History of Eliza Ann Minson

Compiled By Roland Minson

Eliza Minson

Eliza Ann was the fourth child and the first girl born to Thomas and Catherine Ward Minson, at Paris, Bear Lake County, Idaho. There was much rejoicing in the Thomas Minson household when Eliza Ann arrived for they had already had three boys and had long wished for a daughter. She was named after her father's mother, Ann, and his sister, Eliza. She came as a real blessing to this pioneer family as she was indeed a ray of sunshine with her cheery personality and her willingness to serve others.

Eliza's parents, Thomas and Catherine, were both converts to the church who had immigrated to America in search of religious freedom and to be with the other Saints. Thomas had been separated from his family early in life as his father died when he was only five years old and he was apprenticed out to make his own way in life while he was still very young. Catherine's father brought her to America and after she was married he returned to the old country, so this young couple was completely on their own to make their way in a new, primitive land.

It was under these conditions that Eliza Ann arrived in this world to take her place in a family which eventually grew to consist of ten boys and three girls. Naturally there was work for everyone from the time they were able to assume any responsibility. They were a God-fearing people who loved the Gospel they had embraced with all their hearts. Unquestionably it was their faith that sustained them during all their trials of sickness and death, and gave them courage to surmount their problems. About this Eliza writes:

"My parents lived and reared their first five or six children in very

primitive surroundings, being very poor and yet very ambitious to give

their children the very best background within their power. I am sure

they inspired in my heart a love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ for that

was priceless to them. I feel grateful to them for my abiding faith

in its principles."

When Eliza was in the twilight years of her life, she wrote this about her childhood:

"Being the oldest girl, my mother had to teach me at a very young age

how to perform the household duties. I loved to help and relieve Mother

of all the work I could, and I became quite necessary in the home. My

next sister, Ellen, was six years younger than I, and with a new baby

coming along about every two years, my play time was cut to about zero.

I cried many hours because I couldn't join the children in our

neighborhood in their games, but my dear Mother's hands were so tied.

With all her vast duties, it was next to impossible for her to let me

have the childhood pleasures she otherwise would have given me."

Minson Family’s third Log house built by Thomas in Paris, Idaho

No doubt Eliza learned early in life to serve, a virtue she used the rest of her life to endear herself to her family and friends. The epithet on her tombstone could well have been summed up in these four words, "SHE LIVED TO SERVE."

Eliza wrote this about the "greatest event in her life" - her baptism:

"I became a member of the Church at eight years of age, being baptized

the 8th day of December 1880. My Father baptized me and Brother

William Lindsay, the Bishop's Counselor, was a witness. My Father had

to remove some of the ice from the stream of water before he could

baptize me, and ice froze on my clothing almost as soon as I came up

out of the water. Apostle C.C. Rich had told us in Sunday School that

we should be baptized on our eighth birthday so we could always

remember it, and I was so impressed with that advice that I had no fear

of catching cold or getting sick. I shall always be proud of it for I

believe it to be the greatest event in my life."

Eliza's early training in the church is illustrated in these statements by her:

"I remember going to Primary and my first Primary teacher and the fine

lady she was. I remember how sad I was when she was called to her

Heavenly Father's home. I recall my father carrying me to Sunday

School on his back when the snow was too deep for me to walk. When I

was very young I loved to sing and my father taught me many songs,

among them "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet."

At this time I was only about five years old. He also took me to singing

school where we learned the notes and scales, and had our desire and love

for good music stimulated. In my later life, I passed this on to my

children."

Eliza's opportunity for a formal education was limited. Because she was often needed at home, she was not able to attend school regularly. Her father had a reasonably good education and he felt well qualified to assist his children with their education when they were unable to be in school. However, it is questionable that there was much time for tutoring at home, but it is amazing how well the Minson children have been able to take their place in society along with the most educated. Eliza was what you would call mostly self-educated. She was skilled in the art of homemaking, a marvelous cook, and a most gracious hostess. She expressed herself well and spoke and wrote better than most high school graduates do today. She had a delightful sense of humor; and with her warm ingratiating smile and twinkling eyes, she could capture the love and respect of all with who she came in contact. And she loved everyone!

On October 8, 1892, when Eliza was twenty years of age, her father was called by Wilford Woodruff to fulfill a foreign mission in the British Isles. That was certainly a test of their faith and courage. Here was a frail little mother who had had twelve children and was expecting her thirteenth in four months, parting with her husband to return to his native land to preach the Gospel.

