Voices calling from the past,

                              speaking to you and me.                                 

memories will fade, they will never last,

unless written for all to see. 

Let's all share our family Trees,

our histories, pictures and others.

Whether here in America or Overseas

we are all sisters and brothers.

What we learn from those who have gone before,

will forever change our hearts.

What we share with others ,will mean so much more,

to others when one departs.

It all began in Wales

 


This blog was set up with all the information that I have
found that I would like to share with those relatives around the world. If you see or have any additional pictures, documents, biographies,or Histories or suggestions please email me so everyone can benefit from this sight. bradbona@msn.com.
Thank you for visiting, Brad Bona




                                                                                                                                                          
It starts with my Great Great Grandparents
my 2nd Great Grandfather is

David Bona January 3, 1798
son of John Bona 1772
Elizabeth Jones 1774

my 2nd great grandmother is
Ann Bowen October 11, 1807
Daughter of William Bowen 1775
 & Susannah Roberts 1775

David and Ann were married

September 12, 1824
in Swansea, Glamorgan
The Marriage certificate is below.

David and Ann were blessed with six children

three girls and three boys

Harriet Bona - February 26, 1825

Ann Bona - November 14, 1827

John Bona - March 9, 1830

David Bona - January 5, 1836

William Bona - April 8, 1838

Elizabeth Bona - December 29, 1840

Around 1849 the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints came and

a lot of the Bona Family got baptized. I see that the two oldest daughters are married by that time

and did not investigate the church at that time.

Ann Bona Baptized - February 7, 1849

David Bona Baptized - February 18, 1849

John Bona Baptized - January 1, 1850

William Bona Baptized - March 20, 1849

  David Bona Jr. Baptized - February 16, 1849

Elizabeth Bona Baptized - July 27, 1849

1841 Wales Census 

shows family along with 

Susannah mother of Ann  

you see in the above census attachment that Rowland Rees is the Head of house that Harriet is the wife whose age matches up with Harriet Bona. They also show they have two sons John and Rowland, The other older Daughter Ann also got married to a William Thomas. see the marriage license below and notice that one of witnesses is Rowland Rees,  making it look like he is possibly the brother in Law of William and Ann Thomas.

In 1853 the Family David and Ann decide to join the Saints in America and become
passengers on the ship Jersey. you will see from the below attachment passenger list that it has William Thomas and his wife Ann and a son William age four, Anne is the second oldest
daughter of David and Ann. Just three names below that you will see the Bona family David , Ann, John, David, William and Elizabeth. Then a few names down from that you will see Rowland Rees and his wife Harriet, sons John, Rowland and infant daughter Sarah. another reason to believe Harriet Rees is Harriet Bona Rees.

The Ship Jersey  Departed from Liverpool England
on February 5, 1853 and arrived at New Orleans on March 22, 1853. Upon arrival to America they departed New Orleans 
 June 1, 1853 and arrived in Salt Lake October 10, 1853

Joseph W. Young Company
Departure  1-7 June 1853
Arrival  10 October 1853
Number In Company 417
Bona, David 55 About 1802                                                         Bona, Ann Bowen 46 About 1807   

      Bona, David, Jr. 17 About 1836                                                   Bona, Eliza 13 About 1840 

      Bona, John 23 About 1830                                                           Bona, William 15 About 1838  

      Thomas, William Bona 5 9 Dec 1848 1 Feb 1935                     Thomas, Ann Bona 25 14 Nov 1827 

      Thomas, David about 1852

      Rees, Rowland 27 About  1826                                                          Rees, Harriet 28 About 1825

      Rees, John 5 About 1848                                                                     Rees, Rowland, Jr. 3 About 1850
  Rees, Sarah Ann 1

 

 

1860 Census
Camp Floyd
David Bona 61 a carpenter
Ann 54
William 22
Elizabeth 54

1860 Census Camp Floyd
John Bona 31 was a Tailor, Elizabeth, 23
 Elizabeth, 4 Ellen M., 2

1860 Census Camp Floyd
William Thomas 34 was a Stage Coach Driver, Ann 33,
William 12, David 2,

1860 Census San FranciscoD,
 David Jr. 26, went ahead to California

1860 Census Camp Floyd
Roland Reese 35 became a Tin Smith, Harriet 35
John 13, Sarah Ann 6, Roland 1

1870 Census San Francisco
David 73, Ann 63 and Elizabeth 29

1870 Census San Francisco
Roland Reese 46, Tin Smith, Harriett 45, Sarah 17
Esther A 12, Harriet 8, John 21

John Bona 41, Tailor, Elizabeth 33, Elizabeth 14,
Ellen 12, Mary A 9, Harriet 5, William 1

1870 Census San Francisco
David Bona 33, Sarah 27, David 5, Sarah 1

The next First portions of the 1880 Census you will see that some of the men have past on.
I Will also go thru and update the children of David and Ann.

This section shows Ann who is now a widow because of the

 death of David Bona my 2nd great grandfather.

 She is living with her youngest daughter Elizabeth

and her two sons Silas and William. 

Name:	David Bona
Age at Death:	76
Birth Place:	Wales
Death Date:	abt 1874
Burial Date:	28 Mar 1874
Burial Place:	San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Funeral Home:	N. Gray & Co. Funeral Records
Funeral Place:	San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Record Type:	Register
Source Reference:	p. 301-594, 1869-1878

The above 1880 Census Shows David Bona Jr. with his two children

his wife Sarah died December 14 1874

and a little further down we see Elizabeth widow of John (John Died in  January 1873)

and four of her children.

David Jr. 1910 Census in San Francisco

Home for the aged poor

So to summarize the family to this point we have

father David Bona come from Wales to Utah to San Francisco

were he went from joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

to joining the RLDS church  Oct 7,1865.   

We then have Ann Bowen Bona who also came from Wales with David

and also joined the RLDS church in 1864.

The oldest daughter Harriet who I earlier said I suspected being married

to a Rowland Reese. I found the final clue today in the obituary of her younger sister.

if you read the obit on the right you will see that she is the daughter of the late David and Ann Bona and the sister of the late David Bona, John Bona, and Harriet Reese (1907) of San Francisco and the Late Ann Thomas of Provo Utah. this takes care of five of the six children.

Ann second child stayed in Utah in Fairfield where she died 9 July 1886

John Died in 1874 in San Francisco David Jr. died between 1910 and 1919 I will update

William came up missing in San Francisco yet moved back to Utah and married and had children I will get more into talking about the siblings and his parents may answer why the only Bona's you meet in Utah are descendants of William and Mary Jones. The youngest Child Elizabeth also died in San Francisco 1919. She Married a Silas Twitchell  Had two sons that never married and she actually raised her boys alone her husband divorced her shortly after they were born.

Now the Stories pictures and Histories go back to Utah where my great-grandparents are

         

David Bona
April 8, 1838



Mary Jones
                                               August 8, 1838

They were the parents of seven children of there own
 and raised a child from her previous marriage.

From left to right we have Anna, David John, William, Will Flavel, William Arthur,

Ruth Hannah, Mary, Thomas Llewellyn, and Elias Jones, not pictured is Mary Elizabeth
who lived only from 1873 to 1878.

we  have seen from above where David comes from,
we will now see more about Mary and here life to this point
then go into the lives of each one of there children,

Mary is the daughter of Elias Jones and Mary Williams.

 This Biography of Elias Jones is from BYU
welshmormon.byu.edu/Resources/pdf/3660.pdf

