THE FORSGRENS AND THE BOX ELDER FORT

          The arrival of the Forsgren siblings in America parallels the history of the settlement of Brigham City. 
When John E. Forsgren brought his brother and sister to Brigham they spent some of their first years in what is noted below as the "Fort at Box Elder"  That is where Peter Adolph's first child was born - Sarah, the first white girl born in the settlement.  William Davis was already there with wife Sarah McKee and his daughter Sarah Bell Forsgren, John E's wife who had returned to live with her parents while John was on his mission.

Brigham City has rich history
     Brigham City's history of pioneer settlement begins late in 1850 when William Davis and Simeon Carter came to Box Elder and selected a site on which to build homes, then returned to Salt Lake City for the winter.
     In March 1851 Davis, James Brooks and Thomas Pierce returned to Box Elder Creek where they built a row of log rooms known as the "Davis Fort" and located in the northwest part of town. Within the year they were joined by several other families, including Carter.
     Henry G. Sherwood surveyed farms of 40-80 acres at the Box Elder settlement, extra-large because the rocky nature of the soil meant larger plots were needed to sustain a family.
     Families were glad, in the spring of 1852, to move from the cramped and bedbug-infested fort and begin building cabins and farming their plots.
     In 1853 settlers received an order from Brigham Young to move into forts because of increasing Indian hostilities in some areas of the Territory. A second fort was built at Box Elder, formed of low houses close enough together to enclose the area on three sides, with the south side open and a larger log building erected as a meeting house and school.
     A stone monument at 300 North and 200 West shows the approximate location of this fort. [I looked in vain for a stone monument there on a trip to Brigham City in Sept. 2011.  They have either hidden it very well or I don't know what to look for.  It is currently a vacant lot with remnants of  a school that used to be on that corner].
     That same summer the first LDS immigrant company composed entirely of Scandinavians arrived in Utah, led by John Forsgren whose wife was the daughter of Bishop William Davis. Many of those settled in Brigham City.
     LDS Fall Conference in 1853 was an important one for Box Elder, with Elder Lorenzo Snow directed to select 50 families to colonize the community. As was the custom, these families were to include various types of craftsmen in order to make the community self-sufficient.
     Elder Snow wanted Box Elder to be a model Mormon village, so directed Territorial Surveyor Jesse W. Fox to divide the large farms into smaller parcels, mostly five-acre lots, in order to make room for the newcomers. Most of the contingent of new settlers arrived in the spring. "
            (Copied from the Box Elder News Journal website: www.benewsjournal.com/bc.html)

A few years ago I was at the Brigham City Museum to see a Forsgren item that had been donated. The curator told me there were other Forsgren things I had not known about. One of them was the following model of the Fort, made by "Mr. Forsgren."  It seems to match the description of the 2nd Fort in the article above.  I am unsure WHICH Mr. Forsgren would have built it, but most likely Peter Adolph who would have lived there and had memories of it.  (Unless it was built from a drawing or sketch made by someone else, in which case it could have been made any time by any of the Forsgren men.  Oscar Forsgren, Peter's son, was also a wood craftsman).
     The model was not on display in the museum.  It was located in a storeroom - and complete with oversize model horses!    Just kind of a cool thing!

The sight of the Old Fort as it appeared Sep. 7,2011.  The old 3rd Ward Meetinghouse is in the background


After entering the above information and photos the Forsgren Family Association purchased a copy of the History of Box Elder County, now in a limited re-printing.  It was created by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers organization and Lydia Walker Forsgren had a significant role in the collection of data and writing of the materials.  On one of the last pages (p. 388) of my copy is the following photo, under the heading, "Outstanding Accomplishments of the Daughters of the utah Pioneers of Box Elder County"  Under the photo is the caption "The Relic Hall, containing 500 or more relics"  [which at the time would have still been housed on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse building].  The caption also draws attention to the "Miniature replica of The Old Fort".

     The photo appears to be a larger replica than that which appears in the photos I took and uploaded above. The relic hall replica covers two tables and shows more cabins along the sides.   Perhaps over time some of it was broken or merely "condensed" in order to more easily store.
     I am intrigued with the phrase that it was an "accomplishment of the DUP of Box Elder Co."   This  suggests it was a work commissioned by them.  The DUP in Brigham was not organized until 1915.   (Work on the Box Elder Co. History was begun in 1918).   That does not necessarily shed light on who the Mr. Forsgren was who built the replica, but it could well have been either Oscar Forsgren or John Heber Forsgren both of whom were born during the time period of the Fort and would have some memory.   Peter Adolph Forsgren died in 1908 so he could not have built it if the work was commissioned after the formation of the DUP.   Maybe I am only engaging in complete speculation but it seems a mystery that cries out to be solved, don't you think???

CHILD #7 - James William Forsgren & Descendants

Child #7 of Peter Adolph and Anna Christina Forsgren:  James William Forsgren (Will)

     Born 29 October 1868 in Brigham City, Box Elder Co., Utah.  Died 29 June 1918 in Ogden, Weber Co.,  buried 3 July 1918 in Brigham City Cemetery.  He married Lettie Celestia Farley on 12 October 1887 in the Logan LDS Temple.  

         Lettie Celestia Farley was born 11 January 1868 in Ogden, Weber Co. Utah.  She died 27 Oct 1957 in Brea, Orange Co., California in the home of her daughter.  She is also buried in Brigham City Cemetery.  Eight children were born to this family, 5 of whom grew to maturity.

This is one of the few photos I have of Will Forsgren as an adult.  It comes courtesy of Joyce Lowe his great grand daughter and is from a published book.   Does any descendant out there know of any others of Will and Lettie???

Lettie Celestia is the pretty young woman on the front row, left

Another photo of Lettie

Lettie as a gracious grandmother with her son Grant Vivian and great grand daughter, Joyce Peterson - taken probably in the early 1950's

Lettie with her daughter Donna Forsgren Heed and her great grand daughter, Joyce Peterson - about 1942

Lettie Celestia Farley Forsgren with her daughter Celestia and son-in-law Bill Peterson

Lettie Celestia Forsgren - 80th Birthday

I am indebted to Joyce Peterson Lowe for most of tLettihLe photos used here as well as the life sketch of Lettie and James William Forsgren.  She has fleshed out the Forsgren Association Files admirably in

areas where I previously had no information!  

Pacific Coffee Store - 2350 Washington Ave., Ogden

Inez was manager and Lettie listed as clerk on City Directory. 