Eliza about 36

Undoubtedly she relied a great deal on Eliza, her oldest daughter, and the boys to help see them through during their father's absence. The older boys had a team of horses and they hired out with their team to bring in part of the family livelihood.

Eliza's first brother, George Thomas, died at the age of two, and the third boy, Hyrum Edward, died at the age of ten, so Joe and Eliza were the oldest living children.

Shortly after Eliza's father left for his mission, John Anderson came to Paris to engage in the mercantile business. John arrived in this world seventeen years before Eliz was born. John was born in Sweden,

Dec 8, 1871.

John was not a member of the LDS Church but he attended services, and it was here he was first attracted to Eliza. He noted her seated toward the front of the chapel and decided she was the person he would like to have clerk in his store. After church he walked out to the Minson farm to get Eliza's mother's consent to have Eliza work for him. Certainly this was like an answer to prayer for that additional income, even though small, would aid considerably in defraying the cost of keeping her father in the mission field. He also hired the Minson boys to do much of his freight hauling.

Following is a letter Eliza's father wrote her from Cheltenham, England, on January 12, 1892, which illustrates the wise advice he gave his children, and probably accounts for the fact the Minson children strove constantly for self-improvement:

"My dear Eliza,

"I cannot close the envelope without adding a few lines for your

special benefit. I thank you very much for your promptness in

answering my letters. I am glad that you have got employment in the

store and I would recommend you to improve your hand writing as much

as possible and especially your spelling, in which you are very

deficient. You should use the dictionary more. Don't get in a careless

way of spelling. Don't hinder your employer's time in talking to the

customers more than is necessary. Be very careful not to make mistakes,

better take more time. And now my dear, I wish to impress upon your

mind the necessity of being kind and considerate to your dear mother. I

know your faults to be of the head more than the heart, but I want to

keep them before you and encourage you in the work of improvement.

May God bless and preserve you from all evil is the prayer of your

father."

("Signed) Thos. Minson"

"Andrea Balena said her father, Arthur Rex Minson, found two handwritten letters hidden in the linen closet by Aunt Lucille, Eliza Minson's daughter. One letter was this letter above from Thomas to his oldest daughter Eliza."

The Minson family grew spiritually too while their father was on his mission for they had to rely heavily on the Lord, and their faith was tested many times. Also their father wrote often sharing his strong testimony with them and admonishing them to keep close to the Lord. In one letter, he counseled them:

“I hope you have family prayers regularly, also your secret prayers. Draw near to the Lord and He will draw near to you. I thank you very much for your faithfulness in my interest, and I have every confidence that you will do all for the best. I feel very proud of my boys and girls and I very often relieve my mind to the saints by telling them about you."

Eliza enjoyed her work very much with John Anderson and it was not long until a warm, mutual friendship developed between the two. John was baptized into the church on May 5, 1893. He was always a clean young man so it was not difficult for him to live the principles of the gospel. However, when Eliza's father learned, while he was on his mission, that Eliza and John were planning to be married the following year, he became greatly concerned for he knew very little about John. It was not until he had an assuring letter from his Bishop at home that John Anderson was of sterling character that he consented to the marriage. He sent them a wonderful letter of congratulations.

On July 25, 1894, Eliza and John were married in the Salt Lake Temple. This partnership proved to be one of great happiness, peace, and prosperity. They enjoyed God's choicest blessings through their faithfulness, diligence, and hard work. Throughout all the reverses in business and other things, Eliza helped, encouraged, and stood shoulder to shoulder with John.

To this union were born eight children as follows:

Eliza Mae Born 5 May 1895 Mrs. Frederick Friese

John Anderson, Jr. Born 19 July 1896 Died 19 July 1896

Katie Viola Born 19 August 1897 Died 30 October 1910

Anna Lucille Born 2 December 1898 Mrs. Roland LeVeille

Rachel Born 28 August 1901 Mrs. Kenneth P. Millikin

Alice Born 20 January 1905 Mrs. Albert T. Shepherd

Thomas Born 2 Jun 1908

Rex Born 11 Jan 1916

All of these children became accomplished in their various fields. Mae and Alice were wonderful violinists. Mae was in charge of the music at the Hotel Utah for many years. Alice taught violin at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, for one year just after she graduated from high school. Rachel was accomplished on the cello and played with her sisters at the Hotel. Viola was the pianist, and her death at the age of thirteen was very hard on all of them.

Eliza with baby Rex

Eliza had visions of having a complete ensemble in her family and Viola was well on her way to fulfilling this accomplishment. Lucille, Tom, and Rex followed the field of business and they too have risen to the top of their chosen professions.

