Arthur is the son of Andrew Jackson Breshears and Martha Melvina Hammock Breshears.
Married Eva Cornelia Hill.
*The following article was contributed by Jan Thomas*
Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva were named Citizens of The Week - Eva by the Boise Statesman, 7 Sep 1975.
They were also honored at a Social Event: 20 Oct 1977, The Weiser Signal...Art and Eva Breshears celebrate 70 years of marriage at their Weiser River home. It was 10 Oct 1907 when the 20-year old Eva Hill exchanged wedding vows with 22 year old Arthur Breshears, Sunday Oct 9, 1977, the two greeted some 150 guests at their home on the Weiser River road east of Weiser, their home for the past 59 years. The celebration was planned by foster children and grandchildren: the David Grants, Frank Steelmans, and Lela Grant, Payette; Frank Cinegas, Ontario and Tom Grants of Fruitland.
Myrtle Eytchison, Arthur's neice, planned the music. Pianist Harry G. Warr and Greet Hammond was soloist. All are from Boise. David and Beverly Grant sang a duet.
Friends and neighbors who served were Bess Foster Smith, Daisy Warren, Gertrude Kelly, Rosalind hickey, Bernice Smith, Lovena Erickson and Velma Lyle. Also helping were members of the Shamrock Club which Eva started with a meeting in her home in 1923.
Middleton residents at the time of their marriage, Art and Eva were married at the De Lamar Hotel, Boise, which had been built as a residence for Christopher Moore, founder of the Idaho First National Bank. There were two friends and a pianist present. Eva carried a 50 year old Chinese silk handkerchief given her by a dear friend who carried it from Joliet, Illinois. The handkerchief has since been the "something old" carried by countless brides. Now 120 years old, it is in perfect condition.
In recounting her wedding, Eva recalls that Rev. Murry was a devoutly sincere man... but delivered their vows at such a slow meticulous pace that she said "I do" to soon. Blushing with the though that Arthur would no doubt tease about it the rest of her life, she was delighted to hear
him entone "I do" also before the proper time.
Coming home to Middleton in 1907, Eva related the story of how she and Arthur Andrew Breshears began their courtship. At first the were both interested in someone else. She finally chose Arthur, not because he happened to have the shiniest buggy and best team of horses in town, but because he was the handsomest man, and one who smelled of soap and water.
They had to shop for furniture in Caldwell and it arrived inter-urban. There was a square table she loved, but it was too expensive so she chose a cheaper one. "But, dear Arthur, quietly bought the expensive one for me and there it was when the furniture was delivered," she related.
Their little house and furniture were paid for before they moved in. Further, Arthur gave her $200.00 to buy what she wanted for the house. As well as owning part interest in a meat market, Arthur also became Constable of Middleton.
Arthur and Eva's home was established and life began in earnest as a short while later he went to work for an Ore Reduction Plant which went broke - he lost a years wages. Also a hotel he had an interest in, burned, a few days after the insurance ran out.
Before marriage Eva informed Arthur that she would never live on a farm. Nevertheless, they packed their belongings and headed for the first real hardship they had known, nine years on a Burley, Idaho homestead. They had coyote and jackrabbits for neighbors and were surrounded by
sagebrush. They lived in a 10 by 12 shack. "I had never really been lonely before," related Eva." It was 20 miles to the nearest water and when she arrived at the spring she would sit and "visit" with her reflection. Later she drove to neighbors homes to give lessons. She also took more lessons and played in an orchestra for dances. "I wouldn't take a million dollars for our experiences there, nor would I do it again for two million. Over the years I found that the most rugged times in our lives make the best growth.
In March 1918 they came to Weiser in two railroad cars that transported the cattle, the dog, cat, machinery, furniture and chickens. A neighbor even sent along a sagebrush plant.
Arthur and Eva usually drove pretty nice cars and she related the time they were spinning along in their new Chrysler, on their way home from Boise with only a dime between them for gas... which they were fast running out of. "We were singing as if we had good sense as we watched
the meter drop. Then I remembered my cream can money. We stopped at a station, wrote a check and got some gas... hoping there would be enough in the cream can to cover it.
Eva recalled about how they used to have house dances. The last time there were 63 people to dance in their little spare bedroom. There were also babies asleep on their bed and one of them wet clear through on their new matress - there were no more house dances at the Breshears's home.
