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His Life History

A Brief Life Story

A Personal Record

A Word of Admonition

Life History of William Heber Jarvis

20th January of 1954 in Colonia Juarez
[Transcribed from 27 hand written pages]

I, William Heber Jarvis was born June 14th 1883 in Nutrioso, Apache Co., Arizona. Samuel Walter Jarvis my father and Frances Godfrey DeFriez my mother. Moved to Mexico from Snowflake, Arizona in early spring of 1885, first stopping in the little town of Ascension in Northern Chihuahua, Mexico where my sister Frances was born on May 3rd, 1885.

Our family moved to Colonia Juarez the following winter. In the spring of 1887 moved to Colonia Pacheco or known then as Corrales in the southern end of the Pacheco valley. We lived in Pacheco as I recall 7 years, where we obtained a fair living by farming on a very small scale and by my Father providing deer meat, as also an occasional wild turkey which seemed to be plentiful.

I recall that my Father took a load of potatoes to Chihuahua City to sell in order to obtain things for the family's needs; such as cloth, sugar, soap as also other things. It required nearly a month to make the round trip. The trip was made just before Christmas so as to bring to the members of the family something unusual for presents. How happy we all were to get the nice things in those days. One orange and a tiny bit of candy was a great treat on Christmas as times were very hard, but I think we were as happy under those very hard times as people are at present, with a hundred times more.

As I remember the people were quite united as they sought to help each other. In those days there were savage Indians in the Sierra Madre Mountains, who caused at times great concern, and for a matter of safety, a Fort was built on the Pacheco town site surrounding our combined church and school house, and the people had a system of alarming the people together in case of need.

Said Sister [Haws] sent some one, or herself, I know not who, and told the folks at the meetinghouse over a little hill from her house, a distance of around 80 yards. The meeting was dismissed. Men were soon at the place where my brother still lie, not having moved a limb. These brethren carried him to a nearby house, that of Jessie N. Smith, where my brother was administered to by the Elders, when a little after he moved one eyelid slightly to show the first sign of life.

My father took me on a trip from Pacheco to Colonia Juarez a distance of 30 miles, as I recall it was in January as I am sure no other time of the year could have been so cold. We came to the long hill known as Park hill, when getting about halfway up the hill, the air was full of glittering frost flakes falling. It was a bitter cold day; my father at that time wore a mustache and for the space of about 4 hours his mustache was decorated with icicles; we had a load of potatoes taking to sell to obtain needed supplies for the family; but we found when we arrived at Juarez all the potatoes were frozen and were hard as pieces of wood. When we came to the valley known as the San Diego Flat, my father suggested I get out of the wagon and walk to get warm, but the farther we went, the farther I fell behind; being too nearly frozen to be able to warm up by walking. The next morning, through a suggestion from someone, we dumped our potatoes in a ditch of water to take the frost out of the potatoes but to no avail, only to give my hands another good freezing getting those taters out of the cold water.

It so happened that my father had been given to know something at home needed his attention and it was when he was on his way to the mountains for another load and passing Colonia Juarez's nearest point, a distance of some four miles, decided to leave my brother with the teams and wagons and walk home to see what was wrong, and why he had been so strongly impressed to go home. On entering the house I lay on a bed at his right as he entered. I was bad off, my throat about closed and breathing was very difficult. Whether my father administered to me first, or made a swab by tying a strip of cloth on one end of a stick, lead pencil size, and ran it down my throat opening an air passage, [I] am sure my Father received direct inspiration from the Lord.

I would be at school one day and out two days and so on. Such schooling discouraged me and it so happened that a man by name David Fife wanted a lad to go with him as a helper on a trip to the mines in the neighboring state to the west, State of Sonora. My mother in need of supplies for the family, and at the time my father being away working on the RR, I was permitted to go. Mr. Fife had, as I recall, 4 mules, 2 horses, and 3 burrows in our pack train. The first night to make camp was about 6 miles north of Juarez, quite a thrill to camp out in the wide open spaces.

We proceeded to pack said red ass again, and said jackass rebelled and so [the jackass] not wanting to stand while my boss Fife tightened the pack saddle, Mr. Fife grabbed said Red's big ear 'tween his teeth and I guess must have shut down pretty hard, as the Jackass stood while Fife finished fixing the saddle and packed Jack with my help.

