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Brief History of Moses Melvin Edwards (Written by daughter Alma Edwards Sly)

Born 4, April 1887 at Beaver, Beaver County, Utah under the covenant. Third child of Moses Edwards-- Born 26 May 1860- Winfield, Yorkshire, England and Harriett Marintha Baker Born 19, Nov. 1861 Beaver, Beaver County, Utah-

Grandparents__ Robert Edwards- Born 3, Nov. 1827 Bloxam, Oxfordshire, England-- Elizabeth Huntington- Born 29, Fel. 1830 Chipping, Lancashire, England. Phillip Baker- Born 11 Oct. 1821 East Dereham, Norfolk, England-- Harriett Ann Phillip Thompson_ Born 28, March 1844- East Dereham, Norfolk, England.

Brothers and Sisters- Reubin Jessie Edwards- Born 22 Nov. 1882 Beaver, Beaver County, Utah. Linda Lizetta Edwards- Born 15, Dec. 1884 " " " Moses Melvin Edwards - Born 4, April 1887 " " " Eleson Edwards - Born l8, Feb. 1889 " " " Philip Edgar Edwards - Born 21, Sept. 1890 " " " " Harriett Marintha Edwards Born- 9, April 1893 Beaver, Beaver County, Utah. Annie Olivia Edwards - Bornl7, June 1895 " " " " " Dora Winniefred Edwards Born 24, Oct.1898 North Creek, Beaver County, Utah. Solomon Baker Edwards- Born 6 Oct. 1900 " " " "

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Small details of his younger years are very few. No one kept a record, and so just a few facts are available.

When just a small boy, he and his brother Edgar were all dressed up for church and as boys like to play, wandered into the orchard. Edgar got overly playful and jumped across a big ditch that ran through the orchard that had become almost over-flowing do to a excess of mountain waters. His father called him to come back as they were leaving for church. He refused. Then his dad turned to Melvin and said you go get him, or you will get a good licking. That meant he had to cross the water and get wet himself. Which he did. Then they both got a sound thrashing for getting their clothes in a mess. Melvin said he was really angry at his Dad for this. His dad said they were equally at fault as they shouldn't have been down in the orchard in the first place in their Sunday Clothes.

The family lived in Beaver, Utah for many years. While in his teens he wanted extra employment to make a little spending money. He finally applied for work with a Bro. Beeson, Who were converts from England by Moses Edwards. He was a great mason andbrick maker and layer. Many boys turned up for the job. They were told to move a large pile of rocks from one end of the block to other. This they did. Then 2nd day told to move them back. Some quit, because they thought it stupid. Those left were told to move them again . All quit, except Melvin. This was the way Mr Beeson had of weeding out the boys. Melvin got the job. All during his life time, what he learned here aided him in his lifes work. He helped Bro. Beeson & others in making the bricks and building the Belnap School House of Beaver - still in his teens. Their home in Beaver (what was later called the Hurst Home) was orginally Moses Edwards' home. His Grandparents owned the home just north of it. Their names were Philip Baker and Harriett Ann Thompson. Melvin said at one time for awhile the former Moses Edwards home was used for a school. From information gathered the reason Moses decided to move to NorthCreek, Beaver County was during Pres. Grover Cleveland's Presidency of the U.S. Wool went down so low, he had to sell and get what he could for his sheep. With the savings he had he bought a home with it. This was quite a change for everyone concerned. Melvin loved to go with his boy friends on little escapades. He told of one evening of visiting (with his friends) with a widow 'Cad' Valentine, who smoked a pipe and chewed tobacco. The boys would watch her with abated breath, as she would spit at a Spit-toon clear across the room and seldom missed and it would POP. Then told ghost stories until

they were scared to death to go home. They would walk through the alfalfa fields and it would make swishing sounds behind them until they imagined they were being followed and would start running. Then stop and the sound would stop also. Then on they would go and the sound came after them. It being dark they had no way of knowing it was the sounds they were making themselves. One time Mrs Valentine invited them for the evening. Her house was cleaned up fairly well for her and she had made Home-Made ice cream. This enticed the boys and overlooked the un-kept house. Afterwards when filled to the brim with the Ice Cream she told them she had made it with goat and horse milk. Melvin was sick for a week. Through the years when remembering, he would go white around the lips. Such is immagination. He had some close friends at North Creek. Young Will Twitchel, A Merchant and of course, his brothers Ruben and Edgar. Edgar was more his age so were almost always together. (Melvin) had a great relationship with his Uncle Ray. His mothers younger brother. Although Ray was married they really enjoyed each others company' and age didn't matter. He worked during the summer at Sulphurdale, Utah for Sulphur Industries. He saved his money the first time out there. But his father was called on an L.D.S. Mission to England, so from then on all the money the family could manage had to go toward his fathers mission.

Upon his return (of his father) Melvin attended the Murdock Academy. He had the great honor of being one of the great Hurdlers, Pole-vaulting in sports and placed 1st place in these events. He had unusual knowledge in mathematics. A true event happened while attending the Academy. The professor had assigned some very hard unusal problems- Note- The arithmetic book had the answers in the back of book, but the method of working the problems to get the answer was up to the student.! On one occaission Melvin said, "Two of the answers were wrong." He of course was called to front of class and told to show his brilliant reasoning for making such remarks about the book being wrong and him right. It was tried to make him apoligize. He would not. Then ordered to write on the black_board the problems with his answers. He did so and low and behold the professor admitted there had to be mistakes on the books answers. These problems were sent into the Educational Dept. and in time word was received that mistakes had been made in the book and congratulations were awarded to the one finding it. He was also talented in Drama. He wrote and directed a four act play for the presentation. It was entitled "THE FINDING OF THE LOST BODY" He used some of his immediate family in the play. (His daughter Alma has this play in her keep-sakes, in his own handwriting). He also had purchased a Mandolin out of his hard earned money, and on his own ability learned to play it. He became very good on it, so much so was accepted in the string band at the Academy. A Brother Dernham was the Music Instructor at that time. Through the years he played the Mandolin at many dances and also for special occassions. His daughter always requested him to play for her when she was ill. This of course was many years later. He also owned a Harp, which he loved to play. But it got broken. Alma (his daughter) has the Mandolin.

While his father was on his Mission he corresponded with a young girl in England through his fathers love for this girl, who was one of his converts. Never dreaming she would one day become his wife here in America. Her name was Florence Ellen Bowers.

By living on a farm he learned all the chores that go with it. Milking cows, harvesting crops, milking, Hauling wood etc. He grew up to be quite the young man. Real thick blonde hair, with slight waves. Dark blue eyes and a straight, erect stature, about 6 feet tall. A real attractive young man (Note: All his life he maintained this straight physical body.) The family was a happy well adjusted one. He loved his brothers and sisters. He loved to tell tales about them all. They were a fun family.

His father Moses Edwards, was a stalwart worker in the church. Sunday School Superintendent, Helped to raise funds to build the North Creek School House, which also served as the Church. Later became a High Priest and the Stake Patriarch.

In 1909 word was received that Florence Ellen Bowers of Sudbury, England had left for America Dec. 10th. and would arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah with shipmate friends, and then on to Milford, Utah, on the Union Pacific Railroad. NOTE: She expected to be met but not so. She tells how she stepped off the train and thought she had been dropped into a place God forgot to finish. No sidewalks, just mud; and planks to walk on to the little shack, called a station. Quite different from the Depot of London, England. Upon asking questions was told how to catch the Stage to Beaver, Utah. This she did. What a frightening experience. Upon arriving in Beaver, Utah she was met by Elder Moses Edwards, who had converted her, and his son Melvin.. Thus the little, lovely girl met Melvin for the 1st time and re-newed her happiness with the uniting with her former Elder Edwards. Very soon it became necessary to call her by a different 1 st name, because, Melvin's brother Ruben, had married a young woman with the name of Florence Irene Twitchell. In England she had been called Flo, but in time Grandpa Moses called her Florrie, and then later changed to Flora. The arriving of this English Girl changed Melvin's life from then on. She was accepted by all the family: and before long were engaged and on June 2, 1910 were married. The marriage ceremony was held at his sister Linda Edwards Twitchel's home. Bro C. Dennis White performing the ceremony. Another sister Marintha Edwards was Maid of Honor and Harry Green Best Man. A lovely hot dinner was served by immediate family. Afterwards a dance was enjoyed at school house at North Creek, Beaver Co. , Utah. They eluded his pals and went to their little two room home. This home was where their 1st baby was born. A beautiful lovely boy. He only lived 3 hours. They named him, Sydney Arthur Edwards., and he was buried in the fields of his sister Linda and her husbands (Edward Twitchel's) field. There were other babies buried at this spot. His wife, Flora, was very ill. Blood poison set in and a special registered nurse, Mrs Joe Jackson of Beaver, was with her for 14 days. His sister Marintha, a student at Murdock Academy stayed out of school a week to help. Flora was finally moved to his parents home for care. His sister Linda came over from Manderfield, where she lived and helped out often. Upon regaining some of her strength they moved to Beaver, where it was much nicer. A real home and decent floors. She took in sewing again to help with money problems. In about one year a beautiful blue eyed baby girl was born. His wife had been warned never to have another child. But the thought of it was to much, and with the Lords Blessing, Dr. Donald McGregor and his nurse Mary Whitehead were called in (Flora's own doctor Warren Shepherd was out of town). This probably was a blessing in disguise. Melvin always had a real special feeling for this Doctor. Their little daughter Alma was named after his wife Alma. She was given the name of Alma Flora Edwards.

