Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history details their life after they came to Utah. This is the last of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 22–23). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
Eliza and Charles spent many happy days together remembering all the happiness, struggles, and heartaches they had shared. They watched all the children marry and start homes for themselves. They were both happy with all the grandchildren arriving. It was a life well spent.
On February 13, 1926, Eliza passed away. She died in her lovely new home that she loved so well at 527 East Fifth North, Logan, Utah. After she passed away, Charles was very lonely. All the children were in homes of their own, and he missed his own loving wife so much.
After three years had passed away, he married Rosalea Stephens Dee on June 13, 1929. She was a good companion for him. They had seven good years together before she died July 29, 1936. She was buried August 2, 1936, by the side of Eliza in the Logan cemetery.
Charles was alone again for nearly two years. At this time he decided to make one Emily Roseina Hart Woodward his wife. They were married July 2, 1938, and were together until her death a year and a half later on January 2, 1940. The Batt lot in the Logan cemetery is also the resting place for this third wife.
In his late years, Charles lost his eyesight and also his hearing. He moved to Salt Lake City to be with his youngest daughter, Myrtle, who gave him loving care until his death. He died in her home on September 17, 1949, exactly one week short of his 88th birthday. He was survived by his remaining children—William, Pearl, Ruby, Myrtle, Charles Gladstone, and Morley. Cecily had passed away in July 1939. He was also survived by 20 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Charles’s body was taken back to Logan, his home, and was buried in the Batt lot in the Logan cemetery.
Monday, December 28, 2009
2 Quote of the week
"Testimony isn't something that you have today and you keep always. Testimony is either going to grow and grow to the brightness of certainty, or it is going to diminish to nothingness, depending upon what we do about it. I say, the testimony that we recapture day by day is the thing that saves us from the pitfalls of the adversary" (Harold B. Lee in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, 43).
3 This week in our family
Mon, Dec 28: Terry and LaWanda Packwood married 1990 [Gene]
Wed, Dec 30: Rex Sayer born 1952 [Jackie]
Thurs, Dec 31: New Year's Eve
Fri, Jan 1: New Year's Day
Mon, Jan 4: Next issue of newsletter
Wed, Dec 30: Rex Sayer born 1952 [Jackie]
Thurs, Dec 31: New Year's Eve
Fri, Jan 1: New Year's Day
Mon, Jan 4: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
We are hoping you all had a delightful Christmas with your families, loved ones, and friends. All of our family did. Well, except for Chris and Camilla in Everett, who are not celebrating their Christmas until December 31, the day after Chris's parents arrive from Utah for a visit. They are able to pull that off because their three-year-old Sam doesn't know what day Christmas is supposed to be on.
And Kay and Karen on their blog, Called to Serve, show and tell their travel from Cuzco to Urubamba during the week just before Christmas week. There are a lot of pictures. Unbelievably, their mission to Peru will be ending in another six months.
And Kay and Karen on their blog, Called to Serve, show and tell their travel from Cuzco to Urubamba during the week just before Christmas week. There are a lot of pictures. Unbelievably, their mission to Peru will be ending in another six months.
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the December 1959 and January 1960 diaries of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Dec 28. Washed cloths all day. Ray milked this morning & I worked on my books & threw away old bills. We cooked a ham roast & had supper right after Ivard got home from work about 6: He had a flat tire & no spare. Louie wrote about Stellas wreck. I went back to work tonite.
Tues, Dec 29. I came home from work & went to bed. Kids got me up at 12:30 & I got ready & went to relief society officers & teachers & visiting teachers party. came home at 4: & Gail Lynda & Kids were here, they brought Gene home. Kay got ready & went over to Adrian & took Claudia to High School to Xmas formal.
Wed, Dec 30. It started to snow at 6:45 A.M & there was an in or more when we came out to go home. I read paper & went to bed & Ivard took Gene in to basketball practice. They came home at noon & woke me up they made so much noise. Ivard took Gene, Ray, & Dean in to church at 4:30 to settle up their titheing. They were all full tithe payers.
Thurs, Dec 31. sent Jerry letter & money got letter from Stella. I came home & Ivard was in bed. I went to bed until 9:30 then we got up & went & got Ivards check & pd. bills & got Int. drawn up on all our savings accounts. Ivards day off & at 2:30 he got called out brakeing to Nyssa. At 7:30 I fixed Kids hambergers & cocoa & stuff for New Years Eve & we ate at 8:30 & I went to bed until time to go to work. Kay - Gene - Dean- Dale & Jackie watched T.V.
Fri, Jan 1. I came home from work at 8:30 & Ivard was home in bed & I went to bed with him. Ivard got up & played games with Kids & watched Rose bowl game. I got up at 3: & cooked a pot roast & veg. & we ate at 5:30.
Sat, Jan 2. I came home from work & Kay said to hurry & iorn his cloths he was leaving at 10: I iorned his 15 shirts & helped him pack but it was noon before Bob, Fran & Claudia came & got him. Ivard cut all the Kids hair & at 10: he took Gene in to play basket ball. Ray cleaned house & they took down Xmas tree.
Sun, Jan 3. I came home & Ivard was in bed. I got ready & Ivard & Kids & I went to priesthood sunday school & fast meeting. We got home about 1:30 & Ivard & I went to bed until time to go to work. When I woke up at 7: Gene had done chores & him & Ray had gone in to Stake house with Max to a special Fireside. President McKay talked to them by direct wire from Salt Lake for 1/2 hr.
Mon, Dec 28. Washed cloths all day. Ray milked this morning & I worked on my books & threw away old bills. We cooked a ham roast & had supper right after Ivard got home from work about 6: He had a flat tire & no spare. Louie wrote about Stellas wreck. I went back to work tonite.
Tues, Dec 29. I came home from work & went to bed. Kids got me up at 12:30 & I got ready & went to relief society officers & teachers & visiting teachers party. came home at 4: & Gail Lynda & Kids were here, they brought Gene home. Kay got ready & went over to Adrian & took Claudia to High School to Xmas formal.
Wed, Dec 30. It started to snow at 6:45 A.M & there was an in or more when we came out to go home. I read paper & went to bed & Ivard took Gene in to basketball practice. They came home at noon & woke me up they made so much noise. Ivard took Gene, Ray, & Dean in to church at 4:30 to settle up their titheing. They were all full tithe payers.
Thurs, Dec 31. sent Jerry letter & money got letter from Stella. I came home & Ivard was in bed. I went to bed until 9:30 then we got up & went & got Ivards check & pd. bills & got Int. drawn up on all our savings accounts. Ivards day off & at 2:30 he got called out brakeing to Nyssa. At 7:30 I fixed Kids hambergers & cocoa & stuff for New Years Eve & we ate at 8:30 & I went to bed until time to go to work. Kay - Gene - Dean- Dale & Jackie watched T.V.
Fri, Jan 1. I came home from work at 8:30 & Ivard was home in bed & I went to bed with him. Ivard got up & played games with Kids & watched Rose bowl game. I got up at 3: & cooked a pot roast & veg. & we ate at 5:30.
Sat, Jan 2. I came home from work & Kay said to hurry & iorn his cloths he was leaving at 10: I iorned his 15 shirts & helped him pack but it was noon before Bob, Fran & Claudia came & got him. Ivard cut all the Kids hair & at 10: he took Gene in to play basket ball. Ray cleaned house & they took down Xmas tree.
Sun, Jan 3. I came home & Ivard was in bed. I got ready & Ivard & Kids & I went to priesthood sunday school & fast meeting. We got home about 1:30 & Ivard & I went to bed until time to go to work. When I woke up at 7: Gene had done chores & him & Ray had gone in to Stake house with Max to a special Fireside. President McKay talked to them by direct wire from Salt Lake for 1/2 hr.
6 What in the world
A milestone for the Ensign
The Ensign is the official Church magazine for adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The January issue begins the 40th year of publication and has been significantly redesigned and reorganized. You will be interested in checking it out (see, for example, "Your Guide to Using the Ensign," in Ensign, Jan. 2010, 10-13).
The first issue of the Ensign was published in January 1970, replacing the Improvement Era and the Relief Society Magazine. The New Era magazine for youth and the Friend magazine for children were also first published 40 years ago in January 1970.
2010 Church curriculum
A newly redesigned version of the Gospel Principles manual has been published for study during the Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society classes on the second and third Sunday of each month during 2010 and 2011. It replaces the Teachings of Presidents of the Church series that we have been using since 1998. (See the article by Elder Russell M. Nelson, entitled "The New Gospel Principles Manual," in Ensign, Jan. 2010, 29-31, for more information.)
The Gospel Doctrine classes in Sunday School will be studying the Old Testament (as well as the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price) during 2010 as a part of the four-year rotation through the scriptures (the Old Testament in 2010, the New Testament in 2011, the Book of Mormon in 2012, and the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history again in 2013).
Bowl games
This past week was a good one for teams from the Mountain West conference. BYU (ranked 14th) beat Oregon State (ranked 18th) 44-20 in the Las Vegas Bowl on Tuesday, December 22. And Utah (ranked 23rd) beat Cal 37-27 in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on Wednesday, December 23.
TCU (ranked 4th) will meet Boise State (ranked 6th) in the Fiesta Bowl on Monday, January 4.
The Ensign is the official Church magazine for adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The January issue begins the 40th year of publication and has been significantly redesigned and reorganized. You will be interested in checking it out (see, for example, "Your Guide to Using the Ensign," in Ensign, Jan. 2010, 10-13).
The first issue of the Ensign was published in January 1970, replacing the Improvement Era and the Relief Society Magazine. The New Era magazine for youth and the Friend magazine for children were also first published 40 years ago in January 1970.
2010 Church curriculum
A newly redesigned version of the Gospel Principles manual has been published for study during the Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society classes on the second and third Sunday of each month during 2010 and 2011. It replaces the Teachings of Presidents of the Church series that we have been using since 1998. (See the article by Elder Russell M. Nelson, entitled "The New Gospel Principles Manual," in Ensign, Jan. 2010, 29-31, for more information.)
The Gospel Doctrine classes in Sunday School will be studying the Old Testament (as well as the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price) during 2010 as a part of the four-year rotation through the scriptures (the Old Testament in 2010, the New Testament in 2011, the Book of Mormon in 2012, and the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history again in 2013).
Bowl games
This past week was a good one for teams from the Mountain West conference. BYU (ranked 14th) beat Oregon State (ranked 18th) 44-20 in the Las Vegas Bowl on Tuesday, December 22. And Utah (ranked 23rd) beat Cal 37-27 in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on Wednesday, December 23.
TCU (ranked 4th) will meet Boise State (ranked 6th) in the Fiesta Bowl on Monday, January 4.
7 A final word
Another new year is soon upon us. As I was preparing this issue of the newsletter (a task I've been at for some 36 years since the first issue back in September 1973), I had to go down into my basement storage room and search through the box full of my mother's diaries to find the one for 1960 and to put the one for 1959 away.
I actually remember 1960. How did it happen that it was 50 years ago? I must be getting old.
Milestones such as the changing of years or birthdays or anniversaries are times to reflect and ponder and evaluate the course of our lives and to determine whether we're on course and headed in the direction we want to be going. This marvelous test we're in, this classroom called life, will some day end. None of us knows when our particular final is scheduled. None of us, I suspect, ever accomplishes all we would like to accomplish, ever learns all we would like to learn, or ever serves all we would like to serve. But the key, at the time of our departure from this life, is to be on the right path and headed in the right direction. And then we will have passed the necessary tests and our rest will be glorious.
I actually remember 1960. How did it happen that it was 50 years ago? I must be getting old.
Milestones such as the changing of years or birthdays or anniversaries are times to reflect and ponder and evaluate the course of our lives and to determine whether we're on course and headed in the direction we want to be going. This marvelous test we're in, this classroom called life, will some day end. None of us knows when our particular final is scheduled. None of us, I suspect, ever accomplishes all we would like to accomplish, ever learns all we would like to learn, or ever serves all we would like to serve. But the key, at the time of our departure from this life, is to be on the right path and headed in the right direction. And then we will have passed the necessary tests and our rest will be glorious.
Monday, December 21, 2009
1 Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
One hundred and thirteen years ago arguably the most famous editorial ever to be published in an American newspaper appeared in the New York Sun on September 21, 1897, under the heading “Is There a Santa Claus.” After his death on April 11, 1906, the Sun broke its policy of editorial anonymity to announce that Francis P. Church had written this editorial. We share it here for your delight at this holiday season.
We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:
“Dear Editor: I am 8 years old.
“Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
“Papa says ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’
“Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?
“Virginia O'Hanlon.
“115 West Ninety fifth Street.”
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
A very merry Christmas to you all. And God bless us everyone.
We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:
“Dear Editor: I am 8 years old.
“Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
“Papa says ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’
“Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?
“Virginia O'Hanlon.
“115 West Ninety fifth Street.”
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
A very merry Christmas to you all. And God bless us everyone.
2 Quote of the week
I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.
— Charles Dickens
— Charles Dickens
3 This week in our family
As of today, 4 days until Christmas!
Mon, Dec 21: First day of winter
Tues, Dec 22: Doug's birthday [Lyle]
Tues, Dec 22: Crystal Price's birthday [Lyle]
Wed, Dec 23: Dakota's birthday [Lyle]
Wed, Dec 23: Anniversary of Joseph Smith's birth in 1805
Thurs, Dec 24: Richard & Angie Craine married 2000 [Gail]
Thurs, Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Fri, Dec 25: Christmas Day
Fri, Dec 25: Shawn & Shandi Burdett married 2000 [Lyle]
Sat, Dec 26: Jacob Robert Rankin's birthday [Gail]
Mon, Dec 28: Terry & LaWanda Packwood married 1990 [Gene]
Mon, Dec 28: Next issue of newsletter
Mon, Dec 21: First day of winter
Tues, Dec 22: Doug's birthday [Lyle]
Tues, Dec 22: Crystal Price's birthday [Lyle]
Wed, Dec 23: Dakota's birthday [Lyle]
Wed, Dec 23: Anniversary of Joseph Smith's birth in 1805
Thurs, Dec 24: Richard & Angie Craine married 2000 [Gail]
Thurs, Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Fri, Dec 25: Christmas Day
Fri, Dec 25: Shawn & Shandi Burdett married 2000 [Lyle]
Sat, Dec 26: Jacob Robert Rankin's birthday [Gail]
Mon, Dec 28: Terry & LaWanda Packwood married 1990 [Gene]
Mon, Dec 28: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Kay's family
Rhett and Celeste have a new addition to their family, a daughter born at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 12. Her name is McCall, and she weighed in at 7 lbs 14 oz, and she is 20 inches long. To quote Rhett, "She is really cute."Gene's family
We received a Christmas card from Gene and Cheryl: "Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us here. We are all OK here. Cheryl got good news on her last PET scan, no sign of cancer cells, off all treatments for now." That's good news indeed.On December 8 McKayla Packwood reported on Facebook that she got her braces off. The score or more of exclamation points that followed would indicate she was very happy about that.