  Elias Jones, my great grandfather, was born, 3 October 1809, in Cadoxton, Glamorganshire, Wales. This little place is over the Neath river, west of Neath. His father was John Jones who was born in Neath.  When Sherman and I visited Wales in 1965 I was expecting great expanses of land between the towns such as we have here in western United States. We found that Neath was only eight miles from Swansea to the south. That Llanelly was only twelve miles west of Swansea. That St. Thomas (which had appeared as the place of residence for John Jones, gg-grandfather) was an eastern suburb of Swansea, just over the Tawe river. Fabians Bay where Elias Jones and Mary Williams Jones went to make their home about 1838 was also in the Swansea Bay, Bristol Chanel area.  Neath must have been in a mining section. (I have heard my father say that his people were mining people) So when the Swansea Bay area became a steel producing area which began around 1817 it was natural that a young man would be interested in what was going on there.  According to the book, “Wales For Everyman” by H.A. Pishler- We now approach a veritable “Black Country,‟ one of the most important metallurgical districts in the world. All sorts of imported ores are smelted or refined at Aberavon, Neath Swansea, Llanelly, and the hinterland: principally copper and iron, but also speltar (zinc), tin, lead, nickel, silver, gold, cobalt. . . . . . On the way from Neath to Swansea, eight miles, you pass through Skewen. Near this is the Llandarcy refinery or the British Petroleum Co., which can process some four million tons of crude oil annually and one of the biggest industrial enterprises in Wales. Then, in the lower valley of the River Tawe (pronounced Tahway), come Llansamlet, with the largest spelter works in Britain, and Morriston, where the fumes from the foundries have almost annihilated the vegetation. . . . .  Swansea, or Abertawe, exports anthracite from the coal-field to the north and west, smelts or refines a variety of ores, and manufactures tinplates, steel plates, bars and tubes, galvanized iron, briquettes, patent fuel, fertilizers, etc.  Elias and his brother John may have worked in the mines which produced the iron and coal which was shipped by rail to Swansea Bay.  He and Mary Williams, who was eight years younger than he, may have gone to the same church and known each other as they grew up in Cadoxton. Mary‟s father, Llewellyn Williams was a school master. Could it be that Elias was taught by him? And Mary also. In those days in Wales there were no public schools, so a school master had to be responsible for finding his (?).  Elias must have had a normal childhood-with its innocence, its fun and its share of disappointments. His father died when he was twenty-four years old and was buried in Cadoxton. John Jones was taken from St. Thomas to Cadoxton, a distance of eight miles to be buried in 1833. I think at this time the John Jones family must have been living in the Swansea area and had a grocery, bakery and pub business.  Elias Jones and Mary Williams were married the 3rd of June 1836 in St. Marys Cathedral in Swansea. This is a very beautiful place which the Germans shelled during the second world war. By their bombings they really devastated the heart of Swansea at that time (they were trying to destroy the Steel Industry). Swansea has mostly been built up new. At the time Elias and Mary were married there it must have been a popular place for marriages to take place. Elias‟ sister and David Evans were married there with cousins acting as witnesses. Note-When I first saw the marriage record of Elias and Mary on film, the names sprang out at me. It was great fun to find it after looking for such a long time.  Mary must have gone back to her mother‟s home in Cadoxton to have her first baby, a son John, borned 6 September 1836. This baby was buried in Cadoxton at the age of two. The rest of Elias and Mary‟s children were born in Fabians Bay. (Aunt Jane Hodgens says Mary tended the store, which left Elias free for other ventures)  The 1851 Census reveals that Ann Hopkins Jones and her son John lived at Port Tennant. Llewellyn Williams and Mary, his wife were in the area; David Evans and Margaret Jones were there and Elias and Mary in Fabians Bay. They were all working with food so it would seem that Elias had encouraged them all to this steel producing area.  Another thing which is told of Elias is that he operated a mine. This mine was called the „all saints‟ pits because Elias would hire only L.D.S. to work in it.  About 1849 Elias Jones and his brother John had been converted to the church and were baptized. I think some of the children joined the church also. My Grandmother, the seventh child of Elias and Mary was born 15 November 1850. She was blessed by the elders. Mary did not want to join the L.D.S. church and held out until one of her children, Annie, was healed by the Elders.  Mary had two more children, Thomas and Hannah, who was named for her sister. On the sixteenth of July 1854, Mary died leaving Elias with eight children. The oldest, sixteen; the youngest a few weeks.  Mary‟s sister Hannah‟s husband, Morgan Hopkins, died about the same time as Mary did so it was quite neutral that before long Hannah should bring her own daughter, Mary Hopkins, to the home of her sister to help take care of their nine children.  Even before his wife died Elias had wanted to migrate to Utah to be with the rest of the Saints, but because Mary was not well they weren‟t able to go. Elias and Hannah were married 2 January 1856 and began preparing immediately to take their families to Utah. It must have taken courage for Elias to leave his 81 year old mother, his sister, Margaret and her husband, David Evans, and their girls: Ann, Margaret and Elizabeth. He sold his share of the mine and his business. Hannah left her mother, Mary Thomas Williams, who was 78 and her sister Sarah and maybe others whom she loved.  They left Liverpool, 19 April on the Saunders Curling. The Captain of the ship was Vespers. The President of the company was Edward Stevenson. (From “Route From Liverpool To Great Salt Lake.”)  There isn‟t much said about their preparations for leaving but in the stories written later by Mary Lucille Beck Ferguson, Ruth Bona Patton and Jane Bowen Hodgins it is said that the Jones Family (Elias, His brother John, Hannah and the children) was well prepared. There were three boxes lined with tine and covered with leather. The tin to make kitchen utensils and the leather to make shoes. These boxes were filled with clothes and bedding.  The children must have been a great help to Elias and Hannah for there was Mary, eighteen, who had been to school. She had taken care of her brothers and sisters after her mother died. I can imagine her a warm, loving sister and daughter, helpful in every way. There was John who was then fifteen with strong arms and body who was always good with figures. He would be there to help with the lifting. Llewellyn, earnest and willing to lend a hand whenever asked, was twelve. Annie was ten and perhaps a very good little baby-tender and child watcher. Eight year old Elias had reached the age of accountability, so could be relied upon to help with the younger ones also. Mary Hopkins was seven and Ruth was six; both girls willing to help tend that little brother Thomas and the baby Hannah.  Hannah and Mary probably did the sewing and mending and the cooking chores also. What a tremendous job it must have been to get nine children and two adults ready for a six weeks journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Then to bring them from Boston, Massachusetts to Iowa City, Iowa on the train.  While on the train Wednesday, May 28, baby Hannah died. She was buried in Woodland Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio (section 20, grave 45 E. to lot 166.) They all grieved for this little two year old but had to go right on to Iowa City.  Mary Lucilla Beck Ferguson says, “Elias and Hannah, their family and Elias‟ brother John Jones who came with them were detained in Iowa City all summer. They were helping to make handcarts and to mend old ones for those who had no teams. Elias was well equipped. Their outfit consisted of eight oxen, two cows, two wagons, one horse and buggy. In September they joined the Captain John A. Hunt company with eight or ten other families.” With this company also was David Bowen, my fathers fathers father, and his family. So my welsh ancesters came across the prairie together.  Some of the Jones family rode in the buggy until the weather became cold. Then they were bundled in buffalo robes in the wagon. The cows which were brought along to supply milk and butter learned to follow the buggy. A number of times they were stolen by settlers along the way but came back when Hannah called them. Finally they were stolen and must have been driven away because they could not be found. This deprived the family of milk and butter but they had plenty of other foods. They never wanted for bread and never suffered from cold.  According to Aunt Jane Hodgins, “When the weather was fair the children took delight in riding in their Uncle John‟s wagon with „Nanson,‟ the woman who came to help. Ruth was in this wagon when the cattle stampeded. The trouble started from the rear of the train. Llewellyn Jones and William Parry Bowen, then about eleven years old, were following the teams. They ran ahead and notified the drivers who immediately stopped their oxen, thus preventing the front teams from running away. One Person, Mrs. Walters, was killed by oxen. The most serious accident that happened to the Jones family on the journey was an injury sustained by Ruth when she was hooked in the mouth by a cow. Elias repaired the cut by drawing it together with sticking plaster from his medical kit. The scar remained always.”  The trip was pleasant from Iowa City to Missouri while the roads were good. Grass was high and game plentiful. When late fall came and the storms came the ground became frozen. The roads were very rough and it made the trip unpleasant. At the last crossing of the Platte River in October, a severe snowstorm overtook the company. The grass was covered with snow. The men had to cut down cottonwood trees for the stock to brouse on. On this side of Fort Bridger, where the company crossed the little mountain and the big mountain, the snow was so deep that when it was trampled for a road it formed walls on either side above the tops of the covered wagons. All the men walked in pairs to tread this road and often their boots froze until it was impossible to get them off. Elias‟ feet were badly frozen.  At Devils gate the members of the Hunt company saw a handcart company wading through the Sweetwater River in water up to their armpits. Their clothing frozen to their bodies. The next morning Hannah witnessed sixteen being buried in one grave.  From devils Gate the relief teams from Fort Supply helped the people to Great Salt Lake City. They were forced to leave most of their belongings. When they returned in the spring for their boxes and other things the leather had been ripped off the boxes and many of their most precious things had been taken.  It was just before Christmas when these pioneers reached Great Salt Lake City Great Grandfather and Hannah with their family were taken to a school house. Soon they rented a log house which sheltered them for the winter. Hannah was thrifty and a good manager and Elias planned well for their family so they got along the first winter.  Before they left Wales, they had arranged with emigration agents there and paid for a home in Salt Lake City, not knowing conditions that existed in this country. He was given papers of this property, even the plans of the house. When he arrived there was no such place in the west. Hannah had tried to persuade Elias not to give the agent the money but he did and it was lost. It was a great disappointment and a cause for some bitterness against the church.  In the spring of 1857 Elias bought a little house and a small piece of land in Cottonwood. He also bought cows. Hannah made butter and would walk from Little Cottonwood to Salt Lake City carrying this butter on top of her head or on her shoulder. Early that spring also Elias and Hannah went to the Endowment House (20 March 1857) and were endowed and sealed.  In the fall of 1857 Elias Moved his family to Spanish Fork. They first lived in a dugout which was replaced by a Spanish wall house.  Hannah was kind, thrifty, honest and charitable. She was always helping to poor. She was very economical and saved her money. She did everything a pioneer woman could do. She spun her yarn, wove and dyed her own materials, then sewed them. She gathered salerates to make soap. She made candles. She helped on the farm as well.  Hannah must have encouraged and developed all these skills in her daughter and in her sister Mary‟s daughters as well for they were all skilled in handcrafts.  Elias and Hannah purchased the block between first and second east and fifth and sixth north. Aunt Mary Bona has seen the whole block in sugar cane.  Hannah had left a piece of property in Wales. When Thomas C. Martell went there on a mission Mary Hopkins Beck (Aunt Polly) asked him to sell it for her. He sold it and sent her the money.  Hannah died 6 March 1860after only four years away from Wales. She was 37 when she died. She was buried in the northwest corner of the Spanish Fork cemetery. It is a beautiful spot. We know that Elias Jones acquired farm land and that he and his sons became good farmers. We know he had sheep because in Aunt Jane Hodgins history of Ruth Jones Bowen she says her mother learned to card, spin and knit the wool which was gathered from her fathers sheep.  In a notation in the ward records for 21 October 1860 Elias Jones is credited with a donation of 18 lbs of wheat for an Indian project. On the 28th January 1866, $2.50 was paid for a claim in Spanish Fork south survey-those listed: Elias Jones Sr.; Elias Jones Jr.; John Jones; Llewllyn Jones; Thomas Jones.  Elias Jones as ordained a High Priest 16 October 1854 by David H. Davis. He was an Indian War Veteran. He died 31 January 1867. He was 58 years and had lived in Utah nearly eleven years. He is buried beside Hannah in the Spanish fork City cemetery.   Five of Elias Jones and Mary Williams‟ family married and had large families;  Mary Jones married William Bona, 16 November 1870. She had seven children: Annie; Mary Elizabeth; Elias Jones; David John; Thomas Llewellyn (the last two twins); Ruth Hannah and William Arthur. Mary had married previously a Thomas Flavel and had a son William Jones Flavel.

    John Jones married Men Othelia Dahle in October of 1867. They were sealed in the Endowment House the 9th February 1869. Their children were: John Llewellyn; Elias Amund; Clara Othelia; Mary Caroline; Mina M.; William Albert.  Llewellyn Jones married Alice Ann Creer, 28 March 1868. They had thirteen children. Most of their children had large families.  Annie Jones married William Banks, 20 October 1865. They had eight children: Elias Jones; William Stephan; Annie; Mary Margaret; Thomas Hyrum; Ruth Hannah; Llewellyn Orson; John Delbert. Llewellyn and Delbert had families.  Ruth Jones married William Parry Bowen, 9 February 1869 in the endowment House They had nine children: Mary Eleanor; Ruth, Jane; William Jones; David Foster; Annie Elizabeth; Elias Llewellyn; Margaret Alice and John Parry. Eight of these children had large families, one, Elias Llewellyn had seventeen.   At the age of 26 years Elias Jones married Mary Williams a beautiful, high spirited girl of 19. They were married in St. Mary‟s in Swansea which was the popular place of marriages those days. They were both born and reared in Cadoxton, across the river Neath from Neath (My father always said that the Joneses came from Neath) and that they were coal mining people).  Elias and Mary became the parents of a son in September. He lived to be two years and was buried in 1838 near Elias‟ father and mother in the Cadoxton Cemetery.  In this period when the steel industry was booming in Swansea Elias and Mary moved to St. Thomas which is each of Swansea over the river Tawe. They lived at Fabiaus Bay. Their children Mary, Llewellyn, John, Annie, Elias, Ruth Thomas and Hannah were all born here. Aunt Jane Hodgens said Elias was a grocer. Some say he was a baker. He is listed in the census as a victualler which according to David Gardner is a pub owner. Whatever it was it must have been a lucrative business for that time because his mother (who was a widow), his brother John and his sister Margaret (who was married to David Evans) all joine him in the area and became victuallers. Mary parents also were found in St. Thomas in the 1851 Census listed as victual.

History of Mary Jones Flavel Bona
my great grandmother
  
By Ruth Bona Patten
My great Aunt Ruth

 daughter of Mary

  My mother, Mary Jones Flavel Bona, was born in Swansea, South Wales, in Great Britain August 7, 1938. She was the oldest daughter of Elias and Mary Williams Jones. Her early childhood was spent in Wales. She was one of the few pioneers who had the opportunity of gaining a higher education, at Bath, England. The family moved to Utah before the other children were old enough for advanced education. My grandfather was fairly well to do and he was deeply interested in the welfare of his children. Mother was born of goodly parents, who were both born in Neath Wales.    Soon after their marriage they moved to Swansea, a small seaport town near the Docks and Shipyards. At this place nine children were born to them. My father was a Baker by trade. He also owned a grocery store, and was part owner and leaser in the coal mines there. These mines were called the Saint’s Pit because my grandfather preferred hiring the Saints to work for him. Brother Elias Lewis, Father of Postmaster David T. Lewis was a foreman in the Saints Pit. Father joined the L.D.S. church in 1849. Grandmother did not join the church until sometime later, she being converted through the healing of one of her children by administration by an Elder from Zion.

