A Christmas Gift Idea

Earlier this year my Uncle and I published the first of two photo history books of Springville. These books were compiled by my Grandfather, Vern Jeffers. My grandpa had a love for history and photography. He spent many hours compiling scrapbooks of the local area. He gathered many pictures from his friends as well as taking many of them himself. In July of 1978, referring to the first volume, my grandpa said:

"In presenting this Album, I assure the viewer that I have no ambition to write a history book of Springville. I have sincerely set things down as I have seen or known them in the past. The dates are taken from history, most of the pictures are originals, taken by my self or are copies made from very old prints loaned to me by the owner. If I have erred in some small detail, it is not that I made a mistake in describing what I may have seen or was told by someone, but that I viewed the picture through different eyes.

"It is my hope that someone will see and read the following pages and that in a small way, it will help them write a complete history of the town of Springville, for the town is making new history every day.

"Studying Springville’s history presents an unusual chance to gain insight into the city’s heritage and to reflect on the courage, character, and vision of the first pioneers. We are able to have a better understanding of this history because of the necessary interested persons collected and compiled much of the necessary material to re-construct what happened.

"Springville, settled on the edge of the State’s frontier was not an ordinary town. It was an important outpost in the 1850's and 1860's. A center for religious, Intellectual, political, and economic life. It’s leaders and descendants not only influenced the immediate community, but served as a catalyst for the development of a new state and the west."

The book is presented as a duplicate of the original scrapbook by Vern Jeffers.

If anyone is interested in a copy of this book, they are being sold at SOS Drug in Springville,UT for $15.00.

(Hopefully Volume 2 will be out Summer of 2009)

Savage / Swearingen

A while ago I was in contact with the librarian from Spearville, Kansas. She was kind enough to look up some obituaries for me. The following obituaries are for John Darrol (JD) SAVAGE (1842-1940) and his wife Hellen SWEARINGEN (1849-1940)

J.D. SAVAGE, AGED CITIZEN DEAD

Mr. Savage had been in Failing Health for About Two Years.--Buried Yesterday Afternoon.Died at the home of his son in Spearville, J. D. Savage, aged 77 years 6 months and 1 day.J. D. Savage was born at Grayson, Kentucky, November 17, 1842. He was married to Helen Swearingin March 5, 1867. To this union 9 children were born, six of whom survive: Mrs. C. A. Stritt of Conway Springs, Kansas, Mrs. H. P. Robertson, McFall, Mo., F. W. Savage, Spearville, N. E. Savage, Milton, Kansas, Retta Christie, Spearville, and G. D. Savage, Boulder, Colorado.He moved to Missouri in 1886 where he lived until 1906 when he came to Kansas with his son. Here he has resided since and spent the declining years of his life at his home in Spearville until little more than a year ago when his health made it necessary for him to give up the active work which had always characterized his existence and he moved to the home of his son, Fred, giving up his own residence here.Though he was able to get up town occasionally those who were with him constantly could see he was gradually and steadily failing and finally on May 18 the end came to a long and active life, and the good Christian soul passed into the life beyond.He leaves a wife that has shared his joys and sorrows for more than fifty years, their golden wedding having been celebrated at their home in Spearville three years ago.Beside the above there mourn his departure, 19 grand children, 19 great grand children and a host of friends, for all who knew the venerable old man were drawn to him by his Christlike character and presence.He has been a christian and a member of the Methodist church for more than fifty years.He was a devoted husband and a kind father, and to his fellowmen he had been the soul of fellowship. He always appeared as a man who believed in the doctrine of letting the sunshine of human sympathy and happiness into the dark places of life, and realized that his time on earth was nearing an end, for he always jocularly remarked that "he could not stay here always."But he is gone! Another name is stricken from the ever lessening roll of our venerable old men, and a solitary woman in the sunset of life, and a lonely home, are left to attest how sadly they will miss him. Yet in such a death there is no grief. His life work was done, and well done. He passed his active years and wearied with life's duties and cares, and weary of suffering and waiting he lay down to rest.