Dean's family
Michael and I finished the Isaiah class we drove to Provo every Thursday night for the past ten weeks. It was a great experience.Our son-in-law Paul Challis just finished his third semester of pharmacy school at Mercer University in Atlanta. Only three semesters more to go! And son-in-law Vince Oveson just finished his semester at the University of Utah.
Jackie's family
Jolene announced on Facebook Thursday that she finished for the semester. She got an 84 percent on her math test, which gave her 91 percent in the class. Way to go, Jolene.
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the December 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Dec 21. I came home from work & took Dean & Dale over to Grange hall to practice their Xmas programe then Kay & Jackie & I went to Nampa to bank & paid taxes then we went to Nyssa to take Gail a Xmas tree but they already had one.
Tues, Dec 22. I came home from work & took little Kids to school. little Kids got out at 2: & Kay went & got them. Gene came home with Ivard at 4: & Ray came on bus, they don't go back until after New Years. Me, Ray & little Kids went in to church to Xmas programe & Santa Clause.
Wed, Dec 23. I came home from work. We are off for next 5 nites. I went to bed until noon then Kay Ray & I went to town & Ray did his Xmas shopping & I finished most of mine & Kay got Claudias present. Ivard went down basement & painted Jackies cup board for Xmas. Gene did chores & killed turkey for Ivard to clean in the morning.
Thurs, Dec 24. I wrapped presents & Ivard cleaned turkey then at 2: Ivard & I took Kay over to Claudias in Pick-up & we went on over to Ontario to G. & B. & got desk for Gene & Ray & a ward robe for Jackie then we picked Kay up at 4: & came to Nampa & got Dean & Dales dresser & finished up our shopping. Ray had work done & supper ready & we ate & they did chores & got to bed early. Then Ivard & I played Santa Clause & we were to bed by 10:30.
Fri, Dec 25. Gene got up & milked & I put turkey on & Ivard took moves of all the presents & tree then we got Kids up & opened presents. Had a good Xmas. We played games & put a puzzle together. Gail - Lynda & Kids came about 2: & opened their presents & gave us ours. We ate about 4:, turkey sandwiches, olives, pickles, salad ect. fruit cocktail & fruit cake. Gene went home with Gail for few days, left at 5: Kay went over to Claudias then brought her over here about 10:
Sat, Dec 26. I got up & made Ivards lunch & he went to work at 7:30 A.M. I went back to bed. Ray got up & milked. I got up at 10:00 & washed cloths all day & played games with Kids.
Sun, Dec 27. Sara called & said Stella, Jack & Aunt Esther were in wreck Xmas eve. Aunt Esther was killed outright & Jack died this morning. Stella isn't too bad.
6 What in the world
Bowl games
BYU will be playing against Oregon State this week in Las Vegas on Tuesday, December 22. Utah will be playing the next night against Cal in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on Wednesday, December 23. And Boise State will be playing against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona on Monday, January 4.
7 A final word
The Christmas story, as told in the book of Luke, tells of Joseph and Mary traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem and, while they were there, Mary bringing forth her firstborn son and laying him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (see Luke 2:4-7; emphasis added).
Each of us, some two thousand years later, plays the role of innkeeper. Each of us decides whether there is room for Him in our hearts and in our lives.
What? you may say. No room for Jesus?
Yet, we may unwittingly, unconsciously leave no room for Him because of the cares of daily living, the very busy-ness of our lives, especially at this hectic season of the year.
If we ignore the needy and less fortunate, the lonely and suffering, the aged and the children, or those whom Jesus referred to as the least among us (see Matthew 25:40), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
If we fail to keep His commandments (see John 14:15), which center in loving and serving God and in loving and serving our neighbor (see Matthew 22:36-40), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
If we forget to take time to ponder and pray and to thank Him for His abundant blessings and tender mercies (see D&C 59:21), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
As the final verse of one of our beloved carols, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," reminds us,
How silently, how silently
The wondrous give is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Our Christmas wish is that our inns will not be too full and that we will allow the dear Christ to enter in.
Each of us, some two thousand years later, plays the role of innkeeper. Each of us decides whether there is room for Him in our hearts and in our lives.
What? you may say. No room for Jesus?
Yet, we may unwittingly, unconsciously leave no room for Him because of the cares of daily living, the very busy-ness of our lives, especially at this hectic season of the year.
If we ignore the needy and less fortunate, the lonely and suffering, the aged and the children, or those whom Jesus referred to as the least among us (see Matthew 25:40), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
If we fail to keep His commandments (see John 14:15), which center in loving and serving God and in loving and serving our neighbor (see Matthew 22:36-40), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
If we forget to take time to ponder and pray and to thank Him for His abundant blessings and tender mercies (see D&C 59:21), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
As the final verse of one of our beloved carols, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," reminds us,
How silently, how silently
The wondrous give is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Our Christmas wish is that our inns will not be too full and that we will allow the dear Christ to enter in.
Monday, December 14, 2009
1 The years speed by
Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history details their life after they came to Utah. This is the fifth of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 21–22). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
Things brightened up for the Batt family. Charles had a steady job at the college with a regular paycheck. They had a garden, fruit trees, a cow, a pig, and some chickens. Before President Sanborne left Logan and the college, he traded Charles the hill he had homesteaded for the house and the lot the Batt family had lived in that belonged to him, Mr. Sanborne.
The family worked hard together, Charles at his job and keeping up a garden at home, Eliza washing for the college and for students. She also cooked at the college for special dinners, helped supervise the cooking classes for Mr. DeCoty, and was the first matron at the college. Mother Batt took care of the children so Eliza could work at the college. Harry, Charles's lame brother who had been a cripple from childhood, had a job herding buffalo on an island in Salt Lake.
While Charles and Eliza were living in the adobe house, five more children were born to them—Pearl, born July 24, 1891; Ruby, born November 17, 1892; Myrtle, born August 15, 1894; Charles Gladstone, born August 16, 1896; and Morley Brazier, born September 2, 1899. The house had been added on to with this many children. Two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a room for Mother Batt and Harry had been added to the original house.
The family moved to a nice home on College Hill, and it was here that their last child was born. Melvin Alford was born on January 17, 1902, making a total of nine children for this wonderful couple.
Farming was tried once again. The Batt family moved to Idaho for about a year but discovered that farming really wasn’t for them. They moved back to Logan and back into the Fifth Ward, where they had lived for so long.
The Neilson family and the Batt family always remained good friends and neighbors. Eliza Neilson did sewing for all the babies in the Batt family. She also made their Sunday-best clothes for years.
Charles was at the Agricultural College [now Utah State University] for 54 years. He was always faithful and did his work well, making and retaining many fine friends through the years.
An ardent Church member, Charles held many Church positions in the Logan Fifth Ward and in the Cache Stake, including chorister in 1891, stake choir in 1890, assistant stake Sunday School chorister, president of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association, president of the Sixth Quorum of Elders, second counselor to Bishop John Quincy Adams for years, chairman for the old folks committee for several years, and a faithful ward teacher.
The youngest child of Charles and Eliza contracted the influenza in January 1919 and died on the eighth. The whole family greatly felt the loss of young Melvin. His parents, being the faithful people they were, were consoled with the thought of being with him again in the next world.
Things brightened up for the Batt family. Charles had a steady job at the college with a regular paycheck. They had a garden, fruit trees, a cow, a pig, and some chickens. Before President Sanborne left Logan and the college, he traded Charles the hill he had homesteaded for the house and the lot the Batt family had lived in that belonged to him, Mr. Sanborne.
The family worked hard together, Charles at his job and keeping up a garden at home, Eliza washing for the college and for students. She also cooked at the college for special dinners, helped supervise the cooking classes for Mr. DeCoty, and was the first matron at the college. Mother Batt took care of the children so Eliza could work at the college. Harry, Charles's lame brother who had been a cripple from childhood, had a job herding buffalo on an island in Salt Lake.
While Charles and Eliza were living in the adobe house, five more children were born to them—Pearl, born July 24, 1891; Ruby, born November 17, 1892; Myrtle, born August 15, 1894; Charles Gladstone, born August 16, 1896; and Morley Brazier, born September 2, 1899. The house had been added on to with this many children. Two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a room for Mother Batt and Harry had been added to the original house.
The family moved to a nice home on College Hill, and it was here that their last child was born. Melvin Alford was born on January 17, 1902, making a total of nine children for this wonderful couple.
Farming was tried once again. The Batt family moved to Idaho for about a year but discovered that farming really wasn’t for them. They moved back to Logan and back into the Fifth Ward, where they had lived for so long.
The Neilson family and the Batt family always remained good friends and neighbors. Eliza Neilson did sewing for all the babies in the Batt family. She also made their Sunday-best clothes for years.
Charles was at the Agricultural College [now Utah State University] for 54 years. He was always faithful and did his work well, making and retaining many fine friends through the years.
An ardent Church member, Charles held many Church positions in the Logan Fifth Ward and in the Cache Stake, including chorister in 1891, stake choir in 1890, assistant stake Sunday School chorister, president of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association, president of the Sixth Quorum of Elders, second counselor to Bishop John Quincy Adams for years, chairman for the old folks committee for several years, and a faithful ward teacher.
The youngest child of Charles and Eliza contracted the influenza in January 1919 and died on the eighth. The whole family greatly felt the loss of young Melvin. His parents, being the faithful people they were, were consoled with the thought of being with him again in the next world.
2 Quote of the week
The Christmases we remember best generally have little to do with worldly goods, but a lot to do with families, with love and compassion and caring. . . .
For many people, "overdoing it" is especially common at this time of year. We take on too much for the time and energy we have. Perhaps we don't have enough money to spend for those things we feel we must purchase. Often our efforts at Christmastime result in feeling stressed out, wrung out and worn out during a time when instead we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem. . . .
Real joy comes as we show the love and compassion inspired by the Savior of the world.
For many people, "overdoing it" is especially common at this time of year. We take on too much for the time and energy we have. Perhaps we don't have enough money to spend for those things we feel we must purchase. Often our efforts at Christmastime result in feeling stressed out, wrung out and worn out during a time when instead we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem. . . .
Real joy comes as we show the love and compassion inspired by the Savior of the world.
— President Thomas S. Monson (at First Presidency Christmas devotional, Dec. 6, 2009; quoted in Church News, Dec. 12, 2009, 3)
3 This week in our family
As of today, 11 days until Christmas!
Mon, Dec 14: James died 1999 [Dean]
Tues, Dec 15: Chad & Melissa married 1994 [Kay]
Wed, Dec 16: Kira's birthday [Dale]
Thurs, Dec 17: Ivard & Dorothy married 1934
Fri, Dec 18: Shandi Cleverly-Burdett's birthday [Lyle]
Sat, Dec 19: Brian & Kate married 2003 [Gail]
Sun, Dec 20: Brandon & Nicole married 1997 [Kay]
Sun, Dec 20: Adria Janelle Kersker's birthday [Lyle]
Mon, Dec 21: First day of winter
Mon, Dec 21: Next issue of newsletter
Mon, Dec 14: James died 1999 [Dean]
Tues, Dec 15: Chad & Melissa married 1994 [Kay]
Wed, Dec 16: Kira's birthday [Dale]
Thurs, Dec 17: Ivard & Dorothy married 1934
Fri, Dec 18: Shandi Cleverly-Burdett's birthday [Lyle]
Sat, Dec 19: Brian & Kate married 2003 [Gail]
Sun, Dec 20: Brandon & Nicole married 1997 [Kay]
Sun, Dec 20: Adria Janelle Kersker's birthday [Lyle]
Mon, Dec 21: First day of winter
Mon, Dec 21: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Lyle's family
Keri reported on December 7: "Joseph's football team [the Lynden Lions] won the state championship for the 2nd year in a row. He is extremely happy!! Now it is on to wrestling. We are all proud of Joseph and his teammates for this great accomplishment!! They only had one loss this year and it was their first game. They ended up having to play that team again in the district playoffs and beat them."
Kay's family
Kay and Karen posted from Peru on December 12: "Charo, our mission foot doctor, invited us to dinner today. We had a fun visit and a very fun time. Charo is not a member of the Church, but she has the Book of Mormon and has attended our meetings. I am trying to talk her in to letting us teach her the lessons. She is Catholic but is such a nice person she might as well be a member. Her sister is a member and lives in our Magdalena ward."
Andrea posted on December 7: "Saturday I got a call from my nephew Easton asking me if I could take him shopping to get his Mom and Dad's Christmas presents. Soon as he got his room cleaned we headed out. I had so much fun he had so many ideas of what to get them. I found out that he thinks his Mom and Dad are big fans of cheetah print things. (Colle, is there a wild side I don't know about, hee hee!) After our first store he had decided that he wants to do this with me every year for the rest of his life. I hope I coached him enough on what to say when his Dad tries to trick him into telling what we got.
Nicolle posted on December 8: "As a kid I loved all the traditions we had as a family, now that I have started my own family I love getting to do some of the same and new traditions. Last year Easton and I made some ornaments together. I have decided that I am going to do this every year. Go here to read more and see pictures of their ornaments and gingerbread houses (really made out of graham crackers).
Keri reported on December 7: "Joseph's football team [the Lynden Lions] won the state championship for the 2nd year in a row. He is extremely happy!! Now it is on to wrestling. We are all proud of Joseph and his teammates for this great accomplishment!! They only had one loss this year and it was their first game. They ended up having to play that team again in the district playoffs and beat them."