     In the spring of 1854 grandfather decided to come to Utah. This grieved grandmother very much. She felt it was a great undertaking to come to America with so many little ones. Then another daughter was born to them June 20, 1854.and when the baby was six weeks old, grandmother passed away at the age of thirty seven and the children were left to the care of my mother, then just sixteen years of age and their father. This misfortune altered their plans. Grandfather decided to stay in Wales until the children became older. Two years later he married a widow, his wife’s sister, Hannah Williams Hopkins, who was the mother of Aunt Polly Beck.  In the spring of 1856 they started for America, They set a sail from Liverpool April 19 on the ship called Sunders Curling. They were on the water six weeks and when they landed at Boston, they took the train to Iowa City, which was as far as the Railroad extended west at that time. While on the train, Wednesday, May 21, 1856, the Baby Hannah, then two years old, died. She was buried in Woodland Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio, section 20 grave 45E to lot 166. That fall the family joined Captain Hunt’s company to come to Utah. Grandfather was well equipped for the Journey. He had two horse teams. Two wagons, a horse and buggy, eight oxen and two cows, three large boxes lined with tin and cover with leather, filled with clothing and bedding. The leather was intended to be used for shoes for the Family, and the tin was meant to be used to make utensils. Grandfather’s brother John came with them and drove one team.  And a widow they called Nanson help with the children who rode in the buggy. While on their way, the cattle stampeded and one person, a Mrs. Walters, was killed.
This grieved mother to see them sew her in a Bed tick, and bury her by the side of the road, later mother Sick and told father that if she died to bury her in a large tin box they had with them. Please don’t sew me in a bed tick. She was so impressed and sincere about it that her brother, Uncle Jack Jones, often after would say to her in a joking way, “ Now, Mary do you want to go in that tin box?
   A very severe winter overtook them before they reached Salt Lake City on Christmas Eve. This family fared better than many others in the company because grandfather had looked well to their comfort and bought a number of buffalo robes to keep them warm.  From Salt Lake City they moved to Cottonwood in the spring of 1857. Here they bought a small house and a piece of land. They lived here until fall, then moved to Spanish Fork was to be there permanent home. Like many others, they lived in a dugout the first year. Then grandfather bought a city block and built a home. He gradually acquired a great deal of land and became fairly well to do. He paid for the transportation of six or eight families from Wales to Utah. After the Jones family had settled at Spanish Fork, my mother went to Camp Floyd to live with a friend, Mrs. Mary Morgan. While there she met Thomas Flavel a bookkeeper in the Johnston’s Army, and was married to him sometime in 1858. My Aunt Ruth, mothers youngest sister , was a little girl at this time, about nine years old, and mother took her to live with her at Camp Floyd. Thomas Flavel was not very well known in the community, but Aunt Ruth admired him greatly. At this point it might be well to write a little about him. He was very refined, well dressed gentleman.  He could keep himself well-groomed at the work he followed. He had been raised in a home with high standards of living. His parents had educated him to become a Catholic minister but this was not to his liking. So he joined the Army to escape a ministerial life.
He was devoted to his wife and always wanted her to be well dressed. At Fairfield, or Camp Floyd, Utah, on February 12, 1860, a baby was born, a son, which they called William. When the child was less than a year old, the husband’s duties called him to Nevada. He wanted to take his wife and baby with him, but shortly before this, grandfather Jones had lost his second  wife and it was deemed advisable for my mother to come back home to her father for a time while Flavel arranged for a home for his family in Nevada. Due to Indian raids and pioneer conditions, the mail was very uncertain in those days, and evidently they heard from each other very little. Mother’s happy married life came to a sad ending. She never saw her husband   again after he left Utah. No one seemed to know what happened to him.it was reported that he was drowned while crossing a river. The sad little widow, my mother, waited ten years for his return. Then she married my father William Bona, November 16, 1870. He was born in Wales April 8, 1838. He had been in love with him since her former marriage. Seven children were born to this union; four of us are living today. Elias, Dave, Tom and myself. During there early married life, they lived in a two-roomed adobe house on Main Street between 5^th and 6^th North. Later they built a five room house next door. We children were born and raised here. My father had poor health as he suffered a great deal from rheumatism. He was a plasterer by trade. But he also owned a farm on the new survey.  He acquired a great deal of land but was unable to farm it himself.as the boys grew older they took over the land and are now farming it. Father’s parents, brothers, and sisters made their home in San Francisco shortly after coming to Utah, except for father and his older sister who lived in Fairfield Utah. Some of the grandchildren are still there. I have happy memories of hanging my stocking at Christmas time and as long as two weeks after. Father could always find something to put in it, if just an apple. i also remember his buying dress material  and changeable silk trimming. I thought that was the prettiest dress I ever had. One of my earliest recollections is that of watching him dance with Mr. Jenkins and John P. Jones. They entertained with step dancing in many home socials.
     Mother was deeply interested in church work during her early life. She was president of the Relief Society for several years. Uncle William Bowens mother Jane Foster  and Daren Hansen was her counselors. 
    In the early days of Utah, sewing machines were very scarce, and nearly all clothing was made by hand. Mother was very adapt with needle and did much fine sewing. She had a pleasing personality and was very thoughtful and kind. She had been a mother to her younger brothers and sisters. Aunt Ruth Bowen being her youngest sister, a bond of deep affection grew between children and mother, a kin to that of grandchild and grandparent, and they loved and revered her as they would a grandmother. For many years they lived on a farm. And when they came to town, our house was home to them.  Her keen sense of humor helps carry her over the rough places in life. She lost her little girl Mary, between four and five years old. Also her youngest child Arthur was killed when she was sixty-two years old, she had a severe sick spell, and during the time that she was dangerously ill, her daughter  Annie Wyler,  my sister, gave birth to a baby girl and died  five days later. The doctors said mother must not be informed of the death of her daughter until she was stronger. This was a trying ordeal to all concerned. Someone was at her bedside constantly for nearly a month. At the end of which time her son in law, Fred Wyler, broke the news to her.  A cousin, Hattie Beck, cared for the infant for about six months, and then mother raised the little one, Annie Wyler, and her brother Freddie.
    My father had been in California and anticipated another trip to see his sister Elizabeth and her sons. His dream was realized in part. He visited with his sister for a short time, and then left for the home of his niece not far distant. When he didn’t return to his sister’s, my Aunt Lizzie’s place, in due time she became concerned about him.  Upon further investigation they learned that he had never reached his niece’s home. Word was sent to our home here and a search was begun, but to no avail. He was never found.  Strange those two such incidents should happen in the life of one woman. More long hours of anxious waiting which grew into days, weeks, months, years. No trace of our father has been discovered.
      Years later, mother’s oldest son died,  Will Flavel. He had always been so thoughtful of her. It might be well to mention here that her two youngest brothers, Elias and Thomas, went away to Nevada prospecting while they were in there early twenties. For nearly thirty-four years the folks at home heard nothing from them.  Then  Uncle Tom died and his brother wrote home to tell his relatives. Later   Uncle Elias came back to Utah, and for several years made his home with mother. This was a great solace for her; he was living at the time of her death, September 14, 1923, and is buried by her side. Among my treasured keepsakes is a beautiful pastel shawl which meant a great deal to my mother as well as to me. It was worn by my mother in Wales over hundred years ago. I have also a black silk coat which belonged to my mother trimmed with handmade lace. I also prize very highly mother’s bible which contains the records of our family.

Now we see below the Children of Mary Jones Bona and William Bona along with William Flavel who they raised



  

 William Flavel

 William Flavel           Rosetta Christmas Flavel   12 Feb 1860                    18 March 1861

  Fairfield, Utah                        Wales

   29 July 1921                     20 Sept 1938

Spanish Fork, Utah          Spanish Fork, Utah

                                          

  

William Thomas  Flavel 1882-1976

    sp  Mary Huntington 1887-1931

 Elias Jones Flavel  1884-1958

     sp  Rhoda May Thomas  1886-1953  

 Mary Elizabeth Flavel 1887-1969 

    sp  Ferrin L Manwill 1891-1975

                 Not Pictured

 Joyce Flavel  1890-1967 

    sp   Lewis D Thomas 1888-1918

  

    John Flavel 1897-1897

                            

                                  William And Rosetta Flavel

                                

