GRAVE LOCATION - Block I Lot 15A Grave 4
On same stone as Essie S. Burge
George B. Burge
Born 23 Apr 1890, Holt county, Missouri
Son of Kersey Burge & Louise Snodgrass
Md Essie Sessions, Jul 1938, Basin, Big Horn, Wyoming
Died 10 May 1980, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
Buried 12 May, MondayGeorge Burge
George Burge, 90, a retired emplyee of Taylor Oil Co., died Saturday, May 10, 1980, at the North Big Horn Nursing Home in Lovell where he had been a resident for the past 8 years.
He was born April 23, 1890, in Holt County, Missouri, the son of Kersey and Louise Burge. He came to Wyoming in 1940 and made his home in Byron where he married Essie Asay, sho preceded him in death.
Survivors include two step-daughters, Mrs. Mary Ellen Cook of Lovell and Mrs. Lena Holcomb of Libby, Montan; 14 step-grandchildren; 47 step-great grandhcildren; and 19 step-great-great-grandchildren.
He was a member of the Byron Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Graveside services were held Monday, May 12 at 2 p.m. in the Byron Cemetery with Haskell Funeral Home of Lovell in charge of arrangements.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block I Lot 15A Grave 3
On same stone as George B. Burge
Essie Sessions Asay Burge
Born 5 Sep 1895, Woodruff, Rich, Utah
Daughter of Byron Aubray Sessions & Ellen Josephine Cox
Md 1) Andrew Dutton Asay, 18 Jun 1914
Md 2) George Burge, 23 July 1938, Basin, Big Horn, Wyoming
Died 14 May 1962, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
Buried ThursdayEssie Burge Illness Victim
Mrs. Essie Sessions Burge, 66, of Byron died in North Big Horn hospital Monday morning.
She was born in Woodruff, Utah, Sept. 5, 1895, and had lived in Byron since she was two. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Byron Sessions.
She married George Burge in Basin in July, 1938. She was a member of the LDS church.
She is survived by her widower, two daughters, Mrs. Harry Cook of Lovell and Mrs. George Holcomb, Thermopolis; three brothers, Marvin Sessions, Lovell, Otis Sessions, Byron and Glen of Colorado.
Five sisters; Mrs. Vera Griggs, Mrs. N. S. McKinney, both of Byron, Mrs. Golden Boyce, Bonanza, Mrs. Kenneth Stone, Utah, and Mrs. Lawrence Corbett, Worland; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Byron LDS chapel with Bishop Wayne Lynn officiating. Burial will be in the Byron cemetery with the Haskell funeral home in charge of arrangements.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block H Lot 15 Grave 5
On same stone as Mary B. Christensen
William Christensen
Born 19 Sep 1872, Skibinge, Praesto, Denmark
Parent Christian Jens (Jans) Christensen (Larsen) & Caroline Hansen (Jacobsen)
Md Mary Betsy Sessions, 29 Sep 1897, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Died 18 Aug 1938, Los Angeles, California
Buried 25 Aug 1938, ThursdayWilliam Christensen, formerly of Byron passed away at his home in Los Angeles, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 18th. Mr. Christensen was one of the first settlers in Byron, coming here in May of the year 1900. He lived here until 1926 when he moved to California. He is survived by six daughters, Sylvia of Pocatello, Idaho; Maye of Cowley; Arvetta, Eoa, Lillian and Zella of California and two sons, Owen and Otto, also of California. His body was brought to Byron for burial besides his wfie who preceeded him in death severals ago. The funeral was held Thursday, Aug. 25th.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block H Lot 15 Grave 6
On same stone as William Christensen
Mary Betsy Sessions Christensen
Born 11 Jun 1881, Woodruff, Rich, Utah
Parents Byron Sessions & Idella W. Thombly
Md William Christensen, 29 Sep 1897, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Died 31 Jan 1922, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
GRAVE LOCATION - Block D Lot 7 Grave 8
On same stone as LaVerna S. Clark
Clarence Arthur Clark
Born 11 Apr 1906, Billings, Yellowstone, Montana
Parents Claude C. Clark & Anna E. Johnson
Married Charolotte Parker, 1 Jan 1927, Billings, Yellowstone, Montana
Md Mrs. LaVerna Sessions Sprague, 30 Nov 1940, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
Died 1 Mar 1963 Escandido, San Deigo, California
Buried 22 Mar 1963, FridayC.A. Clark Accorded Last Rites
Funeral services for Clarence Arthur Clark were held from the Byron Ward chapel Friday, Mar. 22, with Calvin Jones conducting.