After living in Juarez for seven or eight years, my Father decided to move to Colonia Morelos, [about 1900 or 1902], myself being responsible for seeing that our cattle & horse stock was driven the 125 mile trek ; around 100 head of cattle and 30 head of horse stock. With the help of two or three younger brothers, the trip was made in 8 days.

There in Colonia Morelos we made our stand for about 9 years, where we made ditches and dams and opened up new land. The country was a very hot climate.

William's siblings, 1905 - Eleven of the twelve Children of Samuel Walter & Frances Godfrey Defriez Jarvis

Standing (L to R) George, Sam Jr., William H., & Nephi

Seated - Grace, Clementina, Esther, Frances, & Lehi

Floor- Ben, Joe

One very thrilling experience in Colonia Morelos came when riding on the range. [I] was up river about 2 miles from where the canyon opens out in the valley. The river was high and riley. I had just swam the stream on my horse having to kneel up on my saddle to keep dry. [I] had a dog following me, a very fine one, bob tailed, color white with a few black spots, named Mage. As I emerged from the stream, in front of me was a level gravel bar about 40 feet wide, and quite some longer. At the northwest side of the gravel bar, toward which I was headed, was a patch of reed canes about 20 ft high, about [the same] dimensions in area of [the] gravel bar. I turned my head to my right, looked back to see if my dog had crossed OK, and as I turned my head back, I saw at my right about 30 ft away, looking from behind a large cottonwood tree that forked at the base, a round yellow head, it's eyes fastened on my wet doggie.

I gently drew my 44 Winchester from [it's] scabbard and aimed at the beasts head and the ball entered the right eye and ranged down as I was some higher than it from my being so close and on my horse. The animal commenced jumping and pawing at the air coming within about 20 ft. and then I realized it was a large mountain lion, the first I had seen. I became quite excited. I fired without taking good aim and missed. Then I said to Willie, "You better shoot straighter." So I took better aim and broke the back of Mrs. Lioness. Then for some time I feared to dismount in case another lion might take revenge. But finally I got courage, got down and took hold of the tail and found it too big for me to lift, so went and had a native man to help me put my kill on my horse, that I might show the people of Colonia Morelos what I did. Of course I thot meself some big guy.

I worked in the MIA as a counselor, also a SS teacher, played violin, mandolin and accompaniments on organ for dances, and of course at that time thot quite some of myself, and at this date of Jan 29th 1954 - 50 odd years later I can see that I must have felt quite conceited.

It was at Morales where a wonderful young lady became the apple of me eye. After a short courtship we decided we would take the big chance for better or worse, and we saved and planned for our honeymoon trip, which we started in mid August of 1907, leaving Colonia Morelos by team and wagon to Douglas, Arizona where we took passenger train for Los Angeles where we obtained our marriage license and were civilly married by a minister of the Gospel, Reverend A. W. Erwin.

Going from there by train to Moapa, Nevada where we took passage on a light wagon to Littlefield, Arizona; from there to St. George by team and wagon where we had a soft thing of it, as in the wagon box was some freshly harvested cotton for us to ride on, and we found the ride hot as love in August, being the month of August, and in a very hot climate. The lad who was our teamster told us after we had traveled a few miles that he had counted the times had kissed, the times 76 according to young Iverson, who lived in Littlefield, Arizona. We must have been silly over each other, ha ha!

Arriving in St. George we were married in the Temple, 28th of August 1907 by Temple President David H. Canon. Went back to Morelos to start life, then on Dec. 16th 1909 was born to us a fine little boy, which we named William Heber Jr., attending midwife Mrs. Mattie W. Curtis. And some two years later on Dec. 28th 1911, a dear little girl came to make us very happy, attending midwife one sister Lillywhite.

As I recall it was near the day that our girl baby came, when Ben Wilson my wife's brother, and my brother-in-law Edward Young, and I were seated on our haunches about 30 yards from our house, and near where we sat, had a couple of horses and a bronc mule tied at the corner of my corral. At this time the little boy being around 2 yrs, Bill, came toddling out to where we were seated, the animals being between us and the on coming little boy. Just as the baby was passing the wild mule, the mule gave a wicked kick at the baby. The baby's head escaped the mule's feet only by one foot, passing on either side of his head and the mule was making ready for the 2nd trial, when Ben Wilson yelled at mule and jumped and snatched little baby Bill away. How close! How close!

