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Jody’s Journal
The Writings Of Josephine Catherine Chatterley Wood
From 1882 To 1908

   Josephine Catherine         Samuel Wood
   Chatterley Wood

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Jody’s Journal

“Where is the heart that doth not keep
Within its inmost core
Some fond memories hidden deep
Of days that are no more”
Anon

The days that are no more are “illuminated with the author’s own candle.”*

On scraps of paper that are faded, time-worm, tattered, and with many pages missing, Jody’s** writings do illuminate those days…those times…those experiences…with those dear ones with whom she lived, loved, traveled, and prayed for throughout her life.

She wrote with tender sorrow and emotion as she left beloved family and friends in Cedar City and began that epic journey to Bluff on October 17, 1882. She wrote with raw courage as the journey progressed. Later, on the second trip to Bluff in November and December of 1885, her writings are somewhat more preserved. They show the same strength of character and abiding faith.

Tragically, many pages of Jody’s Journal have been lost over the years—possibly during times when her journal was loaned back and forth to writers, to friends, and to her Corlett relatives in Cedar City.

Claire Noall, author of “Guardians of the Hearth” stated: “Jody Wood’s journal is said by [Apostle] John Widtsoe to have been the only journal written by a woman in either the first or second companies to help settle Bluff.” For this reason alone, it is of significant historical value.

Beyond the two trips, Jody periodically wrote in her little notebook or on scraps of paper. Some of those records and writings have never been quoted or published until now. Included is a record of the “births” she attended in Bluff, Grayson, Moab, Provo, and Woodside. Also, there is a brief record of deaths.

After a period of not writing (at least no record exists) for many years, Jody began to write again in 1902 and continued through November 1908, just three months before her death on February 10, 1909.

One hundred years after the first journal entry on October 17, 1882, Jody’s writings surely do illuminate those days that are no more, and leave a rich legacy for all who read her words.

*Vanity Fair, Before the Curtain, by William Makepeace Thackeray.
**Josephine Catherine Chatterley Wood

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THE WRITINGS AND RECORDS OF JOSEPHINE CATHERINE (JODY) CHATTERLEY WOOD

The First Journey — Cedar City to Bluff City, Utah
October, November, (and possibly December) 1882

On the day that the Samuel Wood family left Cedar City for Bluff, Utah, in the company of Charles Wilden, Alvin Smith, David Adams, Frederic I. Jones, and their families, with Hyrum Perkins as Captain, Jody began her journal on a 7”x10” sheet of paper, taken from a lined notebook. She wrote on both sides of the paper covering events from October 17th through October 23rd.

At some point, Jody decided to rewrite those first few days. She then wrote on smaller pieces of faintly-lined paper that measured 5”x6”. The first two or three smaller sheets of paper are lost. Apparently, on the first page that still exists, she is ending her notes of October 19th. On the fourth line down from the top (on the small-sized paper), she records their location and the date as follows:

“Little Crick Canyon 20th”.
It is interesting to compare the two sets of entries for October 20th, for she writes in greater detail on the smaller sheet.

October 20th- (larger sheet)

Oct. 20th. Little Creek Canyon. All well in health but Jones baby, but thinking of the Dear ones at home & knowing that every day is taking us farther away from home. It is a hard thing to get started in the mornings with the teams & the stock. Hyrum Perkins is our Captain. We travel along until we reach upper Bare Valley, where we meet Kuman Jones, his wife Mary and May Lyman, coming in from San Juan. We stop and eat dinner, go about six miles & camp for the night.

October 20th- (smaller sheet)

Little Crick Canyon 20th. All seems well in health but Manie’s baby, but all think of the Dear ones at home & thinking that every day is taking us further away from those we love so dear. It is a hard time to get started with the stock & the teams. Hyrum Perkins is our Captain & he is a very good hand. We still go on until we get to an old cabin of Upper Bare Valley. There we meet Kuman & his folks. Had quite a talk & quite a cry and stopped and had dinner, go along 4 miles farther & camp & the babies still crying & it is very cold. I don’t know how the other Sisters feel but I feel it quite a trial to go to bed & get up. We are so crowded. Bro Wilden has a very large tent which he pitches every night & they are very kind. We go in to undress our babies. The Camp is all quite again but the wolves are howling most piteful. We are in a nice place for wood & water but no feed. The stock is all right so far.

Jody rewrites October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd on the smaller pieces of paper. Both sets of records are reproduced—the larger two sheets are shown first (these two pages had to be reduced in size); the smaller sheets are reproduced in their original size.

The existing journal entries for this journey go through October 31st—a scant, few days. The company is approaching or crossing “Waterpocket Fold”. However, Albert R. Lyman, in his articles on Jody, quotes directly from her writings through November 13th, with a final entry (not dated) which notes their arrival in Bluff, Utah. These particular pages were not in the possession of Catherin Josephine (Kate) Wood Hansen when she died. It is not known where—or when—these pages were lost.

Jody did not have much formal education. Despite the spelling and grammatical inconsistencies, her writings shine forth with great intellect, emotion, and compassion.

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Cedar City Iron Co Utah. Oct 17th, 1882

Oct 17th, 1882  Called on a mission the Bluff San Juan Co Utah. Starting a company of four familys from Cedar. came as far as Johnsons, fort, with tired hands, and aching hearts, after biding our friends & relatives and the land, of our birth good by.

Oct 18th, 1882  Start from, Johnson, with great, sorrow, & weeping parting with all our Dear friends & relatives, went on a mile or two. there we meet, Bishop Arthur, & other friends. that was our last Cedar folks for that day. then we had nothing to do but to lay back in our wagons, and think of those we had left and there kindness, we travel a long uptill we reach. Summit, there we stop for dinner the company seems very serious. we eat a bite of dinner and a gain roll on. but with no lighter heart. arrived in Parrowan lane, a bout 5 oclock camped early to turn the stock in the field the children & there Mamas all crying to go back it is a great trial to me to leave Cedar.

Parawan lane
Oct 19, 1882   Rather a resatu night. with the little ones. get breakfast, go on to town. Stayed there to get some things, & again roll on. bidding good bye to Walker Hunter, James Stewart. go on to Red Creek. Brother Dami, & many others. gathered a round our wagon, biding us good by going on up little criek Canyon & camping for the night. the children crying to go home. Stock [copy unreadable] a horse trying to go back.

Oct 20th   little Creek Canyon. all well in health but Jones baby but thinking of the Dear ones at home & knowing that every day is taking us father a way from home. It is a hard thing to get started in the mornings with the teams & the Stock, Hyrum Perkins is our Capain, we travel a long untell we reach upper bare vally, were we meet, Kuman Jones his wife Mary & May Lyman, coming in from San Juan we stop & eat dinner, go a bout 4 miles & camp for the night.

Oct 21st, 1882   A nother very cross night with the Children. Sam has to leave one of his cows, & calves, the little white calf Walter Hunter gave me we still go an don’t stop untell we get to Panguitch, there we campd, the children feeling some better had supper & prayer & [copy unreadable].

Oct 22 & 23   Pangush all rested better last night. we leave [copy unreadable] travel about Seven miles, have to camp for water. made good use of the rest of the day, & washed & baked. David Adams, got tired of traveling turned of & left us this morning. this is what is called the [south] fork of the Sevear. Sam had to go back for a nother [copy unreadable]. All Smith of Parrowan caught up to us to day and four more in the camp Charly Wilder has a large tent that we all gather in for prayers, talk of our days trials & troubles.

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home & the Stock quite a bother trying to go back. all peace & quite & the little ones & these Mothers to bed. I long to see you all to night.

Little Crick Canyon
20th   All seems well in health but Manies baby but all thinks of the Dear ones at home & thinking that every day is taking us futher a way from thoes we love so Dear. It is hard time to get Started with the Stock & the teams. Hirum Perkins is our Captain & he is a very good hand. we Still go on untill we get to an old Cabben at upper bare Vally there we meet Kuman & his folks had quite a talk & quite a cry & stoped & had dinner, go a long 4 miles fother & camp & the babyes Still crying & it is very Cold. I don’t know how the other Sisters feel but I feel it is quite a trial to go to bed & get up we are so Crowded. Bro Wilden has a very large tent witch he pitches every night. & they are very kind we all go in to undress our babys. the Camp is all quite a gain but the wolves are howling most pittefull. we are in a nice place for wood & watter but not feeds, the Stock is all right So far.

