April 29 - '48
706 Taylor st
Dear Sis:
I wrote to Father so I thought I would answer your letter while I am at it.
I was very sorry to hear from dad to send his money to him as I thought maby he would leave it alone if it was in bonds. But I am trying to get him to leave some of it.
The money you ask about, I will not send to him as I think he needs a thousand dollars for his last expenses and it is here in bonds.
I am going to send that much in and have my name on them to [too] so when the right time comes I can cash them. I would have had them made that way before but I had all I could hold in one year, but I have cashed some and loaned it so now I can get his fixed up.
I am sleepy and must close with love to you. Nancy I told father to give you the money that he gets out of my machinery. It should amount to something like $100 - there is a Mower, Disc and Hay rake.
We are all well here.
I thought maby if I kept writing letters to Father things might change.
[Letter # 2 - handwritten]
Richland Washington 706 Taylor st
5/15/48
Dear Sister & Father
Saturday today and I have a few minutes today while at work so will write you while waiting.
Conference tomorrow and the usual Missionaries and Branch presidents and the District president coming to our house for dinner. It is expensive but good influence for us and the kids so worth the price.
I never see Maryetta or hear from Albert seldom see Lloyd so we don't know what his family is doing.
I am sending the receipt for deposit of $500 on Fathers account.
Nancy I sometimes wish I hadnt turned Pa's money loose. After holding it all these years I had thought it could do you some good and as you can see in less than two months he has spent $2,000.00 and you cant buy anything for a thousand nowadays so I may as well hold the remaining 1000 until needed if I don't buy the farm but if I do I can use it and pay interest and build it up a little again.
We are just waiting now for the man to make up his mind to throw in the tractor and machinery in exchange for 9 acres he wants to keep out.
Then it will depend if the Federal loan will lend enough to finance it.
Sometimes one must take some awful chances to get ahead but I believe this will be safe.
It is a beautiful setting and we want some beauty along with the hard work, I believe one will work harder for it.
If you get a Oregon map you can find Camas, 1/2 way between Roseburg and the ocean down by the California line. Elevation 900 feet, no chance for damage from ocean or winds, or floods, only earthquakes which they havent had. Good fishing, hunting and no prospecting. Sounds funny but it is a little valley in the tops of the mountains yet only 900 feet elevation. Ocean only about 1 1/2 hrs. away.
Roseburg is just what the name says it is, Roses and pine trees. Fruit, berries, nuts and spring water. Can drill a well for irrigation. I will buy the farm and Bud will buy the livestock and machinery and run the farm while I stay on my job.
We want a 30 cow dairy and 100 head of sheep. They never feed the sheep year around. $1.05 for butterfat.
Well, enough of the farm it may not turn out so pleasant, as you suggest, before it is paid but Nancy, we had the old farm in the depression and this one will make more than the one in sanpete.
Money again;
You might keep this letter for future reference.
I sent Pa $500 Bonds about April first, then I sent Bonds amounting to $1,000 about the last of April or first of May.
Then about the 5th of May I sent the other $1500 which you sent back.
Then on the 13 of May I Deposited to his account $500.
So out of the $3000 he has in the bank as of May 15th, $500 on checking account and I have $1000 in my account. So there is no store stock bought as I am going to either invest it in this land or send it back to you to keep or spend. Or I will send back $500 and keep $500 for his expenses.
But at any rate now, with his burial expenses taken out this will not be enough left to worry about.
As I said before I wanted to keep it all until the end of fathers life then give it all to you, but so long as he is alive I had no right to transfer it to anyone.
I am not worrying about Louisa as she has her family and never have intended to keep any for myself because I do not need it, but as long as I had it tied up it could not be spent.
In Pa's last letter he told me he is giving you and Louisa each $500 and ask me to keep $500 of this for mine and that Albert felt like he already has his. If I do this it will not be for myself but for his burial.
I feel like all the earthly possessions Pa may have had will not even partially compare to the good he has done me and my children and wife with his 19 years with us. One might think his pension would help but it isnt anything and we never ask any of it from him.
My only concern now is his happiness and if you will go up to the Welfare Office and find out how long he can be here and not forfit his pension we will come get him for a visit.
If they cut off his pension there, they will not give him one here for five years and would be very hard on us all.
Well Nancy I hope this letter reads like I intended it for I have no difference with anyone and am only sorry so much got away.
I know you have no feelings toward me over it and that is all that matters.