Anna Bona 1871-1900                               Annie Bona 1871-1900      Fred Wyler 1872-1956 Fred and Annie had two children  Fred (Freddie) William Wyler 1898-1978 Freddie married Mary Roman 1896-1964 they also had a daughter Anna Bona Wyler  born  Feb 21 1900 her mother Annie died just five days later on Feb 26 1900 Anna Bona Wyler 1900-1989 she married Marcellus O Hutchings 1895-1962 Mary Elizabeth Bona 1873-1878 passed away at 5 years old Elias Jones Bona Birth:  Aug. 11, 1876 Spanish Fork Utah County Utah, USA Death:  Nov. 8, 1962 Payson Utah County Utah, USA ELIAS JONES BONA, 86, HEART ATTACK CLAIMS MAN MAPLETON--Elias Jones Bona, 86, died at the home of his son in Mapleton Thursday morning of a sudden heart attack. He was born August 11, 1876, in Spanish Fork, a son of William and Mary Jones Bona. He married Clarissa Markham December 22, 1911, in Provo. She died January 25, 1961. He received his endowments in the LDS Salt Lake Temple October 3 1961. He was educated in the Spanish Fork Schools and owned and operated his own farm in Benjamin until 1940, when he retired and moved to Spanish Fork. He is a member of the High Priest Quorum in the Spanish Fork Eleventh LDS Ward. Surviving is one nephew, Jack Bona, Mapleton; whom he reared as a son; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and one sister, Ruth H. Patten, Payson. Funeral services will be Monday at 1 p.m. in the Spanish Fork Palmyra Stake House. Officiating will be Bishop Cloyd Christensen. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday prior to services. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork Cemetery.   Elias married Clarissa Markham December 22, 1911 Clarissa Maretta Markham Bona Birth:  Feb. 4, 1876 Spanish Fork Utah County Utah, USA Death:  Jan. 25, 1961 Payson Utah County Utah, USA Clarissa M. Bona Spanish Fork Woman Dies SPANISH FORK—Clarissa Maretta Markham Bona, 84, died Wednesday in the Payson City Hospital. She was born February 4, 1876 at Spanish Fork, a daughter of Stephen and Mary Curtis Markham. She received her education in the Spanish Fork schools. She married Elias Bona Dec. 22, 1911 in Provo. They moved to Benjamin where they farmed until 1940. Following her husband's retirement they moved to Spanish Fork. She is well known for her crocheting. She was an active member of the LDS Church. She is survived by her husband, one son, Jack Bona, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Spanish Fork llth Ward Chapel. Bishop Grant Jensen will officiate. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday prior to services. Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. Clarissa's parents are Stephen Markham 1800-1878 and Mary Curtis 1832-1900                             Bodyguard to the Prophet Joseph Smith  WARRANT FOR Stephen Markham, Joseph Smith AND OTHERS 11 JUNE 1844 Warrant for JS, Samuel Bennett, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Green, Stephen Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathan Dunham, Stephen Markham, William Edwards, Jonathan Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, Harvey D. Redfield, Porter Rockwell, and Levi Richards, 11 June 1844. State of Illinois Hancock County} ss. The people of the State of Illinois to all constables, Sheriffs and coroners of said State Greeting: Whereas complaint hath been made before me, one of the justices of the peace, within & for the County of Hancock aforesaid, upon the oath of Francis M. Higbee of said County. that Joseph Smith, Samuel Bennett, John Taylor, William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Green. Stephen Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathon Dunham, Stephen Markham, William Edwards Jonathan Holmes, Jesse P. Harmon, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, Harvey D. Redfield, Porter Rockwell and Levi Richards of said county, did on the tenth day of June instant, commit a riot, at & within the County aforesaid, wherein they with force & violence broke into the printing office of the Nauvoo Expositor and unlawfully & with force burned & destroyed the printing press, type & fixtures of the same, being the property of William Law, Wilson Law, Charles Ivins, Francis M. Higbee, Chauncey L. Higbee, Robert D. Foster and Charles A. Foster. These are therefore to command you, forthwith to apprehend the said Joseph Smith, Samuel Bennett John Taylor, William W. Phelps, Hyrum Smith, John P. Green, Stephen Perry, Dimick B. Huntington, Jonathon Dunham, Stephen Markham, William Edwards, Jonathan Holmes, Jesse P. Harmen, John Lytle, Joseph W. Coolidge, Harvey D. Redfield, Porter Rockwell, and Levi Richards, and bring them before me or some other justice of the Peace to answer the premises, and further to be dealt with according to law   The walking cane in this photo was owned by MARKHAM, Stephen. He termed the cane, "The Rascal Beater," because he used it often to beat off angry mobs that threatened his life as well as the life of the prophet Joseph Smith. John Taylor used this cane to beat down the guns of the Carthage Greys as they forced their way into the second story room of Carthage Jail to murder Joseph Smith. The cane is on display at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Museum just to the west of the Salt Lake City Temple. Mary Curtis Markham Mother of Clarissa Markham Bona Mary Curtis was born 15 November 1832 at Highland, Oakland County, Michigan. She was the daughter of Jeremiah and Ruth Stratton Curtis.The Curtis family moved from Michigan where they first heard the gospel about the year 1836 to Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. Their son in law, Ornan Houghton, who had married Aurelia, second child in the Curtis family, helped move the family from Michigan to Nauvoo. Mr. Houghton and his wife had lost their oldest child and they felt so lonely and bad that they took Mary to live with them. Aurelia wanted Sarah, who was two years old, but Ornan wanted Mary, who was four years old, as while traveling she had hung to him so close he had become very much attached to her. She lived with them until her sister Aurelia died, in February 1845. After her death Mary took care of her sister's family, Francis and Louisa Aurelia Houghton. Later she married Mr. Houghton, and had one son Edgar Stratton Houghton, who was born in Montrose, Lee County, Iowa. The 18 of August 1847, her husband died, leaving her a widow with three children. In 1845 her father's family went with Lyman Wight's company to Texas, and wanted her to go with them, but she had heard and seen Brigham Young when the mantle of Joseph Smith fell upon him and heard his voice as of Joseph's. She often testified of this as she was present at the meeting when the question was presented as to whether the saints should follow the twelve apostles or Sidney Rigdon. So she would not leave the body on the saints as she had a lasting testimony of the gospel, but went through all the hardships and trials of the saints in Nauvoo. She was among the mourners who stood by the roadside as the bodies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were brought back to Nauvoo after being murdered in Carthage Jail. Mary went through the Nauvoo Temple January 29, 1946, and had her own endowments. Later on she witnessed that awful sight of the temple burning down. Her step-daughter Louisa remembers seeing the temple burn in 1848, and seeing an old Catholic woman waving her arms and shouting "Glory Hallelujah" as she watched it burn. After the death of her husband and while still a widow her oldest brother Meacham came from Texas, where all her brothers and sisters lived with their parents, but his only conveyance was a mule to take her and her three children to join the rest of the family. He sold everything he could belonging to her, even a strand of gold beads which had been handed down in the family for a number of generations. These beads were to be handed down to Louisa for which she never forgave him in all her eighty years of life. Still, Mary would not consent to go with him, as she had heard Brigham Young speak and she knew he was chosen by God to lead his people. Her brother went back to Texas very mad at her as was all the rest of the family.Mary had one cow and a young heifer which were hitched up together and preparations were made to move from Nauvoo. She joined her cousins of the Curtis family who had wagons and cows and one horse which they hitched up together and they started for the west. Mary and Francis Houghton, her step son nine years old, drove the team across the plains. She helped cook for the company of the Curtis family.While crossing the Mississippi river on a flat ferry boat February 8, 1846, this incident occured. A teamster who had driven on the boat with two yoke of partly broken steers hitched to his covered wagon had neglected to unhitch them. Someone just for a joke spit tobacco juice in the eye of one of the steers making it almost crazy with pain. In the excited threshing around of the steers a plank in the bottom of the boat was torn loose and the boat began to sink very quickly. The animals were floundering in the water and some of them were clear outside the boat. Someone pulled the pin from the wagon tongue and this turned them loose and they swam to shore. This took the weight from the water soaked boat and it rose to the surface again. The people on the shore were frantic and soon got boats and rescued all getting them safely to shore. Only one yoke of oxen was drowned. Why the boat did not go down was a mystery to them. Some thought it rested on a sheet of ice under the surface of the river. Sheets of ice were floating all around. Twenty-five persons were on board, among them were three women, Mary being one of them and there were also four children. The water came up to their arm pits as they sat in the wagon seat and the mothers raised their babies as high as they could reach to keep them out of the water. The story when told by two of the women who came to Utah and raised large families said it was a great miracle that all were not drowned but the hand of the Lord was over them. Stephen Markham was Captain of the company. They arrived in the Salt Lake valley the first of October 1850, and on the fifth of October she married Stephen Markham in Brigham Young's office as the Endowment House had not yet been built.    In the fall of 1851 Stephen and family were called by Brigham Young to go south and settle Spanish Fork. The Indians caused them a great deal of trouble, by stealing their horses and cattle. A fort was made in Palmyra a few miles from Spanish Fork where Mr. Markham was made Bishop. A marker has been erected on the site of the fort but is only now seen by the farmers in that locality as there is no highway passing near it. In settling this country many hardships were endured by the saints. The Markham's having a large farm and he being Bishop every stranger coming to the settlement was sent to the Bishop and he gave them all work, which made much work for Mary and she always had a large crowd to cook for. She was very kind and gentle in her nature and made everybody welcome to her home. She was dearly loved by young and old. I have had many old residents of Spanish Fork tell how when children gleaning in the fields they always just loved to go to Mary Markham's. Whenever they came she would always give them bread and butter, the best they had ever tasted. Mary Markham had the name of making the best buttermilk biscuits that could be made and many have said her butter was sold to people from all over town. When a basket of butter was taken to the butcher shop, the butcher never weighed it. When asked why he didn't, he would say, "If I did I would cheat myself, as her butter is always overweight." Mary had thirteen children by Mr. Markham and raised four other children. She died in Spanish Fork the 6 of October, 1900, the next day after having been married to Stephen Markham for fifty years. She had been a widow for twenty-two years. She was the only member of her father's family who remained in the Church and came to Utah. She died leaving a large posterity with many good and worthy examples for them to follow. -Sketch of the Life of Mary Curtis Markham. Written by her Daughter: Charlotta Juline Markham Crow of the McKinley Camp D.U.P., Salt Lake City Her children with Stephen Markham are: Orville Sanford Markham, Julia Ann Markham (Indian sister), Mary Lucy Markham, William Don Carlos Markham, Sarah Elizabeth Markham, Atta Ruth Markham, Hosmer Merry Markham, Emily Aurelia Markham, Margaret Eliza Markham, Joseph Curtis Markham, Charlotta Julina Markham, Ira Mecham Markham, Clarissa Maretta Markham and Caroline Louise Markham  Descendants of Thomas Llewellyn Bona Thomas Llewellyn Bona 1879-1946 Thomas is the twin brother of my grandfather David John Bona                            Tom and Elias  Married to Gudrun Jane Johnson 13 June 1907 Gudrun Jane Johnson 1888-1909 Jane  died in 1909 and Thomas married Sadie Viola Wilson November 19, 1915  Sadie Viola Wilson 1895-1971  Thomas And Viola Had Eight children William Thomas, Marie, Keith Wilson, Jack Curtis, Neil Llewellyn, Rhea, Leola , and Blair Keith, Bill, Jack Blair ,Neil, Dad Tom Bona oldest son William Thomas Bona 1915-1969    William married  Shirley Evaline Clark 1926-1999 William & Shirley had four children William, Brent , Brenda Lee, and Kaye William Bona Brent J Bona Brenda Lee Bona Liddiard Kaye Ward Oldest Daughter Marie Bona 1917-1918 Marie died at just shy of 1 years old second son Keith Wilson Bona 1919-1994      Keith Married Phyllis Barbara Balzly July 22, 1943 Phyllis Barbara Balzly 1917-2006     Phyllis B Balzly Bona, 88, passed away on March 31, 2006, at Mountain View Hospital, of causes incident of age. Phyllis was born October 23, 1917, in Payson, Utah, to Rudolf and Anna Elizabeth Houser Balzly. She was raised in Benjamin and a educated in Payson. She graduated from Payson High School in 1935.Phyllis married Keith Bona on July 22, 1943, in Heber City, Utah. They lived in Benjamin until 1971, when they moved to Spanish Fork. Keith passed away August 2, 1994. Phyllis was employed by Nebo School District at Benjamin Elementary, Rees Elementary, and Brockbank Elementary as school lunch manager for 46 years, including summers working with the migrant program. She served in the LDS Church as visiting teacher for over 50 years, Junior Sunday School Coordinator and Primary President for a number of years. Phyllis was the youngest of 11 children. Her parents and her siblings have all preceded her in death. Phyllis is survived by her three children: Joseph Allen Bona, of Payson; Utah, Jerry and Judith Bona Giles, of Fairfield, Montana; Arne and Susan Bona Hallam, of Ames, Iowa; 16 grandchildren, and 43 great grandchildren. Three Children Joseph Allen Bona Judith Bona (Jerry Giles) Susan Bona (Arne Hallam) third son   Jack Curtis Bona 1920-1980 Jack Curtis Bona was born at Spanish Fork to Thomas Llewellen Bona and Viola Wilson Bona. At some point his Aunt Claressa Maretta Bona and Uncle Eliza J. Bona raised him as their own. He married Rose Bleggi April 17, 1941. They were parents of five children: Sharon (Joel Haws) Bagley, Janet (Richard) Ericksen, Tom Bona (deceased), Linda (Ron) Mason, and Shauna (Randy) Leetham. Jack died in 1980 Parents: Raised by his uncle and aunt Father: (uncle) Elias Jones Bona Mother: (aunt) Claressa Maretta Markham Bona   Jack married Rose April 17, 1941   ~ Rose Bleggi 1918-2009 Rose was born July 24, 1918 in Carbon County to Frank Santo and Anna Brenna Bleggi. After her father's death, her mother married Antonio (Tony) Antonino, the only father she knew. She was a member of the Catholic Church. Rose had a special place in the heart of her eight brothers: Frank, Joe, Angelo, Charlie, Lewis, Camillo, Johnnie and Nino. Nino Antonino is her only surviving brother. Rose married Jack Bona April 17, 1941. They were parents of five children: Sharon (Joel Haws) Bagley, Janet (Richard) Ericksen, Tom Bona (deceased), Linda (Ron) Mason, and Shauna (Randy) Leetham. Jack preceded her in death in 1980.She married Willis Johnson in 1990. This union added four children: Kaye, LaRaye, Ted and David. The beautiful Rose garden Willis planted for her was a symbol of the love and friendship she projected to all throughout her life. He preceded her in death in 1994.Rose loved deer hunting and fishing with her husbands, brothers and grandchildren, and traveling with her many friends. Her favorite pastime her last years was playing bingo with her daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and fun friends. Our heartfelt thanks and love is extended to Dr. LeRoy, therapist Doug Whitaker, Paige Steele, all the special friends at Hearthstone Manor (you know who you are), and Vista Care Hospice for the kindness and love you gave our mother. She is survived by her four daughters, 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by many dearly loved nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Neil L Bona 1923-2000   Neil married Frances Aldred  December 2,1946  Frances Aldred 1928-2006 Frances Aldred Bona was born January 10, 1928, in Mapleton, Utah, to James and Annie McClain Aldred. She died April 29, 2006, in Payson, Utah, following an extended illness. Frances grew up in Mapleton, attending Springville schools and graduating from Springville High School as an honor student and the Drum Majorette for the school Marching Band. She went on to earn her nursing degree at the Orem Technical College. She married Neil L. Bona on December 2, 1946, and they had one daughter, Kathy Ann. Neil died on October 27, 2000, after they had been married almost 54 years. Frances was the epitome of beauty, strength, and generosity. She left an indelible example for her daughter, her grandsons, and all who knew her. There was nothing Frances couldn't do, and if she didn't know how, she studied it until she could do it. She was a talented pianist, and expert seamstress (making all of her own and Kathy's clothes for years, including winter coats and Kathy's wedding dress), an avid golfer who won many tournaments, and a great cook. Her banana cream pies could not be matched. She loved gardening and dogs and had many beloved pets during her lifetime. She was never idle, always working, cleaning or doing something for someone else. She made and donated many quilts. Frances was a member of the LDS Church and served as secretary of the Sunday School, Primary and Relief Society organizations for many years. She was active in civic affairs, serving on the Spanish Fork Zoning Committee and as secretary for the Mt. Loafer Association for many years. Frances fought many battles with disease and physical ailments. She had breast cancer, asthma, diabetes, and Parkinson's. She recovered from a broken back and two broken wrists and went through surgeries for cancer, and carpel tunnel. She had ribs removed for a thoracic syndrome condition; and, last Fall had to have a subdural hematoma surgically removed. She fought these conditions courageously, until they all ganged up on her. Frances worked for Dr. Wells E. Brockbank for over 30 years. She was not only his nurse and medical assistant, but she also worked as his financial secretary for many years. He often said she could hang up her own shingle. Many patients relied on her, when the doctor wasn't available; and, most evenings and weekends, she received calls asking for medical advice or help. She gave of her time and experience freely and was loved by many friends and former patients. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Ann Bona Templeman; two grandsons, Jeffrey S. Templeman and Ryan D. (Lori) Templeman; and two great-grandchildren, Dillan and Parker O'Neil, all of Spanish Fork; her sister, LaVon (George) Hawley, of Richfield; and brother, Gayle M. (and the late Mary) Aldred, of St. George; in-laws: Rea (John) Bleggi, Leola (Frank) Buffo, Rose Bona, Blair (Laurel) Bona, and many nieces and nephews; also, the J. Merrill and Pam Hallam family and their children: Amberlie, Melissa, Riley, Allison, and Katelyn, her loved and honorary grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Neil. Rea Bona  1927-2015  Rea Bona Bleggi passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2015 in Provo, Utah at the age of 88. Rea was born on January 2, 1927 to Thomas and Viola Bona in Spanish Fork, Utah. She married her sweetheart, Johnnie Bleggi on March 16, 1946. Known by all as Mrs. Bleggi due to 33 years as secretary of Mapleton Elementary School, Rea will be missed by many people. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Rea can remember every child that passed through the halls of the school. She was president and organizer of the Nebo School District Educational Secretaries and was chosen as educational secretary in 1984 for the state of Utah. She served as president of the Nebo School District Classified Employees for three years. She was honored as American Business Woman of the Year in 1984. In addition to her career and endless dedication to her family, Rea was extremely involved in civic affairs, serving on city council, acting as president of the Jaycee Wives, and a being a member of the firemens auxiliary. She is survived by her daughter Jan Marie Bleggi, five grandchildren: Mindy (Ryan) Christensen, Carly Ashby, Brady Hitchcock, Tawny Hitchcock, Sadey (Brett) Lee; seven great-grandchildren: Chloe Jon Ashby, Adyson and Piper Montgomery, Maximus Christensen, Lucy Ridd, Cassius Hitchcock, Jagger Lee; one brother: Blair Bona; and one sister: Leola Buffo. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and soul mate, Johnnie, her parents, four brothers: William, Keith, Jack, and Neil; and one sister: Marie. Rea married John Bleggi March 16,1946 John Bleggi 1921-2007 Birth:  Apr. 22, 1921 Death:  Feb. 9, 2007 Mapleton's First Fire Chief, John Bleggi, 85, retired from his earthly presence surrounded by his family on Friday. Born in Carbon County to Santo and Anna Bleggi, John, along with his seven brothers and sister, were raised by Tony Antonino and his mother. He married Rea Bona March 16, 1946. A staff sergeant in the Signal Corps, he served in the Army during World War II for three and a half year. A farmer, livestock man, golfer, firefighter, veteran and fisherman, he survived by his wife, Rea Bona Bleggi, daughter Jan Marie Bleggi, five grandchildren: Mindy (Ryan) Christensen, Carly Ashby, Brady Hitchcock, Tawny (Seth) Carter, Sadey (Dustin) Montgomery; three great-grandchildren: Chloe Jon Ashby, Adyson Montgomery and Piper Montgomery; one brother: Nino Antonino; and one sister: Rose Bona Johnson. Predeceased by his parents and brothers Frank, Charlie, Lewis, Angelo and Joe.   Leola Bona Leola Bona  1925- Married Frank William Buffo (1923-2014) 1947 Frank William Buffo, 91, of Spanish Fork, Utah passed away Thursday, November 20, 2014 in Provo, Utah. Frank was born September 6, 1923 in Latuda, Utah to Stefano and Caterina Garda Buffo. As the oldest of seven children and at the age of 17, he raised his siblings when his father was killed in a mining accident. Frank spent his entire life in service to others, never seeking recognition for himself. He married Leola Bona on August 2, 1947 in Spanish Fork, Utah. They were sealed in the Manti LDS Temple in 1954. They are the parents of a wonderful daughter and seven grandchildren. A 1941 graduate of Carbon High School, Frank earned an accounting degree at BYU. He owned and operated Gift Fair on Spanish Fork Main Street for 22 years. He was also a teacher in the Alpine School District and then worked for Geneva Steel as an Industrial Engineer. He was a golfer, fisherman, rock hound, gardener, and stained glass artist. Frank spent endless hours as a volunteer at the Spanish Fork Senior Center. His talents were countless. Frank was dedicated to his family and helped raise his grandkids who adore him. Frank was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served as Bishop of the Spanish Fork 10th Ward and in a MTC Branch Presidency. He also enjoyed serving as All-Church Athletics Director. As a combat veteran, he served his country in the Army stationed in Germany during World War II. Frank loved his family, faith, and country. He is survived by his loving wife, Leola, daughter, LeAnn (Alan) Thompson, and grandchildren, Jason (Julie) Thompson, Alison Thompson, Marcus Thompson, Jane (Wes) Bodily, Anthony (Amber) Thompson, Kate (Ryan) Webb, and Shannon (Brad) Cavanaugh. He also leaves behind 13 great grandchildren with one more on the way, and siblings, Nellie Nesbit, Gloria Williams, Steve (Marna) Buffo, and Guido (Joann) Buffo. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Rosa Carter, and Mary Buffo.  Blair Bona 1929-   . Married Laurell Argyle          Blair and Laurell have three Children Sheryl Kae Bona Two Children Jefferson David Thomas married Amy Chermack two children Reagan Leigh and Benjamin Robert Kendyl Michele Thomas married Jeffrey Alan Daly four children Katelyn Michele, Justin Alan, Jessica Addison and Kennedy Mae

