FANNIE ECKERSLEY BROWN DRAPER

I received the following email from Merrill Maylett and wanted to add it to the information about Fannie Eckersley.  I appreciate any information anyone sends me.

Hi Carolyn...
Fannie Eckerlsey's full maiden name was Hannah Francisco Eckersley, according to my grandmother, Laura Dame Draper Petersen, who was Fannie's daughter.  Fannie was only a nickname for Francisco.  My grandmother was quite adamant about that as was my aunt Amy Zoe Draper.   Also, in the "Mormon Draper's" book by Delbert Draper, the picture of Doc Draper and his 3 wives were mislabeled, again according to my grandmother and Aunt Zoe.   The taller wife in the center was actually Fannie, which agrees with other pictures I have seen of her.    My grandmother even made the correction in her copy of the book.

Was just reading your blog stories and find them interesting.  One thing I find very doubtful though is the part stating that "All of her (Fannie's) children were sealed to her first husband." According to Church records, all but John Eckersley Brown, Fannie's sun by the ill-fated John Weaver Brown were born in the Covenant to Fannie and Doc Draper.  It is interesting though that Fannie's last name is listed as Brown, rather than Draper in her birth certificate.

Thanks,
Merrill Maylett

SARAH KIRKHAM SUPERVISES SHELLEY STAKE WAR TIME WELFARE EFFORTS

Sarah Kirkham Accomplishments

Shelley Stake Relief Society Prepares for Hard Times

Taken from a History of the Shelley Stake Relief Society from June 1938 – July 1948

At the suggestion of the General Board and in accord with the advice of the General Welfare Committee in 1940, a survey of bedding conditions was made by the Relief Societies of the Stake and an acute need was found for more and better bedding.  To help meet that need and at the same time help families to help themselves, permission was given by the Bishop’s Council to open the building which had been purchased for a welfare center.  The Council renovated, financed, and partly equipped the building for a sewing center and under the sponsorship of the Stake Relief Society, was opened for work on October 9, 1940, with Sarah Kirkham, Chairman, and Tressa Hunter, Supervisor.  Women came in from all over the Stake to work, with each Ward given certain days to come and each woman given a work credit slip for hours worked.  750 quilts were made by the time the building was evacuated in the fall of 1944 to make room for the welfare store.  But by that time, the project had been justified.  Of the 750 quilts completed, 83 had gone into homes of the very needy, many had been brought in and quilted without charge for those who could not pay, 24 had been turned to the Regional Store house, 18 were retained for future welfare and first aid work; and all the others had been taken into homes in the Stake at a very nominal cost.

To further help solve the bedding needs in the Stake, a government project for the distribution of surplus cotton to needy and low income families was taken over in November and December of 1941 by the Stake Relief Society, with Sarah Kirkham, chairman; Mabel Roberts and Louise Arave, supervisors; and with the co-operation of County Commissioner, Arnfred Christensen:  A. A. A. Chairman, Allan Johnson*, and County Agent, I. W. Slater.  The cotton and ticking and twine was furnished through the county and 2.00 per mattress was charged the families receiving the finished mattresses to cover the cost of supervising and incidentals, and the work was done by the families themselves.  The work was done in the basement of the 2^nd Ward Church.  19 bales of cotton and 2133 yards of ticking were used in the project.  212 mattresses were made and went into 161 homes – this included mattresses made at different times for five families who had been burned out.  The project cost to the Relief Societies was only 47.78.
As a result of the mattress project, and the quilting done at the Welfare Sewing Center and the accompanying stimulation of interest in better bedding, every home in the Stake so far as known was adequately supplied with good bedding and were much better supplied and prepared for the anticipated shortages ahead.  (World War II)
*Allan was the brother-in-law of Doris Johnson, daughter of Sarah Kirkham.

GEORGE KIRKHAM TEMPLE CARPENTRY

The following pictures were taken of the model of the Salt Lake Temple now on display in the South Visitors Center on Temple Square.  They depict the staircase in the earth room.  According to family tradition, George Kirkham did the carpentry on these stairs. 

MICHAEL KIRKHAM FAMILY

Michael and Denise Burtenshaw Kirkham, son of Donald Robinsons Kirkham, Son of Lott and Sarah Kirkham.

VIDEOS SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL KIRKHAM

Any relative of Lott and Sarah Kirkham will enjoy watching the following videos submitted by Michael Kirkham, son of Donald Robinson and Deona Huntsman Kirkham, son of Lott and Sarah.