The store sold roasted coffee beans, peanuts & peanut butter

JAMES WILLIAM FORSGREN - research notes

BAPTISM & CONFIRMATION:  No dates given on first part of S.L. film 0025,802. Baptism performed by Peter Baird and the confirmation by Wm. Box

MARRIAGE: U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 (ancestry.com)
Name: James William Forsgren
Gender: Male
Birth Place: UT
Birth Year: 1868
Spouse Name: Lettie Celestia Farley
Marriage Year: 1887
Number Pages: 1

CENSUS: 1900 Census of Brigham City, Box Elder, Utah. Taken 2 June 1900; ED 202 sheet 2B, 1st Ward, Family #39 !st South & 1st East
Forsgren, William, head, md for 12 years <1888>, age 31, born Oct 1868 in Utah; farmer, both parents born Sweden
Forsgren, Lettie, md for 12 years, age 33, born Jan 1867. Mother of 5 children, 3 still living. Father born Iowa, Mother born Italy
Forsgren, Celesta, daur, age 11 born Nov 1888, single, born Utah
Forsgren, Inez, daur, age 7, born July 1892, Utah
Forsgren, Carl, son, age, age 2, born Oct 1897, Utah

1910 Census of Brigham City, Box Elder, Ward 1, taken 19 April, ED 6 ; Sheet 6A, family #98
Forsgren, William, head, md, age 39, wagon driver, odd jobs, born Utah, father born Sweden, mother born Denmark
Forsgren, Lettie, wife, md, age 39, born Utah, mother of 8 children, 5 living
Forsgren, Inez, daur, single, age 17
Forsgren, Carl, son, age 12
Forsgren, Grant, son, age 4
Forsgren, Donnia, daur, age 3

DEATH: Certificate No. 260,
James William Forsgren of 1250 Washington, 3rd Ward, Ogden, Weber Co.
Married, born October 29 1868, Brigham City, Utah. Teamster, son of Peter Adolph Forsgren born Sweden and Christina Knudsen, born Denmark. Length of residence at place death, 7 yrs. In the state 47 years.
Died 29 June 1918 of hemiioplegia of 4 yrs. duration. Informant Mrs. J.W. Forsgren
Buried July 3 1918, Brigham City.

OBITUARY: Ogden Standard Examiner Monday, July 11, 1938 in the "20 Years Ago" column:
     Wm. Forsgren died June 29 at his home in Ogden of a paralytic stroke suffered some time ago. He was born in Brigham City in 1868.

Acutal obituary: June 29, 1918 p. 16
     "James Forsgren passed away today at 4 a.m. at the family home, 1250 Washington avenue, after suffering a paralytic stroke. Mr. Forsgren was born in Brigham City, October 29, 1868, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Forsgren. He is survived by his wife, Lettie Farley Forsgren, and the following sons and daughters: Mrs. William Peterson, Mrs. Joseph Smith [don't understand this error. Must be referring to Mrs. Gilbert Hess] , Miss Anna Doe [Donna Zoe]Forsgren, Carl Forsgren, Grant Forsgren. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Eli Forsgren, Mrs. Sarah Christensen, Mrs. Olivia Lee, Oscar Forsgren, Adolph Forsgren and Eli Forsgren. Funeral announcement later.
[From the errors in this obituary it sounds like the information was taken over the phone and names thus misunderstood!]
  

BURIAL: Brigham City Cemetery: B-27-13-5

LETTIE CELESTIA FARLEY - research notes

There is a family tree submission on Ancestry.com which includes information for Lettie submitted by "lawton5942"

BAPTISM: Brigham City LDS 1st Ward records, p. 66. Baptised by Jonathan I Hart; confirmed same day by A. McFarland; She was rebaptised 25 Sept 1877 by J. Sorensen. (SL film # 0025,802)

CENSUS: 1930 Census of Ogden, Weber, Utah. page 2A ED 54; 2nd St. Family #40
Forsgren, Lattie, head, Widow, renting home, age 62, born Utah; father born Pennsylvania, mother born Italy
Forsgren, Donna, daur, age 22, single, born Utah,

DEATH: California Death Index, 1940-1997
Lettie Celestia Forsgren [Lettie Celestia Farley]
Social Security #: 0
Sex: Female
Birth Date: 11 Jan 1868
Birthplace: Utah
Death Date: 27 Oct 1957
Death Place: Orange
Mother's Maiden Name: Piedmont
Father's Surname: Farley

OBITUARY TRANSCRIPTION: (Salt Lake Tribune, Wed. Oct. 30, 1957, p. 35)
     "OGDEN - Mrs. Lettie C. Farley Forsgren, 89, former Ogden resident, died Sunay at home of a daughter, Mrs. Willard Heed, Brea, Calif. Born Jan. 11, 1868, in West Weber, daughter of Isaac R. and Madeleine Malan Farley. Married to James William Forsgren Oct. 12, 1887, in Logan Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Had been active in LDS Church auxiliaries. Member Camp R., Daughters of Utah Pioners. Surviving, a son and three daughters: Grant V., Huntington Park, Calif.; Mrs. Inez Hess, Ogden; Mrs. Celestia Peterson, Ogden; Mrs. Donna Heed, Brea, Calif.; four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; a sister. Guneral Thursday, 1 p.m., Lindquist and Sons Funeral Chapel. Burial Brigham City Cemetery."

BURIAL: Brigham City Cemetery: B-27-13

William and Lettie Farley Forsgren had eight children, five of whom grew to adulthood:

Child #1 - Celestia Lettie Forsgren - Born 10 Nov 1888 in Mound Fort (Ogden), Weber Co., Utah;  Died 24 Feb. 1982 in Ogden and was buried on 27 Feb in the Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park in Ogden.   Celestia married William (Bill) Bengt Peterson on 30 Jun 1909 in the Logan LDS Temple.  Bill was born 20 Dec. 1884 in Kanesville, Weber Co., Utah.  He died 21 Aug. 1965 in Ogden and was buried on 23 Aug 1965 at the Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park, Ogden.

Celestia and Bill had three sons.

A little clearer photo of the same shot

Celestia about 1894

Celestia selling Victrolas at Christensen & Knudson Mercantile

William Bengt (Bill) Peterson & Celestia Lettie Forsgren

Celestia, Bill and son Bob on the occasion of their Golden Anniversary!

Celestia

Research Notes for Celestia:

BIRTH: IGI sources list both Mound Fort, (and, mistakenly Mount Port) Weber Co. as place of birth not Ogden. Brigham City 1st Ward recs list Mount Fort. It also lists her name as Celesta.

BAPTISM: Listed as 1879 (year only given) in Brigham City LDS 1st ward Records p. 66 (SL film # 0025,802) performed by Jonathan Nelson; confirmed by John Larsen

REMINISCENCES:  "It's a Small World"  was Celestia's favorite [Disneyland] ride when she lived in Calfornia with Uncle Bob [email comment from g-daughter, Joyce Lowe]

OBITUARY TRANSCRIPTION: (Ogden Standard Examiner, Thurs., 25 Feb 1982 p. 8C
     Mrs. Celestia Lettie Forsgren Peterson, 93, of 1117 Jefferson, died Wednesday, Feb 24, 1982, in a local nursing home.
     She was born Nov. 10, 1888, in Ogden, a daughter of James William and Lettie Celestia Farley Forsgren.
     On June 30, 1909, she married William Bengt Peterson in the Logan LDS Temple. He died Aug. 21, 1965.
     She moved with her family to Brigham City when she was a child. She was educated in Brigham City and participated in the local drama club.
     She had been employed at the Brigham City Telephone Co., and Knudsen mercantile.
     She moved to Ogden in 1909.
     She had been employed at the W.R. Wright Co. as a saleslady. She later worked at the Dee Memorial Hospital as an admitting clerk and PBX operator.
     She moved to Van Nuys, California, in 1966 to reside with a son, returning to Ogden in 1979.
     She was a member of the LDS Church and had been active in the Sunday School.
     Surviving are two sons, Carl F. Peterson, Ogden, and Robert J. Peterson, Van Nuys, Calif.; five grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild; one sister, Mrs. Donna Heed, Ventura, Calif.
     Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Lindquist and Sons Colonial Chapel in Ogden with Bishop Robert R. Taintor officiating.
     Friends amy call at the mortuary Saturday one hour prior to services. Interment in Washington Heights Memorial Park.

