GOD HAS ACCEPTED A WOMAN WITH BEAUTY AND AN HONEST TO GOODNESS HEART

The Juab Wasps and the North Sanpete Hawks have been arch rivals in sports, but for some unexplained reason, they shine together under a blue moon! Such was the case in 1954, when Gene Mikkelson wedged his way up next to Marian Garrett at the Ute Stampede. Back then, Gene may not have known that Marian's father was a big shot with the Stampede, and Marian's little brother, was a giant of a man who became Cotton Rosser's right hand man and as a Wrangler with John Wayne and Ben Johnson. But Gene wasn't going to let anything stop him from courting Marian, and Gene went on to have to fight  bloody hard during the Korean War. But Marian had the grit of her mother and wanted to work, and she did just that. But we will let the program readers soak it all in. And whoever wrote that program had a 20-20 vision of Marian. After my own career and moving back to the once small and friendly town, I better got to know Marian and Gene, and found their true love for each other, but what struck me, was they were true friends. And the crowd at the Vine Bluff cemetery showed the magnetic attraction of the Mikkelson's and the Garretts. Now the show must go on with a sad face, but just gaze at that wide smile, as Marian gets to spend time with her infant daughter.

GLEN L. BOYER HAS BEEN PROMOTED

He wasn't from Nephi, but pretty dang close. Glen Boyer was born and raised in Hoytsville, Utah. But since two of his sisters married young men from Nephi, we accept him as one of our own. Even at his funeral, we would admit any of his worldly faults, but nobody could come with any! Glen was much like his father, who at the age of 80, could get his horse to stand still and shoot a big buck(nobody in the Boyer or Jones family ain't never ever seen a "small buck")! One of the Boyer gals hitched up with a Nephi McPherson and another tied the knot with a Jones. Those two familiar names go back to Mormon Pioneer times, and it just so happens that one of each sailed to England to serve LDS Missions in the 1800's. We will leave the rest of the story to the program folks. And by the way, what a send off by the American Legion. It sent chills down my arthritic old spine.

IT IS GOOO HAVE A NINTH INfANTRY MEDIC WHEN IN DIRE STRAITS

 IT APPEARED TO BE THE PERFECT DAY TO GO FISHING IN AMERICAN FORK 

CANYON,  ALTHOUGH HIGH SCHOOL WAS OUT FOR THE SUMMER, THEIR WERE NO  

NOISY KIDS SPEEDING UP AND DOWN THAT ROAD. MY BROTHER AND I PICKED 

THE IDEAL DAY TO SPEND TIME IN ONE OF GODS BEAUTIFUL CANYONS. WE DECIDED  

TO  DROWN OUR WORMS AT A PERFECT FISHING HOLE. I LATER THOUGHT IT MAY 

NOT  HAVE BEEN THE PERFECT PLACE, AS HAL HAD BEEN BEHIND TWO  

SEPARATE MOTOR  CYCLE KIDS THAT WERE KILLED GOING TOO FAST. WE 

KNEW THE PLACE WELL OR SO WE THOUGHT. HAL VENTURED TO THE LEFT AND I TO 

THE RIGHT.. I KNEW THE GRAVEL AND SHARP ROCKS WERE A HAZARD TO WALK ON, 

BUT I FELT LKE I WAS A TEEN AGER, BUT NOT FOR LONG!. REPEATED FALLS AND 

ACCIDENTS WERE  LESSONS' I SHOULD HAVE REMEMBERED, BUT NEEDLESS TO SAY,  

I DIDN'T THINK CLEARLY AND PRIOR SUBDURAL HEMATOMAS WERE THERE AS A

A TEACHER. ON  THE FRONT LINES WITH THE NINTH INFANTRY, HAL WAS KNOWN AS 

DOC JONES AND HIS MEDICAL EXPERTISE KICKED IN AND KNEW HE HAD TO STOP MY 

BLEEDNG AND HE DID BEFORE HE DROVE TO THE AMERICAN FORK E,R, WHERE DR.

