The Sundance Wyoming Williamsons

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello Williamsons,
My Vercellino cousin sent a few pictures of our grandparents he found in a book on Sundance Wyoming. Tharon Peterson was visiting family in Sundance when he found a book on Sundance's history. He was kind enough to scan the photographs and forward them on to me.

Thank you Tharon.

We begin with a Relationship Chart (click to enlarge):

I pause to think of the numerous descendants of my Great Great Grandparents George Matthew and Margaret Ann Williamson. There are hundreds, spanning one of the globe to the other. Most of us who read this blog are descended from William Jonathan and Effie Helen Williamson through one of their 9 children. I descend from Charles.

The New Photographs (click to enlarge):


The bottom photo is an enlargement of the one above. The child on the porch is not a member of the William Jonathan family. The caption doesn't attempt to put the children in any kind of order. The boys are easy to place. They are the four youngest in the family photo. left to right: Emmett (standing behind his father William Jonathan), Charles (my grandfather), Maurice (the youngest in the family), and Walter. Standing next to Emmett is Della, then Inez, Vennie, Josie and Ethel. Perhaps someone out there can correct me if I'm wrong. Take a moment and read the caption. I wasn't aware that our Great Grandfather was a two term mayor of Sundance. I enjoyed reading the family was considered hard working and best of all - Fun Loving! What Williamson doesn't enjoy a bit of fun?

Two from our Williamson family are in this graduating class photograph of Sundance High School, 1922. My Great Uncle Walt (Walter Williamson) is the second from the left. Great Uncle Emmett is the fourth in from the right. Interesting that both Emmett and Walter are graduating from high school in the same year. Emmett was two years older than Walter. Either Emmett was held back or Uncle Walt was advanced for his age. I'll let Emmett and Walter's descendants duke that one out.


Again, a class picture from Sundance High School, 1923. Two of my Great Aunts are in this photograph. Middle row and first on the left is Great Aunt Ethel Williamson. Great Aunt Inez is fifth from the left on the top row.

Delbert Williamson (my first cousin 2 times removed) is in this picture. His father was Archer Glenn Williamson, brother to my Great Grandfather William Jonathan.

Once again, a special thank you to Tharon Peterson for the photographs. If you have photographs of the early Williamsons please contact me (director@spacecamputah.org) even if you are not computer savvy. I'd be happy to pay for copies and postage for the opportunity to share them here on the blog for all to enjoy.

Victor

Charles Williamson and the Belle Fourche Cops.

Charles Williamson, late 1950's

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
One of my objectives in writing this blog is to record my parent's (Charles and Luella) 'growing up' stories. I've asked them repeatedly to write them down so I can transcribe them. Heaven forbid they comply! They are fine with me interviewing them; however they are not fine with picking up a pen and coaxing the words from their brains onto paper. They share the same assumption common to our ancestors, "Nobody is interested in our old stories. Everyone is busy with their own lives." How I wish I had our grandparents, great grandparents etc. stories. Wouldn't they be interesting? Their life stories would have provided rich explanations into their behavior and decision making- which directly affects us today. We are, to some extent, a product of our environment.

Last Sunday, Dad and I spoke about his youth in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.
"Did I tell you about the time I stole that police car?" he asked.

I was surprised by his confession. Who would expect their 75 year old father would turn out to be a car thief?

"Do you need to get something off your chest before you meet your maker?" I asked. He started to tell the story. I asked him to stop and jot it down. I wanted it in his own hand. "It doesn't have to be perfect, just jot down the main points and I'll rewrite it, painting you in whatever light you choose. Would you like to be portrayed as the instigator of the act or a willing or unwilling accomplice?"

"The truth will be fine," he responded.

"Then the truth it is," I answered.

An hour or so later Dad arrived, paper in hand.

Downtown Belle Fourche Today

When one thinks of Belle Fourche, South Dakota in the 1950's one should think of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith show. It was a quiet two outhouse town on the Belle Fourche river nestled on the plains rising to meet the majestic Black Hills. Your business was everybody's business in this Norman Rockwell Town where you greeted your neighbors and strangers alike when you walked down the lazy tree lined sidewalks. The Circle Lounge was a favorite cafe on Main Street. Belle Fourche's police considered The Circle Lounge as their Sub Station, making it a regular stop on their rounds.

