Roy Taylor death particulars

Roy Taylor was Vera's father.

The following is a brief written memory of Roy from his grandson, Gene, and gives further details surrounding his death.

From the personal albums of Gene Nyberg

Writing transcribed:
"I was ordained a Deacon by my Grandfather Taylor, Dec. 21, 1941.  He was always "Papa" to Loa and I.  We were with him so much when we were kids and heard the family call him Papa, so we called him Papa too.
He said the opening prayer to the Christmas party Fri. Dec. 19, 1941.  Ordained me a Deacon on Sunday, the last church ordinance he performed.
He died the next Friday Dec. 26, 1941, of a heart attack.  He went out to close the chicken coop door after the chicken's had gone to roost.  When my grandmother opened the door, he was lying in the yard on his face.  She got a pillow and a blanket and went out, turned him over, put the pillow under his head, covered him up and ran to her son Rex's place a half mile away.  There was snow on the ground.  She was so out of breath all she could say was, "Rex come quick".  She didn't think Papa was dead.  Rex and George Walkup took her back home and got Papa in the house.  He was dead."
*Spelling and punctuation adjusted by me.

Photo of Roy, Roxa, and Cora

This is a photo of Vera's parents, Roy and Roxa Taylor, and Vera's older sister, Cora.

From the personal albums of Cheryl Murray

My intuition tells me that this photo was taken at a Taylor family reunion- meaning, Roy Taylor's enormous family of brothers and sisters and all their kids.  I say this because the clothing and setup match a similar photo that was labeled as such.  I can't recall which post it was put with, so I've reposted below for comparison:

Taylor Reunion- Roy Taylor and 2/3 brothers in group seated in middle
From the personal albums of Althea Gray

In this photo Roy can be spotted seated (2nd from right) with Roxa standing behind him.  Cora is on the very edge of the photo sitting on the grass.  Only problem here is that this photo came from a descendant of Zelma (the eldest of Vera's sisters) and they had labeled the grass-sitter as Zelma, not Cora.  My personal opinion is that this is Cora in both photos, but regardless, we know she's definitely one of Roy & Roxa's girls.

Roy and Roxa in younger family photos

The following are a collection of earlier photos of Roy and Roxa with their young family that have not yet been posted elsewhere.

Photos are from the personal albums of Gene/Della Nyberg unless otherwise stated.

"Ralph and dog 'Old Tip', Doris, Della on horse 'Old Shet' and Roxa"

"Roxa and Della"
NOTES: "Roxa Taylor and daughter Della.  Looks like Della is going to study.  She has her pencil and paper.  This is the one thing she has always liked to do."

"Roy Taylor and quarantine sign"
NOTES: "Doris on one corner of the house and her dad on the other.  They were quarantined with the measles.  The sign is on the house.  It's red with black letters"

"Roxa with neighbor, Mrs. Nebeker"
From personal albums of Cheryl Murray

Life History on Roy Taylor

Roy Taylor was Vera's father.

The following is a transcribed history of his life, as written by Roy's sister, Mrs. Wayne Nielson, and later rewritten by Roy's granddaughter, June.  The scanned copy I'm transcribing from is the image directly below.  Some punctuation and spelling changes have been made by me in the transcription.  Photos/documents have been inserted by me.

From the personal albums of Doris Sessions

Life History of Roy Taylor

Roy Taylor, son of Martin VanBuren Taylor and Joannah Smith Jennings was born on the 18th day of February, 1872 at Levan, Utah.  Joannah "Smith" Jennings was named Smith because she was born in 1844, the year that the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred.  Martin Van Buren Taylor was a polygamist and had four wives and when Roy was 12 years old his father moved his four families to Freedom, in Sanpete, Utah.

When he was 17 years old he left Freedom and went back to Levan where he worked for relatives or anyone he could get a chance to work for.  In 1894 he moved with his mother to Juab where he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in the round house.  Later he was a fireman on the train running to and from Milford.  He worked at Delamar, Nevada and worked in the mills, and dust from the mills caused him to have a lung weakness, from which he suffered in later life.  He later went to Levan to live, He farmed in Levan during the summer and went to work in Eureka in the winter.  He married Roxa Althea Anderson at Juab, Dec 26, 1894.  Elmer Taylor performed the marriage ceremony.  They were later endowed and had their family sealed to them at the Manti Temple on April 14, 1909 after the birth of their 8th child.  At this time they were living at Chester, Utah.  He was a member of the school board in Chester serving in this capacity from 1908 until 1914.