Kay's family
Kay and Karen posted from Peru on December 12: "Charo, our mission foot doctor, invited us to dinner today. We had a fun visit and a very fun time. Charo is not a member of the Church, but she has the Book of Mormon and has attended our meetings. I am trying to talk her in to letting us teach her the lessons. She is Catholic but is such a nice person she might as well be a member. Her sister is a member and lives in our Magdalena ward."
Andrea posted on December 7: "Saturday I got a call from my nephew Easton asking me if I could take him shopping to get his Mom and Dad's Christmas presents. Soon as he got his room cleaned we headed out. I had so much fun he had so many ideas of what to get them. I found out that he thinks his Mom and Dad are big fans of cheetah print things. (Colle, is there a wild side I don't know about, hee hee!) After our first store he had decided that he wants to do this with me every year for the rest of his life. I hope I coached him enough on what to say when his Dad tries to trick him into telling what we got.
"Marshal had his final board of review this week he is officially an eagle just need to have the court of honor. At one point in the interview they had Chuck and I join them and it was really neat to here what these men had to say about him. I am a so proud of him he worked hard to get here. He learned a lot of lessons along the way and had a ton of fun. I am excited to see him take the challenge that was given to him to find one boy and make a difference in his life."
Nicolle posted on December 8: "As a kid I loved all the traditions we had as a family, now that I have started my own family I love getting to do some of the same and new traditions. Last year Easton and I made some ornaments together. I have decided that I am going to do this every year. Go here to read more and see pictures of their ornaments and gingerbread houses (really made out of graham crackers).
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the May 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Dec 14. They brought the washer home this morning. Cost $53. to fix. I washed 2 batches & hung out. I went to bed at noon. Ray went ward teaching with Max.
Tues, Dec 15. I came home from work. I took Kids to school & ate & me & Jackie went to bed. I got up at noon & read my relief society lesson over & got ready & went to relief society. I gave my lesson today. Gene took pick-up to school so he'd have a way home from Game at Vale, got beat.
Wed, Dec 16. I hurried home from work & got ready while Ivard took little boys to school then I went to Nampa & picked up Mrs. Kotter, Mavis & Mrs Newland & I drove to Boise to Dr. Cudmore for my check up. I only lost 1 lb but it made 11 lbs for month I lost 2 in. on hips.
Thurs, Dec 17. Silver Wedding Ann. Ivard gave me a diamond ring set. Ivard & I went back to Nampa to Harmony Cafe & had supper, Shrimp. We were going to show but Gene & Ray didn't come home from school, game & practice, then they went to Mutual Xmas party. We came home & did chores & I laid off. We went to bed early.
Fri, Dec 18. Got anniversary card from Jerry. I got up & cooked Kids breakfast & Ivard took little boys to school then we wrapped presents & got Lyle & Mothers pkg. ready to mail & I went to town at noon to finish getting things for Jerrys pkg. then I went to relief society leadership meeting & social. I took Dean & Dale to do their Xmas Shopping.
Sat, Dec 19. Got pkg from Lyle. I came home in fog & nearly got hit. at 11: Gene got me up & we took 2 cows to Caldwell to sale. Came home & got most of my Xmas cards ready to mail & at 3:30 Dean & I took them in & mailed them.
Sun, Dec 20. I came home from work. I ate & went to bed. Gene had chores done & made hot cakes for Kids. None of them went to sunday school. Ivard & Kids put tree up after Ray changed everything around & cleaned good. I helped little Kids wrap Xmas presents & I wrapped some.
Mon, Dec 14. They brought the washer home this morning. Cost $53. to fix. I washed 2 batches & hung out. I went to bed at noon. Ray went ward teaching with Max.
Tues, Dec 15. I came home from work. I took Kids to school & ate & me & Jackie went to bed. I got up at noon & read my relief society lesson over & got ready & went to relief society. I gave my lesson today. Gene took pick-up to school so he'd have a way home from Game at Vale, got beat.
Wed, Dec 16. I hurried home from work & got ready while Ivard took little boys to school then I went to Nampa & picked up Mrs. Kotter, Mavis & Mrs Newland & I drove to Boise to Dr. Cudmore for my check up. I only lost 1 lb but it made 11 lbs for month I lost 2 in. on hips.
Thurs, Dec 17. Silver Wedding Ann. Ivard gave me a diamond ring set. Ivard & I went back to Nampa to Harmony Cafe & had supper, Shrimp. We were going to show but Gene & Ray didn't come home from school, game & practice, then they went to Mutual Xmas party. We came home & did chores & I laid off. We went to bed early.
Fri, Dec 18. Got anniversary card from Jerry. I got up & cooked Kids breakfast & Ivard took little boys to school then we wrapped presents & got Lyle & Mothers pkg. ready to mail & I went to town at noon to finish getting things for Jerrys pkg. then I went to relief society leadership meeting & social. I took Dean & Dale to do their Xmas Shopping.
Sat, Dec 19. Got pkg from Lyle. I came home in fog & nearly got hit. at 11: Gene got me up & we took 2 cows to Caldwell to sale. Came home & got most of my Xmas cards ready to mail & at 3:30 Dean & I took them in & mailed them.
Sun, Dec 20. I came home from work. I ate & went to bed. Gene had chores done & made hot cakes for Kids. None of them went to sunday school. Ivard & Kids put tree up after Ray changed everything around & cleaned good. I helped little Kids wrap Xmas presents & I wrapped some.
6 What in the world
Wintertime
Here in Utah it's been snowing. A lot. But at least the temperatures are a little higher. Not so bitter cold. But, then, I guess it is wintertime.
Here in Utah it's been snowing. A lot. But at least the temperatures are a little higher. Not so bitter cold. But, then, I guess it is wintertime.
7 A final word
This week's final word is from a thought-provoking comment Andrea [Kay's daughter] posted on her blog this past week
This last week was full of all kinds of fun adventures and lessons learned. Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to help my nieces decorate their house for Christmas, which was a lot of fun to see them in that role.
While I was there I had an interesting thing happen. My niece pulled out this decoration that used to be my Mom's. It was this Lenox Christmas tree that a really good friend of hers had given her. I never thought too much about it, but the minute Talia pulled it out of the box and showed it to me I could recall the excitement my mom had when she received it. The conversation her and I had about it and how much she loved this friend.
I still can't figure out why this memory became so strong to me, but it did give me much to contemplate about. It made me wonder if this friend of my Mom's has any idea of how much she meant to my Mom and if I express enough gratitude and love to my family and friends. I am hoping to make this a bigger priority this coming year. I am very grateful for all my family and friends and hope I can strengthen relationships this year and even repair a few.
A good reminder for us all.
This last week was full of all kinds of fun adventures and lessons learned. Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to help my nieces decorate their house for Christmas, which was a lot of fun to see them in that role.
While I was there I had an interesting thing happen. My niece pulled out this decoration that used to be my Mom's. It was this Lenox Christmas tree that a really good friend of hers had given her. I never thought too much about it, but the minute Talia pulled it out of the box and showed it to me I could recall the excitement my mom had when she received it. The conversation her and I had about it and how much she loved this friend.
I still can't figure out why this memory became so strong to me, but it did give me much to contemplate about. It made me wonder if this friend of my Mom's has any idea of how much she meant to my Mom and if I express enough gratitude and love to my family and friends. I am hoping to make this a bigger priority this coming year. I am very grateful for all my family and friends and hope I can strengthen relationships this year and even repair a few.
A good reminder for us all.
Monday, December 7, 2009
1 Sorrow strikes the Batt family
Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history details their life after they came to Utah. This is the fourth of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 19–20). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
The next problem that faced Charles was moving his family from Lewiston to Logan. He loved his family and didn't want to be away from them. He looked all over Logan for a place to bring his family to, but he couldn't find anything. Finally, he went to President Sanborne and told him that he couldn't find a place for his family and he couldn't leave them in Lewiston. They had only sagebrush to burn there and they needed him.
The next day President Sanborne called Charles from his work and told him that he had some land with a one-room adobe house on it. He told Charles he could use the house and the ground for a garden if he would move his family to Logan, because they needed him for the work he was doing at the college. Needless to say, Charles was filled with joy and gratitude. He left at once for his family. It was a happy Batt family that moved to Logan and to the little adobe house. It was on the corner of what is known today as the corner of Sixth East and Sixth North.
Sickness struck shortly after their move to Logan. All three children became desperately ill. The baby Ernest wasn’t quite 15 months old when he passed away October 21, 1890. Doll and Bill were still very sick children at the time their little brother died. Charles and Eliza were saddened and had a great decision to make. Where were they going to get the money to bury their little son? Charles had not received his first paycheck from the college, and they didn't know anyone who could loan them the money. Charles decided to go see the undertaker and see what could be arranged. Eliza got on her knees and offered a humble prayer that things would work out.
Charles went to the Lindquist Mortuary and told Mr. Lindquist of his troubles. He said he would sign a bank note or anything Mr. Lindquist thought best. After hearing Charles's story of joining the Church in England and coming to America for the gospel, Mr. Lindquist told Charles he would not have to sign a note or anything else. He would take Charles at his word and knew he would pay him when he could. Mr. Lindquist had been a convert himself and had come to America too and knew how Charles felt.
While Charles was in Mr. Lindquist's office, a Mr. H. G. Hayball came in. Mr. Lindquist introduced them, telling Mr. Hayball that Charles was one of his countrymen and also a convert to the Church. Mr. Hayball and his brother owned a grocery store in Logan. Mr. Lindquist told Mr. Hayball that the Batt family needed some food. Mr. Hayball invited Charles to come with him and take home some groceries. Charles could pay him anytime.
Charles was so overcome by the kindness of these two men that he couldn't talk. Mr. Hayball asked Charles what part of town he lived in. When he found out, he told Charles to go see Mrs. Ross Neilson and to tell her that H. G. Hayball said to let him have some fresh milk for the sick children and that he'd make it good to her.
Charles took the groceries and went home. He found Doll feeling a little better, but Bill was still burning with fever and was a very sick little boy.
Charles took a small bucket and went in search of Mrs. Neilson. He told her who had sent him and why he wanted the milk. After hearing his story, Sister Neilson put a shawl over her, took a larger bucket, and got some milk. She also got some eggs and went home with him. Sister Neilson was not a woman of many words, nor very easy to get acquainted with, but she was a good Latter-day Saint who reached out her helping hand. After she talked to Eliza and Mother Batt and gave them some words of faith and comfort, she left. A short while later, she returned with her daughter and some material to make the burial clothes for Ernest. She sent George and June Neilson to help Charles dig the grave in the Logan cemetery.
The next problem that faced Charles was moving his family from Lewiston to Logan. He loved his family and didn't want to be away from them. He looked all over Logan for a place to bring his family to, but he couldn't find anything. Finally, he went to President Sanborne and told him that he couldn't find a place for his family and he couldn't leave them in Lewiston. They had only sagebrush to burn there and they needed him.
The next day President Sanborne called Charles from his work and told him that he had some land with a one-room adobe house on it. He told Charles he could use the house and the ground for a garden if he would move his family to Logan, because they needed him for the work he was doing at the college. Needless to say, Charles was filled with joy and gratitude. He left at once for his family. It was a happy Batt family that moved to Logan and to the little adobe house. It was on the corner of what is known today as the corner of Sixth East and Sixth North.
Sickness struck shortly after their move to Logan. All three children became desperately ill. The baby Ernest wasn’t quite 15 months old when he passed away October 21, 1890. Doll and Bill were still very sick children at the time their little brother died. Charles and Eliza were saddened and had a great decision to make. Where were they going to get the money to bury their little son? Charles had not received his first paycheck from the college, and they didn't know anyone who could loan them the money. Charles decided to go see the undertaker and see what could be arranged. Eliza got on her knees and offered a humble prayer that things would work out.
Charles went to the Lindquist Mortuary and told Mr. Lindquist of his troubles. He said he would sign a bank note or anything Mr. Lindquist thought best. After hearing Charles's story of joining the Church in England and coming to America for the gospel, Mr. Lindquist told Charles he would not have to sign a note or anything else. He would take Charles at his word and knew he would pay him when he could. Mr. Lindquist had been a convert himself and had come to America too and knew how Charles felt.
While Charles was in Mr. Lindquist's office, a Mr. H. G. Hayball came in. Mr. Lindquist introduced them, telling Mr. Hayball that Charles was one of his countrymen and also a convert to the Church. Mr. Hayball and his brother owned a grocery store in Logan. Mr. Lindquist told Mr. Hayball that the Batt family needed some food. Mr. Hayball invited Charles to come with him and take home some groceries. Charles could pay him anytime.
Charles was so overcome by the kindness of these two men that he couldn't talk. Mr. Hayball asked Charles what part of town he lived in. When he found out, he told Charles to go see Mrs. Ross Neilson and to tell her that H. G. Hayball said to let him have some fresh milk for the sick children and that he'd make it good to her.
Charles took the groceries and went home. He found Doll feeling a little better, but Bill was still burning with fever and was a very sick little boy.
Charles took a small bucket and went in search of Mrs. Neilson. He told her who had sent him and why he wanted the milk. After hearing his story, Sister Neilson put a shawl over her, took a larger bucket, and got some milk. She also got some eggs and went home with him. Sister Neilson was not a woman of many words, nor very easy to get acquainted with, but she was a good Latter-day Saint who reached out her helping hand. After she talked to Eliza and Mother Batt and gave them some words of faith and comfort, she left. A short while later, she returned with her daughter and some material to make the burial clothes for Ernest. She sent George and June Neilson to help Charles dig the grave in the Logan cemetery.
2 Quote of the week
My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds.
— Anne Morrow Lindbergh
3 This week in our family
As of today, 18 days until Christmas!
Mon, Dec 7: Brian's birthday [Gail]
Tues, Dec 8: Aric's birthday [Lyle]
Tues, Dec 8: Dustin & Michelle Duay married 2002 [Gail]
Tues, Dec 8: Aaron Challis's birthday [Dean]
Wed, Dec 9: Chuck McAllister's birthday [Kay]
Sat, Dec 12: Ronnie's birthday [Gene]
Sat, Dec 12: Tanner Hoff born and died 1995 [Dean]
Mon, Dec 14: James died 1999 [Dean]
Mon, Dec 14: Next issue of newsletter
Mon, Dec 7: Brian's birthday [Gail]
Tues, Dec 8: Aric's birthday [Lyle]
Tues, Dec 8: Dustin & Michelle Duay married 2002 [Gail]
Tues, Dec 8: Aaron Challis's birthday [Dean]
Wed, Dec 9: Chuck McAllister's birthday [Kay]
Sat, Dec 12: Ronnie's birthday [Gene]
Sat, Dec 12: Tanner Hoff born and died 1995 [Dean]
Mon, Dec 14: James died 1999 [Dean]
Mon, Dec 14: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Kay's family
Kay reported on his blog on Wednesday, December 2: "On Sunday evening we had a special fireside in our Stake celebrating the fifty year reunion of the Andes Mission. I spoke, as did President Tyler, Isaias Bravo, and other early stalwarts." Read more here.