This was the 1950's, so why would one bother to turn off their car and take the keys if they were going into a shop or cafe for five or ten minutes? Besides, gas was cheap.

Charles wrote, "Belle Fourche was one of those quiet towns where you could fire a 105 Howitzer cannon down the middle of Main Street after 9:00 P.M. and never hit a soul." I would imagine good Christian boys and girls of this ear would be home at 9:00 P.M. watching their black and white televisions or listening to the radio. But what about the teens with a mischievous nature?

The Circle Lounge as it is today

One summer's evening, Charles and his friend Rob Rieb were cruising Main Street. They noticed the police squad car parked running outside The Circle Lounge.
"Let's have some fun," Charles said.
They first thought to take the car's keys, making the police walk back to the station to get another pair. Then one of them increased the adventure by recommending they take the car. They stopped their car, Charles got out, walked to the squad car, jumped in, put the car in gear and drove away. Ron following in his car.

So now we have two teenagers guilty of auto theft; Charles in a hijacked police car, his friend following. Charles wondered where to hide the car to complete their prank. They had no intentions of damaging or stealing the car. It was just a friendly 'joke' on the town's cops and police chief, someone they knew well. Charles drove the car to the rodeo grounds and parked under the Grandstand. He got out and jumped into the other car with Ron.

Not wanting to miss how their night's worked eventually played out, Charles and Ron continued to cruise Main Street. An hour or so later the police found their car at the Rodeo Grounds. The car was returned to the station where it was given a fender to fender forensic search.

The story of a stolen Belle Fourche Police Car made all the local headlines. The police were made to look rather foolish. Charles and Ron had another friend who's father was a deputy sheriff. He told them the police knew who stole the car and that it only a matter of time before the miscreants were caught. Charles and Ron both laughed. They knew that if the police really knew they'd both be in the Crow Bar Hotel.

Charles and Ron pulled a prank on the police. Did they sleep at night knowing there could be a knock on the door followed by a trip to the slammer? Perhaps, considering the boys knew the Police Chief. He made it a habit to befriend everyone on the town's football team. He was also the officer who threw the switch to electrocute the only person every executed by electrocution in the State of South Dakota.

How would you react today if your son was caught stealing a police car?

"Punish the behavior but apply no labels," is the advice I give parents of children and teens. Labels can scar a child or teen for life.

Charles grew up, married and had 8 children. He is a model citizen and one of the hardest working men I know. Responsibility is his middle name. His actions as a teen have no reflection on the man he became. It was a stupid thing he did back in the mid 1950's. Was it worthy of punishment? Of course, but not worthy of a label.

Let's keep that in mind as our young ones grow up. The younger generation should be taught correct principles. They should be expected to do their best. Punishment is necessary for anti social behavior but parent's should take care not to withdraw the love kids and teens need to feel secure in this world. Avoid labeling and pigeon holing someone as 'bad' or 'worthless'.

You may disagree, but its the teacher in me talking.

Simply,
Victor

The Families of Marvin Mattson, Pam Evans and Cindy Meehan

The Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
Today I introduce you to the family of Marvin Mattson. Marvin is the youngest son of Walter and Violet Mattson and brother to my mother Luella, Linda and John. When he was a young boy the Mattson family moved from their Montana ranch to Spearfish South Dakota.

Let's begin with the Relationship Chart:



This is a picture of young Marvin Mattson's seventh and eighth grade football team (click to enlarge). You'll see Marvin on the front row - #3.

Marvin Mattson's 7th grade yearbook picture. Spearfish, South Dakota. (click to enlarge)

Marvin first married Pam Evans. They had two children, Shelley and Shane.

Shelley and Shane

Pam with Shane
Picture taken in Rapid City, South Dakota

Shelley lives in Idaho and works as a speech therapist. Her family keeps her busy.

Shelley with children Tate (sitting with her), Cade (tallest) and Ty.

Both Cade and Ty play Hockey and LaCrosse
These two pictures are of Cade on the ice. Cade is the team captain.