                                                       Descendants of
                      David John Bona 1879-1949

David was a twin son of William and Mary  Bona. His Twin brother was Tom whose family and children were listed in the above part of the blog.

David is the second one from the left, he worked in the coal mines in Schofield Utah. He later met my grandmother Annie Jane Birch whose Father also worked in the mines.                                               



David John Bona 1879-1949

SPANISH FORK — David J. Bona, 69, native of Spanish Fork and for 25 years a resident of Payson, died Tuesday morning at his home in San Diego, Cal., following a stroke suffered the day before.

He was born March 19, 1879, a son William and Mary Jones Bona. He was educated in the public schools of Utah County. For many years he followed the occupation of farmer and livestock grower in the Benjamin district. Five years ago the family moved to San Diego, where he operated an apartment house, He married Annie Birch 40 years ago. She survives with six sons and daughters: Melva, Gladys and Ella Bona, Payson; Arthur, Payson and Elias Bona, Provo; one brother, Elias Bona, Spanish Fork, and one sister, Mrs. Vivian (Ruth) Patten, Payson, and 18 grandchildren.
The body will be brought to Spanish Fork and burial will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. PAYSON—Funeral services for David J. Bona, 69, who died Tuesday at his home in San Diego, California, will be conducted Tuesday in Payson Fourth Ward Chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, by Ogden DeWitt, bishop. Services were conducted in San Diego Friday. Born March 10, 1879 at Spanish Fork, Mr. Bona was a son of William and Mary Jones Flavel Bona. Educated in public schools of Utah County, he was a farmer and livestock raiser in this district for many years, Resident of Payson for 25 years, he moved to San Diego with his family five years ago, where he operated an apartment house. He married Annie Jane Birch, Dec. 25, 1901, in Spanish Fork. They received their endowments later in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Member of the LDS church, he was active in Payson Fourth Ward and a San Diego Ward. Surviving are his widow, San Diego; three sons, Ardene Bona, San Diego; Elias Bona, Provo; Arthur Bona, Payson; three daughters, Mrs. Ella McNeil, Salt Lake City, Mrs. Gladys Smith, Mrs. Melva Blodgett, Payson; one brother and one sister, Elias Bona, Spanish Fork and Mrs. Ruth Patton, Payson; 19 grandchildren. Burial will be in Spanish Fork Cemetery under direction of Valley Mortuary, Payson.

  



David married Annie December 25, 1901

Annie Jane Birch 1883-1958

 

Annie's parents

John Moroni Birch 1856-1916

Annie McKinley 1856-1901

McKINLEY, GEORGE (son of James McKinley and Jane Hogg of Fernent, Midlothian, Scotland). Born Jan. 6, 1806, at Fernent. Came to Utah 1864.

Married Mary Hamilton (daughter of Richard Hamilton and Mary Foraythe of Fernent, Scotland), who was born in 1807. Their children: Mary, m. Alexander Gillespie; James, m. Augusta Mengies; Robert, m. Isabella Watson; George Hamilton, m. Jane Johnston, m. Agnes Johnston; Archibold, m. Hannah Adamson; Peter, m. Margaret Adamson. Lived in Scotland.

