July 2022 - Family History Tour, Nauvoo IL and Family

 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

After a June filled with family and friends, July continued the adventures and oh, what a ride!  

Provo, UT FREEDOM FESTIVAL is one of the largest events in Utah for the 4th of July.  

Sun Rise over the Mountain

We got up early and went to the Balloon festival.  They are beautiful against the morning sunrise.  We were a little disappointed that for the second year in a row they were not able to launch them.  They said it was too windy - we didn't see or feel any wind.   Probably won't go next year.

We were then on the road to Idaho Falls, ID for the Fireworks over the Snake River sponsored by Melaleuca.  It has been Several years since we have been able to be there and it did not disappoint.  

PHOTO BOMB

Russ's Hometown

Vintage Tractors

FORD V8

Fancier than the 1954 Truck I drove in High School. Same color.

Early Model Cars

1930 Cadillac 353

The Foundation was formed in December 2016 to preserve vintage cars, tractors and wagons from America's rich heritage of innovation and progress.  They have collected hundreds of tractors and cars and several dozen have been completely restored under the guidance and expertise of Rick Higley, an Idaho Falls native.  This was the first time any of the machines have been displayed, giving a taste of what is coming to Idaho Falls as the museum takes shape over the next several years.  A great addition to the city of Idaho Falls.

FIREWORKS

It was a beautiful day in Idaho Falls.  Fantastic night to watch the Fireworks.  We met some really nice people as we waited for the festivities to begin.

    USA Today named The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration as one of     the most spectacular July 4th fireworks shows in the USA.

  It was a 31 minute salute to all those who have fought for our freedom! 18,237 shells in the air!  9.8 shells per second.  I thought I got good photos until they posted official photos at this website:

   https://www.freedomcelebration.com/ 

When we are in Idaho Falls there is always a stop at the Melaleuca Store - a shopping experience not found at other stores.  

We then stopped for a visit at the cemetery to leave flowers and solar lights on the graves of Russ's parents, Earl and Emma.

Back on the road to home so we can regroup and head to the Salt Lake City Airport to fly to Minnesota.  As we were driving I started to not feel very good.  I thought it was just allergies and fatigue from a busy few weeks and traveling.  We stopped to visit my Sister Pam in Centerville and she said I should test for COVID.  She had a home test and so I took the test and it was negative.  The closer we got to home the worse we were feeling.  We decided to stop at the Doctors office and take another test.  It was going to take 24-48 hours for results.  

We packed and got a good nights rest.  Feeling better we went to the airport and flew to Dallas and then to Minneapolis .  When we arrived we got our results from the COVID tests.  Russ was negative and I was positive - so plans changed and we had to quarantine for 5 days. Within two days Russ had the same symptoms and stayed in as well.   We just stayed in the bedroom and slept and read books.  I think our daughter Jaime was glad I  slowed down and could not do "projects" at her house.  

Suggested Books to read from this month:

The Spark:  A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius by Kristine Barnett

It Started in Budapest by Julie Daines

The Law of LOVE by Steve Young 

I had been planning for the past year to take this trip.  My Dad's father and three generations before were all born and raised in Wisconsin.  I had been searching records for several months and was planning to visit the Birth and Death sites of as many as I could find.  I had it all mapped out to find the little towns and cemeteries hoping it would lead to more names and connections.  I did not know if we would be able to finish our trip.  Russ was still too sick to travel and so Jaime, her daughter Emma, and I made it a "girls trip".  

We took the scenic drive following the Mississippi River in Minnesota.  First stop Historic Lake Pepin:  Birthplace of Waterskiing.  "I decided that if you could ski on snow, you could ski on water."  In 1922, after first trying barrel staves, then snow skis, 18 year old Ralph W. Samuelson succeeded in waterskiing on eight foot long pine boards, steamed in boiling water to curve the tips.  During the next 15 years, Samuelson put on one-man waterskiing exhibitions, donating most of the admission charges to Lake City for the purchase of harbor and park land.  

Our first cemetery stop was St. Patricks Cemetery in Winona county Minnesota.  My great great great Aunt and many of her family are buried there.  It was a beautiful little cemetery in a triangle of three country roads - still well maintained.  It was the site of St. Patrick's Church established April 13, 1873 and destroyed by Fire March 10, 1963.  My family were Irish Catholics and most of the cemeteries were associated with Catholic Churches.  I found lots of Gallagher family members that are not my direct line but I hope to connect their family members together.