Lower Bare Vally 
Oct 21st   Another very Cross night with Some of the baby mine is real good after we go to bed. Manies baby is Still not very well & is very Cross. Sam has to leave one of is Cows this morning don’t know what is the matter with her. & the little white Calf we got at Walt’s was left. did not know it untill we got to camp, go an Stop for dinner take a cold dinner & Start out a gain. the horses seem to act rather bad it makes me feel rather pale but it is not the first time. well we still go an get to Panguitch & there

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we camp a gain. the babys seem to be a little better but O so tired we camp have Supper & then are all called to prayer & go to bed So good night.

Panguitch
23 Mounday   all rested better last night but the babys are very Cross this morning. we leave hear a bout 10-oclock all will go on a bout 7 miles & have to camp for watter. we could not drive to the next watter to day. it is about 2 oclcok So we thought we would make good use of the time & wash. Manie & me did not get our washing out untill after Sun down. David Adams & family left us this morning he thinks he can travel quicker. I don’t blame them for there baby is So very Cross. this is what is Called the west fork of the Sevear. Sam has another Cow gon back to find her Calf. he is gone back after it. he has come & got the cow got into camp just after Sundown with Alma Smith’s stock. he caught up to us to day with 4 more to join our Compney there is quite a train of us well we get dinner & super to gether. we straten up our kitchen & all go in the tent Sit a while & then have prayers & are all ready for bed with Still very Cross babys.

Sevear river this is at the fork of the road

Oct 24th   get up this morning all loocking better but 2 of the horses gon back Hirum Perkins as gone back. hinders us a Copple of hours. he comes we again roll on travel through a Canyon untill noon. See some of the lovelyist Seans I ever saw. but the thoughts of home to day has been more then I can stand quitely. Manies baby is still not well & O So Cross & she is feeling rather down her Self. We Still travel a long untill after dark quite late when we get in to camp we get Supper & wash the little ones for they are in need of it then we have prayr & make ready for bed. we have traveled 17 miles to day.

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[East] fork of the Sevear river
Oct 25   quite Cold & blowing looks like Storm we want to get over Escalante Mountain to day & then Herium Says it will not be so bad if it does come. Some of the Children Cryed last night very bad. Sister Wilden was quite sick all night. but feels some better this morning. Mirum & Petter McPrang & Johney Willden Start out with the Stock they are all right & all So the teams & waggons & harness there as been no braking Since we left home but one bow on our front waggon broke while we was scattered all over the wagon with the Sudden jurk well we go on. but all of the women Seems home Sick thinking that a week to day we toock our last fond loock at our Dear old homes & the worst of all at our reletives & freinds. Ony what cant we stand. well we Still trudge a long Start up the Mountain all the wiman & children are ploding up the teriable hill when we got to the top it started sprinkling & so we had to get in the waggons to get out of the Storm but O my I think there was Some of us that did not take a good long breath untill we reached the bottom but when we got down our Captain lead us to a very nice Camping ground under the big pine trees where there was plenty of watter & wood & feed. it stills loocks like Storm but we are all thankfull we are over the Mountain be fore the Storm Comes or else we coud not have got over for it is So Steepe. but for all that it was real good road for mountain road we have had very good roads all the way. well we have a good hearty Supper & go in the tent & have prayrs & all are tired & ready for bed. we have come a bout 20 miles to day. At the foot of the Escalante Mountains.

Oct 26   all well & rested good after our long walk up the hill well we have our breakfast get ready & start out but

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the getting ready is not so easy as the reading of this. Well we travel a long & go a bout 2 miles & Camp for the rest of the day get dinner & Supper together & make our beds & go in the tent & have our evning prayrs & go to rest again

Escalante 27th  Still laying over to day wating for Hirum to get Some Stock that was left the last time they came. If he gets them we will leave to morrow we are tidying up this morning & we are all goin to wash this after noon Sister Willden & Sarah have been washing this morning Mainey & me are goin to get it this after noon. us poor Sisters have our hands full Hirum & Dan have gone after there Stock & all the other men have gone up to town but Petter he is hear with us. I must Stop now for we must Start washing we are camped one mile ½ from town by the grist mill. they are getting some Chopping done for the horses. well we get quite a washing out & have been buisy baking all day & now it Is night & we will have to perepar for Supper then for bed. it is quite a Chore to have to partly unload to make the bed. we are all Called in to prayr good night & god bless you all.

Escalante 28th   all well Still laying over again to day Hirum can not get ready to day. I guess it is better for the Stock. But for our Selves we would rather be goin on for every day Counts for a body when they have no home. we are all quite buisy to day baking mor So it will last us for a day or to. well we get through. & retire to our appartments & right to our Dear freinds at home. night comes again & we prapair for our evning work. but feel so disopointed when there was no letters for any of us. well the day is gone again & we all go to the tent. Sit talking a bout us beeing Called Some thought one thing & Some a nother but the womin thought they would rather not have been

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Called & thought they would rather be home then hear. we a gain have prayr & all go to our own rooms good night. may god bless us all.

Oct 29th   leave Escalante this morning after 2 ½ days rest. all Seems quite willing to moove a long it is all most as big a Chore to get things gathered up as it did to leave home. with the Stock we have quite a herd now. Hirum has got his Stock in there are 4 drivers. we Still go a long & it Seems very rough roades we have to day. O Dear I thought we had bad roads this morning but this afternoon is the worst yet. & Sand up to the shoe tops & all up hill we did not get in to camp untill after Sundown. & there was 4 waggons did not get in untill an hour after we did they were teriable roads to come over after dark there was 1 cow & calf left in the Cedars Could not See them & Sister Wilding & her little girl & boy walked for miles to get them in to camp they was behind. were very nerviss when they got in to Camp it was anouff to make them. Hirum whent back to help the rest in. there is no watter where we are to night only in a tank it is rather dangerious to get to. the place where we are Camped is a teriable place for Sand. it is a foot deep & it is blooing So bad we can not get any Supper but make a cup of tea & we did not. [copy unreadable] to get dinner today. they are all in Camp now but Alma Smith he had to leave his trail waggon. he will go & fetch it in the morning. the men have got to Stand gard over there Stock they are determind to go back there is not mutch feed & no watter, it is so scarse none of us can wash to night. we have prayr & retire to rest. after our toils of the weary some day. we have come 10 miles today Sunday & have been travling all day well we go to bed with all our waggons on a slope.

Oct 30th    All well in health. but the life [copy unreadable] & right out of us all. I don’t know what they Call this

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Place but I call it the Devils twist & that is Sunda name for it. for of all the roads on earth. I don’t think there is any worse then they are hear. it is no earthly use for me to try to Describe the road or the County. it is the most god forsaken & wild loocking Country that was ever traveled. well we hardly get started before some of them have to double up, it is most all up hill & sandy knee deep & then sheets of solid rocks for the poor anamiels to pull over & slide down I never Saw poor horses pull & paw as they have done to day. we Still go a long do not Stop for dinner the poor horses have not had a drink to day & they are all most give out. it will be late before we get in to camp. The womins & Children have done a good deal of walking & pushing on the wheels. O of all roads, & the wind is blowing teriable you can hardly see & if you open your mouth you are shure to get it filled. C. Wilding was quite a way behind & caught up but had to leave 1 of his waggons & put his three span on one waggon. Sam has [copy unreadable] his waggons. & Bro Williams is driving on for him. Sam has to go back every little while & hitch on to the other waggon & then go to the other & draw it a little futher & that is the way all the men has had to do to day. it has made them sweat pulling down hill. Well we get in to Camp & all the Children are beging for a drink & with the Cold, but didn’t get one untill the men had been out & found a tank. If it was not for these beautiffill tanks the poor travelar would suffer if not die. the men got back & the Dear Children gets a drink but we are very saving we can not wash our dishes again to night. well we get Supper over. & all gather to our evening prayrs. good night & peace be with you.

Oct 31   all well as can be expected after our day; travel over rocks & through Sand. & with out watter well we have a little for breakfast & Bro Wilden is back & gets his other waggon & we all drive to tanks. one of the greatest blessings that is on this [copy unreadable] seems to me quite a [copy unreadable] to see after

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THE WRITINGS AND RECORDS OF JOSEPHINE CATHERINE (JODY) CHATTERLEY WOOD

The Second Journey — Cedar City to Bluff City, Utah
November, December, (and possibly January 1886) 1885

As has been recorded in several histories, the Samuel Wood family returned to Cedar City, Utah, late in the fall of 1884 or very early in 1885, so that Jody (Josephine Catherine Chatterley Wood) could deliver her seventh child under the care of her half-sister, Mary Ann Corlett Stewart.

