2009 - 15 April

The Barrus Family News

Descendants of Ruel Melvin and Zina Emeline Hale Barrus

Four granddaughters of Delsa Barrus Campbell are pictured with their mother, left to right: Emilie, Krisie, Lark, Kimberly, and their mother Bevonne. Absent from picture: daughter Katalina.

Delsa's Journal

Just 3 months after her beloved husband died, Delsa Barrus Campbell passed away on February 13, 2009 in South Jordan, Utah at her daughter’s home. She was 88 years old. Delsa was born on November 27, 1920 in Groveland, Idaho to Ruel Melvin Barrus and Zina Emeline Hale. She was raised in Groveland along with her 3 brothers and 4 sisters. She had many fond memories of her childhood and youth in that rural community.

The following is from a talk given by Delsa’s daughters Vallejo and Bevonne at the funeral.

“We have been reading some of Mother’s journals and we would like to share a few of her thoughts with you. Mother said it was very hard to express her true feelings in writing and she wished she could paint her feelings instead.

“This experience took place about the 1st of July in 1942 at Juniper, Idaho in their one room log house that didn’t have electricity. It was located at least a mile from any neighbors.

“My baby, Conley, was about 10 months old. He became very ill with a high fever which lasted most of one day. Toward evening he seemed a little better. I had not had much rest and I lay down on the bed, putting Conley on the pillow close beside me. I did not sleep as I was worried about his condition. His breathing was quite irregular and he seemed delirious, not recognizing either me or his father.

“Toward the middle of the night he suddenly stopped breathing, or appeared to stop. I grabbed him up off the pillow and called for my husband to light the lantern. In the meantime Conley had gone stiff in my arms and appeared as though he was dead. I asked Lowell to get the consecrated oil and he administered to our baby.

“Almost immediately after the completion of the prayer, Conley began breathing – slowly at first and then it was as though he regained consciousness.

“Lowell asked me if he should go after someone – it was 60 miles to the nearest doctor. I told him that there was no need for going after a doctor as I knew that Conley would get well. We lay down again and this time I went to sleep. Toward morning I was awakened by Conley who had heard the rooster crowing and was imitating it. He said, “er-er-er-r” I distinctly remember the thrill which I received at that time, knowing that out Heavenly Father heard our prayer and had healed our baby.”

* * *

January, 1944: “I hope and pray that we may have a large family. So far our family consists of two children, so sweet and precious that all manner of riches and costly apparel could never take their place.”

* * *

March 12, 1944: “I believe that a person’s character is developed to a large extent by his associates. When we feel that people are depending on us we gather our strength and go forth in the battle with much more courage.”

* * *

July 1977: Eulogy of Delsa Barrus Campbell—Written by Delsa: “Let it be said of me that I was faithful in keeping the commandments of my Father in Heaven to the end of my days upon the Earth. Let it be said of me that I loved the Lord and that He has sustained me in my every hour of need and has lifted me up.

“Life on the Earth has not been easy – it has been beset with temptations and trials and Satan has tried me to the core, but through faith in the Lord I have been able to overcome. When my burdens have become more than I could bear I have given them to the Lord saying, “Wilt thou also take this burden as I am unable to bear it, and if thou wilt, I will be diligent and try with my might to do thy work.” My Lord has thus sustained me.

“Now to my children – I pray that they might hold to the iron rod which is the gospel of Jesus Christ and not be overcome by the world. Someone has said, “Wouldn’t it be a shame to throw it all away just because you don’t see it all right now.”

“To my oldest son, Conley, who has been a great blessing to me – I know of your great faith and of your love for our Savior. Continue to hold fast to keeping the commandments and endure to the end.

“To my sweet, beautiful daughters, Bevonne and Vallejo – remember that the most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes. Pass this heritage on to your children and your children’s children. Always be firm in teaching the truths of the gospel.

“To Larron – a happy spirit – a child of much faith and love. Be patient and listen to the Lord so that he can work thru you.

