William Lobark Skidmore

William Lobark Skidmore

HISTORY OF WILLIAM LOBARK SKIDMORE

FOREWORD –May 1997

During this sesquicentennial year of the pioneers first crossing the plains to Utah, our thoughts should turn to our pioneer heritage. I have been working on this history for over a year and will finish it as a tribute to a great pioneer who has given his descendants an example of righteous living, my great-grandfather, William Lobark Skidmore.

While entering ancestral names on my personal computer, I decided to compile and/or revise some of my ancestors life histories. While compiling my grandfather’s history, I read a lot of material about William Lobark Skidmore. In Miscellaneous Notes about Skidmores, Charles Henry Skidmore typed his father’s 5000 pages of 19 volumes of handwritten journals, and included brief histories of other relatives. William Lobark’s journals and Charles Henry’s Notes can be located in the LDS Church Family History Library.

In order to combine information from several documents, I have converted the text from first to third person. However, I have attempted to preserve the original authors' intent. I have corrected some grammar and typographical errors and have left some original writings intact. I have attempted to cite the most accurate information when I have encountered discrepancies between sources. Letters and direct journal quotes of William L. Skidmore are indicated in italics.

Lyman W. Condie, Jr. (Great-grandson)

198 Lakeview Drive, Stansbury Park UT 84074 435-882-1026

SUMMARY OF RELATIVES

Grandfather, George Skidmore (1769 - 1810), was a wealthy cutler in Sheffield, England, who lived there in the 1790's and into the opening of the following century. Tradition says that some of the Skidmores came to America with the Penns.

Father, Charles Breet Skidmore (1804 -1856), and his brother Henry came to this country about 1825, sometime after their father's death, and settled in Philadelphia. Charles Breet Skidmore had a serious drinking problem and did not join the LDS Church. His older sons worked at the Disston Saw Factory in Philadelphia.

Mother, Harriet Henrietta Schrader Skidmore Phelps (1812 - 1892), was born in Philadelphia. Her parents immigrated from Germany, the exact date and places are not known. She joined the LDS Church in 1852, and along with most of her children moved to Utah in 1855. Soon after her husband died, Harriet married William W. Phelps as one of his polygamous wife for "time and all eternity" by President Brigham Young on September 8, 1856.

Wives, Sarah Armina Knapp Skidmore (1853 - 1891), was born in Farmington, Utah. She was married to William Lobark Skidmore in the Endowment House March 28, 1868 by Daniel H. Wells. She gave birth to 12 children (she died at age 38 shortly after the birth of her last child). There is evidence of a thirteenth unnamed child (stillborn around 1870 ?). William Lobark married a second (polygamous) wife on February 19, 1885 in the Logan Temple; he kept the polygamous relationship a secret because of the religious persecution during that time period. He obtained a civil marriage license in 1896. Charlotte Wilhelmina Persson Skidmore Eklund or "Aunt Minnie" (1858 - 1926) had 6 children born to her. Twelve children from both families later married.

Father-in-law, Albert Knapp (1825 - 1864), left Antwerp, Jefferson County, New York and joined the frontiersmen on the "westward march". He joined the LDS Church and experienced persecution in Missouri and Illinois. At Council Bluffs he joined the Mormon Battalion (see his name on the plaque at the Utah State Capitol). After the Mexican War was over, he stayed in California for about one year to mine for gold. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Farmington and farmed there for 12 years. After his home and farm buildings burned down, Albert left his family to pursue mining interests near Las Vegas and in California (it was too dangerous to take family members to mining areas).

Mother-in-law, Rozina Shepard Knapp Francis Hyer (1829 - 1882), joined the Mormon Church in her youth and with the Saints passed through considerable troubles in the eastern states. She came west with her father's family (Isaac Shepard) from Rodman, New York by team. She met Albert Knapp in Council Bluffs before he enlisted in the Mormon Battalion. The Shepards arrived in Salt Lake City in the fall of 1848. She married Albert Knapp after he returned from California and bore him six children. When Albert decided to pursue mining interests, Rozina remained in Utah to be near the Saints. She remarried Frederick Nelson Francis, who left her and the Church. Rozina finally married Christian Hyer, whom she did not outlive. A five generation pedigree chart is included in the Appendix.

CHILDHOOD/YOUTH

William L. Skidmore was born September 22, 1844, on Front Street, in Philadelphia, on the west bank of the Delaware River. Between the ages of six and ten William attended the public schools of that city. He was baptized by his oldest brother, Henry, in the Delaware River. Other members of his family had previously joined the LDS Church except his father and brother, George. Henry worked in the Disston Saw Factory and had to support the family because his father was an alcoholic and did not support the family.

William started to Utah April 9, 1855 with his mother, 2 brothers, a sister, a sister-in-law and a niece. They traveled by rail to Pittsburgh, by steamboat on rivers to Atchison, Kansas, and by ox team to Salt Lake City in the Captain John Hindley Company. It was called the Independent Company because it was the first pioneer company that every one paid their own way. The Hindley Company brought the first piano across the plains to Utah. They arrived September 3, 1855, crossing the plains a few days less than three months.

William’s father did not come west and died in Philadelphia in March 1856, having lived in the home of his daughter Mary who soon thereafter came west. George also remained in Philadelphia and worked in the Disston Saw Factory as a foreman; he invented the first band saw ever made. It was reported that he had the factory workers all frightened for sometimes in experimenting with the saw, it would break and fly in the air.

Times were very difficult after they arrived in Salt Lake Valley. Henry had money but it was not worth much because goods were not available. Food was scarce because of the crickets had been so bad. Henry bought a home with one room on the main floor and one room upstairs. During the first winter the family passed through the experience of living on short rations - a little corn bread, molasses, potatoes and meat were enjoyed until the spring of 1856, after which they subsisted mainly on greens (weeds) and sego roots for several weeks. When mother became ill with mountain fever, she had to sleep on the floor because they couldn’t even buy a bed for her. Samuel went to work as a carpenter at Dinwoody Furniture Company and William went to live with the Beason Lewis family as a foster son. Henry opened a saw shop on 1st South. and 1st West in Salt Lake City soon after his arrival and kept it open till he was 80 years of age. With Mr. Russell he also operated the first saw mill in Mill Creek. He lived in Mill Creek and drove his horse and buggy the nine miles to his shop most of the time. Henry had his mother and two sisters plus his own family to care for. William’s mother married William Wines Phelps about 6 months after her husband died in Philadelphia.

When William moved in with Uncle Beason and Aunt Betsey his starvation diet changed to eating plenty of food. The following paragraphs were copied from William’s hand writing: It was in May 1856 that I went to live with Beason Lewis and family, a contract having been made with my folks and him that he would care for me the same as if I were his own son. I went to live on a ranch 12 miles west of Salt Lake City belonging to him. His business was in the City, his wife Elizabeth Ryan Lewis lived on the ranch. Her husband would come out to the ranch often as he was much interested in our welfare. On the ranch were two log cabins. We lived in one that had two rooms. We lived in the north room and Stillman Pond lived in the south room. James Inlay and family lived there part of the time. Most of the time Mrs. Lewis and I were the only persons on the ranch, which was a long way from any other settlers. There were many rattle snakes there and often all alone I would hear them rattle and then I knew they were near enough to spring at me and I hurried away. The Indians would come often which I did not like at first. They came to us and begged for biscuits. We were good to them and they were friendly. After living there sometime I was glad to have the Indians come, and I learned to talk with them to pass away the time.

When only eleven years old it became my work to take care of the mules that hauled the U.S. mail 1000 miles from the states to Utah. The mules were very thin and weak. Caused by fast driving across the plains, they were placed on good feed to gain strength, and another group of mules that had gained strength would be taken to haul the mail from the West to the East. Beason Lewis had made a contract with the Government to have the mules in good condition when called for. I always took care of the mules and kept them in the hills near by.

One morning I rode a horse to drive them to water. When going up the hill the saddle slipped back and the horse got scared and kicked the saddle and me off. I was stunned. My head struck a rock. I do no know how long I was unconscious. I caught a little lazy pony and drove the mules to water. Mrs. Lewis thought something had happened to me and when she saw the blood dripping down my back she got alarmed. We were alone. No one near us for miles. I got off the horse and she bathed my head with water and took off my bloody shirt, the wound was not deep. Some power must have raised me up. The scar caused by the wound could be seen for a long time.

At the time of the Echo Canyon War in the Spring of 1856 all the people moved south, that the army should do them no injury. We moved south to Spanish Fork. The army did not come in the Spring but came later. I herded cows on foot most all summer. I took my little dinner bag each day. The Indians would come on horseback and take the herd boys' dinners, I was lucky and hid my dinner. They were good to me and being red headed and with sore lips and freckles they thought I was of some unknown tribe. The army passed peacefully though Salt Lake City and camped on the west side of the valley at the mouth of Bingham Canyon. I was glad to get back to the ranch in the latter part of the summer. I had been on it 3 1/2 years when I left it. I had not been to school all this time. Beason Lewis said to me on day, "Will," I am about to sell the ranch and move to Cache Valley, will you go there with us?" It was a surprise to me. After thinking about it some tine I answered yes. It was in the fall and winter of 1859. I bade goodby to the dear old ranch and lived in Salt Lake City and went to school.

In April 1860 I went with Beason Lewis and family to Richmond. We had a wagon and horses and an ox team and wagon and 1/2 dozen cows and a few sheep. I drove on foot the cows and sheep. While in the city I was prompt in going to meeting. I had the privilege at different times of listening to remarks made by Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Jedidiah M. Grant and the apostles. I never got tired of hearing them talk. Their words were powerful and I have never forgotten them in part although it is 68 years ago. Their counsel had been a guide to my life.

We were nine days coming from Salt Lake City. We were glad to rest when we came to our destination. We had much hard work to do, the first was to plow sod land, it being very tough it took four oxen to break it. The plows were made of scrap iron by blacksmiths. Harrows were made with wooden teeth. Few acres of wheat were planted. Ditches had to be made from Cherry Creek to water them, when we got through planting.

We had to go up a steep high mountain we named Nebo to get house logs and fence poles. It was very warm weather. There was a cold spring we drank from before going up the mountain, a few times we didn't take enough water with us and we nearly choked before we could get back to the spring. It is now 68 years since we went up Nebo. I often look at Nebo and there is a bare mark made by water flowing down the steep dragroad, plainly seen as we stand on the street on the north side of the Richmond tabernacle. When the house logs had been placed on the ground then came the building of the fort, next the building of our houses with dirt roofs and dirt floors. There were a few settlers got some logs from Cherry Creek and hauled them with ox teams to Logan and then sawed them into lumber by the first saw mill built in the valley.