I obtained a small piece of land from Morelos Land Co., it being covered with mesquite trees. I set out to clear the same, built a little stockade, made a ditch to irrigate said land, dug a well but no water. Would get down fill bucket and climb out to draw dirt out as I had no one to help me, nor money to pay help. Oft times cleared brush and dug stumps by firelight. To pay for land, I cut mesquite wood into cord wood, sold it to Lillywhite Bros. who operated a flour mill. Later moved to said mill and fired the boiler also to pay for land.

1910 sold our property to one Ed McNiel to get money to take Wm. Jr. to Dr., out in Thatcher, Arizona. From there we went up to Kirtland, New Mexico. Got some work a little later, went back to Sonora, [Mexico] and soon there after the 1912 Madera Revolution broke out. We left Morelos with the Exodus, were encamped in a US Govt. tent camp for a month or so, when my father [and I] went to Benson, Arizona where we took up homesteads. [Miramonte]

Staying on homesteads at times and moving off at times in order to get money to keep going on. By getting permission to milk a cow now and then, also chopping down some bee trees, taking the honey, capturing the bees and hive-ing them; and getting work on S.P.R.R., and at times selling some cordwood as also ready chopped wood, and even going out in oak forest gathering acorns to sell, we managed to get along after a fashion.

At the Homestead, we at times raised a little crop. The last 2 years of our homesteading, I had bought a few head of stock. I dug a well, mostly in quite solid granite ledge, 18 ft deep found water enough for my own stock and enough to let several other homesteaders have some by skimping, all of us, several times letting my animals also suffer for water and let the folks take it away in barrels while my animals would stay around the well till next morning for their drink. We practiced self denial as a settlement; we built a church house of adobe, myself in charge of same, being at the time a counselor to the Presiding Elder R. L. McCall. Also was at the time an acting ward teacher, visited seven families scattered over a large area. During the homestead years, three sons were born to us, Raphael and David in the town of Benson and Daniel on the Homestead on July 3rd 1917, as I recall.

1918 sold the homestead, chartered a car and as my Father was moving to El Paso, Texas, he too chartered 2 cars for his stock and household goods. We lived at Clint, Texas till we decided to move back to Mexico, which we did in May of 1920. Before going to Mexico we lived in hopes of moving to Chuichupa, but a following account will show why we didn't go to Chup. Before we went to Mexico, I worked on a survey party, farmed a few acres of land, milked a few cows, saved a little money, bought a used car, paid it out and still had a couple a bucks. Then on the 25 of Sept., [1919] a little cute red headed baby came along and we kept him and never was sorry.

We stopped at Guadalupe, where at the time, my brother Lehi, my sister Clementina, the wife of Helaman Judd were, also Helaman. Now, the account of going to Chuichupa. We, my wife Ruth [and I] had made applications to purchase land in Chuichupa, and yet something seemed to say it wasn't right to go to Chupe; and the urge was strong to go. We again asked for divine guidance and that same night I was awakened around 3 AM by an audible voice, said the word "Pacheco." I knew in an instant the meaning, that we were to go to Pacheco instead of Chupi. The feeling left me, as also Ruth, feeling very happy and much relieved of our feeling of doubt. Thanks again to our greatest friend.

We were given such a very warm welcome by the few fine people who lived in Pacheco. Everything went fine for about two years, then a hard to bear trial came to our happy home, when the life of our home was taken, our dear Mamma, and companion. But the few dear folks who lived in Pacheco came to our aide. We will ever love them and thank them. Also our neighbors living in Garcia, showed their love and sympathy by giving the necessary lumber, made the box in which to place the casket, also the casket, the dear Nielsen's, Bishop Lester Farnsworth, as also the other friends who helped us.

Soon after Ruth's death my children were sent into different homes, which in most cases didn't prove satisfactory. A good thing to avoid doing if possible. In late 1923, I moved to Juarez with 2 or 3 of the children, at times went to the United States to find work, at times moved children from one home to another.

The winter of 1923 Miss Ella Wall was hired by the Pacheco ward officers to teach school in Pacheco, where I became interested in her with the view of asking her to be my wife, which she did after two years of coaxing. On account of too little understanding and lack of patience, possibly on both sides, the adventure wasn't the most pleasant in history. And I would like it to be known to my loved ones and all concerned that I received direct inspiration that it was the will of the Lord for me to take Ella Wall to be my wife, which I did.