May the Lord bless you and love you as we do.
From us all
[Letter #3 - handwritten]
Richland Washington 706 Taylor st
9-26-49
Dear sister:
Received your letter saturday and I am glad to send you the dates also that you have the family genealogy complete.
Joy Jordan Clement Born Nov. 14 - 1925
Ely Nevada
Dareen Brady Clement Born Jan 3 - 1925
Fairview Utah
Glen Behling April 14 - 1919
Ogden Utah
You only ask for their date and place of birth.
I finally received word from aunt Nancy [Williams] what she wants me to do.
About 10 years ago, I was appointed President of the family genealogy society and Historian but was too busy in the missionary work and did not do much about it. My time is free now, I was released this month 22nd. Eight years. My records show 38 baptisms, 175 books of Mormon and trained 76 missionaries, for my district here in 4 1/2 years report (not complete).
Nancy I am appointing a genealogist for each family of Grandfather's sons and daughters and some have completed theirs and sent them to me. Will you send me a copy of ours before you send them inn? It will save a lot of work and time.
I would have given much to know uncle Orin was with you, we need his and it will take him to get it.
This part dosent sound right. Nancy I am going to operate this as I did the mission work and will appreciate the family's cooperation.
Who can I contact for uncle Jesse. Aunt Nancy says to get a autobiography of the church activity of each, where possible.
Will you write Louisa and you know Albert's but I can get his family here.
I am sending aunt Nancy's letter to you to read, but will you please send it back to me for reference.
I am writing Uncle Orin today as you suggest at St. George.
Hope you are well and success to you in your work.
May the Lord bless us all in our efforts to serve and keep our covenants.
Raphael
[Letter #4 - typewritten]
Richland Washington
706 Taylor st.
Jan.20/1950
Dear sister Nancy
We bragged to soon about the weather here as we have a whale of a lot of snow,about four inches today.
I have been sitting at the typewriter all day catching up on some records,I have our old genealogy book with all of the Cox family to the birth date of Grandfather and mother's birth date, and the patriarchal blessing given in 1860 and 1856. At North Bend and at Provo. You were the second scribe.
I also see where I sang to Grandmother's funeral; Flower girls were Nancy Orton,Verga Stewart,Maud Stewart,Eva Orton,and Arena Orton.
The questions and answers I sent you will help you to make out your records correctly.
Do you know aunt Elizabeth's address and name? I want to know if she has any information on the Ortons such as the name of the first husband of Grandma Cox. Also the family of aunt Cadellia, the first wife of Grandfather Cox.
Will you tell me if you have any record of Deward as yet? if not, send his new address so I can write him or go see him.I did manage to get Lloyd's before he quit me entirely.He is leaving the Cafe business and maby the country as he and Nelda is not living together now.
I received a letter from the man you saw from Idaho last summer and he wants me to come and visit him when we come to the Temple at Idaho Falls.He is the oldest son of the oldest son of Great grandfathers brother, or the Great grandson of our Great grandfather's (Thomas Clement).He calls them the Idaho branch.
Well I must quit and get into my income tax.Every time I think of it I cuss Roosevelt.
I must write Louisa to but I have so much to do it seems there isen't enough time.The Lord bless you and good night.
from Raphael
[Letter #5 - typewritten]
Richland Washington
706 Taylor st.
3/3/50
Dear sister
I have been going to write you for a long time but the house-[building] work and all has kept me from it.
About dates you ask for of baptisms I will send them to you as I have them.
Father: Baptized by Philip Hurst, June 17th 1877. Endowed 21 Nov.1888; Born 30 Dec. 1868.
Mother: Baptised by Christan Peterson, Sept. 12, 1880. Endowed and sealed to husband 21 Nov. 1888.
Nancy: Baptised 23 Nov.1897. Endowed 29 May 1908. Married 3rd April 1907.
Louisa: Baptised 25 Aug.1900. Married and endowed 15 June 1910.
Albert: " 2nd Sept. 1907. " " " 14 Feb. 1917.
Raphael " 2nd Sept. 1907. " 15 Aug.1923. Endowed 8 Sept.1926.
The date on baptism of Albert and I may be wrong as I cannot see Mother letting Albert go until I was old enough to be baptised.
I have all of Reva and Turk family and all the information on Turk and his father's and grandfather's family also.
