Rex Simeon Dunn(1927 ­ 2015)

 Rex Simeon Dunn passed away on March 15, 2015, in Sun City, Ariz. He was the son of Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Jensen Dunn. He was born in Manassa, Colo., on Sept. 12, 1927, the youngest of 13 children. He was a retired school teacher having taught school for 35 years in Colorado and New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents and the following siblings: Frances Gillespie, Ethel Forsythe, Willard Dunn, Ruth Koch, Cora Bingham, Edgar Dunn, Ina Olsen, Hazel Nite, Elma Pagett, Doris Mortense, Loyd Dunn and Keith Dunn. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Dunn; and four children, Dr. Phil (Jean) Dunn, Steve(Lindy) Dunn, Paula (Richard) Johansen and George(Susie) Dunn. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 21 great­grandchildren. A viewing will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Cope Memorial Chapel in Farmington. A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. at The Latter Day of Saints Church at 400 W. Apache in Farmington. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Rex Dunn to the Rex and Nancy Dunn Endowed Scholarship Fund at San Juan College, 4601 College Blvd., Farmington, NM 87402. Rex care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, 505­327­5142. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com. Funeral Home Cope Memorial Chapel 404 West Arrington Street Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 327­5142

Published in Farmington Daily Times from Mar. 22 to Mar. 29, 2015

Doris Mortensen

Posted: Thursday, Nov 17th, 2011
Valley Courier - Alamosa


SANFORD — The world lost one of God’s angels on earth with the passing
of Doris Dunn Mortensen, 92.

Doris was born February 7, 1919 in Manassa, Co. She was the 8th
daughter and 10th child of Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen,
who had 13 children. In this home she learned to work hard, serve
others and love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and instilled these
qualities in all of her children.

She married Verden N. Mortensen in Sanford, Co. on March 21, 1937 and
was sealed in the Salt Lake City, LDS Temple on March 25, 1937. She
and Verden worked hard ranching north of Sanford for the next 20
years. They then moved to Manassa where she worked preparing lunches
for the school. Later she and her sister Hazel ran Buster’s Café.

After her husband retired from road construction they returned to the
ranch by Sanford. She and Verden were married 74 years. She enjoyed
gardening, quilting and cooking and was known for her delicious candy
and pies. Her children and family meant everything to her and she
spent many hours serving them, the community and the church.

She passed away November 16, 2011, three and one half months after her
husband, the love her life.

She is survived by her eight cherished children: DeAnn (Dale) Cornum,
Rosalie (Al, deceased) Williams, Jeanne (Leo) Price, Mary Lyne (Blake)
Parker, Gary (Julie) Mortensen, Delores (Paul) Niebel, Susan (Mark)
Reed, and Kathy (Kelly) Millward, 28 grandchildren, 81 great
grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, her sister Hazel Nite, her
brother Rex (Nancy) Dunn, and many nephews and nieces. She loved them
all and each one was her favorite.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday November 19,
2011 at the Sanford 2nd Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday,
November 18th at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa and from
10-10:45 at the Sanford Church. Burial will follow services in the
Sanford Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Manassa is in care of the arrangements.

Verden Mortensen Obituary

Here is the obit if you didn't get to it yet.

Verden N. Mortensen, 93

Posted: Wednesday, Aug 3rd, 2011

SANFORD — Verden N. Mortensen, 93, was born on August 2, 1918 on the family ranch in Sanford, Colorado where he grew up.

Verden married Doris Dunn in Sanford, Colo. on March 21, 1937, then four days later were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 25, 1937. They began their married life on the ranch north of Sanford. After a few years Verden went to road construction in N.M. to help support the farm and family. After 23 years of road construction he returned to the work he loved most, the ranch, to raise sheep and cattle. He continued ranching to the age of 79 when he sold the ranch and retired to watch innumerable basketball, football and baseball games and enjoy life at home with his family. Verden loved for his family to come see him. As anyone opened the door to enter the home he always greeted them with a hearty “come in the house, did you bring something to eat?” That greeting will be greatly missed by all.

Verden passed away on his 93rd birthday August 2nd 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Effie Mortensen, one brother, Dolan, his sister Lena Sowards, and four great grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Doris, at the family home in Sanford, eight children, DeAnn Cornum (Dale) of La Jara, Rosalie Williams (Al) of Mesa, Ariz., Jeanne Price (Leo) of La Jara, Mary Lyne Parker (Blake) of Sanford, Gary Mortensen (Julie) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Delores Niebel (Paul) of Sanford, Susan Reed (Mark) of Canon City, and Kathy Millward (Kelly) of Salida, 28 grandchildren, 81 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, his brothers Floyd Mortensen (Ellen) of La Jara, Gaylon Mortensen (Doris Mae) of Sanford, and Wayne Mortensen (Janice) of Bountiful, Utah, and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday August 6, 2011 at the Sanford 2nd Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday August 5th at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa. Burial will follow services in the Sanford Cemetery.

For additional information please contact Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa.

Loyd Jensen Dunn

Uncle Loyd passed away November 21, 2010.  