“Darrell, my fifth child – God loves you and He will sustain you in all your trials – be of good cheer and put your full trust in Him.

“To Darius, my fourth son, The Lord loves you and knows of your needs and your many prayers and he will bring the blessings after your trials.

“To Dalan – Remember the example of the Master in teaching your children in love. I love you for your diligence in clinging to that which is commanded of the Lord.

“To my last child, my Donald – I have loved you so very much – my God grant that we may all be together in His Kingdom above.

“To my husband and the father of my children – The Lord has held us by the hand and has been so very good to us. My last prayer is that I may hold your hand and be by your side thru all eternity.

The Nickerson Flag -(photo at top of page)

The Nickerson Flag was carried to Utah from Nauvoo, Illinois by Huldah Chapman Nickerson, widow of Freeman Nickerson and their 2nd daughter, Caroline Eliza.

Huldah Abigail Nickerson, sister to Caroline, was married to Emery Barrus. They settled in Grantsville.

In an article published in the Deseret News on July 3, 1952, Kate B. Carter, president of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, stated that she considered the Nickerson flag to be the most precious flag in the collection at the Pioneer Memorial Museum. This unique handmade flag measures twenty-six by seventy-four inches and was made of heavy white muslin. The components are attached with a loose basting stitch on one side only. There are eleven stripes made from torn gray-blue suiting and red wool in the following order: white, red, white, blue, white, red, white, blue, white, red, and white. The maker appears to have run out of fabric, as there are fewer than thirteen stripes, and some of the stripes do not extend to the end of the flag. One red stripe was even finished in blue.

The canton (the upper left-hand corner of the flag) is outlined by a blue-gray strip. Thirteen blue five-pointed paper stars, arranged in one vertical row of four and three vertical rows of three (not in the circle that we are used to seeing in traditional colonial flags) are glued onto the white canton. The flag has a wide pole hem which is open on each end. It was likely displayed vertically, as the end is frayed.

According to family tradition, this one-of-a-kind flag was brought across the plains in 1850 with Caroline Eliza Nickerson Hubbard and her mother, Huldah Chapman Nickerson. It must have been precious to Caroline Eliza and Huldah, as they brought little else with them. Caroline Eliza treasured the flag until her death in 1889 when it was passed on to her grandson, Willard Richards Carter. Willard cherished the flag for forty-two years, then donated it to the DUP in 1931.

The flag’s age and origin remain a mystery, and Maxine F. Rasmussen, one of Caroline Eliza’s descendants, continues to seek answers to intriguing but unanswered questions. Who made the flag and when? Since the flag has thirteen stars, and Caroline Eliza Nickerson had ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War, she thought that it might date from the 1770’s. When flag experts were consulted, however, they expressed doubts that the flag was made suring the Revolutionary era, as there is no evidence that flags were made and used by common citizens at that time.

Another interesting mystery involves the unique design of the flag. Perhaps the makers crafted a thirteen-star flag in honor of their colonial American heritage. Why was the canton white instead of blue? Why were the stripes blue as well as red and white? Why wasn’t the flag hemmed?

Was this unique flag made from a few available scraps of fabric to memorialize the death of Caroline Eliza’s [and Huldah Abigail’s] father, Freeman Nickerson, who was a veteran of the War of 1812. He died near the Chariton River Crossing in Iowa on 22 January, 1847, while the family was en route to join with the Latter-Day Saints at Council Bluffs.

In any case, it is quite likely that Huldah Nickerson or Caroline Eliza Nickerson Hubbard made the flag and hung it from their wagon while on their trek west. When the great westward migration was in full swing during the years from 1840 to 1870, it was common for pioneers to display hand-sewn flags on their wagons. We are fortunate that this symbol of pioneer patriotism is preserved in the Pioneer Memorial Museum. It is located in a case in the military room in the southwest corner of the basement.