Men after toiling all day, part of them had to stand guard at night to keep Indians from stealing horses. Worst trouble we had with Indians was in Smithfield. A small number of them were close by, some one said that seemed to know one of the Indians that had been charged with stealing and he would not own up to it. He was made a prisoner. He broke loose from custody. An officer called him to stop.

He did not stop and the officer shot him. His tribesmen fled with murder in their hearts for revenge on horseback up Smithfield Canyon. They met white men coming down with loaded wagons. They shot them and hastened on to the mountains. I believe they have never been seen again or arrested. I have often thought the Indians charged with the stealing had not committed the crime of bloodshed. It would have been better for him to escape, then for our own friends to be killed.

I lived with Mrs. Lewis 12 years and the bigger part of my clothing was made by her hands as she spun the wool rolls into yarn and dyed it and colored it then put it into the loom and wove it into cloth, then put it into clothing.

Beason Lewis kept his word and cared for me as he would have done for his own son.

The above paragraphs did not mention that in the Spring of 1861 William was sent to take charge of Beason Lewis’s farm on Three Mile Creek (Perry, Box Elder County); William returned to Richmond the following spring.

William had an interesting experience, which is known as “The Dream of a Pioneer”: William was told a dream when he was a cowboy twelve years of age, living with "Aunt Betsey" Lewis in a log cabin by the side of the pioneer trail to California in 1856. The place was at the point of the Oquirrh Mountains at what is now called Magna. It was on the east side of the railroad that goes to Bingham and near where the county road passes under the railroad trestle work.

Late in the evening an old man who called himself a Mormon was walking westward along this historic trail and called on us to see if he could be taken in for the night. At breakfast the next morning, he said, do you know that I had a wonderful dream last night? I saw in my dream an engine on the mountain side moving back and forth. I saw huge poles here and there tied together with what looked like a network of cobwebs. I saw a building a short distance down the road containing machinery with large wheels constantly turning round and round; and there were other spacious buildings in sight. We at once joked him about his dream and among other things asked, what do you think an engine would be doing upon the hillside? Why wouldn't it be running on level ground down in the valley?

On December 14, 1914, I was taken in an automobile to see, for the first time since leaving it nearly sixty years ago, the place where once stood our log cabin home which had but two rooms. On this visit I saw that the logs had been piled up in a neighbor's back lot. The large rocks which made a fence for "Aunt Betsey's" cow yard had been somewhat disturbed. The little spring nearby which used to furnish us good water to drink had been buried in the construction of a graded road, which led westward under the trestle work of the railroad and in view of the great Magna Mill. Just as I passed under the railroad track I saw the building described in the old man's dream. It was a dynamo and had its large wheels constantly turning around as described in the dream. I saw the telegraph poles strung with a network of wire. I saw also the switch engine moving about on the mountain side and I recalled the dream of 1856 and said, "Well, I guess that after all the old man who had the dream must have had a real glimpse into the future."

Additional information about Beason Lewis is provided by Marinda Skidmore:

Beason Lewis had a kind big heart which fit into his massive frame. He loved children but neither of his wives, Aunt Betsey and Aunt Sarah, bore him any of his own. He therefore adopted several, among the number Moria Merrill, Apostle Joseph Merrill's mother; Brigham Grant, President Heber J. Grant's brother; and William. L. Skidmore. He adopted fourteen or more. Brigham left home finally and went away to work but was so thoughtful of his benefactor, Beason Lewis, that he sent him $15 per month. Those boys who stayed with him till they were married as was the case with William L. Skidmore he gave ten acres of land. William L. Skidmore lived with Aunt Betsey on the old California Trail east of Black Rock and more than twelve miles from Salt Lake City. This began in 1856 when many people had not enough bread to eat and when greens was a substitute. He told me how he enjoyed the first slice of bread that Aunty Betsey gave him which was well spread with butter. They kept cows, government mules and caught and broke wild horses.

Beason Lewis was a great lover of horses and took fine horses with him to Cache Valley. He used to like to hook one of them on a nice cutter in the winter time and take the children to school. Even Pied Piper had nothing on him. Especially on cold winter days his sleigh bells could be heard and his two seated pea green sleigh could be seen filled with children on the way to school. If he should miss some on the way, invariably he would make another trip back to pick them up and get them safely through the storm.

William wrote a letter to Mrs. Martha Ann Lewis, July 21, 1929 with the following information: By desire of Mrs. Martha Ann Lewis I am more than willing to write of Beason Lewis who was born Feb. 23, 1809, Simson Co., Kentucky and his wife Elizabeth Ryan Lewis born Nov. 19, 1809. When I was eleven years old I became acquainted with Beason Lewis. On account of hard times caused by grasshoppers destroying the crops I had to leave my mother and she made a contract with Beason Lewis that he would be as father to me. That contract was entirely filled when I got married. He had been as a father to me by furnishing me with all that I needed besides giving me a pair of mules worth $500 and 10 acres of land worth $300. His wife, Elizabeth Ryan was good as a mother to me. I lived near him till his death. We lived on a ranch 12 miles West of Salt Lake City, and moved to Richmond in April 1860 and we were pioneers of that place.

Beason Lewis took a deep interest in building Richmond up. He was a great lover of children, but had none of his own. But his heart moved in sympathy with those in distress. In the winter he would gather in his sleigh the children that were going to school. He believed in justice and hypocrites. He was a good provider to those in his care. He was one of the first in Cache Valley to invest in farm implements that became a great blessing of the toiling farmer. He had made arrangements to build a house but by being left alone by those who were to help him the matter fell through, and he let the people have the adobes to build the first good hall for ward purposes in the town.

William was one of nine Richmond youth who each drove a four yoke of cattle to Florence, Nebraska on the Missouri River to bring L.D.S. emigrants in 1863. They were gone five months. They joined a 60 wagon company; Bishop William B. Preston was captain. They had a great experience and most of the time was a jolly good time for were all young and full of life and mischief but they were all glad to get back home. As written 50 years later in his journal William relates: I was only 18 1/2 yrs of age and about the youngest and smallest one of the number. Our food was furnished by the people of the ward. About three weeks we had eggs, molasses and salt pork. We were furnished with 5 gallons of whiskey to be used for sickness and special purposes. It was not needed for sickness so we used it for special purposes which lasted about two weeks and then the whiskey was all gone. But my! There were some hilarious times while it lasted. Then our provisions simmered down to straight flour and pork. I was assistant cook. Eli Harris was the Cook. I fried the pork and Eli cooked the bread in the grease. When I had fried three frying pans full of bacon and Eli had cooked 3 dozen flap jacks in the grease from the bacon our meal was ready. And that was our only and unchangeable fare morning, noon and night for four months.

MARRIAGES/ADULTHOOD

William traveled from Richmond to his mother's home on the Phelps estate in Salt Lake City for a double wedding. When William and Sarah Armina Knapp came to Salt Lake City to be married, they were so happy that they were singing. The bride looked beautiful in her dress which had little dots. William and Armina, and Armina's sister Malinda Knapp and Hershell Bullen were married in the Endowment House. A large family gathering followed the weddings with a big dinner. Sometimes the house was so crowded the men had to change their clothes in the barn.

One year after William and Armina were married their first child was born. The family grew rapidly, and by the time that William was called to serve as Bishop, he had five living children. The four oldest boys as they grew older eventually did most of the farming duties since the calling of a Bishop was nearly a full time job. Bishop Skidmore received and distributed the tithing donations, which were usually paid in produce such as hay, butter, cheese, eggs, meat, chickens, cows, sheep, and pigs.

Not much has been written about Armina. The oldest daughter, Harriet recalls her mother:

Mother was a very lovely woman. Well built, beautiful light blue eyes and brown hair, and always kept it well dressed. Her many friends admired her heavy head of hair. We children enjoyed seeing her brush the long waves. She was most thoughtful of others and always ready to give comfort to others in need. She managed her large family with good judgment and discipline. She would correct faults with kindness and we all knew we had to make wrongs right before saying our evening prayers to God-- so God could hear us and answer our prayers and so our rest would be sweet.

I can see her now in the evening preparing her children for bed. With pride and joy she kissed them and tucked them in bed, and each night would say good night and sweet dreams. I was the only girl in the home for fourteen years, having had 7 brothers. Therefore I was constantly with mother and we were great companions. She took me into confidence in the trying time of the crusade and we worked hand in hand. She explained how sacrifice had to be made if we expected to enter the highest degree of glory.

She did beautiful handwork and taught me how to sew and straight seam, spinning, carding, dyeing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, washing, cooking, caring for children and the art of happy home making. We were constant companions till her death. Her influence still lives and her memories are fresh in my mind.

The children attended school and often rode to school in their father’s buggy. School was always dismissed if Conference came on a Friday. In the evenings the family would read the Bible and sometimes a story about Jacob Hamlin. Sometimes the older children would miss school to harvest crops or take care of tithing cattle.

Even though William was extremely busy as Bishop, he often worked in the fields with his sons. In June of 1891 William relates: Myself and George filled a car with 19,435 lbs of baled hay. Self, Charles and George loaded 28015 lbs of hay on to a car. William spent time in the evenings helping to put the children to bed. The Tributes from Children section describes many of the experiences that the children remember of their father.

Although William’s family had to work hard to make ends meet, they found time to relax and enjoy each others company. They celebrated major holidays such as New Years Eve, Decoration Day, Fourth of July, Twenty-Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas. William also went to many dances and attended many plays in Logan and occasionally in Salt Lake City. As the children became teenagers, they attended Church dances and other activities. Christmas in 1883 was not as commercialized as the holiday is today:

Dec 24 Went to the store with my wife, bought shoes for Harriet, pants for Wm. A., dress trimmings for my wife, candies and nuts for children, and handkerchief for mother. Came home and found the shoes too small for Harriet and the pants too large for Wm A. Changed them. Mother treated us to candy and nuts. Cold bleak day. Everybody seems to be laying good things in store for the holidays. Wm. A. and Hattie have stuffed the stockings with sweet meats.

Dec 25 Charles awoke me by calling for Christmas Gift. The Christmas dawn was ushered with the children searching for treasures in stockings. We all went to Malinda's in the sled and had dinner. The largest children went to the party. Returned home at dusk. Very stormy all day. I have had a very quiet time, not a soul has disturbed my peace today, and I appreciate much to be left alone one day and not be perplexed and annoyed by those presenting cases of different kinds. As far as I know the day has passed peaceably.

Christmas 1884: Dec 24 Put another screen on the end of the pipe to the pump need to water tithing calves. Bought 2 pairs of boots and ear rings, necktie and pin, box of collars, 2 small blank books, 5 yds of jeans, pop guns and toy hammer and candy and nuts for Christmas gifts to the children, and after they had gone to bed my wife and I arranged them in their stockings.