"Roy Taylor with machinery"
From the personal albums of Cheryl Murray

To this couple was born 12 children; Zelma Helen, Cora Louise, Earldean Taylor, Roy LeGrand, Wilmar Rex, Sherman A., Leslie Duke, Vera Johannah, Ralph, Adella Francis, Doris Althea, Martin Verdon.  All of these children grew to maturity except Earldean who died at the age of 15 in Chester of a dropsey heart condition.  Mart Verdon was the only child after the family had settled in Lapoint.  He died in action over seas, Nov 29, 1944 during a bomber flight mission over Japan, in World War II.

In November 1915, the family moved to the Uintah Basin.  The first winter they lived at Hayden, Utah in a two-room log house.  The next year they moved to Lapoint and cleared the land and build the old brick home which was later bought by Della Nyberg.

"Our dad, Roy Taylor getting ready for the day's work.
With team, Daisy and May.
Ploughing was done with a hand plough, walking all day"
Photo & caption from the personal albums of Gene Nyberg

When the Lapoint Ward was organized, he was sustained on September 10, 1916 as counselor to Bishop.  He was ordained a High Priest by Don B. Colton, August 28, 1916.  On Dec 31, 1916 he was sustained as Bishop of the Lapoint Ward.  He served in this capacity for 8 years and 3 months.  The Lapoint Hall was build during 1920 while he was bishop.  This hall served as a place for the church gatherings and recreation such as dances, etc.  This building was later condemned and some of the material salvaged to build the present ward chapel.  He was set apart as Bishop by George Albert Smith who later became the President of the Church.

Certificate from the personal albums of Cheryl Murray

He served as a county commissioner for 6 years and in a new county there were many roads and bridges to be built and many hardships were encountered.  He was also elected as a school board member in 1930 where he served for 8 or 9 years.  During this time the Alterra High School was built.

After being released from the Bishopric he later served as first counselor in the Sunday School where he served for 5 years and was then called as a counselor to the bishop.  After 6 months he was released on account of poor health.  Many of his children can remember the family going to church in a white top buggy, and it was usually an all day affair on account of the traveling distance of most of the members of the ward.  He blessed a number of his grandchildren and was active almost to the end of his life as he went Ward Teaching only a few days before his death.

"Doris, Ralph, Vera, Della, with Bishop Taylor and Roxa in back- off to church"
From the personal albums of Gene Nyberg

He died of a heart attack on December 26, 1941, which was his 47th wedding anniversary at Lapoint, Utah.  He was buried at the Lapoint cemetery on December 29, 1941.

He died as he lived, a good latter-Day saint and was a friend to all who came in contact with him.  Many people received hospitality at his home and he was a true friend to the Indians and many enjoyed the tasty meals prepared by his wife.

"Frank Ninance and Roy Taylor.
Our dad was a real friend to the Indians"
Photo & caption from the personal albums of Gene Nyberg

Roy was a man who never passed man, woman or child, black or white that he did not speak or wave his hand, or shake hands with those he met.  Many people came to him for advice and council, not only the white settlers but the Indians too.  He was so thoughtful and looked after the welfare of everyone.  He never said anything bad about anyone, it made me think of the saying, "your name is safe with me".

(Taken from 2 copies of life sketches written by Mrs. Wayne Nielson, sister to Mr. Taylor.  Rewritten by Vera June Huber Wooley.)

Photo from the personal albums of Cheryl Murray

Roy Taylor & Roxa Anderson

Roy Taylor and Roxa Althea Anderson were Vera's parents.

Photo from the personal albums of Della/Gene Nyberg

Roy Taylor (of Juab, UT) and Roxa Anderson (of Levan, UT) were married in Juab, Juab, UT on 26 Dec 1894.

Thus, she became Roxa Althea Anderson Taylor.

Marriage License:

SOURCE: familysearch.org

Marriage Certificate:

ORIGINAL document from the personal albums of Della/Gene Nyberg

Grandpa Roy Taylor in photos

With everyone I've talked to thus far, Roy Taylor had quite the reputation for being extremely friendly and good with kids.  Descendants have all commented on how it was common to see "Grandpa Taylor" with at least one child on his lap or in his arms, and engaging with them in play.  Here are a few photos showing that very thing:

These photos are all from the personal album of Rhea Merkley

(Rhea being the cute little blonde in the first and third photo.)

