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Show WEEKLY NEWS JOURNAL, NORTH DAVIS LEADER, JULY 1, 1982 REFLEX-OA- VIS MAIUM D6TRC op sick Hw4r By DONETA GATHERUM IDAHO foUT fteA'iciiwftnrt Loretta Child Rice, a native of Clinton, was a talented writer. Her journals and sketches give us insight into the conditions around the turn of the century. The following story is taken from her Recreation in Clinton at the Turn of the Cen-tufv- 'IN CO Lot Smith: Note: On June 19, 1982 beauti-f- ul marble and cement monument was dedicated on Antelope bland honoring Lot Smith. His life is so interwoven with the history of Utah that this honor was certainly well deserved. Lot Smith was a soldier, an officer, a colonizer, a missionary, a cburch leader, miner, horseman, husband and father. He was the youngest member of the Mormon Battalion. He raised the first American flag In Arizona. He panned gold In California. He was the first sheriff of Davis County. He played an important role in the Utah War. Lot Smith was born May 15, 1830 in Williamstown, Oswego County, New York, a son of William Orville and Rhoda Jane Hough Smith. He was the third son and the fifth child in a family of eight children. THE FAMILY probably joined the LDS Church in September of 1835. They moved west to Montrose, Iowa across the Mississippi River from the future site of Nauvoo, 111., in 1835. As persecutions against the Mormons increased in Iowa and Illinois, the Smith family moved to different spots in Iowa. In the early part of 1845, Lots mother, Rhoda Jane, died. The same year his father remarried. His second wife was Emily Jane Spinnings of Lee, N.Y. THE SMITH family prepared to move West with the main body of the saints in 1846. While the group was camped at Council Bluffs, Iowa mid-wa- y station, the word came that the U.S. had gone to war with Mexico. Col. Allen of the U.S. Army traveled through the Council Bluffs camp and the Mt. Pisgah Camp asking for 500 volunteers to enlist in the army. for their brethren to come after them. I will receive all healthy, ablcbodied men of from 18 to 45 years of age." LOT SMITH enlisted in the Mormon Battalion. He was 16 years of age, the youngest member of this famous group. The accomplishment of the Mormon Battalion is a lengthy story that cannot be part of this article. AFTER LEAVLNG Council Bluffs the men reported to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. This army fort was the site of the begin- ning of the longest infantry march in the history of the world. The men marched 1125 miles from Council Bluffs to San Diego in 102 days. On fourteen of these days, no march was made. This is an average of slightly less than 13 miles for each of the 88 marching days. This record has seldom been equalled. Multi-Ma-n BECAUSE OF the work of the Mormon Battalion the southwest part of our country was opened up to communication, transportaion and settlement. The marchers reached Tucson on Dec. 16, 1848. The Mexicans had vacated the fort so the American flag was run up and possession taken in the name of the U.S. The march from Tucson was by way of Maricopa where water wells were dug to the Gila River and down it to Yuma; thence across the California Desert to San Diego. THE MARCH of the battalion ended Jan. 29, 1847 in San Diego, Calif. The entire body was mustered out of the ser- vice. Volunteers for were solicited and Lot Smith was among the 81 men who Some of the men were ordered to San Diego to protect the citizens against Indian raids and others By TOM BUSSELBERG LAYTON By a unanimous vote, school employees ranging from cooks to bus drivers to custodians and secretaries have approved an 8.5 per- cent salary increase. THE INCREASE included a 7.5 percent raise plus six cents an hour increase in steps plus school districts, Dr. White said, noting the drivers should reach their proper level within three or four years. For the first time, all class- ified employees, or or professional staff, were represented in negotiations by a combined committee vs. the previous five or six groups who had to work out a salary package separately with the district administrators, said Ray Holt, Utah School Employees executive director in Salt Lake City. WE FELT it was a good settlement, he said, noting a study had been done with other employees throughout the state to facilitate more uniformity, adding more of a merit approach has been plemented in hiring imem- Change In By MARK D. MICKELSEN review committee. ARLIN T. Mecham, president and general manager of Zions Mortgage Co. in Salt Lake City, has accepted the position that took effect June 2 and runs for one year. He replaces Melvin Green of Centerville, who left the area to serve an LDS mission. The committee includes three lay members and two librarians set up several years ago to review any complaints about books received from patrons. Mr. Mecham is active in district boy scout fundraising. He and his wife, Ruth, are parents of six children. one-thir- one-thir- one-thir- LORETTA CHILD RICE could keep an eye on them. For many years the Clinton baseball team was managed by Richard (Billy Dick) Flinders. It was a familar sight to see him in his one horse buggy with baseball bats and other paraphernalia in the back. His wife, Elizabeth and small children were usually at his side. Mr. Flinders made countless calls during the week to encourage the team to get out and practice. He was succeeded by Chauncey Child. "Although Clinton was a small ward, some very fine celebrations were held on the 4th and 24th of July. They usually had programs, parades and competitive sports and games. There was usually a fine program with a guest speaker. The events of the day cereg began with a mony at sunrise. The parade was a must with hay wagons decorated with crepe paper, flowers and children of all ages. There were Indians, soldiers, pioneers and hobos. Sometimes there were more performers than spectators. . AT NOON families had their picnic lunches. Very often the children were too excited to eat. The menu