Home for some 60 Years was a two-story house across from Jeffrey Schoolhouse, 6 miles east of Weiser on the Weiser River Road. The house sat on some 200 acres. The school became her life. She couldn't recall how many teachers boarded with them. She played the piano for the students, mended their cloths, and tended to their scratches and bruises, so mothers would be less mad. She related that she patched up accident related injuries that she'd probably be sued for now. The fathers of both Arthur and Eva lived with them in twighlight years.
Between them Arthur and Eva served 26 years on the school board. During the time she was on the board she succeeded in getting school to run for nine months, instead of the normal seven - this in spite if the ranchers who didn't want to pay the extra taxes.
Life was not always pure happiness for Arthur and Eva. They went broke four times. Her dear friend, Mr. Cave, had described her Arthur as the "Rock of Gibralter", one of God's noblemen. Eva only cried once over their financial troubles, and that was for Arthurs sake. They had 3,600
sheep, and Uncle Sam got the proceeds. "We had both worked so hard and I felt it quite unfair", she once said. Then there was the time that they had cattle to sell to pay a dept and the truck wrecked on the way to town, ruined the cattle. They sold the farm in Burley and never received
the money for it.
When the banks closed during the depression they were told to get their money out on a certain day. However, a dear friend was being buried that day and when they returned from the funeral the banks were closed. They had 17 cents between them. The depression was going full swing and Eva and Arthur wanted to go to the world's Fair in Chicago. They figured their grain money would get them there in style. The man who threshed for them owed them money so the grain profit would be all theirs - not so. The man did not own the thrashing machine and the machine owner attached the grain. They were desperate. If they could get the money by a certain day they could get tickets for $29.15 each. Arthur went to their attorney who got their Fair money for them.
They spent a wonderful vacation in Chicago with Mr. and Mrs. Abram Gale of the Chicago. Mr. Gale, his sons and friends had taken frequent pack trips with Arthur into Idaho's mountains and were returning the compliment by entrtaining the Breshears.
The Breshears were named Distinguished Citizens by the Statesman in 1976...and have received congratulatory cards from President Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.
Eva and Arthur were named Citizens of the Week by the Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep 1975. In April 1981, Eva was named Beta Sigma Phi First Lady of Weiser Idaho. Her last years were spent in the Weiser Care Center where she died. While the couple were never able to have children, 16 foster
children passed through their home at various stages of their lives and stayed long enough to call them mother and dad. Foster son David Grant of Payette was raised in their home. He later married Lela Babcock from Payette and she became the daughter that Eva had never had. ...There are too many of the Breshears relatives to name here who survive Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva, who have treasured memories of this special relative also.
Other survivors include their foster son David Grant of Payette and his descendants; Lela Grant, Payette; Sonya and Mike Smith, Pendleton Oregon; Debbie and Monte Bruck, Ontario Oregon; Tom and Kay Grant, Fruitland; Pam and Frank Steelman, Boise; 10 foster grandchildren; 1
foster gr-gr grandchild.
While Eva was a member of the LDS Church and was a firm believer in God and Prayer, she did not attend. She felt that if she helped others along the way it was with the help of God. "I am grateful to the dear Lord for letting me come to earth," she said. Eva who would have been 103 years old on 3 August did not plan to live so long... even though she accepted it as God's plan. In recent years she would say "Why do I have to live so long?" The answer by Joy Beckman - "Perhaps you are alive because everyone loves you so much, Eva."
Married Eva Cornelia Hill.
*The following article was contributed by Jan Thomas*
Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva were named Citizens of The Week - Eva by the Boise Statesman, 7 Sep 1975.
They were also honored at a Social Event: 20 Oct 1977, The Weiser Signal...Art and Eva Breshears celebrate 70 years of marriage at their Weiser River home. It was 10 Oct 1907 when the 20-year old Eva Hill exchanged wedding vows with 22 year old Arthur Breshears, Sunday Oct 9, 1977, the two greeted some 150 guests at their home on the Weiser River road east of Weiser, their home for the past 59 years. The celebration was planned by foster children and grandchildren: the David Grants, Frank Steelmans, and Lela Grant, Payette; Frank Cinegas, Ontario and Tom Grants of Fruitland.
Myrtle Eytchison, Arthur's neice, planned the music. Pianist Harry G. Warr and Greet Hammond was soloist. All are from Boise. David and Beverly Grant sang a duet.