The accomplishments of Eliza's family were due to a large extent to her household duties to allow the girls time to practice, and to share their accomplishments with others. She took pride in collecting newspaper clippings and programs where her girls had participated in concerts, recitals, contests, missionary farewells, and

John & Baby Rex

benefits of all kinds to assist in raising funds to build church edifices. Each in their own way has shared generously of their talents for the enjoyment of others. Eliza often gave Mae much credit for the other girls' success musically for she set an example of industry and hard work for the others, and she encouraged and helped the younger girls to develop their talents.

John and Eliz moved to Brigham City and set up business there. Through John's hard work in the knitting factory it was possible for him to set up the woolen mills only to see them totally destroyed by fire without any insurance to cover them. This must have been a heart breaking experience for them.

Mae. G’ma Eliza, Katie, Viola, & G’pa John

In the late summer of 1910 they moved from Brigham City to Salt Lake. They had in mind at that time that they would like to make a trip to Europe and have the girls study music while there. However, on October 30, 1910, Viola passed away from an illness which the doctor diagnosed as Quinsy, which they later thought must have been Diphtheria. Her death was certainly a great loss to the family and to the musical group. Shortly thereafter, John had an automobile accident which caused them to abandon their dream of a trip back to John's homeland and an opportunity for the girls to further their musical training.

The six years which followed were very hard ones for Eliza, John, and their family, but they never complained to any extent. Through the prayers, faith, and encouragement of Eliza, John finally took courage and started in business again at the age of 60.

John Anderson

His determination to again succeed in starting a new business met

with great admiration from all, and the family did everything they could to help him.

It is interesting to note in reading the histories of other members of the Thomas Minson family how they all refer to the help Eliza and John gave them in their lives. Through the knitting factory they provided employment to Lettie, Arthur, Frank, Catherine, Jessie, David and Nils Anderson, and probably others. They took a sincere interest in the welfare of their loved ones and were willing to assist them in every way possible.

Eliza was an energetic worker in the church for many years. She was affiliated with Primary, Religion Class, and Mutual, having served in the Religion Class work for approximately twenty-five years. Many tributes of appreciation were afforded her by those she worked with and also the leaders of the departments in which she served. A book could be compiled from all the letters of appreciation and gratitude she has received during her life. Also the many letters she received from friends substantiate the sterling, gracious, unselfish person she was.

The child who no doubt best understood Eliza was Lucille for it was she who was always by her Mother's side helping with the housework, the entertaining, and later to take over the responsibility of the business after the passing of her father. Lucille writes this tribute of her Mother:

"Only those who love really live in spite of the pain loving so often

brings. While at times one child would think mother was partial or

loved one child more than another, it was really that each child was

different in likes, dislikes, and personality, and her love had to be

shown in many different ways. Mother had a listening ear, was

sympathetic, helpful, and very concerned about us. She was watchful and

comforting at times of illness, and did the best to her knowledge to

nurse us back to health. During my typhoid illness this loving care

was demonstrated."

Eliza, Catherine, Ellen & Grandma Catherine

Perhaps one of the highlights in Eliza's life was the Golden Wedding Anniversary of her father and mother. I am sure Eliza had a great deal to do with the planning and success of this great occasion. It was celebrated December 27, 1916, in Paris, Idaho. It was especially noted that Eliza's first child, Mae, was the oldest of the fifty grandchildren they had at the time, and Rex was the youngest. Grandfather and Grandmother were presented with a $50 gold piece from the 50 grandchildren, each giving $1.00.

In January 1920, Eliza's father took sick in Paris, Idaho, so Eliza hurried to his side to assist with his care. However, while she was there she received a call from home urging her return as her husband, John, was critically ill with pneumonia. Both John and her father passed away within one week of each other.

Lucille writes: "It would be impossible for me to express Mother's feelings during this time over the loss of her husband and father. Her faith and understanding of eternal life, as taught us in the Gospel, made it possible for her to carry on in the gracious manner she did."

Eliza had no time for self-pity. After the passing of her father she was concerned for the health of her mother, and felt she should no longer stay in Paris alone. So she fixed up a room in her lovely home in Salt Lake and encouraged her mother to come to live with her. Grandma Minson and the Minson children were indeed grateful for the loving care she received from Eliza during the remaining two years of her life. There was always activity in Eliza's home and it provided Grandma with a livelihood and interest in life which she would not have had otherwise.

