Tag Archives: Colonia Chuichupa

John Jerome Whetten Obituary

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John Jerome Whetten was born 21 April 1935 in Colonia Dublan. He passed away on 16 July 2021. He was the oldest of 10 children born to Glen and Ada Whetten. His early years were spent in Colonia Chuichupa. His family moved to Colonia Juarez when he was 12 years old. He met Louise Jorgenson when he was in the 7th grade and she was in the 6th grade. They became fast friends and later on, high school sweethearts. Dad graduated high school in 1953 and went to BYU for a year. Mom graduated high school a year later and joined Dad at BYU. They were married in the Mesa Temple 29 Dec 1954.

Mom and Dad had 8 children, 43 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren.

Dad was a very forgiving man. During a tragic time in his life he, his brother, and his dad were shot in San Diego, MX. Even though it took the life of his brother Bert and he and his dad suffered a lot, he told us kids often, “That day my life was taken from me, but the Lord gave it back. How can I hold hatred in my heart when I have been given such a gift?” 

Dad set up the first telephone system here in town. He worked on getting television transmitted into town from the US. He taught math, science, electronics and other topics at school. When personal computers first came out, he built his own computer chip by chip from scratch. Interestingly, his wide range of knowledge was always used to help others.

Dad loved to serve and service was forefront to whatever he did. He served in the stake presidency and was bishop for many years. He served as a teacher at the Academia Juarez for 29 years before leaving to serve as Mission President in the Asuncion Paraguay Mission for 3 years. I personally remember the joy and happiness dad and mom felt when serving during those three years as missionaries. When he returned he became the director of the Academia in July 1989. 

Later Dad and Mom were able to return to Paraguay to serve as temple president and matron. (February 2001). They loved Paraguay and the people there. Upon his return, he served 9 years as director of the Colonia Juarez grade school. Dad was happiest when he was serving, especially with Mom.

Family was of paramount importance to Dad. He is survived by eight children and their spouses. John and Jennifer Whetten, David and Judy Larsen, Mel and Mary Kreitel, Glen and Loretta Whetten, Lynn and Betty Sloan, Rick and Crystallyn Whetten, Harold and Megan Whetten and Ronald and Sandra Whetten. He was preceded in death by his daughter in law Amy Lewis Whetten and granddaughter Amy Louise Whetten. He is survived by his siblings, Velma Taylor, Lina Fewkes, Ed Whetten, Don Whetten and Bob Whetten. He was preceded in death by siblings, Bert Whetten, Cliff Whetten, Glen Whetten and Amanda Burraston. 

Being with family was what made Dad happy. He also understood the importance of temple covenants and the promises and blessings that accompany them. He was able to seal over a dozen grandchildren in the temple. On the 27 of February, 2011, his beloved wife Louise passed away. He dedicated the next ten years to visiting and serving his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is now reunited with his sweetheart Louise, his parents and the siblings that went before him.

Amanda Whetten Burraston

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Amanda Whetten Burraston

September 9, 1938 – July 13, 2017 

Amanda Jean Whetten Burraston – Loving sister, mother and grandmother passed away July 13, 2017 in Sacramento, California surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Colonia Chuichupa, Chihuahua, Mexico to Glen Whetten and Ada Judd Whetten. She loved growing up in the Mormon Colonies in Mexico and moved from Chuichupa to Col. Juarez when she was 8 years old. After graduating from High School she went to Brigham Young University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at Wasatch Elementary in Provo, Utah teaching 1st grade. She would later continue her teaching career working with special needs children in the Headstart preschool program in Del Paso Heights, California.

She met her husband Neil Burraston in Provo, Utah and married in Mesa, Arizona, June 5, 1963. Together they raised 5 children. Kenneth, Bert and Deborah were born while they were living in Utah, Tamora was born while they were living in Albany, New York, and Paul was born in Sacramento, California.

She taught and touched the lives of so many as she served in her many church callings. Her last calling was as the music coordinator in the Del Norte Ward. She was a Temple worker for many years in the Oakland and Sacramento Temples.

She served 3 full time missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. First in Concepcion, Chile with her husband where they worked helping to establish the Employment Center; second in Monterrey, Mexico serving a Welfare Services mission. While serving this mission, her husband passed away on February 27, 2004. Her third mission was a Church and Family History mission which she served with her sister, Velma Taylor in Salt Lake City, Utah.
She was an accomplished pianist and gave piano lessons to many even while she was serving as a missionary.

Amanda believed in humbly assisting to make where ever and whomever she met, better than when she found them. That is exactly how she lived her life.

She is survived by her 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, 4 brothers; John, Robert, Edward, Don, and two sisters; Velma and Earline. Preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and 3 brothers; Bert, Glen, and Clifford.

– California Services at LDS Eastern Avenue Chapel, 2475 Eastern Avenue, Sacramento, CA – Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 11:00am; Viewing at 9:00am
– Utah Services at LDS Goshen Chapel, 75 South Center, Goshen, Utah 84633 – Friday, July 28, 2017 at 1:00pm; Viewing at 11:00am; Interment to follow in Goshen Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Perpetual Education Fund at ldsp.org or call 800-525-8074

 

James Christian Peterson

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James Christian Peterson

1858-1929

Mormonism was brought to the Nils Persson family in Soder Rorum, Sweden in about 1856 by the Mormon missionaries.  Grandpa Persson first learned of this new religion but it was Grandma Persson, Maria Livisa Danielsson, Persson, who first accepted it and was baptized in 1858.  The Persson home was a haven to the missionaries as Grandma and Grandpa were very hospitable and welcomed the missionaries.

The Persson children were all born in Soder Rorum with the exception of the eldest son, Olof, who was born in Farlov, Sweden.  Austusta Persson the baby of the family, was born on February 29, 1864. She often told us of the missionaries coming to their home and how brother Erastus Snow would put his arm around her and put her on his knee, something a child would remember.

In 1863, the eldest son, Olof, went to Denmark and there was associated with the Mormon converts.  Later, the whole Persson family moved to Denmark as the families of brother Nils Persson and Maria Lovisa Danilesson Persson were embittered over their joining this new religion.  At the time Grandma Person was a soloist in the Swedish Luteran Church.

James Christian Peterson was born in Mygind, Denmark, January 26, 1858.  He became acquainted with the Mormons and when 17 years of age was baptized on October 10, 1875.  His parents did not join the Church at this time.  He met Matilda Persson while in Denmark at the Mormon activities.

The Persson family immigrated to American and traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah from 1874 to 1876.  James Christian Peterson and his mother emigrated in 1877.  They came to Salt Lake City.  James’ mother, Anne, was baptized February 2, 1886, in Utah.

In Denmark James learned the trade of fine shoe making and repairing of shoes.  When young people learned a trade in the old country they were skilled.  After arriving in Salt Lake City, he secured employment with ZCMI and Solomon Bros.  Later, after his marriage to Matilda Persson in 1879 in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, and after their first three children were born, they oved to Ephraim, Utah.  There James opened a mercantile store.

Matilda and James Christian Peterson were an outstanding couple in church work and talents.  Six of their eight children were born in Utah, John Henry and Florence Viola being born in Colonia Juarez. 

Augusta Persson and James Christian Peterson were married in the Manti Temple on August 28, 1890.  They, with several other couples, went to Colonia Juarez, Mexico, to establish their homes.  Matilda Peterson and family were living in Ephraim at this time.  James came for them in 1891 and they moved to Colonia Juarez with him. 

James commenced his trade of shoe making and repairing of shoes when he arrived in Colonia Juarez.  He was an expert in this trade and taught some of the local men the shoe making business.  Later, after establishing himself and having built separate homes for his two families, he opened up a mercantile store on the main street in Colonia Juarez.

James was interested in getting ahead financially.  He acquired timberland in Chuhuichupa.  He was prospector by nature and he located several mining claims.  He interested some people from England in the mines.  They came and looked over the property.  Due to the inaccessible roads and location of the mines, the English people declined the process of extracting the ore and cost of shipment to the States would be exorbitant.  So the deal was not closed.

Grandma Persson or Peterson lived with the two families until her death in 1904.  Nils Persson died in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 28, 1882.  He was only in America six years.  Grandpa and Grandma Persson were a cultured, refined and talented couple and loved their children and religion dearly.  In Colonia Juarez, Matilda Peterson acted as midwife and brought many of the babies in Colonia Juarez into this world.  Augusta Peterson, 10 years younger than her sister Matilda, had her own dressmaking shop in Salt Lake City before her marriage.  She often spoke of the women in Colonia Juarez coming to her with material for a dress to be cut out.  She said she nearly always wound up making the dress for them.  Augusta was very artistic.  Her home was always most attractive; she just had that touch.  Both Matilda and Augusta were very good cooks.

James was called on a mission to Denmark.  Later he was made Branch President.  Being able to speak the language and knowing the country I am sure he converted many to the Gospel.  He was a Christian gentleman.  He had a very good disposition, loved to read, and spoke several languages fluently.  Matilda and Augusta Peterson were both outstanding and had charming personalities and good dispositions.