Friends and neighbors who served were Bess Foster Smith, Daisy Warren, Gertrude Kelly, Rosalind hickey, Bernice Smith, Lovena Erickson and Velma Lyle. Also helping were members of the Shamrock Club which Eva started with a meeting in her home in 1923.
Middleton residents at the time of their marriage, Art and Eva were married at the De Lamar Hotel, Boise, which had been built as a residence for Christopher Moore, founder of the Idaho First National Bank. There were two friends and a pianist present. Eva carried a 50 year old Chinese silk handkerchief given her by a dear friend who carried it from Joliet, Illinois. The handkerchief has since been the "something old" carried by countless brides. Now 120 years old, it is in perfect condition.
In recounting her wedding, Eva recalls that Rev. Murry was a devoutly sincere man... but delivered their vows at such a slow meticulous pace that she said "I do" to soon. Blushing with the though that Arthur would no doubt tease about it the rest of her life, she was delighted to hear
him entone "I do" also before the proper time.
Coming home to Middleton in 1907, Eva related the story of how she and Arthur Andrew Breshears began their courtship. At first the were both interested in someone else. She finally chose Arthur, not because he happened to have the shiniest buggy and best team of horses in town, but because he was the handsomest man, and one who smelled of soap and water.
They had to shop for furniture in Caldwell and it arrived inter-urban. There was a square table she loved, but it was too expensive so she chose a cheaper one. "But, dear Arthur, quietly bought the expensive one for me and there it was when the furniture was delivered," she related.
Their little house and furniture were paid for before they moved in. Further, Arthur gave her $200.00 to buy what she wanted for the house. As well as owning part interest in a meat market, Arthur also became Constable of Middleton.
Arthur and Eva's home was established and life began in earnest as a short while later he went to work for an Ore Reduction Plant which went broke - he lost a years wages. Also a hotel he had an interest in, burned, a few days after the insurance ran out.
Before marriage Eva informed Arthur that she would never live on a farm. Nevertheless, they packed their belongings and headed for the first real hardship they had known, nine years on a Burley, Idaho homestead. They had coyote and jackrabbits for neighbors and were surrounded by
sagebrush. They lived in a 10 by 12 shack. "I had never really been lonely before," related Eva." It was 20 miles to the nearest water and when she arrived at the spring she would sit and "visit" with her reflection. Later she drove to neighbors homes to give lessons. She also took more lessons and played in an orchestra for dances. "I wouldn't take a million dollars for our experiences there, nor would I do it again for two million. Over the years I found that the most rugged times in our lives make the best growth.
In March 1918 they came to Weiser in two railroad cars that transported the cattle, the dog, cat, machinery, furniture and chickens. A neighbor even sent along a sagebrush plant.
Arthur and Eva usually drove pretty nice cars and she related the time they were spinning along in their new Chrysler, on their way home from Boise with only a dime between them for gas... which they were fast running out of. "We were singing as if we had good sense as we watched
the meter drop. Then I remembered my cream can money. We stopped at a station, wrote a check and got some gas... hoping there would be enough in the cream can to cover it.
Eva recalled about how they used to have house dances. The last time there were 63 people to dance in their little spare bedroom. There were also babies asleep on their bed and one of them wet clear through on their new matress - there were no more house dances at the Breshears's home.
Home for some 60 Years was a two-story house across from Jeffrey Schoolhouse, 6 miles east of Weiser on the Weiser River Road. The house sat on some 200 acres. The school became her life. She couldn't recall how many teachers boarded with them. She played the piano for the students, mended their cloths, and tended to their scratches and bruises, so mothers would be less mad. She related that she patched up accident related injuries that she'd probably be sued for now. The fathers of both Arthur and Eva lived with them in twighlight years.
Between them Arthur and Eva served 26 years on the school board. During the time she was on the board she succeeded in getting school to run for nine months, instead of the normal seven - this in spite if the ranchers who didn't want to pay the extra taxes.
Life was not always pure happiness for Arthur and Eva. They went broke four times. Her dear friend, Mr. Cave, had described her Arthur as the "Rock of Gibralter", one of God's noblemen. Eva only cried once over their financial troubles, and that was for Arthurs sake. They had 3,600
sheep, and Uncle Sam got the proceeds. "We had both worked so hard and I felt it quite unfair", she once said. Then there was the time that they had cattle to sell to pay a dept and the truck wrecked on the way to town, ruined the cattle. They sold the farm in Burley and never received
the money for it.