MRS. J. D. SAVAGE BURIED HERE TUESDAY

Former Spearville Woman Died Sunday at Home of Daughter in Dodge City Mrs. J. D. Savage, a resident of Spearville from 1906 to 1925, passed away at 12:10 Sunday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Retta Christie in Dodge City. Death was due to pneumonia, with which she had been ill about ten days. She was 90 years, 11 months and 7 days old.Mrs. Savage was born at Russell, Kentucky, Feb. 1, 1849. On March 5, 1867, shortly after the Civil War, she was married to J. D. Savage at Greensburg, Kentucky. After living there a year, the young couple heard the call of the west, locating at McFall, Mo. There they lived for 38 years, rearing a family of nine children, six of whom survive. They are Mrs. C. A. Stitt, Conway Springs; Mrs. Nannie Robertson, McFall, Mo; F. W. Savage, Easton; N. E. Savage, Winfield; G. D. Savage, Denver, Colo; and Mrs. Christie, Dodge City. Eighteen grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren also survive. Her husband preceded her in death in 1920.Mr. and Mrs. Savage built their first home in Spearville on the site of the residence now occupied by Mrs. Laura Parthemore. The house was moved to the second lot south when the Parthemore house was built. When they sold this house Mr. and Mrs. Savage built the house now owned and occupied by L. C. Schultz. There they resided until death claimed Mr. Savage.On March 5, 1917, the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in Spearville, all of their children and many other relatives being present. Mrs. Savage also enjoyed the unusual distinction of attending the golden anniversary of her oldest daughter, Mrs. C. A. Stitt, at Conway Springs four years ago.After the death of her husband, Mrs. Savage made her home a great deal of the time with her daughter, Mrs. Christie. They remained here until 1925, moving to Dodge City then where they have since resided.Mrs. Savage was a member of the Methodist church all her life. She was a member of the Eastern Star lodge early in life.Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Federated Church by Dr. J. W. Abel, pastor of the Methodist Church in Dodge City. A quartet composed of Mr. and Mrs. P. T. Wesmacott, Paul Payton and Mrs. Horace L. Fry sang three old favorite hymns of Mrs. Savage: "Nearer, My God to Thee," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," and "We Are Going Down the Valley One by One." Burial was in Silent Land cemetery beside the body of her husband.

Ann Sims (b. 1792)

A couple of weeks ago I received a letter from someone asking me where I found the death place of Ann SIMS (who married William PAINTER). She died in Apr of 1888 and the place that I had for her was Augusta, Kennebec, Maine. The answer to the question is that I inherited the information. Not being satisfied with that answer I decided to do a quick search and see what I could find for Ann.

The first place I looked was the census. The closest census to her death date is the 1880 census. I found her in that census living with her son, William PAINTER. They were living in Augusta, Richmond, GEORGIA! This is not proof that she died in Georgia but it makes more sense than Maine.

Since I was looking at the Census I decided to look for Ann in other censuses. I found her in the 1851 British census as the head of the household (her husband died in 1836). She was 57 years old and her occupation was listed as Nurse. Three of her Children were living with her - John (age 13), Harriet (age 18), George and his wife Catherine Hughs (both age 27). The were living in St. Michael Parish, Coventry, Warwickshire, England.

In 1861 Ann was living with Harriett McLean who was also a widow on Earl Street in St John Parish, Coventry, Warwickshire, England. She is listed as 68 years old and her occupation was listed as Nurse. Also in 1861 I found Ann on a passenger list on the ship "Underwriter" (It looks like she is traveling with the McLean's). Her destination is listed as "Utah" and she is booked in the lower storage. The passenger list is dated 22 May 1861.

Ann Married William BROADHEAD on 10 Oct 1868 in The Endowment House in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States. On the 1870 she is listed in William Broadhead's household. she is 78 years old.

Flossie

I inherited a lot of genealogy from my great grandmother Flossie PAINTER.

The following is a letter from Flossie Painter Sanford to her decedents. The letter was put into a time capsule in abt. 1930. The capsule was opened 50 years later abt 1980.

(Front of envelope) To the descendants of Frank J Sanford and Flossie Painter Sanford

Lucille, Barbara Elizabeth, Frank Dee, Ruth, Carrie Lavern,
Ina, Carl Arthur

(Page 1) Springville, Utah July 12 - 1931
Dear Children – Our home at present reminds me of a little nest, a father a mother and seven children that have not yet Begin to fly for them selves.

But still travel together in one car, a happy band depending on the protection of father and mother and their livelihood from our 26 acre farm 2 ½ miles from Springville We do all our own work picking Strawberries, rasp. berries cherries tomatoes peaches hoeing weeds cutting peas Hay - ect

(Page 2) We have 800 hens. get 24¢ for extra (eggs) one day old, milk 5 cows one is Dee’s cow All Jerseys.

We are all real happy with our lot, feel as tho we have been blessed a great deal. And if we can only accomplish the examples we are trying to set before you by raising you all to be honorable men and women we will call our task well done If you all grow up to have Love for God Love for each other Love for your country To keep the word of wisdom To be honest and strive for improvement- Honor thy father & they mother

(Page 3) Your father is 2nd counselor in the Sunday School superintendency and has attended S.S every Sunday since Nov 22 - 1928. Barbara, Ina, Ruth have not been absent for 3 yrs. Lavern for over 1 yr. Dee has attended Sunday School every Sunday since he was a deacon in May 1930. Lucille is 16 and teaching a class in Kindergarten. Barbara is sect.
of her dept.

I worked as a teacher in the Sunday School for 5 years, took Carl along in his basket when a tiny baby. I have resigned now on account of my health, as were expecting a new arrival in Oct 1931.

(Page 4) Your father & I are members of the genealogical comm. Papa is chairmen of the junior temple excursions he has to take the boys to Salt Lake temple to be baptized for the dead they go in our car he takes them to places of interest and usually a show making the trip interesting as well as doing their bit in the Latter day saints church.

I am a class leader in relief Society in the social service dept. Our subject is Human Behavior.

Dee is a boy scout.

