JARED DANIEL FRANCOM -GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

Regardless of what type of work we choose to do, their is always a risk! We can take a leisure drive or hike a mountain or sail the sea, but their is always a chance that we may not return. When my brother was ordered to the Front Lines of a country that most young men couldn't even pronounce, he was taking a major risk, but not by his own choice, but being a Combat Medic made him a target in Viet Nam and forced to kill or be killed. The same risk goes for many police officers, and although they knowingly make that decision, we applaud and pay homage to those that Serve and Protect. If in fact you are one of those First Responders, their will be a time that the hair on the back of your head will raise, even if you are bald. If you were a Jared Francom and responded to an extremely dangerous assignment, one will find the practice and training kicks in, but things can go astray as it did for this HERO. Once you put your finger on that trigger, it is Fight or Flee, and this officer was trained to do his duty, and even though it has been a few years ago, I will never ever forget him or other people that faced the same scenario. 

FRANCO AGUILAR - GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Regardless of how a loved one leaves earth and ascends to the Heavenly Family above, those that are left behind will never ever get over the transition of a father; son; brother; husband or Hero to their Country and Fellow Man. Although Franco departed more than 14 Years ago, many of us will never ever forget the LAST CALL of a fallen Hero.

SALT CREEK FORT WAS BUILT IN 1853

For this history writer, it is difficult to explain why Mormon Pioneers had to built a Fort for Defense at Salt Creek, which named was later changed to Nephi, as the Mormon leadership of Brigham Young wanted to be more like the Book of Mormon leader of Nephi. That was the same as other cities in Mormonville. A shorten version will be attempted today, as I have studied books; researched by own family journals and notes from when they arrived here in 1852. If one is to study the history of the world, one could ascertain-even Mormons; Americans and other good cultures INVADE other countries and homelands for what they believe is "The good of all", but in my view, it could all be questionable, as the Ancient Ones used to always maintain "All Earth Belongs To God, And One Cannot Sell Gods Land". From day one the USA has used "Manifest Destiny" as their goal, much like Spaniards and Romans who Invaded the Aztec's; Incas and Mayas. Then after the Spaniards seized the gold; women and land, they called it there own. Then America started to invite all Europeans to this Continent as did France; England and other counties. When the Mormons were raped; slaughtered and dehumanized in places like New York; Missouri and Illinois, and like today's Washington D.C. back then- American leaders declared "there is nothing I can do"  even if it was Unconstitutional. Mormons then headed to desolate Utah to be at peace, as it was only occupied by the Indian's (or what I refer to as the Ancient Ones). American went to war with Mexico, who gave up their claim to the land. When the Mormons landed in Salt Lake and Nephi-then Southward, they were actually "Invading" the land the Indians occupied, so who really does know all that were really here before them, as Archeologists show their were people in West Juab County 12,000 years ago. Indians were upset as the White Man brought cattle which ate the grass and seeds the Indians used for food and shelter. Local Indian leaders began to rebel and major Skirmishes' began in 1853. At the time, their were a variety of Tribes and Bands with their Chiefs, so I refer it all as the "Indian Wars". Unlike other rural areas in Utah, Nephi had a Crossroad of roads in the middle of town, so we were hit with a lot of attacks, many of which to this "pretend" historian were justified. Brother Brigham advised local's to built a Fortification, which they did, and my great-grandfather-Edward Jones helped. Photo of one of the gates hangs at Nephi City Hall. If you see the Big Corral Block, that was "Precured" by the School Leaders to build where Nephi High was, then torn down for a bigger one on Main Street. On the southwest corner was where the Lenhart Blacksmith shop served as a social gathering for the Lenharts, Lew Jones, and Will Jones with his team of Duke and Nellie! A bigger Map hangs in the Nephi Library in a protected area and the DUP has a great re-construction of the Fort in their basement. The Nephi Lions Club has placed cornerstones where the Fort used to be. Peace came in 1855, but Indians are about gone!