Ty

Tate

And all the children together for Christmas
Cade, Bailey, Ty and Tate

Shane is married to Cari Knettle. They live in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Shane is in Flight Operations and works with Apache helicopters. He is currently deployed in Afganistan. His address overseas:
Shane Mattson
HHC 3-101 TF Attack
FOB Tarin Kowt
APO AE 09380

Shane and Cari taken just before his most recent deployment

The Goodbyes are the hardest. Shane and daughter Lauren

Shane and Cari's children
Gabe, Megan and Lauren

A Christmas Message from Cari:

Here it is the day before Christmas…Christmas Eve…a super fun full of anticipation kind of day. My kids are always so happy on Christmas Eve, I love to watch them. This year is a little different with Shane and Katelyn not being here; I thought it would just be me having a hard time getting into the “spirit” of the season; I mean what kid does look forward to Santa Clause? But sadly I can see it in their eyes as well, something is just missing or well some people.

Last year was magical with everyone home, snow on Christmas Eve, a very special Church service and just a perfect feeling of Christmas. Shane and I were so relaxed about Christmas last year and enjoyed it for what it was meant to be enjoyed for; Jesus, family and Santa. lol We knew we had to make it special since he would be gone for this one, maybe with hopes it would help with the void we knew we would all feel this year. I am not sure, but looking back it makes this Christmas a little less cheery and yet it gives me hope for next year when hopefully we will all be together again…Kate and Brett too.

Merry Christmas everyone and God bless our troops.

Marvin married second, Cindy Meehan. They had two children, Luke and Hallie.

Hallie and Luke

Marvin, Cindy, Hallie and Luke
Picture taken in Black Hawk, South Dakota

Luke is married to the former Ashley Trupp. They live in Anchorage Alaska. Luke is an engineer at EBSC Engineering. Luke and Ashley were both LDS missionaries working in France.
They met again at BYU in Provo Utah. Luke graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Ashley graduated with a BS in secondary education (history) and a Masters in French.

Marvin today with son Luke, Luke's daughter Lydie and daughter Hallie

Luke Mattson with wife Ashley and daughter Lydie.

Ashley sent this update:

Alaska has been good to us this year. Two year-old Lydie's enthusiasm, her parents' increasing courage to try new things and the right friends to encourage us have all helped us get out and enjoy more of what Alaska has to offer. We spent much of 2011 camping, hiking, biking, hunting, skiing, ice skating and exploring. Lydie logged the most airline miles this year with one trip back to Southeast Idaho with Ashley in May to attend her little brother's high school graduation and one exciting adventure with Luke to South Dakota in August. Luke was able to accompany Marvin through the LDS temple for the first time in Bismark, North Dakota during that trip which made it especially worthwhile. Luke's civil engineering company had another good year with several exciting projects and opportunities. They are currently working on a large parking garage and a senior housing center project. Ashley has had a steady stream of French students throughout the year with her private tutoring business. Both of us have been busy with Church responsibilities Luke serving in presidencies over the adults and now the youth; Ashley started out in a presidency over the youth and is now in a presidency over the children under 12. We are looking forward to 2012 hope all our family is doing well.

Luke, Ashley and Lydie Mattson

Hallie graduated from Chadron State College in Nebraska with a degree in secondary education. She currently lives in Custer, South Dakota.

Hallie with Marvin

Alexander Gordon, Our 9th Great Grandfather. Another link to Scotland (Mattson / McCrillis Line)

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
I didn't get much sleep last night due to a fierce north wind which blew in around 11:10 P.M. The cold wind blew out the high pressure system which had been parked over Utah for the last few weeks (It reached 57 degrees yesterday, an all time high). This will be the driest December in Utah's recorded history. The mountains have a dusting of snow, far below normal. This could be a problem for our water supplies if this weather pattern continues. Last year we were buried in snow. What a change one year can make.

Tonight in our digital family reunion we close this year with a posting on our 9th Great Grandfather, Alexander Gordon.