Personal interview by Adele Austin with son Carl F. Peterson 3/15/2005 in Ogden:
     "Celestia Lettie was born [at the family home] on 12th St. She moved to Brigham City where she met William. When William B. died at age 79 Bob took mother to Van Nuys, California. My older brother, Grant, sold the family home at 1052 25th St. and sent the money to Bob for her care. She lived with him until she was about 90; he brought her back [when she became very ill.  Since Ruth and I] were caring for Ruth's aged mother at the time Mother felt she should not stay with us] so she was placed in a nursing home near St. Benedict's hospital. She died there at age 94. Bob later came back from California and he died at McKay-Dee hospital here in Ogden."

BURIAL: Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park: 400-C-2;

WILLIAM BENGT (BILL) PETERSON

A young Bill Peterson

William Bengt (Bill) Peterson

Bill and Celestia Peterson at Thanksgiving -

On the right they are holding Martin Carl Peterson (Carl & Ruth's son) and Joyce Peterson (Grant & Helen's daughter)

On left is Helen Morris Peterson and son Bill III.  Behind her are Carl and Ruth Whitney Peterson

Three Generations:   Joyce Peterson, Celestia, Helen Morris Peterson & Wm. Bengt (Bill) Peterson

OCCUPATION: Worked for Eccles Lumber as Forman...lived across the street for a time. [Interview with Carl F. Peterson 3/15/2005]

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES:  On 2/28/2012 I received an email from Joyce Lowe, Bill & Celestia's grand daughter, after I commented to her that Bill seemed never to have smiled broadly in any of his photos!  His demeanor was always pleasant, but seemed shy to me & a little reserved to me.   Joyce's response was this:  "Grandpa Bill must have posed seriously but he was a warm, loving man.  At his funeral he was called a "peacemaker."  He was a very talented carpenter and helped to build Uncle Carl's house.  He also did the cabinetry, mantle, cupboards and closets for our home.  I know the day I was born when they called him to the phone at the lumberyard they said he cried he was so happy.  I have Grandma's letter describing the whole event.  How priceless are these memories to me."   She also made another very insightful comment:  "I am really trying to help my grandchildren remember all of these people.  We were talking about DNA at scrapbooking the other day and they said that some believe that our good deeds can become part of our DNA that we pass on."  
     I support that belief!   Herein lies the TRUE value of "turning our hearts to our fathers."   When we see what they struggled with, what they overcame, how they treated one another, observe their work ethic,  - even their mistakes - we learn, we are fortified, we are guided into making better choices for our own lives.   At least that has been MY great blessing from rubbing (ghostly) shoulders with all these wonderful Forsgrens.   Can't wait for the ultimate Forsgren Reunion on the other side!  Thanks, Joyce, for sharing.   -Adele

The "Bills"

William B. Peterson & Grandson William Morris Peterson

OBITUARY: OBITUARY: Ogden Standard Examiner, Aug. 21, 1965 (contains photo)
     William B. Peterson, 80, of 1052 25th, died this morning at his home after an extended illness.
     Mr. Peterson was born Dec. 20, 1884, in Ogden, a son of Bengt and Christina Christensen Peterson. On June 30, 1909 he was married to Celestia (Lettie) Forsgren in the Logan LDS Temple.
     He began working for the Anderson Lumber Co. in 1914, later was yard foreman and cabinet maker in the mill, retiring in 1961. He was an elder in the LDS Twelfth Ward.
     Surviving are his widow, three sons, Grdant W. Peterson, Carl F. Peterson, both of Ogden; Robert Junior Peterson, Van Nuys, Calif.; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.
     Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. in Lindquist and Sons Colonial Chapel with Bishop Bart Wolthuis of the Seventh Ward officiating. Friends may call at tahe mortuary Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday prior to services. Burial in Washington Heights Memorial Park.

(Funeral Notice) Ogden Standard-Examiner, Sunday 22 August 1965
"PETERSON - Funeral Services for William B. Peterson, husband of Celestia (Lettie) Forsgren Peterson will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at Lindquist & Sons Colonial Chapel . . . interment in the Washington Heights Memorial Park."

Peterson home in Ogden at the time of Bill's death:  1052 25th St.  (about 1938)

BURIAL: Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park: 400-C-1

Bill and Celestia had three sons:

#1 - Grant William Peterson, born 30 May 1911 in Ogden, Weber Co., Utah.  Died 7 Jan 1981 in Ogden and was buried 10 Jan 1981 in the Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park, Ogden.   Grant married Helen Morris on 4 Nov. 1939 in Brigham City, Box Elder Co., Utah.  They were sealed in the Logan Temple 31 May 1960.  Helen was born 23 Nov. 1918 in Portage, Utah.  She died 3 Mar 2007.  I have as yet no other information on her.   Grant and Helen had two children, both living, Joyce and Bill.

Handsome, happy Grant with his beautiful daughter Joyce

Grant worked for Lockheed Aircraft - here in Glendale, California

Grant & the trailor he and his father built

DEATH: Social Security Death Index (ancestry.com)

Name: Grant Peterson SSN: Last Residence: 84404 Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States of America Born: 30 May 1911 Last Benefit: 84404 Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States of America Died: Jan 1981 State (Year) SSN issued: Utah (Before 1951)

OBITUARY: Ogden Standard-Examiner Thurs., Jan. 8, 1981 p. 8-C (contains photo)

GRANT W. PETERSON, 69, of 696 15th, died Wednesday, Jan.7, 1981, in the McKayDee Hospital.

     He was born May 30, 1911, in Ogden, a son of William B. and Celestia Forsgren Peterson.

     On Nov. 4, 1939, he married Helen Morris in Brigham City. The marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple.

     He had been a radar and electronics repairman at Hill Air Force Base prior to his retirement, and had owned and operated an appliance and repair service.

     He was formerly employed at Lockheed Aircraft Co. in Burbank, Calif., and worked for the Signal Corps at Defense Depot Ogden.

     He was a member of the Lorin Farr LDS Ward and was active as an elder. He had served as a counselor in the Sunday School Presidency and was ward finance clerk.

     He had served in the Utah National Guard and was a member of the ROTC Band. He was an amateur radio operator.

     He attended Ogden High School and Weber College.

