Classes of BYA Beaver Branch~HS~Murdock



Classes of BYA Beaver Branch~HS~Murdock's Website

Alphabetical Alumni
411, BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy

411, BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy
Beaver, Utah

High School Classes 411

The BYA ~ BYH Directory will attempt to include names of individuals who received high school diplomas from Brigham Young Academy Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, at least between 1908 and 1922. Some of these graduates stated in their biographies that they "graduated from high school at Brigham Young Academy". Graduating class sizes ranged from between 8 [in 1910] and 30 [in the 1920s]. The total number of high school graduates could range between 150 and 375. Centenarian graduates could live until 2009. In this section of the Directory, they will be listed in alphabetical order.

Principals of Brigham Young Academy Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy:

Ernest D. Partridge (beginning 1898 throh 1900, 3 years)
Andrew B. Anderson (6 years, 1901 to 1907)*
Josiah Hickman (3 years, 1907 to 1911)
E. E. Ericksen (3 years, 1911 to 1915)
Professor Horn [Joseph Leo Horne?] (1 year, 1915 to 1916)
Dr. Willard Gardner (2 years, 1916 to 1918)
Reinhard Maeser (2 years, 1918 to 1920)
Howard Maughn [Maughan] (2 years, ending when the high school was closed in 1922)
Source 1: Ephraim Edward Ericksen, Memoirs *Source 2: Casey Paul Griffiths, article "Life at a Church Academy in Beaver, Utah", also, autobiography of Andrew B. Anderson.

Adair, Mary Anna

Adair, Mary Anna
Provo, Utah US

Mary and Woodruff Allen

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1922? Mary Anna Adair. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Mary Anna Adair Allen, age 95, died September 15, 1999 in Orem, Utah. Born July 21, 1904 in Mammoth Creek in Garfield County, Utah, to Edwin Ruthvin Adair and Neminnie Sophia Clove. Orphaned at six, she was raised by her mother's sisters. She attended school at Orderville, Glendale and Murdock Academy. She married Woodruff Lloyd Allen, August 28, 1928 in the Salt Lake Temple. He died in 1977. She worked at Christensen's Department store in Richfield and for many years with the BYU Food Service. Anna was a faithful member of the LDS Church, and in later years, served proselyting; Family History; and Temple missions in Fresno, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. She was a consultant at the BYU Genealogical Library and a professional researcher in Scandinavian records. Anna will be fondly remembered by all, but especially by her grandchildren, to whom she gave unfailing love and support. Preceded in death by one brother, Ivor, and four sisters, Gertrude, Miriam, Emmaline, and Ruehama. Survived by three sons and two daughters: Dare (Diane) of Holladay; Phil (Janice) of Ogden; Dean (Nancy) of Gambrills, Maryland; Yolande Tew (Thirl) of Provo; and Carol Fowler of Salt Lake City; and by grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great great- grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Edgemont 21st Ward Chapel, 2900 North 650 East, Provo on Saturday, September 18, 1999. Interment, Orem City Cemetery. [Deseret News,Thursday, September 16, 1999.]

Anderson, Andrew B. (1885, 86)

Anderson, Andrew B. (1885, 86)
Salt Lake City, Utah US

Andrew and 2 Anderson

BY Academy High School Commercial Class of 1885, High School Class of 1886, and Collegiate Class of 1895. A. B. Anderson [Andrew Bjrring (sic) Anderson.] Awarded Assistant Teacher's Certificate. Source: The (Provo) Daily Enquirer, May 25, 1886. ~ ~ ~ ~ BY Academy Collegiate Class of 1895. Andrew B. Anderson. On May 23, 1895, he received both a [high school equivalent] Commercial College Diploma and also his B. Pd. Degree. Source 1: Students Record of Class Standings B. Y. Academy, Book 1, page 18. Source 2: Salt Lake Tribune, May 24, 1895. ~ ~ ~ ~ Photograph, Class of 1895. A. B. Anderson (male) appears in a photograph held by the BYU Archives purporting to be "the graduating Class of 1895" (UAP 2 Folder 038). ~ ~ ~ ~ IS THIS? Andrew B. Anderson, born September 14, 1866 in Ephriam, Utah. His parents are Andrew Rasmus Anderson and Mary Ann [or Mariane] Pederson Anderson. Andrew B. Anderson married twice: to Hannah Evans of September 12, 1888 in Manti, Utah; and to Anne Sophia Skinner. Andrew Bjrring Anderson died of "old age" on April 24, 1962 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His interment, Lehi City Cemetery, Utah. [Bjrring = Bjorring?] ~ ~ ~ ~ Andrew B. Anderson served as Principal of the Beaver Branch at Brigham Young Academy from 1900 to 1907. Source: "Life at a Church Academy in Beaver, Utah" by Casey Paul Griffiths, adjunct professor of Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University.