When the banks closed during the depression they were told to get their money out on a certain day. However, a dear friend was being buried that day and when they returned from the funeral the banks were closed. They had 17 cents between them. The depression was going full swing and Eva and Arthur wanted to go to the world's Fair in Chicago. They figured their grain money would get them there in style. The man who threshed for them owed them money so the grain profit would be all theirs - not so. The man did not own the thrashing machine and the machine owner attached the grain. They were desperate. If they could get the money by a certain day they could get tickets for $29.15 each. Arthur went to their attorney who got their Fair money for them.
They spent a wonderful vacation in Chicago with Mr. and Mrs. Abram Gale of the Chicago. Mr. Gale, his sons and friends had taken frequent pack trips with Arthur into Idaho's mountains and were returning the compliment by entrtaining the Breshears.
The Breshears were named Distinguished Citizens by the Statesman in 1976...and have received congratulatory cards from President Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.
Eva and Arthur were named Citizens of the Week by the Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep 1975. In April 1981, Eva was named Beta Sigma Phi First Lady of Weiser Idaho. Her last years were spent in the Weiser Care Center where she died. While the couple were never able to have children, 16 foster
children passed through their home at various stages of their lives and stayed long enough to call them mother and dad. Foster son David Grant of Payette was raised in their home. He later married Lela Babcock from Payette and she became the daughter that Eva had never had. ...There are too many of the Breshears relatives to name here who survive Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva, who have treasured memories of this special relative also.
Other survivors include their foster son David Grant of Payette and his descendants; Lela Grant, Payette; Sonya and Mike Smith, Pendleton Oregon; Debbie and Monte Bruck, Ontario Oregon; Tom and Kay Grant, Fruitland; Pam and Frank Steelman, Boise; 10 foster grandchildren; 1
foster gr-gr grandchild.
While Eva was a member of the LDS Church and was a firm believer in God and Prayer, she did not attend. She felt that if she helped others along the way it was with the help of God. "I am grateful to the dear Lord for letting me come to earth," she said. Eva who would have been 103 years old on 3 August did not plan to live so long... even though she accepted it as God's plan. In recent years she would say "Why do I have to live so long?" The answer by Joy Beckman - "Perhaps you are alive because everyone loves you so much, Eva."
Arthur is the son of Andrew Jackson Breshears and Martha Melvina Hammock Breshears.
Married Eva Cornelia Hill.
*The following article was contributed by Jan Thomas*
Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva were named Citizens of The Week - Eva by the Boise Statesman, 7 Sep 1975.
They were also honored at a Social Event: 20 Oct 1977, The Weiser Signal...Art and Eva Breshears celebrate 70 years of marriage at their Weiser River home. It was 10 Oct 1907 when the 20-year old Eva Hill exchanged wedding vows with 22 year old Arthur Breshears, Sunday Oct 9, 1977, the two greeted some 150 guests at their home on the Weiser River road east of Weiser, their home for the past 59 years. The celebration was planned by foster children and grandchildren: the David Grants, Frank Steelmans, and Lela Grant, Payette; Frank Cinegas, Ontario and Tom Grants of Fruitland.
Myrtle Eytchison, Arthur's neice, planned the music. Pianist Harry G. Warr and Greet Hammond was soloist. All are from Boise. David and Beverly Grant sang a duet.
Friends and neighbors who served were Bess Foster Smith, Daisy Warren, Gertrude Kelly, Rosalind hickey, Bernice Smith, Lovena Erickson and Velma Lyle. Also helping were members of the Shamrock Club which Eva started with a meeting in her home in 1923.
Middleton residents at the time of their marriage, Art and Eva were married at the De Lamar Hotel, Boise, which had been built as a residence for Christopher Moore, founder of the Idaho First National Bank. There were two friends and a pianist present. Eva carried a 50 year old Chinese silk handkerchief given her by a dear friend who carried it from Joliet, Illinois. The handkerchief has since been the "something old" carried by countless brides. Now 120 years old, it is in perfect condition.
In recounting her wedding, Eva recalls that Rev. Murry was a devoutly sincere man... but delivered their vows at such a slow meticulous pace that she said "I do" to soon. Blushing with the though that Arthur would no doubt tease about it the rest of her life, she was delighted to hear
him entone "I do" also before the proper time.
Coming home to Middleton in 1907, Eva related the story of how she and Arthur Andrew Breshears began their courtship. At first the were both interested in someone else. She finally chose Arthur, not because he happened to have the shiniest buggy and best team of horses in town, but because he was the handsomest man, and one who smelled of soap and water.