The detail on this headstone was very helpful.  I wish they all had this much information and so clear.  Most of these cemeteries had a family marker and then small stones around them.

I had only been to Hastings WI just across the border from where Jaime lives.  My parents never took us to visit Wisconsin and see where our Grandfather was born.  My Dad's parents were born in Wisconsin and eventually moved to Duluth MN when my Grandpa was a young boy.  His parents were farmers as was his grandparents and great grandparents.  By the time my parents married, my Dad's grandpa was deceased and his grandmother had moved to California to be with her daughter.  My Dad only remembers meeting her one time - on her way to California.  So there was really no family to see in Wisconsin, but it would have been fun to have visited when we could have heard more stories.  This is one of the reasons I have done so much research and have tried to put the story together.  It is amazing what you can find from just the Census.  I started with the 1860 Census and followed it to 1920.  I learned their occupations, if they owned or rented their homes, birth places of parents and children living in the home, education and a few other interesting things.  I found where there had been discrepancies in how our name was spelled by seeing how the recorder for the Census had handwriting styles that were not read correctly by those putting the information in the digital format.  The story continued to unfold.  

Wisconsin was so green and miles and miles of farmland.  I was so amazed at the beauty and the feeling of going back in time 100 years.  

GEORGE ELMORE HANEY, SR.  - GRANDFATHER.   8 Sept 1890 - 18 Oct 1970

Birthplace of George E. Haney, Sr.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon as we made our way to Ontario, WI, birthplace of my grandfather.  We were in the middle of Amish Country and their Church was just getting out.  There were about 20 horse drawn carriages filled with families returning home.  Groups of men were also walking along the highway.  Their farms were so well groomed and bounteous crops.  Lots of cheese shops and furniture and craft stores but they were all closed on Sunday.  

My Grandfather died when I was 14 years old.  He was not a practicing Catholic, but was firm in his believe that he was Irish Catholic.  I will always remember his Catholic funeral at the large Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.  That is a story for another day, but it was memorable for me in ways that strengthened my testimony and my beliefs of Gods Plan for me.  I never really understood my grandfathers deep feelings for his heritage church until I made this trip.  Visiting the Catholic cemeteries that were on the Church grounds and reading their stories helped me see this tight knit community that lasted for three generations until my Grandfathers family moved away from the farm to Duluth MN where his father became one of the first teamsters.  After WWI my grandfather was sent to Denver CO to recover from Tuberculosis in the Army Hospital there.  He was given 100 acres to homestead as a result of his illness.  He settled in Colorado and never returned to his home roots of Wisconsin or Minnesota.  He was buried in Salt Lake City, UT

THOMAS E. HANEY - GREAT GRANDFATHER.    19 Nov 1856 - 31 May 1916

Leon, Monroe WI. Birthplace of Thomas E. Haney.  There was a little town - One street with a few bars and a city center.  It was mostly large farms and fields, fields and more fields of green.  

ELIZABETH LANGAN HANEY - GREAT GRANDMOTHER  11 May 1857 - 13 Dec 1929

Married 8 May 1880 

Elizabeth was born in Cashton, Monroe, WI and they were married in the same area.  We found the most information about the Langan family at the cemeteries.  Cashton was one of the largest towns and an active Historical Society.  They had a large War Memorial beginning with the Civil War and ending with the current conflicts.  

War Memorial for all Wars 

PATRICK HANEY - GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER.  1830 - 1911

Patrick was born in Galway Ireland.  He immigrated to America in 1850 and settled in Wisconsin and began farming.  He died in Sparta, WI in 1911

Bicycling Capital of America

Once known for the healing powers of the local artesian springs, Sparta is now most recognized as the "Bicycling Capital of America," based on the fact that the first rail bed to be converted to bike trails is between Elroy and Sparta.  A lot of people continue to go there to ride that trail.

more farm country

JOHN LANGAN - GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER.  1820 - 1904 

      JULIA GRIMES - GREAT GREAT GRANDMOTHER  1828-1886

It was a beautiful drive around the farms to this cemetery.  THIS WAS A GOLDMINE of information and family found.