Prelude and postlude music was played by Norma Hessenthaler. Calvin Jones gave some remarks and the invocation was offered by M.A. Jolley. The Singing Mothers sag "The Lord is my Shepard" and Anna Davis gave the obituary. Leola Allen sang "Always" and the sermon was by Orin D. Jones. "Sometime We'll Understand" was sung by the Singing Mothers and the benediction was by Edwin J. Neville.
Pallbearers were Donald Harbert, Russell Clark, Richard Godfrey, Lee Neville, Houston West and Eugene Jones.
Burial was in the Byron cemetery with Haskell Funeral Home in charge. The Masonic Lodge conducted graveside services and Richard Godfrey dedicated the grave.
Mr. Clark was born April 11, 1906 in Billings. He came to Lovell when a child. He married LaVerne Sessions Spague in Byron. They lived in Lovell and Byron before moving to Billings in 1953.
He had a grocery store in Byron for some time and they moved to Arizona in 1956. He became an insurance adjuster and traveled through Montana, Wyoming and Washington.
He was a member of the LDS church, Billings Lodge No. 394, BPOE; Pryor Mountain Lodge No. 151, AF&AM, and Moss Agate chapter, OES.
He is survived by his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Jack England of Livermore, Calif; Mrs. Lawrence Talgo of Bozeman, a brother Ulys Clark of Billings; a sister, Mrs. T.L. Harbert of Lovell and five grandchildren.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block D Lot 7 Grave 7
On same stone as Clarence A. Clark
LaVerna Sessions Clark
Born 1 Mar 1907, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
Daughter of Edwin Daniel Sessions & Annie May NeVille
Md 1) Wayne E. Sprague, 12 Feb 1926, Red Lodge, Carbon, Montana
Md 2) Clarence A. Clark, 30 Nov 1940, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
Died 17 Mar 1997, St. George, Washington, Utah
Buried 22 Mar 1997, SaturdayLa Verna Sessions Clark
ST. GEORGE, Utah - La Verna Sessions Clark, 90, died March 17, 1997, at her residence at Meadows Retirement Home in St. Geoarge of causes incident to age.
She was born March 1, 1907, in Byron, Wyo., to Edwin Daniel Sessions and Annie May NeVille.
La Verna married Wayne E. Sprague in Red Lodge, Mont., Feb. 12, 1926. He died Nov. 22, 1939. She married Clarence A. Clark, Nov. 30, 1940, in Byron. He died March 17, 1963, while they were living in Escondido, Calif.
La Verna attended high school in Billings. She also attended Billings Business College, Sawyers School of Business in Los Angeles, and adult classes at Rocky Mountain College and Eastern Mountana College in Billings.
She was a Red Crosss Grey Lady Volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings and at Camp Pendleton Marine Base in California. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Moss Agate Chapter in Billings.
During her marriage to Wayne Sprague she traveled to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Amarillo, Texas, and throughout Montana and Wyoming, bringing in many of the new oil wells in the area.
With her husband, Clarence, she worked the Catastrophic Storms office in Billings. Miles City and Sidney, and later as Quality Control Officers of Storms in Portland, Ore., Ogden, Utah, Phoenix, Clovis, N.M., Denver and Longview, Wash.
During World Was II she worked in the Field Expediting Office in Van Port City, Wash. This city was built by Clarence and his father Claude Clark during the war effort.
She and Clarence belonged to the Billings Saddle club, and the Billings Mounted Quadrille with their matched buckshins. Many of the quadrille will remember her poem, "The Quadrille Gang."
La Verna was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She taught Sunday School and was secretary for the Relief Society and second counselor for the Primary. She wrote and directed skits for the Primay, M.I.A. and Relief Society. She visited many of the LDS temples, including the Swiss temple, Tokyo temple, Taipei, Taiwan temple and many within the United States.
La Verna loved to travel. She traveled throughout the U.S. and Hawaii extensively as well as Europe, visiting France, Italy, England, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Mexico, Canada, West Indies, the Caribbean, Isreal, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, China, Japan and Taiwan.
La Verna is survived by her devoted daughter, Stella NeVille Clark Talgo and husband, Larry of St. George; stepdaughter, Mary Clark England and husband, Jack of Rio Rancho, N.M.; two grandchildren, Jeffrey and wife, Carol Talgo and Danni and husband, Rodney Rindlisbacher, and two stepgrandchildren of New Mexico; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A short funeral service will be held Saturday, March 22, 1997, at 11 a.m. in the Byron LDS Chapel, Byron. Interment will be in the Byron Cememtery. Haskell Funeral Home of Lovell is in charge of arrangements.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block I Lot 15A Grave 1
WAR RECORD
On same stone as Mary Ellen Asay Cook
Harry Daniel Cook
Born 6 May 1911, Kila, Flathead, Montana
Son of Frank Elbert Cook & Marie Alice Balengar/Bellanger
Md Mary Ellen Asay, 29 Jul 1931, Red Lodge, Carbon, Montana
Died 21 Feb 1992, Powell, Park, Wyoming
Buried 26 Feb 1992, WednesdayHarry Daniel Cook
Harry Daniel Cook, 80, died Friday, February 21, 1992, at the Powell Hospital.