Leah, a daughter of Augusta and James Christian Peterson, died in Colonia Juarez, July 4, 1906.  Matilda and her family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1907, and Augusta and family followed the next year. John Henry and Florence Viola and all of Augusta’s children were of school age. The

James sold some of his holdings, including the homes, but the timberland and mines were never sold.  He never was paid in full for the homes, because of the problems caused by the Mexican Revolution.

Some of the Peterson children received university educations.  Nearly all the grandchildren have graduated from college and the great-grandchildren are headed that way.  They possess many talents, hold good positions, are well respected in the communities in which they live and most are active in Church. 

Hilma Peterson, daughter

Stalwarts South of the Border, Nelle Spilsbury Hatch page 326

Alma Platte Spilsbury

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Alma Platte Spilsbury

(1850 – 1920)

Alma Platte Spilsbury parents, George and Fannie Smith Spilsbury, except in the Gospel in England in 1842. 

As soon possible they were married, they emigrated to Nauvoo in order to see and, if possible, talk to the man who had seen God, who had talked with Jesus Christ, and who was visited by angels and ancient prophets. Seated in the unfinished temple and Nauvoo, they recognize the Prophet of once though they had never seen him or even a picture of him. “He was his bold a lion, yet meek as a lamb, and his eyes pierce to my very soul,” wrote George later in his journal. They mourned with the Saints when the prophet and his brother were martyred and were present in the Grove when “the mantle of the Prophet” fell upon Brigham Young.

They evacuated Nauvoo at the time of the Exodus, and moved to St. Louis, then to St. Joseph, Missouri, in order to earn money to buy wagons, teams, seed and other necessities for settling in a faraway land. During that time, four little girls were born to them, each in turn dying. Belmont, their fifth child and first son, was born August 5, 1850, on the banks of the Platte River somewhere in Nebraska. When he was eight days old, the wagon in which she was born and was riding overturned in the Platte River in the oxen in their haste to slake their burning thirst rushed into the river. The mother was rescued at once, but by the time Edward Hunter, whose company they were traveling, had found the baby lodged against the stump, he seemed lifeless. Detecting a flicker of life, Hunter asked for the privilege of blessing given him a name. “Name him Alma,” his father said anxiously, “for the Book of Mormon Prophet.”  “And I’ll add Platte to it,” said Bishop Hunter, “to commemorate his ducking.”

The family arrived in Salt Lake City on October 3, 1850, where the first eight years of Alma’s childhood were spent. His father replied the trade of mason to keep his ever-growing family supplied with necessities. Alma was 18 years of age when his father settled in Toquerville, in southern Utah, having spent one summer in Springville when Johnston’s army entered Salt Lake City, three years in Draper, four years in Grafton and four years in Rockville. Being the oldest son, Alma stood guard when Indians menaced, went with parties in search of stolen property, and help build their homes and provide for the family. Schooling during that time was incidental and possible only when other matters were not pressing.

On June 22, 1869, he married Sarah Ann Higbee, when he was but 19 years of age. His first daughter, Fanny Ann, was born September 1, 1870. On December 11, 1879, Sarah Ann died at the birth of their fifth child. She was survived by three children: Fannie Ann, David Moroni, and John Summers (Alma Platte Jr., and Ella having previously passed away).  Immediately following this bereavement, Alma accepted a call to the Northern States Mission, leaving the care of his children to his mother. He left in April 1880, but in the cold, damp climate of the Great Lakes area he developed a cough that soon turned serious, and in July he was released.

On October 6, 1880, he married Mary Jane Redd of New Harmony, Utah, a girl he met when he stayed overnight with the Redd family on his way from his mission. With her he began a new life for himself and his motherless children in the old Spilsbury home in Toquerville. Mary Jane’s Katie Pearl was born and Sarah Ann’s Johnny died while they lived there.

March 2, 1883, he married Margaret Jane Smith is Cedar City, Utah, who had been preconditioned for his proposal by seeing him in a dream and being told distinctly, “This is the men you are going to marry.”  Because of persecutions assailing those who entered the world marriage, he was advised by Apostle Erastus Snow to marry her in the St. George Temple and move his family at once to Arizona. In preparation for the movie fitted himself with for wagons, five teams, some loose horses, a race horse and a cow and left for Arizona, arriving the first of May. They settled in Mesa, then a struggling hamlet of a dozen families. With his extra horse he bought 40 acres of land from Fred Mullins, and moved his two wives into the one room Adobe house already built, and set about improving the property. Mary Jane second baby girl, Sarah Ann, was born June 2, 1883, and nine months later, March 3, 1884, Janey’s first girl, Estella May, was born before another room was added to the one-room adobe.

Eluding the U.S. Marshals, who were soon on the trail, was the beginning of dangerous times for this family. Although Alma believed in “facing the music,” going underground was so distasteful to him, he accepted a call to explore northern Sonora in company with Heber J .Grant and party, headed by Brigham Young, Jr. They spent four months hunting land suitable for colonization.

On his return he was arrested and stood trial in federal court in Phoenix in the spring of 1885, and was among the first to plead guilty as a test case. Others before him had pled “not guilty,” and had been sentenced to three months in eastern penitentiaries plus a fine. The “guilty” plea was made in hopes it would lessen the penalty. Pleading guilty also seemed more honest Alma, so he disregarded the advice of his lawyer. The result was a six-month sentence in the state penitentiary at Yuma, Arizona.

His prison term began April 1885, and lasted until October of the same year. Mary Jane’s third child and first son, Lemuel Hardison, was but a month old. Making friends with his jailers and gaining special privileges that mitigated the daily rituals and scorching heat was characteristic of Alma’s tactics in a hostile situation.

Serving his penitentiary term gave no relief to the persecution and when the chance came to choose between giving up part of the family were going into exile, he chose the latter. Leaving Mary Jane to liquidate his business, he took Janey with Estella May and Ernest Moroni (George Phillip having died at age two) and went with a company of Saints to Mexico. Janye’s fourth child, Carmelita, was born in Dublan shortly after they arrived.  They settled in Colonia Juarez, and their Mary Jane followed in November 1891, with her six children: Katie, Sarah, Lemuel, Nellie Keziah, Della Redd and Ruby Vilate. His oldest daughter, Fannie, had married Isaac Dana and remained in Mesa. He gave up valuable property for the sake of living peacefully with his family.

Life in Mexico was a series of living on ranches in the summer time and in Colonia Juarez ares for school in the winter. Eight years were spent in the Strawberry Valley 25 miles northwest of Colonia Juarez, where he raise corn and potatoes, made cheese for sale and cared for the T-five (Church) cattle on a profit-sharing basis. Four years were spent on the Palo Quemado Ranch it miles south of Colonia Juarez which he used as a base for his lumber hauling. Loads of lumber were delivered each week, and still he spent the night at home. In 1905, he moved his families to Chuhuichupa for three years the farm, dairy and raise cattle. The highlight of living in this secluded hamlet 90 miles southwest of Colonia Juarez was the visit of his aged and revered father, George Spilsbury, who weathered the hard trip in order to give his grandchildren a Patriarchal Blessing.

Inaccessibility to high school privileges for his growing family induced a move to the valleys, and he settled his families on fruit farms four miles up the river from Colonia Juarez. From here he moved them in to town and the first comfortable homes either had enjoyed.  Hardly were they settled when the political upheaval scattered the Mormon colonists all parts of the southwestern United States, and forced temporary abandonment of these newly-acquired homes. In the general Exodus came, Alma, by permission, remained in town alone, thinking he could save property and be instrumental in easing strained relations by doing so. By using tactics learned in the Yuma penitentiary, he made friends by being friendly. As a consequence, he never was harmed. Within a month Mary Jane’s family joined him. Janey and her children stayed in United States.

He was strictly honest. He never treated in a trade nor took unfair advantage in a deal. He never told a lie except once to save a favorite horse from rebels. No word of contempt could aptly express his aversion to the fellow who would tell you one thing while thinking another. He was a stickler for fundamentals. If the Gospel is true, its teachings were a correct guide. Family prayer is as regular as the morning and evening meal. Alma thank the Lord for what he had, asked him for what he needed. Mothers and each of the children took their turns praying.

He was as honest with the Lord as with his fellow man. He had little to tie, but such as there was, was carefully calculated and scrupulously paid every 10th load of hay, wood, or lumber was piled into the tithing yard. Attendance at Sacrament Meeting and the Sabbath Day was strictly observed. Saturday evening his teams were turned out. Sunday morning is liveliest team of mules was hitched to the light wagon, and into it was loaded all the family. The mules and rested until time to return from Sacrament Meeting. He was supposed to buggy rides, often indulged in on Sunday afternoons, because horses needed their rest, too.