Moved to Colonia Juarez from Pacheco in the spring of 1925 at which time Willie was at Pacheco staying at the home of Clarence Lunt, Ruth and David at Sister Lorraine F. Whetten's, Raphael at the home of Laura H. Meacham, Daniel at the home of Harlem and Maggie Johnson, Ervin with my brother Nephi also Isaac Albert; Alma with my mother.

Finally we rounded up the children except Isaac Albert, who stayed with Nephi until he was around 13 [Ike's history says 15] years old. Our experiences would fill a large volume with things pleasant and unpleasant, as could be expected under the circumstances, poverty and step children and a not too wise Dad.

Finally the children grew up and left home, one by one, till we came to find we were a small family, four in all. As for myself, when my children were scattered in the neighbor's homes and after they grew up and left home, I think I felt much like the old mother hen who hatched a setting of duck eggs and when she went near the river, all her brood went in the water and left her in awful consternation. It was a real test of one's faith and valor.

Left Pacheco in February 1927 and lived in the home of Mary Wall, my wife's mother. By the good fortune of my wife being able to teach school and renting our land in Pacheco, myself making some cheese and occasionally selling a critter for beef, we were able to get by, but didn't quite keep up with the Jones's.

1937 we went to Provo where my wife took training in the BYU and we spent four or five summers in Provo. One summer I worked in forest service east of Heber City, one summer in Red Bluff, California in a surveying party. One object of my being in Provo was to assist in caring for my Father-in-law F.G. Wall in his feeble condition and only lacking a few months of being 100 years old.

And when at Provo, in the month of September of 1945, I found it wasn't too urgent for me to stay to help care for father Wall, so decided to take a trip to the state of Missouri to visit some of the places of great interest to me on account of the historical background they held, such as that of Adam-ondi-Ahman, Liberty Jail, Far West, Independence, Mo, Oliver Cowdery's Monument, as also that of David Whitmer, all of which I visited by doing much walking, as I was short on cash, leaving Provo with the great sum of $51.00 dollars, about $40.00 was spent for bus fare. Left Provo 19th of Sept., was back in Provo the 29th, with one dollar and 4 cents as I recall, having enjoyed my adventure very much.

Left Provo 8th of October for Colonia Juarez, coming via San Diego, staying in Juarez, caring for cows and lot. During these years from 1935, the boys married and left home. Bill, however, had been in the military service at Randolph Field, Texas, graduating as an airplane mechanic at Rantoul, Ill. Bill later filled a mission in Mexico in 1936-37. Later, Isaac filled mission also in Mexico, 1943-44. Ervin in California, working at various jobs, taxi driver, and worked in furniture store, later joined the Air Core[sic] and was airplane mechanic in Alaska where he met a girl friend who he married.

Alma cared for Adolph Hawkin's cows, field and home while going to school in Colonia Juarez where he graduated, later married Hannah Vee Taylor, worked at Santa Barbara mines as foreman in the flotation Mills. Raphael in Bisbee working in mines at this time was married to Zina Walser. David, also working in the mines in Bisbee, where he graduated from Bisbee High. Dan worked in Benson, later married Jane Stock, went to San Diego, California. Ruth married, divorced, and joined army as a WACC, made good in all her responsibilities.

Mary graduated from J.S.A. in old Mexico, married Jan. 8, 1945, played for operas on piano. Amy graduated May 1947, married Oct. 21st, 1949, making her home in Provo, Utah. She worked in Seely's Cafe, was very well liked by all who knew her, was tactful and very genial.

Myself and Aunt Ella, staying in Colonia Juarez caring for home a few head of horn stock, and making an occasional trip to the United States to visit our scattered children.

[Addendum written by Ella]

June 14, 1963 Dad [William] was 80 years old today. We were alone in San Diego (Mary and family having gone to Utah). We went to La Jolla, visited the aquarium, walked out on the pier, watched the waves, and the boys try to land a large fish, went to edge of ocean on the beach, then, while waiting for our bus, walked about some, and finally got back home about 6 PM. Mary and Amy called and wished him Happy Birthday. Dan and Ray sent Birthday letter and cards.

