I, being the eighth child of a family of ten children, was quite a handful for my family. They must have had a problem trying to decide where to put us into rooms, where our food and clothing would come from. We must have fared well as you can tell by looking at me now. The first few years of my life was spent drinking olive oil by the gallons to prevent me from an operation for appendicitis, which must have done the trick for I am still holding on to my treasured appendix. I can remember my mother telling me about a very wonderful person who came to help each one of us into our new world, as there was not always a doctor present. Her name is sister Eliza Davis, a dear friend, who is still living at the age of ninety four.

At the age of eight years I started school in a small white school house about 2 miles from my home. How I remember that first day, wanting very much to read from a small green book with red flowers, which my teacher Amy Wright gave to me. From that day I liked school very well having my ups and downs as all children do. Not always getting along with some of my studies as well as my teachers. My favorite was spelling of, which I learned to love from my grandfather Mason, who was the first teacher in that part of the country who came to see us often helping us with those things which were very difficult for us to grasp at such an early age. I enjoyed the spelling contests we had with other schools for I met many friends I will never forget. One of them being Willis Broadhurst, my teacher who made that year one of the happiest I ever spent.

I continued my on through the 8th grade and thinking myself well learned I refused the adice of my parents to go on through high school, which I have regretted very much. My tasks at home were many sometimes, being more than I could do. Having had two brothers older than myself. My older brother john being married and my younger brother Raymond going into the service of his country left a great deal of work on my parents, who were the most wonderful people in our lives. Times were never too hard or times to short but what we could depend on them being at our side. Giving loving counsel and support always. Listening to our problems helping us with decisions which were sometimes very difficult. Always willing to forgive and forget mistakes.

We were taught the greatest lesson of all at a very early age, to honor our Father in Heaven and Jesus with all our hearts. They really gave us a firm foundation and good foundation on which to build our lives. We learned the golden rule, do unto others as you would have others to do unto you. Through all these teachings we grew to be a very close family, giving and sharing, not having very many luxuries. But always plenty of good food prepared with every body's hands. There was always room for anyone who needed help or understanding.

My younger sister, Ariel, and I were like peas in a pod. In more ways than I would like to mention. She always said I was the trial of her life and I sometimes am inclined to think she was right. I was always trying to protect her, as I felt it was my responsibility me being older than she, but the things I put her through sometimes were no joke, like the times I took her barefooted over the hayfield of stubble and through irrigation ditches, barely squeezing under barbed wire fences to escape a prowler I perceived was after us. I guess I just got mixed up a little chasing after her. When an electric storm came up taking her coat to her trying to persuade her to come back to the house with me and let the cows get home the best way they can. But I wonder sometimes who was the trial.

Those were the good old days. She and I had about everything there was to do on a farm. My father ran a dairy and for several years we milked 35 head of cows by hand , no milking machines available. Taking them from and to the pasture which we did on our own two feet with the help of a very loyal and faithful dog whom we called Old Teddy. What a friend, a life saver…The milk had to be separated so that the cream could be churned into butter and to help our wonderful dear mother who worked many hours churning it into butter and preparing it for the customers. Often times she was so tired she could hardly get things accomplished that had to be done. But I never remember her complaining.

Not being able to hire any help to harvest the crops, we helped our father. It was during this time I had an experience I will never forget. At times I just get a bang out of relating it. My father worked so many hours in the field and was very tired when coming in at night, sometimes being dark, I decided I would help him along by putting hay into the mangers for the horses. The barn had a loft and the hay being in the loft and the boards being quite far apart in my attempt my well intended task to help I fell through the loft onto one of the horses which I hadn't intended gave me the jar of my life. But one thing I have to be thankful for, I chose the right horse or I would not be here to write it. Although we were kept very busy we always had time for fun which we had at night after our work was done, playing hide and seek and run sheep run behind the piles of hay and shocks of grain which we had so carefully placed for a special purpose. My father would read to us each night as we gathered around the fireside before going to bed. Mother would mend our clothing as there was much to be done for a family of 10. I will always remember how our clothes were ready and neatly placed for each of us to get ready for Sunday School. This my mother did without ever complaining. She was not always able to accompany us so we went with our father he being superintendent of Sunday School. One thing that stands out in my memory was seeing my parents singing in the choir and hoping for the day I could join them which came later on. And how I enjoyed being there. The song they sang to us at home was There is Beauty All Around When There is Love at Home meant a great deal to us and this has remained with us throughout our lives.

