Robert and Mary Baldwin Plumb

Robert and Mary Baldwin Plumb

Compiled by Geneva Plumb Wiltbank
Posted by Kathryn Burton Castleton

Robert Plumb and Mary Baldwin were of Milford Connecticut. From the church and other records by H.B. Plumb 1889.  This is of course, believed to be the son of John of Wetherfield and Bradford.  He was one of the original settlers of Milford in 1639, Aug. 28th.  This would be five years before his father left Wethersfield for Branford. He is the oldest son that we know had a family.  Samuel was certainly younger than he was by four or five years.  John we only know as a jourman(?) in Wethersfield in 1641.  He must have been at least past the age of 21.  He was probably older than Robert who was of course, past 21 when he went to settle Milford in 1639.

A statement at Probate Court shows that "Mr. John Plumb, Sr." was dead in April, 1728.  Robert and Samuel were proposed Freemen at a court at Hartford, 3 May 1684.

John and Ruth, the widow, were Robert's second executors.  In his will he gives some of his land to his mother, (who was still alive) and some to his cousin, John Woodruff (nephews were then called cousins) and some to his sister, Mary and he sets his "servant Cubit" free, and gives him some "land for a livelihood."

Samuel left no issue so far as known, but he lived to be old enough to marry.  Did he marry?

Samuel has not been identified elsewhere, but deeds are found from him in 1694.  He probably lived many years afterward and has a family somewhere.

Joseph has not been identified elsewhere.  He probably died in infancy as no guardian was ever appointed for him, at least so far as the record shows.

Mary Plumb, the widow of Robert, married a second husband, William East March 16, 1676, and was alive in 1704 at the settlement of the estate of her son, Robert II.  She was at that time, more than 83 years old, and was probably again a widow.

Her father, Sylvester Baldwin died on the ship "Martin" during his passage to America.

Sylvester Baldwin

Sylvester BaldwinTaken from Vol. 1 Savage Gen. Dich.
History facts gathered and written by Geneva Julia Plumb Wiltbank
Posted by Kathryn Burton Castleton
Sylvester Baldwin was the passenger who died 1838, on the voyage of the Martin from England to Boston.  He was son of Richard of St. Leonards in the Parish of Aston Clinton, near Windsor in Co Bucks. His father by will of 18 Feb. 1632, gave him a cottage close to where his widow (who had married John Astwood and was then his widow) lived.  He also gave one to Edward Baldwin of Guileford, Co, Surrey. They called him "kinsman."

He brought his wife, Sarah, and perhaps all of his children (except Richard) on the ship. The daughter's names were Sarah, Mary, Martha, Ruth and one son, John. They left on the "main ocean bound for New England."  His nun cup will was 21 June and probably 13 July of that year before Deputy Governor.  The oath was by Chad Brown, Francis Bolt, James Weedom and John Baldwin, presumably his son. The estate was good and the provisions liberal for the six children as well as the widow. with her son Richard, our gen. ct. 4 Sept. fall.  Commit the admin.  After some lived at New Haven and Milford, she married in 1640 to Captain John Astwood.

When her property was valued at $800 besides several parcels of land.  She long outlived him and in her will of 9 maybe 20 Nov. 1669, she provides her son John and John his son, for Sylvanus son of her son Richard and her daughters who were married, Sarah, first wife of Benjamin Fenn.  She also provides for Mary widow of Robert Plum besides six grandchildren.

The life of Jeremiah Plumb

Here, to the best of my research and knowledge, is the story of the life of Jeremiah Plumb:

Jeremiah was born on January 24, 1818 in Delaware, Caldwell County, Ohio to Merlin Plumb, SR and Sarah “Sally” Lavinia Roberts. He was the second of their twelve children and was named in honor of Sarah’s father, Jeremiah Roberts. His father, Merlin, fought in the war of 1812.

The Plumb family was one of the first to join the LDS church as it moved into Missouri after being expelled from Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith, while fleeing a mob, hid in the home of Merlin Plumb and his family in Caldwell County, Missouri and escaped capture. Jeremiah’s family shared in the persecution suffered on the body of believers in Missouri and Illinois and many of the Plumb family would join with the Pioneers and travel west to Utah. His father, Merlin, died in 1845 while running from the mobs that were expelling the Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois.

