grover. Later on February 21,
1978, they were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. At present
they live in Piano where they are active in the Church and
community. They have been blessed with two darling
daughers: Heidi Dianne, bom August 29, 1977, in Rexburg,
and Dena Kaye, bom March 27, 1979, in Rexburg.
Ken J. Grover was bom August 23, 1958, at Rexburg,
Idaho. He attended schools in Archer and Rexburg and
graduated from Madison High School in 1976. Since then he
has been employed locally as a brick mason. In 1979-80 he
attended Ricks College and plans to further his education in
the field of architectural design and drafting.
Gary Lynn Grover was bom June 21,1 960, at Rexburg,
Idaho. He attended schools in Archer and Rexburg and
graduated from Madison High School in 1978. He married
Marilyn Wetzel on September 14, 1979, in the Idaho Fall
Temple. At present they live in Rexburg and he is employed
as a mechanic at Valley Wide Sales and Service. They are
expecting their first child in November, 1980.
99
-pitpJJTJ-i
Larry and Joyce Grove r
Larry Wallace Grover was bom to Wallace Leon and
Sarah Donna Myler Grover January 14, 1949, at Idaho Falls.
His parents brought him to their newly built home in Archer.
It was a beautiful home and his mother was an excellent
housekeeper and homemaker. His dad was a hard worker and
a pleasant person, easy to get along with. Their home is one
of the beauty spots in Archer, kept up with time and energy.
Larry completed one year of college at Ricks. He was an
eagle scout and won the Duty to God Award. He married
Joyce Sorenson, August 2, 1968, in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Joyce was bom in Rexburg, April 1 , 1948. Her parents were
LeVon and Phyllis Hawkes Sorenson.
Joyce and Larry dated when they went to Madison High
School. Then Joyce went to ISU at Pocatello for two years.
After their marriage Joyce and Larry lived in Pocatello for a
year where Larry was a truck salesman and Joyce completed
her third year of college, majoring in education.
The couple moved to Rexburg and then to Archer in 1 97 1 .
Larry sold cars in Rexburg for a few months, and then
worked at the Youth Services Center in St. Anthony. In 1974
he went into business with his dad distributing dairy pro-
ducts.
Their daughter, Candace, was bom April 30, 1974.
Brandon L. was bom September 7, 1978.
Joyce has served as a ward Bee Hive teacher, Primary
secretary, CTR teacher, and second counselor in Primary,
and has also been a Relief Society Visiting Teacher.
Larry has been a home teacher and is currently the ward
athletic director.
Leslie and Lois Grover
Lois and Leslie
Leslie was bom at Archer, Idaho, to Raymond and Katie
Browning Grover.
He attended grade school at Archer and high school at
Madison.
Lois was bom at Labelle to Benjamin and Mary Hoopes,
and she attended school at Rigby, both grade school and high
school.
We were married on April 12, 1952, and have four
children, one daughter and three sons. Cathy married
Richard Bergeman. Their children are Brent, 16; Baird, 8;
and Raymond, 4. They live in Idaho Falls.
Brent married LeAnn Walz. Their children are Christ-
ophers, and Haley, 3 months. Brent is going to school in Salt
Lake.
Dennis married Susan Hendricks. They live in Provo
where they are going to school.
Douglas is living at home.
We have made our home in Archer all of our married life
with the exception of three years that we lived in Ashton
where Leslie worked in a lumber yard when we were first
married.
After we lived in Ashton, we bought a tmck and hauled
potatoes and timber with Lois' father and brothers for seven
years. Then Leslie went to work for the State of Idaho
Transportation Department, where he has worked for seven-
teen and one-half years and is presently working as the Sign
Foreman of District VI.
As our children grew up Lois worked as a den mother
with the cub scouts, and Leslie helped coach little league
baseball for several years until 1972 when the Archer Little
League won the Rexburg baseball championship.
Leslie served several years in the Sunday School presi-
dency and when the Elders quorum was divided he served as
second counselor to LaVar Squires, then as first counselor to
Lamont Merrill. He is now serving as executive secretary to
Bishop Glen Leak.
Mark and Erma Grover
Mark Grover was bom January 27, 1916, at Archer,
Idaho. He was the seventh child of Elisha Freeman and
Emma Marie Erickson Grover. He spent his childhood at-
tending Archer and Lyman schools and working on the farm
with his father and brothers.
Around Thanksgiving time, 1937, he met Erma Arvella
Boulter at Riverside Gardens. She was bom April 14, 1916,
at Labelle, Idaho, the eighth child of George LeRoy and
Framcilda Isabelle Newbold Boulter. She attended school in
Labelle and one year in Rigby. Her early years were spent
helping her father on their farm and working in the seed
house.
On Febmary 4, 1938, Mark and Erma were married in
Idaho Falls, Idaho. To this union were bom: Marilyn Elaine
Grover (Glenn), April II, 1939; Mark DeMar Grover, April
5, 1941; Monte Lee Grover, April 19, 1943; Elna Diane
Grover (Guymon), March 19, 1946; and Bradley B. Grover,
August 19, 1949, died December 28, 1949. They also are
raising their handicapped grandson, Darin Mark Grover.
The family lived and farmed in Archer until 1950, when
they moved to Labelle. Here they farmed, Mark inspected
potatoes, bought potatoes and was foreman of a warehouse
for a time. Erma raised her children and worked from time to
time in the area warehouses. While living in Labelle they
were active in square dancing and held various jobs in the
ward. On July 1 1 , 1950, they were sealed in the Idaho Falls
Temple.
100
Left to Right Marilyn, Mont, Etna. Mark. DeMar, and Erma.
In 1960 they moved to their present home at Byrne
Siding. Mark worked construction for awhile but soon re-
turned to his real interest of inspecting potatoes. Erma also
began working for the inspection department so they spent
their winters in Shelley, Idaho, and summers at home in
Archer.
In the fall of 1978, Erma retired to her home on the hill
and in the spring of 1979 Mark retired too. They enjoy taking
care of their garden, fishing, camping, hunting, and cooking
in the dutch ovens. Mark has really enjoyed helping with pit
barbecues for the ward reunions.
As of this year, 1980, they have four children, twenty-
three grandchildren, and nine great-granchildren.
Marshall and Verna Grove r
Verna and Marshall
Thomas Marshall Grover was bom September 18,
1905, at Archer, Fremont County, Idaho. My father, Elisah
Freeman Grover, was bom April 1 1 , 1880, in Grouse Creek,
Utah. My mother, Emma M. Erickson Grover, was bom in
Sweden.
I was baptized July 2, 1915, by Thomas C. Jeppson and
confirmed July 4, 1915 by O.P. Johanson. I was ordained to
all the offices of the priesthood by various authorities from
Deacon to High Priest, the latter by David H. Man waring.
I attended grade school in Lyman, Idaho, through
grades one to eight; high school at Ricks, graduated, and then
completed one term of college at Ricks.
I have lived in this area and farmed and worked for
wages. I have been interested in music, drama, and enter-
tainment.
I, Verna Olsen Grover, was bom January 5, 1904, in
Lyman, Idaho. My foster parents were Hans and Anna H.
Olsen. I was blessed by HeberC. Robison, January 27, 1909,
and baptized August 9, 1912, by O.P. Johansen. I went to
school and finished the seventh grade. I had to quite because
of my foster mother's illness in order to be at home to help
her. I got p)ermission to quit, but I studied music after that.
Marshall and I have lived in this area all our lives and
grew up together. Grovers rented our farm. We had good
times at Charles O. Jeppson's place and at the home of John
Weekes where parties were held for young people. A Glee
Club was formed with Carl Johnson as leader, Opal Young as
organist. Marshall and I were members. We did caroling in
sleighs at Christmas time.
We were married in Salt Lake City at the LDS Temple,
June 15, 1927. My father and mother went with us on the
train. We were married by Joseph Fielding Smith. Since then
we have been in four temples in Utah - Salt Lake, Logan,
Manti, and St. George; and in the Idaho Falls and Cardston
Canada Temples. We have greatly enjoyed this opportunity.
We used to go in ward groups to Idaho Falls by bus and by
car.
My interests have been music, singing, and flowers.
Marshall and I have sung in the choir for over fifty years
which has been one of our highlights. My house and yard are
full of flowers.
We helped to paint the new chapel and enjoyed it very
much. Marshall helped build it. I have been organist in
Sunday School, Sacrament meeting, and Relief Society, also
chorister in MIA. Marshall has filled one short and one
two-year term as a stake missionary.
We have enjoyed our children. They are: our son,
Clayton Lamar, bom November 20, 1929; Vema Bemiece
Grover (Neilson), February 23, 1932; Janeal Ruby Grover
(Thomas), July 17, 1942. Clayton married Thelma Hawkes,
Bemiece, Grant Nielson, and Janeal married Danny Thomas.
Marshall has spent his share of time in the hospital the
last seven or eight years, trying to keep going. He says, "lam
able to be about. Not much for work or help." But we both
sing in the choir.
We celebrated our golden wedding on June 15, 1977,
and have now been married fifty-three good years. We have
always done everything together.
Richard and Peggy Grover
Richard was bom and raised in Archer. He is the son of
Wallace and Sarah Myler Grover. His schooling was at
Archer and Rexburg, with a year and a half at Ricks. He
served a mission in France in the French-Belgium area.
He married Peggy Harris from Coltman, Idaho,
November 5, 1976 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Peggy's par-
ents are Amold and Delia Harris.
101
E^f^^i^J^i
Left to Right: Richard. Adam, Troy, and Peggy
On August 8, 1977, their first son was bom and named
Adam Wallace Grover, and the next yar on September 18,
1978, their second son, Troy R. Grover, was bom.
Richard has been a Sunday School teacher. Temple
coordinator in the ward, and is currently serving as Deacon
advisor.
Peggy is secretary in the Relief Society and counselor to
the stake sport director.
Russell and LuDean Grover
LuDean and Russell
Russell was the first child of John Orr and Elnorah
Homer Grover. He was bom Decembers, 1914. He attended
the Archer school and graduated from Madison High. He
farmed with his father until he was married.
LuDean Anderson was bom June 15, 1914, to Andrew
and Marie Jensen Anderson. She was the youngest of five
brothers and sisters. She attended and graduated from Union
School and attended Madison High.
She and Russell met at Riverside Gardens at a dance.
We were married January 4, 1937, in the Salt Lake Temple.
The house Mary Luthy hves in now was our first home. We
acquired the Alfred Bybee dry farm, so we sold our home and
lived on the farm for three summers. One winter was spent in
Rexburg and the next in St. George. The third summer
Russell bought a lot from Henry Erickson and built the home
we are now living in.
Our five children all attended and graduated from the
local schools. Tereece lives at Washington, Utah. She at-
tended the University of Idaho and graduated from BYU in
Elementary Education. She and her husband Bill Olson are
both teaching school. They have five children: Billy, Erik,
John, Kathie. and Kurt.
Blair served a mission to the Great Lakes. He graduated
from Utah State and received his law degree at George
Washington University. He married Jo Ann Williams of
Ririe, and they have four children: Michelle, John, Andrew,
and Samual. He has a law practice in Rigby and was just
recently called as bishop of Clark Ward.
Leila lives at Mesa, Arizona. She eamed a degree in
Elementary Education from Utah State and taught school
several years. She married Harry Gould, an Electrical En-
gineer. They have five children, JoLynn, Pamela, Russell,
Daniel, and Brian.
Minon also eamed her degree at Utah State in Elemen-
tary Education. She taught school a number of years. She
married Emmett Triplett, a roofing contractor. They live in
Seattle and have three children: Jimmie, Anne Marie and
Matthew.
Nancy lives at Overton, Nevada. She graduated from
Ricks with a nursing degree. She married Bruce Perkins who
teaches school. They have four boys: Gentry, Blair, Lane and
Tommy.
All of our children and their families are active in the
Church.
Russell has served as president of the Seventies
Quomm, superintendent of the Sunday School, stake missio-
nary and bishop of Archer Ward.
LuDean taught Primary and served as a visiting teacher.
She was also a Pink Lady at Madison Memorial Hospital for a
few years.
My testimoiny to my family and friends is that the
Gospel of Jesus Christ is tme, and the closer we live to its
precepts the happier we will be — Russ
I join with Russ in bearing my testimony. I know it is
tme and I thank everyone for the help we received in raising a
good family -- LuDean.
Stephen and Rula Grover
My first acquaintance to this beautiful valley was 25
October 1 9 1 3 as I opened my eyes and was welcomed into the
home of Elisha Freeman and Emma Marie Erickson Grover
along with six brothers and four sisters. I was the first child
blessed in Archer's rock church. I attended school at Lyman
Elementary, Archer High for two years, two years at Madi-
son High, Ricks College two years and later as it became a
four year school I completed my bachelors degree.
I taught school for twenty-seven years, most of these
being in the Rexburg area. My greatest challenge came to me
while teaching reading, English, and establishing a library at
the State Youth Center at St. Anthony, Idaho.
102
Front Row (L. to R.): Steve, Vickie, and Rula
Back Row: Marva Kay and BeaJo
I was called on two stake missions in the Rexburg Stake.
I filled two other missions, one to the California Mission and
the other with my wife in Guatemala. My wife and I were the
first couple to leave from the newly organized Rexburg East
Stake.
Genealogy has been a hobby for me all my life. One of
my greatest joys came when we completed a book on my
Grandfather Grover's line. This book gave his direct line
back to the year 1514 and most of his descendants to the year
1960.
After returning from my mission to California I married
Beatrice Rula Worlton the 26 December 1940. This was
during the war years and we were unable to get to the temple
until 24 January 1941 (one month after our marriage).
I, Beatrice Rula Worlton, was bom 7 November 1920 to
James Timbrel and Eulalia Caroline Jensen Worlton. I lived
in a rural community six miles north of the Rexburg Court
House. The Snake River wended its way through our farm.
We had sections of our farm that were still under sagebrush.
The roads had not been developed and they resembled a dusty
cow trail overgrown with willows.
Ranch life was tops with all its exciting endeavors.
Cows to drive to pasture, horses to break and ride. North Fork
of Snake River to fish and swim in, butter to chum and sell,
winter wood to be gathered from Bear Gulch country, skiing
and sleigh riding on the sand dunes, horse and buggy rides,
ice skating contests, all mixed in with the task of operating a
three hundred acre farm with horses. I was taught to mn and
operate all the different types of machinery on the ranch. We
were poor and father hired very little labor. We worked
together as a family and were able to surmount each task as it
came along. I well remember selling eggs for twelve cents a
dozen, buying hamburgers for ten cents and a big double
decker ice cream cone for five cents.
I attended school at North Salem, Sugar-Salem High,
Ricks College and Brigham Young University. I have taught
school twenty-five years, helped run Archer's Jiffy Market
three years, been a full time housewife and mother for forty
years.
In the spring of 1939 the Archer Ward was having a
farewell dance for Budge Clay, who was leaving for the
mission field. Everyone from the surrounding communites
knew of the reputation Archer and the Young Orchestra had.
This attraction brought me to Archer for the first time. While
at this dance I became acquainted with the fellow that was to
become my future husband, Stephen Grover.
One of the highlights in our life was filling a mission in
Guatemala. We were called on an agricultural mission but we
did many other things as well. We ran a construction camp
that built homes for those members that had lost theirs in the
earthquake, we taught Spanish and writing to the Cakchiquel
Maya Indians, we toured the mission and introduced geneal-
ogy to the members, and of course we worked with garden-
ing.
We were blessed with eight lovely children, five girls
and three boys. However, we were called on to lay five of
these to rest at the time of birth. Our three living children are:
Marva Kay, bom 21 February 1942, at Butte, Montana,
married Terry Max Brunson.
Beatrice Joan, bom 28 July 1943, at Salem, Idaho,
married Thell "B" Weekes.
Vicki Lea, bom 15 March 1955, at Idaho Falls, Idaho,
married David Barry Cazier.
Our lives have been greatly enriched by the techings of
the Mormon Church. We have enjoyed working in all of its
organizations.
Wallace and Sarah Grover
Front Row (L. to R ): Wallace. Sarah, and Scott
Back Row: Richard and Peggy, Joyce and Larry, Linda and Gary
Sutherland
Wallace Leon Grover was bom August 7, 1926, at
Rexburg, Idaho, the third son of Sarah Grace Squares and
William Leslie Grover. He has two younger sisters. He spent
his early years on the dryfarm in the summers and the place
where Mary Luthy now lives in the winters. The fall he was to
start school the family moved to Rexburg so he didn't start
school until he was seven. In the fall of 1933 they moved onto
the old Charles Briggs place, where he still lives.
He went to school at Archer the first nine years. He
graduated from the eighth grade as valdictorian but wouldn't
give the address at graduation. He went to his first year of
high school at Archer and then they moved to high school in
103
Rexburg.
He was sent to Fort Douglas in Salt Lake for induction
into the service but he was sent home because of a broken ear
drum. He continued working on the family farm.
One day in the fall of 1947 he went to Idaho Falls to see
his sister who worked at the Idaho State Employment Office.
This is where he met Sarah who also worked there. He asked
her for a date. They were married January 14, 1948, in the
Idaho Falls L.D.S. Temple.
Sarah Donna Myler was bom May 3, 1929, at Idaho
Falls to Mary Boyes Walker and Orrin Monroe Myler. She
was the seventh daughter in a family of eight girls and one
boy. She attended schools in Idaho Falls, graduating in 1947.
She enjoyed band and pep band. During her high school years
she worked parttime at the Boy Scout office, and as secretary
for the Idaho Falls Postmaster, Parley Rigby. When she
graduated from high school, she was offered a job at the
Idaho Falls office of the Idaho State Employment office as a
secretary.
After we were married we lived in Idaho Falls until
April when we moved to Archer to farm. Larry was bom this
winteronourfirst wedding anniversary, January 14, 1949, in
Idaho Falls.
We built the first three rooms of our present home the
summer of 1949, moving in that fall. Sarah started working
for the Atomic Energy Commission the fall of 1950, and
Wally started working for Smith Chevrolet. Sarah's mother
passed away December 16, 1953, and we moved to Idaho
Falls to stay with dad that winter. Wally started working for
the Upper Snake River Valley Dairmen's Association in
January 1954, and worked for them for 20 years. Sarah
continued with the AEC until the fall of 1954.
Richard Blaine was bom March 22, 1955 in Rexburg.
Wally's father, William Grover, died in June 1955. Wally
bought the farm from his mother. Shortly after we bought the
old Albert Blanthom place which joined us on the west.
Linda Marie was bom December 31, 1957, at Rexburg,
and Scott Alan June 12, 1966, in Rexburg.
Larry married Joyce Sorensen August 23, 1968, in the
Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
In March of 1972 we started a wholesale milk business
on our own from Upper Snake River Valley Dairymen's
Association. We have since added other routes and the whole
family became involved in the business.
In June of 1974 Richard left for a mission to the
French-Belgium area. In October 1974 he had to have his
app>endix out in Belgium. He completed a successful mission
and retumed home the last of May 1976, one week before the
Teton Dam flood.
Richard married Peggy Harris November 5, 1976 in the
Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
Linda married Gary Sutherland after waiting for him to
serve a mission to Fresno, Califomia, January 26, 1980, in
the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
After a lot of sleepless nights, Wally took a job at
Casper, Wyoming, as state manager for Westem General
Dairies. Wally started to work the first of January 1980, but
we didn't move to Casper until after Linda was married.
This was a new experience for Scott, and he has had a lot
of adjusting to do.
We have four grandchildren. Larry and Joyce have two:
Candace, age 6 and Brandon, age 2. Peggy and Richard have
two: Adam, age 3 and Troy, age 2.
As a family we feel that we have truly been blessed in
being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints and have gained a stronger testimony of it having
moved to an area where members of the Church are in the
minority. There are many good people that we have become
acquainted with who are not members of the Church and
many who are, but home will always be in Archer. We thank
our Heavenly Father for all our blessings.
William (Bill) and Judy Grover
Left to Right: Shannon, Judy. Bill, Stacey, and William James
It all began back in 1 950, March 2 1 , to be exact, when a
son was bom to William DeLore Grover and Veola Young
Grover. They named him William Roy Grover after his
grandfathers William Grover and Roy Young. Bill was the
youngest of four children. He had two brothers, Merrill and
Brent, and one sister, Dixie Jo. He was known as Billy
through his childhood, but graduated to Bill in his teens. He
was baptized a member of the L.D.S. Church on July 9,
1958, by his oldest brother, Merrill, in the Rexburg Tabema-
cle. All of his schooling took place in Madison County. He
graduated from Madison High in 1968, and enrolled at Ricks
College where he studied computer programming and geol-
ogy, graduating in 1970.
Twenty months after Bill was bom, on November 20,
195 1 , a daughter was bom to Harold Lynn Farley and Carma
Young Heilesen Farley. She was their second daughter and
child and was named Judy Ann Farley. On March 29, 1953,
she was blessed and named by her father for the second time
because previous records had been lost. During the first six
years of her life she had moved from Idaho Falls to Rexburg
to Grant, to Burton and to Parker where she remained except
for six months spent in Salt Lake City where her family
moved while her father received special schooling when she
was nine years old.
104
She was baptized on December 5, 1959, by her father in
St. Anthony, Idaho. She attended school at Parker and
graudated fwrn South Fremont High in 1970. She has four
sisters: Linda, Sherri, Melanie and Alene, and three brothers,
Danny. Michael, and Jon.
In the fall of 1968 Bill Grover's and Judy Farley's paths
crossed. It took five months for Bill to get up the nerve to ask
Judy for a date, and by the spring of 1969 they were dating
regularly. After Bill graduated from college and Judy from
high school, they were married on June 26, 1970, at Parker,
Idaho, by Bishop Russell Grover.
They lived in Rexburg where they both worked until
they found a trailer home and moved to Archer next to Bill's
parents. Bill attended another semester at Ricks in the fall and
worked part time. After he finished his semester, he went to
work full time forRexburg Motor Company as partsman. and
Judy was able to quit work and start preparing for the new
addition that was due soon. That addition came on March 15,
1971, and she was the most beautiful, tiny bundle of love
they had ever seen. Due to complications, she was transfer-
red to another hospital for tests and treatment. Two weeks of
separation brought them all together again. She was blessed
on May 2, 1971. and was named Shannon.
On June 26, 1971, Bill, Judy, and Shannon were sealed
in the Idaho Falls Temple. Shannon still had to make frequent
trips to the Primary Childrens Hosptial, but finally medica-
tion, treatments, tests and prayers paid off and Shannon was
pronounced healthy, strong, and normal.
On August 15, 1973, ason was bom to Judy and Bill and
was named William James after his father and his great
grandfather, Milton James Heilesen. James was the first
great grandson of Grandfather Heilesen. Jamie was a very
good baby, more quiet and reserved than Shannon. He is a
hard worker and loves to please his parents who appreciate all
he does for them.
On May 27, 1977. their third child and second son was
bom. He was a big baby and has always seemed so grown up
for his age. Stacy Lynn is a full grown spirit cramped in a
small body waiting for it to catch up to him. He shares the
same middle name as his grandfather Farley. On March 24,
1979, Shannon was baptized by her father and confirmed a
member of the Church.
The Grovers enjoy camping and fishing, cycling and
snow mobiling, and are real happy to live in Archer.
In 1975 Bill went to work on the farm helping his
brother. Brent. As they became very involved in growing
seed potatoes and raising livestock, Judy became very in-
volved in sports such as baseball, volleyball, and bowling.
They purchased a new home and moved to their present
location July of 1975.
C Marion and LaVerne Hacking
Clarence Marion Hacking was bom in Cedar Valley,
Utah, June 26, 1900, to Henry F. and Martha E. Wilcox
Hacking, the third of eleven children: Frank, Donald, Mar-
ion, Leonard, Kenneth, Florence (Dye) Thayne, Bryce.
(Three children died with pneumonia in infancy.)
LaVerne and Marion
Marion graduated from Ricks in 1922 and became prin-
cipal of the Basalt, Idaho, grade school. He enjoyed teaching
but when Madison County Sheriff, Harry Munns, asked him
to be his deputy, it was too exciting to pass up. And it was
exciting! Those were the days of prohibition. During that
time he completed a law course, then accepted a job with the
International Harvester Company.
On June 3, 1931 , Marion married La Verne Liljenquist
in the Cardston Temple. LaVeme was bom August 4, 1908,
at Archer in the house now occupied by Rulon and Bessie
Wilcox. Her parents were Ezra Lorenzo and Mary Malinda
Wilcox Liljenquist. After teaching at Herbert for two years,
and LaVeme was nine months old, Ezra sold their dry farm to
attend the University of Utah. They subsequently lived in
Cambridge, Mass., Bountiful, Utah, Overton, Nevada,
Rigby, Idaho and in Rexburg where Ezra taught at Ricks,
then became Superintendent of Schools the year Madison
High School had its beginning. LaVeme was elected first
vice president of that student body. She taught two years at
the Archer School, attended Utah State one year, taught in
Rexburg one year, then married Marion Hacking. She has
three brothers and one sister, Ermil, Blaine, Don, and
Laurene (Amette). Blaine's son, John Liljenquist, recently
became the diabetes specialist at the Idaho Falls Clinic.
As Marion was working for the Intemational Harvester
Company they lived in Ogden and Nephi. Utah. Pocatello
and Idaho Falls, Idaho, then in Tremonton, Utah, before
moving back to Archer in 1943, where they bought the farm
owned by La Verne's parents. By this time the Hackings had
two children, Marjory May, bom November 17, 1932 and
Donna Mary bom May 7, 1940. They lost three boys in
infancy.
Active in politics and civic affairs, Marion was chair-
man of the Madison County Republicans for several years
and precinct committeeman from Archer for twenty. He was
on the Flood Control Board, District I, chaimian of the
Community Chest several years, has been president of the
Archer Farm Bureau.
In 1962 Marion ran for Probate Judge and took office
January 1963. He was re-elected three times. He served as
105
secretary, vice president, and president of the Idaho Probate
Judges Association. When the court system changed he was
appointed magistrate. After ten years he retired at the age of
seventy-three.
Always active in the church, Marion held various posi-
tions, including Elder's Quorum president, MIA Superinten-
dent, Sunday School teacher. Stake Sunday School Superin-
tendent, and High Councilman.
La Verne was editor of the Samuel Allen Wilcox Family
Bulletin for thirty years, has taught in all the auxiliaries,
served as counselor and president of ward Relief Society and
as counselor in the Stake Relief Society. She had the
privilege of reading the history of the stake and paying tribute
to two stake presidents as they were released, John L. Clarke
and Delbert Taylor.
After twenty-seven years and both daughters had mar-
ried. La Verne taught in the Rigby Elementary School for
fourteen years. She received her B.S. degree from Logan in
1963 as a member of the honor society, Phi Kappa Phi.
For over three years, the Hackings worked in the Idaho
Falls Temple, La Verne as an officiator, then enjoyed an
eighteen month mission in the Canada Calgary Mission.
They were released October 1979.
Both daughters, and their husbands, Marjory and Jack
Wilcock, Donna and Royle Erickson, and sixteen grandchil-
dren live in the Sunnydell Ward. One granddaughter and one
great-grandson live in Idaho Falls.
We appreciate those who pioneered this area making life
easier for all of us . We are grateful for our membership in the
Church and have a strong testimony of its truthfulness. We
enjoy living in this choice place, close to our loved family
and friends.
Kenneth and Laurel Hacking
0 5La
Front Row: (L. to R.) Rulon, Laurel, Eileen, Kenneth holding James
(Chuck), and Rosalie
Back Row: Kenneth Jr., Janet, Margaret, and Carolyn
Kenneth E. Hacking, son of Henry and Martha Hack-
ing, was bom August 1, 1910 in Magrath, Alberta, Canada.
His parents moved back to the States a few years later and he
was raised in Archer on the family farm. He enjoyed his
boyhood with lots of brothers and one sister to play with and
tease, respectively.
He always received good grades in school, including
one and a half years at Ricks. He was called to the Eastern
States Mission in February 1936 and was stationed in Ban-
gor, Maine. It was there that he first met and gradually
became impressed by a lovely young lady, Laurel M. Small.
She was the daughter of Howard and Janet Small, bom April
24, 1915. However, her parents died when she was three
years old, so she and her two sisters and one brother were
raised by their grandparents William and Maud Small. They
were one of the few families who were members of the
Church in that area. Consequently meetings were often held
in their home. Elder Hacking soon realized that Laurel, with
her kind, shy ways was the girl he wanted for his etemal
companion. But he kept his thoughts and feelings to himself,
treating her just as he treated everyone else. Laurel had never
given the missionaries much thought because they were
there, after all, to preach the gospel and besides, after two
years, went home. But she began to notice that everything
seemed brighter and happier whenever Elder Hacking came
into the room. However, she knew he, too, would go home
and refused to allow herself to think about him. Elder Hack-
ing fulfilled an honorable mission and shortly before he came
home, having told his mission president of his feelings,
received his president's blessing and permission to propose.
"How would you like me to be your lord and master?"
he addressed her. "I guess so," she answered shyly. Then he
patted heron the head. Thus was their beginning. They were
married September 1, 1938 in the Sah Lake Temple, then
settled in Archer to farm and raise a family. They had a dairy
farm until they retired from that in 1976 and went into real
estate, keeping busy managing their rentals.
They have eight children. Janet Hacking Young was
bom January 13, 1940. She lives in Salt Lake with her
children, Robert, Marion and Karen and works as a medical
technologist. Margaret McLaughlin, bom April 20, 1941,
lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her two children Katy and
Brian. She works as a legal courier and attends school part
time. Her husband. Dale, passed away in 1978. Carolyn
McMurtrey, bom April 3, 1944 lives in Ririe with her hus-
band Bruce and four children, Blair, Byron, Boyd and Alli-
son. Carolyn received nurses training at Ricks College and
works presently as an R.N. at the Rexburg Medical Center
part-time. Kenneth Lee was bom July 8, 1946 and is living in
Salt Lake with his wife Carole Jeanne and their two children
Jonathan and Cassandra. Kenny also has three children
Maria, Kenny and Rhett by a previous marriage. They man-
age a large apartment complex and Kenny works at the Salt
Lake Temple and also does constmction work. Kenny served
four years with the Navy in the Sea Bees and spent several
months in Viet Nam. Rosalie Leman was bom October 22,
1948 and lives in Archer with her husband Tom and their
three children, Jon, Peter and Bethany. Rosalie is an R.N.
and served a health mission in Hong Kong. Rulon Glen was
bom June 7, 1950. He was blessed with a beautiful artistic
talent which he has developed. He lives in Taos, New Mex-
ico, where he is pursuing his career in art. Rulon also served
106
in Viet Nam with the U.S. Army. Eileen Lentz, bom April
18, 1953, lives in Millersburg, Pennsylvania with her hus-
band Jim and their two children, Derik and Kathleen. Eileen
served a mission in Pennsylvania where she met her future
husband.
James Steven (Chuck), bom December 9, 1959, lives in
Idaho Falls with his wife Suzanne. They have one little girl.
Brandy, and are expecting a child in October. Chuck works
for a steel building construction company.
After a lifetime of service in the church, Kenneth and
Laurel were called September 1979 to serve in the Des
Moines Iowa Mission. They are presently assigned to the
Clinton, Iowa area and are thrilled to be able to be missionary
companions teaching the gospel to the good people they find
there.
George and Phyllis Hall
George and Phyllis
George was bom June 15, 1920 in Bates, Teton County,
Idaho, the son of Carl Shakespear and Hannah Duston Hall.
He was the seventh in a family of eight children. His mother
died when he was only four years old. His father never
remarried so he grew up with his older sisters taking the place
of a mother. Soon after the death of their mother, his father
took the children by wagon to the Logan Temple to be sealed.
He still remembers what a wonderful experience that was!
He spent his early years in Teton Valley and attended
the schools there. On August 4, 1942 he married Clella Allen
of Victor, Idaho.
When World War II broke out he went into the army and
trained in Texas. He fought in France and in November 1944
he was shot through the elbow and after many months in
hospitals he was awarded the Purple Heart and discharged
August 2, 1945. He is the fatherof four children, AlanLeroy,
Mario Ray, Aloma and George Rex. At this time he has
seventeen grandchildren.
Phyllis was bom July 1 1 , 1924 in Thomton, Idaho, the
daughter of Fred R. and Florinda (Flora) Hokanson Statham.
She was the seventh ina family of nine children. Her father
died when she was only seven years old. She grew up in the
Thomton area and attended schools at Thomton, Rigby and
Rexburg. When World War II started she went to Salt Lake
City and worked as a govemment inspector in the Remington
Arms Ammunition Plant. On August 26, 1943 she married
Elwood Leatham of Rexburg who was serving in the army at
that time. They spent the next two years in San Francisco and
when the war ended they retumed to Rexburg to live.
They were the parents of Phyllis Colleen, Jerald, Carma
Jean, Brent Charles, Byron Fred and Beverly Dawn.
Elwood was killed in an automobile accident November
22, 1967 leaving her with four of her children still at home.
She is now the grandmother of fourteen grandchildren.
George and Phyllis were married May 23, 1969 in
Rexburg. In 1973 they built a home in Archer and plan to
make this their permanent home as they really like this area.
George is at present employed at Ampco Foods potato
processing plant in Rexburg and Phyllis is working as a cook
and baker for Ricks College.
George's hobby is horses and, with his sons, he raises
and races them. He plans to continue with his horses as a
small business after he retires.
Phyllis enjoys homemaking and especially sewing. Her
church jobs have included teaching small children in Sunday
School and being a Cub Scout den mother. At present she is
working in the Relief Society.
Afton and Ruth Hansen
Afton Elwin Hansen and Ruth Grover Hansen were
married September 6, 1938. Their children are Dale J.,
September 3, 1939; Leon Afton, September 15, 1943; Neil
Lane, August9, 1950 and J ' Lee Deniece, February 1, 1955.
Afton was bom September 23, 1916 at Goshen, Idaho,
the fourth child of H.K. and Esther Peterson Hansen. He
lived on the family farm southeast of Shelley and attended the
Goshen elementary school and was graduated from Firth
High School.
Ruth Grover was bom January 28, 1919 at Archer, the
third child of John R. and Elnorah Homer Grover. She
attended Archer schools and graduated from Madison High
School. During her senior year in high school, Afton came to
Archer with some boyfriends to the Gold and Green Ball . She
was introduced to him at that time and they were married two
Front Row (L. to R.) Ruth and Afton
Back Row: Leon, Dale, Nell, and J'Lee
107
years later. They farmed at Shelley for two years and then
bought a farm at Archer. (The present home of Bert and Eva
Howell) In 1945 they sold this farm and purchased their
present home in Sunnydell where they have lived for the past
thirty -five years.
Their children all attended the local schools and
graduated from Madison. Dale and Leon both attended the
University of Idaho at Moscow where they received their
Bachelor and Master's degrees. Dale received his Ph.D.
degree in plant physiology from Ohio State and Leon got his
Ph.D. in agronomy from Oregon State. Neil attended Ricks
College and graduated from B YU with a degree in communi-
cations. J'Lee also attended Ricks and BYU and received her
degree in business education.
Dale lives in St. Charles, Missouri, and is employed as a
research director in the bio-chemistry department for Mon-
santo, in St. Louis. He married Ruth Wheeler of Burley and
they have four children, Evan, Eric, Ryan and Kristi Lynne.
Leon lives at Nampa, Idaho and is the plant breeder of
Hybrid Sweet Com for Sandoz Company of Basil Switzer-
land (formerly Roger Brothers). He is married to the former
Joy Lynne Ewing of Meridian and they have one daughter
Rita Joy.
Upon his graduation from BYU Neil immediately began
working for KID TV. Two years ago he accepted a position at
the Vo-Tech school in Idaho Falls. He is married to the
former Cathleen Knight of Glendale, California and they
have three children, Lane, Lisa and Steven.
J'Lee worked in the office of the FHA while attending
Ricks and during the summers while she was at BYU. She
accepted a teaching position in the business department at
Richfield High School in Utah and has taught there for the
past three years. She is married to Lee M. Bennett and they
reside in Richfield, Utah.
Dale served a mission to Florida and Neil served one in
Uruguay. Afton, Ruth and family have served in various
positions in the wards and stake.
Keith and Carolyn Haroldsen
Keith is the second child of Norman Victor Haroldsen
and Fay Tillack. He's one of eight children. He was bom
December 1, 1953, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His parents say he
was always crying. But as the world knows, that was quickly
changed to always teasing. He moved from St. Leon near
Idaho Falls when he was three, to a farm south of Rexburg
which became known to many as Haroldsen 's Egg Farm.
Here he was raised and attended Madison High School. At
that time his favorite hobby was training his German
Shephards. He graduated in 1972 and then attended a year
and a half at Ricks College. On the evening of May 6, 1974
he was sitting at a stop light in Rexburg, eating a hostess fmit
pie and drinking a can of pop. When the light tumed green he
drove away and another car pulled up beside him. The two
girls in it smiled at him and then pulled in front of him. He
then proceeded to chase them around town. After the chase
they stopped in a parking lot and talked and got to know each
other. The driver of the car, Carolyn Sorensen, later became
his wife.
Carolyn Sorensen is the third child of Philip Floyd
Sorensen and Gwen Carol Penfold, one of four children. She
was bom July 15, 1956 in Driggs, Idaho. After various
moves they came to Sugar City, Idaho when she was six.
There she was raised and graduated from Sugar Salem High
School in 1974. She was always known as quite shy and also
a tomboy. She was not a scholar - the only classes she did
well in were choir, art, speech, leatherwork and with a little
help from some real nice guys, woodwork. Her life was also
changed on May 6, 1974. When she and a friend went to
Rexburg to play tennis (a game she didn't know how to play)
on an unlit tennis court after dark. Due to poor conditions she
went to Main Street instead. And there she saw the man of her
dreams and decided to have him chase her until she caught
him. That night he followed her home and she decided to
keep him.
On November 23, 1974 Keith and Carolyn were married
in Sugar City, Idaho. They moved to Idaho Falls. Byron
Keith Haroldsen was bom to them November 25, 1975.
There couldn't have been a prouder father. January 10, 1976
they were sealed as a family in the Idaho Falls Temple. May
1977they moved from Idaho Falls to Rexburg. Then July 16,
1977 Carolyn was told she was going to have twins and July
23, she had twin girls. The first was Jacquelyn Fay, a name
chosen by her father and the second Kristine Kay, chosen by
her mother. Two weeks later they moved into their new home
in Archer. November 21, 1977 Jacquelyn died in an Idaho
Falls hospital of apparent crib death. November 23, 1977, on
Keith and Carolyn's third wedding anniversary, they buried
their tiny daughter in the Archer Cemetery. On August 30,
1978 Laurie Chree' was bom helping to fill some of the
emptiness left in their family.
Since they have been married Keith has been a manager
trainee at Grand Central, a tmck driver for Coca-Cola, a
constmction worker, an armored car driver, a night security
guard, a dock worker for Challenge Dairy and at present in
1980 works nights on custodial at Ricks College and goes to
school and works for his dad during the day. His life dream is
to be a police officer, and with his ambition it will be
realized.
Wilma Lee Hatton
Wilma Lee
108
Wilma came to Archer. Idaho from Lexington, Ken-
tucky in the summer of 1972. Having been to Idaho several
times for visits to her aunts, Ina Mae (Hatton) Nelson and
Madge (Hatton) Orr, she decided to stay awhile.. This
"awhile" turned into eight years. Her first job in Idaho was
at the Golden Living Center in Rexburg. She then lived on a
farm in Terreton for a year. For the past six years she has been
a teller and now works in customer service at Valley Bank.
Wilma was bom in Bath County, Kentucky to Dawson
Hatton and Rebecca Boswell Ginter. She is one of five
brothers and sisters.
For awhile Wilma and Ada Green and family lived
together. At present Wilma lives in her own home next to
Ada's.
Craig and Carta Hill
Carta and Craig
Craig Dee Hill was bom September 1 1, 1955 in Idaho
Falls, Idaho. He was the oldest of three children. Rodney and
Lori were his younger brother and sister. He attended an
Idaho Falls school for four years. He was a very active child.
He enjoyed all kinds of sports especially baseball. Craig was
small for his age but did quite well in sports. He and his
brother Rodney and neighbors would cross the road and go in
the weed field and catch snakes and mice. They would make
pets out of them.
Craig's father was killed in a car accident. In 1965 his
mother married Larry M. Hill. Craig's family increased from
three to eight children, Susan, Craig, Val, Rodney, Byrant,
Linda, Lori, Relda.
Craig hauled hay, watered potatoes, harvested grain,
etc., while he lived in Lyman, Idaho. He attended Archer
school in fifth and sixth grade, junior high school and Madi-
son. He graduated in 1973. He was then on his way to college
for two semesters. On October 26, 1974 he entered the
mission field. He went to London, England. He missed the
farm but did good work on his mission. He returned home in
October 1976. He went back to Ricks College for one more
semester. He decided school wasn't for him so he went back
to farming. Craig enjoys raising pigs. He works with his dad
and some outside jobs.
In May 1979 he met Carla Waite. Carla was bom
November 24, 1958 in Ogden, Utah. She was the youngest
girl in her family. She has two brothers and a sister. Carla
attended two years in West Weber. Carla' s family moved to
Middleton, Idaho so her father could milk cows.
She enjoyed sports as a child. During recess she would
go out and play kick ball, baseball and football. Carla had a
mother cat with two yellow kittens. One day, Carla's mother
told her that her mother cat had been run over by a car. So
Carla went and got a doll's baby bottle and fed the kittens.
These kittens lived for quite a few years afterward.
Carla attended Middleton' s school from third grade to
graduation day in 1977. The next fall, she attended Ricks
College. She majored in special education. The next year she
changed her major to clothing and textiles so she had to attend
summer school to receive her degree in her new major.
During the first part of summer school Carla went to a
dance at Rigby. She met Craig Hill at this dance. A few
weeks later Craig proposed to her. They got married October
26, 1979 in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Craig and I have almost been married a year. We have a
home in Archer which we are building together. We plan to
live in Archer for the rest of our lives.
Gary and Donna Hill
Gary was bom 16 June 1938 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to
Jessie Ronald Hill and Edna Viola Wilcox.
Donna Marie Nielson was bom 6 June 1 938 in Rexburg,
Idaho, to John Elmer Nielson and Minnie Ann Dietrich.
Gary attended three grades at Sunnydell School then
changed to the Archer School where Donna was attending.
Both graduated from the eighth grade at Archer School then
attended four years at Madison High School in Rexburg,
Idaho, and two years at Ricks College in Rexburg.
Front Row (L. to R.): Donna, Shanan (Williams), and Gary.
Back Row: Lori Ann (Williams) and ^ance
Gary worked at the Challenge Creamery, farmed, then
worked at Roger Bros, in Idaho Falls plus milking a dairy
herd. Donna worked as a secretary for Utah Mortgage and
Loan Company in Idaho Falls for two years and has worked at
Ricks College Press as a typesetter for fifteen years.
Gary and Donna were married 31 July 1959 and Lori
109
Ann was bom 2 July 1960 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. On 15
December 1960 they were all sealed in the Idaho Falls Tem-
ple. Gary's family was also sealed this day.
Gary Vance Hill was bom 8 November 1962 in Idaho
Falls, Idaho.
All lived in Archer on the old David Almeam Wilcox
place until March, 1963, when they moved to Tremonton,
Utah, where Gary worked at Thiokol. When President Ken-
nedy was assassinated Thiokol was closed down so in March
of 1964 the family moved back to Archer (Sunnydell) where
they have lived ever since.
Gary started working as a mechanic for Taylor Chev-'
rolet. On 1 January 1967 Gary quit Taylor Chevrolet and
started P.D.Q. Auto Shop with Verl Bird from Sugar City as
a partner. This partnership dissolved 1 January 1976 when
Gary bought Verl out and has managed P.D.Q. himself since
then.
Lori Ann has been Gary's secretary since August 1976,
and Vance has worked for him since 1978 as clean-up helper
and now as a mechanic. Both worked part-time while attend-
ing high school.
Lori Ann and Vance attended Lyman and Archer grade
schools, Madison Jr. High and Madison High School. Lori
graduated in 1978 and Vance is currently a senior.
Hobbies are water and snow skiing, snowmobiling,
camping, horseback riding and farming.
Gary is currently Ward Clerk of Membership Records,
and Donna has worked at various positions in the Primary,
Visiting Teacher message teacher in Relief Society and ward
typist.
Vance was a counselor in the Deacons and Teachers
Quomms, and secretary in the Priests Quorum.
Lori Ann married Mark D. Williams in Elko, Nevada,
and a daughter, Shanan, was born 18 November 1978. This
marriage ended in divorce 30 July 1 979 and Lori and Shanan
moved back home.
Norman and Irma Hill
The family of William Norman Hill moved to Sunnydell
in November, 1966. Norman worked for the postal depart-
ment and was transferred to the Idaho Falls Post Office from
Salt Lake City. The family consists of Norman, Irma, Eric
and Kirsten. There was another boy bom in 1962 with a
congenital heart. He lived two days - long enough to be given
the name of Rolfe Cecil.
Norman served a mission in the Spanish-American Mis-
sion. He went to school at the Brigham Young University,
University of Washington and San Francisco State.
His education was interrupted because of his mission
and then it was interrupted again to serve our country in the
army. During World War II he spent three years in the
Philippines. He was present when a convert baptism was
performed and as far as they could determine from the re-
cords it was the very first one in the Philippines.
Norman has been a Sunday School teacher, Sunday
School president and stake missionary.
Irma served in the North Central States as a missionary.
Before her marriage she worked at the Church offices in Salt
Lake City. She has been organist and teacher in the Primary,
organist in the Relief Society, a visiting teacher, and she and
Kirstin are members of the choir. When Kirstin was in the
fifth grade she took the part of Emily in Saturday's Warrior, a
major production at Ricks College.
Eric is serving in the Australia Melboume Mission.
During his senior year at Madison he was called to seminary
president and also chosen as Madison Boy of the Month.
Kirstin enjoys school. She is a junior at Madison High.
Richard and Elaine Holloway
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Front Row (L. to R.): Janell Crystal, and Benjamin.
Second Row: Jennifer, Elaine, Jaime, Richard, Brent.
Third Row: Jan, Brian, and Julie.
The Holloway family presently consists of Richard
(father), Elaine (mother) and children, Brian, Julie, Jan,
Brent, Jennifer, Jamie, Ben, and Janell.
The Holloway family moved to Archer in September of
1978. They bought the home where Trieste Robison used to
live as a child (home of Hiliery Payne). In the process of
remodeling and adding on, a lean-to type kitchen was re-
moved on the west side of the house and the front porch was
removed from the entry way on the east. The larger bam and
original outhouse was torn down to make room for the addi-
tion which included a large basement (where once was a root
cellar) and an upper living area that includes two bedrooms,
two bathrooms, and a large kitchen/dining room area. The
utility room (washer and dryer) was put in the smaller bed-
room on the west part of the old house. Wallpaper, complete
new wiring, carpeting and painting throughout was done to
the old home along with putting in a stairway in the parlor and
making a bedroom above. A garage was added to match the
front part of the house. Every attempt was made to maintain
the original style of the old home and keep as much as
possible of the surrounding buildings.
Prior to moving to Archer the Holloway family lived in
Salem, just two miles north of Rexburg. They only lived
there for one year renting a double wide trailer and waiting to
start building in Archer.
The move to the Rexburg area was a risky one and a real
change in terms of work. From education to building con-
110
stniction, trying to get at least three years of building con-
struction that would provide additional work experience to-
ward future goals.
The three years were up in August of 1 980 and a position
was taken by Richard as Assistant Principal of Madison High
School.
Before moving to the Rexburg area the family lived in
Albany, Oregon, the city where Richard was raised as a
youth. In Oregon, Richard worked in Salem at the Oregon
Department of Education as specialist for Career and Voca-
tional Personnel Development (five years, 1972-77). Jen-
nifer and Jamie were bom in Oregon. Jamie contacted spinal
meningitis and spent ten critical days in the hospital in her
mother's arms (Jamie was six months old at the time. From
1970 to 1972 we lived in Corvallis, Oregon, where Richard
received his EDD degree at Oregon State University.
From 1965 to 1 970 the family lived in Rancho Cordova,
California, where Richard taught school at Sacramento High.
Jan and Brent were bom in Califomia and Brian started the
first grade there.
From 1962 to 1965 we lived in Logan, Utah. Richard
worked on his BS and MS degree at Utah State University
and taught one year of crafts at Logan Jr. High. Brian and
Julie were bom in Logan while Richard was going to school.
Julie was bom while we were dorm parents at the David O.
McKay Student Living Center. We then moved directly to
Logan to start our family. Elaine taught school for a while.
The job at Logan Jr. High paid $4,200 for one year. Richard
and Elaine met at Ricks College at one of the first dances of
the 1957-58 school year.
Elaine is a native of Rexburg, bom and raised there.
Richard was bom in Colorado Springs, Colorado and raised
in Albany, Oregon.
We were married December 28, 1960 in the Idaho Falls
Temple. Our honeymoon was spent in Sun Valley, Idaho,
skiing.
Ben and Sandra Homer
Left to Right: Todd, Sandra, Earlane. .vvi Hen
Benjamin David Homer was the second child bom to
Benjamin Walter and Catherine Mackley Homer April 4,
1939 at Driggs, Idaho. He has two sisters. Ben attended
school in St. Anthony and Pocatello, Idaho. He was active in
music, school operettas and in Ag. He served in the Marines.
He has worked for the Soil Conservation Service and the
Utah and Idaho Sugar Company. At present he is employed
by Madison School District 321. He is farming at home.
Church positions held are home teacher and Cub Scout Mas-
ter.
Benjamin David Homer and Sandra Gladys Briggs were
married October 6, 1967 by Bishop George H. Munns of
Archer Ward in the Relief Society Room of the Archer
L.D.S. Church. Marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho
Falls Temple July 3 1 , 1969. Their daughter, Earlene Sandra
Homer, bom August 1 1, 1968 at Madison Memorial Hospi-
tal, was sealed to them at this time. Earlene weighed in at
seven pounds twelve ounces. A son, Todd Walter Homer,
was bom April 4, 1970 (on his dad's birthday) at the Madison
Memorial Hospital and weighed seven pounds two ounces.
Sandra Gladys Briggs Homer, daughter of Earl Albert
and Edna Erickson Briggs, was bom January 1 , 1945 at the
Middleton Maternity Home, Rexburg, Idaho, weighing
seven pounds six ounces, their first and only child.
Sandra attended elementary school at Archer, junior
high and high school at Madison in Rexburg, Idaho, graduat-
ing from high school May, 1 963. Sandra was active in school
music activities. She attended Ricks College and received a
certificate for outstanding work in music from Dr. Richard
Robison. Church positions held are Sunday School and prim-
ary teacher in Archer Ward, visiting teacher in Archer and
Sunnydell Ward, Relief Society music director. Archer Ward
and presently is a member of the Sunnydell Ward Choir.
When Ben and Sandra were first married they lived in
St. Anthony, Idaho for nine months before moving to
Archer.
Their daughter, Earlene, is active in church and school
functions. She likes to sing very much and frequently sings
solos at church functions. She has a lot of help and encour-
agement from her dad. She is a member of the Sunnydell
Ward Choir.
Their son Todd is also active in church and school
functions. He likes to give talks and memorizes very quickly.
Todd wants to go on a mission when he is old enough.
As a family their hobbies are singing together, fishing,
rock hunting, and mostly just being together.
SANDRA'S GRANDPARENTS
James Briggs and Hannah Elizabeth Nelson were mar-
ried September 5, 1900 at St. Anthony, Idaho and two weeks
later married in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.
James was a very dependable man. He and his sons, Jim Jr,
Earl and Elmer worked together helping farmers prepare the
soil, planting and harvesting crops. They were really good
workers. People were glad to hire them. They were always on
time at Church meetings. James was a high priest.
Hannah Briggs was second president of Archer Ward
Primary, Relief Society visiting teacher for sixty-three
years, and work director with Martha Weekes in Relief Soci-
ety. She spent long hours in the temple, doing endowment
111
I*?;*,''
work for 661 names.
Herman Erickson and Gladys Edna Blackburn married
November 18, 1904 in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City,
Utah.
Herman was First Counselor in the First Superinten-
dencyof Sunday School, March 9, 1902; Second President of
the Archer Ward Y. M.M.I. A. March 13, 1904; Custodian of
Archer Ward Churches from 1918 to 1966, member of the
choir and also chairman of the choir.
He was instrumental in bringing electricity into Archer,
organized first group known as Sunnydell Farm Loan As-
sociation, was president of this organization for twenty
years, elected as director in the Madison Teton Loan Associa-
tion, was a successful farmer.
Gladys Erickson, when she was only nineteen and just a
month after their first child Eugene was bom, was sustained
as the third president of Archer Ward Primary for three years.
She was organist of Relief Society seventeen and a half years
in Archer, secretary of Archer Ward Relief Society for
twenty-one and a half years.
Clarence and Wyora Hoopes
Front Row (L. to R.): Clarence and Wyora
Back Row: Aldean and Phscllla
Clarence Leonard Hoopes, son of Benjamin and Mary
Fiefield Hoopes, was bom January 25, 1917 at Rigby, Jeffer-
son County, Idaho. Clarence grew up in the LaBell and
Rupjert areas. His father did commercial trucking for a living,
and wherever he could find work he took his family along
with him. Clarence's schooling was in the grade schools in
these two areas. He also attended high school in Rigby,
Idaho.
As a boy he worked along with his father and brother.
When they could spare the time they found pleasure in fishing
and hunting trips. After he finished school, his father started
cutting and hauling timber and Clarence went with him. Soon
he had a truck of his own, and was going right along in the
timber business. In later years he has continued this work as
his own occupation to help make his own livelihood.
Wyora Ann Briggs Hoopes, the daughter of James and
Hannah Elizabeth Nelson Briggs, was bom November 15,
1919 at Archer, Madison County, Idaho.
She received her schooling at Archer elementary school
and attended Madison High School in Rexburg. She
graduated from the seminary in Rexburg.
Wyora has always been active in church activities and
organizations. This she started at a very early age. For several
years she never missed a Sunday School meeting. She has
worked in several organizations, has been historian and lib-
rarian for the primary and also the Sunday School. She is
presently a visiting teacher in the Relief Society and secretary
for the Sunday School.
We, Clarence and Wyora, were married June 7, 1941 at
Blackfoot, Idaho. Soon after we were married we moved to
Archer to live and Clarence worked at whatever jobs he could
find to provide for his family. It wasn't long before he built
his own home in which we still reside.
Clarence also has been active in the church serving as
executive secretary in the Elders Quorum and is now serving
as one of the ward clerks. He was ordained a High Priest
March 23, 1980.
We received our endowments March 5, 1975 in the
Idaho Falls Temple and we go often to the temple to do work
for the dead which we enjoy very much.
We have two lovely daughters. Barbara Aldean Hoopes
was bom April 26, 1942 at Archer, Madison County, Idaho.
She is living in Idaho Falls. She has three children - Katrina
Ann Stone, bom September 2, 1969, Jason Howard Stone,
June 16, 1971 and Terrie Lynn (Stone) Jeffs, March 26,
1962. Terrie Lynn married Vernon Jeffs and they have a
lovely little girl Celiee bom September 28, 1979. They are
making their home in Archer.
Priscilla, our second daughter, was bom January 9,
1945. She married Milton Barnes, he later was killed in a car
accident. They had two little daughters - Stephanie Ann
Barnes, bom January 19, 1969 and Ginger Kay Barnes bom
July 1 1, 1972. Pricilla was married to Conrad Mickels June
7, 1975 and was sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple March 5,
1980.
We have five grandchildren and one great-
granddaughter. We enjoy our family and take trips and vaca-
tions together when we can.
Clarence really enjoys fishing and hunting as a hobby
and a way to relax.
Wyora does many kinds of crocheting and handiwork
and some kinds of arts and crafts as her hobbies.
Bert and Eva Howell
Rodney Bert Howell was bom and raised at Warm
River, Idaho. He was the oldest child of David Taylor and
Zina Gunter Howell.
Eva Benson was bom and raised at Famum, Idaho, the
oldest daughter of Harry L. and Anna Cherry Benson. We
both grew up in a dry farming area.
We were married in 1935. The first ten years Bert
worked at constmction work and coal mining. During this
time we had three children. D. Reed was bom at St. Anthony,
112
Bert and Eva
Idaho, Robert E. was bom at Powell, Wyoming and Jean was
bom at her Grandma Benson's home in Lyman. During these
years we lived in several places in Wyoming, Utah and
Washington. In 1944 Bert went to the Aleutian Islands to
work for a year and the family stayed in Shelton, Washing-
ton. When he returned in 1945 we made a trip to the Salt Lake
Temple and were sealed as a family. While here we bought a
forty acre farm here in Archer and decided to stay. Seven
years later we bought another forty acres in Sunnydell but
three years later we sold it and bought fifty acres next to the
one we live on. We had an old log home previously owned by
Edward Stacey, where we lived for several years before we
were able to build a basement house and moved into it in
1961. It was ten years before we were able to build on top.
We moved into it in the summer of 1971.
After coming here we had three more boys bom to us -
B. Bmce, A. Wayne and Arden J., all bom at Rigby, Idaho.
We spent many years of hard work and sacrifice to make the
farm yield a living but our children were taught to work and
with their help we have been able to stay on the farm. During
our years here we develop)ed a dairy through Bert's interest
and work in the artificial insemination business. We operated
the dairy for twenty-six years. We almost never took a
vacation together because someone had to stay home to milk
the cows.
We have always attended Church since we have lived in
the Archer Ward and feel that this is the best place in the
world to live. The Lord has been very good to us. Without
His help we couldn't have stayed.
Bert has worked in the church in the Elders Quomm
presidency, the M.I. A. superintendency and for a few years
now as temple coordinator in the High Priests Quomm.