Note-- She was Blessed l st, of December 1912 by Elder Moses Edwards' my father, of Beaver East Ward.

Baptised Sept. 7, 1912 by Priest Norman Farnsworth

Confirmed by Elder Moses Edwards Sept 7, 1912, my father and her Grandfather.

By this time Melvin's parents had been called on a two year mission to the St. George Temple. So Melvin and family moved into their home. He started building a home of his own on land deeded to him as a wedding gift. He did all his own work, except for his kid brother Baker helping, while living with them for awhile, while their parents were on their mission. In 1915 he Homsteaded 160 acres of land. It required to live on it so many months out of the year. These were busy years. A one room lumber cabin was erected on the Homstead.

They lived here during the summer months. They 'proved' up on this land during the next three years. it was really nice. Then had a nice garden and could see their cows browsing around and had a nice team of horses. They visited with Melvins brother Edgar and wife Kathleen and sons Cecil and Vivian. Cecil was 6 days older than Alma. Flora loved Kathleen and the children were raised practically together most of their childhood. It lasted through their lifetime. Like brothers and sister. Edgar had also taken up land adjoining theirs. Many evenings were spent together. During this time Flora did sewing. She would take horse and buggy along with Alma and sometimes Kathleen and children to Beaver and surrounding communities. It was always hard going, and no time was spared in making do with what was on hand. So much had to be paid on the farm and interest was high. It seemed they were always one year behind.

With his wife sewing it helped but as something more had to be done, they decided tomake a move.

When Alma was around five years old they moved out to Sulphurdale, Utah to live. Here he made very good money, and with Flora still sewing, things started to get better. The knowledge he had acquired up to this time came in handy., and was a factor in his future work. He was so dependable and a real friendly good natured man he was well liked by everyone. He worked in the Mill and also Machine Shop. Which was the preferred job. The Bosses family became their close friends. Roy and Leone and daughter Lois Monroe. Lois a few months younger than Alma. They became life-long friends. Another family also were good friends, the Levi Gunderson's. They had a daughter Gladys' about the same age as Alma & Lois. Many experiences happened during these years. The flu epedemic hit and people were dying everywhere. One night Melvin was called upon to administer to a boy and girl by name of Gerald and Audrey Bradshaw. Alma and Gerold were playmates. Melvin notified his brother-in-law Frank Pendleton to assist. (Melvin's sister Marintha had married Frank and was the school teacher at Sulphurdale at that time.) The Camp was alarmed, as this home was quarentined against anyone entering it. They were told if they did they would have to isolate theirselves from everyone. But they were true Elders of the Church and said they would go. They both had an experience that stayed with them through out their lives. The girl Audrey according to parents was the worse; but as they performed the administration, they knew the girl would live and the boy would die. They didn't tell the parents this, but conversed about this to each other as they left. Sure enough Gerald died next morning and Audrey was better. The funeral was sad. The family had to stay in doors and prepare the body theirselves. The casket was tipped toward window for people to see and services held outside. This was winter time. Alma never forgot this, even at her tender age. Melvin and Frank went to a big rock building that had been used for basketball and other games indoors, and slept on cots set up for them. Food was delivered to the building for about one week. They never caught even a cold.

Melvin also drove the mail at times to Black Rock. A road of sorts had been made over the hills from highway 91 to the railroad on the other side of mountain for connections. This was used in good weather to haul Sulpher to the railroad. but the mail car used this road also during the good weather. The Big Boss of the Sulphur Industries used to come to Black Rock and have a car bring him to Sulphurdale on this road many times. Things really husseled when he was in Camp. He would stay with the Monroe's at the Lodge and Melvin & Flora & Alma were always included in the dinners given for him. They lived in one of the cottages and these were happy days. There were huge shipments of Sulphur sent out. Flowers of Sulphur soaked in Burlap Bags and sown up by hand. Through the years different ways of processing of the Sulphur was introduced. The mine closed down for a brief time and eastern buyers came in. Mr Morrissey was in charge W. R. Monroe was office clerk and supervisor of the Camp. A big store was opened in the Lodge and Carlyle Tanner and family were the owners. More fiends were made. While the plant was closed Melvin still worked as overseer of watching different machinery and the plant as a whole. So he & family didn't suffer during the shut-down. Many families moved at this time, and new one's came in.

Milk was one thing the family needed. Alma just couldn't stand canned milk. Flora had to fix it in many ways to get her to drink it. So arrangements were made with the mail driver to bring milk from Beaver, Utah. The route to Black Rock for mail had discontined. The school days were great for Alma and Melvin was proud of her. His sister Marintha had moved and Lee Smithson of Milford Utah came, then she caught pneumonia and she left. So a Mrs Gaspin came in. Alma didn't like her. She was an old maid and, and seemed homly after her other teachers. But it didn't matter after a while as they decided it was time to move back to Manderfield and start building up their home in Manderfield that he had started years before. The home was located about one mile north along 91 Highway north of his Sister Linda's home. He rented 40 acres from the State (called the State Farm) and purchased 40 acres of land from his sister Linda Twitchel. Bought milk cows, pigs, chickens, planted a beautiful garden and planted potatoes, corn and along with the fruit trees he had planted years before, when he started building it, had apples and plums. Raspberries, strawberrys, rhubarb, currants, gooseberries supplied them with the necessary vegetables and fruit they needed. They had their own meat with the beef, pork and mutton they changed around with his brothers and sisters families. Cold storage or deep freezers were unknown at that time. When deer season was in, this also helped. Fishing was plentiful and their greatest joy was taking a day or two off and going up Manderfield Caynon on a camping trip. In the fall Chokecherries and Elderberries were plentiful. So the bottles were full for the winter. In the fall wood hauling was a great time for Alma. Melvin would take her most everytime on these trips for wood. He would turn her around, and around, with a blind-fold on her and take it off and ask her which direction was which. She most always could tell him the correct answer. This was so she wouldn't get lost. It was fun to sit under the cedars and eat their lunches together. They became a team. Although only a girl, she could do most anything a boy could do. They were real pals. Through the years he taught her many chores. Cutting hay, raking hay, plowing, drilling the grain, shocking the grain and hauling the hay and grain shocks. Hard work. Then un-loading the hay. They mananged to keep up the pace acording to the crops. He taught her how to water some of the fields. Ride along the ditches and watch the precious water was not going astray. The hard things were the continual herding of cows from one field to the other. Then after the feed was low Alma had to take the cows to the pasture about one and one-half miles away. This was rented from his sister and her husband Eddie Twitchel. Taking them down to pasture in morning and going after them in afternoon, was around 3 miles per day. Sometime it was awfully hot, and the flies were bad. She had to walk, as the horses were being used for farm work. After she was older Melvin did buy her a horse for riding. She (the horse) walked and run stiff legged, or so it seemed to Alma. But she was good and didn't try to hurt her. Her name was Bess. Every day wood was cut for the cook stove, and in winter piles were chopped for the Parlor Stove as well as the cook stove. It took about an hours cutting with an ax. Alma had to carry the wood to the house. Gather the eggs, and sometimes feed them. Never a dull moment. But in the evenings it seemed there was always time for them to do other things which was pleasureable. Melvin would play his Mandolin and Flora would sing and give readings, from the OLD COUNTRY. Sometimes he would read and explain the Book of Mormon to Flora. She being a convert had many auestions. It made for a good atmosphere for a child to be raised up in. Then company would come and Home Made Ice cream was generally made, or Flora's special cream pies. Sometimes they would go to other homes for a short evening's entertainment.

Soon after his return back to Mbnderfield to live he became Superintendent of the Sunday School, as his father had once had before him. He taught the adult classes. This he taught for many years. He soon became Supervising Elder. (This was almost like a Bishop of the Ward only it was under the super- visor-ship of the main Ward of Beaver Stake.) However he had full authority in calling teachers, secretary and musician etc. He blessed babies and anointed the sick. Was available for any illness. Many times he was the only Elder present to hold the meetings. At times he blessed both the Sacrament on Bread & Water, and helped the deacons pass the Sacrament. He was always present.