Lucille writes the following about her mother regarding her twilight years:

"It must have taken a great deal of courage for Mother to move to California after living in Salt Lake for so long where she had many

lovely friends and relatives. In spite of this she made the move graciously and never complained. She had a terrific sense of humor

and a quick answer to bring fun and laughter into a gathering whether with family or friends.

"As mother grew older her memory began to slip at times. I remember on one occasion she invited the Bishop and his family to come to our home for dinner between Sunday School and Sacrament Service, and neglected to tell me about it. During the week I went to work early and got home late so I did both the shopping and the cleaning on the week-end for the following week. While I was leisurely cleaning the house Sunday morning, Mother said to me, "The Bishop and his family will be here for dinner today." What a predicament I was in for there was nothing in the house for a family of five. Fortunately she did mention it in time for me to make it to the store and we had a reasonably good dinner prepared on time. This is a sample of many funny things that happened.

"Mother's health, with the exception of the usual illnesses, was excellent until she reached eighty at which time we discovered she had a heart condition. The next three and a half years were 'worry years’, particularly when I was at work and no one was with her. I usually phoned once or twice a day to check to see that she was okay. Of course, Mae and Tom would keep a watchful eye on her as much as possible, as they were the only ones living close at the time."

1956 Jun 4: Eliza's death (age 83) on June 4, 1956, came as a great shock to all her loved ones. She had indeed been a wonderful mother, sister, and friend. She will live in our memory until we are called to the great beyond where we shall hope to be reunited with her. Her family want to express their love and gratitude to both of their wonderful parents for their part in giving them a heritage of value so they might magnify their calling if they but follow in their worthy footsteps.

Grandma Eliza aging with dignity

An

Addendum

Of

Pictures

Re Life

Of

Eliza Ann Minson

Anderson

Kate Viola Anderson

On the left. She was the fourth

Child of John and Eliza (Minson) Anderson.

Born Aug 19, 1897—she died at age 13, Oct 30, 1910. She and her four sisters all played a musical instrument.

Viola was the pianist.

<Eliza Mae Anderson, Eldest child of Eliza & John

Age 16

Picture taken in 1911

She born May 5, 1895

Rachel and Mae Anderson with Rex & Ruthie 1916.

Rex is late life babe of Eliza and John Anderson

Ruthie is daughter of Jesse & Lurline Minson.

John, Tom, Eliza, Alice, Rachel and Mae

Tom Anderson throwing baseball

Windsor Street. Salt Lake City, UT.

The John Anderson home was on

1222 Windsor Street

.

Tom and Rex are brothers. The only

Two boys that lived of Eliza’s ten

Children.

Tom was 8 years older than Rex—

Tom was born 1908 in Brigham City, Utah

Rex was born 1916.

He was born in the house on Windsor Street

On the second floor!

1932

Eliza 60; relative; Alice 27; and Rex a bored 16 year old.

Lincoln Park, Los Angeles, CA. abt 1928.

Back: Moroni; Eliza; Joseph; Tom; Chrissy; Gertrude; Russell; Anne.

Middle: Lillian 17? Gwendolyn 19? Lucille 29.

Front: Girl sitting cross legged, LaFon 8. Front of Lucille is Ruby 7;

Pearl 12, kneeling; Grant 5; Girl far right, Althea 5. Girl in bonnet who?

Minsons living in California at this time (or at least together here.)

Joseph and Chrissy & Gwendolyn? Eliza, Tom and Lucille.

Moroni, Anne, Pearl, Ruby and Grant.

Abt 1928 Lincoln Park, Los Angeles, California

Dixie Minson said: “ Do you notice how dressed up the men, women and children are?  The women are in coats - and hats too.  Looks like a Sunday gathering or perhaps an Easter activity.  It’s cool enough for coats to be on the women and Grant had on a sweater.

The family would meet in their Sunday best for Christmas and Easter.

It was not the 4^th of July, they were dressed too warmly.

It was a special occasion for the whole California Minson family to be at the park.”

(Looks like Frank Minson Family are here visiting from Lincoln, Idaho. They moved to Ontario, California in 1933.)

Eliza 55, Joseph 59, white dress Gwendolyn, 19? Tom 20, Frank 51, Lou 29, Chrissy 57, Russell 21, Gertrude 47, Anne 33, scarf lady – Lillian, 17?

Girl leaning back, LaFon 8. Ruby 7, below purse, bonneted girl abt 2? Pearl 12 kneeling, Grant 5, Girl far right, Althea 5.

1928 Lincoln Park, Los Angeles, California

Joseph 59, is in the other two Lincoln Park Pictures.

He probably took this picture. Joseph died Oct 29, 1928.