Eva served as a counselor in Relief Society in 1951 and
continuing for about five years. She also taught Junior Sun-
day School for twelve years and is now serving as Relief
Society President in the Archer Ward.
Our children are all married and we have eighteen
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Reed married Ada Lou Sutton and they have six children
and three grandchildren.
Bob married Romma Kennington and they have four
children. Both of these girls were from Archer and both
reside in Archer.
Jean married Terry Clifford from Menan. They have
three children and now live in Memphis, Tennessee.
Bruce's wife, Aldene Beesley, came from Rigby. They
have three children. They live at Burton.
Wayne married Loralee Cook from Coltman near Idaho
Falls and they have two children. They are now living in
Leadville, Colorado.
Arden and his wife, Janet Shirley of Salem, are now
living in Salt Lake City. He filled a mission in Australia and
we now have two grandsons serving, Terry G. Clifford in Los
Angeles and Scott Howell, Reed's son, in Japan.
In the fall of 1978 we sold the dairy and have been able
to travel a little to see our children. Life is a little easier
without the dairy though we are still fanning over a hundred
acres of irrigated land. We are growing older and don't have
the perfect health we used to have, but over the years,
forty-four of them together, the Lord has blessed us abun-
dantly for which we are very grateful. Our posterity consists
of five sons and one daughter, nine grandsons and nine
granddaughters, one great-grandson and two great-
granddaughters, twenty-seven descendants, also five of the
loveliest daughters-in-law and the greatest son-in-law. We
love every one of them!
Reed and Ada Lou Howell
Front Row (L. to R.): Stephanie. DonettL. i.^^u. Christine, Jessica.
Back Row: Rocky, Christoper. Pamela, Reed (father), Rebecca,
Ada Lou (mother), and Jeff.
David Reed Howell was bom June 15, 1936 to Rodney
Bert and Eva Benson Howell at St. Anthony, Idaho. He was
the first of six children. His first home was in a tent in Island
Park. When it rained his basket was pushed under the bed to
keep him dry. The family really had some experiences the
first ten years of his life. His father followed construction
work to several places in Idaho, Wyoming. Utah, and
Washington. The first year Reed went to school, he was in
three different schools, also the second year, including one
Indian school.
Reed was baptized at the age of eight in a cold mountain
stream in Shelton, Washington. He always loved to read and
could finish a book in an evening. Whatever he was doing, he
113
carried a book with him. He has an excellent memory and can
recall details of books he read as a child. He has thus attained
knowledge in a wide range of subjects.
When Reed was ten years old, his parents bought a farm
in Archer from Afton Hanson who had previously bought it
from the Staceys. For seven or eight years, the whole family
really worked hard on the farm to pay for the home. Reed
learned to operate the farm machinery. After he graduated
from Madison High he married Ada Lou Sutton, daughter of
Lillis and Rachel Briggs Sutton. She was bom May 22, 1933
at Archer.
Ada Lou graduated from the eighth grade at Archer and
from Madison High School. She spent six months at Ricks
College and two and a half years at the Idaho Falls Hospital
and graduated as a registered nurse in September of 1856.
A year before she graduated she and Reed were married
in the Idaho Falls Temple, October 21, 1955.
Ada Lou has served as organist and teacher in the
Primary. She now teaches cultural refinement lessons in the
Relief Society.
Reed was executive secretary to the Branch President in
Miles City, Montana, has taught Priesthood and Gospel
Doctrine classes. He has a fine voice and has sung solos in
many programs. He writes poetry and is good at telling
stories - tall tales.
Reed and Ada Lou have really enjoyed their children.
Scott is now on a mission for the LDS Church in Japan. He
loves his work.
When Scott and Ada Lou had four children. Rock,
Kristine, Scott and Jeffrey, Reed went to Utah State Univer-
sity at Logan. Ada Lou worked as a nurse at the LDS Hospital
in Logan. When he graduated six years later. Reed went to
Pamona, California, where he trained to work in a bank. He
stayed with the bank several years in Oregon, Utah, Montana
and Idaho.
Another child, Pamela was bom while they were in
Logan.
Reed did not enjoy the bank work. They tried farming
for three years, then worked into the tmcking business.
When Pamela was fourteen years old, another daughter,
Rebecca, was bom. She is a joy in their household.
The Howells have four grandchildren, two belonging to
Rock, one to Kristine, and a stepson to Jeff.
Robert and Romma Howell
I, Robert Eugene Howell, was bom on August 1, 1938
at Powell, Wyoming. I am the second child bom to Rodney
Bert and Eva Benson Howell.
We lived in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Salt Lake City,
Utah, Hanford, Shelton and Neah Bay, Washington during
the Second World War.
We moved to Archer in 1945. I was in the second grade.
Marjorie Evans, now Marjorie Nelson, was my teacher.
Lynn Briggs and Ervin Martin were my first good friends.
Myrtle Romma Kennington was bom on April 14, 1939
at Rexburg, Idaho, the first daughter of Samuel Lee and
Myrtle Wilcox Kennington.
We both went to school, grades one through eight, at
^', ' - !.v (L. to R.): Romma, Robert, Kami Sue.
Back Row: Kendra, Kevin, and Kerry.
Archer and graduated from Madison High School, Bob in
1956 and Romma in 1957.
After graduation. Bob worked in Butte, Montana at a
cement block plant. Romma worked at Jackson Hole,
Wyoming on a girls ranch. We both went to Ricks College
during the year 1957-1958. After college, Bob went to work
for George H. Munns. Romma went to work for Utah Mort-
gage and Loan, Idaho Falls, Idaho.
We were married at Archer, Idaho on November 6,
1959 by Bishop G. H. Munns. We lived in a house at Ririe,
Idaho, owned by Bishop Munns. At the time we were mar-
ried. Bob was working for the U & I Sugar factory and
Romma at Utah Mortgage.
We moved to Los Angeles, California in January 1960.
At that time Bob went to work for a building supply company
and Romma worked for a vitamin manufacturing company.
Kevin Eugene Howell was bom to us on May 18, 1961
at Glendale, Califomia. Kerry Wade Howell was bom in
Glendale, also, on April 28, 1964.
On September 16, 1966 we were sealed as a family in
the Los Angeles Temple.
Kevin started school at John Marshall Grade School in
Glendale. Then he went to first, second and third grade at
Dele van Drive School. Kerry started kindergarten at Dele van
Drive.
We belonged to the Glendale East Ward, Glendale,
Califomia. Bob was in the MIA Presidency and taught the
Explorers while we lived there. Romma taught the three-
year-olds in Sunday School.
On August 1 , 1970, we moved from Los Angeles back
to Archer. At that time Bob went to work for Earl Wilcox as a
timber cutter. Since then, he has operated a skidder and for
the past several years has run the timber crew.
Kendra was bom to us on October 29, 1971 at Rexburg,
Idaho.
We spent our summers in the Island Park area where
Bob worked, then in the winter we moved back to Archer.
On June 1 , 1974, we purchased the Terry Store, which
was owned at the time by Leston and Ramona Woods.
Kami Sue was bom to us on February 19, 1976 at
Rexburg, Idaho.
114
Kevin graduated from Madison High School in 1979.
He attended ISU in 1980. Kevin is currently of)erating a
skidder in the timber for Earl Wilcox. He has fifty swarms of
honey bees which he keeps on the river.
Kerry worked as a "cat" operator in the timber also. He
and Kevin work with their dad. Kerry is a junior at Madison
High this year. He also has a project outside of school and
work that keeps him busy. He has fifty head of registered
Suffolk sheep.
Kendra is in the third grade at Lyman school this year.
Kami Sue will be home to help run the store for one
more year.
Bertha Jeppson
Front Row (L. to R): Nilo, Bertha. Marjorie
Back Row: Roxcy, Ida Gene. Julia, and Therba.
Like Nephi of old, I was bom of goodly parents, John
and Ida Grover Weekes. I was bom March 28, 1903 on the
farm father homesteaded in Sunnydell, the fourth child in a
family of eleven. My two older brothers died during World
War L I helpjed on the farm doing everything but drilling and
binding grain. My sister, Mande, and I drove a four horse
team up to the dry farm in Herbert to haul wheat. We had
some exciting experiences handling the lines and the brake on
some of the steep hills. We were twelve and fourteen years
old.
I graduated from Ricks Academy in 1921 and taught
school one year before I married Olin H. Jeppson August 30,
1923 in the Salt Lake Temple. Olin was the son of Charles
and Lula Blackbum Jeppson, who moved from Brigham
City, Utah when Olin was a small child. His mother served as
president of the MIA and the Relief Society for many years.
His father was a member of the Archer Ward Bishopric. They
lived where Chester and Ina Nelson live. Grandma enjoyed
and had many flowers, some of them still grow along the
fence.
Olin and I were the second family to build and live on
the place I still live. It was homesteaded in 1898 and their
final payment was made the year I was bom , 1 903 . To me it is
a very special place.
Olin and I were blessed with eight children, two died at
birth. Living are Nilo, Marjorie, Julia, Idagene, Roxcy and
Therba.
Nilo married Verla Moss. They have four children and
four grandchildren. He has worked for Clover Club for thirty
years. He has served as a high councilman and as bishop for
twenty years. Recently he and Verla moved to Farmington,
Utah. Their two sons filled missions.
Marjorie married Irvin Goodliffe (now deceased). They
have six children. Marjorie just retumed from a mission. Her
vocation is school teaching. She lost her home in the Teton
Flood in 1976 and now lives on 3rd East in Rexburg. She is a
temple officiator. She has eight grandchildren.
Julia married Ellis Attwood, who died in 1977. They
have seven children. They live on a farm in Pingree. Julia is a
school teacher. She and three of her sons have filled mis-
sions.
Idagene married Glayde Hone. They have seven chil-
dren, two sons have filled missions. Their fifteen-year-old
son is Priesthood organist. Glayde is in the bishopric and
Idagene a counselor in the Relief Society. They live in
Brigham City.
Roxcy taught school and went on a mission. She lives in
Provo, is taking classes at BYU and working in a photo
finishing lab. She comes home in the summer to help me in
the art of living. She is busy in a college ward.
Therba married Arthur Paul. Both teach at Bonneville
Junior High School. They are and have been active in wards
where they live, Therba in music particularly, Arthur a
teacher in Priesthood Quomms. They haven't been blessed
with a family.
We have fourteen missionaries among our children and
grandchildren.
The girls all have college degrees and have been in-
terested in music, singing, playing the organ, piano and
accordian.
After my husband died in 1948 I began teaching school
by taking night classes and summer school. I got my degree
nine years later. I taught school twenty years. During that
time our family got nineteen years of college, five degrees in
education and Julia and Roxcy filled missions. That made
working worthwhile for me.
I have served as ward and Sunday School organist,
teacher in adult classes in MIA, Sunday School and Relief
Society and on the Sunday School Stake Board. In 1956 I
went to Mexico studying the culture and ancient ruins.
In 1963 Roxcy and Therba participated in the Hill
Cumorah Pageant. I was able to attend that magnificant
event. In February 1972 Nilo and Verla took me to historical
places of interest in Illinois and Missouri which helped me to
realize the hardships our grandparents had in leaving Nauvoo
at that time of the year. I appreciate my heritage.
The Lord has blessed me abundantly. We have thirty
grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Kay and Luella Jeppson
Kay Lucein Jeppson was bom August 28, 1933 to
Gerald and Maude Jeppson at Driggs, Idaho. Luella Smith
115
Front Row (L. to R.): Kristina, Luella, Kay.
Back Row: Jana, Gail, LeAnn, Steven, Shellie, and Maria. (Jannes
Kay not on picture.)
was bom October 3, 1936 to James Ivan and Sara Smith at
Lyman, Idaho. They were married June 10, 1953 in the Idaho
Falls Temple and moved to the Archer Ward. They lived in
Keith Clements' house on the Henry Taylor place.
Kay served in the army in California, Texas and
Louisiana from March 1954 to March 1956. Luella accom-
panied him to Texas where they lived for eighteen months.
Their oldest son was bom there. After the military they
retumed to Archer where Kay was employed by Keith Cle-
ments and Utah, Idaho Sugar Company.
In 1964 Kay and Luella bought a farm from Kay's father
and built their present home on Piquet Road.
Kay has served as Explorer leader, scoutmaster, coun-
selor in the Archer Ward Elders Quomm and as Elders
president in the new Sunnydell Ward. Kay has coached Little
League and many church teams in basketball and softball.
Luella has served in Primary, Sunday School and Relief
Society and is serving as nursery coordinator at the present
time. Luella is attending as a student at the Eastern Idaho
Vo-Tech School in the nursing program.
There are eight children in the Jeppson family. James
Kay was bom March 3, 1955 at Fort Hood, Bell County,
Texas. He attended Madison County schools and Ricks Col-
lege. He served as Deacons president and as president of the
Future Farmers of America. He served a mission in Oregon
from May 1974 to May 1976. Jim worked farming for a year
then moved to California where he married Mindy Jolene
Dansie in the Oakland Temple April 14, 1978. They have
one son, Trenton James, bom May 2, 1979. Jim is employed
in Modesto, Califomia.
LeAnn, bom April 8, 1957 in Rexburg, attended local
schools and worked locally and in Nampa. On February 21,
1975 she married Kirk Cleve Stanger. They have two chil-
dren, JefferyC. Stanger bom August 10, 1975 and Jaime Lee
Stanger bom February 8, 1977. They live in Lyman First
Ward. They are employed at Fresh Pak in Menan.
Shellie was bom March 14, 1958 in Rexburg. She
attended local schools and was active in 4-H and FFA. On
August 13, 1976 she married Shawn Birthelson. Their
daughter Heather Jo was bom November 3, 1977 in Idaho
Falls. They were later divorced. Shellie now resides in Rex-
burg.
Gail was bom May 9, 1960 in Rexburg, attended local
schools and worked locally. She married Galen Mills June
16, 1978. They lived in Archer Ward for a time then moved
to Rexburg. They have one son, Caleb Casper, bom April 15,
1979 in Rexburg.
Maria, bom August 7, 1961 in Rexburg is active in
sports and has held positions in MIA. At present she is living
at home and is employed at Valley Bank in Rexburg.
Steven Robert was bom July 23, 1965 in Rexburg. He is
the second son and sixth child. He is attending Madison Jr.
High. He was first Deacons president of the Sunnydell Ward.
Jana was bom in Rexburg on February 7, 1967. She is in
Madison Jr. High and is counselor in her MIA class at
present.
Kristina, bom May 23, 1971 at Rexburg, is in fourth
grade at Archer School. She is last of eight children.
Gerard and Marie Junkert
Left to Right: Marie, Byran, Jessica, and Gerard.
Gerard Craig Junkert was bom November 8, 1945 at
Bismark, North Dakota to Leone Vema Ritter and Edwin
Junkert. He grew up in Wishik, North Dakota, Minneapolis
and Morehead, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota. After
high school he worked for A.T.&T. and then joined the navy.
Gerard was stationed at San Francisco Bay for three years
active duty. He served on board the U.S.S. Hancock off the
coast of Viet Nam. While in the service he joined the L.D.S.
Church. Gerard attended Ricks College after active duty.
Nellie Marie Siepert was bom November 3, 1948 at
Idaho Falls, Idaho to Carma Hunter and Keith Jacob Siepert.
She grew up in Kilgore and Rexburg, Idaho. After graduating
from high school, Marie attended Ricks College and worked
in Rexburg.
Gerard and Marie met at Ricks. They started dating in
June and were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on
November 26, 1969. While Gerard attended Ricks, Marie
worked as a bookkeeper/ secretary in Rexburg. Gerard served
as ward clerk of the College Tenth Ward and Marie was first
counselor and then president of the Relief Society.
16
In the fall of 1971, they moved to Springville, Utah, so
Gerard could attend BYU. Marie came back to Rexburg in
October to have their first child, a boy, bom October 22,
1971 . He was named Bryan Mitchell. While in Utah, Gerard
was Fast Offering clerk. Marie was kept busy teaching Junior
Sunday School and being inservice leader.
After graduating from BYU the Junkerts moved to Issa-
quah. Washington where Gerard worked as an engineer for
Boeing Aircraft. They bought their tlrst house and made
many new friends. A daughter was added to the family on
August 17, 1974. She was named Jessica Rachel. Gerard was
called as ward clerk in the Issaquah First Ward. Marie taught
Primary, was Relief Society nursery coordinator, primary
chorister and organist during the years in Washington.
Gerard didn't like all the rain and Marie was homesick,
so, once again the Junkerts moved to Idaho in May 1975.
They found a home in Archer and moved in in June. Gerard
started to remodel and build on and is still at it.
Gerard is now serving as finance clerk of Archer Ward.
Marie has served as Relief Society nursery coordinator, Sr.
Sunday School chorister, Jr. Sunday School chorister, and is
presently teaching the Social Relations class in Relief Soci-
ety. The Junkerts are expecting their third child in January.
Gerard works as a design engineer for E.G.G.
Myrtle Kennington
Samuel and Myrtle
My father David Almeam Wilcox and his wife Florence
Malinds Cook both bom of pioneer parents in Cedar Fort,
Utah, were married November 1 1, 1884 by her father Bishop
Cook; and with their two little boys Floyd and Samuel Guy
came to Sunnydell, Idaho, with covered wagons and all they
owned to settle and make a home as true pioneers. They built
a log cabin and cleared the land. Six more children were
bom--Malcolm, Henry F., Marvin, Florence M., Adrin
Boyd, and Velma Chloe. Their mother died in 1895 after a
long illness. Six years later David married my mother,
Martha S. Hansen of Bear Lake. Their twin girls died at birth
December 1902. Louis A. was bom October 20, 1906, Myr-
tle May 1909 and Edna 1911. All were bom in the log cabin.
Edna and I were like twins. We did everything together
through life until she died in 1962.
I loved to go with dad in the fields and my fondest
memory was of him rocking and singing to his two little girls
in the evenings. In 1 9 1 8 he built a fine new rock home and got
a new piano which he corded on while we sang.
Many were the trips to Salt Lake to Conference on the
train, to Bear Lake for visits on the 4th of July with relatives
on both sides. We all worked hard to finish hoeing, etc., for
these trips. I attended school at Sunnydell, Archer and Ricks
College. I went to work for Myrtle Clay cooking for pea
pickers and packers starting at 5 o'clock until 10 o'clock at
night for $1 .00 a day. Later I worked for Mrs. Jim Byrne for
$5.00 (same work) a week. With this I helped Louis on his
mission after the spuds froze in the ground the fall he left.
Then came the depression and I came home to take his place
in the field with a team. Erastus Weekes, my nephew, lived
with us and we worked together with Dad doing the irrigating
on 160 acres. He grew beautiful big crops.
When I was nine, my father gave me the garden for my
project. I loved this especially when he came in and helped
with the shovel to weed.
I taught Bee Hive girls for eight years after I graduated
myself. We went to Logan on back of a truck, twenty-three
of us, for baptisms for the dead. We had a wonderful time
with no mishaps at all. We went on many other trips, too.
In the Spring of 1 929 Sam Kennington came to work for
Eliza Jackson. We met at a dance in the old hall in Archer.
Our first date was on horseback to visit his cousins. This was
a good time.
We were married 13 November 1934 by Bishop Smith
at my parents' home with reception and a dinner after. We
made our home at the Hillman place where Ronald and Edna
lived. Sam took the job as water master for the Sunnydell
canal, which he did twenty-seven years. In this home our first
baby, a boy, was bom in July 1937, premature and died six
hours later. This was a great sorrow. Romma was bom 14
April 1939, the pride and joy of her daddy. Genny was bom
April 22, 1942 and Norma July 9, 1943, both premature
again. Genny was in an incubator for weeks but came along
finally. Norma was a blue baby, had a heart problem. The
doctor said she would not live but she did for five years when
she had real problems. We flew her to Salt Lake, no encour-
agement, but the Patriarch promised she would live. She
went to school three years but at nine more troubles. We sold
everything and took her for help, but it was not to be . After all
winter under a doctor's care and in the hospital until March
26, 1953, she died. We came back home and started all over,
building a home. We were grateful to have Norma almost ten
years. Fem was four then, bom April 18, 1950.
Before this my father had a bad accident and broke his
hip. He was with us for two and a half years, bedridden, until
he died at age eighty-three in 1946. I am grateful the girls
knew him.
I was president of Primary for eight years, then coun-
selor to Opal Clements in Relief Society for twelve wonder-
ful years. In 1962 we were in the wake of floods in February
and lost everything that Fem and I could not carry out. She
was the only one home; Romma in Califomia, Genny at
117
Ricks and Sam at Ross Byrnes' working. My sister Edna
died in June that year.
I cooked at school for eight years.
Sam died August 30, 1968. I went to work for Fresh
Pack to pay debts.
Genny went on her mission in 1977 to England. Minnie
Nielson went with me to meet her and had two weeks sightse-
eing over there. Minnie saw Switzerland, her parents' home
land. It was great.
Foryl and Zula Kidd
Front Row (L. to R.): Barbara. Zula, Foryl, Donna.
Back Row: David, Janice, Joe. Susan, Foryl, Kathleen, and George.
I, Foryl, was bom in May 1926 at Marysville, Idaho in
the family home, the fourth child of Henry M.L. Kidd and
Veda Hendricks. When two years old we moved to Kays-
ville, Utah, moving back to Idaho in 1935.
I was always active in athletics--high school boxing,
football and basketball.
I served in World War II in the army and fought in
Europe and was honorably discharged in 1946. I have held
many positions in Deacons, Priests and Elders Quorums and
Scout Master for many years.
I started college at Ricks in 1947 and played on their
football team for three seasons.
I had a cousin on a mission in New York. Her compan-
ion was Zula Nelson from Archer. When they came home
December 1947 we were introduced and were married in
1949 for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.
Our first child, Susan JoAnn, was bom in 1950. Janice
Lynette was bom in 1951, Kathleen in 1952 and Barbara
1953.
Our first son, Foryl N., was bom in 1955, George in
1957, Joe in 1959 and the twins David and Donna in 1960,
giving us nine children.
We moved to Archer in 1 956 on twenty acres previously
owned by George F. Nelson, where we have built a home and
still reside there.
At this time I was teaching school in Osgood, Idaho.
Some of our highlights was the flood runoff in February
1962 that flooded our home while Zula and I were at her
father's place salvaging potatoes. Lyman flood waters
flooded our basement waist deep. Susan and Janice carried
our twins, fourteen months old, to the top floor of our house
and helped the other children out of the water.
In 1965 Zula was in a car accident and seriously hurt.
While the children were young we enjoyed camping the
hills. Hunting and fishing has always been a hobby of our
family.
In 1970 we visited Disneyland, California. Other high-
lights were the mission of our son Foryl N. in Scotland,
George's mission on the Navajo Indian Reservation in
Arizona. Our youngest son, David, is now (1980) serving a
mission in England.
Other special occasions were marriages of our sons and
daughters and arrival and blessing of grandchildren (thirteen
of them).
We all know the gospel is true and love it with all our
heart. The Lord has been very good to us and has given us
numerous blessings. Like most families, we've had many
cuts, bruises and broken bones but at present we are all in
good health.
I, Zula, was bom March 4. 1924 to George F. Nelson
and Susan Elizabeth Weekes. Our family lived in a log home
East of grandparents George S. and Mary Ann Weekes.
Times were very hard for everyone. In November of 1927
Mother passed away leaving my father a week-old baby,
Glenna, and three other children. A year later father married
Isabel Weekes and we moved to the Ed Smart home. This
home bumed down. Then father built a log home.
Father raised beets to help pay for the farm. 1 started
helping thin beets at age six. I loved summers but not work-
ing in the beets. I leamed early how to work and also leamed
to especially love Sundays for lots of reasons, one that it was
the Sabbath day and we rested from our labors.
I was baptized July 2, 1932 and confirmed a member of
the Church by my father, George F. Nelson. I went to all ten
grades in Archer and graduated from Madison High School
and four years of seminary in April of 1942.
I taught in the Junior Sunday School. In 1946 I was
called on a mission to the Eastern States. As every missionary
expresses, those were the happiest years and where we really
leam to love the gospel.
At home I worked in the M.I. A. presidency and really
enjoyed it. I helped my folks paint their new home.
In 1947 1 met and married H. Foryl Kidd in the Salt Lake
Temple.
Melba Fyfe Kinzer
I, Melba Fyfe Kinzer, was bom September 29, 1919, in
LaBelle, Idaho, to James and Lola Morgan Fyfe, in a log
cabin across the railroad tracks from my grandparents,
Reuben Willard and Johnannah Erickson Morgan.
Grandpa and Grandma Morgan later moved to a farm in
Lorenzo, Idaho, south of the old Riverside Gardens. They
had come from Mill Creek, Utah, in 1915, where Grandpa
was a bricklayer.
My grandparents, William Weir Fyfe, who was origi-
nally from Scotland his wife , Christina Wylie Fyfe , moved to
Idaho from Castle Gate, Utah, where Grandpa was a coal
miner. He established a blacksmith shop in Archer on the
118
Front Row (L. to R): James, LaMar, Lola.
Back Row: Joyce, Melba. Myrtus. and Elaine Fyfe.
land he homesteaded. He did not like coal mining and had
served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in Scotland.
My mother met my father at a dance in LaBelle, Idaho.
They were married at my Grandpa and Grandma Morgan's
home, at a small family wedding. My Grandmother Morgan
made my mother's white wedding dress. My mother later
made it into a baby dress for me.
In 1929, my parents moved to the farm at Archer to take
care of my Grandpa and Grandma Fyfe. My Grandma Fyfe
was an invalid. With my mother's tender loving care, she
lived until 1935. That year both my Grandmother and Grand-
father Fyfe died.
Of the Reuben Morgan family, Lola is the only one of
the ten children that came to Archer. My mother was an
excellent cook, also secretary of the Daughters of the Utah
Pioneers for fourteen years. She faithfully kept the records
and always sent the birthday cards on time each year.
My father was a logger in the Island Park area before we
moved to the farm in Archer. They had six children: Melba,
bom September 29, 1919; Emmett, bom January 3, 1922;
Myrtus, bom August 22, 1923; Elaine, bom December 19,
1926; Joyce, bom February 24, 1934; LaMar, bom April 15,
1946. Emmett died after surgery March 27, 1940, in Rex-
burg. My father died August 30, 1968. My mother died
March 21, 1976.
Myrtus married Geraldine Clarke. They have five chil-
dren. Wayne, Willard, David, Sandra and Patrick. They are
living in Lyman. Elaine married Bert Larsen and they live in
Archer. Their history appears in this book. Joyce married
James A. Schrader at Archer. They have two sons, Bradley
and Brian. They live in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They are active in
the church and have been sealed in the temple. LaMar and
Pattie were married at Elko, Nevada. They have one son,
Cody, and live at Emmett, Idaho.
I, Melba, married Leland H. Kinzer at Archer, Idaho.
Bishop Jay Ray Smith performed the ceremony July 5, 1 940.
Lee was head of the livestock department at Western Packing
Company and also a cattle feeder. He died May 19, 1974. 1
have three sons: Dennis, bom August 28, 1941, in Boise,
Idaho. He was married to Norma Moore for ten years. He
later married Nadean Falkerts from Eldora, Iowa. They live
in Touchet, Washington and have three daughters, Amy,
Laurie and Kerri. Douglas was bom October 20, 1947, at
Yakima, Washington. He married Christina Haseth of Sun-
nyside, at Aubum, Washington. They have two sons, Ted
and Jcffery. Michael was born October 21, 1957 at Twin
Falls, Idaho. He married Cheri Reese. They have one son,
William Lee. They were divorced and on December 22,
1979, he married Rosemary Fredrick from Tucson, Arizona.
They live near Sunbeam, Idaho.
Dennis is a supervisor at Iowa Meat Packers at Pasco,
Washington. Douglas is manager of the meat department at a
Safeway store in Richland. Washington. Michael is working
for an exploration drilling company at what will be the
Cyprus Mine in Challis.
I moved back to Archer in 1 969. I bought a mobile home
and moved it next to my parent's home. I work at Fresh Pack.
Before I left Sunny side, I attended the Sunnyside
Beauty College. I still maintain my Washington State cos-
metology license.
In Washington I belonged to the Pearl Hughes Or-
thopedic Guild. I was corresponding secretary of the
Nauvilla Club, a branch of the Federated Women's Club. I
taught Primary and was a visiting teacher.
My hobbies include ceramics, gardening, bowling,
knitting and croheting, but my main interests are my three
sons and their families.
Chip and Blanche Kirkham
Front Row (L. to R.): Blanche and Chip.
Back Row: Nan. Carol, Judy, and Tom.
Blanche was the fourth child of five to John and Norah
Grover. The family were extra lucky to eventually settle all
relatively close to the same area. The family all learned to
work hard, as John was very ambitious with his dry farm and
cattle. Norah worked hard in their home cooking for hired
men and taking care of their family.
Chip grew up along with five brothers and two sisters on
a farm along Fall River in Ashton, where the family spent
leisure time fishing and hunting. With their mother being
widowed, they had an extremely close relationship and the
children leamed responsibility very early in their lives.
119
In 1944, Chip and Blanche were both enjoying them-
selves at a dance in St. Anthony, where they became ac-
quainted and later married. After various moves they moved
in 1947 to the home where they presently reside at Archer.
A short time after their marriage. Dean, Chip's son by
his first marriage, came to live with them. This proved to be a
true learning experience which helped to prepare them for
their first daughter, Carol. She was bom singing. As a young
girl, she performed often and throughout her growing life has
continued using her talents. Carol presently is the mother of
five frisky boys and resides in ColoniaJaurez, Mexico. Judy,
their second daughter bom in 1951, loved to sew and cook.
She helped to sew clothes for the family and helped with the
preparation of food. Judy presently is residing with Blanche
and Chip with her two sons and young daughter. Nan, their
third daughter was bom in 1954. She was very congenial and
could get along with almost anyone. She was talented in
painting and loved to embroider. Presently she is living in
Sonora, California. She and Dyle have two daughters. Tom,
Chip and Blanche's fourth child, was the long-awaited for
boy, bom in 1959. The family was elated by this new addi-
tion. Tom was certainly not as mild as their daughters. He
was very active as most everyone in the community knew.
Tom had great creativity and ability for wood working.
Presently he is married and living in Salt Lake City.
As one can see. Chip and Blanche have lived a very
active life, one they have enjoyed and appreciated. They
continue to work hard together on their farm and occasionally
take a refreshing break to go camping. Each fall and winter
they travel to Mexico and to Califomia. They look forward to
their vacations and also retuming home.
Bert and Elaine Larsen
Bert and Elaine
Jess (Bert) Larsen was bom June 5, 1926, at Rexburg,
Idaho to Jesse W. and Lillian (Chandler) Larsen. Elaine was
bom December 19, 1926 at Lorenzo, Idaho to James and
Lola (Morgan) Fyfe.
Bert went to grade school and high school at Rexburg.
At the age of fifteen, he went to work on constmction in
Utah, later moving on up to Washington where he was
drafted in the anny in 1944. He served three years in Panama.
While there he received an award for outstanding duty.
Elaine went to grade school at Archer and graduated
from high school and seminary at Rexburg. She then worked
in the L.D.S. Hospital.
While Bert was home on leave from the amiy, he met
Elaine while rollerskating at the Riverside Gardens,
Lorenzo, Idaho. They were engaged for one week and within
ninedays were married, January 19, 1946 at Rexburg, Idaho.
After a month Bert retumed to the army and Elaine to high
school.
Bert retumed home December 26, 1947 and went to GI
school at Ricks College. He then worked as a logging trucker
and farmer for the next eight years. He next worked for the
Coca Cola Company in Idaho Falls. During this time Bert and
Elaine were stake and ward dance directors. In June of 1963
the church held a dance festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bert
made the dance steps to the waltz Charmane. Archer had
twelve couples and eleven girls in the festival. This was
filmed on the Salt Lake T.V.
Bert received his high school diploma and went to work
for Challenge until December 1975, then he took the milk
route on his own. In December 1979, he sold the route and
put a semi-diesel on the road trucking from coast to coast.
Bert's hobbies are rock hunting, westem music, carpen-
tering and T.V. repair work. He has built their home and
done all the finishing work.
Elaine was a cook and janitor at the Lyman school and
during this time received a degree in cooking. In the Spring
Semester of 1967 Elaine started her college education. This
started five of the longest and hardest years she ever put in.
She attended Ricks College, graduated, then went to Idaho
State University when during her senior year she was chosen
to do a govemment internship. She graduated from Idaho
State University with honors and was on the Dean's role. She
is now teaching first grade at Rigby, Idaho. She owes all her
success to Bert and their children, for their help and support.
Her hobbies are sewing, cooking and reading. She designed
the dress and sewed most of the dresses for the Archer girls
who went to the Salt Lake Festival. She has worked in the
Sunday School, Mutual and Primary besides working in the
dance program. Bert and Elaine were sealed in the Idaho
Falls Temple in March 1970.
They have four children: Dale J. was bom February 4,
1 948 and married Deena Skidmore July 30, 1 970 in the Idaho
Falls Temple. They have three children, Blake, Scott and
Kamell. Their family history appears in this book. JoDean
was bom January 16, 1951 and married Michael Miller June
24, 1970 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They have three chil-
dren, Rebecca Jo, Benjamin and Nicholes. Mike is a career
officer in the Air Force and is a returned missionary. They are
stationed in Hawaii. Jody is an accomplished seamstress and
crafts woman. Christine was bom January 12, 1954 and
married Earl Walker on June 30, 1973 at Archer, Idaho. Earl
is a retumed missionary and a brick mason. Christy
graduated from Ricks College on the honor roll. She is a
substitute teacher, secretary and bookkeeper. She is an ac-
120
coinplished cook and cake decorator. They have two chil-
dren. Kirk and Kimberly. Robert (Bob) M. was bom Feb-
ruary 7, 1958. He graduated from high school and later from
Vo-Tech at Pocatello, Idaho. He runs the body shop for
Economy Chevrolet in St. Anthony. Idaho. Bob specializes
in custom paint jobs. He likes working with his hands and
enjoys making cars from scrap.
Bert and Elaine and their dog Gretchen spent the sum-
mer of 1 980 trucking from coast to coast. Elaine says give me
good old Idaho anytime.
Dale and Deena Larsen
7,,/ I
Scott. Blake, Deena, Kamell, and Dale.
Dale J. Larsen and Deena Skidmore met the summer of
1964. Dale was to be a junior in high school and Deena a
sophomore. It didn't take very many dates before they found
out they were in love. They started going steady and dated
through high school, with one big goal that they would be
married as soon as they both graduated. At last the goal was
reached. Deena graduated and Dale had a semester of college
behind him. Dale gave Deena a ring and asked her to be his
wife. But with talk of a temple marriage also came a desire to
serve a mission for the Lord. They talked it over and decided
that two years couldn't be near as long as the ones they had
already waited.
Dale sent his papers in but no mission call came. They
waited and waited but still no call. Finally they decided they
would go ahead with the wedding plans. With one exception,
if the call came within two weeks of the wedding date, Dale
would go, after that the wedding would go as planned. As the
time drew closer and still no call, a small house in Lyman was
rented and they started painting it. Wedding dress and
bridesmaid material was bought. Finally the last day of the
two week deadline came and in the mail was the mission call.
The house was given up, dress and material stored and Dale
was on his way to serve a Pacific Northwest Mission. Two
very long years followed.
Finally Dale came home in May of 1970 and a July 30
wedding in the Idaho Falls Temple was planned and their
goal was reached. Dale and Deena moved into a trailer near
the Archer-Lyman highway. Later they pulled it to Archer
and the spring of 1974 built a new house.
Eleven months after the wedding came a very special
blessing, Blake Dale was born June 8, 1971 followed by
another special blessing Scott Dale bom April 7, 1974 and
then a most treasured blessing Kamell (Kami) Elaine bom
August 8, 1977.
Since getting married Dale has worked for Ards Glass
and Paint, Rexburg Mobile Homes, Stusser Wholesale and
Madison County. He is now going to Ricks College. Dale has
served as a Sunday School teacher. Elders Quorum teacher,
secretary of the Elders Quorum activity advisor for the
Young Marrieds and is now a Seventy.
Deena has served as a Mia-Maid teacher, Targeteer A,
C.T.R. A, B, Blazer B and Sunbeam teacher. Also as First
Counselor in the Primary.
Vive Larson
I, Vive (short i, long e) was bom to Francis Edward and
Augusta Amelia Eliason Carlson on November 6, 1905, in
Archer, in a log cabin on the land where Lyle Robison now
has his home. My father homesteaded that land.
I was the third child in a family of three. Victor was the
oldest. He died young, unmarried. My sister, Thelma Lucille
Carlson, was bom September 13, 1901 . She married Wesley
LaVem Grover.
My grandfather and grandmother were Carl and
Johanna Christine Hanson Kjelen(Shaleen - in Swedish ''k"
followed by ""j" has a "sh" sound. Following the rule of
patronymics, the sons of Carl Kjelen were named Carlson,
meaning Carl's son.). These good people came from Sweden
and lived with my father, later with my sister, Thelma Grover
and family. After grandmother died, grandfather went to live
with his daughter, my Aunt Selma Galbraith, until his death
in 1924. He was buried by his wife in the Archer (Sutton)
cemetery.
Front Row (L. to R.): Vive and Henry.
Back Row: Afton and Delia.
I went to school in Archer until my father died 9 March
1917. We went to the cemetery in a sleigh. Mother sold our
land to Bert Terry and we moved to Lyman where I finished
the eighth grade.
121
When I was seventeen, I married Henry Larson.
Henry Larson's parents were Orson and Nancy Rock
Larson of Salem. Henry was bom December 13, 1922 in
Rigby, Idaho, in a sleigh. His mother did not reach the
hospital in time for his birth.
Henry and I started housekeeping in a log cabin on the
site now occupied by the Steve Grover home. We farmed
with my brother-in-law, Vem Grover.
Our first baby was bom 12 September 1923 at home.
Doctor Sutherland attending. We named her Delia. Almost
thirteen years later, Afton lola was bom 7 August 1936.
We bought forty acres of ground with a small house
which we enlarged and modemized.
As a family we enjoyed huckleberry trips, camping,
getting wood, and riding horses which I especially Hked.
We enjoyed our girls and I do not know what I would do
without them, now I am alone.
Delia married Ray Muir and now lives next to me. Her
history appears in this book.
Afton went to elementary in Archer. She graduated
from Madison High School. A year before her graduation,
she married Calvin Nielson, son of Calvin and Sybil Butler
Nielson. They had four children, Gregory, Karey, Tina and
Tracey - two boys and two girls. She is now married to Dee
Sommers and lives at Ammon.
Jon and Sally Larson
Front Row (L. to R.): Billy, Sally. Jon. and Maria
Back Row: Rebecca
Jon Wallace Larson was bom in Tacoma, Washington,
May 8, 1942, son of Rudolph Vernon Larson and Helen
Calder Larson. He grew up in Roosevelt, Utah. In 1961 he
was called to serve in the West German Mission. While there
he served as secretary to Elder Theodore M. Burton who was
supervisor of all European missions.
Jon graduated from BYU with a Masters of Business
Administration degree in 1972. His schooling was inter-
rupted when he served in the U.S. Army for three years. He
was a lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps.
Sally Drawhom Larson was bom in Beaumont, Texas,
April 22, 1943, daughter of Thomas Laurie Drawhom and
Esther Rae Young. She grew up in Dayton, Texas. In 1961
she began attending school at BYU and graduated in 1965
with a bachelor's degree in English.
Jon and Sally were married in August 1965. Jon con-
tinued his education at BYU for three years while Sally
worked in a Provo bank. Jon went into the army after one year
of graduate school. He served in the U.S. for two years and
for one year in Viet Nam. Sally retumed to Texas and taught
school while he was away.
The Larsons have three children, Rebecca bom De-
cember 11, 1969, Maria bom January 29, 1973 and Billy
bom December 17, 1975.
Following graduation from BYU Jon worked in the
personnel department there for several years. In the fall of
1977 he accepted the job of personnel director at Ricks
College and the family moved to Archer.
Elden and Marie Lauritzen
Front Row (L. to R.): Darwin. Marie. Elden, Lau-.M ;
Back Row: Andrea. DaLea, and Linda
Elden Lynn Lauritzen was bom October 23, 1935, in
Corral, Idaho. He is the oldest of four children. He attended
the Corral grade school for eight years. He attended the
Gooding High School for three years. In 1953 he went to
Hymm, Utah and lived with his grandparents while attending
So. Cache High School. He graduated from there in 1 954. He
joined the Church in December 1953. He attended Ricks
College in 1955. In 1955-57 he served a mission in the
Central States. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959-61.
He moved to Dingle, Idaho in 1962 where he worked as a
mechanic. He worked at Ricks College from 1966-73. He
now has his own shop and is an automotive machinest.
I, Alice Marie Cheney Lauritzen, was bom February 3,
1934, in the L.D.S. Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho. I was
raised in the Sunnydell area. I'm the oldest of thirteen chil-
dren. I attended the Sunnydell School for my first seven
school years and also attended the Sunnydell Branch while it
was in existence. My eighth year of school I attended Archer.
I attended the old Madison High School from 1948-1952,
Ricks College three years, graduated from U.S.U. in 1959,
majoring in elementary education. I taught school in
122
Morehead. Montana in a one-room school (six grades of
students) 1956-57. I also taught school in Aberdeen, Idaho,
1959-60; St. Charles, Idaho, 1960-61; Geneva, Idaho
1961-63. I served a mission in the East Central States
1957-58. I met Elden while teaching in Geneva and we were
married December 21, 1962 in the Idaho Falls Temple. We
have lived in Dingle and Bloomington, Idaho and Afton,
Wyoming. We moved to Archer in 1966 and lived in the old
Taylor home for seven years until we were able to get a home
of our own.
I have always loved to play music. I learned to play on
an old treadle (pump) organ. Since then I have learned to play
piano, accordian and organ. While attending U.S. U. I played
with a dance band called the Rhythm Ranglers. I live to cook,
sew, read and love being the mother of five children.
Linda Marie Lauritzen was bom February 19, 1964 in
Montpelier, Idaho. Her kindergarten teacher was Maylin
England (Davidson). Her schooling was Lyman one-three.
Archer four to six, Madison Jr. High seven-nine. She is now
attending Madison High School and will be a junior this year.
She plays the clarinet and enjoys playing solos and in the
band and pep band. She lettered in band last school year. She
likes to read and sew.
Andrea Lauritzen was bom January 27, 1966, in Afton,
Wyoming. We moved to Archer when she was two months
old. Bessie Wilcox taught her in kindergarten. Schooling was
Lyman one -three. Archer four-six, now attending Madison
Junior High School and will be in ninth grade this year. She
likes to read, make things with her hands, arts and crafts, sew
and tend kids.
DaLea Lauritzen was bom April 26, 1968 in Rexburg,
Idaho. Her kindergarten teachers were Marjory Wilcock,
LaVeme Hacking and Marie Lauritzen. Schooling was
Lyman one-three. Archer four-six. She will be attending
Madison Junior High this year. She likes to knit, crochet,
draw, color, play saxophone and work on her genealogy
book.
LaGrand Lauritzen was bom December 5, 1969 in Rex-
burg, Idaho. His schooling is Lyman, kindergarten-two, now
attending Archer and will be in fifth grade this year. He likes
to read, draw, build things and help his dad in the shop.
Darwin Lauritzen was bom July 27, 1971 in Rexburg,
Idaho. His schooling is Lyman, kindergarten-three and will
be attending Archer this year. He likes to read and play
baseball.
Glen and Cheryl Leak
I was bom on November 2, 1944 in Salt Lake City to
Glenden H. Leak and Theda Eschler. At approximately one
year of age my family moved to West Jordan, close to the
dairy farm where my father was bom and raised. I had a close
association with my Leak grandparents and enjoyed working
on the farm. My grandfather had a two-wheel donkey cart in
which he used to pick me up and take me to the farm. Later it
was my privilege to drive the cart any and everywhere I went.
I attended West Jordan elementary and junior high
schools and graduated from Bingham High School in 1963.
My summer vacations during my high school years were
Left to Right: Shelly, Cheryl, Stacey, Glen, Shane, and Shaundel
spent in Montpelier, Idaho and Lanes Creek in Caribou
County where I helped my Eschler grandparents and lived in
a cow camp during the week with my grandfather.
After working at the sugar factory in West Jordan for
one campaign I served at thirty month mission in the Swiss
Mission. Upon retum I attended Utah State University where
I graduated in 1971 withaB.S. degree in range management.
While at USU I met Cheryl Kunzler, the daughter of M.
Dee Kunzler and Melva Tracy from Park Valley, Utah. We
were married on September 12, 1969.
Cheryl was bom in Brigham City, Utah, some eighty
miles from Park Valley. A few days after her birth her mother
took her home to the ' ' high mountain desert' ' of Park Valley
where she grew to maturity. Her parents operate a cow/calf
operation which, like any farming enterprise, was loaded
with plenty of hard work while she was growing up. She
became known as her dad's "dutiful daughter" as she baled
hay, helped with chores and feeding and in general was her
dad's "right hand man".
As soon as she was old enough she entered 4-H with
projects in beef and sewing. One year she and a friend won a
trip to the Westem National Livestock Show in Denver, with
their 4-H dehorning display.
She attended ten years of school in a two room school
house in Park Valley and then went to Tremonton to live with
a family so she could finish high school at Bear River High.
At USU she majored in elementary education and graduated
in 1970 with aB.S. degree. During college she was chosen to
participate in the Hill Cumorah Pageant.
After our marriage we lived in an attic apartment to cut
comers so that we could both finish school. She worked on
campus and I worked at Tri-Miller Pack in Hymm. Shaundel
was bom while we lived there on March 12, 1971 . In August
of 1 97 1 we moved to Columbus, Georgia, where I completed
the Infantry Officer Basic Course. We were sent home after
that course because the Viet Nam War was coming to an end
and there was no room available in the army.
My job was waiting at Tri-Miller Pack so we moved
back to Logan. While working at Tri-Miller Pack a friend
introduced us to the Federal Land Bank. We made some
contacts about employment and took a "long shot" drive to
Spokane for interviews. We were lucky enough to obtain a
career position and immediately went to work in August of
123
1972. We spent four months in Burley and then moved to
Lyman, Idaho. While in Lyman, Shelby and Shane were
bom. In 1975 we moved to our home in Archer where Stacey
came to live with us.
Our lives have been blessed with activity in the Church
in many different wards. Each call to serve whether in prim-
ary, Elders Quorum or bishopric seemed to stretch us beyond
our capabilities and maturity. We do acknowledge our Father
in Heaven's blessings and thank Him for the abundance of
spiritual and temporal blessings which we have received.
When the Archer Ward was divided I had the honor of
being called to serve as bishop.
Tom and Rosalie Leman
Left to Right: Rosalie holding Bethany, John, Tom, and Peter
Thomas E. Leman, sonof Homer and Ruby Leman, was
bom May 21, 1949. He was raised in Phoenix along with an
older sister and younger brother. He enjoyed school and
church and was very active in both. He was blessed with a
beautiful tenor voice and was awarded a college scholarship
because of it. After one year of college, he was called to the
Northem Califomia Mission, where he served an honorable
mission and was instrumental in bringing many people in the
church. After his mssion, because of lack of funds for col-
lege, he applied with the Phoenix Police and was accepted.
He worked there for several months then moved back to
Califomia to work for the Petaluma Police Department for
two years. He then desired to return to his home and was
accepted with the Arizona Highway Patrol, graduating
among the top three in the academy. He worked as a motor-
cycle patrolman, enjoying his work very much. He also was,
as time permitted, continuing his education.
Rosalie was bom October 22, 1948 to Kenneth and
Laurel Hacking of Archer. She enjoyed farm life and also
school and church activities. She attended Ricks College and
graduated in 1969 from the school of nursing, receiving her
RN that summer. She worked in Utah until April 1973 when
she was called to serve as a health missionary in Hong Kong.
After an exciting and fulfilling mission she returned home to
Archer where she was advised by Bishop Grover that she
should move to Tempe, Arizona. So she did and started
working at a hospital in Mesa. She started a class with the
LDS social services where she met a lovely lady, Roxy
Ballard. Sister Ballard went home after class and called her
nephew Tom and said, "I've met the girl for you!" When he
asked when she was going to introduce them she said there
was no time like the present, called Rosalie on the phone and
introduced them. They set a date and that was the beginning
for them. They were married August 8, 1976 in the Idaho
Falls Temple and retumed to live in Arizona. They moved
back to Idaho in January of 1978. Tom now works for the
Idaho State Police. They have three children, Jon Thomas,
bom August 27, 1977; Peter Daniel, bom May 31, 1978; and
Bethany Anne, bom June 10, 1980. They are thrilled to be
able to live in Archer and be able to raise their family in a
rural setting and among such choice people as are found here .
Bill and Nelia Luthy
I, Bill, was bom January 30, 1933 at the home of
Grandpa and Grandma Luthy in Rexburg, the second boy in a
family of three boys and one girl, bom to Helen Mary Wilcox
Luthy and Henry Lewis Luthy.
We lived at Herbert, Idaho on Lyman Creek where my
parents dry farmed and raised cattle. I attended school at
Herbert for seven years. It was a one room school house with
a pot-bellied stove , kerosene lights and the mnning water was
in the creek. Primary was held at the school house and the
total school enrollment never exceeded fourteen during the
years I attended. In 1946 we moved to Archer where my
parents had bought a place as my older brother and the
neighbor's boy had graduated from school. It only left three
of us in the whole school. I graduated from the eighth grade at
Archer and attended high school at Rexburg, attended Ricks
College in 1951 and 1952. I worked for a neighbor on the dry
farm and for the Forest Service then in 1954 was drafted into
Front Row (L. to R.): Nelia and Bill
Back Row: Kerry, Brent, and Byron
the army. I took my basics at Fort Ord, Califomia and Fort
Smith, Arkansas and then was sent to Germany for the
remainder of my time.
The service was full of many experiences, the kind you
124
J
wouldn't take the world for and wouldn't give a red cent for
the chance to do over again. I returned from the service in the
fall of 1 956 and was called to serve in the bishopric as second
counselor to Bishop Bamarr Erickson with Calvin Cook as
first counselor.
On March 27, 1959 1 married Nelia Smith and moved to
Ririe, Idaho. We farmed at Ririe for the next ten years and it
was here that three of our four boys were bom, Kevin in
1960, Brent in 1962 and Byron in 1964. In 1966 my father
passed away and we moved back to Archer and built a home
at our present location. Here in 1970 our fourth boy, Kerry,
was bom completing our family. We continue to farm in the
Herbert area and here in Archer raising some beef and operat-
ing a dairy herd. We make our living and have never run out
of a job. Nelia enjoys sewing and quilting, gardening and
canning. I enjoy working with wood, buildings things and
carving, working with leather, making lamps and other in-
teresting things with polished homs and painting western
pictures.
Mary Luthy
Mary and Hank
I was bom September 16, 1908 at Fairview, Idaho. I am
the ninth child of David Oswel and Frances Melissa McCul-
lough Wilcox. I was named Helen Mary for my two grand-
mothers who were both bom when the saints were crossing
the plains.
In 1910 my parents moved to Archer, where I grew up
and attended school. I finished my education in 1929 when I
graduated from the high school department of Ricks College .
I have fond memories of my childhood days. I re-
member what a long distance it seemed to ride in the white
top buggy or sleigh to the log church house for Sunday
School and Sacrament Meetings. I remember how we always
walked to school in the spring and fall. My first year of school
was held at the Herman Erickson dance hall. I was one of the
students that had the opportunity of attending the Archer
High School.
I remember how much fun I had at the children's
dances, the ward reunions, the school and family parties.
I was married May 7, 1930 in the Salt Lake Temple to
Henry Lewis Luthy. After we were married we lived at
Herbert, Idaho where my husband dry farmed and raised
cattle.
There was a small one room schoolhouse where our
boys attended school and primary.
In 1945 we purchased our present home in Archer.
We have four children, Lawrence Kay, Billy Ray,
Dwayne Lewis and Shirley Mardean.
I have had the opportunity of serving as president of the
primary, Y. W.M.I. A. and Relief Society for which I am
most grateful.
On April 26, 1966, my husband passed away. Since that
time my way of life changed. After his death I worked at
Ricks College for four and a half years, then I started work at
the Archer lunch room where I am still employed.
At the present time I have three brothers, two sisters, my
four children, nineteen grandchildren and four great grand-
children that are living.
I am grateful for such a special family and for the
opportunity to live in this great country where I can enjoy life
and freedom.
Merrill and Arlene Lundberg
I was bom November 19, 1946 to Willard Herman
Whitaker and Dathel Charlesworth Whitaker in Fillmore,
Utah.
I am the fifth child of twelve children. I have five
brothers and six sisters.
I lived on a farm. Elementary school was attended in
Kanosh, Utah where I lived for seventeen years. My junior
high and high school years were at Millard in Fillmore, Utah.
I graduated from high school in 1965. During my ninth grade
year I had a voice teacher but this training lasted only a few
short months as my teacher moved away. I attended Snow
College for one year.
I met Merrill during the summer of 1973 while working
at the Tooele Army Depot in Tooele, Utah. We were married
18 August 1973. My daughter Pamella was just four years old
at the time.
■V S
Left to Rigtit Mcila Djwn. Mcnill, Ariene. Jo-iit; K.ie. PrnL?//j, .ind
Curtis.
Merrill was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as
a coach at Sherman Indian School in Riverside, Califomia.
so we spent our honeymoon getting me moved to my new
125
home.
Merrill graduated from law school with a juris doctorate
in the spring of 1976.
During this period of time Merrill was employed by
Norte Vista High School in Riverside where he taught math,
English, drivers education and was coaching cross-country
and track teams plus football.
In the fall of 1974 we had a little eight-year-old Lama-
nite girl from Arizona share our home.
While teaching school Merrill found out about a little
twenty-month-old baby girl who was in need of a home. She
came to live with us in December of 1975. We named her
Jodie Kae.
In the fall of 1975 we were able to get another Lamanite
child. This time it was a thirteen-year-old boy from Arizona.
In October 1 976 we moved to Dubois where Merrill was
employed by the Clark County School District as superinten-
dent of schools.
Our Lamanite boy was able to come to Dubois with us
for one school year.
After only one year in this position Merrill went to work
for the Madison School District as principal at the Archer
Elementary School.
While in the Beaver Creek Ward I was asked to be
Cultural Refinement leader and Sunday School teacher. Mer-
rill was a counselor in the Sunday School superintendency.
In the fall of 1 977 I went to work for the Madison School
District as a Title I tutor at the Burton school.
In November of 1977 Jodie Kae and I were driving
home from Archer in a snowstorm when my car went out of
control and hit a truck head on. At this time I felt like
Heavenly Father had a hand in delivering us. 1 was sent to
Idaho Falls Hospital where I was fit with a halo brace which I
had to endure for three long months.
Jodie Kae had a few stitches and was sent home with her
daddy.
Just one small example of what Merrill has done and
continues to do for kids: In the summer of 1978 Merrill was
driving from Dubois to Archer six days a week so that he
could coach a Little League baseball team. This team was the
champion.
In August of 1978 Merrill and I were sealed together in
the Idaho Falls Temple. Jodie Kae was sealed to us at this
time.
Merla Dawn was bom October 29, 1978.
We moved from Dubois to Rexburg in December of
1978. We were in the Ninth Ward at this time.
Then December 2, 1979 our little son was bom. We
named him Curtis Wade.
In August of 1980 we moved next to the Ben Homer
family and into the Sunnydell Ward.
I am presently serving as a visiting teacher and as a
member of the ward choir.
I have sung many solos and enjoy it very much.
Merrill has been called to be a teacher in the Sunday
School.
Merrill is teaching and coaching at the Madison High
School in Rexburg.
He alwo works part-time as a radio announcer on KIGO
Radio Station in St. Anthony.
Merrill is the son of Waldo Nathan Lundberg and Wilma
D. Gardine. He was bom September 11, 1937 in Roberts,
Idaho.
Sterling and Erma Magleby
^ ulHiHH
Erma and Sterling
The Magleby family joined the Archer-Sunnydell
community in 1919. Jacob and Mary Magleby and family,
Rulon, Karl, Herbert, Sterling and LaRue came here seeking
greater farming opportunities for all the family to work to-
gether. They purchased the Jensen farm of 160 acres and
movedthefamily here from Monroe, Utah. Much of this new
farm was in sagebrush and unimproved so the Magleby
family worked many years to make it into a high producing
fertile farm. As the boys married or attended college they
moved on to other opportunities leaving Sterling as operator
and owner of the whole farm including eighty acres purch-
ased from John Taylor.
Sterling was bom in Monroe, Utah in 1902, July 1st. He
attended elementary and high school in Monroe, then enrol-
led at Ricks College where he won a scholarship to the
University of Idaho on a wheat project. He also attended Utah
State University. After serving a mission in the Eastem
States, he retumed to the farm and took over active manage-
ment.
In 1933 Sterling and Erma Harrison were married in the
Salt Lake Temple. Erma was bom December 5, 1909 in
Sugar City, Idaho to John W. and Lillie West Harrison. She
is a graduate of Sugar Salem High School and Ricks College
where she served as yearbook editor, on the debating team
and in opera and drama.
Erma taught in the Rexburg elementary schools for four
years but gave it up to marry Sterling in 1933. They lived in
an upstairs apartment in the Jacob Magleby home until
SterUng's folks moved to Idaho Falls, then they took over the
home. Here three children were bom to them, Richard in
1934, Mary Lynne in 1937 and John in 1941.
Sterling was named Fremont County Grassman of the
Year for his range improvement program on his Henry's
Lake ranch; was a member of the Madison Memorial Hospi-
126
tal Board; received a citation from the Ricks College
Emeritus Club for outstanding agricultural achievements;
served in the State House of Representatives and on the Flood
Control Board. Recently he was awarded the Old Timer
Cattleman's Award for Madison County.