Children of William H. Jarvis 1971

(L to R - Youngest to Oldest)

Amy, Mary, Ike, Ervin, Alma, Dan, Dave, Ray, Ruth, and Bill

Back: Dave, Dan, Amy, Alma, Ervin, Ike

Front: Bill, Ruth, Mary, Ray

Brief Life Story of
William Heber Jarvis

Written by William for the book
George Jarvis and Joseph George DeFriez Genealogy
By Margaret J. Overson, Published 1957
Story is in 2nd section, page 139

I, William Heber Jarvis, feel an eternal debt of gratitude for my noble and wonderful parents. My first recollections were at the home of my Aunt Annie Milne in St. George, Utah, of seeing folks eat clabber, - - of playing near her home by a clump of reed cane, and going to the Cemetery when my little sister Amelia was buried. On the road back to Mexico, we had to cross the Colorado River in a large, flat boat with our wagons and animals, and some of the horses jumped from the boat into the water and swam out. Then I was walking up the dugway from the river and trying to throw rocks in the river, narrowly escaped losing my balance and falling in.

After living in the old camp below the present Juarez for awhile, we moved to Colonia Pacheco, where most of my childhood days were spent, and I helped to do general farm work and herd cows. I was baptized when eight years old by William W. Haws, in a small creek near town, not far from the place where my brother George was stricken by lightning, when he was driving a herd of calves home. After he had been apparently dead for a half hour or more, he was administered to by the Elders and came back to life. All who saw him said it was a Miracle.

About 1895 my parents moved to Colonia Juarez where I attended school two or three years part time, - between times herding cattle, irrigating city lots, etc. also came near dying, here from mebraneous croup. All through the years I had my little boy and girl friends; how sweet the memories!

The family moved to Colonia Morelos, Sonora, where we engaged in farming and cattle raising, - - I tended the cattle, and also helped in building dams, digging new ditches, and the general frontier pursuits. Here I grew into manhood, and the girlfriends and dances were the greatest source of enjoyment. I could play a mandolin or violin some, and play accompaniments on the organ, and I confess that I felt a bit important and accomplished at that time; however, at this date, my retrospective of self is much less valuable than then.

About this time I met and loved a sweet girl of near "Sweet sixteen", and after a short courtship, we decided to marry. I worked hard, sold a horse and saddle and a few head of cattle, etc., and succeeded in getting enough money to go on a real "Honeymoon" trip, which at that time, was no small undertaking. We left Morelos near the middle of June 1907, boarded the train at Douglas, Arizona, went to Los Angeles and Long Beach, thence to St. George, Utah, to be married in the St. George Temple by David H. Cannon, August 28th, 1907.

Ruth Bloomfield Wilson Jarvis and I now set out by the same route and returned to Colonia Morelos, happy and content to begin making our future home. We bought a small tract of land covered with a heavy growth of Mesquite, built a stockade, dug a well, made ditches, cleared land, - - sometimes by the light of fire from burning brush, made cord-wood of that cleared from the land, and sold it for our food, etc. In this same locality I had killed a mountain lion when a lad, - - and thought myself quite a hunter: and had also killed deer for food for the family and neighbors. While living here, two children were born.

Then came the exodus from Mexico, in July 1912. People left in a body to Douglas, Arizona, where the United States Government had a tent colony arranged for the refugees. The U.S. Government provided rations, assisting very generously - - Thanks to the best government on earth, - - "Dear Uncle Sam."

The year 1913 we took up a homestead near St. David, Arizona, and remained there six years until we proved up on the place, and then sold to the Boquillas Land and Cattle Company. During our stay here, three sons were born.

We moved to El Paso, Texas in 1918, rented a small farm, had a few dairy cows, sold milk, cottage cheese and butter, while working at time with the U.S.R.S. with surveying parties.

In May 1920 we moved to Mexico again, bought land and with dairy cows, started work. We seemed to be prospering, when on Jan 9th, 1922, a pair of twin sons were born. Twenty days later the mother was taken by death's cold hand. The children were now scattered into various homes which at best was very unsatisfactory, and a bitter experience. But thanks to the friends who really gave help.

Near four years later, a lady teacher was employed in Pacheco, who, in course of time, became my wife. We gathered most of the children around us, and commenced life anew. The adjustment period was not easy but we kept trying and praying sincerely, and changes came for the better. Two lovely daughters have come to us.

