Spotlights

Lemuel Sturdevant Leavitt

Born November 22, 1878, in Bunkerville, Clark, Nevada. Son of Edward Washington and Elethier Bunker Leavitt. He was given his grandfather’s name and his mother always called him Lemie. As an adult, his mother lost her hearing after a severe illness.  He married Susan Isabelle Burgess April 18, 1901 in Bunkerville, Nevada. They were later sealed in 1903 in the St. George Temple. They were blessed with 11 children, 4 sons and 7 daughters. As parents, it was important to them for each of their children to have a good education. His own children have said that he would sacrifice anything he had for them to have an education. Lemuel moved his family from place to place. Just when they would get one place going, they would move to another one. They were more or less trying to get some property, something that would help his children, especially the boys. Lemuel thought everybody had to have a little piece of land – the same theory Will Rogers had: “They ain’t making any more, you better hold on to that land.” In 1916, they made their final home in Veyo. Lemuel worked hauling freight, for 21 years worked on Washington County roads using the old iron graders and he worked hard as a farmer and on his ranches. It was known that he could fix anything with bailing wire. He was a very hard worker and made it a point to do a job well done. He taught this quality to his children. By his example, he also taught to treat animals kindly, especially horses which he dearly loved. There was even a time that he was the genealogical chairman. Lemuel was a very affectionate, kind person and his children said he would always give them hugs & a kiss. He was proud of his family and loved them dearly. Lemuel died in St. George on Sunday, February 10, 1946 after an extended illness. 

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Susan Isabelle Burgess Leavitt

Born October 2, 1881, in Rabbit Valley, Wayne, Utah. Daughter of Hyrum William and Agnes Smith Burgess. Her family moved from Wayne County to Huntington, Emery, Utah, then moved to Payson, Utah where she first went to school. Susan met Lemuel on a Christmas Eve at a dance in Mesquite that was held in a large tent they used as a schoolhouse. Lemuel had asked some friends to introduce him to Susan. They were married in Bunkerville, Nevada, on April 18, 1901 and in the 1903 were sealed in the St. George Temple. As a mother of 11 children, she felt very blessed to have such a wonderful family and wanted them to achieve a good education. She was a hard working woman inside the home and out in the fields and her family learned by her example. As a child, she learned much from her father who was a blacksmith and she would do any work that needed to be done. Even at the age of 88, she helped her grandson shoe a horse. Susan was the Veyo Postmistress for 9 years. She enjoyed fancy needlework and numerous family members were recipients of these precious items. As Susan was driving a team pulling a wagon, she had some needlework lying next to her on the seat. Because of the roughness of the road, the needle worked its way into her hip. Doctors were never able to remove it. She lived a long, eventful life and the most valuable thing to her was her family. The counsel and advice she would give to her descendants and those that she would never get a chance to meet (in her very own words) “I think they ought to make the very best of everything that they can. Go to church and all of them should have testimonies.”  Susan died Tuesday, March 2, 1976, in St. George, Utah. 

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Isabelle “Belle” Leavitt Jones

Born November 26, 1901, in Gunlock, Washington, Utah, in her grandparent’s home. First born child to Lemuel and Susan. Her mother took a fall and Belle was born two months early. She was very small, no fingernails. She was so very grateful that her life was spared considering there were no facilities for taking care of premature babies at that time. She felt it was the hand of the Lord and the tender loving care she received from her parents that her life was spared. Belle, with her sister Vilate, had the opportunity to go through the St. George Temple right after it was renovated before it was re-opened. Belle was so favorably impressed and so inspired with the building that she decided then where she was going to be married. For that reason, she was choosy in her boyfriends. Vaughn met her expectations. May 23, 1922 was a beautiful, peaceful morning and all the roses were in full bloom when William Vaughn Jones and Belle Leavitt were married in the St. George Temple. They had a wonderful life together. Belle’s mother described her as a “worker in the church” which Vaughn was also. He died November 1970. Belle kept herself busy and as she aged became more beautiful. Many family members remember Belle’s talent of “tatting” and the treasured items they received from her. In her own words the counsel and advice she would give to her descendants, even to those who may not have a chance to meet her in person: “I would say for them to stay close to the church and try to live the principles of the gospel.” She died February 17, 1998 in St. George, Utah.