High priest. Died in 1876 at Provo, Utah. History of George W McKinlay (George McKinlay's grandson). The history tells of his grandfather George McKinlay herding sheep. Contributed By T. Gillis · 20 August 2013 · 0 Comments I was born May 4 1857, in Cowdenbeath, Fife Shire, Scotland and lived there for some time when father (Robert McKinlay – born 29 October 1832) with his family moved to Townhill, then to Keltz, all in Fifeshire. Here I went to school for about one year, nine months. In the early part of February 1865, being then less than eight years of age, went to work in the coalmines. In February of March 1870 I was almost killed, and was carried home to my parents as being dead. The people had wired for three doctors to come before they got me home. When the doctors came, they all said there was no use of doing anything for me because it was impossible for me to line, but father would not stand for this and told them if they did not do all they could, he would have them prosecuted by the law. So they did all they could. The reason they did not want to do anything was because my head was split so as one could see under the skull, but thanks to the Lord, I am still here. My condition was such that I had to be moved by the sheets that I was laying on and the room in which I was laying had to be kept very dark. My head had to be pressed three times each day until the blood came out. For the first five days I knew nothing nor did I know anyone. At this time my father had twelve Elders of the church come to his home, fasting for the purpose of administering to me. They did, and when they had done, I spoke for the first time, saying to my father that I would live and that if he wished me to I could walk. I felt the power of the Lord enter into my body as vivid as I ever felt anything. It was forceful to me and the Lord knows I speak the truth. Father had to leave the room and give vent to his feeling of joy by shedding tears and to thank the Lord for his blessings. I do know it is by the power of the Lord that I live. I am ever thankful to Him for his blessings unto me and mine. My mission was not done nor was it filled at that time nor as yet. For a long time after this, whenever any of those doctors would meet me on the street or any other place, they would come and take off my cap and feel all over my head to see if all was right. It made me feel ashamed many times. It took all of the six months for me to get over this; in fact, for years after I cold not stoop over and work. My head would pain me so that it would make me sick. But thank the Lord, I got so that I could work again, so I did for four years. In the year 1874 the miners in the part of Scotland where I was, struck for more wages at this time. Father and mother had saved some money and asked me if I wanted to go to America. Think of it; a boy just seventeen years old to American all alone, knowing no one, but I said yes! Things were soon shaped so as I could leave Scotland. I left home August 30, 1874, got to Liverpool, England September 2, and sailed that night. With the exception of the first three days, the trip on the water was enjoyed by me. We were nine days on the water and got to New York on a Sunday. This was the first Sunday in my life I ever heard a brass band. We would not even play a toy horn, but I did get over it, although it seemed bad to me. Next day I got the train, but I forget how long it took me to get to Ogden, Utah. One thing I will remember that when I got to Ogden, I had only fifteen cents to my name. I wanted to get to Salt Lake City and the fare was two dollars and fifty cents. What to do? I know not, but when that train was about ready to go I got on and sat down on the seat. When the conductor came, he called for tickets. I told him I had not ticket. He said, two dollars and a half. I then told him I had no money. He looked at me and said, “Well, you have plenty of gall. What are you, one who just came in with this company of immigrants?” I told him yes. “What is your name?” I told him, and then he said, “You will get along here.” I did. When I got to Salt Lake City, we were taken to the tithing area where there were four long tables set with everything good to eat and were told to help ourselves. It was all free to us. This gave me a different opinion of Zion than when I got into New York, and still I had my fifteen cents. The first night I slept in Salt Lake City was in what is known as a corn crib made of lumber, three inches wide and two inches apart all over, with no bed clothes. It was cold. I got up before daylight, about half past four. When it was good daylight, I went to Bishop John Sharp’s looking for work, having been told at night he wanted coal miners. No one was up and I rapped on the window. The bishop himself asked who was there. I told him my name. He asked if I was one of the immigrants from Scotland and if I knew his son, when on a mission in Scotland. I told him yes. He then said, “Have you had breakfast yet?” I told him no. He said, “Come here for breakfast at eight o’clock.” I was there, his son was too, and it was nice. They know my grandfather and grandmother in Provo, Utah, and asked if I wanted to go to them. I told them I would like very much to see them. They gave me a pass to Provo City. I got there, yes, with my fifteen cents too! But as soon as I saw my grandfather, I knew there was no chance for me to get any help from them. (George McKinlay, born 26 January 1805; Mary Hamilton, born 12 January 1808) He had done quite well when he cared for himself and grandmother. He was an invalid. His left arm was dead, and always in a sling. If it was pierced with anything, he did not feel it. He was honest. I wish to tell one story about him. He used to herd sheep for a living, and it was the custom before he took the sheep to care for, the stock holders would go and get one whenever they wished to. So as usual, after he took them, the president of the stake, having some sheep in the herd, went for one, and when he got there he told grandfather what he wanted. “yes” he said, It will be all right if you have an order from the boss.” The president said, “ Don’t you know me? I am President Hatch.” Grandfather said, “President Hatch, if you were the Lord Almighty, you will get an order before you will get a sheep out of this herd.” And he got the order! In a few days I started to walk to Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon Southeast of Salt Lake City. I got to Granite the first night and slept on one large granite rock. Oh, it was hard! I made it to Alta the next day, a distance of about fifty miles in two days. Next day I started to look for work and got it, digging a hole in the mountain to build a house. This gave me money enough to buy a bed for myself, and some over. Next day I was going to one of the mines looking for work, when about three-fourths of the way, I was met by six men who had been to the same mine looking for work. They did not get it and wanted me to return with them. I told them I never returned before I got to where I was going, and I did not either. But I was forcibly struck with being just a boy, and again it came to me what to do in the matter. I came to a hole in the hill and there I went in, took off my cap, got on my knees and if ever a boy poured out his soul to the Lord, I did, telling him what I had come to America for and that if he would get work for me that I would be a good boy and save my money and send for my father and mother and family. The Lord got me work and I did save my money. And here I wish to tell the story of what the Lord did for me. Before I got there, a large built man, the blacksmith, said to his boss, speaking of me, “George,” (for that was his name) “there is one of our country boys, give him a job.” The boss said not so, and they bet a bottle of whisky I wouldn’t get a job there. I asked him if he was hiring any men and he just laughed at me saying, “If I hired you, would I be hiring a man?” I answered him thus, “if you hire me you will have two chances for my one.” He said, “What chances have I got?” I said, “You have one chance to hire me and another chance to fire me.” He said, “Yes, and what chance have you got?” “I will have a chance to make good,” I replied. He hired me. The next day he took me to the place where he wished me to work. It was driving a tunnel. There was nothing but very hard rock. When we got there, we looked around a little and he said to me, “Where would you drill a hole there?” I said to him, “I don’t know, but what you want to find out is my knowledge about powder.” I told him the rock looked as if it would take powder very well, but that I did not know then, but if I had the time to put in one or two holes, then I could tell him. He said the rock took powder very well. Then I told him that on his saying the rock took powder well, I would put my first hole here, lifted a drill and holding it in the way I would run it. He said yes; how far would you drill it. I told him. He said how much powder would you put in the hole? I told him, and he said, “Try it there”. I did, and here is what the Lord did for me. Every hole that I did drill that day went far, far, far beyond any one’s expectation who saw them. In fact, the boss himself said “You surely have made good!” I have never seen powder do as well in all my life. Next morning the boss put me with his favorite miner. I worked there for about eight years. I left Scotland August 30, 1874, and met my parents and family in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 6 1875 – just a few days over ten months apart and both making the trip in this time. I earned every cent of father’s, mother’s and seven children’s passage money and sent it to them in this time. Oh, was not the Lord good to me that I cold do this – a boy of seventeen years! I have acknowledged the Lord always and hope to all my life. When I left Scotland in 1874, I left more behind than my father, mother and family. Yes, I left more. I left one of the sweetest and best girls that ever lived in Scotland – or the United States of American. (Margaret Barclay) She became my wife and the mother of my children. We corresponded with each other for five years. On November 11, 1879, we were married in Provo, Utah, by Bishop John E. Booth, then bishop of the Fourth Ward. I lived I Provo until 1884. I came to Teton City, Idaho, and took up some land and moved my wife and family in the early spring of 1885. No woman ever filled her place with more satisfaction than she did to her husband and her children. She passed away October 14, 1912. Both before and since her death, her family had met in her honor and esteem on her birthday, December 15, each year. May the Lord bless her memory. Now for a report of her funeral held in Teton City: “Mrs. Margaret Barclay McKinlay, wife of George W. McKinlay, died at the family residence in Teton, October 14, 1912, after an illness of several weeks. She was born in Scotland, December 15, 1857. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in her native land and came to Utah in November 1879. She was married to George W. McKinlay, whom she had known in Scotland, a few days after her arrival in Utah. The family moved to Teton in April 1885. Aunt Maggie, as she was familiarly know, was of a most kindly disposition, and was never more happy than when doing something to assist others. “The body was kept until Tuesday, October 22, waiting the arrival of her son, Oscar, who is laboring as a missionary in Michigan. But through some mistake in the telegrams sent to him, the young man did not reach home. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 in the ward meeting house and was presided over by Bishop Jacob Johnston. The speakers were Elders Thomas E. Ricks, J.M. Baker, John Donaldson and Bishop Johnston, all of whom spoke of her many excellent qualities as a wife, mother and friend. A large procession followed the body to the Teton cemetery where the grave was dedicated by Elder Nathan Ricks.” History of George McKinlay · 17 August 2013 · 0 Comments History of George McKinlay by Ada McKinlay Gillis George McKinlay was born January 26, 1805 in Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland to James McKinlay (Kinlay) and Janet Hogg (Hoag). He married Mary Hamilton, daughter of Thomas (Richard?) Hamilton and Mary Forsyth, April 9, 1824 in the Inveresk Church, Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland. Mary was born January 12, 1808 in Bo’Ness, Linlithgow, Scotland. Their children are as follows: James McKinlay, born March 2, 1825 in Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland. He died the same year. George McKinlay, born August 6, 1826 in Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland, also died in 1826. Mary McKinlay, born July 26, 1828 in Old Monkland, Lanark, Scotland. Mary married Alexander Gillispie February 11, 1849 in Dunfermline, Fifeshire, Scotland. She died February 17, 1914 in Salt Lake City, Utah and was buried in Provo. Utah. James McKinlay, born December 13, 1830 in Newbattle (Stobehill), Midlothian, Scotland. He married Augusta Mengiet of Menzies and died in 1883. Robert McKinlay, born October 24, 1832 in Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland. Robert married Isabella Wausen (Watson) April 17, 1854. He died December 24, 1900 in Teton, Fremont Idaho. George Hamilton McKinlay, born January 6, 1835 in Prestonpan, Haddington, Scotland, married Jane Johnston December 21, 1855 in Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland. He died November 24, 1912 in Provo, Utah. Archibald McKinlay was born in 1837 in Townhill, Fife, Scotland and died the same year. Janet or Jeanette McKinlay was born in 1839 in Townhill and died 1839. Peter McKinlay, born March 1, 1841 in Townhill, Fife, Scotland, married Margaret Adamson, and remained in Scotland. William McKinlay, born 1842 in Townhill, Fife, Scotland. George McKinlay was a coal miner in Scotland, but through an accident in the mine, was so badly injured he lost the use of his left arm. Being unable to work at his trade as a miner, he then became a herdsman. He was a great lover of animals and was known throughout the community by his beautiful black and white shepherd dog, Carlo, who for many years was his constant and faithful companion. Upon being notified of their acceptance as passengers, May 14, 1864 George and Mary sailed aboard the ship “Hudson” bound for New York City, USA. Master for the passage was George Q. Cannon. At the sailing, George was listed as a miner, age 49; Mary was 43. Deposit for the passage was 900 Pounds. (Emigration Register of the British Mission, 1863-1874.” No record charts their journey from New York City to Wyoming, Nebraska. But they are listed as members of the William Hyde pioneer train which left Wyoming, NB August 9, 1864. There were 150 persons and 62 wagons. The Deseret News reports the train reached Great Salt Lake City, Utah October 26, 1864. The Deseret News printed the following account: Capt. William Hyde’s train arrived in G.S.L. City with emigrating saints. The Bishops of Salt Lake City and people were on the square with hot soup, beef, mutton, potatoes, pies, etc. which were distributed free among the emigrants who appeared to religh this treat with a gusto. Elder John T. Gurber, a returned missionary who crossed the plains in Capt. Wm. Hyde’s company, kept a daily journal of the journey. It was reported that while crossing the plains, George McKinlay met with another misfortune. While helping to load an ox that had died, the oxen fell on him, breaking both his legs. With his strong determination and faith, he was soon able to again resume the journey. He and Mary settled in Provo. He was know and feared by the Indians because of his strong determination and bravery. One time, when a band of Indians came to take some of the sheep entrusted to his care, with one arm and his shotgun, he defied and drove them away. (See also the story told by his grandson George McKinlay about the sheep and stake president.) He was good-natured and always jovial with his friends and acquaintances. He was loved and admired by old and young; it was always a pleasure to do something for him. Since misfortune had been so unkind, it was impossible to take up is old trade again in Utah. He became engaged again in herding sheep and cattle. By this means and the aid of his good wife, who dried fruit and sold it, and also made soap for those who could afford the luxury, plus his mending fences for the community, the couple managed. George McKinlay died November 14, 1878 and was buried in Provo, Utah. His wife, Mary Hamilton McKinlay, died March 26, 1887 and was also buried in Provo, Utah.

