Myrtle W. Aldous

It was a bleak March morning, the wind whistled down the narrow canyon like a clarion, heralding the birth of the fourth child of Harry Morgan and Gwendoline WilliamsWilliams. On the seventh day of March 1898 I was born in Scofield, Carbon Co., Utah, in this canyon called Winter Quarters, the third living child, Sarah the second, having died six weeks after her birth the 2nd of March, 1894. Annie the eldest was born in Scofield April 13, 1891 and Janet was born in Cleveland, Emery County September 30, 1895.

My mother often told me of the great beauty of Winter Quarters, with its tall evergreens, quaking aspens, columbines and other flowers. This is where I spent the first two years of my life, but I remember none of it. Here in this Alpine-like town of Welsh and Scotch people a bond of friendship was cemented that has carried through for five generations. The Williams', Whimpeys, Litsters, Edens, Richards, Thomas, and Greenlands, and many others. The rich Welsh voices will long be remembered.

The Church which was the center of all their activities gave opportunity for development, services and joy. The drama was a high light in my father's life and was an outlet for his marvelous voice, both in song and elocution, and he and my mother found great happiness singing in the choir which was known throughout the state.

My earliest recollection of life was two months before I was three years old, when my sister Mary was born (January 22,1901) in Sunnyside, Utah.

We lived here until I was six years old. Father, Mother, Grandma and Mary are on the front porch, Annie, Janet and I are in the foreground. It was in this house that Gwendoline was born and here we lived until I was six years old. Father, Mother, Annie, Janet, Gwendoline, and Grandma and Mary were all the family I knew. Mother's father and all the rest were living in Salt Lake Valley. Whenever Mother looked at this picture she would recall (with disgust) that she didn't have time to hang all the curtains before the picture was taken. (She had been cleaning).

Here is this town of Sunnyside I began my life's education. Loved ones, neighbors, and friends were my teachers. I remember the crystal clear water in the swift rolling creek lined on each side by cottonwoods close by our house. The picnics we had there and on the ledge on the mountain directly back of the house. It was in this creek August 1903 I recall seeing the first religious ceremony. It was the day Gwendoline was baptized. We all attended the baptism ceremony before Fast Meeting.

My grandmother lived in Cleveland, Utah where they homesteaded soon after coming to Utah from Michigan. They came originally from Wales. Grandfather died August 1898 when I was five months old, therefore I do not remember him at all. My eldest sister Annie spent most of her time with grandma. It was their visits with us I remember most. We loved them so much, our life seemed so full whenever they came. Some times they would stay for months. Annie would take organ lessons. This seems to stand out in my mind. I can see plainly in my mind a square room with colorful homemade carpet stretched from wall to wall; the organ that seemed to reach almost to the ceiling, the lace curtains that hung to the floor that blew gently with the breeze, and the electric light cord in the center of the ceiling with a single light globe on the end. I remember my trundle bed neatly pushed under one of the other beds when not in use. There were two double beds in this bedroom and as I recall this, my mind goes back to the time Annie and Janet had typhoid fever. I was not permitted to enter the room so would climb up on the outside of the window and call to them.

Singing seemed to be a big part of our entertainment and many nights Doctor Dowd would drop in after her evening calls and play the organ while Father, Mother and others would sing. I remember too, the magic lantern shown in the meetinghouse.

It was here in this town I learned about the Godhead, and although only five years old it so impressed me it has remained with me throughout the years. It was after Sunday School the children were running through the meetinghouse and on the stage, the larger ones chasing the small ones, one boy ran after me shouting that the Holy Ghost was coming after us. I will always remember the sick feeling I experienced as I ran to my mother to tell her. Later when we were home she took me on her lap and told me about our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. She so impressed upon my mind their individuality, the sacredness of their characters, the reality of their existence and our relationship to them. I shall always be eternally grateful to her for this lesson. It is the foundation of my faith and testimony of their true divinity.

