Part II: Lost Pioneers of Hole-in-the-Rock Found published March 24, 2010

by Janet Wilcox, Managing editor of Blue Mountain Shadows 

Preface:  I was not related to any San Juan County pioneers when we moved here in 1970, but I did have a Stan Bronson album which I had used when teaching 7^th graders in 1966 in Murray, Utah.  I loved the folk songs he had written about San Juan, but never dreamed how connected to those people I would someday feel.  Then in 1975 my brother married Rosanne Reeve, a granddaughter of Mary Lyman (Albert R. Lyman’s sister) and they came down for a Lyman reunion. 

 As I started teaching at San Juan High in 1984, the Utah History Fair became a big part of my curriculum and I loved reading what my students learned from their local history research.  I hope it gave them some appreciation of their heritage as well. Next, our son Rob married Kathryn Redd a great, great granddaughter of Lemuel H. Redd Sr.  One by one the threads of San Juan encircled me and as each issue of Blue Mountain Shadows was published, new threads tied my mind and heart to San Juan’s past.

Most recently, this Hole-in-the-Rock project, has convinced me I am totally bound by these threads-- bound to a wonderful, colorful past from which I have learned much.  Helping to collect the Hole-in-the-Rock information into a common web site has been joy to me, though not to my eyes.  In the process I was often recipient of the “tender mercies” of the Lord, as new information was so miraculously God-sent via an e-mail.  Thanks to many of you who read the newspaper and responded with wonderful stories.  

As I have read each of these stories, I’ve felt my heart change, and a renewed commitment to never be a whiner.  I have nothing to complain about when I compare my life to these good people who came to the “end of the earth” as my father-in-law would say. They made the best of what they had and learned to be happy about it.  They worked hard and kept that Nielson “stick-it-a-to-ity” ever present in their minds, and we can too.

 Part II

Local Efforts to preserve family histories:

 Certainly the star of San Juan’s historic trail is Albert R. Lyman, who was a baby when his family came through the Hole in the Rock.  He was “born to write,” said his daughter Alberta O’Brian, “ It was in his genes, having been born to a father who loved literature and who, even in his poverty, encouraged the love of reading and learning in his children. By the time he was 13, Albert had begun to keep a daily journal, which he did through a spa of 82 years. [1]”  Besides his journals, Lyman wrote for newspapers, magazines, serials, short stories, biographies, histories, and even poetry and songs. Most of these, however, carry a common thread –his love for San Juan.

Though respect for ancestors among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t quite reach the same level of filial piety found in Asian countries, it is nevertheless deep and reverential.  Members have been encouraged since the inception of the church to write letters and keep journals.  Thankfully, many did so, and through these we come to know our ancestors or other people’s. 

My own great grandfather, Robert Henderson, wrote a weekly journal from the time he joined the church in Scotland, during his immigration to Utah, through his experiences in Salt Lake, and Box Elder County.  From these I learned what it meant to “eat crow” as that was partially what he and 18 other young men had to resort to, to survive the winter of 1851 in Utah.  They were taken in by President John Taylor’s mother and father and she would send them out to hunt so she would have something to cook for supper.  Often it was a badger or crow that they brought back, and that’s what they ate.  I’ve had to “eat Crow” a few times myself in this life, but didn’t have to hunt for it!

The LDS Church is not alone in its support of family record keeping.  Genealogy is considered the #1 hobby of many people.  According to Dick Eastmond, Genealogy is more popular today than ever before. It is the second or third or fourth most popular topic on the Web, depending upon whose sources you care to cite. The first surge of interest in genealogy can be traced to the 1890s, when the U.S. experienced a burgeoning of historical societies, pioneer associations, family reunions, and hereditary organizations (the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Society of Mayflower descendants were founded in that decade) [2].

Most states have historical societies dedicated to the preservation of past history.  Even Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been involved.  October 2008 was "Archives Month" in California and more than 4,000 archival institutions in California were recognized for their role in preserving the state's history. Forty year’s earlier,  California’s interest in history ironically paved the way for volumes of San Juan County history.  Dr. Gary Shumway began an Oral history program in 1968 in California that reached into the very heart of San Juan.  He and his students from Cal State Fullerton canvassed San Juan County for many years collecting hundreds of oral histories and publishing them.  Copies are available at most San Juan County libraries.

Through the untiring efforts of Commissioner Calvin Black as well as others, the Edge of the Cedars was established in 1976 as a museum and repository and has done much to showcase the pre-history story of ancient peoples of the Four Corners.  Community programs including lectures, workshops, art shows, and  tours do much to bring history to the communities of the Four Corners. 

Currently Rebecca Stoneman and EOC staff have orchestrated a local historical display showcasing the history and impact of West Water Canyon on the lives of both pioneer and Native American people.  The museum also houses a library, which is open to the public, and it houses the archives of the county historical commission.  