DUNN, Loyd Jensen
89, died November 21, 2010, at his home in Lancaster. He was born April 12, 1921, in Manassa, Colorado to Simeon and Anna Jensen Dunn, the 11th of 12 children. He married Cathryn Brothers on May 28, 1941, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The night before his passing, he and his wife were honored with a special dance as the longest married couple (69 years) at a grandson's wedding reception. He was a farmer in Colorado until he accepted a call to serve an LDS mission to Canada in 1953 to 1954. Married men were asked to serve during the Korean War. His wife supported him and their five children by working nights in a hospital while he was gone. When he returned, he enrolled in college and became a teacher and the family moved to California. He taught elementary school in Littlerock for 23 years. He was a life-long member of the LDS church. He served as a bishop, local missionary and patriarch. He was most known for his great love for all he met. He was extremely generous and giving of both his time and money. But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Moroni 7:47. His firm-handshake and John Wayne voice made him renowned throughout the Mojave Desert. He is survived by his wife Cathryn and their eight children; Vera (Vern) Olivier of Broomfield, Colorado; Jerry (Jeanie) Dunn of Lancaster; Carol (Von) Richardson of Moreno Valley, California; Bob (Pam) Dunn of Lancaster; Joe (LeeAnn) Dunn of Lancaster; Terry (Louise) Dunn of Altures, California; Lori (Nelson) Peacock of Vista, California; and Kim (Carlos) Castillo of Moreno Valley, California. He is also survived by three sisters, Ruth Koch, Hazel Nite and Doris (Verden) Mortensen of Colorado and a brother Rex (Nancy) Dunn of Farmington, New Mexico. The couple also has 69 grandchildren, 93 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers; Francis Gillespie, Ethel Forsyth, Cora Bingham, Ina (Henry) Olsen, Willard, Keith and Edgar Dunn and a son-in-law, Von Richardson.

Letters of Simeon Adams Dunn and Hariett Atwood Silver

There is a book that has letters that our Simeon Adams Dunn and Harriet Atwood Silver wrote to her parents in Vermont. Someone been doing Dunn research went to the Church Archives and found letters between Simeon and Brigham Young. Uncle Rex sent me the link to the letters. I found it quite interesting. If you want, you can connect to the site of Cameron Doran Wilde and download the pdf document.

http://www.dkwilde.com/Genealogy/Dunn/Dunn_and_Silver_Letters.pdf

Uncle Sim

Eva Dunn Snow wrote the following poem dated February 13, 1935.

Uncle Sim

To those pioneers of years gone by,
A baby boy was given
To bring them peace and cheer and love
A gift for earth, from heaven.

To manhood grown, this precious one,
His mission well defined,
By precept and example too,
He worked and served mankind.

From friends he journeyed far,
He chose the pioneer life.
Faced many hardships, won success,
Shared with a loyal wife.

And now his earthwork is complete,
The Master says, "Well done",
He goes to reap what he as sown,
In that Celestial Home.

Eva Dunn Snow

This poem was written about Simeon Adams Snow who passed away 13 February, 1935 in Alamosa, Alamosa, Colorado. He was born 13 Jan 1861 at Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Simeon Adams and Harriett Atwood Silver Dunn.

His school began when he was five years old in Farmington, Utah. Later his father and family moved to Brigham City where he lived until he was twenty three. In 1874 he was called to work on the S. George Temple. He left Brigham City with four yoke of oxen on December 17, 1874 and arrived in St. George on January 14, 1875.

He married Eunice Emily Harmon in Washington, Utah on 12 July 1877. In 1889 they left Utah for the San Luis Valley of Colorado. In 1891, be became the Branch President of the Eastdale Costilla branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He and his wife, Eunice were the parents of Simeon Harmon, Levi, Elmer, Emily, Eunice, Etholen, Albert, and Jared. In 1941, his family consisted of eight children thirty three grandchildren and eighteen great-grand children.

Poem and biographical information taken from a typewritten manuscript sent to Kent Vance by his mother, Gatha Wilson April 11, 2009.

Simeon Adams Dunn

Simeon Adams Dunn, the father of Simeon Harmon Dunn, was born January 13 1851 in Salt Lake City. He married Eunice Emily Harmon on November 6, 1876, in Washington, Utah. Their first five children, Simeon Harmon, Levi Tessie, Elmer and Emily, were born there. Eunice was born in Sanford; Etholen Silver, Charles Albert and Jared Willard were born in Eastdale, Colorado.

On May 16, 1889, they left Washington with two other families, Marcus Funk and Oscar Westover. Simeon and Eunice decided to go to Colorado because they both suffered from chills and fever and had heard that the high dry Colorado climate would help improve their health.

When they arrived in the San Luis Valley, they decided to settle in Sanford. There, he traded a team and wagon for a lot with a small house and a dug-out on it. This was to be their home for two years.

In 1891, the family moved to Eastdale, Colorado in Costilla County. Eastdale was a very small town and people were like a large family. They farmed, milked cows, raised sheep and worked hard to develop the land. They built a reservoir to conserve water and dug irrigation ditches to irrigate their crops.

The people formed a community pasture and corral. For each cow or horse that was pastured, the family was to furnish someone to herd the animals for one day. The herder had the responsibility of driving the animals to the grazing land and also gathering the stock and bringing them back to the corral at the end of the day. It was a common site to see antelope grazing with the cattle.

Water for drinking and household was a big problem. For several years, there was only one well in the town. Everyone carried their water from this well. The wells were 80 to 100 feet deep and were all dug by hand. The dirt was hauled out of the wells with buckets on ropes and pulleys. The holes were about a yard square and the walls were encased with timbers.

Money was scarce and the people had to provide their own amusement. Five men in the town played the violin and Eunice had a small organ furnished for the music for the parties and dances that were held. Later a log school house was build and this building became the amusement center as well as the school. Quite often town dinners were held there.

Building their church was a community project. Adobes were made by the men and a brick kiln was erected. Pinon wood was hauled from the nearby Ute Mountain to use to fire the bricks. People took turns watching the fire to keep it burning continually until the bricks were right for building. Women and girls prepared lunches and the whole community worked together to erect the building.

In 1909 a large investment company from the east formed the Costilla Development Company and became interested in part of the Sangre de Cristo land grant. Because the town of Eastdale moved to either Manassa or Sanford to make their homes. The Dunns moved to Manassa.

