Adventure, Travel, and Being Needed

A letter from mom

I've never thought of myself as a writer.  I was never good in English at school, immensely disliked writing papers, and have always been lousy at spelling and grammar.  I have always thought it would be fun to put together a story book, but that thought was the kind of thought you have like - it would be so fun to go to a beach house or it would be fun to live in Paris.  It's something you talk about and think about, but it's something other people do.  Not me.

Many opportunities come into our lives to make choices.  Some are hard, some are easy . . . I admit there are many I would like to make over.

One choice I have made that I would never do over is the choice of marrying in the temple to my dearest friend, and raising our five wonderful children.  I've probably known throughout most of my life that I wanted this.

As a teenager, I sure dreamed of adventure, traveling the world, having an important job, and being needed by many.  Like the move Beauty and the Beast, Belle exclaims, "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere, I want it more than I can tell."  That's how I felt.  I felt at that time that if I chose motherhood and family, I was giving adventure all up, but little did I know.

After more than thirty years of marriage and five children, I've had more adventure, travel, and being needed more than I could have ever imagined.  (A different kind of travel, adventure, being needed than I was looking forward to) but I've loved it all.

With each new child, each new day my life is blessed, be it with happiness or sorrow.  When our children were small, Dan and I had a tradition of tucking our children in bed at night.  It was a sweet time of the day, to say goodnight and listen to their prayers.  Many things were learned at this time.  Many cute things were said, I loved them all.

On one particular night as we were tucking our oldest in bed, just as the covers were being placed up to her chin, she asked, "Mom, Dad, will I still fit in my bed when I'm sixty-five?"  At the time we wanted to say "No!"  I don't remember if we really answered her that night.

I would like to answer her now.  Yes, Shannon, Sam, Kent, Denver, and Mason; you will always fit in your bed.  We will always be there to tuck you in.  I've been so blessed.  I don't know why.  Upon these pages I share with you some of the sweet memories of our lives; they are all centered in you.

Thanks for putting the adventure, surprise, and love in my life.

Love you,

Mom

Pink Glasses

from mom's family stories . . . . 

There comes a time in every new mother's life in which she prays and hopes that her children will develop a desire to take what they've been taught and apply it in their own life.  A leap of faith to believe that what Mommy and Daddy are teaching really does apply to them.

When our daughter Shannon was elementary school age, we were informed by the school nurse that Shannon needed glasses.  So we scheduled a visit to the optometrist.  Our concerns were confirmed.  then came the daunting task of picking out just the right pair.  There were endless options, light and dark frames, some with patterns, you name it, they could be found.  I found a pair right away that I thought would look very nice on Shannon and fit our budget restrain nicely.  To my surprise, they didn't unite meet Shannon's requirements.  In her hands, (and not to be taken from them) was a pink pair of glasses.  They did look lovely with her blue eyes, tanned skin, and blonde hair.  I was mainly concerned about the price, the pink color (can a person stand to wear pink glasses for a year?).  After much debate, Shannon and I had come to an agreement.  The pink glasses were a go, on the condition that they were worn for the whole year, no changing our minds in a couple of months, and that she took extra care to make sure they stayed in good condition.  Everyone left happy.

Fast forward to that day we all knew was going to happen.  It was Saturday; the kids home from school, house busy with chores to be done, children playing, the usual fun stuff on Saturday.  Shannon and a friend (Katie Manlove) came running in the kitchen, half out of breath, "would it be alright if we rode our bikes to the park and played for a while?"  The park was just behind our home, and I felt it was a safe, fun thing for them to do.  So I said, "Sure."  As they whirled out the door, a thought came to me, "Be careful with your glasses" but the girls were gone in a flash with no time to deliver the message.  I went about doing the rest of my morning chores.  Soon after, I heard Shannon calling me outside.  I could tell by the look on her face that something very troubling had happened.  "Mommy, I can't find my glasses.  We were riding our bikes; they kept sliding off my face, so I put them in my pocket to keep them safe.  I can't find them now.  I think they are at the park somewhere.  I looked, but I can't find them."