Six years were now behind me. I had known only happiness. One day I heard my father say: Gwen we are moving to Colorado. Of course that didn't mean much to me until I saw the tears in my mother's eyes. She said: "Oh Harry we cannot, we simply cannot leave your mother. She continued "Why don't we go on the farm, she needs you and the farm will be good for us. Again I say "Bless my mother's memory." No daughter was ever as good and kind to a mother than was my mother to her mother-in-law. There was a great love between these two women that played a big part in my life. I am sure the Lord had a guiding hand in this move, and I give him thanks for my ten years in the little farming community of Cleveland, Utah.

After moving to Cleveland my world broadened. I began school and formed friendships that still exist. I lived mostly with grandmother, and it was my duty to accompany her to Church to visit her friends. Sister Thomas, and Sister Richards, whose husbands were away were her close companions. One experience that I recall so vividly was going to Olsens Store with Ruth Whimpey. She had bought two eggs worth of candy, an exchange that was new to me, so she suggested I buy an egg's worth and charge it. I shall always remember how Mrs. Olsen and Angie Cowley laughed when I asked for this.

Another experience was going to the tithing office with grandma. I offered Bishop Oveson 10 cents for tithing. He asked how old I was, and when I told him he said I didn't need to pay tithing until I was baptized. I shall always remember grandma saying "Would you deny her a blessing?" Again thanks to my parents and grandmother for teaching me the importance of this law. I was taught I was really a shareholder in God's Kingdom and I was taught where tithing was paid honestly one would overcome selfishness.

It's strange how my memories now unfold so many precious things. I think of grandma and mother simultaneously. I can hear in my mind, Mother as she combed my hair and braided my long braids, telling me simple stories on etiquette, behavior, manners, courtesy, virtuous principals that made an everlasting impression in my life. I can hear grandma explain the gospel principles as few teachers of today can. Again I say these two women were great and noble with a love for each other like Naomi and Ruth. I thank my mother that we never knew the expression mother-in-law, and was taught a love and respect for grandma that made her so special.

Although only eleven years old, Dad took me to Scofield, my birthplace, on horse back. He rode Babe? And I Old Dutch. It was a full day's journey. Quaking asps and pines up and down the ridges and across streams. My heart skips a beat now as I recall the young doe bouncing past us as we sat by the big crater eating our lunch. My father was a true lover of nature and as we rode he would sing in his rich bass voice the songs whose melodies still linger in my heart. He was very kind and thoughtful and I shall always be grateful to him for this glorious trip and everything he did to make my life better and happier.

Old Dutch brings back many happy memories. I really loved this grey horse who faithfully carried me wherever I wanted to go. I can now see in my mind's eye the hills covered with marguerites, blue bells, Indian paint brush, and sego lilies. Old Dutch would feed on grass while I would make necklaces and hats out of the flowers. As we rode along the ditch banks and past the grain fields the wind rustling through the golden grain created a wondrous symphony unequaled anywhere.

I had heard of death in my few short years and felt it was something that happened only in other families. So when our baby sister Vivian, whom we loved so much (born April 21, 1906) died from whooping cough five months later (September 22), we experienced a real sorrow. And this sorrow was repeated the following August. Our first brother, Harry Morgan, born 9 August, 1907, died three weeks later, August 1907. The following June 11 - Annie’s marriage to Henry Eden was a real event. Annie's black hair and her orange blossom wreath gave her the appearance of an angel to me and others.

Mother's family at home now consisted of three girls, Janet, Mary and Gwendoline. I took Annie's place with grandma, but in October following Annie's marriage, Gladys was born and it was truly a blessed event.

When Allott, Annie's first child was born June 6, 1909 it was something very special to me. We now had a boy in our family, and I was also an aunt. One of the great thrills of my life occurred July of this year. April 13, 1912 when all the world was shocked over the sinking of the luxury liner Titanic. The Williams family was rejoicing at the birth of a son, grandson and brother, Harvey W., and the 29th of June another boy, Annie’s 2nd, John. Three boys now to boast about. I am very thankful to have been a member of a family bound together by love. The data on the births of these brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces cannot describe the importance of each individual.