consisted of fried chicken and sandwiches. If they were lucky, each child had about 25 cents to spend. Twenty-fiv- e cents went a long way in those days. After lunch was the chil- dren's races. The was usually taken rather seriously but was exciting. Baby shows were held, some ended in hurt feelings or tears. Each mother was certain her child tug-o-w- ar ClearCLEARFIELD field officials have approved an ordinance change allowing used car dealerships and medical ciinics to be constructed in designated M-- 1 flight manufacturing) zones. THE DECISION by Clearfield City Council members comes several weeks after a local businessman requested permission to open up a used car lot at 1700 S. 1000 E. more closely legislative intent in appropriating funds. Employees were adjusted by mov- ing their pay scale to the nearest step on the schedule. TEACHERS reached their agreement just prior to dismissal of students for the summer break, receiving a nine percent increase. Principals, meanwhile, received about an 8.5 percent increase while Supt. Lawrence Welling and assistant suoerin-tendenWhite and Gayie Stevenson along with Mr. Glines were granted an increase between seven and ts eight percent education. were decided prior to the teachers added. A Salute Zone ordinance change. HE SAID the planning commission based their idea on the fact that a health clinic would be a good thing to have in an industrial area. Councilman H. Kay Chandler pointed out, however, that many of the businesses at the We Extend Our Heartfelt Happy Birthday Wishes to a Great Country and its People Freeport Center have their own medical service. COUNCILMAN Rulon Cummings pointed out that many of the businesses have Planning Commission Reponly a first-a- i i station and said resentative Albert Cole said there is a dLierence between the planning commission en- that and a health clinic. dorsed the idea of used autoHoward McMillan, Clearmobile lots in light manufacfields chief building inspecturing zones because the land tor, said the medical clinic use is comparable to other would be located south of the businesses wjjthin the zone. main Freeport Center office. He said developers will operTHE PLANNING commisate a mobile clinic until the sion also received a request facility can be built. from a couple of freeport Center businessmen who want to ALTHOUGH THE zoning build a satellite medical clinic changes were presented durfor use by employees at the ing a brief public hearing last center. week, there was no opposition Mr. Cole said the planning to the ordinance revision from commission again felt that the the dozen audience members. clinic represented a compatiAs a result, both changes in ble use in the M-- 1 zone and the M-- 1 zone were unanimousrecommended approval of the ly approved by the council. The 4th of July, 1982, marks 206 years of freedom for Americans. . . Freedom to worship in the church of our choice without fear of reprisals or persecution from those who believe differently. Although often taken for granted, let us all strive to see that this priceless gift never goes unappreciated. Freedom to disagree with the powers that be. Questioning motives and actions of our elected officials is encouraged rather than punished as it is in so many other countries around the world. We choose our rulers, therefore, we have a great responsibility to stay informed and involved in the workings of the government. Freedom to live the lifestyle of our own choosing, no matter what others may think of it. It is this gentle blending of people from all walks of life that has made our country great and strong. Freedom to achieve to the limits of our abilities. Yes, it's expensive but a college education is available to those who will work for it. Freedom to participate in the free enterprise system. The open exchange of goods, services and ideas can only benefit I those involved. t"0 agreement, she te-4med-ca! Dr. White indicated the M-- 1 by the board of BOARD PRES. Sheryl Allen noted there was some variation in those salaries, averaging to about 7.5 percent. They ployees. Clearfield Officials Approve Ordinance A longFARMINGTON time Val Verda mortgage executive has been named to fill a vacancy on the Davis Library THE summertime camping trips were usually high on the list. These trips were carefully planned and everyone did their share to get ready. Farm work was carefully planned so nothing was neglected, eypccially the irrigation turns. Someone must feed and milk the cows, other livestock and the chickens, even the cat and dog had to be feed. Extra baking, packing food, clothing, bedding, etc., was carefully supervised by mother. Favorite fishing gear must have a safe place in the wagon. A tent provided protection from the rain and a place to spread down the beds. Some slept in the wagon bed on the hay which was usually packed to feed the horses when grazing was not plentiful. A campfire supplied the place for cooking and warmth at night. Fresh fish furnished went to San Luis Rey to pro- an important source of food. YOU COULDNT travel tect mission property there. Some of the discharged very far in a wagon but Weber Canyon was a delightful place members of the Mormon Battalion traveled to Sutters Mill to go. Fishing, hiking and rock to work and earn money before hunting were enjoyed by all coming to Utah. These dis- members of the family. charged soldiers are credited Mothers of small children were with discovering gold in Calikept busy caring for them. Handiwork, reading or visiting fornia. made for a relaxing time. "Also, in the summer, there BECAUSE Lot Smith had in the army, he was were favorite swimming holes not among the first to pan for where young and old alike gold in California. After he was would go for a cooling dip after discharged in San Francisco, a hard days work. On special he did work in the gold fields occasions the family would for a time securing between have an outing at Lagoon in $6,000 and $7,000 in gold dust. Farmington, usually traveling The story goes that Lot Smith on