In another post on Saturday, December 5, he wrote: "Another change has come and gone. Just as we get close to these guys, they up and go home on us.
"Elder Bray is from North Carolina. His parents came down to pick him up and we want to thank them for bringing us a Honey baked ham that we will use for Christmas to feed the office staff, Tylers, and the assistants." Read even more here.
Dean's family
Our grandson, Miles Peter Halverson (son of Pete and Anna), was blessed and named by his father on Sunday morning, December 6, in the Crystal Heights 2nd Ward in Salt Lake City. Standing in the circle to assist with the blessing were members of Pete's family and some of Anna's family: her grandfather (Marvin Lange), her father (Dean Cleverly), her brother (Talmage), and two brothers-in-law (Cade Hoff and Vince Oveson). Miles is our 18th grandchild (12th grandson).
Kay reported on his blog on Wednesday, December 2: "On Sunday evening we had a special fireside in our Stake celebrating the fifty year reunion of the Andes Mission. I spoke, as did President Tyler, Isaias Bravo, and other early stalwarts." Read more here.
In another post on Saturday, December 5, he wrote: "Another change has come and gone. Just as we get close to these guys, they up and go home on us.
"Elder Bray is from North Carolina. His parents came down to pick him up and we want to thank them for bringing us a Honey baked ham that we will use for Christmas to feed the office staff, Tylers, and the assistants." Read even more here.Dean's family
Our grandson, Miles Peter Halverson (son of Pete and Anna), was blessed and named by his father on Sunday morning, December 6, in the Crystal Heights 2nd Ward in Salt Lake City. Standing in the circle to assist with the blessing were members of Pete's family and some of Anna's family: her grandfather (Marvin Lange), her father (Dean Cleverly), her brother (Talmage), and two brothers-in-law (Cade Hoff and Vince Oveson). Miles is our 18th grandchild (12th grandson).
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the December 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Dec 7. I came home from work & read paper, ate & washed my bed & hung out & did a batch of blankets then I went to bed. Ray milked. Ray went ward Teaching then went up to Max's to practice a play. Ivard - Dean & Dale went to Parma to watch Gene lay ball. Nampa won.
Tues, Dec 8. I came home from work & read paper & Ivard took little boys to school. I went to bed until 11:15 then I got ready & went to bank then went to relief society work day & Xmas programe. They were just eating when I got there had a good dinner then I made a poinsetta plant out of a 7 string set of Xmas lights. Got Ray after school & he went & got his drivers licence.
Wed, Dec 9. I came home from work & read paper & went to bed. We got up at 3: & I started makeing pies. made 4 apple pies & 2 little ones & a pan of cinnamon rolls. Ray came home on bus & made pea soup.
Thurs, Dec 10. I came home from work & read paper & went to bed. I was so cold Ivard came to bed & got me warm. I got up at 2:15 & Gail & Lynda came & we went to Caldwell. Gail & Gene went in to high school at 6: & Ivard milked then all the rest of us went in & watched Gene play then Gail went home. Gene made 5 points.
Fri, Dec 11. Got birthday present & Xmas present from Mother.
Sat, Dec 12. I have tonite off & was only going to lay down a little while. It was 3: when I woke up. I wanted to go over to Gails but Ivard had to watch ball game on T.V. Ray had house cleaned & supper ready. Kay called & wanted money to pay his rent.
Sun, Dec 13. Gene, Ray, Dean & Dale went to priesthood, & sunday school. I went to bed in afternoon. We were watch "Wizzard of Oz." & power went off for 2 hrs. it made it too late to go to church. It was 8: before they could milk.
Mon, Dec 7. I came home from work & read paper, ate & washed my bed & hung out & did a batch of blankets then I went to bed. Ray milked. Ray went ward Teaching then went up to Max's to practice a play. Ivard - Dean & Dale went to Parma to watch Gene lay ball. Nampa won.
Tues, Dec 8. I came home from work & read paper & Ivard took little boys to school. I went to bed until 11:15 then I got ready & went to bank then went to relief society work day & Xmas programe. They were just eating when I got there had a good dinner then I made a poinsetta plant out of a 7 string set of Xmas lights. Got Ray after school & he went & got his drivers licence.
Wed, Dec 9. I came home from work & read paper & went to bed. We got up at 3: & I started makeing pies. made 4 apple pies & 2 little ones & a pan of cinnamon rolls. Ray came home on bus & made pea soup.
Thurs, Dec 10. I came home from work & read paper & went to bed. I was so cold Ivard came to bed & got me warm. I got up at 2:15 & Gail & Lynda came & we went to Caldwell. Gail & Gene went in to high school at 6: & Ivard milked then all the rest of us went in & watched Gene play then Gail went home. Gene made 5 points.
Fri, Dec 11. Got birthday present & Xmas present from Mother.
Sat, Dec 12. I have tonite off & was only going to lay down a little while. It was 3: when I woke up. I wanted to go over to Gails but Ivard had to watch ball game on T.V. Ray had house cleaned & supper ready. Kay called & wanted money to pay his rent.
Sun, Dec 13. Gene, Ray, Dean & Dale went to priesthood, & sunday school. I went to bed in afternoon. We were watch "Wizzard of Oz." & power went off for 2 hrs. it made it too late to go to church. It was 8: before they could milk.
6 What in the world
Winter has arrived
Snow has fallen in the Seattle area and across parts of Washington, Idaho, and northern Utah. Temperatures are colder than normal, more like January than early December. Snow even fell in the Houston area in Texas.
Bowl games
BYU will be playing against Oregon State in Las Vegas on December 22. Utah will be playing against Cal in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on December 23. Boise State will be playing against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona on January 4.
Snow has fallen in the Seattle area and across parts of Washington, Idaho, and northern Utah. Temperatures are colder than normal, more like January than early December. Snow even fell in the Houston area in Texas.
Bowl games
BYU will be playing against Oregon State in Las Vegas on December 22. Utah will be playing against Cal in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on December 23. Boise State will be playing against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona on January 4.
7 A final word
I concluded last week's newsletter with the hope that each of us might return home at the end of life with honors, celestial diploma in hand, to the loved ones who have gone on before and to our Heavenly Parents who sent us here.
President Ezra Taft Benson testified that "we once knew well our Elder Brother and His and our Father in Heaven. We rejoiced at the prospects of earth life that could make it possible for us to have a fulness of joy. We could hardly wait to demonstrate to our Father and our Brother, the Lord, how much we loved them and how we would be obedient to them in spite of the earthly opposition of the evil one.
"Now we are here. Our memories are veiled. We are showing God and ourselves what we can do. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us" (Ensign, Dec. 1988, 6).
Wow! That is quite a thought. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father in heaven and how familiar His face is to us.
President Brigham Young taught the same truth more than a century earlier: "He is the Father of our spirits; and if we could know, understand, and do His will, every soul would be prepared to return back into His presence. And when they get there, they would see that they had formerly lived there for ages, that they had previously been acquainted with every nook and corner, with the palaces, walks, and gardens; and they would embrace their Father, and He would embrace them and say, 'My son, my daughter, I have you again;' and the child would say, 'O my Father, my Father, I am here again'" (Journal of Discourses, 4:268).
President Ezra Taft Benson testified that "we once knew well our Elder Brother and His and our Father in Heaven. We rejoiced at the prospects of earth life that could make it possible for us to have a fulness of joy. We could hardly wait to demonstrate to our Father and our Brother, the Lord, how much we loved them and how we would be obedient to them in spite of the earthly opposition of the evil one.
"Now we are here. Our memories are veiled. We are showing God and ourselves what we can do. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us" (Ensign, Dec. 1988, 6).
Wow! That is quite a thought. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father in heaven and how familiar His face is to us.
President Brigham Young taught the same truth more than a century earlier: "He is the Father of our spirits; and if we could know, understand, and do His will, every soul would be prepared to return back into His presence. And when they get there, they would see that they had formerly lived there for ages, that they had previously been acquainted with every nook and corner, with the palaces, walks, and gardens; and they would embrace their Father, and He would embrace them and say, 'My son, my daughter, I have you again;' and the child would say, 'O my Father, my Father, I am here again'" (Journal of Discourses, 4:268).
Monday, November 30, 2009
1 Charles Batt's first job at Utah State
Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history details their life after they came to Utah. This is the third of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 18–19). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
Charles decided to try looking for a job to get a few things they needed so badly and to pay the midwife who brought Ernest. He left his wife and children with Sister Kemp's promise to call and help with the family. He went to Logan to find a job. It took his team a long time to get there. The only people he knew in Logan were the John Mortimers, so he went to their home. Sister Mortimer gave him a good hot meal while Brother Mortimer took care of and fed his team. Then they sat down and talked over what kind of jobs to look for. Brother Mortimer wanted Charles to go to the new Agricultural College that was being built at that time in Logan.
Brother Mortimer hitched up his own horse and buggy and took Charles up to the college. The school buildings were about ready to take their first classes that fall, and someone was needed to plant the trees and the lawn. Charles was very backward and was afraid he didn't know enough about it to ask for the job. Fortunately, Brother Mortimer had more confidence in Charles than Charles had in himself, so the two of them went in to see the college president.
President Sanborne met with them and indicated they needed all kinds of workers but could only hire one or two at this time. He wanted to know what Charles could do. Charles answered that he could do many odd jobs but his real work was gardening and landscaping. President Sanborne wanted to know where Charles had learned that trade. Charles told him that he was an Englishman and had not been in America very long and that he had learned it in England. The president told Charles that he would have to talk to a board member about hiring him but to come back the next day.
The next day found Charles at the college before President Sanborne arrived. When the president did arrive, he took Charles into his office and told him it didn't look like anything could be done about landscaping until the next spring. He did want Charles to walk around the grounds with him though and look them over. As they were going out the door, it fell off its hinges, knocking President Sanborne down. Charles caught the door before it fell on top of President Sanborne. Charles examined the door and found all the screws in place, but they had never been tightened. He set the screws as tight as he could with his pocketknife and told President Sanborne to have one of the workmen tighten them with good tools. President Sanborne brushed the dirt from his suit and told Charles to go to work at once. He took Charles into his office and signed him up as a handyman, his first job at the Agricultural College.
Charles decided to try looking for a job to get a few things they needed so badly and to pay the midwife who brought Ernest. He left his wife and children with Sister Kemp's promise to call and help with the family. He went to Logan to find a job. It took his team a long time to get there. The only people he knew in Logan were the John Mortimers, so he went to their home. Sister Mortimer gave him a good hot meal while Brother Mortimer took care of and fed his team. Then they sat down and talked over what kind of jobs to look for. Brother Mortimer wanted Charles to go to the new Agricultural College that was being built at that time in Logan.
Brother Mortimer hitched up his own horse and buggy and took Charles up to the college. The school buildings were about ready to take their first classes that fall, and someone was needed to plant the trees and the lawn. Charles was very backward and was afraid he didn't know enough about it to ask for the job. Fortunately, Brother Mortimer had more confidence in Charles than Charles had in himself, so the two of them went in to see the college president.
President Sanborne met with them and indicated they needed all kinds of workers but could only hire one or two at this time. He wanted to know what Charles could do. Charles answered that he could do many odd jobs but his real work was gardening and landscaping. President Sanborne wanted to know where Charles had learned that trade. Charles told him that he was an Englishman and had not been in America very long and that he had learned it in England. The president told Charles that he would have to talk to a board member about hiring him but to come back the next day.
The next day found Charles at the college before President Sanborne arrived. When the president did arrive, he took Charles into his office and told him it didn't look like anything could be done about landscaping until the next spring. He did want Charles to walk around the grounds with him though and look them over. As they were going out the door, it fell off its hinges, knocking President Sanborne down. Charles caught the door before it fell on top of President Sanborne. Charles examined the door and found all the screws in place, but they had never been tightened. He set the screws as tight as he could with his pocketknife and told President Sanborne to have one of the workmen tighten them with good tools. President Sanborne brushed the dirt from his suit and told Charles to go to work at once. He took Charles into his office and signed him up as a handyman, his first job at the Agricultural College.
2 Quote of the week
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
— Charles Dickens (1812–1870), in A Christmas Carol
3 This week in our family
As of today, 25 days until Christmas!
Wed, Dec 2: Talmage & Louise married 2006 [Dean]
Thurs, Dec 3: Hannah Grace Kersker's birthday [Lyle]
Fri, Dec 4: Curtis's birthday [Ray]
Sun, Dec 6: Fast Sunday
Sun, Dec 6: First Presidency Christmas devotional (6:00pm MST)
Mon, Dec 7: Brian's birthday [Gail]
Mon, Dec 7: Next issue of newsletter
Wed, Dec 2: Talmage & Louise married 2006 [Dean]
Thurs, Dec 3: Hannah Grace Kersker's birthday [Lyle]
Fri, Dec 4: Curtis's birthday [Ray]
Sun, Dec 6: Fast Sunday
Sun, Dec 6: First Presidency Christmas devotional (6:00pm MST)
Mon, Dec 7: Brian's birthday [Gail]
Mon, Dec 7: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Lyle's family
A post last Tuesday by Josh and Crystal Price: "We've begun the process of moving into our new house! Our church has a rental house that they have graciously decided to let us live in. I'm so excited to finally live in a house! We will be offline for a bit, so sorry if you don't hear from me for a while. We will do most of our moving over the weekend and will begin staying there next week. It's an older home (built 1910), with lots of character and just enough space for our family. Read more.
Kay's family
A post from a week ago Sunday by Kay and Karen in Peru: "For my birthday Sister Tyler gave me a pillow case with the mission logo embroidered on it. She also gave me the following message in a birthday card. 'Dear Elder Cleverly, How privileged we are to work beside such a man as you are: Accountant, consoler, good husband, father, grandfather, and surrogate grandfather (to many including the Tyler children), missionary and office manager. More importantly - Our eternal "Friend." We love you.' Actually Karen is the office manager.