He was born at Kaila, Mont., May 6, 1911, the son of Frank Elbert Cook and Maria Alice Cook. He came to Wyoming with his parents when he was 3 years old and lived in Hyattville, later moving to Powell where he attended school. He and Mary Ellen Asay were married July 29, 1931, in Red Lodge, Mont. They resided in Hyattville and worked on a ranch for a number of years.
Harry was always interested in mechanics and eventually opened his own repair garage in Lovell, which he and his brother, Roland, operated as H. and R. Motors. Harry and Ellen later operated a service station and auto repair service in Lovell until their retirement.
He was the oldest of nine children. All preceded him in death except one brother, Roland, of Espinola, N.M.
He is survived by his wife Ellen; son, Frank of Columbus, Mont.; one daughter, Lucille Nicholls of Powell; two nephews, Charley Brown and Gerry Brown; one niece, Carol Stewart; nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at the Lovell Stake Center at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26. Burial was at the Byron Cemetery.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block I Lot 15A Grave 2
On same stone as Harry Daniel Cook
Mary Ellen Asay Cook
Born 15 Sep 1915, Cowley, Big Horn, Wyoming
Daughter of Essie Sessions & Andrew Dutton Asay
Md Harry Cook, 29 Jul 1931, Red Lodge, Carbon, Montana
Died 27 Nov 1999, Powell, Park, Wyoming
Buried 1 Dec 1999, Wednesday
Mary Ellen Asay Cook
Sept. 15, 1915 -- Nov. 27, 1999
Longtime Lovell resident Ellen Cook died Saturday, Nov. 27, 1999, in the Powell Nursing Home.
Mary Ellen Asay was born on September 15, 1915, in Cowley, the first of three daughters born to Essie Sessions and Andrew Dutton Asay. She attended grade school in both Cowley and Byron.
Ellen married Harry Cook on July 29, 1931, in Red Lodge, Mont. They began their married life in Hyattville, Wyo. where they worked for various ranchers, a son, Frank, was born on June 10, 1932, and a daughte , Lucille, was born on September 22, 1933.
Harry worked for his sister and brother-in-law, Cort and Ida Pritchard, in Hyattville until 1940 when they moved to Lovell. In early 1941 Harry went to Dawson Creek, Canada, to work on the Alcan Highway, and Ellen and the children stayed in Hyattville for a few months. Then Ellen went up to be with Harry and cooked in the mess hall feeding the workers.
The children stayed with Harry's parents until May 1942, when they went up, also. In late 1942 the family moved back to Hyattville. They bought a new home in Lovell in 1943 and lived there until Harry's death.
They raised two nephews and a niece, Gerry, Charlie and Carol Brown, after the death of Ellen's sister and the brother-in-law. Ellen was bookkeeper and gas-pumper at the gas station and mechanic shops that she and Harry owned in Lovell for many years.
Ellen and Harry were rock hounds and enjoyed looking for rocks everywhere they went. They made jewelry and sold it in many parts of the country. They mined spanish-point agate on the Big Horn Mountains for two summers and made beautiful jewelry from it. Ellen was beside Harry in every endeavor that he came up with.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, husband, son, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law. She is survived by her daughter, Lucille and husband Leonard Hendry, nine grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren, the last one born on the afternoon of her death.
Services were held Wednesday, Dec. 1, 1999, at 2 p.m. at the Lovell LDS Stake Center with burial at the Byron Cemetery. Haskell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block J Lot 16 Grave 6
On same stone as Loy Sessions Corbett
John Richard Corbett "Jack"
Born 1 Sep 1890, St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri
Parents John Corbett & Barbara Mitchell
married Tessie Ruth Birnel, 29 Nov 1916, Lewistown, Fergus, Montana
Md Loy Idella Sessions, 16 May 1922, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
Died 8 Jun 1947, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
Buried 14 June 1947, SaturdayFuneral services were held on Saturday June 14 at 2 p.m. at the Byron Ward church for John R. Corbett, who passed away Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. at the Lovell hospital from injuries received in an automobile accident . Bishop Waltr Stevens conducted the services. The opening song "Jesus Lover of My Soul,' was sung by a mixed quartet, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wolz, Bishop and Mrs. Walter Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Jones and Mrs. Fannie L. Wolz, accompanied at the piano by Naomi Abraham. Invocation was by Joseph Helm.