On August 23, 1891 Simeon was set apart as Presiding Priest of Eastdale Branch and Eunice was set apart as Relief Society President, both by S. C. Berthelsen. On January 29, 1894 Marcus counselor, and Ephriam Mortensen, second counselor. On August 11, 1897 Christen Jensen was set apart as Bishop of Eastdale Ward by Apostle John W. Taylor. Simeon was made first counselor and ward clerk. Andrew S. Nielsen was made second counselor.

Simeon was put in as postmaster of Eastdale on May 28, 1895. Eunice was an excellent musician with perfect pitch. She was choir director and worked extensively with music.

Simeon Adams Dunn, The Mormons; 100 Years in the San Luis Valley of Colorado; 1883-1983, Compiled and Edited by Carleton Q. Anderson, Betty Shawcroft and Robert Compton, Published by the La Jara Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Adobe Press, Albuquerque, New Mexico, pp 179-180

Christen Jensen's Military Service (conclusion)

On one occasion, while on a reconnoitering expedition, Christen and others were crossing the Green River in Wyoming. A sudden raise in the river brought it to flood stage and swept away a party of scouts. Five of them were being drowned in the black swirling waters of the stream. Jensen was in the scouting party, and it was only after swimming a mile and a half down stream that he was able to get from the frothing seething river to the shore, practically exhausted but still alive.

He was cast upon the shore of the stream without provisions. His ammunition all wet and he was without the ordinary methods of making a fire. He laid on the banks of the river for some time until his strength gradually returned. He got up, stretched his weary limbs, walked a few paces up and down the stream. He found some driftwood and in a short time had kindled a fire by rubbing two sticks together until the friction ignited the embers. A roaring bon fire was made.

Scouts on the other side of the Green river saw the blaze and an alarm was sounded. Within a day, it was discovered that it was not a band of hostile Indians encamped on the opposite bank of the Green river. Rather, it was a lone U.S. Scout. Provisions were sent across the stream to him.

The next day, he rejoined his regiment. Six of his picked followers were now sleeping beneath the river or along its banks, drowned while serving their country.

1. Looking into the Past, Ledger-News, Antonito, Colorado, 78th Year Number 15, Thursday, Sept. 16, 1971.
Please note that I have modified the article a bit in punctuation phrasing.

Christen Jensen's Military Service (part 2)

On another trip Christen Jensen was given the task of looking after 175 head of cattle which were being driven across the plains. Marauding bands of Indians had taken several of the beefs for food and were committing many depredations in the neighborhood. Christen, with a picked guard of five men took charge of the cattle the balance of the way to their permanent homes in Utah never lost another head. They met bands of Indian Scouts, but were always able to out-wit them.

The trouble with the Indians arose over treaties with the government. The U.S. government had a treaty with the Indians giving them all of the lands west of the Platte river to the Pacific Coast. In 1860, they negotiated another treaty in which certain lands were designated as reservations. The Indians objected to the latter treaty. After three years of relentless warfare, the Indians were compelled to lay down arms and accept the government's terms of treaty. A peace pact was signed.

Even after this had been accomplished, marauding bands of Indians had been roving over the western plains of Wyoming and Utah. Many depredations had been committed. The Indians were no worse than some of the white traders who would give the Indians a quart of whiskey and take in exchange for the bottle of "fire water" furs up to a thousand times the value of the liquor. Then too, there were lots of ruthless outlaws in the west. They killed Indians without cause. A was of extermination was waged until the government stepped in and conquered the Indians and told the wild men to move on. If one of these frontiersmen were a ruffian and had escaped punishment in the East, he was hunted down and tried and just punishment was meted out to him. It was almost three years after the federal troops took the field to the time when peace and quiet were restored to those taking overland trails.

1. Looking into the Past, Ledger-News, Antonito, Colorado, 78th Year Number 15, Thursday, Sept. 16, 1971.

Christen Jensen's Military Service

Christen Jensen spoke to a reporter from the Ledger-News from Antonito, Colorado1. He told of some of the experiences he had while he was in the military. The following comes from that conversation. Christen spoke with the Ledger Editor way back in 1929. He was 82 years of age at the time.

Christen Jenson was born in England and came to America in 1862. From New York, he went to Omaha, Nebraska. In 1863 he walked from Omaha to Salt Lake City, Utah. Quite a hike. He got a job with the construction of the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City, a piece of architecture which cost over $4,000,000 when completed.

In 1868, Christen was employed by the Church officials at Salt Lake City to make trips to Cheyenne, Wyoming with an oxen team to bring back those where were coming to Salt Lake City to make permanent settlement among their friends and neighbors, the Latter Day Saints.

In 1865 he was in the federal army and acted as a scout for the Federal Forces. At one time the Navajo had surrounded the party of scouts who had been out to recoinoiter. Five of the party met with death at the hands of the Indians.

Christen Jensen escaped barely with his life. He rushed back to headquarters and sommoned aid who rounded up the band of Navajos and thus ended a very bloody incident. Christen served with honor and distinction during the entire Black hawk Indian wars in Utah and Wyoming. He reported a very interesting incident.

He was acting as government agent scout and had not had any sleep for several days. He was almost overpowered with listlessness. He chewed up some tobacco and in order to stay awake, he put some tobacco juice in his eyes. That was the first and last time he ever did that! After nearly getting back to camp he collapsed and was brought in by soldiers. Once at camp, he slept for more than 48 hours.

1. Looking into the Past, Ledger-News, Antonito, Colorado, 78th Year Number 15, Thursday, Sept. 16, 1971.

Christen Jensen moves his family to Manassa

Near Jaroso, Colorado, there is a farming area that is green and productive. in 1897 it was the home of Christen Jensen and his family, and other members of the Eastdale Ward of the San Luis Stake. When the water rights to this farming area were sold in 1909, the town was sold and Bishop Jensen moved his family to Manassa, Colorado.