They had to shop for furniture in Caldwell and it arrived inter-urban. There was a square table she loved, but it was too expensive so she chose a cheaper one. "But, dear Arthur, quietly bought the expensive one for me and there it was when the furniture was delivered," she related.
Their little house and furniture were paid for before they moved in. Further, Arthur gave her $200.00 to buy what she wanted for the house. As well as owning part interest in a meat market, Arthur also became Constable of Middleton.
Arthur and Eva's home was established and life began in earnest as a short while later he went to work for an Ore Reduction Plant which went broke - he lost a years wages. Also a hotel he had an interest in, burned, a few days after the insurance ran out.
Before marriage Eva informed Arthur that she would never live on a farm. Nevertheless, they packed their belongings and headed for the first real hardship they had known, nine years on a Burley, Idaho homestead. They had coyote and jackrabbits for neighbors and were surrounded by
sagebrush. They lived in a 10 by 12 shack. "I had never really been lonely before," related Eva." It was 20 miles to the nearest water and when she arrived at the spring she would sit and "visit" with her reflection. Later she drove to neighbors homes to give lessons. She also took more lessons and played in an orchestra for dances. "I wouldn't take a million dollars for our experiences there, nor would I do it again for two million. Over the years I found that the most rugged times in our lives make the best growth.
In March 1918 they came to Weiser in two railroad cars that transported the cattle, the dog, cat, machinery, furniture and chickens. A neighbor even sent along a sagebrush plant.
Arthur and Eva usually drove pretty nice cars and she related the time they were spinning along in their new Chrysler, on their way home from Boise with only a dime between them for gas... which they were fast running out of. "We were singing as if we had good sense as we watched
the meter drop. Then I remembered my cream can money. We stopped at a station, wrote a check and got some gas... hoping there would be enough in the cream can to cover it.
Eva recalled about how they used to have house dances. The last time there were 63 people to dance in their little spare bedroom. There were also babies asleep on their bed and one of them wet clear through on their new matress - there were no more house dances at the Breshears's home.
Home for some 60 Years was a two-story house across from Jeffrey Schoolhouse, 6 miles east of Weiser on the Weiser River Road. The house sat on some 200 acres. The school became her life. She couldn't recall how many teachers boarded with them. She played the piano for the students, mended their cloths, and tended to their scratches and bruises, so mothers would be less mad. She related that she patched up accident related injuries that she'd probably be sued for now. The fathers of both Arthur and Eva lived with them in twighlight years.
Between them Arthur and Eva served 26 years on the school board. During the time she was on the board she succeeded in getting school to run for nine months, instead of the normal seven - this in spite if the ranchers who didn't want to pay the extra taxes.
Life was not always pure happiness for Arthur and Eva. They went broke four times. Her dear friend, Mr. Cave, had described her Arthur as the "Rock of Gibralter", one of God's noblemen. Eva only cried once over their financial troubles, and that was for Arthurs sake. They had 3,600
sheep, and Uncle Sam got the proceeds. "We had both worked so hard and I felt it quite unfair", she once said. Then there was the time that they had cattle to sell to pay a dept and the truck wrecked on the way to town, ruined the cattle. They sold the farm in Burley and never received
the money for it.
When the banks closed during the depression they were told to get their money out on a certain day. However, a dear friend was being buried that day and when they returned from the funeral the banks were closed. They had 17 cents between them. The depression was going full swing and Eva and Arthur wanted to go to the world's Fair in Chicago. They figured their grain money would get them there in style. The man who threshed for them owed them money so the grain profit would be all theirs - not so. The man did not own the thrashing machine and the machine owner attached the grain. They were desperate. If they could get the money by a certain day they could get tickets for $29.15 each. Arthur went to their attorney who got their Fair money for them.
They spent a wonderful vacation in Chicago with Mr. and Mrs. Abram Gale of the Chicago. Mr. Gale, his sons and friends had taken frequent pack trips with Arthur into Idaho's mountains and were returning the compliment by entrtaining the Breshears.
The Breshears were named Distinguished Citizens by the Statesman in 1976...and have received congratulatory cards from President Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.