RELATIONSHIP CHART

Alexander Gordon (1635 - 1697)
is our 9th great grandfather
to
Nicholas Gordon (1666 - 1748)
Son of Alexander
to
Elizabeth Gordon (1694 - 1766)
Daughter of Nicholas
to
Betsey Dudley (1724 - 1810)
Daughter of Elizabeth
to
Betsey Hill (1762 - 1797)
Daughter of Betsey
to
Deborah Dearborn (1785 - 1874)
Daughter of Betsey
to
Elmira Swift (1809 - 1903)
Daughter of Deborah
to
Isabella Denora McCrillis (1851 - 1896)
Daughter of Elmira
to
Vesta Althea Dennis (1892 - 1978)
Daughter of Isabella Denora
to
Volet Mae Pierce (1918 - 1987) Married Walter Mattson
to
Luella, Linda, John, Marvin
to
Us

Grandfather Alexander gives our family another anchor in Scotland where Gordon is a common name.

Alexander Gordon was born in Aberdeen Scotland in 1635. At the age of sixteen he was a young soldier in General Monk’s army in 1651 which marched with the purpose to place Charles II as king on the English throne which was vacant because of the execution of his father King Charles I.

General Monk

On September 3 1651, roughly 12,000 Royalist of General Monk's army were holed up in the English town of Worcester. This became known as the "Battle of Worcester". During the 10 hour battle, 3,000 were killed and 7,000 taken prisoner.

The Battle of Worcester took place on 3 September 1651 at Worcester, England and was the final battle of the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians defeated the Royalist, predominantly Scottish, forces of King Charles II. The 16,000 Royalist forces were overwhelmed by the 28,000 strong "New Model Army" of Cromwell

Grandfather Alexander was captured by English Soldiers led by Oliver Cromwell and was jailed as a prisoner of war at Tothill Fields prison near St. Margaret’s church in London, England. Alexander was held prisoner through the winter of 1651 and 1652. Daniel Stone of Cambridge, England secured his release from prison in the spring of 1652 on condition that he be deported to the colonies.

That year Alexander sailed to America aboard the ship Liberty, a ship commanded by Captain John Allen. The Liberty landed in Boston. Alexander paid for his passage with a six year bound labor contract with John Cloyes, another name for the bound labor contract was indentured servitude. As part of his contract Alexander was confined to Watertown, Massachusetts. John Cloyes sold Alexander's apprenticeship to Samuel Stratton in October of 1652 without credit to Alexander for his first year worked. Alexander appealed to the court twice. On his second appeal, Alexander was released from his contract.

Alexander then moved to Exeter, New Hampshire and found employment at a sawmill owned by Nicholas Lissen. Nicholas Lissen then is our 10th Great Grandfather. He was born in Scotland, then emigrated to Ireland and from there to the American Colonies. In October 10, 1664 he married Nicholas Lissen's daughter, Mary in Exeter, New Hampshire and was given twenty acres of land as dowry by his father-in-law. He received a grant of land of twenty acres from Exeter on 10 October 1664 which was adjacent to the land given to him by Nicholas Lissen. Mary and Alexander had eight children, 2 daughters and 6 sons.

In 1675 Alexander enlisted the New Hampshire militia to help defend the colony against the Indian chief, King Philip. In 1695, at the age of 60, Alexander again enlisted in the militia, serving in Capt. Kingsley Hall's company in "King Williams War". Alexander eventually owned several sawmills.

Alexander died in Exeter, New Hampshire in 1697 at the age of 62.

Adelle and Elliana Join Our Family and This American Dynasty

Two very proud Great Grandparents. Luella and Charles Williamson

The Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,

Today a happy announcement. This December two new members of our American Dynasty were born. As their Grand Uncle I have the privilege of introducing them to our extended family and others who follow this blog worldwide. Join me in welcoming them and offering our congratulations to both families.

Welcome to our family Adelle Peterson

Here are a few of the people who made your life possible

Adelle's Family Tree
(Mother's side)


Adelle Joins the family of Jazmine, Dan and Jade Peterson


Adelle's very proud Grandparents. Steve and Janice Burrows



Welcome to our Family Elliana Wilson


Here are a few of the people who made your life possible

Elliana's Family Tree
(Mother's side)

Elliana joins the family of Zach and Afton Wilson

Elliana's very proud Grandparents. JD and Kim DelGrosso

Christmas Through the Eyes of a Cheap(er) Camera

The Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
I spent good American money on a nice video recorder a few years back. The batteries required removal for charging and the device needed miniature tapes for recording. That camera is now one of my home's designated dust receptacles. It sits in the closet waiting to be used. I regret buying it every time I see it in the closet. It is another electronic device I thought I needed - and did, until something else came along.