Reunion at Maurice’s: http://youtu.be/XARzakdP8lI

Reunion at Doug’s:  http://youtu.be/c-HkAkycP_4

Christmas at Grandma’s: http://youtu.be/sk4yPeCzSUQ

WILLIAM KIRKHAM

WILLIAM KIRKHAM

William Kirkham, the first born of George and Sarah Russon Kirkham, was born in Lehi, Utah, May 2, 1876 and it was in Lehi he spent his young days and youth and received his early education in the Lehi schools.  He attended church regularly and kept a strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom.  He advanced in the Priesthood to the office of Seventy.

He loved to tell the story of the time as a boy, his Father took him with his sisters Rachel and Eliza and Brother George E. to the top scaffolding and to the statue of the Angel Moroni of the Salt Lake Temple when it was being dedicated in 1893, his father being a member of the Tabernacle Choir then and had permits for them.

He was a well known Lehi Real Estate Operator.  He served as mail carrier to Pelican Point and Cedar Valley, Utah County, for thirty years, making life long friends.

He held the office of Seventy in the Lehi Second Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, and served as a missionary for two years in the Central States Mission under President Samuel O. Bennion.

He married Emily May Hoggard 18 Jul 1897 in Provo, Utah, daughter of George Hoggard and Mary Alice Eldredge.  She was born 19 April 1880 in American Fork, Utah, and died 6 Feb 1950 in Murray, Salt Lake, Utah;  their marriage being solemnized in the Salt Lake temple.

William passed away 6 Sep 1953 in Lehi, Utah at the age of seventy seven and was buried in Lehi. 

Children of William and Emily
William Leon Kirkham
Leda Myrl Kirkham Goates
Burton Kirkham
Cleo Kay Kirkham Beagley

RACHEL KIRKHAM WANLASS

RACHEL KIRKHAM WANLASS

BERT & RACHEL KIRKHAM WANLASS

Family of Bert and Rachel Kirkham Wanlass

Rachel Kirkham Wanlass and Sister-in-law, Sarah Wrigley Kirkham
RACHEL KIRKHAM WANLASS

Rachel, daughter of George and Mary Russon Kirkham, was born May 9^th, 1875 in Lehi, Utah, and died 1 April 1964 at Monroe, Utah and buried in Monroe.  She married Joseph Wanlass 20 April 1897 in the Salt Lake Temple.  He was son of James Wanlass and Margaret Nielson.


Rachel, with a very pleasant and cheerful disposition was a delight to her parents and brothers and sisters.  She was her Mother  constant helper.  She loved her church and her school and aided younger members of her family to get off to their duties.  She was baptized by her father on her eighth birthday. 


At age fifteen, Rachel was employed as clerk by her Uncles James Kirkham in his mercantile store in Lehi, Utah, then was employed by Broadbent and Sons Mercantile Store in Lehi, Utah.  Some time later she moved to Salt Lake City and was employed and where she could also help her father while he was working on the tabernacle and Temple.  It was while she was in Salt Lake, she met and was married to Joseph Wanlass.  They made their home in Lehi soon after,  during the years of 1904-1917 she served as Primary Association Missionary and Teacher.  She served as Second Counselor, then first Counselor and later as President of the Primary Association, Lehi Ward.  She served as Stake Missionary in Sevier Stake when the family moved to Monroe, Utah, and then was chosen as counselor to the President of the Relief Society for a period of five years.  She served for over forty years as Relief Society teacher.  She served as work director for eight years.


Her hobbies were quilting, crocheting and knitting.  He beautiful work has received many awards.  One lovely table cloth was among the exhibits at the third National Crochet Contest of the American Women  Association in New York City, N. Y.  During World War II she knitted 118 stump and toe socks for the American Red Cross for service men, 12 woolen gloves, many sweaters and scarves.  She was presented a pin from the Federal Government for her outstanding contributions.  During the last few years of her life she made more than 400 lace doilies for friends and presented many to teenagers, both girls and boys.  In 1957 Rachel was chosen candidate for  other of the Year by Sanpete-Sevier Federated Women  Clubs.


Children of Joseph and Rachel Kirkham Wanlass
Joseph Earl Wanlass
Sylvan George Wanlass
Marie Margarite Wanlass
LeRoy James Wanlass
Thelma Lela Wanlass Meyer
Zona Wanlass West
Floyd Kirkham Wanlass
Ezeline Doone Wanlass

EDWARD MENTA & RULA MICHIE WRIGLEY

Edward Menta Wrigley

Birth Date23 Jan 1901

Birth Place:  Lehi, Utah, Utah, United States

Death Date:17 Aug 1981

Death Place: American Fork, Utah, Utah, United States

Burial Date: 19 Aug 1981

Burial Place: Lehi, Utah, Utah, United States
Occupation: Farmer/Steel Worker

Religion: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

FatherEdward Charles WRIGLEY , M (1864-1929)

MotherSarah Ann ROBINSON , F (1868-1925)