Once he had a serious event that about cost him his hand. The window on one side of the building (There were three windows on each side) had become stuck. He put so much pressure on it (the slide up and down kind) it came down with a BANG and about cut his hand off. It took such a long time to slide the window up again, he fainted. He had a real bad hand for weeks. Others had to help do his chores.

The winter time always brought deep, deep snow and real cold weather. It would seem with all the crops up and the food supply all under control, there would be lots more time for relaxing. Some ways yes, but others no. The morning chores began around 5:30 A.M. Melvin would make the fire in the cook stove and then out to corrals for milking of cows. It would take about one hour for milking. Then milk was taken to the Separator , which he had set up in his cellar. It was kept here as it didn't freeze under ground. (Note. The bottled fruit, potatoes, onion and other vegetables were kept here ) The milk was run through the separator to seperate the cream from the milk. Every one used a separator in those days. Then the cream and milk were picked-up by the mllk truck and taken to the Beaver Creamery. The milking was done twice a day. Each day the milk was sent to Beaver Creamery. Each day the separator was washed. Flora made their own butter. Alma, when older used to turn the Churn. This made ones arms ache. They ordered cheese from the Creamery. The' money received from the milk & cream helped keep a pay check coming in. Sometimes it was very small; but oh how precious it was. The eggs from the chickens were sold at the store for groceries for maybe ten-cents per dozen. Melvin would always buy a 5 gallon can of honey and 5 gallon of molasses in the fall. So a good table was enjoyed, with the milk, cheese, butter, meat, fruit and vegetables. Melvin would cure his own pork for bacon and hams. Then wrapped them in heavy sacks, and bury them down in the wheat bins. The hams and bacon were smoked through before burying them. BOY! were they good. The wheat he raised, would have a portion taken to Beaver to the flour mill and made into flour. Sometimes he would take Alma with him. This was a big treat for her. With the beginning of snow-falls, trails had to shoveled from one place to another. One year an event happened that became a 'talk about' through the years. In early January crazy things began to happen. Melvin came in from out-doors and said. "It just wasn't possible, but never-the-less it has." One of the cows had some ideas of her own. And the weather had some big idea also. It had snowed and snowed. He began shoveling trails to the corrals, granery, the car shed or any place he might have to walk. By this time a real blinding blizzard had set in. Drifts began to build up and getting colder. He said," I believe I'd better tie ropes along the trails back to the house. When it gets dark it won't be safe to venture outdours"! The reason of his concern, the cow had decided to have a calf. By the time he had strung the ropes to corrals, pigpen, chicken coop the fences were covered. He had tied the ropes shoulder height. Still getting colder and snow more furious. He came indoors, had something to eat, and enjoyed the nice cozy fire of the cook stove and the heater burning cheerfully in dining room. All seemed cozy and settled down at last. Alma finally prepared for bed and so did Flora. He said," I'll make one last trip out to the corral and check on the cow" So Flora stayed up and watch his lantern shinning through the blizzard as he held on to the rope. He seemed gone quite a-while and then the light started coming back to house. He kicked on door and she opened it, as he stumbled in with a baby calf. The mother cow han't seemed to tend it enough to get it dry, or it would freeze to death. A big tub was hastly brought into the kitchen and the calf placed in it. Rags were used to wipe it dry. After a-while he decided to go back out and check on the cow. Lo - when he came back he had a baby pig. The old sow had decided to have her litter. This little one was the 'RUNT', and couldn't fend for itself. So it was wiped dry. By this time Alma was up and helping. This was quite exciting to her to see a calf and pig in the kitchen. Again he returned to the sheds and this time returned with a dozen eggs in a pan filled with straw. The old setting hen had left her nest as she had probably gotten so cold started hunting a warmer place. Flora made a nest for the eggs in the warming oven of the stove and placed the eggs in it. Melvin was so cold he was served some hot milk toast. It was long after midnight now, and the storm still raged. Again he decided to check on the cow, and made yet another trip. The ropes were a life saver for him and animals. The Cow was up and nibbling on some hay, so he returned and said he better take the calf back out to its mother or she wouldn't claim it. Each trip became harder. The cow snorted and refused the calf, but he stayed and worked with them. Got the calf to nurse and finally the cow accepted her calf. Any longer and she would have refused to care for it. All night long the fires were kept burning and now he made another trip and took the baby pig back to its mother. She accepted it along with 7 others. The pig-pen was filled with straw and was enclosed and the snow didn't penetrate. The baby chicks didn't do so well. Only half lived. Special feeding was given them with an eye dropper. Melvin & Flora got about 2 hours sleep that night, but were happy to have saved the animals. Each animal was precious, as it meant money. Alma never forgot this night. Her Dad seemed like a giant to her. So brave and smart. It was a real bad winter. The school busses didn't run for days. The highways traffic was stopped. Melvin was called upon to use his team and pull the horse drawn- grader on the road from Manderfield toward Beaver. His Uncle Thad Baldwin was also called upon. So the two teams moved the snow as best they could to open the road from Manderfield to Beaver. The State opened the rest of the highway north. These were some 'Wild Few Days' working in harmony and the ingunity of useing the tools at hand. Toward the latter part of January, the weather broke and the sun began to shine and melt some of the snow. As the fences began to show , they looked like a fairy-land, almost like lace. Every thing so pretty and white. The drifts laid for days and some for weeks. Then one morning Melvin opened the door and pointed to his fields and said, 'I believe we are going to get our January thaw now. A-bit late though'. The horse drawn sleighs were put into use., and were used to go to church. It was quite a sight to see people loaded on the sleighs. But fun in a-way.

NOTE BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH MORE OF HIS HISTORY' IT WOULD SEEM APPROPIATE TO ENCLOSE A BIT OF HIS HISTORY AS WRITTEN BY HIS SISTER WINNIE EDWARDS(PUFFER) SHE WROTE IT YEARS LATER.

"Some Interesting Facts I Remember of My Brother Moses Melvin Edwards." BY Winnie

Melvin was born of goodly parentS. The Third Child of nine children, born april 4, 1887 at Beaver City, Utah. Died 19 Mar. 1951. Buried at Beaver, Utah.

He being eleven years older than I; I do not remember much of his younger years. He has told me that he was the one who went in a one-horse buggy for the mid-wife, when mother gave birth to me. We were living at North Creek, Utah then and he had to come 5 miles to get the mid-wife and later take her back. Quite a task for an eleven year old.

By the way this history, If I should call it that is just little incidents and thoughts of my brother, as I remember them, not others.

Melvin was the one who picked me up in the correll, when a cow kicked me over as a kid 6 years old. He let me "Strip" her. Tha'ts getting the last stream of milk out. Guess I was pinching her 'tets' to hard. He thought my leg was broken, but no it wasn't. He and Edgar used to fill a tiny bright red honey bucket Mother gave me, with milk right from the cow. I'd go to one and then the other to fill it and I'd drink it down. Melvin had un-usual thumbs I'd say. They were wide and short. How he could use them. He showed me as a young kid how he could make a 'single crochet stitch into a long chain' with just his thumbs. He enjoyed playing the Mandolin. Just when he bought it I don't remember but could he play it! We loved to hear him. He attended school at the Old Murdock Academy a couple of years. He was one who liked to learn and read and imnrove upon his talents. I seem to have a faint memory of him hqving written a play, while we lived at North Creek. I guess I was bout 14 years old then. He asked me to take part in it. I practiced a few times, but the night he put it on I was not there." I presume purposely as I was too scarred. I'm not sure of its Title. It was a real interesting story. I guess Alma has the play or has heard about it from her Dad. I know our sister Marintha and brother Edgar or sister Linda could add more about it. But it showed great courage, and self-confidence on Melvin's part. When Jasper (my husband of today) used to come to Manderfield for Sunday School and date me it Wwas always up to Melvin's and Flora's that we were invited for Sunday Dinner. That was the place we visited most often.

Their only child Alma was such a cute little girl. Dad enjoyed playing with her and I also. They really treated us nice. Flora made the best whipped potatoes and cream pie and how I enjoyed playing their piano.

For our wedding present Flora made my wedding dress and veil.. Very pretty indeed. Jasper used to work for Melvin at times up at the Upper Farm, about four miles north of Manderfield, when Melvin rented it. We think we have hard times now, but its not like in those days. Jasper had but very little for lunch up there and Melvin dipped a crust of bread in the water from a big ditch. One day over at the Jenkin's home, where we lived, across a forty acre field from Melvin's I put stewed apples and bread and butter for Dad to eat at noon hour. O.K. He got up and left the table, went back to work with NO meal. I guess that's all I had. I don't remember.