Jeremiah was married to Dionitia Walker by Brigham Young on her father’s farm in Shoal Creek, Caldwell County, Missouri on September 4, 1838. A son, Hyrum, was born on February 16, 1838 and died from the measles on October 9, 1843 and is buried in the Old Nauvoo Burial Grounds in Nauvoo, Illinois. A daughter was born to them, as well, in 1843 and died in 1845 after falling from a high platform.

Jeremiah and Dionitia were divorced in 1843. After this, she travelled west with the pioneers and became a plural wife of Amasa Lyman in 1845 and remained childless for the rest of her life. She had herself and her son Hyrum sealed to Joseph Smith, with Brigham Young acting as proxy on October 27, 1886. She died July 11, 1894 and is buried in Minersville, Beaver County, Utah.

Sometime in 1842-1843 while escaping to the west with the Mormons, Jeremiah traveled with a group back to try and reacquire some of the livestock and supplies that had been stolen from them by the mob. The group was captured and arrested. Jeremiah was arrested for larceny and sentenced to ten years in prison. He was imprisoned in Upper Alton, Illinois. The Mormon men were able to secure the release of some of the imprisoned men but not Jeremiah. He harbored bitterness toward the men for that. During his time in prison, it was discovered that he was an excellent cooper and he spent his incarceration making barrels.

After Jeremiah was released from prison, he went to Harrison, Lee County, Iowa to the Mormon settlement there to try and reconnect with his family. It was here that he learned his family had gone on without him and would meet his next wife.

His next wife was Sarah Elizabeth Carpenter. Her first husband was Elias Ayles, by whom she had a son, James (March 30, 1853 – April 28, 1913). Jeremiah and Sarah were married in Jackson, Clark County, Missouri on January 9, 1853. They had two children: Josephine (b: 1853) and William Franklin (January 19, 1858 – November 27, 1941).

Jeremiah served on the Union side in the Civil War with Company A, 1st Infantry Regiment of the Missouri State Militia. He enlisted in 1861 as a Private and was discharged as a Commissary Sergeant on 31 MAY 1862.

Jeremiah's next wife was Eliza Blake, whom he married in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri on November 17, 1868. They divorced in 1875.

Jeremiah's next and final wife was Lydia A. Skiles Fancher. They were married in Sullivan County, Missouri on March 27, 1877. They had three children: John Merlin (b:April 16, 1878), Ella Gertrude (b: August 19, 1879) and Bird (b: February 1, 1882).

Jeremiah died on 21 JAN 1884 of pneumonia while living in Ellsworth, Kansas. At the time of his death, he was farming in Frederick and he is buried in the Kansas Centre Cemetery in Frederick, Rice County, Kansas.

According to my research, that is an accurate description of the life of Jeremiah Plumb. As with any genealogical research, there is the possibility of errors. If the reader recognizes an error, or has information that I do not have listed above, please contact me so I can correct the errant information.

Patriarchal Blessing for Elizabeth Cleopatra Bellows Plumb

Patriarchal Blessing for Elizabeth Cleopatra Bellows Plumb
Prepared by Geneva Julia Plumb Wiltbank
(Submitted to this blog by Kathryn Burton Castleton)

A blessing given by John Smith Patriarch upon the head of Elizabeth Cleopatra Plumb daughter of James and Judith Bellows.  Born in Jacksonville, Jefferson County, Ill. Sept. 8, 1829.

Sister Elizabeth in the name of Jesus Christ I lay my hands upon thy head to pronounce and seal a blessing upon thee and I ask God the Eternal Father for his spirit to inverte.  The same and fill thee with the influence thereof that you may realize your position and be strengthened in body and mind and also healed of thine infirmities.  Thou art of the House of Israel and entitled through thy lineage to many blessings and I say unto thee be of good and of good cheer for the Lord knoweth thine integrity and will give unto thee as thou shalt merit there for I say unto thee let they faith fail not, but be buoyant in spirit putting they trust in the arm of the Almighty and all shall be well with thee and thou shall fulfill thy mission upon the earth and accomplish a good work and thy name shall be held in honorable remembrance and written in the Lamb's Book of Life and thou shall be crowned hereafter among the mothers in Israel.  Thou art of Ephraim and entitled to the blessings of the Redeemer's Kingdom and of the new and everlasting covenant.

This with thy former blessings I seal upon thy head and say unto thee according to thy faith so shall it be with thee and I seal thee up with Eternal life to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection with many of thy kindred friends. Even so Amen.

Patriarchal Blessing

John Henry Plumb at 90 years old.