Last year I bought this handy palm sized video recorder with USB connection. It charges while attached to the computer and recordes to a flash drive - no video tape needed. It's quick and easy. Mind you, its recordings are inferior to my other device, but its ease of use and in and out of the pocket functionality trumps everything.

You wonder why I'm boring you with these details. I'm building up to an apology. The video shot this Christmas was done on my newer recorder (which doubles as a camera). This year I was lazy and proud fully admit it. You see, if I felt I had to record a few Christmas memories with my old camera, I wouldn't do it. My choice was simple, use my new camera with substandard video quality and record a few precious memories to keep me company in my old age, or record nothing at all and live a life of regret. Spending my last Christmases sitting in front of a fire, eating a bit of broth and an undercooked potato, with one candle to lite the room and waiting for a ghost weighed by heavy chains to knock upon my bedroom door.

With that said, today you get to see the few shots I took this Christmas. The video begins with the family Christmas Eve Gathering. The video progresses to Christmas Day at the Bodily Home. From there, we travel to the DelGrosso home in Highland. The video ends with still shots taken at the Mattson Christmas Party Thursday last and shots of people who couldn't (or wouldn't ) spend a moment or two of their Holiday with us. The pictures were mined from their Facebook accounts.

It is Christmas Memory Amateur Hour.
And a Happy New Year to Us All.

Simply,
Victor

Our 10th Great Grand Uncle, Son in Law to William Shakespeare (Mattson/ Pierce / McCrillis Lines)

William Shakespeare

From the Fortress of Solitude

Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
Today we learn about our family's connection to William Shakespeare. This connection may not be 100% definite (what really is when you go this far back along a family tree) but my finding is based on sound judgement which I shall explain.

I begin with what I know....

We know that our Robert McCrillis is our 5th Great Grandfather. Robert was married to our 5th Great Grandmother, Mary Canney. As of 4:00 P.M. this afternoon I hadn't a clue who Mary's parents were. My afternoon goal was to discover her parents and push this family line back to where it disappears into the fog of history.

Our records show that Mary Canney was born in Lebanon Maine. I then found this passage from a book entitled Soldiers of the American Revolution of Lebanon Maine.

I believe that John Canney is a brother of our Great Grandmother Mary. John was born in 1744 and Mary in 1745. I believe our record stating that she was born in Lebanon is incorrect. I believe Mary was born in Dover N.H. and moved to Lebanon with her family. In the passage above is says, "The Father, Samuel, removed from Dover, N.H. to Lebanon about 1747, where he became the first settler within the township". How many Canney families would there be in Lebanon, Maine if Samuel Canney was the first settler in the township in 1747(ish)?

The entire text from the book mentioned above reads:

JOHN CANNEY (Kenney), b. at Dover, N. H., 24 Aug., 1744, was a son of Samuel and Susannah Canney of Dover, N. H., and Lebanon. The father, Samuel, removed from Dover, N. H., to Lebanon about 1747, where he became the Jirst settler within the township. The son, John Canney, enlisted as a private in Capt. Jedediah Goodwin's Co. of Col. Edward Wigglesworth's Reg't. He was in the same company of which Ichabod Cowell was lieutenant, and "Parson" Hasey's diary shows that on "22 July, 1776, our men [Lebanon men] with Lieut. Cowell set out for Canada." His dis-
charge was dated at Albany 30 Nov., 1776.

As a selectman he rendered services in 1770, 1771, 1772 and in 1780, 1781, 1782. He removed from the original Canney farm now (1896) owned and occupied by David W. Varney to the farm now (1896) owned and occupied by Samuel Shapleigh. He was engaged in farming and lumbering until his death which occurred about 1799. He was buried in the "Camp Hill" Cemetery, but the inscription on his supposed stone is unintelligible. In 1782 he was chosen lieutenant of the town militia and a little later Colonel, by which title he was called.