I do remember you Alma dear, what a pretty curly golden locks you had at age 3 I'd say. One morning as Melvin was ready to go up thethe Upper Farm, you came running out to the front gate with a pair of panties in your hand calling.'Wait for me Pappa". Of course he got you up by him on a seat (in wagon with the team,) and off you went. I'll always remember the call of a little girl. 'Wait for me Pappa"., and how he loved that little girl and his dear wife.

In a religious sense we believe Melvin was the most religious of Pa's four sons. How he loved to study the scriptures, and especially the "Book of Mormon. He knew and understood it very well. One reason no doubt he taught the "Book of Mormon" Class many years in Sunday School at Manderfield. He also taught several other classes through the years. He was Sunday School Superintendant for years in this community. Then he was also the Presiding Elder for many, many years. I know my brother Melvin was a prayerful, humble man, intelligent, honest, kind hearted, patient and considerate of others, forgiving nature, dependable, a hard worker and he magnified his priesthood callings. Was faithful in attending his church duties. He had a good build. Tall and a real nice looking man.

Melvin was a very handy man. He could do carpenter work, lay cement and a pretty good mason. He took pride in his home and yards. Liked to have a garden. He worked hard for every cent he got. He did never have an easy life. He spent wisely and Flora did also. Nothing went to waste. He built the first two frame rooms of their home, then added on later.

He was kind to our mother and thoughtful of her. Often walking 6 or 7 blocks to see her after Pa passed away. and spend many an hour with her. Edgar was very much like Melvin in a lot of way's. They were very close to each other I think. Edgar too, was a very hard working man, honest, kind hearted and dependable. I had four lovely brothers. Proud of each one.

Melvin used to have a black dog or brown, that followed him every where he went. He really Was kind to animals. He was a good clean moral man with a strong testimony of the Gospel.

The night he was taken to the Milford Hospital, Annie our sister and I were both up to his home. Course Alma was there. Flora was so up-set she felt she just could not go down and I Alma stayed with her mother, until she could calm her down enough to bring her to Milford. So Annie & I went down in our car. Alma told us to go sleep up at her home in Milford and we did about midnight, when we left the Milford Hospital. She & I were always so glad we went. A little later Howard Bradshaw came down and spent the night with Melvin. He was unconscious most of the time. Alma and Flora arrived next morning and it wasn't long before our brother Edgar arrived, then my beloved brother finally passed away. He had suffered from a painful accident many years ago that finnaly caught up with him. His body couldn't take any more and the main artery to his stomach bursted and he bled to-death inwardly. Alma and Edgar were with him to the end. We stayed with Flora in another room at the hospital.

I am sure Alma and his grandson Russell can be proud of their heritage. They were good parents and gave Alma many opportunities to lmprove her talents.

Now I have written up histories (such as I remember) of all my brother and sisters but Edgar's and Rube. I am getting so I hate to write. I may never get at theirs, but other's will.

Written for my Neice Alma BY Her Aunt Winne Edwards Puffer April 16, 1970.

(See Note: by grandson Russell Sly - at end of page 20)

On special occassions, like parties, Melvin generally put those present in laughing and clappin up- roars. Besides playing his Mandolin, he was quite a great Pantomimist. He most always called a " QUAKER ,MEETIN" with friend of the family Sister Ella Philips. It was so real, especially the playing of fake piano playing and the music director, and then the orations over the pulput, all in pantomime. Poker faces through-out it all.

Realizing that it was about time their daughter Alma(14 years old), should take Piano Lessons, they purchased a Player Gulbransen Piano. She was started on lessons. But it became the main fun for years to come in another way. Sometimes the furniture and rugs would be removed and with the Player for the Music, couples would dance, dance and dance. Sometimes singing frm the music verses displayed on the Piano Rolls. The music was the modern tunes of those days. His brother Baker and cousins Loyal and Jesse Baldwin loved to sing accompanied by the Player Piano. This made for a close relationship for most everyone --Young and old alike - Most everyone in Manderfield at one time or another enjoyed this Piano. The only other piano at this time was his sister Linda's.

Other entertainment was the Picture Shows held in Beaver Movie House. First the Silent Movies and then the Talkies. It took effort on the family to get the chores done and go to Beaver, 6 miles away, in time for the 1 st show. In later years, Jesse Edwards, his nephew (His brother Ruben son) who owned and drove the school Bus to Beaver, would take the Bus to Beaver, with a load of MANDERFIELD - ITES. This was much easier for all concerned. Songs would generally be sung going and coming the 6 miles to and from Beaver.

In the early years there was no electricity in Manderfield. Keresene or Coal-oil lamps were used and then later Aladdin. This made no difference as that was all they had. Many years later electricity was installed.

Christmas time was one of anticipation for weeks.

Flora would start the Xmas Plum Pudding. (Her mother's receipt from England) The almonds, walnuts and pecans had to be shelled, and then skinned in hot water. Alma hated this job. Three different kinds of raisins, plus suet all had to be gathered for the final making of the Pudding. After it had steamed for 2- 3 hours and cooled it would be rolled up in cheesecloth and sealed with cloth and put away until Xmas. Then it would have wine poured over it and sit on fire. This gave the flavor. The fire would go POOF, and was out. But oh the flavor. Mince meat pies (Flora made her own mince-meat) were all made in advance

The great joy of Xmas was Melvin getting the Xmas Tree. Alma would sometimes go with him if weather permitted. The tree was not like the modern times have, but a small pinon-pine. The candles of different colors would be placed on snaps and attatched to branches. The lighting would only last a few minutes, as it would burn the tree. But the Pop-corn strands and Home-made ornaments with little gifts hidden in tree, would be a moment that 1asted all year. The smell of the Pinon was great. Xmas morning every grown-up visited every one else during the day. The children kept mostly at home the 1st day. Then-- BANG' The comparing of gifts and eating, was one of happiness. The Holiday cheer lasted until after New Years. Then every one took a long sigh of relief.

The Church always had Xmas Program plus a big Xmas Tree. Every home furnished gifts for their respective familv. Of course the children didn't know this. Everyone turned out for this occassion Flora and his Aunt Anne Baker Baldwin (His mothers sister) generally gave a duet. Flora 2 nd saprano and Aunt Annie Alto. They sang many times together and it was beaufiful. The children, that would, had a part on the crogram. Then Santa Claus. How exciting. All grown-ups got in the Xmas Spirit. Bob-sleighs were used, if snow very deep, for travel. Sometimes a Holiday Dance was held at the Church. This building doubled for Church and Community Building. People from other places attended. Melvin loved to Square dance, do the Fox-Trot, Schottische, Polka, and best of all the Quadrille. He always danced one waltz with his little daughter from age 3 yrs. on up. He would swing her off her off her feet and then back down to the floor. How she loved this time. The public applauded on this ocassion. The Music was furnished by Harmonica's, and a small orchestra of the Organ, Banjo, and Accordion etc. Good old fashioned music. Once a Masked Dance, with costumes, was held and a Basket Lunch along with it. Alma and cousin Cecil got to go to this time, perhaps cousin Jesse. This time a tradgey about resulted. The last minute preparations were added at his parents home- Moses and Harriett Fdwards. It was the most centerly located to most homes. The women and children were up-stairs and as the rooms were crowded, some-how Alma slipped and fell head-first down the staris and rolled into a Steel Sewing-machine, where the Peddles were located. She was knocked un-counscious. Melvin with the aid of Priesthood there gave her a blessing. She recovered and after about an hour wait, was taken on to the dance. Outside of a very sore head, was O.K. Because of this fall, she remembered this dance very clearly as she was also in costume. Melvin loved these ocassions. He really enjoyed every minute of it, and was so full of pep and vim, made the most of each minute.