RULA MITCHIE

Birth Date: 7 Feb 1905

Birth PlaceBench Creek, Wasatch, Utah, United States

Death Date8 Feb 1968

Death PlaceAmerican Fork, Utah, Utah, United States

Burial Date12 Feb 1968

Burial PlaceLehi, Utah, Utah, United States

Burial MemoLehi City Cemetery, 38, 5, 4

OccupationSecretary

ReligionThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

FatherRobert Moroni MICHIE , M (1861-1912)

MotherElena Dorothy LAMBERT , F (1863-1957)

HYRUM RUSSON KIRKHAM

HYRUM RUSSON KIRKHAM

Hyrum Russon, son of George and Mary Russon Kirkham, was born 15^th July 1882 in Lehi, Utah and died 27^th Jul 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and buried in Lehi, Utah.  He married Mabel L. Woolf 17 February 1904 .  She was born 6^th Apr 1885 in Hyde Park, Utah, and died 31^st Mar 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was buried in Lehi, Utah.

Hyrum was baptized on his eighth birthday by his father.  He attended his church duties and his schools and was known never to shirk any task that was given him.  He grew to manhood with the love and admiration of all his family.  He was always lovingly known as  Hy Kirkham.

During Hyrum's  early life he was employed by the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company in their sugar beet fields and was later employed in the sugar factory at Lehi, Utah.  He attended the Brigham Young University and was captain of the basketball team.  He was also a member of the baseball team.  Hyrum began the career of grocery man in 1909 as manager of Simons-Woolf store in Ucon, Idaho.  In 1916 he became manager of the Zion  Co-operative Mercantile Institution of Idaho Falls, Idaho.  In later years he was transferred to the grocery department in the main store in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Hyrum was a very likeable gentleman and attracted people to him.  He had a winsome smile and was most courteous to all.  He was a faithful Latter-Day-Saint and was never without a position of responsibility.  He was ordained a deacon 11 Jan 1896 and advanced through the different quorums until he was ordained a High Priest.  He fulfilled a mission for the church to Great Britain during the years 1907-9.  During his missionary labors he baptized seventeen coverts.  Other assignments given him by the church officials were:  Secretary of the Lehi Sunday School, the enrollment being 1280 members.  In 1905 he was Secretary of Bingham Stake Mutual Improvement Association.  He served as counselor to the Bishop of Ucon Ward, Idaho, and was selected as Bishop of that ward in 1915.  In December 1910 he was appointed Justice of the Peace in Fairview, Idaho.  The family moved from Ucon to Idaho Falls, Idaho where he was called to preside of the Y.M.M.I.A.  Later he was set apart as first assistant to the Stake Sunday School Superintendent.  During this calling he arranged five annual Father and Sons Outings.  Here were attended by a total of 1132 persons.  Total miles traveled-520.  In 1925 he was set apart as a member of the Stake High Council, and later was set apart as second counselor to the Stake President.  The family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1926.  His first appointment in Salt Lake was supervisor of Yale Ward Teachers, and also teacher of the high Priest  Quorum.  Later he was appointed as a Stake Missionary, and then set apart as President of Ward Stake Missionaries.  Hyrum lived a full life of service.

Children of Hyrum Russon and Mabel Woolf Kirkham
Vilda Kirkham Campbel            Burdett Alton Kirkham
Fern Kirkham Cornaby              De Esta Kirkham Ludwig
Wynona Kirkham Cottrell        Roma Kirkham Hardy
Emerson Dale Kirkham

KIRKHAM, GEORGE ERASTUS

GEORGE ERASTUS KIRKHAM

 George Erastus, first born of George and Mary Russon Kirkham, was born 14^th Sept 1873 in Lehi, Utah, and died 5 Mar 1928 and was buried in Lehi, Utah.  He married Mary Ann Briggs 25 Nov 1896 in Lehi, Utah, daughter of Samuel and Emma Thomas Briggs.  She was born 6 October 1876 in Lehi, Utah and died 21^st February 1955 in Orem, Utah, and buried in Lehi, Utah.  Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt lake temple.

 George spent his youth in Lehi, attending school and church along with his brothers and sisters.  He was baptized on his eight birthday 14 Sep 1881 by his father.  He was kind and helpful to his mother and father and brothers and sisters.

 He was a natural born craftsman. He was apt at drawing, carving and printing.  His daughter Norma Dee has a rolling pin that he made when he was in the Primary Association.

