History of Leona Smith England Larson

Written at Burley, Idaho.
After four years of happy courtships, on the eve of January 29th, 1917, John Davis Larson and I, Leona Smith England, left my parents' home in Starsferry accompanied with Davis's parents in a bobsleigh for the Burley train depot. To our surprise we were met there by members of the choir that I was a member of. The rice that was wasted was shameful but, oh, what fun, laughter and singing we had. When arriving in Salt Lake an old time neighbor, Howard and wife Milley Craner met us at the depot and escorted us to the courthouse for our license. January 31st, 1917 we were married in the Salt Lake temple for time and eternity. We were two scared kids not knowing what we were to do. We had no plans for a honeymoon trip, so returned home in Burley. Family and friends gave us a lovely shower which we were thankful for. Davis had saved so we could pay for furnishing two rooms, a bedroom and a kitchen in the home of Davis's parents where we lived for the first year. Davis farmed for his Dad with the help of the younger boys while his older brother Ed took over a large band of sheep. We had a very good cow and a half dozen chickens and bum lamb, these with careful planning kept us in groceries. Our garden was good and at the end of the year the crop was harvested and it was bounteous. The pay for our summer work was a home built on the corner of our land, half a mile from the Larson home.

We stared our married life right when we went to the temple for we would call on the Father in Heaven for guidance without guilt and we needed guidance often. Davis was a hard worker and efficient farmer. We had a span of 4 work horses and when he spoke to them they did not plunge but put their shoulders to the harness with all they needed to do their job. One of the horses was flity and would run at the drop of a hat. This cause much worry and heartbreak. We had no luxuries in our home only that which was essential for making a home, and we were happy helping one another. We drilled a well and for a time pumped the water for stock and house use by hand and, oh, how good that water was. After the first year our family started to increase. Our first a beautiful baby girl. We were so happy and scared over the responsibility and wanting to do a good job. The second was a fine boy, not so good looking but a jolly little bug. My Mother said I stuck a lump of biscuit dough for a chin on him and then stuck my finger thro' it, the dimple was so deep. Through the years of working with the soil our Father in Heaven gave us sufficient for our needs putting our minds on the teachings of the Gospel we were blessed with four more choice, mischievous bundles to enjoy and watch grow into maturity; one of those departing this life at the age of 16 years.

During the summer after our first baby came and the crops were planted we went into the hills with a small band of sheep and the older brother Ed watched over the farm. What fun tramping the hills, cooking in a sheep camp and helping bring the sheep to camp at night. Baby Vera was so tiny and many a time the sudden storms would drench us all before we could reach shelter.

Through the years our family chose companions and started their life by going to the temple and being married for time and eternity bringing to us 30 grandchildren. Not all of these have followed in their parents footsteps, but we still have hopes. Davis and I worked in the ward and stake genealogical committees. Davis was called into the Bishopric and after a time we were called into the stake mission; because of ill healthe Davis was released but I completed my term. We relieved ourselves of winter work and started spending our winters in Mesa, Arizona, doing what we had started years before at the Logan ad Idaho Falls temples; ordinance for the dead. We had much joy in this work and mad many friends. We got us a little home near the Arizona temple. We still had our small farm in Burley, Idaho, and interest in the dry farm south of Declo. In the summer we enjoyed going over the places checking the fences and the crops. Davis would take over the tractor with the rake or bailer while the boys checked the water or went in for dinner. We always had a good garden. In the summer of 1963 Davis took very ill and when improved had an urge to dispose of our holdings in Burley which we did except a small portion of the dry farm and corner near the big farm home. This we had a trailer home put on. We were happy there and confortable. In the fall we would return to Mesa for the winter. We were confortable and enjoyed our home and temple work visiting with friends and neighbors who were there for the same purpose. January 20th, 1964 after visiting with friends and neighbors at the laundry doing the washing, we returned home to water the lawn and hang the clothes. He teasingly turned the hose on me, I threatened him with the same treatment. He dropped the hose and grabbed me in his arms giving me the usual bear hug. We laughingly turned the hose off. After lunch and rest we turned to trimming a disorderly small limb from the citrus tree, standing side by side and visiting with a neighbor passing by. Then without warning Davis fell to the ground. I called for help but he had already departed this life; surrounded by neighbors and friends in seconds. The family came and a departing funeral was held 23rd January, 1964 at Mesa presided over by Bishop E.J. Swenson. We started for Burley, Idaho, where after arriving another funeral was arranged for. It was held in the Burley first ward. He was laid to rest beside Vaun January 27, 1964 in the Pleasant View cemetery. I am thankful for the loving, thoughtful companion that Dad was.