He loved horses. Had life dealt him what he craves, he would have been a horse fancier. When he moved to Mexico, he was wealthy with blooded horses which were taken with him. They were the first to succumb to the rigors of a hard country. As one by one they died, he saw something as Hardy as himself to take their place, and found it in mules. It mattered not whether he drove one span or two or three, or had them hitched to one wagon were to; his teams made his living.

No tools of a craftsman could have had better care. Teams that stayed with him until the day’s work was done often spent 16 hours in the harness. Yet he never had one refused to do his bidding. He had no patience with one who abused a balky horse, maintaining that if the driver knew as much as the horse, no mistreatment would be necessary.

Special favors among his horses were legion, and would be hard to name. Any animal once broke to his ritual was a favorite. Sometimes it was hard to tell who’s law was deepest, the horse’s or its master’s. More than one of them saved his life at various times by split-second timing in response to his jerk on the line or his sudden command.  His pride in his team extended to the roads over which they took him. He took many a kink out of the crooked bit of road by plowing a more direct route from one point to another. He never failed to leave a road better than he found it. His pick and shovel were ever handy to remove an embedded boulder, dig down a wash, or fill in a chuckhole, and his children were always handy to throw out loose rocks.

In spite of his love of horseflesh, his children by no means took second place in favoritism every dollar was made the hardest way, no child was unwelcome. The last of his 28 causes much rejoicing as the first. This rejoicing was doubled when his wife, Mary Jane, gave birth to a pair of twin girls. His strategies then looked as if he claimed all the credit.  When his cuatas were still mere babes he took them to Mesa to show what his move to Mexico had netted him.  Yet even that was not allowed to eclipse another member of his family, nor allow any child to wish he had been born between. “This is the best child I’ve got,” he’d say as he patted the head of the child nearest him.

He want investors children. But more than closer fine things, he wanted them to be honest, diligent and trustworthy, and to learn the dignity of work. “What you are, you can take with you when you leave this world,” he often said. His love for his children went to a desire for them to be loyal to him and to show it as his forces did. To make it so, he instituted some hard and fast rules: how my son down on Sundays; in bed by 10 p.m. after parties, and by midnight after dances; no sleeping away from home. The hardest of all was: no dates without first getting his permission. “Do you think I’d allow anyone to take my mules from the corral without first asking my permission?” He would say. “And you think I love my mules more than I do my girls?” When times change, he change with them. His younger children heard only, “You’ve been taught correct principles, govern yourselves. But no late hours.” His children rarely forgot.

He was proud to be a member of the first High Council organized by Anthony W. Ivins. When cases were tried, he was invariably assigned to defend. This was because, as explained by President Ivins, Alma Spilsbury was a friend to the erring one. He lost older people on the downward slope of life and his were returned to finding some way to make life writer for them. Hearing of gala occasions in Utah where older people were honored, and attending such an occasion in Mesa, he turned to sell the idea to community leaders, who immediately planned and Old Folks’ Day, and placed him in charge of it. He went himself and by every person in town over 50 years of age of both races, and when the day arrived, he met all honored guests and chivalrously escorted them to their assigned places in the hall. They use corsage was placed on the oldest person present, thus making him the center of attention. As a jovial master of ceremonies Alma lead in the singing of old-time songs. Then, following a sumptuous banquet, all were in a mood to reminisce, and experiences were aired that provoked both tears and laughter until it was time to take them to their homes again.

This first successful Old Folks Day in Colonia Juarez was made into an annual affair, and it was a stake organization under his direction, with Miles A. Romney and Daniel Skousen as helpers.  After his death, Old Folks’ Day was held each year on his birthday, August 5, until in later years it lost its identity. Being in charge of such occasions supplemented his dread of growing old, but nothing could really hide the fact from him. Called “old man Spilsbury” for the first time was like a lash from a whip. His family writhed with him, but secretly enjoyed his quick retort: “Looky here, young man, when you can throw more mud out of the ditch in a day than I can, you can call me old.”  He never heard the words again.

Eulogies of the dead irked him. “Why couldn’t they have told that poor fellow all those nice things while he was alive?” Life and how was lived were more important to him than how he was buried. “All I ask is that the Lord will let me live as long as I am useful, and then let me die in the harness.” These words were literally fulfilled. In June 1920, following a load of wool on a lonely mountain road, his wagon overturned, killing him and his favorite horse. His body lay in the hot June sun for two days before he was found. He was laid to rest June 22, 1920, in the Colonia Juarez Cemetery.

He was survived by 16 of his 28 children, 14 of whom were born in Mexico, and his posterity numbers around 300 at this writing. Many of his numerous posterity are found in Stake in Ward leadership, also as Stake and full-time missionaries for the Church. Many grandchildren served in all branches of the armed forces during World War II, with but one casualty. There are apt craftsman to be found among his children and grandchildren. Professional men and women are numbered in the fields of medicine, art, science and music. In the field of education are teachers from elementary to university level, as well as principles of high schools. All of which proves, as in the life of Alma P. Spilsbury himself, that hardships and meager opportunities are no bar to achievement if proper incentive is supplied.

Nelle Spilsbury Hatch

Stalwarts South of the Border page 628 Nelle Spilsbury Hatch

Benjamin Julius Johnson

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Benjamin Julius Johnson

(1857-1937)

Benjamin Julius Johnson was born to Benjamin Franklin Johnson and Sarah Melissa Homan Johnson, May 10, 1857 in Santaquin, Utah.  His family moved to Spring Lake, Utah when he was 8 years old.

His father was engaged in agricultural pursuits and was also somewhat of an expert in horticulture, planting quite a large orchard and engaging in making syrup, ketchup, keeping bees, using the whole family to help with the work.  So Benjamin Julius was brought up learning various occupations, which knowledge served him well in the task of pioneering. 

He married Isabelle Millican Russell, November 28, 1878.  Sometime between 1880 and 1883 he with his family wife and twin boys moved to Tempe, Arizona, where he engaged in general farming, specializing in bee culture and honey.  A daughter, Isabelle Melissa, was born at Tempe, May 19, 1883.   Shirley H. was born April 12, 1886.  About this time, he moved out on the “Bench” in Mesa, Arizona and developed a large apiary.  While at this place he became interested in a young lady by the name of Harriet Jane Hakes and, with the consent of his wife, Belle, they decided he should marry Jane and all move to Mexico where they could live polygamy legally. 

A covered wagon was outfitted for the trip, and with a single team of horses they headed for the newly established colonies. Starting early in the fall, they crossed the line at Palomas and camped at a nearby lake. Here Alexander F. Macdonald caught up with them and that same night performed the ceremony then joined Harriet Jane Hakes in marriage to Benjamin Julius Johnson as wife number two. This was October 22, 1889. The stepson of L. V. Guthrie traveled with them and he, too, was married to Winnie Johnson, the same night by A.F. Macdonald.

They traveled on to Colonia Juarez where they bought a house and a small plot of land. The house stood against the hill at the northeast corner of town, above the crossing of the Eastern canal. The plot of land was situated under and adjacent to the west side of the canal. He later built a four room house and tore down the old Orvel Allen two-room shack.  The plot of ground served as a family garden and help supply the family food.

These were really hard times, at least for a season, as most of his resources have been spent on the journey.  But Benjie, as he was called, was resourceful and versatile. He had learned plastering, and, as a number of brick and Adobe houses were being constructed, he obtained considerable employment, which brought much needed income.

The Johnson family contributed to the cultural life of the colony.  Belle had some literary talent and also gave lessons on the organ. Benjie, with natural music talent, played various instruments. He was especially efficient with the violin, and made an excellent fiddler when square dancing was an informal social exercise. He with his lively fiddle and “Uncle Pete” Wood with his flute, playing for many of the hometown dances.

In May, 1895, Benjie moved to Chuhuichupa, where four or five other families had already settled. Sometime later a Branch was organized under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Pacheco and Benjie was called to be the Presiding Elder until George M. Haws of Colonia Juarez was called to preside over the Chuhuichupa Ward.  Benjie was then set apart as a Counselor to the Bishop.  Later he was ordained Bishop.

The Johnson family became a sort of hot for cultural and social activities with Benjie at the center as chorister and dance fiddler, and daughter, Belle, at the organ. Later his son Frank became the choir leader, school principal and a leader in academic activities, which “relieved” Uncle Benjie’s overcrowded agenda of Ward duties. Besides serving as leader in religious activities, Benjie set the pace in home beautification. Although not blessed with great financial resources, he did the best he could with what he had. He planted the first apple and cherry orchards in Chuhuichupa. On his farm he raised oats, corn and potatoes. He also worked at sawmilling between farming seasons. His favorite activity was horticulture, and, inasmuch is Chuhuichupa did not seem to fulfill his expectations in this field, he looked elsewhere for a better opportunity. The search led him to Coahuila, Mexico, where his cousin Derby Johnson was promoting a colonization project. This appealed to him as “the Place.”  So he decided to make the move and in the early spring of 1911 he moved to Coahuila. However, because of the Revolution in Mexico, he became apprehensive and didn’t stay long in Coahuila, moving to Blue Water, New Mexico, where Colin Hakes, brother of his second wife, Harriet Jane, presided as Bishop.  Here Benjie with his two sons Frank and Shirley, engaged in the business of burning lime. But this was not the occupation for Benjie, so he with his sons moved to Mesa, Arizona, in the winter of 1913.