"Then a couple of days later we received an e-mail from sister Elmer. She said, 'I wanted to tell you that what you are doing in the office is so important to the mission and to the Tylers and I seriously don't know how we did it without you and Kay for those two years you were not with us. So don't fret if you don't get to go to the provinces, you are doing a GREAT WORK right where you are and the missionaries love you and feel a great security having adults in the office. I am sure you two will go on another mission and you can request proselyting! Maybe we can go together. Now wouldn't that be fun!'
"The reason that I bring this up is every missionary wonders why he was called to that particular mission. President Elmer once told me that he called his very best missionaries, those that he could trust and would work their very hardest into the office. I have always felt that if I could just be of service to the president and his wife and to lighten their load and be an example and help to all the missionaries and at the same time free up the four missionaries that are always called to the office, then our mission would have been a success."
Dean's family
After spending several days visiting Robert and Rachael Hodson in Harrisburg, Illinois, Paul and Eliza Challis returned home to Atlanta, where Paul ran a half marathon on Thanksgiving morning. After dropping him off at 6:40 that morning, Eliza and the boys went home and made signs and then waited for him along the route and at the finish line.
A post last Tuesday by Josh and Crystal Price: "We've begun the process of moving into our new house! Our church has a rental house that they have graciously decided to let us live in. I'm so excited to finally live in a house! We will be offline for a bit, so sorry if you don't hear from me for a while. We will do most of our moving over the weekend and will begin staying there next week. It's an older home (built 1910), with lots of character and just enough space for our family. Read more.
Kay's family
A post from a week ago Sunday by Kay and Karen in Peru: "For my birthday Sister Tyler gave me a pillow case with the mission logo embroidered on it. She also gave me the following message in a birthday card. 'Dear Elder Cleverly, How privileged we are to work beside such a man as you are: Accountant, consoler, good husband, father, grandfather, and surrogate grandfather (to many including the Tyler children), missionary and office manager. More importantly - Our eternal "Friend." We love you.' Actually Karen is the office manager.
"Then a couple of days later we received an e-mail from sister Elmer. She said, 'I wanted to tell you that what you are doing in the office is so important to the mission and to the Tylers and I seriously don't know how we did it without you and Kay for those two years you were not with us. So don't fret if you don't get to go to the provinces, you are doing a GREAT WORK right where you are and the missionaries love you and feel a great security having adults in the office. I am sure you two will go on another mission and you can request proselyting! Maybe we can go together. Now wouldn't that be fun!'
"The reason that I bring this up is every missionary wonders why he was called to that particular mission. President Elmer once told me that he called his very best missionaries, those that he could trust and would work their very hardest into the office. I have always felt that if I could just be of service to the president and his wife and to lighten their load and be an example and help to all the missionaries and at the same time free up the four missionaries that are always called to the office, then our mission would have been a success."
Dean's family
After spending several days visiting Robert and Rachael Hodson in Harrisburg, Illinois, Paul and Eliza Challis returned home to Atlanta, where Paul ran a half marathon on Thanksgiving morning. After dropping him off at 6:40 that morning, Eliza and the boys went home and made signs and then waited for him along the route and at the finish line.
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the November-December 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Nov 30. got letter from Lyle sent Mother & Jerry letter we went to Nampa to get Ivards check but they didn't come on morning train. We borrowed money on car & refinance it & put it in bank sent Jerrys money.
Tues, Dec 1. Jerry called, has been transfered to Santa Fe New Mexico
Wed, Dec 2. I came home from work & passed Ivard takeing little boys to school I hurried & got ready & went in to Taylors at 9:15 & we went to Boise to Dr. Cudmore. My first 2 week check up & I lost 10 lbs.
Thurs, Dec 3. got letter from Jerry. little Kids just got home from Primary when Ray left for his first ball game at Stake house. He went to Mutual after.
Fri, Dec 4. at 4: I went to Caldwell & took my 11 Gold Strike books & got some Xmas presents for Kids & finally met up with Gene & he got all his Xmas shopping done.
Sat, Dec 5. I came home from work & I went right to bed & never got up until 3:30. Gene fixed a fence. Ray cleaned house & got supper & we ate at 4: Kids tried to start car to put gas in & it was dead Gene & Ray started it pulling it with tractor. I took Gene in to high school at 5: to go play their first ball game. They won by one point. Gene made a basket just as the gun went off.
Sun, Dec 6. I came home from work & went right to bed with Ivard. I was froze to death. Gene had to be to Priesthood at 9:30 so him & Ray went & Ivard & little Kids stayed home.
Mon, Nov 30. got letter from Lyle sent Mother & Jerry letter we went to Nampa to get Ivards check but they didn't come on morning train. We borrowed money on car & refinance it & put it in bank sent Jerrys money.
Tues, Dec 1. Jerry called, has been transfered to Santa Fe New Mexico
Wed, Dec 2. I came home from work & passed Ivard takeing little boys to school I hurried & got ready & went in to Taylors at 9:15 & we went to Boise to Dr. Cudmore. My first 2 week check up & I lost 10 lbs.
Thurs, Dec 3. got letter from Jerry. little Kids just got home from Primary when Ray left for his first ball game at Stake house. He went to Mutual after.
Fri, Dec 4. at 4: I went to Caldwell & took my 11 Gold Strike books & got some Xmas presents for Kids & finally met up with Gene & he got all his Xmas shopping done.
Sat, Dec 5. I came home from work & I went right to bed & never got up until 3:30. Gene fixed a fence. Ray cleaned house & got supper & we ate at 4: Kids tried to start car to put gas in & it was dead Gene & Ray started it pulling it with tractor. I took Gene in to high school at 5: to go play their first ball game. They won by one point. Gene made a basket just as the gun went off.
Sun, Dec 6. I came home from work & went right to bed with Ivard. I was froze to death. Gene had to be to Priesthood at 9:30 so him & Ray went & Ivard & little Kids stayed home.
6 What in the world
Christmas devotional
The annual First Presidency Christmas devotional will be held on Sunday, December 6, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Music will be by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. Presidents Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf will be the speakers. The devotional will be broadcast live in Utah, at stake centers in other parts of the country, and via the Internet at lds.org.
Savior of the world
The musical production Savior of the World, based on scriptural accounts of the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ, will return to the Conference Center Theater for its 14th season. It runs from now through January 2. Dates, times, and ticket information are available at lds.org.
Football rankings
Boise State continues to be ranked 6th in the country after its 44-33 win over Nevada on Friday. The Broncos are undefeated this season. They have one remaining game this Saturday against New Mexico State.
BYU is ranked 13th (USA Today poll) and 16th (AP Top 25 poll) after its 26-23 overtime win over Utah on Saturday. Utah is now ranked 25th in the USA Today poll and dropped out of the rankings in the AP Top 25 poll. The regular season is now over for both the Cougars and the Utes.
The annual First Presidency Christmas devotional will be held on Sunday, December 6, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Music will be by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. Presidents Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf will be the speakers. The devotional will be broadcast live in Utah, at stake centers in other parts of the country, and via the Internet at lds.org.
Savior of the world
The musical production Savior of the World, based on scriptural accounts of the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ, will return to the Conference Center Theater for its 14th season. It runs from now through January 2. Dates, times, and ticket information are available at lds.org.
Football rankings
Boise State continues to be ranked 6th in the country after its 44-33 win over Nevada on Friday. The Broncos are undefeated this season. They have one remaining game this Saturday against New Mexico State.
BYU is ranked 13th (USA Today poll) and 16th (AP Top 25 poll) after its 26-23 overtime win over Utah on Saturday. Utah is now ranked 25th in the USA Today poll and dropped out of the rankings in the AP Top 25 poll. The regular season is now over for both the Cougars and the Utes.
7 A final word
This past Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, I spoke at the funeral of a dear friend and neighbor, a man who for many years while our children were growing up came to our home each month as our home teacher. Some of what I shared in my funeral sermon included these thoughts:
Our earth life is a school. Each of us is a student. We are here to learn and grow and experience and discover. We are here to master the lessons and take the tests that will better equip us to live everlastingly with our Heavenly Father. "For behold," the Book of Mormon teaches us, "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors" (Alma 34:32).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell has reminded us that "one's life is brevity compared to eternity—like being dropped off by a parent for a day at school. But what a day! There is so much to get done in this mortal classroom" (Ensign, June 1996, 16).
Concerning what we are to get done in this mortal classroom during our day at school, Elder Orson F. Whitney taught: "This earth was made for God's children, his spirit sons and daughters, who take bodies and pass through experiences of joy and sorrow for their development and education, and to demonstrate through time's vicissitudes that they will be true to God and do all that he requires at their hands.
"When we have done the things that we were sent to do, when we have gained all the experience that this life affords, then is the best time to depart. School being out, why not go home? The mission ended, why not return? That is what death means to a Latter-day Saint. The only sad thing about it is parting with the loved ones who go, . . . but it is simply a passing into the spirit world, to await the resurrection, when our bodies and spirits will be reunited—the righteous to enjoy the presence of God. . . .
"If we can be patient and resigned, and by God's help do his holy will, all will come out well. Trials purify us, educate us, develop us. The great reason why man was placed upon the earth was that he might become more like his Father and God. That is why we are here, children at school. What matters it when school is out and the time comes to go back home?" (Improvement Era, Nov. 1918, 9–11).
May the Lord bless each of us to pass all the tests a gracious Father has in mind for us during this brief day at school—that we need not lament with those who say, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!" (D&C 56:16). Rather, may each of us return home with honors, celestial diploma in hand, to the loved ones who have gone on before and to our Heavenly Parents who sent us here.
Our earth life is a school. Each of us is a student. We are here to learn and grow and experience and discover. We are here to master the lessons and take the tests that will better equip us to live everlastingly with our Heavenly Father. "For behold," the Book of Mormon teaches us, "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors" (Alma 34:32).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell has reminded us that "one's life is brevity compared to eternity—like being dropped off by a parent for a day at school. But what a day! There is so much to get done in this mortal classroom" (Ensign, June 1996, 16).
Concerning what we are to get done in this mortal classroom during our day at school, Elder Orson F. Whitney taught: "This earth was made for God's children, his spirit sons and daughters, who take bodies and pass through experiences of joy and sorrow for their development and education, and to demonstrate through time's vicissitudes that they will be true to God and do all that he requires at their hands.
"When we have done the things that we were sent to do, when we have gained all the experience that this life affords, then is the best time to depart. School being out, why not go home? The mission ended, why not return? That is what death means to a Latter-day Saint. The only sad thing about it is parting with the loved ones who go, . . . but it is simply a passing into the spirit world, to await the resurrection, when our bodies and spirits will be reunited—the righteous to enjoy the presence of God. . . .
"If we can be patient and resigned, and by God's help do his holy will, all will come out well. Trials purify us, educate us, develop us. The great reason why man was placed upon the earth was that he might become more like his Father and God. That is why we are here, children at school. What matters it when school is out and the time comes to go back home?" (Improvement Era, Nov. 1918, 9–11).
May the Lord bless each of us to pass all the tests a gracious Father has in mind for us during this brief day at school—that we need not lament with those who say, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!" (D&C 56:16). Rather, may each of us return home with honors, celestial diploma in hand, to the loved ones who have gone on before and to our Heavenly Parents who sent us here.
Monday, November 23, 2009
1 The longer they farmed the poorer they got
Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history details their life after they came to Utah. This is the second of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 16–18). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
Three days after the Batt family arrived in Utah [in the summer of 1887], Charles went with a group of men to work on the railroad at Ross Fork. The job only lasted a short time and the pay was very low. He also worked for the telephone company, helping put the line through Wellsville Canyon to Logan. This job also took him away from his family. By the time he had paid for his board and room, he had only five dollars to take home to his family.
Charles met a man from Lewiston by the name of Isaac Blair who had a farm to rent and who offered to rent the farm to the Batt family if they would live in the Blair home and if Eliza would do the housework, cooking, washing, and ironing. The young couple agreed to accept his offer. Eliza worked hard for their board and room, and Charles worked hard at farming, but the crops were a failure that year. All they got for a full summer’s hard work were a few small potatoes. The potatoes were too small to peel and had to be cooked with the peeling left on. However, they were happy to have at least potatoes to eat.
A son, William, was born at the Blair farm on April 27, 1888. Mrs. Blair decided that with a new baby added to the Batt family, Eliza couldn’t keep up with her share of the work. The baby also meant another mouth to feed. So they were asked to leave.
Charles and Eliza had made some very good friends in Lewiston by the name of John and Rachel Kemp. John had a two-room log house and some land near the Bear River that he offered to sell Charles in exchange for plowing 50 acres of land. The young couple were delighted for the chance to have something of their own. John helped Charles fix up the house with windows and with other needed repairs. The Kemps let them have some old furniture, and Charles made a table for the family to use. Charles and Eliza were very proud of their new home, their first owned in America. Eliza said, "Never in my life have I ever moved into a home that meant so much to me."
Charles wasn’t a good farmer, and the land was sandy and rough. John Kemp let Charles use his horses until he was able to get a team of his own. Charles and Eliza worked hard, but the crops didn’t do well. Eliza helped pick up potatoes to help Charles. She also did washing for a lady in Lewiston in order to get a tub, a washboard, and soap so she could do her own wash.
Another baby was on the way. The family were so poor that they finally had to ask for help. Sister Kemp went with Eliza to the president of the Relief Society to ask for clothes for the new baby. At this time Charles’s mother arrived in America and went right to the log cabin to be with Eliza when the baby was born. Ernest was born July 30, 1889, in the little log cabin in Lewiston.
The longer Charles tried to farm the poorer they got. Farming in Utah was so different from the farming in England.
Three days after the Batt family arrived in Utah [in the summer of 1887], Charles went with a group of men to work on the railroad at Ross Fork. The job only lasted a short time and the pay was very low. He also worked for the telephone company, helping put the line through Wellsville Canyon to Logan. This job also took him away from his family. By the time he had paid for his board and room, he had only five dollars to take home to his family.