Several things went through my mind.  If I had just stopped them as they left the door and said to be careful with the glasses maybe this wouldn't have happened.  I also thought, "Do I reprimand her for not being cautious with her glasses?"  I could tell by the look on her face that she was already in pain.  Then I thought this would be a great teaching moment to instill in her the blessing of prayer.

I asked, "Shannon have you said  prayer asking Heavenly Father to help you?"  "Yes," she said, "in my mind."  "Why don't you and I ask Heavenly Father together, then we will go hunt for your glasses."  After we got up from our knees, we headed to the park.  The whole way there I was saying my own personal prayer in my heart; asking Heavenly Father to please be aware of this young daughter, to help her get the answer to help build her testimony of prayer.

As we got to the park my heart just ached, it looked like the grass had not been mowed for a month, and the grass was so tall.  I thought there was no way we were going to find her glasses.  We continued to look and look, and it was apparent to me that we were not going to find her glasses.  I called Shannon over to where I was standing.  I took her hands in mind and began to explain to her why sometimes Heavenly Father doesn't answer our prayers the way we had wanted.  After talking sometime in this manner, we both lowered our heads in sadness.  Shannon was crying, and my heart was heavy.  I so had wanted Shannon's first real test of prayer to be answered positively.  I doubted Heavenly Father's choice.

We embraced and were preparing to leave, when Shannon cried out, "Look Mom!"  There, right at our feet, between our embrace int he tall grass, were the "pretty pink glasses."

I had to do some quick repenting to ask Heavenly Father to forgive me of my lack of faith.  I don't always understand why our prayers are answered the way they are, but I do know the Lord loves us.  He wants what is best for us.  He looks over us.  Even if it's just to find pretty pink glasses.

Where I Grew Up {Mom}

I was born in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.  We lived in a little tiny home just off the main road between Mt. Pleasant and Moroni.  I have no memory of that place.  Mom just pointed it out to me as we would pass by it.  Soon after we moved back into Mt. Pleasant to a small tiny home two blocks from the church.  My parents paid $50 a month for rent.  (Again, I have no memory of living there.)

We lived in West Kearns, Utah -- I think I was about 4.  I remember playing in the rabbit hutches and hiding in the bedroom closets to stay away from my older brother.

We then moved back to Mt. Pleasant and lived in a house that my Grandparents owned.  Dad worked for Grandpa.  We also lived for a time in Fairview . . . but I have no memory of that place.

Then we lived for the first time in Indianola.  I started school while we lived there.  I started in the middle of 1st grade -- not sure why my parents didn't have me go to kindergarten.  Probably because my mother didn't drive and no buses came clear out to Indianola at the time.  It was about 45 minutes away.  I remember 1st and 2nd grades there.

Then we moved to Gustine, California so dad could work for Rene Andersen.  I went to part of 3rd and part of 4th grade there.

Then back to Indianola where we stayed for a couple of years.  Most of my childhood memories are from Indianola because we lived there the longest.  Dad ran a dairy.  Summers were about riding horses and working around the house and farm.  Kristeen and I spent our time there building a treehouse.  I think this is where my love to create started.

From there we moved back and forth from Moroni to Mt. Pleasant, then to Moroni, and then to Gunnison, Utah.  I started middle school in Moroni then we moved to Gunnison.  Gunnison was one of my favorite places.  We lived there two years and I was able to get real friends and not feel like the new girl.  Whenever we would move it usually took a few months to make friends and by then we would be moving again.

My parents were always very secret about when we would move.  I came home from school one day and they had packed up the house.  When we walked in they said, "If you want to say goodbye to your friends do it now, because we are leaving tonight." Wow, what a shock!  I think I cried all the way to California.

Then we moved to Merced, California where my dad took a job for Joseph Gallo running a large dairy.

We lived in two different homes there.  The high school was large and scary.  I did like the church ward there.  We lived there for two years.  I started dating Danny while living there.

In the middle of 11th grade we moved to Chester, Utah . . . then to Moroni and I finished school at Mt. Pleasant High.