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Vilate Leavitt Webb

Born July 6, 1903, in Gunlock, Washington, Utah. Second child born to Lemuel and Susan. Her mother described her as being a happy-go-lucky child and always happy throughout her life. Vilate and Belle were almost raised as twins. They both worked very hard within the home and were very responsible helping with such a large family. Belle and Vilate went off to school together and did most everything together until Belle was married. Vilate and Belle went to high school in St. George. That is where Vilate became acquainted with Arvel. She says from the first time she met him that she always felt “safe” whenever she was around him and always did feel safe. They eventually realized that their aspirations and their aims in life ran so close together that they became serious. Arvel Thompson Webb and Vilate Leavitt were married in the St. George Temple on December 27, 1923. They had a large family and enjoyed each and every one of their children. Vilate was always a devoted and loyal wife, working right beside her husband until his death. Arvel died January 1971. Vilate worked as a temple ordinance worker in the St. George Temple for over 30 years and always dedicated to genealogy research. Vilate enjoyed making beautiful quilts, afghans and sweaters and sharing them with others. She always was a patient and loving mother, always giving her family first priority. Her advice to her descendants (in her own words) “The best advice I could give to my children is to live the commandments of the Lord and to stay close to Him.” She died March 23, 1992. 

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Lemuel “Glen” Leavitt

Born January 23, 1905, in Gunlock, Washington, Utah. Third child, first son born to Lemuel and Susan. His mother has made it known that Glen weighed 12 pounds when he was born and has always been a strong, healthy fellow and has always been a happy-go-lucky boy. Glen learned how to work by working alongside his father. He and other siblings helped on their ranches sometimes spending much of the time on their own. He felt that it taught him a lot of things he wouldn’t have learned otherwise. While going to Mutual one night with a group of friends, he met Florence. They seemed to hit it off and a few years later Glen married Florence McArthur on December 30, 1930 in the St. George Temple. He served as Chief of Police in St George for a few years. Glen had worked very hard growing up being the first born son and he continued working hard throughout his life. Glen was a rancher and a heavy equipment operator. He worked in construction work with horses first and thought it seemed very good when you could get on a piece of equipment and do twenty times as much work instead of having to monkey with a bunch of horses. His counsel to his family and those who will come after (in Glen’s own words) “If there is any advice I would like to leave to my children or my grandchildren or their children or grandchildren, it would be to keep their eye on the prophet, continually say their prayers.” Glen died November 4, 1993 in St. George, Utah. Florence died almost 6 years later in 1999.

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Delilah (Lila) Leavitt Seitz

Born August 8, 1907 in Gunlock, Washington, Utah. Fourth child born to Lemuel and Susan and was known as Lila.  When she was a young girl they diagnosed her with pneumonia but later in her life they discovered it must have been rheumatic fever. She was very sick for several weeks. Lila had to learn how to walk again and lost all her hair. That really bothered her because she didn’t want anyone to see her that way but fortunately it did grow back. Lila and Andrew lived across the street from each other in Veyo growing up.  Lila married Andrew Nordfors Seitz on October 13, 1926 in the St. George Temple. Andrew worked for the power company and was electrocuted and died on June 10, 1937 just four weeks before her fifth child, Ione, was born.. Her oldest child, Emerald, was 9 years old, Jack was 4 years old, Viola was 2 years old. In her own words, Lila said “We have always been a close family. After our father and husband was gone, we felt like all we had were each other. We had many happy evenings and good times to remember as we go through life together.” Lila worked hard to support her little family. She was a postmistress in Veyo for over 30 years. She was also known to have the prettiest house in the town because of her working so hard in her yard. Lila was a great cook, whatever she made was always delicious. She diligently made the best of her situation and was a very courageous woman, definitely a great example to others.  Lila hoped that each and every one of her family and their families would stay close to the gospel so they could stay united as a family and face the challenges in this life. Lila died March 30, 1983 in St. George, Utah. 

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Verna Leavitt Cottam

Born January 8, 1910 in Gunlock, Washington, Utah. Fifth child born to Lemuel and Susan. As a little girl, Verna liked swimming, dancing, games and paper dolls. They would use their mother’s sewing scraps to make doll clothes. Some of her chores were herding the cows and pigs, milking cows, feeding the calves and pigs, weeding the garden, carrying wood, and tending to the chickens and lambs. Her mother said that Verna was “the best reader in the world. She could read before she went to school. She would write on everything in the house; the windows and every book.”  It was easy for Verna to memorize. She used this gift to entertain the cows and pigs with stories and long readings. Verna was a very smart and loved learning. Besides being an avid reader, she was an excellent writer. She graduated as class Valedictorian from both Dixie High School and Dixie College. Yellow roses and lilies were her favorite and she enjoyed music. Verna met Ron at a Halloween party in the Cottam home in 1930. She thought he was handsome and picked him out for her sister Dot. After they got better acquainted, Verna decided she liked him for herself and they were married in the St. George Temple on May 30, 1933. The early years of their marriage was during the Depression but didn’t notice it right off because things didn’t seem much different until finding employment was difficult. They just took great joy raising their family. Ron died in 2000. Verna dedicated a life time of caring and unfeigned love to her friends and family. She died on May 16, 2008 in her home in St. George. 

