GOOSE
2009
My friend Layne and I are continuing our weekly theme photo shoots. We are being joined by other friends sharing their respective view of the world. This weeks theme is “This is America.” I took a trip up to Utah this week to do some family history research. It gave me an opportunity to capture Sedona in Fall colors, Kanab at sunset, and Willard, the home of some of my maternal ancestors.
This is America
11/6/09
Beautiful red rocks of Sedona, Arizona.
Box Elder County Courthouse, Brigham City, Utah
Brigham City Tabernacle
Mary Ellen Brewerton Ward (1862-1923)
The Willard, Utah flood of 1923 took the life of my maternal ancestor, Mary Ellen Brewerton Ward. Mary Ellen was living in the rock home above at the end of the lane leading up to the Canyon. Mary Ellen, her daughter in law, Agnes, and her 11 year old granddaughter, Sylvia were in the house when the flood came. Mary Ellen and Agnes were killed. Sylvia survived and wrote the following: “As the flood hit Grandmother Ward’s house, I looked out the door and saw a mass of swirling mud and water. I turned to Grandmother and said, “Oh, Grandmother!” She took me in her arms and said, “Don’t be afraid, dear.” She led me into the kitchen along with Aunt Aggie. We remained there until the mud and water were up to our knees. Suddenly we were swept out the back door into the swirling mass. I called to Grandmother. We reached our hands out to each other, but our hands never met.”
The final resting place of Mary Ellen Brewerton Ward next to her husband in the Willard Cemetery.