Back: Frank Minson 51; Moroni Minson 35; Russell Minson 21; Tom Anderson 20;

Middle: Lucille 29; Gwendolyn Minson 19; Chrissey 57; Gertrude 47; Anne 33; Eliza Anderson 55;

Front: Ruby 7; Bonneted girl? Grant 5; Althea 5; Pearl 12.

LaFon 8, is not here, but it’s thought she was in other 2 Park pictures.

1928 Oct: Death of Joseph. Moroni wrote: “It was during this time that my dear sister, Eliza, came to California. I will be eternally grateful to her for the love and encouragement she gave me.”

1929: Eliza Anderson 56, Moroni 36, Anne 34, Kate, 43.

Of the 13 Thomas Minson children:

Eliza is the oldest living child (Joseph died 1928),

Kate is the youngest daughter,

And Moroni is child #13.

This picture, like the next, was taken in summer 1929

At Lincoln Park in Los Angeles, California.

“It is obviously a summer outing with the Moroni Minson family and Aunt Eliza’s family.  Aunt Catherine was probably visiting the families in California.  Catherine and her family lived in Utah.  It was probably a special occasion of Kate’s visit to the California families.  Lincoln Park was a beautiful park and it had many activities and facilities in its heyday.” (Ralph Minson)

Front L to R: Kate, Aunt Eliza, and Lucille (dau of Eliza.)

Back L to R: Raleigh, Pearl, Anne, with Lorraine on her lap,

Ruby and the boy on the shoulders of Harold is Grant.

Judging from the baby Lorraine (who was born Aug 28,1928)

--- this picture was taken

summer of 1929.

No, the Children are L to R:

Raleigh, Harold, Ruby and Grant.

Ralph was not born yet; Lorraine only year old.

Pearl is left of Annie.

Timeline for Eliza Ann Minson

and John Anderson

compiled by Roland Minson

1855 Oct 5: John born in Sweden

1872 Dec 8: Eliza born Paris, Idaho

– “There was a man came into our town (Paris) by the name of John

Anderson who started a general merchandise store.” He hired Eliza

to work for him.

1893 Jan. 12: A delightful excerpt from Thomas’s letter to Eliza from

England. “I am glad that you have got employment in the store

and I would recommend you improve your hand writing as

much as possible and especially your spelling,

in which you are very deficient. You should use the dictionary

more. . . Don’t hinder your employer’s time in talking to the

customers more than is necessary. Be careful not to make

mistakes, better take more time.”

– “Mr. Anderson gave us boys all the freight to haul from Montpelier which was ten miles.”

1893 May: John baptized into the Church. “Mr. Anderson was brought (into) the

church by visiting with our family.”

1894 Jul 25: Eliza & John married in the Salt Lake Temple.

1896 Dec: John Anderson hired Thomas Minson to work in his store.

1897-1899: Eliza sent Arthur $21.30 during his mission plus muffler and pants.

1903 Feb: Sent $10 to Thomas to help while he and family were quarantined

for Scarlet Fever.

1908: Frank worked in John’s knitting factory. In summers he would

go up and down the country and even went far up into Idaho, on

a bicycle, soliciting orders for woolen goods.

1910 Aug: Sold home in Brigham City and moved to Salt Lake City.

1913 Nov 27: Thomas taken seriously ill and “Eliza came from Salt Lake City and

helped us much.” Stayed almost a month.

1915 Aug 16: “The roof of John Anderson’s knitting factory at 5^th East 7^th So. took

fire - loss about $350 - covered by insurance.”

- Arthur went on the road for John, successfully selling knitting

factory merchandise.

1920 Jan 20: John died in Salt Lake City of pneumonia after a short illness.

Eliza had no time for self-pity. After the passing of her husband (plus) her father (both within a week) she was concerned for the health of her mother, and felt she should no longer stay in Paris alone. So she fixed up a room in her lovely home in Salt Lake and encouraged her mother to come to live with her.

1929 (abt): Moved from Salt Lake City to California and was a great support to

Moroni who was mourning Joseph’s death of Oct 28, 1928.

1956 Jun 4: Eliza died, age 83, at the home of her daughter, Lucille, in Sunland, CA.

Buried in North Hollywood, California.

What a great impact Eliza and John had on the lives of all the Minson family. Almost everyone of her siblings were helped financially through jobs provided by John. It started while Thomas was on his mission. Thomas left with the family in debt and came home to a family out of debt. It’s been a joy to discover John and Eliza’s story.

(Carol Minson)

THOMAS MINSON STORY

CATHERINE WARD STORY

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