Though having much smaller budget that Gov. Schwarzenegger, San Juan County commissioners have also encouraged and supported historical preservation.  They started the San Juan County Historical Commission in 1984, with LaVerne Tate as the first president.  Shortly afterwards Blue Mountain Shadows  began its preservation activities.  Since the Shadows’ was first published in 1987, 40+ magazines rich in biographical information, as well as local lore, have been published.  They continue to invite people to write stories and share information.   The City of Blanding, in like manner, extended an open invitation for all those who had lived in Blanding to write their family’s story and a massive amount of material filled four volumes for the Blanding Centennial in 2005.  Donna Blake shouldered the bulk of this gigantic task, with Dr. Shumway doing the editing.

On a more private level, many local families have been engaged in collecting, writing, and preserving ancestral stories.  Nearly every family seems to have at least one of more relatives imbued with the spirit of Elijah and is actively seeking to turn the hearts of the current generation “to their fathers.[3] “  Mark Lyman and Tamra Lyman, Gayle Shumway, Nancy Kimmerle, and Toni Turk are some who have made great contributions to their family history vaults. There are many, many others.

In the past five years two gigantic projects related to the Hole in the Rock were completed.  The extended Nielson family did a massive photo and story collection and ended up filling two five-inch binders in recognition of the legacy left by Jens Nielson and his wives: Elsie Rasmussen and Kirsten Jensen and their children.  Donna Jensen and Mike Halliday teamed up as the driving force behind this huge collection, which also includes hundreds of early Bluff photos, family letters, and diary entries.  It is available on Cd to interested researchers.

Secondly, Kumen Jones’ descendants (especially Ted Jones, Kay Jones, and Heather Raison) published his writings and then Calvin McDonald created an impressive web site (www.kumenjones.org/ ) which shares  a broad spectrum of topics all written by this unassuming, yet pivotal San Juan leader.  Kumen was so open and honest in all he did and wrote, that you feel like you’ve walked through the door of early San Juan County and are seeing things as they truly were.

Kumen Jones’ Writings

 One of the reasons Kumen took time to write is stated in the preface in his own words: “One purpose of this story is to show that we do not have to go back to ancient Israel, to the ancient Nephite or Jaredite times in order to show the hand of Providence in the blessing and preservation of the Lord's children whenever or wherever they are loyal and true to Him, and live the Gospel. The San Juan (Utah) pioneers have tested this question out through the years of intense times and trying conditions since we were called on this mission in 1879. I am the last one of the original pioneers who was of age when we landed in what is now San Juan County.”

One would think that Kumen’s trials had been sufficient in earlier years to warrant him a life of ease as he faced his golden years.  It was not to be, and his final trial was the amputation of his leg.  He recorded the story this way:

HOW I LOST MY LEFT LEG--April, 1936. “Took sore between the ankle and calf of my leg along in the year 1936, Feb. 1st. The old timers called it a bite of a Black Spider. Dr. Kent of Mesa said it may be a "White Blood Clot" caused by poor, slow circulation of the blood stream. It was extremely painful and developed fast. April had Dr. Kent and assistant take the leg off. They told me that I had one chance out of a hundred against my pulling thru the operation. I told him to go ahead, that we would take the one chance. April I was taken to the local hospital (Mesa) for ten days, where it soon developed that the operation was not successful; was brot out to Dr. Johnson, Cortez, Colorado. Dr. Johnson with an assistant operated again and was successful, and it was done without pain, and I have not suffered severe pain during, or since the operation, and it looks now that when I check out from this mortal existence it will be from some other cause than my absent leg, and while I do not know the object of it all, am more than willing to accept it as for some wise purpose as an experience needed by me, as well as other experiences I have passed thru the past few years. It may be these things are for the future existence; in fact we are in training here for eternity where we are to "Be added upon."

By November of that same year, Kumen was back at work despite having only one leg:

“We fixed up for me to cut up an extra large cottonwood tree, partly dry, which turned out to be extra tough, but that only made more and harder exercise for me. I will not hesitate to recommend this exercise to furnish play. For physical exercise will help work up an appetite, help pass the time away and save expense and balance the family budget. It also sets a good example to the neighbors, etc., especially to my family. This latter view of the question is worthy of our consideration, as it affects our standing of worthiness among our friends and neighbors among the community where we live. I believe I got more and better education from the example of my neighbors and the lives they lived than I got from the day school of my younger days, besides being a factor for good in promoting my progress in life.”

Kumen’s neighborly education is mirrored in his writings.  Amazingly, both he and Albert R. Lyman took the time not only to write their own stories, but they also wrote about other Bluff pioneers and their contributions—another reason why Kumen’s web site is so valuable to researchers. 