Barbara, Ruth, Lavern are 4h club members Ina is to young.

(Page 5) This year times are very hard, work is scarce and money is tight. There has been so much invention in the past few years that machinery takes the place of man power. Water has been scarce this year and crops are not good but the price is low at present wheat is plentifully the buyers are offering 37 or 40 cents a bu.

So far we have not felt the effects of hard times although people who are in debt are having a hard time to hold their own.

I want each one of you to write a short note for this letter So I will close my Part

(Page6) May the blessings of the Lord attend you, & that each one of you has lived a worthy life, that you are glad you were privileged to come to this earth Is the desire of your loving mother,
[signed] Flossie V. Painter Sanford

P.S. Father Sanford is 73 years old is still in good health although very hard hearing. Father & mother Painter are both still working hard but their health is not so good. Father is 67- M[other] 63

If you will please make an effort for each one to read this letter, It will be well done.

(Page 7) What if tomorrow should be sad, or never come at all I’ve had at least today This spark of light Twix night and night Let it be bright today Let now the shadow of tomorrow nor the sorrow of the dead yesterday Spoil my life today For if tomorrow should be sad er never to come at all I’ve had at least today -- Mother

(Page 8) Life is simply froth and bubble Two things stand like Stone Kindness in anothers trouble Courage in your own [signed] Ruth Sanford

Smile and the world smiles with you. Weep and you weep alone. [signed] Carrie Lavern Sanford

I am 9 years old Aug 3. am in the 4th grade like to read. like to go to Sunday School. [signed] Ina Sanford / Lucille Sanford age 16

(Page 9) My earthly desire is to fulfill a mission, Obtain a high rank in scouting and become a coach Frank Dee Sanford age 13

(Page 10) I desire to become a school teacher, and go on a mission; Barbara Sanford

Springville, UT July 14, 1931

We are listening now to an experiment Broadcast in a ship on the Pacific Ocean the first of its kind and it is coming in quite well. If this letter stays in Keeping for 50 years there will be many great things happen by then. Hoping the readers of this which I hope are all of you children Have health wealth and Happiness and honorable people [signed] Frank J Sanford

(Page 11) I desire[desire is crossed out] want to Run the car When I am a big man, to take down the eggs and strawberries Carl, age 3 years

The First One

Picture to the right is of John BIRD (b. 1806) and Ann Russon (b. 1808)

JOHN BIRD

"On Wednesday, 17 Jan 1855, the Clipper ship "Charles Buck" sailed for New Orleans, Louisiana from Liverpool, England. It was commanded by Captain Smalley and had four hundred and three souls on board, composed of about seventy saints from Scandinavia in charge of Elder Eric G.M. Hogan and a large group of passengers who were emigrating saints from Great Britain. This latter group had been transferred from the ship "Hellios." Elder Richard Ballantyne, who had recently arrived in England from a mission to Hindustan, was the acting president of the entire group.

Aboard the Charles Buck was John Bird, accompanied by his wife, Ann Russon, two sons and two daughters. Walter, the oldest son had already made his way to the New World with a friend, Thomas Tew, Jr., and they had established themselves in Springville, Utah. Eliza, the second child of the Bird family, died at the age of eighteen months in England and Rebecca, John, Ann Elizabeth, and William Henry accompanied their parents on the voyage.
John Bird was the only son of John Bird and Elizabeth Taylor, having three sisters, and all for children having been born in Solihull, Warwickshire, England. John was probably born in 1806, or shortly before, as he was christened on 12 Jan 1806. At about the age of twenty-four or twenty-five he married Ann Russon, daughter of Thomas Russon and Sarah Tongue, born in Overbury, Worcestershire, England. John and Ann evidently moved around a bit as they had children born in Yardley, Fieldgate, Elmdon, Solihull, and Aston - and the census taken in 1851 indicates that they were all living at Charles Henry Place, Charles Henry Street, Birmingham at that time.

Four years earlier, in 1847, the gospel of Jesus Christ had been preached to the Bird family and the oldest son, Walter, had been baptized. John and Ann accepted the message of the missionaries and were baptized in 1849 and soon after began to make plans to gather with the saints in Zion. Walter arrived in Utah on 30 Aug 1851 and began to accumulate funds to assist his parents, and with the assistance of the Perpetual Emigration Fund, he was finally able to secure passage for the family.

The Charles Buck docked in New Orleans on the 14 March 1855 and the family continued their journey up the Mississippi, then up the Missouri River and landed at Atchison, Missouri. They joined the saints living in an area called "Mormon Grove." John Bird, a shoemaker by trade, through necessity had worked in the lead works in England and his health was somewhat impaired. He along with all the others, was deprived adequate nourishment on the voyage, and when his became exposed to Mountain Fever, he suffered and died on 11 May 1855, leaving his grieving family to continue across the plains alone.

John was buried at Atchison, Missouri, having reached the age of less than fifty years. He joined the many others who made a courageous attempt to cross the plains and were caught short. One historian estimated that there may have been as many as six thousand souls who parrished on the plains before the railroad eased the burdens."