Dec 25 The children had a merry time this morning in unloading their stockings. We all went to Aunt Malinda's and partook of the roasted turkey and other good things she had prepared for our Christmas dinner. We came home at 4 p.m.

Thur Jan 1, 1885 Went to fast meeting where there was the largest attendance yet. My wife got up a New Year's dinner and Malinda, Justin Knapp and wife, and August Schow and wife, with all their children were here. I went to the children's party in the afternoon where there were a multitude of children dancing about, like grasshoppers--overflowing with mirth. Went to the party in the evening party and danced a few times.

Medical and dental care was not readily available to the early pioneers They relied on home remedies and numerous priesthood blessings. Five of William’s children died in infancy or during childhood. William’s journal pages depict countless priesthood blessings that he gave to family members and church members. He treated a toothache by a method that would not be used today. Put some concentrated lye in my tooth but my tooth ached terribly after I got home. After supper put some more lye in my tooth, which made me nearly wild with pain. I stood it about a half an hour and then took it out and took some Sweet oil to stop its eating and rinsed my mouth with cream. I liked the cream best and the pain began to subside. In about 30 minutes my wife heated salt in sage water which I held to my jaw, and when it got cold put some more hot each time as I could bear it I soon began to sweat and went to bed. My mouth got easier and I went to sleep.

The following describes an illness of Armina with accompanying blessings and home remedies: My wife waked me wishing me to rub her shoulder and neck with turpentine as she was suffering with much pain. I did so. After a severe struggle she managed to sit up in bed but could not get in any other position. Malinda came and bathed her with an ointment she had made. But not receiving much relief we sent for Justin Shepard and when he came we anointed her and laid hands upon her (I had done so previously). Uncle Justin recommended steaming her with hops and vinegar and while doing so she got easier. She says she never suffered so much before in her life. The pain was of the nature of neuralgia. She got better about 4 p.m. and laid down having been in a sitting position all day.

The following experiences of Charles Henry were typical of the boys in the family as they were growing up in a rural area:

He liked to play guiney, checkers, Foot-in-the-Half (leap frog), baseball and all common games. He also liked to play marbles; the kinds in those days were flints, blacks, and clays. He collected gunny sacks and got paid 2 cents apiece. He made a quarter and bought a dinner bucket for 15 cents; he returned the 10 cents to his folks. Hand sleigh riding was a great sport during the winter.

Because Charles lived on a farm with his family, he did many chores, which consisted of regularly milking the cows, feeding the chickens and the pigs, leading the horses to water, and cleaning the stable. He took his turn at sawing wood, splitting it and stacking it back at the stove. One of his jobs was to pick up wood chips of wood near the stable. Justy and Charles hauled six loads of manure in a wagon box one day. It was in large lumps and needed to be mashed, too. Many times Charles took the old oaken bucket and drew water from the well near the house. There was also a well near the corral, used for the horses. Charles took the wheat to the grist Mill, to be ground into flour.

During the winter time 150 head of community cattle were driven by Charles and others to the spring north of Richmond. Many times it was so cold that the ice had to be broken so the animals could drink. He helped to cut the river ice and store it in the shed covered with sawdust. Watermelons could be stored for a long time there. Segos were eaten both raw and cooked. Sometimes during the winter, these small onion-like vegetables kept the people from starving; Charles spent many hours digging these bulbs.

Charles spent his growing years as the Bishop's son and was a messenger on many occasions. He would take flour and eggs to the needy. There were many things to do at the Tithing Office. Tithing was paid by all kinds of produce such as chickens, meat, and butter, which had to be cared for and distributed. Tithing hay had to be hauled and stacked. Many times he had a job of sprouting the tithing potatoes in the cellar. In the winter he would keep the Tithing Office stove going.

Charles took on more responsibility as he grew older. When Lony, Justy, and Charles were 13 - 15 years old, they ran Beason Lewis's farm all by themselves. They planted the potatoes, corn, and grain, and hoed and harvested them.

By the time that seven children were living in the household (ages 2 to 15) Bishop Skidmore's family was in need of more domestic help. C. H. Monson, who had charge of a group of saints immigrating to America, knew a young woman who was a good housekeeper and advised his close friend, William Skidmore, to employ her. Minnie left her job at Logan and went to work in the Skidmore household in Richmond.

Charlotta Wilhelmina Persson who had acquired the nickname of "Minnie" was described as a lovely young lady with an olive complexion, black hair, greenish-gray eyes; her height was approximately five feet one inch. Minnie was contacted by missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden by an Elder Carl Lundberg from Logan. As time elapsed she was sincerely converted to the new found religion and was baptized in 1883. Minnie worked until she had saved enough money to come to America in 1884. Minnie came to Logan, Utah and with the help of Elder Carl Lundberg, found employment in the Blanchard Hotel in the kitchen. Minnie was happy to be in America and eager to learn the American way. She withstood all the teasing and kidding about her broken language because she was very determined to learn English. She entered Bishop Skidmore's home determined to serve well, and she helped in all the household tasks. Harriet said that Minnie was a great help to her mother; they would spin yarn and weave it into cloth. Minnie liked weaving and made beautiful designs.

Bishop Skidmore sought counsel from President M. W. Merrill concerning the commandment of plural marriage and was then secretly married to Minnie in the Logan Temple for time and all eternity. Armina and Minnie both felt that plural marriage was a commandment of the Lord and that during this trying time, sacrifices had to be made by those expecting to reach the highest degree of glory. William wrote in his dairy: Thursday, February 19, 1885 - to Logan with Minnie. Later he inserted in the same space: It is now March 5,1902; it being perilous at the time to write my obedience to plural marriage, I was then married to Charlotta W. Persson in the temple at Logan.

Minnie was still living in Armina's home when William went to Lewiston to get Armina's sister, Malinda Funk, a midwife, to attend to Minnie during the birth of her first child, Charlotta Anna, who was born 25 April 1886 at Richmond.

In 1887 William celebrated his 43rd birthday after having worked the entire day. Got about two thirds the way down the big mountain and the right hind wheel to the wagon my son was driving just in front of me gave way breaking every spoke. Detained half hour in putting the lumber by the roadside and fixing the empty wagon to be taken home empty. Word came that John Egbert whom we had met yesterday lost control of his team because of a broken break and he nearly lost his life under the wagon and the drowser that was hitched behind. One of his arms was badly broken and his body badly bruised. It is a wonder he was not killed. A little father down the canyon W.K. Burnham also lost a burr and his wheel came off. We helped him raise the load with poles. Had to be careful approaching home in the evening because deputies had gone to and arrested Bp Funk. When I neared my gate to drive in six or eight women came running and took hold of me and said they were going to take me into the house. 70 of more people were there to celebrate my birthday-a picnic surprise. I looked like a dirty tramp in my canyon clothes begrimed with dirt, surrounded by so many well dressed and happy friends. After a good wash and change of clothes I had a hearty shake of hands with all present and felt much better. Two tables were soon served with the best the country could afford. After such a good time it was a bit trying to go to a barn to sleep for fear of being arrested.

Persecution of polygamists became so great that William moved Minnie and her baby to Oxford, Idaho about three weeks after his 43rd birthday celebration, where she stayed in hiding (see more details in Church Activities section). Wilbur Edwin was born 9 February 1888 while in hiding. Charlotta Anna became ill with fever and died 18 August 1889. The family buried her in the Richmond cemetery while Minnie and Wilbur remained in Oxford. While Minnie was living in Oxford, additional children were born to Armina in Richmond.

After the Manifesto, William moved Minnie and their son Wilbur back to Richmond into a small home one block west of the old home. Here Elsie Lucina, Ada Louise, and Elmer Gustav were born.

While William did not have more than a grade school of formal education, he encouraged his children to attend college. In the fall of 1891 William made preparations for his sons Justin and Charles to join Harriet at B.Y. College in Logan. Sept 4 Harriet and myself went to Logan. Rented of Mr. Schiess one room in the old Thatcher house, 2nd building west of the college, for $2.00 per month. Barton, the baker, agreed to give 80 loaves of bread for 100 lbs of flour. Bought small cook stove at Z.C.M.I. They set it up on the room for $18.50 total cost. Bought of T.B. Cardon two tables at $3.00 each, 3 chairs at 75 cents each and one at $1.25. Two melons for 20 cents each and 1 cantaloupe for 5 cents. We ate the latter on the way home but not the melons.

Mon Sept 7 Justin and Charles started early to school for B. Y. College. Hattie and I went after them with team and wagon loaded with provisions for the boys. I unloaded and stowed things away in the rented room, and Hattie cleaned it up. Boys came after college hours. We went out to do some shopping but to our surprise found all the principal stores closed. So we arranged with John Rouch a variety store and J.T. Hammond book store for the boys to get what they needed on account. We left the boys after six o'clock. No doubt they will be lonesome in their new abode before the week is out. I promised them some one would be down and bring them home on Friday.

One of the saddest periods of William’s life occurred during the end of 1891 and the first part of 1892. William’s wife, mother and youngest daughter died within about a three month period. Armina suffered complications from giving birth to Edna. Sun Nov 9 My wife Armina walked upon her feet and sat in the kitchen today for the first time for over three weeks.

Nov 10 Armina sat up to breakfast table ate quite hearty but soon took a sinking spell. Went for her sister Malinda, called in the elders, continued very bad still, sent for doctor Snow who arrived in the afternoon. Said she was in a very critical condition, but thought she would get better. Sent for Justin and Charles and they came on the evening train.

Wed Nov 11 Armina seemed some better but still very low. The sisters began fasting and praying for her. Doctor Snow thinks she is some better.

Thurs Nov 12 Armina had a very bad night but feeling some better now.

Friday Nov 13 Armina slept and rested well last night. We felt quite encouraged, she seemed so much better until about ten o'clock when she went into a deep stupor and continued to grow weaker. The ordinance of prayer and anointing and laying on of hands were resorted to frequently.

Sat Nov 14 Morgan Knapp (of Snake River) having been sent for arrived this morning with L.H. Bullen. These are the darkest lines I expect to write in my life. Armina could not be aroused from the stupor that came upon her yesterday and grew weaker hourly until 5:35 in the morning when her saintly spirit left a large family of motherless children. How now can we stem the current of this world of sorrow, with mother gone, and the heart's nearest comfort! God alone knoweth. The sisters kindly made her burial clothing and placed the remains of my dear wife in the casket in the evening.

Sun Nov 15 All that remains mortal of her, I loved most dearly, looks as it lies in the casket. Clothed in robes celestial as pure as an angel, or personage from a heavenly sphere. Her looks speak not falsely. She was pure as mortals can be! Apostle Merrill called in, gave words of comfort.

