Character Traits of 12 More Ancestors

Character Traits of 12 more Ancestors

Because I am on a roll, here are 12 additional character trails of 12 more ancestors.  Details about these family members can be found in other blog entries as well.

Service-John Griffiths
For fifteen years John Griffiths walked all over Lancashire County, England spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was the President of the Rose Park Branch for 15 years.  Then the PEF (Perpetual Emigration) Funds became available and they moved with many in the branch to become part of the Martin Handcart Company.  He lost his two sons on the trek and died the day after arriving in Salt Lake Valley.  His two daughters survived him, both faithful to the end. 

Education-Max Leslie Weiss
Max grew up in a home where education was important.  He did well in high school and went to college first at Princeton, graduating in Math Science.  He obtained his Master's Degree at Cornell. He did further graduate work at Reed College in Portland, Oregon and then received his Doctorate at the University of Washington.  He worked at the University of California at Santa Barbara for many years as an outstanding math professor and as Provost. 

Activism-Ralph Eugene Owen
Alcoholism had destroyed the family of Walter Bruce Owen. Ralph had to protect his mother from his alcoholic father.  His mother eventually divorced her abusive husband in 1909 because of "the bottle."  As a direct result of observing his father's addiction, Ralph joined the Anti-Saloon League and went around the country trying to teach about the evils of alcoholism.  


Sacrifice-Reva Maxine Moulton Owen Webb
She instantly became a "nurse" when her 31 year old husband had polio. Maxine would travel by bus to the Veterans Hospital to feed her husband while he was in an iron lung.   She worked to help him through Chiropractic School in Portland.  She later became the office manager and insurance biller during the days at Willamette View Chiropractic Center.  She was the legal transcript composer and always supported her husband in his "freedom fight".  She was the unofficial general contractor of building a home in Leeds, Utah.  She returned to her role of nurse and ran the dialysis machine in Leeds.  She acted as an editor to help her second husband publish his writings.  She brought into the world nine children who honor her for her many sacrifices during her 93 years on earth.  

Hope-Marilyn Ballegooie Weiss
Marilyn was clinging to "hope" for many years.  She raised her family with good values.  She supported her husband as he grew his business.  After 40 years of marriage, her divorce caused her to look to her own spiritual growth.  She prepared to receive her endowments in the Portland Temple.  She served faithfully in the Relief Society.  She always hoped for greater happiness and contentment. 

Teaching-James A. Owen
Jim frequently found himself as "the teacher".  He taught in the Army Radio school during WWII.  He taught seminary for 3 1/2 years in Burley, Idaho.  He taught as a Stake missionary in two different stakes.   Frequently he was called to teach the Gospel Doctrine classes.  He loved to teach the nine children in his family and besides regular Family Home Evenings, he held special "Ask Gospel Questions" sessions with his children on Sunday afternoons.

Desire to Learn-Clarissa Dean Chase Weiss
Claire was married at 18 years of age.  She was always a great student and extremely well read in the classics.  She loved discussing philosophy and took great pride in her ancestry, especially being related to one of the Mayflower Pilgrims (John Alden) and the early LDS pioneers of 1847 (Isaac & Phebe Chase).  She encouraged her three children in their pursuits:  her daughter who became a school teacher, her first son who became an inventor and businessman, and her youngest son in his academic pursuits.  

Hard Work-Ida Ellen Fish Owen
Ida was left as a widow in 1938 after being married to her husband, Ralph, for 19 years.  She started a boarding house for students and later worked as a cook at the Weslyan University to support her family.  She moved from Nebraska to Oregon to be closer to her two children. 


Cheerfulness-David Simon Weiss
Dave was a great salesman because people liked being around him.  His native cheerfulness made people happy.   He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.  He enjoyed sailing, flying, and restoring his 1941 Packard.  His playful personality endeared many to him and he was well respected in the RV Industry and among those he worked with the in the Boy Scouts of America.  
 
Spiritual-Annie Wahrhaftig Weiss
Hannah (Annie) was a devout Jew.  As an Orthodox Jew, she found it difficult to live on the frontier away from a synagogue.  When she came to America, she was uncomfortable until she lived in the City of the Great Salt Lake and could attend the newly built Montefiore synagogue during the High Holy Days. Her husband worked in Vernal and commuted by train to his home in Salt Lake City. 

Being a Helpmeet-Hannah Eastman Clegg
Hannah was the mother of two sons.  In faith she crossed the ocean with her husband, Henry Clegg and anticipated the joyful day when she would gather with the Saints in Utah.  Unfortunately, her journey ended near Mormon Grove in Kansas where she died of cholera.  Her young son was buried in her arms. 


Devotion to God-Phebe Owen Fish
Phebe was one of the founding members in the Liberty Church in Norman, Indiana.
She loved singing from the old Methodist hymnal and did until her death.  She was a gardener and kept a lovely garden. She was loved and respected by her neighbors and family.