Roy Taylor Tribute

Roy Taylor (Vera's father) was influential in the establishment of the Alterra High School near Duchesne, Uintah, Utah.
At his passing, these words were remarked by the school's Principal, Luke Clegg.
Roy Taylor's local obituary mentions that the Principal made tribute remarks, so I'm assuming these are the written notes of his address.  I'm doubting that these are the ORIGINAL documents (more likely they were copied down) but this paper has been located in the genealogy books of two separate individuals (Rhea Merkley and Althea Gray) so I'm assuming these words were at least transcribed and copies of it given out at a family reunion some time ago.  Any clarification on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Alterra High School memoriam remarks:

Letter copy from the personal albums of Della/Gene Nyberg

Written copy of remarks:

From the personal genealogy book of Rhea Merkley.

Tribute transcribed:
From Alterra High School, January 14, 1942
Luke Clegg Principal Resolutions of Respect and Sympathy to Mrs. Roy Taylor and Family:
Whereas a just and all wise Heavenly Father has seen fit to call home a dearly beloved father and friend from our midst.  We the faculty and student body of the Alterra High School do hereby tender to the bereaved family and friends these resolutions of sincere, heartfelt respect and sympathy in the great loss which all have felt so keenly.
To know our friend was to love and respect him.  He was honest, courteous, thoughtful and considerate of others.  He was a gentleman in every sense of the word... a finer tribute could not be given to any man.  He has lived the abundant life fully and well.  The rays he has shed upon us... kindness, courtesy, consideration, a sense of honor and of loyalty and devotion to all worthy moves... these rays we shall cherish even as we shall cherish the memory of our beloved friend and benefactor.
The Saviour once defined religion thus: "Religion pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the widows and orphans in their afflictions and keep thyself unspotted from the world."  By this and many other standards, this kindly friend was truly a religious man.
We revere him especially as the Father and ardent friend of our growing institution the Alterra High School.  This institution though young, has graduated hundreds from its portals.  His dream has been realized!  We are the beneficiaries of his efforts.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the faculty and student body of the Alterra High School do hereby express our sympathy and condolence to the family and friends of our deceased friend and benefactor, Roy Taylor, and be it further resolved that we do offer this expression of thanks and gratitude for the example he has set and for the quiet conscientious service he has rendered the Alterra High School both officially and as a parent and a grandfather.
(What) good men do lives after them.  He has made an impress and an imprint upon our lives.  We pray that our Heavenly Father will comfort and sustain the family and all who are called upon to mourn at that time, and we do it in the worthy name of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, Amen.

*Phrasing, spelling, and punctuation were corrected by me wherein I saw it pressing.

Alterra High School
SOURCE: Uintah County Library Regional History Center

Death info on Roy Taylor

Roy Taylor was Vera's father.

(Photo from the personal album of Rhea Huber Merkley)

Based on these documents, he was:

BIRTH: 18 Feb 1872, Levan, Juab County, Utah

(born to Martin Taylor and Joan Hannah Jennings*)

DEATH: 26 Dec 1941, Lapoint, Uintah County, Utah

He was 69 years old.

Lots of other interesting things to look into by studying these out further.

SOURCE: familysearch.org

Roy Taylor's obituary (click on image to enlarge):

(Salt Lake Tribune 1941, Dec 30, p.15)

Obituary transcribed:

Funeral Slated for Former County Official

Tribune Intermountain Wire

LAPOINT, Uintah County--

Funeral service for Roy Taylor, 69, former Uintah county commissioner and school board member, will be conducted Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Lapoint LDS ward chapel by Bishop Harvey Hullinger. Mr. Taylor died suddenly Friday at home.

He had been afflicted with a heart ailment and asthma for some years.

Born in Levan

Mr. Taylor was born in Levan, Juab county, Feb 18, 1872, a son of Martin and Hannah Jennings Taylor. He spent his boyhood and young manhood in Levan, where he attended the public schools. After marrying Roxie Anderson in the Salt Lake LDS temple, he moved to Chester, Sanpete county.