In the L.D.S. Church, Sterling served as superintendent
of M.I. A. and Sunday School; as a president in the Seventies
Quorum; on stake boards of Mutual and Sunday School; as
bishop of the Archer Ward and High Counselor in the Rex-
burg Stake.
Erma became a teacher of the gospel in all auxiliary
organizations. In Relief Society she served as a counselor to
two ward presidents; as a Stake Board member; as ward
president; and as Relief Society President of the Rexburg
Stake.
She was active for years in the Ricks College Alumni
Association receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award in
1973. She writes obituaries, advice to newly weds and gives
talks and readings to many local and college groups.
The oldest Magleby son, Richard, is a graduate of Penn
State University with a Ph.D. in agricultural economics. He
is a section leader in the Economics Research Service of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is stake president of the
Young Men's Organization. He married Donna Mortensen of
California and they have three children, Christy, David and
Sherry.
Mary Lynne graduated from a beautician's school and
worked in beauty shops in Moscow and Rexburg. She served
as ward president of Young Women's Mutual and a teacher in
Relief Society. She married Arvin Lords of Rigby and they
have three children; Arlin, Kevin and Shellie. Mary died in
1976.
John, our younger son, is a graduate of Utah State
University with a BS Degree in agricultural economics. He
has taken over all farming activities on the Archer farm and
Henry's Lake ranch. He won an award as Outstanding Young
Famier of Idaho in 1973. He is married to Shirlene Palmer of
Preston and they have three sons; Brett, Bryan and Christ-
opher. John is a bishop's counselor in the College 26th Ward.
Sterling and Erma have always liked to travel. Their
honeymoon was spent at the Chicago World's Fair; they won
a trip to Hawaii and have made two bus trips around the
United States.
They are proud of their family - father and sons filled
missions and all have had temple marriages and are active in
the Church.
Lamont and Terri Merrill
The Warren Lamont Merrill family arrived in Archer on
or about the first of June 1969. Before transplanting our feet
into Archer soil, Mont had been bom and raised in Annis,
Idaho. Terri, myself, was bom in Montana and raised in
Goshen and Rigby, Idaho. We were married August 13, 1964
in the Idaho Falls Temple and set up housekeeping in Rex-
burg.
Mont was not made for city living and we soon started
looking for a place in the country to call our own. We lived in
Salem, Idaho for a couple of years still looking for just the
Leit to Right: Tahnean. Janan, Terri, Anthony, Lamont, Marlyn, and
Erica
right comer of the world. At last it was found in a small
community called Archer. And on July 1, 1968 we bought
Lots 1 and 2 of the original Archer townsite.
Lamont' s profession as a building contractor made it
possible for us to build our own home. And so upon moving
in in June 1969 we had filled part of a dream.
At this time our family consisted of us and two children,
Anthony Wayne, age three. He was bom January 1, 1966.
Tahnean, age three months, was bom March 31, 1969.
Mont was called to Explorer advisor and teacher in the
Elders Quomm. With Christmas tree cutting outings, cutting
fence posts, white water trips and various basketball games,
he became well acquainted with the young men of the ward.
I was called to be a primary teacher and a year later
called to serve as Primary President, a position I held for four
years until August 1 974. During that time our daughter, Erica
was bom on 14 June 1971.
Mont was released as Explorer advisor and became
executive secretary in the Elders Quorum and still was
teacher. The Elders Quomm was divided and Mont became a
counselor to President LaVar Squires.
Mont was called to be Elders Quorum President in
February 1976 to the Archer North Elders Quorum. The
Elders shelter at the back of the church has been a project
which he has seen grow from an idea to the building from lots
of Fourth of July breakfasts and lots of hard work from a lot of
Elders.
As the ward was divided he became president of the
Archer Quomm of Elders, a position he holds to the present
time.
Mont's profession as a builder have added to the friend-
ships we have made. And he has several homes in the area
that he has built as well as our own.
The year 1 976 was a very interesting and busy year with
the addition of our last two daughters, Marlyn on 14 January
1976 and JaNan on 1 1 December 1976.
I was called to serve in the MIA in the spring of 1977 as
the Laurel advisor and later as First Counselor and Mia Maid
teacher, a job I still hold.
Anthony has served as Deacon Quorum president and at
the present time as secretary to the Teachers Quorum.
127
The girls are still in primary.
We have very much enjoyed our lives in the community
of Archer and we love and appreciate our neighbors and
friends in the wards. We are grateful for our testimonies of
the truthfulness of the gospel.
Hal and Sybil
Moon
^^^^^^F< >j|^|
uU
^1
1 1
Hal, Sybil and Mandy
The Moon family consists of Hal Reid Moon, age 25,
bom February 28, 1955 in Rexburg, Idaho to Lyle H. and
Winnie Roberts Moon. Sybil Rena Landrum, age 23, was
bom December 29, 1956 in Bogalusa, Louisiana to Quitmon
and Maxine Keaton Landrum. Mandy Moon, age two years,
was bom June 7. 1978 in Rexburg, Idaho. We were married
July 16, 1977 in the Rexburg North Stake Center. We were
sealed later on December 9, 1978 in the Idaho Falls Temple.
We lived in Sugar City, Idaho for one and a half years. When
we had been about eight months we went to Bogalusa,
Louisiana for about three months then returned to Idaho
where Hal began working at Ricks College. He has worked
there two years. We moved to Archer July 1, 1979.
Hal was reared in Sugar City where he attended school.
Hal has three real brothers and two real sisters. He has two
stepsisters and one stepbrother. Hal's mom died when he was
ten years old. He also had a brother die at the age of nineteen.
Later Hal's dad remarried Zeruah Belnap.
Sybil was reared in Bogalusa, Louisiana where she
attended school . She has two brothers and one sister who died
at an early age. She attended Ricks College. After college she
worked in Rexburg where she met Hal. Sybil's family are
converts to the church. She has a brother serving a mission in
Tempe, Arizona.
Hal's hobbies are things that are challenging. Sybil's
hobbies are sewing and playing piano. We enjoy camping
and working in our yard together. We also enjoy going up in
mountains to get firewood together. Mandy 's favorite ani-
mals are horses, dogs and rabbits. We plan to have a larger
family and stay in Archer.
Delas and Elaine Munns
Delas Arthur Munns, the son of Arthur James Munns
and Janet Clements was bom October 1 1, 1928 in Archer,
Idaho at the home of his grandfather, Harry Munns. This is
the home presently occupied by Irvine and Mae M. Bums.
Delas is the oldest of five brothers and one sister. They are
Merlin (Jim), Lyrin, Janet Ann, Harry, Lynn and Keith. He
attended grade school at Archer and Lyman and high school
in Rexburg, graduating from Madison High School in 1947.
He then worked on the farm helping his father with the farm
work and with the cattle. He also worked for various other
farmers in the area. He attended Ricks College a couple of
winter quarters.
Delas liked to dance and used to attend the Saturday
night dances sponsored by the city in the St. Anthony armory
building. This was where he became acquainted with his
future wife. In August of 1953 he entered the army where he
served until June 1955.
On July 28, 1955 he married Elaine Stoddard of St.
Anthony in the Idaho Falls Temple. She is the daughter of
Wyman Miner Stoddard and Annie Louisa Brown and was
bom on December 18, 1 93 1 in Parker, Idaho, but when small
the family moved to St. Anthony, Idaho, where she was
raised. There she attended grade school and high school
graduating from South Fremont High School in 1950. She
attended Ricks College, majoring in elementary education
and graduated in 1955 with a B.S. degree while Ricks was
still a four-year school. To help with the finances to get
through college, Elaine stayed out of college one year and
worked in St. Anthony and also worked two summers in
West Yellowstone, Montana.
Front Row (L. to R.): Garth and Elaine.
Back Row: Delias, Steve, Nicki, and Nancy.
After our marriage, we lived in Archer for a short time,
first living in a small apartment behind the old Henry Erick-
son store when it was on the north side of the street from the
present store. We then moved to the old Alice Blackburn
home which was located north of Howells store on the comer
where Monte and Terry Merrill now live. Early in the spring
of 1956 we moved to a farm we had rented west of Rexburg
by the Menan Butte. We lived here for about three years. It
was while living here that our oldest daughter, Nicki, was
bom on January 2, 1957. She was six weeks premature
weighing four pounds 8 ounces when bom but came along
fine.
Nicki went to grade school and part of high school in
Sugar City, Idaho but graduated from Madison High School
128
and Ricks College. She is presently employed in the Educa-
tional Media Center at Ricks College.
We then moved north of Rexburg to the Salem area
where we rented another farm. One month after we moved
there. Steven was bom on June 26, 1960. He attended grade
school at Sugar City and graduated from Madison High
School. For a year after graduation he helped his father on the
farm. He is currently serving in the Australia Brisbane Mis-
sion. He entered the Missionary Training Center November
15, 1979.
Nancy was bom on April 23, 1963. She attended grade
school in Sugar City and later in Archer. She is a senior at
Madison High School.
Garth was bom on October 5, 1966 and attended grade
school in Lyman and Archer. He is currently attending Madi-
son Junior High.
During the last days of May, 1971, we moved from
Salem back to the Archer area. We bought the Vem Grover
home and farm on Grover Lane and that is where we are
presently living.
It is good to be back home in the Archer area but while
living elsewhere we enjoyed meeting new people and work-
ing in the different wards holding numerous positions. At
present in the Archer ward Delas is serving as first counselor
in the bishopric and Elaine is Mother's Education teacher in
Relief Society.
Jim and Marie Munns
Front Row (L. to R.). Tree-^a i J,;:i'^ .vife), Marie, Connie Erickson and
Toni Mangum.
Back Row: Tim, Jim, Merlin (Jim), Nolan Erickson, and Virgil Man-
gum.
Merlin (Jim) Munns and Marie Weekes Munns were
married September 15, 1950. We lived in Lyman until the
following March when we moved into the old Milton Squires
place in Archer where we have been since.
Connie was bom August 10, 1951. She is now married
to Nolan Erickson and they have five children.
Toni Lee was bom August 1 1, 1952. She married Verg
Mangum and they live at Terreton. Toni works at Town and
Country Motors and Vcrg manages a. feed lot.
Tim was bom May 7, 1958. He married Treeva Bagley
and they live in Salem. Tim works for Lufkins in Rigby and
Treeva at the Rexburg Vet Clinic. They both enjoy rodeo.
A. Jim was bom December 1 1, 1963. He is still home
with us and going to high school. He enjoys reading and
leather work.
We have a place in Kilgore and one-fourth interest in the
Rexburg Livestock Auction. As a result, we just farm and run
a few cattle. Jim also drives truck occasionally.
Both of us enjoy spoiling the five grandkids.
George and LaVon Munns
Front Row (L. to R.): LaVon and George.
Back Row: LaRee, Spence, and Marilee.
George Henry Munns was bom 19 June 1911 in Archer,
Idaho, to Sarah Ann Weekes and Henry Alvin Munns.
George has been a fanner all his life, beginning in his
mother's garden and on his father's farm. At the age of
fourteen he was sent to the dry farm to mn it alone. He likes
horses and always had a good team and saddle pony. He has
rented land since he was in his teens. He rented one farm of
400 acres for twenty -three years. He acquired 320 acres of his
own and improved the land with cellars and sprinkler sys-
tems. He raised hay, grain, beets, potatoes, and cattle. He
has been a committeeman on and has been recognized by
several agricultural organizations. As an outstanding rep-
resentative of the area, he was invited to tour Europe and
Russia on a goodwill tour. He was honored in the 1972
edition of "Community Leaders of America" and has re-
ceived awards from the Chamber of Commerce for commun-
ity service and agriculture.
He married LaVon L. CLements 16 September 1930 in
Rexburg, Idaho. She was bom in Rexburg 26 March 1913 to
Janet Urquhart S pence Leatham and John W. Clements.
They were sealed in the Logan Temple 2 April 1935.
The depression years necessitated various jobs to sup-
plement the family income. George cut wood in the timber
and sold it for $2.00 a cord, and posts for ten cents each. He
did riprapping on the river, and he and Chris Nielson were on
the finishing end of the road constmction from Rigby to Swan
Valley. He sorted potatoes for twenty years, sometimes for
twenty-five cents an hour. He was foreman of the crew for
nineteen years. He also bought and sold potatoes and did
129
custom grain cutting. He has been watermaster on the Len-
root and Sunnydell canals and was later president of both
canal companies. He trucked grain to Arizona and California
and brought cattle back.
After Pearl Harbor he and Richard Boulter sponsored a
dance for every soldier leaving the ward, which gave them a
good send-off. He was a member of the Idaho Volunteer
Reserves, but was never called to action.
George and La Von are officiators in the Idaho Falls
Temple where George is a sealer. George has also been a
stake missionary, president of the Elders Quorum, counselor
in the Sunday School, and bishop of the Archer Ward for ten
years. La Von has been a counselor in the Relief Society,
Primary, MIA and Jr. Sunday School.
George's hobbies have included hunting, square danc-
ing and carpentry. He has built tables, cedar chests, cup-
boards and two homes of his own. La Von has enjoyed square
dancing, quilting, genealogy and reading. George has always
been a good neighbor and willing to help those in need.
La Von has supported him in his efforts.
They have three children: LaRee C. Munns (Mrs. De-
Ibert Rees Madsen). LaRee served a mission in Samoa,
taught high school and college, seminary and quilting clas-
ses. She has three children, Keven (presently serving a mis-
sion in Georgia), Douglas Lee and Christine. They live in
Boise.
Clifford Spence Munns is a veterinarian in California.
He spent two years in the army in Japan in cryptography in
the secret service. He has been a bishop twice. He rides
horses in endurance races. He married Scottie Aloha Rap-
pleye. They have four children: Kade Rappleye Munns, a
truck driver and ferrier; KayCee Lee Munns (Mrs. Steven
Sawyer), an interior decorator; Janan Marcene Munns (Mrs.
John Willman) and Derric Judd.
Marilee Georgia Munns is Mrs. James Laurence Byrne.
Marilee and Laurence live in Archer with their four children,
Michael James, Kari Dawn, Matthew Brian and Stacey Kim .
George and La Von are proud of their family. They have
one great grandchild. Shannon Sawyer.
George and La Von have lived all their married life in
this community and love the way of life it provides.
Keith and Ruth Munns
Keith Johney Munns, bom December 1 1, 1940, is the
son of Arthur James Munns and Janet Clements. He joined
five brothers and one sister--Delas, Merlin (Jim), Lyrin,
Janet Ann Hansen, Henry (Harry), and Lynn, making a
family of seven. He was bom in Rexburg, Idaho and was
raised just east of the Lyman Church, out against the footh-
ills.
Keith attended the Lyman grade school for eight years
and then went on to Madison High School where he was
active in sports and F.F.A. He was president of the F.F.A.
and received honors, including his State and American Star
Farmer degree. Keith was also on the basketball team and
when he was a senior he was the studentbody president. Keith
graduated in 1959. He attended Ricks College the fall and
Front Row: Ruth and Becky
Back Row: Keith and Jeffrey.
winter of 1959-60.
Ruth Neville Munns, bom December 13, 1938, is the
daughter of Thomas Cloyd Neville and Regina L. Archibald.
Ruth was bom with a twin sister, Reah Clark. They joined
four sisters, Regina (Beebe), Catherine (Jolley), Bonnie
(Munns) and Lois Ann (Marshall), making a family of six
girls.
Ruth was bom and raised in Rexburg, Idaho, attending
the Washington grade school and then going to Madison
High. There she enjoyed sports and home economics classes.
After graduating in 1957 she attended fall quarter at Ricks
College and then went to Salt Lake to the Hollywood Beauty
School where she graduated in 1958. Ruth then came back to
Rexburg and worked at Darlene's Beauty Shop until 1962.
In the summer of 1 959 Keith and Ruth started dating and
were married and sealed May 24, 1962 in the Idaho Falls
Temple. They made their home just a little south and east of
his folks next to the hill. That first summer Keith worked for
his dad farming and working cattle. He and his dad had
purchased a cattle ranch in Montana the year before and Keith
and Ruth spent a good part of their first summer fencing,
checking cows and fishing at the ranch.
The first couple of winters Keith worked at the Sugar
Factory at Lincoln and then he went to work at Roger
Brothers, north of Rexburg, where he worked until 1979.
In March of 1965 Keith graduated from the Westem
College of Auctioneering.
On May 4, 1965 Keith and Ruth had a baby boy, Jeffrey
Keith. What a happy day! He was bom in Rexburg at the
Madison Memorial Hospital. What a lot of joy he brought.
The year Jeff started school at Union-Lyman they
moved to Archer to the old Vem Grover home on Grover
Lane. They farmed the place and lived there one year, then
moved to the little white house of Sophie Young's, just- a
quarter mile east of the Archer Merc.
About 1974 Keith started working at the Rexburg Lives-
tock Auction as an auctioneer. In 1977 Keith and three of his
brothers purchased the auction, and at present Keith also is
130
engaged with the D & D Auction, Inc.
After fourteen long years the family was finally blessed
with a beautiful baby girl, Becky Renette. What a special
treasure she is to this family! She was bom April 13, 1979 at
the Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg.
The Munns have enjoyed the Archer Ward with Jeff
being active with various jobs in the Aaronic Priesthood and
Keith having served as service and activity chairman and
counselor in the Elders Quorum and at present is the M.I. A.
young men's president. Ruth has taught the Laurels and Mia
Maids and for two years she taught the Mother's Education
lesson in Relief Society.
The family is very much horse-minded. Keith raises
registered quarter horses with Jeffs help. They cutter race
in the winter and go to rodeos in the summer. They also
raise cattle which consists of most of their work during the
winter months.
Jeff also likes to ski and enjoys leather work.
Russell and Linda Munns
f
Linda and Russell
Russell Harry Munns was bom January 26, 1959 to
Harry and Vonda Munns in Rexburg, Idaho. He grew up in
Lyman where he attended Union-Lyman and Archer schools.
He attended Madison Jr. High and graduated from Madison
High School in 1977.
Linda Hill was bom. in Rexburg, Idaho. She also grew
up in Lyman and attended Union-Lyman and Archer grade
schools. She graduated from Madison High School in 1978.
Russ served a mission for the L.D.S. Church in the
Monterrey Mexico Mission where he was a successful mis-
sionary. Linda attended Ricks College and received an as-
sociate degree in custom sewing. Russ retumed from his
mission in February 1980 and we were sealed for time and
eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 1 , 1980. This is
when we moved into the Archer area.
Russell's parents bought the land and houses previously
owned by Jim and Lola, and George Fyfe, so their sons could
have a place to live when they retumed from their missions.
His father, Harry Munns, is bishop of the Lyman First Ward.
His mother often clerks at the Archer Merc for the Sutton
family.
Russ enjoys living and working on the farm. He enjoys
working with horses and cattle. He likes the outdoors and
enjoys playing most sports.
Linda loves to sew and cook. She enjoys the outdoors
and camping. She loves playing softball and volleyball.
We are a happy family and are expecting our first child
in January 1981.
Ray and Delia Muir
Left to Right: Ray, Delia, Mickie Brown, Randy, and Bart
I, Delia, was bom September 12, 1923, to Henry Ed-
ward and Vive Carlson Larson, in Archer, Idaho.
I attended elementary and two years of high school in
Archer. I graduated from Madison High School in 1941.
My earliest memory was of thinning beets and picking
up potatoes, and having fun as a family on huckleberry trips,
getting out wood, and camping. We liked to ride horses,
which my mother especially enjoyed.
After I graduated, I did baby sitting and housekeeping
for Ronald and Edna Hill when their babies were little. Also,
for George and Lavon Munns. Then I went to work at the Joy
Drugstore for six months, then I went to Kings. In 1946,
February ninth, I married Ray Muir.
Ray was bom March 27, 1921 in Salem. His parents
were William and Dorothy Steele Muir. He went to elemen-
tary school in Salem and two years in Sugar City High
School. He and the rest of his family worked hard on the farm
to support their father on a mission.
They moved to Rexburg when Ray was seventeen. He
enlisted in the army when he was eighteen and served in
Australia during World War II. He came home in 1945. It
was then we first met. We were married the next year.
We lived in Rexburg where we had three children--our
daughter Mickey and sons Randy and Bart. Ray ran a service
station, then worked in construction.
In 1965 we bought a grocery store in Lincoln and were
there for twelve years, after which we sold out and moved to
Archer.
Our two older children are married, Mickey to Lynn
Brown. They have two little boys.
Randy is married to Jeanne Sorenson. They have two
little girls.
131
^til.^f~~
Bart works in Idaho Falls.
We enjoy our lovely mobile home, next to my mother.
We have plenty of room now to have our whole family home
for Christmas.
I have been a Relief Society Visiting Teacher many
times, taught social relations in Relief Society in Idaho Falls
for two years, taught Primary and was president in Rexburg
for a year just before we moved.
Shortly after returning to Archer, I have served as work
leader in the Relief Society, which I enjoy.
I went to the Temple and got my endowments when my
daughter was married, February 11, 1969.
I enjoy living back home by my mother and associating
with my childhood friends.
Grant and Berniece Neilson
Berniece and Grant
On September 5, 1950 Oscar Grant Neilson and Vema
Berniece Grover were joined in holy matrimony at the Idaho
Falls L.D.S. Temple. We only courted about three months
before marriage.
Grant was bom in Heman, Fremont County, Idaho,
August 14, 1925 where his father farmed. When he was
young the family moved to Burke, Idaho where his father
worked in the mines. It was at this time when Grant went with
his brothers and sisters up in the mountain to get firewood.
Grant was only four years old and fell down the mountain 100
feet fracturing his skull. They took him to the doctor in
Wallace, a nearby town. He cleaned it up somewhat and
sewed it up and told his parents he would be blind or
paralyzed, of which he is neither. He has had four brain
surgeries and has a plate in his head. Later the family moved
to Twin Falls where he received his schooling.
After graduating from high school he went to work at
Western Optical grinding lenses for eye glasses. He was
transferred to Idaho Falls. In September he received a mis-
sion call to the Spanish American Mission. He left in De-
cember. At that time they stayed two and a half years. He
labored in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado
and San Diego. After completing a successful mission he
returned to Idaho Falls where he went to work in a grocery
store. Henry Erickson's basement of the store is where he
lived and he started going to church in the Archer Ward and
there Phylis Smith introduced us at church.
On February 23, 1932 Berniece was bom at Rexburg,
Idaho at Barbara Anderson's home (Aunt Evalyn Grover's
mother). They tell me that I was small and not too well but
with good care I made it. Marshall and Vema Grover are my
parents.
I received my education at Archer Elementary and
Madison High School. I graduated from the eighth grade in
Archer. Of course I had the usual childhood diseases. I
remember the fun we had at the dances held in the Archer
school. People came from all around to these dances.
Everyone danced with everyone else and it was great fun. A
lot of people leamed to dance to Young's Orchestra.
After Grant and I were married we lived in the basement
of Henry Erickson's store until November when we moved to
St. Anthony where Grant was employed.
July 23, 1951 our first child and daughter was bom. I
remember sitting up in bed and watching the July 24th
parade. We named her Marsha Rae. When she was ten
months old we moved back to Archer in the house just west of
Henry Erickson. There we stayed until our basement to the
house where we now live could be finished enough to move
in. We moved in Thanksgiving Day 1952.
On March 16, 1953 Julie Ann, our second daughter,
was bom. We carried water and washed our clothes at my
folks' house.
January 1, 1955 Milon G. Neilson, our first son, was
bom. Being a new year's baby he received quite a few gifts.
On January 14, 1957 Aleene blessed our home, our
fourth child and third daughter.
September 8, 1958 Dale Lynn was bom. We had started
building our present upstairs part of our home. When Dale
was about three months old on December 1 2, 1 958 Grant was
bringing home building supplies in my folks' pickup when he
was forced off the road tipping the pickup upside down. The
injuries incapacitated him for two years.
On January 22, 1961 our baby girl, Yolonda, was bom.
When Grant called home to tell them she had arrived Milon
said in dismay, "Another girl?".
Grant has been in the Seven Presidents of Seventies,
High Priest secretary, etc. Berniece has worked in music in
Junior Sunday School, primary and sung in the choir, also
has been a teacher in primary and Junior Sunday School. At
present we have been called to work at the temple in iniatory
work which we tmly enjoy. We also enjoy eight grandchil-
dren.
Our children are: Marsha Rae who married Gordon
Young. They have two boys and two girls. Julie Ann married
Jay Dexter and has three girls. Milon G. married Linda Olsen
and has one girl. Aleene married Jess Lopey. Dale Lynn is in
Twin Falls driving for 7-Up. Yolonda is in Idaho Falls
working as an Idaho State Police dispatcher.
Chester and Ina Mae Nelson
Ina Mae (Hatton) Manley came to Archer to visit her
youngest sister, Madge (Hatton) Orr in 1955. At that time she
met Chester George Nelson. It must have been love at first
132
Ina Mae and Chester
sight because they were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls
Temple August 30, 1956.
Ina was bom October 3, 1906 in Owingsville, Ken-
tucky, daughter of Eastwood Hatton and Lizzie Lee Shrout.
She is the oldest of eleven children.
Chester was bom in Archer, Idaho, son of George
Francis Nelson and Susan Elizabeth Weekes.
When Ina was bom the church in her area was just a
"newbom" too--much like when the Church was first or-
ganized by Joseph Smith. People in Bath County, Kentucky
just didn't want nothin' to do with no "new-fangled" relig-
ion and them there crazy Mormons. "Hide your wives and
daughters" was the password. Walking two and a half miles
to and two and a half miles home from meetings was the mle
in those days but Ina never did mind that at all. She started
very young, teaching members her own age and went on to
teach primary, M.I. A. and Relief Society. After her move to
Lexington, Kentucky, she was Stake Relief Society Presi-
dent. Now Ina is an active visiting teacher.
Chester is a High Priest, home teacher and he and Ina
enjoy doing temple work as often as health permits. Over the
years Chester has been found helping and diligent in many
tasks in the ward.
Chester and Ina Mae Nelson are a tme example of what
love and work can accomplish. Together for twenty-four
years, they have built a new brick home and a small dairy and
homestead that has seen and welcomed many a friend and
relative from all over the country.
Dennis and Rita Nelson
Dennis W. Nelson was bom January 19, 1930 in
Archer, Idaho to George F. and S. Isabel Weekes Nelson.
Rita Johnson was bom June 5, 1930 in Burton, Idaho to
James Oliver and Emma K. Green Johnson.
We were married in the Idaho Falls Temple November
18, 1948.
We lived in the Charles O. Jeppson home where Chester
Nelson now lives, for nine years, until we built and moved
into our present home.
Dennis enjoyed scouting as a young teenager but his
interest waned. When he was called to work with the Scouts
the spark was again ignited. He finished the requirements for
his Eagle rank after our fifth child was born. Three sons also
attained Eagle rank.
Dennis' church service includes five years in the Sunday
School Presidency, home teacher and employment
specialist.
Dennis worked for U & I Sugar Company, at Kraft
Creamery and the past fourteen years for Idaho State High-
way Department. He also farms in Kilgore and Archer.
I, Rita, have held church positions mostly in the music
departments. I have sung in a ladies trio for over twenty-five
years.
While I was expecting our eighth child, I completed the
requirements for a Golden Gleaner Award.
I am a member of the ward choir, homemaking lesson
leader and visiting teacher.
I have been employed as a quality control technician at
American Potato since 1965. This being seasonal work I have
been able to be with my children during the summer and, with
their help, raised a large garden.
Front Row (L. to R.): Peggy, Lisa, Rita. Dennis, Gina^
Bacl< Row: Denise, Weston, Garth, Steven. Lyie, Carol.
We have been blessed with nine children of whom we
are very proud and we love them dearly. They have blessed
us with thirteen terrific grandchildren.
Lyle J., bom September 13, 1949, served a mission to
the Northern States from 1968-70. He served in the U.S.
Anny for eight years, four years in Germany. He married
Gale Ann Lancaster in 1971. They were sealed in the Swiss
Temple in 1972. They have four children and live in B Ian-
chard, Oklahoma.
Steven J., bom January 15, 1951, was a member of the
National Guard for six years. He married Kathy Jean Vining
in Seattle. They live in Rcxburg and have a son, Damon.
Carol, bom July 10, 1952, graduated from L.D.S. Bus-
iness College and worked for the state of Utah. In 1973 she
married Alan H. Neilson in the Salt Lake Temple. They have
six children - four beautiful girls and twin boys. They live in
Salt Lake City.
Garth J., bom March 19, 1954, attended I.S.U. and
then served a mission to Perth Australia 1973-75. He married
Kathleen Phillips in the Idaho Falls Temple. They are our
next door neighbors and have a son, Sam, and a daughter,
Simone.
133
Denise, bom August 30, 1955, graduated from Ricks
with her degree in nursing. She has worked in hospitals in
Rexburg, American Fork and Provo. She married David
Stoddard in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1975. They live in
Monticello, Utah where Dave teaches school and Denise
works at the hospital.
Weston J. , bom March 27, 1957, graduated from Madi-
son High, attended Ricks College. He is employed at Ameri-
can Potato in Rexburg. He married Peggy Ann Jensen Oc-
tober 20, 1978 and they were sealed in the Idaho Falls
Temple October 20, 1979. They live in Piano.
Peggy Sue, bom November 18, 1958, was bom on our
tenth wedding anniversary. She graduated from Madison
High and attended Ricks College. Later she moved to Salt
Lake City where she is employed by Bard-Parker Co.
Lisa Gay, bom September 3, 1960, graduated from
Ricks College April 22, 1980 and became employed as a
secretary at Ricks the day after her graduation. She enjoys all
sports and likes to participate. She loves music, dance, camp-
ing and doing things with her hands. She was Laurel presi-
dent and a seminary officer. She is presently serving as a
Sunday School teacher and also as the secretary to the Col-
lege First Stake Patriarch and Presidency.
Gina Renee, bom March 23, 1963, is a senior at Madi-
son High School. She is an avid sports fan. It is very impor-
tant to her to get good grades. She enjoys joumalism, history,
accounting, business law and Bel Cantos. She has been
accepted to be listed in Who's Who in American High School
Students. Her hobbies include crewel embroidery, latch hook
mgs, crocheting, knitting, cooking and camping. She has
served as a secretary of her Mutual class.
Garth and Kathleen Nelson
Left to Right: Garth, Sam, Kathleen holding Rita SImone
Garth J. Nelson was bom March 19,1 954 to Dennis W.
and Rita Johnson Nelson at Rexburg, Idaho. He was the
fourth child and third son that came into the Nelson family.
He lived on a farm in Archer with his family until he
graduated from Madison High School in 1972. While living
at home he accomplished such things as receiving his Eagle
Scout award and finishing the fifty mile hike, soon after
having had his knees operated on. After high school gradua-
tion he went to Vo-Tech college at I.S.U. in Pocatello until
he received his mission call to the Great Australian West
Mission in 1974. After retuming home from serving an
honorable mission in 1975 he met his wife Kathleen on a
blind date arranged by his younger brother Weston.
Kathleen Phillips was bom September 6, 1955 to Art
and Ruth Ann Croshaw Phillips in American Falls, Idaho.
She was the first of eight children. She lived on a farm in
Aberdeen, Idaho until she graduated from Aberdeen High
School in 1973. After graduation she attended Ricks College
in Rexburg and received her degree as a registered nurse.
During her last semester at college she met a very impressive
retumed missionary named Garth.
We were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple
on June 24, 1976. Just nineteen days after the Teton Dam
disaster. The Teton Dam caused a few minor complications
like getting the bride's family into Madison County for the
reception in Archer. But all was worked out and we had a
reception in Aberdeen on the twenty-fourth and one in Archer
on the twenty-fifth. After a short honeymoon to Salt Lake
City we moved to Ashton, Idaho where Garth was the parts
man for Robinson Equipment, a John Deere dealership. We
lived there for over a year during which our first son was
bom. Then we moved back out to Archer next door to his
parents where we live today. Garth has held several jobs up to
this point including being a parts manager, to cement truck
driver. He now works for Walters Concrete in Rexburg.
Kathleen has worked in Ashton and now Madison Hospital as
a registered nurse.
Our first child and son is named Samuel Garth Nelson,
Samuel after the Lamanite Prophet. He was born March 23,
1977 in the Madison Memorial Hospital. He is now three and
a half years old and the pride of him mom and dad. He loves
to be outside especially when he can be with his dad or
grandpa.
Our second child and first daughter was bom April 29,
1979. She was named Rita Simone Nelson after her grandma
Rita Nelson. She was named this because we wanted her to
grow up and have the same sweet spirit as her grandma.
About three months after she was bom we found out just what
a perfect spirit Rita Simone really had. Although her spirit
was perfect her body wasn't and she was a Downs Syndrome
baby. Along with having Downs Syndrome, Simone also had
congenital heart problems which needed to be corrected. So
on March 8, 1980 our little baby had open heart surgery at
Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Although she
hovered between life and death many times. Heavenly Father
was certainly with her because she is still with us today. She
is now eighteen months old and a tme joy to have in our
home. We still have to watch her because she can get sick so
often but she is tmly an angel.
George and Lilly Nelson
I, George, was bom August 26, 1896 to Nels Nelson
and Hannah Elizabeth Gill, at Weston, Idaho. We moved to
Canada, then Lyman, where my mother passed away when
my brother, Joseph, was bom. I was five years old and made
my home with my sister, Hannah, and her husband, James
134
Lilly and George
Briggs, Sr. I was baptized July 1 , 1906, confirmed the same
day. My school days were very few. As a young man I
worked for George Briggs Jr. and James Ray Smith. I helped
build irrigation canals in the valley.
At nineteen, I met and courted Susan Elizabeth Weekes,
daughter of George F. and Mary Ann Briggs. We were
married December 22, 1915, in the Salt Lake Temple. We
built a log home on a piece of ground given to us by Susan's
father on property which is now owned by Ada Green and
Wilma Hatton.
Susan was a special woman. We worked together in the
Archer Ward Sunday School twelve years, she as a teacher
and I in the presidency. I was also Elders Quorum president.
Susan and I spent twelve happy years together. Four children
were bom to us at Archer: Chester, March 4, 1917; Lynn,
April 30, 1920; Zula(Kidd) March 4, 1924;Glenna(McCul-
lough) November 1, 1927. When Glenna was bom, Susan
passed away, a great loss to the family.
On February 6, 1929, I married Isabel Weekes. We
moved to the old Ed Smart property where we now Hve,
which I was purchasing at the time. Dennis was bom January
19, 1930; Reed, June 23, 1934; John, December 25, 1935.
We had many hardships and worked hard to save our farm
during the depression years.
I was called to serve in the Archer Ward Bishopric July
13, 1941. The Gospel has always been the most important
thing in my life and my blessings have been many.
As things started to get better for us, we built a new brick
home in 1946-47 where I now live. We enjoyed our home for
a short time then Isabel passed away in November 1953. I
married Alice Burrus April 1, 1954. She passed away. I
married Thelma Grover, December 4, 1969. She passed
away August 17, 1975. I married Lilly Briggs, September4,
1976.
At this time I have forty-four grandchildren and forty-
four great-grandchildren.
I, Mary Lilly Bayliff, was bom December 19, 1898, at
Millom, Cumberland, England, daughterof Tom Bayliff and
Joanna Hawkins. I had one brother, three years older. At the
age of four, measles and pneumonia left my right eye cros-
sed. In 1903 my mother, brother and I set sail for South
Africa where my father was boss in a diamond mine. In 1907
we came back to England where the missionaries found us.
On May 23, 1909 we were baptized. In April 1910 my father
came to America. In England my brother and I sang on the
street comers to draw crowds for the Elders to preach to. We
were mobbed and hurt, so in June 1910 my mother, brother
and I left England. All of our relatives had disowned us. We
went too farnorth and landed at Montreal. Canada. Everyone
had to have a certain amount of money before entering
Canada. One of the missionaries showed his money, slipped
back on board, lending it to my mother to show. The Saints
and Elders helped us until we got to Ogden where Father was.
He felt bad when he found we had landed in the wrong place
and not received the money he had sent. The Lord had really
blessed us.
We came to Sugar City where I took my schooling. On
December 19, 1917,1 married Lester Luke Briggs in the Salt
Lake Temple and moved to Archer where we raised our eight
children: Eldon, bom October 10, 1918; Arlean, August 1 1,
1920 (she passed away A pril 22, 1939); Bemice, November
10. 1922; Zella. January 21, 1925; Velma, August 6, 1927;
Darrell, December 1, 1929, at Rexburg; Ernest, May 18,
1933 at Archer; Val, February 22, 1938 at Lyman. My
husband passed away December 1941 so we moved to Rex-
burg. On June 6, 1976, the Teton Dam broke. I lost every-
thing I owned. I came to Archer to be with my daughter,
Bemice, and met George Nelson whom I had known for
years. We had sung together while living here. We were
married September 4, 1976. We still sing, which is one of our
hobbies.
I crochet and love to make things for people. I was
Primary president, counselor in the Relief Society, led the
singing, and sang with many groups. I worked in the
Bishop's Storehouse for twelve years, which I enjoyed.
John and Nikki Nelson
Front Row (L. to R.): Kerry, Mark, Nikki, John, Keith.
Back Row: Kent, Brenda, Evelyn and Michael.
On Christmas Day in 1935 in Archer, Idaho, a baby boy
was bom to George F. Nelson and Susan Isabel Weekes. He
was named John W after his grandfather, John Weekes. Not
135
faraway (just across the river in Ririe, in fact) ababy girl was
bom on the following Easter Sunday, April 12, 1936, to W.
Clyde Ormond and Lucille Anderson. She was named Nikki
Lou Ormond.
These two children, quite unaware of each other, grew
and thrived through the normal childhood problems. John
had pneumonia when he was small and was saved with the
help of a tube in his side to drain his lungs and through the
power of the Priesthood. Nikki had whooping cough when
she was little and would have been lost had her father not seen
her going black and whacked heron the back until she caught
her breath.
John loved horses when he was small and rode them as
fast as they would go, to the dismay of his parents. He
worked hard on the farm, went to school at Archer until he
was in high school and then went to Madison High School in
Rexburg. He wrestled and ran on the track team but his love
was basketball. He played on the team that won the state
championship in 1953-54. The F.F.A. played an important
part in his school years, too.
Nikki got good grades in school and was one of the two
girls from Rigby High School who were sent to Girls' State in
Moscow, Idaho. She was the yearbook editor for two years
and graduated in 1954.
They met at a basketball game in their senior year. She
was making popcorn and he was waiting to play the varsity
game. After a year of dating while John worked and Nikki
went to Ricks, they were married June 29, 1955 in the Idaho
Falls Temple. They moved into the old Wayne Cheney house
by Henry Erickson's store and have lived in
Archer/ Sunnydell ever since.
Children came to bless their home. John Wade was bom
March 24, 1956. March must have been a good month
because two years later Julie Ann was bom on March 10.
1958. Michael Clyde was a June baby, bom June 29 on their
anniversary in 1959. Evelyn Kay came in the fall, right in the
middle of canning season. She was bom September 21.
1960. Brenda Lucille was a blond baby, but her hair fell out
and came in dark. Her birthday is June 2, 1962. Next, came
the twins, Kerry George and Kent Gordon. They were bom
nearly one and a half hours apart on January 2 , 1 962 . A week
after, they were snowed in.
These seven children were almost all teenagers when
Keith Brian was bom on a Sunday. March 4. 1973. He
needed someone to play with so on October 12, 1974, his
little brother Mark Warren was bom. This filled the house
with an active and enthusiastic family.
John spent his hours working on the farm and on the
place they owned in Kilgore. In the winter he worked at the
Utah, Idaho Sugar Factory in Lincoln. He works part time
now, with the highway department. Nikki, since the children
are all in school, works at Ricks College.
In 1975, Wade went on a mission to the Cali Columbia
Mission in South America. His mission was quite a success.
He has since married Lynette Brown and has a daughter
named Nicole. Julie was married in 1976 to James Robert
Thompson and has three children, Jared Robert, Valerie
Kay, and Dustin John (who was bom on Christmas day like
his grandfather, John).
John and Nikki have held a variety of church jobs. John
has been in the Elders Quorum presidency, the Young Men's
Presidency, and has been the ward activity director. Nikki
has been in the Primary presidency, on the Relief Society
Stake Board, and is currently the president. of the Young
Women's MIA.
Lynn and Marjorie Nelson
Front Row (L. to R.): Beverly, Marjorie, Lynn, Sara.
Back Row: Donna, Marsha, Lynn, Lynda, and Ruth.
I. Marjorie Evans Nelson, became a member of the
Archer Ward June 19, 1946 when I married Lynn Charles
Nelson, whom I met when I came here to teach.
At this time Archer was a big. happy, related family. It
was really difficult to remember the people's names because
there were so many with the same last name as Briggs,
Wilcox, Weekes, Grover, Erickson, etc.
Lynn as Sunday School Sup)erintendent soon had me
working as Assistant Junior Sunday School Coordinator.
Since then we have, along with our children, held many
different pyositions in the ward. Lynn has been a bishops
counselor, one of the presidents of the Seventies Quorum,
teacher, president and counselor of the Sunday School, in the
ward and stake. At this time he is an assistant to the high
priest group leader as well as a home teacher.
I have been a teacher in most of the auxiliary organiza-
tions, president of the Primary, counselor in Relief Society,
chorister of the Junior Sunday School and the Primary. I am
now music chainnan and music director for Sacrament Meet-
ing and the choir, which I have enjoyed more than any other
calling. Lynn and I are also officiators in the initiatory work
in the temple.
Before we were married, Lynn had filled a mission in
the Northem States and he farmed twenty-eight acres. As our
family grew it was necessary for Lynn to find employment
elsewhere. He worked in the Muir-Roberts potato house, the
Rexburg sawmill, and the U. & I. Sugar Factory. He now
works in the library at Ricks College and operates a small
dairy farm with the help of his son.
136
\Vc have been blessed with seven wonderful children.
Lynda, our first child, was born October 15, 1947. She
graduated from Utah State University as a medical tech-
nologist, served a mission in Brazil and is now working in
Salt Lake City at the L.D.S. Hospital as a computer coor-
dinator.
Marsha Ann was born September 26, 1948. She
graduated from B. Y.U. in elementary education. She taught
in Ucon, then in Preston where she met and married David
Von Noyes. They have four children.
Ruth was bom March 31, 1951. After graduating from
Ricks College and attending B. Y.U. for a year she served a
mission in Peru. Upon returning home she worked at Man-
agement Systems Corporation where she met her husband,
Richard Gill Cannon. They live in Bountiful, Utah and have
two children.
Donna, bom March 30, 1953, attended B.Y.U. where
she met her husband Danny Albert Rowley. A year after they
were married, they both graduated in the field of education.
They now have three children and are living in Shelley,
Idaho.
Next came Sara LaRee bom June 24, 1956. She was just
as welcome as the rest. It never seemed to matter whether we
were blessed with a son or daughter as long as they were
healthy when they arrived. Sara graduated from B.Y.U. and
is teaching home economics at Bonneville High School in
Idaho Falls.
After five girls and no boys our sixth one was quite a
shock to the whole community. And the good news traveled
fast. Our son Lynn Charles Nelson, Jr. was bom March 23,
1963. He is a tall young priest preparing for a mission. He
loves all sports but especially football and skiing. He is
serving as president of the F.F. A. at Madison High School.
Our last child, Beverly, was bom February 6, 1965. She
is a sophomore and has many interests such as sewing,
camping, sports of all kinds, etc. She was captain of the
basketball team which won championship last year.
Lynn and I both have a strong testimony of the Gospel,
and we know our participation in the various organizations
have done much to strengthen our testimonies.
We have been blessed by living in Archer Ward, where
people are always willing to help. In the spring of 1 958 a bolt
of lightning hit our haystack and in a second the whole stack
was ablaze. Within a very short time almost everyone in the
community was helping in one way or another practically all
night long. This is typical of our Archer Ward.
It is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
David and Patricia Niederer
We are both from Rexburg. Our parents are Terrell and
Margaret Arnold; Rulon B. and Gayle Niederer. Both of our
grandparents settled in Archer and Lyman, so actually, we
both have just moved home. We have been married five years
and have two children, Jason, age four"and Meg, age two. By
the time this book is published we will afso have another
child.
David is a con.struction contractor and has been respon-
sible for building several homes on the road north of Sutton's
store .
Emil and Katherine Niederer
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Left to Right: Gary, Kathy. Sara, Mark, and Emil
Emil Joseph Niederer retumed home from his mission in
England in October 1975. After returning home, he began
settling back into the dairy business of his family and became
involved in the Young Adult Program in the Rexburg East
Stake.
While Emil was settling back into dairy life, Katherine
Marie Odman was getting ready for a move from Bothell,
Washington to Rexburg, Idaho. She was planning to attend
Ricks College in hopes of someday teaching elementary
school. ShearrivedinRexburgthefirst week of January 1976
to live with her mother. The next Sunday she joined the Sixth
Ward choir and attended her first Young Adult meeting. She
also found a job as a teacher's aide in a special education class
with Madison School District. There she met Lonna Nie-
derer.
At a Young Adult Social for St. Patrick's Day, Kathy
asked Emil if Lonna was his niece. That's how they met.
Emil asked Kathy out about a week later. He was a Weblos
leaderand their first date was a pinewood derby. His Weblos
from that time on were planning the wedding, although it
took Emil almost one and a half months to propose.
They were married on June II, 1976— five days after the
Teton Dam broke. All of their preparations went down the
river. Kathy had been living in an apartment that they plan-
ned to live in, but the foundation of the building was flooded
and not real secure. All preparations for the reception had to
be reordered elsewhere. All license plate numbers from out
of state visitors and relatives coming for the wedding had to
be tumed in to state police, so they could get through the
roadblocks. Kathy moved into Emil's parents' home for the
week before the wedding.
Emil and Kathy honeymooned in Seattle, Washington
and spent some time on the ocean along the Oregon coast.
When they retumed, they had to stay at Emil's parents' home
before finally being able to move into Evalyne Grover's
137
house, two months later.
During the first two months of married Ufe, Kathy
learned a lot about farming. She learned how to drive hay
truck and generally help out. After setting up housekeeping
in Evalyne Grover's house, they discovered they were going
to be blessed with a baby. Sara Colleen Niederer was bom
April 12, 1977. She was a very welcome beginning for their
family.
Just after Sara was a year old, Emil and Kathy were
deeded a half acre of ground at the bottom of the farm, next to
Mae and Phil, Emil's brother. They bought a trailer and
moved into it in May 1978. They then discovered that the
second member of their family was going to be bom and
Mark Emil Niederer was bom on January 8, 1979.
The family took a trip back to Seattle in November of
1979 to see some of Kathy 's family and friends.
On July 26 our third child was bom. We gave him the
name of Gary Gordon.
Gordon and Donna Niederer
Donna and Gordon
Gordon Niederer and Donna Marie Sherd met while
Gordon was stationed in Grand Rapids, Michigan during
World War II. After a happy courtship, they were married on
September 18, 1943.
The next two years were spent in the service. Donna
spent as much time with her husband as was possible. They
lived in Arkansas, Kansas and Califomia.
Dennis Gordon was bom in Stuttgart, Arkansas, in an
army hospital, April 25, 1944.
After Gordon got out of the service, they retumed to
Idaho. They lived with Gordon's parents until they built a
two-room log house. Phillip Ray was bom April 15, 1946
and Colleen on April 12, 1948.
In 1952, Gordon, Donna and children took a trip to
Michigan to visit Donna's father, who was very ill. This was
the family's first trip back to Michigan since the war, but
Donna's family had visited them several times in Idaho.
Donna's father died on Decembet 1, 1952, and
Gordon's mother, Mary Niederer, passed away on January
1 1 , 1953. It was really hard on the family to lose two people
they loved in such a short time.
Tragedy really stmck their family on Sunday moming,
October 11, 1953, when Colleen was run over by a potato
combine and died on the way to the hospital. She was such a
lovely, happy child. It was so hard for them to give her back
to our Heavenly Father. Their faith was all that kept them
going.
In June of 1954, Donna's mother passed away. This
time she made the trip to Michigan on the train by herself.
Eleven months after Colleen died, Emil Joseph was
bom, September 13, 1954. What a joy it was to have another
baby to love. His big brothers, ages eight and ten, adored
him.
In 1956 the Niederer family began building their new
home. Gordon and Carl Grover did much of the work on it.
They moved in during the summer of 1957. How good it was
to have plenty of room for their growing family!
Paul Duane was bom on March 6, 1959--a cute little
redhead with three brothers to spoil him.
In 1962, Gordon, Donna, Emil, Paul, and Gordon's dad
and his wife Kate, went to Michigan for a visit.
The next summer. Donna's brother, Charles Thomas,
his wife Elsie and their children, Toni Lee, Thomas Ray, and
Terry Jay, came to Idaho. Gordon, Donna and family went
with them to the Idaho Falls Temple where they were sealed
to their families.
Gordon's father, Arthur Niederer, died in October
1963. He was a wonderful man, and was really missed by his
children.
In 1964, Dennis Gordon married Linda Lee Graham. It
was so nice to have a lovely daughter in the family again.
In 1966 Phillip went on a mission to Arizona and spent
two years teaching the gospel to the Indians. He retumed in
March of 1968, and in August, Phillip Ray and Elsie Mae
Wilcox were married. Another lovely daughter was added to
the family.
In 1972, Gordon built a new dairy bam and started
milking more cows, making dairy his main business.
In 1 973 , Emil left for England on a mission . He retumed
in 1975 and met Katherine Marie Odman and they were
married in June, 1976.
That same summer, Phillip was hit by a tree in the forest
and spent a long time in the hospital. This was hard for all the
family.
In 1 978, Paul eamed the honor of becoming Idaho Start
State farmer, then going on to receive his American Farmer
in the fall of 1979. For this award, Gordon, Donna and Eva
Davey (his wife-to-be), accompanied him to Kansas City,
where he received it.
Eva DaLinda and Paul Duane were married in February,
1980. Now all the boys were married, making a complete
family of four wonderful sons and four lovely daughters.
Gordon and Donna are very proud of their family, who have
all been married in the temple.
As of this date, July 12, 1980, they have ten grandchil-
dren.
138
Norman and LeOla Niederer
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Fronf f?ow fL. to R.): Hebecka,
Back Row: Leola and Norman
lerrel and Joshua.
Norman Emmett Niederer was bom November 30, 1 923
at Archer, Madison County, Idaho, the sixth child of seven,
of Mary Ann Briggs Niederer and Arthur Emil Niederer.
Norm was bom and grew up on the farm his dad plowed out
of sagebrush. He leamed about famiing at an early age,
hopping from horse to horse, as his father drove the team in
the fields. Norm attended the first ten grades of school in
Archer, graduating from Madison High School in Rexburg,
Idaho.
Vadis LeOla Hardy was born February 21. 1926, in
Declo, Cassia County, Idaho. The second of five children, of
Vadis LuZon Wodskow Hardy and Joseph LeRoy Hardy.
LeOla attended schools in Declo, Haggerman, Rupert, and
Buhl. Idaho, graduating from Madison High School in Rex-
burg. Idaho. She moved to Archer with her family in 1942.
Norm and LeOla were married November 14. 1944.
They bought the Howard and Ethel Allen farm in 1945,
where they still reside . They built their present home in 1 96 1 ,
doing the work themselves, with the helpofTheron Cheney.
Norm rode with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Posse
several years, serving as drill master and advisor to the Junior
Posse. He belongs to the National Cutter and Chariot Racing
Association, working on committees and as an official.
Norm enjoys racing, training and driving his quarter horses.
His many trophies attest to his skill, as well as enjoyment.
Planting a flower, sewing a drape, painting a bam or just
being there, LeOla enjoys her family and home. Ahhough
she did not grow up on the fami, she enjoys it as much as
Norm.
Norm's and LeOla's home and life were filled with joy
when Terrel Nomian Niederer was bom, August 5, 1954, in
Rigby, Jefferson County, Idaho. A small bundle of love with
a lot of black hair.
Terrel and Becky Niederer
Terrel attended school at Union Lyman, Archer, Rigby
and Rexburg. He rode with the Jefferson County Junior
Posse, serving as drill master. Terrel joined the army in 1972,
training in Fort Ord, Califomia and Fort Knox, Kentucky,
with overseas duty in West Germany. He grew up with a
fascination for the "big riggs," driving for others for a few
years and buying his own in 1978. Driving truck has taken
him east to the Great Lakes, west to the Pacific Ocean, south
to New Mexico and north to Canada.
Rebecka Taylor was born May 24, 1960, at Los
Angeles, Hawthom County, Califomia, the second of three
children of Elain Bluth Taylor and Ray Nelson Taylor. Becky
attended schools in Orem, Utah and Preston, Idaho, graduat-
ing from Soda Springs High School. She enjoyed summers
spent on the family farm in Enoch Valley, Idaho, helping
with the farming and riding her horse through the hills,
returning to Fairview for the winter.
Terrel and Becky met while Becky was attending Ricks
College. They were married May 18, 1979 in Becky's home
in Fairview. They set up housekeeping in Denver for a few
months, moving to Archer in August of 1979. Becky enjoys
going with Terrel and is leaming to drive.
Joshua Terrel Niederer was bom February 16, 1980, in
Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho--the first grandchild and
delight of the Taylors and the Niederers.
Paul and Eva Niederer
Eva and Paul
Paul and Eva Niederer met in an unusual way.
Eva first laid eyes on Paul when they saw each other in
Meridian, Idaho, at an FFA convention. They didn't know
they each lived only ten miles away from each other.
Ririe and Madison went on the same bus to Moscow to
another FFA convention but Paul didn't even notice Eva
because she was just a dumb freshman and he was a mighty
senior.
During Eva's sophomore year she called Paul and asked
him to a Ririe girl's choice dance and he accepted. Eva was
sure he would call and cancel and she about died when he
really showed up. They went to the dance and had a lot of fun .
That night when Eva came home she told her parents that
Paul was the guy she was going to marry.
On June 7, 1979 Paul called Eva on the phone and said
he needed to talk to her and he would be right up. It was only
7 o'clock, and since she didn't see him until 9:30 or 10, she
139
knew something was up. When Paul arrived, he took Eva
with him and they drove up to Gateway's parking lot and he
handed Eva a small box. When she opened it there was a
beautiful diamond ring inside, and he asked her to marry him.
On February 14, 1980, Paul and Eva were married in the
Idaho Falls Temple for time and eternity. Now they live in the
Sunnydell area and are enjoying married life.
Paul was bom on March 6, 1959. He is the youngest of
four brothers. Eva was bom November 1 , 1962, and has one
sister and two brothers—the oldest of which is on a mission in
Ohio right now.
After graduation in January, Paul and Eva plan to have a
family and always be as happy as they are now.
Phil and Mae Niederer
Front Row (L. to R.): Jennifer. Phil. Christopher, Mae. Rebecca.
Back Row: Judson.
The foundation for the Niederer family could well have
been laid in the old Archer Church during the opening exer-
cises of Primary many years ago, since Phil and Mae grew up
as neighbors and occasionally friends in the same commun-
ity. Phillip Ray Niederer was born to Gordon and Donna
Marie Sherd Niederer on April 15, 1946, at Rigby, Idaho,
and Elsie Mae Wilcox was bom at Rigby on May 1 , 1948. to
Ellis Wilmer and Elsie Grover Wilcox.
The Niederer/ Wilcox romance didn't blossom until Phil
was on his mission and got a bit lonesome to hear about what
his friends at home were doing so he began writing to Mae for
all the latest news.
Phil was released from the Southwest Indian Mission in
March 1968. They became engaged May 22 (shortly after
Mae graduated from Ricks College) and were married in the
Idaho Falls Temple on August 9, 1968.
Phil began attending Ricks College that same month,
and Mae worked as a secretary on campus. After Phil
graduated from Ricks, they moved to Blackfoot, Idaho. Phil
joined a carpool to ISU in Pocatello to complete his school-
ing, and Mae worked in the Head Start program with migrant
children of that area. Phil worked as a bus driver, custodian,
in a lumberyard, and for a farmer to help get through school.
During these times of "school days poverty" Judson W. was
bom on March 17, 1970 in the Blackfoot hospital.
Phil graduated from Idaho State University with a B.S.
degree and got his teaching certificate in the fall of 1972.
During that summer they had moved their trailer house back
to Archer and when the school year began, Phil had been
hired as a fifth grade teacher in Rigby-a position he has held
since that time.
Jennifer was added to the family on November 1 1 ,
1972, at Rexburg, and Mae was glad to be able to stay at
home and devote full-time to being a homemaker.
Rebecca Lynne was a Christmas surprise in 1974. She
was planned for on January 17, but was bom instead on
December 22 at Rexburg, with mother and baby coming
home on Christmas Eve— just in time for a very hectic visit
from Santa.
Christopher was bom on August 5, 1977, in Rexburg-a
little blonde ray of sunshine to his whole family.
Phil has served in the Elder's Quomm presidency.
While on his mission he served as both district and zone
leader, and learned to speak fluent Navajo.
Mae has served as a Primary teacher, first and second
counselor in the Primary, and is currently serving as Primary
President of the Sunnydell Ward.
The Niederer family enjoys camping and picnics in the
hills during the summer and snowmobiling in the winter.
Judson Hkes to put all kinds of models together and partici-
pate in sports activities. Jennifer is quite a little dancer and
thinks dancing lessons are great. Rebecca has lots of dolls
and likes to play with them. Christopher is never happier than
when he is playing with his tmcks and tractors in the dirt pile
outside.
Minnie Nielson
John Elmer (Chris) was bom 23 July 1907 in Lorenzo,
Idaho to John William Nielson and Sarah Theressa Smout.
Minnie Ann Dietrich was bom 24 October 1910 in
Rexburg, Idaho to Gottfried Dietrich and Rosa Lena Baur.