     Surviving are his widow of Ogden; one son and one daughter, William Morris Peterson, North Ogden; Mrs. Ralph (Joyce) Lowe, Ogden; eight grandchildren.

     Also surviving are his mother of Ogden; two brothers, Carl F. Peterson, Ogden; Robert J. Peterson, Van Nuys, Calif.

     Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Myers Mortuary Chapel in Ogden with Bishop A. Welling Macfarlane of the Lorin Farr Ward officiating.

     Friends may call at the mortuary Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday prior to services. Interment in the Washington Heights Memorial Park.

BURIAL: Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park: 432- D-4

#2 - Carl Forsgren Peterson,  born 25 Mar 1919 in Ogden, Weber Co., Utah.  Died 19 Jul 2007 in Ogden at the home of his daughter.  Just 6 days later he was followed in death by his beloved wife Edna Ruth Whitney who also died in their daughter's home.  Ruth was born 10 Mar 1930 in Ogden.  She died 27 Jul 2007.

BIRTH: Carl's birth certificate #1883, born Ogden, 25 Mar 1919 at 3 p.m. - Residence: 219 23rd St.

Blessing Certificate #947, Seventh Ward, Ogden Stake by W.A. Koldeurjm

MILITARY: Military Service Records, Ancestry.com

Name: Peterson, Carl Forsgren, Serial No. 884 86 79 Local Board 4
Address: 1117 Jefferson Ave. Ogden, Weber, Utah
Wife: Ruth Whitney Peterson - same address
DOB: 3/25/19, white, male
Born Ogden, Utah
Utah resident for 24 years
Father: William Peterson 1053 25th St., Ogden
Mother: Celestia Peterson same address
Education: Ogden High School, Weber College
Enlisted in the Seabees July 6, 1943; boot camp at Camp Perry, VA. served in Asiatic Pacific and became an electrician's mate. Honorable discharge 4 Dec 1945.

HOME: Has lived at 1117 Jefferson since "day 1" . Carl and Ruth built a two-car garage on a piece of land they had bought before their marriage. She lived there during his time in the service. The county would not let them build a real house closer to the street (saying it was not lawful to have two homes on the same property) so they remodeled the garage into a larger place.
Though blessed as an infant in the LDS Church, Carl says he was never baptized. He thought at one time he would join and then changed his mind. [Pers. interview with Carl by Adele Austin 3/15/2005]

DEATH: Social Security Death Index
Name: Carl Forsgren Peterson
Last Residence: 84067 Roy, Weber, Utah, United States of America
Born: 25 Mar 1919
Died: 19 Jul 2007
State (Year) SSN issued: Utah (Before 1951)
OBITUARY:  Standard-Examiner (Ogden, UT) - July 30, 2007 (found on Genealogybank website)
Carl Forsgren Peterson and Edna Ruth Whitney Peterson
     OGDEN -On July 19, 2007, Carl Forsgren Peterson, 88, our patriarch and beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather passed away in his sleep at the home of his daughter, Sharon.

     He was born March 25, 1919 in Ogden, Utah to William Bengt and Celestia Lettie Forsgren Peterson.

     On Friday, July 27, 2007, our sweet mother, Ruth Whitney Peterson, 87, joined her beloved husband as she passed away at the home of their daughter, Sharon.

      Ruth was born March 10, 1920 in Ogden, a daughter of Harry James Sr. and Edna May Luddington Whitney.

     Carl and Ruth met at Ogden High and the high school sweethearts were married March 22, 1941.

      Carl served in the Construction Battalion of the Navy in the South Pacific during WWII, receiving the Asiatic Pacific Area 1 Star, Philippine Liberation Area 1 Star and the Victory Ribbon.

     After the war, Carl went back to work for Mountain Bell Telephone and retired with 40 years of service. Ruth also worked for Mountain Bell and Dr. Newton's office as his office manager.

     Carl and Ruth enjoyed working in their yard, wood working, square and round dancing and loved sitting on the porch. They built their home and cabin together.

     Carl and Ruth are survived by three children, Martin (Mary) Peterson, Sharon Tracy-Lowe and Karen Gilbert; nine grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

      Private funeral services were held.

      Funeral Directors, Lindquist's Roy Mortuary. 

[I'd like to interject a personal comment here.  My husband and I were on our mission in Chile at the time of Carl and Ruth's death.  Somehow I came across their obituary in an on-line source and was astounded to see that they had died so close together.  Yet it was perfectly reasonable.  I remember well my visit with them in their home just a few years earlier.  Carl was so solicitous of Ruth and so gentle & loving.  They both seemed fragile - in the sense that they were starting to experience poorer health than they wanted.  I came away loving them greatly and wondering how long they would be with us.  I am glad they were separated from one another by only a few days!]

Carl & Ruth were married in the home of Ruth's Parents by John Edw. Carver of the First Presbyterian Church. Carl and Ruth were each age 21 at the time.

Ruth Whitney Peterson

Carl & Ruth during my visit in 2005

CARL & RUTH WERE THE PARENTS OF THREE CHILDREN, Martin Carl, Sharon, and Karen, all of whom are still living.   Because of privacy issues no additonal data will be added to the blog  though I do have some photos of their families.

  #3 - Robert (Bob) Junior Peterson,  born 5 Mar 1925 in Ogden, Weber, Utah.  Died 7 Nov 1990 in Ogden and buried 9 Nov. 1990 in the Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park Cemetery in Ogden.  Bob never married.

 Bob holding his niece, Joyce

Bob - taken from the portrait where he is with his parents

Bob in his High School years

Robert (Bob) Peterson with his aunt Donna Zoe Forsgren Heed

Bob enjoying having his very stylish mom (Celestia) in California with him

Uncle Bob at Pineview in Huntsville

Selections from a Tribute to Robert J. Peterson by his namesake Robert Lowe (rec'd by email from Joyce Peterson Lowe, 24 Mar 2012)

"I know for a surety that we're here to follow Christ's example--this is my testimony to you, and I know Bob understood this. My Grandmother helped him to make it through the Temple--the missionaries helped him to make it through the Temple--but when it came right down to it Bob got himself through that Temple. (Los Angeles)
     He came home and he assimilated right into our family. He loved us, he worried about us. He cared for us more than we'll ever know. He was a great caregiver. He cared for each one of us. He'd care for years for his mother. (Celestia ). That's probably one of the strongest memories I have of my childhood --of Bob caring for his mother.
     This will be a significant loss to our family for a time--but I'm confident in that reunion that will take place. I know Uncle Bob desired to be loved but he also desired to love us. He wanted us as family. I'm not really sure if he really understood what a crazy bunch he was getting into. I made a little list of some of the characteristics that were very powerful in the kind of man Uncle Bob was.
     He had character about him. He was very warm, charming, compassionate, very witty, and had a great sense of humor. He liked to visit, he enjoyed us just to drop by. He let you know that he really desired to have our contact. He was very affectionate to us and very generous. He would send you to the store for a gallon of milk and a pack of licorice and try to tip you $5.00 in gas money for driving one mile. I think he stayed in California too long.
     He was very complimentary. He got inside our lives and he knew what was going on with us and he just was proud of each one of the members of his family.
     One thing I really appreciate about Bob is the way he has welcomed all the new spouses into our family. He went out of his way to make them feel good and welcome and to develop relationships with all the new wives and husbands.
     He set a real good example of the way we should look. We have just lost the best looking member of our family!
     I had kind of a fun experience with Bob one day. I talked him into getting off that oxygen machine and getting on the back of my motorcycle. I asked him if he wanted to feel that great feeling of thrust that I enjoyed quite often and he said "Yeh, go for it!" At about 75 mph we lost his hat but I think he was so scared he just didn't know what to say---but he was brave. I was glad to have Bob here, I really enjoyed him.
     I know one of the biggest blessings in his life is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his Temple blessings. He had confidence in where he was going. "
     Bob's favorite Hymn was "I Believe in Christ."

