Agnes Smith Burgess

Agnes Smith Burgess was the mother of Susan Isabelle Burgess Leavitt. It is always fascinating to learn stories about our ancestors. Here is a little bit about Agnes.

Would you rather go to Aunt Rills for milk?

Memory from Verna's 90th Birthday Book

It was summer time in Mesquite. I don't have to tell you it was hot. The air was still except for the shimmer of heat waves that danced above the scorching sand. At noon Papa turned the animals out to got to the big ditch for a drink. The horses went and drank their fill and came back to the corral for their noon meal. The cow had a different idea. She decided to stay by the water where it was cool. Papa sent me to bring her back to the corral. 

Short Memory of Grandpa by Lynda Paxman

Grandpa died before I was very big but I had a great love for him.  He used to put me on his leg and take me for horsey rides and I just remember the  security I felt when I was with him and my great love for my grandpa.  Mom (Verna) told me later that he said very long prayers at dinner time and one time I ask if I could say the prayer and he said sure.  I replied:  "I say it short".  She said it was indeed, very short.  I was probably starving by then anyway.  (Written by Lynda Paxman September 13, 2014)

Photo Memories from Steven Leavitt

Grant, Steven & Grandma Leavitt

Steven and Grant

Hyrum and Agnes Smith Burgess

Jim

Jim and Emerald

Jim and Steven

Steven, Jim and Grant

Ken at Ox Valley

Ken, Emerald and Leo

Grant, Steven and Leo

Leo

Leo

Thoughts of Veyo by Grant Leavitt written in 2003

Thoughts of Veyo

One of the first things Grant remembers about Veyo is that it felt like one BIG family.  Everyone seemed to take care of each other. He remembers that Steven and him were always together and always in trouble especially for racing. Dad (Ken) and Uncle Leo bought a couple of old horses for Steven and Grant. They had some old army saddles that they modified for them.  They’d run the horses up and

Uncle Glen, Lila and Verna at Ox Valley 1926 submitted by Viola Seitz Schiefer

Uncle Glen, Lila and Verna at Ox Valley 1926

This is a story written by Verna included in the history of her sister Lila Seitz

In the spring of 1926, about April, Papa had traded his meadow property for some land in Ox Valley over the mountain to the west. Then he bought an adjoining farm. Glen had taken horses and equipment up to prepare some of this land for spring planting. The it was decided that he would need some help. I’m not sure how the decision was reached but Lila and I were informed that we would be the relief sent to help Glen. I could help in the fields and Lila would take care of the house and cooking of meals.

The First Mountain submitted by Viola Seitz Schiefer

The First Mountain

Lila was expecting a new baby, she was not well. The doctor had wanted her to be in St. George close to the hospital and to him long before the death of Andrew but she had not wanted to go. However it was a necessity now. She did not leave until she had all the Bishop’s papers and ward business together and delivered to the right men. Then she took her three children to St George, they all stayed in a house that Grandpa Leavitt (Lem Leavitt) owned. In summer St George is HOT.

Daddy Proposes submitted by Viola Seitz Schiefer

Daddy Proposes

Grandpa bought a ranch in OX Valley; it is south west of Enterprise, UT. The girls were expected to help do the farming. Uncle Glen was already at the ranch but needed more help to get the crops in. Grandma took Mom and Aunt Verna to Enterprise and on to the road to Ox Valley as far as she could get the car, when the road ended into a trail she let the girls out and said just follow that trail until you come to a cabin that is the ranch. It was already getting evening. The girls started out with purpose and walked and walked with no end in sight, it kept getting darker the trail kept getting longer and they kept getting more tired but there was no cabin in sight. Finally the rounded a little hill and could see a dim light in the distant. They were certainly relieved but it was still a ways to go. When they got there the cabin was really small but they could smell a sage brush fire so they went in. Glen was there almost as happy to see then as they were to see him. The only other person he had seen since he got there was Andrew Seitz who had rented a farm there from Joe Neilson. He was getting his land prepared for planting also.

Story of Mom’s Birth by Viola Seitz Schiefer

Story of Mom’s Birth
It was 7 August when word came that Sister Laura Knight , the mid wife, must return home as mother there needed her. She had been in Gunlock staying with Grandpa and Grandma Leavitt Edward Washington Leavitt, waiting my mother’s birth. As Grandma watched the wagon pull away and head down the creek, she had a lonely uncared for feeling. She thought of the saying

Family Heirloom by Viola Seitz Schiefer

The glass pitcher was one of Grandma's wedding gifts. I do not know how I was so blessed that she gave it to me. Needless to say it is over 100 years old. 

The clock is not the clock that grandma had but she had one just like it. I think it went to Aunt Hazels family.

Memories about Grandma Leavitt by Milton Lytle

Submitted by Milton Lytle

I don't have many memories of Grandpa Leavitt because I was between 5 and 6 yrs old when he died. All I remember is playing telephone with him. My best memories are with Grandma Leavitt and they are quite a few.

Memories of Grandpa and Grandma Leavitt by Dorothy Kay Lytle Hafen

Memories of Grandpa and Grandma Leavitt by Dorothy Kay Lytle Hafen

I loved growing up in the time period that I did. With a very conventional family. Three brothers, Mama, Daddy and a Sister later after I was married. We had time to enjoy spending time with Grandparents and I was blessed to get to stay with Grandma and Grandpa often and learned so many things that have helped me throughout my life.

Cousins

Rena, Steve, Emily, Art

Grant, Steve, Susan

Steve, Afton, Grant

Back: Rena, Susan, Hazel, Steve

Photo Memories of Susan

Susan and Grant

Rena, Leo, Susan

Lila's Family and Susan

Glen, Lila, Susan

Leo and Susan

Susan and Milt Lytle

Susan and David (Grant's oldest)

Susan and David (Grant's oldest)

Susan and David (Grant's oldest)

Susan, Leo and Rena

Ben's wedding

Family Gatherings