That was a funny one about my letter to Pearl, I had a feeling I should not send it there but I dident know where else to send it and for the life of me I dont know what it was I wrote about my daughter-in-laws but I bet what ever it was it was the truth.
DeVon's wife name is Earlene Sipe.
Charles Ray is sure glad to get a letter from you, he is reading it to Grandfather now and he is learning to read long hand and is doing fine. A Mr. Lund, who is a school teacher, said he is reading fifth grade, so he is about two years ahead.
We had a nice visit with Albert and Oris and they told us all about everything they could for what time they were here. I believe Albert would be doing better if he hadent been so discouraged for so long. I did not know they were in Seattle until they came here and I sure hated to think they had been to Floy's and not get her record because they could have gotten all of it for me while they were visiting her. They said she and Ross had them a nice home now and they are enjoying life. Maryetta was here with them and seems just as unconcerned as ever, I gave her some papers and she said she would fill them out but I will be glad when I get them.
I suppose we will just have to have patients with Albert until he can spare the time. I only enumerated these things so you would not have to get more than we need.
I have all of Turks and Reva record done. His parents name is, Father:Joseph Erastus Patty. Mother;Aletha Bonham.
I need Angus baptism and Heir.
Now if you can get a family group sheet on all of Angus and Louisa's married children and grandchildren if any we will be done with them also. I havent anything on any of this family except the Family group;and the family group of Turk and Reva.
Everybody should keep a personal record sheet for themselves and then it is optional if they wish to send one up here. It would be nice at least if the parents would send a personal [record] sheet to be with their Family group.
I forgot, I have some data on Angus family:
Lavon Cox was Blessed at Fairview 6 Aug. 1911
Ordained Deacon 12 Nov.1923. Teacher 3 Oct.1926
Baptized 14 Sept.1914
Confirmed same day
Albert Lyle Cox
Blessed 1st June 1913
Baptized 3 July 1921. Confirmed same day
Deacon 5 July 1925
Monta Cox
Blessed 4 July 1915
Baptized 5 Aug.1923 Confirmed same day
Reva Ellen Cox Blessed 4 Aug.1918
Baptized 8 Aug.1926 Confirmed same day
Ora M. Cox Blessed 22 Oct 1920
Baptized 7 July 1929 Confirmed same day
Elvin R. Cox blessed 14 Sept.1924
Baptized 2 July 1933 confirmed same day
Deacon 6 Dec.1936
Theda Earlene Sipe, Born 6 Sept.1931. This is Devons wife name.
Dons baby name is Trudy Ann Clement
I hope I have answered all the things you need at the present,any way this should keep you busy for some time.
Uncle Jesse and Tom is about done so we are progressing.
The cook wants the table and I will have to close as the desk is not big enough to do this on.Love and the Lord be with you. From all
[P.S. from Pearl] The [wedding] reception was lovely. They got so many lovely gifts and everyone was so nice.
We had quite a thrill Sunday. DeVon had to leave (sunday evening), so Don's wife said wouldn't it be nice if we could all go to church in one group before he leaves, it would make 20. So we did, except for Bud who was excused he had to go to work and had to sleep. 19 of us. Then when we got there they asked the three generations of Clements to take care of the sacrament, remarked about how proud they were of them and publicly congratulated DeVon and Earlene and wished them happiness. Things like that are surely bright moments in our lives. I just had to tell you about it because I know you'd be proud too.
[Letter #6 - typewritten]
Richland Washington
706 Taylor st.
3/6/50
Dear Sister
Read your letter today and as usual was glad to hear from you.
I was making out some Personal History and Family group [sheets] for Louisa's family when your letter came.This information came from Louisa to Reva and she let me take them to copy,so I am sending them to you.
Will you give the made out Personal history sheets to the right people and also give the family group to Illa and Monta.
Also a Personal sheet to the married folks.and a Family blank to be filled in and returned to you for [to] check before sending them to me.
Father said what he had in mind was to ask you to come up to the dedication of our Chapel in April or rather June, but I do not think we know just when we will be ready for the dedication so you might not get here in time. We have a beautiful building and worthy of attention, and the building itself is teaching the Gospel to this people.
I thought I would get a little rest when I left the mission but I am busier now than ever, but it is like the man on the bicycle; when you stop pushing ahead, you fall over. It's hard to keep awake all the time and also try to keep others awake also.
Every time I write you I say I must write Louisa and I dont do it, I am neglecting her shamefully so I am going to do it now.
I will separate these sheets to be given, filled out and returned then they can make a copy if they choose.