 At the age of twelve he was employed by the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, Lehi, Utah, as messenger boy and re remained with the company the remainder of his life.  Soon after his marriage, George was transferred from Lehi to Logan, Utah to assist in erecting a sugar factory in that city.  Upon completion of the factory, he was employed as General Foreman.  He remained in that position for five years and was then transferred to Greeley, Colorado.  While in Greeley, their home was always open to the Mormon Missionaries with whom he and his family had much joy and happiness.  In 1907 he received a rush call to go to Raymond, Alberta, Canada, to be general foreman at the Sugar Factory there.  The next move was to Layton, Utah, where he was engaged as Superintendent of the Sugar Factory.  Two years later they were transferred to Moroni, Utah, where he was engaged as Superintendent of the new Sugar Factory there.  Later he was transferred back to Layton, Utah, factory.  Finally, the family settled in Provo, Utah, to be near the Brigham Young University, where the children of college age could continue their education.  George was a family man and loved his home, his wife and children.  He was a faithful Latter-Day=-Saint and fulfilled every assignment given him.

Children of George E. and Mary Ann Briggs Kirkham

Meldon Clara Kirkham Christensen

Roscoe George Kirkham,

Clarence Albert Kirkham

Norma Dee Kirkham Jaeson

Myrtle Mamie Kirkham

Maxine Kirkham Larson

Dean B. Kirkham

Mary B. Kirkham Purdy

Clyde William Kirkham

KIRKHAM, DENZIL WASHINGTON

DENZIL WASHINGTON KIRKHAM

Written by his Sister;Bessy LaVerne Kirkham Fillerup

March 21, 1972  North Hollywood, California

 Denzil was born in Lehi, Utah, January 6, 1900, the seventh of the eight sons of George and Sarah Russon Kirkham.  His childhood was a happy one, school in the old Grammar School House, advancing in his Priesthood in the Church, graduating from Lehi High School, popular and loved by his schoolmates.

 Denzil was an exceptional young man, energetic, loving and kind to all, adored by all who knew him.  Clean in habits, Denzil kept the Word of Wisdom and stayed close to the teachings of his beloved parents.

 His sister, Bessy LaVerne says,  t was him I grew up with, chummed with, went to school and danced with.  Both of us played drums, he in Smuin  Orchestra and High School Band and I in Lehi High School Ladies Band.  I was proud of Denzil while he attended High School.  He was popular in dramatics, in band and orchestra, sports manager of the basket ball team that was leader in Utah sports while he attended High School with them urging them on to victory always.

 He was employed in the sugar beet fields in the summertime to help with his high school expenses.  He was in the Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of Utah and had almost finished his training when the Armistice was signed, for World Ward I.  At this time he was called to fill a mission to the Central States.  His missionary companion, G. Byron Done, said of him that  e was an exceptional missionary   It is said he ate  any a hot dog to help defray expenses so his father would  have to worry about his mission costs.  He attended the Brigham Young University one year after his mission, then he accepted a position with the Gebhardt Company located in Ephraim, Utah.  He married Fern Alta Nielson of Ephraim, Utah, July 15, 1926 in the Logan Temple.  In Ephraim his two children were born;  Sally born July 30, 1929 and Ronald D. born 17 July 1932.  The family lived in Ephraim for several years and then moved to Tremonton, Utah where Denzil was still connected with the Gebhardt Company, a general Merchandise Department Chain Store.

 All through his life, Denzil was true to his Church and its teachings, was loved by all and remembered with love and admiration.  He met an untimely death in an accident in Tremonton, December 23^rd, 1945.

Children of Denzil Washington and Fern Alta Nielson Kirkham

Sally Kirkham

Donald Kirkham

KIRKHAM, ALVIN WILLARD

ALVIN WILLARD KIRKHAM
Alvin Willard, the third son of George and Mary Russon Kirkham was born 31 Jul 1894 in Lehi, Utah.  He married Rae Kathryn Rose on 13 June 1923 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Alvin received his early education in the elementary schools and graduated from Lehi, High School.  He was President of the Lehi High School Student Body and Salutatorian, Class of 1914.  He gained four letters in athletics & Drama Club.  

He advanced in the Priesthood and active in his duties in the Church.  He served as President of the following Quorums of Priesthood:  Deacons, Teachers and Priests.  Later in life he advanced to High Priest.  He was chorister of the Sunday School in the Lehi Fourth Ward.  He also served as President of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association of Phoenix, Arizona Second Ward.   When Alvin had a duty to perform he did it to the utmost.  He kept a strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom as was taught by his parents.

Alvin received his BS degree in 1923 from the University of Utah.  He attended the Brigham Young University and the University of California at Los Angeles.  At the University of Utah he was Headmaster of Delta Sigma Pi, member of the Men’s Glee Club and Symphony Orchestra.

 He served as principal, Freemont Schools, Wayne County, Utah.  In Salt Lake City, he was efficiency engineer for the Burroughs Adding Machine Company and in Phoenix, Arizona, State Manager of Illinois Bankers Life Assurance Company and in California, Los Angeles, County Department of Youth Rehabilitation.

