This is a bit of a peripheral line for me, but since a cousin made the information available, I am happy to share it here. All the credit goes to Julee Hicks for this post. Nearly everything in this post will be from the biographies and photos she forwarded.
Eliza and Parley Wagstaff
From the Autobiography of Parley:
“I, Parley LeRoy Wagstaff was born April 9, 1903, in Glendale, Oneida (now Franklin) County, Idaho, to William Addison and Mary Magdalina Wanner Wagstaff. The fifth child to join this union, I was blessed May 10, 1903.
“My earliest recollection was when I went to the Logan Temple to be baptized on April 18, 199 by Joseph M. Smith and confirmed April 18, 1911 by Thomas Morgan. At the age of six I started school which was in a one-room building which served as a church and school with a black stove to keep it warm. Father, being the custodial, it fell my lot and my brother Bill’s to go and build the fire in the mornings and at night we had to sweep and dust so it would be ready for school the next day.
“The school house being two and a half miles away we had to walk or ride a horse. A horse fell on my leg and my Dad put a splint on it and I stayed in bed while it healed.
“At the age of 12, I was ordained a Deacon, May 3, 1914 by Joseph M. Smith. I served as president for awhile.
“In the summers I worked for neighbors for very little money and my board. In September 1919, we moved to West Weber; I and Bill drove a team of horses with our belongings from Idaho to West Weber. In October or November, we were quarantined with a disease and didn’t start school until the first of 1920, then we went to Wilson, I graduated on May 29, 1920.
“I was ordained a priest March 1, 1925 by David Hancock. I spent my time helping on the farm in the summer and running a grain binder all over Weber County. In the winter I helped feed cattle for Lu Keller and helped Dad milk cows.
“On January 17, 1928, I was ordained an Elder by Francis F. Stratford Sr.
“On March 14, 1929, I was married to Eliza Blanch in the Salt Lake Temple. We have been blessed with five children, two boys and three girls. One passed away at birth.
“We have lived all our lives in West Weber, running a diary farm. On January 5, 1964, I was ordained a Seventy by Spencer W. Kimball, and on August 9, 1970, I was ordained a High Priest by Francis E. Stratford Jr.”
This is all I have of Parley’s autobiography. Here is his funeral program.
Here is the biography of Eliza:
“Eliza Dorthea Blanch Wagstaff was born August 2, 1908 in West Weber, Weber County, Utah. She was one of nine children born to Joseph and Laura May Etherington Blanch.
“Like most young girls she attended school, participated in church activities and helped her parents on the farm.
“Eliza considered it a privilege to work in various homes before her marriage. She says to know people is to love them.
“Her marriage to Parley L. Wagstaff took place in the Salt Lake Temple, March 14, 1929. They moved several times; the last time into the old family home where she was born and reared. They were the parents of five children, Duane LeRoy, Elelyn W. (Purdy), LaNea W. (Rawson), Brent William and an infant daughter who died at birth.
“Before her marriage Eliza taught a Sunday School Class with Mary Penman for five years. For 25 years she has been an ardent worker in the Primary; starting in 1933 as a teacher. She was appointed second counselor to President Isabell Wagstaff in 1943. Two years later she was released. She held this same position twice under President Una C Greenwell; first, from March 1957 to August 1958 and from 1962 to 1964. From 1949 to 1957 she helped the 11 year old Guide boys become second class scouts and graduate from Primary before they were ordained Deacons. She was appointed by President Thomas O. Smith to work in the North Weber Stake Primary Board, February 3, 1958 and was assigned tot he Guide Patrol Department. She was released August 20, 1962.
“Sister ELiza had the privilege of teaching Evelyn during her three years as Mother Bee Keeper, daughter Beehive girl.
“Sister Wagstaff was appointed second counselor to President Leila C. Heslop in the Ward Relief Socity January 3, 1965. She was changed to first counselor September 12, 1965, and is currently working in this capacity. She has been a visiting teacher for several years.
“Parley and Eliza were called to work on the Old Folks Committee in May 1955 and are still working on this assignment (1968).
“Eliza has been a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers since 1947 and has held the following positions in the organizations: Captain from 1953 to 1955 and Historial from 1961 to the present time (1968).
“The following quotation is from Sister Wagstaff: “The crowning glory of my life came with motherhood. Children of angels of God in disguise; they are idols of hearts and households.”
This photo was taken at a birthday party for Sarah Judkins in 1941.
Back (l-r): Eve Baxter Blanch(1904-1992), Voletta Belnap Blanch(1905-2000), Lee Stoker(1910-1998), Laura Blanch Hancock(1903-1963), Wilford Newell Judkins(1881-1956). 5th Row: Alta Bailey, Albert Bailey(1919-2009), Parley Wagstaff(1903-1996). 4th Row: Nina Judkins(1924-2010), Laura Mae Blanch(1873-1942), Eliza Blanch Wagstaff(1908-1992). 3rd Row: Lynn Judkins, Ruth Hancock(1922-1998), Ethel Blanch Stoker(1910-1987), Don Blanch(1913-1997), Heber Hancock(1902-1960). 2nd Row: Newell Judkins(1917-1979), Myreta Judkins, MaryBell Judkins(1919-2000), Sarah Judkins(1899-1974), Keith Stoker(1930-1990), Val Hancock(1929-2010), Gene Hancock. Front: Bobbie Blanch, Jesse Stoker(1932-1997), Joyce Judkins, LaNae Wagstaff, Evelyn Wagstaff, Duane Wagstaff, Reed Hancock, Jerri Blanch.
Eliza died 12 March 1992 in West Weber. She was buried 15 March 1992 in the West Weber Cemetery. Parley died 18 January 1996 in Bountiful, Davis, Utah. He was buried 22 January 1996 beside his wife.