WE HAVE A BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL TODAY-TWO FOR ONE

If you watch some of the old shows on Grit TV; Hogan's Hero's or Andy Griffin, their ads are a little deceiving. They often get a spokesman who keeps repeating "AT NO COST TO YOU". It is deceiving as that which they often advertise may not cost the person watching, but it does in fact cost the hard working middleman, or the company will bill all legitimate American's who deserve to get the full benefits of Retirement or Attorneys. Regardless of that introduction, if you have an old laptop like me, their should not be any added cost to look up our history stories. Todays History is about the Golden Wedding Anniversary of my fathers parents-Wm. and Liz Jones. My middle name was given after Will, and I take pride in that. That is a clipping from the local Times News and faded through the years. The second is the funereal of my Uncle Vic Jones, who I took on as a Father figure after my own father-Alma passed away, and as he was alone, our talks may have been helpful for both. I took notes as he recounted his life and times on the farm in Nortenville; his devotion to special son-Sherm and how proud of his kids that achieved so much. I listened intently on how he was shot in the hip during World War One, as never heard the details of it all. All of the kids of Vic and Alberta are now gone, and I feel sadden when I see few people who don't truly honor our Veterans without trying to sell something for their own greed. I PAY RESECT TODAY.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE FROM A 1930's PHOTO?

 We are not sure who most of these people may be, although we quickly recognized the two middle photos that show husband and wife. The photo in the middle is the picture is of Wm. Jones and his wife Elizabeth Tolley Jones. In the photo to the right is Jane Tolley Jones and her husband Edward Jones. That was the time that two brothers married the two sisters of Nortenville, Juab County, Utah. As this collage of photos was given to us by a member of the Tolley family, we are doing a Guesstamatiion that this must have been some sort of get together of Tolley folks. At least one of the gals is the same in different photos, and in at least two different photos, so that clan stayed wherever they were for a couple days. That sane gal is leaning against a photo of a car which appears to be have a Utah plate(as they had different plates every year), but this old semi blind guy can't read the year, but guess it was the 1930's. The background isn't Nephi, so time for you folks to guess! The nice looking car is certainly not the car of either Jones boys, as they were Nortonville farmers and lost much when the Great Depression hit. The gal on the older car is always looking away from the photographer, so not sure who may have been what caught her attention. So have fun guessing what the Fancy Dancy car that is and who the other folks may be. The photo in the top right has a name on it that appears to be "Louie" and the gal by the fancy car may be a smoker she has interest in! And what is the full name of the "Mission" word on the building sign and is that Reno? Time to get your Microscope out, but have fun.

THIS APPEARS TO BE A LITHOGRAPH IN NEPHI AFTER 1852

 Lithographs were a Pre-curser to the modern day Photography. Years ago, I showed this Lithograph to Kimo of Kimo Cameras, who gave information about how old this one may be. A Lithograph such as this is said to be art drawn or prepared on a piece of metal such as Aluminum or Zinc(the most popular), but the one we have appears to be more like Brass. Photographs as we know it today, were popularized during the Civil War of the 1860's, but since the original Jones Family member came to Nephi, Utah in 1852, we know it was after that time. On the back of this piece of metal, the worker scratched the Cursive name of Edward Jones, who departed England after being married to Hannah Pendlebury, and he came five years after the Mormons arrived in Utah in 1847. In addition to that name, we found a scratched in page number than appeared to be what the artist or Lithographer used to keep track of and give to the owner, who was my Great Grandfather. After Edward got his work started as a Blacksmith outside Salt Fort, he sent letters to his wife to come to Nephi. Problem was-during those days, there was a lot of Anti-Mormons in the British Isles(as their is today in Utah), and Hannah's parents hated Edward and Mormons, so they kept the letters secret, which confused Edward. (Now see info. below photo). He told his LDS Stake President, who said it had been more than five years, and advised him to marry another that was just arriving in Nephi from the 1856 Handcart folks. He found Martha Jackson, and they got hitched. Both gals are buried at VineBluff by Edward Jones, and same place as my Tombstone.

Back in England, Hannah got itching for her husband and said she was heading to "Zion", at which point her parents told her the truth, so she headed out. Arriving in Nephi in 1856, she found her husband took another wife. They were advised to get in their buggy and go meet with Brother Brigham in Salt Lake. Brigham Young knew Edward Jones, and thought they were all worthy of a Polygamy threesome, and the first wife approved, and as far as all we know, they all got along, as did all the kids and grandkids(so says my father-Alma Jones). However, with todays women, not sure they would approve of that sharing!