 Alvin’s war service was very extensive.    He was Lehi, Utah’s first volunteer for duty overseas in World War I.  He was decorated by the French Government with the highest Unit Citation, the Fleur-de-lis Bade and Cord.  It was bestowed at Chaumont, France, in a significant demonstration of the Allied Armies, in the presence of Marshal Foch and John J. Pershing.

 Excerpts from Alvin’s Military Discharge:  “Service August 13, 1917 to Sep 27, 1919.  Sea Services USS Von Stueben Feb. 5 to 25, 1918.  Foreign service:  Serve with 97^th Company, 6^th Regt., USMC and A.E.F. Rank Sergeant.  Battles, engagements, skirmishes, expeditions:  St. Miheil Sector, Meuse-Argonne Offensive (Champagne Sector), March to the Rhine River, Nov. 17 to Dec. 1918.  Army of Occupation in Coblenz Bridgehead, Dec. 10 to Mar. 7 1919.  Hospitalized at Coblenz Bridgehead, Germany, March 8, 1919 to May 1, 1919.  French army Hospital May 5, to May 11, 1919.  Sustained shrapnel and gas injuries near Thiacourt, France.  Left France aboard U.S.S. Manchuria May 1, 1919 for Brooklyn Naval Hospital, transferred to Great Lakes Naval Hospital, June to September 27, 1919.  Honorably discharged upon review of medical survey for disability.

 Alvin and Rae  made their home for many years in Los Angeles.

 Children of Alvin Willard and Rae Kathryn Rose Kirkham
Willard Edmond Kirkham
Viva Rae Kirkham Ridler
Guinevere Kirkham Gual
Dan Romaine Kirkham
George Alvin Kirkham
Matta Lael Kirkham Lile
Avalon Adele Kirkham Lanza

AVERY JAMES KIRKHAM

AVERY JAMES KIRKHAM


June 16, 1894 to August 4, 1913

The following was copied from the scrapbook of his mother, Sarah Russon Kirkham. Avery James was a brother to Lott Kirkham, and an uncle to Doris Kirkham Johnson.

ACCIDENT PROVES FATAL

Young Man Thrown From His Bicycle

Dies After Undergoing Operation

Avery James Kirkham passed away at Salt Lake City Latter-Day Saints Hospital in Salt Lake on Monday evening, just one day more than a week after being thrown from his bicycle while holding to an auto going about thirty miles an hour. The concussion caused by striking the earth with such terrific force caused a clot of blood to form on his brain, which gradually produced unconsciousness and finally death.

On the Tuesday after the accident, a partial paralysis developed and he was taken to Salt Lake City. An operation was performed, removing a section of the skull. The cause of the paralysis was not located and he never spoke after the operation.

Monday, another operation was performed, but the cause could not be located and two hours later, he passed away. After death, an autopsy was performed and a clot of blood about the size of a hen's egg was located on the inside of his brain. This clot was caused by the concussion of the brain and undoubtedly caused his death.

Avery James Kirkham, the sixth son of George and Sarah Russon Kirkham, was born in Lehi, Utah, on June 16, 1894. His life almost entirely has been spent at home in Lehi. In childhood and early youth he was very religiously inclined, so was always a very regular attendant at Primary, Sunday School, later M.I.A, and in due time was given the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained a Deacon and then again a Priest. He finished his public school course and received his diploma in 1911.

During the winter of 1912 and 1913 he attended the Brigham Young University and became very much attached to the school and on many different occasions declared his intention of continuing a course there the coming school semester.

Avery had a natural talent for music. He had a perfect musical ear and would have easily developed into a remarkable musician with the proper training. His talent in music did not appear to be upon only one instrument or in one line, but he easily acquainted himself with whatever he happened to take up, and much of his spare time was so occupied.

Avery formed no bad habits. He was a strict observer of the Word of Wisdom and scorned the use of tobacco and liquor; thus he had developed a strong, healthy body.

On the afternoon of July 27, 1913, while riding his bicycle and holding onto the rear of an automobile, he was thrown violently which later caused paralysis. He was then taken to the L.D.S. Hospital, where the best medical skill did all that was possible to save him, but without avail, and at 10:35 P.M., August 4, he died.

Avery will not be mourned by his relatives alone, but by a host of young friends. The funeral, which was held in the Tabernacle, was largely attended. The speakers were Bishop James H. Gardner, President George H. Brimhall, Professor A. C. Lund, President A. J. Evans, and Bishop Stoker. The Second and Fourth Ward Choirs furnished the music, and there were solos by Mrs. Hazel Holmstead and Professor Lund.


