My Great-Great-Great Grandfather, John Ash - Writes A Poem

John Ash is my Great-Great-Great Grandfather.  He crossed the plains with a handcart company and settled in Cache Valley.  I wanted to focus on a poem I found that I believe is in his own hand - written (I believe) to his daughter, my Great-Great Grandmother, Ellen Matilda Ash Nelson.  His words of counsel and advise are as pertinent today as they were when he wrote them (sadly, I don't have a date for this poem).

Remembering Who You Are - my 5th Great-grandfather, David Winters

This is an incredible story of heartbreak, courage and dedication.  My 5th Great-grandfather was held captive by Indians for 6 years - from age 4 to age 10.  But he remembered his name and who he was and has been sealed to his family because he "never forgot"..........David's daughter, my 4th great-grandmother recorded this story in 1915.

3rd Great-Grandfather Ira Elias Merrill

Here's a sad story of my great-great-great grandfather Ira Elias Merrill.......he died at the hand of Indians in Smithfield, Utah in 1860 while collecting wood and brush to build a bowery to celebrate the 24th of July in Cache Valley, Utah......instead of a bowery for a celebration, Ira's wood was used to build the bowery for his funeral.

The case of the poisoned coffee......A tale of murder and intrigue........

Debated with myself for several weeks about whether or not to include this story.  It deals with my maternal great-great-great grandfather, Daniel Burbank and his 2nd wife......who killed him....allegedly.  But, we can't choose what stays and goes in our past, it makes us what we are today.  The past is what it is, and it's best we learn from it.

So - my lesson on this is - follow the Word of Wisdom and stay away from the coffee!

 

Joseph Mark and Mary Church - a story of bravery and deception in the face of danger!

Here's a short story from the lives of my maternal 6th great-grandparents, Joseph Mark and Mary Church.  I got a kick out of this one!.......

Martha Ann Henderson Day

My maternal great-great grandmother walked barefoot from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley, arriving in 1847.  She lived a life of faith and sacrifice and is a great example of handwork and determination. Her obituary says she met and knew the first seven presidents of the church!  Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Thomas Alexander "Lex" Lewis

A short story about my Grandfather, Lex Lewis.  He taught me some things that I am grateful for.....like how to bet on horses and dogs (just kidding).  The twists and turns for our lives are not always understood at the time - but having faith and hope helps get us through times of trials.  I am grateful for the examples of my ancestors.