TODAY IS THE 44TH BIRTHDAY OF TROY COYN JONES

It used to be easy to keep track of birthdays, but not anymore, although I remember one of the two kids I have left on earth so Happy Birthday to Troy Coyn Jones of Nephi, who wanders somewhere-just like his old man used to do when younger! Troy's middle name was given after his grandfather-Alma Coyn Jones, who was often called "Cash" by folks in Juab County, America. As I got older, I think it was because Alma didn't have much Cash on him, but enough to keep five kids and a great wife to feed and clothe us, and we were happy children, although one was a Rascal, and Troy followed his Dad I'm afraid. Anyhow, Troy has always danced to his own independent way, which became noticable when we didn't give him enough water at age one when he was playing outside. He had enough courage and guts to get to the gutter where some of the irrigation water spilled over and got his drink! He is fond of animals and likes dogs; frogs; and rabbits which lived in their own fenced area with trees and bales of hay to survive during the winter. He then got into raising pheasants which he released in Nephi, but they were so tame, we waited until after the pheasant hunt to release them. He and his late brother loved to play in the two story Fort we built behind the house, and they often played there without having to purchase any gizmo machines. Here are some of the photos we kept, and I am finally going through all the papers me and my family have collected since 1852, and even some of my 3rd grade spelling tests, which make perfect fodder for starting my wood fireplace. I have kept the kid clothes so there may be a shirt from when the three of us went to Jellystone; photo of Toe heads in Pre-school, then photo of Justin; Beached Whale and Troy building the Jones Castle in California. Computer Gurus keep changing Menus and Mice for us Seniors, so good luck! 

THE PHOTO APPEARS TO BE FRESHIMAN OF NEPHI HIGH OF 1900

We are not real sure, but the attached photo is thought to be the freshman Class of Nephi High School of 1901, but not sure I would mortgage our Teepee on it. Nephi High was the third high school in Utah, and the first in a rural area. It took the local parents to push it through the hurdles, but Nephi High came to be in 1899. As the enrollment was slow at first, students held classes in a variety of places around the Tabernacle which was located at the Corner of Center and Main. As more students enrolled for higher than the mandatory Grade School, High School kids were moved to the Second Floor of the already built Central school on First North. That Red Sandstone rock at the bottom portion appears to be the same as the Whitmore Mansion and the entire home of the still standing Bill Howard home, all of which came out of Andrews Canyon, when a RR Spur brought them down Track Street and sent throughout Europe for the well to do folks. The Central School was built prior to 1900, and the same school where kids my age(Geyser Era) attended grade school. During the years it was there, it had changed a lot including the removing of the Bell Tower. When built, the red brick came from a Red Brick Company, although it appeared to be a darker white to this colored blind rascal, and to others it appeared to be Pink, perhaps because of aging, so you can call it Striped if you wish! It was later demolished for more students, with the Taxpayers fitting the bill for the new one on Main Street completed in 1923, that is now the Juab Complex. Locals think it was "Complex" as both of those perfectly sound structures were once deemed hazardous, but the 100 year old High School now remains a construction marvel just like the Builder so told Alma Jones, who got his Masonry Training there. However, it did become too small as in this the modern era, kids didn't like to walk or ride a bike, so progress digressed and another new one is now built. Anyway. the first graduating Class of Nephi High was in 1899, with 9 students in it, so this D- student would guess the pictured photo of the 1901 Freshmen(s is a z in photo-blame teacher Jones) Class stands to reason, with the students and teacher(Mr. Jones) would have walked over to that School. Just my Guesstamatiion (Mrs. Lomax didn't approve of that Jones word)! The shadow appears to be a water mark and the photo was given to me by a relative who went to school there, who calls herself a Tolley Twig, so enough Conformational Evidence for me. The tree matches the another photo of 1900 graduating students as do the windows. See if you can find your Great-Great- Grandma! This writer was a Substitute Teacher there!

THE LIFE OF SAM SMITH-GREAT-GREAT-GREAT-GREAT GRANDSON OF HYRUM SMTH

If you are a Mormon and know who Joseph Smith and his brother was, some of this may be old school, but if you ain't none of them thor folks, this history lesson may still be interesting. I am writing this on a Saturday, and if you read this tomorrow and in whatever Chapel you are in, and the speaker is getting boring-just glance at your Happy Phone! Joseph Smith was what is called the First Latter Day Saints Disciple of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, and that is what it is called, but I am a Heathen Nephite, and still call it the Mormon Church. Say a prayer for me, as I prefer to sin and wait for the last days to Repent....oh wait, with Politicians duking it out, perhaps I better repent tomorrow or next Sunday! I was going to tell all of the history of this Sam Smith, but when I looked it up, there is about 31,000 living descendants of  Hyrum Smith, so never mind. Knowing this Sam Smith on a personal and professional basis, I believe he told me he was the Great-Great Grandson of Joseph Fielding Smith, who was a President of the LDS Church, and he was the son of Joseph F. Smith, who was a President of the LDS Church. The President of that Church is also considered to be a modern day Prophet, Seer and Revelator from God! Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a Riot of Anti-Mormons in Illinois in 1844, and Politicians-even back then, did nothing to stop the madmen of yesteryear! Although I may be a Heathen, I believe those men are what is so declared. I will cut this short so the Obit to this Sam Smith can be attached. I attended the funeral and felt the warmth of the multitude and the written Tribute by his son. Regardless if you are a Catholic; Baptist, Heathen or Mormon, there is a critical need for all of us to be more Christlike and not just when you may attend your Chapel of Faith. Let it be said; let it be written, or whatever Charles Heston declared.