No record was made of the journey back to Cedar City from Bluff that fall of 1884. It is believed that the travelers went north to the White Mesa area (Grayson- later named Blanding), Monticello, Moab, Green River; then west to Salina; and south to Junction, Paragonah, Parowan, and Cedar City. This is essentially the return route of the early Exploring Party in 1879.

When the Wood family returned to Bluff, beginning November 19, 1885, there were two new family members: George William (Bud) born in Cedar City, and Emma Louise Elliker Wood, Samuel’s second wife.

The travelers took the usual route to Escalante, then turned north to Teasdale—a little town just west of what is now Capitol Reef National Monument—then on to the Dirty Devil River (now named Fremont River)—on to the Colorado River at Dandy Crossing (now called Hite). The Dandy Crossing is north of Hall’s Crossing. It would appear that the little company then traveled through the White Canyon area—probably connecting up with the old trail around Grand Flat, thus completely avoiding Clay Hill.

This route turned out to be more difficult than their first trip to Bluff in 1882. The company consisted of only fifteen people—three men, four women, and eight children—and out of that group the Wood family were eight of those people—one man, two women, and five children. Samuel was forty-two years old; Jody was thirty-two, and Emma was just twenty-three years old.

Jody’s Journal for this trip begins on November 19th and continues through a brief entry on December 18th. No pages are missing between those two dates. On December 18th, the company was somewhere in the wilderness between the Colorado River and Bluff. No arrival date in Bluff is listed; it is not know how much longer the group was on the road.

In all of Jody’s writings, the spelling is strictly phonetic. For instance:

moove--move
mutch--much

Jody rarely capitalized the first word of a new sentence. When space ran out at the end of a line, she frequently finished the word above the line.

ca         mp       OR       kn        ow

Reproduction of this second trip follows on pages 11 through 30.

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Leaving Cedar City from County the land of my Birth

Cedar City
Nov 19 1885   Leaving for our jerny to San Juan and as the teams had Started the day before Brother Jamas Walker was kind a nuff to take Sister Emma & my self the next morning as far as Red Creeck. after we had past through the trying and heart aching time of saying good by, We Started of in a Snow Storm & it never stoped untill we got to Jonsons. there we Changed our waggons and got Bro Joseph Armstrongs Carrage & rode a long very comfortable and very Sad and not mutch to Say. If it had not been for Bro Jamas & his jolly good way. we traveled on through the Storm reached Red Creek by tow oclock. We where Invited In to Sister Bartons to dinner & was very glad to get in out of the Storm. there was my three little boys & ther Pa wating for us. So after biding Brother Walker good by and My Neice Sarah Stuart good by we all got our places in the waggons the best we could. and then had nothing to do but to lay back and think of the Dear ones & home we had left be hind witch caused mey a heart ache. Well we got as far as little Creek Canyon & it Still Storming we Camp traveled a bout six miles

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We have Supper & Soon all retire to bed. but as it was a very Storming night and the wind blew most terable & the thoughts of being a way from our Dear ones we past a Sleepless, night & to our Sorrow in the morning we could not find any dry clothing for any of the children as it stormed so hard, our waggons leeked very bad, but after partly unloading we found dry cloesd nuff to manage. Well this morning I Still have that pain that conposhion can not Cure. and that is the thoughts of being So far a way from our Dear ones.

Little Crick Canyon
20th    All Seems well in health but Spirits rather droopy & it is most tereable gloomy Still Stormy and the roads very heavy. horses all right Sam had a little bother as we are heavy loaded but after all we get a long all right. untill with in a mile and ½ of the top and it was So Slippery and Sidling that Sam had to drop the back waggon So I’am Sitting wating for him to com an the top of the mountan there is quite a lot of Snow & is vey Cold. the others have gone on and will have a fire by the time we get there. well we get hear all right

Bare Vally
21    all well but teriable Stormy and Cold. but we have A ranch house to Sleep in to night and there is 19 or 20 Sleeping in hear to night. Well we are all able to be up & eat our

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Breakfast & are ready to Start on this morning traveled about ten miles yesterday. Well we travel on very quite and lonly thinking every day is taking us futher a way from those that are Dear to us. We stop & take a Cold bite for dinner & travel on to where we first strike the Sevear. Stop and Camp for the night & where kindly invited to go in to the house. by Some kind Sister. I thankfully excepted. to undress & wash the Children. we have supper & go to bed in our waggons we manage to get in but it is hard work to get out a gain as we are So Crowded. well good night and God bless evey body.

Sevear 22   all well but vey frosty and damp the teams are doing real well, but oh my it is lonly and Cold. Sister Elsy Neilson Seems to Stand the trip better then any of us. there is fifteen in our company. three men & four wimen. & the rest Children Sister Neilson an old lady her Daughter & her Daughters husband Millard Butt. Jence Neilson [copy unreadable] Samuel Wood & his family Josephine C, Emma Wood & five children & Sister Neilson with [?renna] Neilsons motherly Children. well we Still press forward, stop, Cook dinner but it is woe full Cold we get ready & of a gain go a long untill night & a gain come to an empty ranch house, where there is plenty of wood and watter & we all feel to thank

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the Lord for it for it is most tiriable cold. We all make our beds in the old Cabin & was more thankfull then many would of been in there Parlor we all rested pritty well after traveling about 16 miles.

[?Gimans] Ranch
23 Nov   All well the sun is realy shining this morning. it was quite Cold a gain last night. but we ware in vited in to there home & made our beds down on the flower and would of rested real well. only for John M. he had a bad Coughfed & he Coughfed all night. but we get a long as well as can be expected well we go a long Call at Bro [?Walkers] found them all well. want us to stay over the day but the others was goin on So we trudge a long It starts to Storm a gain and so teriable wet and cold. First Stop eat a Cold bite & roll on a gain Storms of an all dy. we a gain camped on the cold wet ground. and very near having a stampead & moving all the teams, getting scard at Brother Jence Neilson with a Stick of wood on his back. but all got quieted down with out any damage done. only a little Squelling and howling. camp out to nyt with nothing but the canopy of heaven to Cover us. but getting a long pritty well. we are buisy baking & drying our damp Clothes. and doing our evening Chores So good night.

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Monday 24   all well this morning but Still very Cold. One of Sam horses got kicked and is vey lame we treaveled a bout 20 miles yesterday. we are now camped for the night at what is called box Crick.

25    we prepar breakfast and Start out for a hard days travel. & it is Storming be for we start. & it will be worse before we get to the top. well we trudge a long. all walking. that can and it is snowing teriable. well we all stop & eat a bite of dinner for we all feel as thoe we had caved in we again eat a Cold bite in the waggon as it is to wet to get the little ones out. we go again all have to get out & struggle up to the top of the mounitan. it is bitter Cold & So foggy & Storming. I thought it was worse then comming in the hand Carts. But we had Sister Neilson one of the old hand Carters. that said it was nothing compaired with them. So we thought we aught to be thankfull, after all. well we get to the top & Camp and it is bitter Cold and everything so damp and wet. but still we are all a live and able to eat So good night as it is to cold to Sit up & Chatt.

Well we are on the top of the devide

Nov 27th   traveled not quite 6 miles yesterday. we had a dry Camp last night. I mean no runing watter but plenty of feed for the horses our horse that was kicked is not mutch better but as we had an extra one a long we get

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Along first rate and are ready to Start and are going a long real well So far So good all keep pritty well throught the cold the babys Stand it pritty well better then I expected. Well we come to rabbet Vally Crick and stoped by a lovely Clear Streem of watter Stop & have dinner Start of a gain and reached the town that night. it is a little warmer the after noon.

Nov 28   again stoped at a mans paace bought grain and many other little notions his name was Samson they were very kind invited us in or to take all the wood we needed witch we was vey thankfull for we baked quite a lot of bread. that was the last place we could buy grain So we Stayed all day the men shoeuing ther horses & the wiman buisy Cooking & washg. we got a long real will but it is so tiresome laying over. we wished we could only Stay that day with the folks at home. but oh my we couldint. well we buy some milk for Supper and quite in joy it. we take our Departure and retire to bed So good night & God bless you. A gain we rise.

Nov 29th   Oh the thoughts of home the blues will work on us most terable once and a while. well we get ready & Start travel through up hill. down hall through mountains. travel a bout eleven miles and Came to Brother David Adams place in Leasdale Stayed there over night. they are vey kind

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Well we are up and ready again

Sunday 30th   and travel & plunge in to the Dirty Divel and it looks as thoe Jence’s waggon will have to go over but with a little twisting and good manages but he got over all right. but it is very scary take it all to gether. well it is night a gain. we did not stop for dinner to day. traveled about 12 miles yesterdy & about 10 to day. there is some vey bad roads and lots of walking and pushing on the wheels but get to Camp after night. plenty of wood but rather muddy watter and very good feed for the poor horses. Children all Crying to go to bed but have to wait for we have to partly unload before we can make the bed. Is an another day near to the Dreaded river So Good night.