He married Mrs. Elizabeth (Thompson) McCrillis, the widow of Daniel McCrillis of Lebanon. She had no children by Canney, and lived to be 96 years of age. Her children by Daniel McCrillis were : Robert; John, who m. 25 Nov., 1765, Mary Garland ; Elizabeth, who m. 25 Oct., 1768, Daniel Roberts; and Jane, who m. Richard, son of Benjamin and Hannah Furbish of L.

While there is no written proof that our Mary was the daughter of Samuel, I believe the circumstantial evidence is strong. There is also the fact that our Great Grandmother Mary married a McCrillis and so did John as stated in the reference above (whom I believe is her brother); therefore I put Mary as the daughter of Samuel Canney in our family tree.

That being said, there are records which take the Canney line back to England and to Stratford Upon Avon, home of William and Anne Shakespeare.

This therefore, is our tie through marriage to the youngest daughter of the Great Bard himself, William Shakespeare.

Relationship Chart

Judith Shakespeare (1582 - 1662)
wife of our 10th great grand uncle Thomas Quinney (1588 - 1661)

Richard Quinney (1557 - 1602)
Father of Thomas

William Kenney (1593 - 1653)
Son of Richard

Thomas Canney (1610 - 1681)
Son of William

Thomas Canney (1639 - 1677)
Son of Thomas

Samuel Canney (1677 - 1735)
Son of Thomas

Samuel Canney (1699 - 1790)
Son of Samuel

Mary Canney (1745 - 1828)
Daughter of Samuel

John Kenney McCrillis (1785 - 1868)
Son of Mary

Joseph E. McCrillis (1808 - 1890)
Son of John

Isabella Denora McCrillis (1851 - 1896)
Daughter of Joseph E.

Vesta Althea Dennis (1892 - 1978)
Daughter of Isabella Denora

Voilet Mae Pierce (1918 - 1987)
Daughter of Vesta Althea

Violet Pierce married Walter Mattson
to
Luella, Linda, John, Marvin
to
Us

Anne and William Shakespeare's younger daughter, Judith, the youngest of the Bard's children was betrothed to Thomas Quiney. Anne and William would have initially approved of the betrothal of Judith and Thomas as Quiney came from a good family. In view of the changes in his family's circumstances, and his own advancing years and possibly declining health, William Shakepeare prudently drafts his will on January 25th 1616, a few days before Judith and Quiney's marriage. Judith married Thomas Quiney, a vintner and tavern owner from Stratford, on February 10th 1616. Judith was 31 and Thomas Quiney was 27 years of age. The initial approval of the marriage quickly changed with the scandalous news that Thomas Quiney had made another girl pregnant. Anne must have been desperately worried about Judith. The scandal would have spread through Stratford. It then appeared that Quiney did not receive the special licence necessary for a wedding during lent before his marriage. The situation was really serious and on March 12th Judith and Thomas were excommunicated. William must have been mortified with the turn of events. He summoned his lawyer and promptly modifies and signs his will on March 25th 1616. The modification of the will was to ensure that Judith would receive a sum of money (300 pounds) inherited in her own name. Shakespeare leaves the bulk of his fortune to his daughter, Susanna. On March 26th Quiney was prosecuted for 'carnal copulation' with a woman named Margaret Wheeler, who had died in childbirth that month along with her baby by Quiney. He confessed and was sentenced to perform public penance. His penalty, however, was commuted to a small fine of five shillings and private penance.

The Signature of Judith Shakespeare

Thomas and Judith Quiney had three children giving the Bard three Quiney grandchildren:
Shakespeare Quiney was born in Nov 1616. He died in infancy, aged 6 months, in May 1617.
Richard Quiney was born in Oct 1617. He died in Jan 1639 aged 21 (possibly of the plague).
Thomas Quiney was born in Jan 1619. He also died in Jan 1639, the same month as his brother, aged 19 (possibly of the plague). So none of the children of Judith survived to continue the Shakespeare line.

Christmas Eve at the Fortress and the Mattson Family Christmas Party.