After High School graduation I lived in Ephraim, Utah while going to school at Snow College.  I moved back to Moroni to help my mother who was on bed rest with a pregnancy - Uncle John.

Then I married your dad and moved to Gustine, California.

There were several times where we would move to another home in the same town . . . by the time I married your dad I had moved to 19 different homes in 19 years.

* * * * * * * * *

A list of all the towns mom has lived --

UTAH:
Mt. Pleasant
Moroni
West Kearns
Fairview
Indianola
Gunnison
Chester
Ephraim

CALIFORNIA:
Gustine
Merced

Pioneer Ancestors

Joseph Horne Company (link)
July 27 to October 1, 1862
570 individuals and 52 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Florence, Nebraska (now Omaha).  July 27 to October 1, 1862.
-Mads Christian Andersen (31) - 1830-1911


Unknown Companies (1847-1868)  (link)
-George Washington Sevey (22) - 1832-1902
-Hannah Libby Sevey (62) - 1794-1882
-Mariam Parker Parker (unknown) - 1799-1883 - wife of Zaddock Parker
-Solenda Eastman Parker (unknown) - 1836-1884
-Zadock Parker (unknown) - 1805-1885 - member of the 15th Quorum of the Seventy

Unknown Company 1851  (link)
-James William Huntsman (44) - 1806-1867 - Traveled with his daughter Sarah Jane **See Orson Huntsman Diary entry above under the Thomas C.D. Howell Company**

Unknown company 1853  (link)
-James Havens Imlay (38) -1815-1890
-Margaret Nebraska Imlay - 1853-1897 - born on the plains of Nebraska

Unknown Company 1857  (link)
-George Crowther (32) - 1826-1895

Unknown Company 1863  (link)
-Christina Nilsson Heder (48) - 1815-1896
-John Heder (36) - 1826-1884
-John William Heder (7)- 1856-1940

James Peter Andersen

This life sketch of James Peter Andersen was compiled from two sources: 
     1) an email I received from dad - it included PDF files of a written history of James Peter Andersen
     2) a history that is posted on Family Search 

 I tried to meld the two life sketches together into one and added some details (family names and dates gathered from Family Search) so that it makes more sense and tells the complete story.

* * * * * * * * * * 

James Peter Andersen 

1855 - 1946

Husband to Elizabeth Crowther
Father to Fay Emanuel Andersen
Grandfather to Rene Andersen

(Dad's great-grandfather)

 James Peter Andersen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Nov 28, 1855 the oldest son of Jens Peter Andersen and Rebecca Christiana Friis. When he was only one year old (1856) his father was called by Brigham Young, with a company of Scandinavian natives to settle Sanpete County. They located in Ephraim and built a home. Here his father was engaged in farming for a little over six years when they were again called to settle Sevier County. This time they moved to what was then known as Glenwood.

James was then only a small lad of eight years but he drove a yoke of oxen from Ephraim with a load of logs that were to be used in building the new home. He was so small that his father tied him on to the load of logs with a rope while crossing the Sevier River at the point called Rocky Ford lest he should fall off into the river.

His father built the first home in Glenwood. James helped to make the adobes by tramping the mud. It was one large room and was also used as a house of worship until an adequate place could be built for this purpose. James well remembered the visit of Apostle Hyde and how his parents entertained him by the request of the Bishop in that ward.

As a small lad he herded cows outside the town and was always on the lookout for Indians who were very unfriendly. About two years after they settled here the Black Hawk War broke out. One morning when he and his little sister, Mary were milking the cow, bullets from the Indians arrows flew past them and they ran frightened to the house with out the milk. They were driven from Glenwood and moved to Richfield and from there back to Ephraim where his father assisted in building the old Ephraim Fort as a protection from the Indians.

At the age of eleven his mother Rebecca died (November 24, 1866)  leaving he and his little sister, Mary and small brother, Joseph.  He watched over his little sister, Mary and tried to give her every wish. They were very close all the days of their life.

Left to right:  Joseph, Jens Peter (father), Mary, and James Peter as adults

His father married again (Maria Thomasdatter) and had a large family by this marriage.  Since James Peter was the oldest he helped all he could to bring in money for the family’s needs. 