View Larger Map
In Manassa, Christen served as a member of the High Council. On August 20, 1911, Christen was ordained a Patriarch by Apostle Orson F. Whitney. For a number of years, he was Stake Representative of the Genealogical Society of the San Luis Stake. He also served as the Secretary and Treasurer of the San Luis Stake Academy. He acted as Justice of the Peace, Police Magistrate, School Trustee, member of the Manassa Town Board, President of the Colonial State Bank of Manassa and a missionary of his native Denmark.

Christin owned several homes in Manassa. Each house was shared with a wife and family. Those homes are all in use in Manassa today. After the death of his wives, he worked in the Salt Lake Temple where he met and married Eliza Bessey.

Christin died October 31, 1931 in Manassa, Colorado. Christin was buried in Manassa.

The Mormons, 100 Years in the San Luis Valleyof Colorado 1883-1983, Compiled and edited by: Carleton Q. Anderson, Betty Shawcroft and Robert Compton, Published by the La Jara Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Copyright 1892.

Christen Jensen's family

Christen Jensen received his endowments and married Mary Sophia Anderson on February 8, 1868. That same spring, he received a call to go as a teamster across the plains, assisting the Mormon emigrants on their way to Utah.

On December 5, 1875, he took a second wife, Anna Christina Bengtsson. In December, 1881, he married Helena S. Rundquist, and in 1883, he married Mattie K. Peterson. About this time great pressure was exerted against polygamists. Christen moved part of his family to the San Luis Stake of Zion (The San Luis Valley). He was in exile for 12 years. The family lifed in Richfield, Colorado for about 13 years and then moved to Eastdale, Costilla County, Colorado.

Christen was the father of 18 children. Anna Christina was the mother of seven daughters and three sons and Helena Sophia was the mother of six daughters and two sons.

In 1886 Christen assisten in organizing the 92nd Quorum of Seventy. For eleven years, he served as its senior president.

After the persecution relented, the Jensen family made plans to return to their old home in Utah, but he was called to move to Eastdale and server as Bishop of the Eastdale Ward. He was ordained a Bishop by Apostle John W. Taylor on August 11, 1897, with Simeon Adams Dunn as his First Counselor and Ward Clerk and Andrew S. Nielson as Second Counselor.

Christen Jensen, The Mormons; 100 Years in the San Luis Valley of Colorado 1883-1983, Compiled and Edited byCarleton Q. Anderson, Betty Shawcroft, and Robert Compton, published by The La Jara Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pp 191,192

Christen Jensen

Annie Buletta Jensen Dunn's father was born in the "Old country".

Christen Jenson, son of Peder Jensen and Kirsten Anderson, was born October 28, 1848 in Farre, Skanderborg, Denmark. When he was 10 years old, Latter Day Saint Elders came to his father's home and taught the Gospel to his family. Christen was converted and wanted to be baptized. His father, however, thought he was too young.

On April 6, 1862, the family of nine members left Denmark and traveled to Salt Lake City. On this journey Christen was taken seriously ill with ague. There were at Florence, Nebraska, and Christen begged to be baptized. His father consent and he was baptized June 27 1862. Instantly, he was healed and became strong enough to walk all the way to Salt Lake Cith. The family later moved to Moroni, Sanpete County, Utah.

During this time, there was trouble with the Navajo and Blackhawk indians. Christen was mustered into Company A to do service in the Blackhawk war. He served in that capacity for three years.

Taken from "The Mormons, 100 Years in the San Luis Valley of Colorado 1883-1983", Published by the La Jara Stake of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, compiled and edited by Carleton Q. Anderson, Betty Shawcroft and Robert Compton, page 191.

Grandpa's Garage

Good are the memories you did invoke,
Right after reading what your pen strokes.
After thinking about our great grandma,
Near the surface came thoughts of grandpa
Dear old grandpa lived to a grand old age,
Part of his character made him a wise sage.
Auto supplies he sold at CCG&O
Shop at grandpas garage was long long ago.

Great was the building holding the wares,
Aunt and uncle I remember coming there
Ripe with desire for gasoline or air
Able to change tires and fix or replace
Going to work did I at that same place
End of the poem came, I ran out of space!

Reunion Photos

1. There are too many people in this picture to identify each one, but the reunion took place at the family cabin near Fox Creek, Colorado. The truck belonged to Arlo Vance. This was the Dunn family reunion, but I can't tell you for sure what year it was. I (Kent) can tell that my children would have been young. It may have been in the early 1980's. If you know the year, please comment and let us know. On some of the pictures below, I will identify the people I can. I'll need to rely on you to help me with the faces that my memory fails.

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2. This picture is a little easier to identify.

The person to the left of the table is Frances Gillespie. The toe head I believe is Joey Dobbins. The person with the Blue coat is Vera Louise Olivier. People's backs aren't that interesting. Let's home the next picture is more fruitful.

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3. It's nice to see people's faces. Vera Louise Olivier is standing to the left next to Max Nite. Max's wive, Karen is standing behind him. Uncle Henry Olsen has an unidentified girl in his arm. Janet Degolyer is playing in the fire. I can't identify the girls in the back, but the person holding the baby in her arms is Nancy McDaniel.

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4. This is another picture with a lot of faces. I'm going to name a few in random order. In the foreground, I recognize Joanne Vance, Then in the cloud of people, I see Jeff White, Marcy Vance, Danette Vance, Andrea Vance, Cory Vance, Kent Vance, Jack Dunn, Jimmy Bingham, Bonnie Olsen, Vera Olivier, Janet DeGolyer, Chris Degolyer, Justin Bingham, Rick and Chad Bilstein, Justin Bingham, Jay Bingham, Teddy Bingham, and many many more. If you can find your picture here, let me know and I'll add your name to the list. .