Commentary by Rosalie: “…and to think about the responsibility that we have to live worthy of them [our ancestors] and of all that they did and all that they sacrificed for their faith.”

* * *

Leola’s Family

From Ida-Feb 17, 2009

Hunter and I are cousins (twice). Our great grandmothers are sisters (Helen Louisa Hunter and Ida Princetta Hunter).

We also both come through Jonathan H. Hale. (My husband) Hunter comes through Jonathan's son Aroet and I come through Jonathan's son, Alma. We named our first son Jonathan Hunter Hale. I wonder how many Jonathan's are named after our wonderful ancestor, Jonathan H. Hale.

We have lived in the same place since we were married in 1972 which is now called Cottonwood Heights. We are in the new Draper Temple district. We were able to go to the open house and it was wonderful. Hunter is involved in the audio visual part of the open house assignment our stake has.

Our family started out with eight of us. We have added three spouses and two grandchildren with two more grandchildren due in March and June. That will bring us to fifteen by summer.
-Hunter and Ida Hale

Update from Laurie’s Family

Hi, I am Laurie; Leola's youngest daughter. I am the librarian in my ward, I am so thankful for this calling. It has helped me so much to be able to serve others, also It has helped me to remember the Gospel stories that my parents taught me when I was young.

There are so many references to help us to study about the Gospel in our ward libraries. I work part time as a Caregiver. My oldest son Bryan is living at home. He works in American Fork at this time for Sears, I am thankful for all he does to make sure we have a home to live in.

Andrew is currently living in Arizona, he is a Certified Auto Mechanic, working hard and making plans to start his own business there. Angela and Sara are working at different Wal-Mart stores here in the Salt lake Valley. My youngest Anna is attending high school as a sophomore this year. I have two beautiful Grandchildren, Nadia, and Omar, We are all doing well.
- Laurie Ruiz




Neil’s Family

>Thanks Michelle, granddaughter of Neil and Betty, for sending a wonderful directory for their families. Michelle noted that Heather (Pamela’s daughter) was to be married in March.




Lillian’s Family

From Bernice: In talking with family members we thought others would enjoy hearing about the changes that have taken place in Pauline's family and so asked that she give us an update on her and Weldon. She wrote:

Almost three years ago it became necessary for Weldon to find new employment. It was hard to leave Utah State after almost 32 years and difficult to leave our ward where Weldon was serving as bishop. It was especially hard to leave our children and 14 grandchildren.

As we contemplated our move to the little town of Curtis, Nebraska (population less than 800), and to the little school named Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (student body less than 300), we never could have imagined what it would mean in our lives. Weldon as truly been blessed as Dean of the school and has accomplished many great things here. We are being tested and tried but we are also growing and gaining in faith and testimony. We are grateful for the opportunities the Lord has given us to serve.

Weldon has been President of Kearney Nebraska Stake (over 40,000 square miles) since last April (2008) and Pauline is President of McCook Branch Relief Society (approximately 5,000 square miles). We are constantly in awe at the miracles the Lord provides to enable us to carry out our callings. Sunday mornings Weldon leaves very early and usually heads north and east. Pauline leaves a little later and heads south.

A statement from Elder Marlin K. Jensen to Pauline last April has given us both comfort and strength to continue on. “I know that the Lord will make these years especially sweet for you and will consecrate your sacrifices to your good and to the good of your family members.” We testify that this is coming true for both us and our family.

As a family we know that mother (Aunt Lillian) was very concerned about the keeping of family records. We hope that each of you is keeping records within your families sharing with your children the histories of our grandparents. If any one is interested in mother's book on the History of Juniper and Black Pine, Zeldon does still have a few copies for sale.

Last August (2008) Carla and Art’s children held an Open House to celebrate Art Exeter's 80th birthday. Carla continues to care for Art as he faces health challenges. He is now in his fourth year of being on dialysis.