Residence: William H. Jarvis, Colonia Juarez, Mexico - 1957

Personal Record of
William Heber Jarvis

December 3rd 1946 - After request by my son Daniel
(taken from 4 long style genealogy pages)

Name in full - William Heber Jarvis Sr.
Father's name - Samuel Walter Jarvis
Mother's Maiden Name - Francis Godfrey DeFriez
When born - 14 June, 1883
Where born - Nutrioso, Apache [County], Arizona

When Baptized - 14 June, 1891
Where Baptized - Col. Pacheco, Chih., Mexico
Baptized by - William W. Haws
When Confirmed - 14 June, 1891
Confirmed by - Chester Staily and Christopher Heaton

Priesthood ordinations:
Office - Elder - by Alexander Jameson - 28 July, 1907
Office - High Priest - by John T. Whetten - 23 Jan 1922

Married to - Ruth Bloomfield Wilson - 5 Aug, 1907
Where Married - Los Angeles, Calif. - by W. A. Irvin
Where Endowed - St. George Temple - 28 Aug, 1907
Where sealed - St. George Temple - 28 Aug. 1907
Sealed to whom - Ruth B. Wilson - by David H. Cannon

Patriarchal blessing by - Peter A Loffgreen

2nd Marriage - Ella Wall - 24 Sept., 1925 at El Paso, [Texas] By Bishop Orwell L. Pierce
2nd Marriage - sealed in the Mesa, AZ Temple - 27 Oct., 1927
Where died - Mapleton, Utah [County], Utah - 12 Sept., 1971
Where buried - Springville Cemetery, Springville, Utah - 17 Sept, 1971

Personal Record Continued

William Heber Jarvis
Highlights of my life in Col. Juarez, Mexico

My first recollections are: eating some raisins and clabber at the table of my Aunt Annie, who at this writing is 98 years old, also remember of a small patch of reed canes near her house, that one of her sons or my brothers had lost a pocket knife in the canes, which was very likely in the spring or summer of 1886 or 87. Also recall going to graveyard when my sister Amelia was buried. Remember of being on journey, either to or from, Saint George. traveling in a wagon drawn by horses on the journey. Remember when horses were driven to a watering place near a high ledge, of crossing the Colorado River in a boat, remember seeing some horses jump from boat into river and swim to shore from side we entered river, also of walking up grade in a narrow ledgy road, throwing a stone down into the Colorado River and came near going with the stone. I remember of father getting some comb-honey from a man who lived along the road, and of seeing a windmill in the distance, seeming to, that the mill was moving along as we moved. Also of seeing telegraph poles along the way near the road and broken colored glass, the colors of the glass were very appealing to my eyes.

Later in the old settlement of Colonia Juarez, I remember of being near the river bank, of my trumpet (tin toy) being in the river and of standing by Wallace Johnson, who had a tall pole standing on end, and let the pole fall on my head knocking me coo coo - thus leaving me so -- ha ha. Anyway, I've had a lot of joy all thru my life. The knowledge of the Gospel, and to contemplate same, gives the greatest joys. Recall in old Juarez town going to a funeral, that of a sister McNiel, meetings held in a bowery.

Recall of happenings in early days of Col. Pacheco, of my baptism by William W. Haws, of my brother George and myself herding calves. On one Thursday while taking calves home, lightening struck George leaving him lifeless from all appearances. Priesthood called by Sister Hawes, George administered to and life came in him, of my Father being struck on head while bridling a vicious grey horse. Father carried to house, placed on a quilt in a serious condition. Same horse often jerked away from us three brothers while taking him to and from the field, same horse kicked me in the stomach with both hind feet, knocking a board from stable with my body. I was in a semi-conscious condition for a day. I remember my mother sending me on errands to take fruit to the sick neighbors and of how she would round up in extra measure the pounds of butter she sold. Wonderful parents were mine, sweet memories.

I remember a dream I had, saw 3 balls (in size like basketballs) of light go zig-zagging up into the sky. In 3 weeks, 3 of the George Naegle family died - mother and two children. I had been sent to the sick in said home by my dear mother with a beautiful peach for that sick mother. I was baptized in Pacheco or rather in Corrales near point where George, my brother, was stricken by lightening.

Spent happy days and years in Corrales and Pacheco, herded cows several summers, helped on farm planting, harvesting, learning to work in general. We had necessities but few luxuries. Gone 1/4 mile barefooted in snow to get calves. I had 2 pair of shoes from age 5 till 14th year. While herding cows near Pacheco, 2 wolves started toward me, I ran for my home much afraid.