NOTE It might be Wise to give the relatives that lived in Manderfield at this time. *********** Melvin had all his family of Father and Mother and Brothers and Sisters live at Mandrffield at one time. Some moved away later. His sister Linda married Edward Twitchel and had a daughter Linda. They lived about one mile from him . Had a lovely home. Alma and Linda played together often and although Alma was older had many happy days. They were very close to each other and loved each other very much. His Brother Ruben - married Florence Irene Twitchel. Their 1st home was a log house across the lane from Melvin'shome. They had a son Jesse and daughter Enid. They later lived just across the road from Linda. Jesse was like a brother to Alma. Moses and Harriett Edwards lived east of Ruben and across a big wash, and about a Block from them. The houses were about a Triangle. Big Trees surrounded the homes. About three-fourths a mile north of Linda's home was his Sister Annie - married to Henry Laffette Bradshaw. They had 15 children. LaVel, Verle, Collis, Moses, Vernile, Ray, Elenor, Howard, Barbara, Ronald, Lois, Norman, June and Clark. One child died as a baby. So 14 were left. His Brother Edgar married Kathleen Twitchel- They had sons Cecil, Vivian and Kathleen. Their son Cecil was only 6 days older than Alma and were raised practically together, as mentioned further back in this history. Vivian was a loveable boy and was with Cecil and Alma as age permitted. They lived across the road from Annie. His sister Winnifred (Winnie) Edwards Puffer- married Jasper Puffer- Children_ Maxine, Nettie, LoRayne, Shirley, Byron, Robert and Cullen- Lived about a mile north east of Edgar.The Thanksgiving Dinners for all the Relatives, were held at their home. She and husband wre very close to Melvin and Flora. Their home about 1/4 mile north of Melvin's. His sister Marintha married Frank Pendleton- Children- Carol, Beth, Enid, Owen, Frank Jr. Lynn, Doreen, Marintha. The last six children were born after they moved from Manderfield. Melvin and Frank had many spiritual events happen to them as priesthood holders. Frank had been on L.D.S. Mission. Their home a short way from Winne and JAsper. Then on to Beaver. Hisyouger brother Baker Married Annabell Frazer. Children Merrill and Irvin. They lived with parents for a-while and then to the UpperFarm, a Ranch wich was owned by his Father. There was a home on this ranch.

So all the children lived at this time on the small location of Manderfield.

His brother Edgar lost is wife with pneumonia (Kathleen). Their baby Kathleen was born at this time. The baby was taken by Edgar's sister Annie to have breast nursing. Annie was breast-feeding her son Ray at this time. This was great for the baby. A big thing for Annie as she nursed the baby after her own was weaned. Eventually, his Brother & wife Florence took the baby. Florence and Kathleen were sisters. The baby Kathleen became Jesse sister, as he had lost his own sister Enid a short time before. Melvin loved this tiny baby and so did every one.

Edgar eventually remarried-Julia Grisman- Children- Julia, Philip, MaryLu, Desma, Dan, Diane and David Edwards.

END OF HIS FAMILY AND THEIR HOMFS.

The Fourth-of-July was a great day for most families. It surely was with the Melvin Edwards Family. About 5 A.M. the sounds of the GUN SALUTE could be heard from Beaver Six miles away. Chores were done early and on to Beaver for Program and the Parade of Floats. Then Children's Races. Big thing the race. WHY? Because Alma always raced. She was so good, never lost a race. Although she didn't know it, sometimes her Uncles would bet on her. She raced until 15 yegrs old. Never losing a race. She always had the support of her relatives. Sometimes she would receive 50�as the Prize, for racing. Melvin would let her spend it as she wished. Money was scarce and she would be very wise in making her decisions. Melvin loved attending the Baseball Game by the Adult Men Team. In fact if he had the time would loved to have been on the team. He was very athletic, as has been mentioned before in the beginning of his history. As the 4 th was over for that year another big day approached - the 24 th of July. The 4 th was America's Birthday, but the 24 th was Utah's Day. This was handled almost like the 4 th, except with theL.D.S. Church Theme in most all events. Again Alma would race and as usual always won. Once a challange was made to race her with an older group. At 1 st she refused; but afterward decided to do so. The only difference the distance was lengthened. This proved in her favor. She gathered more speed the longer she ran. She won and received $1.50 Melvin and Flora were very proud of her. These ocassions were quite eventful. Visiting with the crowd was making-up for lost time. The clouds of every-day cares were gone at least for one day.

Melvin loved to work with his hands. One project he never gave-up was trying to invent 'Perpetual Motion'. Through the years he tried many ideas on this. Once he realy thought he had won; but not so. But for his effort one can only be proud of him. He 'made -do' with many ideas of his own. Too bad he couldn't have had the chance to continue on inventions.

They decided to buy the Messinger Farm across the road from his home. Bought sheep and increased his cattle herd. Things began to go their way. This was so for a few years.

While Melvin was living at Sulphurdale, Utah he and Flora bought a Model T. Ford. This really was a great thing. Before, they traveled by Buggly. This changed things for them, as it did for others who could afford one. Melvin could take the motor or anything else that needed fixing. Never took his cars to the garage. Then they as time went on, bought a Ford Sedan. This didn't prove a very frugal buy. It was enclosed with glass so curtains didn't need to be put on or taken off. So again they made another buy, a Model A. Ford. This they liked. Each year they would paint it with black paint. Would look like new. This was quite the thing in those days to paint your car. Then he decided to buy an Essex. What a LEMON it turned out to be. Something always wrong with it. So he turned it in and got a Whippet. It could go most anyplace, with one draw-back. No speed. This was sold to his daughter and husband 1ater. (This is ahead of his history, but could be mentioned at this time`) It was rightly named "Whip-it"

The First Cars had batteries to run the car. They fitted at the base of the steering wheel. Two levers was located on the steering-wheel that gaave the speed and the amount for spark needed to run the car. A hand crank on front of car below the radiator was used to start the motor. Not enough or to much spark had to be accounted for. Each car had its own personality. The winter was bad for traveling, if freezing. The radiators, in those days, had waterin it, and would freeze. Many, many times Melvin would have to get out and wrap a quilt around it, and wait for it to thaw. The car had only snap-on curtains to keep the weather out. No heat of course in car. Melvin would generally have hot rocks claced on the floor of car to put feet on. If the road was icy, he would many times have to in and out of car, and havre Flora steer while he pushed. The wheel chains were not up to much. BOY' So cold every-one would be almost frozen. They didn't travel if they knew the weather was going to be stormy(in winter) but sometimes it would come up while they were gone. So these were exceptionaly hard times. Even so better than a wagon. To Alma nothing scared h er while her Dad was in charge. He could handle almost anything. ._and so he AUMOST CCULD. It wasn't long before the Foot Starter was invented. One day during a terrific Thunder and Lightning Storm they were in their home looking at the heavy rainfall through the window. The storm was intense and Alma and Flora were un-easy. Then a terrible noise and a very bright FLASH of light. They saw where Lightning Bolt hit in their field across from the house. The Ball of Fire bounced along the Alfalfa Field and struck a COW. The cow fell dead. Later it could be seen where it had burned her hide. These frightening episodes with Thunder and Lightning came quite often to them. Once a tree was split open, while they were under it on a camping trip in Manderfield Canyon. They happened to be on on opposite side of the Bolt or would havebeen killed. Thus through out their lives they had a fear of this kind of storm. It seemed quite prevalent in those days. Melvin realized the seriousness of these storms, and coached them what to-do and not-to-do. But the dread of Thunder and Liohting coming almost instantaneously stayed with them all the rest of their lives. To help the Church Assessments, arrangements were handled through the Tithing Cffice. 3ach year the Stake held what was called "THE WOOD DANCE." It was held in the Park Hall. So many cords of wood would be hauled to the Tithing Offlce for the different wards. Melvin would haul his share to Beaver Tithlng Office. Others in ward took their share also. On the last day of Dead-line set a big WOOD DANCE" was held This was a great and grand affair. Most all in the Stake attended. It was held for years, and was held in the famous Park Hall. It seemed there always was enjoyment that was introduced by hard work. Melvin and Flora had a small social life with friends in Beaver. Parties were held at different homes and this made for much happniness. Then bad luck started. 1st a bad year for crops. Before spring arrived cne year, hay became so scarce the some cows had to be sold at low prices. Hay was hauled during bitter freezing weather from farms ahout 12 miles north; also from Milford, Utah almost 40 miles away. Melvin almost froze to death on one of his trips. He buried himself down in the hay and let the horses find there way home. He had to be helped from the wagon. Hnd some frost-bites and it was a wonder that the men the men that made these trips arrived back in safety.The same winter he let his sheep herd go to the M lford Hills for winter range, because he had no feed for them. However, Melvin's sheep were used to farm care and huddled up in groups. Didn't know how to fend for the winter grass under the snow and they died. So tragedy hit all at once and thelr hopes started plunglng-. Money became so scarce they couldn't make their payments on the 40 acres of land they had purchased from Clyde Messenger. So lost it. They were out the produce from the land and the money they had already paid on it. This was a real hard blow. But there wasn't anything to do but go on. It took quite a few years before things started coming their way again.