Below:Caption written on the back of the picture

by his granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Wiltbank Burton

Patriarchal Blessing of John Henry Plumb
Prepared by Geneva Julia Plumb
(Submitted to this blog by Kathryn Castleton)

Given by Moses Curtis Dec. 4th 1902, upon the head of John H. Plumb, born November 27, 1847, son of Merlin Plumb and Elizabeth Bellows.

John Henry Plumb, as a patriarch, I lay my hands upon your head to give you a patriarchal blessing.  You are (of the) from the blood of Ephraim and entitled to all the blessings (of) to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  The desire of thy heart is to please the Lord.  The adversary seeks to destroy you, but you shall have power to the end to overcome him, and shall be (bold) cold and have the privilege, with the help of you wife, for to do a great work with the Lamanites, and have power to lead them in the path of the Lord, and speak their language.

You shall have a place in the City of Zion, You shall live to do a great work on the earth and shall have a numerous posterity, and the crown that is laid up for you, you shall receive and you shall have a disposition to do that which is right before the Lord.

All these blessings and all former blessings as a patriarch I seal them upon your head.
Amen.

May Madora Plumb Hancock and Levi Hancock's Life

May Madora Plumb Hancock and Levi Hancock's Life
History Prepared by Geneva Julia Plumb Wiltbank
(Submitted to this blog by Kathryn Burton Castleton)
Levi and May (Plumb) Hancock lived on the Gila Valley on a farm.  They did farming, cattle raising, milking cheese making, sold milk, eggs and milk products to the Hot Springs every morning.  Did very well at it.

At this time, they had four girls, Dora, Hazel, Ethel and Eveline.  They made a trip back to Taylor where Joseph Levi was born.

They moved to Eden where two more girls were born Ruby and Lillian.  They still lived on the farm, farming, milking etc.
Levi' served in the bishopric for some time.  He often went to conference in Thatcher Arizona.  One time, he and his wife May, daughters Ethel and Eva and son Joseph went to conference in a one horse buggy.  They left Dora and Hazel at home to do the chores.

While they were on their journey a terrific hail storm overtook them and the horse could not face it.  So Levi got out on the horse to make him go.  He lost his hat and ruined his new suit.  The storm kept coming.  When they would cross a wash the water was so deep it would come in the bottom of the buggy.  Finally, they made it to a neighbor's house where they stayed all night.  The next morning, the storm was over and they continued the journey homeward.  To their surprise they found it had rained at the ranch but all was well.

Again, they moved to Taylor when John Andrew was born.  Now Levi's health being much better at Taylor they returned to Eden and sold out.  They came back to Taylor and bought a home.  At this time Orpha was born.

Levi went to the mountains and found Thorwald Peterson and Jerome.  They lived with him two years. Dora married Thorwald.  Levi took up a homestead two different places in the mountains.  Later, they moved to Clay Springs.  He and his wife built a dance hall here and bought a player piano for it.  Many good dances and parties were held here.  This building served many purposes it was used for Sunday School, church and school.  Their daughter, Orpha was seriously sick for 5 1/2 years but was healed.

Later, he and his wife, children Lillian, Andy and Orpha moved to the ranch west of Clay Springs where they farmed.  Here is where Levi died, May 21, 1930

May Madora Plumb Hancock

May Madora Plumb Hancock
History Written by Geneva Julia Plumb Wiltbank
(Submitted to this blog by Kathryn Burton Castleton)

When Dora and Hazel were babies on our way to St. George, Utah, our horses got lost for three days at House Rock, Arizona.  Indians came occasionally to visit us and brought their naked babies.  Lizzie and I gave them some clothes.  So every day they came naked far more.  We gave them all we could spare and still we could see them without clothes.  We were in St. George about a week and did our temple work.  We left Monroe and Lizzie Higgins there.  We had a better team than they and made our trip very easy.  I will say, your daddy could get more anywhere with his horses than anyone.  He took good care of them and handled them very easy.

May Tells An Egg Story

I went to gather the eggs one day.  I wanted to do it all by myself ( I was only about 5 years old.)  Mother had told Merle to do it but I wanted to so I rushed ahead and gathered fourteen in my dress.  I fell and eggs of course all over.  I sat there just howling and up came Merle.  He went in and told mother.  she came at and punished me. It made Merle feel so bad when she did.  It was harder on him to see me punished than it was on me to be punished.

Another Story About Merle and May


One time Merle and I left home alone.  He made a swing in a tree out of a chain.  Of course, I had to swing and he thought he would be nice and let me.  When I was swinging the chain broke and clump on my head I went.  It knocked me out and Merle drug me to the house and put me on two chairs and placed a large towel on my head.  When "ma" came in I was a mess of blood but had come to.