Chris was three months old when his father died from a
farm accident. His mother later married John Hunsaker.
Chris attended school in LaBelle and Goshen. He
Minnie and Elmer (Chris)
140
worked part time for various farmers in the area besides
helping his stepfather farm his mother's place.
Minnje went to grade school in Archer and graduated
from the eighth grade and attended two years high school at
Archer and one year at the Ricks Academy, where they
taught two years high school while completing the Madison
High School building.
When Chris was seventeen years old he came to Archer
to fami for Cyrus Hunsaker, his stepfather's father.
He met Minnie Dietrich when he worked for her father
during haying season. Minnie and Chris were married 22
March 1929 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Stanley Elmer Nieson was born 26 April 1931 in Rex-
burg. We were living and farming the Henry Larsen farm at
this time.
We had started buying the Blackburn farm, now owned
by LaVell Orr. When spring came the Larsens asked us to
move, so we moved into the house Harry Munns owns now.
While living here Larry Dean Nielson was bom prematurely
7 September 1933 and passed away the same day.
A year later our next move was to my old home, now
owned by Harry Munns. My brother, Fred, was farming it at
the time. We lived here for one year still fanning the Black-
bum farm.
Bad luck with our stock on the range made it impossible
to make our next payment on the place. The seven steers we
had planned to sell for the payment were mstled and there
was no other money coming in at that time, so we had to give
up buying this farm.
The Hunsaker place was available to rent again, so we
moved back to where we originally had started out. This was
home to us.
Donna Marie Nielson was born 6 June 1 938 in Rexburg,
Idaho.
Sue Ann Nielson was bom 3 December 1947 in Rigby,
Idaho. She was one year old when we moved into the new
house we built on the twenty acre piece of ground joining us,
purchased from our good neighbors, Henry and Emma Sut-
ton.
Chris farmed the Kenneth Buckland fann for years in
addition to the home place.
We purchased a cattle ranch in West Yellowstone, Mon-
tana, in 1961 and in 1966 sold it and purchased a place in
Teton Basin, which we enjoy with our family.
On 17 February 1976 Chris died from a farm accident
and was layed to rest in the Sutton Cemetery.
Hobbies are horseback riding, fishing and picnicking.
August 2, 1978 I went to the Idaho Falls Temple where I
took out my own endowments and Chris' work was done. We
were sealed and our four children were sealed to us.
(Minnie passed away August 29, 1980, at her home in
Archer.)
Stanley and Carmen Nielson
Stanley Elmer Nielson was born the 26th of April 1931
at Rexburg, Idaho to John Elmer Nielson and Minnie Ann
Dietrich.
Left to Right: Carmen, Kim and Stanley
Stanley attended school his first eight years at the
Archer elementary and then graduated from Madison High
School in 1949. He was also a four year seminary graduate.
Stanley's father was a farmer and he leamed very young to
work hard and accept responsibility.
While a senior in high school Stanley met and courted
Carmen Brown. He attended Ricks College during the years
1 949 and 1 950 and the 27th of October that year Stanley and
Carmen were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. We settled
in Archer where we have spent the last thirty years.
Carmen was bom 29 August 1931 at Rexburg, Idaho to
J. Earl Brown and Constance Ricks. She attended school at
Washington elementary, Madison Junior High and Madison
High School graduating in 1950. She was also a four year
seminary graduate.
Stanley fanned with his father and also rented land. We
purchased twenty acres of ground from Ray McBride and in
1963 bought the Ross and Mary Buckland farm.
Six sons were bom to us and are our pride and joy.
Stanley Blaine was bom 18 April 1952. Bradley Kay
was bom 28 October 1 954. Richard Leon was bom 1 4 March
1957. Jason Clive was bom 21 April 1958. Keith (B.) arrived
8 March 1961 and Kim Lewis was bom 3 August 1968.
All the boys attended school at Lyman and Archer
elementary and also Madison Junior High and Madison High
School. Kim will attend junior high this fall. Blaine, Brad-
ley, Richard, Jason and Keith all played varsity basketball for
the high school, so much of our time has been spent support-
ing them at ball games.
Bradley filled an L.D.S. mission to Melboume Au-
stralia. Jason filled a mission to the Philippines Manila mis-
sion.
Blaine married Ronda Helen Cooper of Charleston,
South Carolina, January 30, 1973 in the Ogden Temple.
They live in Charleston and have three children. Amy, Stan-
ley Blaine and Casey.
Bradley married Laurie Walker May 14 in the Idaho
Falls Temple and they have three little girls, Camille, Stacey
and Melisa.
Richard married Teresa Hegsted November 24, 1978 in
Salt Lake City. They have one son, Tyler.
Jason married Nan Shirley October 19, 1979 in the
141
Idaho Falls Temple.
Keith married Kathleen Covington March 29, 1980 at
Rexburg, Idaho.
Stanley and Carmen have been very active in the
church. Stanley has served as counselor and president of the
Sunday School, counselor in Elders Quorum Presidency,
M.I. A. president, member of Seven Presidents of Seventy,
Senior President of Seventies, counselor in Archer Ward
bishopric and then in the Sunnydell bishopric when the ward
was divided.
Carmen has served as Primary teacher, Primary choris-
ter. Stake Primary chorister, ward chorister, Sunday School
teacher. Relief Society Ward Counselor, Relief Society
Stake Board, M.I. A. teacher and at present counselor in the
Relief Society.
We have strong testimonies of the Gospel and think this
is the greatest place ever to raise a family and live among the
greatest people in the world.
Max and Jo Ann Oakey
Front Row (L. to R.): JoAnn, Max, Bnanna.
Back Row: Deann and Lara
Max Garth Oakey was bom November 16, 1928 and
JoAnn Drown was bom February 15, 1935. They were mar-
ried March 14, 1954 in the Ross Buckland home at Sun-
nydell, Idaho. We bought the old Claude Buckland home.
Our first child, Deann, was bom on February 19, 1955.
At this time Max was milking cows in Ross Buckland's
Grade A dairy. Due to the loss of several cows. Max sold his
cows and we moved to Roberts. While there Garth Ray, our
second child, was bom January 12, 1956. We only stayed
there about six months and moved back to our home in
Sunnydell and Max started working for Mountain States
Implement Company.
On August 24, 1960 Shane Max was bom and brought a
lot of joy to our home. Two years later on February 13,
Lyman Creek started flooding and we ended up with three
feet of water in our front room. We did live through that.
Later on August 18, 1965 we were blessed by going to the
temple and being sealed as a family. Then on September 2,
1965, our third son, Kim Jay was bom. He only lived a short
time and died on September 3, 1965.
The kids grew and progressed. Later we were blessed
with another daughter, Lara Lynn, bom August 18, 1973.
When she was about a month old we took Deann to Moscow
to start college and she graduated in 1977.
Garth Ray Oakey left on his mission in May of 1 975 . He
went to Taiwan and learned Mandarin and Taiwanese. While
he was gone another child blessed our home, Brianna Dee
bom January 22, 1977.
We have Shane on a mission in Holbrook, Arizona,
teaching the Navajo about the gospel and he loves the
Navajo. We still live in the same home we moved in to after
we got home from our honeymoon. It has been remodeled
and added onto and we feel we have a nice home and a
beautiful family.
Garth Ray Oakey was married on December 16, 1977 to
Debbra Daw of Idaho Falls. They have a son, Duston, bom
November 13, 1978. They have a home and live in Rexburg.
Garth also graduated from Ricks College and B.Y.U.
Lave II and Agnes Orr
I, Joseph Lavell Orr, was bom 30 May 1902 at Egin,
Idaho, son of Joseph Orr and Ellen Eliza Orr.
I had three sisters and six brothers. I was the oldest boy.
My father farmed and owned a band of sheep. So I learned
early how to work.
My mother passed away 20 January 1 920 leaving a baby
boy ten days old and eight other children at home. I was
eighteen.
1 served in the Westem States Mission from November
1924 until March 1927, two and a half years.
After retuming home I helped my father for a year or so.
Then I went to seek my fortune working for other farmers. I
came to work for Ben Hillman at Sunnydell in June of 1929. 1
attended church in the Archer Ward. It was there I met Agnes
Grover. We were married 19 June 1930 in the Salt Lake
Temple.
I, Agnes Grover, was born 14 September 1909 at
Archer, Idaho to Elisha Freeman Grover and Emma Maria
Front Row (L. to R.): Ada Marie, Agnes, Lovell, Emelie
Back Row: Bennett, Lyie, Merlin, Spencer, Lynette, Shirlene,
Lila, Noreen, Karen,
142
Erickson. I have three sisters and seven brothers. I have lived
all my life on a farm.
I went to Lyman school and graduated from the eighth
grade there, [attended two years of high school in Archer and
two years at Ricks Academy. After getting out of school I did
housework for many families for $ 1 .00 a day and sometimes
less. I learned a lot about housekeeping, cooking and people.
After Lavell and 1 were married we moved into our first
home--one large room of an old log. dirt roofed house on the
farm that Bishop Robison now owns. We had no electricity
so you can imagine our conveniences were running water
when it rained.
f After we got it cleaned up, painted and etc., it was real
homey. For a wedding gift our families and friends gave us
enough lineoleum to cover the floor. I thought it was a
beautiful room. We were proud of it and very happy despite
the depression.
We milked one cow and got around eighty-five cents to
one dollar every two weeks after the price of butter and
cheese we used was taken out. The milk check is what we
lived on. Eggs were eight cents a dozen. Bread was ten cents
a loaf. We received $2.00 for a two hundred pound pork.
We bought my first sewing machine for three dollars a
month and that was hard to get. I did my washing on the
washboard for three years.
Lavell did his farming with a team of horses, a hand
plow, harrows and a leveler. These he walked behind all day.
Our first son. Merlin, was born here 22 July 1931. Lyle
was bom February 1933. Our doctor bills were $25.00 for
each baby.
Despite our hard work, our skimping and saving, we
lost our farm. We then moved to our present location. Here
the remainder of our family was bom: Norene, Ada Marie,
Lanette, Emelie, Spencer, Bennett, Shirlene, Nancy (who
passed away September 1975), lila and Karen. All of our
children were bom at home but Nancy and Karen.
We have always been active in the church. I have served
as organist in all the organizations and as ward organist. I
have taught classes in Sunday School and Primary. I was
Primary president, a counselor, in M.I. A. and visiting
teacher for Relief Society.
Lavell has served as a home missionary, superintendent
of Sunday School, president of M.I. A., as one of the Seven
Presidents of the Seventies Quorum, a teacher in Sunday
School, M.I. A., scouts and priesthood classes. Lavell is a
devoted reader of the scriptures.
Lavell did carpenter work for several years. He worked
at the Atomic Site or now I.N.E.L. for more than a year, on
churches, homes, etc.
We have tried to live and teach our children the gospel
and to serve the Lord. We know that is the way to tme
happiness.
Merlin and Madge Orr
Merlin Lavell Orr, oldest son of Joseph Lovell Orr and
Agnes Christina Grover, was bom in Archer, Madison
County, Idaho on 22 July 1931.
Front Row (L. to R.): Madge and Merlin
Back Row: Kylan and Lorraine
He attended grade school in Archer and graduated from
Madison High in May 1950.
He served a two year mission in the East Central States
January 1 95 1 -January 1 953 . It was in the mission field where
Merlin met Madge Hatton, a lovely Southem belle, singing at
the dedication of the Winchester Branch Chapel.
Merlin and Madge were married in the Idaho Falls
Temple 23 January 1953.
Madge is the youngest child of Eastwood Hatton and
Lizzie Lee Shrout.
Madge's mother was one of the first members of the
L.D.S. Church in Eastem Kentucky.
We have been blessed with two lovely daughters and
two handsome sons.
Laura Lee was bom 19 December 1953 and Dee Lovell
was bom 1 December 1955. After this we moved to Ken-
tucky where Merlin leamed a new trade, plastering. He has
helped plaster many homes in Winchester, Kentucky.
We served in many Church positions while there includ-
ing Branch Presidency and Relief Society Presidency. We
moved back to Idaho in 1 960 after the arrival of Lorraine Gay
bom 21 June 1960. Then came Kylan Hatton 31 August
1962.
Laura married Mark Hepworth 27 May 1977. Mark
served a mission in Japan. They have one sweet daughter,
Amelia, bom 16 September 1978.
Dee served a mission December 1975-77 in the Georgia
Atlantic, known as the "blue suit" mission.
He married Cheryl Daley of Pason, Utah, 9 November
1978 in the Salt Lake Temple.
On 26 November 1979 they were blessed with twins, a
son Dustin and a daughter Celina. They lived only thirty-five
hours.
Lorraine is working at K-Mart as bookkeeper for
women's apparel.
Kylan is a senior at Madison High.
Merlin is working in the grounds department at Ricks
College. Madge is department supervisor over Soft Lines at
Pamida Discount Center in Rexburg.
143
We had a Lamanite son, Steven Gonzales, for one and a
half years. He was a great man. We had a young
lady, Connie James, live with us for a couple of years. She
joined the L.D.S. Church while with us. She is now married
to Mark Robertson, married 17 September 1977 in the Salt
Lake Temple. They have one son, Jason.
Spencer and Jo Ann Orr
Front Row (L. to R.): JoAnn. Aaron, Spencer
Back Row: Wade, Becky, and M'Lisa
Clyde Spencer Orr was bom to Agnes and Lavell Orr
June 9, 1945. Spencer has eleven brothers and sisters so a
very exciting childhood. He attended school in Archer and
Rexburg. He has milked cows since he was a small boy. He
worked for several different farmers during his school years.
He worked at the Sugar Factory after finishing school and
went to college for awhile. He worked for Timmons Machin-
ery for a little more than a year before going into dair}' and
farming for good.
JoAnn Byme was bom to Ross and Joyce Byrne June
18, 1947. She has one brother, Lawrence and two sisters
Louise and Marie. She attended school in Archer and Rex-
burg. She enjoyed school and performing in the assemblies.
She even tried out for Miss Madison.
Spencer and JoAnn were married September 17, 1965.
They have lived in several different places since then, all but
one in Archer and Sunnydell. They have lived in both of John
Grover's houses, Sam Grover's house, Stanley Erickson's
old house, two different trailers and for one year in Terreton.
They have always milked cows and farmed. They both enjoy
working together with their family. They have four children.
Becky Jo Orr was bom September 17, 1966. At fourteen she
is interested in many things. She likes to read, cook, sew,
babysit and she helps around the farm and home. M'Lisa Lin
Orr was bom December 21, 1969. She is ten and a tomboy.
She likes to ride her bike and horse and help her father milk.
She also likes to babysit and helping try new things in the
kitchen . Wade C . Orr was bom February 21, 1 97 1 . He is nine
and loves ever>lhing outdoors. He is always busy and likes to
work. Wade spends a lot of time on his bike. He Hkes to read
and work on models. Aaron Lars Orr, bom April 29, 1976, is
four. His favorite things are playing with trucks and tractors
and following his dad and brother around.
JoAnn has worked in all the auxiliaries, mostly as a
teacher and is now teaching a class in Sunday School.
Spjencer has worked in the MIA and with Cub Scouts.
The Orrs all Hke living in this community and working
together on their farm.
John and Sarah Perham
Henry Whittaker and Sarah Hannah Howard homes-
teaded in Lyman in 1894 or 95, north and east of where we
Perhams now live . They brought their family and Aunt Fanny
with them. Fanny married Jack Randall whose son. Jack,
lives in Rexburg. Grandma and Aunt Fanny are buried in
Sutton Cemetery. Henry filled a mission in the Southem
States where he met Bessie Pauline Ginn, whom he later
married. They had a family of fourteen children: Henry,
Jacob, George, Bessie, Sarah, Abraham, Moroni, Isabelle,
Harry, Joseph (deceased). Nephi, Hyrum, Mary and
Brigham.
1, Sarah, was bom at Archer. July 29, 1920. I attended
school at Archer graduating in 1937 from Madison High. I
have served many years teaching the gospel, following the
example of my mother.
At the age of seventeen, I went to visit my sister,
Isabelle, in Califomia. John Perham spent Thanksgiving day
with us.
Left to Right: Barbara
'ind John
John William Perham was bom March 11, 1920, at
Gloversville, New York, to William Alfred and Nellie Smul-
len Perham. He was the first in a family of seven children. He
attended two years of high school at Gloversville, New York,
before World War II started. He joined the U.S. Calvary
where he met and became friends with Jacob Whittaker, my
brother. They grew close and read each other's mail. Soon
John was looking forward to Jake's letters from his sister,
Sarah.
John and I were married at Charleston, West Virginia,
May 10, 1945.
Carolyn was bom July 25, 1947 in Gloversville, New
York. She was baptized November 3, 1956.
144
When we moved to Idaho in 1958, she was fortunate to
have her grandmother, Bessie Whittaker, teaeh her many
homemaking skills. She was interested in horses and 4-H
elasses and earned many ribbons. She graduated from Madi-
son High Seminary in 1965. After studying at Rieks College
she and Max LaVere were married August 12, 1966, in the
Idaho Falls Temple. Their children are Gregory, Max and
Lori. They live at Salem, Idaho, active church members.
On July 8, 1950, John was born. He loves animals,
attended Primary and Mutual. He was baptized September 6,
1958. After four years of seminary and Madison High
School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines. He was in the top ten
of a specialized field, topographic survey. He resides in San
Diego, California and is working and going to school part-
time for his degree.
January 17, 1955, Patricia Ann was bom in Glovers-
ville. New York. She was baptized February 2, 1963. She
received the "I Dare You" reward and a gold watch for
outstanding work in 4-H. She attended Ricks College then
moved to Orem, Utah, to become a medical assistant. She
was married October 29, 1974, to Gary Lee Clay. They live
in Archer.
December 5, 1957, brought another girl, Sadie Lou.
She was baptized December 31, 1965. Sadie, being a natural
with horses, excelled in her Junior Leader positions in 4-H.
After graduating from seminary and Madison High in 1976,
she worked at the First Security Bank. Everyone appreciated
her work, especially her sup)ervisor, Robert Kaye Spackman,
whom she married January 21, 1977. They moved to Soda
Springs, Idaho.
Our fifth child, Barbara, was bom December 28, 1961
and baptized January 31, 1970. She has been honored as a
member of the Distinguished High School Students and
served as district seminary officer and was Laurel president.
She is now attending Ricks College to eam degrees in
elementary education and psychology.
John was baptized in the LDS Church after we came to
Archer and after twenty-eight years of marriage, on De-
cember 22, 1973, he took me to the Temple in Idaho Falls to
be sealed for etemity.
Brent and Dixie Peterson
Brent Peterson, son of Lyle Ray and Audra Goody
Peterson of Rigby, Idaho was born in Rigby on October 2,
1943. Brothers and sisters were Kay, Van, Daryl, Sharyl,
Cozette, and a foster brother, Zane Parker Nelson. Lyle was a
building contractor who worked on many schools, churches,
the Idaho Falls Temple and several homes. This is where
Brent was introduced to the building trade at a very early age,
and has continued to enjoy the trade through to this point in
his life.
Brent attended school in the Rigby, Idaho, school sys-
tem until his graduation in 1 96 1 , a semester at Ricks College ,
working for the spring and summer of 1 962, and then accept-
ing a mission call to go the New England States Mission
made his year after graduation very full and exciting. It was
this year he met Dixie Joan Grover. She helped him decide to
Front Row (L. to R.): Brent, Dixie, Ginger
Back Row: Michael, Kathy Jo, and Amy Sue
go on his mission and encouraged him to do his best for the
time he would be gone.
Dixie Joan Grover, daughter of Delore and Veola
Young Grover of Archer, Idaho was bom May 28, 1944,
having three brothers Merrill, Brent and Bill Grover.
Dixie attended school in Archer as a child and graduated
from Rexburg's Madison High School. She attended a beauty
college in Idaho Falls and then went to a year and a half at
Ricks College. She worked for the Rexburg Food Center and
then obtained a position with Mountain Bell System as a
service representative and worked in several offices in the
state traveling for Ma Bell.
Brent returned from his mission in 1964 and continued
working for family members in the construction trade. He
moved to Oakland, California and lived for two years where
he served as a stake missionary for sixteen months.
In 1968 Brent and Dixie met again at a regional softball
toumament in Rexburg and were married September 7, 1 968.
They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple August 19, 1970.
They now have four beautiful children: Catherine Joan bom
June 18, 1969; Michael Brent bom November 15, 1972;
Amy Suzanna bom August 23, 1976; and Ginger Lynne bom
Febmary 18, 1978.
Brent worked for his brother Kay in Rigby and then
moved to Salt Lake City area in 1 969 where Brent was able to
do fine and fancy finish woodwork. He remodeled a number
of homes and built many fancy wooden stairways and firep-
lace mantles, etc., which have been a joy to his heart.
In 1974 we moved back to Archer and started construct-
ing new homes including a new home of our own. After many
hours of hard work, we have a home we really enjoy as a
family.
In 1977 we started a new business, Peterson's Room
Dividers, in which we manufacture, market, freight and
install portable classrooms. Brent and Dixie try to work hand
in hand to run the business together.
Brent likes to fish and fiddle with photography while
Dixie likes to sew, oil paint, use her green thumb and do
interior decorating. Our family has found horseback riding to
145
be a pleasant pastime giving us the opportunity to spend time
togetiier as a family doing something we all enjoy.
Our family wants to be happy together to progress both
materially and spiritually. We want to follow the counsel of
our church leaders and be found living the commandments
with the righteous. Our family has been greatly blessed by
living in this beautiful community around beautiful people.
Grant and Mary Petersen
Front Row (L. to R.): Hazel and Peter Walter.
Back Row: EIna, Grant, and Ivan.
My father, Peter Walter Petersen, came from Denmark
in 1909. His parents, Jens and Nikoline Christensen, came
shortly after and the family settled in Goshen.
Walt married Hazel Butler, daughter of Josiah and Eliza
Ann Robison Butler, who were among the first in Lyman.
Elna, their first child, was bom in Goshen, Idaho.
In 1921 father bought land from Rob Grover, which is
presently owned by Cleo and Blanch Kirkham. Walt farmed
and did custom threshing in the area.
I, Grant, was bom in Archer, also my younger brother
Ivan which completed the family.
In 1929 my family built a new home.
In 1930 Dad bought the first tractor that was in the
Archer area. He plowed hay ground for four dollars an acre,
stubble for $3.50.
Dad was an elder and president of the quorum for a time
and then became a High Priest. Mother was a visiting teacher
for years. Dad took his Model T Ford and made trips to the
Logan Temple for ordinance work. Some of the people who
made the trip with him were Delmoe and Lula Cook, Luke
and Henrietta Hendricks, and Clarence and Pearl Weekes.
He took young people several times to do baptisms.
March 1947 Dad sold out to Chip and Blanche Kirham
and went to Washington. Nelson Ricks Creamery bought the
steam engine from his threshing machine and used its power
for cheese-making in the factory across the street from
Sutton's Store. Vance and Elna Koon got the tractor and
Sterling Magleby bought the separator.
In Hoquiam Dad worked in a saw mill. He became
president of the branch and counselor to the district president.
Mother was president of the Relief Society.
Ivan and I both joined the navy then retumed to
Washington to live.
Elna married Vance Koon and lives in Burton. They
have eight children. Vance passed away. Elna continues to
live on their farm.
Ivan has six children and still lives in Washington.
Dad died February 1961. Mother moved back to Rex-
burg for four years and then moved her trailer next to Elna,
until her death June 1971.
I, Grant, had four children and now live with my second
wife, Mary Vanderweer, in Archer. I bought the Dencie
Rawls home, enlarging it to fit my family. We love our home
here, but spend the winters in a warmer climate.
Tim and Peggy Peterson
On April 22, 1957, a mother gave thanks to her
Heavenly Fahter for a precious little son whom she had
waited thirteen years for. Timothy Devon Peterson was
brought home from Madison Memorial Hospital to join four
older sisters, all anxious to see their little brother. Tim grew
up being a very intelligent boy, always trying to fix things for
his mother - only causing higher repair bills. His family was
very active in church and Tim advanced quite rapidly in his
priesthood callings. In May of 1975, Tim graduated from
South Fremont High School in St. Anthony, Idaho, being
among the top honored students. He then attended Ricks
College for one year before serving the Lord on a mission in
Lett to Right: Peggy, Jason, and Tim
the Canada Calgary Mission. Tim loved his mission and all
those he taught and served with. On July 19, 1978 his family
had the opportunity of going to pick up their son and bringing
him home.
Tim hadn't been home very long before a girl from his
ward had spotted him and decided that he was the one she
wanted to spend etemity with. Peggy Lynn Nebeker, bom
September 3, 1957, in Driggs, Idaho was the young girl and
she didn't waste much time renewing old friendships with
Tim. Peggy's parents had moved to St. Anthony in 1965 and
for most of the years Tim and Peggy have lived there. They
were in the St. Anthony Second Ward - the same ward Tim
and his family have always belonged to. Peggy had been
146
quite active in the Young Adult programs and had really been
eyeing all the return missionaries, so by the time Tim came
home from his mission, she had seen enough that she knew he
vv as the one for her. They dated each other for one month and
then they became engaged. This is what happened. One day
Peggy decided that she would visit her mother at work and it
just so happened that her mother worked in a jewelry store.
As she was visiting her mother, they decided that for the fun
of it Peggy should try on wedding rings. Well, just as she had
tried on the last set and had picked out her favorite ring, who
should walk into the store but Tim. They were both quite
embarrassed to think that they would run into each other -
after all, they hadn't talked marriage yet. Well, things
worked out well. Tim got to see the rings they had and he
even got to see Peggy's favorite one, two or three times. Tim
eventually earned enough money to buy the ring and took
Peggy to the Temple grounds one afternoon where he then
asked her to marry him. Of course she said yes. At that time
Peggy was working as a nurse in a doctor's office and Tim
was getting ready to go back to college. Things seemed to fit
right into place and they were sealed by Donald Merrill in the
Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity on November 2,
1978. It was a beautiful day, not a drop of snow on the ground
and perfect for taking pictures in front of the temple for their
scrapbook .
After they were married, they lived in Parker, Idaho
where Tim continued college and worked and Peggy stayed
at her job. It was a rough start with Tim in school but on April
22, 1 979 he graduated from Ricks. On August 26, 1979 in St.
Anthony, their first child was bom. He was such a tiny,
wrinkly baby, but he had a head full of dark, curly hair. Tim
and Peggy named their .son Jason Timothy Peterson. He has
been such a blessing in their home.
In January of 1980 the Peterson family moved into their
new home in the Archer Ward. The people have been so
friendly in Archer that this is where they want to make their
home and raise their family.
Dennis and Mardean Pope
Left to Right: Kayleen, Bryan William, Mardean, Dennis, Mary De-
niene, and Holly DeAnn
William Dennis Pope was bom April 2, 1944 at Park
City, Utah, the oldest of seven children of Max A. Pope and
Margaret W. Felton. They later moved to Arbon Valley
where they owned a large dry farm. As the children grew
older they built a new home and moved to Arimo so the
children could attend high school. Dennis served a mission to
the Central Atlantic States and attended U.S.U. in Logan,
also Ricks. It was there that he met Mardean Luthy and they
were married June 16, 1967 at the Idaho Falls Temple.
Shirley Mardean Luthy Pope was bom July 31 , 1946 at
Rexburg, Idaho, the fourth child and only daughter of Henry
Lewis Luthy and Mary Wilcox Luthy. She attended the local
schools and graduated from both Ricks College and B.Y.U.
Their first child, Kayleen, was bom August 8, 1968.
Two weeks later Dennis was drafted into the U.S. Army.
Consequently, one year later found the small Pope family
living in Seoul, Korea. After returning home from the ser-
vice, they moved to Preston, Idaho in February 1971. Here
they owned and operated the Plaza Motel.
While living in Preston, Holly DeAnn was born De-
cember 28, 1971, Bryan William June 23, 1976 and Mary
Deniene November 9, 1977.
Dennis was busy in the Elders Presidency and then the
Seventies. Somewhere in between his church activities he
was rodeo parade chainnan, on the fire department and
worked for a Ready-Mix plant.
Mardean found herself busy with a small family, run-
ning a motel and yard work. She worked in the primary and
young women's program and also the Stake Primary Presi-
dency.
On July 31, 1979 the Pope family retumed to Archer and
purchased a home just west of the Howell Store.
We are all experiencing the joy of a home and the
freedom of the country. We dearly love our neighbors and the
good people of this community.
Jack and Darla Reese
Jack and I were both born in Rexburg. He was bom to
Jack Howard Fikstad and Bemiece Salome Sommer on 21
February 1946. I followed on 2 October 1948 and was bom to
William Kay Pincock and Geraldine Maxwell.
Jack's parents divorced and his mother married William
Oscar Reese. Bill was a construction lineman and the family
lived in many areas of the country from Washington to
Illinois. While the family was living in Ohio, Jack was
baptized in the Ohio River on 20 June 1954.
Soon after the family moved to Alaska where he spent
ten years. Jack really loved Alaska and would like to go back
there someday.
I, in the meantime, was growing up in Sugar City. When
I was seven my family moved to California for a couple of
years where my father worked for North American Rock-
well. While in Califomia I was baptized on 17 November
1956. When I was ten, my parents divorced and my sisters
and I were moved back and forth between parents until I was
fourteen and I remained full time with my father.
147
Front Row (L. to R.): Lisa Mane, Daria, Jenny Leigh, Jack, Mitzi Gail.
Bacl< Row: Wendy Lynn and Amy Jean.
It was during these trying times I got acquainted with
some friends that Hved in Archer. I was able to remain close
to the gospel and my testimony grew because of them.
In 1964 Jack joined the U.S. Navy. While he was in the
navy he worked as a secretary for the Catholic chaplain. The
chaplain tried to get Jack to join the Catholic church. Al-
though he was never an active Latter-day Saint, something
told him that the L.D.S. Church was true.
After a year, he was transferred to a destroyer and
worked in communications. He spent two years in the Far
East including Viet Nam, China, Japan and the Philippines.
While Jack was traveling in the Navy I was finishing
high school aVid working in a cafe in Rexburg where we
finally bumped into each other.
On 1 July 1967 we were married at Wilford, Idaho.
After our wedding we resided in Idaho Falls where Jack
worked as a truck driver and I went to beauty school.
We moved to Sugar City in 1968 and while we were
living there we became the proud parents of Wendy Lynn,
bom 6 March 1969.
We moved to Rexburg in April of 1971. On 18 May
1971 another daughter joined our growing family and we
named her Amy Jean.
With persuasion from our daughters. Jack quit smoking
and on 18 October 1974 we were sealed as a family for
eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple.
On 1 1 June 1975 Lisa Marie entered our family and we
felt that our world was complete.
June 5, 1976, and our world fell apart. Since we lived
only about a hundred feet off the Teton River we lost every-
thing in the flood. The next few months we worked hard but
we reaped some blessings also in that the most important
thing we had, our family, was intact. On 3 November 1976
Mitzi Gail arrived, to our pleasure.
Wendy Lynn was baptized on 1 April 1977 and that
spring we moved to Archer. It was like a dream come true for
Jack because he has always loved the country and lots of
space .
Amy Jean was baptized on 2 June 1979. Our family
seemed to be growing up too fast . Our family was growing in
more ways than one for Jenny Leigh was bom at home on 7
August 1979. Her sisters were able to hold her when she was
only minutes old. She has been the tie that binds and we all
reap a tremendous amount of pleasure from her.
Jack has now gone into business for himself and is away
from home quite a bit. I try to keep the home fires buming as
well as serving in the Relief Society. We are all in good
health and count the blessings the Lord has given us. What
more could we need? We have five sparkling daughters and
the necessities of life. What a joy!
Ed and Norlene Reichenbach
Ed is the son of Edward M. Reichenbach and Dolly Jane
Fortierof Califomia. Norlene is the daughter of James Derral
Anderson of Califomia and Lila Gardner Anderson of Archer
(winter resident of Califomia). Ed and Norlene were both
bom m Califomia. Norlene's Dad was bom in Salem and her
mother was bom in Moody. The Reichenbach' s have three
children: Tonya, Todd Edward, and Tara.
We met on a blind date in June 1962 and attended a
fireside on marriage. We corresponded when school began,
but phone bills and love sickness caused her to drop out in
December. On March 2, 1963 we were married in the Los
Angeles Temple. Our first home was an apartment in West
Los Angeles, nearEd's parent's home. Ed worked for Pacific
Resistor in West Los Angeles and Norlene for Federal Bank-
ruptcy Court in Los Angeles as typist. She changed jobs to
Front Row (L. to R.): Norlene and Ed
Back Row: Tara, Todd, Tonya
UCLA Medical Extension and worked until a month before
Tonya was bom, January 30, 1964. While members of
Brentwood Ward, Ed was Explorer Advisor and Scout Mas-
ter and Norlene taught Sunday School (fifteen year old) and
Primary. We moved to a two bedroom apartment and became
building managers. Ed began his own business cleaning
floors and decks of apartment buildings. Todd was bom June
22, 1966.
Shortly after Todd was bom we moved to Canoga Park
so Norlene could help some friends after the wife became
paralyzed. She tended four children under three and tried to
keep up two homes while Ed was working nights for Air-
bome Research of North Hollywood. After an exhaustive
148
year she quit and they moved to So. San Gabriel near
Norlene's family. Tonya began school at Hillcrest Elemen-
tary, two houses and 105 crying steps away. Tara was bom
on January 9, 1970. In So. San Gabriel Ward, Ed was Sunday
School counselor and Scout Master and Norlene was Primary
teacher and counselor in Young Women's Presidency.
Ed lost his aerospace job during a big layoff just before
Tara was bom and he began work in construction for
Norlene's brother. Wrightwood's small branch was made up
of half of Noriene's family. Ed was scout master, Sunday
School teacher and branch executive secretary at one time.
Norlene was Inscrvice Leader and later Primary president.
She also diiiected and taught a community nursery three days
a week the last year there and Tara attended.
Ed desired to attend Ricks College, so plans to move
began. The branch gave us a farewell party and an ap-
preciated money tree. We arrived in Rexburg in July 1973.
Through the Lord's guidance we found a home, unloaded our
fumiture, Ed found a job with Herdti Electric, and Norlene's
brother who helped with the move was on his way back home
at the end of the first day.
Ed began school and Norlene worked as a teacher's aid.
Ed took a full time custodial job and became an electrician for
Ricks.
We found property in Archer and applied for a loan.
Constmction of our home began in fall 1974 and we moved in
on Easter weekend 1975. It was a stmggle, but Norlene
graduated from B.Y.U. with a teaching certificate April
1976. August 1977 she began teaching first grade at
Washington School. While in Archer Ed has been Scout
Master, taught various Sunday School classes and is now
counselor in Young Men's Stake Presidency. Norlene has
been Jr. Sunday School coordinator and is now a Primary
teacher.
This year Tonya will be a junior at Madison High, Todd
a freshman and Tara in fifth grade, but Norlene is still in first
grade and Ed is still going to Ricks College after six and a half
years.
Lind and Grace Robison
Lind and Grace
Lind Alfred Robison was born to Olive Chloe Wilcox
and James Alfred Robison on March 15, 1903. He was born
in Lyman in a log house with a dirt floor. He was the third
child and first son in a family of nine. Some of his first
recollections are of seeing the Indians who were camping at
the hill coming down the road with their squaws, ponies and
carts. They came to ask his mother for food. She gave them a
sack of tlour and a slab of bacon. They were friendly Indians
but Lind was scared nonetheless.
Grace was bom October 14, 1900 to Stewart Seeley and
Millie Nelson in Mount Pleasant, Utah. She was also the
third child of nine. When she was eleven, fifteen families
moved from Mount Pleasant to St. Anthony. Her father left
early with the fumiture and cattle to prepare a place for them.
As the families passed through Pocatello on the freight train,
Grace looked out the window and saw her father. She was the
only one who saw him . They landed in St . Anthony in six feet
of snow. She attended school in Wilford. She was the
teacher's pet. The teacher drove a horse and buggy in sum-
mer and sleigh in winter. Each day at noon she would take
Grace to St. Anthony and buy her a candy bar.
Lind attended school in Lyman where he graduated in
1917. He also attended Ricks College for a year. He worked
in the sugar factory in Sugar City in the fall and farmed in the
summers. He worked all around as a young guy will. He
purchased his first car, a 1924 Model T Ford, and became the
talk of the town.
Grace worked in a seed house in St. Anthony where she
was inspector over 125 girls for five years. A friend from
work urged her to go to a dance on a Wednesday night. She
usually went on Saturdays but went that night to meet some
boys from Lyman. She saw Lind as he walked in the door
with four other Lyman boys and she was in love. Two years
later they were married December 12, 1925 in Lyman by
Bishop Charles Ritting. Lind was late for his own wedding
because he ran into a herd of sheep as he was driving home.
They had a big reception and a wedding dance. They moved
in to live with Lind's parents in the big two story house on the
comer south of Howell's store. Lind bought that house for
$3,000. Their first daughter LuDean was bom there May 1 1 ,
1927. They then moved back to Lyman to a big log house.
Luetta was bom there November 24, 1928. Lyle was bom in
Archer April 26, 1932.
Lind continued to be very industrious and a good
farmer. He sold his brothers Eldon and Dean the land where
they lived. He bought the land where they presently live in
1942.
LuDean went to school in Pocatello. Luetta served a
mission in Minneapolis Minnesota. Lyle also went to school.
Lind and Lyle built a Grade A bam and Lind milked
forty head of cows. It was a hard life being in the dairy
business but when he finally sold out it was a sad day.
Lind and Grace celebrated their fiftieth wedding an-
niversary in 1975. They have seventeen grandchildren and
four great-grandchildren, of whom they are very proud.
Lind states they have been very happy together, and are
having a happy life.
149
Lyle and LeRae Robison
^-"^ jF«L "^"^ ^
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Front Row (L. to R.): David and Ryan
Back Row: Douglas, Linda, Lyle, LeRae, Ricky, Ronald
Lyle James Robison, son of Lind A. Robison and Grace
Seely, was bom April 26, 1932 in Archer, Idaho. He was
raised in Archer where he attended the Archer schools and he
attended Madison High School and Ricks College. He then
went to Utah State Agricultural College where he joined the
Kappa Sigma Fraternity and served as the president for the
year 1953 and 1954. While at Utah State he met Jean LeRae
Drollinger, daughter of Clifford Elmer DroUinger and
Gladys Ardell Hancock. She was bom March 16, 1935 in
Salt Lake City, Utah. She was raised in Roosevelt, Utah
where she attended the Roosevelt schools and graduated from
Union High School as an honor student. She then went one
year at US AC. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on
June 1, 1954. This started the Lyle J. Robison family.
We spent the first two years of our married life in the
army with basic training at Fort Ord, Califomia. After basic
training we were stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.
At this time Linda Lee came into our family on December 10,
1955. She was bom at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu at
the exhorbitant price of $7.00. We were active in the
Wahiawa Ward in Hawaii where Lyle was the Scout Master
with eighteen scouts and not one Caucasian among them.
LeRae was ward organist and worked in the Primary. At this
time we made many friends through the church which we still
cherish.
After the army we returned to Archer and we spent our
time in farming, milking cows, and doing anything we could
find to do in the winter such as selling insulation, selling real
estate, and working in a hardware store. Here we had five
sons in a row: Douglas Lyle Robison bom December 24,
1957, Ricky James bom April 14, 1959 and Ronald D. bom
July 19, 1960 all bom in the Rigby Maternity Home. David
Alan was bom October 11, 1964 and Ryan Lind was bom
December 4, 1968 in the Madison Memorial Hospital in
Rexburg, Idaho.
We bought our farm from Ezra Lake in 1959 and six
months later we bought the adjoining farm from Learin
Terry.
LeRae has held the following church jobs: Relief Soci-
ety chorister, primary teacher, ward organist, Sunday School
organist, Relief Society organist and Relief Society sewing
specialist.
Lyle has served as Elders Quomm President, Sunday
School counselor. Priest Quorum Advisor, Scout Master,
Sunday School teacher, seven years on the High Council of
the Rexburg Stake and the Rexburg East Stake, bishop of the
Archer ward and is presently bishop of the Sunnydell Ward.
In the community, Lyle has served on the Board of
Directors of the Madison Memorial Hospital, and director on
the Madison Soil Conservation District.
When we came to Archer we moved into the home
where Gerard Junkert now lives for about one year. We lived
in Lind Robison' s old home for about eight years and then we
built and moved into our present home in 1966.
We've had two sons on missions so far. Douglas went to
Australia Melbourne Mission where he served as district and
zone leader. He also was able to spend four months on
Tasmania which he loved. Ricky is presently serving in the
Nevada Las Vegas Mission where he is now a District
Leader.
The highlight of Lyle's time as bishop was when the
flood suppers were served in our ward to some of the wards
that were in the flood of 1976. We served 3,800 people on
four different nights. We served them stew, homemade bread
and watermelon. These suppers were a real treat to those who
were flooded out of their homes but the biggest thing that they
did was to bring to our own ward a feeling of unity.
Trieste Robison
<cV
>
I If
Front Row (L. to R.): Eldon, Jill, Trieste.
Back Row: Marvin, Gloria, Patricia, Cindy.
Eldon Dee Robison was the seventh child and second
son bom to James Alfred Robison and Olive Chloe Wilcox.
He was bom in Lyman, Idaho, Madison County, Idaho,
November 24, 1914. Those who knew him say he was full of
mischief from the day he was bom. He leamed how to work
early. When he was only ten years old he was left on the dry
farm alone in the summer to farm. He often spoke of hearing
the coyotes howl so close at night. He slept on a high bed to
150
keep the rattlesnakes away. He attended grade school in
Lyman and Archer and Madison High School. He was bap-
tized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints by a cousin Jesse Robison July 25, 1923.
Trieste was the youngest child bom to Hilery Payn and
Anna Matilda Erickson. She was born October 5, 1914 at
Archer, Madison County, Idaho. She always looked for the
fun and occasionally made her own. She was blessed with the
talent of being able to make people laugh. She was baptized
July 5. 1924. She attended grade school at Archer and
graduated from Madison High. When they were in school
Eldon wrote in Trieste's autograph book, "Our eyes have
met, out lips not yet but remember darling, I'll get you yet."
Trieste disliked him at the time. A few years later as Eldon
came home from Arkansas where he had been staying with
his sister, dressed in the latest styles, Trieste had a change of
heart.
They were married September 9, 1935 in Blackfoot,
Idaho. In June 1947 they were married and sealed in the
Idaho Falls Temple.
Five children were bom to them: Gloria Dee, April 17,
1936 at the home of grandparents Payns; Marvin H., July 4,
1940 at the home of grandparents Payns; Patricia Ann, Sep-
tember 15, 1944 at Rigby Hospital, Rigby, Idaho; Cindy
Lou, April 3, 1949 at the Rigby Maternity Home in Rigby,
Idaho and Laurie Jill. September 17, 1955 in the Rigby
Matemity Home, Rigby. Idaho.
Shortly after they were married they purchased the place
where they now live and that has been their home. Eldon was
a hard worker. He farmed for himself and others, was the
watermaster on the Lenroot Canal for a year, sexton at the
Sutton Cemetery and later became a potato inspector for the
state of Idaho.
In 1957-58 Gloria was called on a mission to the Eastern
States Mission in New York and a week after she returned
home Marvin left for the Great Lakes Mission.
Eldon held many positions in the church. Some were:
Secretary of the MIA, drama director. Deacons advisor, MIA
president and on the MIA stake board, but the position he
loved the very most was counselor to Bishop George H.
Munns in the Archer Ward. He was called to this position
November 9, 1959 and served faithfully for ten years. He
loved the youth and supported them always. He especially
loved baseball. He and Trieste were seen at most every game
even if none of their kids were playing.
Trieste has been active in the church also. She was
called to be a counselor in the MIA at seventeen. She was
counselor in the Relief Society and primary, president of the
MIA, drama director, teacher, served on three Relief Society
stake boards, and was Relief Society president. She cared for
her mother who was bedfast for eight years and gave her
expert care. This inspired two of her daughters to become
nurses. She was always the most happy when she was serving
others.
Eldon passed away on February 12, 1977 at Madison
Hospital of a severe heart attack. Trieste is presently serving
a mission in Tampa, Florida.
Kenneth and Hazel Rose
I 8
Sitting (L. to R.): Crystal, Tammie, Jeremy, l-lazel, Mitchel, Ken,
Anna.
Standing: Cody and Harold.
The family of Kenneth Dean Rose and Hazel Margret
(Schneiter) Rose began on May 8, 1970, when they were
married for time and all etemity in the Idaho Falls Temple by
George Christensen. During these last ten years they have
been blessed with seven beautiful children, four boys and
three girls. All seven children were bom in Rexburg, Idaho.
The children and their birthdates are as follows: Harold
Dean, June 1. 1971; Cody "M", July 2. 1972; Crystal May,
March 13, 1974; Jeremy "L", July 24, 1975; Anna Marie,
July 17, 1976; Tammie Sue. July 7, 1977; Mitchel "E",
February 1, 1980.
After they were married. Ken and Hazel decided to stay
in this area and have lived in several different locations in
Archer and Sunnydell. Kenneth was drafted on May 8, 1971,
into the U.S. Army. He spent most of his service time as a
company clerk in Wildflecken, Germany. While Kenneth
was gone Hazel spent most of the time in their mobile home
behind her Grandmother Weekes' home. For six months
Hazel and Harold went to Maryland and lived with Kenneth's
parents. Kenneth was discharged from the army May 4,
1973. After his discharge he worked at the Challenge Cream-
ery in Rexburg, Idaho, as a cheesemaker. The creamery
closed down in 1975 and so Kenneth worked as the chief
buttermaker in the Idaho Falls Challenge Creamery Plant. In
1 976 he went to work as a city letter carrier in Rexburg, Idaho
and has been employed there since.
Ken's father's ancestors came from Wales, England on
the ship Warwick, in the year 1631 and settled in Berwick.
Maine. Ken's mother's ancestors came over on the Mayf-
lower in 1620 and landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts.
Ken was bom in Bangor, Maine to Llewellyn Ernest
Rose and Ruth Gertrude Chamberlain on March 6, 1950 and
was the oldest of five children. Because of economic condi-
tions. Ken's family moved to Maryland when he was seven.
When he was ten the family joined The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints and Ken was baptized in 1960. In
1968 Ken graduated from Surrattsville High in Clinton.
Maryland.
151
In 1 968 he came to Idaho and attended Ricks College . In
February of 1969 he and Hazel met at a Gold and Green Ball
held at the Archer Church. Six months later they were en-
gaged. Ken graduated from Ricks in 1970.
Hazel was bom in Fort Knox, Kentucky to Erven Clair
Schneiter and Artella Ann Weekes on February 3, 1950 and
was the youngest of three children.
Hazel's father's ancestors came from Prussia (now East
Germany) around 1860 and settled in Lewisville, Idaho.
Hazel's mother's ancestors came from England around 1853
and were some of the first settlers in the Lyman area and dug
the first irrigation ditch in this area.
Hazel graduated from Madison High in 1968 and then
attended King-Lawrence Beauty School in Rexburg on a
scholarship. After graduating from there in August 1969 she
worked in Sutton's Potato Warehouse until she and Ken were
married.
Hazel's hobbies are sewing and crocheting. Ken's hob-
bies are hunting and fishing, raising chickens and pigs and
sawing firewood. The whole family enjoys going to the
mountains to get firewood or to pick huckleberries.
We are so thankful to be members of this wonderful
Church and to be able to raise our children in it. We so much
enjoy our temple work and are very glad to have the oppor-
tunity to serve the Lord in this way. Our main goal in life is to
raise our children so they will want to go on missions and
bring more people into this wonderful Church.
Artella Schneiter
Artella
I, Artella Ann Weekes Schneiter, was bom September
11, 1919, in the home of my parents, Martha Lavon Gal-
braith and George Lelen Weekes (located directly north ac-
ross the highway from the Archer School) . My parents made
their living by farming. I was the third child in a family often
children. Being a large family on a small farm, we soon
leamed to share in family responsibilities, both with house
duties and outside farm chores. We also had fun together
reading in the evenings, taking huckleberrying trips and
taking part in ward and community activities.
In 1936 I met Erven Clair Schneiter and we began
dating. With a group of friends we spent many happy hours
roller skating, dancing, sleigh riding, etc. We were married
on June 24, 1939, in my parents' home by Bishop J. Ray
Smith.
Erven's parents. Hazel Eliza Park and Anton August
Schneiter owned a farm in Annis. Erven was bom July 1 1,
1918, at the family home. He was the fifth child of nine.
During the next few years we lived in the local area,
where Erven was employed at various jobs. During this time
we were blessed with the birth of two children, Bobby Clair
bom April 25, 1940, and Darlene Artella bom October 9,
1941, both were bom in my parents home in Archer.
In 1944 with World War II raging. Erven received
his official greetings from Uncle Sam and was sent to Camp
Gruber, Oklahoma, for his basic training. I took our two
small children and went to be with him for a short time before
he was sent to Germany. This was my first trip away from
home and with two small children and luggage, it was quite
an experience. However, in time, I became an old-hand at
moving, because in 1948 Erven re-enlisted in the army and
for the next eight years we were an army family.
We first went to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where our third
child. Hazel Margret was bom February 3, 1950. While there
I was asked by the lady missionaries to conduct a home
Primary. Several non-member children attended with our
children. In August 1 950, Erven was sent to help fight during
the Korean Conflict. In his absences, I always brought the
children back to Archer to live. Later we spent a year in
Maryland and two years in Germany, before Erven was
discharged in 1956.
Our son, Bobby, married Sarah Joyce Streeper of Ririe
on February 19, 1959, in the Idaho Falls Temple, and I had
my own endowment work done the same day. That same year
on June 19 our daughter, Darlene, married Dale Leonard
Clements of Archer at Archer.
The morning of November 20, 1960, I received a call
that Erven had been in a car wreck. X-rays and an examina-
tion showed very severe gas bums and a broken neck. He was
taken by ambulance to the Veteran's Hospital in Salt Lake
City. The spinal cord had been damaged causing complete
paralysis from the neck down. After four months and many
instructions on how to care for my husband's paralyzed body,
we left the Veteran's Hospital and soon moved back home to
Archer. For the next four years my time was spent caring for
Erven, until he passed away April 5, 1965, at our home in
Archer.
A highlight in my life was when we went to the temple
on April 12, 1966, and had Erven's endowment work and our
sealing performed.
After Erven's death, I worked at various jobs, until
August 19, 1969, when I got a job as a custodian at the
Manwaring Center on the Ricks College campus. I really
enjoy my job and have advanced to head custodian in the
building.
Our second daughter. Hazel, married Kenneth Dean
Rose of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, on May 8, 1970, in the
Idaho Falls Temple.
In April 1974, 1 bought a trailer and moved it on to Dale
152
and Darlc lie's place here in Archer, where I have enjoyed my
flower and vegetable gardens.
My family and the gospel have always been my most
treasured possessions and my grandchildren now number
twenty-one.
At various times during my life I have served as teacher
in MIA, Sunday School and Primary. For a short time I was a
Relief Society visiting teacher and am presently serving as
Sunday School secretary.
Joel and Virginia Sedgwick
Front Row (L. to R.): Debbie, Joel holding Marianne, Virginia holding
Miriam. Danny and Jannes.
Back Row: Christian. Amelia holding Randi, David. Michael. Sharon
and Ben.
The Joel W. Sedgwick family has ever been on the move
since its inception 29 years ago when Joel met Virginia
Clawson in Southern California, after returning from a mis-
sion to Finland. Because of army commitments the first move
and beginning of our circle was to Kansas and then to Vir-
ginia, where Joel R. was born.
Further moves resulted, widening our circle , because of
schooling, which continued for some seven or eight years.
These moves took us first to B YU where Rene' and Garrett L.
were bom. Joel graduated and we moved to first, Pocatello,
and then Riverside, Idaho, where he taught seminary.
Jonathan was bom here. We really fell in love with this
country and the people here.
Then on to San Diego and more schooling for Joel. He
also taught Institute classes. Virginia also went to school
here. This is where Stephani V. was born.
On around the circle we went -- to Sharon, Mas-
sachusetts, where Joel went to school again and was a coun-
selor in the College of Business Administration. He studied
counseling and adult education. Here, Michael W. and David
W. were bom.
On again — everything that couldn't fit in our little trailer
and car were sold, and off we went to Flagstaff, Arizona,
institute again, and this time school for Virginia.
Joel started branching out to earn more money for his
ever-increasing family, and we moved to Oakland, Califor-
nia, for an experience in insurance. Amelia C. was bom here.
Joel couldn't leave the institute alone completely. So he
started teaching again and he continued his many business
ventures on the side.
This took us to San Jose, Califomia, where Julia Ann
and Sharon L. were bom, and then to Gilroy, where Julia
Anne drowned and Benjamin was born.
Then on around the circle -- Salt Lake City, Utah, where
Joel taught at the Technical College, and Christian C. and
James M. were bom.
We continued to search for ways to add to a teacher's
meager income, and as a result, Joel retired from 17 years of
teaching and tumed to business again.
This took us farther around the circle to Southem Utah,
and a motel which we ran for awhile. Deborah Sue, Daniel
Mark, Marianne E. and Miriam Ruth were all bom in this
area. Deciding the motel was not for us, we sold it and Joel
got involved in the business that led to his present business of
buying, processing and selling of investment diamonds out of
West Africa.
During our stay in Southem Utah we were not settled
and felt to find a place where we could close the circle and
raise the rest of our children in a rural setting. We decided
Idaho was the place and found this piece of property on which
we hope to settle.
We have enjoyed and appreciated the friendship of those
whom we have met thus far and desire to meet more people
like them. We hope to be able to contribute in whatever way
we can to this community and those who live in it. Joel and
Virginia and all are dedicated to profitable and worthy educa-
tion.
Our Joel, Garrett, and Jonathon have filled missions for
the L.D.S. Church in Argentina and Colombia. Our son,
Joel, is married and has one son. Our daughter, Rene', is
married and has two girls and two boys. She is living in Salt
Lake. Garrett and Jonathon are working in Salt Lake City,
and Jonathon will go to BYU in the fall. Stephani is working
at Heise and is living here at home with her daughter Randi
Kay. Michael will be going to Southem Utah State College in
the fall. David is finishing his education and is presently
working with Max Oakey. The rest are home, busy leaming
and working.
Each place we have lived has been bought in disrepair
and - sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly -- repaired.
Always beautifully!
We love music, gardening, sewing and leaming any-
thing new.
While our circle of life is not yet complete, we certainly
hope the circle made by moving has been completed.
The Sharp Family
Reece Sharp is the only son of Glen and Jeannette
Nelson Sharp.
Jeannette was bom July 9, 1905, the first child of Iva
Lenroot and Issac Nelson. She attended school in the old
cheese factory, then in the Erickson dance hall and when she
was in the fifth grade the brick school was built and she
attended school there until she had attended one year of high
153
Left to Right: Reece, Jeanette, and Glen
school.
She enjoyed life. Riding horses, going to dances with
her parents and trips to the hills were her favorites. She was
ten when she went with her father to get the logs to build a
home. Huckleberry trips were the highlight of the summer.
She worked hard, not having any brothers, just one sister,
Emily. She drove horses to plow, harrow, level, and culti-
vate. She thinned beets, shocked grain and picked potatoes.
Before she was married, she worked for two winters in
Rigby sorting peas and earned $13.15 a week for hard work,
nine hours a day for six days a week.
Jeannette started to date Glen Sharp when she was only
sixteen. Four years later they were married, February 5,
1925. They had one son, Reece. After living for a short time
in Rigby, they moved to Archer and except for one winter in
Pocatello and two summers on the dry farm, they have
always lived in Archer.
Jeannette had a beautiful voice and sang with many trio
groups. She served as a counselor to Bertha Young in the
M.I. A., a Primary teacher and later in the presidency with
Zella Bybee and Edna Hill, P.T.A. president, and then five
years as M.I. A. president. She was serving as Junior Sunday
School coordinator when the new church was dedicated and
gave a talk.
On September 15, 1945, one side of her face went
numb. It was numb for four years and she soon lost her sense
of balance. She fell many times and suffered several broken
bones. Glen had arthritis and was in pain for twenty-five
years. He passed away April 22, 1962, after several years in
and out of hospitals.
Jeannette grew progressively worse and in 1975 was
confined to a wheelchair. In 1977 she wasn't able to live at
home and moved to Hillcrest Haven Nursing home in
Pocatello.
When asked what her hobbies were Jeannette replied,
"I think of the enjoyment I have had playing and singing with
my electric organ, the many distowels and pillowcases I have
embroidered, but my flowers and garden have been my chief
source of satisfaction and comfort."
To those who knew her the best know that people were
her main hobby. Through her heartache, pain, and not being
able to care for herself, she has remained a gracious, loving,
kind person. Those who take care of her love her. All who go
to visit her are inspired and uplifted by her cheerfulness and
the desire to be patient to the end.
Reece and Jill and two daughters, Helen 13, and
Amanda 7, are living at the family home. Reece's oldest son,
Brad and his wife, Vickey, have two children and live in
Rigby. Joy Lyn and Kyle Ball have one boy and are living in
Salem, Idaho. Robin is living in New Haven, Connecticut.
Reece is a superintendent of Burggraf Construction
Company.
Scott and Janice Shirley
Left to Right: Jan, Jeffrey, Scott holding Brett, and Jenna
On March 7, 1952, after a heavy winter storm had
virtually closed everything, Margie and Ross Shirley were
very glad Madison County had chosen to plow the Salem
highway first, for Scott was trying his best to make his
appearance . That evening he succeeded and was the third boy
to join his two older brothers, Neal and Dale.
Two years later he was joined by a lone sister, Janet, to
make their family complete. They made their home in Salem
and Scott attended grammer school in Piano and Jr. high and
high school in Sugar City.