Charles met a man from Lewiston by the name of Isaac Blair who had a farm to rent and who offered to rent the farm to the Batt family if they would live in the Blair home and if Eliza would do the housework, cooking, washing, and ironing. The young couple agreed to accept his offer. Eliza worked hard for their board and room, and Charles worked hard at farming, but the crops were a failure that year. All they got for a full summer’s hard work were a few small potatoes. The potatoes were too small to peel and had to be cooked with the peeling left on. However, they were happy to have at least potatoes to eat.
A son, William, was born at the Blair farm on April 27, 1888. Mrs. Blair decided that with a new baby added to the Batt family, Eliza couldn’t keep up with her share of the work. The baby also meant another mouth to feed. So they were asked to leave.
Charles and Eliza had made some very good friends in Lewiston by the name of John and Rachel Kemp. John had a two-room log house and some land near the Bear River that he offered to sell Charles in exchange for plowing 50 acres of land. The young couple were delighted for the chance to have something of their own. John helped Charles fix up the house with windows and with other needed repairs. The Kemps let them have some old furniture, and Charles made a table for the family to use. Charles and Eliza were very proud of their new home, their first owned in America. Eliza said, "Never in my life have I ever moved into a home that meant so much to me."
Charles wasn’t a good farmer, and the land was sandy and rough. John Kemp let Charles use his horses until he was able to get a team of his own. Charles and Eliza worked hard, but the crops didn’t do well. Eliza helped pick up potatoes to help Charles. She also did washing for a lady in Lewiston in order to get a tub, a washboard, and soap so she could do her own wash.
Another baby was on the way. The family were so poor that they finally had to ask for help. Sister Kemp went with Eliza to the president of the Relief Society to ask for clothes for the new baby. At this time Charles’s mother arrived in America and went right to the log cabin to be with Eliza when the baby was born. Ernest was born July 30, 1889, in the little log cabin in Lewiston.
The longer Charles tried to farm the poorer they got. Farming in Utah was so different from the farming in England.
2 Quote of the week
A Psalm of Praise
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
— Psalms 100:1–5
3 This week in our family
Thurs, Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day
Thurs, Nov 26: Cade & Rebecca Hoff married 1994 [Dean]
Sat, Nov 28: Melissa's birthday (Chad's wife) [Kay]
Mon, Nov 30: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Lyle's family
A short e-mail from Lyle: "Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, I have been working 10-12 hrs a day so has been awhile since I have e-mailed anyone. Helping my brother combine corn. Had 1800 acres to do, got about 300 left to do."
In a separate e-mail to me a few days earlier, Lyle wrote: "Hi, news from Idaho-Oregon-Washington. Stan and Terry are back to work. Dave is a grandfather. His daughter JJ had a baby girl born 11-10-09, weight 8 lbs 7 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches. They named it Nevaeh Jennavieve Peterston. I'm working 10-12 hours a day helping Ronnie in his combining of corn for Simplots. We only have about 800 acres left to do. Kids in Washington all seem to be fine. I will run up there if roads are OK after get through doing the corn. Have not any plans for Thanksgiving yet. Happy Thanksgiving everyone."
Dean's family
Paul and Eliza and their two boys left Georgia Friday night to go visit Robert and Rachael and their three girls in southern Illinois. They drove about four hours from Atlanta and stopped overnight somewhere in Tennessee. They drove another two hours Saturday morning until they reached Harrisburg, where they were the first in the family to see the new house Robert and Rachael are renting. They had moved in just the week before. Paul and Eliza plan to return home on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, so that Paul can run a half marathon in Atlanta on Thanksgiving morning.
And oh, did we mention, that on their drive along the back roads of Kentucky, the road stopped at the edge of the Ohio River. No bridge. Illinois was on the other side. But it turns out there was a ferry, and three-year-old Peter was so excited that their car got to ride on a boat.
Dale's family
"Ever have one of those days," Sarah posted yesterday. "You know the kind, where you know you should have never got out of bed in the first place. I had one yesterday."
"I started my day off going to take my Social Studies test at a place I had never been to before in Plano. I was supposed to arrive 30 min before the test started so I left my house an hour earlier, thinking I would have plenty of time. I followed my google map to the T and could not for the life of me find the place. Thank goodness Dylan was still home and he googled in and followed the map and guided me street by street. I made it, but by the skin of my teeth. I finished the test quite quickly, which is never a good sign, I'll know the results in a week.
"While I was testing Dylan was taking Claire to practice for the primary program, but I must have wrote it on the calendar wrong, or missed a memo, cause when he showed up at the church on one was there.
"Just wait, there's more.
"I get home from my test and we decide, we will pull the humongo pampas grass in front of our house and rid ourselves of the beast that has been taking over our house. In the process Dylan breaks a shovel.
"We packed up and went to Home Depot to buy a new shovel, the man at the checkout gave us a spiel about hanging onto our receipts because they guarantee their plants for a year if you have the receipt. I grabbed the receipt and sat in in the cubby in the center console for safe keeping. As we pulled out of the lot Dylan rolled down the windows and as if waving goodbye the receipt flew out the window. I got a dirty look from Dylan for not hanging onto the the receipt. Little did we know that within 15 min we would need that receipt.
"We get home and once again Dylan starts to dig, and once again break the shovel. Luckily Home Depot was cool about it, and replaced the second shovel without a receipt.
"After his second trip to the Depot it was time to get ready for our evening at the temple. We shower get cleaned up and I go to look for my recommend and can find it no where. We looked for an hour and could not find it anywhere and gave up.
"Instead, we went to dinner and got some Christmas shopping done. I was just happy to spend some alone time with Dylan, something that seems like it doesn't happen very often anymore.
"It ended well, but as I laid down to go to sleep last night I couldn't help but chuckle, what a crazy day."
A short e-mail from Lyle: "Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, I have been working 10-12 hrs a day so has been awhile since I have e-mailed anyone. Helping my brother combine corn. Had 1800 acres to do, got about 300 left to do."
In a separate e-mail to me a few days earlier, Lyle wrote: "Hi, news from Idaho-Oregon-Washington. Stan and Terry are back to work. Dave is a grandfather. His daughter JJ had a baby girl born 11-10-09, weight 8 lbs 7 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches. They named it Nevaeh Jennavieve Peterston. I'm working 10-12 hours a day helping Ronnie in his combining of corn for Simplots. We only have about 800 acres left to do. Kids in Washington all seem to be fine. I will run up there if roads are OK after get through doing the corn. Have not any plans for Thanksgiving yet. Happy Thanksgiving everyone."
Dean's family
Paul and Eliza and their two boys left Georgia Friday night to go visit Robert and Rachael and their three girls in southern Illinois. They drove about four hours from Atlanta and stopped overnight somewhere in Tennessee. They drove another two hours Saturday morning until they reached Harrisburg, where they were the first in the family to see the new house Robert and Rachael are renting. They had moved in just the week before. Paul and Eliza plan to return home on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, so that Paul can run a half marathon in Atlanta on Thanksgiving morning.
And oh, did we mention, that on their drive along the back roads of Kentucky, the road stopped at the edge of the Ohio River. No bridge. Illinois was on the other side. But it turns out there was a ferry, and three-year-old Peter was so excited that their car got to ride on a boat.
Dale's family
"Ever have one of those days," Sarah posted yesterday. "You know the kind, where you know you should have never got out of bed in the first place. I had one yesterday."
"I started my day off going to take my Social Studies test at a place I had never been to before in Plano. I was supposed to arrive 30 min before the test started so I left my house an hour earlier, thinking I would have plenty of time. I followed my google map to the T and could not for the life of me find the place. Thank goodness Dylan was still home and he googled in and followed the map and guided me street by street. I made it, but by the skin of my teeth. I finished the test quite quickly, which is never a good sign, I'll know the results in a week.
"While I was testing Dylan was taking Claire to practice for the primary program, but I must have wrote it on the calendar wrong, or missed a memo, cause when he showed up at the church on one was there.
"Just wait, there's more.
"I get home from my test and we decide, we will pull the humongo pampas grass in front of our house and rid ourselves of the beast that has been taking over our house. In the process Dylan breaks a shovel.
"We packed up and went to Home Depot to buy a new shovel, the man at the checkout gave us a spiel about hanging onto our receipts because they guarantee their plants for a year if you have the receipt. I grabbed the receipt and sat in in the cubby in the center console for safe keeping. As we pulled out of the lot Dylan rolled down the windows and as if waving goodbye the receipt flew out the window. I got a dirty look from Dylan for not hanging onto the the receipt. Little did we know that within 15 min we would need that receipt.
"We get home and once again Dylan starts to dig, and once again break the shovel. Luckily Home Depot was cool about it, and replaced the second shovel without a receipt.
"After his second trip to the Depot it was time to get ready for our evening at the temple. We shower get cleaned up and I go to look for my recommend and can find it no where. We looked for an hour and could not find it anywhere and gave up.
"Instead, we went to dinner and got some Christmas shopping done. I was just happy to spend some alone time with Dylan, something that seems like it doesn't happen very often anymore.
"It ended well, but as I laid down to go to sleep last night I couldn't help but chuckle, what a crazy day."
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the November 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Nov 23. sent letter to Mother - Jerry - Lyle. First fog. Ray stayed after school to pass hand bills for scouts & he was to high school when I went after Gene from ball practice at 7:
Tues, Nov 24. Gail called. The fog was so thick we could hardly see to get home & it stayed that way all day & night. I came home & went to bed & Ivard woke me up at 1: & I went to relief society. Ivard killed & cleaned a Turkey. I cooked supper & at 6:30 I left to get Gene it was so foggy. It was 7:30 before Gene was ready. When we got home at 8: Kay was home from Rexburg.
Wed, Nov 25. got letter from Berniece & Jerry. We got off work for next 4 nites. Ivard took little boys to school then he helped me make 6 pumpkin pies & him & Kay took 2 of them to school for their Thanksgiving dinner. My first nite off.
Thurs, Nov 26. Got up & put Turkey on to cook & Gene did chores & made hot cakes & they ate & Ray did dishes & cleaned up the I made jello salad & cleaned celery, cooked yams & got dressing ready & peeled potatoes. Ivard & Kids watched T.V. We ate Our Thanksgiving dinner at 3:30 & they watched a show then Ray did dishes. Gail said he would be over but he didn't come. At 5:30 Kay got ready & went & got Claudia & they went to Ontario to dance.
Fri, Nov 27. Gene did chores & made waffles. I dampened down a months iorning & Ray did up the work. I took Dean card selling half a day & he only sold 3 boxes. Got bit by dog & we came home. Jackies boil hurts her but can't get it to a head.
Sat, Nov 28. Gene did chores & I iorned while Ray got breakfast then at 11: we all went over to Gails but Gene & he had to go to basketball practice. Gail was working at Service Station in Nyssa. We stayed & let Jackie play with Debbie until 2: then we stoped & saw Gail a few min. & took Kids to Ontario to see Santa Clause. Kay - Gene & Ray went over to Owyhee ward to their Gold & Green ball. Ivard & I played 2 games of Penochle. My last nite.
Sun, Nov 29. Gene did chores & came in & got breakfast, cooked mush & made hot biscuits. Everyone else slept in. They ate abotu 10:30 & All the boys went to priesthood. Kay & Gene came home after & Ray & little boys came home after sunday school with Max. Dale had to give 2 1/2 min. talk. Ivard & Jackie bathed for hr. or more then we got about a half cup pus out of her boil & put wet pack on & she went to sleep. Ivard peeled potatoes. Put a roast on this morning. We ate & I helped Kay pack & at 4:30 we took Kay to Nampa to meet Bob & Fran & at 4:45 they left for Rexburg. At 7: Jackie & I went to bed & rest of them went to church. I went back to work at 11:
Mon, Nov 23. sent letter to Mother - Jerry - Lyle. First fog. Ray stayed after school to pass hand bills for scouts & he was to high school when I went after Gene from ball practice at 7:
Tues, Nov 24. Gail called. The fog was so thick we could hardly see to get home & it stayed that way all day & night. I came home & went to bed & Ivard woke me up at 1: & I went to relief society. Ivard killed & cleaned a Turkey. I cooked supper & at 6:30 I left to get Gene it was so foggy. It was 7:30 before Gene was ready. When we got home at 8: Kay was home from Rexburg.
Wed, Nov 25. got letter from Berniece & Jerry. We got off work for next 4 nites. Ivard took little boys to school then he helped me make 6 pumpkin pies & him & Kay took 2 of them to school for their Thanksgiving dinner. My first nite off.
Thurs, Nov 26. Got up & put Turkey on to cook & Gene did chores & made hot cakes & they ate & Ray did dishes & cleaned up the I made jello salad & cleaned celery, cooked yams & got dressing ready & peeled potatoes. Ivard & Kids watched T.V. We ate Our Thanksgiving dinner at 3:30 & they watched a show then Ray did dishes. Gail said he would be over but he didn't come. At 5:30 Kay got ready & went & got Claudia & they went to Ontario to dance.
Fri, Nov 27. Gene did chores & made waffles. I dampened down a months iorning & Ray did up the work. I took Dean card selling half a day & he only sold 3 boxes. Got bit by dog & we came home. Jackies boil hurts her but can't get it to a head.
Sat, Nov 28. Gene did chores & I iorned while Ray got breakfast then at 11: we all went over to Gails but Gene & he had to go to basketball practice. Gail was working at Service Station in Nyssa. We stayed & let Jackie play with Debbie until 2: then we stoped & saw Gail a few min. & took Kids to Ontario to see Santa Clause. Kay - Gene & Ray went over to Owyhee ward to their Gold & Green ball. Ivard & I played 2 games of Penochle. My last nite.
Sun, Nov 29. Gene did chores & came in & got breakfast, cooked mush & made hot biscuits. Everyone else slept in. They ate abotu 10:30 & All the boys went to priesthood. Kay & Gene came home after & Ray & little boys came home after sunday school with Max. Dale had to give 2 1/2 min. talk. Ivard & Jackie bathed for hr. or more then we got about a half cup pus out of her boil & put wet pack on & she went to sleep. Ivard peeled potatoes. Put a roast on this morning. We ate & I helped Kay pack & at 4:30 we took Kay to Nampa to meet Bob & Fran & at 4:45 they left for Rexburg. At 7: Jackie & I went to bed & rest of them went to church. I went back to work at 11:
6 What in the world
The first Thanksgiving?