Anderson, Claus

Anderson, Claus
Salt Lake City, Utah US

Claus and Pearl/Ruth Anderson

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1917. Claus Childers Anderson. ~ ~ ~ ~ HIS OBITUARY: Claus Childers Anderson, age 93, died February 28, 1990 in Salt Lake City following surgery. Born May 2, 1896 in Burrville, Utah to Letitia and Andrew Anderson. Graduated from the Murdock Academy in 1917. Veteran of World War I, U.S. Navy. Married Pearl Larsen on November 18, 1919 and she died August 20, 1920. Married Ruth Arthur Nelson on November 19, 1927 and she died on July 30, 1971. Raised bees in southern Utah. Retired from State Highway Department in 1961. Active member of the LDS Church for 90 years. Survived by a son, Donald A. Anderson of Spokane, Washington; a daughter, Beverly Terry of Salt Lake City; sister, Bonnie Potts of Boulder, Colorado; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by a sister, Geneve Joseph of Seattle, Washington. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 3rd at in the Twentieth Ward Chapel, 107 G Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. His interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery. [Deseret News, Friday, March 2, 1990.]

Barton, Barbara Ellen

Barton, Barbara Ellen
Greenville, Utah US

Barbara Barton

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1910. Barbara Barton. Source: Program, Commencement Exercises, 1910. ~ ~ ~ ~ Barbara Ellen Barton was born on February 1, 1892 in Greenville, Beaver County, Utah. Her parents were Stephen Rollins Barton and Sarah Elizabeth Miller. Apparently she did not marry. She would have been about 18 years old in 1910. She died on October 8, 1916. Interment, Greenville Cemetery, Beaver County, Utah.

Bay, Ethel Del

Bay, Ethel Del
Salt Lake City, Utah US

Ethel and Samuel Hutchings

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1911? Ethel Bay. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Ethel Del Bay Hutchings. Having celebrated her 101st Birthday on Friday, May 6, and Mother's Day on May 8, Ethel Del Bay Hutchings passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 10, 1994, in Provo, Utah. Ethel was born in Junction, Utah on May 6, 1893, to James Willard Bay Jr. and Mary Eva LeBaron Bay, one of eight children. Ethel was one of the first graduates of the Murdock Academy in Beaver, Utah and taught school several years in Piute County. She was married to Samuel Ralph Hutchings in the Salt Lake Temple May 6, 1915. He passed away 1980. In Beaver, Utah, they raised their family before moving to Salt Lake City. She is survived by two daughters and four sons - Beth (Callister) Bulkley, Ralph Bay, Arden B., Donald B., LeGene B. Hutchings of Provo, Utah, a daughter, Mary Rae Pendleton, now serving a mission with her husband in Holland, and one brother, Francis L. Bay of Salt Lake City. For many years Ethel was a Desert News Correspondent for Southern Utah, Ward Relief Society and Primary presidents, served with her husband a mission in the Northwest and as ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple. She is a matriarch to a family of 368 children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, great- great- grandchildren, and one great- great- great- grandchild. From her posterity she leaves a legacy of 178 years of missionary work with seven grandchildren now serving as missionaries. Family has always been first in her life. She was a friend to all. Services were held in the Parley's 6th Ward, 2350 South 2100 East, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, May 14, 1994. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. [Deseret News, Thursday, May 12, 1994.]

Bay, Francis LeBaron

Bay, Francis LeBaron
Salt Lake City, Utah US

France and Florence Bay

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1920? Francis L. Bay. ~ ~ ~ ~ HIS OBITUARY: Francis LeBaron Bay, passed on January 22, 2001 of causes incident to old age; he was 99 years old. Uncle France was born November 1, 1901 to James Willard Bay, Jr. and Mary Eva LeBaron in Junction, Utah (Piute County), the seventh of eight children and last of the family to survive. He attended school in Junction, then Murdock Academy in Beaver, and the University of Utah. He worked more than 30 years in the grocery business for O. P. Skaggs and Safeway stores, rising to district manager and executive at corporate headquarters. He moved with his work from Utah to Nevada, California, Wyoming and New York. He returned to Utah in early 1954 where he lived the rest of his life working in the real estate and property management field. Uncle France was an active member of the LDS Church and served in several positions in his ward. Also he was a temple ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple and was a great help with the LDS missionary program. France Bay married Mildred Wilcox on December 9, 1925, later divorced. They had one son, Robert LeBaron Bay who preceded him in death. He married Florence Chambers September 18, 1961 and later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple October 18, 1971. Florence preceded his in death December 10 , 2000. Francis is survived by many caring nieces and nephews including those of his wife Florence and their posterity who greatly love and appreciate him and his many kindnesses to them, as do his many friends whom he also loved. Many thanks to all who helped Uncle France in any way and showed him many kindnesses during his final illness. Funeral services were held Friday, January 26, 2001, at the LDS Millstream Ward Chapel at 3400 So. 1100 E., Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Salt Lake City. [Deseret News, Wednesday, January 24, 2001.]