Scott graduated in 1 970 after being very active in music
and drama. Ricks College was his next goal and he attended
for one year. He appeared in several college plays and was
accepted to the "Westgate Playmill," but decided instead to
go on his misson.
He spent two years in the Guatemala-El Salvador mis-
sion and returned home to marry Janice Kinghom, May 3,
1974.
She had been raised in Sugar City in the family of
Ronald and Dorothy Kinghom and had two older brothers.
She also attended Sugar-Salem High school and was
active in many clubs and organizations including the drill
team and pep club. She served as studentbody secretary and
graduated in 1972.
154
She was accepted at Ricks into the nursing program,
intending to be a registered nurse but after a year, changed
plans and graduated as a medical secretary.
After their marriage, they moved to Idaho Falls where
Scott attended ISU and Jan worked at the LDS Hospital until
Jenna was bom in 1975. She was quickly joned by Jeffrey
who arrived on June 4, 1976.
Scott had meanwhile started working at Safeway and the
family had just moved to Sugar City on June 3 and were
moved out on June 5 by the breaking of the Teton Dam.
After moving around for a year, we finally moved to
Sunnydell in 1977 and have resided here since. One more
child has joined us since then in the guise of Brett on Sep-
tember 4, 1979.
Wayne and Diane Siddoway
Front Row (L. to R.): Dax. Wayne, Diane, Nichole
Back Row: Randy, Trent, and Cindy
Ralph Wayne Siddoway was bom, the second son to
Laurence D. and Stella Cunningham Siddoway, on October
24, 1935, in Teton City, Idaho. His father was a farmer and
when Wayne was six years old the family rented a farm and
moved to Lincoln, Idaho. They lived there for five years and
then moved to Grant, Idaho, where they lived for two years.
At this time, his family bought a farm in Clark. Idaho. His
parents still live on this farm. Wayne went to school in
Rigby, Idaho, and graduated from Rigby High School. He
was called to serve a mission in the Samoan Islands in 1956.
He spent two and one-half years in Samoa. When he came
home, the army was waiting for him. He spent six months
active duty in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. He was released
from the army in September 1 959 and on November 6, 1 959,
he married Diane Avery in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Diane was bom in Milo, Idaho, the third daughter of
Lester Cleon and Edna Palmer Avery on October 4, 1938.
She was joned by a brother later. Her father was a farmer, but
when Diane was eight years old, the family purchased a small
grocery store in St. Anthony, Idaho, and moved there. Diane
graduaed from South Fremont High and then went to Ricks
College where she earned an Associate Degree in secretarial
training. She moved to Idaho Falls and worked for Phillips
Petroleum at the AEC Site.
Wayne and Diane started their married life in Clark,
Idaho. The next spring, Wayne rented his uncle's farm just
east of Rigby so they moved there . Their first son was bom in
Rigby on October 8, I960, and was named Duane Kay. The
family moved back to a home on his brother's farm in Clark
and on January 6, 1962, a second son, Trent J., joined the
family. The following spring they moved to a farm in Shel-
ton, Idaho. Here they were joined by a daughter Cindy, on
January 10, 1963. On New Years Eve, 1963, Wayne and
Diane spent the day moving into the home they had purch-
ased in Sunnydell. They have since resided in this home
except for a short time they lived in Sugar City, Idaho.
Wayne started working for Van Gas, a propane com-
pany. He has worked for Van Gas ever since except for a
short time that he worked for Intermountain Gas in Rexburg.
During this time he has been plant manager for the Rigby and
Idaho Falls plants and at the present time he is manager of the
St. Anthony branch.
On October 14, 1965, another son joined the family. He
was named Randy Ray. In 1969 Wayne was called to serve as
the president of the Elder's Quorum. He served in this posi-
tion until February 15, 1976, when he was called as a second
counselor in the bishopric. When the ward was divided he
remained second counselor to Bishop Robison in the new
Sunnydell Ward.
On June 17, 1971, another son joined the family. He
was named Dax Wayne. The Sunday he was blessed, he was
one of the ten babies blessed in the Archer Ward Sacrament
meeting that Sunday.
On October 14, 1974, Randy's ninth birthday, a red-
headed baby girl joined the family. She was named Nichole.
In August 1979, Duane was called to serve in the Italy
Catinia Mission. He is serving there at the present time.
All of the boys have enjoyed sports and have played
many ball games. The family has always supported the boys
and have attended hundreds of ball games, cheering the boys
on from PeeWee baseball to championship basebnall, bas-
ketball and football games. This has brought much joy and
excitement into their lives. The entire family has been active
in the Church and all of the older children have served as class
or quorum officers.
Edward and Olive Smith
I, Edward A., was bom at Jersey City, New Jersey,
March 6, 1919, the fifth child of John and Caroline Smith.
I attended PS 20 grade school until I was twelve, then
Henry Snyder Jr. High for two years, Dickison High School
three years. I worked in a grocery store until I was drafted in
1942. I served seven and one-half years in the first Army Air
Force. During that time I served in Italy, Africa, Iran,
Arabia, India and China.
I was discharged January 7, 1946. On January 9, 19461
reenlisted for three years and was sent to Camp Keams, Utah.
That's where I met my future wife, Olive Erickson. A week
after I met her I was sent to Alaska, stationed at Sewart,
Kodiak, Kicka, Attu and Adak. On completion of my over-
155
Olive and Edward
seas service, I was sent home. Olive and I were married, and
we spent the remaining time of my hitch in Pennsylvania and
Illinois.
On February 1, 1947, I was baptized a Mormon by
Henry Erickson and confirmed by Norman Erickson Feb-
ruary 2 , 1 947 . On August 21, 1 95 1 , Olive and I were married
in the Idaho Falls Temple and had our daughter sealed to us.
In 1951 I had a cerebral hemorrhage. The doctors gave
me forty-eight hours which I could go either way. Through
the power of the priesthood, I am still here today.
My hobbies are bowling, drawing, sign painting, and
swimming.
I, Olive Gladys Erickson Smith, was bom November
20th, the ninth child of eleven bom to Herman and Gladys
Erickson.
My growing years weren't very exciting. I hated school
because I was sick so much.
I've served in the Primary, secretary of the Y. W.M.I. A.
for six years, secretary of the Relief Society eleven years, ten
years perfect attendance. I served under President Opal Cle-
ments. I was a visiting teacher. I'm a member of the Daugh-
ters of the Utah Pioneers.
In the year of '45 or '46, I went to Salt Lake with my
good friend, Zula Nelson Kidd, to find a job.
We stayed in Salt Lake for a year or two then Zula got
her mission call. I stayed alone for awhile, then dad wanted
me to come home. During the time I was there I met my
future husband, Edward Smith, who was stationed at Camp
Keams.
When he left for Alaska, I came home to wait for his
retum when we were to be married. He came home January,
1947, and we were married January 31, 1947.
On February 16, 1948, we were blessed with our only
child, DeLana. We love her very much. She is married and
has five children, which we think are the greatest.
I have lived in Archer all my life except for two years
Eddie was in the service and stationed in Illinois.
I'm the custodian of our church house and love to work
over there; it's so peaceful and quiet. I had a good teacher,
my dad. He was custodian of our old rock church and the new
one until his health started to fail him.
The year of 1977 Bishop Robison asked us if we could
support a missionary in South America. We were glad to do
so and have received many blessings from our efforts. Oc-
tober 2, 1979, we sent for him to come and visit us. His name
is Juau Albero Rinson. He is still with us attending Ricks
College.
My hobbies are collecting dolls from different country,
collecting omaments, and reading movie books. My one
life's ambition was to be a good roller and own a Harley
Davidson, but the years are catching up with me so I'll just
have to give that up and concentrate on being a good grand-
mother, which I'm proud of being.
J, Ray Smith
I, James Ray Smith, was born in Richmond, Utah,
January 7, 1887, son of Isaac and Betsey Ann Bateman
Smith. I was the third child and second son in a family often.
At age four we moved to Fairview. At age twelve dad put me
to mnning a milk wagon from Fairview to Franklin. I loved to
dance and went to all the neighboring towns.
In November 1903 we moved to Shelley, Idaho, where
we could get plenty of irrigation water. Those in our group
were Abb and Blueford Bybee, my brother. Earl, and Roy
Hall.
Front Row (L. to R.): James Ray, Alta, Pauline^
Back Row: Elmo and Dee
In the spring we moved to Lyman. Mother died shortly
after my youngest sister, Ethel, was bom. Three years later
dad married Maria Holley on June 8, 1908.
On April 27, 1910, 1 married Pauline Weiland in the SaU
Lake Temple and left the same day for my mission with
headquarters in Chicago.
At the close of my mission, Pauline met me in Salt Lake.
It was good to be home. We hved in Rexburg second ward
until fall when I bought a home in Lyman where I taught in
MIA. I was president of the Elder's Quorum, then second
counselor to Bishop Rytting.
My father was field man for the Utah-Idaho Sugar
Company and hired me to take his place. I held the job for
twenty-one years. Pauline was sick the nine months before
our son, Elmo, was bom, March 28, 1915.
We moved to Archer and On November 4, 1917, our
156
second son was bom. I named him Mark Weiland Smith.
That spring we had bc^ught our 200 acre dry farm just on top
of the hill above the old Henry Sutton home and the twenty
acres where we built our home.
For three years I served on the school board and was
director of the Sunnydell Irrigation District.
January 28, 1920, our third son, Marvin Dee, was bom.
The flu was raging. I had been to five funerals in one week
and came down with it myself the day before Dee was bom.
Even though there was only a wall between us, I did not see
my son for almost two weeks. No one else in the family got
the flu.
I was serving as Sunday School superintendent when on
December 24, 1924, I was asked to be counselor to Bishop
Olaf P. Johanson. I served until 1928 when I became bishop
of the Archer Ward. I chose D.O. Wilcox and Carl Johnson
as counselors, Bert Carlstrom as clerk. Carl moved to Rex-
burg and Raymond Briggs took his place. We were united as
a bishopric and served for thirteen years until 1941.
Our daughter, Alta, wasbomJuly 10, 1921. OnJuly25,
1925, another son. Grant, was bom to us. He lived only a few
minutes. I almost lost Pauline at this time.
Tragedy stmck us on May 14, 1930. Our son, Mark,
was drowned on a school outing to Indian Springs near
Pocatello.
About this time Pauline's parents came to live with us.
They were easy to care for, and we were glad we could do it.
Elmo went to North Central States Mission, then mar-
ried June We indorf in the Salt Lake Temple. He later became
preisdent of the Oakland Stake and served until his death of
cancer January 22, 1973.
Dee went to the New England States on his mission. On
October 18, 1943, he and Lottie Hall and Alta and Grant
Fisher were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Dee served as
bishop in the Diamond Ward of the Oakland Stake and is now
on the high council. Alta' s husband, Grant, is a bishop in Salt
Lake City.
Pauline had a bad heart. After a stroke, she passed away
March 23, 1946. Mark and Elsie Sutton rented part of my
house, and we were soon sharing everything.
I have been married to three wonderful women. I mar-
ried Lucinda Fisher, June 16, 1947. November 14, 1959, she
passed away. December 12, 1960, Mattie Kinghom and I
were married. She died 26 May 1976. Since then I have been
living with Dee or Alta most of the time. However, when I
was alone, the people of Archer were especially mindful of
my needs. I have always loved them and my home in Archer.
Walter and Karen Smith
Walter David Smith, bom in Spwkane, Washington, on
January 29, 1946, is the son of Millie Wilcox and Joseph L.
Smith. Millie was bom and raised in Archer. After fulfilling a
mission for the L.D.S. Church in Colorado and Nebraska,
Millie was living in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she met Joe
Smith from Nephi, Utah. They were married in the Salt Lake
Temple. They were in the army, stationed in Sp(^kanc at the
time of Walt's birth. After their discharge they moved to
Front Row (L. to R.): Lindsey, Walt, Karen, and Wesley.
Back Row: Mark, David, and JuliAnn
Nephi where they have lived since. Walt has a brother, Doug,
and a sister, Lynette.
Karen Kathleen Skow was bom and raised in Walla
Walla, Washington. Her mother is Betty L. Lindsey, origi-
nally from Ammon, Idaho, and herfather is Lauren R. Skow,
originally from North Dakota. They met in Walla Walla and
have lived there for more than forty years. There are three
other girls in the family: Judy, Loma and Cynthia.
Walt and Karen met after Walt had completed a mission
for the Church in Scotland, birthplace of his Great-
grandfather Smith. At the time of their meeting, Walt was
attending Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, and Karen was
attending Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. Karen
graduated from BYU with a degree in CDFR - Elementary
Education in May 1968. She and Walt were married in the
Salt Lake Temple on June 7, 1968. Walt graduated from
BYU with a degree in Industrial Arts Education in August
1973. They lived in Provo, Utah, and Midvale, Utah, while
Walt was completing BYU. Karen taught school during this
time. They built a home in West Jordan, Utah. Walt was
working in home constmction. They were unhappy with the
crowded conditions in the Salt Lake area and felt some other
situations were less than ideal for raising a family, so in 1977
they sold their home and moved to the Archer area.
At this point there were four children: David Alan, bom
1 May 1970; JuHAnn, bom 10 March 1972; Mark Travis,
bom 9 July 1973; Lindsey Kaye, bom 20 February 1977.
The family built a home in Archer, moving into it in
November, 1978. On February 1, 1979, their fifth child,
Wesley Tyler, was bom.
Walt is presently working for Peterson's Magic Rooms
and has had many opportunities for traveling across the
United States. It has been a real opportunity for the whole
family to learn.
Walt especially enjoys hunting and fishing and being
outdoors. Karen is kept busy with their family and is able to
use her hobbies of sewing, baking, etc., there. Each child has
a special place in the family and their uniqueness keeps things
interesting. David and Mark really enjoy nearly every kind of
sport so the family is well aware of season changes as the
157
boys rotate from one sport to another. JuliAnn enjoys danc-
ing as the things that adds sparkle to her Ufe. Lindsey is
especially fond of music and animals. And Wesley is just
teaching the rest of the family about the directions he'll take
in life.
The family has always been active in the LDS Church
and Walt and Karen have held a variety of church positions.
The family is grateful for the opportunity to live in the
Archer area where there are close family ties, room to be
more self-sufficient, and especially where LDS standards are
upheld.
Kim and Susan Sorensen
Philip Cody. Kim, Susan, and Travis L.
Philip Kim Sorensen and Susan Harding Sorensen were
married October 25, 1975, in Sugar City, Idaho, after three
months of courtship. Kim was enlisted in the U.S. Army, so
off they went for a three month honeymoon to El Paso,
Texas. After Kim's release back to work for a farmer from
Newdale and a trailer home in Teton. Here we dreamed and
schemed for a new home in Archer.
After a year, our plans were complete so we moved into
Rexburg to be able to assist in building our new home. Here
our first son, Philip cody was bom on September 27, 1977, at
St . Anthony. After another year, out to our new home . Here
on October 11, 1978, Travis L. was bom at Rexburg.
Because of our great love for our family, we were
sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 3, 1979. Kim is
now serving as second counselor in the Sunday School and as
a home teacher. Susan has served as Primary teacher and is
now serving as first counselor in the Primary and a visiting
teacher. Life's been good!
Glen and Bess Squires
I, WilUam Glen, was bom to William P. and Zilpah E.
Young Squires in Rexburg, Idaho, December 14, 1901. One
of seven children -- five boys and two- girls: Lawrence,
Melvin, Glen, Milton, one son died before the age of two of
diptheria. Grace married William Grover, Ronella married
Carl Magleby.
Bess and Glen
Life was pretty much like all the farm boys in those
times - plenty of work with a good share of fun and friends
and relatives. Our recreation was community socials, ball
games, and entertainment with home or local talent.
At age 1 8 or 1 9, 1 started playing in the Young Orchestra
which consisted of two uncles, one aunt and a brother. Rob
and Mark Young, Leah Young Nelson, and Lawrence
Squires, respectively. Later: Clem Young, Ray Palmer, and
Mark and I played the saxaphone and continued to play for
dances until the last several years.
I have held a few positions in the Church which were
mostly in music. I was Sunday School chorister for a long
time. When I was in my teens, I taught a class in Sunday
School and was ward chorister for some time, also mutual
chorister. For about seven years each, I worked on the canal
board and on the Archer School board.
I, Sarah Elizabeth McMillan, was bom May 19, 1898,
at my father, William McMillan's, ranch west of Rexburg. I
spent many years growing up in Boise. Lewiston Normal had
a branch school at Boise High. After graduating from Boise I
attended summer school there and with one year at Pocatello,
started teaching school. I went back to Boise several sum-
mers and to Ricks College one summer.
I taught at Independence for two years, one year at
Moody. The fourth year I was going to Emmett, but the
county superintendent persuaded me to come to Archer. I
soon became one of the many teachers to stay, teaching for
seven years. I enjoyed this work very much and have many
pleasant memories.
I have worked in most of the Church organizations
except Primary.
While at Archer I stayed at the home of William Squires
along with three other teachers. There was never a dull
moment and we had lots of fun with Mr. Squires and his wife
always joining us.
On January 2, 1924, Glen and I were married in the Salt
Lake Temple. We have three children: Julia Eileen, Glen
Lavar, and Glenda Ronella.
JuHa Eileen married Thomas Kershaw. Tom is superin-
tendent of schools in Sugar City, Idaho. They have four
children: Thomas, Jr., who has just finished law school at
158
BYU; Neil, who is attending BYU; Pamela, who married
David Ogden, who works for Idaho Bank and Trust in Rex-
burg. Their youngest, Timothy, is a sophomore in Sugar
City.
LaVar married Shirley Johnson. Their history appears
in this book.
Glenda married Birch Weimer. He is a pharmacist in
SkaggsDrug, Rexburg. Theirchildrcn are Bradley and Paul.
We have eleven grandchildren and seven great-grand
children.
LaVar and Shirley Squires
Left to Right: LaVar, Phillip. Shirley, and Kathenne
The LaVar and Shirley Squires family have lived in
Archer for the past twenty-one years.
Children in this family are: Deborah, William (Bill),
Sherie, Katherine, and Phillip.
LaVar is an employee of "American Potato", a potato
processing plant. He is the manager at their Rexburg facility,
Roger Brothers division.
Deborah married Dennis Wright and they have three
children. They live in Vancouver, Washington.
Bill served a mission in New York City. He graduated
from Ricks College and will enroll at BYU. He married
Lynne Hanson of Granger, Utah.
Sherie has graduated from Ricks College and is a stu-
dent at Brigham Young University.
Katherine graduated from Madison High School and
plans to attend Ricks College.
Phillip is a student at Archer Elementary School.
LaVar is the son of Glen and Bessie McMillan Squires,
bom February 18, 1931, at Archer, Madison County, Idaho.
He is a graduate of Madison High School.
Shirley is the daughter of Hugh and Helen Patrick John-
ston, born April 18, 1932, at Moody Creek, Madison
County, Idaho.
They have worked in all of the auxiliaries of the Church.
Thomas and Dianne Suddeth
On Friday, June. 20, 1980, the Thomas F. Suddeth
family moved into a new home just north of the Archer Merc.
I guess that makes us about the newest family in the Archer
Ward. Hopefully this is the final move for our family which
Back Row: Thomas, Sr., Matthew, Thomas, Dianne. and Paul.
Front Row (L. to R.): William Edward and Thomas Franklin, Jr.
since our marriage on September 7, 1973, in the Logan
Temple, has lived in Poughkeepsie, New York; Los Angeles,
California; Rexburg; Dallas, Texas; Salt Lake City; St. Au-
gustine, Florida; and Rexburg again.
Our family consists of Thomas Franklin Suddeth, Sr.,
Dianne Widdison Suddeth, William Edward bom November
9, 1974, Matthew Thomas bom July 13, 1976, Paul Warren
born January 17, 1978, and Thomas Franklin, Jr., born
October 8, 1979. Matthew was bom in Salt Lake City but the
rest were all bom in Rexburg. Tom was bom in St. Augus-
tine, Florida, and Dianne was bom in Rexburg.
Tom is a convert to the Church having been baptized on
August 18, 1972, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Tom and
Dianne met while both were working at the Jackson Lake
Lodge in The Grand Teton National Park. Tom graduated in
1974 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park,
New York. He is a licensed chef and currently works at Ricks
College in the Food Services.
Dianne attended Ricks College and then Brigham
Young University where she graduated in Child Develop-
ment. Now we're busy developing children.
Tom has also worked in consruction and spent several
years building houses. His hobby is making hunting knives,
using files and sandpaper and lots of hours . The little boys are
enjoying getting acquainted with the other children in the
neighborhood.
Michael and Ginger Summers
The family of Mike and Ginger Summers are fairly new
to the Sunnydell area. They came the summer of 1979 with
three young daughters.
Michael Elmer Summers was bom in Rigby, Idaho, on
January 1 9, 1 952. He was raised in Idaho Falls and graduated
from Bonneville High in 1970.
Ginger Lee Gehrke was bom in Long Beach, Califomia,
on April 19, 1953. She was raised in several Califomia cities
and came to Idaho Falls in the summer of 1969. By fall she
had met Mike and the following summer they were married.
On August 3, 1970, was thecivil marriage and July 31, 1971,
159
Front Row (L. to R): Michelle, Ryan. Jennifer.
Second Row: Michael and Ginger
Third Row: Wendy
they were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Mike also started
work for Electrical Wholesale at this time.
The first daughter, Rachel Lee, was dead at birth on
April 4, 1972. Ginger then went to work for Dr. Jack
Cheney, an orthodontist. Their home was soon blessed with a
healthy little giri, Wendi Anne, bom on August 16, 1973.
They bought their first house and lived in Ammon for
awhile. This is where another daughter came to their home.
Michelle Jean, bom October 21, 1974. When Michelle was
eight months old, Mike was transferred to Pocatello, Idaho.
The family did very well there. They grew in the Church and
Mike progressed with the company. They also grew with the
addition of Jennifer Almeda, bom October 21, 1977, on
Michelle's third birthday.
They had only lived in their new house a year when
Mike as made manager of the Rexburg store. That's when
they came to Sunnydell. A year in Sunnydell brought their
first son, Ryan Michael, bom on April 12, 1980.
Mike enjoys hunting, fishing and camping. He served a
two-year stake mission in Idaho Falls and has always been
involved with the youth of the Church. He is now the Young
Men's president and Priest advisor.
Ginger enjoys sewing, writing, reading and camping.
She has mostly served in the Primary, as a teacher and a
leader. She now serves in the Relief Society presidency of the
Sunnydell Ward.
On August 3, 1980, they will celebrate their tenth wed-
ding anniversary.
Bret and Susie Sutton
Bret J. Sutton was bom October 14, 1958 at Idaho Falls,
Idaho. He attended grade school at Archer and Lyman and
then went on to Madison Junior and Senior High Schools.
After graduating from High School in 1976, he decided to go
on to college . Liking his shop classes and especially welding,
he decided on Vo-Tech Technical School in Pocatello. He
took welding and received his welding certificate and
graduated first in his class.
Frankie Sue Smith was bom to John and Mabel Smith on
August 11, 1959, at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. When she was
three her family moved to Rexburg where she attended
schools at Adams Elementary and then Madison Junior and
Senior High. She has hked animals and sports all of her life.
During her Sophomore year in high school she ran track for
Madison and won first in the state, running the 440 yeard
dash. She graduated in 1977.
Bret and Susie met in 1974 and were married March 25,
1977. The couple lived in Pocatello while Bret finished his
schooling at Vo-Tech. They moved to Rexburg in April of
1977 and Bret became a welder at Holder Machine Works in
Rigby. Frankie Sue was at this time painting houses, interior
and exterior. In October of 1977 they moved to Archer,
Idaho. Bret continued welding and Frankie Sue painting until
February of 1978. At this time Bret started farming with his
father and Frankie sue helped Pauline run the Archer Merc.
Brandon Blair Sutton was bom on November 1 1, 1978,
at Madison Memorial in Rexburg. Brandon was the first son
and child of Bret and Frankie Sue, Stan and Pauline's first
grandchild, John and Mabel Smith's tenth grandchild and
Lillis and Rachel Sutton's 50th great-grandchild. He
weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and was 21" long.
Bret is presently farming with his father and brother,
and Frankie Sue is just being a housewife and mother. The
couple are expecting their second child this fall.
Garth and Jolene Sutton
Front Row (L. to R.): Jolene holding Eric, Garth, Rick
Back Row: Shane
On a hot summer day Garth Sutton wheeled into the
A&W. There he met Jolene Newman. It didn't take long to
strike up a long lasting friendship which turned into love. We
were married on June 27, 1969, in Sugar City by Bishop
Calvin Davenport. We rented an apartment above J.C.
Penney's which is now McDonalds. It was a long way for
Garth to drive to work so we moved into Lyman. We rented a
trailer from Garth's Uncle Tom Atkinson. It sat right behind
Grandpa and Grandma Atkinson's.
In November of '69 we went to Denver, Colorado,
where Garth went to school at Denver Automotive and Diesel
160
College. Dyle Erickson also went to school there. So we all
just rented an apartment together. Of course I was chief cook
and bottle washer. While we were there we met Keith and
LaRae Grover from Rigby, who have become special
friends. In March we returned home so Garth could farm.
And in June of 1970, the 27th day, we were sealed in the
Idaho Falls Temple. The next year we missed school because
our first son was bom. On November 27, 1970, Shane Garth
Sutton came into the world.
We bought a trailer from Garth's brother, Steve, and
lived in it behind Steve and Brenda's house. In 1970 Dad
gave us some land just up from Stanley Nielson, and we
moved the trailerontoit. This was our home for five years. In
November we went back to Denver so Garth and Dyle could
finish school. In March Mom, Dad, Randy and Kent flew to
Denver for Garth's graduation and right after we started for
home.
One winter Mom, Dad, Garth and I loaded up the snow
machines and took off for West Yellowstone. We rode into
Old Faithful and stayed overnight then left early the next
morning. It was a beautiful ride.
On February 27, 1973, our second son. Rick Jess Sut-
ton, was bom. He was named after Garth's dad. That same
year we started to build our home. It was finished in January
of '74. How exciting to move into our very own home.
In 1975 Garth purchased a cutter team from Norm
Niederer. That year he took third place in sixth division at the
state meet. In 1977 he took fifth place in the Upper Valley
Cutter Association. In '78 he took third place and was able to
go to World Wide. Although he didn't win a place he has
choice memories of falling out of the chariot and being drug
down the track. Garth has had a lot of fun and enjoyment
from those horses.
One of our fondest memories was going to Califomia
with Nolan and Connie Erickson. When we got down there
we went to Hal's and he took us on tours. We had such a good
time together.
After many years Eric Dee Sutton was bom. On April
30, 1 979, he made his long awaited entry into the world. We
named him after my dad. Dee Newman. That same year
Garth sold his cutter team and bought a black colt named
Spiffy Rascal. They joined the Rigby Cutter Association Colt
Division. They were in first place until my dad's horse
chipped a knee but we finished in second place thanks to
Norm Niederer who fumished us with a colt to finish out the
year.
Life has been good to us. We've gone camping, fishing,
to rodeos and to get wood. But mixed in with the fun we've
learned to work on the farm, in the house, in the yard, and
through all this we've become a close family.
Being married to Garth, son of Jesse and Gwen Sutton,
was a new experience for me. I was born to June and Dee
Newman on August 14, 1950, in Brigham City, Utah. I was
the second of six girls. We lived on a fami and with no
brothers we had to help with all the farm work, so marrying
into a family with all boys was great.
We thank the Lord for giving us such wonderful parents
who have taught us the gospel.
Jesse and Gwen Sutton
Front Row (L. to R.): Jesse, Kent, Gwen.
Back Row: Steve, Tom, Garth, Randy, and Lee.
Jesse Lillis Sutton was bom June 29, 1920, at Archer,
Idaho. He was the first of seven children bom to Rachel
Briggs and Henry Lillis Sutton and was raised on the family
farm and attended school in Archer where he graduated from
Archer High School.
Basketball was his favorite sport and he had a natural
talent for the game. He was also a good mechanic and was
happiest with a wrench in his hands.
After one year working in Los Angeles, California, he
retumed to Idaho.
Gwen Atkinson, daughter of Thomas Atwell and Millie
Lake Atkinson of Lyman, was bom November 21 , 1924, in
Rexburg but was raised in Los Angeles, Califomia, moving
with her parents to Idaho in 1935. Jess and Gwen were
married August 27, 1942. Later they went to the Salt Lake
Temple to be sealed.
They lived in Salt Lake City for awhile and then moved
to Portland, Oregon, where they both welded in the ship-
yards. Besides a full shift welding they each had a part time
job as they worked hard to save the money needed for a down
payment on a fami. Their dreams came true when they were
able to purchase the Olaf P. Johnson farm in 1944. This has
been home ever since. They built the cinder block house in
1947.
Their six sons were all born in Rexburg: Steve Jess, July
28, 1945; Lee Henry, December 23, 1946; Garth A., July 4,
1950; Richard Thomas, October 1, 1953; Randall Dee, Oc-
tober 16, 1955; and Kent Val, born September 23, 1959.
They are all living in the community except Tom who
graduated from Stanford Medical School in Physical Therapy
and is working in Pocatello, Idaho. Kent is serving in the
Oakland California Mission. He attended one year at Ricks
before he left on his mission and plans on continuing his
education there when he retums. He will be released Sep-
tember 24, 1980.
Fanning was a family operation. First they purchased
the Byrne place in Sunnydell, later started growing potatoes
on the hill with sprinkler irrigation. This proved to be suc-
cessful and they expanded the farming operation by building
161
new structures or taking on additional acres to farm. The sons
assumed most of the responsibility as Jess's health started to
fail in 1964.
Jess spent many hours on the finance committee raising
money for the new church house and later to raise Archer's
share of the new stake center. He served as counselor and
superintendent of the Sunday School, six years as a member
of the Madison School Board, member of the Ririe Coop
Board for many years, and member of the Rexburg Airport
Board. He loved flying and owned his own airplane. He
passed away June 24, 1980.
Gwen loved to farm. She liked anything that could be
done outside . Working in any church assignment always took
top priority. She served thirty-one years as a visiting teacher,
as M.I. A. president and teacher, in the Rexburg Stake Prim-
ary presidency, also organist and teacher in the ward Prim-
ary, ward Relief Society president in Archer and also at Ricks
College, counselor in the stake Relief Society at Ricks Col-
lege, and presently as counselor in the East Rexburg Stake
Relief Society. Community service includes, P.T.A. presi-
dent, N.F.O. secretary, school evaluation committee, and is
presently a member of the Madison County Hospital Board.
She loves people and likes to help them.
Lee and Heddy Sutton
Front Row (L. to R.): Jeff, Heddy, Lee, Jerome.
Back Row: Sundee.
Lee Henry Sutton, second son of Jesse Lillis and Gwen
Atkinson Sutton, was bom on December 23, 1946, in the
Rexburg Maternity Hospital. He attended school in the
Archer Elementary School before going into town where he
graduated from Madison High. He was very active in sports
and lettered in track, football and basketball each year. He is
an Eagle Scout and actively supports the organization. He
served as scout master for two years. He has served as Priest
advisor and has coached the Explorer boys on several occa-
sions. He was one of the original three fire commissioners
who organized a rural fire district for Madison County. On
December 30, 1966, he and Heddy Ricks were married in
Rexburg. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on
September 18, 1968.
Heddy Ricks Sutton was bom on December 3, 1946, to
Aseneth Rammell and Seth Ricks in Rexburg. She attended
schools in Rexburg and graduated from Madison High and
Ricks College. Her family farmed above Newdale, Idaho,
and moved there each spring for the summers. She has
enjoyed working in all the auxiliaries of the church. She
enjoys outdoor activities and hand sewing, also.
Larry Leon Ricks, youngest son of Seth and Aseneth
Rammell Ricks, has Uved with Lee and Heddy for the past
four years. "Hap" graduated from Madison High School and
attended Ricks College. He is currently serving in the
Chicago South Mission. He enjoys sports of all kinds and
likes to be doing things. He writes home that his testimony is
growing and that he is happy to be sharing the gospel with
others.
We have three children: Sundee, bom January 19, 1968;
Jeffrey Lee, bom February 23, 1972; and Jerome Seth who
was bom on April 14, 1974.
Sundee 's hobbies are piano, sports and creative writing.
Jeff enjoys sports, cub scouting and pizza. Jerome likes to
play with his friends and go swimming. His favorite food is
ice cream. All three of them have gone to school in Lyman
and are planning on going to Archer Elementary before going
to Rexburg.
Our family loves our home in Sunnydell. We are happy
to live near the farm Lee loves and to be able to enjoy the
friendship of so many special people.
Lillis Sutton
Henry Lillis Sutton was bom September 11, 1 90 1 , at the
home of his parents near the hill at Archer. His first home was
a log house which stood just north of where the brick house
new stands. The brick house was built in 1916 and was the
finest house in the area at that time. It even had wind charged
electricity and indoor plumbing.
He graduated from the eighth grade in Archer and con-
tinued to work for his father. His parents, Henry George and
Emma Catherine Sutton, were early pioneers in the valley
and ran a large sheep operation. Lillis spent much of his early
manhood with the sheep.
He left the farm for one year and worked at Portland,
Front Row (L. to R ) Ada Lou, Lillis, Rachel, Carol.
Back Row: Laura, Stanley, Genevieve, Jesse, and Zella.
162
Oregon, loading ships at a dock. He became engaged to
Rachel Briggs at this time. Rachel was the thirteenth child
and youngest child of George Briggs, Sr., and Sarah Susan-
nah Blackburn. She was bom June 30, 1902, at Archer.
Rachel's parents ran the community store, and Rachel
worked there helping her parents until her marriage February
16, 1920.
Their first home was a one room log house about 3/4 of a
mile from their present home. They only lived there a short
time and built the house where Lillis is presently living. They
remodeled the house several times before it became the
beautiful home it now is.
Seven children were bom to them. Jesse Lillis 1920,
Zella 1922, Genevieve 1927, Laura 1929, Carol 1931, Stan-
ley Blair 1933 and Ada Lou 1935. Besides their own family
they always had relatives living with them. Beth Briggs lived
with them from the time she was six until her marriage.
Rachel and Lillis had a knack for making people comfortable
in their home.
In 1926 they got their first radio and electricity was
brought down from the Jackson comer in 1928. They were
about the first to raise potatoes in this area planting their first
crop in 1928. They continued to farm and raise cattle.
Rachel served many years in the Relief Society, as
counselor, then president and later on the stake board. She
was a good cook, homemaker and made lovely things for her
home. Her flowers were her masterpiece and her favorite
hobby.
Lillis served for 32 years on the Board of Directors of
the Sutton cemetery, retiring in 1974. He worked hard to
make the cemetery a place of beauty. He served for fourteen
years as a school tmstee and fifteen years as a director for the
Sunnydell Canal.
Rachelpassedaway atherhome March 8, 1979. Lillis is
still farming and working hard. Even at 79 he can still do a
full day's work on a tractor. He still takes pride in the
appearance of his home, yards and every thing he does.
Randy and Jill Sutton
Left to Right: Zachary, Jill, Randall, and Hilary.
The following is a history written by Randy and Jill
Sutton in 1980 as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration of
the Church.
Randall D. Sutton was bom October 16, 1955, the fifth
of six sons bom to Jesse L. and Gwen Atkinson Sutton of
Archer. Laurie Jill Robison was bom September 17, 1955,
the last of five children born to Eldon D. and Trieste Payn
Robison, also of Archer.
Both of our extended families had lived in the Archer-
Lyman area for several generations, and we were both bom
and raised right here in Archer. Being the same grade in
school we had many opportunities to get well acquainted as
we attended grade schools together in Lyman and Archer and
later junior high and high school in Rexburg.
As we were growing up we had many fun times together
in church settings through various Sunday School classes and
parties. There were eighteen kids in our age group and we had
great fun together. One of our more memorable Sunday
School parties occurred in our mid-teens when our group
went snowmobiling on the dry farms. The fog and clouds
rolled in and caught us, and we soon became lost. Even our
adult leader, Afton Hansen, was disoriented. We knew we
were lost when after going for miles in what we thought was a
straight direction, we would repeatedly pass the same land-
mark. We finally decided to build a campfire and spend the
night. Well into the night, several men from the community
came up and found us and led us safely home. We all kind of
hated to have it come to an end.
We were also involved in the Church dance program and
participated as partners in regional dance festivals in
Pocatello and the all-church festival in Salt Lake City.
We dated each other during most our high school years
and while we attended Ricks College. Then Randy left on his
mission to Korea and Jill stayed at Ricks to eventually be-
come a registered nurse. After filling a successful mission in
which he had many wonderful experiences. Randy retumed
and we were married seventeen days later on December 1 1 ,
1976, in the Idaho Falls Temple.
We moved to Provo where Randy went to school at
B.Y.U. the next few winters studying accounting. We would
come home to Archer every chance we got to be with our
families. We would move home each summer so Randy
could work on the farm. One winter as were were home for
the Christmas holidays our son, Zachary D., was bom,
January 4, 1978.
After graduating in the spring of 1979 we moved home
to Archer and bought Jack Wilcock's mobile home and spent
that summer living in the Sunnydell Ward next to where the
Wilcock home now is. Randy farmed with his parents and
brothers that year and our daughter, Hilary Lynn, was bom
on August 18, 1979. That fall we moved our mobile home to
the southwest comer of the Archer Ward boundary on timber-
land cleared by Jill's father, Eldon. We are now well estab-
lished there and plan to be for a long time to come.
The first part of 1 980 Randy decided to put his schooling
into practice and started working for Hinckley and Schwen-
diman, C.P. A.'s in Rexburg. He is currently employed there
and working toward becoming a C.P. A.
Randy enjoys flying, basketball, and helping his
brothers on the fann. Jill enjoys music and using her nursing
163
abilities. She is currently the Primary chorister and Randy is
the Scoutmaster in the Archer Ward.
Having both lived in this area all our lives, we are proud
to call Archer our home, especially in this Sesquicentennial
year.
Stanley and Pauline Sutton
Front Row (L. to R.): Stanley, Brandon, Pauline.
Back Row: Bret, Frankie Sue, Sindy, and Kirt.
Stan Sutton was bom April 16, 1933, the son of Lillis
and Rachel Sutton. He remembers as a young boy enjoying
following his father and being around the horses and cows.
He drove a team at least two years harrowing and weeding
potatoes before they had a tractor. Lillis bought his first
tractor, a Ford, in the early 1940's. Stan was in about the
third grade at the time and remembers driving the tractor
pulling a grain binder and his father would ride the binder.
Stan went to Archer to school for the first eight years
then on to Madison where sports kept him interested in
school. He was an outstanding basketball and football player.
We won an athletic scholarship to Ricks College and attended
for two years.
After serving two years in the army he returned home
and rented the Charlie Sutton farm and started fanning with
his brother and father. He later purchased his grandparents
farm, Henry and Emma Sutton. This farm was where the
Sutton's homesteaded in the 1890's. The home we now live
in was built by them in 1916. 1 later bought the Charlie Sutton
farm and started renting land on the Rexburg bench.
In January, 1963, Stan married Pauline Lindstrom and
they have three children, Bret, Kirt and Sindy.
Stan is active in many civic positions. He is currently
secretary of the Sutton Cemetery District, a director of the
Sunnydell Irrigation District, and is a member of the Madion
County School Board.
Pauline Lindstrom was bom November 2, 1935, the
daughter of Thelma and Maurice Lindstrom of Lewisville.
She attended high school at Rigby. Upon graduating from
high school she accepted a secretarial position at the National
Reactor Testing Station. Pauline worked for ten years at the
Site and was an executive secretary when she retired to the
life of a farmer's wife.
When Pauline moved to Archer the Mutual was in dire
need of a sports director (coach) for the girls sports program.
It seems that every ward, especially Third Ward, was beating
Archer in all their sporting events. She thought this would be
quite a challenge and quickly accepted. In a very short time
and with the cooperation of the Archer girls they were soon
winning every game in softball and nearly every game played
in volleyball. Over the next eight years every stake softball
tournament was won by Archer. Also, many stake volleyball
and regional toumaments were won by the Archer girls.
Pauline also worked in the Relief Society and the Sun-
day School and was first counselor in the MIA and then
president of the MIA.
Stan and Pauline are still interested in softball, as they
sponsor and coach a girls softball team in the city softball
program. One of the highlights of this program was winning
the Idaho State Championship in 1978.
Our sons, Bret and Kirt, are working with their father in
the farming operation. Our daughter, Sindy, is active in high
school. She enjoys cheerleading and is listed in "Who's Who
Among American High School Students."
We are very proud of our two-year old grandson, Bran-
don, son of Bret and Susie Sutton.
Steve and B rendu Sutton
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Front Row (L. to R.): Ryan, Brenda holding Mandy, Steve holding
Marcy, ShaNell
Back Row: Melanee, Angle and Todd
Steve Jess Sutton was bom July 28, 1945, to Jesse Lillis
and Gwen Atkinson Sutton. He was raised in Archer and has
lived there all of his life . He leamed early to drive tractors and
all the work involved in farming. He loved sports of all kinds.
He was a member of Archer's first little league ball team. He
played varsity football and basketball for three years at Madi-
son High School. After graduating he attended college one
year at Moscow, one year at Ricks, where he graduated and
one semester at Logan majoring in Engineering.
He is an Eagle Scout, served in the presidency of all the
aaronic priesthood groups, served as financial clerk for seven
years and scout master and home teacher.
While attending Ricks he met Brenda Orr. Brenda was
164
bovn m Egin Bench, December 28, 1945, to Luella Palmer
and Krnest Orr. She was the seventh child having ten brothers
and sisters. Steve and Brenda were married April 2, 1965,
and later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Brenda learned early how to be a good cook and
homeniaker. She attended high school at St. Anthony and
one year at Ricks College. She was involved in all school
activities and was a member of the drill team. She was
P.T.A. president, in the M.I. A. presidency and a teacher,
secretary of the Primary, a teacher in Relief Society, and a
visiting teacher.
Steve and Brenda have seven children: Angie bom,
April 20, 1966. She is secretary of Madison Jr. High, active
in all sports, and enjoys playing the piano. Todd Steve was
bom August 27, 1967. He is a good basketball player, is
president of the Deacon's Quorum, loves to t"ish. camp, and
the out-of-doors. Melanee was born March 6, 1970. She is a
straight A student and has leamed early to take responsibility.
ShaNell was bom March 1, 1972, and is a ray of sunshine.
She is busy all the time and enjoys life to the upmost. Ryan
was bom March 4, 1977. He has been loved and enjoyed by
the whole family. He loves to fish and be outside. Twin girls
were bom May 27, 1980. They were less than five pounds, so
spent the first few days of their life in the hospital. As soon as
they weighed five pounds they came home and have grown
steadily since. It is hard to tell which is Marcy and which is
Mandy. They are identical twins in genes but they don't look
exactly alike.
The Steve Suttons have a beautiful home in which all
work together to keep it lovely . They enjoy camping, fishing,
archery, and the outdoors as a family.
Learin and Edna Terry
Front Row (L. to R.): Jennie, Learin, Edna, I.ee
Bacl< Row: Douglas
I, Learin, was bom 19 December 1909, Archer, Madi-
son County, Idaho.
My early childhood days were spent in the Canyon
Creek and Sunnydell areas. I attended school two years at
Sunnydell, graduated from eighth grade at Archer, also went
two years high school at Archer. Miss McMillan, now Bess
Squires, was my favorite teacher.
In January 1926, Mother, Jane Weekes Terry, passed
away, leaving a family of three girls, Etta, Gwen, LaRue,
and myself. In September 1926, Father, Albert Terry, moved
the family to Butte, Montana, where we ran a dairy and milk
route for several years. I also worked in the mines for awhile.
In the fall of 1930 I returned and worked for wages on the
farms of several farmers I knew in the Burton and Archer
area.
Edna Grover and I were married 22 November 1937, in
the Salt Lake Temple.
Ourchildren are: Baby boy, born 16 January 1938, died
16 January 1938, Burton, Idaho; Grover Lee, bom 29 De-
cember 1940, Rexburg, Idaho; Jennie Lynne, bom 22 Sep-
tember 1942, Rexburg, Idaho; Douglas Wayne, bom 24
March 1948, Rigby, Idaho.
Edna Grover Terry was bom the 19 March 191 1, the
fourth child and a twin of Elsie (Wilcox), bom to Elisha
Freeman and Emma Marie Erickson Grover.
My earliest memories are of my parents, how gentle and
kind they were and their concern for their family. We lived
where Joyce and Larry Grover live now.
Although my parents didn't attend church too regularly,
they taught us many principles pertaining to the gospel, such
as, honesty, work, responsibility, sharing, to show consider-
ation and respect to others, especially our elders, also respect
for authority in the Church and in the land.
At age seventeen I was called to serve in the Sunday
School as teacher of the young children. Primary organist and
teacher, and M.l.A. organist. I also worked on the Primary
stake board. Relief Society work leader and secretary.
I was married to Learin Albert Terry 22 November
1937, endowed and sealed same date.
We bought a farm from Amos Allan, where Ella Mae
and Earl Wilcox now live together. We worked hard to
improve the farm and build a new house on it. Here our
family was bom and raised. In 1956 Learin and I were in a
real bad car wreck, forcing us to leave the farm.
We moved to Rexburg for a year. We needed more
security than just working for wages, so we bought the old
store in Archer, where Robert and Romma Howell live.
Together we again worked hard to clean, remodel and stock
the store.
I enjoy crocheting afghans, sewing, working in the
yard, and working cross-word puzzles. 1 have enjoyed square
dancing, picnicing and going to the mountains to pick huck-
leberries.
Learin served in the Elders Quorum under two presi-
dents, taught a Sunday School class, and is presently serving
as an officiator in the L.D.S. Temple in Idaho Falls. He
enjoyed square dancing, boating and his hobby is work.
I believe in God and the gospel and was never happier
than when I worked in the different organizations.
Robert and Margaret Thayer
Robert Lewis Thayer was born in Providence, Rhode
Island, November 29, 1946, to Robert P. and Betty Fry
165
Left to Right. Robert Lewis, Margaret, Tony, and Terry
Thayer. At age five they moved to Rigby, Idaho. He attended
grade school and high school in Rigby and graduated from
high school in 1965.
He married Margaret Jean Sheeley Chambers March 3 1 ,
1967, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They lived in Idaho Falls until
July 1, 1976, when they moved to Archer.
Margaret Jean Sheeley Chambers Thayer was bom Au-
gust 15, 1947, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the daughter of Russell
and Erma Treasure Shirley. She lived in Idaho Falls until
1963. She married Marice Eldon Chambers and moved to
San Rafael, California. They were divorced in December,
1966.
Their son, Terry Eldon Chambers Thayer, was bom
January 21, 1965, at Greentrace, California. Robert has
legally adopted Terry. Terry went to grade school at Hawth-
ome in Idaho Falls and then at Archer. He is presently
attending Madison Jr. High School.
Tony Robert Thayer was bom December 29, 1967, in
Idaho Falls, Idaho. He also attended Hawthome grade school
in Idaho Falls. He is presently attending Madison Jr. High
School.
Both Terry and Tony enjoy wrestling, basketball, foot-
ball, track, hunting, and fishing. Bob and Margaret like
hunting, fishing, bowling and pool.
Bob is a mechanic and welder at Pro-Ida Foods in Ririe.
Margaret is a sewing machine operator at Yellowstone
Leather.
They both tend bar for the Eagles and Rigby Lodge
functions.
Bob and Julie Thompson
James Robert Thompson was bom on July 2, 1953, in
Ashton, Idaho. He is the oldest of a family of five children,
two brothers and two sisters. His parents are Jim and Ona
Thompson of Rigby.
Bob has lived and gone to school in Ashton, West
Yellowstone, Rexburg and in Rigby, where he graduated
from high school in 197 1 . He went to Ricks College for about
a year, after which he joined the National Guard. He was in
the Guard for six years and was released March of 1977 with
an honorable discharge.
Julie Ann Nelson Thompson was bom on March 10,
1958, in Rexburg, Idaho. She is the oldest daughter of a
family of nine children. Six brothers, one older and five
younger, and two sisters. Her parents are John and Nikki
Nelson of Sunnydell.
Julie grew up in Archer and attended grade school there
and in Lyman. She went to junior high and high school in
Rexburg where she graduated in 1976.
Bob and Julie met in the summer of 1 975 ." They dated all
that summer, were engaged in the late fall and then were
married on January 16, 1976, in the Archer Ward Church by
Bishop Russell Grover. About a year lateron April 27, 1977,
they were sealed together and their oldest son, Jared, was
sealed to them in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Bob and Julie lived in Rexburg for a short time after they
were married but then the flood came and took their home so
they relocated in Archer and have lived there ever since.
The Thompsons are the parents of three beautiful chil-
dren, two boys and one girl.
Left to Right: Julie holding Valerie, Jared. Bob, and Dustin.
Jared Robert Thompson is the oldest of the three. He
was bom July 16, 1976 in Rexburg, Idaho. He was followed
about a year later by his sister, Valerie Kaye Thompson, who
was bom on September 4, 1977, also in Rexburg. Dustin
John Thompson, the youngest of the children, was bom
December 25, 1978, (Christmas day), in Rexburg. He shares
his birthday with his grandpa, John Nelson. There will also
be a new addition to the family. They are expecting a baby in
the fall, around Halloween time.
The Thompson's enjoy the time they spend together as a
family and like living in the Archer area. They hope to live
there for a long time.
Greg and Louise Twite hell
Gregory Richard Twitchell was the third son of Glenn F.
and Anna Rossceile Denny Twitchell. He was bom January
8, 1950 in Blackfoot, Idaho. Greg grew up in the Blackfoot
area and graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1968. He
attended Idaho State University in Pocatello for three years
taking classes in drafting and psychology. In 1974 he moved
to Arco where he met Louise.
Zelpha Louise Byrne was bom July 16, 1951, in a
maternity home in Rexburg, Idaho. Her parents were James
166
Front Row (L. to R.): Louise holding Willie, Jenny. Greg.
Back Row: Jeremy.
Ross and Lila Joyce Squires Byme. Louise grew up on her
father's ranch in Archer. In 1969 she graduated from Madi-
son High School. She attended Ricks College and finished
her Home Economics degree at the University of Idaho in
Moscow. In October of 1973 she moved to Arco to work as
the Extension Home Economist for Butte and Custer Coun-
ties.
Greg and Louise were married May 24, 1975, in the
Archer Ward Churchhouse by Bishop Russell Grover. They
made their first home in Arco. Louise kept her job. Greg
found work on the desert for Argonne National Laboratories.
He was a machinist's helper at EBR-II.
In March of 1976 Greg and Louise moved back to the
valley and rented a small house in Lyman. Greg worked at the
Youth Service Center in St. Anthony as a drug counselor.
Jeremiah B. was the first child to bless this new family.
He was bom on January 29, 1977. Jeremy was a beautiful
baby with dark eyes and long thick lashes. He learned quickly
to love riding in the truck when hauling cows for Grandpa
Byme. He practically wore Grandpa Twitchell out climbing
up and down the basement stairs.
In March of 1978 Greg and Louise bought a mobile
home and moved into Archer. They placed it on a spot rented
from Mahlon J. England.
Greg and Louise were sealed together in the Idaho Falls
Temple on February 13, 1979, by Goerge H. Munns. The
next day, February 14, Jennifer was bom.
Jenny was a very special little valentine with bright eyes
and an infectious smile which she gave freely. She soon had
both grandpas and her dad wrapped around her little finger.
Jenny was also a very independent little girl.
One year later, February 13, 1980, William James was
bom. When Willy was one month old he caught peumonia
and was in the hospital for four days. His parents became
very concemed and he was given a blessing. After this he
improved quickly. Even at this early age, 5 months at the
time of this writing, Willy is showing a definite character of
his own.
This small Twitchell family has had many ups and
downs in its short five year life span, but through them all.
they have been sustained by the Lord and by much help from
their family.
Greg is now working as a welder for Holders Machine
Works in Rigby. He enjoys playing guitar and reading in his
spare time. His church involvement has included Deacons
Quorum advisor, executive secretary to ward activities
committee, and Sunday School teacher.
Louise keeps busy at home trying to keep up with her
little family. When she gets a few minutes to herself she
enjoys reading, horseback riding or working on an art pro-
ject. Her church activities have included Primary teacher,
Homemaking leader and M.I. A. Camp director.
Ronald and Vickie Weaver
Left to Right: Ronald, Scott, and Vickie
Ronald Blaine and Vickie Fransen Weaver were mar-
ried June 25, 1976, in St. Anthony, Idaho. Ron lived in
Sugar City all his life. His mother is Doralie Briggs Weaver
from Archer. Vickie lived in St. Anthony most of her life.
After we were married we lived in St. Anthony while
Vickie finished her senior year. In October 26, 1977, we
were blessed with a little baby boy named Ronald Scott.
In August of 1 978 we moved to Rexburg where Ron was
employed at Walters Ready Mix . While living in Rexburg we
started planning our home in Archer. Thanks to Lamont
Merrill, we were able to move into our home in September of
1979. We now live in the Archer Ward.
On July 18, 1980, we were married and sealed in the
Idaho Falls Temple.
Be mice We ekes
Margaret BemiceWcckes was bom November 10, 1922
to Lester Luke Briggs and Mary Lilly Bayliff, at the home of
her grandfather Brigg's in Archer. Bemice weighed only
three p<iunds at birth and was the third of eight children.
Bemice attended school at Archer and graduated from the
eighth grade in May 1937 and then attended high school and
graduated from Madison High School in May 1941.
In April 22, 1939, my older sister Arlean died. It was a
terrible shock.
167
Left to Right: Bernice, Frank, and Darnell.
I was in an MIA play with Frank Weekes in the spring of
1941 and this began the courtship with the man I would
marry.
December 3, 1941 my father died leaving my mother
with seven children. I spent the winter helping my mother
with the family. In the spring I found a job helping in the
home of Ross Byrne for $1.00 a day.
After my sister's death I was asked to teach her Sunday
School class and so began my years of church service.
In the summer of 1942 I began working at J.C. Penney
in Rexburg.
On April 28, 1944 I was married to Frank Elmo Weekes
in the Salt Lake Temple and nine days later he was sent
overseas to fight in the war. On August 6, 1945 Frank
returned home for thirty days and then the war ended. In
December, 1945 Frank and I began living in Sunnydell in the
upstairs of Sterling Magleby's home and Frank began farm-
ing.
April 8, 1946 our first and only child was born in
Rexburg, Idaho. We named him Darnell Frank Weekes.
Frank and I decided we needed our own home so we built a
two room house where our present home is now.
I taught several Primary classes and enjoyed it very
much. In September, 1956 1 was called as executive secretary
in the YWMIA. Frank and I became interested and involved
in genealogy and found it to be very rewarding.
In the spring of 1959 I underwent open heart surgery in
Salt Lake City, Utah. My health improved a great deal and
with Frank's help I was able to return to my church service
and housework.
In August 1962 Frank got his plumber's license and we
quit milking cows and eventually quit farming.
The spring of 1963 we decided to add on to our house. It
was a big task but I have enjoyed my lovely home very much.
In 1963 I was called to serve in the Rehef Society
Presidency and enjoyed it immensely.
During this time Frank had developed some health prob-
lems for which we could not find a cause.
In June 1965 we bid our son farewell as he was called to
serve in the North German Mission. In September 1965 I
began working at Porter's Bookstore to help with Darnell's
mission. I was released from the Relief Society Presidency in
September.
November 1966 Frank was operated on and from that
time on his health was not good. He was in and out of the
hospital many times.
Darnell returned from his mission in July 1967. It
pleased Frank very much to see his son again. September 17,
1967 my beloved husband passed away.
In October 1967 I went to work at J.C. Penney Co. and I
worked there for several years before going to work in Idaho
Falls as a bookkeeper.
May 28, 1968 Darnell was married to Sue Ann Nielson
in the Idaho Falls Temple.
July 18, 1969 I became a grandmother and have been
blessed with four grandchildren that I love very much. I
served as secretary of the Jr. Sunday School for several years
and enjoyed seeing my grandchildren attend.
1 worked for El Gene's for a few years before going to
work at First Security Bank.
I was called as Relief Society Chorister following the
ward division and then was called as Jr. Sunday School
coordinator and served in these two positions until January
1980.
In the summer of 1 979 1 began thinking about serving a
mission and decided I would like to. I received my mission
call to the Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission and was to report
to the mission training center January 24, 1980. I am very
happy to be in the service of the Lord. I have acquired many
good friends and lasting memories in the short time I have
been on my mission.
Chad and Mary Weekes
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Left to Right: Mary holding Jessica and Chad holding Joshua.
Chadley Blair Weekes was bom in Rigby, Idaho on
January 13, 1957, the oldest child of four. His parents are
Larry Blair Weekes and Iris Beverly Pea.
Chad grew up in Archer and has lived there all his life.
He has been active in 4-H and the FFA during his school
years. He graduated from Madison High School in 1975 and
worked on his father's farm and eventually he and his father
have become partners in their dairy farm. Chad was raised in
168
the LDS Church. He was baptized on March 6, 1965.
Chad has one brother, Jody L. Weekes and two sisters,
Kari Lee Weekes Huskinson and Jcri Rae Weekes.
Chad has been a cub scout, Webloes leader, Sunday
School teacher and a secretary in the Elders Quorum.
Included in his hobbies are leatherwork, enjoys Sim-
mental cattle and he and his wife enjoy jogging and bicycl-
ing together.
