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Show June 1 03.qxd 12/7/2021 Volume VIII Issue IV 4:05 PM Page 9 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 9 June 1, 2003 Eden Helps Defend Our Nation Note: This information was taken from ???????? The very earliest form of armed service mentioned in the history of Eden comes from the biographies of our early pioneer settlers. Early Utah history tells us that on March 23, 1847 the Mormon Battalion arrived in Los Angeles, California. There are names of Eden men who marched in this bloodless trek—the longest in our nation’s history—on a monument in Sacramento, California. It also states that on August 19, 1853 Brigham Young organized a militia against the attacking Indians, and October 15, 1855 the Utah militia was ordered for the protection from Indians. From the biographies of the first bishop of Eden Josiah Marsh Ferrin and third Bishop David McKay we learn, “In 1862 Josiah M. Ferrin settled in Ogden Valley, becoming one of the first settlers in Eden. He also had his share of Indian fighting while serving as a member of the Utah Militia with the rank of Captain. Speaking of Bishop David McKay, “At age eighteen, David had enlisted in the Utah Militia and was promoted to the rank of Captain of the Eden and Huntsville Companies. In later years he was commissioned as Major under General Chauncey W. West during the territorial days. Elisha Wilbur in his biography of early Eden says: “Bishop McKay sent word to the people of Eden to be ready to go to Cache Valley to join General Corner to fight Indians who were very troublesome at times. They started over the divide and were met and told to go back. They went to Camp Weber near Hot Springs where drill was given. Elisha enlisted with Cook and went to Montana in 1872, but had no battles.” An entry dated March 6, 1904 states that Richard Wilson just returned home (Eden) after serving three years in the United States Army. Brother Wilson served in the Spanish American War and was sent to the Philippine Islands. From the Historical minutes of the Eden Ward we read: Bishop George A. Fuller urged everyone as a responsibility to buy a Liberty Bond. In the Bishops Council meeting held November 7, 1917 time was spent discussing our soldier boys. It was finally decided to form a committee to write letters and see that each boy received a letter once a week. More was discussed about this subject on January 9, 1918, more pertaining to ways and means of reaching the soldiers. May 30, 1918 acting clerk Arthur M. Ferrin read Mr. Hoover’s message to the congregation and Bishop Fuller asked the saints to comply with the message contained. The following week June 2, 1918 Brother George Froerer read a clipping from the newspaper, in sacrament meeting, giving tribute to Utah and her soldiers; also commending the money raised in Red Cross, Liberty Loan and Thrift Stamp drives. Then came World War II, a war to stop all war. December 21, 1941 Bishop C. Alex Hogge announced that all boys who enlist or are drafted should have a party. The Bishop said on January 1, 1942 that Eden had the lowest membership in the ward, 230 as compared to 580 in the year 1880. Could this be due to the war? Bishop Hogge kept his promise and every young man who went into service was honored with a farewell party or dance. If a few were home on furlough at the same time ,dances and fun parties were hurriedly prepared for them. As each serviceman came home on furlough he was given an opportunity to speak in several of the auxiliary organizations. Eden truly went all out to show honor, appreciation and respect for her servicemen. An interesting entry dated January 19, 1942 in the Ogden Stake records reads: “Stake President Samuel G. Dye read the following notice that was printed in the Deseret News January 12, 1942 over the signature of the First Presidency of the Church. “Having in mind the heavy tax burdens which it is announced are to be imposed in the coming year, as also the limitation which [has] been made upon automobile travel, and desiring to help the people as much as possible in meeting these problems, by cutting down to the lowest feasible limit, all expenditures incident to church activities, we are asking the general boards of all the auxiliary organizations to discontinue all their institutes and conventions. For the same considerations, we request that all auxiliary stake union meetings be discontinued. The policy is to take effect immediately and will continue in force until further notice.’” The stake boards went to the wards, and letters were written to the Valley wards forwarding needed