May Tells A Doll Story

When we came to Arizona I had two dolls but could bring only one.  I left one haning on the wall where we lived.  The one I brought with me I lost on the way before we got to Brigham City.  My daddy promised me a doll but he didn't get it as soon as I thought he should.

Aunt Mamie Curtis heard him promise me one.  After a time, she decided to do something about it with daddy, mother and my grandma.

I had wanted a large doll for so long.  Other girls got a big doll and I wanted one, too.

Occasionally I would be told Santa Claus would bring a doll.  So time went on and on as it does with children.  Finally Christmas morning came.  I was anxious to get up and see if this promise had been kept.  Aunt Mamie got up early and I got up early too.  Aunt Mamie left.  I watched her as she went into the room where the Christmas was and made a light.  I was so curious about it all I peeped with one eye through a knot hole.  "Pop" a finger went right in my eye and I was sore for some time after.  I decided to go back to bed and stayed there.  Finally Merle insisted on my getting up so I did and went in and found my big doll went back to bed and later found candy and nuts in my stocking.  I really learned to love my doll.  It had a china head and grandma had made its dress.

Funeral Talk for George LeR Burton

Speech prepared and given by Kathryn Burton Castleton on Feb. 5, 2011

 at the funeral of George LeR Burton (her father)

A few years ago I was sitting across the table from my stake president as he taught me about the Principle of Compensation. I had never heard of it before. During conference 2008 I was thrilled to hear Elder Wirthlin teach about the same principle.  His talk was an answer to my prayers. It changed my life. Today, I would like to show how I have tried to understand the Principle of Compensation as it relates to my life.

I don't mean to suggest that we “suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain.” I don't mean to “smother the unpleasant truths beneath a a cloak of pretended happiness.” But like Elder Wirthlin, I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

In preparation for this funeral I asked family members to send me their good memories of LeR. I would like to share a few of those memories today because I believe they are evidence that the Savior is aware of us.  We can see his face in the blessings he has given us during times of trial.  

Miriam Burton Tate (Sister to LeR)

She said that LeR was always good to her. He and Miriam came up with some money and went to the grocery store to buy some store bought food. Their parents never bought food from the store. They thought it would be yummy to buy some canned food. They went to the grocery store and found some canned tamales. They looked so good on the package. They took them home and opened the can to eat the tamales and they tasted horrible. They then threw the can out in the trash heap in the backyard. When their mom, Maud, came home she asked what the can of food was in the trash heap. They told her what it was and what they'd done and she told them that they shouldn't have wasted it because someone would have eaten it.

Miriam and LeR used to mow the lawn for someone in Malad. They got about ten cents for their labor and took it down to the drug store after they were done. With that money they bought two root beers at five cents each to cool off from all the hard work they'd done.

Chuck Castleton, LeR's son in law remembers a few things about LeR. When we were first married LeR was called to teach the 11 year old boys in Primary.  He had an Apple II computer, which was quite unusual at that time (early 1980s).  He was always trying to find ways to use the computer to teach the boys.  He was also constantly trying new teaching techniques, like teaching without speaking - just writing an occasional direction on the chalkboard to guide the boys as they discovered the lesson concepts on their own.  Using the best techniques to teach the gospel was very important to him.  He worked hard to get the boys to sing, and he was so pleased when the Primary president noticed his success.  As a teacher of 11 year old boys myself now, I have a new appreciation for what he accomplished.

Lara Blackham Vangundy (niece to LeR) wrote: "I remember eating lamb with mint jelly at your house and being so amazed at the concept of the motor home. Don't even get me started about how cool the trampoline was. Good times:-) Love you cuz!"

Sarah Matthews Greenwood (granddaughter of LeR) LeR was always there for my big occasions. He came out for my baptism, my graduations and my endowment. He was good at giving gifts. He loved music and supported music instruction. I remember playing for hours on his mac piano program. He loved geneology and for good reason. Willard Richards and Lot Smith are a great heritage. He knew how to tell a story and how to recite poetry.