He said of Joseph F. Barton, He “took a leading place in education, civil and religious, and financial affairs, held official positions in all of above features of progress and civilization. Having him and family as my nearest neighbor for 24 years, I found them 100 percent fine. Brother Barton was an all around handy, helpful, exemplary neighbor; quite a veterinarian, understood many of the ailments of domestic animals, and for planning all corrals, outhouses, etc., his gift or ability along those lines was an asset to the community where he lived.”  See Barton name in index

Of Bishop Jens Nielson Kumen wrote, “The thing that gave him influence with the people was his sound judgment and his strong sense of justice and absolutely fairness. I have met many men in whose hands I would be willing to place my life and would easily place as the first one among that number Bishop Jens Nielson. His confidence and friendship are above price in my memory, which continued almost all my life without a jar.”  

[Currently, local descendants of both Joseph Barton, and Jens Nielson are helping lead efforts in telling the history of the Hole in the Rock pioneers.  Corrine Roring has worked for nearly 10 years to kindle interest in others for the Bluff Fort project, trail preservation, and history collection.  Joining her in this efforts are Karl and LaRue Barton of Bluff.  More will be told of these efforts in a future segment.]

Not one to overlook the contributions of women of the community, Kumen’s tributes included many pioneer women. He said of Anna Mickelson Decker, “If she cannot say good things about people will keep still, with good Christian patience and faith for the future, still living (1933) and cheerfully doing her bit.”  This observation is especially poignant, once we realize the Anna lost not only her husband in the diphtheria outbreak of 1901-02, but four of her children. (See Mikki Palmer’s Poem: 

Kumen Jones with Jim Joe, his Navajo friend

Kumen’s friendly relationship with the Navajo people was legendary.  Jim Joe was a particularly close and valued life-long friend.  They met in 1880 when Jim was about 18-20 years old and Kumen was 24. Kumen wrote, “It was soon apparent, to an observer of human nature, that Jim was above the average . . . He was industrious, thrifty, careful with his means, hard worker, a large manly fellow. . .Jim always has looked upon lying or stealing as beneath the standards he set for himself to follow, always frank, open and straight-forward in his life and dealings with friend or foe of any color or class. . . Many times, he has helped us regain property that was stolen from us by whites as well as Indians; sometimes has joined officers of the law in hunting desperate characters such as bank and train robbers, cattle and horse thieves. . .”

Lydia Lyman Jones

None of his tributes are more tender than his words of admiration for his wives: Mary and Lydia May.  He stated: Aunt Mary started out in life from childhood with a sympathetic nature, and early in young womanhood fell heir to the prefix "Aunt" to her name.  Born of strong, sturdy Scandinavian stock, daughter of Jens and Elsie Nielson, at Parowan, Utah, October 3, 1858. Inherited strong, rugged health. Brought up to be thrifty, saving, and to be industrious; wide awake, lively, wholesome girl, without a trace of an unvirtuous, impure thought, or a lazy cell in her mind or body; led upon her with the years, and for helping and encouraging the sick and unfortunate she has spent much of her life. . . in a helpful useful life of service, especially thoughtful of the older people of the community, and sick.”
His second wife, Lydia was only 42 when she took hold of a blazing lamp and carried it out of the house, with their baby boy, Francis W. Jones in her arms.  In doing so, her clothes caught fire, burning her so seriously that it resulted in her death after nine days of suffering.  Mary then raised Lydia’s 10 children. 

Kumen said later of Lydia May: “Nothing could turn or swerve her from doing her full and loyal duty to her family. No man ever had a truer and more loyal helpmate for an eternal companion.”

Perhaps as we take on the challenge of writing our history, and that of our parents, or grandparents, we might follow Kumen’s advice, and write a few paragraphs about the great people who have let their sunshine into our lives, and given us rays of hope and help. 

Need for more information

   It is hoped that others interested in local history will help in the search for missing stories.  Please visit http://trekholeintherock.blogspot.com and see if you can help track down information about the “lost pioneers”. These stories are likely to be as interesting and valuable as the ones we’ve know for over 100 years.  This is a 250 piece puzzle and about 100 of the pieces are missing.  What will the final picture be?

If you find a piece send it to me:42janetkw@gmail.com.

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References in addition to previously listed Internet links

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[1] Miller, David. Hole in the Rock © 1966, p. 46

[2] Cox and Olson Histories, http://karennelson.familytreeguide.com

[3] Miller, back cover

[4] Lipe, Dr. Bill, lecture in Blanding, 2/11/2010

[5] Miller. back cover

[6] History of Mary Fretwell Davis, written in 1928 by her daughter for the Cedar City Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

[7] McDonald, Ron.  Hole in the Rock Newsletter, Volume 2, Winter 2007

[8] Ibid.

[9]  Lillywhite, Charles. Joseph Lillywhite history, Jan. 18, 1943, in possession of Linda Wright, Blanding, Utah

[10] Lillywhite.

[11] O’Brian, Albert Lyman.  Albert R. Lyman: A Personal Account, Vol 22 Blue Mountain Shadows. P 30-42

[12] Sheila O'Hare. Genealogy and History, published www.common-place.org · vol. 2 · no. 3 · April 2002

[13] Malachi 4: 5-6