Black, Esther

Black, Esther
Roy, Utah US

Esther and Ben Mathews

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1912? Esther Black. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Esther Black Mathews, age 95, died April 8, 1990 at the MacKay Dee Hospital of causes incident to age. Born June 15, 1894 in Coyote (Antimony), Territory of Utah, to George Black and Esther Clarinda King Black. Esther married Benjamine (sic) L. Mathews, June 2, 1915, in the Manti LDS Temple. He died May 16, 1979. Esther attended Murdock Academy in Beaver, Utah. She taught school for many years. Member LDS Church and served in many leadership positions. She served as president of the Garfield Stake Relief Society. Resident of Antimony until moving to Roy in 1962. Member of the Pollyanna Camp of the Daughters Of The Utah Pioneers. She was Queen of the 1982 Ogden Pioneer Days Parade. Mother of seven sons and four daughters, Dasil, Vacaville, California; Wendell, Provo; Kay, Logan; Paul, Blackfoot, Idaho; Charles S., Roy; Mrs. Lee H. (Naomi) Baker, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Charles (Celia) Cowley, Venice, Utah; Mrs. Carlisle (Pauline) Hulet, Summit; LaRae Mathews, Roy; 42 grandchildren; 100 great- grandchildren; three great- great- grandchildren. Preceded in death by two sons and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 11, 1990, in the Roy Second Ward Chapel, 5127 South 2400 West, Roy, Utah. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. [Deseret News, Tuesday, April 10, 1990.]

Cameron, Benjamin

Cameron, Benjamin
Henderson, Nevada US

Benjamin and Effie Cameron

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy. Benjamin Cameron. ~ ~ ~ ~ HIS OBITUARY 1: Benjamin Cameron. Funeral Held in Panguitch for Former Educator. Funeral services for Benjamin Cameron, Jr., prominent church and civic worker who died at his home in Henderson, Nevada on July 23, 1958, were held in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday and Panguitch on Sunday. Mr. Cameron, 75, died of carcinoma. He was born in Panguitch March 18, 1883, a son of Benjamin and Sarah Allen Cameron. In 1906 he married Mary Ella Beatty in the St. George LDS Temple. She died in 1917 during the nation-wide flu epidemic. In 1919 he married Effie Cannon in the St. George Temple. Prominent in educational circles, Mr. Cameron was a teacher in Utah schools for over 20 years. He served as mayor of Panguitch for eight years, organized the Associated Civics Clubs of Southern Utah and was a charter member of the Panguitch Lions Club. Until 1942 he resided in southern Utah, moving to Nevada where he resided until his death. He was a high priest in the LDS church and first president of the Henderson Branch. Prior to his moving to Nevada he was a member of the Moapa and St. George Stake high councils. He served as bishop of the Circleville ward. Mr. Cameron also served as personnel director of BMI during the war and was public administrator at Joliet, Illinois; San Diego, California, and Henderson, Nevada. He also served as Garfield and Piute county attorney. At the time of his death he was manager of the Mountain View Gardens of Memory at Las Vegas. He received his early education at Murdock Academy, Beaver; Brigham Young University and University of Utah. Survivors include his widow and the following sons and daughters: Elwin Cameron, Donald Cameron, Henderson, Nevada; Fred Cameron, Caliente, Nevada; John A. Cameron, Magna, Utah; Archie Cameron, Springville, Utah; Mrs. LaReta Cameron Worthen, Mrs. Fay Ella Cameron Prince, Panguitch, Utah; Mrs. DeLoa Cameron Reed, North Hollywood, California, and Mrs. Carma Cameron Sproul, Reseda, California; 41 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Saturday in the Las Vegas Third Ward chapel with additional services in the Panguitch North Ward Sunday. Burial was at the Panguitch cemetery. At the Panguitch services speakers included Bishop June Barron, James P. Cameron and J. Elliot Cameron. Music was furnished by the North Ward choir, Talmage Christensen, Ileta Reid and Bell Cooper. Prayers were offered by J. Merle Prince and Kenneth Cameron with the grave dedicated by Allen Cameron. [Richfield Reaper, July 31, 1958.] ~ ~ ~ ~ HIS OBITUARY 2: Utah Funeral Sunday for Mr. Cameron. Henderson, Nevada. Benjamin Cameron Jr., 73, Henderson, well-known Church and civic worker, died Wednesday at his residence of carcinoma. Funeral services were conducted Saturday in Las Vegas, with a second service planned Sunday in Panguitch, Utah. Mr. Cameron as born March 18, 1883, in Panguitch, Garfield County, Utah, a son of Benjamin and Sarah Allen Cameron. In 1919, he married Effie Cannon in St. George Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Prominent in civic affairs, Mr. Cameron as mayor of Panguitch for eight years and as a teacher in Southern Utah for 25 years. He organized the Associated Civic Club of Southern Utah and was a charter member of Panguitch Lions Club. He resided in Southern Utah until 1942. A high priest, he served as the first president of the Henderson Branch of the Church. Mr. Cameron also was a member of the high council of St. George and Moapa Stakes. Mr. Cameron was manager of the Mountain View Gardens of Memory at Las Vegas. Survivors include his widow; sons and daughters: Elwin, Donald, Henderson; Fred, Caliente, Nev.; John, Magna; Archie, Springville; Mrs. LaReta Worthen, Mrs. Fay Ella Prince, Panguitch; Mrs. DeLoa Reed, Los Angeles; Mrs. Carma Sproul, Raseda, Calif. Funeral services were conducted Saturday in Las Vegas Third Ward chapel. Additional services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. in Panguitch North Ward. Friends may call at the home of Rulon Prince in Panguitch from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Panguitch City Cemetery. [Deseret News, July 26, 1958.]