Mary Emily Near Weekes was born in Stratford, On-
tario, Canada on September 15, 1954. Her parents are
Leonard Frank Near and Lillian Katharine Roth. When Mary
was sixteen years old, her father died. In the summer of 1 97 1 ,
Mary, her mother and her aunt went on a holiday through
New York State. They stopped to visit the Hill Cumorah and
since they signed the guest register, soon after they arrived
home the missionaries visited them there. The missionaries
visited them occasionally and taught their discussions to
Mary's sister and brother-in-law. Her brother-in-law joined
the Church and then eventually when her sister was baptized,
Mary attended it also. Mary, then, seeing how special the
Church was, asked the missionaries to teach her. She eventu-
ally was baptized too, on May 19, 1973. She was a member
of the small Stratford Branch. (They had to travel approxi-
mately fifty miles to Stake Conference!) While in the Strat-
ford Branch, she was a Primary teacher, MIA counselor and
worked in the Relief Society.
After graduating from high school, she attended Ricks
College from 1974-1976 and studied law enforcement.
Mary has one sister, Elizabeth (Beth) Anne Near.
Chad and Mary Weekes met each other on a blind date
on March 20, 1976. On Novembers, 1977 they were married
at the Washington D.C. LDS Temple.
They have two children: Joshua Leonard Weekes, bom
October 20, 1978 and Jessica Katharine Weekes bom Sep-
tember 19, 1979.
Clarence and Pearl Weekes
Pearl and Clarence
I, Arthur Clarence Weekes, am a native of Sunnydell,
being bom at Sunnydell the 27th of May 1 90 1 , to Sidney and
Annie Bennet Harris Weekes. During the years 1 spent grow-
ing up on the farm my past times included: ice skating,
horseback riding and playing in the Snake River.
I went to school at Sunnydell and the University of Hard
Knocks. I was called to serve an LDS Mission in the Central
States, from April 7, 1919 to May 9, 1921, better than a
month after I was 18 years old. I served most of my time in
Texas.
I have served as Superintendent of Sunday School in the
Archer and Sunnydell Wards, as a teacher in Sunday School,
served on two stake missions, eleven years on Stake High
Council, and sixteen and one-half years as an officiator in the
Idaho Falls Temple, from 1963 to 1979.
I was married to Pearl Cleo Bee, November 4, 1926, in
the Logan LDS Temple by Joseph Shepard.
I, Pearl, was bom at Georgetown, Idaho, November 14,
1905, to John Moxey Bee and Sarah Rozella Dunn. I was the
oldest of seven children. My childhood was cut short when
my mother died when I was 13 years old. I went to school in
Georgetown for 10 years; there was a two year high school
there then. I spent my third year at Oakley, Idaho, school. I
graduated from Fielding High at Paris, Idaho, in 1924. I
attended summer school at Ricks in 1925.
In February of 1926 I met Clarence. We kept company
all summer and were married in November. We started our
married life in Sunnydell and are still living here.
I served as President of the Sunnydell Primary when it
was a branch of the Archer Ward. I have served as a teacher in
Primary, Sunday School and Relief Society and secretary in
Relief Society. I served as an officiator in the Idaho Falls
Temple with my husband. We had many choice experiences
while serving under Presidents: Killpack, Arrve, Hart and
Groberg.
We celebrated our 50th wedding in 1976 having all our
family, brothers and sisters here to a reception held at the
Archer Church. Many relatives and friends attended. We
went to Canada for a second honeymoon.
We are parents of the following eight children:
Evelyn Beth, bom January 28, 1 928, at Sunnydell, now
Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Lorna Marie, bom January 6, 1929, died May 23, 1931.
Clarence Myrl, bom September 11, 1931, at Sunnydell,
married Leila Maijean Mecham 1 November 1950, Idaho
Falls Temple. They are the parents of eight children and live
in Sunnydell.
Ila, bom February 3, 1933, at Sunnydell, married
Raymond Hill 27 May 1954 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They
are the parents of five children (their three sons have filled
missions). They live at Ucon, Idaho.
Carol, bom 10 October 1934, at Sunnydell, married
Francis Andrew Bailey in the Idaho Falls Temple 8 October
1 957 . They are the parents of four children ( 1 filled a mission
to Texas) and live in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Thell B., bom June 1, 1937. at Sunnydell, married
Beatrice Joan Grover II September 1964. They are the
parents of five children and live in Sunnydell.
Rozella Ann, bom 26 July 1941, at Sunnydell, married
Richard Hudson McGurk in the Idaho Falls Temple 1 8 March
1966. They are the parents of five children and live in Salt
Lake City, Utah.
LaVoun, bom 30 May 1943, at Burton, Idaho, married
Douglas Lynn Poulsen 30 April 1965 in the Idaho Falls
169
Temple. They are the parents of five children and Uve in
Pocatello, Idaho.
We are so blessed to have a thoughtful family. We love
each member. We have thirty-two grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren thus far.
Darnell and Sue Ann We ekes
Front Row (L. to R.): John, Sue Ann, Darnell, Trisa.
Back Row: D'Ann and Paul
Darnell Frank Weekes was bom April 8, 1946, at Rex-
burg, Idaho, to Frank E. Weekes and Margaret Bemice
Weekes. Darnell attended school at Archer Elementary,
Madison Jr. High and Madison High School where he
graduated May 27, 1964, also four years of seminary.
Darnell joined the Army Reserve and left for Fort Ord,
California, June 15, 1964, for five months basic training.
In January, 1965, he attended Ricks College for one
semester, then was called to serve in the North German
Mission. He left June 21, 1965. Darnell was released from
his mission July 17, 1967, and returned home to a very ill
father. September 17, 1967, his father died.
In October, 1967, Darnell began working for Herdti
Electric as an apprentice electrician.
Sue Ann Nielson was born December 3, 1947, atRigby,
Idaho, to John Elmer Nielson and Minnie Ann Nielson. Sue
Ann attended school at Archer Elementary, Madison Jr. High
and Madison High School where she graduated May 25,
1966, also four years of seminary.
Following high school graduation. Sue Ann enrolled at
Ricks College and attended two years graduating May 10,
1968, with an Associate degree in Science. She also worked
at the College Press running a printing press the second year
of school.
May 28, 1968 Darnell Frank Weekes and Sue Ann
Nielson were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple.
They made their home in Archer where they are presently
living.
Darnell continued to work at Herdti Electric and Sue
Ann worked at the College Press.
Darnell was an Explorer advisor in the YMMIA for two
years and Sue Ann was secretary of the YWMIA for one
year.
On July 18, 1969, a son, Darnell Paul Weekes was bom,
following his birth Sue Ann quit working.
January 1970, Sue Ann was called to be a Primary
teacher and in April, 1970, Damell was called to serve as
Elders Quorum secretary for four years.
April 19, 1970, Damell received an honorable dis-
charge from the army.
In August, 1970, Sue Ann was called to serve as ward
Primary secretary where she served for four years.
A daughter, D'Ann Weekes, was bom May 7, 1971, the
second of four children.
Damell became a licensed electrician in 1971 and con-
tinued to work for Herdti Electric where he is presently
working.
April, 1974, the Elders Quorum was divided and Dar-
nell was called to served as executive secretary for the 15th
Quorum of Elders.
Another son, John Frank Weekes, was bom June 5,
1974.
August 23, 1974, Sue Ann was called as second coun-
selor in the Primary where she served until March, 1975, and
then was called to serve as stake Primary secretary.
On September 28, 1975, Damell was sustained as
branch clerk in the 1 9th Branch of the College First Stake at
Ricks College. He served in this position for three years.
June 28, 1976, a daughter, Trisa Weekes, was bom.
Damell was ordained a Seventy November 28, 1976,
and also continued to serve as a branch clerk until April 16,
1978, then he was called as first counselor in the College
Fifth Ward Bishopric where he is currently serving.
Sue Ann is a housewife, mother and stake Primary
secretary.
Paul is eleven years old and attends sixth grade at Archer
Elementary. He is active in scouting and has eamed his Faith
In God Award and Arrow of Light.
D'Ann is nine years old and attends fourth grade at
Archer Elementary. She is taking piano lessons and is active
in Primary and school.
John is six years old and attends first grade at Lyman
Elemetary.
Trisa is four years old and is very active at home with her
mother.
Ernest and Pearl Weekes
Ernest Sidney and Pearl Fullmer Weekes history as told
by Emest to his son, Ray.
On October 10, 1903, 1, Ernest, made my entry into this
world. I was the fourth son and sixth child of George Sidney
and Mary Ann Briggs Weekes. George was the son of Sidney
and Susan Pilgrim Weekes, and Mary Ann was the daughter
of Charles and Mary Ann Worrel Briggs.
I was bom at Archer, Idaho, in the log home which my
father built as an early settler in this community. Preceding
me in birth were Lelen, Susan, Charles, Elmer and Esther
May. My younger brother, Joseph, died in infancy.
170
My first recollection of life was driving the sheep to and
from the pasture. Another task was herding pigs in the field
after the peas were harvested. We took our cattle to the range
which was on the hills east of our home.
The first school I attended was the rock building directly
east of our home on thecomer of the block. It was later used
as a cheese factory. My father, George Weekes, donated the
property on which it was built. The year I graduated from the
eighth grade, I took the graduating class with the team of
horses and white top buggy to Heise for a swim. I attended
high school at Ricks Academy in Rexburg.
I served in the presidency of the Deacons, Teachers, and
Elders Quorums, as secretary of the Sunday School, scout-
master, superintendent of the Y. M.M.I. A. and dance direc-
tor. One evening at a dance at Ricks College I was introduced
to Pearl Fullmer. Four years later we were married, June 5,
1929, in the Salt Lake Temple. In due time five children
came to bless our home: Gwen, 26 February 1930; Ray, 13
September 1932; Gayle, 28 August, 1938; Mary Ann, 5
September 1940, and Nancy, 17 December 1947.
Pearl was a daughter of Kathym Roberts and Ernest
Fullmer. She was bom and grew up in Sugar City. While she
was young her mother passed away, then she, two sisters,
Tressa and Laura, and their brother, Dave, lived with their
grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Roberts. Pearl lived
there at the time of our marriage, June 5, 1929.
We lived for some time with my parents until we com-
pleted our little home where all our children were bom and
raised. After our marriage in the spring of 1929, I worked
with my father and brothers on our farm and dryfarm, which
was on the hill east of our home, helping to send my father
and brothers, Charles and Elmer on their missions.
December 22, 1934, I accepted a position with Snake
River Dairyman's Association where I worked hauling milk
into Rexburg for twenty-five years, quitting in December
1959. When I started, I used a team of horses and a sleigh.
Some days drifted snow and blizzards made my work a real
challenge. I couldn't get into some yards and lanes so had to
push cans of milk on a small sleigh from houses out to my
sleigh, then continue on". At first I hauled more people than
milk to Rexburg. I also picked up everything from soup to
nuts for my patrons and others. On weekends I brought as
many students from high school and college as could hang on
my sleigh or truck. During the summer and fall Mexicans
working in the area would ride to and from town with me.
Through this I learned to speak quite a lot of Spanish. When I
began my route, I hauled three or four ten gallon cans of milk;
when I finished, I had 175 ten gallon cans which made a
heavy day's work. I worked five years at the Utah-Idaho
Sugar Factory in Lincoln and one year at Ricks College. Due
to my wife's failing health, I retired to take care of her and my
little farm. Caring for Pearl was a labor of love which I was
happy to do. She passed away August 3, 1979.
Due to his long years of heavy, strenuous work, Ernest's
health failed. After Pearl's passing it seemed he no longer
had the strength, will, nor desire to keep going. His last years
were spent in the home of his son, Gayle, in Idaho Falls, who
was very kind and considerate of him . Ernest passed away 1 3
August 1980 in Idaho Falls.
Survivors include Mrs. Blair (Gwen) Perrenoud of
Idaho Falls, Mrs. Doyle (Mary Ann) Pitman of American
Falls, Mrs. Ted (Nancy Gay) Mickelson of Cambridge,
Idaho; two sons, Ray of Salt Lake City and Gayle of Idaho
Falls; twenty-one grandchildren and nine great grandchil-
dren.
Larry and Beth Weekes
Front Row (L. to R.): ten Mennie, Larry, Elizabeth, Michael Mennie.
Back Row: Jeri and Jody.
Larry Blair Weekes was bom June 17, 1936, at his
parents' home in Archer. His parents were Rose Lena Diet-
rich and Charles Weekes. He attended school in Archer and
Rexburg and has been in the dairy business most of his life.
Presently, he is in partnership with his son, Chad, and they
work with a herd of 100 Holstein cows. In his spare time, he
enjoys his horses, and has ridden in a posse and been in-
volved in cutter racing. Larry was married in 1956 to Iris
Beverley Andrus, and they had four children. They are:
Chadley Blair, bom January 13, 1957; Jody L., born De-
cember 10, 1958; Kari Lee, bom July 1 , 1960; and Jeri Rae,
bom September 16, 1962.
Elizabeth Anne (Beth) Weekes was bom February 2,
1949, at Stratford, Ontario, Canada. Her parents were Lillian
Katharine and Leonard Frank Near. She attended school
171
there and worked as a service representative and instructor
for Bell Canada.
She married Roger Allen Mennie in 1968 and lived on a
farm in Alberta for some years, where she taught kindergar-
ten. Her two children are Michael Roger bom October 9,
1974, and Ian Benjamin, bom February 23, 1976. She was
subsequently divorced.
Before moving to Archer, Beth attended a very small
branch and held positions in the Relief Society, Primary and
Sunday School there. She lived with Chad and Mary for six
months until she married Larry on February 1, 1980.
Minnie Weekes
Minnie
Minnie, daughter of Fred and Veda Galbraith Weekes,
was bom at Lyman, Au*gust 2, 1942. She was blessed by
Delmoe Cook August 16, 1947. She had eight brothers and
five sisters: Robert, Arthur. Tony, Jane, Larry. Clyde.
Leola, Boyd, Rozella, Nona, Montella, Horton, (Minnie),
and Clifford.
Four of her brothers have died, three from automobile
accidents. Her mother and father are both deceased. She was
five years old when her father died. May 1947. Her mother
passed away September 19, 1978. Minnie took very good
care of her mother. When she became too ill to go out,
Minnie was always right there to wait on her.
Minnie received six individual awards from Mutual.
She attended school to the eighth grade. She likes to quih,
crochet, embroider, and is always busy cutting out quilt
blocks. Her brother. Art, has been living at home and now
once again, Minnie has the responsibility of taking care of the
sick. He is unable to care for himself and is now in the
Madison Memorial Hospital. His sister is a faithful visitor.
Minnie is a member of the Relief Society and Daughters
of the Utah Pioneers. She enjoys her association there, fol-
lowing the footsteps of her mother, Veda, who was very
handy and creative . Veda made many clever things for Relief
Society bazaars and for the daughters of the Utah Pioneers
and was always ready to quilt. She was generous in giving to
many the products of her hands. The mother of a large
family, when she was left a widow, Veda worked very hard
to support her children.
There was a close bond between Minnie and her mother.
They were always together. Minnie is always cheerful and
happy and loves living in the home where she was raised.
Arthur passed away September 18, 1980.
Myrl and Marjean Weekes
Clarence Myrl Weekes was bom 1 1 September 1931 to
Clarence and Pearl Bee Weekes in Sunnydell, Madison
County, Idaho. He attended school at Sunnydell, Archer
Elementary, and Madison High School, where he graduated.
He enjoyed sports and played football and baseketball in high
school.
Leila Marjean Mecham Weekes was bom 7 March 1 93 1
to Lee L. and Leila Christensen Mecham at Shelley, Bing-
ham County, Idaho. She attended shcool at Firth and
graduated from Firth High school.
Myrl and I met on a blind date in 1948. On November 1,
1950, we were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. We lived
in the Clarence Cheney home, now owned by Norman and
Irma Hill. After four months, Myrl was called on a mission.
He left for the Great Lakes Mission about the first of March
1951. I retumed to live with my parents.
On August 14, 1951, Judith Ann was bom at Shelley,
Bingham County, Idaho. My mother tended her while I
worked until the last of February 1953 when Judi and I
traveled to the mission field to accompany Myrl home. We
again lived in the same home. Loma Kathleeen was bom 6
January 1954, at Rexburg. Myrl worked at the creamery and
played ball, both on a church and the creamery team. He
farmed a little along with the creamery work. On the 3rd of
August 1955, Peggy Lee was bom in Rexburg. We moved
from the Cheney place to the Henry Hacking home, now
owned by Bill Wilcox. On February 11, 1957, Karen Sue
Front Row (L. to R.): Karen, Marjean, Myrl, Colleen.
Back Row: Sherman, Judy, Cheryl, Peggy, Virgil, and Robert
was bom at Rexburg. We continued farming with Myrl
working at the creamery and raising a few cattle and pigs. In
April 1960, we bought a farm from Floyd Wilcox, where we
still live.
On July 4, 1960, we were in a car accident in which
Loma Kathleen was killed and Peggy Lee badly injured. Two
172
days later on July 6, 1960. Cheryl Kay was bom at Rexburg.
On July 1 1. 1961, Clarence Sherman was bom at Rexburg.
The whole ward rejoiced with us for our first son. On June 4,
1962, Robert Myrl was bom at Rexburg. Colleen arrived 20
March 1965, at Rexburg.
Myrl was scout master for several years and was second
counselor to Bishop Russell Grover for seven years. He has
been on the high council for four years.
During this time our children have grown. They all like
sports and have played in church sport programs. The boys
played basketball and football at school. Cheryl played vol-
leyball. They all graduated from Madison High School ex-
cept CoUen who will be a sophomore this year.
Judi married Randy Duncan and Brandee was bom 27
June 1972. Randy died in December of 1974.
Peggy married Gary Hamilton of Menan 9 August 1975.
They have two children. Jay Dell bom 13 July 1977, at
Rexburg and Brian Gary at Rexburg, bom 3 July 1980.
Karen married Van Wamer of Rigby, 20 February
1976. They have had three children. Jeromie bom at Rex-
burg, 23 August 1976; Shannon bom at Rexburg, 8 Sep-
tember 1977, died a crib death 3 1 January 1978, Jason Scott
bom 17 June 1980, at Rexburg.
In May of 1969 we purchased a house and had it moved
on our place. We moved into the new home just before
Thanksgiving.
Myrl started cutting timber for Earl Wilcox in 1970. In
1965 I started working at Rogers Brothers Processing Com-
pany and have worked there since that date.
In August 1970, Virgil Martinez, an Indian placement
student, came to live with us. He has been with us ten years,
all year round. He and our boys started moving pipe when
they were twelve and thirteen years old.
In June 1978, Myrl was hit by a tree and seriously
injured. He spent sixteen days in the hospital and several at
home recovering.
I have worked in the Relief Society for several years in
several different positions.
On the 31st of July 1980. Robert broke his leg playing
church Softball. We are thankful for the priesthood in our
home that has been used in our behalf many times. We are
thankful for our good health and for all the belssings we
enjoy.
Rose Weekes
Rose Lena Dietrich, the second of a family of five, two
boys and three girls, was bom April 2, 1904, in Rexburg to
Gottfred and Rosalina Bauer Dietrich who came from Bem,
Switzerland, where their first child, Fred, was born
November 22, 1903. When Fred was six months old they
went to Salt Lake City. After visiting with Rosalina's sister
for a time, they came to Rexburg.
My mother, Rosalina, delighted everyone with her
beautiful yodeling. We children leamed to speak Swiss.
After we began speaking English at school, mother would
give us a prize each week if we spoke nothing but Swiss in the
home.
My brother, Fred, married Dorothy Ellis. They had one
Front Row (L. to R.): Charles, Larry, Rose.
Back Row: Cleave, Marie, and Lee.
child, Charles, and were divorced. Fred worked as a sheep
herder and on farms around Rexburg.
Mary married Nello Morgan, a carpenter, lived in Cor-
rinne, Utah, and had four sons and three daughters. Nello
passed away in 1979.
Minnie married Elmer (Chris) Nielson.
Henry Valentine married Louise Perry. He was a suc-
cessful business man in Rexburg. When his only child. Perry
Valentine (Val) grew old enough the business was called
Dietrich and Son, Inc. Henry and Louise were active in the
Church. They lost their lives in a car-truck accident north of
St. Anthony, while enroute to their summer home at Henry's
Lake. Val married Francine Taylor of St. Anthony, Dec. 4,
1958, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Val has worked as ward
clerk, counselor in the bishopric and in the YMMIA, and is
now employment specialist. They have four children:
Stephani, Troy, Katrina, and Meggan.
We Dietrich children walked from Third Ward to
Washington School. I graduated from the eighth grade with
eighty classmates. We then moved to Archer and bought the
Charles Bums farm across the street west from the William
Fyfe residence. The first cemetery in Archer had been on this
farm.
I, Rose, went one year to high school and spent one
summer working for J. W. Webster, helping Ellen Tea cook
for the farm hands previous to my marriage to Charles
Weekes, son of George Sidney and Mary Ann Weekes of
Archer. We were married in the Logan Temple, August 10,
1923, Charles having fulfilled a mission in Michigan.
Charles was an officer in the MIA where I first met him.
He asked me for a date, and we were married two years later.
We lived in St. Anthony where Charles was employed by the
Allen Seed Company. The next few years we spent our
winters in Rexburg, coming out to help on his father's farm in
the summer.
Our son, Lee, was bom October 3, 1924, in Rexburg.
Cleve was bom September 28, 1927, in Rexburg. About that
time we moved to Archer, living with his parents until we
moved into the home now occupied by Esther Boulter. Marie
Rose was bom January 3, 1932. We lived in a sheep camp
173
when she was a Httle girl, while we were building our home
where I am now living. Larry Blair was bom June 17, 1936.
We worked hard to pay for this home . Later we purch-
ased the land owned by Adrian and Ollie Wilcox across the
street south, where our son, Larry and his wife, Beth, now
live.
On June 9, 1961, Charles passed away due to a stroke
suffered one week earlier. Larry has really been a wonderful
help to me.
All our children attended school in Archer and Rexburg.
Lee entered the service and served in Hilo, Hawaii, 27
months during World War IL He returned and married Delsa
Green, November 18, 1948, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Their
children are Randy, DeAnna, Arlaine. Mark, Lindon, with
one daughter deceased. Lee is an anesthesiologist and
worked in Salt Lake running the By-pass machine for open-
heart surgery. They moved to Springfield, Missouri, for
further training. Delsa is a registered nurse.
Cleve married Ethel Porter. They live west of Blackfoot
and have three sons and two daughters: Sandra, Danny,
Sherrie, Michael, and MarDean. Cleve works at the AEC.
Marie married Medin (Jim) Munns. They live near my
home and have been most attentive and considerate, adding
pleasure to my life.
Charles and I have four living children, eighteen grand-
children and twenty-seven great grandchildren, of whom I
am very proud. We have been a close family.
Thell and Beajo Weekes
Front Row (L. to R.): BeaJo, Thell, Mynde.
Back Row: Jeanie Sue, JoEII, and Bart
I, Thell B. Weekes, was bom to Arthur Clarence and
Pearl Cleo Bee Weekes June 1, 1937. IgrewupinSunnydell,
attending school in Sunnydell and Archer, and graduating
from Madison High School in Rexburg. Many happy hours
were spent with my horse, dog, and teasing four sisters. I
learned to take things apart, fix, put back together, and to
work hard.
I was in the army from 1959 to 1961 , serving most of the
time in Korea. I worked at various jobs including: Lockheed,
the sugar factory, plastered swimming pools, and drove
heavy equipment.
Thell married Beatrice Joan Grover (BeaJo) September
1 1 , 1964, at Archer, later, August 18, 1965, they were sealed
in the Idaho Falls Temple.
I, BeaJo, am the daughter of Stephen EHsha and Beatrice
Rula Worlton Grover and was bom July 28, 1943, at Salem,
Idaho. I grew up in Archer attending school in Archer,
graduating from Madison High, Ricks College and Brigham
Young University. Going camping, picking huckleberries,
cutting and picking potatoes, fun with many cousins, and
working in the store are the things I remember. I was a teller
at First Security Bank, kept a set of books at Ricks College,
and taught business for three years at the State Youth Train-
ing Center.
After we were married Thell drove heavy equipment,
therefore, we spent our summers in various parts of Idaho,
Wyoming, and Montana coming home to Archer for the
winters. Thell also worked as a potato inspector, ran our
parents' farms and kept a few head of cattle.
In 1976 we purchased Thell' s father's farm and Thell
proceeded to build us a lovely home . In the fall of 1 978, Thell
went to Alaska to work on the pipeline for three months.
Our happiest times were when we added little ones to
our family. Julie JoEll was bom August 6, 1969, after a very
long wait. She was loved and welcomed and has been much
enjoyed.
Thell Bart, the image of his father, was bom October
27, 1970. At nine years old he fixes, repairs, and competes.
Jeannie Sue was bom December 8, 1973, a dark eyed
papoose. At six she has more than her share of energy.
Mynde Lu (or Billie as she calls herself) was bom
December 4, 1976. She came with her mind made up and a
determination all her very own.
If all goes well, another addition will come to our family
this September. Oh, joy, it did, our second boy, Bruce
Stephen, September 14, 1980.
We have been active in the Church and have held vari-
ous positions.
This 1980 year Thell has worked in Mountain Home,
Idaho; Cooke City, Montana; and presently is at Jackson,
Wyoming. BeaJo tries to keep home running smoothly and
keep up with five active children.
Ursel Weekes
I, Ursel, was bom on September 7, 1907, in the home of
my parents, Ida Grover and John S. Weekes, in Sunnydell,
Fremont County, Idaho.
I was the seventh child in a family of eleven children,
seven daughters and four sons. The other sons, Leslie,
Lyman, and John Samuel had all passed away, two in young
manhood and John Samuel in infancy, before I was eleven
years old.
I was blessed by my Grandfather Sidney Weekes 6
October 1907, in the Archer Ward. I was baptized in a large
canal across the street north of the Jess Sutton home, 4
August 1916. At that time it was a common practice to
baptize in open streams since fonts had not been built in ward
chapels or stake centers. I was baptized August 4, 1916, by
Wayne L. Cheney and confirmed August 6, 1916, by Edward
174
Ursel
P. Oldham.
My father, John, and Grandfather Sidney Weekes were
farmers. Each lived on land they had homesteaded when they
moved from Smithfield, Utah, to Sunnydell, Idaho, in 1883.
I purchased a portion of my father's farm and live in my
home.
Father had a large farm and a dry farm in Herbert, Idaho,
so there was always plenty of work to keep me busy. I learned
to work early in life, grew up helping with small easy tasks
and gradually assumed more responsibility. We always had
chickens, pigs, cows, and horses on our farm. As early as I
can remember I fed the animals and milked cows.
Our farm crops included alfalfa, grain, potatoes, and
sugar beets. In 1940 we bought a four wheel drive power
horse tractor which made our work easier. Prior to this time
our work was done with horses.
I attended school in grades one through six at Archer,
the seventh and eighth in Sunnydell. My high school years
were spent at Archer and Ricks College.
The LDS Church has been an important part of my life . I
have enjoyed meetings and church work. On March 29,
1930, I entered the mission home in Salt Lake City, then
served a mission in the East Central States Mission with
headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, laboring in Virginia,
West Virginia and Kentucky. In 1932 I returned home and
resumed work on the farm. In 1946-48 I served as a stake
missionary with Cyril Weekes as my companion.
I served as counselor in the Elders Quorum and coun-
selor in the Sunnydell Sunday School while Densie Rawls
and Keith Clements were presidents. For a number of years I
was chairman of the Ward Teaching Committee. Attendance
and service has brought much joy to my life.
I enjoy reading, temple work and studying the gospel.
We used to go to the Logan Temple before our Idaho Falls
Temple was completed. It was common to go by bus leaving
early in the morning and returning at night.
I have been blessed with good health and strength but try
to find the easy way to do a job, using levers and machinery to
prevent injury to my back and body.
Several times in my life I have been healed through
blessings of the priesthood. I know our church ws restored
through the Prophet Joseph Smith and that President Kimball
is a true and living prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jack and Marjory Wilcock
Jack Acton Wilcock was bom May 14, 1932 in Cowley,
Wyoming, the son of Glen E. and Elva Acton Wilcock. His
father was a farmer and rancher, and Jack always enjoyed
helping with the farm work.
During high school his whole life centered around foot-
ball and basketball. He was three year letterman in football
and four year letterman in basketball, and captain of both
teams his senior year. During the summer he traveled with a
semi-pro baseball team. For two years Jack attended North-
west Community College at Powell, Wyoming on a basket-
ball scholarship. In 1953 he volunteered for the army and
spent sixteen months in Korea as an anti-aircraft gunner and
radio operator in the 93rd AAA Battalion. He returned to
college on the GI bill, this time to Montana State College.
This is where he met Marjory Hacking.
Front Row (L. to R.): Marjory, Jack, Kristen.
Back Row: John, Ryan, and Joan.
Maijory Hacking was bom November 17, 1932, the
daughter of Marion Hacking and La Verne Liljenquist Hack-
ing. When she was ten years old her parents bought the Ezra
Liljenquist farm in Sunnydell, Idaho, and she attended
school in the two room Sunnydell school house. Her graduat-
ing class of four students was the last, since Sunnydell
consolidated with Archer the next year.
Marjory completed twenty-three 4-H projects and won a
trip to Chicago to the National 4-H Congress, plus $300. She
used the money to establish a half acre raspberry patch which
helped her financially through college.
At Ricks Marjory gave a piano recital under the direc-
tion of her teacher, Ruth Barrus.
In 1954 she graduated from Utah State University with a
degree in home economics, and went to work in Bozeman,
Montana as Home Demonstration Agent for Gallatin County,
and eventually throughout the state. At the end of two years
she resigned to marry Jack Wilcock, and they moved to
Corvallis, Oregon, to continue their education.
In 1959 Jack obtained a degree in agriculture from Utah
State University and began teaching Vo-Ag in his home town
of Cowley. One of his outstanding achievements was de-
veloping the top team in the national livestock judging com-
petition at Denver. Marjory taught home economics in the
175
same school. After three years they moved to Burlington,
Wyoming where Jack was head coach, and Marjory, home
economics teacher. Jack built a winning team for Burlington.
The highlight of this experience was taking his team to the
state tournament, the first time for Burlington in twenty-four
years.
In 1966 they liquidated their assets and went back to
school. Jack earned a Master's degree in educational ad-
ministration from Utah State University and Marjory worked
on a major in English. From 1967-69 Jack was principal of
Sugar-Salem High School and Marjory taught English for
one year. Then back to school they went again, first to
Bozeman for a summer's work, then to Logan where he
earned his Doctor's degree in 1972.
Then they moved to Rexburg, Idaho where Jack became
the principal of Madison High School. Marjory taught En-
glish in Rigby . They purchased a new home, but the dream of
living on the farm gained new impetus and became a reality in
1973, when they moved next to Marjory's parents, eventu-
ally building a log home that Marjory designed and Jack
built. They estabished a small raspberry farm for additional
work experience and income.
Jack and Marjory have always been active in the church,
Jack as scout leader, teacher, ward clerk and high council-
man, Marjory as organist, teacher and counselor.
Over the years their greatest accomplishment and bles-
sing has been seven children: Samuel Robert Wilcock, bom
June 3, 1957 at Logan, Utah; Susan Wilcock, bom December
15, 1958 at Logan, Utah; Wayne Hacking Wilcock, bom
February 1, 1961 at Lovell, Wyoming (family resided at
Cowley); Joan Wilcock, bom August 8, 1963 at Cody,
Wyoming (family resided at Burlington); John Wilcock,
bom November 24, 1967, at Rexburg, Idaho (family resided
at Sugar City); Kristin Lisa Wilcock, bom April 10, 1973, at
Rexburg, Idaho (family resided at Sunnydell); Ryan Hacking
Wilcock, bom May 17, 1975 at Rexburg, Idaho (family
resided at Sunnydell).
Bill and Vada Wilcox
Vada and Bill
The Lamont (Bill) Wilcox family consists of Lamont,
Vada and their only child Gilbert.
Lamont Gilbert Wilcox was bom in Sunnydell on Sep-
tember 23, 1917, sonofD.O. Wilcox Jr. and Nessie Gilbert
Wilcox. He has Uved here most of his Hfe except when he was
away for short periods of time.
Lamont was the third child in a family of seven children.
His brothers and sisters are Adrian, Fem, Grant (Scott),
Clifford, Earl and Verl.
When the twins. Earl and Verl were bom everyone was
excited and happy. That was short-lived because their mother
died just ten days later, leaving seven young children.
Aunt Letha Wilcox took the twins to help raise and also
helped the family. Aunt Mary Luthy came and stayed with
the family. It was hard for their father to care for them and
cam a living too.
Lamont was baptized January 4, 1926 by Leland N.
Ricks at Ricks College .Bill, as he was always called, went to
Archer grade school.
He was ordained a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood on
February 12, 1933 by Carl Johnson. When a child he at-
tended church regularly.
Bill went to Madison High School, Ricks College and
BYU. All during high school and college he played forward
and was captain of the basketball team. He played halfback
on the football team and was on the track team. He ran the
sprints and threw the discus. His record was not beaten for
many years.
While at Ricks he received the all-around athletic medal
for two years.
During World War II he served on the Fifth Army front
in the 363rd Infantry Regiment of the Powder River Division
in Italy. He was awarded the bronze star for heroic achieve-
ment in action in Italy.
He also played church basketball and coached a church
team.
He enjoys fishing and hunting and went on many enjoy-
able trips with his friends and relatives.
He always enjoyed farming and started to farm, raise
cattle and pigs as soon as he got out of the service.
Bill was always close to his father. They did many
things together. He was greatly saddened when his father
died August 21, 1974.
I, Vada Grace Goldsworthy Wilcox, was bom August
20, 1920 in Idaho Falls, daughter of John Goldsworthy and
Grace Lafray Goldsworthy.
I grew up in the Methodist Church.
I worked in Epworth League and the Wesleyan Service
Guild. Every summer everyone in the league would go to
camp up to Ketchum, Idaho. This was always fun.
I was the first child in a family of two children. My
sister, Caroline and I were close together in age and always
did things together.
I went to Idaho Falls grade and high school.
Times were hard because my father became ill and
passed away after a long illness when I was young.
During high school I enjoyed debate, dramatics and
played baseball and basketball. I always liked school.
I decided that I'd like to teach so I did babysitting and
odd jobs to earn the money for school. I went to Albrou State
Normal to study teaching. I remember one fun trip our debate
team took to Boise.
176
Teaching jobs were hard to find but in 1 944 1 got a job at
Archer teaching the first and second grades. I was rather
frightened but the people were nice to me here. I enjoyed the
teaching and the community very much even though I was
not a member of the church. Besides teaching in Archer I
taught the fourth grade in Rigby.
I was chosen Gold and Green Ball Queen. At that dance
in Archer I met Bill and we started to go togehter. We were
married in Idaho Falls at the Methodist Church on August 20,
1946.
1 enjoy reading, sewing, gardening and sports.
I was secretary-treasurer of the Sunnydell primary for
awhile.
I enjoy visiting teaching and singing in the choir.
After we were married we rented a farm and later bought
the place where we farm and now have a dairy with our son,
Gilbert.
Our son, Gilbert Lyle, was bom February 5, 1953 in
Idaho Falls. Gilbert married Maria Wasden and they have
two children, Brenna and Jud David.
The best part of getting older is having the two sweet
little grandchildren to play with.
Earl and Ella Mae Wilcox
Front Row (L. to R.): Debra, Cathie, Karen, Gary.
Back Row: Sandra, Ella Mae, Earl, and Blaine.
Earl "V" Wilcox and his twin Verl were bom in Archer
August 29, 1927, sons of David Oswell Wilcox Jr. and
Nessie Gilbert. On September 9, 1927 their mother passed
away. They grew up with tender loving care in the home of
his grandparents, D.O. Wilcox Sr., attended schools in
Archer and Madison High. Earl was inducted into the milit-
ary service January 1946 and served twenty-one months.
After retuming from the service he worked with the
Madison County Soil Conservation. He leveled many farms
in the county. Later he owned and op)erated his own land
leveling equipment.
On March 3, 1950 in Menan, Idaho, Earl married Ella
Mae Hardy. On March 15, 1961 this marriage was solem-
nized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Ella Mae was bom in
Menan, August 5, 1931 toCharlesAlvin Hardy and Florence
Janet Gray, attended the Menan elementary school and
graduated from Midway High School at Lewisville, Idaho in
1949.
They made their first home in Rexburg, Idaho. Other
homes were Ashton and Island Park. In I960 they purchased
their present home from Lyle Robison which had been built
and occupied by Learin and Edna Terry.
Six children were bom to liven up their home, each
attending elementary schools in Lyman, Archer and Madison
Junior and Senior High in Rexburg.
Cathie Ann, bom August 18, 1951 in Rigby, Idaho,
attended college at Ricks and Cedar City, Utah. She married
Lynn J. Schow September 12, 1970 in the Idaho Falls Tem-
ple. Cathie and Lynn live in Laketown, Utah, where Lynn is
the elementary school principal and now serving as bishop of
the Laketown Ward. They have five children: Julie, Gina,
David and twin sons. Brent and Brian born this year on May
13.
Karen, bom March 16, 1953 in Rigby, is a graduate of
Ricks College and BYU with a degree in interior design.
From November 1977 to May 1979 she served a mission to
the Philippine Cebu City Mission.
Sandra, bom November 24, 1 956 in Rigby, married Gil
J. Shirley, July 18, 1975. Laterthis marriage was solemnized
in the Idaho Falls Temple. Sandra and Gil live in Rexburg,
where Gil works for his father in the building contracting
business and creates decorative wood pictures from old bam
and building wood. They have three sons, Ryan, Robb and
Chad.
Blaine "E," bom September 24, I960 in Rigby, is
presently serving a mission to the Greensboro North Carolina
Mission.
Gary "H" was bom July 3, 1966 in Rexburg. Debra
was bom June 1, 1971 in Rexburg.
Earl has worked several years doing timber work and as
a logging contractor for the Idaho Stud Mill in St. Anthony,
Idaho. He skillfully quarries travertine rock for a rock com-
pany. He enjoys fishing and loves prospecting. He is a
member of the Board of Commissioners for the Flood Con-
trol District #1 in Idaho. His church service includes Elders
Quomm President for several years, president of the Seven-
ties Quorum, presently serving as High Priest president in the
Sunnydell Ward and is an initiatory temple officiator for the
Idaho Falls Temple.
Ella Mae enjoys being a wife, mother and homemaker.
Church service includes chorister of ward organizations,
teacher. Relief Society president and presently serving as
ward music director and an initiatory temple officiator in the
Idaho Falls Temple.
Ellis and Elsie Wilcox
Ellis was bom at Coyote, Utah (now Antimony) cfn
October 19,1 899. Elsie Grover was bom in Archer, Idaho on
March 19, 1911. They were married in the Logan Temple
May 8, 1935 by President William A. Noble.
Children bom to Ellis and Elsie are: Frances Marie, bom
July 31 , 1936 at Archer, Idaho. She was married to Harrison
DeMille Price in the Idaho Falls Temple December 1 1, 1959.
177
Left to Right: Elsie, Janice, and Ellis
They live in Junction, and are the parents of one daughter and
five sons.
Sharon Deane, bom July 14, 1938 at Rexburg, Idaho,
was married to Howard Winward Anderson in the Idaho Falls
Temple September 2, 1960. Their home is Idaho Falls,
Idaho. They have five girls and two boys.
Janice Mary, bom on February 7, 1940, lives at home in
Archer, Idaho.
Ellis LaMar. bom November 15, 1943 at Rexburg,
Idaho, married Judy Belnap in the Idaho Falls Temple May
31, 1968. They live inMoreland, Idaho and are the parents of
two daughters and four sons, one of which died at birth.
Elsie Mae was bom May 1, 1948 at Rigby, Idaho. She
was married to Phillip Ray Niederer August 9, 1968. Their
home is in Sunnydell, Idaho. They have two sons and two
daughters.
At present Ellis and Elsie do not hold responsible posi-
tions in the Church, but have held many in the past. Their
children and sons-in-law and daughter-in-law all hold stake
and ward positions.
Our family has lived in Archer all of our married lives.
We farm and ranch. LaMar served a mission in the
Alaskan-Canadian Mission.
Ellis moved to the area as a young boy and has known all
of the bishops of the Archer Ward except the first one.
Fourof our five children graduated from Ricks College.
Sharon graduated as a registered nurse from the LDS School
of Nursing at Idaho Falls. Frances graduated from Utah State
University in art and special education, and LaMar continued
his education at Idaho State University, graduating with a
degree in education.
Janice is presently employed as Administrative Assis-
tant to the Director of Admissions at Ricks College. She
served in the Ricks College Second Stake as a member of the
Stake Young Women's Presidency, Stake Relief Society
Presidency, and a member of the Sunday School Stake
Board. She was recently released as the Young Women's
president in the Sunnydell Ward and is presently serving as a
primary teacher.
Gilbert and Maria Wilcox
Gilbert Lyle Wilcox was bom Febmary 5, 1953 in the
Sacred Heart Hospital in Idaho Falls to Mr. Lamont Wilcox
and Mrs. Vada Goldsworthy Wilcox. He was blessed May 3,
1953 by Rulon Wilcox and baptized Septem'ber 2, 1961 in
Rexburg. He was ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priest-
hood February 19, 1967by Bishop G.H. Munns and made an
Elder June 3, 1979. Gilbert is an Eagle Scout.
He rode his horse. Arod, when he was three. His Aunt
Bessie was his kindergarten teacher. He was a catcher in
Little League baseball. He played baseball, basketball and
track and was in 4-H and FFA and won trophies on pigs,
sheep and cattle. He went to school in Lyman-Union,
Archer, Madison High and Ricks College where he took
mechanics. In 1966 he went to the Boy Scout camp at
Farragut, Idaho.
In the meantime I came in. Bom to Mr. and Mrs. Rex
Wasden on December 26, 1 954 1 was three months premature
and weighed three pounds. I was given a name and blessed at
birth. I was five years old when I rode in my first Buck-A-
Let to Right: Jud, Maria, Brenna, and Gilbert
Roo Rodeo. When my school days started I knew then I was
no Einstein. My school years were exciting. Being cheer-
leader was the only activity girls were allowed in and later I
was in drama taking part in several plays. My senior year I
was Girl of the Month for February and homecoming queen.
Going on to Ricks I was involved in track and won Best
Women's Ail-Around Athlete for 1974. I rodeod for Ricks -
events in barrel racing and goat tying. This is where Gil came
in. I met him in Rexburg and it was love at first sight. (I just
had to convince his girlfriend of that.) We dated for one and a
half years then were married in Salem, Idaho by Bishop
Shirley on February 5, 1975. We have been on bowling
leagues together. He is a friend and a good husband at the
same time. Then twenty-one months after being married our
daughter, Brenna Wilcox was bom to us. She weighed six
pounds fourteen ounces with red hair. She leamed to talk
early and leams fast. She loves to play catch and ride her
horse, Arod, the same horse her dad rode. Then our son, Jud
David Wilcox, was bom March 24, 1979, weighing eight
178
pounds eight ounces with black hair. Brenna was disap-
pointed to see him come along at tlrst and we had trouble with
her trying to hit him every chance she got. Now she loves him
more than ever. Gilbert milks dairy cows with his dad and
farms.
Gilbert is a home teacher and I teach a class in primary.
Letha Wilcox
Front Row: (L. to R.): D. Oswel, Jr. (Ossie), Melissa. D. O. Sr.
Middle Row: Mary, Millie, Letha.
Back Row: Rulon, Melvin, and Ellis.
Daughter of David Oswell Wilcox, Sr. and Frances
Melissa McCuUough, Letha was bom in the small pioneer
village of Antimony, Garfield Co., Utah, May 15, 1894,
where the family resided until July, 1904. At that time they
moved to Fairview, Idaho, near Preston.
In November, 1910, they came to Sunnydell, Idaho.
Letha attended school in Antimony, Utah; Fairview, Idaho;
Sunnydell, Archer and Ricks College.
Letha has served for years as a teacher in Sunday
School, as Beehive leader and literature teacher in Relief
Society. Also she was YWMIA president, and served as
Beehive leader in the stake for many years and several years
as counselor in Stake MIA. She is active in collecting mater-
ial for ward records, family records and pictures. She has a
collection of good stories and is remembered by many as a
fine storyteller and has committed to memory many pithy
quotations from famous authors.
This is Letha's sentiment: Through the years there have
been many changes in Sunnydell but one thing has remained
the same—the warm, friendly attitude of the people. One
could truly say, "I love those dear hearts and gentle people,
that live and love in my home town."
Melvin Wilcox
Henry Melvin Wilcox, son of David Oswell, Sr. and
Frances Melissa McCullough, was bom May 11, 1905 in
Fairview, Franklin County, Idaho. In November, 1910, the
family came to Sunnydell, Idaho. Melvin's father was en-
gaged in farming and cattle raising. Melvin grew up working
on the farm with his father and older brothers, Oswell, Jr.,
Ellis and Rulon.
He attended school in Sunnydell, Archer and Ricks
Normal College. He enjoyed sports and was on the
pennant-winning eighth grade basketball team. He also
played M-Men basketball in MIA. He was also in the Sun-
nydell tumbling squad.
Melvin was the crane operator who raised the beams to
support the roof of the present Archer-Sunnydell chapel. He
has assisted in building and remodeling some houses. He
built the Ellis Wilcox home and has built several fireplaces.
He was a dragline operator on the canal for several years with
Charley Sutton.
One winter he tumed the dry farm house into a shop and
built the little sorter that was in the Sutton warehouse at
Byrne Siding. Many other useful things have come out of his
shop here at home, four potato bulkers, a metal branding
chute, a large disc plow, truck beds, to name a few. He has
always been interested in machinery and has spent countless
hours keeping the farm machinery in repair and helping the
neighbors with theirs. His hobby is raising, training and
riding purebred quarterhorses.
Melvin is a veteran of World War II, having served in
Africa, Italy and Corsica. At the time of his honorable dis-
charge he was S/Sgt.
Rulon and Bessie Wilcox
Rulon and Bessie
Rulon Wilcox was bom 1 August, 1902, at Antimony,
Garfield County, Utah, son of David Oswell, Sr., and Fr-
ances Melissa McCullough, who were both children of 1847
Utah pioneers. In 1904, the family moved to Fairview,
Franklin County, Idaho. In 1910 they moved to Sunnydell,
arriving in November.
From childhood, Rulon rode horses and drove teams
and learned to break saddle horses and draft animals. He
became expert at riding horses and handling large hitches of
horses and mules on the machinery used in dry fanning and
harvesting on the Rexburg Bench.
Beginning as a boy, he worked with teams of horses in
repair and maintenance of canals and ditches. He helped in
land leveling on the farm with a hand scraper drawn by
79
horses. When the electricity was brought to the community,
in 1927, Rulon was on the crew.
In 1944, Wilcox Brothers acquired some range land at
Bone, Idaho. They have enjoyed the work with cattle there on
the summer range.
Rulon received his elementary education at Sunnydell,
in the old rock school, and in makeshift quarters in the old
Archer dance hall (since removed) while the new brick build-
ing at Archer was being constructed. He has some interesting
stories to tell about those years. Later he attended Ricks
Normal College.
February 26, 1947 he married Bessie Louisa Williams
of Pocatello, Idaho, in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Rulon has served about seven years as assistant superin-
tendent of Sunday School and four years as assistant superin-
tendent of YMMIA. At the time funds were being raised to
build the new Archer chapel in 1948-1954, Rulon served as
chairman of the livestock committee, supervising feeding
and marketing of hogs and cattle. He also helped organize
other benefits for fundraising. He has also helped to initiate
benefits for someone ill or disabled or in need, helping to
raise money, harvest or plant crops, or whatever was neces-
sary.
Neighbors will remember him for many helpful acts and
he is a favorite with nieces and nephews.
BESSIE WILLIAMS WILCOX
George Williams was the first white man to bring his
wife to the rough railroad work camp that was Pocatello in
1885. As a result my father, Herbert J. Williams, was the first
white child bom there (1887) to George and Elizabeth (Bes-
sie) Jones, English converts.
Olaf P. Johanson came to Archer in 1885. He sent
money to Sweden for his sweetheart, Lovisa Ridderbjelke, to
come to the United States in 1886. They were both converts.
Their first child, Minnie Johnson (bom 1888) was my
mother. Minnie and her brother Carl (bom 1890) told of
helping as children to gmb sagebrush roots to clear soil for
planting. Their father was one of three men who organized
and buih the original Lenroot Canal. While bishop, he
chaired the committee that constmcted the old white rock
chapel. Because they braved the hardships of an undeveloped
frontier, they gave me, Bessie Williams, the privilege of
birth in this choice land. This occurred 7 March 1912 in
Pocatello, Bannock County, Idaho. In 1914 the family
moved to Archer where my father farmed ten years. He was
active in Sunday School and was ward clerk a few years.
Mother was primary president. My three sisters were bom
here-Cleo (1915), Audrey (1918), Marie (1920).
My elementary education was in Archer; high school
and college was in Pocatello. I taught school fourteen years in
the Pocatello area and attended summer sessions at San
Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Moscow, Idaho. On Februar>'
26, 1947 at the Idaho Falls Temple I was married to Rulon S.
Wilcox and moved to Sunnydell.
My activity in music and the church has been continuous
since my childhood. Service has been in ward and stake
MIA, Relief Society, Sunday School and in ward choir and
primary. My many pupils in school (1932-45), kindergarten
(1956-72) and music (1936-) continue to be a joy to me.
LaVar and Deborah Wilmot
Deborah holciini] Benjamin and LaVar holding Camille
LaVar Nelson Wilmot was bom 19 January 1954 in
Rigby, Idaho in a nursing home because his mother didn't
have time to make it to the hospital. He is the son of William
(Arthur) and LaRue Wilmot. He is one of seven children. He
has lived in Logan, Utah, Aberdeen, Idaho and at the age of
ten settled in Blackfoot at the family farm.
LaVar was involved in 4-H for nine years and FFA for
four years when he became district leader of Southem Idaho
in 1972.
He graduated from Blackfoot High and attended the
University of Idaho at Moscow, where he met Deborah Lynn
Cattron for the first time. They exchanged hello's and didn't
meet again for four years. He then served a mission to
Seattle, Washington from 1974-1976.
In January of 1977 he again met Deborah Cattron at
Ricks College on a blind date, set up by his brother. They
were married August 6, 1977 in the Idaho Falls Temple by
Lowell Biddulph.
LaVar works as a sales manager for a lumber company
in Rexburg. He and Deborah moved to Rexburg September
of 1979 and then to Archer February of 1980.
LaVar served as Sunday School teacher, first counselor
in the Elders Quomm in Blackfoot and is presently serving as
a teacher in primary, preparing the boys to receive the priest-
hood and doing early scout work.
Deborah Lynn Cattron was bom 15 March 1957 at
Lewiston, Idaho to Ward and Carol Cattron. She is one often
children and has a twin brother. Deborah lived in Lewiston
until she was married. She graduated from Lewiston High
and attended Ricks College.
Deborah joined the Church 24 March 1974, the very
same day her eldest brother entered the mission home. They
are the only LDS members from their family. Deborah served
as primary teacher, ward librarian, Sunday School teacher
and as Relief Society secretary. In Archer Ward she is a
visiting teacher.
180
After her marriage, she helped LaVar with the farm and
did substitute teaehing in the Blackfoot School District.
To earn money for college she worked at a sawmill
during the summer right alongside the men. She was one of
fifteen girls among the thousands of men there.
Her hobbies include sewing, remodeling things, garden-
ing and genealogy.
LaVar and Deborah's children are Camille Ranae born
June 29, 1978 at Idaho Falls, Idaho and Benjamin LaVar
bom May 27, 1980 also at Idaho Falls. Camille's hobbies are
mother's helper and getting into mischief.
Ron and Pat Wodskow
Left to Right: Ronette. Ron, Alison, Kimberly, Pat. Scott, Sarah Lee,
and Chad.
The Ron Wodskow family became a part of Archer
Ward in September 1976. We had just moved from Burley,
Idaho. We were so happy to find a home out in the country
and be around people so receptive to our needs and who
showed so much love toward us. Our family at that time
consisted of four children: Ronette, Kimberly, Chad, and
Sarah Lee. Since that time we have been blessed with Alison
and Scott.
Ron was a carpenter. Work in this area, due to the flood,
was plentiful.
Ron was bom in Rupert, Idaho, in 1945, to Darrell and
Sarah Sutton Wodskow. He was the third child of six. They
were Betty, Jim, Ron, Rena, Debbie, and Linda. Most of his
life he lived on a farm but his dad was a carpenter at heart.
That's where Ron leamed to love to build. While still in high
school he joined the National Guard and did his active duty.
After graduation, this proved to be a real advantage to him, as
when he returned he was able to serve a mission and go to
college and still serve his country. The years 1965-67 were
spent in the Hawaiian Mission. Even though these were
challenging years, this is where he really gained his tes-
timony and love for our Father in Heaven. After he returned
from his mission he was ready for Ricks and a few changes in
his life.
While Ron was serving his country and his Father in
Heaven, I was still trying to survive high school. I was born
and raised on a farm in Ashton, Idaho. I was bom 1949 to
Howard and Grace Murdock. I was number two of eight
children: Gwen, Pat, Brian, Molly, Richard, LaRae, Mari-
lyn, and Brad. In 1 957, after I had gone to Ricks, Dad went to
work at Ricks College and two years later, we moved to
Rexburg. Those growing years must have been good ones.
Somehow I had leamed to love life and the church and have
always held to the truths that were taught in my home.
The fall after graduation, I moved to Rexburg to go to
Ricks. The next two years were really an exciting time of my
life. I really gained my testimony. I met Ron and in May of
that year we were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Our
wedding day was the day after finals and the day before my
graduation at Ricks. Now I'm not sure what the hurry was but
we were happy. Ron needed one more year to graduate, so we
got a job managing a girls' apartment building, Maisone
Villa, that really prepared us for parenthood - sixty-two
daughters. That year we also got a daughter of our own.
Ronette was born in February 1970.
After graduation, we had made plans to move to Provo
to complete our education, but we got sidetracked in Burley
when Ron took a job with the Adolf Coors Company as a job
coordinator. They were building grain storage buildings. It
was a good experience in constmction, so we stayed there.
The job lasted about three years, then Ron made the big
attempt of contracting on his own.
We were really happy then. We were buying a cute
home in Burley with a small yard and garden and lots of really
neat neighbors. We both had leadership jobs in the church
and everything seemed to be simple in our lives. The only
drawback was, work had gotten slow. With the news of the
flood and the demand for help, Rexburg looked really tempt-
ing.
After a few trips back and forth, we found an older home
in Archer and with big plans for remodeling we sold our
home in Burley and started a new life. We've never been
sorry for our move. The past four years haven't been easy.
There have been lots of highs and lows but the highs always
outnumbered the lows. We have been blessed with two more
children, Alison and Scott. There are times we felt a few
growing pains but it is during these times we have grown the
most. Our testimonies have been strengthened from the ex-
periences we have had and we are grateful for them. We are
sure our Heavenly Father guided us here. We're glad we
listened. This has truly become our home.
Kirby and Lahna Woods
Kirby was born in Kingston, Utah, on November 7,
1937. He lived there, in Southem Utah, until 1950 when he
moved with his parents, Lawrence, "Briggs" and Camia
Woods, two brothers and one sister, to Archer.
Lahna was bom at Sunnydell on July 2, 1938 to Delos
and Miriam Nelson. She attended the original Sunnydell
branch and school in the little rock building until it was
consolidated with Archer. We had held Sunday meetings and
Primary in the basement of the school house. There were two
rooms upstairs where all eight grades of school were taught.
181
Front Row (L. to R.): Miriam Nelson, Lahna, Kirby, Carma Woods
McCullouch.
Back Row: Sherise, Michael, David, Kevin, Renae (daughter-in-
law), and Tracy.
Kirby and Lahna attended school in Archer through the
eighth grade then went to Rexburg to high school in the
building that is now Washington School.
Kirby and I were married September 26, 1956 in the
Relief Society room of the new Archer Ward Church.
We began our married life in Pocatello where Kirby was
employed by Garrett Freightlines. Our four sons were bom
while we lived there: Michael Kirby, bom December 1,
1959, our special son; David Lynn, bom February 13, 1959,
a quiet, ever helpful presence for Mike and his mother to lean
on; Tracy Delos, bom May 12, 1960, a sensitive boy with a
constantly increasing sense of humor, and Kevin Lee, bom
September 26, 1963, the best anniversary present anyone
ever had.
February 1, 1964 was an especially wonderful day for
all of us. We were sealed for all etemity in the Idaho Falls
Temple. With us were Lahna's parents, to be sealed to each
other and have their deceased son, with Kirby as proxy, and
Lahna sealed to them. It was a very special day for all of us.
In June 1964 we moved to Orange, California, where
Kirby was employed by a swimming pool contractor. It was
there our only daughter, Sherise Ann, the sunshine of our
lives, was bom on October 18, 1966.
While our son, Michael, was attending special educa-
tion in Orange, Lahna had the opportunity to organize a cub
scout pack for the mentally retarded boys in that school. She
served as den mother to six boys and by working on a
requirement each week, all six boys eamed their wolf award.
She also served for two years as den mother for the Orange
Ward pack.
Kirby served there for a year as a stake missionary and
had the privilege of baptizing two new members into the
church.
We were transferred to Alexandria, Virginia, in 1970 to
open a new area. We found the East an exciting place to be.
Our interest in history was aroused and we studied the Civil
War and visited the many battle fields and places having to do
with that troubled time. We visited Mount Vernon, home of
George Washington, often and felt very close to events of our
country's beginning.
It was in Virginia we began square dancing, a hobby we
still enjoy.
Kirby managed the office there until 1973. Many obsta-
cles were met and overcome in managing an area covering
three states. We met the challenge and enjoyed Very much the
time that we spent in the Eastem United States. We moved
back to Archer in September of 1973 and built the home
where we now live.