Eva Castleton Radmall(granddaughter to LeR)says, I remember the smell of grandpa's Sunday roast. It always had a layer of salt on the outside and was so tasty. I've never been able to replicate the smell or the taste. Maybe I'm too stingy with the salt. I remember grandpa always asking me to play the piano when we would visit and wishing I had something memorized to play for him. I remember a postcard they sent us from Hawaii with a picture if them smiling with parrots on their arms and shoulders. Grandpa always told jokes when we were all together. He would sit back and get everyones attention by saying something in his deep voice and pausing, and then he'd say the punch line. And once everyone else was laughing he'd chuckle too. I always felt like he was proud of me. I can't quite pinpoint why - maybe because he'd say things or give compliments or ask me to play the piano for him.

Paul Blackham (Nephew to LeR) wrote

Dear Kathy,

I have many pleasant memories of time with my Burton cousins, and my uncle was certainly a part of them.

1. The countless Thanksgiving Day feasts held at the home in Holladay. There was time to play with cousins, and of course to eat.

2. The "Hippopotabus".It seems LeR was on the cutting edge of new things. Today, we would call it a Recreational Vehicle.

3. Horseback riding, both at the home in Holladay, and Dimple Dell.

4. Generosity, in letting inexperienced family enjoy the beauty and majesty of horses, and also caution to protect the novice riders from injury.

5. A call from LeR to announce the Craig had been asked to extend his mission.

6. Another call from LeR to announce that Craig would not be staying as long as anticipated, and yet his miraculous protection against physical attacks.

7. LeR was a temple worker on my first session at the Salt Lake Temple.

8. Many Christmas Day visits to our cousins to see what Santa brought for Christmas. LeR was always there.

9. LeR was a tease, but I think he cared about us.

10. I felt that LeR respected me.

Helen Burton Macfarlane (daughter) said When I was attending high school in Provo, I became friends with a college student (Gary Cotton-Betteridge). When dad heard that Gary was a good pianist and was planning on coming to the house, he spend his last hundred dollars to get the piano tuned. I felt terrible!! But dad was thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed the recital.

Later, after Gary had moved back to Seattle and was living on his own, Dad and I took a trip to Seattle. Dad saw Gary's living circumstances and took immediate action. He went to the store and bought several bags of groceries and took them to Gary's apartment.

Helen

Rachel Spigarelli (granddaughter)said

I always associate Grandpa with cooking good food.  I remember one time he was so excited about this rack of lamb with fresh mint.  It really was delicious.  I always loved his roasts and enjoyed helping and snitching in the kitchen with him. 

One year, I think it was 2001, my husband, David and I went to join Grandma and Grandpa at their house to celebrate his birthday.  We had yummy root beer floats and lots of laughs.

I remember Grandpa trying to get me to enjoy fresh radishes.  He went out to the garden and pulled up fresh radishes, sliced them, and put them between two slices of bread.  I still wasn't a fan, though.

Shortly after Grandpa paved the driveway, I made a comment about how fun it would be to have a basketball hoop at his house.  He surprised grandma by tearing a hole in the driveway and putting it in right away. 

Once when I won a debate tournament, Grandma and Grandpa came to hear me and he presented me with a pen engraved with my name.  I really liked that.

Another meaningful gift he gave me was just after I went to the temple for the first time.  He gave me this cool coin purse, identical to the one he had that I had admired.  I really liked it.

Amy Tate(niece)

Your dad always had the newest cool technology. I think he was the first person I knew with a car phone (and back then it was actually a car phone - not so portable), and I remember he showed the first fax I had ever seen. It was a fax of a picture of one of his grandchildren. I was pretty impressed.

Tricia Boles (granddaughter)

I thought of a good memory. He used to take me out to his garden, and show me the peas. How to pick them, when they were ready, and let me go to town. I remember sitting next to a barn/shed or something and eating a full bowl of peas. He let me eat all I wanted!!!

I think I must have only been 4 or 5 years old.

Miriam Een (niece) I have an amusing incident that I recall about Uncle LeR.  When I was in grad school at Berkeley Uncle LeR and Aunt Mary moved out for a fairly brief time and lived in Emeryville, California nearby where I lived.  Helen was in the area that summer, too doing internships and moved in with me and my roommate--that was especially great!  Anyway, Uncle LeR and Aunt Mary lived in a condo/apartment and as a resourceful, get-it-done-type guy he moved them in using the equipment he had available.  In this case it included a shopping cart.  It sill makes me smile to picture a 60-something year old man moving in boxes and furniture with a shopping cart.  I don't know HOW that couch and bed ever fit in the shopping cart!