Mon Nov 16 About 11 A.M. the casket containing Armina's earthly tabernacle was carried by dear friends to the meeting house followed by her grief stricken family and many friends. A large congregation assembled and listened to consoling remarks by Bp John Larsen, Andrew Kimball, Apostle Merrill, and Counselor W.K. Burnham; and after the services a large train of vehicles filled with sympathizing friends followed to the Richmond cemetery. Christen Nelson dedicated the grave to which the casket with its contents had been consigned. The family returned to their lonely home accompanied by relatives. Sister Egbert kindly took care of our motherless baby in our absence. Harriet, the oldest daughter, left college and took care of the baby and family. Harriet took care of the family for more than five years until she left the old home when she married Lester Bair 9 June 1897. Harriet has been described as being a very energetic person. In order to help raise the large family, she was usually the last person in the household to bed at night and the first person up in the morning.

William laid a nicely cut marble stone by her grave at a later date with the following lines which he composed: "A Jewel wife and mother, whose caressing hand and soothing word gave comfort in every trial" and upon the back: "Wife thou hast left me; Mother thou hast gone, Sorely we're bereft of thee and Lonely is our home."

Sun Jan 24 Received telegram from my nephew Randolph Skidmore that my mother had died in Salt Lake City at 2:30 p.m.

Jan 25 Took 6:30 a.m. train to Salt Lake City. Mother had spent a life of trial and hardships. Feeble for two years. Embraced the gospel about 1652. Left Philadelphia in company with sons Henry, Samuel and myself, daughter Rachel, daughter-in-law Sarah and grandchild Harriet, 1855, leaving behind father and my brother George who would not embrace the gospel. Because of the "demon drink" father did not support the family and my oldest brother Henry, an apprentice in the Disston saw factory, in time became the main support. Mother had to be both father and mother and finally left father and went west. Brother Henry being very apt in the trade soon received medium wages which were freely spent for the good of the family.

Jan 26 Funeral services in 11th ward meeting house at 10 A.M. Among the speakers were Angus M. Cannon who spoke to quite a length and gave a synopsis of our family history since his acquaintance with us in 1852, which occurred while he was a missionary in the city of Philadelphia. After services were over the remains, followed by relatives and friends, in carriages proceeded to the Salt Lake Cemetery and was buried on the grave lot of my brother Samuel. Mother was 63 years old. Her life was spent in usefulness. We could not mourn her departure for she had outlived the pleasures of life, and while her spirit mingles with the righteous we can say peace be unto her sleeping dust. Went to Brother Henry's and stayed over night.

Thurs Mar 17 I have failed to keep my journal during the last six weeks. My darling babe Edna Mary died March 9 after an illness of 10 days with cholera infantum. The funeral services were held at my home with consoling remarks from Elders W.C. Burnham, L.P. Swenson and J.C. Whittle. She had become a lovely baby and our hearts are again filled with sorrow.

March 18 Jubilee of the 50th birthday of Relief society. In the evening a picnic in the Old Hall but I was so disinclined for mirth that attended only under much persuasion. I have been so much overcome with sadness since the death of Armina.

William wrote in his dairy November 7, 1896: GOT MARRIAGE LICENSE THAT A LEGAL license might be contracted with my wife. In order to fulfill the law, was married by counselor W. K. Burnham to my wife Minnie. It seemed a solemn piece of nonsense, having married her in the temple as my plural wife February 1885 and she now being my only living wife. It was necessary that she might be a legal property holder in my estate. From diary: October 23, 1897; since Harriet went with Lester, the family has been living with Minnie. Today we moved up to the old house, and it seems more like home.

Minnie now had the responsibility of caring for William's two families which were united into one family circle. She appreciated Malinda's and especially Rozina's help in tending the younger children. The family had some differences and difficult times, but Minnie was sincere in trying to do what was best. Armina's children always called her "Aunt Minnie."

Sunday was an important day for worship and preparation was made for it on Saturday. Through Minnie's supervision the rooms were all cleaned, the floors all swept and scrubbed, fresh linen placed on the beds, windows washed, shoes shined, clothes pressed and prepared--everything in perfect order for Sunday. Food was also prepared for Sunday meals so that everyone could attend church. The family attended Sunday School in the morning, Sacrament meeting in the afternoon, and a nice Sunday dinner was a big event in the late afternoon. After the chores were done in the evening, William always tried to take the family for a buggy ride to end the day.

With the help of William, Minnie did all the curing of fresh meat such as sausage, head cheese, smoked hams and bacon. Through her training and experience in Sweden, she knew how various animals should be dressed and cut up. At one time she taught Wilbur and Earl to butcher veal. She would render the animal fat for pies and cooking; fat that couldn't be used for cooking was made into laundry soap. She set hens to hatch chicks for produc¬ing eggs and meat. Minnie considered Rozina the best egg hunter and would send her to find the eggs in the loft in the barn; she would then take them to the store to trade for dress materials and for groceries such as a large can of red salmon to be served with fried potatoes. For a time Minnie churned her own butter and made cheese, but later the milk was sent to the creamery. On rainy days the boys would go fishing. Minnie was always very happy when they brought fish home because it was one of her native foods. She could prepare the fish into a delicious dinner.

The annual Fall trip was made to Brigham City in a covered wagon to get fruit such as pears, peaches, plums, grapes, cantaloupe, watermelon, and tomatoes. Minnie generally accompa¬nied them to pick out the fruit. They would go early and load the fruit and then stay overnight in the canyon, cooking the meals on an open bonfire and finishing the journey the next day. It was a real favor to the child who had the opportunity of going along; those at home waited anxiously to help unload the fruit. Minnie and the family bottled over 500 bottles of fruit, jams, jellies and pickles. Her catsup and chili sauce could not be excelled.

The children felt free to bring their friends home at any time. Minnie was a good hostess and always had plenty of wholesome food ready to be served as a timely handout. The older married boys, George, Charlie, and Alonzo, would bring their families to stay for the weekend; Minnie was always happy they had come and made them feel welcome.

There were many family gatherings to celebrate the achievements of the children, a few of which are listed below as taken from William's diary:

Aug, 21, 1897 - Minnie had dinner at her place when Charles came home from mission in England. Armina's sisters and their families and all relatives were at depot to meet him, but George, John and Minnie who stayed home to get dinner.

July 28, 1904 - Gave dinner to all our folks that would come in honor of George's return from Southern mission; dinner with ice cream.

April 30, 1912 - Earl returned home from North mission for two and one-half years. (Minnie said it was the Lord's gospel that had to be preached to all the world; she was glad that Earl had helped to accomplish this. The family invited the neighbors in to celebrate. Minnie served different kinds of cake and many good things to eat.)

June 4, 1913 - Altho Rozina had planned to go to college she was surprised by a call on a mission to the Northeast; Rozina is the first lady missionary to be sent from Benson Stake.

Sept. 12, 1924 - A sociable time at old home for Rozina who is soon to leave for Teacher's College, New York; cake, fruit, ice cream, games, and true friendship for Rozina. She leaves tomorrow.

Christmas held its family ties with may happy events, beautiful decorations throughout the house, exchanging gifts. Minnie always had a Christmas eve snack. One in particular was rabbit pie. She also made fried cake similar to the doughnuts we have today. Armina's sisters always included Minnie and her children in the family parties they held annually during the holidays. They had programs, games, and delicious family dinners, each taking their turn to entertain at their homes.

Each Thanksgiving and New Year's dinner was usually held at Minnie's home. Minnie made many delicious desserts, and everyone will remember the good home made bread which she would mix at night with "live" yeast and the light, hot biscuits she would shape and bake early in the morning to eat for breakfast. She was considered one of the best cooks in town. She always assisted and did more than her share toward preparing food for ward dinners, reunions, and other functions. Everyone got new clothes for the 4th and 24th of July celebrations, which were really big events. If there wasn't a celebration in town, the family would go fishing at the river, part of which was in their field. Decoration day was also important. The children would gather wild flowers from the field to use in helping their parents decorate graves. The children had fun making home made ice cream. Every year some of the family would attend the Ringling Brothers' Circus. Tickets were given to them for posting circus bills on a side of the big barn.

A great sorrow came to the family in 1902. On October 5th, Dr. Adamson told the family that Ada had typhoid fever, but her fever was not too high. On October 14th Malinda came from college to help with Ada. The following is quoted from William's diary: Jan. 16, 1903. It will here be observed that there is a lapse of 69 days since I last wrote in my journal and in a great degree because of what the following lines reveal. My dear son John quit his work painting houses with Mr. Nelson and faithfully devoted his time to me in taking care of the boys about 12 in number topping and digging my crop of sugar beets, which took about 3 wks. I was engaged in weighing and shipping the beets in Richmond which amounted to 18 carloads and about 575 tons shipped to the Logan Sugar Factory, the last being shipped about the middle of Nov. 1902. Ada was taken with typhoid fever in the forepart of Oct. We expected it to break after a run of 3 wks., but to our alarm it was worse on the 21st day. Dr. Adamson advised me to get Miss Nancy Stowell of Lewiston to nurse her. John brought her from her home with a horse and buggy. Miss Stowell with much care and attention cared for 1 1/2 weeks when at last the fever broke. She was reduced until there seemed to be no flesh on her bones and at two different times it was reported in town that she had passed away. But thanks to our Heavenly Father she has been spared to us and is now healthy and strong. Malinda returned to college and in a few days came home sick and Dr. Adamson declared she had typhoid fever. George went after Miss Stowell to nurse her and she came the following day, which was Nov. 16, 1902. John came home from his work sick, which developed into typhoid, and Earl was taken down with the same, and in a few days, Cyrus, our youngest child 2 1/2 years old had a fever which the Doctor thought was intermittent. The great wonderment to us all was where the germs of the disease sprang from. Some thought it was from our water which we draw from the old well we have used for 31 years. I sent a sample of the water to my son Charles in Logan and he put it in the hands of Pres. Linford of the Brigham Young College. After a thorough test before his class is chemistry, he declared the water to be free from typhoid germs. We were now left without a clue as to where the typhoid germs came from, and I feel confident we will never know. With four sick at once and one recovering but too weak to be out of bed, we made our house like a hospital. Our large room was curtained into three departments. John's bed was partitioned off in the N.E. corner. Ada in the S.E. Malinda occupied the largest bedroom and Earl the smallest north of it. Dr. Adamson through Miss Stowell incompetent to treat so many cases; we then engaged his nurse Miss Abbie Lewis, it being the 17th of Nov. Miss Stowell remained with us until the next day when Wilbur took her home. Ada was five weeks in bed, then Earl occupied the same place in the large room she had had. Malinda and Earl began to recover about three weeks after the time they went to bed sick and the Elmer came down with the same loath¬some fever but in 3 wks. began to get better.