About 1894 or 1895, my father moved from Colonia Pacheco to Colonia Juarez where I went to school by spurts and stops, between trying to keep my father's cattle chased away from the fields across the mesas to the Tinaja Wash -- sometimes making 2 trips a day, a good day's work for a horse but I did it on foot. Thru that work, and watering the lot, I had little time or desire for school. Then we moved to Morelos, Sonora following farming and stock raising.

It came leap year 1906 - The young folks were kidding each other. There was a saying that if a girl asked a boy to go with her and he turned her down he had to buy her a new dress (some say a silk dress). Ruth B. Wilson asked me to go with her. Rather than buy her a dress I said, "Yes." We went together 7 or 8 months. I fell in love with her. It seemed we were meant for each other and as if by magic we were lead to the happy life we had together - I went to her parents for their consent which they gave happily. We went to Los Angeles, California where we got our marriage license and were married by Rev. W.A. Irvin. We went to Long Beach and San Pedro then on to St. George going from Las Vegas by team through Moapa, Nevada, then Bunkerville, Nevada, and Littlefield, Arizona.

We went to the St. George Temple and were sealed Aug. 28, 1907 by David H. Cannon, who was president of the Temple then. On our return trip we went to Modena, Utah, where we took a train to Colton, California, thence to Douglas, Arizona, then to Colonia Morelos to start a home barehanded. I worked at a flour mill firing the boiler, for a time, at the same time I was in charge of the mill after working hours to see that fire did not break out in the mill and wood yard. I received small pay and getting ahead was slow. I bought a 9 acre tract of land densely covered with mesquite wood. I at once set to work, made a stockade shack and dug a well. I cleared the land, working at times by light of the fire from burning the brush from the trees I had grubbed during the day. While in Col.Morelos I helped my father make an irrigation canal which was taken out of the creek or stream known as the Batepito. I also had Bishop Orson Brown's cattle and mares to look after for a year.

In Morelos I was in the Presidency of the Mutual for a while, chorister for the Deacon's Quorums, Sunday School teacher, and played the mandolin and violin for dances also accompaniment on the organ. I killed a large lion near Morelos. I killed many deer and distributed meat among theneighbors. I bought land near the river from David Johnson Wilson, my father-in-law. I had enough brick on hand, to build, when the people left Morelos on account of the Revolution. I worked with George Benjamin Wilson, my brother-in-law, farming and taking produce to Pilares and El Tigre mines. We made fair money at it.

A group of bandits were coming into our fields each night stealing crops and cattle and feeding our wheat and other crops to their horses. The people organized themselves, laying at convenient points to apprehend them. One night a young battle took place. Three of the horses were killed and one of the enemy was wounded. The saddles and packs were turned over to the officers of the law. Along the mountainside east of Morelos is the sign of a great earthquake. It appears like a road or dugway. A drought year, and a flood year, were between the 1907 and 1912 in Col. Morelos.

In 1912 came the Madero Revolution when the people were told to leave the colonies. My father and I went to St. David, Arizona. In the later part of 1912 we took up a homestead at what we later named Miramonte. It is a few miles from Pantano (off from the highway), between Pantano and Benson, Arizona. I paid $40.00 to Chase Kimball to help me get located on a piece of Government land. I had $80.00 to start anew on. I paid $40.00 for a little lumber and $40.00 for a pony.

I worked on the Rail Road at times to get a little grub stake, then go to the homestead to do some clearing and fencing and made a small shack and a corral.

I got a permit to milk a cow from Mr. Treet, manager of the Boquillas Land and Cattle Co. who later bought my homestead. While on this place I took honey from the oak trees. I caught the bees and had 27 stands of bees to sell when we moved to El Paso in 1918. While at Miramonte I dug stumps from the hillside, split them into cord wood, took it to Benson, Ariz. and helped in that way to pay bills.

I was 2nd counselor to the presiding Elder, R. L. McCall for about 4 years. I had charge of the construction of our Church House. I dug a well in granite ledge formation with a pick and shovel and bar. I would knock the ledge loose with the bar, then go down a ladder, fill a bucket, climb out and pull up the bucket of rock…quite the frontier life. The water seeped into the well very slowly. Neighbors would come with barrels in their wagons for water for their home use. Sometimes my stock would wait until the next day for a drink. After proving up on my homestead, I sold for $1600.00 with which I paid all debts, leaving us $1200.00 with which we bought a few cows, a team of small mules, an old laundry wagon, etc. to move to El Paso, Texas.