The date and location of the first Thanksgiving celebration in what is now America is a topic of modest contention. Traditionally, the first Thanksgiving occurred at the site of the Plymouth Plantation in 1621. This celebration was modeled on harvest festivals that were common in Europe at the time. It is also argued, however, that the earliest attested thanksgiving celebration in what is now the United States occurred on September 8, 1565, in what is now St. Augustine, Florida, more than half a century earlier.
Thanksgiving has been an annual tradition in the United States since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln during the midst of the Civil War proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving on the final Thursday of November. It became a Federal holiday in 1941.
Except for a three-year suspension during World War II, the annual Macey's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an annual event since 1924.
Football rankings
Boise State continues as number 6 in the nation after its 52-21 win over Utah State on Friday. The Broncos have two remaining games this season, Nevada on Friday, November 27, and New Mexico State on Saturday, December 5.
Brigham Young University is ranked 15th in the USA Today poll and 18th in the AP Top 25 poll after its 38-21 win over Air Force on Saturday. The Cougars have one remaining game this season, Utah on Saturday, November 28.
And the University of Utah is ranked 19th in the USA Today poll and 22nd in the AP Top 25 poll after its 38-7 win over San Diego State on Saturday. The Utes have only one remaining game this season, BYU on Saturday, November 28.
The date and location of the first Thanksgiving celebration in what is now America is a topic of modest contention. Traditionally, the first Thanksgiving occurred at the site of the Plymouth Plantation in 1621. This celebration was modeled on harvest festivals that were common in Europe at the time. It is also argued, however, that the earliest attested thanksgiving celebration in what is now the United States occurred on September 8, 1565, in what is now St. Augustine, Florida, more than half a century earlier.Thanksgiving has been an annual tradition in the United States since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln during the midst of the Civil War proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving on the final Thursday of November. It became a Federal holiday in 1941.
Except for a three-year suspension during World War II, the annual Macey's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an annual event since 1924.
Football rankings
Boise State continues as number 6 in the nation after its 52-21 win over Utah State on Friday. The Broncos have two remaining games this season, Nevada on Friday, November 27, and New Mexico State on Saturday, December 5.
Brigham Young University is ranked 15th in the USA Today poll and 18th in the AP Top 25 poll after its 38-21 win over Air Force on Saturday. The Cougars have one remaining game this season, Utah on Saturday, November 28.
And the University of Utah is ranked 19th in the USA Today poll and 22nd in the AP Top 25 poll after its 38-7 win over San Diego State on Saturday. The Utes have only one remaining game this season, BYU on Saturday, November 28.
7 A final word
As we approach another Thanksgiving season, we express our thanks for the Lord’s tender mercies in all our lives. He has greatly blessed us as a family. We are witnesses of His enduring goodness and grace. We feel of His love and peace.
Each of us, of course, experiences our individual share of life's challenges, heartaches, and disappointments. Sometimes we feel we are hit with more than our share when severe illness strikes or loved ones die or our hopes and dreams and aspirations seem to go unrealized. And yet, through it all, we really know—or can come to know if we don't already—that it all has purpose, that it's part of the Lord's tutoring plan for our growth and development, that it's a part of the schooling we signed up for before we came here. And so, once again, we have cause to be thankful and rejoice.
With the Psalmist, we can declare, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24).
Monday, November 16, 2009
1 Charles Batt's early life in England
Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history, except for this first installment, details their life after they came to Utah. This is the first of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 15–16). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
Charles Batt was born September 24, 1861, at Houghton, Hampshire, England, the son of George Batt and Hannah Ray. He spent his early childhood in the Houghton area. At the age of seven, he began working at small jobs to help support himself.
When Charles was 15, his father died, leaving him to support his mother and a crippled brother, Harry, and a younger sister, Emma. He cared for his mother and brother all the rest of their lives.
At the time of his father’s death, Charles felt the heavy responsibility that was now his. He didn't know what to do. He took a walk through the small village where the family lived to think things out. He stopped by the banks of a stream that flowed through the village. The stream divided, going in two directions, each leading to a small town. Unable to make up his mind about which way to go to find work, he found a small board and threw it into the stream above the fork and decided to follow the direction the board took. This decision brought him luck. After several small jobs, he found a job in a flourmill, where he worked for two years until the mills closed down.
Charles started another search for work. His former boss gave him a good recommendation to a gentleman farmer. Charles was soon hired and worked at this place for several years learning a trade. He enjoyed his work in the hothouses, where he learned to raise plants for gardens and flower beds. He also learned landscaping. He worked at this trade, except for short intervals, for the remainder of his life in England.
While Charles was working hard, his mother heard the gospel. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to London to keep a house for the missionaries.
On a trip to visit with his sister, Fanny, who lived in Headbourne Worthy, near Winchester, Charles met the Brazier family. They were neighbors of Fanny's and had a charming daughter, Eliza, who took the fancy of young Charles. After a proper time of getting to know each other and falling in love, Eliza and Charles were married on June 7, 1884, in Headbourne Worthy.
Charles took a job as a gardener on the estate of Sir Percy Shelley. Charles and Eliza went to live at a lodge on the Shelley estate. Eliza kept the gate and let the carriages in and out. The estate was a beautiful place, a resort town near the ocean. It claimed one of the most beautiful beaches in England.
Great joy came to Charles and Eliza on June 27, 1885, when their first child, a girl, was born at the Shelley estate. They named her Cecily but nicknamed her Doll. It was soon after Cecily's birth that they accepted the gospel. As soon as they were baptized, they decided to leave England to go to Utah, where the body of the Saints were.
Charles Batt was born September 24, 1861, at Houghton, Hampshire, England, the son of George Batt and Hannah Ray. He spent his early childhood in the Houghton area. At the age of seven, he began working at small jobs to help support himself.
When Charles was 15, his father died, leaving him to support his mother and a crippled brother, Harry, and a younger sister, Emma. He cared for his mother and brother all the rest of their lives.
At the time of his father’s death, Charles felt the heavy responsibility that was now his. He didn't know what to do. He took a walk through the small village where the family lived to think things out. He stopped by the banks of a stream that flowed through the village. The stream divided, going in two directions, each leading to a small town. Unable to make up his mind about which way to go to find work, he found a small board and threw it into the stream above the fork and decided to follow the direction the board took. This decision brought him luck. After several small jobs, he found a job in a flourmill, where he worked for two years until the mills closed down.
Charles started another search for work. His former boss gave him a good recommendation to a gentleman farmer. Charles was soon hired and worked at this place for several years learning a trade. He enjoyed his work in the hothouses, where he learned to raise plants for gardens and flower beds. He also learned landscaping. He worked at this trade, except for short intervals, for the remainder of his life in England.
While Charles was working hard, his mother heard the gospel. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to London to keep a house for the missionaries.
On a trip to visit with his sister, Fanny, who lived in Headbourne Worthy, near Winchester, Charles met the Brazier family. They were neighbors of Fanny's and had a charming daughter, Eliza, who took the fancy of young Charles. After a proper time of getting to know each other and falling in love, Eliza and Charles were married on June 7, 1884, in Headbourne Worthy.
Charles took a job as a gardener on the estate of Sir Percy Shelley. Charles and Eliza went to live at a lodge on the Shelley estate. Eliza kept the gate and let the carriages in and out. The estate was a beautiful place, a resort town near the ocean. It claimed one of the most beautiful beaches in England.
Great joy came to Charles and Eliza on June 27, 1885, when their first child, a girl, was born at the Shelley estate. They named her Cecily but nicknamed her Doll. It was soon after Cecily's birth that they accepted the gospel. As soon as they were baptized, they decided to leave England to go to Utah, where the body of the Saints were.
2 Quote of the week
"The needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone. . . .
"I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. . . .
"May we ask ourselves the question . . . 'What have I done for someone today?'" (Thomas S. Monson, "What Have I Done for Someone Today," in Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85, 87).
"I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. . . .
"May we ask ourselves the question . . . 'What have I done for someone today?'" (Thomas S. Monson, "What Have I Done for Someone Today," in Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85, 87).
3 This week in our family
Fri, Nov 20: Ivard died 1988
Sat, Nov 21: Clifford Rankin's birthday [Gail]
Sun, Nov 22: Dean & Claudia married 1972 [Dean]
Sun, Nov 22: Keisha's birthday [Dale]
Mon, Nov 23: Next issue of newsletter
Sat, Nov 21: Clifford Rankin's birthday [Gail]
Sun, Nov 22: Dean & Claudia married 1972 [Dean]
Sun, Nov 22: Keisha's birthday [Dale]
Mon, Nov 23: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Kay's family
Yesterday Kay reported on his blog: "After 14 visits to the dentist and my wallet quite a bit lighter I am all through going over to Miraflores. Flavio is really a good dentist having worked in Florida for nine years. He speaks very good English, though he is Peruvian. He allows us to put pamphlets and the Book of Mormon in his waiting area."
He also reported that "Wednesday the 11th was our anniversary. We went to eat at a very nice restaurant just a couple of blocks from our apartment. We were told it was quite expensive so we had never gone there. They were correct in that it was expensive but the food was excellent."
Dean's family
Our far-away daughter in southern Illinois posted a couple weeks ago about a bedtime prayer offered by her six-year-old daughter: "Don't watch Animal Planet before going to bed . . . or you may end up saying a prayer like this one of Uno's:
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Please bless that blood-drinking bats don't live in our town. And please bless our house to get sold. In the name of--Oh, wait. And if blood-drinking bats do live in our town, please bless that they won't drink my blood. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
"Scary stuff, those bats."
By the way, this daughter (aka Rachael) and her husband and three children have just moved from living with the in-laws into a house they will be renting until such time as their house back in Idaho sells (hence the reference in the above prayer). Anyone out there want to move to Malad? It's a nice little town.
Dale's family
On Saturday Kira posted a recipe for yummy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies: "These are my all time favorite fall cookies, and they are super easy too! All you need is 1 box of spice cake mix, 1 small can of pumpkin pie filling and one bag of chocolate chips. Mix them together, roll in small balls, bake and walah! They are also good topped with icing."
They look and sound incredibly yummy. And for any non-chocolate lovers out there, I'll bet they'd also be good with raisins.
Yesterday Kay reported on his blog: "After 14 visits to the dentist and my wallet quite a bit lighter I am all through going over to Miraflores. Flavio is really a good dentist having worked in Florida for nine years. He speaks very good English, though he is Peruvian. He allows us to put pamphlets and the Book of Mormon in his waiting area."
He also reported that "Wednesday the 11th was our anniversary. We went to eat at a very nice restaurant just a couple of blocks from our apartment. We were told it was quite expensive so we had never gone there. They were correct in that it was expensive but the food was excellent."
Dean's family
Our far-away daughter in southern Illinois posted a couple weeks ago about a bedtime prayer offered by her six-year-old daughter: "Don't watch Animal Planet before going to bed . . . or you may end up saying a prayer like this one of Uno's:
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Please bless that blood-drinking bats don't live in our town. And please bless our house to get sold. In the name of--Oh, wait. And if blood-drinking bats do live in our town, please bless that they won't drink my blood. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
"Scary stuff, those bats."
By the way, this daughter (aka Rachael) and her husband and three children have just moved from living with the in-laws into a house they will be renting until such time as their house back in Idaho sells (hence the reference in the above prayer). Anyone out there want to move to Malad? It's a nice little town.
Dale's family
On Saturday Kira posted a recipe for yummy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies: "These are my all time favorite fall cookies, and they are super easy too! All you need is 1 box of spice cake mix, 1 small can of pumpkin pie filling and one bag of chocolate chips. Mix them together, roll in small balls, bake and walah! They are also good topped with icing."
They look and sound incredibly yummy. And for any non-chocolate lovers out there, I'll bet they'd also be good with raisins.
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the November 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Nov 16. I came home from work & Ivard took little Kids to school while I ate & read papers & sorted clothes & we went to town & pd. bills & got bread & came home & I hung clothes out & did another batch & we made my bed & Jackie & I went to bed.
Tues, Nov 17. I got up at noon & had a bath & read my relief society lesson & at 1:30 I went in & gave it. I went Xmas shopping after relief society.
Wed, Nov 18. I came home from work & had flat tire as soon as I stoped. while Ivard changed it I got ready & took Kids to school & went in to Mrs Kotter's & met with 3 other ladies & we went to Boise to Dr. Cudmore to reduce. $10. a month for 2 visits & pills. No wheat no Sweet. I weighed 267 lbs.
Thurs, Nov 19. sent Mother Birthday card & $5. Dean & Dale went to primary. Gene stayed after ball practice & went to Mutual. Ray milked & we ate & he went to Mutual with Max.
Fri, Nov 20. I came home from work & ate & went right to bed. At 1: Ivard woke me up & said I was supposed to be at leadership meeting at 1:30, I forgot, I really had to hurry to make it. I came at home at 3:30. I pressed an apron & took it with one of my fruit cakes into bizzar. Didn't have any money to buy anything.
Sat, Nov 21. I came home from work & went right to bed & stayed there most of day but didn't get very much sleep, too noisy.
Sun, Nov 22. first snow. I came home from work & was so cold I went to bed with Ivard & got warm. Gene Ray, Dean & Dale went to priesthood & sunday school & got home at 1:30 Ray got dinner & I was all afternoon writeing Mother, Jerry & Lyle.
Mon, Nov 16. I came home from work & Ivard took little Kids to school while I ate & read papers & sorted clothes & we went to town & pd. bills & got bread & came home & I hung clothes out & did another batch & we made my bed & Jackie & I went to bed.
Tues, Nov 17. I got up at noon & had a bath & read my relief society lesson & at 1:30 I went in & gave it. I went Xmas shopping after relief society.
Wed, Nov 18. I came home from work & had flat tire as soon as I stoped. while Ivard changed it I got ready & took Kids to school & went in to Mrs Kotter's & met with 3 other ladies & we went to Boise to Dr. Cudmore to reduce. $10. a month for 2 visits & pills. No wheat no Sweet. I weighed 267 lbs.
Thurs, Nov 19. sent Mother Birthday card & $5. Dean & Dale went to primary. Gene stayed after ball practice & went to Mutual. Ray milked & we ate & he went to Mutual with Max.