I can remember well the day I was baptized a short distance from my home by Bishop William Roadhouse. Although the stream was not too deep in which I was baptized I was rather frightened. I was so very grateful for my sister Clarice. As she always seemed to be above the entrance..She was always at my side giving me courage and strength to help me through many trying times. She was indeed an angel of mercy. I was baptized the 25 day of August 1912 and confirmed the same day by John William Palmer.

I lived with my parents on the farm until my graduation from grade school doing what was necessary to help. This was the year 1920. During the last 8 years we had some sorrow come to the family. My dear sister Florence passed away the 26 day of January 1916. Her death came a few days after the birth of her very beautiful little daughter Renessa. The father, William E. Davenport, serving his country was killed in action serving in France the 3rd of November 1918. He was buried somewhere over there. The third of December just one month to the day dear little Renessa passed away. This seemed more than my parents could stand having so many heartaches all so close. But of great consolation to them was that we all knew they were all together as they were married in the Salt Lake temple the 21 of December 1914. And although we all miss them we knew what a great reunion there must have been for them together.

I left the farm where I had spent the first 17 years of my life to try to help out with my support. I stared sorting peas for John A Challenge in St. Anthony, Idaho.

Along with working I had many great experience in different activities in the church. Going to dances which I enjoyed very much. Singing as a group of cousins we spent many years together singing at many occasions. Much of the time writing our own songs. One that I remember so well we called "Idaho" which always brings back cherished memories. I got great pleasure writing poetry through these years. I met so many wonderful friends who I will never forget.

A very special day came the 16th of November, 1924 when I became the wife of James L. (LaVoy) Bowman , my childhood sweetheart. We married by Joseph A Branch in Idaho Falls, (Bonneville county)Idaho. My cousin, Veda Hiatt and her husband, Nathan Young, were married at the same time, making it a double wedding. Also I could say it was an elopement, but what an experience. We lived together in the same apartment in St. Anthony for a short time. Had loads of fun. We later moved into a house sharing it the winter of 1924.

The spring of 1925 we moved to Sarilda, Idaho where we lived until fall. The 17 of March 1926 we had the great privilege of going to the Logan temple to be married. What a glorious occasion. We had some experiences during the trip we will always remember. We went from St. Anthony to Logan on the train and getting off the train at the wrong location we found no one there to meet us. So we proceeded to walk. I got along fairly well but that husband of mine had worn a new pair of oxfords and so he finally had to take his shoes off and walk in his socks down the highway. What a sight we must have been. But some good Samaritan came along and gave us a ride to our destination. We stayed with Uncle Will and Aunt Fanny Bowman. In Lewiston. Aunt Fanny accompanied us through the temple. What a great lady she was We will always remember their great hospitality and friendship.

On the 13th day of October 1926 we were again blessed when a beautiful baby girl, Betty Lou, was born at her grandparents home in Sarilda, Fremont County, Idaho. When she was 3 months old she became very ill with pneumonia. But through our prayers and having 2 wonderful me who were directed to our home administered to her she was almost immediately healed. She brought so much love and enjoyment into all the lives she touched. In three years on the second of September, 1929 we received another bundle of joy when Merlene Agnes came to bless our home. She was born at Sarilda Idaho. She gave us so many happy hours and being saddened by the death of my wonderful father the 5th of October 1929 Merlene gave me strength to carry on and filled somewhat the need I felt in the loss of one loved and missed very much.

When Merlene was very young we moved back to St. Anthony where we worked at different kinds of work at very little pay and trying to build a place of our own. I had bought a lot on grandpa's ground when I was working sorting peas. We decided to build a house. We didn't have much to start with so we hawled logs from Island park and built one room which seemed like a mansion to us. We didn't have much of this world's goods but our hearts were filled with joy when on a bright sunny day July 31, 1933 we had another blessed event come into our life again .Another beautiful daughter, Shirley Jean, came to bless our one room cottage with so much love and happiness and Joy we felt like we had been give heaven on earth and couldn't ask for more.

We spent many happy hours together, each one trying to do our part to lighten the load that sometimes seemed to be very heavy. Buy through it all we became very close and spent the happiest time of our lives. Not having the best of food to eat and clothes to wear sometimes it was very slim in both categories but as for friends we never wanted as we had the most very loyal and best friends anyone could ask for.