It is with sorrow that I write of John whose fever did not break for weeks; while his fever did not run so high he was annoyed with cough and cold on his lungs and on that account had to cease treating him with cold water sponging. He was in much pain in his body similar to pleurisy. He got better of these and the fever broke about Dec. 18th. Hopes were then strengthened and we looked for him to commence taking food and gain strength. But also we were disappointed. He was very weak and the fever had left him, but he did not relish food but grew weaker and on the 20th of Dec. died, due to a rupture of an intestine which caused peritonitis. His death was a severe blow to us all.

All through our long siege of sickness, in answer to inquiries of friends, I often said, "Yes, it is a terrible siege we are passing through, but if we can pull through without any taken from us I cannot complain." It was not our lot to be so greatly blessed and we have to submit to the inevitable. His sudden demise will bring many a pang of sorrow. I will see work of his industry here and there upon our premises, and I will be lonesome when the thought-filled mind tells me he will never return.

He was a dutiful son, ever willing to leave his own work to help me and the family. He naturally abhorred anything of a low nature and indecent. In his studies at college he became interested in fine art and was very handy with paints and pencils. He had drawn and painted some fine specimens of por¬traits, flowers and scenes- which by the decision of his loving brothers and sisters have been preserved in a book of good binding made especially for that purpose and put in my care. I shall ever value them as the most precious tokens.

By wise forethought John took $1,000 life insurance last May payable to me. It is with strange feelings that I accept the money, which came duly to hand as the fruit of his good judgment in the solemn event which has fallen upon us. I will use it in those directions which I believe would suit him best. His funeral was held on Dec. 22, the Doctor advising it not be at a later date. My brother Henry came from his home in Salt Lake City to be in attendance. My nephews Thaddeus and Art sent a beautiful wreath of flowers. A nice design of flowers in the form of a crescent and a star ordered by the family, also helped to make the decorations tasteful and commendable which were added upon by beauty of a fine bouquet sent by my sister-in-law, Beatta Jansson. All the members of my family were present except my son-in-law Lester Bair, who was in Idaho and did not receive the telephone message sent him. Speakers were Elders Alma Merrill, J. I. Shepard, W. K. Burnham and August S. Schow. Many vehicles loaded with relatives and friends went to the Richmond cemetery where the remains were buried on the same lot and near that of his mother, two brothers and two sisters. The grave was dedicated by G. M. Thompson. It was about one week from this time that my little son Elmer was able to rise from his sick bed.

We then began to give the house and surroundings a through cleaning. We were two weeks thus engaged disinfecting, to clear the premises of typhoid with which we have been scourge so long. My son George who boards with his brother Justin, gave up his usual pursuits of study and other employment and kindly helped us.

We had got the house nicely arranged with new carpet, wall paper and whitewash, and all the rooms from cellar to garret and all articles of furniture, bedding, etc. were either scrubbed, scoured or washed when Elsie was taken sick. We had thought we were at last free from sickness and rid of the siege when to our horror Elsie's sickness proved to be typhoid. Its return made our hearts sad and we felt that we were doomed to almost endless sickness and distress. On the 12th of Jan. 1903, engaged Abbie Lewis again to nurse the sick. Jan. 17, went to Logan. Called upon Charles and Rozina. Deposited check of $1,000 from insurance, Mutual Life Insurance Co. of N. Y. in Thatcher Bros. Bank. Paid funeral bills. Jan. 24; Dr. Adamson called and said Elsie was getting along all right. Feb. 1, 1903: Elsie had so nearly recovered that nurse Abbie Lewis returned home. She was here six weeks on the previous cases and 3 wks. on this. Total bill $70. She had become almost like one of the family and all through the afflictions she had displayed great skill, patience, and care. I shall ever appreciate what she did. Feb. 2: Dr. Adamson's bill $50.

Elmer remembers of his home life:

From early dawn to late at night whenever we went into the house, mother was always there to greet us with a smile and a cheery word, and no one was ever told to wait until dinner to sample her goodies, which were always in the cupboard.

She was thrilled beyond words when the home was remodeled, covering the old well and installing the hot and cold water in the house, and electricity replacing the coal oil lamps. Besides her own family, she took students to board, and all our friends were made most welcome. When I attended North Cache High School, she often invited the out of town boys to have supper with us, and they still comment on the happy times and excellent food they had at our home. She nursed and cared for us when we were ill, told us stories and ways of her native Sweden. Often as a young boy I would drive the horse and buggy to take Mother and Aunt Betty to visit their Swedish friends around the valley. This was indeed a happy experience for me. Enough cannot be said of all the sacrifices she made for her religion and family, that we may enjoy the blessings she was so desirous we should have. I am sure we all have a very deep love in our hearts for her.

Minnie's health was good. She had so many responsibilities she did not feel she had time to pamper herself with her aches and pains. When Minnie's babies were born, she would be up and working in five days. This was unusual because women ordinarily stayed in bed 10 days to gain their strength back.

For many years William was involved in politics on the democratic ticket. His humor is shown by his comments following a republican victory in 1903. Nov 9 Republicans gained complete victory. They say times will be good. My cows gave more milk this morning this morning and I must credit it to good times coming already as a result of the election. Let good times come. We can stand it! The election of 1905 gave William quite a surprise. He was elected Justice of the Peace on the democratic ticket with a 2/3 majority as a write-in candidate. He was elected without giving his consent.

In Minnie's 67th year a lump developed on her breast that would not heal. She confided in Earl who had become a physician in Salt Lake. She had the lump for a long time. Since it did not pain her, she let it go until there were lumps in the axilla (arm pit) as well. Removal of the breast and lumps was not for a cure, but to avoid ulceration of the breast; otherwise there would have been a foul running sore until her death. Through the advice of Dr. Earl and Dr. Ralph Richards, the breast was removed. The operation with 22 stitches was performed on June 16, 1924. She was in much pain; however, she recovered very nicely and returned home August 31st. She confided in and relied on Earl much throughout her illness and she appreciated all that he did for her.

William was very kind to Minnie and aided with the house work. On July 24, 1925, she again had surgery for cancer. Both times while she was in Salt Lake, Ada and Leo took care of her, taking her back and forth from their home to the hospital for x-rays, etc. Minnie returned home and felt good for a while; however, later on she began to fail again. She got weaker and worse until she became bedridden and her husband could not care for her alone. Ada and Leo then moved into the home; Leo bought a Ford coupe and rode back and forth to teach school in Logan each day. Because of their love for her, they sacrificed their personal affairs to help her in her sickness. Minnie died of cancer April 13, 1926 at her home in Richmond. At her dying hour she called each of her children separately to her bed, advising and counseling them to live righteous lives and to be worthy members of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

From William's diary, April 13, 1926: Minnie was in much pain; she told me she had wished to care for me in my old age but now the girls would had to do that. She prayed for the Lord to take her from her suffering; I was glad she was through suffering. Her passing fills my heart with sorrow. She was a good wife and noble mother.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

William served in various LDS church callings during his life. He was most remembered for serving as the Richmond Ward Bishop for over 20 years. It was evident that William devoted much of his time in the interest of the people and the church. In so doing he manifested inexhaustible patience and gave the soundest advice on how to live and how to treat each other fairly.

William had many spiritual experiences as Bishop. His son Charles related the following story: Father once told me of a dream that came literally true. He dreamed that Mr. Eckersley called upon him in trouble and that the words were put into his mouth what to say to him. The next morning he came to see him and upon the very matters discussed in the dream and father's answer to him were the words which came to him in the dream.

William constantly provided counsel to Ward members. The following incident occurred at the end of 1884: Dec 29 The musicians would not come down in their charges to play at the dances so as to reduce the tickets to 25 and 35 cents. I told the committee who called to see what to do about it that if they would not come down we would close the dances. _______ said his sons were very sorry for having brought whiskey to the dance and swearing and promised to not do it any more and wanted to be allowed to attend the dance this evening. I said I was glad the boys had promised to do better and wished they had come themselves to talk with me but that they had better be content to not go to the dance tonight as I could not admit them in reason.

Dec 30 Several boys including those mentioned in the Journal yesterday came to me and asked forgiveness for their taking whiskey to the dances and swearing. I gave them the best counsel I could think of and wished them well and allowed then the privilege of going to dances so long as they would conduct themselves decently but with the understanding that if they did not they would again be denied the privilege. Commenced using the new tithing office the first time. It is a fine building with cut stone corners hauled from Franklin.

Wed Dec 31 Received 58 small church calves brought from Logan to be wintered. Went to young ladies dance in the evening and looked on awhile. Had quite a talk while there with one of the brethren who had acted very unwise in drinking with the young men. He promised to do better.

1884 was a busy year for Bishop Skidmore, as written by his son Charles:

Building the new home, the tithing office, the new meeting house and the temple occupied so much of William’s time in overseeing, supervising, crediting labor and contributions, giving out notices, soliciting donations, harmonizing differences of opinion and the satisfying of 1000 members of Rich¬mond Ward. The barter system, the getting things on tick and paying part in cash, part in due bills and part in other farm products or labor all involved judgments about which the human selfish individual might be dissatisfied with the decision of the bishopric. Not all could go through the temple when it was completed. The management of dances, the control of rowdyism and drinking with its bad effects, the setting of things of difficulty in the bishop's court, the caring and transporting of the authori¬ties and coming to their bidding as a minute man and the hauling of things to Logan or of loading on the cars for shipment must have been rather a constant strain upon the time and nerves of the Bishop. Coal oil was the fuel for light and wood brought over bad canyon roads was the fuel for the stove. Times were full of plenty to do but the price of grain was low and also of wages. All these things put together required the true service of a very tolerant and seriously dutiful Bishop. When he found out what was to be done, he responded to the call of those who presided over him. Besides this he was kind and loving to all members of his family. Writing recommends and even marrying people.

The last two weeks of 1885 found me daily and nearly nightly confined to the office, engaged settling tithing with the people, making reports of the condition of the church property received and on hand in this office, during which time I have been unable to accompany my counselors in visiting the families of saints at their homes. But my brethren continued the labor of love until I advised them to stop, because of me having a desire to be with them and see the families at their own firesides. As soon as I could I went with counselors Burnham to all the English speaking people and August Snow and accompanied C. Hyer to visit the Scandinavian families. Also assisted by C.H. Monson.

When persecution due to polygamy increased, Bishop Skidmore asked teachers to advise the people to not entertain strangers who might be spies, and showed the necessity of the people being very careful and endeavor to detect anyone who may be prowling to gain information on which indictments might be made to try and imprison our brethren. The times are very perilous and several of the brethren have been imprisoned for no other cause than carrying out their religious convictions in obedience to the celestial law of marriage. After meeting resolved to live more closely to the principles of Christ.