Jilane Williamson Bodily with Santa

Official Blog Christmas Photo for 2011
(Her photo posted. Whew, that's one gift done)

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Merry Christmas!

Choosing to be the good son, I took my mother (Luella) out this early morning for a bit of last minute Christmas shopping. It's good to take her out for an airing occasionally. Getting her out of the house and shopping has a beneficial side effect - exercise. She spends hours a day playing Solitaire on her new iPad. That kind of inactivity at her age results in less blood flow to the extremities. Less blood flow to the extremities leads to a general loss of circulation. A loss of circulation leads to gangrene. Gangrene leads to noxious odors and amputation. Amputation leads to more inactivity, which continues the downwards spiral into the grave - all brought on by and iPad and an addiction to Solitaire.

Early morning Christmas Eve Shopping is perfect for people like me who put off their shopping until the last minute. WalMart was eerily empty at 7:30 A.M. I saw a few women, but mostly men. One man I overheard at the jewelery counter.

"I need something nice and quick. What do ya got?" The man looked like he'd just come off the graveyard shift at the steel mill. The sales assistant, who looked like she'd come over from the bakery department to help out, led him to a locked case where Walmart kept its good stuff ( Walmart's jewelry's selection starts with the plastic stuff in the claw machines near the entrances to 10K gold with diamond flakes and speckles in the locked cabinets).

While Luella pondered the multitude of gift card choices near the cash registers, I wheeled my cart with the wobbly wheel in search of a gift for my sister Jilane and her husband Kevin. I thought a nice set of silverware wouldn't go unappreciated, considering we have a weekly standing invitation at her home for Sunday dinner.

We are all trained to move quickly when her Kevin announces that "Dinner is ready!". The few usable forks they have go to those of us lucky enough to get to the kitchen first. The young and elderly are left to eating their turkey and trimmings with a spoon or, as I've had to do in the past when caught in the restroom when the dinner call was made, the tablespoon from the ring of measuring spoons. I'm getting smarter in my old age. Now when I arrive for Sunday dinner I go to the kitchen and hide a fork for later use.

"Not worth it." A man said when he saw me comparing two different sets of tableware, one cheap and one more expensive. "Our silverware ends up in the yard. Not worth the money."

I thanked him for his input and agreed. I returned the cheaper set that I had settled on to the shelf and wobbled away with empty cart. I reasoned that the Bodily children probably had dozens of forks hidden under their beds, chairs and sofas. Why should I buy more and add to the collection?

The actions of a few teenagers nearly cost me the holiday spirit. I watched a car park in the last handicap parking place as I waited in the Battlestar for Luella to finalize her gift card quandary. Three teenagers got out of the car and walked into the store. I couldn't see a handicap license plate so I drove around to see if they had a handicap badge hanging from the car's rear view mirror. They did. I came to the conclusion that the teens borrowed their Grandparent's handicap badge to do a bit of shopping. To be perfectly honest, I would do the same. Who wouldn't want to park near a shop's front door on one of the busiest shopping days of the year?
My lukewarm holiday spirit returned.

The Annual Mattson Christmas Party was held Thursday evening in the cultural hall of John and Bev's local LDS chapel. A good time was had by all. It was a 'bring your own pizza' with Christmas treats a plenty on the serving table. Bev made her world famous brownies and Bev's sister Joanne, knowing our insatiable appetite for her caramel popcorn, had several bowls of it ready to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Uncle John spoke about his time on the Montana ranch.
"I remember one late afternoon as we were coming in from working a long day in the fields. My mother was driving the tractor as I leaned out over the side - the most dangerous place on a tractor. My dad was on the other side. I remember thinking that life couldn't get any better. It was one of those moments that stay with you forever."
Uncle John continued to pay tribute to his mother Violet saying she was the kind of woman who could have done anything.

"She could out run and out shoot all of us, she was just that good. One time we were having company over and mother went out to shoot a couple antelope for dinner. She hit them both and they were running!"

Luella spoke a few minutes about her life on the ranch. I was asked to talk about our family history and Angie and Kent's eldest daughter sang. Normally I cringe when someone gets up to sing, not knowing what to expect. It's also a good time to excuse oneself for a quick bathroom break. I have a problem with getting embarrassed for people.