St. Patrick Parish

In 1867-68 at this site, on land donated by Patrick Donohoe in 1861, early Irish immigrants built a white frame church dedicated to St. Patrick.  The location was called "Bad Axe" the original name of Vernon County. (One of the reasons I had such a hard time finding it because of the name change)

The Church was dedicated in 1868, and St Patrick parish was attached

as a mission to St. Mary's at St. Mary's Ridge.  Subsequently it was transferred to Sts. Peter & Paul in Pine Hollow, and later, to Sacred Heart parish in Cashton.  The priests at those parishes served as pastors of St. Patrick, and celebrated Mass here monthly and on other occasions.  In August, 1936, the church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.  

These stones are of John Langan, Julia Grimes Langan and my

Great Great Great Grandfather Peter Langan.  They are buried in a family plot.  On the records there are three spellings for Langan and we did not know why.  I looking over 60 years of Census records I found it was mostly due to the Census taker and how they wrote their letters.  I was glad to find the graves with the correct spelling so that we can keep the records correct and hopefully find more records.  We do not know who Peter's wife is.  I was hoping to find a grave, unfortunately it was not there.  He shows on the census from 1860 with no spouse.  I have more research to do.  It was such a good feeling standing on what became sacred ground to me.  

We passed by another Church and cemetery and did not think we needed to stop.  After visiting this cemetery and it mentioned St. Mary's Ridge, we went back and just happened upon that cemetery and found more names.  We were guided by the Spirit.  Tender Mercy.

St. Mary's

We found 1 family of Langans here that were a missing link.  It is the first cemetery that the Church was still standing and yet was the least maintained.  We visited many others that we walked through looking for family names.  Some were on the map but farm houses were on the property and we could not see cemeteries.  One was a walk through a farm field to we were not brave enough to go.  Might need to make another trip.  

We continued on our trip and crossed the Mississippi again into Iowa.  We were now heading to Nauvoo, Illinois - a Historic Church History site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

Welcome to Iowa

Welcome to Illinois

NAUVOO, ILLINOIS

My Nephew, Gabe and his family were selected to perform in the Nauvoo pageants this year.  I wanted to support them and see them perform.  It was the first time for Jaime and Emma to be in Nauvoo and see all of the historical sights.  

We stayed in the Nauvoo cabins.  I would recommend to anyone visiting the area.  They have about 10 cabins in varying sizes.  This little one sleeps 5.  It was very cozy and had a full kitchen and nice bathroom.  Made the experience to fun!

The cabin we stayed in

Iron Bed

Jaime & Linda on the wagon ride

We learned how to make barrels and how the different barrels are made depending on what they are used for.  Emma also got to dip candles and make rope.  She loved the experiences.

finished barrel

RED BRICK STORE

The original Red Brick Store opened for business on Jan. 5, 1842 with Joseph Smith as owner and proprietor.  The main floor was a general store.  At the back was an office where people could pay their bills and tithing to  Bishop Newell K. Whitney.  

On the second floor was a small office for Joseph Smith and a large meeting room. Council meetings were held there as well as the organizational meeting of the Female Relief Society with Emma Smith as president.  By the fall of 1860 a Branch of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (currently Community of Christ) was meeting on the second floor.  

By 1890 the building had deteriorated to the point that it was torn down.  It was reconstructed on the original site and opened to the pubic in April 1980.  It is still owned by the Community of Christ.

Smith Family Cemetery is part of the original homestead owned and occupied by Joseph and Emma Smith and their children.  Joseph, Emma and Hyrum Smith are buried here.  The founder of the restoration, His Wife, and His Brother, possessed an enduring love and devotion toward each other.  

Browning Gun Museum

BRITISH PAGEANT

The spirit of The British Pageant is captured in the words, "I go because my Master calls".  Actors portraying early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the British Isles sing these words as they depict the departure of these faithful Saints from their native land to answer God's call to gather in Nauvoo.  The pageant portrays the sacrifices of early Christian reformers, the ministry of Apostle Heber C. Kimball, the assignment of all the Apostles to preach in England, and the faith and sacrifice exhibited by early converts as they embraced the light of the restored gospel.  

The Gabe Chariton family is in the lower center and were awesome in their performance.  The story, music, dancing and singing was very entertaining and told a beautiful story of the early immigrants from England.  My great great grandparents on my mothers side came from England and all of Russ's family immigrated later from England.

The Nauvoo Pageant was held the next night.  The performers have 1 week to learn their parts and they perform in both pageants.  It is a wonderful venue for an outdoor theatre and the work miracles as they volunteer to be performers.  