Janet's marriage, January 22, 1914, to Andrew Easterbrook was another happy event. But had much to be hoped for - temple marriage. Now to the joy of all of us and answer to our prayers, this has been achieved, May 20, 1959 at the Manti Temple.

When their first son Andrew was born I went to Standardville to be with them - November 22, 1914 was the happy day. The following July 12th our precious Frances was born. The eleventh and last child born to Harry Morgan and Gwendoline Williams Williams. Now all are sealed to them under the holy covenant. May we prove faithful and endure to the end.

The summer Fran was born, I was home for a short time and it was then when Gwen and I went with Annie and Henry and the Henry Timothies up on the west mountains through Orangeville Canyon, Joe's Valley, Cleveland reservoir and Huntington Canyon. It was a marvelous trip in spite of my accident. I was thrown from a horse and was unconscious for two hours.

A decade of my life in Cleveland was now behind me. School, Sunday School, primary, religion class, plays, MIA activities, dances, shows, pictures (silent) horse back riding, sleigh riding, my many true friends (Ruth Whimpey, Jennie Lamph, Winnie Litster and others). Books could be written on the fun we had and books could be written on the lessons we learned. These humble towns people were indeed Latter-day Saints. Yes I can hear in my mind the old village choir, Brother John Eden at the organ, Thomas Richards, the chorister, my fathers rich bass voice. Sister Lamph's high almost perfect soprano, and Maggie Richard's peculiar but lovable voice above the rest.

Here it was Joseph Smith's First Vision, was so impressed upon my mind I knew it was sacred truth. Here each 23rd of December we celebrated his birth. The reality of this first vision I have never doubted, and as my husband and I stood in this sacred grove June 1947 I felt I had been here before. And to all who read these papers. Born and yet to be born I in all humbleness testify to you, God our Heavenly Father and His beloved Son Jesus Christ did appear to Joseph Smith in this sacred grove in answer to Joseph's prayer. And this Heavenly vision was the beginning of the restoration and re-establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I give thanks for my teachers. There were many. My parents, my grandmother, Maggie Richards, Kate Richards, Lillie Johnson, Thomas David, Dan Johnson, Ruth Nielson, and Elias Erickson were but a few. I mention them because of their importance in my life. My ten years in school were wonderful and the special year with Elias Erickson as our head instructor was so very important and informative. I owe him much. The night of our graduation as I gave the valediction address, I wondered what really lay ahead of me.

I shall always have good memories of my stay in Salt Lake with Uncle Don and Aunt Mary, and the opportunity it gave me of being near Grandpa, mother's father. His chickens on the bend of the Jordan River was something we all remember about him. I shall always remember his kindly nature, his soft spoken voice with his Welsh accent, his strong testimony of the gospel, and his love for my mother and all of his children, his adherence to all who knew him. I have some of his receipts when he moved on 9th east and was a member of the 10th ward.

Meeting Frank I thought Salt Lake would now be my home permanently, but after visiting with Aunt Mary Werrett's family in Silver City I returned home for a short time and again to Standardville to be with Janet at the birth of her second son Harry on August 20, 1916. This seemed again to be the hand of the Lord guiding my destiny. It was then I obtained a position in the Standardville Post Office and General Store. There was no Church there so we went to the Storrs Ward. Again, Sunday School, MIA, sacrament meeting, shows, dances, movies, ball games constantly making new friends, and parting with old ones. Among the many, many people that came to the Post Office window for their mail, Charlie Aldous stands out most. Each day he would call for his letter from his wife Hortense. He was very homesick, so when Hortense and Marian joined him, I missed his daily calls. Often he talked of his brother Frank who would in the not too distant future would be my husband.