The farms of manderfield had 'Shares of Water' or some times called 'Hours of Water' in the Manderfield Irrigation and Reservoir Compay. Melvin for years was 'WaterMaster'. This job consisted of arranging the turns's for each farm. Some farms owned more rights than others. Water being always scarce, each hour was watched carefully - so none would be wasted. When it became time for one's Turn of water, practically nothing was allowed to interfer. Sunday's or Holiday's etc. couldn't be very well observed as water meant crops and food for the family. The Manderfield Reservoir was enlarged andso as time went by water was better controlled. Never-the-less when the time arrived, the same system was used. Many times Melvin rode the ditches that flowed from the Canyon to see all was well. On these rides he always carried a shovel. Melvin and Flora loved beautiful things. They took much pride in their homee and the landscape around the home. Flora had beautiful Peonies, Lilacs, climbing Roses, and Annual flowers like Pansies and Sweet Peas. The lawns were always mowed and looked very well. With their orchard, things were real pretty. To keep the plants, garden and trees growing from 'Water Turn' to 'Water Turn' Melvin would spend time drawing water from his well. He had a 'Windlass' on it. This made it easier: but if it got loose 'BETTER WATCH OUT'. The handle had such force it would kill anyone if it hit them.This was quite a tireing job. But saved the plants from dying. So things were really hard in those days. Of course they didn't have to do it. Many families didn't. Just coasted along and hoped for the best. Some didn't raise fruit trees or flowers. Sometimes the Well would run dry, and that meant digging the well deeper. Not many would go down the well. Scared of it. To bad they didn't have the knowledge of cementing like was introduced in later years. By this time Alma was growing up. She took very ill when about 14 years of age. Families had been quarantined for Chicken Pox. This meant an orange or Red Flag on the Gate Posts of each fa ily who had it. No one mingled one with another. It was strictly obeyed. The Doctor gave instructions on what to do. But Alma got worse and her entire body started swelling. As the days went on it was decided she had Small Pox. The cure was different. One the patient was kept cool and the other warm. The wrongtreatment had been used on her. Her nose, ears and mouth were swollen out of proportion. The eyes were just a slit on her face. Fingers, toes, hands, feet and body looked like a large balloon., and was unconscious. Because of the desperate need of Melvin and Flora the quarantine was lifted for the grown -ups. Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts took turns sitting with her day and night. They had been inoculated and felt safe. It probably wouldn't have mattered any way, as they were all so worried. The Chicken Pox didn't cause to much sickness only staying home and laying around. A Circle of Family Prayers were offered twice daily, beside in their individual homes. About 10 days later the terrible fever broke and in a few more days some swelllng went down. In about three weeks she could be lifted into a lounging chair. So very thin and weak. She had the Small Pox Scars on shoulders. Doctors couldn't find the reason why only she got the Small Pox. It was a dreaded thing as many died with it; as she about did. This ordeal was very hard on Melvin and Flora. They wouldn't leave the home. Even when they were told she would be O.K. WOULD NOT GO. Finally his mother (Harriett) made them take an afternoon ride to Beaver. During Alma's illness and recovery it took a toll on their health. But the relatives and friends carried on for them with the crops, milklng and feeding etc. It brought all the relatives close together. About this time his Father and mother(Moses and Harriett) leased their farm to a Sam Gordon and moved to Milford, Utah and took over The Martin Terrace. This was sort of a small hotel, only it had individual apartments for house keeping. It had three upstair and three downstairs. They lived in one of these apartments. This was fun for the respective families to go and visit. But more so for Alma and Cecil. They alw ays seemed to go where the other went. They got to take in the Big Barnam and Bailey Circus that came to Milford. What an event. They always remembered it. Melvin and Flora came down for the last days of it. Alma was taking Seminary and their small class of girls got to take programs to the different wards in the Stake. When they went to Milford she gave her talk and played a Piano Solo. Grandpa Moses got up and spoke a few words at conclusion and didn't forget to mention that Alma was his Grand daughter. She was so pleased over this as he was the Stake Patriarch . Before three years was up he decided to move back to Manderfield and take back his farm he had leased to Sam Gordan as it was losing money. The lease, had only been for 30 months. Thus things started to settle back to being among his family. But fate was near by. The evening of Oct. 3, 1929 Melvin, Edgar and a sister had been visiting with their parents and had an enjoyable time together. That day Moses had helped his son Baker complete putting up the crops at the Upper Farm, which they owned. He was really pleased with the results. The harvesting was over. Then he got real serious and starting to speak on the Gospel, which he loved. He said when the time comes for me to leave this earth I want to go and Preach to the Spirits in Prison and he spoke of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem . Around 11 o'clock they all went home. Around 2:30 A.M. the phone rang and it was his sister Linda crying, "If you want to see our father alive come on a run and tell Edgar as you come'' Melvin ran like he never had before and called to his brother Edgar, but as he entered the door his father had passed away. This was a terrible shock to Melvin. It had been only a few hours since visiting with him. His mother said he just started choking and just laid back and died. It was a great ordeal for Melvin and Flora and Alma. The loss of a father and Flora's link with England and her own family, which he knew. Alma-- The only grandfather she ever knew. They were real pals. It seemed after his father was gone Melvin seemed to carry on the priesthood among his brothers and sisters children. Blessing the babies and admininstrating to the sick. He also carried his fathers name.--Moses Melvin. Melvin used to visit his mother and bring her home for many meals and visits, and go to her home often. Very thoughtful of her. About this time Ama became ill again with her heart. By now she was a Junior in High School. She had to quit as she only got about three months schooling that year. However she did graduate with the Seminary Class, as she had studied while laying around. Then Melvin and her Seminary Teacher Wendel Rigby,made arrangements with the President of The St. George Temple to give her a Blessing. This could happen as the Seminary were going there as part of a trip in honor of their graduation. All she could do was lay down and watch the others run around. They were allowed to sleep on the Temple Grounds. Then she and her teacher entered the Temple and Pres. Snow gave her a Blessing. for her health. This experience stayed with her all her life. It was a great one. But for some un-known reason her memory of the words were erased from her mind as she left the Temple. All she could remember was IT WAS WONDERFUL AND SHE WOULD TELL HER DAD EVERY WORD. But could not. Not even the Teacher could remember, but said it was some thing very special. She saw something in the Temple that day though that no one else saw. At least the teacher did not. This was a testimony to the family. Then she received her Patriarchal Blessing and so did Melvin. The promises made were according to her faith. It seemed Prayers were what the family relied upon. It was sad she didn't get her blessing from her grandfather before he died. But one cannot see the future. He was the Stake Patriarich, but she was just a little young. As days went by Alma still seemed to drag along. No pep or vim. So Melvin took her to a Dr. Addison Bybee at Milford, Utah. He proved to be a marveleous help toward her health. Taught her what excerices to take. Also through examination found that her spine had been broken sometime in her life. Upon remembering it recalled her falling from a large tree that had broken her collar bone and arm, when about 7 yrs.old. It had fused together but not in a straight line. Grissle formed and this helped the ~ knitting process. By a miracle it hadn't left any complications that could have caused paralasis. Before taking Alma to Dr. Bybee she hadn't laughed for weeks. Melvin didn't tell her about the doctors voice. He had only one lung and spoke in a high shrill filsetto voice.

He was a large build man, and hearing him speak, she broke into a laugh. In time she regained bqck her health- for a number of years. During these years Flora was a correspondent of the Beaver County News. Her part was the Manderfield News. Each week the news had to be delivered to the News Office. Alma did this during the school years. Sometimes the family were well informed on Local and Currant Events hefore the paper was edited. Alma liked to write stories and poems for her own amusement, and so when an item was being printed tn the Beaver News Paper she read where the Beaver Lions Club was sponsoring What Can Be Done for the Community That Hasn't Been Done. Upon talking this over with her parents, she decided to enter the contest. Melvin gave her encourgement and very pleased she wanted to try. After writing and re- writing her Essay with her parents listening, she handed it in to the News Office. Then LO! AND BEHOLD! the High School students were urged to enter. After about 3 weeks Alma was notified she had wonand was asked to be a guest at the Lions Club Banquet and give her essay in person. Melvin was so proud he told every one about it. Flora made her a new dress, for the occassion. This really made Alma someone a little special to her classmates and the Business Men and helped her gain a reputation for her future employment. Such a small beginning can un-fold to bigger things. By this time Melvin needed a real good team of horses. Those he had, one old, and one lazy. The new horses were nemed Vic(white) and Bill (brown). They worked as a team. - He was so happy having them. Very intelligent. By now he also had nice riding mare named Lightening. With the new team putting in and harvesting the crops seemed much easier. Outing in the Canyons, as a wagon was always used. Flora could drive this team. Alma already knew all about them. Hauling the winter wood bacame easier and more enjoyment with the hard work. In those days each Fall the Wood Rack was put on wagon and in harvesting time was replaced with the Hay Rack. The changing around occured often in one year, depending on the needs. They were heavy and required at least two men to change them. But Melvin was alone most of the time. He used leverage with Flora and Alma's help. But sometimes would wrench his back. Besides college sports and fishing, Melvin loved Deer Hunting Season. Each year the men would make a large camp in Manderfield Canyon. They would all camp together and hunt in groups. Their camp fires in evenings were quite the popular thing as well as the hunt. Stories were told and re-told. It didn't seem many got heir deer during this first en- campment. To many. Then later some would go out in two's and hunt in earnest. Some would take their wives. Each small canyon was well known to each hunter. Melvin always hunted with his brothers Ruben and Edgar. In the spring he liked hunting for coyote's. He would watch for their holes, which generally held the baby pups. Money could made if the pelts were turned into the County for the Bounty. His brothers were generally more lucky than he, as they hunted more often. For a few hours past-time he would go on the Rabbit Hunt, some of the men and grown-up young boys that were held most years. They needed killing ns they would eat some of the m eat crops. If not held down in production, mulipIied very fast. Some got diseased. Then he liked hunting Sage Hens. They made for real good meals. Almost like chicken. There was more wild life animals in those days.

