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Show Andrew J. Vernon history told to Camp Vernal DUP Camp Vernal DUP held their Nov. 16 meeting at the home of Deon Merkley, with Wanda Jorgensen and Zina Anderson, An-derson, as co-hostesses. Pumpkin pie and a cider drink was served to sixteen members. Captain Myrl Eaton conducted. Prayer was by Erma Martin and was followed by the song "Have I Done Any Good." Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given by all. Minutes of the October meeting were read and approved. History pf Andrew Jackson Vernon, was read by a daughter, Bertha Richards. The Vernon name was traced back to the early years of the eleventh century. William Vernon, father of Andrew, was born in 1832, in North Carolina. His mother Cynthia Moody, was born in 1839, also in North Carolina. They were married in 1866. Seven children were born to them. Andrew Jackson Vernon, was born in Raccoon, Kentucky. He was called, "Sweeter," as he had a real fondness for brown sugar. William Vernon, made the LDS missionaries welcome in his home and was severely criticized for this. He was converted and baptized by Elder Gordon Bills, a missionary from Vernal, Utah. Feelings against the elders grew to mob violence and the missionaries were to be hung. The other missionary was Daniel Grimsley. The two were led out to a prepared tree. Mrs. Vernon, although in bed ill, arose from her bed, took the slats from underneath un-derneath it, made a torch of them and proceeded toward the gathering. When the mob saw this white personage coming toward them with the "lighted torch, and telling them to let the elders go, they became frightened and quickly dispersed. Someof the Vernon family came west to Colorado and Utah. Andrew stayed in Kentucky, as he was only 13 years old at the time, to help on the farm. He saved his money to buy land in Vernal. As a young man he decided to come to Utah. He had to walk 20 miles to the railhead, then boarded the train for his destination. He witnessed the dedication of the Calt Lake Temple. In 1900, he and Don B. Colton, decided to get married. They took their lady friends to Salt Lake City and were married in the Temple. He married Ada Allen. Mr. Vernon, taught school in several early schools in the vicinity, at Silver Gate, now Dry Fork, Union, which is Ashley Ward, and in the Manila school in Daggett County. This history will be continued next month. The lesson given by Mary Freeman, was "The Salt Lake Original 19 LDS Wards." When Brigham Young arrived in the Valley, he laid out 10 acre lots, and each member was given a lot. The Temple block was set aside first. South Temple street divided the Avenues from the lower areas of the City. On Aug. 22, 1847, conference was held and the name of Salt Lake City was chosen for the settlement. The nineteen wards were designated by blocks and a bishop chosen for each. The 18th Ward, above South Temple in the Avenues was made up mostly of three families. The Brigham Youngs, Heber C. Kimballs and Newel K. Whitneys. The men had several wives and many children. Whitney was the first bishop. The October meeting was held in the Golden Age Center, with Stella Pack, Ruvina Caldwell and Myrl Eaton as hostesses. Thirteen members were present to hear the lesson, "Native Pioneers," given by lesson leader, Darlene Evans. A history of Willow Creek, by George Ijong, was read by Elizabeth and Fadalice Hatch, who added much color to the history, as they were former residents of the Creek. The settlers were all ambitious, hard working people. They had respect for each other, were honest and trustworthy, trust-worthy, Just good neighbors and friends, sharing their Joys und troubles, as one big fumlly. A book "Enduring Legacy," was presented to Erma Martin. The DccemlKT meeting will be nt the home of Venice Hooks, |