Eva and Arthur were named Citizens of the Week by the Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep 1975. In April 1981, Eva was named Beta Sigma Phi First Lady of Weiser Idaho. Her last years were spent in the Weiser Care Center where she died. While the couple were never able to have children, 16 foster
children passed through their home at various stages of their lives and stayed long enough to call them mother and dad. Foster son David Grant of Payette was raised in their home. He later married Lela Babcock from Payette and she became the daughter that Eva had never had. ...There are too many of the Breshears relatives to name here who survive Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva, who have treasured memories of this special relative also.
Other survivors include their foster son David Grant of Payette and his descendants; Lela Grant, Payette; Sonya and Mike Smith, Pendleton Oregon; Debbie and Monte Bruck, Ontario Oregon; Tom and Kay Grant, Fruitland; Pam and Frank Steelman, Boise; 10 foster grandchildren; 1
foster gr-gr grandchild.
While Eva was a member of the LDS Church and was a firm believer in God and Prayer, she did not attend. She felt that if she helped others along the way it was with the help of God. "I am grateful to the dear Lord for letting me come to earth," she said. Eva who would have been 103 years old on 3 August did not plan to live so long... even though she accepted it as God's plan. In recent years she would say "Why do I have to live so long?" The answer by Joy Beckman - "Perhaps you are alive because everyone loves you so much, Eva."
Married Eva Cornelia Hill.
*The following article was contributed by Jan Thomas*
Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva were named Citizens of The Week - Eva by the Boise Statesman, 7 Sep 1975.
They were also honored at a Social Event: 20 Oct 1977, The Weiser Signal...Art and Eva Breshears celebrate 70 years of marriage at their Weiser River home. It was 10 Oct 1907 when the 20-year old Eva Hill exchanged wedding vows with 22 year old Arthur Breshears, Sunday Oct 9, 1977, the two greeted some 150 guests at their home on the Weiser River road east of Weiser, their home for the past 59 years. The celebration was planned by foster children and grandchildren: the David Grants, Frank Steelmans, and Lela Grant, Payette; Frank Cinegas, Ontario and Tom Grants of Fruitland.
Myrtle Eytchison, Arthur's neice, planned the music. Pianist Harry G. Warr and Greet Hammond was soloist. All are from Boise. David and Beverly Grant sang a duet.
Friends and neighbors who served were Bess Foster Smith, Daisy Warren, Gertrude Kelly, Rosalind hickey, Bernice Smith, Lovena Erickson and Velma Lyle. Also helping were members of the Shamrock Club which Eva started with a meeting in her home in 1923.
Middleton residents at the time of their marriage, Art and Eva were married at the De Lamar Hotel, Boise, which had been built as a residence for Christopher Moore, founder of the Idaho First National Bank. There were two friends and a pianist present. Eva carried a 50 year old Chinese silk handkerchief given her by a dear friend who carried it from Joliet, Illinois. The handkerchief has since been the "something old" carried by countless brides. Now 120 years old, it is in perfect condition.
In recounting her wedding, Eva recalls that Rev. Murry was a devoutly sincere man... but delivered their vows at such a slow meticulous pace that she said "I do" to soon. Blushing with the though that Arthur would no doubt tease about it the rest of her life, she was delighted to hear
him entone "I do" also before the proper time.
Coming home to Middleton in 1907, Eva related the story of how she and Arthur Andrew Breshears began their courtship. At first the were both interested in someone else. She finally chose Arthur, not because he happened to have the shiniest buggy and best team of horses in town, but because he was the handsomest man, and one who smelled of soap and water.
They had to shop for furniture in Caldwell and it arrived inter-urban. There was a square table she loved, but it was too expensive so she chose a cheaper one. "But, dear Arthur, quietly bought the expensive one for me and there it was when the furniture was delivered," she related.
Their little house and furniture were paid for before they moved in. Further, Arthur gave her $200.00 to buy what she wanted for the house. As well as owning part interest in a meat market, Arthur also became Constable of Middleton.
Arthur and Eva's home was established and life began in earnest as a short while later he went to work for an Ore Reduction Plant which went broke - he lost a years wages. Also a hotel he had an interest in, burned, a few days after the insurance ran out.
Before marriage Eva informed Arthur that she would never live on a farm. Nevertheless, they packed their belongings and headed for the first real hardship they had known, nine years on a Burley, Idaho homestead. They had coyote and jackrabbits for neighbors and were surrounded by
sagebrush. They lived in a 10 by 12 shack. "I had never really been lonely before," related Eva." It was 20 miles to the nearest water and when she arrived at the spring she would sit and "visit" with her reflection. Later she drove to neighbors homes to give lessons. She also took more lessons and played in an orchestra for dances. "I wouldn't take a million dollars for our experiences there, nor would I do it again for two million. Over the years I found that the most rugged times in our lives make the best growth.