Our children have grown here and we now have two
lovely daughters-in-law, Renae who married Tracy De-
cember 1, 1979, and Trina, who married David on July 11,
1980. A beautiful grandson, Brian Delos, bom to Tracy and
Trina, has also joined our family.
Garen and Rusty Young
Left to Right: Rusty, Garen, and Tausha
Garen Lucien Young was bom August 7, 1939 in Mark
Young's home in Archer, to Ellen Marie (Orr) Young and
Mark Lucien Young. At a very young age Garen learned to
love fishing and hunting at his grandpa's side. He was the
oldest of nine children so when he became very ill with
rheumatic fever his grandparents took him home with them to
nurse him back to health. He loved the farm and spent every
weekend and vacation on it. He graduated from Rigby high
school, then continued his education for two years at Ricks
College in welding, living with his grandparents at this time
and helping with the farm work . He has worked as a welder, a
foreman, a buyer and a welding instmctor for adult education
at Eastem Idaho Vo-Tech School.
In 1968 he met and married (Rusty) Delva Jene (Sligar)
Young on August 16, 1968. After eight months of courtship
they were married in the Archer LDS Church. They bought a
trailer home shortly after that and lived in it for nine years,
after which they built a beautiful log home just South of Mark
and Bertha's home in Archer, where Rusty has a beauty shop.
Rusty was bom November 10, 1945 in Twin Falls,
Idaho, to Laurel Lavina (Drown) Sligar and Doyle Leland
Sligar. She was next to the youngest of seven children. She
was raised most of her young life at her parents' resort, 1000
Springs Resort in Hagerman, Idaho. She became a very good
182
su iininer and had a zoo she started at the age of six. She loved
working with people. She graduated from Twin Falls High
School, received a scholarship to beauty college where she
graduated in 1965. She also loves to paint and does a lot of
painting for the holidays on windows. On May 7, i970 she
gave birth to Tausha May Young, a beautiful eight pound
four ounce baby girl. Tausha soon became the ruler of the
household and the apple of her daddy's eye. Like her daddy
she soon learned to love fishing and hunting and even out-
fished her daddy from time to time. She loves the fami, her
friends, her animals and even parts of school. She attends
Adams Grade School and is in the fifth grade . She wants to be
a nurse when she grows up.
Tausha and Rusty were baptized into the LDS Church
on July I, 1978 together. Tausha's Uncle Shayne Young
perfomied the ceremony.
Mark Harald Young was bom September 20, 1 896 (died
June 29, 1973). His parents were William J. Young, Sr. and
Zelpah Rebecca (Archer) Young. Mark's parents settled in
Archer in 1883 where they cleared the land and built their log
home, which was the first home to be built in this area. Mark
was bom in this house, as were Lucien and Garen years later.
The house still stands. Mark married Bertha May (Luthy)
Young on January 4, 1917. Bertha was bom May 23, 1899to
Albert Fredrich Luthy, Sr., 1862-1950, and Ellen E. (Bean)
Luthy, 1872-1957, in a grass and mud roofed log shack on
the dry farms called Herbert.
Bertha Young
Mark and Bertha
Mark Harold Young was bom September 20, 1896 to
William John and Zilpah Archer Young, the youngest of
thirteen children. The first seven were bom in Fairfield,
Utah. They were Zilpah, who married William Squires,
William (Will) who married Mary Sharp. Ernest and Clar-
ence died of diptheria and were buried in Fairfield. Alfred
married Janette Millward. George married Margarette Pear-
son and lived in Idaho Falls.
Mark was bom in the oldest house now standing, that
was built in this area. The original logs in the wall and the
flooring are still in use.
Mark graduated from the eighth grade in Archer.
Mark's father died when he was six years old. His
mother died when he was twelve. He went to live with his
sister, Zilpah, who was the wife of William Squires. He
worked for different people as a laborer.
\, Bertha, was born in Herbert, Idaho, to Albert Fredrick
and Ellen Elizabeth Bean Luthy, Mary 23. 1899. I was bom
in a two-room log house on the dry farm, the first child born
in Herbert but the area was named later that same year for the
first boy to be bom there, Herbert England. A sweet little old
Norwegian lady, Herbert's grandmother, Louisa England,
was the midwife when I was bom.
I went to eight grades at Herbert. My first teacher was a
middle-aged bachelor named Charles Gregory. The second
teacher was Ezra Liljenquist. Other teachers were Knute
Pearson, Cecil Clements and D. W. Nelson.
The first time Mark and I met was when a group of
young people were coming down the canyon from huckleber-
rying. As we watered our riding horses along came the
Young family with Mark driving one of the teams pulling the
wagons. Mark said, "Hi, are there any huckleberries up
here?" I held my hands up all blue-stained, "Yes, a lot."
Mark looked at me and thought to himself, "This is the girl I
am going to marry."
On the dry farm, Dad plowed, we kids pulled the
sagebrush out of the furrows, and stacked them to burn in
the evening. Mice would run out. My brother. Hank and I
would see who could catch the most mice and put them in
our pockets. I loved to pick the wild flowers.
About three years after I met Mark, we were married
January 4, 1917 in Rexburg. We were sealed January 18,
1928 in the Logan Temple.
Mark and I bought thirty acres of land including the
house where he was bom and lived all his life, except for the
seven years he lived with his sister.
Mark and I had eleven boys, but Mark Lucein was the
only one to live.
Mark played fifty years in the Young Orchestra, fifteen
with the original members which consisted of Alfred on the
trumpet; Clem, trombone; Rob, violin; Mark played the
piano, saxaphone or banjo, as needed; Lawrence Squires
played the drums. Mark's sister, Leah Young, would some-
times play the piano and sometimes Alf s wife, Nettie. They
played for Church dances all around, but mostly in the Archer
dance hall. After the dance hall was tom down, Clem moved
away, Alf went to Salt Lake and Rob died. A new orchestra
was formed with Mark, Glen Squires, Ray Palmer of Rigby
and Mark Lee of Idaho Falls. These four played together for
thirty-five years.
Mark was ward chorister from 1925 to January 12,
1932, and MIA chorister during the time I was president of
the MIA from August 11, 1935 until 1941. Previous to that I
was counselor to Lctha Wilcox.
In the Primary I was counselor to Ora Squires, Lilly
Briggs and Agnes Orr and president from July 15, 1928 to
July 12, 1932.
On January 18, 1980, I married Leo S. Weatherston.
We have spent our time between his home in Rexburg and
mine in Archer.
183
RexUr^
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185
Legend
Section A (numbered Northwest to Southeast)
1 . James Barrett
2. Learin Terry
3. Robert Howell (residence in rear of store)
4. Howell's Kountry Komer (original Aeschbacher store)
5. Merlin Orr
6. Richard Holloway
7. Russell H. Simon
8. Ron Wodscow
9. Randy Sutton
10. T.J. Brown
1 1 . (vacant) Jack Stacey home
12. Marshall Grover
13. Grant Neilson
14. Clayton Grover
15. Gwen Sutton
16. Irvine Bums
17. Lyle Robison
18. Earl Wilcox
19. Dayton Grover
20. Grant Peterson
21. Michael Goodmansen
22. Theron Cheney (on mission)
23. Darrell Cheney (Marion Cheney home)
24. Jack Wilcock
Section B (numbered South to North)
1. Reginald Child
2. Kirby Woods
3. Scott Shirley
4. R. R. Evans
5. Laurence Buckland
6. Jerry Beck
7. Old Sunnydell Schoolhouse
8. Max Oakey
9. Stanley Nielson
10. Garth Sutton
1 1. Lee Sutton
12. Steve Sutton
13. E. J. Goodson
14. Keith Clements
15. Clay home (vacant)
16. Walter Bybee
9. Wayne Siddoway
10. Elden Laurtizen
1 1. Elmo Cheney
12. Marion Hacking
13. Bemice Weekes (on mission)
14. Gregory Twitchell
15. (vacant)
16. Martin Davidson
17. Mahlon England
18. Then Weekes
19. Clarence Weekes
20. Carl Grover
21. Everett Brindle
Section ¥ (numbered North to South)
1 . Earl Briggs
2. Ben Homer
3. Merrill Lundberg
4. Spencer Orr
5. John Nelson
6. Cleo Kirkham
7. Kenneth Hacking (on mission)
8. Gene Clements
9. Walter Smith
10. Bill Wilcox
1 1 . Mike Summers
12. (vacant)
13. Phillip Niederer
Section G (numbered from Squires Dugway East to West)
1 . LaVar Squires
2. Glen Squires
3. Merlin Munns
4. Martha (Mattie) Erickson (on mission)
5. Carlo Erickson
6. Leonard Clements
7. Darlene Clements
8. Artelia Schneiter
9. Melvin & Letha Wilcox
10. Ellis Wilcox
11. Rulon Wilcox
12. Laurence Byrne
13. Ross Byme
Section C (Dryfarms)
1. Kyle Bybee
2. (vacant) log cabin
3. Robert Thayer
4. Mark Grover
5. Byme Siding
Section D I numbered North to South)
1 . Myrl Weekes
2. Gary Hill
3. Terrell Niederer
4. Norman Niederer
5. Sterling Magleby
6. Afton Hansen
7. (vacant) Howard Allen home
8. Joel Sedgwick
9. Earl Beck
10. Old honeymoon cottage
11. Gilbert Wilcox
Section E (numbered East to West)
1 . Royle Erickson
2. Ursel Weekes
3. Kay Jeppson
4. Norman Hill
5. Bill Cook
6. Delmoe Cook
7. Bertha Jeppson
8. Morean Anderson
Section H (numbered North to South)
1.
Larry Weekes
2.
Brent Peterson
3.
Peterson Room Dividers factory
4.
Reese Sharp
5.
(vacant)
Section I (numbered West to East)
1.
(vacant)
2.
Archer-Sunnydell Churchhouse
Site of the old stone chapel;
East Parking lot
3.
George H. Munns
4.
Minnie Weekes
5.
Chad Weekes
6.
Victor Erickson
7.
Norman S. Erickson
Section J (numbered West to East)
1. Edward Smith
2. Stanley Erickson
3. Danny Crossley
4. Nonnan B. Erickson
Section K (numbered school around block) Old Dalby Townsite
1. Archer School
2. Esther Boulter
3. England Store (vacant) Earl Wilcox bldg.
4. Roy Boulter
5. Nolan Erickson
186
Section L( numbered from South to North)
1 . Ken Biom
2. Russell Gmver
3. DeVon Erickson
4. Clarence Hoopes
29. Donald Erickson
30. Jack Thompson
3 1 . Old Creamery (Snake River Cheese factory)
Section Pi numbered Southwest corner towards the North)
5. Lynn Briggs
1.
Elmer Briggs
6. William Bell
2,
David Niederer
7. .\rcher Merc
3.
Keith Haroldson
8. Brett Sutton
4.
Kim Sorensen
9. John Bee
5.
Tom Suddeth
10. Chester Nelson
6.
Tim Peterson
1 1. Lynn Nelson
7.
Jack Reese
12. Dennis Nelson
8.
Dean Quinton
L^. Garth Nelson
9.
(vacant)
14. George Nelson
10.
Ken Rose
15. Brent Grover
11.
Foryl Kidd
16. Ross& Grant Bums
12.
Dale Larsen
17. Bertha Young
13.
Bert Larsen
18. Garen Young
14.
Darnell Weekes
15.
Lillis Sutton
Section Ml numbered South to North) Archer Townsite
16.
(vacant) Bishop Smith home
1 . Gerald Junkert
17.
Rose Weekes
2. Vemon Jeffs
18.
Keith Munns
3. Mildred Corey
19.
Henry Erickson
4. Lamont Merrill
20.
Viola Erickson
5. Budge Clay
21.
(vacant) Ernest Weekes home
6. Gary Clay
22.
Greg Brown
7. Dennis Pope
Section N Archer Townsite
1 . ( Home under construction for Harlan Robison
2. LaVarWilmot
3. Old Isaac Nelson homestead
(old Sharp home)
Section O (numbered Southeast corner to the North)
1. Kendall Davidson
2. Ron Weaver
3. Jon Larson
4. Hal Moon
5. Lila Anderson
6. Ed Reichenbach
7. Glen Leak
8. Lovell On-
9. Vive Larsen
10. Ray Muir
1 1. (vacant)
12. (vacant)
13. Craig Hill
14. Stephen Grover
15. George Hall
16. Larry Grover
17. Richard Grover
18. Lee Roy Adams
19. Max Briggs
20. Grace Grover
21. Wallace Grover
22. Steve Sorensen
23. DeLore Grover
24. Billy Grover
25. Trieste Robison (on mission)
26. Lind Robison
27. Ada Greene
28. Wilma Hatton
Section Q( numbered from Squires Dugway towards West)
1. Mary Luthy
2. Billy Luthy
3. Myrtle Kennington
4. Dale Drussell
5. Mary Harper
6. Don Drussell
7. Dale Clay
8. Stanley Sutton
9. Minnie Nielson home (vacant)
10. MelbaKinzer
1 1. Russell Munns
Section R (numbered Southeast corner to the West)
1 . Bob Thompson
2. Leslie Grover
3. Kent Grover
4. Ina Grover
5. Reed Howell
6. Bert Howell
7. John Perham
8. Gene Dumont
9. Delas Munns
Historical Buildings
N-3 Nelson Homestead
1-2 Old Stone Chapel site located in East parking lot
G-1 1 Old Lewis Byrne home built 1900
L- 1 7 Bertha Young home built about 1 896
B-7 Old Sunnydell Schoolhouse
A-4 Nearby once stood the first chapel serving this area, log building for
Lyman Ward
C-2 Cabin on Lyman Creek
D-10 Honeymoon cottage, first home of many area residents
K-1 Archer School, built 1915
A-4 Briggs store, built 1884
187
The Church Parking Lot
On October 27, 1979, the Sunnydell and Archer Wards
had a project to haul gravel from the pit located on Bishop
Lyle Robison's farm along the Reid Canal to an area
seventy-five feet by two hundred seventy-five feet just west
of the church house to provide additional parking. Ward
members donated their trucks and labor. They began at 7:30
a.m. and stopped about 30 minutes after dark.
The following is a list of those who participated. Those
marked with an * drove trucks.
Walters Concrete (Bill Blamberg)*
Larry Weekes*
Kevin Howell*
Richard Grover
Paul Niederer*
Lamont Merrill
Nolan Erickson*
Bill Cook*
Stanley Erickson*
Stanley Nielson*
Earl Wilcox
Bishop Lyle Robison*
Wallace Grover*
Wayne Siddoway
Delas Munns
Carlo Erickson*
Wayne Beck*
Jerry Beck*
Eari Beck*
Ben Homer*
Bob Howell
Tommy Roth
Dennis Nelson
Bishop Glen Leak
Gordon Allen*
Marilee Byrne*
Spencer Orr
Gilbert Wilcox
The trucks entered the land at Bishop Lyle Robison's
house and traveled to the gravel pit. There were enough
trucks to keep the loader busy all the time. The trucks exited
by the canal headgates so they didn't have to pass each other
on the narrow roads. Earl Wilcox used his tractor and blade
to push the gravel around at the parking lot.
The Relief Society sisters provided lunch. Those sis-
ters who helped with this were Zara Beck, LeeRaye Robi-
son, Heddy Sutton, and Sarah Grover.
Tom Roth ran the loader at the gravel pit. They hauled
2250 yards of gravel.
Earl and Wayne Beck used the county roller to pack the
gravel.
Ball Park
During 1956 and 1957, there had been talk of having a
lighted ball field on the ward owned property just east of the
ward chapel. On May 24, 1958, the first hole was dug by
Bishop Erickson for the poles which were donated by Clar-
ence Hoopes. The ball park cost $1600 for the construction,
wiring and labor. It was necessary to pay the power com-
pany $235 down and to give them a guarantee of $150 a
year for five years. July 14, 1958, a committee was or-
ganized to supervise the ball park. Calvin Cook represented
the high priests as chairman, Lynn Nelson represented the
seventies quorum, and Eldon Robison represented the El-
ders quorum, Bert Howell, the YMMIA president, and
LaMar Davidson, the YWMIA president.
Improvements in 1979-80
The old cement walks around the church house have
been replaced with new ones. Repairs have been made on
the roof.
A large rock fireplace has been added to the shelter.
This was a joint project of the Elders' quorums. The follow-
ing people went with trucks to the Nicolia Mine at Leadore
for the rock.
From Sunnydell Ward: Royle Erickson, Phillip Nie-
derer, and Bill Cook.
From Archer Ward: Mont Merrill, Carlo Erickson,
Nolan Erickson, Bob Howell, Ken Rose, Kim Sorenson,
John Perham, Hal Moon, Terry Coon, Merlin Munns, and
Phillip Boulter.
The rock work on the fireplace was done by Lamont
Merrill with assistance from Kenny Grover and Merlin Orr.
This beautiful fireplace is a welcome addition to our
shelter.
The Sunnydell Ward Granary
The Sunnydell Ward Granary came about by prayer
and inspiration. It will hold enough wheat to provide bread
for every man, woman, and child in the Sunnydell Ward for
one year in case of emergency.
Bishop Lyle Robison donated the granary (we weren't
to even have mentioned that), and the ward members fur-
nished the money and grain to purchase the wheat necessary
to fill the bin.
The donated grain has been sold, enough other money
collected, and the hard red, high protein - 13V2 percent
wheat puchased. As soon as it is cleaned and delivered, the
granary will be filled, sealed, and dedicated for the use of
those in need.
As far as we know this is the fii-st granary of its kind in
the Church today.
The committee for this project were: Wayne Beck,
Myrl Weekes, and Steve Sutton.
Bishop Sidney Weekes, first bishop of the Lyman
Ward tells in his history of coming to this sagebrush-
covered land and hurrying to grub the brush so he could
plant grain and store it for a time of need. He recalled a time
when he went without bread for several months, living on
leaves and roots. The first taste of bread after that period
11
was the sweetest thing he had ever put into his mouth.
After providing a home for his family, he built a gra-
nary and the granary was never empty. And though this was
a privately owned granary, many families who would find
themselves without grain to plant in the spring were thank-
ful Bishop Weekes had grain to help them fill their need.
It is a comforting feeling for members of the Sunnydell
Ward to have a fine 1000 bushel granary ready for use as
needed in the future.
Epilogue
As we go to press, the Archer-Sunnydell Community is getting all buttoned
up for the winter. The bountiful harvest has been gathered in from field and
garden, and fall plowing has been completed.
The two wards in our community are in good shape
called all ward members to activity and to good works.
the bishops having
Recognizing that we are in the midst of inflation, the people are carefully
storing for future need and are heeding the counsel of their bishops.
With winter coming, and the prospect of wind, rain and snow, all of us who
have arthritis are beginning to stiffen up and ache a bit. The young people are
wondering how they can get gas for their weekly dates in town. Mothers and
fathers will soon sleep less and worry more about how to feed and clothe their
families.
But the bishops — bless them, are dependent upon the Lord and He has
never failed to sustain and bless them.
There is a very soft whisper going around that the spring of next year may
bring a new addition for the Archer Chapel along with many other improvements.
A proper birth announcement will be given in due time.
There is a feeling of love and good fellowship in both wards and we are all
looking forward to a continuing time of happiness and service.
189
Roster of Officers
Lyman Ward Bishops
Sidney Weekes presiding Elder, October 27, 1883.
1884 Lyman Branch organized into a ward, Sidney Weekes,
bishop; George Briggs, Sr., first counselor; Niels Christ-
ensen, second counselor. Thomas E. Ricks and Elders
Heber J. Grant and Wilford Woodruff of the Quorum of
the Twelve were present.
May 1886 Amos G. Arnold, bishop.
1887 William J. Young was presiding priest with George
Briggs as assistant.
Lyman again became a branch and was attached to Rexburg
First Ward until August 21.
1887 Samuel A. Wilcox was sustained as bishop.
1900 Thomas Atkins became bishop.
1902 wards divided; George Briggs, Sr., was bishop in
Archer, and Casey Bowen in Lyman.
Archer Ward Bishopric
Bishoprics
1. Bishop George Briggs, Sr.
1st Coun. Olof P. Johanson
2nd Coun. Charles Burns
Ward Clerk Edwin W. Stacy
Asst. Clerk George Briggs, Jr.
Asst. Clerk, Roxey Jeppson
Ward Clerk Charles O. Jeppson
2. Bishop George Briggs, Jr.
1st Coun. William Blanthom
2nd Coun. Charles O. Jeppson
Ward Clerk Frank C. Bums
3. Bishop Olof P. Johanson
1st Coun. Chas. O. Jeppson
2nd Coun. Samuel P. Oldham
2nd Coun. Luke Briggs
2nd Coun. Edward P. Oldham
2nd Coun. Clarence Cheney
1st Coun. J. R. Smith
2nd Coun. Olin H. Jeppson
Ward Clerk Carl J. Johnson
Asst. Clerk Thomas Jeppson
Ward Clerk George Briggs, Jr.
Ward Clerk Herbert Williams
Ward Clerk A. Clarence Weekes
Ward Clerk Carl J. Johnson
Ward Clerk John B. Carlstrom
4. Bishop James R. Smith
1st Coun. D. O. Wilcox, Sr.
2nd Coun. Carl J. Johnson
Ward Clerk John B. Carlstrom
2nd Coun. Raymond G. Briggs
5. Bishop Sterling Magleby
1st Coun. W. Delmoe Cook
2nd Coun. George F. Nelson
Ward Clerk John B. Carlstrom
6. Bishop William Ingram Holley
1st Coun. Raymond G. Briggs
2nd Coun. Kenneth Elbert Hacking
7. Bishop Bemarr B. Erickson
1st Coun. Newel Piquet
2nd Coun. Loren Grover
1st Coun. Loren Grover
Sustained
Released
Mar. 2,
1902
Feb. 10,
1907
Mar. 2,
1902
Feb. 10,
1907
Mar. 2,
1902
Feb. 10,
1907
Mar. 14,
1902
June 14,
1903
Mar. 14,
1902
June 14,
1903
June 15,
1902
June 14,
1903
June 14,
1902
Feb. 10,
1907
Feb. 10,
1907
July 14,
1912
Feb. 10,
1907
July 14.
1912
Aug. 11
1907
July 14,
1912
Feb. 10,
1907
July 14,
1912
July 14,
1912
Sept. 9
1928
July 14,
1912
Nov. 16,
1924
July 14,
1912
Feb. 22,
1914
Feb. 22,
1914
July 23,
1916
July 23,
1916
Feb. 10.
1919
Feb. 10,
1919
Nov. 16
1924
July 23,
1924
Sept. 9
1928
July 23,
1924
Sept. 9
1928
July 14,
1912
Jan. 12,
1913
Oct. 6,
1912
Jan. 12,
1913
Jan. 12,
1913
May 18.
1919
May 18,
1919
May 7,
1922
May 7,
1922
Nov. 19
1922
Nov. 19
1922
Feb. 5,
1928
Feb. 5,
1928
Sept. 9
1928
Sept. 9
1928
July 13.
1941
Sept. 9
1928
Sept. 9
1928
Nov. 18
1934
Sept. 9
1928
Nov. 18
1934
July 13,
1941
July 13,
1941
July 13,
1946
July 13,
1941
July 13.
1946
July 13,
1941
July 13.
1946
July 13,
1941
May 24,
1959
July 13,
1946
Jan. 13,
1952
July 13,
1946
Jan. 13.
1952
July 13,
1946
Jan. 13,
1952
Jan. 13,
1952
May 10,
1959
Jan. 13,
1952
Dec. 7,
1952
Jan. 13,
1952
Dec. 7,
1952
Dec. 7,
1952
Sept. 26
1954
Bishoprics
2nd Coun. John Wilcox
1st Coun. John Wilcox
2nd Coun. Gayland Robison
1st Coun. Gayland Robison
2nd Coun. Calvin Cook
1st Coun. Calvin Cook
2nd Coun. Billy Luthy
8. Bishop George H. Munns
1st Coun. Loren H. Grover
2nd Coun. Lynn C. Nelson
Ward Clerk, Max Briggs
Finance Clerk, Calvin Cook
Welfare Clerk Stanley E. Nielson
1st Coun. Lynn C. Nelson
2nd Coun. Eldon Robison
Finance Clerk, Afton Hansen
Ward Clerk, Stephen Grover
Ass't. Clerk (Ward Teaching)
Wallace Grover
Welfare Clerk, Kendall Davidson
1st Coun. Eldon Robison
2nd Coun. Kendall Davidson
Welfare Clerk, Wallace Grover
9. Bishop John Russell Grover
1st Coun. Keith Clements
2nd Coun. C. Myrl Weekes
Ward Clerk, Stephen Grover
Finance Clerk Afton Hansen
Finance Clerk Steve Sutton
Ward Clerk, Dennis Wright
10. Bishop Lyle James Robison
1st Coun. Stanley Elmer Nielson
2nd Coun. Ralph Wayne Siddoway
Exec. Sec. Renell W. Cook
Ward Clerk (Finance)
Norman S. Erickson
Ass't. Ward Clerk (Historical)
James Elmer Loftus
Ward Clerk (Historical)
James Elmer Loftus
Ass't Clerk (Membership)
Dennis Wright
Ass't Clerk (Fast Offering)
Earl Lee Beck
Sustained
Released
Dec. 7,
1952
Sept
26
1954
Sept. 26
1954
Jan.
8,
1956
Sept. 26
1954
Jan.
8,
1956
Jan. 8,
1956
Dec.
9,
1956
Jan. 8,
1956
Dec.
9,
1956
Dec. 9,
1956
May
10,
1959
Dec. 9,
1956
May
10,
1959
May 10,
1959
Mar.
30,
1969
May 10,
1959
Dec.
20,
1959
May 10,
1959
Dec.
20,
1959
May 24,
1959
Dec.
29.
1963
May 24,
1959
Apr.
16.
1961
May 24,
1959
Sept
6
1964
Dec. 20,
1959
July
7,
1968
Dec. 20,
1959
July
7,
1968
Apr. 16,
1961
Mar.
-30,
1969
Dec. 29,
1963
Nov. 24
1963
July
7,
1968
Sept. 6
1964
July
7.
1968
July 7,
1968
Mar.
30
1969
July 7,
1968
Mar.
30,
1968
July 7,
1968
Mar.
30,
1969
Mar. 30,
1969
Feb.
15,
1976
Mar. 30,
1969
Feb.
15,
1976
Mar. 30,
1969
Feb.
15,
1976
Mar. 30,
1969
Feb.
15,
1976
Mar. 30,
1969
Jan.
4,
1970
Jan. 4,
1970
Feb.
15,
1976
Feb. 15,
1976
Oct.
8,
1978
Feb. 15,
1976
Oct.
8,
1978
Feb. 15,
1976
Oct.
8,
1978
Feb. 15,
1976
Oct.
8,
1978
Feb. 22,
1976
Jan.
16,
1977
Feb. 22,
1976
Jan.
16,
1977
Jan. 16,
1977
Sept
18
1977
Feb. 22,
1976
Aug.
8,
1976
Feb. 22,
1976
Oct.
8,
1978
190
Bishoprics
Ass't Clerk (Membership)
James Laurence Byrne
Ass't Clerk (Finance)
James Laurence Byrne
Ass't Clerk (MemberNhip)
Dayton E. Grover
Ward Clerk (Historical)
LaVar Squires
Sustained
Released
Aug. 8, 1976 Jan. 16, 1977
Jan. 16, 1977 Oct. 8, 1978
Jan. 16, 1977 Oct. 8, 1978
Sept. 18,1977 Oct. 8, 1978
Bishoprics Sustained Released
The ward was divided (Archer-Sunnydell) 8 October 1978
I. Bishop Glen Don Leak Oct. 8, 1978
1st Coun. Delas Arthur Munns Oct. 8, 1978
2nd Coun. Jon Wallace Larson Oct. 8, 1978
Officers of the Genealogy Organization
The following were sustained at Ward Conference May 30,
1915.
Chairman: David Cheney
Mem. Sister David Cheney
Chairman: Jacob Magleby
Members:
George Weekes
Mary Magleby
Charles O. Jeppson
H. Edward Smart
Selma Smart
Chairman: H. Edward Smart
Members:
D. O. Wilcox
Helen Mar Wilcox
Melisa Wilcox
Thomas C. Jeppson
John B. Carlstrom
William P. Squires
Zelpha E. Squires
Jacob Magleby
Mary Magleby
Sustained
May 30, 1915
May 30, 1915
Nov. 26,1922
Nov. 26, 1922
Nov. 26, 1922
Jan. 4, 1925
Jan. 4, 1925
Jan. 4, 1925
Released
Nov. 26, 1922
Nov. 26, 1922
May 1, 1927
May 1, 1927
May 1, 1927
Oct. 23, 1930
May 1. 1927
Oct. 1928
May I, 1927 Oct.
1928
June 5,
June 5,
June 5,
June 5,
June 5,
June 5,
June 5,
May 5,
May 5,
1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1929
1929
Oct. 1928
Oct. 1928
Oct. 1928
Mar. 10, 1926
Mar. 10, 1926
Mar. 10, 1926
Oct. 1928
Nov. 30, 1930
Nov. 30, 1930
The Genealogy work was under a new organization and December 3,
1928, I was called to a bishopric meeting held at James R. Smith's. I was
asked to be chairman of the Genealogy Committee. A committee was also
chosen to work with us. The day after this meeting I was seriously burned
and was in the hospital for nearly a month and did not come back to the ward
for three months.
Chaimian: Olof P. Johanson
Sec. Sarah A. Munns
Members:
CO. Jeppson
Selar Cheney
Florence Cheney
Nora Grover
George S. Weekes
Lottie Rice
Anna H. Olsen
Isabell Nelson
George F. Nelson
Hannah Briggs
Jacob Magleby
Mary Magleby
Zelpha E. Squires
Martha Weekes
Laura T. Johnson
Albert Bayliff
Henry Whitaker
Althea Bayliff
Elda Butler
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
2,1929
2, 1929
2, 1929
2, 1929
2,1929
2,1929
2, 1929
2, 1929
Sept. 10, 1933
Sept. 10, 1933
April 2. 1929
April 2, 1929
April 2, 1929
Oct. 13, 1929
May 5,
May 5,
Oct.
Oct.
Aug. 12, 1930
Sept. 18,1932
Sept. 18, 1932
Nov. 20, 1932
Nov. 20, 1932
1929
1929
13, 1929
13, 1929
Oct. 23
Oct. 23
Oct. 23
Oct. 13
Oct. 13
Oct. 8
Oct. 8
Oct. 8
Sept. 18,
Sept. 18,
Nov. 30,
Nov. 30,
Nov. 30,
Nov. 30,
Sept.
1930
1930
1930
1929
1929
1929
1929
1929
1932
1932
1930
1930
1930
1930
1931
Martha Hacking
Marshall Grover
Lavon Stacey
Clem Young
A. Clarence Weekes
Pearl B. Weekes
Peter W. Peterson
Hazel Peterson
Chairman: Olof P. Johanson
1st Coun. Clarence Weekes
2nd Coun. Peter W. Peterson
Chairman: Albert Bayliff
1st Coun. Peter W. Peterson
2nd Coun. Martha Weekes
Chairman: Selar Cheney
1st Coun. Walter Peterson
2nd Coun. Martha Weekes
Sec. Sarah A. Munns
Asst. Sec. Bessie Whittaker
Committee:
Theron Cheney
Florence Cheney
Clarence Weekes
Pearl Weekes
Martha Hacking
Hazel Peterson
Geneva Aeschbacher
Evalyne Grover
Myron Jeppson
Maude Jeppson
Leien Weekes
Harold Briggs
Hazel Briggs
Clem Young
George Weekes
Bessie Whittaker
Eldon Briggs
Artella Weekes
Dee Smith
Ruth Cook
Lester Briggs
Leal Cheney
Chairman: Delmoe Cook
1st Coun. Charles Weekes
2nd Coun. Bemarr Erickson
Sec. Sarah A. Munns
Asst Sec. Bessie Whittaker
Committee:
Dewey Niederer
Tressa Niederer
Marion Cheney
Sustained
Released
Nov.
20,
1932
Nov.
20,
1932
Nov.
20,
1932
Nov.
20,
1932
Dec.
28,
1930
Dec.
28,
1930
Dec.
28,
1930
Dec.
28,
1930
Nov.
6.
1932
Sept.
10
1933
Nov.
6.
1932
Sept.
10
1933
Nov.
6
1932
Sept.
10
1933
Sept.
10
1933
Oct.
1,
1933
Oct.
1,
1933
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Sept.
15
1935
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Jan.
1935
Sept.
15
1935
Sept.
15
1935
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Jan.
5,
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Sept.
15
1935
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
April
26
1936
Dec.
1934
April
25
1935
Dec.
1934
April
25
1935
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Jan.
5,
1936
Dec.
1934
Jan.
5,
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
1934
Nov.
8
1936
June
1935
Sept.
15
1935
Nov.
8
1936
Nov.
8
1936
Nov.
8
1936
Nov.
8
1936
Nov.
8
1936
Dec.
6,
1936
Dec.
6,
1936
Dec.
6,
1936
191
Beatrice Hathcock
Martha Weekes
Bessie Whittaker
Pearl Weekes
Sustained
Dec. 6, 1936
May 31, 1936
May 31, 1936
May 31. 1936
Released
Thelma Cheney
Martha Hacking
Sam Grover
Sustained
May 31. 1936
May 31, 1936
May 31. 1936
Released
Officers of Archer Ward Relief Society
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
1st Pres.
Sarah S. Briggs
Mar. 6,
1902
Feb. 10.
1907
9th Pres.
La Verne Hacking
Aug. 12.
1945
Dec. 30.
1945
1st Coun.
Susannah Bums
Mar. 6,
1902
Feb. 10.
1907
1st Coun.
Erma Magleby
Aug. 12.
1945
Dec. 30,
1945
2nd Coun.
Zilpah A. Young
Mar. 6,
1902
Aug. 4.
1904
2nd Coun.
Leah Briggs
Aug. 12.
1945
Dec. 30,
1945
Sec.
Margaret A. Briggs
Mar. 6,
1902
Feb. 9.
1905
Sec.-Tr.
Pearl B. Weekes
Aug. 12.
1945
Dec. 30,
1945
Treas.
Mary A. Weekes
Mar. 6.
1902
Feb. 10.
1907
2nd Coun.
Louisa Johanson
Oct. 17.
1904
Feb. 10.
1907
10th Pres.
Opal Clements
Dec. 30.
1945
Aug. 11.
1957
Sec.
Roxcy L. Jeppson
May
1905
Feb. 10,
1907
1st Coun.
Myrtle Kennington
Jan. 6.
1946
Aug. 11,
1957
2nd Coun.
Trieste Robison
Jan. 6,
1946
Feb. 6,
1948
2nd Pres.
Roxcy L. Jeppson
Feb. 10.
1907
Apr. 25,
1920
Sec.
Peari B. Weekes
Jan. 6,
1946
Feb. 2,
1947
1st Coun.
Janette Young
Feb. 17.
1907
1913
Sec.
Ruth Clay
Feb. 2.
1947
Jan.
1948
2nd Coun.
Margaret A. Briggs
Feb. 17.
1907
Oct. 19,
1913
Sec.
Martha Erickson
Jan.
1948
Mar. 20,
1949
Sec.
Pearl B.Hill
Feb. 17,
1907
Dec. 1,
1907
2nd Coun.
Martha Erickson
Mar. 20,
1949
Dec. 16,
1951
Treas.
Mary A. Weekes
July 21,
1907
Sec.
Olive E. Smith
Mar. 20,
1949
Aug. 11,
1957
Sec.
Zilpha E. Squires
Dec. 1,
1907
2nd Coun.
Eva Howell
Dec. 16,
1951
Aug. 11,
1957
Sec.
Mary Nelson
Apr. 3.
1909
1914
Sec.
2nd Coun.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Gladys E. Erickson
Lodema Cheney
Margaret A. Briggs
Zilpah E. Squires
Nov. 1,
Oct. 19,
Oct. 19,
Mar. 18.
1914
1913
1913
1919
Apr. 25,
Mar. 18.
Apr. 25.
Apr. 25.
1920
1919
1920
1920
Discrepancies found in two ward records
history kept by Opal elements, president, durir
Opal's records are in the ward library.
were corrected from the
ig her years of service.
3rd Pres.
1st Coun.
Zilpha E. Squires
Melissa Wilcox
Apr. 25.
Apr. 25.
1920
1920
Dec. 7.
Dec. 7.
1924
1924
Mary M. Bums and Trieste P. Rob
to care for flowers at funerals.
ison were sustained 8 January 1961
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Treas.
Mary .\nn Niederer
Gladys E. Erickson
Mary Ann Weekes
Apr. 25.
Apr. 25.
Apr. 25.
1920
1920
1920
Dec. 7.
Dec. 7.
Dec. 7.
1924
1924
1924
11th Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Erma H. Magleby
Rachel B. Sutton
La Verne L. Hacking
Aug. 11.
Aug. 11,
Aug. 11,
1957
1957
1957
May 26,
May 26,
June 21.
1963
1963
1959
4th Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Mary Ann Niederer
Melissa Wilcox
Rachel Sutton
Dec. 7.
Dec. 7.
Dec. 7,
1924
1924
1924
Nov. 6.
Nov. 6.
Nov. 6.
1927
1927
1927
Sec.
2nd Coun.
2nd Coun.
ZellaS. Bybee
Leona Grover
Leah Briggs
Sept. 1.
June 21
Nov. 1.
1957
1959
1959
May 26,
Nov. 1,
May 26.
1959
1959
1963
Sec.
Treas.
Gladys E. Erickson
Mary Ann Weekes
Dec. 7,
Dec. 7.
1924
1924
Nov. 6.
Oct. 1.
1927
1933
12th Pres.
1st Coun.
Gwen A. Sutton
Bemice B. Weekes
May 26.
May 26.
1963
1963
June 18.
Sept. 5,
1967
1965
5th Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Mary Liljenquist
Martha Hacking
Rachel Sutton
Pauline Smith
Gladys E. Erickson
Nov. 6.
Nov. 6.
Nov. 6.
June 3.
Dec. 7.
1927
1927
1927
1928
1924
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
June 3.
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
1929
1929
1928
1929
1929
2nd Coun.
Sec.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Marjean Weekes
Zara Beck
Zara Beck
Myrtle Kennington
Joann Oakey
May 26,
May 26,
Sept. 5.
Jan. 16,
Sept. 20,
1963
1963
1965
1966
1965
Jan. 16,
Sept. 5,
June 18,
June 18,
June 18,
1966
1965
1967
1967
1967
6th Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
2nd Coun.
Martha Briggs
Pauline Smith
Olive Chloe Robison
Melissa Wilcox
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
Sept. 8
Mar. 30.
1929
1929
1929
1930
Apr. 19.
Apr. 19.
Mar. 30.
Apr. 19.
1936
1936
1930
1936
13th Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Shirley B. Squires
Ruth G. Hansen
Carmen Nielson
Ellen Marie Erickson
June 18,
June 18,
June 18,
June 18.
1967
1967
1967
1967
Sept. 1,
Sept. 1,
Sept. 1,
Sept. 1,
1968
1968
1968
1968
Sec.
Treasurer
Gladys E. Erickson
Mary Ann Weekes
Sept. 8
Apr. 25.
1929
1920
Apr. 19.
Apr. 19.
1936
1936
14th Pres.
1st Coun.
Ella Mae H. Wilcox
Marjory E. Nelson
Sept. 1
Sept. 1
1968
1968
Aug. 23,
Jan. 5,
1970
1969
7th Pres.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
Sec.-Tr.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Evalyne Grover
Elsie Wilcox
Leah Briggs
Martha Briggs
Leah Briggs
Rachel Sutton
Apr. 19.
Apr. 19,
Apr. 19,
Apr. 19,
Mar. 27,
Mar. 27,
1936
1936
1936
1936
1938
1938
Apr. 30.
Mar. 27,
Mar. 27.
Apr. 30.
Apr. 30.
Apr. 30.
1939
1939
1939
1939
1939
1939
2nd Coun.
Sec.
1st Coun.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Diane A. Siddoway
Ellen Marie M. Erickson
La Von Munns
Joann D. Oakey
Ellen Marie M. Erickson
Heddy R. Sutton
Sept. 1.
Sept. 1,
Jan. 5.
Sept. 7.
Sept. 7.
Sept. 7.
1968
1968
1969
1969
1969
1969
Sept. 7,
Sept. 7,
Sept. 7,
Aug. 23,
Aug. 23,
Sept. 5.
1969
1969
1969
1970
1970
1971
8th Pres.
Rachel Sutton
Apr. 30,
1939
Aug. 12
1945
15th Pres.
ZellaS. Bybee
Aug. 23.
1970
Aug. 27,
1972
1st Coun.
Erma Magleby
Apr. 30,
1939
Aug. 12
1945
1st Coun.
Rhea Beck
Aug. 23,
1970
Aug. 27.
1972
2nd Coun.
Lilly Briggs
Apr. 30,
19G9
Sept. 5
1943
2nd Coun.
Elsie G. Wilcox
Aug. 23.
1970
Aug. 27.
1972
Sec.-Tr.
Martha Briggs
Apr. 30.
1939
Aug. 12
1945
Sec.
Ethel Allen
Sept. 5.
1971
Aug. 27.
1972
2nd Coun.
Leah Briggs
Sept. 5
1943
Aug. 12
1945
Sec.
Heddy R. Sutton
192
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
16th Pres.
Mary W. Luthy
Aug. 27, 1972
Aug. 7. 1977
17th Pres.
Trieste P. Robison
Aug. 7, 1977
Oct. 8. 1978
1st Coun.
Marjory E. Nel.son
Aug. 27. 1972
Sept. 15. 1974
1st Coun.
Sarah Grover
Aug. 7, 1977
Oct. 8. 1978
2nd Coun
Elaine S. Munns
Aug. 27, 1972
Sept. 15. 1974
2nd Coun.
Patricia M. Wodskow
Aug. 7, 1977
Oct. 8. 1978
Sec.
Ethel .Allen
Aug. 27. 1972
Jan. 1973
Sec.
LuDean A. Grover
Aug. 7. 1977
Jan. 22, 1978
1st Coun.
Elaine S. Munns
Sept. 15. 1974
Aug. 7. 1977
Sec.
Edna Terry
Jan. 22. 1978
Oct. 8. 1978
2nd Coun.
Beatrice G Weekes
Sept. 15. 1974
Aug. 7, 1977
Sec.
Maureen Grover
Jan. 1973
July 28, 1974
The Ward was divided (Arc
■her-Sunnydell) 8 October 1978.
Sec.
EdnaG. Terry
July 28, 1974
Aug. 7, 1977
Officers of Archer Ward Sunday School
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
1st Supt.
Luke Briggs
Mar. 9,
1902
Sept. 13
1908
2nd Coun.
Orrin B. Jeppson
Dec.
14,
1924
Jan.
9,
1927
1st Coun.
Hennan Erickson
Mar. 9,
1902
Sept. 13
1908
Sec.
Esther May Weekes
Aug.
24
1924
Jan.
31.
1926
2nd Coun.
Alfred P. Young
Mar. 9,
1902
Oct. II,
1903
Sec.
Earl A. Briggs
Jan.
31,
1926
Apr.
20,
1930
Sec.
Emma Briggs
Mar. 9.
1902
Sept. 13
1908
1st Coun.
Dclmoe Cook
Jan.
10.
1926
Jan.
9
1927
2nd Coun.
Charles O. Jeppson
Oct. II,
1903
Sept. 13
1908
10th Supt.
A. Clarence Weekes
Jan.
9,
1927
Apr.
20,
1930
2nd Supt.
David P. Cheney
Sept. 13
1908
Apr. 11.
1909
1st Coun.
Ellis W. Wilcox
Jan.
9,
1927
Apr.
20,
1930
1st Coun.
Olof P. Johanson
Sept. 13
1908
Apr. II
1909
2nd Coun.
Irvine F. Bums
Jan.
9.
1927
Apr.
20,
1930
2nd Coun.
Vem Wilcox
Sept. 13
1908
Apr. 11,
1909
Sec.
Earl A. Briggs
Jan.
31.
1926
Apr.
20,
1930
Sec
Margret E. Briggs
Sept. 13
1908
Apr. 11,
1909
1 1th Supt.
Sterling Magleby
Apr.
20,
1930
Sept.
18
1932
3rd Supt.
Olof P. Johanson
Apr. 11.
1909
July 24,
1910
1st Coun.
Orrin B. Jeppson
Apr.
20,
1930
June
7,
1931
1st Coun.
Carl A. Erickson
Apr. 11
1909
Jan. 16,
1910
2nd Coun.
Marion L. Cheney
Apr.
20,
1930
June
7,
1931
2nd Coun.
Oscar B. Neilson
Apr. 11.
1909
Mar. 20,
1910
Sec.
Elmo R. Smith
Apr.
20
1930
July
2,
1933
Sec.
Car! J. Johnson
Apr. 11.
1909
July 24,
1910
1st Coun.
Milton L. Squires
June
7
1931
Sept.
18
1932
2nd Coun.
Arthur E. Niederer
Mar. 20,
1910
July 24,
1910
2nd coun.
Harold G. Briggs
June
7,
1931
Sept.
18
1932
1st Coun.
Oscar B. Neilson
Mar. 20,
1910
July 24,
1910
12th Supt.
Louis A. Wilcox
Sept
18
1932
May
1,
1938
4th Supt.
Samuel P. Oldham
July 24,
1910
July 14,
1912
1st Coun.
Rulon S. Wilcox
Sept
18
1932
May
1.
1938
1st Coun.
Alfred P. Young
July 24,
1910
July 14,
1912
2nd Coun.
John N. Jackson
Sept
18
1932
May
1.
1938
2nd Coun.
Arthur E. Niederer
July 24.
1910
July 14,
1912
Sec.
Elmo R. Smith
Apr.
20,
1930
July
2,
1933
Sec.
Carl J. Johnson
July 24.
1910
July 28,
1912
Sec.
Earl A. Briggs
July
2,
1933
May
1.
1938
5th Supt.
Frank M. Pratt
July 14.
1912
Feb. 28,
1915
13th Supt.
Kenneth E. Hacking
1938
1946
1st Coun.
Alfred P. Young
July 14.
1912
Feb. 28,
1915
1st Coun.
Earl A. Briggs
1938
1943
2rd Coun.
Lawrence C. Squires
July 28,
1912
Feb. 28,
1915
2nd Coun.
M. Dee Smith
1938
1938
Sec.
Susan E. Weekes
July 28.
1912
May 24.
1914
Sec.
Keith Wilcox
1938
1939
Sec.
Olin H. Jeppson
May 24,
1914
Feb. 28.
19!5
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Lynn C. Nelson
Wyora A. Briggs
1939
1939
Nov.
1940
1941
6th Supt.
Edward P. Oldham
Feb. 28.
1915
July 23,
1916
2nd Coun.
Max E. Briggs
Nov
1940
1943
1st Coun.
Carl J. Johnson
Feb. 28.
1915
July 23,
1916
1st Coun.
Max E. Briggs
1943
June
1946
2nd Coun.
Thomas C. Jeppson
Oct. 23.
1915
July 23,
1916
2nd Coun.
Alvin Holley
1943
1944
Sec.
Schyler C. Clay
Oct. 23.
1915
July 23,
1916
Sec.
Sec.
Isabel Whittaker
Lola A. Fyfe
1941
7th Supt.
Carl J. Johnson
July 23,
1916
Feb. 20,
1921
Sec.
Doraiie Briggs
Aug.
1946
1st Coun.
Oscar B. Neilson
July 23,
1916
Dec. 16,
1919
2nd Coun.
C. Keith Clements
1944
Aug.
1946
2nd Coun.
Schyler C. Clay
July 23,
1916
July 29,
1917
Sec.
Bertil J. Carlstrom
July 23,
1916
Jan. 11,
1918
14th Supt.
Lynn C. Nelson
1946
1952
2nd Coun.
Charles Weekes
July 29,
1917
April 6
1919
1st Coun.
Glen C. Sharp
1946
1952
Sec.
Gerald J. Jeppson
Jan. 11,
1918
Aug. 20
1922
2nd Coun.
Bemarr B. Erickson
1946
1952
1st Coun.
Wayne L. Cheney
Dec. 28,
1919
Feb. 20,
1921
Sec.
Doraiie Briggs
1946
2nd Coun.
Jedadiah L. Snedaker
Apr. 27,
1919
Dec. 16,
1919
Sec.
LaRee Munns
1952
2nd Coun.
George F. Nelson
Dec. 28
1919
Feb. 20
1921
15th Supt.
J. Russell Grover
1952
1954
8th Supt.
James R. Smith
Feb. 20.
1921
Dec. 14,
1924
1st Coun.
Verl G. Wilcox
1952
Jan.
1953
1st Coun.
George F. Nelson
Feb. 20.
1921
Dec. 14,
1924
2nd Coun.
Stanley E. Nielson
1952
Jan.
1953
2nd Coun.
Selar Cheney
Oct. 8.
1922
Sept. 9
1924
1st Coun.
Stanley E. Neilson
Jan.
1953
1954
Sec.
Ernest S. Wtjekes
Aug. 20
1922
Aug. 24
1924
2nd Coun.
Jesse L. Sutton
Jan.
1953
1954
2nd Coun.
George R. Briggs
Sept. 9
1924
Dec. 14,
1924
Sec.
Frances Wilcox
1952
1954
9th Supt.
George F. Nelson
Dec. 14.
1924
Jan. 9,
1927
16th Supt.
Jesse L. Sutton
1954
1955
1st Coun.
George R. Briggs
Dec. 14
1924
Jan. 10,
1926
Isl Coun.
Stanley E. Nielson
1954
1955
193
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
2nd Coun.
Lewis W. Bowen
1954
1955
2nd Coun.
J. Laurence Byrne
Feb. 19, 1961
Sept. 10, 1961
Sec.
Frances Wilcox
1954
1955
Sec.
Madge Orr
July 16, 1961
Oct. 8, 1978
17th Supt.
R. Kay Briggs
1955
Aug.
1956
20th Supt.
Keith Clements
Dec. 2 1962
Nov. 17 1968
1st Coun.
Henry E. Erickson
1955
Aug.
1956
1st Coun.
Lyie Robison
Dec. 2, 1962
Jan. 23. 1966
2nd Coun.
Calvin M. Cook
1955
Jan.
1956
2nd Coun.
Blair Bybee
Dec. 2 1962
Sept. 22, 1963
2nd Coun.
Stanley E. Nielson
Jan.
1956
Aug.
1956
2nd Coun.
Earl Beck
Sept. 22 1963
Jan. 23, 1966
Sec.
David M. Cheney
1955
Aug.
1956
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Earl Beck
Spencer Orr
Jan. 23, 1966
Jan. 23, 1966
Nov. 17, 1968
July 1967
18th Supt.
Stanley E. Nielson
Aug.
1956
May
1958
2nd Coun.
Leslie Grover
July 1967
Nov. 17, 1968
1st Coun.
Kendall G. Davidson
Aug.
1956
Apr.
1957
2nd Coun.
George H. Munns
Aug.
1956
May
1958
21st Supt.
Norman Hill
Nov. 17, 1968
Sept. 9 1973
Sec.
David M. Cheney
Aug.
1956
Apr.
1957
1st Coun.
Lynn Nelson
Nov. 17, 1968
Oct. 8, 1978
Sec.
Afton E. Hansen
Apr.
1957
May
1958
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Leslie Grover
Madge Orr
Nov. 17, 1968
Dec. 2, 1962
Oct. 8, 1978
Oct. 8, 1978
19th Supt.
Joseph Lovell Orr
May
1958
Dec.
2,
1962
1st Coun.
Ernest S. Weekes
May
1958
Dec.
2,
1962
22nd Supt.
Wayne Beck
Sept. 9,1973
Oct. 8, 1978
2nd Coun.
Frank E. Weeks
May
1958
Feb.
19
1961
Sec.
Lowell L. Cheney
May
1958
1959
The Ward was divided (Archer and Sunnydell) October 8
Sec.
Beatrice Joan Grover
1959
July
16,
, 1961
1978
Junior Sunday School
The Junior Sunday School was organized in October,
1944.
The title of the one in charge was changed from superin-
tendent to supervisor to coordinator.
Sustained Released
1st Supt. La Von Munns
1st 1st Coun. Maijorie Nelson
2nd 1st Coun. Trieste Robison
3rd 1st Coun. Veola Grover
4th 1st Coun. Jeannette Sharp
2nd Supv. Jeannette Sharp
1st 1st Coun. Pearl F. Weekes
Oct.
1944
1952
1952
1962
2nd 1st Coun. Naomi Clements
3rd 1st Coun. Bertha Young
3rd Coord.
Rula Grover
1st 1st Assist
. Mary L. Bums
4th Coord.
Mary L. Bums
Assist.
Zella Bybee
Assist.
Blanche Kirkham
5th Coord.
Blanche Kirkham
Assist.
Marjean Weekes
Assist.
Ella Mae Wilcox
Sustained
Dec. 2 1962
Released
Oct. 20, 1968
Oct. 20, 1968
Oct. 20, 1968 Oct. 8, 1972
Oct. 27, 1968 Aug. 23, 1970
Aug. 23, 1970 Oct. 8, 1972
Oct. 8, 1972 Oct. 8, 1978
Oct. 8, 1972 1974
1974 Oct. 8, 1978
Officers of Sunnydell Sunday School
According to records now available.
Sustained
Supt. Neils Christensen
1st Coun. John S. Weekes
2nd Coun. Andrew Christensen
Sec. Jane Weekes
Supt.
Niels Christensen
Sec.
Jane Weeks
Supt.
Neils Christensen
Sec.
Mable Weekes
Supt.
Olof P. Johanson
1st Coun.
Frank Pratt
2nd Coun.
William P. Squires
Sec.
Mable Weekes
Released
1903
1903
1903
1903
1904
1904
1905
1905
Mar. 18, 1906 Jan. 30, 1907
Mar. 18, 1906 Jan. 30, 1907
Mar. 18, 1906 Jan. 30, 1907
Mar. 18, 1906 Jan. 30, 1907
The Sunnydell Sunday School was discontinued
January 30, 1907 and all officers were released by the Stake
Presidency and the High Council.
April 5, 1931 the Sunnydell Sunday School was again
organized and held in the district school house.
Su
D. O. Wilcox Apr.
Olin H. Jeppson Apr.
Cyril Weekes Aug.
Supt.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Luella Buckland
tai
ned
Released
5,
1931
Feb. 5, 1933
5,
1931
Feb. 5, 1933
7,
1932
Feb. 5. 1933
5,
1931
Feb. 5, 1933
Supt. Olin H. Jeppson
1st Coun. Cyril Weekes
2nd Coun. Robert Ursel Weekes
Sec. Opal Cheney
Supt. Ermil E. Liljenquist
1st Coun. Cyril Weekes
2nd Coun. Robert Ursel Weekes
Sec. Opal Cheney
Supt. Dencie B. Rawls
1st Coun. Cyril Weekes
2nd Coun. R. Ursel Weekes
Sec. Ethel Weekes
Apr.
Feb. 5, 1933 Sept. 3,1933
Feb. 5, 1933 Sept. 3, 1933
Feb. 5, 1933 Sept. 3,1933
Feb. 5, 1933 Sept. 3,1933
Sept. 3,1933
Sept. 3. 1933
Sept. 3, 1933
Nov. 1941
Nov. 1941
Nov. 1941
Nov. 1941
194
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
SujM.
C. Budge Clay
Nov.
1941
Sept.
1942
2nd Coun.
Lewis A. Wilcox
Sept. 1942
May 7, 1944
1st Coun.
E. Delos Nelson
Nov.
1941
Sept.
1942
Sec.
Ethel Weekes
Sept. 1942
May 7, 1944
2nd Coun.
Frank E. Weekes
Nov.
1941
Sept.
1942
Sec.
Dorothy Lou Allen
Sept. 1942
May 7, 1944
Sec
Ethel Weekes
Nov.
1941
Sept.
1942
(Discontinued 7 May 1944)
Supt.
C. Keith Clements
Sept.
1942
May
7,
1944
1st Coun
R. Ursel Weekes
Sept.
1942
May
7,
1944
Officers of Archer Ward Primary
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
1st Pres.
Janett Lenroot
Mar. 15,
1902
May 21,
1905
Sec.
Martha Briggs
July 15,
1928
Sept. 8,
1929
1st Coun.
Amelia Steek
Mar. 15,
1902
May21,
1905
1st Coun.
Rachel Sutton
Oct. 14,
1928
July 12,
1932
2nd Coun.
Mary Neilson
Mar. 15,
1902
June 5,
1904
2nd Coun.
Mable Bums
Sept. 8,
1929
July 12,
1932
Sec.
Emma Briggs
Mar. 15,
1902
May 21,
1905
Sec.
Esther May Boulter
Sept. 8,
1929
July 12,
1932
2nd Coun.
Emma Adams
June 5,
1904
May 21,
1905
10th Pres.
Rachel Sutton
July 12,
1932
Feb. 24,
1935
2nd Pres.
Hannah E. Briggs
May
1905
Nov. 12,
1905
1st Coun.
Lilly Briggs
July 12,
1932
Feb. 24,
1935
1st Coun.
Iva Lenroot
May
1905
Nov. 12,
1905
2nd Coun.
Mable Bums
July 12,
1932
Nov. 13,
1932
2nd Coun.
Emma Briggs
May
1905
Nov. 12
1905
Sec.
Esther May Boulter
July 12,
1932
Nov. 13,
1932
Sec.
Sarah J. Martin
May
1905
Nov. 12,
1905
2nd Coun.
Edna Grover
Nov. 13,
1932
Feb. 24,
1935
3rd Pres.
Gladys Erickson
Nov. 12,
1905
Jan. 19,
1908
11th Pres.
Lilly Briggs
Feb. 24,
1935,
Sept. 6
1936
1st Coun.