Durham, Alfred Morton

Durham, Alfred Morton
Provo, Utah US

Alfred and Margaret Durham

Faculty & Staff. Alfred M. Durham, Music teacher, 1900-1906. ~ ~ ~ ~ OBITUARY OF HIS DAUGHTER: Phylis Durham was born May 25, 1912, accompanied by her twin brother, Julian, to Alfred Morton Durham and Margaret Richards Durham in Beaver, Utah. She died in Salt Lake City on January 21, 2007. She was the seventh of nine children. She had a noble heritage, which includes grandparents in both the Willie and Martin handcart companies. Her father and mother were among the first couples to serve a mission to Tonga in 1899. Her father, Alfred M. Durham, was an accomplished musician and composer, having studied at the University of Michigan and Julliard. He has several hymns included in the current LDS hymnal. ~ ~ ~ ~ Phylis graduated with high honors from the University of Utah in 1953 as an English major. Upon graduation she and her sister went to California so she could continue her studies at the University of California, Berkeley. While doing graduate studies, Phylis met and married Jesse Romney Farr on May 25, 1936 in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of their married life where they raised their two children. She is survived by her children, Michael (Susan) Farr and Patricia (Lance) Wickman, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers and sisters, and one grandson. After their marriage, Phylis spent her life devoted to her husband and children. She was an outstanding wife and mother. There was nothing in the home she could not do. Her excellent cooking was widely recognized and enjoyed. She entertained beautifully and often. Generations of Stanford students were beneficiaries of her cooking and entertaining skills. She was also a wonderful seamstress, decorator and designer. She volunteered at school and Church. She was very bright and was a sought-after teacher, particularly in the spiritual and literary fields. She was loyal friend and spent much of her time serving those in need. She has been an outstanding and loving grandmother, giving liberally of her time and means to her grandchildren. Services were held at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary in Salt Lake City on Friday, January 26, 2007. [Deseret News, January 23, 2007.] ~ ~ ~ ~ Memoirs of E. E. Erickson, second principal of BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy: "Our next door neighbor was Alfred Durham of the music department. He was called Professor Durham presumably because of his being a musician but probably also because of his dignified bearing and lofty character. He always talked and behaved like a gentleman. He accepted without a moment's doubt the theological beliefs and moral standards of his church. He was president of the Murdock Academy Branch and was in charge of all the singing and dancing of the community. I was his first counselor in the branch presidency and George Luke was his second."

Ericksen, Ephraim Edward

Ericksen, Ephraim Edward
Salt Lake City, Utah US

E. E. and Edna Ericksen

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Faculty & Staff. Ephraim Edward Ericksen. ~ ~ ~ ~ E. E. Ericksen served as third principal of the BYA Beaver ~ Murdock Academy, for four years from 1911 to 1915. E. E. was born on January 2, 1882 in Logan, Utah. His parents were Bendt Eriksen and Sophia Danielsen Eriksen. E. E. married Edna Clark on June 8, 1910. He died on February 23, 1967 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His interment, Farmington City Cemetery, Utah.

Farnsworth, Mary Ellen

Farnsworth, Mary Ellen
Beaver, Utah US

Mary and Ernest Joseph

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of ____. Mary Ellen Farnsworth. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Mary Ellen Farnsworth Joseph, age 93, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 24, 1991 at the Beaver Valley Hospital of causes incident to age. Born October 7, 1898 in Beaver, Utah, daughter of Franklin Dewey and Mary Ann White Farnsworth. She married Ernest Gunn Joseph, July 22, 1925 in the Manti LDS Temple. They were lifetime residents of Beaver. He preceded her in death on October 15, 1973. Active member of the LDS Church, where she served in many teaching and leadership capacities. A graduate of Murdock Academy and Brigham Young University, she taught school in the Provo City Schools and the Beaver County Schools. Member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She was known and loved by all because of her devotion to family, church and associates. She was a real lady in every way and will be greatly missed. Survivors: sons, Dan and wife, Joyce; daughters, Mary Yardley and husband, Ray; Carol Kesler and husband, Joe, all Beaver; 16 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; preceded in death by eight brothers, five sisters and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 28, 1991 in the Beaver LDS 4th Ward Chapel. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery, Beaver, Utah. [Deseret News, Friday, December 27, 1991.]

Farnsworth, Reed White

Farnsworth, Reed White
Cedar City, Utah US

Reed and Ethel Farnsworth

BYH Class circa 1923. Reed W. Farnsworth. Reed W. Farnsworth was born in Beaver, Utah, on April 9, 1905. Reed attended the Murdock Academy and graduated from Brigham Young High School in Provo. He completed his first two years of medical school at the University of Utah and graduated from George Washington Medical School. Reed married Ethel Walker. She was born March 12, 1911 in Salt Lake City to David Francis and Erma Rowena Sperry Walker. She married Dr. Reed White Farnsworth in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 9, 1938. Following a year's internship at the Salt Lake County Hospital, he began a practice of general medicine that spanned 37 years, all in Cedar City. He delivered over 6,000 babies, served as president of the Utah State and Southern Utah Medical Societies and as a member of the Council on Rural Health of the American Medical Association. Farnsworth served as president of many civic organizations including the Jaycees, Sons of the Utah Pioneers, Cedar City Art Committee, Iron County Historical Society, Cedar City Lions Club and Cedar City Rotary Club. He was the 1971 recipient of the Utah State Medical Association's Community Service Award and the 1976 SUSC Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award. He had many and varied interests. He and Ethel Walker Farnsworth are the parents of three sons and one daughter. Dr. Reed Farnsworth died on May 22, 1976, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was awarded a posthumous Honorary Doctorate Degree from Southern Utah State College at SUSC's 82nd Annual Commencement exercises held on June 1, 1979. [Iron County Record, May 17, 1979] ~ ~ ~ ~ Ethel Walker Farnsworth, 82, passed away at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City after a brief illness, on February 17, 1994.