AVERY JAMES KIRKHAM

Written in 1960 by Bessy LaVerne Kirkham Fillerup

As I write about my brother Avery, I can go back to an association that was very dear to me. He was beloved by all of us. He was very talented in music, piano being his happy medium, although he could pick up any instrument and make it "sing". He loved to build and rebuild motorcycles, clocks, mouth organs, etc. He was handsome, tall, blond natural wavy hair and blue eyes He was so clean in his dress, healthy, kept the Word of Wisdom and loved his church. One time the University chartered a train from Provo to Salt Lake City to play the University of Utah basket ball team and as the train passed our home in Lehi, the engineer slowed down the train and blew the whistle in honor of the school's Cheer Leader and his parents. The train was decorated in the BYU's Blue and White.

He was only eighteen when he met his tragic death. In company with a neighbor boy, he went on his bicycle for a ride on the State Highway as far as the "Point of the Mountain". Coming Home they caught hold of an automobile for fun or speed and Avery's wheel struck a rock that threw him from his bicycle which resulted in his death, leaving a very sad family to part with one so loved, and one with such hopes for his promising future. Even now, after all these years, I remember vividly how this sad accident made all of us feel. He and I were very close. He told Mother once, "I will always protect her". I honor and revere his memory.

KEEPSAKES FROM GEORGE AND SARA KIRKHAM

Following are pictures of items that belonged to George and Sara Kirkham.

This nutbowl was made by George Kirkham.

This brass candleholder was brought from England by George Kirkham.

LOTT & SARAH FURNITURE

This bedroom furniture and cup belonged to Lott and Sarah Kirkham - now in the possession of PhyllisJohnson Huntsman - daughter of Doris Kirkham Johnson (daughter of Lott & Sarah).

FILLERUP, BESSY LAVERNE KIRKHAM

BESSY LAVERNE KIRKHAM FILLERUP
(Bessy is the sister who wrote all the sketches of her siblings and half siblings)

Written 17 Mar 1952 by BLKF in North Hollywood, California

It is with pleasure I recall my early life and childhood happiness in Lehi, Utah, my home, with my dear family and relatives the Russons and Kirkhams and childhood friends and school mates. Those were indeed happy days. My father and mother, George Kirkham and Sarah Russon were both born in England, coming to Utah in the early days of the Church. Father crossed the plains by ox team and hand cart while a boy of seven, 1859. Mother family, the Lott and Eliza Russon family came to Utah in 1871 from England when she was fourteen and settled in Lehi where Father family had moved from Salt Lake City. I was born in Lehi, Utah, 2 Mar 1897. I was given a name and a blessing 2 may 1897 by father George Kirkham, and was baptized when eight years of age, 2 Mar 1905, at Saratoga Springs, near Lehi, by father. Thus began a happy and eventful life.

I began my education in Lehi, Utah, in the old Ross Building, lst and 2nd grades then to new Grammar School until 8th grade and graduating there. At this time Uncles James Kirkham gave me my Patriarchal Blessing, January 8, 1909. But the most enjoyable time of my life was during High School in the Old Central High School building, where in 1917 I graduated. I recall, with pleasure that I reported school doings for year books, that I was a member of the High School Ladies Band (drums) member of the High School Ladies Quartette and Chorus. Graduation exercises were held in the beautiful old Lehi Tabernacle. I later graduated from Brigham Young University Commercial Department. There, I was on the staff of the Blue and White, the school paper.

My first position was stenographer for the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, Lehi Factory and was there for seven years until the factory closed own. During one of my vacation periods I went to Independence, Missouri to meet my brother Denzil who was released from his mission. We visited Chicago, St. Louis, Nauvoo and Carthage together and enjoyed the Church historical places.

My first Church position was teaching primary in the Fourth Ward, Lehi when my mother was President, then primary grade in the Lehi Second Ward Sunday School from 1918 to 1925 with an unbroken record of attendance in teaching. From this class eight of the young men filled missions for the Church. I was also active in the Young Women MIA in the Ward, also Choir Member.

I had been stenographer for the Sugar Company for seven years and in 1925 went to California for vacation and while there the factory closed down making it a necessity for me to get work in Los Angeles; this I did and started work for the Pacific Indemnity Company, staying with them for eight years. At this time I belonged to Adams Ward, Los Angeles Take and lived close to the Church which was a great comfort to me. I was secretary to the Gleaner Girls in the Ward, also Log Angeles Stake Gleaner Secretary, years 1926-27. I was a member of the Los Angeles Thrift Chorus, as it was called, comprised of young people of both Hollywood and Los Angeles Stakes, with a regular attendance of three years, 1926-29/ I was a member of the Board of Directors. I met Leonard while attending this Ward, he was Sunday School Superintendent at the time (1927) and I was secretary of the Sunday School Stake Board, 1927-30, Los Angeles Stake. It is interesting to note here that we were members of the first Ward and first Stake in California.