There he engaged in farming, gardening and dairying, until his health began to fail. Then he became a full-time worker in Mesa Temple until the time of his death on February 10, 1938, ten years to the day after his wife Bell passed away. He was buried beside Bell in the Mesa Cemetery close to the graves of his father and mother.

Isabelle Johnson Sevey, daughter

Stalwarts South of the Border, Nelle Spilsbury Hatch page 341

Harry M Payne of the Mormon Colonies in Mexico.

Harry M Payne

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Harry “M” Payne

(1857 – 1940)

Harry “M” Payne was born on December 3, 1857 in Cassup, Durham, England.  His parents were Edward Payne and Emma Powell, who were both of English descent and bother were converted to the Church prior to their marriage on September 16, 1854.

This young couple was not satisfied nor happy with the conditions under which they had to work and live, and in their hearts was a longing and desire to gather with the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley.  Quietly, they began to make plans and to pray that the way might be opened that they would be able to emigrate.

Harry’s father Edward, was employed in the coal mines, but working conditions were poor and pay was meager.  Each miner was bound to his employer by a contract, which made it impossible to improve working conditions or seek other employment.  About this time, Edward and three other men, who were members of the Church, decided to break their contracts with the mines.  They felt justified in doing this because they were working only half-time.

Consequently, these four men quietly sold what household possessions they could spare to help raise sufficient funds to take them to America.  They hoped to find employment and save enough money to send for their families.  The men took passage on a sailing vessel and upon arrival in New York were offered employment in the coal mines in Fallbrook, Pennsylvania.  This was during the early part of 1863 when the Civil War was being fought in the United States.  Therefore, laborers were scarce and the wages high.  Edward, with his three companions, decided to do contract work instead of day labor.

In the fall of 1863, Edward, Harry’s father, sent for his wife and four children— George, Harry “M”, Lucy, and Thomas.  He also sent passage money for his father-in-law, George Powell.  When this group was finally able to leave England, they were joined by the families of the other men, who were with Edward in Pennsylvania.  They secured passage on the same sailing vessel and arrived safely in New York on Christmas day 1863.  One of the men working in Pennsylvania met the party in New York and took them to Fallbrook, where they joined in a most happy reunion.  They Payne family spent the remainder of the winter and the next spring there.

In July, Harry’s mother, brothers, sister, and grandfather left Fallbrook and continued their journey toward Zion.  They went by ox team to St. Joseph, Missouri, and from there up the Missouri River to Winter Quarters companies were formed and they began the long, arduous journey across the plains.

 The Emigration Fund, sponsored by the Church, afforded the Payne and Powell families the opportunity to borrow money to finance their journey across the plains.  There was an unusually large number of Saints from England at this time at Winter Quarters, and the transportation from the regular companies was found to be inadequate.  Fortunately, there was a large freight outfit leaving Winter Quarters at the same time, so the belongings of 375 of the group were piled on top of the loaded freight wagons. 

To more clearly understand the circumstances, I quote fhe following from Harry’s lips:  “My mother and her family, her father and his family, my mother’s sister and her family, making a group of 16 souls in all, were assigned to one freight wagon.”  Whe we think fo their baggage, and all the earthly possessions of 16 people being loaded on the top of the wagon, we can readily conclude that all who were physically able had to walk.  Grandmother Powell was ill and rode all of the way.  The smaller children rode part of the way and occasionally they were allowed to ride the oxen.

On their journey to Zion, Harry and the family saw their first Indians.  An Indian chief approached the company and asked for flour, promising that if he were granted the request, the company would have buffalo meat awaiting them on the road the next day.  The following day, the came upon Indians who were waiting with three or four dressed buffalo to pay the debt incurred for flour.

This was a treat because, prior to this, the menu had consisted of bread, salt bacon, gravy and small portions of dry foods.  They gathered berries and dried them for future use.  Usually, the Saints in Utah sent help to travelers by sending dried fruit, squash, beans and any other food. 

When nearly halfway to Utah, Thomas, the baby, two years of age, took sick.  He died on August 22, 1864, as they camped at Bitter Creek.  As the train left camp the next morning, the wagon carrying the sorrowing family lingered behind, while they dressed the child, sewed him up in a sheet, as there was no material for a coffin, and then laid him in a grave, the end of a wagon gate placed over him.

Welcome was the day when they came in sight of the first settlements and people met them with loads of vegetables and fresh foods.  The freight wagon which had been used by the Payne’s was going to Heber City, so the three families stayed with the wagon and settled temporarily in Heber.  Here, they stayed in the school house for a few days and neighbors brought in milk, butter, and fresh vegetables.  So they feasted sumptuously for a time.  Only two weeks after the family arrived, Harry’s mother gave birth to a new daughter, Elizabeth.

The next fall, Harry’s father purchased a farm.  With the help of his boys, they tried to make a living, but the fourth year of farming was marked by the grasshopper plague.  As farming was the only means of support, Edward walked 50 miles to a railroad construction camp where he obtained employment.  Later he returned to Heber City and moved his family to Coalville, where they worked in the mines.  Harry began working in the mine two months before he was eleven years old.  He worked 12 hours per day for .75 cents. His job was to lead a mule which pulled the coal cars.  Every other week he had to work at night. The next summer, 1869, the East and West were joined by rail with the completion of the Union Pacific to Salt Lake City. 

The family spent the next six years working in the mines, but grew tired of it, so they moved to Glenwood, Utah, where the boys could work on a farm.  Shortly after their arrival there, the Church commenced the United Order. Edward told his boys that he was going to join the Order, but they could choose for themselves.  By this time, Harry was 18 years old and he joined the Order also.  His father divided the property, giving him a pair of oxen and a cow, which he turned into the Order.

Harry had admired a lovely young lady, Helen Amelia Buchanan.  Their friendship grew into courtship, and they made plans for marriage.  Late in February of 1878, they started for the St. George Temple, 200 miles away, to be married for time and eternity.  Another young couple, also to be married, traveled with them.  As they were still living in the Order, they were provided a team, feed and wagon, five dollars in cash and 100 pounds of flour to give as a donation to the Temple.  It took them a week to make the trip to St. George and on March 6, 1878, they were married and the following day started their homeward journey.  A small adobe house with a dirt roof was their first home and what was left of the five dollars set them up in housekeeping.  Harry’s assignment in the Order was to haul timber from the mountains and for this purpose he was provided with a team of young oxen and a wagon.   After five years the United Order was closed.  Harry remained until his termination and drew his equity with which he bought a city lot, a team of horses and a wagon.  Very shortly he built a well-constructed, two-room, adobe house, which was their first real home.

Their first child, Harry Lorenzo, was born January 18, 1879.  Two years later on January 8, 1881, a daughter, Elnora, blessed their home.  At this time Harry found it necessary to leave home to find work, so he went to Marysvale and obtained a job making railroad ties.  While there, on April 2, 1882, a call came to fill a mission to what was then known as the Northern States Mission.  After his departure, his wife taught school for one year and also worked as a telegraph operator to support herself and her two children.  Owning to conditions at the time, the missionaries were required to spend only two summers and one winter, as it was almost impossible to do much tracting during the winter months.

Harry returned from his Mission in December, 1883 and in April of the next year, he moved his family to Rabbit Valley.  Here they intended to make their new home, but five days after their arrival, Harry received a letter from President John Taylor calling him to preside as Bishop over the Aurora Ward of the Sevier Stake of Zion.  He was only 26 years of age when his family moved to Aurora and there, on April 11, Harry was sustained as Bishop.

At this time polygamy was being practiced and Harry, like other Church leaders, was requested to live this principle.  He talked the matter over with his wife Helen, as he did not wish to shirk his responsibility.  They looked about for someone to help them live this higher law, and after much deliberation and prayer were led to a young woman by the name of Ruth Curtis. Harry broached this subject to Ruth’s parents and obtained their consent to take their daughter in plural marriage.  He then went to Ruth about the matter, gained her consent, and began to court her.  Their courtship was short of necessity secret, because of the opposition of outside forces.  In order to obey the principle, Harry and Ruth traveled 400 miles round trip from Aurora to St. George by team and wagon to be married in the temple on March 3, 1886.