Cotten Wood wash
the 1 of Dec    all well ready to Start. travel a short way and Dive in to the Dirty Devil a gain got through but it is a Danjerious river. had rather poor feed last night. Some teriable bad roads to dy pass through what they call the gates of hell it seems as thoe that is a bad name but if you pass through it you would think it was something. for a waggon Could barly get through Some places! Well we camp for dinner, get watter at a tank real good watter. travel through these narrow gates. Some places you could all most reach a cross it and three hundard feet high. it is real nice for for any body that admire grand

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Scenery it would Suit Aunt Sarah Chatterly. well we go a long teriable bad roads get Stuck have to walk, hich three Span on one waggon. we are all truding a long with the Children Crying with the cold we come to. what they Call plesant Crick & Camped for the night plenty of food. and watter but not mutch feed. it must be real late, for it was afir night befor we got to Camp. and then we all had bread to bake, but we get through have prayers and go to bed.

Pleasent Creek
Dec 2   all right after our hard day but there is a jump down to cross the Creek and another jump up to get out a gain. it Shurly looks like the back end of the waggon will come over the front end.

Dec 3   All have to push on the wheels men and wiman. well we get through that horried Sand and pull a long. Came to a long and Soft hill they have to put Six horses on a waggon and the wiman behind. blocking the wheels. Sam drops his back waggon and get up all right. but Willard and Jence has to wride on the upper Side of the waggon to keep it from tipping and we Stand at the bottom holding our breaths. but it is a close Call. Many times befor thy all get down. well we have traveled a bout five miles Stop for dinner by the river Side. the Dirty Devil get dinner and off a gain go a bout six miles farther and Camp for the night

[Page 19]

plenty of wood and watter but not mutch feed quite a Chore evey morning getting ready to Start off a gain going a long there are farms all a long hear and lots [copy unreadable] molesses in this Country. well we don’t go far be fore you we are dumped to in to the Dirty Devil a gain. You would call it a jump of if you could See the banks we have to go down. well we get through all right. once a gain. Now comes what they Call the Elephent. I wish you Could See it goin up the mointain is nothing. Sam has to drop his trail waggon hear a gain and the other boys has to double up the hill and coming down is Still worse thy have to ride on the upper Side of the waggon and it is all they can do to Save it from goin over. well they all get through right Side up. I cary my pencil and paper a long and Some times we have an hour wating for the teams to catch up So that is how I write. well we walk and come too to many bad placeses to menten pass by the river in Some real dangerious places, don’t Stop for dinner travel 12 miles. Stop for night, watter from the river. plenty of brush to burn but very little feed for the poor horses. one more day gone. and one more river for to Cross. but we have to Cross rivers So many times Sevear ten times and the dirty Devil the Lord only knowes how many times and they are all most to be dreaded as mutch as the great Colorado well good night a gain and god bless you

Dec 4th   all about to Stir but real Cold this morning but it is dry since we got to rabbite vally

[Page 20]

breakfast, pack our waggon and all hands Start to walk partly to get warm and partly to get warm. the roads are very rought we expect to get down to the river to day and Cross if we can for there is no feed for the poor horses. after pulling So hard over that dreadfull hill no feed but plenty of watter. and now we are hear. preparing to Cross they Swim the poor horses thy get through first rate thy have to tow three of them over and the rest follow. well we are hear but oh not a Cross. it Shure is a large body of watter we have to unload a gain as the boat man man will not load his boat to heavy. So he takes the waggon one time and the lugage the next. that makes seven times he has been a Cross. and we are not over yet. now he comes for us. oh pray for us. he wants to take us all at one load. but I want him just to take part of us So if we do go down there will be Some one left to tell the tail. but he wants us all to get on he says. he will Save him Self and me So I can tell the tail if it goes So I feel a little encouraged and has he is an old batchlor and Sailor I felt bettr So on we go but my heart went faint and I went blind. but Clung to the Dear Children. now we are over and thank our heavenly Father for it that is the best time we have ever Crossed a river. I am nursing the baby. wating for my wash watter to get hot Emma is Cooking Supper the Dear Children are as happy as larks and we are in a lovely Place

[Page 21]

but it is very Cold to Dress and undress the Children. Well I don’t know what thy call this place, but it is the last place a long the river. well we Start in to our days labor riding a way and walking a way getting a long the best we can Sam drove his trail the othr boys doubles ther is only three teams of us So they go that way to Save time. well it is a very bad hill to pull up. but not So bad to come down. well we came a long all walking but have to get in to cross the Dirty Devil Revir a gain and you would of pittied us if you could of Seen us to day. our team was first and the bank the poor horses had to jump of and then draw the front part of the waggon in while the other was Standing Streight up we came down with a [Copy unreadable] untill we reach [Copy unreadable] then we come to a dead Stand some cant pull up but oh my we can get out me and the Children Sam has to drop his trail waggon get in the watter to do it but has to hury for there is So mutch quick Sand well with lots of wipping and shouting he got the first waggon out. drove to one side and went back for the other had Some trouble in getting it up out of the watter. but the horses was mean they did not want to go in to the watter a gain but got through all right after a while. but Willard Butt put six horses on his waggon and went a little higher and all six horses and waggon began to go down and kept goin down the horses Could not move. and all the men had to rush in to the watter

[Page 22]

to save the team it shure looks as though the horses would Stamp the men to death they rare and plunge So. Sam has to hold one of the horses heads up while the other boys uniched the tugs and let them go. he strugled and and fell in the watter many times and we Stood on the bank Shaking and trembling. just think of six horses jirking and pulling and getting fast in the harness. and not moving the waggon an inch. and and three men to do any thing. they have to unich the horses feel So bad. but the wagon is Still Sinking. they have to unload every thing in the waggon and it in the middel of the river the men are wet to there necks and the watter is So cold. but they work for hours bringing all in the waggon to the side of the bank. one could not Think So mutch could get in one waggon. well we lifted all we could up the bank. well they are unloaded now. they put Six horses on the empty wagon. and have a hard time to get the waggon out they have to do lots of prying on the weels. we get dinner ready So the poor men have Some thing warm to eat I have to partly unload to find dry Clothes but. that is not the worst yet for the teams was all a cross and poor Sister Neilson was on the other Side Julie and the Children Nettie Mriah and Freman road over on horse back. but Sister Neilson Dare not do that So what to do no body knew. So Jence a big six fotter went over and got her on his back and plodded through the river. we were all anxious but Still laughfing hard to our Selves

[Page 23]

And after they got over Safe we had a good laughf we get loaded up a gain travel two miles out from the river to get feed camp for the night fill our watter borrals for we have to make a dry Camp plenty of wood or brush and good feed. all have bread to bake. it is very cold to night. hear on the top of the mouintain. hear we leave blue vally and all So Dirty Devil

Dec 5th   all well after Such a hard Strugle. Some most teriable heavy hills and rocky jump of travel on untill three oclock. Stop for dinner. we thought to get to watter by dinner time. but eat a bite and travel on a gain. traveled untill about nine oclock. came to a nother bad place. had to get out an help push on the weels and walk to camp. when we got there there was not a nuff wood to Cook Supper by So we had to eat Cake an Chesse and go to bed. traveled about twelve miles

Dec 6th   on the middle of the top of a mountan. have to get up Start be for breakfast. thinking to get to watter in a Couple of hours but we travel on until noon the teams giving out. So they have to Stop and take the horses to watter that is a bout three miles from hear they say. take five gallon keg full back for us to get breakfast and dinner to gether. and we are all ready for a good squere meal. all in joy it. well up and roll on a gain a mile or two. So we have traveled seven miles to day. Camp for the night. plenty of wood and watter to night. Sit round the Camp fire after Supper. have a little Singing and a Sochable Chat and talk of

[Page 24]

The Dear ones we have left home and us on the wild Desert would give a good Deal if we could be with you to night. good night our hearts are with you all at home.