McKINLEY, GEORGE HAMILTON (son of George McKinley and Mary Hamilton). Born Jan. 6, 1835, Preston Pans, Scotland. Came to Utah July, 1880.

Married Jane Johnston Dec. 21, 1855 (daughter of George Johnston and Ann Clark of Cowdensbeath, Scotland), who was born Dec. 22, 1830. Their children: Ann, m. John Birch March 22, 1856; Mary b. Jan. 10, 1858, m. John Henderson; George b. March 9, 1859, died; James b. Dec. 22, 1860, m. Sarah Willey; George b. Jan. 22, 1863; Jane b. April 9, 1865; Janet b. Aug. 9, 1867—three died; Elizabeth, m. Lee Warner; Agnes b. Oct. 6, 1872, m. Walter G. Taylor; Hannah b. July 22, 1870, m. Almy Baker; Robina b. Oct. 8, 1875, m. Edward G. Tieke.

Married Agnes Johnston June 6, 1900, Salt Lake City (daughter of George Johnston and Ann Clark of Cowdens-heath, Scotland), who was born in 1844,

Missionary to Scotland 1876-80; high priest. Engineer and miner

Hagar's Own Story

Contributed By Caldwell, Lila · 26 July 2013 · 0 Comments

HAGAR DUGDALE BIRCH Provo, Utah Mar 26, 1881 Hagar Dugdale daughter of James Dugdale and Ester Harwood. Born at Oswoldtwistle, Lancashire, England, March 30, l829. I was baptized by Charles Miller on the 24 Oct. 1841 and confirmed by P.P. Pratt at the same time. Being sick at the time I believed it would cure me, and it did. I left all my kinsfolk for the Gospels sake, and emigrated to Utah. I was married to John Birch, Salt Lake City, September 11, 1855. Birth of Children John Moroni Birch, Provo city Utah Co. July 9, 1856 Esther Hanna Birch March 6, 1859 James Henry Birch June 27, 1861 Thomas Alma Birch Nov. 1865 Deaths Thomas Alma Nov. 1865 I have been a member of the Relief Society since it organization, been a teacher over twelve years. The Lord has preserved me many times. I know this is the Kingdom of God and I hope to live faithful to my covenants and come forth in the first Resurrection. I leave a lock of my hair. (The preceding was taken from a Spanish Fork Relief Society History Book) 

Blessed with Seven children

left to right back row

David Arthur Bona, Norma Burraston Bona, Elias John (Jay) Bona

Gladys Bona Smith, Arnold Smith, Ella Mae Bona, Orlin (Doc) Peay,Mary Melva Bona Peay, John (Jack) Peay in Melva's arms,

bottom  left to right Ardene Bona, Annie Birch Bona, David John Bona, Arnold (AJ) Smith not pictured oldest daughter Annie Irene.

Gladys, Melva, Annie Irene,

Art and Jay

Annie Irene Bona 1905-1925

Mary Melva Bona 1908-1983

 Married Orlin (Doc) Peay June 7, 1929

 

two children 

John Darrell Peay 1931-1959 drown in Ocean in Hawaii

Anna Peay Trowbridge 1935-

Anna married Donald Rex Trowbridge 1931-2015 

Anna, Don, Donnie, Mike, Cheri, Linda 

  

Married Marion William Riffey 1939

one child William David Riffey1940-1989

Gladys Ruth Bona  1910-1999

 Married Arnold J Smith August 1, 1928

  

three children

AJ, JoAnn, Glenn

AJ Smith 1929-1929

Married June Houghton

They had three Children

JaNene, Chad, Margie

JaNene  & Robert Nostaja

Margie & Van Beckstrom 

Chad & Carrie Smith

 

JoAnn Smith  1937-

Married Herb Brimhall later divorced

had seven children

L to R

Karl, Jess, Van, JoAnn,

Scott, Becky, Ruth, Zach

Married Ed Anderson March 27, 1981

Ed Anderson Obituary

Our hearts were saddened with the passing of our gentle, kind hearted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Eddie was born April 20, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Maurice Christian Anderson and Vesta Edwards Anderson. His father owned Maurice Anderson's Mens Shop (1914-1987) which was located in the Hotel Utah. They were at this location from 1933-1987 when renovations began for The Joseph Smith Building. He was made a partner at a young age learning the trade at his fathers side. He often recalled how he watched them dig the basement for the parking garage with a horse drawn excavator. He had great spiritual faith and served an LDS Mission in the "Eastern States Mission". During his Mission he was a member of a "Missionary Centennial Choir" which traveled in the Mission Area performing for audiences and also on the radio. He also participated in the "Hill Cummorah Pageant" as the Prophet Joseph Smith during his Mission. All through his lifetime he lovingly and faithfully served in many capacities, among which were: Stake and Ward Missionary, Bishopric Secretary, Priesthood Advisor. Ed served in the Navy Air Corps during WWII. Often he would recall his training and correspondence with his father Maurice who was a Lieutenant Colonel serving directly with General Douglas MacArthur. He attended schools in Salt Lake City, graduating from the University of Utah with a bachelors degree in business. While there he lettered in tennis as a member of the university team. Tennis was a major part of his life. He started playing with his father at age three and never stopped until the decline of his health at age 79. Winning many trophies and ribbons and gaining many "Tennis Friends" during those years. Previously married to Delores Decker, later divorced. They had six children: Kerry (Richard) Harkness of Sandy, UT; Leslie (Mike) Tingey of Sandy, UT; Debra Anderson of Salt Lake City, UT; Marci (Marty) Farnsworth of AZ; Michelle Giolas of Salt Lake City, UT; Mark Anderson (deceased). 20 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Married to JoAnn Smith (Brimhall) Anderson in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on March 27, 1981. JoAnn has seven children who Eddie lovingly became their honored step-father: Karl (Suzanne) Brimhall of Bluffdale, UT; Jess (Melodie) Brimhall of Lehi, UT; Van (Yvette) Brimhall of Herriman, UT; Scott (Christine) Brimhall of Murray, UT; Rebecca (Doug) Hardy of South Jordan, UT; Ruth (Ron) Ashby of Sandy, UT; Zach (Victoria) Brimhall of South Jordan, UT. 30 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren. Ed would light up with a big smile when he bragged about having 122 grandchildren. Survived by Reese Barker (Vesta), brother in Law; Bill Day (Marjean), brother in Law and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by: Maurice and Vesta Anderson (parents); Naomia Townsend (sister), Marjean Day (sister); Vesta "Teddy" Barker (twin sister); Milton Townsed (brother in law); Mark Anderson (son). Viewing Friday, evening 6-8pm at Jenkins-Soffe 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 So.), South Jordan, UT 84095. Funeral services will be held Saturday March 28, 2015 11am at the Bluffdale 5th Ward 15040 South Mountainside Drive, Bluffdale UT 84065. Viewing 9:30-10:30 prior to service. In lieu of flowers Eddie asks you to donate to the LDS Missionary Fund.

                                                         Glenn Bona Smith 1946-                                              

                                                     married Kathy    

Back row Garrett, Kristalyn, Gregory,

Kammy, Kathy, Glenn, and Kim

                                                                            

                                                                                            

David Arthur Bona

1912-1986

married

Norma Burraston

May 20, 1933

blessed with  seven children

Karma, David James, Monte Ray,

Richard, Steven, Martha, Mary Jane



 Karma Bona 1933-2001

David James Bona 1936-1936

Died just a few months old

Monte Ray Bona 1937-

wife Jackie



Monte Bona was “raised to be a cowboy.” Born in Payson, Utah, he grew up in the small farming community with his parents and five siblings. “My dad was a horse trader and I had my first pair of cowboy boots when I was probably three years old.” Beyond the boots, Monte exemplifies aspects of a traditional cowboy in other ways: self-reliance and individualism, with the ability to dust himself off when times get tough and get right back in the saddle. 

In March 2009 at the age of 71, he had a health check-up which included blood work. He received a clean bill of health. Only a month later, Monte noticed a lump in his groin and visited his primary care physician. His physician suspected it might be an aneurysm, but a biopsy in late April confirmed follicular lymphoma—Stage I Grade 3, the earliest stage a cancer can be found, but a grade showing an aggressive form of the disease. “Other than a lump, I had no symptoms,” Monte says. “I didn’t panic because even though they told me I had cancer, I hadn’t been sick. It wasn’t until later that I realized how serious it was.” Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma—cancers of the immune system that begin in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas can be aggressive (fast-growing) or indolent (slow-growing), and develop from either B-cells (as in follicular lymphoma) or T-cells.
After being referred to Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) for consultation and treatment, Monte met with Martha Glenn, MD, medical oncologist at HCI and associate professor in the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies/Oncology at the University of Utah. “When I asked what would happen if I didn’t treat the cancer, I was told I’d have three months to a year,” Monte explains. With the encouraging news that his stage and grade of follicular lymphoma typically responded very well to treatment (not to mention the insistence of his wife and grown children), Monte opted for it. He received a two-month regimen of chemotherapy followed by a month of daily radiation.
Other than losing his hair (which grew back thicker, curly, and silver rather than salt-and-pepper) with occasional bouts of tiredness and nausea, treatment went well. Monte believes proactive nutrition played a role, along with being in good physical shape, taking vitamins, and going regularly for health check-ups. In addition, he says, “I felt that I really lucked out. I had the benefit of early detection.”
September 2010 marks 16 months since Monte’s diagnosis and 13 months since he completed treatment. His last follow-up with Dr. Glenn shows he’s in the clear. “I’m really hopeful and optimistic—probably because I feel so good!” he says. When asked what insight he’d have for others diagnosed with cancer, Monte says, “Don’t panic. Seek to be someone who places a high premium on quality of life and being able to contribute. I did that.”
And he continues to do it. Monte and his wife Jackie spend their time between Salt Lake City and Mount Pleasant, Utah—a small town that reminds him of his boyhood. There, he is active in government, interested in historic preservation, and involved with the Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance, a group dedicated to conserving and promoting the roadway that stretches through central Utah. And, he’s even dusted off the boots.

“One of my buddies—I’ve known him for a long time—tells me I put on my cowboy boots and spit death in the eye!” Spoken like a true cowboy.



Richard (Dick) Bona

wife Liz

Steven Arthur Bona 1944-2015

Steven Arthur Bona passed away at his home in Spanish Fork, June 8, 2015.  He was born November 21, 1944 in Payson, Utah to Arthur David and Norma Burraston Bona.

He married Kathy Hales (later divorced).  He later married Rachelle Hunt.

He is survived by his wife Rachelle; two sons, Steven Garrett (Heidi) Bona, Michael Derek Bona, and one daughter, Natalie (Russell) Stansfield; a stepdaughter Korie (Tyler) Duncan; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Monte Ray Bona, and Richard Jay Bona; two sisters, Martha Clayson and Mary Jane Isaac; and three step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Karma, and brother, David.