He had very little schooling and often went hungry and his few clothes were homemade.

His first store shoes were bought from a traveling store and were red boots.  They were his pride and joy and the envy of all his pals.  His pants were often made from buckskin and when it rained or they got wet they would shrink so much that if was difficult to get them off or on.

It was not long his father’s second marriage that he went to live with a half-sister (Emma Alice Swenson) and her husband in Fountain Green working his own way at what ever he could.

He was only 13 years old (another account says 15) when he began to freight from Ephraim to Pioche, a mining town in Nevada. (Another account says Delemar, Nevada).   It took him just one month to make the trip. This was in December and the weather was very cold. He had insufficient clothing to keep him warm so had to walk a lot of the way to keep from freezing.

In March another attempt was made but he only could go as far as Beaver. When he returned his sister’s husband had died (Wiley Payne Allred Jr – died April 18, 1873) leaving her with two small sons (Orsen Pratt Allred and Parley Wiley Payne Allred). James then assumed the responsibility of caring for the family in which he did with credit. He built her a home and provided for her needs until she remarried (Cyrus Hyrum Brown) and left this home he had built for her.

October 31, 1875 he married Elizabeth Crowther in Moroni, Utah at the age of 20 years. He had only 50 cents and with this he bought the license.  His bride also had 50 cents and with this they bought enough factory (cloth) to make a tick (mattress).  Together they filled it with fresh corn shucks for their bed.  Their first home was a dugout.

James knew the value of money and was ambitious so about four years later he rented a farm five miles north of Fountain Green at the head of Salt Creek Canyon known as Water Hollow. In a few short years he owned this farm where he and family worked in the summer months and in the winter moved to town where the children could attend school.

He had a large family, nine boys and three girls.  Two of the boys died infancy.  He was always kind, considerate and loving with his family.

Janet Rebecca
James William
George Christian
David Edger
Thomas Milton
Robert Vernor
Mildred Elizabeth
Fay Emanuel – Dad’s grandfather
Mary Jean
Alvin Glen
Linford  - died in infancy
Joseph Odell – died in infancy

Back row:  ?, ?, James Peter, Elizabeth Crowther, Thomas Milton, Fay

Front row:  David Edger, Mildred Elizabeth, Mary Jean, Alvin

He was called on a mission for his church (October 1896) and left his wife to care for the children and look after the farm.  The older boys helped with the farming.  His wife cooked for the sheepherders to keep him on a mission.

He spent 26 months in Kansas and Arkansas.

When James Peter returned from his mission, his health began to fail.  In 1907 he was stricken with sciatic rheumatism and for 13 weeks was confined to bed.  His doctor advised a warmer and dry climate so he went to Moapa Valley in Nevada in the spring of 1908.  He was impressed  with the country so he sold his farm for $6000 and 2000 sheep for $2 a head and on August 21 moved to this valley. 

He purchased part of the old Koenig ranch.

In November of the same year he purchased the Brigham Whitmore store and the following year was made Postmaster in Overton, Nevada.  This position he held for 6 years then turned it over to one of his daughters, Mildred.   And he became owner of the F. F. Gunn Store.

He put his boys to work on the farm and his girls that were old enough to work in the store – JP Andersen Mercantile – the only store in the valley at that time. He was a very successful merchant and a friend to anyone in need. He gave the farmers credit from one year to the next till they received their returns from the cantaloupes they shipped.

His was a true religion, for he cared for the widows and the needy.  Many a basket of groceries and clothing were sent to those in need without any thought of renumeration.  No one was turned away hungry from his door.

He was a successful businessman and able to give all his children a start in life.  To all of them he gave a home and to some who stayed near him, a farm.  Some of his sons moved back to Utah to make their home.

He and his wife Elizabeth were the ideal couple and loved each other dearly.  When she passed away, January 19, 1937 he was heart broken.  He suffered from palsy and for more than 10 years before his death he was almost helpless.  This humiliated him beyond understanding since he was so independent and had always been able to help others, but he was so patient, kind, and truly a gentleman.  He turned the store over to his younger son, Alvin.  His last six years he lived in the home of his son, Fay.  While here he was completely helpless and was in a wheel chair.  He enjoyed reading and even at this age could read without glasses.