Frazer, Mabel Pearl

Frazer, Mabel Pearl
Salt Lake City, Utah US

Mabel Frazer

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1910. Mabel Frazer. Source: Program, Commencement Exercises, 1910. ~ ~ ~ ~ Mabel Pearl Frazer was born on August 28, 1887 in West Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah. Her parents were David Ingles Frazer and Mary Woolfenden. She would have been about 23 in 1910 -- college age. ~ ~ ~ ~ Mabel Pearl Frazer (1887-1981) Salt Lake City. Mabel Pearl Frazer is described by Robert S. Olpin as a "mainstay on the University of Utah's Department of Art faculty from 1921 until 1953." Extremely versatile, her teaching responsibilities included no less than nine different subject areas including art history, textile design, sculpture, ceramics, serigraphy, design, painting, landscape painting, and human anatomy. Frazer was born in West Jordan, Utah, on August 28, 1887, but her family soon moved to the small town of Beaver, Utah. The eldest of four children, she valued her education and strongly resented having to put off starting school so she could help with the housework when her younger sister Leha was born. Mabel graduated with honors from what was then the Beaver Branch of the Brigham Young Academy (also known as the Murdock Academy). A very independent personality, she became devoted to art at a very early age. Her sister described her this way: "Her religion and her art took precedence over everything else in her life, she couldn't be bothered with anyone or anything else." Frazer had some early childhood experiences that encouraged her later exploration of many forms of art. Her grandfather was a rock mason, and Mabel made a "nuisance" of herself at the family's rock quarry. Her family also owned a printing office, and it was her responsibility to be the type setter. In addition, her father had a blacksmith shop, a carpentry shop, and what she called a "stone sawmill." Working in and being exposed to a variety of art-related jobs were rich experiences for Mabel, the budding artist. After her graduation from the Academy, she boarded the stage that went to Milford and caught the train to take her to Salt Lake City to attend college. Edwin Evans was her first art professor. She idolized him, and he and his wife became her life-long friends. Mabel Frazer graduated from the University of Utah in 1914. She took a teaching position at Lewis Junior High School in Ogden, just long enough to finance her life-long dream of studying in New York. She studied in New York at the Art Students League under Frank Vincent Drumond. He was so impressed by her that he asked her to teach some of his classes. While in New York, Mabel also took classes at the School of Industrial Art. After returning to Utah in 1918, Frazer began teaching at the College of Southern Utah in Cedar City. She then returned to New York to study at the Beaux Arts Institute of Design. One day, while she was making a copy of Rembrandt's Daughter in Law in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the President of the University of Utah, President Widtsoe, saw her working and invited her to join the art faculty. Mabel Pearl Frazer joined the University of Utah art staff in 1920 and remained there until her retirement 33 years later. She held strong views which she passed on to her students: "An artist must have something to say. Art is just another language and the would-be painter should at least learn the rudiments of the language, color, composition, drawing, etc." She was personally instrumental in expanding the art department to include many new disciplines. She handled many managerial duties but was not appointed to the rank of associate professor until three years before her retirement. At one time, one of her former students, who was not even a college graduate, was appointed over her and was made head of the art department. Frazer believed she was passed over for promotion because she was a woman. Mabel Frazer has been described by some as "not prolific." When her estate was appraised in 1981, it included over 386 works, but most of those were unfinished oil paintings. Her early style was reminiscent of Birger Sandzen, although less fauvist (her colors were not as bright) and more impressionistic (see Sunrise, North Rim Grand Canyon, 1928). However, in 1930 she went to Europe, spending 14 months in Italy where she was influenced by her studies of the old masters and by various artists. However, she clung tenaciously to her own purpose, not allowing herself to be confused by her exposure to a wide array of styles and art. She returned from Europe ready to "resume the struggle with old problems from a new angle," and to be an "American artist." Although she maintained that she did not belong to any school (A group of artists espousing a particular approach and philosophy), while in Europe, Frazer did change her style somewhat, her paintings becoming flatter, with more simplified, angular, and skewed shapes (see Venice Canal, 1930). In an interview published in the November 1933 issue of the Improvement Era (an LDS magazine), she stated her ideology: "The vitality of art is life. All great art must have roots deep in a native soil. It can neither be borrowed nor lent. Things expressed without deep convictions can never be greatly convincing, rarely are they more than bits of superficial pettiness. That briefly, sums up my philosophy of art, and I try to live up to it." Frazer showed her work in Utah, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Portland, and Florence, Italy. While studying in Florence, two of her Utah paintings were exhibited in the Uffizi gallery. Among her last shows was a retrospective held in 1980; over 200 people attended to honor this Utah artist. She had a long and active artistic career until her death at age 94.
Information obtained from the following sources:
1. Biography written by the artist's sister; Madeline F. Waldis, collection of the Springville Museum of Art research library.
2. Utah Art, Swanson, Olpin, and Seifrit.
3. 100 Years of Utah Painting, James L. Haseltine.
4. Dictionary of Utah Art, Robert S. Olpin.
5. Improvement Era, Vol. 36, November 1933, p. 773, Salt Lake City, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Source: See website 1.. See website 2.