The Nauvoo pageant represents the years of the 1840s.  It emphasizes the prophetic mission of  Joseph Smith, the founder of Nauvoo, and honors the sacrifice, faith, and courage of early members of The Church who gave their all to build a city and a temple.  It is filled with authentic hymns and folk songs, lively dances, and tender moments that share the joy these early Saints found in living Christ's gospel.  

NAUVOO PAGEANT

Gabe and Amy

scene of building Temple

They had Pioneer activities the hour before the pageant started.  Emma got to learn how to Polka with some of the cast members.  They taught them several dances and she had so much fun.  We even got to listen to a bagpipe and drum band.  

CARTHAGE JAIL

We started Tuesday morning in Carthage IL at the jail where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred by the mob.  

"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of Him Jesus Christ, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of Him:  That He Lives!  For we saw Him, even on the right hand of God, and we heard the voice bearing record that He is the only begotten of the Father - -

That by Him, and through Him, and of Him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants therof are begotten sons and daughters unto God". Joseph Smith 1832

The Church purchased the jail and made a beautiful park around it.  It too is hallowed ground where these two servants of God gave their final breaths.  Their bodies were returned to Nauvoo to their families.  Within the year, the Saints were persecuted to the point of having to prepare to leave Nauvoo.  At this time, they began the long hard journey to the uncharted territory outside of the United States - the territory that became Utah.

This story is part of my story.  I am so grateful to those who went before and paved the way for me to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

We returned to Jaime's home in Minnesota and was glad to find Russ feeling better and spent a few days enjoying being with them.  We received a phone call from our Son, Brian asking if we could come to Wichita Kansas before we returned home.  We had three weddings we were planning to be home for but it was important for us to be with Brian.  He had been called to serve as a Councilor in the Bishopric and wanted Russ to ordain him to a High Priest.  The Bishopric is like the minister of the Church.  A High Priest is an office in the Priesthood that allows him to officiate in that calling.  We had a very nice visit with Brian, Beth, William and Nora.  We ate great food, played lots of board games and enjoyed our time together.  Monday was a long long day was we spent many hours in airports.  We did not get on the first flight out of Wichita and then a delayed flight and then a mechanical problem.   We finally made it to Dallas and then had another 4 hour delay.  We arrived home 14 hours after we started our day at the airport.  It was not the two weeks we were expecting but we survived our first bout with COVID, enjoyed our Girls trip - it was really a special time with Jaime and Emma that I would not have had, and a memorable time with Brian and family.  

William enjoys taking pictures and editing them.  He know more about my phone camera than I can even imagine.  The photo on the left is the original photo and the bottom one is an edit he did.  It keeps him occupied when he is bored!  I love his creativity and what he thinks up to do.  He is so fun to watch as he plays and creates.

edited photo

We had a Relief Society activity at the Family History Library in Lehi, UT.  I was the only one in the group that had been there before - it is only a few years old and was closed for 2 years due to covid.   It was so fun and informative.  We were able to see all of the countries and cities our ancestors are from.  We found out that all 9 of us are related.  One was a 5th cousin and the rest were 9th cousins.  All on my mothers side.  Those darn Haney's just don't want to be found or included in history.  In my research, I have found that there are very few living relatives left on my father's side.  Not very many children lived or married and my Dad's children are some of the few still living.  As a result, not many relatives are doing family history and not very many records are available, but I am finding them one at a time.  It would be nice if I could be a fisher and gather them in my net all at once, but for now I am a Hunter finding them one by one.

Russ and I went to the Scera Outdoor Theatre to see a performance of The Sound of Music.  It was a delightful evening.  This was our first time at the Scera and the talent was superb!  I have never cried while watching the Sound of Music and I cried.  I heard things I had never really paid attention to in the movie and the sound of the actual music was phenomenal.  It also brought back a lot of sweet memories.

July was certainly a month full of adventures, experiences that we grew by, a time of healing on many fronts and special times with family.  We spent about 8 hours at DFW Airport and I was certainly wishing I could have been visiting with friends.  Unfortunately waiting on airplanes is so unpredictable you cannot leave the airport.  One of these trips we just need to plan an overnight and plan some visits.  I am grateful for my heritage and to have had the opportunity to see and feel a little bit more of that history.  I am grateful for living in this Land of America and for those who sacrificed leaving their homes and families as Young Adults to come to this land for a new life.  I am proud of the military service that so many of my relatives have given our the past 100 years.  It is a land of religious freedom no matter what religion that may be for you - I am grateful for that freedom that blesses my life every day.  

Much Love,

The Grimmett's