Harry, Helen and Ruth had lived under trying circumstances because of the crusade against polygamy, but were true to the principles in which they so firmly believed. On June 15, 1887, a daughter, Edna, was born to Harry and Ruth, and as the deputy marshals were constantly seeking to arrest anyone with two wives, Harry took employment up in the mountains in a timber camp. Here he remained until he received a letter from his wife Helen, asking him to come home for short time. He not been home long before Helen gave birth to a son, Junius Edward, on October 3, 1887. A day or two later, Harry’s brother Edward, came to warn him that he would soon be arrested. Harry went immediately to the President of the Stake for counsel and was advised, “You can do more good in the mission field than in the penitentiary.” With the recommended from the Stake President, he reported to Apostle Franklin D. Richards, and was soon on his way to Great Britain. He remained there until October 1889.

On October 30, 1889, Harry returned from his mission and was promptly arrested by S. F. Mount, deputy marshal, for “unlawful cohabitation.” This term meant that a man acknowledged his plural wife whether he was living with her or not. The charge carried a penalty of six months imprisonment and a $300 fine. On February 24, 1890, Harry and his two wives appeared in court. The two ladies were called to witness before a grand jury, but refused to testify against her husband. Nevertheless, sufficient evidence was obtained to get an indictment, so on March 6, Harry was sentenced to six months imprisonment and a $300 fine.

While serving his sentence, Harry decided he would move to Mexico, for he had no intention of learning his plural family. He was released a month early for good behavior. Immediately they prepared for the moved to Mexico. President Wilford Woodruff issued the Manifesto on September 24, 1890, in which he advised the Saints to obey the laws of the land. It was made plain by Church Authorities that the only way in which they could continue to live with their families was to go to a country where there was no law against a plurality of wives. Harry began at once to prepare to move. At last things were ready and their wagon, plow, farm implements, supplies, furniture, bedding, stoves and other household items were are all loaded into a freight car on the Denver-Rio Grande Railroad and the team forces was put in one end of the same car. Harry went along on this trained to care for his animals. The families were scheduled to follow on a passenger train to Deming, New Mexico. Friends met the Paynes in Deming with a team and wagon to assist them in making their way to the colonies in Mexico. They arrived there October 25, 1891.

In Colonia Dublan, Harry and his families were very active in both civil and church affairs. They were poor at this time and had to forgo many pleasures, but managed to sustain themselves. The first year was the hardest, and an example of their poverty is related by second wife, Ruth. Their menu consisted mainly of bread and gravy. Once in a while, they would get a handful of beans and would have a treat of bean soup. When the Payne’s first arrived in Dublan, they lived in a small two-room house. It was here that Ruth’s second daughter, Lucinda, was born on February 12, 1892. Harry’s first job in Dublan was helping to make molasses, and his pay was also in molasses. When winter came, he took a job about 6 miles west of town at Jackson’s flour mill, where he was able to secure flour enough to feed his families.

In the spring of 1892, he rented a small farm from Philip H. Hurst and planted wheat crop, but it proved to be an unusually dry year. The family desperately needed that crop, so they fasted and prayed for rain. The Lord, in answer to their place, sent the “dews of Heaven” to save the wheat and keep it growing another day. In the fall of 1892, the families moved into a house on the main street of town. It was a very cold, open, rough-sawed lumber house. On December 8 18, 1892, Helen’s 4th son and 6th child, George, was born. It was snowing at the time of his birth and it was necessary to hang canvas around her bed to keep out the cold wind. In the spring of 1893, Harry found the farm that he could by he could raise the down payment. Anson B. Call, a friend and a neighbor, offered assistance to close the deal by lending him $25.

Harry set about to provide better home for his families. During the next four years, he built to homes and a granary to care for his week. In 1897, Harry purchased a city block in the townsite, and the new home was built for Ruth on the southwest corner. A large tent was pitched on the Northwest corner for Helen. This located the Payne families just across the corner from church and school. Later, another home was erected where the tent had been pitched, and living conditions were much improved for both families. Harry was a man of action, full of vigor, resourceful and determined. These characteristics, along with his faith and testimony of the Gospel, made him an outstanding leader wherever he went.

His first church appointment after arriving in Dublan, Mexico was as an assistant Sunday School teacher. Following this, a Ward was organized in Dublan late in 1891 with Winslow Farr as the Bishop, Frederick G. Williams, First Counselor, Philip H. Hurst Second Counselor, and Harry “M” Payne as Ward Clerk. Shortly after this, Harry was chosen as a regular teacher in the Sunday School. Approximately 2 years later he was sustained as Superintendent and served for several years. Harry was quite musically inclined and talented and singing. Shortly after his arrival in Dublan, he was asked to help lead the singing in the meetings. There is no piano or organ to accompany the singing, so he used a tuning fork to get the pitch for the songs. He served on the first High Council, which was before the Juarez Stake was organized, and served through the administration of President Anthony W. Ivins. During the years of his Stake assignments, he was faithful, and visited all the Wards and Branches by team and wagon or on horseback. In 1894, Harry was called as President Of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association.  He was also called to do home missionary work. He traveled 60 miles to the north to visit Colonia Diaz, 150 miles to the west to visit Morelos and Oaxaca, and 90 miles to the southwest to Chuhuichupa. Harry’s eldest son, Harry L., Was the first missionary to leave Dublan by train. He went to the Southern States Mission in the summer of 1897.

In Mexico, the chief industry was farming and, besides caring for his farm, Harry took the job as water master on one of the canals. This job lasted from 1903 to 1912. In overseeing the jurisdiction of water for 1,500 acres of farmland and 300 city lots, much of his traveling for this job was done on the bicycle. Besides this work, he went on the week thresher every season from 1891 to 1912.

Early in the first decade of the new century, there began to be political disturbances in Mexico. The colonists were not alarmed. The rumblings of revolution constantly grew louder and soon actual war broke out in the country. This caused much concern for the safety of all American citizens living south of the border. As the majority of the colonists had retained their American citizenship, they were told to take no part in the Revolution. After much counseling by Authorities, it was decided that all Mormons who were willing to leave their home should return to United States. Harry, with other men, was requested to go on the train that was to take the women, children and older people to the states, and to look after their safety and welfare.

The people of Dublan all gathered at the Union Mercantile to meet the train which was to take them to the States. When the train finally arrived it was loaded almost a capacity with Saints from other colonies, so the Dublan people had to wait for another. In the meantime it started to rain and the dismal weather seemed to add a spirit of sadness. When an extreme came, it was still raining and as the people were getting into the cars, one dear old Englishman said, “Ah, even the ‘evens are weaping with us.”  When the trains caring the women and children arrived in El Paso, Texas, the problem of housing caring for them proved to be a real challenge. City officials and immigration officers were very helpful and cooperative in doing what they could to make everyone as comfortable possible. One of the Twelve Apostles, Anthony W. Ivins, who had been the former stake president in Mexico, was sent to El Paso to represent the church in this hour crisis.

All were advised to make their own decisions as to whether they would remain in the States or return to Mexico. Most of the Payne family returned to Utah, leaving behind forever their entire accumulations of 20 years.  Many of the refugees settled temporarily along the Rio Grande River, but were desirous of finding a place to establish themselves permanently. Martin L. Harris, who and also settled there, started first Sonora, Mexico, in the summer of 1913. He passed through Lordsburg, he saw Mr. Frank Stowell, a former colonist, who persuaded him to go to Richmond and look at the Valley along the Gila River. Mr. Harris was impressed, so after his return from Sonora he aroused the interest of other refugees in looking at the Valley with intent to make a settlement.

A committee of three men was appointed to look over the proposition. They made the trip immediately after Christmas of 1914, and upon their return the committee, Frederick W. Jones, John B. Jones, and Peter Mortensen, gave a most favorable report. In February 1915, Frederick W. Jones and Samuel A. Brown were sent from the Rio Grande, Peter Mortensen and Joseph Mortenson of Deming accompanying them to meet with Mr. Virden and Mr. Cherry in Duncan, Arizona. They made arrangements to purchase a tract of land belonging to Mr. Burton and Mr. Cherry. As soon as the people began moving into the Gila area, 40 acres were surveyed and divided into blocks for lots and streets, with added acreage for a school. Two lots were reserved for a church and park. About six months after the townsite was laid out, award was organized and the name of the town was changed from Richmond to Virden.

On February 24, 1918, Harry was ordained a Patriarch in this ordination took place at Layton (now Safford), Arizona under the hands of Orson F. Whitney, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. He held this office until his death. Here Harry was still active in the Sunday School, and before his service terminated, he had worked over 50 years in this one organization.  This picture and an account of some of his work in the Sunday school appeared in an issue of The Instructor magazine, under the caption, “A Veteran Sunday School Teacher.”  In his article, he expressed his confidence that the Sunday School would keep growing and doing much good. He also stated that this organization had done him a great deal of good in broadening his view of the Gospel and giving him an opportunity to serve.