Also received by email on 3-2012:
      This tribute was given by his nephew David who was a professional bareback rider in PRCA Rodeo Bob was very supportive and interested in his career and travels. Dave was born with a "cowboy drawl" along with his sister who increased hers by living in Texas for many years. In 1987 He was the Rocky Mountain Regional Champion for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Assoc.
     He had so much love and support from Uncle Bob--including new tires on the rodeo van as he headed to Denver. He attended Weber State on a Rodeo Scholarship.

Selections from a Tribute to Bob Peterson from his Nephew David Lowe
     "When Uncle Bob came home I made him a promise I'd do somethin'--I'd do something for my Uncle that he could never do-- he amost got to do it. He said 'I want you to go to school.' I did. He was proud of me and I'm proud of him. I loved going places with my Uncle. He was always dressed nice and I'd dress up nice with him and I'd go places--he knew he was in good hands with me. We'd have fun. I made him happy. I called him my Pal, he called me his son, says "You're a Peterson!" I said 'I'll take the William' named my boy William too.
     Bob told me his life and his childhood and I learned a lot from that. I know he'd want me to say something good for him, you know, and there's so much good I could say for my Uncle. Christmas time would come around, and Bob, he was happy at Christmas. We'd set up trains and we'd be good friends.
     The day me and Bob went for a horse ride--he was so scared. I couldn't get him out of the house but I kept trying--if I could get him out we could go have fun, we'd always talk about it--'Let's go ride horses!' I knew he'd never done it and we got out to ride--pretty soon he's brave, he's strong, he's going for a ride. We're going for a ride. We're going around the field--beautiful day, tall grass, dog following along the side of us and he's riding a horse all by himself and he says 'Davey, I love you--you made my day--I appreciate you so much for all you do for me--you make me live!'
      I ride bucking horses. My Grandma helped me get going and Bob gave me the strength and the courage to keep going. I enjoyed calling Bob and telling him how good I did, and the times where I didn't do so good he'd pat me on the back and tell me things will get better for you, and I'd tell him the same. Things are better. I'll never forget my Uncle Bob."

OBITUARY: (Ogden Standard-Examiner. Thurs., Nov. 8, 1990, p. 10-C (Blurry copy; contains photo)

     "Robert J. Peterson, age 65, died on Wednesday, November 7, 1990 at the McKay Dee Hospital Center. He was born on March 5, 1925, in Ogden, Utah, a son of William B. and Celestia Forsgren Peterson.

     As a young man, he worked for the railfoad in Ogden. Later he moved to California where he was employed by Barker Brothers. At the time of his retirement, he was a manager in the fine furnishings department. He served 31 years in the Pasadena, Van Nuys and the Los Angeles stores.

     He was a High priest in the Lorin Farr Ward. He received his temple endowment in the Los Angeles Temple. He returned to Ogden in 1985 to be with his family.

     His greatest happiness and joy came from doing temple work and participating with his family in varied activities. He was an artist and enjoyed sharing the beautiful things in life with others. He especially loved traveling to the scenic canyons from Bear Lake to Park City.

     He was compassionate and caring and was loved dearly by his family and many friends. He is survived by his brother, Carl F. Peterson, Ogden. He was preceded in death by his brother, Grant William Peterson.

     He became family patriarch and friend to his brother's widow, Helen M. Peterson, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

     Services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Myers Mortuary Chapel, 845 Washington Blvd. with Bishop Richard Noorda officiating. The family will meet friends at the mortuary on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment in Washington Heights Memorial Park.

BURIAL: Lindquist Washington Memorial Heights Park: 400-C-3

William and Lettie Farley Forsgren's

Child #2 - James William Forsgren, born and died on 6 July 1891 in Brigham City, Box Elder Co., Utah. 

BIRTH & DEATH: Confirmed by Brigham City LDS 1st Ward Church Records (SL flim # 0025,802 p. 66)  Blessed by his father James William Forsgren.

BURIAL: Brigham City Cemetery B-27-13-4

William and Lettie Farley Forsgren's

Child #3 - Julia Inez Forsgren, born 1 July 1892 in Brigham City, Box Elder, Utah.  Died 12 May 1980 and buried 16 May 1980 in the Ogden City Cemetery.   Inez married Gilbert R Hess 8 Nov 1911 in Salt Lake City.  Gilbert was born 16 Mar 1894 in Fielding, Box Elder, Utah, the son of Jedediah M and Mary Earl Hess.  Gilbert was killed by an automobile in a crosswalk on 10 Oct 1977 in Ogden and was buried 13 Oct 1977 in Ogden City Cemetery.    

Inez Forsgren - abt. 1892

Inez about 1894.  This is from the following group photo taken in Ogden with her older sister Celestia and two cousins on her Farley side.

Gilbert R Hess, age 11 (left) with his brothers Horton & Marion

Gilbert Hess

INEZ:

BIRTH: Brigham City LDS Church 1st Ward Records p.66 lists birth as 1 July 1892 (GS film # 0025,802); Book C of same film lists 1 July 1893

BLESSING: By Lorenzo Jensen

BAPTISM: No date given on first part of film 0025,802; Under records of Children Blessed the year 1900 is written in the remarks column. Book C lists 1900 with bapt performed by C.F. Nelson. Vicarious baptisms have also been done on 20 June 1996, Idaho Falls, 4 Mar 1999 Salt Lake, and 11 Nov 1999 Washington.

MARRIAGE: Western States Marriage Record Index:
ID No. 309614
Gilbert R. HESS
Inez FORSGREN
Box Elder Co., Utah
Place of Marriage: Salt Lake City, 8 Nov 1911
vol. 2, p.536
Also listed in Utah Misc. Marriage Index (SL film # 820,160).
Inez Forsgren, 18 years old of Brigham City Utah. Lic. issued 8 Nov 1911 in Brigham. Married to Gilbert R. Hess 8 Nov 1911 in Brigham by J. Francis Merrill, J.P.
Note: Obituaries for both Gilbert and Inez state that the marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. LDS Church membership record of a deceased person states Logan.

OBITUARY TRANSCRIPTION: (Ogden Standard-Examiner. Wed., May 14, 1980 p. 12 C. [Negative copy; photo included]

     "Mrs. Inez Forsgren Hess, 85, of Ogden, died Monday, May 12, 1980, in a local nursing home of causes incident to age.