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5. I only see one face in this picture that I recognize. That is Hazel Nite. Everyone else has their back to the camera.

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6. The first face to the left is a young Jill Dunn. To her right is Dolores Niebel. Next is Loyd Dunn with one his grandchildren on his knee. I am sorry, but I don't know which of his grandchildren it is. Next is Barbara White, Leon Bingham, and Ina Olsen.

It looks like someone in the background is going to the outhouse that is just behind that big bush.

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7. I don't recognize a single face in this photo. I do recognize the huddle around the campfire that is off to the right. The cabin are off to the left.

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8. Deann Cornum is standing with crossed arms. I believe the two children are Marcy Vance (Zinn) and Donnie Holman. Jill Dunn and Dolores Mortensen (Niebel) appear to be having an engaging conversation. I wonder what they were talking about.

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9. I believe the fellow in stripes is Carl Harbour. In the little grouping in the front, I see Janet Degolyer, Nancy McDaniel, Richard Pagett, and some children I can't identify. Jack Dunn is holding one of his girls here and is talking to me (Kent Vance). I'm holding my son, Robert. I think I see Kay Hensley's distinctive profile behind my shoulder.

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10. This is a lineup of the children Simeon Harmon and Anna Buletta Dunn and their spouses. In order from left to right, they are Elma Pagett, Bill Koch, Frences Gillespie, Hazel Nite, Ruth Koch, Edgar Dunn, LaVeryl Dunn, Verden Mortensen, Doris Mortensen, Ethel Forsythe, Henry Olsen, Ina Olsen, Loyd Dunn, and Catherine Dunn.

The majority of them are gone now, but for me, the love and support they gave me as I was growing up will always be with me. There is nothing that is as strengthening as a loving extended family.

Larry Vance posted the pictures, and I have added the descriptions. If you see a face in the pictures that is not listed, you can add a comment, and we'll update the descriptions.

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PHOTOS

These are just some random pictures from my photo album.

I hope Larry will allow me (Kent) to enter the names of the people I know here.

The picture to the left is Gatha with some unidentified children. The picture to the right is Betty Jean DeGolyer

The far left is Curtis Cornum. Center is Susan Mortensen. Right are Kerry and Janet DeGolyer.


The bottom picture is a group of missionaries. The only one I recognize for sure is Gary Mortensen. This was a long, long time ago, and a lot of changes have taken place since then.









The person on the left is one of the Bilstein boys. I don't know for sure which one. The Center is Jack Dunn and the picture on the right is Phillip Dunn.

The first picture in the second row is of Rex and Nancy Dunn's Family. The back row are Paula, Phillip, and Steven. In front are George, Nancy, and Rex. I believe the color photo to the right is George Dunn.

The bottom row are also Rex and Nancy's children. Steven to the left and Paula to the right.









Elma leads this page off to the left. To her right are Lane and Joann Vance's family. I will probably need to correct this, but I believe they are Gary, Shannon, Lane, Joann, Wesley, Seth, and Blake.


Jane is the bride. The girl in the center top is Nancy. I believe the center picture below is also Nancy. Please correct me if I am wrong. To the right, you see Elma again.

I believe the couple to the left at the bottom are Shannon and Gary Vance. The Last picture on the page is Richard Pagett.






Nites are next. Someone will have to help me identify the cute little pink lady. To the right are Carol and Ronnie Nite's family. In the back row are Ronnie, Carol, Elizabeth, and Ronda. The Center row are Julie, and Blaine. The bottom row are Shanna, and Kallie.

Ronnie and Carol with flowers on. I wonder if this was their wedding day.

The pretty girl on the bottom row is one on Max's daughters. I can't remember if it's Diane or Debraw. Can someone help me identify her? The last two pictures on the page are of Danny Malloy







I don't need put anything on this picture since Mom has already done that.

Simeon Dunn Meets Joseph Smith

I received an email from Rex Dunn that contained this link. I found it quite interesting.

Kitchen Memories

Great Grandmother Dunn's kitchen my heart had won
Rutabagas, parsnips and currents were not uncommon,
And tomato soup was a favorite dish.
Nice smells tempted me. How for a taste I'd wish!
Danish dishes, vegetables, cakes, sauces and pies,
Mashed potatoes and gravy and canning supplies,
Aromatic peppermint, candled eggs, and a pantry of jars
Showed the fruit from her garden. She worked their for hours.

Sweet treats occasionally came from her stove.
Unto us, little tastes she'd give with her love.
Great smells of cinnamon and spice
Arose from her counter and smelled so nice!
Reaching for a sample was such a temptation
Caution sometimes lost with no thought of correction.
Our sweet Grandma would wink and then she'd grin.
Other times, though her patience was thin.
Kitchen memories are the strongest to me now when
In this aging brain I turn to childhood again.
Every memory now is kept in a nook,
Stored there with love by a wonderful cook.

Which Sister? (2)

Which sister is his great grandmother? He is linked to this blog.

Here's another photo of the same person. Which sister does he belong to?

And more descendants and more and more.

Which sister? (1)

Let's test your ability to see the resemblance.

The person on the right is one of Simeon and Annie's descendants. Which of the Dunn sisters is her ancestor? I knew as soon as I saw her picture.

She is one of the followers of the blog and her blog is linked to this one.

In a week, I'll add another photo of a descendant of the same sister. You can vote in the poll, Which Sister (1) to the right until 12/20.

PS Here is another photographic clue as to who.

The Sisters.

This is a nice picture. Now that you look at this and some of the grand-children of these women you can see their faces.

