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
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, March 15, 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
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
Saturday, March 7, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
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 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.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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
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
Sunday, February 15, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
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!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
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. 
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.
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.
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. .
5. I only see one face in this picture that I recognize. That is Hazel Nite. Everyone else has their back to the camera.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Simeon Dunn Meets Joseph Smith
I received an email from Rex Dunn that contained this link. I found it quite interesting.
Friday, January 23, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, December 12, 2008
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.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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.
It is amazing to me to see the differences in these sisters and yet see their countenance on their decendents.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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.
Bound copy of BLOG
This is a small image of the cover.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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.
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