     Mrs. Hess was born July 1, 1894, in Brigham City, a daughter of William James and Lettie Farley Forsgren. She was married to Gilbert R. Hess on Nov. 8, 1910, in Brigham City. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He died Oct. 10, 1977.

     She was educated in Brigham City and had lived in Ogden the past 68 years. She was a member of the Ogden 12th LDS Ward. She was a member of the World Affairs Club, Cosmopolitan Club, Women's Civic Club and Women's Legislative Council of Weber County. She was also a member of the International Relations Study Club, Ogden historical Society, Women's Conservation Council of Utah, Ogden District of Utah Federation of Women's Clubs and the Southern Pacific Old Timers Club No. 1.
Surviving are one grandson, John R. Shupe, Ogden; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Donna Heed, Ventura, Calif.; Mrs. Celestia Lettie Peterson, Ogden.

     Funeral services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Lindquist and Sons Colonial Chapel. Friends may call at the mortuary Friday one hour prior to services. Interment in the Ogden City Cemetery."

Inez with her brothers and sisters.  She is the one in the hat on the back row.

Donna Forsgren Heed on her right, followed by Carl Forsgren, & brother-in-law Bill Peterson

In front, mother Lettie Celestia Forsgren and Celestia Lettie Peterson

     BURIAL: Ogden City Cem: R-1-14-3E;

GILBERT:

OBITUARY: [Ogden Standard-Examiner Tues. Oct 11, 1977, p. B-10 (contains photo)]

     "Gilbert R. Hess, 83, of 1124 25th, died Monday, Oct. 10, 1977, at the McKay-Dee Hospital of injuries suffered in an automobile accident last Thursday. Mr. Hess was born March 15, 1894, in Fielding, Utah, a son of Jedediah M. and Mary Earl Hess.
     On Nov 8, 1910 he was married to Inez Forsgren in Brigham City. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
     He had been a machinist for the Southern Pacific Co. for 50 years before retiring.
     He had lived in Pocatello, Idaho, before coming to Ogden 60 years ago. He was educated in Brigham City schools.
     He was a member of the Ogden 12th LDS Ward. He was former officer of the Weber Wildlife Federation and former member of the board of the directors of the Ogden Railway Credit Union. He was past president of the Southern Pacific Club and member of the Southern Pacific Old Timers Club No. 1.
     Surviving are his widow of Ogden; one grandchild and two great-granchildren; one brother, Horton Hess, Centerville, Utah. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Lindquest and Sons Colonial Chapel
     Friends may call at the mortuary Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. andThursday one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Ogden City Cemetery."

[Ogden Standard-Examiner, Fri., Oct 7, 1977 p. B-1]
"MISHAPS LEAVE 5 INJURED.
     Police said the rainy weather and wet roads were contributing factors to four traffic accidents Thursday which injured five persons including 2 pedestrians who were struck in crosswalks.
     Ogden police said 83 yr.old Gilbert R. Hess was walking in the crosswalk in the 2400 block of Van Buren about 7:30 p.m. when he was hit by a car. The vehicle was driven by Waldo V. Cowley, 66, of 860 32nd. Mr. Hess was treated by paramedics and taken to McKay-Dee Hospital where he was reported in fair condition. . . . "
BURIAL: Ogden City Cemetery: R-1-14-3W

INEZ AND GILBERT HAD ONE CHILD:
IRMA GUINEVERE HESS (known as Guinevere), born 31 Mar 1912 in Ogden, Weber Co.  She died 15 Jan 1976 in Ogden and was buried 19 Jan 1976 in the Ogden City Cemetery.  Guinevere married Oscar Raymond Shupe on 18 July 1942 in Ogden.  Raymond was born 4 Mar 1907 in Ogden, Weber Co.  He died on the 4th of July 1976 in Ogden and was buried 8 July 1976 in the Ogden City Cemetery.
     Guinevere and Raymond had one child, a son John Richard who is still living.   I have no further information or photos on John's wife and family.

"Photograph of Irma Guinevere Hess standing just west of her family's apartment which was located at 458 East 24th Street in Ogden, Utah. This picture was taken around 1919 at which time she would have been 7 years old. "(This & the following photo are courtesy of John Shupe, Guinevere's son who posted it to the website ancientfaces.com.  Thanks, John!  Glad to see another Forsgren descendant actively preserving records.)

Playing in the snow Julia Inez Forsgren Hess and daughter Irma Guinevere Hess prepare for another snow ball attack from a young (unidentified) friend from their Ogden, Utah neighborhood.

Gwem Hess & her cousin Grant Peterson

Guinevere's obituary photo

I have no other photos of Guinevere as an adult. Any descendant out there to help????
OBITUARY: (Ogden Standard-Examiner. Friday 16 Jan 1976 p. 9-B (contains photo)
     "Mrs. Guinevere Hess Shupe, 63, of 3584 Harrison, died Thursday at the McKay-Dee Hospital following a long illness. Mrs. Shupe was born March 31, 1912, in Ogden, a daughter of Gilbert R. and Julia Inez Forsgren Hess.
     On July 19, 1942, she was married to O. Raymond Shupe in Ogden.
     She was a lifelong resident of Ogden and graduated from Ogden High School. She attended Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Weber College and the University of California.
     She was a member of the Ogden 50th LDS Ward and was a member of the McDowell Conservatory of the McDowell League.
     Surviving are her husband of Ogden; one son, John R. Shupe, Ogden; two grandchildren; her parents of Ogden.
     Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. in Lindquist and Sons Colonial Chapel with Bishop O. Wendell Hyde of the 50th Ward officiating. Friends may call at the mortuary Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday one hour prior to services. Interment in Ogden City Cemetery."

OSCAR RAYMOND SHUPE (known as Raymond, Jr.)
OBITUARY: (Ogden Standard-Examiner Tues. July 6, 1976 p. 6 B (contains photo)
     O. Raymond Shupe, 69, of 2584 Harrison, died Sunday at the McKay-Dee Hospital following heart failure. Mr. Shupe was born March 4, 1907, in Ogden, a son of A. Ray and Anetta Grace Rice Shupe.
     On July 18, 1952, he was married to Guinevere Hess in Ogden. She died Jan. 17, 1976.
     He had been a home contractor. He was a lifelong resident of Ogden and attended Ogden city schools. He was a member of the 50th LDS Ward and had been an elder and home teacher. He was a member of PBO Elks 719 and Ogden Golf and Country Club. He was a member of the board of directors of the Shupe Plaster Co.
     Surviving are one son, John R. Shupe, Ogden; two grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Genvieve Grace, Santa Paula, Calif.
     Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Lindquist and Sons Colonial Chapel with Bishop O. Wendell Hyde officiating. Friends may call at the mortuary Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday one hour prior to services. Interment in Ogden City Cemetery. Contributions may be made to St. Benedict's Hospital Building Fund or McKay-Dee Foundation."
    