It is amazing to me to see the differences in these sisters and yet see their countenance on their decendents.

Book of this BLOG

I (Larry Vance) have put together a black and white version of the articles and comments from this blog into a hardcover book of 95 pages. The following link takes you to LuLu.com where you can purchase one or more copies of the book. The cost covers the printing costs and a nominal fee that goes to LuLu.com. You can also download the contents of the book for a nominal fee.

Bound copy of BLOG

This is a small image of the cover.

Rex Simeon Dunn

Rex is the youngest and thirteenth child of Simeon Harmon and Anna Buletta Jensen Dunn. He spent his childhood in Manassa. At the age of nine, he contracted polio and, consequently, spent many years in hospitals and at his sister's, Ethel Forsyth's, home in Los Angeles. After his graduation from Manassa High School, Rex attend and received a B.A. Degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado.

Rex maried Nancy Ellen Tracey of Manassa. They moved to Segundo, Colorado, where Rex taught Business Education. Their three oldest children, Phillip, Steven, and Paula, were born while they were in Segundo. Rex then taught school in Roy, New Mexico, Socorro, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, New Mexico. Rex received his Master's Degree from Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Nancy is the daughter of Roy Francis Tracey and Philomena Humrichouse. She moved to Manassa at the age of three years. When she was five, her mother married A. C. Nielson. Nancy attended Manassa schools and received a B. A. and M.A. Degree from Adams State College. Both Rex and Nancy have worked as teachers and Rex as a school administrator.

The family then lived in Quemado, new Mexico for seven years. Their youngest son, George was born during this time. The family moved to Farmington, New Mexico and they still live there.

This history was taken from A History of the Ancestors and Descendants of Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen, Compiled by Vera Dunn Olivier and published June, 1993, page 143

Loyd Jensen Dunn

Loyd was the eleventh child of Simeon and Anna. He grew to adulthood in Manassa. In the process he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was ordained in the office of Deacon, Teacher, and Priest. He was ordained an Elder in 1941.

Loyd grew up with a father who farmed and he learned to drive teams of horses and milk cows at an early age. By the time he was ten years of age, he was milking cows by hand regularly and was mowing hay, driving as many as six horses on a plow, planting grain, and caring for farm animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, turkeys, and chickens. He was taught the blessing of hard work as he hoed peas, potatoes, and lettuce, and picked green peas and potatoes. He also pitched bundles into a threshing machine, stacked hay, hauled grain, bucked bales, irrigated potatoes, and performed other farm jobs. He also worked in the pea sheds and a canning factory.

Loyd attended schools in Manassa. He was a good student, but didn't apply his abilities as well as he could have. Nevertheless he graduated from Manassa High School in 1939. As a senior, he served as student body president. Loyd attended Adams State College for one quarter in the fall of 1939.

Loyd left collelge and went back to his father's farm, which he took over and operated for the next 22 years. In 1959, Loyd returned to college. He received both a B.A. and M.A. from Adams State College. He did further graduate work at Adams State College, Brigham Young University, and Northridge State College.

Loyd married Cathryn Brothers in the Salt Lake Temple on 28 May 1941. This temple sealing was one of the choice experiences of their young lives. They will be eternally grateful to their Father in Heaven for granting the blessings of the temple to them at that time in their lives.

Eight children were born to Loyd and Cathryn. Five years elapsed between the fifth and sixth child. At this time, Loyd was called on a mission to the western Canadian Mission from 1953 to 1955. Cathryn moved in with her mother and worked as a nurse's aid in the nursery at Alamosa Community Hospital while Loyd was gone.

Loyd has held many positions in the church during his married life. Among Loyd's positions are three Stake Missions, Stake Mission President, High Counselor, Bishop, and Patriarch.

A typical March day during the years farming included rising at 4:00 am to dress and check lambing sheds, take care of newborn lambs and their mothers, feed the remaining sheep, but the cows in the barn, feed them, hand milk seven to ten cows, get milk ready to ship to the cheese factory, pump water by hand for all of the livestock, feed the pigs and chickens, and then go in for breakfast. After breakfast, it was time to check the lambing pens, get the tractor ready to plow or plant, run the tractor for about three hours, check the lambing pens and eat lunch. Then it was back on the tractor for another four hours, check the lambing pens, feed livestock, milk cows, put the sheep in the lambing sheds, eat supper, check the sheep and lambs again, and go to bed about 9:00pm.

When farming years were lean, Loyd worked in a filling station, a feed store, and a mine to supplement income. After graduating from college, Loyd became a full time school teacher.

From 1961 to 1963, Loyd taught school in Manassa and LaJara, Colorado. In 1964, the family moved to Lancaster, California. Loyd then taught elementary school in the Keppel Union School District in Little Rock, California, until he retired.

The Lord has given Loyd the opportunity to teach the missionary lessons to over 150 people who have become members of the Church. Among those those taught are a Stake President, Stake Mission Presidents, High Counselors, Bishops, and Temple Workers.

Loyd says: "We are thankful for all the blessings our Father-in-Heaven has given us, our parents, our brothers and sisters, our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, the truth of the Gospel and the opportunity to gain eternal lives. We bear solemn testimony that this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is God's true church here on the earth and if we live up to the principles and commands He has given, we will all live with him as family units in the eternities to come. We bear this witness in the names of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Taken from A history of the Ancestors of Simeon harmon Dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen, compiled by Vera Dunn Olivier, published Jun3 1993.

Doris Dunn Mortensen

Doris was the eighth daughter of tenth child of Simeon Harmon and Anna Buletta Jensen Dunn. She attended school in Manassa and graduated from Manassa High School on May 21, 1937.

