Sam and Edna Perrins My Grandparents

Sam Perrins and Edna Clair Phippen
18 July 1900 Albion, Cassia, Idaho 

     This beautiful wedding picture of two beautiful people are my grandparents; parents of my Mother.  Samuel Perrins b 27 Feb 1876 in Plain, Luzern, Pennsylvania.  He lived to be eighty nine years old when he died at my family’s home in Pocatello, Idaho on 7 Jan 1966.  I had been married four years and Grandfather was a big part of my life. 

     Sam married Grandmother on 18 July 1900 in Albion, Idaho.  Edna Clair Pippen was born in Cedar Fort, Utah on 23 May 1878.  She moved with her family to Albion, Idaho in 1880 when she was two years old. Grandfather moved with his family to Albion in 1881; he was six.

       Sadly, I didn’t know Grandmother Perrins as well as Grandfather.  She died at age seventy on 18 February 1949; I was six my brother Gary was thirteen.    There is a story to be told about the circumstances surrounding her impending death and the people in the town of Albion which I will blog about at a later date.   

     Today I feel the nudge to blog about a couple of the many memories of my older brother Gary and a cousin Kent.   Gary and Kent were born in the same year; 1936 and had similar recollections that were written down and sent to me several years ago. 

Grandma Perrins and Grandpa
abt. 1947

     I would guess this picture was taken about 1947; a familiar picture to all of the grandchildren.  Cousin Kent says this for all of us.  "People, who do not have Grandparents in their life, miss a very essential part of family nurturing.  What you miss from your parents, you get paid double from your grandparents.  Nothing seem more comforting than a hug and a kiss on the cheek or forehead from Grandma, or the tolerance and encouragement one gets from a Granddad."

     Both Gary and Kent thought of Grandpa and Grandma as "people you did not want to mess with.  I [Kent] recalls Grandpa Perrins as a broad shouldered very muscular person with big heave forearms.  Even when he was in his seventies I [Kent] could not beat him arm wrestling.  Grandma Perrins was tall with a no nonsense stern look, that could put you in your place with just a wag of the finger.  I guess you had to learn that trait raising eight children and having lots of grandchildren."

Yet, their compassion, understanding and loving care was always there.  I think that depth of love has been passed onto other generations.  We have all been blessed with their presence in our lives. 

Grandma Perrins and the Roller Derby

"Their was the time a bunch of us kids were roller skating down the sidewalk 'hill' by the south gate to the Normal. [Albion State Normal School]  It had a curve at the bottom of the hill, which was near the opposite of the house.  Remembering those old skates that latched to your shoes seems so archaic when compared to the roller blades to today.  Still, I bet we had just as much fun. 

      One could pick up a lot of speed on that hill and the big challenge was to see how fast you could go and still make the turn at the bottom of the hill and stay on the sidewalk.  If you didn't it meant some bruised knees and maybe some tears.   But, no matter how many times we failed, we would struggle back up the hill with our skates still on; if they did not come off.  I [Kent] think Grandma Perrins, made herself the self appointed guardian of the turn.  Her job was to help us around the curve or to be there to catch us before we fell.  I can still see her running around the turn as we approached it and guiding us around with arms held out, making sure she would catch us if we fell.  I think she prevented a lot of bruised knees and tears that go with it that day." 

"She was a very gallant lady and I think she was having as much fun as us kids." 

Fred driving the 'Candy' Truck.

     One more post on the Kidgell's and I won't promise this will be the last.  I just couldn't resist posting this picture.
     Fred is at the wheel ready to deliver candy.  The W. F. Jensen Candy business was very poplar through out the state of Utah and adjoining states.  In fact some special makes of candy found there way as far east as New York.
 
   I don't know if this is the candy truck Fred was driving when he left the road to avoid what could have been a very serious accident.
     F.C. Kidgell 

He worked fifteen years for the candy company when he quit in 1930.
     This is the letter written in his behalf.

November 20th , 1930

To Whom it may concern. 