Dec 7th   all a live after goin with out breakfast. and watter. it is very Cold we eat and all hands Start out to walk up the hill it is a very bad hill to pull up Sam has to drop his trail waggon. well we truge a long get up pritty well. but teriable heavy roads all the way. don’t Stop for dinner traveled a bout 10 miles to day. Camp in a wash that is woe full damp and the wind is blowing most fearull bad it blowes all night

Dec 8th   it has been a teriable night get up get our breakfast. but dont get the horses untill very late. there is plenty of wood and feed and watter we travel in the wash all day Very rocky and Sandy then is when I write when we are in the Sand and we dont have to get out there is watter all the way down that is queit a treat on this rout dont Stop for dinner. but make an early Camp. it looks very Cloudy. Travele a bout ten miles to day. blowing heard all day. we get Supper as quickly as possible. and prepare for bed.

Dec 9th   we eat a bite and travel on. teriable bad roads a gain to day and oh the wind, that comes down the wash and of So cold we don’t stop a gain to day for dinner. we have not known what it was to be cold untill to night. the sand blowes & blowes So hard we have to eat in the waggons and make the beds the best we can. we go to bed so good night.

[Page 25]

Dec 10th   Still in this a awfull wash oh it is so ruff we traveled nine miles yesterdy. I know it is every bit as bad as the old road. they Said this was So mutch better but they Shurly dident know. I do think it is a Sin to have people travil Such roads. we would of made time if we had gone round by Green river five hundard miles that way. Well we travel all day down hill never stoping for dinner. oh my we are nearer the dreaded river. we have sutch very bad roads to day. Well we reach our last grand camping ground be for we Cross the great Colorado this makes twenty four days from home. and we thought to be nearly to Bluff by now. well the wind is still blowing and the Children Crying and we have to bake for Supper with Sad hearts at the thought of getting up a mountan that is befor us then the river oh Dear. would any body on earth travel over Such roads. None but Mormons but the Sun is Shining we eat our Supper in silents. Mr Anasy Lyman with us to night and an other young man [Copy unreadable] as the men are all so buisy. Mr Lyman is the Boss of the boat hear and I gues he came to get his pay. but I told him the man that picked out such a road. and Said it was good a nuff for white man to travel aught to be hung to the first tree that was large anuff and I would help pull on the rope. but as he Said it the Lord had made man the Stronger and wimens tounge the longer he would not Stop to argue

[Page 26]

Well Dec the 11   we reached the river and the Crossing was washed out. and it is two miles to the boat. So there is no other help but Clime up a very Steep mountain. well we get our breakfast. and pack up. put the things in the waggon So thy would hold when the waggon was Standing Streight up. thy have to take one waggon at a time. thy put Six horses no Six span on one waggon and Start. oh if you could See us. well they got part way up and could not go any futher had to unload. the poor horses pulled and fell down and jerked So many to gether. So thy left part of the load and then had to pack the things from there to the top and it was Such hard work. the boys could not pack any more then a pillow and them selves. and I know the horses did not work any harder then I did trying to get up with my baby boy. but the Lord Lord prepared the back for the burden if it was half broke but if you had Seen our teams an men thy look like thy will come back now. well if we live till we get over the other side I will wright a gain. well we are at the top but we have been all day gaming. two or three hundard yards. and So we Stop men, women and Children and team tired out. it is very Cold on the top of the mountain with the river ever So far be low us and the wind from the river. it looks rather bad and very Scary.

December 12th   the river don’t look any more tempting this morning but we have one more river one more river for to Cross. Well we eat

[Page 27]

Dec 13th   All well this morning with the old boat man colecting his pay 11 dollars for Willard an Jence and 8 ½ dollars for Sam. it is mutch as thy expected. well breakfast is ready we ask him to eat with us he is very kind, he Says he has never had a woman talk to him for 15 years. So I have kept it a goin Well we travel on Some very good roads and Some very bad with lots of quick Sand we travel through a wash away from the river, we do first rate we camp early for there is plenty of feed wood and watter.

Dec 14th   Children all Crying with the Cold this moring but after we had breakfast we all walk to get warm but we have to walk a lot. we have to do lots of walking to get a little warm as the Sand is pritty Cold. and so plesent. the most plesent evening we have had Since we left home So while I am wating I am writing safly on the other side. If when we are through life’s jerney and are as Safe on the other Side and are as happy as we are to night. I think I will be satifised. with my five little Children that are with me to night and the Dear ones that as got Safe on the other Side. Sister Neilson Stands the rough a heavy roads bettr then any of us. well I have quite a wash out and now we are loading up ready for our Journey we eat a hearty supper. and injoy it better then we have done for Several meals we have a nice Chat with the good boat man have prayers and go to our bunks. the Children take great pleasure in Shouting and hearing the echo back

[Page 28]

but we strughle on through and have a good very hard hill to pull up. thy have to double up So many times tuging a long. Jence breaks his waggon tongue it takes time to fix it. Julie and me write our name on the rocks while we are wating. get fixed and we have traveled ten miles to day. and now we have Camped, lots of wood and feed but no watter only in tank. it is very poor watter. and is very heard to get, it takes all three to watter them one to reach down the other a little higher the other to watter them. well we get our little meal and retire to bed. have prayer. Say our good night. and have many a sigh for the Dear ones at home we traveled a bout 15 miles to day.

Dec 15th   All well this morning traveling in the Cedars So I am Know we have plenty of Wood good feed but no watter for horses but they are not Suffring. we have anuff to get the breakfast. and to take a little a long. we travel on no dinner again to day but plenty of bread for lunching. travel all dy and now we are at what thy call the grand gulch camp for night plenty of feed and watter and that is one of our greatest blessings. well we prepare our evening meal and I can tell you we are all ready for it dont Sit round the fire mutch for it is cold have a grand dish washing and go to rest

Grand Gulch
Dec 16th   Vey cold this morning looks vey mutch like Storming get our breakfast as Soon as possable but that is not vey Soon teams ready get in Start go on

[Page 29]

[Copy unreadable] little way. [Copy unreadable] Sam twisting a round Some of them narrow places he broke the horn of his back waggon have to Stop Some time all get out have to keep on the go. but we inprove the time hunting gam. well all right a gain. but that is not the last for we dont go far be for Sam breaks his reach. he is afraid we will have to unload. but fixed it & manage untill night. then they priyd it up an fix it. Sister Neilson thinks it quite a bother. well we traveled through Some very Short turns well we get a long the best we can but came to a Stand Still. wating to See if we Shall Camp. it is rather early, but we have had no dinner and the horses no watter. the men goes to See. comes back and we Stop to camp. gets dark be for we get our Chores and washed for bed it is not Every night we get washed all [Copy unreadable] and Combed. well we go to bed early be cause it is so cold; to Set round the fire So again good night

D 17th    It was bitter cold last night. and is this morning we are traveling up hill every day So you may know it must be cold but Still we Should be thankfull as long as we have to go that the wether is dry. the men Say the roads are good for new roads but I think they are vey bad. no dinner a gain to day. but we camp early it a little more plesent to night but is very Cloudy. we can have lovely fires to night as we are Still in the Cedars Sit round talk of all the Dear folks at home and meny a deep sigh. and think every day takes us a little furthr a way there [Copy unreadable]

[Page 30]

Dec 18th   well we feel more rested and are able to eat a good hearty breakfast.
                                   
 [Page 31]

A Record of Babies Delivered by Jody
The Nurse/Midwife/Doctor of the San Juan Frontier
Record dated from 1886 to 1908

Jody formally recorded 165 births, listing the towns where parents resided; name of parents; sex of child; day, month, and year of the birth; and the nature of delivery such as “Prstst head”; plus any pertinent remarks. These were recorded in a lined notebook, size 7 ½” wide by 9 ½” deep.

The record does not indicate who assisted Jody during her own deliveries, but her last three children are listed in the “birth record” as well as Samuel and Emma’s daughter, Mary Elizabeth. The record does not show Leroy’s birth. Jody did not keep a record until the Bishop asked her to do so, and then she apparently tried to remember all the births that had occurred from 1886 to about 1892. The first page of records is not in chronological sequence; after 1892 it appears to be an on-going, up-to-date record. 

At the end of the first page, after entry #26, Jody writes: “I did not keep a record of this at first and now I put them down as I get them.”

Jody did not list the names of her children born, but her daughter, Catherine Josephine Wood Hansen, identified the following babies. The names are similar to San Juan residents.

Number     Parents Name                          Child’s Name

There are other familiar names of parents in the “birth record”:

Mr. & Mrs. Albert R. Lyman          Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Perkins
Mr. & Mrs. Monroe Redd              Mr. & Mrs. Joseph F. Barton
Mr. & Mrs. F. I. Jones                  Mr. & Mrs. Willard Butt
Mr. & Mrs. Lemuel Redd               Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Adams

Some historians have attributed 300 deliveries to Jody. It would appear that Jody did not deliver quite that many babies, but she undoubtedly delivered several more in the early years than were recorded.