Love to all
from Raphael and family
Just return me a family Group [sheet].
[Letter #7 - typewritten]
Richland Washington
706 Taylor st.
3/17/1950
Dear Sister
Father will be down the 28th or the 29th of April with Bud he is feeling well and can stand the trip, he is taking Vitamins and they are doing him good.
I suppose I have been a little confusing in my information so I will take each question and answer them in their order from your letter.Also I wish to ask some questions too.
How do you spell Louisa's middle name?
I will get Dewards record.
Albert Family
Albert and I was Baptised 2 Sept.1907
" when blessed and by whom?
" Patriarchal blessing? By
Divorce and remarriage?
Oris
When baptized? Where? By whom? When confirmed? Only the baptism date is necessary, the other is called for if you can get it.Has her father a middle name?
Lloyd
I have all of his. He and Deward was baptised 1st of July 1928 by Raphael Clement.Lloyd confirmed by Henry Jones.Deward by George Olson.
What is Lois and her Father and Mother full name? If you cannot get this please give Lois full name and date of marriage, if Oris has it if not let it go and I will get it.
Please get Maryetta's Baptism date.I will get Dan's Father and Mother name.
Also Floy,has she a middle name?also need her baptism date.
Need Gerald Lee " "
When was Roscoe baptised? Who is his Heir?
[Letter #8 - typewritten]
Richland Washington
706 Taylor st.
3/23/1950
Dear sister Nancy
Received your letter tonight and have it typewritten so will send for the rest of info.we need, it isnt very much and I think you did wonderfully well.
Von
June's parents names
All Vons children baptism and Confirmation dates.
Lyle
Marians parents names
" baptism date and confirmation
All their childrens baptism and confirmation dates
Monta
Ila blessing if possible
Baptism and Confirmation date
Ora
Keiths blessing,baptism,and his Parents name.
The confirmations are not necessary.But if possible we need the date and place of the death and burial of any or all parents and all others called for on the sheet.
Refer to your Question and answer number 8
My eyes are so tired I don't see the keys after going through and making out the records so I will just say I was very glad to get this information and any you might get will be welcome at any time and I think you have done exceptionally well this far.
All is well here and it is raining tonight.
With love from the family
[Letter #9 - typewritten]
Richland Washington
706 Taylor st.
3/27/50
Dear sister
I will answer your letter or card as you wrote it because I havent answered some of them as they should be.
Betty Dareen Brady;Father,Jordan Henry;Mother,Marinda Vance.
Trudy Ann Clement, born 25 Jan.1950 at Richland Wash.Benton co.
Blessed 5 March 1950 by her father
Dareen was born 3 Jan.1925
Theda Earlene Sipe born 6 Sept.1931 baptized 26 Oct.1944
endowed 14 Feb.1950
Father:Earl Christopher Sipe, Mother:Elizabeth Elder
Explanation on the Heir is shown in the answer to question #3 of the sheet of Questions and answers.
The oldest male member,LIVING OR DEAD that joined the church while living.
Your Great grandfather was the first male to join the church, or the oldest to join while alive and remains the Heir for all time.
Now if he should have had an older brother who had joined the church after while living, then your g Grandfather would have had to relinquished his Heirship to his older brother. If a female should join first, she is the Heir until a male member joins.
It seems like a long job but I think we have made wonderful progress,in fact I can see where we have done as much as one doing research could do in years,so keep up the good work.
Love from the family.
Questions at any time are welcome.
[Letter #10 - typewritten]
Richland Washington
706 Taylor st.
4/16/50
I will try to write you again.I wrote a card and mailed it without an address so naturally it came back to me and Pearl had a good laugh.
I have been put back in the District again in the Genealogical work,so I have three organizations to keep going.I have our family,and as you know I am the Chairman of the Branch,and now assistant Chairman in the District and it looks like it will not be long until I will need to take the Chairman job here.
I went to Sunnyside sunday and have the next three sundays to go to some of the other towns.
Well to answer your letter now.
Joys parents-Frank Reed Jordan (Father)
Mary Alice Arnoldsen (Mother)
Glens parents - Franz Gottlieh Albert Behling
Agnes Sophia Johnson
Earlene Sipe was born 6 Sept 1931 Tucson Arizona
Father-Earl Christopher Sipe
Mother-Elizabeth Elder
Don and Dareen were not married in the temple but are coming down this summer.