This is to certify that the bearer, Mr. Fred C. Kidgell has been in our employ for the past 15 years as Salesman.  Owing to recent changes made in our policy of doing business, Mr. Kidgell felt inclined to leave our employ.  We are loud in our praise for his honesty and dependability.  Mr. Kidgell s f excellent character, a good salesman and an efficient collector.  The accounts he was handling for us was always in fine condition.  We regret that is is not possible for him to remain in our service.  He leaves us with our best wishes for his future success.  It is a pleasure to recommend him to any one who may be in need of his service

W.F. Jensen Candy Co. 

By. (Signed) W. F. Jensen    

     Very impressive letter of recommendation. It makes one wonder what the 'changes' were that made Fred decide to leave.   Unfortunately, Fred was unable to find steady work because of his age.  He worked the last nine years of his life doing various jobs, keeping busy around the house helping whoever he could.    My father was a lot like his uncle Fred.  After Dad retired he worked at various jobs, always kept busy for as long as his body would allow him.   

Lily Jane Bullock Kidgell; Widow

     Five days into the new year; it's time to finish up the stories of the Kidgell's and on to the Hepworth line.  Blogging about these Ancestors is so rewarding.  I have learned to love these people, their strengths and their weakness's.  I learn about my self, who I am and why I am.  

 As you see I have many pictures of the lovely Lily Jane Bullock Kidgell.

Before I  report on her last years on earth after her beloved husband died 

Lily Jane b 5 December 1875 - d 22 June 1962

  there is one more story that happened in her youth that I really like.  

This is from Lily's life history written by her daughter, Melba K. Gedge.  

 When Lily was in the third grade she had a "teacher who would continually ask each student what food they had in their lunch pail.  This was in a time when the majority of the students came from homes where the pioneer families were struggling to just exist.  The students would have to tell about having one of the following: bread, a cold potato, sauerkraut, a carrot or some other food.  What it amounted to was total embarrassment for the less affluent students. Lily Jane felt empathy for her fellow-class-mates who had to admit they didn't have much of anything in their lunch pail.  After several days of this questioning she decided it was time to put an end to the interrogations.  When it came her turn to tell what she had in her pail she proudly announced, 'My main dish is roasted monkey stuffed with straw and for dessert I have lemon pie topped with lamb's wool meringue.'  An audible gasp was heard after she gave her spirited reply.  A stare-down resulted between Lily Jane and the mettlesome teacher.  She always proudly admitted that that was the last time the teacher asked the students what they had in their lunch pails. 

Lily Jane was a widow for twenty three years. 

 Fred died in 1939 and "she took care of herself until 25th May 1959 when a great misfortune in her live occurred.  She went blind very suddenly.  Lily Jane had Macular Degeneration.  The things she had enjoyed doing to fill those lonesome hours had been taken away from her.  She missed the beauties of nature, the flowers, trees, and shrubs which she had raised and loved so much.  Se missed being able to make beautiful things such as pillows, rugs, quilts and afghans.  She used to often say, 'Oh! If I could only see, I could do so many things.'"

"After being blind she spent much of her time rehearsing the long story poems she had learned as a girl.  There were many people made happy hearing her say them over again."

"The last three years of her life was spent in the homes of her two daughters, Lily and Melba.  It used to make her feel bad thinking of the burden she was to every body.  She was happy because she could feed her self and take her turn when asked to return thanks on the food.  This is something her children, grand-children and great-grand-children will always remember.  When she attended church she would join in the songs she knew."

22 June 1962  Deseret News

Riverton -- Lily Jane Kidgell, 86, Riverton, died Friday at 5:40 a.m. in a Salt Lake rest home of causes incident to age. 

Born Dec. 5, 1875 at Providence, Cache County, a daughter of James and Margaret Bailey Bullock.  Married Fred C. Kidgell, Nov 14, 1894, in the Salt Lake Temple Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Life long activities in the Relief Society and Primary.  .......................

Burial; Providence Cemetery. [Logan, Utah]