Jody was still delivering babies in late September, 1908—five months before her death.

After the reproduction of the “birth record” through #165, there is a page of special notations regarding some of her childrens’ births; followed by two pages of family baptism records; and one page of other ordinances (pages 36 through 39).

* Joseph Henry and Arthur Stephen are sons of Jody and Samuel. On #144, Jody added “my son”.

SEE TABLE (Jody's Baby Delivery Log) [Pages 32-35]

[Page 36]

John Marten Wm
Borned June 3th, 18 [Copy unreadable]
In Cedar City Iron Co. Utah

Mary Ann Wood
Borned March 11th 1881
In Cedar City Iron Co. Utah

Sarah Jane Wood
Borned July 3th 1882
In Cedar City Iron Co. Utah

William Wood
[Copy unreadable] 1884
[In Cedar City Iron Co. Utah]

Burnice Carlett Wood
Borned September 25th 1894
In Bluff San Juan Co Utah
Blessed by her Father Samuel Wood
On the 1 of November 1894

[Page 37]

Record of Baptism

Joseph henry Wood was Babtised in San Juan by Elder Kuman Jones.

Arthur Stephen Wood was Babtized in Cedar City by Charles Mayborn in [Copy unreadable] 1885.
He was called on a mission [Fed] 23 1899. Ordained an Elder April 2 1899. Left for his mission April 3rd 1899 at the age of 22 years and one month.

John Martin Wood was Babtised In San Juan on his eight birthday by Elder Kuman Jones the third of June 1886 by Kuman Jones confermed by Jence Nielson on the same day by June 3th 1887.

Sarah Jane Wood was Babtised in San Juan by Elder Kuman Jones on her eighte birthday the third of July 1889 and was confirmed by Bishop Jence Nielson on the Same day

[Page 38]

Record of Baptism in Bluff

George William Wood was Babtised by Elder James B. Decker the day after he was eight years old the 23 of February 1893 was conformed day after by Bishop Jence Nielson in Sunday School.

Catherine Josephine Wood. Was Babtised by Elder Hyrum Perkins on her eight birthday May 3th 1893 and was conformed ten days latter on Sunday after noon by Elder John Allen in Bluff San Juan Co

Charlott Allice Wood Was Babtised by Elder Kuman James On her Eight Birthday April 18th 1898 And was conformed the Same day by Bishop Jence Nielson in Bluff San Juan Co Utah

[Page 39]

George William Wood got his recomend to go through the temple April 16th 1907 ordained an Elder this same day born July 23, 1885

Walter C Lyman
James B Decker

Catherine Josephine Wood received hers the same day 16th 1907 Born May 3nd 1887 Bluff San Juan Utah Baptised May 3rd 1895 by Hyrum Perkins

George W. Wood ordained a Decon 3d Dec. 1895 by Kuman Jones

[Page 40]

A Record of Deaths, Other Disasters, and Some Happy Times
1886 through 1908
By J. C. Wood

Jody referred to herself in writing as J. C. Wood, or Mrs. J. C. Wood, and occasionally formally writes: Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Wood. Jody started her “death record” with the following words:

“Mrs. J. C. Wood. The following is a true and correct list of deaths as appeared on my record for the year ____ (?).

She then listed the following categories to consider as she recorded these sad events. But, then, she doesn’t follow it at all!

Name, Occupation, Age, Term of Residence, Single or Married, Widow or Widower, Sex, Race, Color, Last Resident, Cause of Death

Although the date 1886 is shown, the record does not actually start until 1896. The final entry of this portion of her journal is dated November 14, 1908--three months before she died.

Beginning in 1902, Jody records a variety of other events besides deaths. She records new church assignments, fires, accidents, and children going off to college. She records the dates that Lizzie, Kate, Roy, Alice, and Emma leave for Provo, or return from there. She refers to Charles Broadbent’s mission, and Jennie’s returning home for a period of time. She gives a sad account of George William’s death, but just a brief line of Bernice’s tragic young death. She records a visit by her sister (half-sister) Maggie Corlett Parry. She refers fairly frequently to Sam and Emma, Arthur and family, and Henry and family. On page 42 of this reproduction, she records that “Samuel, J. C., & E. L. Wood attend the General Conference in the year 1904. Oct 9th went through the temple for our second anointing.”

On separate sheets of paper, she wrote a brief account of the death of Amasa Barton, shot by an Indian at Rincon Pass. Jody went to Rincon Pass to assist Parthenia Barton- when her baby, Catherine Josephine, was just three weeks old. At the beginning of that account, she states “in the year 1887, waited on thirteen sisters.” Her formal birth record shows only three births in 1887. Perhaps others were not recorded. The record of Amasa’s death is reproduced on page 45.

Jody also wrote a brief two-page account of the death of John Morton--1893. It, too, is on a separate sheet of paper, and was not part of the lined notebook record. This account is reproduced on page 46.

In the back of Jody’s notebook, pasted on the back inside cover, there are several obituaries, including little Bernice’s. These are reproduced on page 47. No yearly dates are shown in the articles. The article that briefly recounts the death of little Bernce goes on to talk about school, cattle, sheep, the “Semi-Weekly News”, and the lucern (sic) crop.

The final page of Jody’s Journal contains a few lines regarding her role as president of the Primary. It does not appear to be in her writing. Her release from the Primary Association came on September 6, 1908, about a year after the Samuel Wood family moved to Monticello. This information is reproduced on page 48, along with a schoolgirl’s writing exercise, which says, “a good girl will try to be good in school.” Hers? Or, one of her children’s exercise? No one knows.

As quoted in the preface:

Behold the World of the Old…
Let Your Heritage not be lost,
But bequeath it as a Memory,
Treasure and Blessing…
Gather the lost and the hidden
And preserve it for thy Children.

Christian Metz--1846.

[Page 41]

Utah

Mrs. J. C Wood the following is a true & correct list of deaths as appeared On my record for the years [copy unreadable]

Name   Occupation       Age      Name of Residence      Single or Married         
Widow or Widower     Sex      Race    Color   Last Residence Cause of death

1886

Died May 12 1896 In Bluff San Juan Harrit Ann Barton wife of J. H. Barton Born in 1855. All So her infent died in Bluff
Died May 17 1896 preamuture birth.

Died Nov 1899 down on the San Juan river Fredrick J. Adams aged of Tyhoid fevor

Killed Nov 27 1901 in Hammond Ward by a run away team. President of San Juan Co Utah Francis A. Hammond aged

Died Dec 23 1899 in Bluff Utah Little Joseph Erle Perkins aged 1 yrs 6 months

Died May 25 1901 in Bluff Utah Little Bernice Corlett Wood
Born Sep 25 1894 Died with membranis croup

Died Nov 13 year 1901 in Bluff Platt D Alton Lyman aged 53 years
[Copy unreadable] Died of a cancurus tumer

Died Dec 15 1901 in Bluff Z. Lynn Decker aged 5 years born in 1896 Bluff

Died Dec 15 1901 in Bluff James B Decker aged

All three of Deckers died of Dipthera with in 18 hours

Died Dec 16 1901 in Bluff May Gertrude Decker aged 14 years 4 mo

Lillen Decker oldest Daughter. having it quite bad but recovered two weeks after. there second boy Brother & Sister Decker was taken down & died Jan 24, 1902. In Bluff aged about 17. All of Dipthera

Died Jan 25 with Dipthera Clare Decker aged

In Bluff all sick from 3 to 4 days only.

1902

February M. 10th 1902 Jennie Decker Wood was taken down with Depthera was very bad got Dr. Harrington in time to save her

Feb 13th Arthur S. Wood had Diphtheria but both recovered all so a Mr. Nelson had it, he recovered got the Dr. for him and Lillin Butts. had the same dises she recovered all had it from December the 16 to Feb 10th . and all So Sister Stevens had it during that time. She recovered.

April 18th 1902 John Larsons home caught on fire in the night burned his wife & his home his wife Nora Hadden Larson was burned past rec. buried 18

May 10th 1902 Alven Lyman had his fingers cut of with a rope. catching a wild horse.

May 19th 1902 Brother Walter C. Lyman was put in as President of the San Juan Stake at Zion

Dec 24 1903 Joseph H. Nielson died of Typhoid Petmuno in Bluff San Juan Utah

March 26 1904 little Reed. Redd died (Premiture) birth in Bluff

Mr. &  Mrs. Uriah Neilson “  “   “   “

Baby girl died in Bluff May 1904

Dec 23 L. Corance Adams died of Scarlet fever & heart failure in Bluff San Juan Utah aged

April 26 1905 Mr. & Mrs. Wayne H. Redd baby girl aged 4 weeks. died in Bluff April 26, 1905 with cold and Spasms.