In 1930 our recommends were approved and signed by Bishop Joseph A. West of Adams Ward, and Stake President Leo J. Muir of Los Angeles Stake and we were married in the Salt Lake Temple 30 Apr 1930, by Apostle Melvin J. Ballard. Then we were members of the Wilshire Ward, Hollywood Stake, and Leonard was occupied with his Stake Mission work and Seventy Quorum and I was a member of the Wilshire Ward Choir for three years. Our son George Leonard Fillerup was born 7 Jul 1939. The Wilshire Ward was divided and we then became members of the La Brea, Arlington and La Cienega Wards, at successive divisions. It is interesting to note here that during the twenty one years in our home at the one location we had belongs to the four wards, and Los Angeles, Inglewood, and Santa Monica Stakes, owing to the tremendous growth and division of Wards and Stakes of the Church.

My work in the La Cienega, Santa Monica Stake, was Children Friend Magazine Representative, 1949-1952. In the 1950s I was representative in the Primary and Relief Society Teachers Co-coordinating Chairman, Inglewood Stake.

In 1952, we moved to our present home in North Hollywood, Studio City Ward, Burbank Stake, where we went on with our duties in the Church. Leonard in his Priesthood duties and in the Bishopric and in our Temple Work and Genealogy Work.

At the present, 1972, Leonard in enjoying his retirement and we have together been on many trips around the world, the Holy land and ancient Mid-east being our favorite one.

The last few years I have read and copied excerpts from my father (1852-01923) daily writings, in journals he called them, and mailed to members of his family, my brothers and sisters and their children. We have had his Journals microfilmed and placed in the Genealogical Library and his books-journals in the Church Archives, Salt Lake City, notifying family members where George Kirkham history can be read and studied. This has been my most enjoyable labor of love.

Child of Leonard & Bessie LaVerne Kirkham Fillerup

George Leonard Fillerup

CHRISTENSEN, DAISY BELL KIRKHAM

DAISY BELL KIRKHAM CHRISTENSEN

Daisy Bell, the sixth daughter of George and Mary Russon Kirkham, was born 2 Jun 1891 in Lehi, Utah, and died 22 Dec 1928, Lehi. She married Louis Christensen 19 Jun 1912 in the Salt Lake Temple. Louis was the son of Niels Christen Christensen and Metta Marie Jorgensen. He was born 13 May 1889 in Lehi, Utah.

With a happy and determined disposition, Daisy had many friends in school and in church activities. She served in the auxiliary organizations of the church and was a member of her ward choir. With encouragement of her family she succeeded in maintaining a regular attendance to her many duties.

Daisy was an ideal homemaker, she loved her home and children above all. She kept her home clean and beautiful and all were welcome to her door. She kept an accurate, day to day doings of her six children in separate “Books of Remembrances” for each, as long as she lived.



Children of Louis and Daisy Bell Kirkham Christensen


Louis Kenneth Christensen

Ruby Christensen Moody

Metta Christensen Gunther

Alta Christensen Fuhriman

Lela Christensen Hansen

Cleo Christensen Miller

ELIZA KIRKHAM CRABB

ELIZA KIRKHAM CRABB

Eliza, daughter of George and Mary Russon Kirkham, was born 19 Mar 1878 in Lehi, Utah and died 11th Jun 1967 and buried in Lehi. She married Charles Crabb 11 Mar 1896 in Salt Lake City, Utah, son of Charles Crabb and Ann Aikman Scrouther and born 9 Sep 1872 in Dundee, Forforshire, Scotland, and died 1 Sep 1953 in Lehi, Utah and buried there. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.

In an environment typical of early Latter-Day-Saint homes, Eliza spent a happy childhood and throughout her years of growing up she saw good and beauty in all that surrounded her. In her girlhood days she loved the happy things of life – music and learning, school days, companionship with brothers and sisters. Her parents were early stalwarts in the church. Devotion to duty, obedient to commandments, faithful family ties was their watchword, and by this they taught and guided their family to maturity.

Eliza was seventeen when she met and married Charles Crabb, the young man from Scotland who came here as a convert to the Church. He worked as an employee of the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company. To this union were born six boys and two girls. Two missions for the church and many years of military service were rendered by her sons.

Eliza was happy when she was busy and like her sister Rachel she enjoyed making beautiful “bits of lace”, bedspreads, tablecloths, doilies and rugs she happily bestowed upon her many friends.

Eliza loved her church and was Relief Society visiting teacher for 40 years. She often said her greatest wish was to see all her children obeying Heavenly Father’s commandments. In 1957, Eliza was chosen Area Mother of the Year, a pleasant and satisfying experience for her.