Special thanks to Bonnie Ballard for her compassionate hospice care.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ponderosa Room at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, 475 S. Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah.  Viewings will be held Friday evening, June 12 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 S. Main Street, Spanish Fork and Saturday morning, at the Ponderosa Room from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services.  Interment will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

Martha Bona

husband Lynn Clayson

Mary Jane Bona

Husband Jay Issac

 John Elias "Jay" Bona

1916-1971

married Vera Hoover 1918-2006 in 1936

They had three children

Wayne J, Kenneth, Diana

Wayne J Bona 1937-2010

Wayne J. Bona, born August 13, 1937, Provo, Utah, to Jay Bona and Vera Hoover, passed away November 19, 2010, at his home in Springville. Survived by wife, Evelyn Jackson; son, David Wayne (Jerrilynn); son, Robert Jay (Maxine); brother, Kenneth E. Bona (Carol ); grandchildren, Bodie Bona, Joshua Bona, Lynzie (Lance) Shepherd, Savannah (Riley) Thorpe; nine great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, sister, Diane; brother, Kevin. Tribute and viewing will be November 26, 2010 at 996 West Center, Springville, Utah, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Burial at Springville City Cemetery. Lunch following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association of Utah

Married Evelyn Jackson 1941-

Kenneth Bona 1939-

Carol

Diana Lee Bona Greenhalgh 1945-2004

Jay Dwight Greenhalgh 1945-1984  

Ella Mae Bona 1920-2003

Married Lester O Robbins 1913-2011 in 1938

Lester O. Robbins, 97, of Payson, Utah died peacefully on April 16, 2011. He was born in Spy Hollow, near Knightsville, Utah on August 21, 1913 to Zelpha Openshaw and A.Z. Robbins. Lesters sister Zora was 20 months older than him. They spent their early years living in Spy Hollow near the Iron Blossom Mine where their father worked. In July 1919 the family moved to Knightsville so that Lester could attend school. His younger sister Erna was born in December of 1919. He attended elementary school in Knightsville. After fifth grade he attended the public school in Eureka. In April of 1929 the family moved from Knightsville to Payson. Lester graduated from Payson High School in May of 1931. Lester married Ella Mae Bona in the Manti temple on the 20th of April 1938. They were blessed with a girl whom they named Tamra in 1940 and with a son whom they named David in 1942. Ella and Lester were divorced in 1943. Lester married his sweetheart Elaine Schwab in Nephi on the 29th of March 1944. Elaine and Lester were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on the 27th of February 1946. They were blessed with a son they named Carl in 1955. They recently celebrated 67 wonderful years of marriage. Lester was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served faithfully in many callings, including over 40 years as a membership clerk in both his ward and stake. Elaine and Lester loved to travel and made several trips abroad. They also spent many years working in the Provo Temple and the Regional Family History Center. Lester worked for many years with his father on the Mt. Nebo Fox Farm. They also grew cherries, peaches and apples for their living. He also worked other jobs at both the Sinclair Service Station and Geneva Steel. In later years Lester worked for the Rileys and enjoyed flocking the trees during the Christmas season. He loved woodworking and produced many beautiful pieces for friends and family over the years. Lester enjoyed playing the trombone with the high school band and played with the Payson City Band for five more years. Both his son and his grandson continued his tradition of playing the trombone with the band at the summer concerts. Elaine and Lester loved to attend the summer concerts in the park. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; children, David (LaJune) Robbins of Henderson, Nevada: Tamra (Dale) Jones of Lehi, Utah; and Carl (Mina) Robbins of Pleasant View, Utah; 23 grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren; and 24 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Zora Schaerrer and Erna Mayer.

they had two children

 

 Tamra Robbins married              Dale Jones                     David Robbins Married       LuJune

Ella divorced Lester Robbins in 1943

and Married David McNeill 1923-1996

David and Ella

had four children

Don Ray McNeill 1945-1969

Forrest Scott McNeill 1946-1998

spouse Janet Lee Charlesworth 1958-2012

Our dear, sweet Janet was called away to be with her eternal family. Janet was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She died January 28, 2012 of heart problems. Janet was a humble peacemaker with a heart of gold. She devoted her life to her family, both this side and the next. She was a strong center for her family in times of need. When her first husband passed away, she held her family together and raised six great kids. Janet loved the outdoors and enjoyed visiting Bear Lake with her family. Janet never hesitated to serve those around her. Janet was preceded in death by her first husband, Forrest S. McNeill, her father Benjamin J. Charlesworth, and her mother Virginia E. Charlesworth. She is survived by her husband Ralph A. Anderton, her brother Michael J. Charlesworth (Tammy), sons: Rowdy McNeill (Sherilyn), Jason D. McNeill (Jackie), Jeremy J. McNeill (Jody), Russell A. Anderton, Byron Anderton, Spencer Anderton, Nathan Anderton, Jared Anderton; daughters: Heather R. Yates (Kaleb), Jessica L. Nelson (Jessie), Josie M. McNeill, Michelle Reynolds (Scott), Holly Holt (Steve); grandchildren: Theron D. McNeill, F. Seely McNeill, Jenna L. Yates, Tyler Reynolds, Trevor Reynolds, Kaden Wilde, Ashley Reynolds, Alisha Reynolds, Kaylee Wilde, Kaelob Holt, Ashton Holt.

Glenna McNeill 

Irene McNeill  husband Ted May

Ardene Ray Bona 1927-

PERSONAL HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY DATA

ARDENE RAY BONA

      I was born January 31, 1927 in Payson Utah to David John and Annie Jane Birch Bona.

I was born at home. I was the seventh of seven children. I had two brothers and four sisters.

My sister Irene was killed in a car wreck before I was born.

      My Dad was a farmer. We raised horses, cows, pigs, and chickens. When I became old enough I helped with the chores. I fed the animals, weeded the garden, milked the cows, helped

tromp the hay and rode the Derek horse to help put the hay in the barn.

      I attended elementary school and Jr. High in Payson. I attended Payson High School for one year. During this year, I played on the football and track teams. We moved to San Diego California where I attended San Diego High School. It was a hard adjustment, coming from a small school of 300 to a large school of about 3000.

       I went into the army in March of 1945. I had just turned 18 in January. I took infantry training at camp Roberts California. I was on my way to Alabama to take advanced infantry training when world war II ended. After twos weeks in Alabama just waiting for new orders, I was finally sent to camp Adair in Oregon. After two weeks in Oregon, I was sent to Seattle and deployed to Japan with the army of occupation. I spent about one year in Japan and was honorably discharged in December 1946.

       After returning from Japan, I attended San Diego vocational school and San Diego Jr. College where I studied commercial Art. I moved back to Utah and attended BYU for a Year where I continued to study commercial Art.

     

I went to work for Sears in Provo. I worked as a display manager trimming windows and doing displays. I met my first wife, Beverly Loveless, who also worked for Sears in the credit dept.

She lived in Provo. Her parents were Elmer D and Jennie Ferre Loveless.  We were married October 16, 1951 in the Manti Temple. We moved to San Diego, California soon after we were married. I was  able to transfer to Sears in San Diego.

     Our first two children were born in San Diego, California. Bevene was born July 20, 1952. David Ray was born on May 2, 1954. we transferred back to Sears store in Provo sometime in 1955. Dean Loveless , our third child, was born on June 15, 1956 in Provo, Utah. We moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where five more  children were born in Murray at the Cottonwood Maternity Hospital: Brad L August 12, 1957; Peggie December 12, 1958; Jack Barry June 17, 1960; Janet January 20, 1963; and Marie September 1, 1964.

     I left Sears soon after Dean was born. I went to work for Geneva Steel  until we moved Salt Lake City. I worked  for Associated Foods their sign shop doing ad layouts and painting signs. I became the sign shop manager, then assistant Advertising Manager and Food Town Coordinator. I left  Associated Foods to open my own sign shop in the mid  to late 1960's. I worked my own sign shop until I retired. I retired in 2005.
     My first wife died cancer June 22, 1991. I was a widower until January 22, 2005 when I married my second wife, Sharon Stephens Lallathin Bona. We feel we met by divine intervention. We have a wonderful relationship. We enjoy studying the gospel,  ballroom dancing and traveling. Between us, we have 12 children, 38 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. We are expecting 3 more new great grandchildren this year.
     I have held many different positions in the church. I served in the MIA as a counselor while living in San Diego in the 40 's. I have taught Sunday School both youth and adults. I served  in four Bishoprics. I was ordained  a High Priest, on April 27, 1952 by Marion G Romney. I was called to serve in the Bishopric for the first time at the age of 25 while living in San Diego, California. After moving back to Utah, I served on the Stake High Council off and on for period of 23 years under five different Stake Presidents. I served as Teacher and Priest Advisor, and a Gospel Doctrine teacher, High Priest Group Leader and Assistant High Priest Group Leader. I served in the Jordan River Temple for 15 years as a Veil worker. I am presently serving as an Assistant in the High Priest Group leadership in my Ward. My wife nd I are also presently serving as a part time service missionary as host/ hostess at the Conference Center one day a week.
     Names of Pioneer Ancestors who arrived in the Utah Territory before 1869: David Bona and Ann Bowen my great grandparents who arrived  October 10, 1853.John Birch came to Utah in 1853. he is also a great grandfather. Elias Jones sailed from England on a Ship, reportedly called S. Curling. He left on April 19, 1856 and arrived in America on May 23, 1856. George Hamilton McKinley came to Utah in 1864. They were great grandfathers also.



married Beverly Loveless 1926-1991

October 16, 1951

Loving wife, mother and grandmother, Beverly Loveless Bona, passed away June 22, 1991, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Born July 20, 1926 in Provo, a daughter of Elmer D. and Jennie F. Loveless. Raised in Provo and attended BYU. Married Ardene R. Bona October 16, 1951 in the Manti LDS Temple.

Active member LDS Church, serving in numerous positions throughout her life. Her life was dedicated to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Survived by her companion of 40 years; sons and daughters, Bevene, Salt Lake City; David and Vicki Bona, Magna; Dean and Jolynn Bona, Murray; Brad and Debbie Bona, West Jordan; Peggie, West Valley City; Jack and Carolyn Bona, Taylorsville; Janet and Robert Taylor, West Valley City; Marie, West Valley City; 17 grandchildren; sisters, Donna Bascom, Heber City; many other relatives. Preceded in death by parents and brother, Dean.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, 12:00 noon, Academy Park 1st Ward, 4605 Westpoint Drive. Friends may call Monday, 5-8 p.m., at McDougal Golden Rule Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, and Tuesday, 11-11:40 a.m. at the church. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.

They had eight children

David , Jack, Peggie, Dean, Ardene, Brad

Front row Marie, Bevene, Janet, Beverly

 Bevene Bona 1952-

David Ray Bona  1954-

 

Dean Loveless Bona 1956- married to Jolynn Harkness 1958-

Brad L Bona 1957-married Debra Peterson 1958-

Peggie Bona 1958- Gaylon Winward 1951-2009

 

  

Jack Barry Bona 1960- Carolyn Clark 1959-

Janet Bona 1963- Robert Taylor 1961-

Marie Bona 1964- Kirk Greenhalgh 1960

Ardenes 2nd wife

 Sharon Stephens Lallatin 

Ruth Hannah Bona 1882-1974

Ruth married

Henry Vivian Patten 1882-1951 

They had four children

William Vivian, Mary Erma,

Anna Bernice, Marion Eathel

William Arthur Bona 1886-1906 

 

William died in a Railroad accident while working for his brother David