When Shirley was 4 years old we went to work for Mr. John Wells, in Malad, Idaho. He had a farm and there was much to be done. It was Betty's responsibility to take care of the sheep which she nearly very near ran her legs off doing. Then in her spare time she gathered the eggs, helped washed and handle them. She did so much she said she never wanted to see another egg. The work on the farm consisted of taking care of the hay, clearing the sage brush which we all did, Taking care of the cooking was like running a boarding house. Always having to prepare and prepare another meal for someone Mr Wells thought might be hungry. He had a heart of gold . But it became too much of a good thing and I couldn't continue the work. My husband couldn't do the outside work as he contacted Asthma. So we moved back to St. Anthony, Idaho and later that year we moved to Island Park where my husband worked on the dam that was being built there. It was a beautiful summer. We all liked very much living there meeting many friends and having some very choice experiences. Just before Thanksgiving we went back to St. Anthony. We had quite an experience getting over the Warm River Hill. It was so slick we couldn't keep from slipping. We has such a load on our car that Betty and Merlene went with Mr Bernside who was coming down at the same time. His car was ahead of us. The car started slipping and he tried to apply the breaks and the car slid across the road hitting the railing. Thank God for His protecting hand or it could have been a tragedy.

At this time we were still living in one room but having some used lumber from the cabin at Island Park we built another room onto the house. Which helped very much. In the Fall of 1936. January the 5th 1938 a very precious baby came yet again a beautiful daughter which we named Sharon Laverle. She was welcomed by the whole neighborhood. Bringing joy and love and poor father he decided he was about ready to give up in the male department but I am sure he would never have traded.

The following years we spent doing many kinds of work, such as farm work for Mr Leonard Jenkins. Who was a real friend with his wife Ruth were always there when we needed anything. We finally moved back to town where we tried many kinds of work, tristate lumber, the fire department, we did custodian work for the church. Our daughter Betty taking over the work at the Seminary. Helped to lighten the load as we worked many hours. She did a very thorough and outstanding job. She was very conscientious . We met many wonderful people who stood by our side. Through our efforts and the help of the Lord we were able to build a larger home. My husband, myself, my children, and many wonderful neighbors did the building and enjoyed the work together.

I held the position of secretary in the primary in St. Anthony in 1943 in which I met many wonderful people and gained a great deal through working and listening to the counsel and advice which they gave me.

In the spring of 1944 my husband obtained work at Hanford Washington working for Dupont. After school let out my children and I joined him there where we worked until January of 1945 after which we moved to New Mexico. Living first at Santa Fe and later on to Los Alamos. Where we worked on construction until 1948. We had many experiences that which meant a great deal to us and our many friends from all parts of the world made our years spent there most rewarding.

There was no LDS church there but through the efforts of the missionaries who came there, one of them being from Utah, and some very nice people a branch or mission was organized of which we obtained much joy and satisfaction. We run into difficulty about the schools there and feeling that the children would be better off in many ways we returned to St. Anthony, Idaho in the year of 1948 where we lived into 1951 we moved to Ogden, Utah.

In 1952 I had a very bad sickness which the doctors didn't know the cause of or the treatment for. I was in the Dee hospital for several weeks and became very discouraged, and very close to death. But I knew I had much to live for. A wonderful husband who cared very much and some wonderful children who meant so much to me and still do. Through the wonderful men of the priesthood who came daily to the hospital to administer to me I was made well. I owe a great deal to the doctors and nurses and the many friends who came to visit me and Prayers offered in my behalf. It took many years for me to recover completely and it seems a long way back, but I knew that my Heavenly father was watching over me and that He hears and answers prayers. When I came out of the hospital I went to my wonderful daughter, Betty, where she cared for me until I was able to move to our house. Merlene and Sharon had quite a responsibility as I wasn't able to do much for myself. My daughter , Shirley, who lived some distance from Ogden was unable to be with me but I felt her love and prayers with me always.

In the year 1953 we moved to 3890 Washington Blvd. Where we lived in the 14th ward where I served as President in the Relief Society from October 1954 to January of 1956. Also in the genealogy committee going often to Salt Lake to do research at the archive where I did work and attending Salt Lake and Logan Temple where I did many endowments. Great Spiritual experiences.