Aug 25th 1905 Frances Lile Neilson died at [Copy unreadable] Utah  accident. had his knee renched out on the the eleventh had his leg taken of twice 20 & 25.

[Page 42]

Record Samuel J. C. & E. L. Wood attend general Confrence in the year 1904 Oct 9th went through the temple for our second anointings

Oct 9 1904 All So Annie M. Decker

Jennie came home from Provo on a visit Sep 19th 1897 Returned home with her Husband Jan 2nd 1906

Feb 12 1906 Harry M. Handcock was thrown from his waggon and killed instently 6 miles from Cortize, brought to Bluff Utah for Burial leaves a wife & to little girls.

March 25 1900, Lyda May Jones. Meet with a Sevear accident with a lamp being tiped over her back, while kneeling down. at a box, burning her hands, and from the lower part of her back. to her feet. She Suffered continually for 22 days when death clamed her. She passed a way on the 17 of April. buried on the 18th 1906 leaves eight children. her oldest, boy in Cedar, attending School

April 24 1906. Bishop Jense Nielson died in Bluff Utah of Dropsy & old age. if he had lived to more days he would of been 86. and has been Bishop in Bluff 26 years. he was Dearly loved by evey body.

January 1906 Lemuel H. Redd was put in Bishop of the Bluff ward. Kuman Jones & Frances Neilson Councilirs.

June 1906 Kate Wood returned home from the B.Y.U. After an absent of a year & 10 months.

Sep 4th 1906 Katie Emma & Lizzie Wood with many other Bluff Utah left for Provo. School. Sep 4th 1906 Utah.

Monticello Utah Sep 2nd 1906
Sister Ada James was brought home from Colorado a corps. her Husband her mother & Sister took her to the Dr’s in Colo, to be treated for Consumption. but they could do nothing for her. & she died out there in Colo buried in Monticello

Nov 25 1906 J. H. Wood Started to Salt lake with a prisenor. reach there all right with him. but was in a teriable storm.

Nov 29 1906 Roy left. Monticello to go to the B. Y. U. in Provo.

Dec 15 1906 Samuel & J. C. Wood left for Bluff. JC Wood got thrown from the wagon narowly a scaped beeing killed got to Bluff on 16 but recovered. after many weeks, been living in Monticello for the summer. Roy Wood & [Copy unreadable] Jones returned from thy B. Y. U. March 28 1907.

April 20 1907 George W. Wood & Walter Stevens started for there mission to the Sentral states. Bluff missionary].
George Wood our youngest Son aged 22 years. left home, well, and in good faith at fulling a mission. left Salt Lake May 3rd . reached head quarters in Independence.
May 4th. went on from there to Kelsy were they had confrense, had there photoes taken & traveled on to Texeses. were he took Sick & died there in Harrold, Texass, with only two Elders with him Elders Nielson & Bodily. he was brought home to Bluff for burial. he was gone from home just 3 months & seven days.

Aug 13, 1907 My sister Maggie Parry came on a visit to Monticello. Stayed four weeks. we greatly enjoyed her visit I went back

[Page 43]
           
with her as far as Provo. Alice, Emma, & Lizzie Wood all So went to attend the B.Y.U.

Sep 11th 1907 left Monticello and meet Elder Nelson, our Son’s companyon who cared & watched over him in his sickness he & President Benson accompned the remains to Thompsons Springs Utah, were his brother Arthur meet him & brought him and his Father & mother and Sister Jennie Broadbent, came from Provo we came out and at Monticello was his Brothers. J. Ch & Roy, Kate, Alice, & the family of the older boys, awaiting us, then at Bluff, Emma & Lizzie Wood, & the entire ward of anxious friends awaited us, my Darling Boy was layed a way July 27th 1907.

Aug 22 1907 Bro Monroe & Lusindy Redds little Daughter Fan died. at 5 oclock Friday morning with [Copy unreadable] complant. buried at Monticello Utah.

Sep 13th 1907, Arthur S. Wood wife baby Vivian Redd and Maggie Baily left to attend the convention at [Copy unreadable] when Arthur got struck with lightning. very severly had to lay under the Dr. care for three weeks. his Bro & Sister Henry & Katie went out to him. I came home on the 26th of Sep. from Provo, on that a count, reached Provo the 14th the day Arthur was struck with lightning. Roy started for Jennie. Jennie the 9th her Husband leaves for a mission to the Northern States No 13. Charles Broadbent, 1907.

J. C. Wood

I left Monticello Sep 11 1907 for Provo in company with my Sister Maggie Parry from Cedar, Alice Wood my daugth Emma & Lizzie Wood & many others goin to the B.Y. University to start 16th of Sep. 1907. Staying [Copy unreadable] 12 days when hear of my sons serious accident. by being struck with lightning & wife & baby I am now goin back Sep 26 1907

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This is in Monticello

Nov 17th 1907 Jennie & Children arived hear to remain for some time while her husband was on a mission. both her Children had the measels.

Nov 20th 1907 I left for Moab, to wait, on Sisters Mary Larson & Hammond, they got a long nicely. O returned home, a gain.

Dec 13th Xmas & New Years, passed of very good.

Jan 3rd 1908 Alton Redd was Shot, in the heart & dide ten minuts after. Shot by a Mexican boy causing a sadness & gloom over all how knew him. and every body sympthised with the family.

Jan 10th 1908 Chriss & Minie Christson lost there baby with Pneumonia after suffering for 15 days.

Jan 8th 1908 J. H. Wood with others went to Montizuma to see in to Some Indian troubles.

Jan 20th 1908 Left home for Grayson. Stayed two weeks, then several of the family went to attend the Bluff confrence.

Feb 9th 1908 the people & Primary gave me a lovely party & two baby blankets,

12 of Feb. Samuel Wood left [Copy unreadable] 25 for a visit to Cedar to see his sick Uncle. returned home March 20th

May 18, 1908 [Copy unreadable] Bro Lyman & appostel George A. Smith visited us hear in Monticello all so visited throug the San Juan Stake

May 18th 1908 Mr. & Mrs. William Hyde had a little three year old girl burned so badly She died next day.

May 19th 1908 Jennie Wood Broadbent left to go to Bluff. Kate Wood left to go down to the [Copy unreadable] fields some were with Rachel Perkins to cook for men. that was working road. May 1908 Jennie left for Provo to attend Summer School. I stayed home with her Children. Alice left with many of the other San Juan Students to attend the University at Provo 7 of Sep 1908

Oct 1st 1908 Henry his little girl Bernie & Kate Wood all left for Salt Lake to see the Dr. attend confrence & go to School.

Sep 28, 1908 Jennie Started School in Monticello.

Sep 1908 Albert & May Ellen lost there baby. it suffered a great deal

Oct 28th, 1908 Mr. & Mrs. [Copy unreadable] Christson lost there baby.

In Bluff April 1908 [Copy unreadable] John Allen died after a long sickness I went to grayson to help with Sister Lizzie Allen Nix, who was very sick with Pneumonia & Rheumatism. She recovered from Grayson. Jense P & Jennie Nielson lost there baby after a very serious operation, in Durango.

Nov 14th, 1908 Roy & Kate Wood went to attend B.Y.U. at Provo School. Emma, Lizzie & Alice Wood were there at the first.

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In the year 1887 waited on 13 Sisters when my baby was three week Old. I went down to rincome for one more if Company to Sister Hyde [Copy unreadable] D Henie Barton whose husband was Shot twice in the head by Some wicked Navijos on June 1887 he lived 7 days after & died June leaving a young wife with two Small Children the youngist two weeks old. his wife & her Mother beeing the only two that was there at the time. they paid at Indian Seven Dollars to come to Bluff a Distance of ten miles. for help and at that time there was only Six men in town. but they all left and went to the Sorrowing ones the wimen and Children half Scared to death with [Copy unreadable] Man to gard a bout Ninty wimen and helpless Children we got word about eleven Oclock that the Indians were coming this way & to get all the cartriages out of the Store & every where else for they thought that was what they would make for first. and that night we did not know what moment we might be attactted by those heartless read men well we all gathered to the Bishops & Stayed that night. but no rest for wiman nor Children and there was not a cry nor a murmer from any of them Dear little Children. It seemed as thoe we all had faith we would not be killed but we thought our homes would be burned I had gethered a Sack full of Clothing for the Children in case.