Noreen has been working on family records and would like to coordinate efforts with any who desire to help. Let’s do what we can and pool our information. You can contact Noreen or any Family Organization officers by commenting below this post.

We have many fond memories of Barrus Family Reunions and hope to continue our association as a family.


Rosalie’s Family

Our mother, Rosalie Barrus Campbell, turned 90 on January 19, 2009. Family and friends, some who had traveled long distances, celebrated at her home that week in Logan. Mother surely enjoyed greeting dear ones and has continued to talk about it since. She lives at home with help from family and health care providers.

In November Mother attended Lowell’s funeral with Evan and Marion in South Jordan, Utah, where she was able to be with Delsa and others and to enjoy the wonderful spirit that was there.

Mother looks forward to Wednesdays. Each week on that day her granddaughter Emily and husband Drake invite family members who are in town to come to her home for the lunch hour (RSVP required).

Mother’s great-grandchildren now number 130. She has one great-great grandchild, Brenner Anders McMurray, born 28 Jul 2008. Brenner is the son of Andrew, the grandson of Doreen, g-grandson of Dorothy, g-g-grandson of Rosalie.




Ruel’s Family

(February 8, 2009)

Dear Family,
I have news; a great grand daughter GABRIELLA ELIZABETH MOSS, born Feb. 2nd to Sarah and Colin Moss at Caldwell, Idaho. Sarah is Bill and Jennie's oldest daughter and they live near Bill's farm with a Caldwell address. They also have a son, Zachary, age 1 ½. Bill sent me some e-mail pictures of the baby which was great.

As you know I am in Casa Grande AZ for three months and enjoying the sunshine. I had surgery on my right shoulder December 16th (in Boise) so won't be playing much golf before I go home.

Daughter Debbie and husband Dave have a park model home just down the street from mine which is nice as we visit often and she invites me to dinner. We will be attending some major league spring training games as we both like baseball, also some other activities.

Marilyn and Ron Taylor were here in the RV Park near us for two weeks and we had lots of fun. Lloyd and Ann Austin stopped by last week so it was great to see them.

Some of this is history and not news so use what you like. I think this is great starting the family news letter.

Love, Uncle Ruel




Verla’s Family

(Update from Carol and Jim Stratton and their 4 adult children, Kami, Jared, Josh, and Sam, starting with the youngest):

“Sam has announced his engagement to Emily Louise Dunlap of Maryville, Tennessee. They plan a long engagement while Emily completes her masters degree. Sam decided earlier this year that he wanted to step back from his college studies and see how good his band, The Royal Bangs, which has drawn good reviews, really is. They have exciting touring opportunities planned.

“Josh earned his masters degree at University of Utah this December and has accepted an offer from Dreamworks, a major producer of computer graphics in movies. Josh and Charity are the proud parents of a baby girl, Jane Alexandria, born February 9. They live in Santa Clarita, California. Baby girl #2 is due in May.

“Jared is now working as a laboratory technician in the medical facilities at University of Utah. He says he really likes it, and has improved the performance of the lab by organizing the computer operations.

“Kami continues to work as customer service manager for Infinity Internet. She is busy with her job, family, taking night classes for her college degree, and taking care of her little German shepherds Greta and Bruno. Kami and Brian live in Gresham, Oregon. They still have one daughter at home, Sally, age 17, and another, Katie, 21, and Jake, 20 who lives in Key West with his wife, Brittany.

“Carol continues to serve as ward humanitarian services leader. She is also working hard with the church’s name indexing program, entering names from census information into databases. In November Jim was called to serve as high priests group leader.

-Love, Carol and Jim Stratton




Winford’s Family

We are happy to introduce Melvin’s wife, Melodee M. Barrus. She has a lovely, large family; her youngest daughter is a sophomore in high school. Melvin and Melodee reside in Nampa, ID.

Hunter and Janice are serving a mission in Pennsylvania (home of the groundhog!) Their contact information can be obtained by requesting it under "comments."