ANDY OLDROYD SEWED MY HEAD BACK TOGETHER, AND MY BROTHER AND

 THEY CHATTED ABOUT NOT JUST SAVING OUR SOLDIERS, BUT HAD TO KILL

THE ENEMIES COMING AFTER HIM.  THANKS HAL

TODAY IS THE DAY WE HONOR THOSE WHO GAVE HELP TO OTHERS

MANY OF US STILL CALL IT DECORATION DAY; AND OTHERS  CALL  IT MEMORIAL DAY.

EITHER WAY, IT IS TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO SERVED OTHERS. TODAY I LEFT AN IRIS 

FLAG OR FLOWER AND ON THOSE WHO SERVED IN THE MILITARY,  I SALUTED THEM, 

BUT PAID TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED OTHERS IN A CHRIST LIKE MANNER. 

DRIVING TO AND FROM VINEBLUFF CEMENTARY, MY SPEED WAS SLOW AND THOUGHT

PROVOKING. AT FIRST,  I WAS ABOUT TO UTTER DISCONTENT TO THE FIVE  SPEEDING 

VEHICLES HITTING THEIR ACCLERATOR UP 1250 NORTH. I  ST0PPED AS THEY 

TURNED SOUTH ON 4TH EAST, BYPASSING THE HALLOWED GROUND OF THOSE  

WHO SERVED,  AND EAST TO THE NEARBY LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL DIAMONDS. 

THOUGH A SINNER I REMAIN, GOD RESPONDED TO MY CRY, AND THE THREE YOUNG 

KIDS CROSSING THE STREET SUDDENLY STOPPED AND AVOIDED INJURIES. GOD

STILL WORKS MIRACLES TO ALL  OF US WHO REMAIN ON EARTH.

THIS IS THE ALMA JONES FAMILY TRIP TO KANAB OF YESTERYEAR

When all of us were younger, everything we did appeared to be easy.. I have now reached the age that I am no longer young, and I at least acknowledge that truth. Alma Jones escaped life on earth in 1984, but his legacy will always live on with his kids and their kids. In Nephi during the 1950's, Alma and LaVon Jones had five kids running around the house that was built in 1885. Even after it was built, there was only a outhouse for adults and kids, but when we kids came along, improvements were made and it was a very comfortable house that became our home.  Alma laid cement where the clothesline was, and with four boys that were a handful, especially when they were only about a year or so apart, our mother figured out how she could do what needed to be done in the house, so she invented a good way for us toddlers and hooked up a rope so each of us could run up and down the length of the clothes line. That provided safety and practical.When LaVon was so busy she was about to explode, Alma took the hint well, and all the kids jumped in the pick up truck and went out to get a load of sand and firewood so our mother could start the kitchen stove, which she used for cooking and the hot water would go in the tank for baths. When Dad and us kids came back, two or three of the boys would take a bath and enjoy supper, and only when we got older, little did we know we were close to poor, but always had plenty of enjoyment. Anyway, we  had fun out west and Mom needed the rest. So over time, we started what  we called "The Alma Jones Trip" and travel to a place that was known to us or back when Wm Jones took a wagon of supplies to places in Nevada that was a part of the Utah Territory. The outline below is the trip to Kanab where we hooked up with the family of Don Jones, who was the son of Bert Jones, who was a brother of Alma Jones. If this old brain can figured it out, we will add how our trucks got stuck in a Tributary to the Colorado River and we got it out and stayed in Kanab where John Wayne stayed when Western movies were filmed.