Beulah Hight was now in the Post Office. I spent all my time in the store. I helped with the buying as well as clerking. I not only gained valuable experience in this occupation but it was here I first met my nobel companion. It was a bright sun shiney December morning. Beulah was busy in the Post Office (a room in the corner of the store). Everything was quiet when a handsome young man came in. He asked for a can of tomato soup. (I learned later his sister-in-law was washing and he was getting his own lunch). I placed a can of Van Kamp Tomato soup on the counter and he said, "no Campbells!" I thought he asked for Camels. As I handed him a package of Camel cigarettes I felt so terrible and he looked so surprised and asked why I gave those to him. I said didn't you ask for Camels. He said no, Campbells soup. I was so relieved and although he was a total stranger said, "then you don't smoke." When he said he didn't, I said "I am sure glad." This simple experience told each of us a lot and was the avenue that led to a new era in my life.

Christmas of 1916 stands out clearly in my mind. The company party was held in the boarding house. A big tree and gifts for all the children. Doctor Estes was Santa Claus. I had helped with the program and assisted the Doctor with the gifts. Annie, Henry, Allott, John, and my sister Mary came up for the holidays. After the Company party we had our Christmas Eve, Santa Claus and all at Janet’s.

It was a few weeks later that I formally met Frank. It was at a fancy dress dance. The following Sunday we went to Church together and from then on all interest in other fellows died. April 6th, Frank and Charlie went to Salt Lake and I stayed with Hortense. When Buehla called me to the Post Office and handed me a box of beautiful pink roses, my heart really sang. Frank and Charlie returned a week later and on the 16th of April Frank asked me to be his wife. My answer was without question or hesitation, Yes. I knew he was the noble companion the Lord had promised me many years before.

Marriage in the temple was the goal we had both aspired. So with Grandma accompanying us, we arrived in Salt Lake June 16th, and was married in the temple June 20, 1917 by Alvin Smith. The family had a party the night before. As the great plan of Eternal Life unfolded, I realized I was being prepared first of all to go back into the presence of my Heavenly Father, and I knew if I would live up to these sacred covenants this day, I would some day be called up and anointed a priestiest to my husband and together we would have Eternal Life. The session was over. Now we were permitted to kneel at the altar of our Lord and be married for Time and Eternity, as Brother Alvin Smith repeated the ceremony with its glorious and heavenly promises. With clasped hands we looked into each other’s eyes and knew the true meaning of love. "I now pronounce you Man and Wife for Time and All Eternity."

June 20, 1917, unlike the day of my birth, it was warm and sun shinny, roses blooming and the air sweet with their fragrance. And although the whole world was at war, I knew a peace and joy akin to heaven. As I now recollect, my heart stirs once more with the rapture of that glorious day. The great painting of Jesus before Pilot on the west wall of the temple chapel seemed so real, and as we waited for the meeting to commence, the full significance of the great sacrifice and mission of our Lord and Savior filled my being.

During our interview with Bishop Goddard the Sunday before, he had told us that the beauties of the temple ceremony would grow with repeated visits there. This is very true, but there were certain spiritual thrills of that first time that stands out so definitely in my mind. As I went from room to room seated beside my beloved grandmother and caught the loving glance of Frank across the isle, I felt this was surely a taste of heaven. Yes, I had been taught all my life that in order to go back into the presence of God our Eternal Father there were definite rules and laws, salvation laws had to be met and adhered to in order to enter into the temple. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost and being confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by one having authority to act in His name. Faith, the foundation of all things righteous was a living principal to me. When I was baptized July 1, 1906 in the town pond in Cleveland by Andrew P. Nielson, an Elder in the Church, and the same day confirmed by Bishop Lars P. Oveson at fast meeting, I had complied with the first laws that Jesus hd been so emphatic about as he talked with Nicodemus so long ago, and I knew the sacredness and responsibility of this great covenant.

My salvation would depend upon my own obedience to this covenant. I had been promised in my patriarchal blessing, August 1899, that I would go to the temple and be married for time and eternity. Therefore, all my days I had prayed I would be found worthy for this privilege. Thanks to the teaching of my parents and grandmother and the various teachers I had during this interim and thanks to my Heavenly Father for this great privilege and blessing.