Carrie, Phil (dad's uncle), and Fay

James Peter (seated)

He loved his grandchildren dearly and was so happy when they came to visit him.  He always had a nickel or dime to give them when they left.  His great desire was to go to his Eternal Home and often expressed his wonder why he had to stay so long.  He was 91 when his call came.  He passed as gently as he had lived, on September 15, 1946.  He was buried by the side of his wife in the Pioneer Cemetery in Overton, Nevada where he had erected a double tombstone waiting for his call to go to her.  He had also purchased his coffin from the Priesthood and it had been stored in the Welfare Building for years. Though it was a homemade one it was beautiful and strong.

He was a wonderful husband and father to his ten living children. He loved his many grandchildren and was proud of them. He was a High Priest in his church and lived the commandments.

* * * * * * * * * * 

Note from Shannon:  This week I had the chance to visit with my elderly friend, Myrtle Brown (age 97) who lived in Overton, Nevada and knew Fay and Carrie Andersen.  She also knew of James Peter Andersen - mostly because of his store.  She told me all about the JP Andersen Mercantile located on Main Street and what a great store it was.  She said that it was the only store in town and they carried everything -- from food to hardware to fabric.  She shared a memory of going down to the Mercantile with her father, carrying a basket of eggs.  Her dad placed her on the sales counter and with those eggs they purchased fabric to take home and make clothing.

In the late 1930's / early 1940's the store was purchased by another family and converted into a theater called El Notrevo, which is Overton spelled backwards.  Clever, eh?  An article HERE details the history of the theater.  

Around 1975 it was purchased and renovated and became the Pioneer Theater.  It is still in operation today.

The building is one of the last remaining original buildings on Main Street in Overton.

James Peter Andersen - Missionary Blessing

One more about James Peter Andersen (Dad's great-grandfather).  This is a blessing that was given to him as he was set apart to serve a mission.

A MISSIONARY BLESSING

Pronounced upon the head of Elder James Peter Andersen

In the Historian's office Salt Lake City

October 14, 1896

By President Christian D. Fjelssed

Reported by Markin S. Linsay

James Peter Andersen, dear brother, we place our hands upon your head and in the name of Jesus Christ, and by the virtue of the Holy Priesthood vested in us we set you apart for a mission to the Indian Territory Mission, and we seal upon you the blessing and the spirit of this mission that you may labor in faithfulness under the presidency of the same, and we say unto you, have faith in the promises which the Lord has given unto his servants, that you may be able to warn the people of the dangers to come.  And proclaim unto them the restoration of the Holy Gospel that is given to man in this dispensation of the fullness of time, and all who listen to your warnings will come unto you and receive baptism for the remission of their sins, and you will be able to bless them and seal upon them the Holy Ghost; and in as much as you are called by the Lord through his servants, the Prophets, you shall have joy and satisfaction in wakening the human family.

And they shall dream about you; they shall see you in the night's vision; your warning voice shall be in their minds and they shall acknowledge it to you.  The Lord will raise up friends to assist you and give you all that you need, and you shall travail in faith and power, and escape the diseases that are abroad in the land, and you shall see the power of God in your administrations, and this shall cause you to rejoice in the Lord, our God.  And when mobs come against you, the Holy Angels of the Lord shall ward off the blows.  You shall go in peace and return to safety, and be a swift messenger to the nations in proclaiming the everlasting Gospel.

We reconfirm upon you all your former blessings, and say unto you, they are yours, and the blessings of the Lord shall follow you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

We again place our hands upon your head, and ordain you a Seventy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and we seal upon you the power, authority, keys, and blessings pertaining to the high and holy calling in the Melchizedek Priesthood, and we say unto you that if you will be humble, watchful, and prayerful the spirit of this office and calling shall rest upon you, and you shall have joy in administering therein, and you shall have comfort and satisfaction, even so, Amen.