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He was the quickest one in the Family to make it right. he would ask the youngest Child forgiveness when he was shone he was wronge.  & he was all ways willing to make every thing right. And then he was So happy When he was doing some thing for others. that he know would pleas them. that was his happiest moments of his life. The poor boy Shurly In joyed him Self from Christmas untill New Years eave. when he was injoying a game of ball In the year 1893. he fell & Struck his knee on a rock. Witch In twenty four hours after pained him very bad. we done all in our power; we knew for his releaf but nothing done him any good. There was Severel Doctors I’m to see him. but non could help him. he suffered eightteen long days and nights & then all thoe we could not give him up. he beged to go. the Lord that Is wise In all things took him to him Self with all our pleadings but the Lords will be done not ours but I need not Say it was a very sever trial on us all.

John M. was Baptised on his Birthday when he was eight years old on the third of June 1887 by Elder Kuman James In San Juan Confirmed by Jence Neilson Bishop on the same day 1887.

On Jan 26 1891 by Jence Neilson he was ordained A Deacon in Bluff San Juan Utah .

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[Newspaper Articles]

BLUFF
Death of Bernice Wood—Stock Doing Well—Fruit Injured by Frost.

Special Correspondence

Bluff, San Juan Co., May 29—We have to record the death of Bernie, the youngest daughter of Samuel and Josephine Wood, from croup, on May 24th. She was a bright, intelligent child six years and eight months old. Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon in the meeting house, and were largely attended.
The district school closed on May 3rd. Brother Charles Broadbent was principal and Miss Lyllian Decker his assistant.
Our stock men are very well satisfied and pleased, as we had a fine open winter and cattle look fairly well.
Sheep has done as well as horned cattle if not better, with fleeces as heavy as any previous season. Our wool that was left from last year and this spring’s clip will amount to 300,000 pounds or more, and is now ready for purchaser.
We receive the Semi-Weekly News regularly which we appreciate very much. Monday’s we receive on Fridays. Thursday’s we receive on Mondays. There are 26 families in this ward and 25 subscribers for the Semi-Weekly News.
The frost in the beginning of March killed most of the fruit; there may be half a crop raised or enough for home consumption.
Lucern looks well and will be ready to cut in ten or twelve days; it will be more than an average crop.

BLUFF
VICTIM OF DIPTHERIA
The Fourth in J. B. Decker’s Family—Scarlet Fever Cases.

Bluff, San Juan Co., Jan 24—Another child of the late James B. Becker died today. His son Horace, 15 years old, succumbed to diphtheria. This is the fourth victim in this family in a little over a month. One more of the family is down with the same disease. Friends and Saints are doing what they can to comfort and console the bereaved mother, but she is almost distracted. This, together with the death of President P. D. Lyman, William Adams and a promissing little girl of Brother and Sister Samuel Wood which happened earlier in the winter, has caused a greater gloom to come over our little ward, than we have every know before.
We have several cases of scarlet fever but as yet none has proven fatal. School has closed and the teacher of the higher department, Charles Broadbent, of Provo, has gone home. Public gatherings of all kinds have ceased, in fact there has been but very few since before the holidays.
We hope for storm as we feel that we need it not only for our stock on the range, but the general health of the people would be better.
The Stake Conference which is to be held on the 15th and 16th of February will convene in Mancos, Colorado, as all other wards in the Stake are afflicted with contagious diseases.

BLUFF
VICTIMS OF DIPTHERIA
James B. Decker and Two Children Succumb to Fell Disease.

Special Correspondence

Bluff, San Juan County, Dec. 17—We are having exceedingly dry weather this winter and unless it storms in the near future loss on sheep and cattle will be heavy, as most of the water on the winter ranges has dried up.
RAVAGES OF DIPTHERIA
Diphtheria has broken out in our town and in a few days taken away three from one family, James B. Decker, and two of his children, a son and daughter, falling victims to the disease. One of the two died on the 15th and the other two died on the 16th. Brother Decker was the father of eleven children, nine of whom survive him. The other two passed away with in this week. He was one of the pioneers of this place. For years he has been the superintendent of our Sunday schools of the San Juan Stake and was highly respected by all.

OBITUARY
ELDER J. H. NIELSEN

Bluff, Dec 25, 1903—Elder J. H. Nielson of this place, stake superintendent of the Y.M.M.I.A of San Juan stake, died yesterday of typhoid pneumonia, after an illness of nearly three weeks. Brother Nielsen was born Jan. 24, 1860, at Paroman, Iron county, Utah. The deceased was the son of Bishop Jens Nielsen of Bluff, and his wife Kisten. His boyhood days were spent in Cedar, working on the farm and freighting, helping to support a large family.
In the spring of 1879 received a call to help settle the San Juan. He with others about 25 were immediately started off to explore the country and a route, returning in the fall, when about 80 wagons were fitted out. His father being among the  number, started again for the San Juan, which place they reached after a journey of five months, during which time some 200 miles of road was made over a very rough and broken country. The company reached the San Juan River on the 6h of April, 1880, locating at what is known as Bluff. Since then Brother Nielsen has lived at Bluff, and during the struggle incident to establishing and maintaining a place situated as this is, he has always been firm and steadfast in carryingout the counsels of the authorities. He married Ida the daughter of Apostle Amasa M. and Lydia Lyman. Filled a mission of two years and six months to the northern states to show his devotion to the cause and his interest in the work at his own request remained six months after having been honorably released. Served several years as county commissioner.
Brother Nielsen was one of the leading financiers of the county, being heavily interested in sheep, cattle, and merchandising. He has been a member of the High Council for a number of years, as well as stake superintendent of the Y.M.M.I.A, which position he filled with marked ability and to the satisfaction of those among whom he labored.
He leaves a wife and eight children. A father aged 84 and a mother 70 years old, as well as a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.
He was a noble specimen of manhood spiritually and physically.
His loss will keenly be felt by the people of this stake.
The funeral was held at 1 o’clock today in the ward meetinghouse, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The choir rendered suitable music. The house being filled nearly every person in town being present. The speakers, Elders Joe F. Barton, President Walter C. Lyman, Elders Hanson, Bayles, L. H. Redd and President W. H. Redd spoke in the highest terms of his life and labors, generosity, love and devotion to the cause of truth.
The leading members of the Y.M.M.I.A., acting as pallbearers carried him from the meetinghouse to the cemetery where after singing and prayer he was peaceably laid to rest.

BLUFF
FREIGHTER’S SHOCKING DEATH
[Copy unreadable] to Save Homes From San Juan Floods

Special Correspondence.

Bluff, San Juan Co., Feb 20.—The finest kind of spring weather has prevailed here for the last month. Frost is entirely out of the ground, which is in the finest condition for plowing.
The people of Bluff have spent about $1,500 ripraping the river with brush and rocks since New Year’s. Every effort is being made to protect the land and homes from the ravages of the high water that is sure to come as soon as spring opens in the high mountains of Colorado.

SHOCKING DEATH ON THE ROAD

One of the most shocking accidents known in the history of this settlement happened here last week. Harvey Hancock, a young man, and a freighter by trade, was on a trip to one of the neighboring settlements in Colorado for grain and flour, with a six-horse team. While there he traded for an outlaw horse, and on his way home the horse became unmanageable. While trying to reach his brake and at the same time steer his team, he was thrown from the wagon and instantly killed. His body was brought home and laid to rest on the 14th inst. The funeral was held at the ward meeting-house under the direction of the ward Bishopric. A number of leading Elders spoke of his thrift and industry as a sterling citizen, and offered words of comfort to his wife, who is left with two small children.
A subscription was started today for the benefit of the family, with the result that several hundred dollars has already been subscribed.
The Y.M. and Y.L. associations are arranging for a grand character ball to be given on the 22nd inst. The Monticello young folks are invited and expected to attend, notwithstanding the long distance of 50 miles they have to travel by team to reach here.

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Josephine C Wood set apart as Pres. Of Primary at Bluff May 23” 1884 by Bp. Jense Nielson.

Was released Sept 6” 1908 when she moved to Monticello Ut.

Was set apart Second counselor to Jane Walton in Relief Stake Presidency Nov 27 1888 by Pres. Wm Halls ans was released at the death of Dr. Walton.

A good girl will try to be good in school
A good girl will try to be good in school
A good girl will try to be good in school
A good girl will try to be good in school
A good girl will try to be good in school
A good girl will try to be good in school
A good girl will try to be good in school
A good girl will try to be good in school
A good girl will try to be good in school