Harry “M” Payne enjoyed a long and active life, but the years always take their toll. He buried his loving wife, Helen, on January 3, 1936. Gradually his shoulders became stooped and his hair turned a beautiful snowy white. But his spirit only grew more stalwart and his noble influence on family and friends more broad and deep. One of Harry’s greatest joys was to be with his children and grandchildren. He was always willing to share some interesting story, experience, or song at family gatherings. On his 81st birthday, December 3, 1938, his oldest son Harry Lorenzo, known as H.L., paid his father a wonderful tribute when he read a poem and sang the song “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine” over the radio from the Safford, Arizona station. In the evening, his children and grandchildren gathered at his home to express her love and appreciation and to wish him health and happiness. In January 1940, he suffered a slight stroke and was cared for with love and tenderness by his devoted wife, Ruth, with the assistance of his sons and daughters who were living nearby. Death came peacefully, on February 28, 1940, in his 83rd year.

Myrtle Jones Nelson, granddaughter

Stalwarts South of the Border Nelle Spilsbury Hatch page 519

James Andrew Jesperson

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James Andrew Jesperson

1883-1970

James Andrew Jesperson came with his parents, James Peter Jesperson and Emma Ida Johnson, to the colonies in 1896 at the age of 13.  Although the first colonists arrived a number of years before his family, James, my father, was indeed one of the true pioneers of the Mormon Colonies in Mexico.  He lived in all the colonies of Chihuahua at one time or another because his father James Peter had one of the worst cases of pioneer fever the West had ever known.  He finally settled in Colonia Chuhuichupa because his sons were old enough to have a voice in the matter of moving. When his father left Richfield for the colonies, Great-grandfather Christian Jesperson told him that if he ever found a place where he was certain he would stay to let them know and they would come join him.  Grandfather was their only child and they wanted to be near him.  After his sons refused to move any more, Grandfather decided this was the time to send for his parents.

Great-grandfather Christian Jesperson and Great-grandmother Ane Marie Johansen arrived in Casas Grandes in 1898 on the Noroeste train from El Paso.  It was an exciting time for all the family to go down from the mountains to Casas Grandes to meet their grandparents.  A new wagon was unloaded from the train and assembled and all their belongings loaded into it.  There was a stove, brass beds, a sewing machine, plow and harnesses and many items with which to start life again on a new frontier.  As soon as the wagon was loaded they drove over to the cooperative mercantile store in Colonia Dublan.  Many necessary items like flour, sugar, and spices were not yet available in “Chupie” (Chuhuichupa) so these things were purchased in large enough quantities to last three or four months.

Grandfather James Peter Jesperson owned a block of four acres on the northwest corner of “Chupie.” Great-grandfather bought two acres to the north.  They were closer to the church house.  Grandfather Jesperson also owned 40 acres of farm land in the fenced off property of the valley.  The fence belonged to the community but each family owned their own land within the fence.  No one could own more than 40 acres in this area.  The fence kept out the animals which were turned loose to graze around the town lots.  After the harvest the animals were put inside the fence.  Some of the families owned large cattle ranches in the mountain areas.

Christian and Ane Marie Jesperson took great pride in their vegetable garden.  They both spent long hours during the growing season weeding, watering and tending their gardens.  They soon had the reputation for the best crops in town.  They are both buried in “Chupie.”  Great-grandfather died before the Exodus, from a horse kick, and Great-grandmother died after the Exodus.  She returned to “Chupie” with her son and his family in 1922.

When my father, James Andrew Jesperson, was 15 years old he went with Erick Jorgensen and his 15-year-old son, Hyrum, to Nogales, Arizona. Brother Jorgensen had contracted to make 16 miles of railroad bed from Nogales into Mexico. They had a hand scraper pulled by horses. They started work at 7:00 a.m. every morning, working six days a week, 10 hours a day. Father worked for two pesos a day, or one dollar and meals. There was thick dust moving through the air and dust was on everything. They had to shoo flies with one hand while eating with the other. He worked a month here and then went to Douglas, Arizona to a freighting job. They hauled freight from Douglas to a mining town in Mexico. His sister Ida was married to John Whetten and living in a camp halfway between Douglas and the mining town. John was also hauling freight. They would drive into Douglas, load the wagons, drive back to camp, stay overnight, then drive out to the mining town and back during the day. Father remembered this camp as a pleasant place under cottonwood trees and by a pretty stream.  When the job was finished, Father went back to “Chupie” on horseback, traveling with Bert Whetten who had been working there also. Brother Whetten stopped at his home in Garcia and Father went on alone to “Chupie.” He was now 16 and with the money he earned he bought the lot next to Grandfather’s.

The only high school in the colonies was in Colonia Juarez and Father was anxious to get back in school. It was springtime so Father spent the summer working El Paso, Texas building a railroad bridge.

About this time there is a big economic boom around “Chupie” because of the sawmill industry. William Greene’s Gold-Silver company was building a town around them mother sawmill at Madera. The town mushroomed with the needs of the company and its employees. They were building offices, hospital and homes for the workers. Madera was up in the forest country about 30 miles from the railroad stop at Temosachic. After school was out father got a job bringing supplies by wagon from Temosachic to Madera. He made three trips a week hauling flour, vegetables, tools and other items to the growing town. After this job it was back to school again and the following summer he went back to the same company as a “pony express” rider. 

The company was surveying land from Casas Grandes to Madera for a railroad that could close the gap from Chihuahua City to Madera and from Madera to Casas Grandes. They were sending out several surveying groups to survey two different lines. One line went east from Casas Grandes, making a big loop through the valley to Galeana on the south to El valle then to Namiquipa and from there to Temosachic.  Father and three other Academy boys got jobs carrying mail. Two of them were Lee Memmott and Earl McClellan. Lee took the mail from Casas Grandes to Galeana. Earl rode all night from Galeana to El Valle. The next carrier took it from El Valle to Namiquipa.  Every 10 miles a Mexican had a fresh horse ready. The company had set up small adobe station posts. Father took the mail the longest route from Namiquipa on, about 60 miles to Temosachic.  He would ride all night and get in before noon the next day. Another writer took the mail on to Madera which completed the circuit. The other route the company was surveying went through San Diego by the San Miguel River. The mail job lasted only a month because the San Diego surveyors had finished and the company decided to run the railroad straight up through the mountains from Casas Grandes to San Diego and on to Madera.

In 1906, before the Revolution, a Mr. Pomroy of the same company hired father as a scout to lead a group of company men to hunt out the best timberland. In the party was an engineer to decide the most accessible heavy timber locations for the Madera sawmill. There was also a timber expert and a man to cook and pack the mules. The company had leased a large tract of land with timber rights. Large cement monuments were built on the corners to mark the property. Some of the monuments were from 75 to 100 miles apart. The group father was guiding would travel on the leased land until they ran out of supplies and then return for more.

The first place father took them became the first portable sawmill. This was called Chico and became a railroad stop in small town. From Chico he took them to the mountain south of “Chupie,” called the Candelaria Peaks. They started sawing there and workers made a road for the wagons to take the logs about 5 miles to “Chupie” where they started a third sawmill which gave added income to some of the colony men. From “Chupie” he took them to Mound Valley where the timber was high all around the valley. Here they located the fourth sawmill. West of Mound Valley, down across the head of the Gavilan River, they traveled next to the Big Blues covered with timber. They located sawmills on all the main places father took them.

He worked at the scouting job for five months then went back to the Juarez Academy for the last semester of 1907. This is where he met Flora May Williams. They were married September 6, 1908 just after father received a “Box B” letter calling them on a mission to Mexico City. Mother took a job teaching school in “Chupie” and Father went on his mission, which lasted two and a half years. Mother received $25 a month and food donations.

When Father returned from his mission he farmed his land and purchase cattle. The first year he planted vegetables because he knew the sawmill’s paid good prices for fresh produce. The first crop was a wagon load of turnips. He drove to Chico with the wagon bulging with his freshly harvested load and didn’t even have to get out of the wagon to sell it. At the sawmill they bought the whole wagon full for 80 pesos or 40 dollars. Father was certain he would be a rich man with the next season’s harvest, but then came the Revolution and the Exodus of the Mormons.

Father, along with Bishop Tom Sevey and Howard (Howd) Veater, was chosen to be one of the captains to lead the 30 to 40 men down out of the mountains to the border and safety. He was a young man for this job but with much experience for what he had to do. After the women and children had been sent out on the last train to the border, the younger men stayed behind with the hope of protecting the homes in fields and cattle. When the rebels came, the men were far outnumbered and from their lookout point on North Peak all they could do was watch their homes being plundered and burned and their animals killed and crops destroyed.

Father accumulated considerable wealth in his later years in spite of the fact that he had started over again several times in his life. The Exodus from Mexico left him destitute of properties. And the moved from Tucson to San Diego, California some 25 years later, for the sake of mother’s health forced him to sell during depression times. His love of the land and the pride of ownership and his early experience in the colonies gave him outstanding business acumen. When he died February 7, 1970, he left an income for each of his nine children the property that they could look to with pride. The fact that he wrote a letter to each of his children stating he would prefer the first priority on this income be given to sending his grandchildren on missions is a good indication of his values relating to the sharing of the Gospel.