Because of his religious convictions in living the law of pleural marriage, William had to go into “hiding” and move his second family to Idaho. Federal marshals were arresting polygamists. When deputies came from Logan to Richmond, C. H. Monson, who owned the Richmond Lumber Mill, blew the mill whistle which warned all polygamists to go to their hiding places. William often sought refuge in a dugout which could be entered from a trap door in the bedroom. He grew a beard and disguised himself so that even the neighbors didn't know who he really was; whenever anyone saw him around the place, he was introduced as the hired man. The following diary entries from 1887 describe some of the challenges he faced in living polygamy:

Sept 29 C. Hyer informed me the deputies had warrant of arrest for me and M.W. Merrill, Jr. and that they intended to get us before conference. I told him I would have to keep from public gaze for a time and he must go ahead and take charge of the ward affairs. Slept in Beason's barn.

Sat Oct 1 After a peaceful seclusion I arose. In order that my whereabouts may not be known I have shaved off my beard which for so many years I have worn. Then I put on a jumper, with overalls in my boot tops, a cotton handkerchief around my neck and an old slouch hat. Made my disguise so complete that my own children hardly knew me. Shucked corn while I was not dodging those who might be deputies. One of my boys kept a continual watch. Mina brought my supper to me in the barn. Justin Knapp had left word the deputies would have me tonight. I took my quilts and went into the field a half mile and slept in a straw stack. Was nervous about a team in the same field until I found it was a man still plowing late at night.

Oct 2 Arose from my bed of straw and like a tramp hobbled to my home, appearing at my home in the guise of a tramp my little daughter Malinda did not know me until I changed my voice and smiled. I kept myself concealed in an upper room reading and writing.

Oct 14 Amanda Lewis called and brought a letter from her husband in reply to one I sent his asking for a place of refuge for Minnie. The answer was favorable. Brought Minnie from Lewiston and took her to Sr. Maria's to stay till morning.

Oct 15 Started at daybreak for Oxford with Minnie and Charlotte. Arrived there at 2 p.m. so disguised that my old friends did not know me.

Oct 16 Made arrangements for Minnie to board and have lodging in the home of Bro Crowshaw. Arrived home after dark.

Nov 9 Finished my refuge (a place to hide quickly).

Nov 15 I have been very successful in my disguise since the first of Oct. Very few thought I was at home. I have talked with some of my near neighbors and they never suspected who I was but I find it impossible to keep in disguise longer.

Nov 19 Got a good load of wood. C.H. Monson had been arrested. Marshal Dye was appointed receiver for church property and has taken charge of the tithing office, historians office, and Guardo House. The church rented the office from him in order to continue business, for $2400 per annum. Thus this free government of boasted religious liberty requires the Church of Christ to pay a high rent for the use of buildings it has built with means and labor donate by its members. Do the Heathens live under so great bondage?

Dec 25 Found a fine silk handkerchief in my stocking - Hattie was Santa. I commenced to assume my natural appearance by shaving in my old style. I no longer keep myself in seclusion but go about my business trusting to the outcome. Went to Malinda's. Myself, Mina and Harriet made her a present of a woolen dress.

William attended many church meetings and conferences throughout his adult life. Minnie was sincere in her religion and always supported her husband who was away from home most of the time attending to bishop duties and administering to the sick. At conference time her husband always invited the visiting authorities from Salt Lake and his friends from neighboring towns to his home for dinner. Minnie prepared a nice dinner and usually served about twenty people. After dinner, the dishes were left to do later and everyone in the family went to the afternoon session.

It was understood that the family would unite together in family prayer every night and morning. It was Minnie's duty to see that the chairs were turned with backs toward the table and that everything was in order for the prayer. Prayer was held before breakfast and at the close of day. If any of the family were going out for the evening, the prayer would be said before they left.

One of the highlights of William’s life was the dedication of the Salt Temple on April 6, 1893. We were at the temple gate at 8 a.m. pressing through the gate as soon as it was opened. President Woodruff was 35 min offering the dedicatory prayer which was given in the assembly room on the fourth floor which holds about 2150 persons. Every seat was taken. It was one of the great privileges of my life to be there. The temple was 40 yrs in building. Finest workmanship in every particular.

In 1895 William was preparing to send one of his sons on a mission. It was also an election year and William had been involved in politics. Rumors had been spread that the opposition party had arranged for William to be called to serve on a mission to get him out of the area. William relates the following:

Feb 4-17 Received a letter from secretary of missionary committee of the church inquiring into my circumstances as to whether I would be able to take a mission to Great Britain and if no reasonable obstacle was in the way to start May 11. The letter set me to thinking very seriously. I had taken a somewhat active part in politics previously. My course in politics has been in direct opposition to that taken by that of some of my very influential friends. On three or four occasions I had been warned that I might look out for being called on a mission, word coming to me in a confidential way by friends, that they desired to get me out of the way of the progress of the republican party as the church was wanting to get in touch with national politics which was turning in that direction. One man told me I would be called within 6 mo. I did not pay much attention to the matter and as time passed by I concluded they got over their displeasure at me, especially as the republican ticket had won. However time will tell what prompted the call and if it is a call from on high I am willing to comply.

Minnie wept and worried about the call. Commenced settling tithing on 6th. I had a private interview with Apostle Thatcher at his residence about my call and the comment in circulation. He asked many questions and felt a bit strange when he learned my son Charles was already planning to go on a mission but says he: "If you feel everything to be all right and you are in a situation to go, report that you will be on hand, or on the other hand tell them your condition and then leave it in their hands." I realized I was in the presence of a great and good man and decided to carry out his counsel.

Talked with Charles about our going in missions. Thought we would muster up enough means to take us to our destination and would have to depend on Providence for the rest and concluded to go. The letter had been kept quiet and Charles wished not to tell others about it. He then told the folks. I stepped to the desk to write that I would be ready to go on the date mentioned when my daughter Harriet persuaded me to wait a few days and consider it further. Something seemed to tell me to do so and I put it off for the time being.

Joseph Monson who was taking census said every person (democrat I suppose) said the people were opposed to me going because they regarded it a trick to get me out of the way of the republican party. Several near friends in the last few days have expressed themselves in the same manner, stating it to be out of all reason that I should be called considering the condition of the motherless children and also that Charles was going. To take two out of the family under our conditions seemed to be something wrong. However, I will follow the counsel of Apostle Thatcher and leave it in the hands of the authorities to decide. Measles in the family. Wrote the following letter March 6:

Pres. Wilford Woodruff, Dear Brother: I will now improve the opportunity to answer. I feel it to be my duty, according to the meaning of your letter, to state the circumstances that I find myself surrounded by.

My wife was called from be by the summons of death, leaving her children to my care and that of my daughter, I have striven hard with a sad heart to keep them with me, that I might teach them in such manner, that the faith of the gospel may be planted in them and that they may honor their faithful and noble mother and be useful in the Kingdom of God. By the wisdom and strength given me by my Heavenly Father I feel thus far I have been very successful. Three of them are quite small, and would be without a father and a mother's care in my absence. My means are very limited and my son Charles is very anxious for the time to come that he may obey the call made upon him last fall and go on his mission. He will be ready to start in June. From the appearance of my affairs now, it will take all the means we can muster to sustain him in his field of labor and meet other pressing obligations. I will not weary you writing long. I have briefly stated the condition of affairs and am now willing to leave the matter in your hands. From my youth a great potion of my time has been spent in public service for the benefit of my brethren and sisters and in my weak way to advance the Lord's work in this part of his vineyard. I expect to continue in the same noble work. You will greatly oblige me with an early answer for which I will be anxiously waiting. Your Brother in the Gospel, Wm L. Skidmore.

Mar 13 Received the following letter which is the finals of my missionary experience.

Salt Lake City, March 11, 1895, Bp Wm L. Skidmore: Dear Brother: I am directed by the missionary Committee of the Apostles to say in answer to your favor to Pres. Woodruff of 7th inst. that as your son has been called to take a foreign mission they will excuse you from that ministry, at least until his return home. Your son's name has been placed on the list of missionaries to leave in June. With kindest regards, Your brother, George Reynolds, Secretary.

On Sunday July 2, 1899 William attended the longest church meeting in his life. In the celestial room of the Salt Lake Temple where Pres. Snow said a half tithing is no tithing at all in the sight of the Lord. Tithing is the first and important law for us now to look to. The Lord has testified to me that this is what should be spoken. Thus ended the longest and most remarkable meeting I ever attended, beginning at 10 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m. there being free lunch served in another room to which they went for an hour.

William was released as Bishop in 1900. The following paragraphs are included to describe the different way Bishops were called and released.

Sun Apr 22 Special meeting of the apostles in the evening. 8 p.m. Apostles F.M. Lyman and J.W. Taylor gave good counsel. After meeting I walked down the street to Apostle Merrill's residence with apostle Lyman. We had gone but a short distance when he said "how long have you been bishop of this ward?" Twenty years I answered. Twenty years! he exclaimed. Bp Farrell whom we released yesterday had also served 20 years, he said. We propose to give you an honorable release tomorrow. Is that so, what is the matter? I said. Oh nothing you have labored well all those years, Pres Snow has sent us out to make changes in the stakes and those who have labored long to be released and have young men carry the load. I would like you to hand me the names of 2 or 3 young men who you think would make good bishops. At home that night I broke the news to Malinda saying well you have got the wish you expressed, the apostles are here to give me a release tomorrow. This surprised her and John and Minnie who were the only ones home at the time.