As true success I measured, Eliza can qualify, for as someone once wrote, “To be successful one must have affection of the heart, love for fellow men and willingness to serve for the Master.”

Children of Charles and Eliza Kirkham Crabb

Charles Glendon Crabb Mildred Crabb Magleby
Leland George Crabb Donna Alta Agnes Crabb Wingett
William LeRoy Crabb John Lowell Crabb
Kirkham Vard Crabb Craig Creighton Crabb

Addition by Carolyn Johnson Christensen:

A well remembered memory of my youth was meeting Aunt Eliza, of the sparkling eyes. I was fascinated with her mannerisms and personality. She told a story which had us all laughing. At Relief Society, they were tearing old clothes into strips for rag rugs and winding the results into balls. She worked and laughed with her fellow RS members for some time, then decided it was time to go home. No where could she find her coat. They looked all over for it. Suddenly, she noticed a ball of rug strips which looked surprisingly familiar. Sure enough. Her “new” coat had been accidentally used to tear into strips to be used in rugs. How Aunt Eliza laughed as she told this story.

The other memory I have of Aunt Eliza is that she was known as the merry, beloved sister (half) of my Grandfather, Lott.

LEAH KIRKHAM ANDERSON

LEAH KIRKHAM ANDERSON

by Bessie Laverne Fillerup
Leah, daughter of George and Mary Russon Kirkham, was born 22 May 1887 in Lehi, Utah, and died 4 Feb 1920 in American Fork, Utah, and is buried in American Fork, Utah. She married Stephen Lyman Anderson 12 May 1909 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Later she was endowed in the Salt Lake Temple. He was the son of Emil Anderson and Sophia Anderson. He was born 10th Aug 1885 in American Fork, Utah, and died 3 Dec 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was buried in American Fork, Utah.

Leah received her early education in the elementary schools of Lehi where she was accompanied by her sisters. Her childhood was spent happily doing her parents bidding in attending church duties and learning the ways of the Gospel. Leah was baptized on her eighth birthday by her father. Leah loved the songs of Zion and was a member of the Fourth Ward Choir that had thirteen relatives as members and that her father was leader for twenty years. (A picture of this choir exists.)

Leah always loved to tell the story about her father being a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and that he went with them to the Chicago World’s Fair Exposition and upon his return, he made a concert tour of Southern Utah with his little daughters, Leah and Maude, furnishing music and song and displaying a picture of the choir and lecturing about it’s famous Chicago trip.

Leah and Stephen and family made their home in American Fork, Utah, and remained there the rest of her life.

Children of Stephen Lyman and Leah Kirkham Anderson

Emil Anderson

Wayne Lyman Anderson

Miles Alvin Anderson

Vilda Anderson Phillips

Leo James Anderson

ANNIE AMELIA KIRKHAM FOX

ANNIE AMELIA KIRKHAM FOX

(The following was written by Bessie LaVerne Kirkham Fillerup, half-sister of Annie Amelia.)
Annie Amelia, daughter of George and Mary Russon Kirkham, was born 2 Oct 1884, in Lehi, Utah, and died 29 Aug 1949 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She married Clyde Samuel Fox, 29 Sep 1909 in the Salt Lake Temple, son of Isaac Fox and Elizabeth Zimmerman. He was born 22 Dec 1886 in Lehi, Utah.

Annie spent her childhood days in Lehi and was a dutiful and loving sister and daughter. Along with her sisters Eliza and Rachel, she attended to household duties uncomplaining and happy to be with them. She received her education in the schools of Lehi and was a leader in her interests in art and music. She was baptized on her eighth birthday by her father as he did all his children.

With her husband and family, in 1917, after living in Utah for several years, moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where she was active in Primary work and served as President of the Relief Society and as member of the Relief Society Stake Board.

Several years later, the family returned to Utah and lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. Annie was active in Sunday School work and was a member of the Singing Mothers. She had been a member of the choirs of the Eighteenth and Twenty-seventh Wards.

Annie’s great interest and hobby was her painting. She filled her home and the homes of her loved ones with beautiful paintings.

Children of Clyde Samuel and Annie Amelia Kirkham Fox


Orval Clyde Fox

Esten Levan Fox

Leo Wilson Fox

Rhea Fox Duncan

NOTE OF INTEREST:  by CJC
I lived in the 18th Ward in salt Lake City from 1967 to 1973.   While I lived there, we were told much about this historical building.  When I lived there, President Joseph Fielding Smith and his wife, Jesse Evans Smith,  were part of our ward.  Eventually, the chapel for this ward was moved and the remaining parts of the building were demolished and a new church was built.  You can now see the chapel where it was moved to on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake.  The chapel was T shaped with a loft in the back.  The stained glass windows were beautiful and worth preserving.