In the latter part of May 1920, we left El Paso, unloading a car of cows, mules, and wagons at Guadalupe, near Casas Grandes, Chih, Mexico. There along with a brother-in-law, Helaman Judd, I planted some beans. On Sept. 15 we left for Col. Pacheco, where we bought property in Cox Hollow and north of Pacheco on the Stevens place. We raised good crops in 1921 also in 1922.

On Jan. 9, 1922 the twins, Ervin and Albert were born. About 3 weeks later my wife, Ruth, died. Then our days of trial and sorrow, which was very hard to bear, and with it came the scattering of the children, which in some cases and places did not prove out very good or satisfactory. However in the main, good friends came to our aid which made the sorrow easier to bear. Then came the time when I thought best to find another mother for my lovely children (8). Realizing that many important and delicate problems were involved, I sought for Divine aid and direction in my new venture. The Lord knew the sincerity of my prayers and gave me direct answers and directions, which didn't exactly suit my ideas, but since I was absolutely sure it came from a Divine source, I dare not oppose it.

So I followed direction which resulted in my taking Ella Wall to be my wife, and the new mother of my children, which proved to be a great boon and much help to my children and myself. So I can say, the Lord knows best and if His children are living upright lives, the Lord will help all who are worthy of His help and guidance, which testimony I leave to my descendents in all sincerity.

After marriage to Miss Wall there arose many very perplexing problems to which I found I wasn't wise enough to deal with. So came troubles a plenty, mainly on account of lack of psychological understanding, plus stubbornness on account of both parties. So we must suffer if we are ignorant. So let's get knowledge and understanding and be willing to bend and blend, and be willing to forgive and keep on forgiving until it becomes easy to forgive, and be tolerant and keep on being tolerant. The best way I have found to do these things is to live up to LDS standards as closely as possible, being constant in prayer, and attendance to Sacrament services. Make sure to be worthy to partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. In such case strength and power over evil will come.

Mary and Amy came and gave additional joys and blessings. Thanks be to God for them and all my children. They are wonderful and we love them all. I was 2nd counselor to Bishop Clarence Lunt in Col. Pacheco for about 5 years.

A Word of Admonition by
William Heber Jarvis

The following was written by William
At the Smith residence in Yuma, Arizona
December 17, 1945

Hubby & Dad isn’t feeling too fine today. Flu I guess. Many people are dying from the flu here in Yuma. I have had cause to wonder if my time wasn’t getting near the end. I dreamed sometime in late November of being somewhere with my brother Samuel and 3 of my sisters. Samuel died in April 1944. Again in Dec. of sitting on the edge of a cement curbing surrounding a clear tank of very clear water. My brother Samuel was in the water up to his neck standing in one end of the tank. I leaned over the edge of the tank and went in, went under and came up on the opposite side to that on which I went in. - - - Maybe only dreams.

Lest I forget…to say the least…I love and appreciate my dear family and would – just in case – leave a word of admonition.

To All I would say. . . Cling to the LDS standards, adhere to and live by the counsel of the leaders of the Church, as Presidents of Stakes and Bishops. Live in an organized ward or branch of the church, if possible, near a Temple.

It pays big dividends to keep the word of wisdom, read it often. If you would be spiritually minded and enjoy the real sweets of life, partake often of spiritual food. I have made unfailing tests of the same, and ere you leave your room each morning, remember to pray in FAITH for the things you know you need, above all else, for the guiding influence of the HOLY SPIRIT.

[There followed a paragraph for each one of his children and one for his wife Ella. All of the above history and records were copied by Viola Stock Jarvis in 1950.]

[Ella finished her teaching in the Colonies in May of 1952. Eventually the home in Col. Juarez was sold, and a home was bought in Mapleton, Utah. William and Ella spent time in Utah, and also at times lived in an apartment built by Daniel on his property in Mesa. William and Ella spent their final years in Mapleton, Utah.]

[These histories were typed, with minor editing and photos added by
Judy Cloward and Danelle Curtis in July of 2010.
This Life History, Brief Life Story, and Personal Record, and word of admonition are the only documents of life history that we know of that Grandpa Jarvis wrote himself. If you know of any others please let us know.]