the Bamberger or Dummy d to his church, as it was called. gave CLINTON ALWAYS had a d to his fathers family d for himself. good baseball team which was and kept He used his share of the gold well supported by almost dust to purchase a farm in everyone. Saturday afternoon Farmington, Davis County, everyone who could possibly leave home attended the ball Utah. games at the home field or a LOT SMITHS years in nearby town. Children too Farmington will be the subject small to watch the game played under the trees where mothers of next weeks article. highest raises came at the bottom of the scale, following happy attended. ." ecretaries, Other School mployees Get 8.5 Raise inflationary insurance costs assumed by the Davis School THE CIRCULAR distriDistrict, explained Ast. Supt. buted by Capt. Allen read in John S. White. the services to accept part, of from It means a for 12 months of four or five $4.79 an hour forrange a cook on the companies of Mormon men low scale up to $6.67 in the who may be willing to serve highest step, with cooks salartheir country for that period in ies upward, some, our present war with Mexico; whileadjusted those of bus drivers are this force to unite with the being decreased by about three Army of the West at Santa Fe percent a year. Caliand be marched hence to fornia, where they will be disTHATS ALL in line with charged. a comparable salary creating They will receive pay and schedule to employees in other rations and other allowances such as other volunteers or regular soldiers receive from the day that they shall be mustered into the service and will be entitled to all comforts and benefits of regular soldiers of the army and when discharged as contemplated in California, will be given gratis, their arms and accoutrements. . . this advance party can thus pave the way and look out for land Mecham Named To Library Committee would win. "A ball game was the highlight of the afternoon. The home team played a team from a neighboring town. Some the times there was a fight over much the of decisions umpire, to the awe and delight of the children. By evening the children were tired, cross and dirand shirts ty. The new dresses now were ready morning the of for the wash board. THE DAYS events left memories for all that V The Layton Tea Party! It was exciting to see the recent opposition to the pay increase which was passed by the Layton City Council and Mayor. It reminded us of the Boston Tea Party! There was even a Tory countermovement with their own petition. We are also pleased with the number of people jumping on the bandwagon in similitude of Californias Proposition 13. After years of government spending, it is heartening to see citizens final-l- y stand up and shout, Enough is enough!" IN REBUTTAL to the letter of Calvin Harris, first let us ask When in the last 12 years has there been any move to decrease the scope of city government? When has there been any move to allow free enterprise to take over in the areas of garbage collection, recreation, or fire protection? Second, the salary increase is not out of line, comparatively speaking. What is out of line is the total budget and the services rendered. The alleged services are literally forced upon the public through a feudalistic system of licensing, exclusive franchises, and threat of property seizure in case of for such nt services. THE REMARK about other comparable cities paying more is often used when discussing teachers salaries, but in this case it is laughable. Is Mr. Harris saying that if Layton does not pay its mayor and council more, they might lose them to another city that does? Layton should be so lucky! As we said last week, they knew what the salary would be when they ran for office. Third, there are certainly more respectable ways of legislating a pay raise than how they did it. They could have increased their salary, but made it effective after the next election. Or, they could have put it on the next city election ballot. Or, they could have made it effective after the next election and exempted incumbents for that next term is reelected. Any of these would have been less offensive to ths taxpayers. MR. HARRIS comparison of government to free enter prise is outrageous. A board of directors can raise their salary because of profits, but profits are not exacted at gunpoint as are taxes. Further, monopolies are not the hallmark of free enterprise, but of socialism. Finally, gunmen do not usually pose as servants of their vic- tims. Fourth, the yearly cost of the pay increase is a paltry $10,000 but to borrow a phrase from the late Sen. Everett Dirksen (he spoke in larger sums) Save $20,000 here and $20,000 there and pretty soon it adds up to real money!" FIFTH, THE $3.2 million budget is too big. With the city doing many things which could and should be done privately, and considering the pressures placed on city leaders, one is tempted to say If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!" (i.e., let free enterprise do it). Sixth, wealth seeks power, and power seeks wealth. The point that only those with excess funds will dominate city government is well taken, but irrelevant to the real problem: Govemmentpower. Decrease the power and size of goven-men- t, and corruption will decrease. If city govenment only did what was "really" essen- tial, councilmen could" serve only four hours a month. Simplifcation should be the goal, not empire-buildin- FINALLY, it is praiseworthy that people should ques- tion the integrity of government officials, period. As Judge Tucker said in 1866, No mans life, liberty, or property are safe while the leg- - islature is in session. Hopefully; the people of Layton will be even more ac- tive in civic affairs and analyze government decisions. Please continue to call a spade a spade, and jump on all bandwagons headed toward less government. Remember, the real are lined up at the public trough, and it is at your expense! free-loade- rs WHO IS John Galt? Randall W. Cates Layton, Ut Willy Star Marshall Libertarian Party |