by Leonora Miller Gill, daughter of Minerva – Sarah

On one occasion, in May of 1912, Grandpapa, then President of the Church, was invited to speak at the Mother’s Day Services of Farmers Ward, of which we were members. Uncle Wesley drove Grandpapa’s automobile but did not stay for the meeting and was not present when we were ready to go home, a half mile away. The ground was so muddy Grandpapa took hold of my hand and Ellen’s hand in his other hand and we started walking home along the streetcar tracks in the middle of State Street, the only dry place to walk, no sidewalks at that time. We did not walk very far, [when] Uncle Wesley came with the auto and we all had a ride home.

Uncle Richards often took Grandpapa down to Aunt Mary’s farm in Taylorsville. On the way he would often stop at our home, on State Street and bring Grandpapa in for a bowl of bread and milk. Mother would spread a white napkin out on the table and would always have a bowl of homemade breadcrumbs to put in his milk and cream. It gave us an opportunity to get acquainted with Grandpapa. It was a delightful experience that made lasting impressions on us.

One day after the bowl of bread and milk, Grandpapa and Uncle Richards invited us to ride out to Aunt Mary’s farm. This occasion I shall always remember. Aunt Mary occupied a room prepared for her in the barn. The home had not been built at this time. It had a bed in one corner and a stove and table with a few other things with which she prepared meals for the boys. The barn sat on a little hill overlooking the valley. On this occasion there was a beautiful sunset. Grandpapa stood just outside the barn door with his arm around Aunt Mary, both watching the sunset. It made a beautiful picture, one that I can still see in my mind’s eye.

I shall always remember a time when we were invited to the Beehive House to see Grandpapa. It was a short time before his death. We had dinner in the big dining room and after dinner we were taken upstairs to Grandpapa’s room. He had a bowl of cornmeal mush and another bowl of milk. As he would take a spoonful of cornmeal he would dip it in the bowl of milk and eat it. This was his favorite meal.

This was the last time I had to visit with Grandpapa. I shall always remember with joy his interest in us children. It was genuine and radiated with love. When in his presence he made us feel as if we were special people.