NEPHI HIGH SCHOOL-50TH CLASS REUNION OF 1928

 We located this single sheet of paper which gives the program of the Reunion of the graduating Class of 1928. It was when it was Nephi High, then later changed to Juab High, to include all students from the surrounding communities in East Juab County. Although Dave Austin was the Class President, he asked my mother-LaVon Harris Jones, to put the program together, and she did. I recall visiting her when she was putting it all together, and I recall this sort of thing was normally easy for her to do in Religious; Cultural or working as the go to gal for the Juab School District for Clyde Child; Ralph Menlove and Clark Newell, she was nervous about this one, so I  helped her the best I could. Like me with the Class of 65, the Class of 28 was like a close knit family and she wanted to make sure ALL students were invited. If you look at the program, I tried to be Political correct and whited out a couple things that were okay to say and do in 1928, but may not be in this day when some folks seem to get offended by anything! I also noted another thing. James P McCune went on to be a brilliant attorney, then an excellent District Court Judge. He wrote the school song for Nephi High, then consented to change the song to be Juab High. Over the years that the song has been sung, different school classes or leaders have changed the wording of he song from "Guard" of Nebo to "Heart" of Nebo. To me and to Jim McCune as well as LaVon Harris, it seem to not make much difference, as they are somewhat mean the same. Perhaps that could be a debatable issue for the Mt. Nebo FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team to use as a practice example. So here ye all is which includes the photo of the first Nephi High, then it moved down to Main Street and changed to Juab High..

THIS IS THE STUDENTS REPORT OF ACTIVITY OF HIGH SCHOOL IN 1965

 In our local paper of  The Times News and on  Facebook, their is plenty of coverage of what is going on at our one and only High School, and hope School Boards and local Officials can keep it that Rural way. Anyway, back a few years ago, students put together what we called "The Wasp" as that was our School Symbol. The history shows students wanted more than a simple sting of a Bee when we played sports or other completive activity, so that was selected and continues today. As we came across one of those editions from a few years back, we thought we would share a little history for all to read. I re-read some of the strict rules we had to obey or ELSE. Holy Moly, we have come a long way I guess. I didn't smoke back in High School, but would often hang out in their hiding places with them. I wonder if I would have been an Accessory to their crime, and prosecuted. North Sanpete was our hated rival back then and yet we chased the pretty women there and some even got hitched!

JUAB HIGH SCHOOL'S NEBONIAN OF 1948

If you graduated from Juab High School of Nephi, Utah, USA, in 1948, you are older than me and dirt! If you scan through the pages you may recognize some of your family members or even had some of the teachers that taught you. I was the Class of 65, and recognize Clarence Pay, who was not only a teacher, but a great gardener for Dr. Boston. I also saw Jim Anderson, who was our history teacher, but in the photo, it shows he was the FFA adviser and teacher of farming. When he lost his leg on the farm, he then became the history teacher, but he and the students could tell that wasn't his cup of tea! Harry Beagley was a substitute teacher(as I was in 1966) for Agriculture, as he was a full teacher at one time. One of my hero's and co-workers was Leonard Linton as we both cleaned the Central School. We hope you enjoy going back in time, and we threw some photos of the local business' that were supportive of the students. If you look at the teller of Commercial Bank(where First Security was and now Wells  Fargo), you will find Marian Garrett, who we borrowed this yearbook from, via Eileen Sanders-via Corrine Garrett. And if you see the Seminary Teacher of James H. Ockey, Sr. and read his serious note, it could be that his son(James H. Ockey Jr.) was a Sophomore and raising Cane like a hellion and all smiles and at 90 plus, he was visited and still has that big smile.  Have fun!