Leanor Jesperson Brown, Granddaughter

Stalwart’s South of the Border, Nelle Spilsbury Hatch page 334

Meliton G. Trejo of the Mormon Colonies in Mexico translated the Book of Mormon into Spanish

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Meliton Gonzalez Trejo

1844-1917

Meliton Gonzalez Trejo was born March 10, 1844 in Garganta-la-Olla, in the province of Caceres in Western Spain.   Meliton’s father was mayor of Garganta-la-Olla and a teacher in the town’s elementary school. Meliton’s maternal grandfather was a farmer in Garganta-la-Olla and she had many relatives in nearby communities: Logrosan, Cahamero, Valdecaballeros and Trujillo.  Some relatives are still living in Garganta-la-Olla and nearby have been visited by several of Meliton’s descendants from the present generation.

Three different traditions exist concerning the origin of the family, the most prominent being that Trejo family progenitors came to Spain during Roman times. Another tradition says that the family came from the Montana de Santander and still another that the family originated in the city of Plascencia. In any case, several prominent men of letters, arms, and the clock carry the name of Trejo, including Gabriel de Trejo y Paniagua, a Spanish cardinal, born in Plasencia in 1562, who left the manuscript of the genealogy of the house of Grimaldi of which he was a descendent.

Little is known of Meliton’s early life in western Spain.  However, he seems to have been given an above-average education and had the advantages incident to being a member of a family which included persons prominent in the community. Young Meliton had a good sense of humor and loved to play pranks on his friends and others. However, he had a serious side, too, and often asked questions of deep religious importance.

Meliton’s parents wanted their sons become a priest, but Meliton preferred the military. He was educated at a military school and was commissioned a sub-lieutenant in the royal army at age 19. Sometime later, he was called into active service and made the acquaintance of a lieutenant of artillery named Barreuco.  This officer told Meliton of a people in the western part of the United States who followed a prophet to whom God spoke. He said that their church was similar to that of ancient times and that they were called Latter-day Saints. These statements had a profound effect on Meliton. He longed to become acquainted with these people and to become one of them if at all possible.

In the hope of gaining his desire, Meliton requested assignment to the Spanish military forces in the Philippines. This request is granted in 1872 and he and others left Spain on a long journey to reach these islands.  All passing through France, Meliton came into possession of a small pamphlet written by Elder Louis Bertrand.  Reading this gave Meliton additional information about the Saints and the religion. He became even more desirous to reach the Rocky Mountains and to find a place among the Saints.

Shortly after his arrival in the Philippines, Meliton was assigned to direct the colonization of one of the islands and, for a time, lost the desire to go to America. As a royal officer, he was directing an important work; leaving his country and family to go to America would surely bring condemnation. His feelings were profound for his people and country but he also wanted to find follow better way of life, God’s way of life.

Not be able to resolve this problem within his own mind, Meliton appealed to God for relief. He bowed before the Lord and prayed for light. A soothing sensation came over him and vision open to his mind. Subsequently, he fell asleep with his soul satisfied with the Saints were the people of God and the he should have a place among them.

Meliton soon applied to the military governor for leave of absence, but was denied. Eight months later, under new governor, Meliton left the Philippines and took passage on a ship for San Francisco. He arrived in the United States on July 4, 1874, and a few days later was in Utah.

Once in Salt Lake City, Meliton was faced with the dilemma of how to learn the Gospel and meet the Church leaders. He donned his military uniform and walk around the city. Finally, he met up Brother Blanchard, a native Frenchman, who had seen Meliton’s name on the list arrivals at the Valley House and thought he might be of some service. Brother Blanchard introduced Meliton to President Brigham Young and others and taught him some of the first principles of the Gospel.

Meliton told President Young of his desire to live among the Saints and spoke to him the spiritual experience he had the Philippines. It is believed this experience was so sacred to him that Meliton revealed the details of the vision to no one else. Two weeks after his arrival, Meliton was baptized by another acquaintance, Henry Brizzee, and spent the rest of his life in service to the Lord.

A month before Meliton’s arrival in Salt Lake City, Henry Brizzee and Daniel W. Jones had been called by President Young to prepare themselves for mission in Mexico. President Young said that he would like to have some extracts of the Book of Mormon translated to send to the people of Mexico and suggested that the two Elders “study up their Spanish.” Both Brother Jones and Brother Brizzee had lived in Mexico and were well-acquainted with conversational Spanish but lack the scholastic abilities to translate for publication in which to the native Spaniard were available to complete this task.

Meliton arrived among the Saints just in time to be of real service to the Church. He went to live with Brother Brizzee and rapidly acquired an understanding of the English language.  He first translated Parley P. Pratt’s A Voice of Warning, then commenced the translation of the Book of Mormon at the earnest solicitation of Brother Brizzee and Brother Jones.  When Daniel Jones moved to Fairview, Sanpete County, Meliton followed him there.  He worked alone in a rented office each day, reviewing his translations with Brother Jones each evening.  By spring, the translation of the entire Book of Mormon was completed to the satisfaction of Meliton and Daniel Jones, and in June 1875 the book was presented to Brigham Young for publication.

President Young did not want to print the entire Book of Mormon at that time but authorized Elder Jones to select 100 pages for publication and to solicit subscriptions to fund the project.  Some $500 was quickly raised and Trozos Selectos del Libro de Mormon was published in November by the Deseret News.

Meliton was comfortably well-off for a time; he had arrived in the United States with $2,000 but had used up this amount during his year of translating.  About the time he finished the translation, Meliton was married in Richfield to Mary Ann Christensen.  One child, Marie Louise, was born to them, and soon after her birth the family moved to St David, Arizona, joining the Merrill party which had moved there from Lehi.  However, Meliton never remained settled for long as the Lord called him to perform many labors.

Meliton’s most fervent desire was to share the Gospel with Spanish-speaking people. At the general conference of the church held in the fall of 1875, President Brigham Young called Daniel W. Jones, James Z. Stewart, Helaman Pratt, Anthony W. Ivins and several other Elders to take as many of Meliton’s Book of Mormon Trozos as they could carry and pen a mission in the Republic of Mexico.  Later Meliton was called to join them. The missionaries begin their labors at El Paso on January 7, 1976. By April, they extended their labors to the city of Chihuahua were then met with some success before returning to their homes. The following year, Meliton and Louis Garff opened a mission in Sonora, Mexico, and baptized five persons. In between these missions to Mexico, Meliton did missionary work all over the southern part of Arizona. He was excellent writer and sent many interesting letters to the editor of the Deseret News.

In December 1839, President John Taylor received a number of letters from a Dr. Plotino C. Rhodakanaty of Mexico City inquiring about the doctrines of the Church. In response to these inquiries, President Taylor called elder Moses Thatcher the core of the 12, James E Stewart and Meliton Trejo to travel to Mexico City and preach the Gospel there to Dr. Rhodakanaty and others.  Arriving in Mexico City via New Orleans and Veracruz on November 16, 1879, the three elders found Dr. Rhodakanaty very receptive. He had read some of the book of Mormon excerpts which Meliton had translated into Spanish and had been publishing a monthly periodical entitled Voz del Desierto (Voice of the Desert) which set forth the principles of the new dispensation.

Four days after their arrival Mexico City, elder Thatcher baptized Dr. Rhodakanaty and another man named Silviano Arteaga.  Dr. Rhodakanaty was Greek on his father’s side and Mexican on his mother’s side.  Brother Arteaga was pure Aztec Indian.  Two days later, six others were baptized and on November 23, 1879, the Elders organized a Branch of the Church in Mexico City, with Dr. Rhodakanaty as Branch President and Silviano Arteaga and Jose Ybarola as Counselors.

In January 1880, James Stewart and Meliton Trejo publish Meliton’s translation of A Voice of Warning a month later, Elder Thatcher returned to Utah but Elder Stewart and Elder Trejo continued to build up the Mexico City branch of the Church.   By 1881, there were 61 members of the church in the Mexican national capital. 

Eventually returning to Utah, Meliton realizes dream of seeing the entire Book of Mormon published in Spanish. Working with James Stewart, Meliton reviewed and revised his earlier translation, completing it on May 17, 1884. While engaged in this work, Meliton met Emily Jones who had been employed by Brother Stewart to assist in doing housework in his home. Twelve days after the completion of the translation, May 29, 1884, Meliton and Emily were married in the Logan temple. Ten children were born to this union between 1885 and 1904.

Meliton, Emily and their family lived for a time in Logan then in Draper, Utah, where Emily had many relatives. During part of this, Meliton was engaged as a teacher of language and literature at the University of Deseret (now the University of Utah) and at the Latter-day Saints College, which in the 1890s was located in the old social hall on State Street.  One of his students was Mabel Cooper Cain who wrote:

President Woodruff thought so much of Elder Trejo’s ability and the necessity of our boys and girls availing themselves of this wonderful opportunity, that he sent out 50 Box “B” letters to that number of students, male and female. Box “B” letters in those days were calls for missions and we felt that it was just that.  Professor Trejo was all that the correspondent wrote of him—a mild, kindly gentleman and fully capable of the work he did in our classes.  We all loved him and gave him the honor that was due to such a gifted man.