 

NEARLY A QUARTER MILLION PEOPLE HAVE VIEWED OUR HISTORY BLOGS

We started writing these history blogs about ten years ago, while I lived in the big bad city to our north.  As a kid, I lived in Nephi, Utah where our house on the corner of the corner of 7th north and Main was built in 1885 with several family members lived there and still a Jones lives there. As a young kid, I  loved getting on the Continental Trailways bus with my mother-LaVon Harris Jones, and take old Highway 91 to Salt Lake to visit her brother-Ren Harris, who lived at the Regis Hotel, which at the time, I would say was like a "Bates" Hotel. But Uncle Ren and others like him who were World War One Veterans and injured or homeless had no other place to live.When he had a stroke, he returned to Nephi and lived at the Colonial Manor. In those days the VA was not overly kind to our boys we sent "Over There". Going to the big city was fun and delightful for me and it was good for my mother who had five young kids to care for; excellent but gentle  loving interest to teach us all how to iron; clean house; great cook; informed us how to collect "kindly" to start the kitchen stove fire and the one in the front room. Our mother showed how four boys could squeeze together for our weekly Saturday night bath; shine our shoes after, so we could walk to church the next day, but always made sure we had our school work completed. Our folks taught us that it was essential to graduate from Juab High School, and we all took it so serious, that we would help each other, even though one brother still thought he did it all by himself! Our mother was a stay at home housewife (which term she loved) until we were all in school, then she went to work for Utah Poultry, then a secretary typist was important, and when I was being paid for my work, I had to a select one who could type faster than me and with accuracy. During my 42 years working in Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice System, I was also a Constituent Affairs Officer 'four different Utah Governor's, and I did so, although 3 of the four thought I was being "too honest" in the letters. Those three stopped their "political double talk" my career was in law enforcement and the Criminal Justice System. When one Governor a letter he was to sign, I mentioned "Our Constitution", which made he and for Clyde C. Child, then Ralph Menlo e, all of who were Supt' for Juab Schools. LaVon believed it was the most important work there was. She was a little like Ellen Anderson Garrett, who was a scribe and typed LDS Patriarchal Blessings'. I believed that made him nervous! Perhaps that is why I did only did one term ats a Nephi City Council Member I could see  too much corruption or the potential with conflict of interests. During my escapades' around the world, I have seen much and acknowledge how God has protected me from the hatred of mankind; shotgun blast to the head and slow to open my parachute until I passed up Alta airport. Along the way I loved being a Scoutmaster and helping kids there and in youth sports, but ran into a big tree that fell on my head, giving me a subdural hematoma. The young scout tried tried to stop but the tree hit me with residual effects to this day. Sorry, it took so long to write this, but my old brain doesn't think too much and these computers are not made for me, Photo is of family members way back when

LET'S GO BACKWARDS TODAY, SO WE CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND TOMORROW