ZelphaE. Squires
Nov. 12,
1905
Mar. 4
1906
1st Coun.
Edna Grover
Feb. 24,
1935
Sept. 6,
1936
2nd Coun.
Sarah J. Martin
Nov. 12,
1905
Mar. 4,
1906
2nd Coun.
Bertha Young
Feb. 24,
1935
Sept. 2
1935
1st Coun.
Sarah J. Martin
Mar. 4,
1906
Mar. 3,
1907
Sec.
Esther May Boulter
Sept. 8,
1929
Sept. 2
1935
1st Coun.
Anna E. Olson
June 21
1907
Jan. 19,
1908
2nd Coun.
Pearl Weekes
Sept. 2,
1935
Sept. 6,
1936
2nd Coun.
Ellen Briggs
Mar. 4,
1906
Sec.
Florence Briggs
12th Pres.
Agnes Grover Orr
Sept. 6,
1936
Sept. 25,
1938
1st Coun.
Martha Erickson
Sept. 6,
1936
Sept. 25
1938
4th Pres.
Anna H. Olson
Jan. 19,
1908
Sept. 21
1913
2nd Coun.
Myrtle Kennington
Sept. 6,
1936
Sept. 25
1938
1st Coun.
Alice Blanthom
Jan. 19,
1908
Sept. 21,
1913
Sec.
Esther May Boulter
Sept. 8,
1929
Sept. 25
1938
2nd coun.
Mary A. Weekes
Jan. 19,
1908
Sept. 21
1913
2nd Coun.
Esther May Boulter
June 13,
1937
Sept. 25
1938
Sec,
Martha Briggs
Jan. 19,
1908
Sept. 21
1913
13th Pres.
Myrtle Kennington
Sept. 25,
1938
Jan. 27.
1946
5th F*res.
Janet Young
Sept. 21
1913
Nov. 1,
1914
1st Coun.
Lulu Cook
Sept. 25,
1938
Oct. 8
1938
1st Coun.
Myrtle Pratt
Sept. 21
1913
Nov. 1,
1914
2nd Coun.
Deveda Erickson
Sept. 25,
1938
Oct. 8,
1938
2nd Coun.
Ellen Tea
Sept. 21
1913
Nov. 1,
1914
Sec.
Zola Grover
Sept. 25,
1938
Oct. 1,
1939
Sec.
Sarah Martin
Sept. 21
1913
Sec.
Mary L. Bums
Oct. I
1939
Sec.
Mary Byrne
Nov. 1,
1914
2nd Coun.
Bertha Young
Apr. 9.
1945
2nd Coun.
Lucille Spaulding
Apr. 9,
1944
Jan. 27.
1946
6th Pres.
Myrtle Pratt
Nov. 1,
1914
Feb. 23,
1915
1st Coun.
Minnie J. Williams
Nov. 1,
1914
Feb. 23,
1915
14th Pres.
Elsie G. Wilcox
Aug. 25,
1946
2nd Coun.
Annie Oldham
Nov. 1,
1914
Feb. 23,
1915
1st Coun.
Lulu M. Cook
Sec.
Susan E. Weekes
Nov. 1,
1914
Feb. 23,
1915
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Evelyn Grover
Mary Bums
Aug. 25,
1946
Mar. 21.
1948
7th Pres.
Minnie Williams
Feb. 23,
1915
Sept. 20,
1925
1st Coun.
Martha Briggs
Mar. 7,
1915
Sept. 20,
1925
15 Pres.
Edna Hill
Mar. 21,
1948
Aug. 15.
1948
2nd Coun.
Eleanor Grover
May 23,
1915
Aug. 22,
1917
1st Coun.
Jeanette Sharp
Mar. 21,
1948
Aug. 15.
1948
Sec.
Susie A. Bums
Mar. 7,
1915
Mar. 3,
1919
2nd Coun.
ZellaBybee
Mar. 21.
1948
Aug. 15.
1948
2nd Coun.
Esther Bums
Apr. 22,
1917
Sept. 20,
1925
Sec.
Blanche Kirkham
Mar. 21,
1948
Aug. 15.
1948
Sec.
Maud Weekes
Mar. 31,
1919
Oct. 6,
1919
Sec.
Vema Olsen
Oct. 19,
1919
Aug. 20,
1922
16th Pres.
Evalyne Grover
Aug. 15,
1948
Aug. 26,
1951
Sec
Ann Jeppson
Aug. 20,
1922
Sept. 20,
1925
1st Coun.
Zella Bybee
Aug. 15,
1948
Aug. 26,
1951
2nd Coun.
Elsie Wilcox
Nov. 28,
1948
Aug. 26,
1951
8th Pres.
OraM. Squires
Sept. 20
1925
July 15,
1928
Sec.
Mary L. Bums
Aug. 15,
1948
Aug. 26,
1951
1st Coun.
Grace S. Grover
Sept. 20
1925
Feb. 27,
1927
2nd Coun.
Mable Bums
Sept. 20
1925
Feb. 27
1927
17th Pres.
Zella Bybee
Aug. 26,
1951
Feb. 13,
1955
Sec.
Ann Jeppson
Sept. 20
1925
Oct. 3,
1926
1st Coun.
Elsie Wilcox
Aug. 26,
1951
Feb. 13,
1955
Sec.
Martha Briggs
Oct. 3,
1926
July 15,
1928
2nd Coun.
Rita Nelson
Aug. 26,
1951
Feb. 13,
1955
1st Coun.
Bertha Young
Feb. 5,
1927
July 15,
1928
Sec.
Mary L. Bums
Aug. 26,
1951
Feb. 13,
1955
2nd Coun.
Olive Chloe Robison
Feb. 5,
1927
July 15,
1928
18th Pres.
Marjorie Nelson
Feb. 13,
1955
Jan. 29,
1956
9th Pres.
Bertha Young
July 15,
1928
July 12,
1932
1st Coun.
Madge Orr
Feb. 13,
1955
Jan. 29,
1956
1st Coun.
Leah Briggs
July 15,
1928
Oct. 14,
1928
2nd Coun.
Rhea Beck
Feb. 13,
1955
Jan. 29.
1956
2nd Coun.
Olive Chloe Robison
July 15,
1928
Oct. 14,
1928
Sec.
Edna Briggs
Feb. 13,
1955
Jan. 29.
1956
195
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
19th Pres.
Rula Grover
Jan. 29,
1956
April 20.
1958
23rd Pres.
Rhea Beck
Aug
13,
1967
Aug. 23,
1970
1st Coun.
Rhea Beck
Jan. 29.
1956
Jan. 13.
1957
1st Coun.
Nikki Nelson
Aug
13,
1967
Jan. 4,
1970
2ndCoun.
Donna Niederer
Jan. 29,
1956
2nd Coun.
Darlene Clements
Aug
13,
1967
Sec.
Edna Briggs
Jan. 29,
1956
Apr. 20.
1958
Sec.
1st Coun.
Sarah Grover
Shirley Squires
Aug
Jan.
13,
4,
1967
1970
20th Pres.
Donna Niederer
Apr. 20,
1958
Nov. 16,
1958
1st Coun.
Rhea Beck
Apr. 20,
1958
Nov. 23,
1958
24th Pres.
Tern Merrill
Aug
16,
1970
Aug. 11,
1974
2nd Coun.
Joyce Byrne
Apr. 20,
1958
Nov. 23.
1958
1st Coun.
Luella Jeppson
Aug
16,
1970
Aug. 19,
1973
Sec.
Edna Briggs
Apr. 20.
1958
Nov. 23,
1958
2nd Coun.
Diane Siddoway
Aug
16.
1970
Aug. 19,
1973
Sec.
Sue Ann Weekes
Aug
23,
1970
Aug. 11,
1974
21st Pres.
Alice Cheney
Nov. 16,
1958
Aug. 21,
I960
1st Coun.
Thelma Grover
Aug
19,
1973
Aug. 11,
1974
1st Coun.
Bemiece Neilson
Nov. 30,
1958
Aug. 21,
1960
2nd Coun.
Heddy Sutton
Aug
19,
1973
Aug. 11,
1974
2nd Coun.
Bessie Erickson
Nov. 23,
1958
Aug. 21,
1960
Sec.
Edna Briggs
Nov. 23,
1958
Aug. 21,
I960
25th Pres.
Heddy Sutton
Aug
11,
1974
Aug. 6,
1978
1st Coun.
Thelma Grover
Aug
11,
1974
Aug. 6,
1978
22nd Pres.
Opal Clements
Aug. 21.
1960
Aug. 13,
1967
2nd Coun.
Sue Ann Weekes
Aug
11.
1974
Aug. 6,
1978
1st Coun.
Sarah Grover
Aug. 21,
1960
Jan. 30,
1966
Sec.
Joyce Grover
Aug
11,
1974
Aug. 29,
1976
2nd Coun.
Blanche Kirkham
Aug. 21,
1960
June 1 1 ,
1961
Sec.
Brenda Sutton
Aug
29,
1976
Aug. 6
1978
Sec.
Donna Hill
Aug. 21.
I960
Mar. 24.
1963
2nd Coun.
Trieste Robison
June 11,
1961
Jan. 3.
1965
26th Pres.
Darlene Clements
Aug
6,
1978
2nd Coun.
Donna Hill
Jan. 3,
1965
Jan. 30.
1966
1st Coun.
Sheryl Beck
Aug
6,
1978
Sec.
Darlene Clements
Mar. 24,
1963
Aug. 13.
1967
2nd Coun.
Janice Shirley
Aug
6,
1978
1st Coun.
Donna Hill
Jan. 30,
1966
Aug. 13.
1967
2nd Coun.
Shirley Squires
Jan. 30,
1966
Aug. 13,
1967
The Ward was divided (Arc
her and Sunnydell)
8 Oct. 1978.
Sunnydell Primary Organization
October 7, 1929 - May 15, 1932
A Primary organization was needed in the Sunnydell
District, due to the distance the people had to come to Archer.
At ward conference, held October 7, 1929, in the Archer
Meeting House, the Sunnydell Primary was organized.
Bishop James R. Smith presided.
Pres. Helen Hillman
1st Coun. Ivy Weekes
2nd Coun. Clara Hunsaker
Sec. Edna Wilcox
Pres. Pearl B. Weekes
1st Coun. Ivy Weekes
2nd Coun. Odessa Christenscn
Sec. Edna Wilcox
The Sunnydell Primary was not reorganized after May
1933, but was discontinued until 1935. It was then continued
until 1944, in September, when the entire Sunnydell branch
was disorganized and joined the rest of the Archer Ward.
Sustained
Released
Oct. 7.
1929
May 15,
1932
Pres.
Mary Liljenquist
Oct. 7.
1929
May 15,
1932
1st Coun.
Florence Cheney
Oct. 7.
1929
May 15,
1932
2nd Coun.
Nellie Buckland
Oct. 7,
1929
May 15,
1932
Sec,
Ivy Weekes
May 15,
1932
May 7,
1933
Pres.
May 15,
1932
May 7,
1933
1st Coun.
Florence Cheney
May 15,
1932
May 7,
1933
2nd Coun.
May 15,
1932
May 7,
1933
Sec.
Afton Cheney
Sustained
Sept. 15, 1935
Sept. 15, 1935
Sept. 15, 1935
Sept. 15,1935
Released
Sept. 1939
Sept, 1939
Sept. 1939
Sept. 1939
Sept. 1939 Apr. 1944
Sept. 1939 Apr. 1944
Sept. 1939 Apr. 1944
1942
Officers of Archer Ward Ladies, Y.L.M.I.A.
Su
stained
Released
Sustained
Released
1st Pres.
Rozella Osborne
Nov.
9,
1902
Jan.
4,
1903
Sec.-Tr.
Martha Briggs
Feb. 3,
1907
Aug. 19
1912
1st Coun.
Ellen Briggs
Nov.
9,
1902
Jan.
4,
1903
2nd Coun.
Zelpha Squires
Aug. 30,
1908
Aug. 19
1912
2nd Coun.
Zelpha E. Squires
Nov.
9,
1902
Jan.
4,
1903
Sec.
Esther Briggs
Nov
9
1902
Jan.
4,
1903
4th Pres.
Zelpha Squires
Aug. 18,
1912
Apr. 30,
1916
Asst.
Martha Bums
Nov.
9
1902
Jan.
4.
1903
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Florence Smart
Phyllis Oldham
Aug. 18
Sept. 1,
1912
1912
Apr. 30,
Jan. 25,
1916
1915
2nd Pres.
Janet Lenroot
Jan.
4,
1903
Jan.
27.
1907
Sec.
Treva Young
Sept. 1,
1912
Oct. 26,
1913
1st Coun.
Ellen Briggs
Jan.
4,
1903
Jan.
27
1907
Sec.-Tr.
Minnie Williams
Oct. 26,
1913
Apr. 30,
1916
2nd Coun.
Myrtle Young
Jan.
4.
1903
Jan.
27
1907
2nd Coun.
Leal B. Cheney
Jan. 25,
1915
Apr. 30,
1916
Sec.-Tr.
Esther Briggs
Jan.
4.
1.903
Jan.
27
1907
Sec.-Tr.
Susan E. Weekes
Sept. 27
1914
Apr. 30,
1916
3rd Pres.
Esther Briggs Bums
Jan.
27,
1907
Aug
18,
1912
5th Pres..
Martha Hacking
Apr. 30,
1915
May 1 ,
1921
1st Coun.
Ellen Briggs
Feb.
3,
1907
Aug.
18,
1912
1st Coun.
Geraldine Johnson
Apr. 30,
1915
May 18,
1920
2nd Coun.
Ella Young
Feb.
3,
1907
Aug
30.
1908
2nd Coun.
Letha Wilcox
Apr. 30,
1915
Dec. 2.
1917
196
Sec-Tr.
Geneva Niedcrcr
2nd Coun.
Anna .'\. Oldham
2nd Coun.
Jane Terry
1st Coun.
Jane Terry
2nd Coun.
Lavon Weekes
6th Pres.
Isabelle Weekes
1st Coun.
Geraldine Johnson
2nd Coun.
Anna Dalling
2nd Coun.
Martha Wilcox
Sec.
Bertha Weekes
Sec.
Janet Nelson
Sec.
LaRue Magleby
Asst.
Maud Weekes
7th Pres. Geraldine B. Johnson
1st Coin. Martha Wilcox
2nd Coun. Florence Cheney
2nd Coun. Bertha Weekes
Sec. LaRue Magleby
Sec. Alice Tea
Organist Opal Young
8th Pres. Roxey L. Jeppson
1st Coun. Martha Wilcox
2nd Coun. Selma Smart
Sec. Opal Weekes
Organist Vema Olson
Chorister Agnes Grover
2nd Coun. Lulu M. Cook
Sec. Rebecca Munns
Sec. Mary Wilcox
9th Pres. Letha Wilcox
1st Coun. Lola May Williams
2nd Coun. Agnes G. Orr
1st Coun. Agnes G. Orr
2nd Coun. Bertha Young
1st Coun. Gretta Romney
2nd Coun. Myrtle Wilcox
Sec. Lucile Johnson
10th Pres. Evalene Grover
1st Coun. Elsie Grover
2nd Coun. Martha Jackson
Sec. Meda Briggs
1 llh Pres. Elsie Grover
1st Coun. Martha Jackson
2nd Coun. Clea Briggs
2nd Coun. Viola Rawles
Sustained
Apr. 30, 1915
Dec. 21. 1918
May 5, 1918
May 18, 1919
Oct. 12, 1919
May 1, 1921
May I, 1921
May 1, 1921
May 5, 1922
May 1, 1921
Oct. 16, 1921
Apr. 25, 1922
Apr. 25. 1922
May 28, 1922
May 28, 1922
Sept. 10, 1922
Oct. 7, 1923
May 28, 1922
Dec. 3, 1922
May 28. 1922
Jan. 11.
Jan. 11.
Jan. 11.
Jan. 11.
Jan. 11.
Jan. 11.
1925
1925
1925
1925
1925
1925
Jan. 11.1925
Sept. 19. 1926
May 27, 1930
May 27, 1930
May 27. 1930
Sept. 18, 1931
Sept. 18,1931
Apr. 10 1932
Apr. 10, 1932
Dec. 9, 1931
Released
May 1, 1921
May 5, 1918
May 18, 1919
May 1, 1921
May 1, 1921
May 28, 1922
May 28, 1922
Feb. 5, 1922
May 28, 1922
Oct. 16, 1921
Apr. 25, 1922
May 28, 1922
May 28, 1922
Jan. II, 1925
Jan. 11, 1925
Oct. 7, 1923
Jan. 11, 1925
Dec. 3, 1922
Jan. 11, 1925
June 1924
May 27. 1930
May 27. 1930
Nov. 29, 1925
Sept. 19, 1928
Oct. 7, 1929
May 27, 1930
Aug. 28, 1932
Sept. 18,1931
Sept. 18,1931
Apr. 10, 1932
Apr. 10, 1932
Aug. 28 1932
Aug. 28, 1932
Sept. 1932
Aug. 28, 1932 Sept. 10. 1933
Aug. 28, 1932 Sept. 10.1933
Aug. 28, 1932 Sept. 10. 1933
Aug. 28, 1932 Sept. 10, 1933
Sept. 10,1933 Oct. 10. 1934
Sept. 10.1933 Oct. 10. 1934
Sept. 10.1933 Oct. 10, 1934
Oct. 10. 1933 Oct. 10. 1934
14th Pres. Millie Wilcox
1st Coun. Leah H. Briggs
2nd Coun. Jeanette Sharp
Sec. Edna Briggs
15th Pres. Leah H. Briggs
1st Coun. Jeannette Sharp
2nd Coun. Doris Carlstrom
Sec. Edna Briggs
16th Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
17th Pres.
1st Coun.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
1st Coun.
Jeannette Sharp
Doris Carlstrom
Ruth Clay
Edna Briggs
Ruth Clay
Martha E. Erickson
Martha E. Erickson
LaVeme Hacking
Olive Erickson
Letha Wilcox
Edna Briggs
Gwen Sutton
Mariam Johnson
Ethelyn Erickson
Norma S. Robison
Edna Briggs
Norma S. Robison
Zula Nelson
Clea Briggs
2nd Coun. 11a McBride
18th Pres. Trieste Robison
1st Coun. Clea Briggs
2nd Coun. Mary Luthy
Sec. Edna Briggs
19th Pres. Rula Grover
1st Coun. Mary Bums
2nd Coun. Delia Buckland
2nd Coun. LaRee Munns
Sec. Mary Lynne Magleby
20th Pres. Lucille Wilcox
1st Coun. Mary Bums
2nd Coun. Trieste Robison
Sec. Bemice Weekes
21st Pres. Scottie R. Munns
1st Coun. Shirley Luthy
2nd Coun. Elaine Munns
Sec. Sharon Wilcox
Sustained
R(
Hea
sed
1941
Jan.
4.
1942
1941
Jan.
4,
1942
1941
Jan.
4,
1942
194-1
Jan.
4,
1942
Jan. 4,
1942
Sept.
13
1942
Jan. 4,
1942
Sept.
13
1942
Jan. 4,
1942
Jan. 4,
1942
13, 1942
13, 1942
13,1942
13.1942
1943
1943
1944
Feb. 18, 1944
Sept
Sept
Sept
Sept
Sept
Sept
June 15.1947
June 15.1947
June 15.1947
June 15.1947
June 15, 1947
Auiz. 19. 1945
May 21. 1950
Nov. 16. 1947
1949
June 15, 1947
June 15, 1947
Nov. 16, 1947
Nov. 16, 1947
Nov. 16, 1947
1949
1949
1950
1950
May 21, 1950 Dec. 1952
June 4, 1950, Dec. 1952
June 4, 1950
Dec. 1952 Sept. 1953
Dec. 1952 Sept.
Dec. 1952 Nov.
Dec. 1952
Sept.
1953
1953
1953
1954
1955 Jan. 22, 1956
12th Pres.
Velma Bums
Oct. 16,
1934
Aug.
11.
1935
1st Coun.
Trieste Payne
Oct. 16,
1934
Aug.
11,
1935
22nd Pres.
Elaine Munns
Jan. 22,
1956
Apr.
29
1956
2nd Coun.
Clea Briggs
Oct. 16,
1934
•Aug.
11.
1935
1st Coun.
Mary Bums
Jan. 22,
1956
Apr.
29,
1956
Sec.
Viola Rawles
Sept. 10.
1933
Jan.
22.
1935
2nd Coun.
Nila Cook
Jan. 22,
1956
Apr.
29,
1956
Se&.
Eva Niederer
Jan. 22,
1935
Sept
19
1937
Sec.
Bemice Weekes
Jan. 22,
1956
Apr.
29,
1956
13th Pres.
Bertha Young
Aug. 11,
1935
1941
23rd Pres.
Pres. Nila Cook
Apr. 29,
1956
June
23
1957
1st Coun.
Letha Wilcox
Aug. 11,
1935
1941
1st Coun.
Thelma Grover
Apr. 29,
1956
June
23
1957
2nd Coun.
Janette Sharp
Aug. 11
1935
July
25.
1937
2nd Coun.
Apr. 29,
1956
June
23
1957
Sec.
Eva Niederer
Jan. 29,
1935
Sept
19
1937
Sec.
Bemice Weekes
Apr. 29.
1956
Nov
1956
Chorister
Millie Wilcox
1st Coun.
LaMarr Davidson
Apr. 29,
1956
June
23
1957
2nd Coun.
Edna Grover.
July 25,
1937
Sec.
Meda Briggs
Sept. 19
1937
Oct.
24.
1937
24th Pres.
LaMar Davidson
June 23
1957
Oct.
">T
1961
2nd Coun.
Trieste Robison
Oct. 24,
1937
Mar
10
1940
1st Coun.
Trieste Robison
June 23,
1957
Sept
11
1960
2nd Coun.
Eva Niederer
Mar. 10
1940
1941
2nd Coun.
Twila Cheney
June 23,
1957
Jan.
1958
Sec.
Alviria Jeppson
Sept. 25
1938
1941
2nd Coun.
Marjcan Weekes
Jan.
1958
Sept
13
1959
197
Sustained
Released
2nd Coun.
LeeRaye Robison
Nov. 1,
1959
May 8,
1960
2nd Coun.
Marjorie Nelson
May 29,
1960
June 18,
1961
2nd Coun.
Mary Luthy
Dec. 11,
1960
Dec. 11,
1960
Sec.
Bemice Weekes
June 23,
1957
Sept. 11,
1960
1st Coun.
Mary Luthy
Dec. 11,
1960
Oct. 22,
1961
Sec.
Myrtle Kennington
Jan. 17.
1960
Oct. 22,
1961
25th Pres.
Mary Luthy
Oct. 22,
1961
Aug. 23,
1964
1st Coun.
Nila Cook
Jan. 28,
1962
Sept. 16,
,1962
2nd Coun.
Madge Orr
Oct. 22,
1961
Aug. 23,
1964
Sec.
Olive Smith
Oct. 22,
1961
Aug. 23,
1964
Sec.
Lynette Orr
Mar. 25,
1962
June 17,
1962
2nd Coun.
Donna Niederer
Sept. 23,
1962
Aug. 23,
1964
Sec.
Myrtle Kennington
June 17,
,1962
Aug. 23,
1964
26th Pres.
Donna Niederer
Aug. 23,
1964
Aug. 2,
1970
1st Coun.
Madge Orr
Aug. 30,
1964
May 21,
1967
2nd Coun.
Rhea Beck
Sept. 20,
,1964
May 21,
1967
2nd Coun.
Bea Jo Weekes
May 21,
1967
Nov. 1,
1970
Sec.
Myrtle Kennington
Aug. 23,
1964
Sept.
1967
Sec.
OHve Smith
Aug. 23,
1964
Sec.
Ina Mae H. Nelson
Oct.
1970
Nov.
1970
27th Pres. Joan Drussell
1st Coun. Pauline Sutton
2nd Coun. Dixie Petersen
2nd Coun. Carole Erickson
Sec.
28th Pres. Heddy R. Sutton
Under New Plan:
29th Pres. Pauline Sutton
Sec. Genevieve Kennington
Ward
Librarian Bessie Erickson
Ass't. Joyce S. Byrne
Ass't. Leola Niederer
Ass't. Edna Briggs
Sustained
Aug. 2, 1970
Aug. 2, 1970
Aug. 2, 1970
Aug. 30, 1970
Released
Feb. 4, 1973
Aug. 30, 1970
Genevieve Kennington Nov. 1, 1970
Feb. 4, 1973 Aug. 5.1973
Aue. 5, 1973
Sept. 18, 1960 Sept. 28. 1980
Jan. 1978
Leola Niederer was sustained Ward Librarian for both wards Sept. 28, 1980.
Officers of Archer Ward Men's, Y.M.M.I.A.
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
1st Pres.
Edward A. Lenroot
Mar.
9.
1902
Nov.
13,
1904
7th Pres.
D. O. Wilcox
Mar. 7
1915
Nov. 20,
1921
1st Coun.
John S. Weekes
Mar.
9.
1902
Mar.
16,
1903
1st Coun.
Laurence Squires
Mar. 7
1915
July 29,
1917
2nd Coun.
Elisha Grover
Mar.
9.
1902
Mar.
16,
1903
2nd Coun.
Oscar B. Neilson
Mar. 7
1915
July 23,
1916
Sec.-Tr.
Frank Bums
Mar.
9.
1902
Nov.
13,
1904
Sec.
Clarence Burr
Mar. 7
1915
July 23,
1916
1st Coun.
George S. Weekes
Mar.
16,
1903
Nov.
13,
1904
Lib.
Henry S. Burns
Mar. 7
1915
July 23,
1916
2nd Coun.
George S. Briggs
Mar.
16,
1903
Nov.
13.
1904
Sec.
1st Coun.
Donald Hacking
Clarence M. Cheney
Mar. 7
July 29,
1915
1917
July 23,
Mar. 3,
1916
1918
2nd Pres.
Hennan Erickson
Nov.
13
1904
Sept.
3,
1905
2nd Coun.
Eathan Young
Oct. 22.
1916
Mar. 3,
1918
1st Coun.
Bert Atkinson
Nov.
13
1904
Sept.
3,
1905
Sec.
Marion Hacking
1917
Feb.
1919
2nd Coun.
Charles 0. Jeppson
Nov.
13
1904
Sept.
3,
1905
1st Coun.
.Mbert Terry
May 6,
1918
Nov. 20,
1921
Sec.-Tr.
Griffies Jones
Nov.
13
1904
Sept.
3,
1905
2nd Coun.
Frank C. Bums
May 6,
1918
Oct. 26,
1919
Lib.
Bert Carlstrom
Nov.
13
1904
Sept.
3,
1905
Sec.
Sec.
John Leroy Stacey
Lester L. Briggs
Feb. 16,
Oct. 26,
1919
1919
Oct. 26,
May 1,
1919
1921
3rd Pres.
George Briggs, Jr.
Sept.
3
1905
Feb.
10,
1907
2nd Coun.
George Briggs. Jr.
Oct. 26,
1919
Nov. 20,
1921
1st Coun.
William S. Squires
Sept.
3
1905
Feb.
10,
1907
Sec.
Raymond Briggs
May 1.
1921
Nov. 20,
1921
2nd Coun.
Frank C. Bums
Sept.
3
1905
Feb.
10,
1907
Sec.
Robert Young
Sept.
3
1905
Feb.
10.
1907
8th Pres.
Rulon Magleby
Nov. 20,
1921
Sept. 3,
1922
Lib.
Bert Carlstrom
Sept.
3
1905
Feb.
10.
1907
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Charles Weekes
Thomas E. Dalling
Nov. 20,
Nov. 20.
1921
1921
Sept. 3,
May 28,
1922
1922
4th Pres.
William Squires
Feb.
10,
1907
Jan.
29.
1911
Sec.
Dewey Niederer
Nov. 20,
1921
May 28,
1922
1st Coun.
Eathan Young
Feb.
17,
1907
Jan.
8.
1910
2nd Coun.
Clement Young
Feb.
17,
1907
Jan.
8,
1910
9th Pres.
George Briggs, Jr.
Sept. 3,
1922
Aug. 17,
1924
Sec.
Frank C. Bums
Feb.
17,
1907
Jan.
29,
1911
1st Coun.
Charles Weekes
Sept. 3,
,1922
Aug. 17,
1924
1st Coun.
H. Bert .Atkinson
Jan.
8,
1910
Jan.
29,
1911
2nd Coun.
Fredrick Aeschbaker
Sept. 3,
1922
Aug. 17,
1924
2nd Coun.
H. Edward Smart
Jan.
8,
1910
Jan.
29,
1911
Sec.
Albert Terry
Sept. 3.
1922
Aug. 17,
1924
5th Pres.
Carl Johnson
Jan.
29,
1911
July
14,1912
10th Pres.
Ernest Weekes
Aug. 17,
1924
July 29,
1928
1st Coun.
Oscar B. Neilson
Jan.
29,
1911
Feb.
4,
1912
1st Coun.
Thomas M. Grover
Aug. 17,
1924
Jan. 16,
1927
2nd Coun.
John M. Grover
Jan.
29,
1911
Feb.
4,
1912
2nd Coun.
Irvine F. Bums
Aug. 17,
1924
Nov. 21,
1926
Sec.
John B. Carlstrom
Jan.
29,
1911
July
14,
1912
Sec.
Ernest J. Payne
Aug. 17,
1924
Jan. 1,
1928
1st Coun.
Clarence Cheney
Feb.
4,
1912
July
14,
1912
2nd Coun.
Glen C. Sharp
Dec. 5,
1926
July 29,
1928
2nd Coun.
H. E. Smart
Feb.
4,
1912
July
14,
1912
1st Coun.
Sec.
George F. Nelson
Harold G. Briggs
Apr. 17.
Jan. 1,
1927
1928
July 29,
July 29,
1928
1928
6th Pres.
Clarence Cheney
July
14,
1912
Mar.
7,
1915
1st Coun.
H. E. Smart
Aug.
11,
,1912
Mar.
7,
1915
11th Pres.
Raymond G. Briggs
July 29,
1928
Oct. 16,
1928
2nd Coun.
Laurence B. Squires
•Aug.
18.
, 1912
Mar.
7,
1915
1st Coun.
Rulon Wilcox
Aug. 19,
1928
Oct. 16,
1928
Sec.
John B. Carlstrom
Aug.
11,
, 1912
Mar.
7,
1915
2nd Coun.
Lelan Weekes
Aug. 19,
1928
Oct. 16,
1928
Asst.
Frank C. Bums
Dec.
22,
1912
Mar.
7,
1915
Sec.
Carl J. Johnson
July 29,
1928
Oct. 16,
1928
198
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
12th Pres
Olin H Jeppson
Oct.
16,
1928
2nd Coun.
Denver Erickson
1955
Mar.
1956
1st Coun.
Rulon Wilcox
Oct.
16,
1928
2nd Coun.
Renell Cook
Mar.
1956
2nd Coun.
Leian Weekes
Oct.
16,
1928
Sec.
Garth Briggs
Sec.
Charles Eldon Blackburn
Oct.
16,
1928
Aug.
27,
1929
Sec.
Myron Jeppson
Aug
27,
1929
22nd Pres.
1st Coun.
Rodney B. Howell
Marion Cheney
Sept. 22,
Sept. 22,
1957
1957
Aug. 14,
Aug. 14,
I960
1960
13 Pres.
Orrin B. Jeppson
May
26,
1931
Aug.
14,
1932
2nd Coun.
Dwayne Luthy
Sept. 22,
1957
Aug. 10,
1958
1st Coun.
Samuel E. Grover
May
26,
1931
Aug.
14,
1932
2nd Coun.
Stanley Nielson
Aug. 10,
1958
June 8,
1959
2nd Coun.
J. Thomas Williams
May
26,
1931
Nov.
10,
1931
2nd Coun.
Myrl Weekes
June 28,
1959
Aug. 14,
1960
Sec.
Jacob Whittaker
May
26.
1931
Sec.
Garth Briggs
Sept. 22.
1957
Dec. 6,
1959
2nd Coun.
John N. Jackson
Nov
10
1931
Aug.
14,
1932
Sec.
Melvin Cheney
Dec. 6.
1959
Aug. 14,
1960
14th Pres.
Ellis W. Wilcox
Aug
14
1932
23rd Pres.
Kendall Davidson
Aug. 14.
1960
Aug. 30,
1964
1st Coun.
Lorin F. Butler
Aug
14
1932
Sept.
10,
1933
1st Coun.
Lyle Cheney
Aug. 14.
1960
Apr. 16,
1961
2nd Coun.
Howard B. Erickson
Aug
14
1932
Sept.
10,
1933
2nd Coun.
Earl Wilcox
Sept. 11
1960
Sept. 30
1962
Sec.
Jacob Whittaker
Aug
14
1932
Sept.
10.
1933
Sec.
Spencer Orr
Aug. 14,
1960
June 18
1961
1st Coun.
Howard B. Erickson
Sept
10
1933
1st Coun.
Gary Hill
Apr. 16,
1961
Mar. 11,
1962
2nd Coun.
Calvin Nielson
Sept
10
1933
Sec.
1st Coun.
Blair Bybee
Wallace Grover
June 18,
Sept. 30
1961
1962
Mar. 11,
Aug. 30,
1962
1964
15th Pres.
SterUng Magleby
1939
2nd Coun.
Dennis Nelson
Sept. 30
1962
Jan. 27,
1963
1st Coun.
Lee C. Murphy
1939
2nd Coun.
Merlin Orr
Jan. 27.
1963
Aug. 30,
1964
2nd Coun.
Henry Erickson
1939
Sec.
Kenneth Hacking
July 5.
1964
Oct. 4,
1964
Sec.
Dayton Grover
1939
24th Pres.
Stanley Nielson
Aug. 30,
1964
Jan. 5,
1969
16th Pres.
J. La veil Orr
1941
1st Coun.
Wallace Grover
Aug. 30,
1964
June 26
1966
1st Coun.
Theron A. Cheney
1941
2nd Coun.
Wayne Siddoway
Aug. 30
1964
Jan. 29,
1967
2nd Coun.
Newel Piquet
1941
Sec.
Julian Cheney
Oct. 4,
1964
May 30,
1965
2nd Coun.
J. LeRoy Hardy
1942
Sec.
Darrell Cheney
May 30,
1965
Sept. 25
1966
Sec.
Eldon Robison
1942
Sec.
Earl Wilcox
Sept. 25
1966
Mar. 12,
1967
2nd Coun.
Learin Terry
1945
1st Coun.
Wayne Siddoway
Jan. 29,
1967
Jan. 5,
1969
Sec.
Howard Erickson
1945
2nd Coun.
2nd Coun.
LaMar Wilcox
Dennis Nelson
June 26
Jan. 29,
1966
1967
Jan. 29,
1967
17th Pres.
C. Marion Hacking
1946
1st Coun.
Newel Piquet
1946
25th Pres.
Wayne Siddoway
Jan. 5,
1969
May 17,
1970
2nd Coun.
Keith Wilcox
1946
1st Coun.
Lee Sutton
Jan. 5.
1969
May 17,
1970
Sec.
Howard Erickson
1946
June 25,
1950
2nd Coun.
LaVar Squires
Jan. 12.
1969
May 17,
1970
2nd Coun.
Elmer Briggs
1947
Sec.
Alden Brindle
1st Coun.
Rulon Wilcox
1948
Nov.
20
1949
Sec.
Edward Smith
1949
June
25,
1950
26th Pres.
John Nelson
May 17,
1970
Apr. 2,
1972
Sec.
Joseph Rice
1949
1st Coun.
Lee Sutton
May 17.
1970
2nd Coun.
LeRoy Wilcox
1950
June
25,
1950
2nd Coun.
Eldon Robison
Sec.
Donald Reno
1950
June
1952
Sec.
Alden Brindle
2nd Coun.
Spence Munns
June
1948
June
1950
Brent Petersen
Brent Grover
18th Pres.
G. LaVar Squires
1952
Bobby Schneiter
Apr. 22,
1973
2nd Coun.
Kay Luthy
1952
1st Coun.
Spence Munns
1952
Feb.
1953
27th Pres.
Eldon Robison
Apr. 2,
1972
Sec.
Lyle Briggs
1952
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Earl Wilcox
Garth Sutton
Apr. 2.
Apr. 2,
1972
1972
19th Pres.
James J. Holley
1953
Sec.
Garth Sutton
Apr. 22,
1973
1st Coun.
Lind Robison
1953
2nd Coun.
Walter Bybee
1953
Under New Plan
Sec.
N. Dell Barney
1953
Pres.
Sec.
Eldon Robison
Hennan Erickson
Aug. 5
1973
20th Pres.
M. Dell Barney
1954
1st Coun.
Merlin Orr
1954
Director of Aaronic Priesthood
2nd Coun.
Lyle Briggs
1954
Max Oakey
Sept.
1976
Jan. 22,
1977
Sec.
Stanley Erickson
1954
Sec.
Eric Hill
21st Pres.
Frank Weekes
1955
Sept
22
,1957
Aaronic Priesthood Advisor
1st Coun.
Marion S. Cheney
1955
Charles K. Hinds
199
Officers of Archer Ward Religion Class
1st Supt.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
Sec.
Aid.
Aid.
ARCHER
2nd Supt.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
Sec.
Asst. Sec.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
Treas.
George S. Weekes
William P. Squires
Louise Weekes
May Burns
Myrtle Young
Minnie Rohnson
Olaf P. Johanson
Charles O. Jeppson
George S. Weekes
Minnie Bums
Ellen briggs
George S. Weekes
Mary A. Weekes
Ella Young
SUNNYDELL
1st As.st. John D. Wilcox
2nd Asst. Mary T. Wilcox
Sec. Mabel Weekes
Aid. Mary Christensen
Aid. Mary Hazel Niederer
Sustained
Mar. 16, 1902
Mar. 16, 1902
Mar. 16, 1902
Mar. 16, 1902
Mar. 16, 1902
Mar. 16, 1902
Mar. 10, 1907
Feb. 10, 1907
Feb. 10, 1907
Feb. 10, 1907
Feb. 10, 1907
Dec. 8, 1907
Nov. 15, 1907
Nov. 3, 1907
Nov. 3, 1907
Nov. 3, 1907
Nov. 3, 1907
Nov. 3, 1907
Released
Feb. 10, 1907
Feb. 10, 1907
Feb.
Feb. 10, 1907
Feb.
Feb. 10, 1907
Oct. 10, 1909
Aug. 11, 1907
Aug. 11, 1907
Dec. 8, 1907
Oct. 10, 1909
Oct. 10, 1908
Oct. 10, 1907
Oct. 10. 1909
Oct. 10, 1909
Oct. 25, 1909
Oct. 10, 1909
Oct. 25, 1908
2nd Asst.
Sec.
6th Supt.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
Sec.
7th Supt.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
Sec.
Aid.
Aid.
8th Supt.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
2nd Asst.
9th Supt.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
Mary A. Weekes
Lucille Barker
Oscar B. Neilson
S. C. Clay
Martha Weekes
Gertude Summers
Martha Weekes
Susan Nelson
Isabell Weekes
Esther May Weekes
Althea Briggs
Olin H. Jeppson
Minnie Snedaker
Susan Nelson
Esther May Weekes
Lily Briggs
Susan E. Nelson
Lily Briggs
Lula Cheney
Sustained
Sept. 21,1913
Sept. 21,1913.
Aug. 30, 1914
Aug. 30, 1914
Aug. 30. 1914
Aug. 30, 1914
Aug. 1,1915
Aug. 1,1915
Aug. 1,1915
Feb. 11. 1917
Feb. 11, 1917
Feb. II, 1917
May 18, 1919
May 18, 1919
May 18, 1919
Dec. 2, 1919
Released
Aug. 30, 1914
May 8, 1914
Aug. 1.1915
Aug. 1.1915
Aug. 1.1915
Aug. 1,1915
May 18, 1919
May 18, 1919
May 18, 1919
May 18, 1919
May 18. 1919
May 18, 1919
Dec. 28, 1919
Dec. 28, 1919
Dec. 2. 1919
Dec. 28, 1919
Dec. 28, 1919 Oct. 22, 1922
Dec. 28, 1919 Oct. 22. 1922
Dec. 28, 1919 May 15. 1921
ARCHER
3rd Supt.
Lucy Burr
1st Asst.
Andrew Nelson
2nd Asst.
Blanche Young
Sec.
Mary Weekes
1st. Asst.
Sterling Nelson
Sec.
Alice Briggs
Asst. Sec.
Susan Weekes
SUNNYDELL
Lst Asst.
Louisa Weekes
2nd Asst. Mable Weekes
Sec. Lavon Weekes
Aid. Phillis Oldham
Aid. Samuel Oldham
4th Supt.
1st Asst.
2nd Asst.
5th Supt.
1st Asst.
Maude Squires
Mary A. Weekes
Silas S. Cheney
Elizabeth Squires
Charles M. Squires
Oct. 10, 1909
Oct. 10, 1909
Oct. 10, 1909
Oct. 10. 1909
Oct. 13, 1910
Oct. 16, 1910
Nov. 19. 1910
Jan. 2, 1910
Jan. 2. 1910
Jan. 2. 1910
Oct. 16, 1910
Oct. 16. 1910
Sept. 22, 1912
Sept. 22,1912
Sept. 22, 1912
Sept. 21. 1913
Sept. 21, 1913
Aug. 13, 1911
Apr. 1910
Aug. 13, 1911
Aug. 31, 1911
Oct.
Aug. 31, 1911
Aug. 31, 1911
Aug. 31, 1911
Aug. 31, 1911
Aug. 31. 1911
Aug. 31, 1911
Sept. 21.1913
Sept. 21.1913
Sept. 21.1913
Aug. 30, 1914
Aug. 30. 1914
10th Supt.
1st Asst.
1 Ith Supt.
1st Asst.
Jane Terry
Lily Briggs
Zelpha E. Squires
Martha Weekes
Oct. 22. 1922
Oct. 22. 1922
Sept. 20,1925
Sept. 20,1925
Sept. 20, 1925
Sept. 20 1925
In the fall of 1929 the Religion class was discontinued
by the General Board of the Church. Junior Seminary took its
place.
NOTE:
At a sacrament meeting held in Lyman Ward February
18, 1894, William P. Squires and Rebecca Jensen were
selected and sustained teachers in the religion class as soon as
it was organized.
At a sacrament meeting February 25, 1894 a notice was
given out that religion class would meet the following Thurs-
day at ten o'clock February 27, 1894, in the district school.
Archer Ward Choristers
William J. Young
Edwin Bunnell
Alfred P. Young
Carl J. Johnson
Alfred P. Young
Olin H. Jeppson
Clyde Bowen
Carl J. Johnson
Sustained
May 24, 1903
Apr. 10. 1904
May 2. 1915
Dec. 24, 1916
July 29, 1917
Sept. 15,1918
May 18, 1919
Released
Mar. 27, 1903
Apr. 10, 1904
May 2, 1915
July 23, 1916
July 29, 1917
Sept. 15,1918
May 18, 1919
Dec. 3. 1922
Robert Young
Geraldine B. Johnson
Mark Young
Edith Harding
Glen Squires
Clement A. Young
Olin H. Jeppson
Sustained
Dec. 3. 1922
1923
1925,
Jan. 17, 1932
May 1932
Mar. 31, 1935
Jan. 26, 1936
Released
1925
Jan. 17. 1932
May 1932
Mar. 31. 1935
Jan. 26. 1936
200
Myrtle Young
Esther & Florence Briggs
Florence Briggs
Susie Bowen
Geraldine Johnson
Bertha Weekes
Archer Ward Organists
Sustained
July 23, 1916
Sept. 15, 1918
May 18, 1919
Oct. 1, 1922
Released
Sept. 15, 1918
May 18, 1919
Oct. 1. 1922
Dec. 3, 1922
Vema Olsen
Bertha Jeppson
Agnes drover Orr
Bertha Jeppson
Sustained
Released
Dec. 3, 1922
Jan. 1925
Jan. 1925
Sept. 17,1933
Sept. 17,1933
May 12, 1935
End of ward record for Choristers and Organists.
To all the teachers who have served in the Archer-Sunnydell Ward, we pay sincere tribute; their influence for good has been
effective and far-reachins.
Elders Quorums
Fremont Stake Elders Quorum
On March 10th the Ninth Elders Quorum was released
and the Elders of the Archer Ward went back to the Fourth
Elders Quorum and was reorganized.
Pres. James Fogg (He was president for many years)
Coun. Olin Anderson
Sec. James Young
Met in Rexburg First Ward
Fourth Elders Quorum
Sustained Released
1913 Nov. 26, 1916
1913 Nov. 26, 1916
1913 Nov. 26, 1916
Nov. 26. 1916 Apr. 21, 1918
Nov. 26. 1916 Apr. 21. 1918
Nov. 26, 1916 Nov. 25, 1917
Nov. 25, 1917 Apr. 21, 1918
Nov. 26, 1916 Apr. 21, 1918
Apr. 21. 1918 Aug. 24, 1919
Apr. 21. 1918 Aug. 24, 1919
Apr. 21. 1918 Aug. 18, 1918
Aug. 18, 1918 Aug. 24, 1919
Apr. 21, 1918 Sept. 15,1918
Sept. 15, 1918 Nov. 23, 1919
Nov. 23, 1919 Jan. 2, 1921
Nov. 23, 1919 Jan. 2, 1921
Nov. 23, 1919 Jan. 2, 1921
The Ninth Quorum of Elders was organized January 2,
192 1 , from the Fourth Quorum and just took in the Elders in
Archer Ward.
Ninth Elders Quorum
Fourth Elders Quorum
Pres.
James R. Smith
1st Coun.
Carl J. Johnson
2nd Coun.
Alfred By bee
Pres.
Carl J. Johnson
1st Coun.
Alfred Bybee
2nd Coun.
Grover Peterson
2nd Coun.
Rudolph Rytting
Sec.
Oscar B. Neilson
Pres.
John Weekes
1st Coun.
Alfred Bybee
2nd Coun.
Jessie M. Robison
2nd Coun.
.-Albert Terry
Sec.
Leslie L. Weekes
Sec.
Oscar B. Neilson
Pres.
John Weekes
1st Coun.
Clyde Bowen
2nd Coun.
Wayne Cheney
Pres. L. H. Hendricks
1st Coun. Cecil B. Simmons
2nd Coun. Thomas Stanley Arnold
Sec. Delmoe Cook
Pres. Elmer Weekes
1st Coun. Oral Beck
2nd Coun. Irvine F. Bums
Sec. Dei mo Cook
Pres. Ernest Weekes
1st Coun. Aciel Simmons
2nd Coun. Angus Peterson
Sec. Myron Jeppson
Sustained
Mar. 10, 1927
Mar. 10, 1927
Mar. 10, 1927
Mar. 10, 1927
Released
Feb. 16, 1930
July 21, 1929
July 21, 1929
Julv 21, 1929
Pres.
George P. Nelson
John N. Jackson
James C. Briggs, Jrs.
Feb. 16, 1930 Dec. 10, 1933
Feb. 16, 1930 Dec. 10, 1933
Feb. 16, 1930 Dec. 10, 1933
Feb. 16, 1930 Dec. 10, 1933
Dec. 10, 1933
Dec. 10, 1933
Dec. 10, 1933
Dec. 10, 1933
Dec. 31, 1938
Second Elders Quorum
Pres. Henry Erickson
1st Coun. Frank Weekes
2nd Coun. Newel Piquet
Sec. Edward Smith
Changes:
1st Coun. Budge Clay
2nd Coun. DeLore Grover
Sec. Dennis Nelson
Mar. 31, 1952
Second Elders Quorum
- 3^-
Pres.
Keith Clements
Pres.
Wayne Cheney
Jan.
2,
1921
June 24,
1923
1st Coun.
Rodney Howell
1st Coun.
A. Clarence Weekes
Jan.
2,
1921
June 24,
1923
2nd Coun.
Lyie Robison
2nd Coun.
Arthur E. Niederer
Jan.
2
1921
June 24,
1923
Sec.
Edward Smith
Pres.
Peter W. Peterson
June
24,
1923
Mar. 10,
1927
Pres.
George H. Mun
1st Coun.
Clarence Weekes
June
24,
1923
Mar. 10,
1927
1st Coun.
Learin Terry
2nd Coun.
Marion Hacking
June
24,
1923
Dec. 27,
1925
2nd Coun.
Dennis Nelson
2nd Coun.
George Leien Weekes
Dec.
27,
1925
Mar. 10,
1927
Sec.
Edward Smith
Sec.
Gerald J. Jeppson
June
24,
1923
Dec. 30,
1923
Sec.
S. C. Clay
Dec.
30,
1923
Dec. 27,
1925
Changes:
Sec.
Del mo Cook
Dec.
27,
1925
Mar. 10,
1927
1st Coun.
Kay Luthy
Mar. 31, 1952 Dec. 6, 1953
Mar. 31, 1952 Dec. 6, 1953
Mar. 31, 1952 Dec. 6. 1953
Mar. 31. 1952 Dec. 6. 1953
Dec. 6, 1953 Ausi. 26, 1956
201
Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Sixth Elders Quorum
Sustained
Lyle Robison Aug. 25, 1956
Ellis Rice
Kay Luthy
Edward Smith
Eighth Elders Quorum
Ronald Hill Oct. 5, 1958
Learin Terry
Stanley Nielson
Edward Smith
Sustained
Released
Released
Changes;
1st Coun.
Wallace Grover
Oct. 5, 1958
Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Sec.
Earl Wilcox
Stanley Nielson
Wallace Grover
Edward Smith
Mar. 25, 1962
May n
Mar. 25, 1962
Changes;
2nd Coun.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
1st Coun.
Kay Jeppson
Kay Jeppson
Gordon Niederer
Gordon Niederer
1970
Deacon Quorums of the Archer Ward
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
1st Pres.
Oscar B. Neilson
Nov.
22,
1909
2nd Coun,
Albert Blanthom
Nov. 19.
1916
Dec.
22,
1918
1st Coun.
Leian Weekes
Nov.
22,
1909
Sec,
Gerald J. Jeppson
Nov, 19,
1916
Dec.
22,
1918
2nd Coun.
Henry Briggs
Nov.
22,
1909
Sec.
Linnis Bums
Nov.
22,
1909
7th Pres,
1st Coun.
Leonard Hacking
Raymond Briggs
Dec, 22,
Dec. 22,
1918
1918
Apr,
Apr.
25,
25,
1920
1920
2nd Pres.
Thomas C. Jeppson
Nov.
28,
1909
Aug.
25,
1912
2nd Coun.
Eugene Erickson
Dec. 22,
1918
Apr.
25.
1920
1st Coun,
Charles Weekes
Dec
5.
1909
Aug.
25,
1912
Sec,
Orrin B. Jeppson
Dec. 22,
1918
Apr,
25,
1920
2nd Coun.
Lester Briggs
Dec.
5,
1909
Aug.
25.
1912
Sec.
Olin H. Jeppson
Dec.
5,
1909
Aug.
25,
1912
8th Pres,
1st Coun,
Elmo R. Smith
Marshall Glen Grover
Dec. 29,
Dec. 29,
1929
1929
July
July
6,
6,
1930
1930
3rd Pres.
Charles Weekes
Sept.
1912
Mar.
1,
1914
2nd Coun.
Norman B, Erickson
Dec. 29,
1929
July
6,
1930
1st Coun.
Henry Bums
Sept.
1912
Mar.
1,
1914
Sec.
Mark Grover
Dec. 29,
1929
July
6,
1930
2nd Coun.
George F. Nelson
Sept,
1.
1912
Mar.
1,
1914
Sec.
Olin H. Jeppson
Sept.
1.
1912
Mar,
1.
1914
9th Pres.
1st Coun.
Mark Grover
George Whittaker
July 6,
July 6,
1930
1930
Jan,
Jan,
31,
31,
1932
1932
4th Pres.
Murtis C Burr
Mar.
1914
Nov,
7,
1915
2nd Coun.
Lamont G, Wilcox
July 6,
1930
Jan,
31,
1932
1st Coun.
Dewey L. Niederer
Mar.
1914
Nov.
7,
1915
Sec.
Lee Squires
July 6,
1930
Jan,
31,
1932
2nd Coun.
Isaac Briggs
Mar,
1914
Nov.
7,
1915
Sec.
John L. Stacey
Mar.
1914
Nov.
7,
1915
10th Pres,
1st Coun.
Lamont G. Wilcox
Lynn Hiilman
Jan. 31,
Jan. 31,
1932
1932
Feb,
Feb,
5,
5,
1933
1933
5th Pres.
John L. Stacey
Nov.
7,
1915
Nov.
19,
1916
2nd Coun,
Carl S, Grover
Jan. 31,
1932
Feb.
5,
1933
1st Coun.
Isaac Briggs
Nov.
7,
1915
Nov.
19,
1916
Sec.
Eldon Briggs
Jan. 31,
1932
Feb.
5,
1933
2nd Coun.
Lyman Weekes
Nov.
7,
1915
Nov.
19,
1916
Sec.
Gerald J. Jeppson
Nov.
7.
1915
Nov,
19,
1916
llth Pres.
1st Coun.
Carl S, Grover
Gordon Niederer
Feb. 12,
Feb, 12,
1933
1933
6th Pres.
Lyle Squires
Nov.
19.
1916
Dec,
22,
1918
2nd Coun.
Stanley Erickson
Feb, 12,
1933
1st Coun.
Glen Squires
Nov.
19,
1916
Dec,
22,
1918
Sec.
Eldon L, Briggs
Feb, 12,
1923
Teachers Quorum of the Archer Ward
Pres. Carl J. Johnson
1st Coun. John B. Carlstrom
2nd Coun. Clem A. Young
Sec. Laurence B. Squires
Pres. Leien Weekes
1st Coun. Oscar B. Neilson
2nd Coun. Henry Briggs
Sec. Linnis Bums
Pres. Thomas C. Jeppson
1st Coun. Wayne Cheney
Sec, Lester Briggs
Sustained
Released
Sustained
Released
Jan. 29,
1911
Pres.
Edward Briggs
Mar.
1,
1914
Nov. 19, 1916
Jan. 29.
1911
1st Coun.
Olin H. Jeppson
Mar.
1,
1914
Nov. 19, 1916
Jan. 29,
1911
2nd Coun.
George F. Nelson
Mar,
1.
1914
Dec. 19, 1915
Jan. 29,
1911
Sec.
Henry Bums
Mar,
1,
1914
Nov. 19, 1916
Jan, 29,
1911
Aug. 25,
1912
Pres.
Rulon Cheney
Nov,
19.
1916
Dec, 15, 1918
Jan, 29,
1911
Feb. 4,
1912
1st Coun.
John L. Stacey
Nov,
19.
1916
Dec. 15, 1918
Jan, 29,
1911
Aug. 25,
1912
2nd Coun.
Marion Hacking
Nov.
19.
1916
Dec. 15, 1918
Jan, 29,
1911
Aug. 25,
1912
Sec.
Elmer Weekes
Nov.
19.
1916
Dec, 15, 1918
Aug, 25.
, 1912
Mar. 1,
1914
Pres.
Gerald Jeppson
Dec.
15.
1918
May 30, 1920
Jan, 5.
1913
Mar. 1.
1914
1st Coun.
Emest Weekes
Dec.
15,
1918
May 30, 1920
Jan. 5,
1913
Mar. 1,
1914
2nd Coun.
Clarence Weekes
Dec.
15,
1918
May 30, 1920
Sec.
Lyle Squires
Dec.
15,
1918
May 30, 1920
202
Deacons Quorum
Organized December 22, 1918
Leonard Hacking, President
Raymond Briggs, 1st Counselor
Hennan Eugene Erickson, 2nd Counselor
Orson 1. Jeppson, Secretary
Released April 25, 1920
were sustained on February
Teachers Quorum
On May 30, 1920, the following officers were sus-
tained:
George Raymond Briggs, President
Owen Jeppson, 1st Counselor
Marshall Grover. 2nd Counselor
Francis Briggs, Secretary
Deacons Quorum
On May 30, 1920, there was also a reorganization of the
Deacons Quorum. The following officers were sustained:
Joseph Alvin Erickson, President
Robert Ursel Weekes, 1st Counselor
Irvine P. Bums, 2nd Counselor
Joseph Hill, Secretary
On February 5, 1922, at a bishopric meeting, it was
decided to split the Deacons quorum into two sections. The
road that goes north from Aeschbacher's place to William
Fyfe's place was decided on as the dividing line on the
Nelson street. The east section is Quorum No. 1 and the west
section. Quorum No. 2.
Officers of Quorum No.
19, 1922, as follows:
Alvin Erickson, President
Ursel Weekes, 1st Counselor
Milton Squires, 2nd Counselor
Ethan Young, Secretary
Officers of Quorum No. 2 were also sustained on Feb-
ruary 19, 1922, as follows:
Irvine Bums, President
Lawrence Bums, 1st Counselor
Joseph Ernest Payn, 2nd Counselor
Pres.
1st Coun.
2nd Coun.
Teachers Quorum
Sustained
Norman Erickson
Thayne Hacking
George Whittaker
Pres. James A. Hendricks
1st Coun. Lament G. Wilcox
2nd Coun. Howard R. Grover
Sec. Darwin B. Bayliff
Pres. Budge Clay
1st Coun. Lucein Young
2nd Coun. Carl S. Grover
Sec. Eldon L. Briggs
Released
Feb. 5, 1933
Feb. 5, 1933
Feb. 5, 1933
Feb. 12, 1933 Apr. 1, 1934
Feb. 12, 1933 Apr. 1, 1934
Feb. 12, 1933 Apr. 1, 1934
Feb. 12, 1933 Apr. I, 1934
May 6, 1934
May 6, 1934
May 6, 1934
May 6, 1934
End of ward record for Elders, Priests, Teachers and
Deacons Quorums kept in the ward.
And
so,
We are
builders
in the kingdom.
Firsi
f to last,
A part
of God' s
great plan.
203
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