While yet at the 14th ward I had privilege of obtaining a patriarchal blessing given me by brother Verger Stromberg on August the 4, 1954 which I treasure very much.

I am so grateful for the privilege of attending the dedication of the Ogden tabernacle officiating was David O McKay.

In 1956 we moved to Washington Terrace (Ogden) where I had the privilege of teaching primary in the 3rd ward . One of the children being our oldest granddaughter, Sandra Lynn Clark. I grew to love the girls very much and we were like one big family. While living in the 3rd ward I met some very special sisters. Working with the visiting teachers and singing with the singing mothers.

On October 17th we moved to our new home at 4251 south 250 East at Washington Terrace. I started working as the secretary for the genealogy of the stake where I continued for several years. Having many cherished experiences and meeting many wonderful people. Washington Terrace grew in leaps and bounds until it moved into a stake. When the stake was divided we moved into the 1st ward where we continued working in genealogy. Going to Salt Lake and do church work at the archives and the genealogical library. We were later assigned to the 4th ward and still continued in research and temple work. We met very choice friends in all the wards. Our neighbors , Brother and sister Laurence and Opal Weeks were special special to us. Working on church activities together. Opal and I worked for the red cross where we took nursing courses. Working for the blood bank doing sewing for the hospital in Roy Utah. Making articles and packing boxes for the state hospital in Provo.

On February 27, 1970 my husband and I were called to serve a 2 year mission at the Ogden genealogical library where we served til March the 10th 1972. These experiences will remain with us always. While at the Library we were privileged to see the Ogden Temple completed.

On November the 16th 1974 we celebrated our golden wedding anniversary. We were honored by the 4th ward as being the oldest married couple. What an occasion. A banquet fit for a king. A live orchestra which provided the music, hours of dancing, beautiful singing.

On father's day 15th June, 1981 my husband was honored as being the oldest father in the ward. Him being 81 years old, our picture with 4 children and 21 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren was presented to us which we will treasure always.

We had the privilege of attending the Idaho Falls temple with Ruly and Brenda where they were married also attending the Salt Lake temple with Lee and Lynette and Mike and Diane. This enjoying these experiences very much we would have liked very much to attended the Idaho Falls temple with Trisha and Drex and the children when they took out their endowments and were married and and sealed as a family. Also this last year Mona, Rey and the children went to the Seattle Washington temple where they were endowed married and sealed in the temple. Our Grandson Lee served a 2 year mission in Italy from the latter part of 1973 to the latter part for 1975. He had some very choice experiences and bore very strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. Our granddaughter Kathy spent nearly in Israel where she had some very great experiences and gained a great store of knowledge and grew to love the people. Her travels were extensive and the experiences she brought home have given us a lot of enjoyment.

Throughout my life I have been very grateful for the church experiences that have brought much enjoyment to me. As far back as I can remember there was always times for doing things together as a family. My father and my brother John gave the calling for the quadrils or square dancing. Mom and the whole family went . We took lunch and spent many evenings sometimes morning when we would get home. Although there was much work to do the family always looked forward to this. How we all liked going with our parent to visit Grandfather and Grandmother Jenkins and Grandmother and Grandfather Mason. We really liked our Grandmother Jenkins home made bread with lots of butter and home made preserves. She used to spread the butter and the preserves on the loaf before she cut the slice off. I remember we thought that made it a lot better. Then when I went to stay with Grandma Mason I used to love to sample her pickled peaches from the crock or jar. I guess that is where I leaned to love all that mother prepared. Always a big pot of beans which I enjoyed whatever the occasions. Her home made bread with preserves mint, rhubarb, raisin, …with the butter she prepared with her own hands. And her delicious apple butter, vegetables, corn on the cob, pickled beets, green beans My father always saw that our meat was prepared for the whole year ahead. He built a smokehouse where the hams and bacon were hung and all the beef was always fresh and protected against spoilage.As we had no refrigerators he built us an ice house which we used to stock with ice from the frozen streams near our home. That was quite a endeavor and very interesting. Dad and the boys would saw the ice into blocks from the frozen streams and haul it into the ice house. Then they would pack it in sawdust that we got from the wood from the saw mill.