When the Saints began to colonize Mexico, Meliton was again set apart as a missionary to that land. Taking his wife and four living children with him, he settled in Chuhuichupa, Chihuahua, where he remained for the next 11 years. He loved the country, his form, his cattle and especially his missionary trips to the neighboring states of Sonora and Durango. He loved to go prospecting in the mountains and once found a large gold nugget which he made into rings for his wife and daughter, Sarah. He loved his family and was the father of four more children born in Chuhuichupa.

Meliton tried to share the Gospel with everyone, including his family back in Spain. However, with the exception of one of his brothers, and his family was not interested in the Church. Did obtain some genealogical records of his family from which he obtained the necessary information to have to work done for many of his deceased relatives. However, these records and essentially all of Meliton’s worldly possessions were lost when the Mexican Revolution struck the Mormon colonies.

Like the other Mormon colonists and missionaries, Meliton had to leave Mexico during the Revolution.  Having been warned by friends, Meliton was able to take his family across the border and settle them on a 10 acre farm in St. David, Arizona. After a few months, however Meliton decided to return to Chuhuichupa and try to salvage some of his possessions. He was particularly anxious to recover a large box which contained all of his records, his military uniform and sword, and the manuscript of his translation of the Book of Mormon.

Poncho Villa was a friend of Meliton and stayed with him when he was on the run from Carranza. One morning, just after Villa had ridden out of Chuhuichupa, Carranza’s troops came into town and occupied Meliton’s house and farm. They tried to force Meliton to reveal the direction taken by via by killing his cattle, tying a rope around his neck and hanging him from a tree until his face turned black. The troops also shot between his legs finally left without killing him.

Meliton was allowed to leave Chuhuichupa after all the other Mormon settlers and left by agreeing to teach school without compensation. This he did well searching for his final papers and encouraging his Mexican friends to continue to live the Gospel. Finally, he was able to return to his family in St. David

In 1912, Meliton moved his family to Benson, Arizona. He took of a homestead about 4 miles south of Benson where he planted fruit trees. In the winter he lived in town sent his children to school. He also owned of mine in the mountains were Cochise had had his stronghold, and work the mine when he could.

He also taught his children to observe the Sabbath strictly; they were not allowed to go swimming or right horses on Sundays. He continued to share the Gospel with others and to set an example of righteous living.

Gradually, his health began to fade and he suffered ill health during the last six years of his life. His doctor thought that a change might do him good, so he went to Wilcox, Arizona to spend some time with his daughter Sarah and her family. One day, after watching a short distance, he went into the bedroom, lay down on the bed, and died. The date was April 29, 1917.

Meliton will survive for his wife Emily and seven of his 11 children. He was buried in St. David on May 1, 1917. The inscription on his headstone reads:”Meliton G. Trejo; born March 10, 1844; died April 29, 1917; first Spanish translator of The Book of Mormon.”

Meliton Trejo was a truly working man. He was of slight physique, fair complexion and under medium height. He was described as being as diffident as a school girl but his brave as a lion. Neither his moral nor his physical courage ever failed or faltered. His missionary labors in Mexico required severe hardships, but he bore them cheerfully. He never regretted the sacrifices he made becoming a Latter-day Saint. He was a staunch and true and devoted to the Gospel, the Church and his family.

Though performed quietly and without ostentation, almost in obscurity, the life work of Meliton G. Trejo was of great importance. He helped make it possible for millions of Spanish-speaking persons to study the Gospel in their own tongue through his translation of the Book of Mormon. He preached the Gospel to many and helped organize the Lord’s work in Mexico. He was never able to return to Spain to preach the gospel to his close relatives there; however, he did initiate temple ordinance work for them. Large numbers of our Father’s children have called and will call Meliton Trejo blessed.

Keith E. Duke, grandson-in-law

Stalwarts South of the Border Nelle Spilsbury Hatch page

Ida Mae Whetten Hamblin

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1922-2010

Ida Mae Whetten Hamblin died Sept 27, 2010 after an extended illness. Mae and her twin brother Jay were born in a log cabin in Colonia Chuchupa, Chih., Mexico on Sept 7, 1922 to Ida and John A Whetten. Mae survived numerous injuries and illnesses growing up. She graduated from Juarez Stake Academy and later returned to Colonia Juarez to teach 3rd grade for a year. While attending ASU in Tempe, AZ, she fell in love with Roland Hamblin. They were married on Friday the 13th of Aug. ,1943 in El Paso, TX. As “Buzz” served during WWII as a navy pilot hunting German submarines in the North Atlantic and later as a flight instructor, they lived in various navy ports including New Orleans. After the war, they lived in Tucson while Roland earned his law degree from UofAZ. Then they resided for 18 years in El Paso, TX, where 4 of their 5 children were born. They lived in Odessa, TX for 19 years where Mae served her church and community as a teacher, cub scout leader, primary and Relief Society president, seminary teacher. Later, she served with her husband as a missionary in Peoria, IL. She and her husband presided over the Concepcion, Chile Mission for 3 years.

Mae and Roland retired to Safford, AZ. Where they built a home and planted a pecan orchard. Mae served the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a teacher, an extractor in the genealogy program and as a temple worker. Both Mae and Roland died in their home in Safford, AZ with family around them.

Mae was a natural story teller, a gifted teacher, and an awesome wife, mother and grandmother. Her hobbies included water painting, writing poetry, baking, quilting, canning and gardening.
Ida Mae Hamblin was preceded in death by her husband Roland, her son Roland, and her granddaughter, Deena Huber. She is survived by 4 children: JoAnn (Robert Thompson) of McKinney, TX; Janell Huber of Odessa, TX; Ida (Stan Nunley) of Safford, AZ; and Randy Hamblin (Pam) of Albuquerque, NM.

Their posterity includes 12 grandsons: Matthew R Patton IV (Rebecca) of Gilmer, TX; Marc Roland Patton (Isaura) of Fort Worth, TX; Rodd Huber and Ty Huber (Jamie) of Odessa, TX; Errick Huber (Amy) of Boerne, TX; Dr. Jayson Huber (April) of Maryland; Ron Nunley (Brigette) of Eureka, NV; Daniel Nunley (Casey), John Nunley (Stephanie) and Travis Nunley of Safford, AZ; Russell Hamblin (Christine) of Tallahassee, FL; and Ryan Hamblin of Albuquerque. Surviving granddaughters are Molly Elliason (Brad) of Brookings, SD; Elizabeth Siravo (Tim) of Tucson, AZ; and Taffy Goold (Jeremy), Jennifer Anderson (Jesse), Mandy Hamblin and Jessica Hamblin of Albuqerque, NM.

Mae’s surviving siblings are Jay Whetten (Virginia) of Colonia Juarez; Carl Whetten (Viva) of Mesa, AZ; Vernelle Reed of Safford, AZ; Vilda Hunsaker of Cedar City, UT; and Martha Pratt of Mesa, AZ. She was beloved by all.

Funeral Services will be conducted Monday, October 4, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mt. Graham LDS Chapel with viewing one hour prior. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Eagar Cemetery.

Chester Lawrence Brown

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Chester Lawrence Brown

1919-2012

March 4, 2012

Chester Lawrence Brown departed this world for the next one on Sunday morning, March 4, 2012 at his home in St. David, with his wife by his side.

He was born in Duncan, Ariz. on Dec. 29, 1919, the 11th of 13 children. Most of his growing up years were spent in Chuichupa, Colonia Juarez and Colonia Dublan, Mexico, where he attended school. He also attended Mansfield Junior High School in Tucson while living with a brother, and graduated from Brigham Young High School in Provo, Utah.

When the family moved to Pomerene, he met and married Clea Curtis, his wife for 70 years. Chester served in World War II, in the U.S. Navy, as a gunnery instructor. Following the war, he came back to Pomerene, where he purchased a small dairy farm and he and Clea raised their family. Later, he worked for Arizona Department of Transportation, and he and Clea moved to St. David, where they had a small farm, raising crops and later cattle.

Chester was always a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Bishop of the Pomerene Ward for four years, and he and Clea served as missionaries in Florida in the early 1980s. They served together as workers in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for 11 years. He and Clea also served several times as stake missionaries, serving in Elfrida and Tombstone.

Chester was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Clea Curtis Brown. He is also survived by his six children: Spencer (Jeanine), James (Terry), Curtis (Sheryl), Marial Mortenson (Dale), Mark (Emalene), and Randall (Judy), 44 grandchildren and 84 great-grandchildren.

Chester will always be remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held in the LDS chapel in St. David on Saturday, March 10, 2012. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. and funeral services will be at 10 a.m.

Interment will be in the Pomerene Cemetery. Ar-rangements by Richardson’s Remembrance Center, Benson.