Gardner, Willard

Gardner, Willard
Provo, Utah US

Willard and Rebecca Gardner

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Faculty & Staff. Dr. Willard Gardner. Served as principal of Murdock Academy for two years from 1916 to 1918. ~ ~ ~ ~ IS THIS? Willard Snow Gardner, born October 14, 1883 in Pine Valley, Washington County, Utah. His parents were John Alexander Gardner and Celestia Snow Gardner. He married Rebecca Viola Hale on June 21, 1905 in Logan, Utah. Willard S. Gardner died on December 31, 1964 in Provo, Utah. His interment, Logan, Utah.

Hales, Ruby

Hales, Ruby
Beaver, Utah US

Ruby and Clarence McMullin

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1917. Ruby Hales. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Ruby Hales McMullin, age 93, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died January 7, 1992 in Beaver, Utah. She was born January 13, 1898 in Beaver, Utah to Willard and Jean Frazer Hales. She married Clarence B. McMullin June 11, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah; the marriage was later solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple. He preceded her in death July 2, 1938. She was a faithful member of the LDS Church. She graduated from Murdock Academy in 1917 in Beaver, and attended the U. of U. for two years. During 1919 to 1920, she taught school in Afton, Wyoming. She worked for the Postal Service in Beaver for 30 years and was an active member of the Beaver Business and Professional Womens Club, where she was honored as Woman of the Year. Survivors include her son, Doug and his wife Barbara, Orem; and a daughter-in-law, Dora McMullin, Beaver; 10 grandchildren; and 43 great-grandchildren; also her sister, Winnie Nelson, Cedar City. Funeral services were held Friday, January 10, 1992, in the Beaver 1st LDS Ward Chapel. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery. [Deseret News, Thursday, January 9, 1992.]

Hickman, Josiah E.

Hickman, Josiah E.
Logan, Utah US

Josiah Hickman

BY Academy High School Class of 1883 & 1884 & 1886. Josiah E. Hickman of Payson, Utah. Graduated Friday, June 15, 1883, with a Bookkeeping certificate, and a Mathematics certificate. Source: Territorial Enquirer, Friday, June 15, 1883. ~ ~ ~ ~ He subsequently graduated on Friday, June 13, 1884, with a Normal degree. Source: Territorial Enquirer, Friday, June 13, 1884. ~ ~ ~ ~ BY Academy High School Class of 1886. Josiah E. Hickman. Awarded Teacher's Certificate, and a Special Certificate in Physiology & Hygiene. Source: The (Provo) Daily Enquirer, May 25, 1886. Faculty & Staff. Josiah E. Hickman, Training School, Biology, Psychology teacher, 1881-1884, 1900-1907. ~ ~ ~ ~ There is perhaps no more poignant experience for a Mormon raised in the shadow of the temple than to go away to school. Even more than a mission call it creates a sharpened sense of identity, a more acute awareness of being different from the world. In 1892 Josiah E. Hickman left Utah for Ann Arbor, Michigan; he was one of a number of Utah students who found a welcome at the University of Michigan and who represented the vanguard of Mormons who would eventually "go East" for an education. Josiah Hickman also was among the vanguard of Mormons who would devote their lives to the Church educational system. He was graduated from the Brigham Young Academy in 1883 and always insisted that Karl G. Maeser "had laid the foundation of the grandest educational system the world has ever seen". He was principal of the Millard Stake Academy in Fillmore from 1887 until 1892 when he went to the University of Michigan. Following his graduation from the University of Michigan he accepted a teaching position at Brigham Young College in Logan. He later received a master's degree in psychology from Columbia. He also taught at BYH and BYU during his academic career. ~ ~ ~ ~ BIOGRAPHY: Josiah Edwin Hickman, educator and underwriter, was born at Salem, Utah, Aug. 3, 1862, son of George Washington and Lucy Ann (Haws) Hickman. His father, a physician and farmer, was a native of Missouri and of English ancestry. The son was educated at Brigham Young Academy (later Brigham Young University), Provo, Utah; the University of Michigan, where he was graduated A.B. in 1895, and at Columbia University, where he received an M.A. degree in 1907. For thirty-five years he taught school in Utah and Idaho, starting his teaching career at Provo in 1885. During 1888-92 he was principal of the Millard Stake (Latter-day Saints) Academy at Fillmore, Utah. After leaving the University of Michigan he was professor of education at Brigham Young College at Logan, Utah, for a year and then (1897) became principal of the Oneida L.D.S. Stake Academy at Preston, Idaho, remaining there until 1900, when he was made head of the physics department at Brigham Young University. After six years in this post he resigned in order to enter Columbia University. During 1907-11 he was principal of Murdock Academy at Beaver, Utah, and after another year at Columbia University he became head of the department of education at Brigham Young College at Logan and exchange professor at Utah State Agricultural College. He continued in these positions until 1920. During 1920-33 he was associated with the Pacific National Life Assurance Co. of Salt Lake City, except in 1926-27, when he represented the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a missionary in California and in 1930-31 when he was engaged in research at Columbia University on the aborigines of America. Hickman was the author of the Romance of the Book of Mormon (1937) and of numerous religious pamphlets and articles and throughout his life lectured on religious and psychological subjects. For four years he was superintendent of the Utah Stake Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. While in Idaho Hickman was a regent of the University of Idaho. He was married three times: (1) at Logan, Utah, Feb. 18, 1884 to Martha Ellen, daughter of Dr. David Rogers, of Provo; she died in 1900; (2) at El Paso del Norte, Mexico, June 7, 1890, to Martha, daughter of Robert Lawisch, of Salt Lake City; (3) in Salt Lake City, Jan. 21, 1902, to Helen, daughter of Peter Hanson, of Levan, Utah. By the first marriage, he had seven children: Fern, wife of Sheridan McGarry; Edwin Dee; Othello; Josiah Eugene; George Washington; Lavon, and Lorea Hickman, wife of Thomas Edward Brown. By the second marriage he had nine children: Leonidas Marion; Reginald Lawisch; Juanita, wife of Orral Tillison Whitehead; Radino Lawisch; Valko Lawisch; Rienna (died in infancy); Thorval Lawisch; Kyrmel Lawisch, and Marva Hickman, wife of Ellis Schow Hansen. By the third marriage, he had two sons, Felton and Myrthus Hickman (known under the screen name of Gordon Westcott). His death occurred at Logan, Utah, Oct. 5, 1937. [The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol. 27, p.486.]