There was never a dull moment. I sometimes would like very much to go back and live those days again. I remember mama used to send me down to Grandma Jenkins to borrow a start of yeast to make her bread. I had acquired a rather liking for the taste of yeast. I would tell grandma that mom needed a big start and then I would drink part of it. I don't know whether grandma or mom ever surmised something funny but this is one of my childhood pranks of which there were many. Like the time I thought I was protecting my sister, Ariel, from the things I put her through. I had a great imagination and believe me at times it ran away with me. I remember one time mom and dad someplace and I told them I would stay home and prepare the evening meal. And prepare I did. I cooked a whole package of rice. I had all the pans in the house full. For the next week we had rice for every meal. Just like living in China. My brother, Jack, still kids me about whenever I see him now…He says, "have you ever cooked anymore rice sis?" He and I was always trying to stir up something to do. The doughnuts we made where we used all of mom's shortening or lard as we called it were very good but all the pounds it added to our waist. One time Ariel and I decided to make some taffy, We were always having taffy pulls, this time we and some neighbor kids help. This time we put the candy in a plate and put it in the snow outside. When we went to check to see if it was ready to pull, I will never forget the sight. One of the chickens that was running loose had stepped with both feet into the plate of candy and we laughed our heads off. The poor old chicken was really doing the step dance. That did indeed end our candy pull. Ariel and I were always getting into something as we were real curious. One time I remember we found what we thought was little kittens so we put them in our aprons and took them home, but it didn't take long for dad to change our minds on that score as our little kittens turned out to be skunks. Another time we found a whole nest of eggs so we took them home and put them under one of mom's old setting hens and when they hatched out what do you suppose? They were just plain old owls. That poor old hen had quite a time trying to keep with her brood when they started to fly. I guess we got into so many things together that it was sometimes hard to get out of..Mom used to make homemade beer and it was great. For a time which she intended it to be, but we went over board one time that I remember. We sure felt high, happy and full of pep. Everything looked fuzzy. It was fun while it lasted but to explain to mom and dad the reason for our peculiar actions was something else.

I think sometimes when I recall some of my experiences I could cry. Like the time mom sent me to our little country store to get some salt pete. It was some distance from my home and usually I rode my horse but learning from a previous experience I fell from my horse trying to hold the sack of groceries and nearly broke my bones. I decided to walk. I made it to the store but coming back I had to pass a pasture where the neighbors had cows. I had a very dislike for bulls as I have experienced some very bad times with such. So rather than to go by the pasture I decided to wade the canal. To look at it seemed the best thing to do. So with the sack of salt under my arms I proceeded to accomplish my task, but the stream of water was deeper than it looked and when I got so far out the water came up under my chin. I had to go back and figure out another way to get home. I finally decided that if I waited long enough someone would come and get me, and I thought that the salt pete would dry out if I waited for a while..I will never forget the look on my brother Raymond's face when he saw me sitting upon the canal bank, my hair and clothes all dripping wet and still expecting the sack salt pete to dry out before taking it home. He sure got a kick out of the forlorn little rag muffin with a great problem on her hand of facing mom and explaining while the salt was was soaking wet.

Mom left many thing unfinished in this life history because she wrote this 10 years before she passed away on the 9th of November, 1994 at the age of 91 in the Home of Betty Lou Bowman Drummond. She came out into the living room and laid her head down on the arm of the couch, closed her eyes and quietly went to sleep. She died, as she lived, with great peace and dignity. Our Father in heaven took her into His arms and carried her home and she now dwells there with my Dad and Sister and my Dear Son Ruly and others of my family that have passed on to prepare a place for us when we leave this earth behind. I could say so many wonderful things about my mother and all of them would be true, but the things that always stood out most in my mind and heart was her gentleness, her love for her family and husband and her great ability to empathize with all who she came into contact with. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone. I can never remember her saying a cruel thing to anyone. She lived her life with great zest and had a great sense of humor. I can still hear her laughing at a joke one of the kids told her (clean of course) and slapping her leg in glee. She always wanted the family to have fun together and we always did. We were allowed to have fun in our home and many times she was left to do all the work on a holiday while we played games with dad or each other or played music. She never complained though I am sure that there were many times she wanted to. How do you end a life that touched so many others with just these few word? There is no way that I can ever express how much we loved her and how much she affected each of our lives for good. There is no way to measure this. It goes on from generation to generation and has no end. Her posterity is many and they will all raise up and call her blessed. We love you so much mom…Until we meet again…

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