"About Raymond Shupe, Jr. (submitted by John Shupe on ancientfaces.com)

Oscar Raymond Shupe. Known about town as Raymond Shupe, Jr. He is pictured with his 1930 Chevrolet. He was a resident of Ogden, Utah. He was a building contractor. He designed and oversaw the construction of more than 400 homes in the Utah towns of Ogden, Roy and Sunset between the years of 1940 through 1960."

Raymond, Jr. on left with his parents and sister.  His father was known as Raymond, Sr.

Oscar Raymond Shupe and Viriginia Shupe both born in Ogden, Utah. Son and daughter of Andrew Raymond Shupe and Grace Annette Rice Shupe.

BURIAL: Ogden City Cem: R-1-14-3E & 4E

William and Lettie Farley Forsgren's
Child #4 - Louella Forsgren, Born and died on 6 Nov 1895 in Brigham City.  She is buried with her family in the Brigham City Cemetery, Section B-27
BIRTH: Listed as 6 Nov 1894 in the Brigham City 1st Ward records. (SL film #0025,802)

BLESSED: By John B. McMaster

William and Lettie Farley Forsgren's

Child #5 - Carl Simeon Forsgren, born 9 October 1897 in Brigham City.  Died 2 Dec 1918 from pneumonia, a victim of the flu epidemic.  He was buried 6 Dec 1918 in the Brigham City Cemetery.  He had been married to his wife,  Phyllis Martha Wilson, daughter of J.D. Wilson, for just two months. (17 Oct 1918).  There were , of course, no children to this marriage.  I have no photos of Carl S. Forsgren.

BLESSING: By Peter A. Forsgren

BAPTISM: No date listed on Brigham City LDS 1st Ward Recs p. 66 (SL film # 0025,802) but listed in part two of the film. Bapt by J.B. McMaster and confirmed 5 Nov 1905 by L.W. Anderson

ENDOWMENT: See film 178011 p. 83 ref #2520; proxy work done by Elias Peter?

OBITUARY: (Ogden Standard-Examiner, Tues., Dec. 3, 1918 p. 6)
     "Carl Forsgren died at 5 p.m. yesterday at a local hospital after ten days illness of influenza-pneumonia. He was born at Brigham City twenty years ago, and was a son of the late William Forsgren and Lettie Farley Forsgren. He married Phyllis Wilson two months ago, residing at 2517 Adams avenue. Prior to his death he was employed at the A. L. Scoville Printing company. He is survived by his wife, mother and three sisters: Mrs. Celesta Peterson, Miss Inez Forsgren and Donna Forsgren - also one brother, Grant Forsgren. The body was removed to the Larkin & Sons chapel awaiting funeral arrangements."

[NOTE: An article on the same page is headed "Quarantine of the County is Being Arranged. "There were forty-nine new cases reported to the health board yesterday on completing the day's statistics with regards to the influenza epidemic. . . . [last paragraphs: "Since the Standard report last evening, the following deaths have occurred in the city from the epidemic: Carl Forsgren, 2517 Adams avenue...and a little girl named White, aged 6 years. . . "]

"Despite the town quarantine, Celestia [his sister] secretly visited the mortuary to say goodbye.  Carl had been employed at the Schoville Press as a pressman."   [from Lettie and William's life sketch]

BURIAL: Brigham City Cem: B-27-18-8

Carl's widow,  PHYLLIS MARTHA WILSON FORSGREN, married John Robert Sims some time the following year.  John Robert Sims was born 18 Jan 1894 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He died 13 Sep 1893 in San Luis Obispo, California.   John & Phyllis were still living in Ogden when their first child was born (born dead because of trauma during a breach delivery).  From there they moved to Salt Lake for a while, ending up in California.   A search of the Ogden Standard Examiner on-line sources yielded no corroborating evidence.   (Several refeences are made to a Phyllis Wilson and a Phyllis Sims who apparently had a lovely voice for she is mentioned singing in each society article.  I do not know for sure that these are references to Carl's wife.)

 CENSUS:

1920 United States Federal Census
 Home in 1920: Salt Lake City Ward 1, Salt Lake, Utah (Second East St. & abt. 7 South)   

Name: John R Sims, head, age 24, md, He & father both born Utah; mother born N.Y.

Estimated Birth Year: abt 1896
Spouse's Name: Phillis W
Household Members:
John R Sims 24
Phillis W Sims 18

1930 Fed Census of Compton, Los Angles, Calif. (Ancestry.com)
Sims, John R, head, age 34, born Utah
Spouse's Name: Phyllis M
Household Members:
John R Sims 34
Phyllis M Sims 28
Dorothy Sims 8

DEATH: California Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: Phylliss Martha Sims [Phylliss Martha Wilson]
Social Security #:
Sex: FEMALE
Birth Date: 14 May 1901
Birthplace: Utah
Death Date: 15 Nov 1990
Death Place: San Luis Obispo
Mother's Maiden Name: Stewart
Father's Surname: Wilson

John Robert Sims:

BIRTH: place (Salt Lake) corroborated by John Robert Sims on the death certificate of his stillborn son John Robert Sims, Jr. on which he was the informant.

RESIDENCE: 1923 & 1924 Long Beach, California

DEATH: California Death Index, 1940-1997
Name: John Robert Sims
Social Security #:
Sex: MALE
Birth Date: 18 Jan 1894
Birthplace: Utah
Death Date: 3 Sep 1983
Death Place: San Luis Obispo
Mother's Maiden Name: Ayer

Phyllis & John's first child:  John Robert Sims, Jr. born dead on 21 May 1920 in Ogden.  He is buried in the Ogden City Cemetery.

Their second child was a girl - Dorothy - born abt. 1922 in either Idaho or Utah.  No other information is known about her except what is in the census enumerations.

William and Lettie Farley Forsgren's
Child #6 - Don Joseph Forsgren, born 2 Nov 1902, Brigham City.  Died 3 months later, 1 Feb 1903 (though some records say 4 Feb 1903).  There is no death certificate for him on the on-line certificate database for Utah State Archives.   He is buried in the Brigham City Cemetery.

BIRTH: Brigham City 1st Ward, Childrens Blessings p. 10) (SL Film #0025,802)

BLESSING: by N.P. Anderson 4 Jan 1903

DEATH: Listed in the above records as 4 Feb 1903

BURIAL: Brigham City Cem B-27-13-2; Sexton's records list death 4 Feb 1903

William and Lettie Farley Forsgren's
Child #7 - Grant Vivian Forsgren, born 1 Dec 1905 in Brigham City, Box Elder Co.  Grant died 9 May 1975 in Ventura, Ventura Co., California.  He was returned to be buried in the Brigham City Cemetery on 17 May 1975.  Grant was married for a brief time to Revola Sandberg (Dec. 10, 1920).  They were divorced.  He remarried [name unknown to me] but was divorced from this wife as well.  Grant had no children. 