It was this day in the holy temple I gained a greater understanding of obedience and sacrifice, and a more thorough knowledge of my relationship and responsibility to my Lord and Savior and here I learned also my duty to my husband as a bearer of the priesthood and my sacred share in its

The evening we were married, Edith Evans and Fran Charlton had a party at Salt Air for us. Parties before we came, a dinner at Aunt Mary Ann and Uncle Tom Morgan’s, a dinner at Dee and Ella’s were events we shall always remember. We returned to Standardville and then back to Salt Lake for the 24th, and then went back to Standardville long enough to pick up belongings and then returned to make our home in Salt Lake.

Our First Home - 1059 South 8th East Our first home was a duplex at 1059 South Eight East. It is said there are four stages in life the we, me, I, and we. I had come through the first three and now was entering into the last where if our life together was to succeed, WE would have to be paramount.

As previously stated we returned to Salt Lake to make our home, and in the little duplex at 1059 South 8th East in the 31st Ward we began life together. We have never ceased getting a thrill out of passing there and showing our children and grandchildren our first home and Franklin’s birth place. Bill and Kate Ashbridge were such delightful neighbors.

We had fine friends in the ward and lived one block from Ellen’s and a block from the park, so we found much happiness. Ellen’s was a home where all the family gathered. Charlie and Hortense returned to Salt Lake so our close association with them continued.

In October Danny (Annie K. Hardy) became very ill so we went to her home #3 4th East to take care of her. An experience I shall always cherish. Frank would come there at night and the three of us would listen to her relate the many experiences of her parents John and Ellen Kay and others members of the family was drawn close to us and before long I felt as if I had always been a member.

As the months passed, we made our adjustments quite normally and when we learned a baby was coming, our joy was overflowing. Unlike the young people today we kept our precious secret as long as we could. We felt this was something sacred just for us. But morning sickness soon revealed it, but we were happy when others also knew.

The war was raging in Europe. Ralph had gone overseas, work and opportunity for work in the city were scarce. So the winter and spring brought obstacles and adversities. However in looking back they proved stepping stones to a richer and fuller life. At all times we recognized our blessings and felt love was greater than anyone else’s.

In February, Grandpa died. I had enjoyed visiting him out on his little chicken ranch on the bend of the Jordan River. I had experienced a homesickness for mother, dad, and grandma, and all the family. So when they come to the funeral, I surely was happy. Gwen stayed with us for some time.

The event that stands out as one of the saddest was the death of Hortense and Charlie’s baby. He was born April 1, 1918. Our baby was due July 28, 1918, so we had much in common. On the 13th of April, Frank and I had gone to visit them. Hortense was quite ill and the baby rather frail. Charlie and Frank went for a walk. They had been gone only a few minutes when I detected something wrong with the baby. I rushed to his crib and in seconds time I realized he was dead. I will always remember Hortense’s ghostly, terrifying countenance when I told her. The short time we waited for the men to return was an eternity. This sad event strengthened the bond between us.

It was a great and joyful day, July 21st, when our baby, a son, was born. Although mother’s and father’s since Adam and Eve had known this experience, it was the first as far as we were concerned. Here was the perfect baby. Here was to be the perfect human being, and as a possessive feeling came over me, I realized who had first claim upon this our son. Surely his spirit belonged to our Heavenly Father and we were but his custodians. But how great was this charge. Into our care and keeping had come one of God’s choice spirits. Ours to rear, teach, lead and guide, knowing one day we will have to account to our Father for this precious spirit whom he had entrusted to us. Our hearts were filled with gratitude to our Heavenly Father for this our son, Franklin Williams Aldous.