First, we wish to write about the history of some Utah Banks of yesteryear and of today, and we have to probe a little as to who and why they were set up like they were. When Brigham Young led the Mormon Pioneers to Utah, it was to get away from the Murders committed by Non-Mormon Americans in the East and South of the United States. Yup, just common folks setting fires and killing and doing savage things to people of the LDS religion. When the Saints arrived and established blocks of streets in Salt Lake, Brother Young had previously sent a lot Scouts out to the United States to make friends with the Indians and Trappers and search for areas near water for farms and people to live. In fact they traveled to most of Nevada and parts of California and returned to report their findings. The land was taken by the Mexicans who arrived when the Indians had lived here for hundreds of years. But the Spanish Invaders only wanted the gold that was here and used the Ancient Ones(Indians) as their slaves. The United States Government in DC were greedy as well as the Romans and Italians however. More Europeans were coming to this continent in droves, then in 1850 U.S. President Millard Fillmore appointed Brigham Young as the Governor of the Utah Territory and even paid a salary to those men who joined US Troops to squelch any uprising by the Mexicans who by this time interbred with the Native culture here and most were forced. Hardly a shot was fired and the land was the United Territories' and States. However. when James Buchanan became U.S, President, "rumors" were floating around that Brother Young for out reached his authority, and so President sent Colonel Albert Johnson to Utah with 10,000 soldiers to put down the "Mormon Rebellion" which of course their was none. That incident could be related to Washington D.C.in modern times, how a President sent millions/billions of dollars to other countries that are our enemies, then decided to return soldiers to America, but leave our weapons and tanks for the enemy. Now back to Colonel Johnson and the 10,000 U.S. Army invading soldiers to Utah in 1857. Little did they know that Brigham Young was informed they were coming, so he sent notes to all citizens of the Territory not to give anything to the soldiers, and the Mormon  Militia took turns shooting guns in the air and raising Hell for the troops. When the Army entered Salt Lake, they found no riot or consternations, but peaceful and God fearing and hard workers. Brother Young told the Army they were not permitted to be around God's people, but allowed 50 miles away and directed them to Stockton, Utah. There was where Colonel Patrick Conner led the 9th Calvary (known as the Buffalo Soldiers) and directed them to keep an eye on the Indians for stealing from Pony Express and Miners. When the American Civil War broke out, all the soldiers led by Colonel Johnson was directed back to Washington and the soldiers thought that was good as most of them had nothing to do except for K-P. Colonel Johnston bragged that no women or alcohol were used by his soldiers, but that theory was tossed to the dump, when some of us obtained permission from the land owners, then dug down and found empty liquor bottles and Red Stilettoes and other signs of men who were just ! When the 10,000 Soldiers left, D.C. told the men to get rid of the wagons and excess storage, so along came the Walker Brothers and bid for all of that and they got it all and made a lot of money. The only other bank around was Zions Bank(which was owned by the Mormon Church, but later diversified), so they started their own which became known as Walker Bank, then they sold out to another Bank of Utah. Other Utah Banks were First Security Bank, which. made millions of dollars for their owners-the Eccles Family, but they made a lot of contributions in their name, then sold out to Wells Fargo. Besides, First Security  may not have lasted long if they continued to print that women were "housewife's", and VISA purchased the BankAmercard. Now my concluding statement- is who has the money mystery fathers had in The Commercial Bank of Utah; First National Bank of Torrington, Wyoming or the First National Bank of Chugwater, Wyoming? Well, I called the Mayor of Chugwater and he said something like "Hell if I know, but know it was tore down bot a hundred years ago, but if you come up we can Chug water together". I joked around with him like I had been a forever friend. That is our history!                                                            

TOMORROW IS THE BIRTHDAY OF JAYNETTE JONES GRIMARD-THE BEST SISTER IN OUR FAMILY

Tomorrow is your day Little Sis. You remind me of your Mother-LaVon Harris Jones. She too, was one of the best caregivers I have ever known. When Mom's older brother had a stroke, she was the one always taking care of him and her other big brothers, and now you repeatedly check and help your five kids; grandkids and those crazy old farts that are your older brothers, all of which have had a truck load of health issues, but I think you and your parents have been proud of them for three on an LDS Mission at the same time and three serving our country at the same time. You stayed by your husbands bedside after his tragic accident, then dealt with his and other family deaths. By the way, thanks for saving my life a couple times. Your brothers shyly admit you could ride a horse better than us and saved a life when you were a Lifeguard at the Nephi Pool. You could swim great, even with handcuffs behind your back, but we won't tell which cop did that to you. Cotton Rosser appreciated how well you kept his motel room tidy, and started your high work ethics ironing for a local as the wife didn't know that trade. I will make the writing short, as I am trying to figure out how to fit photos here, and since your the Birthday gal who helps this brain dead brother with Scans and Computers, I couldn't ask you. Here goes. If the reader doesn't know who is who, they can ask on your Fakepage or YouTube.