In March 1918 they came to Weiser in two railroad cars that transported the cattle, the dog, cat, machinery, furniture and chickens. A neighbor even sent along a sagebrush plant.
Arthur and Eva usually drove pretty nice cars and she related the time they were spinning along in their new Chrysler, on their way home from Boise with only a dime between them for gas... which they were fast running out of. "We were singing as if we had good sense as we watched
the meter drop. Then I remembered my cream can money. We stopped at a station, wrote a check and got some gas... hoping there would be enough in the cream can to cover it.
Eva recalled about how they used to have house dances. The last time there were 63 people to dance in their little spare bedroom. There were also babies asleep on their bed and one of them wet clear through on their new matress - there were no more house dances at the Breshears's home.
Home for some 60 Years was a two-story house across from Jeffrey Schoolhouse, 6 miles east of Weiser on the Weiser River Road. The house sat on some 200 acres. The school became her life. She couldn't recall how many teachers boarded with them. She played the piano for the students, mended their cloths, and tended to their scratches and bruises, so mothers would be less mad. She related that she patched up accident related injuries that she'd probably be sued for now. The fathers of both Arthur and Eva lived with them in twighlight years.
Between them Arthur and Eva served 26 years on the school board. During the time she was on the board she succeeded in getting school to run for nine months, instead of the normal seven - this in spite if the ranchers who didn't want to pay the extra taxes.
Life was not always pure happiness for Arthur and Eva. They went broke four times. Her dear friend, Mr. Cave, had described her Arthur as the "Rock of Gibralter", one of God's noblemen. Eva only cried once over their financial troubles, and that was for Arthurs sake. They had 3,600
sheep, and Uncle Sam got the proceeds. "We had both worked so hard and I felt it quite unfair", she once said. Then there was the time that they had cattle to sell to pay a dept and the truck wrecked on the way to town, ruined the cattle. They sold the farm in Burley and never received
the money for it.
When the banks closed during the depression they were told to get their money out on a certain day. However, a dear friend was being buried that day and when they returned from the funeral the banks were closed. They had 17 cents between them. The depression was going full swing and Eva and Arthur wanted to go to the world's Fair in Chicago. They figured their grain money would get them there in style. The man who threshed for them owed them money so the grain profit would be all theirs - not so. The man did not own the thrashing machine and the machine owner attached the grain. They were desperate. If they could get the money by a certain day they could get tickets for $29.15 each. Arthur went to their attorney who got their Fair money for them.
They spent a wonderful vacation in Chicago with Mr. and Mrs. Abram Gale of the Chicago. Mr. Gale, his sons and friends had taken frequent pack trips with Arthur into Idaho's mountains and were returning the compliment by entrtaining the Breshears.
The Breshears were named Distinguished Citizens by the Statesman in 1976...and have received congratulatory cards from President Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.
Eva and Arthur were named Citizens of the Week by the Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep 1975. In April 1981, Eva was named Beta Sigma Phi First Lady of Weiser Idaho. Her last years were spent in the Weiser Care Center where she died. While the couple were never able to have children, 16 foster
children passed through their home at various stages of their lives and stayed long enough to call them mother and dad. Foster son David Grant of Payette was raised in their home. He later married Lela Babcock from Payette and she became the daughter that Eva had never had. ...There are too many of the Breshears relatives to name here who survive Uncle Arthur and Aunt Eva, who have treasured memories of this special relative also.
Other survivors include their foster son David Grant of Payette and his descendants; Lela Grant, Payette; Sonya and Mike Smith, Pendleton Oregon; Debbie and Monte Bruck, Ontario Oregon; Tom and Kay Grant, Fruitland; Pam and Frank Steelman, Boise; 10 foster grandchildren; 1
foster gr-gr grandchild.
While Eva was a member of the LDS Church and was a firm believer in God and Prayer, she did not attend. She felt that if she helped others along the way it was with the help of God. "I am grateful to the dear Lord for letting me come to earth," she said. Eva who would have been 103 years old on 3 August did not plan to live so long... even though she accepted it as God's plan. In recent years she would say "Why do I have to live so long?" The answer by Joy Beckman - "Perhaps you are alive because everyone loves you so much, Eva."
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