Taylor opened her mouth; we held our breath. My worry was unnecessary. Taylor gave me my holiday surprise. She has a beautiful voice. She hit all the notes spot on. Good Job Taylor!

And now, the family pictures from the party. Let me first apologize for the out of focus shots. I didn't have my glasses, meaning I couldn't see whether or not the pictures were correctly focused on the camera's small display. I had the camera on 'Auto' but this cheap camera has a mind of its own and enjoys giving me grief. Also, picture clarity isn't helped when you accidental touch the camera's lens with fingers greased by a slice or two of pizza. I tried to clean the lens using my felt jacket. I think you know the result. Grease doesn't wipe away that easily - it just smeared even worst...... Good Grief.

Relationship Chart
to help you place the people in the pictures

Brother and Sister.
What a Striking Family Resemblance. How many of us have that Mattson Nose?
Luella Mattson Williamson and John Mattson.
Children of Walter Mattson and Violet Pierce.

Luella with Charles
John with Bev
Time has been good to our family

John, Bev and children.
L to R. Gina, Camille, Jake, Joe, Bev, John, Kirk and Angie.
Candace is missing

Jake and Emily Mattson with Children.

Joe and Katie Mattson with family.

Gina and Quinn Walker with family

Kirk and Val Mattson with family.

Angie and Kent Berntsen and family

Jilane Williamson Bodily with husband Kevin their children
and new daughter in law Jessica (standing above Kevin - married to son Brayden)

Amber and Brock Doxey with family.
Amber is Kim Williamson DelGrosso's eldest daughter.

Brandon DelGrosso, wife Monica and family. Brandon is Kim Williamson
DelGrosso's second eldest son.

And a Few People Missing from the Christmas Family Gathering above can be seen in these random pictures below (click to enlarge) representing a few of my favorite pictures posted over this last year.

A family gathering from the mid 1970's on the steps of the Mattson
home in Spearfish, South Dakota. Please Ignore Jon. He insists to be at the very center,
only to make us all look good.
(click to enlarge)

Brandon DelGrosso, Annette Williamson, Lisa Williamson, Amber DelGrosso and Forest DelGrosso in the overgrown Williamson back yard.
Rapid City, South Dakota.
Brandon struggled with dressing himself, and you've got to love those bangs.
In those days it was "Shut Up, Sit Down," and out came the scissors.


Joe Mattson, Candace Mattson and Jake Mattson
American Fork, Utah.
Candace knew their kindness would only last until the flash went off.
Being the youngest, she developed a unique ability to fend for herself


Lisa Williamson, Kevin Williamson in front of their home
in Rapid City, South Dakota. Late 1970's.
Kevin was proud of that car. It meant freedom.
Lisa saw the camera and did what she did best,
Get in the Shot.

Amber and Ashley DelGrosso
Frisco, Colorado

Kevin, Janice, Jon and Jilane Williamson
Rapid City, South Dakota
Photo taken at the End of the Dark Ages.
They are gathered around the only source of heat in the living room,
one small heating duct.

The Mattson Children
Camille front.
Joe and Angie middle.
Gina and Kirk back.
(Jake Missing)

Jake and Joe Mattson

Grandpa and Grandma Liessman.
Grandma Elda was Charles Williamson's mother.

Violet Mattson (mother to Luella, Linda, John and Marvin)
Fixing one of her world famous Fried Chicken Dinners.
Grandma made the mess and we had to clean it up (oh and keep
her supplied with glasses of ICE COLD water.
"Let it run!").

Ashley DelGrosso.
At the DelGrosso Home, Frisco Colorado
The oldest DelGrosso children were raised in a small four room log cabin
in the Rocky Mountains. We only saw them in the summer. They were
snowed in the rest of the year :)


Forest and Brandon DelGrosso
Frisco, Colorado
Their Log Cabin days.
Purple Brandon? Purple?
Oh yes, you danced once upon a time....

Janice Williamson Burrows with husband Steve and
eldest child Nicole.
Ignore Brandon to the side.

Steve and Nicole.

These Pictures and More in this Favorites Slide Show for Years End