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Cecil James (Jim) Leavitt

Born March 26, 1912 in Mesquite, Clark, Nevada. Sixth child born to Lemuel and Susan. As a young boy he had rheumatic fever that affected his heart and actually his entire life. That didn’t stop him from doing the things he loved to do. At the beginning of WWII, Jim was rejected from the Army because of his bad heart and felt terrible about it. He loved to go fishing and many of his nephews and also nieces would enjoy tagging along. They had fond memories of the good times they spent with him and he was a good sport to take even the littlest along. Jim also loved to hunt. In fact, it’s been told that he once ran out of shells and was on his way back to camp when he run across a 4 point buck. He roped it, tied its head into a tree, and then cut its throat. Now that’s a true hunter! Yes the stories that could be told. Whenever Jim would stop by Glen and Florence’s house she would offer him a piece of cake. He would insist he’d get his own piece and would help himself to some of her homemade bread and grape jam. In the Fall of 1951, Jim and Ken were doing some logging north of Zion Park when Jim had a stroke. After some weeks he was able to walk and get around but his speech was greatly impaired. He eventually could say a few words but mostly had to talk by sign language. He lost the use of his right side and had to learn to sign his name with his left hand. Of course he could not work after this which was hard on him. His health continued to get worse after the stroke and sadly, Jim lived to be only 40 years old and died on January 26, 1953 in St. George, Utah. 

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Dorothy (Dot) Leavitt Bledsoe

Born May 2, 1914 in Mesquite, Clark, Nevada. Seventh child born to Lemuel and Susan. Her mother said she was a “good” girl but unfortunately didn’t have the best health. She seemed to always be dressed so fashionable. Dot married Charles J. Bledsoe on December 23, 1933 in Veyo, Utah in her parent’s home that was filled with many people to join in the celebration. Eventually Dot and Charlie left Utah and moved to California for work. Dot was quite successful in selling Tupperware. Her parents were able to take one of their very few “trips” away from their busy life and visit her and Charlie in California. Their oldest son, Bob, was just a year old. They all went together on a big boat on the Pacific Ocean to Catalina Island. It was a glass bottom boat where they could see lots of fish. It was a memorable time for all of them. After Dot and Charlie spent their working years in California and raising their family there, they retired and moved to Utah in the early 1970’s. They moved to Provo to be close to some of their family. It is here they enjoyed their retirement years and especially when various grandchildren lived with them while attending BYU. Later they settled in Orem. Charlie died in 1998. Dot stayed busy with the family around her during the next four years. In her conversations with others, her main focus was how proud she was of each member of her family that she truly loved. She could name each one of them and give details of what was going on in their lives. Dot died April 2, 2002 in Provo, Utah.  

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Hazel Leavitt Bracken Farnworth

Born July 21, 1916 in Mesquite, Clark, Nevada. Eighth child born to Lemuel and Susan. Her mother said that Hazel always was nervous and could hardly stay alone. She had several sick spells when she was young and it was thought that affected her nerves. Hazel broke her leg before she was 2 years old. No matter what, Hazel was a hard worker in and out of the home. She was beautiful inside and out. While growing up she enjoyed spending time with her sister, Emily who was just 2 years younger. They would love to dress up fancy and go to dances together. Hazel married Hal Bracken November 5, 1936 in her sister’s home in Veyo and was sealed in the Manti Temple in 1964. They had an eventful life in Diamond Valley where they raised their 3 adventurous sons. When their youngest was high school age, they moved to Utah County where Hal ran a turkey plant for Norbest in American Fork. Hazel worked as an optometrist’s assistant for Dr. Jack Seitz and Dr. Olivia McHugh for over 20 years. She was always kind to others and always made you feel very welcome in her home. Hazel and Hal enjoyed fishing, hunting and especially spending time with their family they were so proud of and loved so very much. After Hal’s death in 1986, Hazel eventually felt alone which had always been a very hard thing for her. She became acquainted with George Farnworth and they married in 1990. He died in 2005 in Fillmore. Shortly later Hazel died September 14, 2005 in her home in Fillmore, Millard, Utah.

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Emily Leavitt Lytle Barnum

Born July 10, 1918 in St. George, Washington, Utah. Ninth child born to Lemuel and Susan. She is considered the “baby sister” to all the older siblings. Lemuel had a sister named Emily which made her name special to her. Hazel, was just 2 years older them Emily and they both enjoyed doing most everything together. They would especially enjoy getting all dressed up to go to dances together. One of their nieces, Alice, said that both Emily and Hazel were beautiful and even looked just like “movie stars.” Emily married Anthony (Tony or Tone) Lytle in the St. George Temple on March 12, 1935. Mary Webb Jones remembers they had the reception up at Veyo. “Us kids were loaded into the milk delivery van along with a wiener pig, tied in a sack, which was to be a present for the newlyweds. Somehow in the process of the evening, the pig managed to get away so there was a merry chase to find and capture him!”  Tone had double pneumonia and was near to death for a long while. They had to remove one lung and he wasn’t very well after that. No matter what challenges came their way, they would make the best of the situation and made happy memories with their family they loved so dearly. Tone died January 1974. Some years later, Emily was reacquainted to Leon Barnum (dated him as a teenager). He had also lost his spouse. The two of them married and gave great comfort to each other. Leon died in 1999. Emily was proud of her family and treasured each one of them. Emily died September 6, 2002 in Veyo, Utah. 

