First Memories: Helen K. Orgill

My grandmother, Helen K. Orgill, tells of her father Solomon and their early pioneer struggles in the land of cactus and desert. Her father was a Black Hawk Soldier, protecting Mormons from skirmishes and wars with Utes, Apaches, and Navajos: cover photo, July 1866. The man in the 2nd row middle, looking off to the side, is my Grandma's father, Solomon Farnham Kimball, a son of Heber C. Kimball and Vilate Murray. He built his own log cabin in Mesa, Arizona, kept Indians at bay, before...
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My grandmother, Helen K. Orgill, tells of her father Solomon and their early pioneer struggles in the land of cactus and desert. Her father was a Black Hawk Soldier, protecting Mormons from skirmishes and wars with Utes, Apaches, and Navajos: cover photo, July 1866. The man in the 2nd row middle, looking off to the side, is my Grandma's father, Solomon Farnham Kimball, a son of Heber C. Kimball and Vilate Murray. He built his own log cabin in Mesa, Arizona, kept Indians at bay, before moving to Salt Lake City. Solomon was born in Feb 1847 while crossing the plains. Five of their 8 children passed away before 10 years of age, whooping cough, "summer complaint" (bacteria from spoiled food) and the dreaded diphtheria. Lost his wife, Ursula when the last two children were born, twins. Twins died shortly after. Grandma was not yet 9 years old at that time. Years later she gave me this advice when I was 12: "Dear Joey, remember to always be brave and courageous, when life seems hard. , Love, Grandma, Helen K. ORGILL, Xmas 1948" -- Joe V. Orgill