Horne, Joseph Leo

Horne, Joseph Leo
Salt Lake City, Utah US

Joseph and Flora Horne

BY Academy Collegiate Graduate, Class of 1897, and 1900, Faculty. [associated with Beaver/Murdock Academy]. Joseph L. Horne. Received the degree of Bachelor of Didactics (B.D.) in May of 1897. Source: The (Provo) Daily Enquirer, May 27, 1897. ~ ~ ~ ~ 1900 Collegiate Graduate of BYA. Joseph Leo Horne, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), awarded at Commencement Exercises held on Monday Evening, May 28, 1900. Source 1: 1900 Commencement Program, BYU Special Collections, UA 1008, Box 1, Folder 2. ~ ~ ~ ~ Source 2: BY Academy Collegiate Class of 1900. Joseph Leo Horne received a Diploma: Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Deseret Evening News, June 2, 1900. ~ ~ ~ ~ Faculty & Staff. Joseph L. Horn(e), Woodwork and Mathematics teacher, 1895-1903. ~ ~ ~ ~ QUESTION: "Is this the Professor Horn" who served as principal of Brigham Young Academy Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, for one year, from 1915 to 1916? ~ ~ ~ ~ Joseph Leo Horne was born on September 10, 1871 in Gunnison, Utah. His parents were Joseph Smith Horne and Lydia Ann Weiler Horne. He married Flora Diana Bean on August 1, 1894 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joseph Leo Horne died on December 7, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His interment, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hurst, Beatrice

Hurst, Beatrice

Beatrice Hurst

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1919? Beatrice Hurst. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Beatrice Hurst, age 98, passed away June 8, 1999 at Salt Lake City, Utah. Born May 9, 1901 in Beaver, Utah to William Rankin Hurst and Martha Ann Miller Hurst, the ninth of 12 children. Graduated from Murdock Academy, Beaver, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Utah and a Masters degree from Columbia University, New York. She taught school in Beaver, Utah, Pocatello, Idaho, Brockport, New York and retired from the University of West Virginia, Morgantown, as Professor Emeritus of Physical Education after 38 years of service. She was inducted into the University of West Virginia, Dept. of Physical Education's Hall of Fame on October 4, 1991. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Jeanne Schluter (Howard) Hurst, nine nieces and two nephews and their families. Preceded in death by five brothers and six sisters. Graveside services were held at the Mountain View Cemetery, Beaver, Utah, June 11, 1999. The family suggested contributions may be made to Beaver Valley Hospital, Beaver, Utah 84713. [Deseret News, Wednesday, June 9, 1999.]