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Edward “Leo” Leavitt

Born April 5, 1921 in St. George, Washington, Utah. Tenth child born to Lemuel and Susan. He was born in a half-finished house on the west side of St. George and was large in stature weighing over 12 pounds. He always had pride in his name. Leo felt that his younger brother Ken was his best friend and not only played together, got into mischief together but they worked hard together side by side. Leo played football for Dixie High which he felt gave him a little confidence. Leo finished high school and was called into military service during WWII. He served in the South Pacific for 3 ½ years. It was a difficult time to leave his family knowing they needed his help on the farm. Before being inducted, Leo began dating Rena in October 1940. When he was actually inducted for the duration of the war, he began to realize how special Rena was and how much he loved her. Leo returned from his service in December 1945 and didn’t waste any time to marry his sweetheart. Leo married Rena Gubler on January 5, 1946 in Las Vegas, Nevada and they were later sealed in the St. George Temple on January 11, 1947. He was a rancher in Veyo and also a truck driver for Milne Truck Lines until he retired. In July 1982, Leo and Rena were called to serve a mission together in Pennsylvania. Nothing was more important to him but his family who he dearly loved and worked hard to support them. Leo died November 6, 1986 in the Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake City. Rena carried on for almost 26 years and died April 2012 in Veyo, Utah.

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Kenneth Alfred Leavitt

Born March 12, 1923 St. George, Washington, Utah. Eleventh child born to Lemuel and Susan. He will always be known as the “baby” of the family but was expected to work right along the older siblings. Being just 2 years apart in age from Leo made them very close. They would be referred to as “The Little Boys” for their entire life. They would always be found together doing anything and everything side by side. It was difficult for the two of them when Ken’s family moved away but still they tried to get together. One particular time is when the two families took a vacation to Yellowstone. Ken’s nephew, Emerald from the age of 10 years old worked together on the farm with Ken, who was then 15 years old. Emerald felt that he and Ken had the same temperament. Because of this they worked well together. Ken served in the Marines during WWII and was stationed at Schofield Barracks on the Island of Oahu. During his time of service he contracted the measles which made him very ill. It was difficult leaving the family with Lemuel needing help on the farm. After his service he came home and began “hanging out” with his future wife. Ken married Afton Chadburn on May 20, 1947 in Ken’s mother’s home in Veyo, Utah. They were sealed in the St. George Temple in 1951 along with their first two children. Ken bought a ranch in Torrey, Utah in 1955. He moved back to Veyo or St. George during the winter until 1961 when they stayed in Torrey. Later in his years they lived in Monroe, Utah. Ken was known to be much like his father: would love and accept people as they were, affectionate by giving hugs, and loved having children around. He was proud of his family and truly loved each and every one of them. Ken died July 27, 2003 in Richfield, Sevier, Utah.

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James Franklin (Frank) Burgess

TRIBUTE TO SUSAN BURGESS LEAVITT’S BROTHER

WITHOUT HIS GENEROUS DONATION, WE WOULDN’T HAVE THE VEYO PARK

I, Viola Seitz Schiefer, am a grandniece of Frank Burgess. He lived by my grandmother in Veyo, Utah. He was retired I think from the railroad. He had the most stories, and loved to tell them. It was when my boys were about 5 through 12 that they were able to spend time with him. He could entertain them for hours. Always when we visited Veyo from California my boys called Veyo home and Grandma's house, they wanted to be the first to see their Grandma Seitz's house and watched with craned necks as we rounded the road by the volcano. When we stopped at my mother's home they would run in and greet her, she usually met them more than half way. They off they would go to greet the rest of the Leavitt family who lived in town. They worked themselves house by house up to Grandma Leavitts and Uncle Frank last. I always knew where they were. Uncle Frank was kind patient and so happy to see them as happy as they were to see him

He never had a family of his own. He said the girl he wanted would not have him and he did not want the ones that would. He made the best of family with the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of his sister Susan Burgess Leavitt. She was a willing to share as many as would come. Lots of them remember Uncle Frank and enjoyed his company.

He bought a piece of property up next to the city Cemetery. Granted it to the city for a park. The Lemuel and Susan Leavitt family has held many family reunions at this park. I hope he knows he is loved and appreciated for his donation.

O O O  THANK YOU UNCLE FRANK  O O O

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