Elizabeth Crowther

Elizabeth Crowther

1858 - 1937

Wife to James Peter Andersen

Mother to Fay Emanuel Andersen
Grandmother to Rene Andersen

(Dad's great-grandmother)

Elizabeth Crowther was born in Payson, Utah August 15, 1858, the fifth child in a family of nine.  Her father, George Crowther, was born in England where he embraced the gospel as a young man.  Her mother, Janet Wiley (or Wylie), was born in Kilburnie, Scotland.  She was of a religious nature and at the age of 16, heard Mormon Elders in the branch of the church opened up by Parley P. Pratt.  Believing their message, she was the first of her family to be baptized in the church, leading her father, mother, and oldest sister in the fold.

It was in a Mormon meeting that George Crowther met and fell in love with Janet.  They were married 3 or 4 years later.  They remained in Scotland until after the birth of their first child, then decided to join the Saints in far off Utah.  They crossed the ocean, landing at New Orleans in the fall of 1849.  Here they stayed for nine years, getting sufficient means to take them across the plains.  They arrived in Salt Lake City, September 12, 1857.  Just a week after their arrival, George Crowther was called to guard against Johnson's army at Echo Canyon and while there Janet moved to Payson, Utah where Elizabeth was born.

One year later her father was called to Whales, Utah then to Mt. Pleasant, back to Wales, Moroni, and finally to Monroe.  While there the Black Hawk War broke out.  Elizabeth was seven years old at that time.  They remained there for three years during the war then moved to Fountain Green.  Her father was a minute man driving the pony express all during the war.

During the early part of her life, Elizabeth lived on thistles, mustard green, sego roots, and mushrooms gathered by the children.  Her life was that of a hard worker with none of the opportunities afforded her grandchildren.  She had five weeks of school.  She spent the rest of her time working in homes for from 50 cents to $1.50 a week.  It was while she was working out that she met James Peter Andersen, whom she married at the age of 17, in Moroni, on October 31, 1875.

Peter and Elizabeth's first home was in Fountain Green where Peter worked at whatever he could find.  His start came while he was herding cattle.  He was paid in grain, cow, etc.  They bought a farm five miles up the canyon from Fountain Green by buying a share at a time as he could get it.  Here they raised all their food.  Elizabeth made butter and cheese and in every way possible utilized the materials she had to work with.  She was a hard worker and a loyal companion to her husband.  Both always supported and were true to the Gospel cause.

In October 1896, Peter was called on a mission to the Central States, leaving his wife and nine children to take care of the farm.  He was gone 26 months.

They moved to Moapa Valley, Nevada, August 1908 because of Peter's health.  A warm dry climate was needed and, reading of this valley in the paper he came down in April to look it over.  He bought a farm and built a home above the Konig Ranch.  Since then he bought and sold many farms.  They moved to Overton, Nevada October 3 and bought a store from Brigham Whitmore.  Later he bought a larger store, the building now used for the theater, and moved from the little brick store.

Elizabeth Crowther (right) with Carrie Andersen (left) in front of family home in Overton, Nevada

They had 12 children, ten of who are still living at this writing (1952), 59 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren.

Janet Rebecca
James William
George Christian
David Edger
Thomas Milton
Robert Vernor
Milddred Elizabeth
Fay Emanuel - Dad's grandfather
Mary jean
Alvin Glen
Linford Anderson - died in infancy
Joseph Odell - died in infancy

Back row:  ?, ?, James Peter, Elizabeth Crowther, Thomas Milton, Fay

Front row:  David Edger, Mildred Elizabeth, Mary Jean, Alvin

Elizabeth's motto has always been the same as her mother's:  "It is better to wear out than to rust out."

She served as President of the Overton Relief Society for many years and was always found serving her neighbors and friends.

She died on a cold January 19, 1937 at age 78.

Gravestone at Pioneer Hill Cemetery in Overton, Nevada.

Fay and Carrie Andersen's gravestone is in the foreground, with James Peter & Elizabeth Crowther Andersen in the background.

**This history comes from a PDF file that I received from dad