Mon Apr 23 Meeting began at 9 a.m. Speaker John W. Taylor. Then I arose and said I had labored in nearly all the appointments heretofore in the ward, and it is now nearly 21 years since I have been your bishop, having labored there in the required number of years to grow to mature manhood. I have not done much but what good I have done I give God the honor for. And as it is now thought by the apostle that a change would be beneficial. I offer you my resignation. I sat down. Apostle Taylor put his arm upon my shoulder and said Brother Skidmore you will be blessed and will be satisfied before the meeting is over. Apostle Lyman presented my honorable release, said I had done a good work, and if I would accept it, they would offer me a position next to that of an apostle, in being ordained to the office of Patriarch and he presented my name for same which was unanimously sustained by the vote of the few brethren present. Slips of paper were then passed to each person to write the names of 3 persons thereon of their choice for bishop. Apostle Merrill spoke a short time and said there was no letting down and, as had been said, there may be something greater for Brother Skidmore. Apostle Taylor arose and said in his remarks, as to letting down, why the office were offer Bro. Skidmore is as much greater than the one he held as the President of the Stake is greater than the office of a deacon. The slips now having been returned (gath¬ered) Apostle Lyman asked me to take charge of the meeting while the apostles and stake counselors, Morrell and Smith, retired to the vestry to count names upon the slips and make a selection of the bishop and counselors. I asked the brethren if any wished to speak. Voices called for me to speak. I arose and with much inward feeling of sadness as can only be felt by the Father of a people when he lays down the reins of presiding over those whom he had learned to love and by whom he had in return been loved and sustained as their worthy leader. I said we are engaged in matters of great importance in this meeting. No one knew what a bishop has to contend with unless they have been bishop or by inspiration. I can see there in mountains of trial and vexation. Whomever we select for bishops we should sustain by our unity, and that I did not feel at present to accept the ordination offered me. I had but briefly spoken when the brethren returned from the vestry. Apostle Lyman said your choice is our choice. You have chosen T.H. Merrill for bishop, James Funk first and August Schow as second counselors. Meeting was dismissed until 1 p.m. when all might attend that wished. An average or more of listeners assembled. Speakers Apostles Lyman and Taylor. The former bishopric were honorably released and their successors voted in. The bishop and second counselor were ordained under the hands of apostles Lyman, Taylor and Merrill (James Funk 1st Counselor was not present).

Sat May 19 Went to meeting house at 1 p.m. According to public notice that had been given I found many of my old friends had assembled in honor of the retiring bishopric. A program of singing, recitations and songs, from the phonogram were appreciated. W.D. Hendricks spoke on the early settlement of Richmond and history, Almira J. Merrill read a sketch of the life of Wm L. Skidmore written by herself. He presented 3 costly rocking chairs obtained from gifts from many of the bishopric's friends and christened the first "Unselfishness" for the bishop; "faithfulness" for 1st Counselor, C. Hyer; and 3rd "Fearlessness" to the second counselor, W.K. Burnham. And he claimed the name he had given each chair was largely a component part of the character of the one who received it, and in a masterly way pointed out these attributes as specifically peculiar to each, respectively. After meeting all enjoyed a grand picnic of many tables in the Relief Society House, and then social friendship. The long to be remembered day's doings ended with a largely attended grand party at night.

LATER YEARS

With Minnie's passing, William and Cyrus were left alone in the old home; the family came to help whenever they could. Elmer and Leach moved into the home and stayed for a time. Cyrus married Helen Timmins 21 November 1928, and Helen took care of William until his death. She noted as his scribe recording many patriarchal blessings as he spoke them. She washed and cared for him as one would care for a child during his last days. She was always so sweet and kind and loving to him. William Lobark Skidmore died 11 November 1933 at his home in Richmond. Helen tells of their care of William:

We moved into the home of William L. Skidmore as soon as we were married and took care of him for about five years, except for the first few months I worked in Smithfield and traveled back and forth each day. Cyrus's father helped me a great deal at this time - with dishes, pealing potatoes, keeping fire, mowing the lawn, and among the roses. Complete charge of the yard the first two years. Raised a nice garden. He was proud of his good garden as he had a right to be. We were very congenial and happy. Naturally he loved Cyrus as his youngest son - with special tenderness and was always glad to see him happy. We named our first son William from his two grand fathers. Grandpa took a great deal of delight in holding him and rocking him to sleep. This was especially true until he had a cerebral hemorrhage, over which he never fully recovered. This happened after we had been married about two years. It finally affected not only the balance of his body but also the quality of his memory. He lingered in this sad condition and often did not recognize us. "He always wanted to go home."

Deseret News Account of William L. Skidmore’s Death (similar account in Salt Lake Tribune) Nov. 13, 1933 (changes have been made in the text to convey correct information):

William Lobark Skidmore, 89, pioneer settler of Box Elder and Cache Counties, Indian War veteran, life long church worker and prominent and civic leader of north¬ern Utah for more than half a century died at his residence in Richmond Saturday afternoon of natural causes incident to his advanced age. He was the father of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Charles H. Skidmore and Earl L. Skidmore, prominent Salt Lake physician.

Mr. Skidmore was born in Philadelphia Sept 22, 1844 and came to Utah at the age of 11 with his mother and two brothers and sisters; Henry, Samuel, Mary and Rachel. As a youth he made a trip back east, and at the age of almost 19 drove a 4-yoke cattle team with others in 1863 from Missouri River to Utah. As a young man, he with B. F. Grant, present manager of the Deseret News went among the early settlers to Perry, Box Elder Co., where they made their home for some time with Mr. and Mrs. Beason Lewis and where they developed a life long friendship.

Mr. Skidmore was a veteran of the Battle Creek Indian War and other frontier engage-ments, and was considered an authority on the early history of northern Utah. Throug-hout most of his life he engaged in farming, in addition to which he served in several public capacities, including justice of peace, and city councilman. For more than 20 years he was bishop of Richmond ward, in addition to which he served as Sunday School superintendent and president of the High Priest Quorum, Since 1905 he has been a patriarch, and his thousands of friends point to his great example as a leader and his successful completion of an active and noble career of service.

He was married in 1868 to Sarah A. Knapp, who died in 1891, and also to Charlotte Wilmetta Ecklund, who died several years ago.

Surviving are 8 sons, William A. Skidmore of Brigham City; Elmer G. and Cyrus R. Skid-more from Richmond; Justin A. Skidmore of Delta; George W. Skidmore and Wilbur Skidmore of Logan; Charles H. Skidmore and Earl L. Skidmore of Salt Lake; five daughters: Mrs. H. Lester Bair, and Mrs. Levi Allen of Richmond, Mrs. Malinda R. Cutler, widow of Dr. Cutler of Preston, Idaho; Mrs. Leo Jensen of Logan; and Rozina Skidmore of the Univer¬sity of Utah faculty, Salt Lake, 50 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

At the family's request, Elder Melvin J. Ballard of the Council of Twelve, whose father was a close associate of Mr. Skidmore, and Mr. Grant will attend the services, which will be held Tuesday (14th) at 2 p.m. at the Richmond Ward Chapel, followed by burial in the Richmond Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday prior to the services. (Governor Henry H. Blood sent a letter of sympathy which was read at the services. Ballard and Grant were among the speakers, Dean Hale sang a solo).

TRIBUTES FROM CHILDREN (written in 1950 and edited by Lyman Condie)

William Alonzo Skidmore

Born March 29, 1869, Richmond, Utah. William L. Skidmore, my father, showed me the place in which I was born. It was a small rustic building on the east side of the road, two blocks east of the state highway and a short distance north of the City Creek bridge. It was where my parents spent their honey moon (a rented house).

I was kept out of school considerable because of quinsy attacks, wash days, and for sowing, plowing and harvesting because father was often busy caring for the tithing of the Richmond Ward as Bishop. I sowed grain from a sack over my shoulder, handful after handful. I bound bundles of wheat by hand, being shown how by father who was an expert. My school progress was slow and when I did enter college my eyes were unable to stand the strain and so I was forced to give up my college career. I learned the carpentry trade and was kept busy. While some of my pals loafed around town during the winter, I was at home making useful furniture. He made father a handsome combination cupboard, bookcase, and writing desk.

I belonged to the Primary association when every child was asked to bring an egg with him each time to buy books. Mother donated the Sunday eggs for the Temple Fund. Sunday School members would bring a nickel each Sunday for the same purpose. Tradesmen and laborers donated their work, and others hauled rock form the quarries and lumber from the mills in the canyon. In this way was built the Logan Temple.

Father was appointed Bishop of Richmond Ward May 4, 1879 and acted in that capacity for nearly 21 years (till Mon. Apr. 23, 1900). Tithing in those early times consisted of the kind of crops, hay, grain, vegetables, cattles, horses, chickens, eggs, butter, etc. An average of 600 tons of tithing hay was stacked in the tithing yard as a tithing of the hay crop in Rich¬mond Ward each year. Mother cared for the tithing eggs and butter. She died Nov. 14, 1891 at the age of 38.

I married Ellen Marinda Monson, Dec. 13, 1893. Talk about love and lock-smith, mud and depression, we surely experienced the latter. We were married in the Logan Temple. Believe it or not the mud was so deep on the road that it took six hours to drive from Logan to Richmond, a distance of 14 miles. Barring the mud we could have walked it in less time. There was a big wedding banquet that night and the next night, the Brass Band giving us an ovation. Among the gifts were six kerosene lamps to light us on our way. The morning after marriage father routed me out of bed at 5 a.m. to load a car with tithing flour. A herd of church cattle had also arrived in the night and were in the tithing corral to be fed. I accepted 90 cents per day to care for them and was to draw my pay in produce. There was little cash as it was the time of the Cleveland depression.

MEMORIES: My father told me a short time before I was born he made a trip to Logan. While there he bought three cigars. He lighted one and started for home when he began thinking what if my baby when born is a boy. If so I would surely dislike to have him grow up with the tobacco habit. There upon he resolved to throw all the cigars away, which he did. Thenceforth he never used tobacco in any form.

Marinda said her mother told her that Billy Skidmore in early days was the jolliest boy in town. His hair was a mass of auburn curls. His feet were small. When he danced he threw back his head and you should have seen how fast his curls and his feet did go. Friendly and laughing he put his whole heart and soul into the dance as in most everything he did (was an actor).

She also says that once when she was very "blue" he came to her and surprised her by placing his hands upon her shoulders and said: "I can't stand to see you cry, in all my life there is only one other woman (Armina) who has shown your grit." He then and there placed his hands upon her head and gave her a most wonderful patriarchal blessing. An unforgettable incident.

One morning early father called upon me to go with him on an errand. We went to the home of Mary Allsop, a widow, and quietly left at her door, while she slept, a 120 lb sack of flour and a ham, taken from his own family store of supplies. I think she never learned who was the giver. It taught me a lesson of kindness I can never forget.

Harriet Armina Skidmore Bair

(To whom we are so much indebted for her loving kindness and sacrifice in the old Skidmore home). She writes: Born in little log room in western Richmond Apr.15 1871. Active in the church. Received a patriarchal blessing from Thomas Richardson Aug. 13, 1882 and from father Aug. 26, 1908. Grade schooling at Richmond. Started to Brigham Young College in 1891 but was called to care for the home upon the death of mother, Nov. 14, 1891. Mother's infant baby, Mary Edna, died Mar 8, 1892. Upon mother's death I gave the baby the bottle and had full care of her and of father's family. She was as dear to me as my very own. Would even take her to Sunday School with me where I was teacher. Those days will never be erased from my memory. The grave robbed me of an innocent sister baby and a noble mother.