In the fall Melvin and Flora and Alma, alone and sometimes with outhers made a big day of going up Manderfield Canyon for Chokecherry and Elderberry Picking. This made wonderful Jams and Jellies for the winter. The people enjoyed these outings. Singing and laughing and just plain fun. To get away from the daily tasks was great. Even tho it had to made up.

Then Melvin and Flora had the great happiness of seeing her graduate from high-school. Melvin sold a cow to help toward her graduation dress. Times were terrible. Depression was all over the country. But as time went on things started tetting better again. Alma wished to attend Brigham Young University. So again a cow was sold, and arrangements were made for her to live with Mrs Donald McGregor. She had a daughter Karma and one Mary. Both older than Alma. But it so happened that her husband Dr. Donald McGregor was the doctor who had delivered Alma and Mrs McGregor was whom she was named after. This lady treated Alma with much sweetness and kindness. After about one year of college Alma decided to work for the Government, would receive good pay and could live at home. This made Melvin and Flora very happy. So she drove to Beaver and back during her week at work. This government job was called 'The Rural Rehabilation Company'. In other words made loans to those who were considered good risks in buying farms, cattle, and farm machinery, to help them get started toward their future. Alma became so adapt at this she was allowed in time to interview those making applications for loans. She would consider those that might be good prospects, and pass the information to her employer, Melvin J. Stephens. However some who were turned down by her would insist on an interview with Mr Stephens. Each time, he also would agree on what she had already rejected, and passed on those she thought good investors. This didn't go well with some, and again made a complaint. Then he would send the information to headquarters for final judgement. Never once where they passed upon. Melvin was so proud of her. She was Beaver County Secretary for the Rehabilitation Company. and filled out and interviewed people for the entire county. Then she was called upon by the Civil Service in an interview to see if she qualified to hold her job against those who had taken the examine. So she was given tests oral and written by the Civil Service. In three weeks she received notice she had passed with a very high average, and would receive back pay from the first of the year. Which se did. Then was offered a job at The Berkley Land Bank of California. This in those days was a very high position. But it would have meant moving to California and a new invironment. After talking it over with her parents and employer Stephens, decided to stay where she was. BOY WAS MELVIN EVER PROUD OF HER. The people in Beaver treated her with great respect as it was a real honor to be chosen. Because of this qualifaction, she was called unon to assist with the State Jurors that held court in the Beaver County Court House. Was called - upon to take notes in the Court Sessions and type up Wills , Judgements and court proceedings. She was excused from her job during these occassionS. Thus she became well - acquainted with legal matters. She spent many hours with State Attorneys and they respected her work and had her type the necessary papers rather then taking them to Salt Lake City. For awhile she was loaned to work for Congressmen Abe Murdock. This consisted of typing his campaign letters under the jurisdiction of his brother Ray Murdock, who was his campaign manager, and their main Secretary. Days were spent typing campaigning letters to high officials in the government. Each letter had to be an orginal. Typing eight hours per daay was real tiring. But she learned so many things was called upon many times to assist in matters pertaining to government , State and County. Again her parents were very proud of her. Then the Love Bug Bit her. She fell in love with a boy she had known during later part of her life. Thurland D. Sly. At first it didn't seem serious , but as time went on it really bloomed into a real romance. It was decided she would continue work and the checks from the two incomes would set them up for a nice beginning. But it waa not to be so. Applicants had been watching for a loop hole to get her job , and word was sent into head office she would be married, and the new policy was that no married women could work. It was a blow to them when receiving this information. So she left the government job and married Thurland. Quite a change. The people didn't like this and made it known to the public. Then the office was moved to Iron County so no trouble could be caused. Even so she was approached by the Head of the County Extension Service to be their secretary. She accepted. but pressure was was put on this and she was asked to withdraw. But she had learned so much it proved valuable to her thruout out her life. Her qualifications was known thruout the county. and respected. Melvin was so proud of this he never let the chance pass of telling- about her. So she made him happy. She was now a Certified Stenographer.

The night Thurland approached Melvin about marriage with Alma by his side, was quite an evening. Melvin and Flora had retired for the night when Alma and Thurland knocked on their door. They sit up in bed and when Thurland poped the question for permission for marriage, there was complete silence for what seemed ages. Then Melvin said," It's certainly alright with me on one condition. Promise you will never work in under-ground mines." Flora finally said ,"Oh Alma," Then," I guess its alright, but Oh My! " No one got any sleep the rest of the night. The wedding date was set for September 19, 1935. This was the first day the Salt LakeTemple would be opened after being closed for summer remodeling and clean-up. They drove in Melvins car to Salt Lake City, Utah accompanied by Flora. Melvin couldn't go as he had been ill due to an awful accident a few years before. Traveling too far from home was always a problem due to the accident. This was the only sad thing about the trip. They were given two rooms in their home. By this time Melvin was due to check back into the LD.S. Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. He would have to stay there for several months taking treatments. So Flora generally took an apartment during the winter months and worked at the Big Aurbachs Store, in the alterations department. On good days Melvin had,he would come to the apartment and they were together most of the time. Shopping for groceries and taking in the Movies made things much easier while Melvin was taking his treatments. Then back home to Manderfield. They needed help with everything now Alama and Thurland had their own lives to live. A young fellow by name of Warren Leibscher made his home with them. He was orginally from Connecticut. He was liked and became one ot the family. During the short times Melvin had to return to Hospital in Salt Lake, he was able to carry on the work besides attending High School in Beaver. He could drive Flora where she needed to go, as she didn't drive. When Melvin was notified he and Flora were to be grandparents this bolted up his health considerable, and was released from hospital care. There were some pretty bad times at home occassionally and the Doctor McQuarrie would come out and give him a shot for pain. It was marvelous how much he recovered. Carried on most of the work again. He absolutley adored his grandson Russell Melvin. The grandparents lived each accomplishment Russell did. Thurland and Alma had been living in Beaver, Utah when Russell was born and when he was about four months old, they moved to Sulphurdale, Utah where Thurland hnd employment. He worked in the mills. This was quite an event for Alma, as Melvin and Flora had lived here when she was a child. So between her memories of childhood and the school days, she was now back again. Melvin and Flora and sometimes Warren made many trips to Sulphurdale, and they really enjoyed these tlmes. Alma would take Russell and go stay with her parents often. During their years at Sulphurdale Melvin was in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Hospital quite often. So his history of those days are not accounted for. When Russell was about 5 yrs. old Thurland and Alma moved to Milford, Utah where Thurland was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a Fireman on the Locomotive. So again Melvin was able to pick up his relation-ships with his family once more. Russell was always the busy boy. He loved to go to Manderfield and stay with his grandparents days at a time. He loved the animals. Many great times were had fishing with his grandpa. During these years Melvin saw his grandson become an excellent saxaphone Player and relished his every accomplishment. At Halloween Time Melvin loved to be down to Milford, and participate in the pranks played by the children of Milford. He always turned the pranks on those who were trying to scare the children in Russell's neighborhood on them. Russell would squeal and dance with joy. It became a real game with them. Fishing with Flora, Thurland' Alma and Russell were about the only real enjoyment Melvin got. He couldn't go too far away from home for many days at a time, because he needed treatments ever so often.