Fri, Nov 20. I came home from work & ate & went right to bed. At 1: Ivard woke me up & said I was supposed to be at leadership meeting at 1:30, I forgot, I really had to hurry to make it. I came at home at 3:30. I pressed an apron & took it with one of my fruit cakes into bizzar. Didn't have any money to buy anything.
Sat, Nov 21. I came home from work & went right to bed & stayed there most of day but didn't get very much sleep, too noisy.
Sun, Nov 22. first snow. I came home from work & was so cold I went to bed with Ivard & got warm. Gene Ray, Dean & Dale went to priesthood & sunday school & got home at 1:30 Ray got dinner & I was all afternoon writeing Mother, Jerry & Lyle.
6 What in the world
Happiest places to live
People in Utah report the highest levels of well-being, according to recent survey results from Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. West Virginia had the lowest score. The top states were:
Boise State continues to be ranked 6th after its 63-25 win over Idaho on Saturday. BYU is ranked 18th (USA Today poll) and 19th (AP Top 25 poll) after its lackluster 24-19 win over New Mexico on Saturday. The Lobos have yet to win a game this year. And Utah dropped to 23rd after its 55-28 loss on Saturday to 4th ranked TCU. We had been hoping the Utes could have pulled off an upset.
People in Utah report the highest levels of well-being, according to recent survey results from Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. West Virginia had the lowest score. The top states were:
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Wyoming
- Colorado
- Minnesota
- Maryland
- Washington
- Massachusetts
- California
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Montana
Boise State continues to be ranked 6th after its 63-25 win over Idaho on Saturday. BYU is ranked 18th (USA Today poll) and 19th (AP Top 25 poll) after its lackluster 24-19 win over New Mexico on Saturday. The Lobos have yet to win a game this year. And Utah dropped to 23rd after its 55-28 loss on Saturday to 4th ranked TCU. We had been hoping the Utes could have pulled off an upset.
7 A final word
Nearly a decade ago, just as I was beginning my fifth year as bishop, I attended a priesthood leadership meeting that was a part of a regional conference involving four stakes here in Bountiful. During that four-hour meeting on Saturday afternoon, we were masterfully taught by President James E. Faust of the First Presidency and others. The other day I happened across the journal entry I made that evening that reminded me of what I had learned. I feel impressed to share some of it here.
President Faust used this passage from the Apostle Paul as his text: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Romans 8:35).
He then discussed what in our day and time separates us from the love of Christ, such things as sin, fear, disobedience, pride, debt, pornography, failure to repent, selfishness, greed, affluence, and preoccupation with stuff.
And then he listed what unites us to the love of God, such things as being our brother's keeper, caring for the poor and needy, being more generous in paying fast offerings, standing up for goodness, partaking of the sacrament worthily, being humble, attending our Church meetings, attending the temple regularly, studying the scriptures daily, having weekly family home evening, and having daily family scripture study.
Simple things really, but so important in keeping ourselves and our families on the path.
President Faust used this passage from the Apostle Paul as his text: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Romans 8:35).
He then discussed what in our day and time separates us from the love of Christ, such things as sin, fear, disobedience, pride, debt, pornography, failure to repent, selfishness, greed, affluence, and preoccupation with stuff.
And then he listed what unites us to the love of God, such things as being our brother's keeper, caring for the poor and needy, being more generous in paying fast offerings, standing up for goodness, partaking of the sacrament worthily, being humble, attending our Church meetings, attending the temple regularly, studying the scriptures daily, having weekly family home evening, and having daily family scripture study.
Simple things really, but so important in keeping ourselves and our families on the path.
Monday, November 9, 2009
1 A new life in Utah
Eliza Brazier Batt (1864–1926) wrote her life story sometime in 1917 or 1918 when she was 53 years old. It focuses primarily on her early life in England before she and her husband accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. This is the last of nine installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 13–14). Eliza was the mother of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandmother of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
After eight days and nights we arrived in Logan, Cache County, Utah Territory. The third day after we arrived Charles left me, with our little girl, in Logan and went with some men to Ross Fork to work on the railroad. The people told me that Charles had gone to work among a lot of Indians and might get killed. I wrote to him, and my letters were returned. Surely I felt a stranger in a strange land—lonesome, homesick, and lonely.
A week after Charles left for Ross Fork, I visited my sister-in-law, Jane Winn, at Smithfield, Cache County.
In the fall of 1887, we moved to Lewiston, where my husband rented a farm belonging to Isaac Blair. Sister Blair, having a large house, let us live with them in exchange for my doing the housework, cooking, washing, and ironing. The following spring, on 27 April 1888, a baby boy came to cheer us. He was named William.
After trials too many to mention, we moved into a log house having two nice, large rooms, which seemed a mansion. Charles plowed 50 acres of land for the log house. We were proud of our first possession in Zion, it being so nice to be alone with our children.
Another son came to bless us, which we named Ernest. The following spring we moved to live in the Logan Fifth Ward, Charles having been employed at the Utah Agricultural College, which was then in erection.
Time sped swiftly along, and we were blessed with five sons and four daughters. As the years passed, the children grew. Cecily was married to George Edward Adams, William to Hazel Jane Lee, Gladstone to Nettine Tennant, Ruby to James Adams, Pearl to William Hulse.
So time passes swiftly by with its pleasures and trials. And as the little English girl—now a sedate woman of 53 years—I look back on all the varying scenes I have passed through since we left the shores of old England, and my heart swells with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the many blessings bestowed on me.
After eight days and nights we arrived in Logan, Cache County, Utah Territory. The third day after we arrived Charles left me, with our little girl, in Logan and went with some men to Ross Fork to work on the railroad. The people told me that Charles had gone to work among a lot of Indians and might get killed. I wrote to him, and my letters were returned. Surely I felt a stranger in a strange land—lonesome, homesick, and lonely.
A week after Charles left for Ross Fork, I visited my sister-in-law, Jane Winn, at Smithfield, Cache County.
In the fall of 1887, we moved to Lewiston, where my husband rented a farm belonging to Isaac Blair. Sister Blair, having a large house, let us live with them in exchange for my doing the housework, cooking, washing, and ironing. The following spring, on 27 April 1888, a baby boy came to cheer us. He was named William.
After trials too many to mention, we moved into a log house having two nice, large rooms, which seemed a mansion. Charles plowed 50 acres of land for the log house. We were proud of our first possession in Zion, it being so nice to be alone with our children.
Another son came to bless us, which we named Ernest. The following spring we moved to live in the Logan Fifth Ward, Charles having been employed at the Utah Agricultural College, which was then in erection.
Time sped swiftly along, and we were blessed with five sons and four daughters. As the years passed, the children grew. Cecily was married to George Edward Adams, William to Hazel Jane Lee, Gladstone to Nettine Tennant, Ruby to James Adams, Pearl to William Hulse.
So time passes swiftly by with its pleasures and trials. And as the little English girl—now a sedate woman of 53 years—I look back on all the varying scenes I have passed through since we left the shores of old England, and my heart swells with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the many blessings bestowed on me.
2 Quote of the week
"God's universal and perfect love is shown in all the blessings of His gospel plan, including the fact that His choicest blessings are reserved for those who obey His laws. . . .
"The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God's laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love. . . .
"If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments. . . .
"The effect of God's commandments and laws is not changed to accommodate popular behavior or desires. If anyone thinks that godly or parental love for an individual grants the loved ones license to disobey the law, he or she does not understand either love or law" (Dallin H. Oaks, "Love and Law," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 26).
"The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God's laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love. . . .
"If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments. . . .
"The effect of God's commandments and laws is not changed to accommodate popular behavior or desires. If anyone thinks that godly or parental love for an individual grants the loved ones license to disobey the law, he or she does not understand either love or law" (Dallin H. Oaks, "Love and Law," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 26).
3 This week in our family
Mon, Nov 9: Paul Challis's birthday [Dean]
Mon, Nov 9: Garrett Reher's birthday [Ray]
Wed, Nov 11: Veterans Day
Wed, Nov 11: Kay & Karen married 2006 [Kay]
Sun, Nov 15: Kay's birthday [Kay]
Mon, Nov 16: Next issue of newsletter
Mon, Nov 9: Garrett Reher's birthday [Ray]
Wed, Nov 11: Veterans Day
Wed, Nov 11: Kay & Karen married 2006 [Kay]
Sun, Nov 15: Kay's birthday [Kay]
Mon, Nov 16: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and Tidbits
Kay's family
This past Friday morning I had a chance to speak on the phone with both Kay and Karen in their mission office in Lima. They sounded great and said they are doing well. In eight months their mission will be end and they will return home from South America. It's been a nice touch for Kay to be there in Peru during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Andes Mission, where he served back in the early 1960s.
Kay reported briefly on some of his children. Ike is now a seminary principal in California and is enjoying that. Brandon, who was in a bishopric when they lived in Peoria, and his family have moved back to Indiana, where they previously lived. He is now a counselor in the bishopric there. His wife Nicole is going to school to become a dental hygenist. Kyle has been out of work a lot. He had a new job, but that company then decided to cut back, so he was out looking again. He found another new job just last week. Kay didn't even know what it was. Andrea's husband Chuck used to work for Linford Glass, but they let him go. Kay said they maybe even went out of business. Chueck is now working on his own and doing better than ever.
Dale's family
LeAnn sent us an e-mail on November 2: "Nathan and his wife Carolyn had their little baby girl last Friday afternoon [October 30]. It was an emergency C section. Carolyn was suffering with high blood pressure and the amniotic fluid was low, so they decided to deliver early. The baby weighed 5 pounds and 5 oz. and was 17 inches long. She is a cute little thing and we think that she looks a lot like Nathan did as a newborn, except for the eyes and hair color. Carol and the baby will stay in the hospital a few more days just to make sure everything will be okay and then they will be at home. Dale and I will be flying down to see them and Sarah on the 19th and will come home on the first of December. We look forward to spending time with our two granddaughters and getting to spend time with Sarah and Nathan's families. We are sure excited for Nathan and Carol and know they have a lot to be proud of." She did not mention what the baby's name is.
This past Friday morning I had a chance to speak on the phone with both Kay and Karen in their mission office in Lima. They sounded great and said they are doing well. In eight months their mission will be end and they will return home from South America. It's been a nice touch for Kay to be there in Peru during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Andes Mission, where he served back in the early 1960s.
Kay reported briefly on some of his children. Ike is now a seminary principal in California and is enjoying that. Brandon, who was in a bishopric when they lived in Peoria, and his family have moved back to Indiana, where they previously lived. He is now a counselor in the bishopric there. His wife Nicole is going to school to become a dental hygenist. Kyle has been out of work a lot. He had a new job, but that company then decided to cut back, so he was out looking again. He found another new job just last week. Kay didn't even know what it was. Andrea's husband Chuck used to work for Linford Glass, but they let him go. Kay said they maybe even went out of business. Chueck is now working on his own and doing better than ever.
Dale's family
LeAnn sent us an e-mail on November 2: "Nathan and his wife Carolyn had their little baby girl last Friday afternoon [October 30]. It was an emergency C section. Carolyn was suffering with high blood pressure and the amniotic fluid was low, so they decided to deliver early. The baby weighed 5 pounds and 5 oz. and was 17 inches long. She is a cute little thing and we think that she looks a lot like Nathan did as a newborn, except for the eyes and hair color. Carol and the baby will stay in the hospital a few more days just to make sure everything will be okay and then they will be at home. Dale and I will be flying down to see them and Sarah on the 19th and will come home on the first of December. We look forward to spending time with our two granddaughters and getting to spend time with Sarah and Nathan's families. We are sure excited for Nathan and Carol and know they have a lot to be proud of." She did not mention what the baby's name is.
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the November 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Nov 9. I came home from work & Ivard had gone over to help Wally do beets, & he went to work from there, I never saw him today.
Tues, Nov 10. I came home from work & took Dale to school. I kept Dean home to tend Jackie today. Ivard was gone over to help Wally & I didn't see him again today.
Wed, Nov 11. Dean & Dale didn't have to go to school & they tended Jackie. They got me up at 1:30 & we went in to high school to foot ball game. Nampa beat Caldwell 14 to 13. Gene dressed down but didn't play.
Thurs, Nov 12. Got letter from Jerry, had flue. Gene & Ray came home on bus & Ray & I went to town & Ray saw about a job at Albertson's, don't need any one now. Gene did chores, he don't feel good & Jackie has a cold. Dean & Dale went to Primary. Ray went to Mutual.
Fri, Nov 13. Ray changed everything around in front room & cleaned good.
Sat, Nov 14. I came home from work & ate & went right to bed. Dean got me up at noon & I took him up to Barlows to help make cookies for their Primary tea tomorrow. He tried to sell cards o the way but couldn't. Ivard, Gene & Ray hauled manure all day.
Sun, Nov 15. I came home from work & went right to bed. Gene, Ray Dean & Dale went to priesthood & sunday school & got home at 2:15. We ate & at 2:30 Dean & I went in to the church & Ivard to a primary programe just for Deans class. Came home & read my relief society lesson for Tuesday.
Mon, Nov 9. I came home from work & Ivard had gone over to help Wally do beets, & he went to work from there, I never saw him today.
Tues, Nov 10. I came home from work & took Dale to school. I kept Dean home to tend Jackie today. Ivard was gone over to help Wally & I didn't see him again today.
Wed, Nov 11. Dean & Dale didn't have to go to school & they tended Jackie. They got me up at 1:30 & we went in to high school to foot ball game. Nampa beat Caldwell 14 to 13. Gene dressed down but didn't play.
Thurs, Nov 12. Got letter from Jerry, had flue. Gene & Ray came home on bus & Ray & I went to town & Ray saw about a job at Albertson's, don't need any one now. Gene did chores, he don't feel good & Jackie has a cold. Dean & Dale went to Primary. Ray went to Mutual.
Fri, Nov 13. Ray changed everything around in front room & cleaned good.
Sat, Nov 14. I came home from work & ate & went right to bed. Dean got me up at noon & I took him up to Barlows to help make cookies for their Primary tea tomorrow. He tried to sell cards o the way but couldn't. Ivard, Gene & Ray hauled manure all day.
Sun, Nov 15. I came home from work & went right to bed. Gene, Ray Dean & Dale went to priesthood & sunday school & got home at 2:15. We ate & at 2:30 Dean & I went in to the church & Ivard to a primary programe just for Deans class. Came home & read my relief society lesson for Tuesday.
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