Blackham family (Larene is sister to LeR and her children) Nanette sent me her memory of how Uncle LeR would let the kids ride horses when we visited.  I remember going to Dimple Dell to see the horses there.  Lara remembers coming to your home and jumping on the trampoline.  I remember visiting with your family at Christmas time and seeing all the great presents also having Thanksgiving with the Burton clan and playing with cousins while the boys and some of the dads played football or basketball. 

Melissa

Alysa Smith (granddaughter)

Aunty Kathy,

Oh, how I wish I could have come! Thank you for your generous offer of a place to stay. I hope that you are doing well. I hope that all of our family members are coping well. It's a tough thing for me, having Grandpa LeR die. I have many good memories of him. I remember him gleefully showing us a couple of blue motor scooters that we could ride around. I remember him making me liver and onions in the kitchen.  I remember going to visit Grandma and Grandpa in my first year or so of college, and Grandpa asking, "So, are you dating anyone?" I responded that I was not, and he said "Very common problem. Very common problem." I remember hanging out in the apartment and exploring it while he showed my dad and Ransom his computers. I remember him reciting poetry and I think that his love of poetry translated into his everyday language. He was always pausing for effect, clearing his throat, etc. Rootbeer floats and Haagen-Daaz ice cream make me think of Grandpa LeR. 

Kathy Castleton (daughter)

When I was first married every time my husband and I would go home to visit my father would follow us out to the car. As we got in the car he would slyly hand us a $50 dollar bill. This small gesture was the difference between eating for the month and not for us.

I have chosen to remember the good things our father did, not in an attempt to cover up or dismiss the sorrow and tragedy many of us faced in our lives, but to recognize that Heavenly Father granted us compensating experiences to heal us and help us. I believe that by trying to find the good we can be unified and see the face of Christ in our lives. 

This gospel is the way to true and lasting happiness. It has the answers to life's most difficult questions. I know that Heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son as our Redeemer.

 Prepared and given by Kathryn Burton Castleton on Feb. 5, 2011 at the funeral of George LeR Burton

George LeR Burton

George LeR Burton was born on March 16, 1930. He is the second child of five children from George Ransom and Maud Burton. He was born in Holbook Idaho. As a young boy he milked dairy cows and raised and trained horses. He celebrates his "glad to be alive day" on November 22. He was in a car accident with his uncle who had just returned from his mission. The uncle was killed in the car accident and LeR was left in a a coma from which he recovered in a few days. This experience had a great effect on LeR.

LeR served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission. He served in parts of Canada and Minnesota. He has always loved missionary work and has continued through out his life with a strong desire to share the truth of the Book of Mormon. He tells of the cold northern weather from his mission. He says his eyes froze open as he tracted out areas of Canada. He met his wife, Mary Elizabeth Wiltbank, in the mission field. When they returned to BYU they started dating and in LeR's words, "We met in a revolving door and have being going around together ever since."

LeR and Mary made their home in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are the parents of eight children. LeR received his speech/drama degree from Brigham Young University. He worked at KBYU and KALL radio for the first part of their marriage. LeR quit radio and has since been self-employed in commercial real estate and served as the secretary of the CCIM.

Many friends of LeR's talk about his performances in the Salt Lake temple when he performed in the endowment ceremony. He felt very blessed to be called to work in the temple for nine years. He felt that it was the prayers and sacrifice of his ancestors who had worked to build the temple that helped give him the opportunity to serve the Lord in His house.

(Author and date of this personal history are unknown. LeR Burton died on January 29, 2011 from a brain tumor. - submitted to this blog by Helen Burton Macfarlane)

Goodbye

Goodbye
(Submitted by Kathryn Burton Castleton)


The wind was blowing the snow on the tops of the peaks out my front window today.  I don't recall seeing so much wind blowing so much snow.  It is extremely cold here tonight and that makes the first day of February in 2011 very frosty.

I've had a little break from entering family histories because my father passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2011.

My sister, Helen, and I went to Larkin mortuary to say goodbye.  We were a bit nervous about identifying his body but it turned out to be a very good experience.  One I hope to never forget.

The room he was in was very large and beautifully furnished.  As Helen and I sat there I could tell that there were many relatives present.  It was like a family reunion of people who had come together for an event. Helen said she felt like dad was grateful we were there to take care of his body.  We told him what we thought of him.

Later, we were driving around looking for an urn to put his remains in when the wind was still blowing on the peaks.  I was reminded of other winters and other cold fronts that have come our way.  None of them have come on quite a day as this.

This is the day that I said goodbye to my dad on this earth.

I know I'll see him again at the bar of God. With faith, it will be a pleasant meeting.
Kathy