Hutchings, Effie

Hutchings, Effie
Minersville, Utah US

Effie and Elmer Marshall

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1909? Effie Lucille Hutchings. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Effie Lucille Hutchings Marshall, age 100, passed away August 29, 1991 at the home of her daughter, Phyllis in Minersville. Effie was born February 12, 1891 in Beaver to William Willard and Sarah Agnes LeBaron Hutchings. She married Elmer Herbert Marshall on October 1, 1913 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple; he died August 20, 1950 of injuries sustained in a truck accident. She was reared and educated in Beaver, Utah, graduated from Murdock Academy, attended LDS College and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Effie taught school in Minersville where she has resided since. Church and civic affairs were always an important part of her life. She served as Relief Society, Primary, and MIA president, and held all other positions in the LDS Church. She served a mission to the East Central States, November, 1955. Held many leadership positions in the community, Daughter of the Utah Pioneers, Chairperson of the Republican Party, in the PTA, American Legion Auxiliary, and others. She had a great sense of humor and was noted for her readings and acting.She was a devoted mother and has made each of her children and grandchildren a quilt. She helped raise some of her grandchildren. Survived by four sons and five daughters, Howard, Jeff, Fay, and Ross Marshall; Mrs. Karl (Phyllis) Truman; Mrs. Ken (Ruth) Knight, all Minersville; Mrs. Walt (Barbara) Messinger, Mrs. Clinton (Rachel) Hunt, both Cedar City; Mrs. Donald (Aldene) Jones, Kaysville; 40 grandchildren; 125 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mrs. Bill (Lola) Hutchings, Beaver. Preceded in death by five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, eight sisters and a brother. Funeral services were held Saturday, August 31, 1991 in the Minersville LDS Ward Chapel. Interment, Minersville Cemetery, Utah. [Deseret News, Friday, August 30, 1991.]

Jones, Randall

Jones, Randall
Beaver, Utah US

Randall Jones

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Faculty & Staff. Randall Jones. ~ ~ ~ ~ Memoirs of E. E. Ericksen, second principal of BYA Beaver ~ Murdock Academy: "Randall Jones, whom I hired to teach wood work, was artistic in temperament and spent much time in photography. He had the spirit of the school but soon went into the service of the Union Pacific Railroad, advertising the scenic values of southern Utah. In this field he distinguished himself to the extent that a small stone marker was placed in Cedar City in his honor."

Knapp, A. J.

Knapp, A. J.
Beaver, Utah US

A. J. Knapp

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Faculty & Staff. A. J. Knapp. ~ ~ ~ ~ Memoirs of E. E. Ericksen, second principal of BYA Beaver ~ Murdock Academy: "Mr. A. J. Knapp was hired the year after Randall Jones. His work was highly practical, and he also became our director of athletics. He developed a strong basketball team and maintained our fine reputation in track and field."

Larsen, Florence Naomi

Larsen, Florence Naomi
Beaver, Utah US

Florence and William Baker

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Faculty & Staff. Florence Naomi Larsen. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Florence Naomi Larsen Baker, 97, passed away on June 15, 1996 at the Beaver Valley Hospital. She was born on August 25, 1898 in Logan, Utah to Rasmus Oluf and Anna Jorgenia Sorensen. She married William Milo Baker on October 27, 1921 in the Logan LDS Temple. He preceded her in death on October 29, 1977. Naomi was very active throughout her life in the LDS Church holding many different positions. She and her husband served a mission in Montana. She enjoyed quilting and doing other handicrafts. Her and her husband used to sing duets at various outings and funerals. She was a teacher at the Murdock Academy in Beaver, Utah. But most of her life was devoted to her family as they were her greatest joy. She is survived by her children, Wendell and Lois, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Gordon and Estelle, Beaver; Lynn and Inga, Covina, California; Joan and Vernon Hughes, St. George; Nolan and Valene, Vista, California; 23 grandchildren, 94 great- grandchildren, three great- great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Phillip, great- grandchildren, Angie and Trevor, and sisters, Estella and Lucille. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 17, 1996 in the Beaver 4th Ward Chapel. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery, Beaver, Utah. [Deseret News, Sunday, June 16, 1996.]

Lessing, Garnita

Lessing, Garnita

Garnita and Charles Cook

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1923, Commercial. Garnita Lessing. ~ ~ ~ ~ HER OBITUARY: Garnita Lessing Cook was born in Beaver, Utah, on March 10, 1902. She passed on December 1, 1998, at the age of 96. She graduated in 1923 from Murdock Academy business school. She married in June, 1925, to Charles H. Cook, part owner of Cook's Tea & Coffee Company, who preceded her in passing in June, 1978. She was a dedicated wife and homemaker. Garnita was active in the Eastern Star. Her life was filled with sharing and caring for others. She leaves behind a sister, Bertha Jones, of Cedar City, Utah; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and LaRue Cook of Boise, Idaho; four grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren, all of whom were very precious to her. A celebration of Garnita's life will be held sometime in early 1999, awaiting the return of family members who are out of the country. [Deseret News, Sunday, December 13, 1998.]

Losee, Warren Edgar (1910)

Losee, Warren Edgar (1910)
Provo, Utah US

Warren and Mary Losee

BYA Beaver Branch ~ Murdock Academy, Class of 1910. Warren Losee. Source: Program, Commencement Exercises, 1910. ~ ~ ~ ~ Warren Edgar Losee was born April 27, 1882, either in Pipe Springs, Mohave County, Arizona, or in Orderville, Kane County, Utah. He would have been about 28 years old in 1910 -- college age. His parents: Isaac Losee and Mary M. Davis Losee. He married Mary Permelia Hatch on April 5, 1905. He died on September 17, 1968 in Provo, Utah. ~ ~ ~ ~ Warren Edgar Losee married Mary Hatch. Their two sons: Dr. Ferron Clark Losee, (born June 30, 1910 at Panguitch, Utah) served as President of Dixie College, of St. George; and Warren D. "Bud" Losee, BYH Class of 1952, of Provo.

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