Coming to Lapoint in 1915, he became actively engaged in farming and the livestock business in the Uintah basin.

For six years Mr. Taylor was a Uintah county commissioner, and for 12 years a member of the Uintah school district board, representing the western part of the county.

Served as Bishop.

Mr. Taylor served as bishop of the Lapoint LDS ward for 12 years. He was a teacher in the Sunday school and MIA of his ward.

Surviving, besides his widow, are six sons and five daughters,

Rex and Leslie Taylor, Mrs. Roy Huber, Mrs. George Nyburg and Mrs. Clarence Jensen of Lapoint;

Mrs. Keith Ross of Vernal,

Mrs Coy Heyward of Bountiful,

Roy Taylor of Bridgeland, Utah;

Ralph Taylor of Salt Lake City,

Sherman Taylor of Meeker Colo.,

and Martin Taylor of the U.S. air corps;

four brothers and one sister, Scyle, Hugh, and Nephi Taylor of Levan

and Heber T. Taylor of Blackfoot, Idaho,

and Mrs. Wayne Neilson of Provo.

Burial will be in the Lapoint cemetary.

Friends may call at the home in Lapoint Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

AND, here's obituary #2, thanks to the Vernal Express:

Vernal Express 1942, Jan 1, p.1

Obituary transcribed:

Funeral Held for Former County Official

Heart Attack Fatal to Roy Taylor at Home in Lapoint

Largely attended by friends and relatives with many school and county officials present were the funeral services for Roy Taylor 69, former Uintah county board member held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Lapoint LDS ward chapel with Bishop Harvey Hullinger presiding. Mr Taylor died suddenly Friday at his home.

He had been afflicted with a heart ailment and asthma for a number of years.

Mr. Taylor was born in Levan, Juab county February 18, 1872 a son of Martin and Hannah Jennings Taylor. He spent his boyhood and young manhood in Levan where he attended the public schools. After marrying Roxie Anderson in the Salt Lake LDS temple he moved to Chester Sanpete county.

Coming to Lapoint in 1915 he became actively engaged in farming and the livestock business in the Uintah basin.

For six years Mr. Taylor was a Uintah county commissioner and for 12 years a member of the Uintah school district board representing the western part of the county.

Mr. Taylor served as bishop of the Lapoint LDS ward of 12 years. He was a teacher in the Uintah school district board representing the western part of the county.

Survivng besides his widow are six sons and five daughters. Rex and Leslie Taylor, Mrs. Roy Huber, Mrs. George Nyburg, and Mrs. Clarence Jensen of Lapoint; Mrs Keith Ross of Vernal; Mrs. Coy Heyward of Bountiful; Roy Taylor of Bridgeland, Utah; Ralph Taylor of Salt Lake City; Sherman Taylor of Meeker, Colo; and Martin Taylor of the U.S. air corps. Four brothers and one sister Scyle, Hugh, and Nephi Taylor of Levan, and Heber T Taylor of Blackfoot, Idaho, and Mrs. Wayne Neilson of Provo.

At the funeral services the opening song was 'Sometime We'll Understand' by the Lapoint ward choir with the invocation by Jerry Harrison former Lapoint ward bishop followed by the choir singing 'Jesus Lover of My Soul'.

Principal Luke Clegg of the Alterra high school read a tribute paid the deceased by the faculty and students of the high school. Barbara Rasmussen rendered a piano solo 'Oh My Father'.

Speakers were H LeRoy Morrill bishop of the Tridell ward and Superintendent L O Noble of the Uintah school district. Closing remarks were made by Bishop Hullinger who is principal of the Lapoint school.

Other musical numbers were a Hawaiian harp solo 'Til We Meet Again' by Cora Hayward and a vocal duet 'Going Home' by Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Merkley.

The benediction was pronounced by C A Thompson.

Pall bearers were his sons Roy, Rex, Ralph, Sherman, and Leslie Taylor and grandson Dean Jensen.

Interment was made in the Lapoint cemetery under the direction of the Swain Funeral Home. Dedication of the grave was by Mr. Hullinger.

* This is yet another derivative on her name. She is often referred to as Hannah or Johannah in the records I have come across...

Headstone:

Headstone located in the Lapoint Cemetery, Lapoint, Utah
Photo taken by me, July 2012.