I have all my family done.Thanks for offering to write it for me,I sure would let you if I did not have it done.
I think Louisa is wrong on Ora's blessing as I took it from a bunch of certificates Reva had that her mother had sent her.
Floy--I have the record on Floy and Roscoe except the baptism of each. Heir, Endowment,
Only one of Reevas is baptized and I dont know when now but I will get it. Note=just called Reeva and Ora's Blessing was 22 August 1920.
I have all of Vons blessings and baptisms down to the youngest. And Vons ordinations to a Teacher.
Earlene did not go back with Devon and we think he will be home in a few months.
Dareen was baptized 2 July 1933. Full name is Betty Dareen Brady. Baptized by Ivan Cox at Fairview Utah.
Elizabeth Joy Jordan was baptized 22 Aug.1934 at Mt.Pleasant by James Lund
Confirmed 22 Aug.1934 by Andrew L Peterson
Glen Johnson Behling was baptized 1 May 1927
Theda Earlene Sipe was baptized 26 Oct.1944
Glens parents
Father--Franz Gottliech Albert Behling
Mother--Agnes Sophia Johnson
It is a good thing to get the blessings and con.[firmations] but the family sheet does not call for it,they each have a Personal record sheet and they call for all that information and the parents keep it for the children until they get married and then they take it with them.
Any other info. you need ask for it and if I have it I will send it to you.
It is very late and I must work tomorrow so will close for now.
Love from the family
P.S. I havent much on Ila
We have a great amount of Genealogy on mothers people. I will get at it as soon as I can. Also account of mothers funeral etc.
I have been ask by my Genealogy teachers [branch teachers] to make up a list of scriptural references to prove the importance of this work so must get into it and also use it in the District.
[Letter #11 - handwritten]
Richland Washington
706 Taylor st
8-23-50
Dear Sister:
Finally I feel the urge to write to all the folks so you and Louisa are first.
We received your card a few days ago but was just leaving on a weekend trip to the Snake river grand canyon, so will tell you something about it.
The trip was for the family, but as usual we could not catch all of them, however, we managed to get fourteen, Pearl, myself, Beverly and her family [Glen,Larry, Leslie]. Barbara, Shanna, Charley, Joy, Bud, LaVon, Susan.
I guess only twelve, Oh yes Carroll. The fishing was fine caught 22 trout, we climbed up to 6700 feet and looked down 6000 feet to the Snake river and the worlds deepest hole. I did not know there was so much rock in the world and people living in every little notch so far away but I suppose that is what they like.
Nancy I have been so busy since my ordination and it really takes a lot of my time but I enjoy it all to see the effect the spirit of prophesy has on so many of our people, but it isnt the people I worry about, my big worry is to live every day to keep the spirit and inspiration necessary for this work and I have had a real battle with the tempter since that day but if he is reading this letter as I write it (which I believe he is) for his information I have won the first round.
Nancy, the Lord meant what he said when he said where much is given, much is required and I have found that I must watch and pray constantly and my family is under pressure also, so is it any wonder one must change under this sacred responsibility. And unlike any other job in the church the Patriarch has no other mortal councilors to turn to for advice, while of course the Holy Ghost is the best council of all, yet we must be in the right spiritual condition from day to day to receive this council or we do not get it so our living responsibility is heavy. I have thought on occasion, I would tell or confess to the Lord that I am not worthy, but to do so would be to question his wisdom and be under his displeasure for it because I was chosen of him through inspiration through his senior Apostle who was the President of the Council of the Twelve. So I need your faith and prayers and all the family.
How is your health now, time goes so fast I cant realize we are all getting so old.
Tell the kids and all we love them and hope to see you in April. I wanted to change my vacation and come in October but cant make it.
Love to you all
Raphael and family
[P.S. from Pearl]
Just a note to say we still love you. I thot I was out of things for a while but have a stake job now which will really keep me busy. Beverly is stake secretary in Sunday School, her husband Stake Superintendent [S.S.]. Joy, Barbara, Shanna Ward Choristers. Bud Counselor in the Elders Quorum. Don and Dareen are in Salt Lake to live, he's going to University of Utah this winter. His address is 921 East 17th So. Apt.4. I have to send their furniture. Don will come back and work until in Sept (latter part). DeVons are expecting in Oct., Bud in Sept. Congratulations are in order for you also. Tell all hello. Thanks for being so good to write. We are really kept busy. Pearl
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