Grant with his mother, Lettie & his niece Joyce Peterson

NAME and BIRTH: Listed in Brigham City 1st Ward Recs of Children Blessed p. 10 as Vivian Grant. (SL Film #0025,802)

BLESSING: By Peter A. Forsgren - Feb 1906, Brigham City

"Grant Vivian was eight years old when James William suffered a stroke and was not able to support the farm."  [Life sketch at the beginning of this blog post]

OBITUARY: Ogden Standard Examiner, May 14, 1975 (contains photo but copy I have is very bad)
Grant V. Forsgren
     Ventura, Calif. - Grant V. Forsgren, 69, of Ventura, Calif., formerly of Ogden, died Friday after a brief illness at the home of a sister in Ventura.
     Mr. Forsgren was born Dec 1, 1905 in Brigham City, a son of James William and Lettie C. Farley Forsgren.
     He was educated in Ogden City schools. He had been a resident of California since 1927, and formerly lived in Huntington Park, Calif.
     He had worked for General Motors for 37 years and retired as foreman for the Balsam Wood Department of General Veneer.
      He was a member of the Ventura LDS Ward and was a 32nd Degree Mason of the South Gate Guardian Lodge No. 596 of Huntington Park.
     Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. William B. (Celestia) Peterson, Van Nuys, Calif.; Mrs. Willard M. (Donna) Heed, Ventura; Mrs. Gilbert R. (Inez) Hess., Ogden.
     Masonic memorial services were conducted in Ventura.
     Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Lindquist and Sons Mortuary in Ogden with Elder Jerry Herrop officiating.  Friends may call at the mortuary Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday prior to services. Interment in the Brigham City Cemetery.

BURIAL: Brigham City Cem B-27-13-7

William and Lettie Farley Forsgren's
Child #8 - Donna Zoe Forsgren, born 6 May 1908 in Brigham City, Box Elder Co.  Donna died 11 Oct 1985 in Ventura, California.  She was buried in Brigham City Cemetery 16 Oct 1985.
Donna married Willard M. Heed, the son of Travis R. Heed and Lottie Marsh  on 25 Jun 1941 in Yuma, Yuma Co., Arizona. 
     Willard was born 25 Aug. 1913 in Ogden, Weber Co., Utah.  He died in California on April 29, 1994.  He was cremated in May and his ashes were strewn.           Donna and Willard had no children.

"Donna . . . earned her teaching certificate.  . . . she served as librarian at Mound Fort Jr. High School, Lincoln Elementary School, and Washington Jr. High, where she met her future husband Willard M. Heed.  They continued their studies at Utah State Universty and at BYU. . . . In 1944 Willard was inducted into the Army Air Force and for four year Lettie [Forsgren] lived with Donna.  She moved with them to California in 1950 where they cared for her until her death on October 27, 1957."  [from the life sketch of Lettie Celestia Forsgren shown at the beginnin of this blog post.]

Donna Forsgren (Right) and her cousin Grant

BIRTH: Listed as 6 May 1907 in Brigham City LDS 1st Ward Rec. of Children Blessed (SL Film #0025,802)

BLESSING: 11 Jun 1907 by J.B. McMaster. (Record removed to another place Dec. 15, 1911)

HONORED: Ogden Standard Examiner,
     Mrs. William Peterson [Celestia Lettie Forsgren] entertained a few friends on Tuesday evening at her home, 1052 Twenty-fifth street, in honor of her sister, Miss Donna Forsgren, and to celebrate her twenty-first birthday. Tulips were used to decorate the rooms and a late supper was served. Bridge was the diversion of the evening. The guests were Miss Ruth Nyld, Miss Mabel Toone, Miss Guinevere Hess, Miss Dorothy Newman, Mrs. Ruby Bugbee, Mrs. Gilbert Hess [Inez Forsgren], Mrs. C.T. Ferrin, Mrs. Milton Marriott, Mrs. Letty Forsgren and Mrs. Lammers of Oakland.

OBITUARY: (Box Elder Journal. Wed., Oct. 16, 1985 p. 9)
      "Donna Zoe Forsgren Heed, age 79, formerly of Ogden, died Oct. 11, 1985, at her home in Ventura, Calif., of causes incident to age.
     She was born in Brigham City, a daughter of James William and Lettie Celestia Farley Forsgren. She married Willard M. Heed on June 25, 1941 in Yuma, Ariz.
     She was educated in Ogden and attended Utah State Agricultural college in Logan and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She was employed with Ogden City schools. Mrs. Heed was a member of the LDS church.
     Surviving are her husband of Ventura, Calif.; two nephews, Carl F. Peterson and Robert J. Peterson of Ogden. She was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.
     Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Brigham City cemetery. Friends may call at the Olsen Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until time of services."

BURIAL: Brigham City Cemetery: B-27-13-1

Willard and Donna Heed, Bob Peterson & Celestia Peterson

Willard Marsh Heed 

His parents are Travis R. Heed and Lottie Marsh.

MILITARY: Military Service Cards, 1898-1975, Reel 074
Local Board N. 4
Heed, Willard Marsh, white, Rank: S/Sgt
Serial No. 39 026 059 Army
NA 5-6-42 SLC
Termination of Service 8 Dec 1945, Fort Douglas, Utah
Date of Birth: Aug 25, 1913, Ogden, Utah
Parents: Mr. Travis R. Heed of 546 28th St. Ogden, UT
Lathe M. Heed (Mother)
Nearest Kin: Father
Marital Status Single
Wife: Donna F. Heed, 551 28th St. Ogden, UT
Military History: Conv of Govt RR 1-1 Demob
__/373 Bomb Sqdn. 308th Bomb Gp.
Good conduct, As. Pac. 4 battle stars, phil.Lib., Dist unit & oak leaf cluster.

Misc. notes from Ogden Standard Examiner:
1942 - May 10 - Farewell party thrown for Donna and Willard before he left for service.

1942, Oct 5 Graduation: - Pvt Willard M. Heed, son of Mr. and Mrs. T.R. Heed, 551 Twenty-eighth, has been graduated from the radio university of the army air forces technical training command at Scott field, Ill.

1943, Jan. 17
     After a visit with his wife, the former Miss Donna Forsgren, and his parents, Mr and Mrs. T.R. Heed, Seargeant Willard M. Heed has returned to his base at Pueblo, Colo. where he is statione as a radio operator. Mrs. Heed resides at 551 Twenty-eighth;
Also - same date: VISITS TO OLD SCHOOL HALLS; Washington welcomes its former Pupils, Now in Uniform -
      Willard Heed, a U.S. soldier, former teacher at Washington school paid the school a visit. Since returning from his trainin in the north central states, he was located at Wendover and is now at Pueblo Springs, Colo. He thinks the unit will soon leave the USA Mr. Heed is in the radio corps of aeronautics. He feels that the boys know there is a job to do and they want to clear it up as soon as possible.

DEATH: Name: Willard Marsh Heed
Social Security #: ___ Sex: Male
Birth Date: 25 Aug 1913 Birthplace: Utah
Death date: 29 Apr 1994
Death Place: Ventura
Mother's Maiden Name: Marsh

Willard Heed was cremated and his ashes strewn in the ocean [Source:  Carl Peterson, 2005]