information. March 2, 1942 Church General annual and semiannual conferences held in Salt Lake City were suspended due to the war. April 6, 1942 Stake President Samuel G. Dye reported on General Conference of the Church at which only the Stake Presidents and Presidents of High Priests quorums were in attendance. While the young men were in the service of their country, many on the home front were sacrificing and serving also. Many commodities were rationed or in short supply (the troops got first priority). Everyone conserved, raised victory gardens, and preserved the produce. Six or seven War Bond drives were held in the ward with the older brethren serving in this capacity. All able-bodied older men and women went to work in defense plants producing everything needed to supply the sol- diers. The same was true in agriculture. A notation for October 1943 says the Bishop reported our work surpassed our Bond Drive quota by more than $10,000. Robert Fuller, James R. Stallings, and Boyd Carver were the committee for the fourth War Loan drive of January 16, 1944. James R. Stallings was named as the chairman for most of the bond drives that followed, however, his helpers were not names. [In the Eden] ward conference, held September 17, 1944 Stake President Lawrence H. Evans paid high tribute to our boys and girls in the armed forces. Here in the ward everyone was busy, making articles for the Ward Chest, being urged to buy war bonds and contribute to the War Chest. On December 24, 1944 Bishop Leonard Fuller read a letter from the Latter-day-saint Church Servicemen’s committee outlining ways to get the books which the church gives to those who enter the armed services. Each young man going into the service received a set of books. Arrangements were completed in Bishops council meeting of May 13, 1945 for the holding of a special service that evening commemorating the victory in Germany in accordance with the wishes of the President of the United States, and President of the Church, George Albert Smith. May 13, 1945, in response to a proclamation by Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, and a request by the First Presidency of the LDS Church, that each community observe with religious services the thirteenth day of May 1945 as V.E. (Victory Europe) Day. These services were held at 8:00 p.m. of the above date for the ward and community of Eden, Utah, under the direction of Bishop Leonard Fuller. The program was as follows: Song – “America” by the congregation Invocation – Arthur M. Ferrin Flag raising ceremonies – Under the direction of Eden Boy Scout troop National Anthem – “The Star Spangled Banner” Trumpet duet by Melba J. Fuller and Mack Fuller Opening remarks – Bishop Leonard Fuller Solo – “This is Worth Fighting For” — Mildred Graham accompanied by Marvel F. Pendergraft on the piano Reading – “Iwo Jima” – Rhea M. Bachman Solo – “America Prayer” – Marvel F. Pendergraft accompanied on the piano by Mildred Graham Guest Speaker – Former Bishop C. Alex Hogge. He said in part that this government was founded by wise men through inspiration; that our nation is the greatest nation in the world. He praised President Truman for asking the people to pray for him in his duties as President of the United States of America. He emphasized throughout his talk the importance of prayer. He urged all to seek the Lord, and acknowledge Him, and thank Him for all our blessings. Cornet duet – “Abide With Me” — Melba J. Miller and Mack Fuller accompanied on the piano by Marvel Pendergraft. Lowering of the Flag – by Boy Scout troop of Eden Bishop Fuller thanked all who participated Benediction – Joseph L. Eggleston 115 present Historical Photo Shirley Haldeman The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS is looking for Ogden Valley and Ogden Canyon historical biographies, stories, and photos to use in its publication. Please mail, email, or call at Shanna 745-2688, or Jeannie at 745-2879 if you have material that you would be willing to share. 801-745-4000 2555 WOLF CREEK DR. EDEN STORE HOURS: MON. - SAT. 7 AM - 10 PM SUNDAY 7 AM - 9 PM Super Deck Stain $200 OFF @ gal. w/ coupon $1000 OFF @ 5 gallons Expires 6/15/03 Garden & Landscape Design Large 6” Asst. Perennials Great Selection $2.99 with coupon Expires 6/15/03 Red Vines Mixed Licorice 2 lb. bag $1.99 with coupon Limit 2 per coupon Large AA Eggs 18 pack 99 c Limit 2 per coupon All DeWalt Power Tools While supplies last! 15% OFF with coupon Expires 6/15/03 Select Paint Balls $300 OFF w/ coupon Big Balls paint balls $2.00 OFF Expires 6/15/03 801-745-4200 540 S. 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