Melvins favorite songs were "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd" an d OH! I Had Such a Pretty Dream Mama." out of the L.D.S. Hymns Book. Loved to play them on his Mandolin. Many, many times he did this when Flora or Alma were ill. In later years he liked the "Prisonors Song." The first verse went like this:(Oh I wish I had wings of an Angel! Over these prison walls I would fly.) ; He loved to spend evening with friends playing the card game of 500, Liked Checkers and the Chinese Checker Game, also Lotto,( A version of Bingo) aad Rummy. During their evening entertainment, Home-made Icecream was served or Flora's famous cream Pies, or cakes or candy. These types of evenings were enjoyed many years. It seemed most all residents loved to go to Melv's and Flora. The Piano and the hospitality were a real-draw to every- one, old and young alike. After his son-in-law Thurland became one of the family, he had many enjoyable tricks with him. Most every year they went deer hunting together along with Thurlands friends. Camping out in Mountains was a yearly event. The Manderfield (Indian Creek) Canyon, the Cedars of Manderfield, Milford Mountains and ranges North of Manderfield and the Sulphurdale District - were generally the hunting district. He really looked forward to these times. One year in particular they took a few days off and went to Panguitch Lake on a Fishing trip. - He really enjoyed it all. He seldom took time out to take many holidays, as he was a hard working and home-body man at heart. He owned a 30-30 Rifle and later a 30-40 Crag. His last car was Brand New. His one and only new one. It was a 1949 Ford-- Four seated. Kept it polished to a sheen. One time when Russell was about 4 years old, Alma and Russell came up from ^Milford to take her parents up Manderfield Canyon Fishing. They were enjoying theirselves. Alma and Melvin were seperated about 1/4 mile a-part, fishing in same stream. Flora would drive car with Russell by her side along road and wait. On one stop Alma came to car and stepped on 'Running Board' of car to ride a-ways, with fishing pole in her hand. As they came to a sloping hill, Alma said to her mother, "Better change your gear into low as won't go to fast." However Flora put it into 2 nd. gear and car gained speed. Alma kept calling to "put your foot on the brake". Instead Flora put foot on the clutch, and this turned the car loose and left the road. Going too fast to hold it on the road. It went through trees and Alma could see a large Sawlog Pine coming and was deciding to iump. Meanwhile little Russell pulled the hand brake with both his little hands. This threw Alma off car and she lit on a pointed stump that Beavers had worked on. Good job he did this as the car was headed fora large deep wash, and they would probably have been killed. As it was only Alma was hurt. She was knocked un-counscious. Russell got out and started running down road screaming "Grandpa! Grandpa"! Melvin heard him and came running. What a terrible sight. The front of car was up on a log and when he looked at his daughter's twisted leg he could see it was broken. Flora was in hysterics . Melvin had brace on his back, but as mentioned before in his history he knew how to use leverage. He had the strength beyond human possibilites. But the Lord was with him for sure. Alma became conscious long enough to know she was hurt and that he was going to drive to Manderfield for help. Then she became un-conscious again. During this time it started to rain and I have heard that little Russell was the one that kept his grandmother from going into hysterics again. She kept screaming, "I've killed my daughter." In time Melvin returned wnth help. This was an experience he never got over. It didn't hurt his health any, but he worried himself sick. Flora never tried to drive a car again. Alma's knee was broken and her leg split up from shin to knee. She was months getting around very well. On crutches for ages. She never had a strong leg after that. But cou]d do most anything she wished, after many months. Melvin was so thrilled to hear his grandson Russell had been selected as the most talented in the youth contest presented by the L.D. S. Milford Ward ( Before the Ward was divided) Try-outs had been held. He and a girl friend, Lanette Bracken. She best for singing and Russell on music, Saxophone. They being only in Fourth Grade in school. Parents and grand- parents were of course in attendence the night of presentation.

The last days of his life was drawing real near. What a blessing we don't know these things.When Russell was in Fifth Grade he had been selected to represent the Milford High School to give a Saxophone Solo, accompanist Patricia Wilcox, over the Radio Station in Cedar -City, Utah. This was when Radio was quite the important thing (T.V. was just starting to make its debut). Auditions had been held in the school, and Russell had been one of the talented ones. He played "Now Is the Hour". Parents and Grandparents were standing - just out-side the Glass Studio and could see and hear him in person. OH' The happiness of his Grandfather. A classmate or two played Piano Solos also. This is mentioned for a purpose. The program was to be played over the air again a week later. Melvin and Flora were getting prepared to be sure they had their Radio turned on in plenty of time. All the night before Melvin comnlained of cramps in his stomach. He did his chores and came in and laid down con couch waiting for the Radio Program. As luck would have it his was left to last. By this time Melvin was in lots of pain. But wouldn't let Flora call the Doctor before he heard Russell. This was to be his last great happiness. It seemed to Flora and his daughter Alma , that the Saxopohone Solo should be "NOW IS THE HOUR WHEN WE MUST SAY GOODBYE". Coincidence??? But what a nice thing in a-way. The Doctor McQarrie was called and Alma was notified to get home to Manderfield as her father was very serious and speed was necessary. Alma went to the L.D.S. Church which was near to notify Russell and left for Manderfield. BUT TIME WAS AGAINST THEM. The UnionPacific Railroad Train was in the train crossing, and didn't move for over 20 minutes. No other way out. When they finally got to Manderfield (six miles from Beaver--north) Melvin was being carried out to Doctor's car and two of his sisters helping. Alma didn't see her Dad at that time. Flora was un-manageable. She hadn't been feeling to well the past few days anyway, and this was just to much to cope with. The doctor had given her a shot and the relatives thought it better for Alma to stay with her mother until she could settle her down. Russell stayed also, and his brother Edgar and other relatives were helping every way they could. That night his sisters Annie Bradshaw and Winnie Puffer decided to go and spend the night near the hospital. It was taking time to find out Melvins trouble. Through the night it was found the main artery leading to his stomach was bleeding and it was too late to get him to Salt Lake City L.D.S. Hospital. His two sisters finally went down to their neices home and went to bed for a time. A nephew, Howard Bradshaw came down and stayed in room with his uncle as much as he was allowed. The early hours of morning found Flora, Alma, his brother Edgar present. This was a small hospital so many people at one time was quite difficult. The doctor and brother Edgar took Alma aside and told her 'Your Dad has only a short time to live. We will now tell your mother and while he is conscious I think it best to talk to him and see what his last wishes are. He already knows the news, but keeps going un-conscious" Flora had to be taken from the room and Alma, Russell, and Edgar and a few others came for a minute and then only Alma, Edgar were left. Melvin looked at his daughter and said "I need the bedpan," He pushed back the covers and she could see his swollen stomach. He took hold of her arm and said." ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF YOUR M0THER." In a few minutes the doctor told them to leave, as he had gone. as this is Melvin's Life History, wouldn't want to tell the results of details of the coming years. But can give some details in a short summary. He died March 19, 1951 just 16 days before his birthday of April 4, 1952, at Milford hospital- Beaver County, Utah. Doctor E.S. McQarrie. Funeral Arrangements.-- Beaver First Third Ward- 2 O'clock -March 22, 1951.

Officiating -- Earl F. Baldwin-Presiding Elder Manderfield Branch(This position had been held by Melvin for many, many years.) Prayer- Nephew- Cecil Edwards ( violin Solo-Neice-Linda Twitchel Prince-Speaker-Nephew-LaVel Bradshaw ("Lay my Head Beneath A rose)

Speaker- President Stake- A. Carlos Murdock

Vocal Solo---??? Neeley from Cedar City, Utah Trio-- Milo Baker- Cousin: Kent Morgan, ( "Dear To The Heart Of The Shepherd") Nona Smith and Esta Cox ( "Sometime We'll Understand and ("Oh My Father" -Accompanist *Mae White Benediction Nephew-Jesse Edwards Pall-Bearers- Nephews-- Dan Edwards Owen Pendleton Philip Edwards Howard Bradshaw Merrill Edwards Woodrow Griffths-in-law-nephew.

The First Third Ward Relief Society in charge of Flowers and Food.

Melvin's viewing was at his home in Manderfield.

******

Mourners- His wife-Florence Ellen(Flora) Bowers Edwards His daughter- Alma Flora Edwards Sly His son-in-law- Thurland Dale Sly His Grandson- Russell Melvin Sly

Brothers and Sisters and spouses-

Linda E. Munford (Husband Will had passed away) Edgar and Julia Edwards Marintha and Frank Pendleton Annie and Lafe Bradshaw Winnie and Jasper Puffer Baker and Annabelle Edwards Many Nieces and Nephews and Cousins Plus Friends and Neighbors.

He was buried in the Mountain View Cemetery at Beaver, Utah. His First Cousin--- Heber Edwards- Dedicated the Grave.

A Book "The Voice of the Ages" Was signed by Friends and Relatives Register. END

Note: by grandson Russell Sly - as it was told to me by my mother Alma and Grandmother Flora "It should be noted that my grandfather Melvin had suffered a serious accident when he was perhaps in his 40's? He was hauling gravel under contract from the state for road repairs between manderfield and Beaver in a horse drawn dump cart. He was hit from behind by car with a driver who was suspected of being drunk. The impact threw him up and out of the cart and he landed on his head on the road. He had a fractured skull and was taken to LDS hospital where a metal plate was put in his skull and where he stayed for a very long time recovering. He suffered 'spells' the rest of his life which were similar to grand mall seizures, and severe headaches. He was unable to work much and was never quite himself again. I believe it was while he was at the hospital that for some strange reason he took up smoking and could never quit. His death was attributed to an abdominal anuerism - a smokers malady."