My sister Mary was now with us. She was so thrilled with our baby. On his 8th day, she and daddy took him in the wicker buggy up to Uncle Heber’s at 1040 South 10th East (our present home, 1958). When he was three weeks old, Andy, Janet, Bill and Martha Williams came to see us. Frank had considered enlisting but Heber and Ralph persuaded him not to. He was too young for the draft, but there was great need for men in the mining industry so he went back to Standardville with Andy and Janet, and obtained work. Mary, the baby and I followed soon after, and once again was located in the little town in the mountains where we first met.

From June 1917 to June 1920 not only our little world had changed but due to a world war, the whole world had changed. Horror and sorrow had left its mark. So it was not surprising to witness a siege of hysteria when it was proclaimed throughout the world an armistice was signed. November 11, 1918 this took effect, and everywhere throughout the world people celebrated.. In its aftermath, the influenza proved almost as fatal as the war itself. Hardly a family escaped this dreadful disease, and we were no exception. While stricken with it, Heber came to see us. Then Mary came and went to stay at Janet’s. George Easterbrook had it and Janet’s baby was due in February. Mary helped with our baby, but was soon stricken herself and on December 2, 1918 passed away. The article in the paper written by Danny Hardy surely was true. "An angel of mercy" was the title. I shall never forget the words of my mother’s "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord."

This was our first Christmas as a family of three. So we trudged through snow and got us a Christmas tree. Christmas morning Janet’s family and us went to Cleveland, but the recent loss of Mary prevented us from any enthusiasm.

Normalcy to our lives returned once more. We were doing quite well financially and were saving to return to Salt Lake to buy a home. Once again we were overjoyed with the news of another baby. Although Franklin would be but 19 months old.

The winter of 1919-1920 brought on another flu epidemic which changed our plans. The baby and I were to return to Salt Lake before the birth of our new baby and then daddy would follow. But Doctor Estes was not only our doctor, but a true friend, and when he discouraged a change before the baby’s birth, we relented. I am very sure neither of us would have lived had it not been for him.

It seems the beautiful events in my life have started out in beautiful days. The 12th of February 1920 was truly a spring day, and a spring day in the mountains in unforgettable. Our baby’s journey was as hard on him as it was on me, but through the mercy of our Heavenly Father, he arrived and we survived. That same feeling of exaltation was mine again. Surely birth is a miracle for into our care and keeping had come another of God’s choice spirits. Ours to rear, teach, lead, and guide now knowing we had a responsibility to our Father in Heaven in directing two of His children back into His presence. Our joy was overflowing, and we felt we would have had everything for our happiness if we could be active in a ward. So for this reason we soon returned to Salt Lake to live permanently.

In our many travels throughout the United States, a little of Canada and Hawaii we have experienced many thrills and much joy. But our little journey home from Standardville the spring of 1920 in our 1920 model Ford with our two precious children was a thrill quite unique. Frank obtained employment as a bookkeeper for Hegson and Rossiter Plumbing Company, and we lived in a little apartment in Mrs. Berryman’s house (24th South and 4th East) until the following January when we bought a little home 2412 South 8th East in the Forest Dale Ward.

Frank was made Scout Master in the ward while we were there. We soon made many friends and become active in the ward. When Brother and Sister Cameron were called to officiate in the temple I would go with them each Friday night whenever possible. It was through her I became a Relief Society visiting teacher. My companion was Sister Colton, Don Colton’s mother. The robins in the trees by the sleeping porch, the climbing roses, were a source of joy to us all. Long walks in the evening with both children in the big wicker buggy (we sold our car) and lying on blankets on the lawn watching the stars was a never-ending joy.

Gladys came to visit us and when she went home she took Franklin with her. This separation was our first real trial. Charles and I went up Mill Creek with Daddy and his scouts for a few days. Upon Franklin’s return he started kindergarten in the Forest school. Birthdays and holidays were simply celebrated but were of great importance. Christmas with its emphasis on the birth of the Savior was the outstanding holiday. I am sure the Christmas tree with its many colored wax candles has never been equaled, and as the children became older the next greatest holiday was daddy’s birthday. After three of peaceful, carefree years, we moved again to Fourth East.