Doris remembers her childhood as follows: "We were a close family and had a very happy childhood, with all the advantages available at that time. We were all taught to work by helping in the garden, doing housework, and helping on the farm, cooking and even milking, when necessary. Papa suffered eight daughters learning how to cook. We had some very happy times, too, going pinon nut hunts and having candy pulls. Papa liked nothing better than to have Papa play the piano while he and Mama would sing to us. Our home was always open to our friends."



While still in high school, Doris was dance director in the Manassa MIA with her brother, Edgar. When she was a junior in high school, Verden Mortensen came to Manassa to finish high school. The school in Sanford he had been attending was closed for financial reasons. He was on the basketball team and Doris was a cheerleader. They started dating and Doris' Christmas present that year was a diamond. They were married at the John B. Reed ranch on March 21, 1937, and then travelled to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 25, 1937. To this union were born seven girls and one boy: DeAnn, Rosalie, Lorna Jeanne, Mary Lyne, Gary Harmon, Delores, Susan and Kathy June.



The Mortensens lived on a ranch near Sanford until 1956. At that time, Verden went to New Mexico to work on road construction. Doris stayed at the ranch with the family until her mother passed away. At that time the family moved to Manassa to live with her father. The family lived in Manassa for 18 years. When Verden quit construction work, they moved back to the ranch.

While living in Manassa, Doris held several positions in the Church --Primary teacher, member of the Primary presidency, MIA teacher, Stake MIA Board member, and Stake Girl's Camp Leader. After moving back to Sanford, she was Mother Education leader in the Relief Society. In 1979, the Sanford Ward was divided and she was put in as the Relief Society President of the Sanford 2nd Ward. She held that position until she became an extraction missionary. Doris has served as a visiting teacher all of her married life.

The history above was taken from A History of the Ancestors & Descendants of Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen compiled by Vera Dunn Olivier published June, 1993

Quality of teaching in this century

Grandpa Dunn was a school teacher at one time in his life. Several of his children and grandchildren have also worked in the field of education.

Recently, I received an e-mail citing a test that was given to 8th graders in 1895, and stating that the education in this country had gotten quite bad.

I spent the evening reviewing the questions and finding answers on the internet just so that I could say that I knew as much as an eighth grader. I was amazed at the amount of information that is available to us at the click of a few buttons. While I found many things, that I could not answer quickly, I did find answers for many of the questions. Many of the answers were things that I had learned, but had forgotten for a time.

After spending an evening with the test (I still have more to do to complete it), I have come to the conclusion that some of the things asked on the 1895 test were important at the end of the 1800's, but are not as important to life in the 21st century.

I am amazed at the things that my grandchildren are learning in school. Some of the math skills of my seventh grade grandson are far beyond what mine were at the same level. I am also amazed at the "keyboading" skills and computer skills that are being taught at seventh and even at first grade level.

I am enjoying looking at this test example and what students were required to learn. I have learned from the article, but I think it is important to see that educational requirements are not the same as they were in the 1890s. That is not necessarily an indication that today's educational system is deficient. It is proof only that it is different.

If you are interested, you can see a completed version of the 1895 test, it is also available on the internet.

Elma Dunn Pagett

Elma was the ninth child of Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Jensen Dunn. She grew up in Manassa and graduated from Manassa High School. She then attended Blair's Business College in Colorado Springs for one year. Elma met Boyd William Pagett in the summer of 1935 when they were both working for Rickett's cannery in LaJara, Colorado. They were married in December of that year and moved to Fort Morgan, Colorado.
Boyd and Elma lived in Fort Morgan, Denver, LaJara, Grand Junction, and finally made a permanent home in Manassa. Boyd joined the Navy 10 July 1944 and served until 23 January 1946. Boyd and Elma were the parents of two children, JoAnn and Richard when Boyd joined the Navy. Elma stayed in Manassa with Elma's parents most of the time while Boyd was gone. They did join him in Port Townsend, Washington, while Boyd was in electrical school in Seattle. Boyd was sent to the Phillippine Islands and Elma and the children returned to Manassa. After the war, Boyd returned to Manassa and purchased Conejos county Gas & oil from his father-in-law, Simeon Harmon Dunn. He ran this business until his death.

Boyd was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 4 June 1960 by his son Richard. Their youngest child, Nancy was baptized the same day by her brother, Richard. Jane, Patricia (Pat), and Nancy also joined the family during the years in Manassa. Boyd and Elma were sealed for time and all eternity in the Arizona Temple on 2 April 1966. Jane, Patricia, and Nancy were sealed to them the same day. Richard was sealed to his parents in the Manti Temple on 28 May 1964 and JoAnn was sealed to her parents in the Arizona Temple on 2 April 1966.



Boyd died of a massive heart attack on 10 Dec 1964. Elma then attended Adams State College and obtained both a B.A. and M.A. Degree in education. She taught both third and fourth grade in Manassa for sixteen years and retired in May 1982. Elma served a fill-time mission in the Washington, Seattle Mission from April 1983 to April 1984. Her sister, Hazel served in the same mission at the same time. Elma has also worked in the Spanish Name Extraction Program and has spent years working with the youth of the church. He has been in the Name Extraction Program for ten years and has been an ordinance worker in the Denver temple for four years.1

Of all my aunts, Elma had the most impact on my life. For most of my youth, she was my next door neighbor. I loved visiting with her and many times, when I had problems that I needed to discuss, Elma was my confidant. She listened to me patiently and gave me advice that I valued. Sometimes I followed her advice, and sometimes I did not. I would have been much wiser to always follow the advice she gave me. Nonetheless, I never questioned that she loved me or that she was concerned for my welfare. When I was a young man and was so unhappy with my life because of the choices I had made, Elma still expressed her love and support.