Mother was a true companion to me at all times and was highly respected by all who knew her. She lived her religion and kept the faith being the mother of 8 sons and 4 daughters. Died at the age of 38. When I would get discouraged with the care of so large a family father too would encourage me and say "Hattie you will be blessed for what you are doing for your mother's family." I know I have been blessed and am thankful that I had courage to continue till June 19, 1897 when I left the old home. Lester and I were married, July 9, 1897. (Aunt Minnie, now married to father according to state law, moved into mother's home.)

Once clerked in the coop store for $20 per month which aided in paying family cash accounts. Additional dollars were earned from making dresses. I learned dress making from Annie Bates, a talented dress maker.

Mother (b Feb. 10 1853-- d. Nov. 14, 1891) How often as a child I heard her say that heavy winds were frequent in Farmington (mother's birthplace) and Kaysville. Pres. Brigham Young came there and rebuked the same and asked God to tame the elements, which seemingly he did.

Before this a fierce wind storm came and frightened a lady who could not sleep and got up in the night and began to make a kettle of soap. The sparks from her chimney were blown and set fire to the sheep shed of grandfather Albert Knapp. About 200 sheep and oat buildings were burned. The blaze awoke mother and her sister "Aunt Malinda" and they screamed and awoke grandfather and grandmother who were sleeping in another room. The children were rushed to safety in their night clothes. On the way they often had to lie on the ground to be kept from being blown away. Friends took them in and clothed them, as they had no time to hunt for their clothing when their very lives were at stake. And mother often told us this story to have us take good care of putting our clothing in the right place before going to bed. We could then grab our clothing and run, if a fire broke out. I heard this story so much that I always had a fear for a fire. A sick feeling comes over me.

Justin Albert Skidmore

In 1894 worked at Saw Mill on South Moody Creek, 22 miles from Rexburg Idaho, operated by Uncle Morgan Knapp and others. While there lost four toes in a circular saw, which laid me up from June 3 to November but which healed in time without leaving me seriously crippled. (Strange that the large toe was not also cut off). It healed up finally while I was getting out wood in the canyon and when there was snow on the ground.

Commenced working in the Union Creamery in Richmond the following Holiday time. In the summer of 1896 became foreman. Remained in this and the Condensed milk factory which bought it out for a period of eleven years. Exhibited butter and cheese at the Utah Dairy Convention in Salt Lake City and took sweepstakes of both.

Next I sold out and became foreman of the Rush Valley Farming Co. in Vernon and Ben¬more, Tooele County, which had been organized by a number of B. Y. Colleges instructors and other Cache Valley business men. It carried on a dry farm project and operated a Reeves steam engine, holding thousands of acres for a time. Remained here 14 years and then went to Delta. Charles and I owned the Jorgensen. Dry farming in Rush Valley did not prove very successful.

Malinda Skidmore Cutler

I can't remember of him ever giving severe punishment to me. I always knew when he said yes or no he meant it. One Sunday morning John and I remained from Sunday School. I wanted John to teach me how to play cards. Father came in while we were playing. He didn't say much but gathered up the cards and put them into the fire. And that ended our card playing and with the desire to not try it again until much later.

I enjoyed very much helping him work the tithing books in the evenings and to assist in receiving the tithing which consisted of produce instead of cash and to write receipts.

I distinctly remember at the time he was released from Bishop of the ward the reaction on him, yet he went on with a willingness to answer calls made of him by the priesthood and his regular attendance to church duties. To me he always set an example to do good. He wrote me cheery, humorous letters to Preston.

Rozina Marinda Skidmore

About the first recollection I have of father at a time when I was first impressed is when I used to play with him on the floor. I thought it was a lot of fun and insisted in him booing at me and playing bear and piggy back. He must have been fond of children always and loved to have them around for he paid a great deal of attention to them and in his humor invariably attracted their attention.

In the home at night time when it was time to put the baby of the family to bed he was on hand and loved to take the child in his arms, make way for the old rocking chair and then enjoy singing it to sleep; his favorite song being "Come Come Ye Saints".

I have heard it repeated many times that when Earl was a baby and ill with pneumonia, father took sole charge of him, walked the floor with him in his arms on a pillow and remarked: "poor motherless child".

While he was in his eighties he was as fond of his grandchildren as he ever could have been of his own offspring. He would watch Cyrus's babies for hours, follow them around to keep them out of mischief and from harm. He did this to a fault until at times the children became impatient.

To me father never was harsh in his treatment of reprimand or punishment. He was prone to use persuasion and kindness. He was gentle and free to offer the best of advice. When I would ask him about crisis problems he would look at me in seriousness state his opinion in frankness and then say: "Now it is for you to make up your mind what you want to do." He urged that I have courage and faith in assuming new responsibilities and finished by saying I was sure to come out all right.

Father was tolerant with those in trouble or those who needed human sympathy. His under-standing of the Indians who came to him while he was a bishop made me wonder for in my childhood days, I was over fearful of them. He could talk to them, plan with them for food supplies and see that they were satisfied in their camping quarters. They acted as if they were really happy to see him and desired his welcome while in town.

Beggars who came to fathers door were always fed and at times even allowed to sleep in the barn. It was his idea it was better to feed ten than to turn one away who was hungry. One time a stranger stayed at our home for two weeks, he was given work to do to pay for his board and sat at the table with the rest of us and partook of the privileges of the home.

One morning a regular bum came to the gate and was hungry. Father requested that he be given a good breakfast and added it looked as if he had been hard hit. The tramp was fed and went on his way but during the day fell into the hands of the sheriff since he was reported and found to have picked up shoes and other wearing apparel which he had helped himself to in his visits around the neighborhood. Even at that father was very lenient in his judgment of the man saying that since we knew nothing of his past life, environment and necessities why should we take it upon ourselves to criticize his action, the law would see to that.

Many times in my contacts with people I have made acquaintance with those who have been influenced greatly through father's precept and teaching. In one particular case an individual related about the time when his whole future was changed for good through father's earnest persuasion and that his ultimate success was curbed through father's wise counsel at a critical time of his life. In my experience I have never found intimations of unfairness or negative sentiments against father. In fact he was recognized as a desirable influence in society. His keen sense of humor often turned sarcasm into laughter. He did not tolerate vice or deception and was a stickler for virtue, integrity, truthfulness and he lived up to these ideals. In his youth he did not hold strictly to the word of wisdom. Tobacco tempted him then. There came a time, however, when he made up his mind to leave it entirely alone. While he was plowing in the field one day he took he bit a plug but it did not taste the same to him as he pondered to become the master of the tobacco habit. So all of a sudden he took what he had left and threw it into the furrow. As the hours passed his insatiable hunger for it returned and he went back and tried to find it. Being hard pressed he bought another plug but as time went on he was convinced he was not doing right and he threw it away never to touch it again. In regard to liquor I never knew him to be under its influence though he may enjoy a sip of home made wine, beer or cocktail.

He was not a financier in a large sense of the word. In fact he missed many opportunities to get a fortune for himself. He thought more of the sterling qualities which would count for his family and for the good of society. His strength was in moral courage, honest convictions and wholesome living. These qualities remain rich in the memory fall his children.

Dr. Earl L. Skidmore Writes of Father

William L. Skidmore was past fifty years of age when I first really knew him. He was short and weighed 205 lbs. In spite of his plumpness he was very quick and active. At 53 yrs of age when I was nine he outran me in a foot race.

In those days his cheeks were flushed, his lower face and chin were covered with an abundant growth of gray sprinkled with auburn beard. His wavy hair was the same color as his beard. The top of his head was covered in a fashion with two locks, brushed very carefully from each side. One could easily tell he was embarrassed when a gust of wind or and accident would knock off his hat and thus reveal his bald spot. As he grew older his weight de¬creased, his beard became white and less abundant and his hair became so thin it would no longer cover the top of his well shapened head.

As he entered his eighth decade his steps became shorter but he maintained a steady gate and never required a cane or crutch. One by one his teeth loosened and came out so when he made his first visit to the dentist he was ready for false teeth. His eye sight was exceptionally good to the very last.

Once he complained of an upset stomach due to eating peanuts which he often ate with great relish. He usually ate anything at any time.

Sleep with him was never a problem except to others for in a very few minutes after lying down he would burst forth with a resounding snore. A regular noon day nap of about 30 minutes, I believe, helped sustain his vigor.

He always worked hard, and at dawn he could usually be found at the wood pile or working about the barn. At 85 or 86 he would be found tinkering about the old home.

Religiously father was devout but not fanatical. We children knew he was more happy when we went to Sunday School, etc., yet he never directly reprimanded us, but by precept he led us. Once I caught some fish on Sunday and although he liked fish he would eat none of them. So I fished no more on Sunday. He was a leader in church organizations and held many of the important offices and at the time of his death at the age of 89 he was a patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Religious reason and tolerance to others was one of his mottos. Being broad minded made it easy for father to live a practical religion the choice of right from wrong was always his first impulse in business relations and for that reason some advantage taken of him by others and even so he would remain happy because he had done what was right. He never indulged in direct adverse criticism of others, he thought it was a waste of time.

Father had a great power of giving consolation to others in time of sorrow. Night or day and even while we were at work in the field people, from the entire neighborhood would call for him to go to their homes in case of accident, illness or death. Wise counsel plus a sympathet¬ic smile always lightened their burdens.

He had a good sense of humor and could always laugh at a good joke. I asked him one day "who started jokes?" To which he replied, "I guess it is by those who have nothing else to do."

That day I had eaten something which had caused diarrhea. The same evening I must have looked miserable so to cheer me up he said "Earl, I know a joke no one has told me, why are you like a sleigh?" I don't know I said, to which he responded: "You both have the run¬ners." Memories of father and wonderful ones too. I can remember by the dozens but it would not be fair for me to in my poor way write them down here. Other members of the family will likely tell of the earlier days of father of which I do not know. They will also relate about his pioneer life as told to them of hardships crossing the plains, his experiences working as a boy among strangers and among the Indians. They will mention his religious persecution, his broad education, attained without the help of schools and of some of his sorrows, which most surely came to a father of 18 children.

They will tell of father's life with my wonderful mother whom I never knew since she died when I was but two years old.

Let me insert here that father's second wife, aunt Minnie, must not be forgotten for she was a wonderful woman and played a great part in father's last years. This can better be realized if one will recall how father went down after her death.

Contacts with people from all over his intermountain region make me realize that many others think father was an outstanding character for invariably they say:"He was a wonderful man."

REFERENCES

Allen, Elsie Skidmore. A Sketch of the Life of Charlotta Wilhelmina Perrson Skidmore

Condie, Lyman Wilson, Jr. History of Charles Henry Skidmore, 1995.

Skidmore, Charles Henry. Miscellaneous Notes about Skidmores, 1950.