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY OF JUSTIN WM. JONES OF NEPHI, UTAH

In earthly years, my oldest son would be 38 Years old in the early morning hours of Jan. 5, 1979. It is still difficult to have full concept of that, especially at my age when I will soon be with him. That is of course if St. Peter's Elevator goes up rather "topsy turby". That word doesn't even show up on my spell checker, and I have no idea where she went so fast.  (ole joke of Uncle Hy Tolley!) I miss my son and constant pal greatly, but aware of him, as I often feel his presence, He had enormous love for other people, regardless of who or what they were, as well all of God's animals on earth. He always came on the deer hunt in Nephi with the Jones gang; got a license, but was not particularly interested in shooting a Buck, and heavily grieved when I told him to shoot the big one that was snoozing on top of "Jones' Knoll". I thought it was just a temporary "Buck Fever", but later came to the full knowledge he was just not in to the "kill" tactic that 3 of his Uncles were forced to do in War time. Me and two brothers still go on the annual deer hunt, but never get a license and don't carry a gun. Perhaps, my brothers and sister and I have come full circle, as none of us shoot to kill animals anymore, even little brother Gary B., who was one of the best hunting and fishing guides in Alaska, before he became a racer in the Iditarod, where nobody cares for their mutts better than those Mushers'. Or, perhaps all 5 of the Nephi Jones' stopped hunting as all are in the twilight of our time on earth, much like Alma Jones was at age 83. I also gave up a career of toting guns for a living. Whatever the reason, this father still grieves the loss of a great son, whose career was helping to save the lives of those people needing a less radical and  invasive way requiring open heart surgery. He traveled to Ireland to assist the safety of the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR}. So after his parents divorced, and Justin himself when through two failed marriage's and about every type of counseling, which financially broke his mother and father, he obtained a high powered handgun and shot himself twice in the head. I knew that it was a done deal he had made with God the day before when he came to visit. The 150 year old Family Clock stopped at 9;30 P.M. and like the old MIA song; "Never To Go Again".

IT'S NOW 2025, SO YOU CAN FOLLOW UP WITH THE RODEO RIDERS FROM UTAH

To the Nephi Jones Family, the greatest professional sports was boxing, when Gene Fullmer of Utah was the Middle weight champion of the world, and us young boys would gather around the few TV's in town to watch his opponents pounce him hard to the body, but he trained to have his body that way by having kids jump on his stomach. When Sugar Ray Robinson and others became tired punching this boxing tree, that is when Gene gave them the big blow and knocked them out. West Jordan was where they lived and farmed years ago, but forced to sell their mink and horse ranch by local politician's years ago, and West Jordan became filled with subdivisions and no places for farms and gardens- only mass people squashed together. Now a days, our Sport Hero's are those from the small town of Utah who are showing Texas and the World, that we have great champions living near us. We call them our local guys, as one-Hayes Weight is related to Karen Jones of Nephi, from Goshen, and at the World Finals in Las Vegas last month, he won more than $400,000. The Wright Boys of Milford and Beaver are still bucking good with Ryder Milford coming in as World Champion in Saddle Bronc, winning more than $479,947 and Statler Wright with $ 475,000 in Saddle Bronc. Bareback Champ was new to Vegas, from Altamont, Utah winning more than $412,000. Hayes Weight was second, then new to Finals was Cooper James from downtown Erda, Utah winning more than $301,000. Josh Frost from Randlett, Utah won more than $476,000. Former All Around Cowboy was Stetson Wright and is about physically ready to get back in the Saddle again. Former Bareback Champ visited Nephi three years ago and gave the Pledge of Allegiance in City Council, then spoke of he and his late father visiting troops in the Middle East. Most folks  can watch these hero's if they have the TV channels to the Cowboy Channel but this old man has only the free TV channels, so following it on the computer is tougher, but I can mute out the obnoxious announcer's and noisy crowd. At least they are not as bad as TV football which I gave up watching when they staged their Anti-America tactics. We go to Vegas each year and watch the Finals as well to the greatest rodeo in America which is the Ute Stampede. Long Live Cowboys. Pictured are Ryder Wright and Josh Frost. Old brain couldn't figure out how to do more, but more than any of so called Sport Sections of up North and..........a freebie.