My grandmother, Cora, was Elma's sister. I never knew Grandma Cora because she died before I was born. In my mind and heart, Elma took her place in my life. I will always love her for that.

Whenever I came home from travelling, one of the first visits I made was to Aunt Elma's house.

It was really a shock to me when I heard that Elma had passed away 20 March 1998. She had been quilting with her sisters. She was tired and laid down to take a nap. She passed away in her sleep.

1. The first part of this article was taken directly from A History of the Ancestors and Descendants of Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen, Compiled by Vera Dunn Olivier and published privately in June 1993.
2. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Family Search, Elma Dunn 1917-1998, Person #KWCG-B28

Ina Olsen

Ina is the seventh child and fifth daughter of Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen Dunn. She was the first child to be born in the big cement block house since the family was living in the granary when Edgar was added to the family. Ina started school at the age of six. As school started on September 1st and Ina wouldn't be six until September 12, she worried for fear she wouldn't be allowed to go. She did get to go to school in spite of the fact that her cousin, Ila Jensen, informed the teacher Ina was only five years old. Gladys Pratt, who later married S. Dilworth Young of the first Counsel of Seventy was Ina's first grade teacher.

When Ina was about ten years old, she had typhoid fever. She was the only one in the family to contract this dreaded disease and confined to her bed for several weeks. She had to learn to walk again and almost lost all of her hair.

Ina was one of the best players on the girls' basketball team at Manassa high school. At that time, girls only played half court basketball.

After graduating from high school, Ina spent one year in Salt Lake City with Frances. She worked for a Mrs. Thompson as a companion for her two children. Edgar also worked for her and attended the University of Utah. The following year Ina attended Brigham Young University, but decided against continuing her education at that time.

Ina's first full-time job was as a cashier and bookkeeper with the Gordon Department Store in Alamosa. She also worked in Trinidad, Montrose, and Grand Junction. She earned $10 per week for six eight-hour days and paid board and room and bought her clothes.

In 1941, after World War II had begun, Ina went to Port Townsend, Washington, to visit her sister, Hazel and her family. While there, she went to work for the government at Fort Warden and later transferred to Camp White, Oregon near Medford. After the war ended in 1945, Ina returned home to Colorado. Bishop Fred Haynie asked her to go on a mission. Since Ina hadn't been too active in the church for several years, she declined. Later, however, she changed her mind and decided to go. This was the turning point in her life. She spent eighteen months in the Northern California Mission under the direction of Presidents German E. Ellsworth and Thomas Gardner. She was in the mission home in San Francisco for nine months. The last three months of her mission were spent in Ashland and Medford, Oregon, where she had lived during the war.

After Ina returned home, she attended BYU for the summer quarter and then taught Seminary in Manassa for one year. During this time, she served as Stake YWMIA President.

Ina and Wilma Jackson purchased a flower shop in LaJara, Colorado. When Wilma got married, Ina decided to return to college. She worked for the Alamosa County Welfare Department and attended classes at Adams State College in Alamosa.

In December 1955, Ina went to Los Angeles, California to be with Hazel Nite and her family. She was called as an ordinance worker in the Los Angeles Temple. Here she met John Henry Olsen. They were married November 21, 1956, in the Los Angeles Temple by President Benjamin Bowring.

The Olsens lived in Hollywood until April, 1957, when they moved to Lancaster, California, where they were owners of a funeral home and sick room supply business. In February, 1981, Henry and Ina moved to St. George, Utah, to be closer to the temple. They had been driving 150 miles round trip to the Los Angeles Temple each week for over twelve years.

Ina and Henry were very involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in southern California. Ina's callings in the church have been many. Among them are Young Women Advisor, genealogy teacher, Relief Society teacher and visiting teacher, Ward and Stake YWMIA President, Ordinance Worker, and Seminary teacher.

When Henry passed away on June 11, 1992, in St. George, Utah, Ina stayed. Ina passed away 29 June 2004 in Washington, Washington, Utah.

The majority of this article has been taken from The History of the Ancestors and Descendants of Simeon Harmon dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen, published privately by Vera Dunn Oliver June 1993.

Edgar Harmon Dunn

Edgar was born shortly after the family of Simeon and Anna Dunn moved from Eastdale to Manassa. He was born in the granary. When I was a boy, we played in that granary. It was an empty shed of weathered wood with gaps wide enough for the wind to come through easily. I cannot imagine living in that granary during one of the cold San Luis Valley winters.

Edgar attended school in LaJara and Manassa was a star on the Manassa Maulers basketball team.

Edgar married LaVeryl Aydelotte on April t 1936 in Taos New Mexico. They were later sealed in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on December 7, 1955.

After his marriage, Edgar farmed with his brother, Loyd, on the family farm west of Romeo. On March 3, 1940, he was called on a mission to the North Central States Mission. After his misson, he farmed for a short time and then was hired as a carman on the D&RGW Railroad in Alamosa in 1942. Edgar went into train service as a fireman and worked up to head engineer. He retired from the railroad in July 1974, with 32 years of service.

When I was is high school, Edgar was my home teaching companion. Edgar was a faithful home teacher and I enjoyed going home teaching with him. We visited the homes of Ruth and Stanley Holman and Gordy and Ruth Bagwell each month. I enjoyed being with him. I loved his infectious laugh.

In September, 1974, only two months after retirement, Edgar and LaVeryl were called to serve 18 months on a walfre mission among the Indians in Taos, New Mexico.

Edgar died suddenly of a hart attack on 09 September 1978 at the age of 68. Edgar is buried in Manassa.

Portions of this article were taken from A History of the Ancestors and Descendants of Simeon Harmon Dunn and Anna Buletta Jensen compiled by Vera Dunn Oliver, published privately in June of 1993.