The obituary was given by Bp. Stevens and remarks regarding the life of Mr. Corbett by Carmon Black of Lovell. A solo by Mrs. Vernon Condie, accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Ora Welch, both of Cowley. The sermon was given by Frank H. Brown of Lovell and the closing song, "Jesus, My Cross Have Taken" by the mixed chorus.
Benediction was given by Frank Jones. Pallbearers were Orlo Sessions, Thairol Sessions, Al Davis, Marion Robison, Angus Vail and Dell Alexander. The Olson Mortuary had charge of the burial and interment was made in the Byron cemetery.
The beautiful floral offerings bespoke the many friends of Mr. Corbett and his family had made during the 18 years spent in Byron. Attending the services from out of town were Mr. and Mris. Kenneth Wade of Laurel, Mont.; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Corbett and family of Worland; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Stone and family of Hyattville; Mr. and Mrs. Golden Boyce and family of Elk Basin; Mrs. Leonard Sprague of Worland, Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Griggs of Powell, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sessions and daughter, Mrs. Prentiss Strahan; Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bookout, Mrs. Annie Threet, Mrs. Harry Cook, Mrs. Patty Scott, Francis Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Fink, all of Lovell, Mrs. Golden Welch and Mrs. Vernon Condie of Cowley, Mr. and Mrs. David Lindsay and son, and Mrs. Carla Dugger of Powell.
John Corbett was born Sept. 1, 1890 at St. Joseph, Mo. and was one of five children. At the age of 12, Jack was left fatherless and had to help his mother care for the other children. His youth was spent at various places in the west, doing construction work. He did contracting and worked for Threet and also Taggart Construction companies.
On May 16, 1921 he was married to Loy Idella Sessions and for a few years lived at Thermopolis, where he operated a garage. When their oldest daughter, Margaret was of school age, they moved to Byron where they resided for the past 18 years, and where he purchase the garage and built a home.
Jack was a loving and devoted husband and father. His patience and kindness to children was attributed to the fact that he knew what it was to be left without a father. He acquired his knowledge of mechanics by reading and studying books, as he only completed the 6th grade in school. He had many friends and his good judgement was always welcomed by his acquaintenances. His life was saddened by the death of his wife on Oct 9, 1945. Surviving him are four daughters, Mrs. Margaret Wirth, Mrs. Dorothy Wade of Laurel, Mont., Bertha Ellen age 16, and Jackie Louise, 10 and a son Jerry Horace, age 5; a brother, Lawrence of Worland, three sisters, Mrs. Bertha Ellis, Waterlo, Iowa, Mrs. Lucy Merriman of Montana and Mrs. Barbara Gitchell of Freeport, Ill. and 3 grandchildren.
Auto Accident Fatal To Byron Man
Five persons were injured, one fatally, Monday evening in a head-on crash between two automobiles near the river bridge west of Lovell. John Corbett of Byron died of injuries in the Lovell hospital Tuesday morning, and others in the accident were treated for severe cuts and were hositalized for a short time.
Marvin Hitz of Byron was driving the car owned by Corbett and they were returning to Byron late Monday evening, when they crashed with a car being driven by Lucille Davis, which was owned by Jake Hopster. Also in the Hopster car was William Fink of Lovell. First indications were that Miss Davis was most severely injured, but death came the next day to Mr. Corbett, who suffered a number of broken bones and shock.
Corbett, who was born in St. Joseph, Mo., had lived in Byron 18 years and operated a garage there for several years. His wife, Mrs. Loy Corbett, died a year and a half ago. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Margaret Wirth, Byron; Mrs. Dorothy Wade, Laurel, Mont.; Bertha Ellen Corbett and Jackie Louise Corbett, both of Byron; a son, Jerry Horace, also of Byron, a brother, Lawrence Corbett of Worland; three sisters, Mrs. Bertha Ellis of Waterloo, Iowa; Mrs. Lucy Merriman of Montana, and Mrs. Barbara Gitchell of Freeport, Ill., and three grandchildren.
Funeral services for the deceased will be held from the Byron LDS chapel at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14th. Interment will be in the Byron cemetery.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block J Lot 16 Grave 7
On same stone as John Richard Corbett
Loy Idella Sessions Corbett
Born 13 Oct 1906, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
Parents Byron Aubray Sessions & Ellen Josephine Cox
Md John Richard Corbett, 16 May 1922, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
Died 9 Oct 1945, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
Buried 12 Oct 1945, FridayMrs. John Corbett Laid to Rest Friday
The funeral services for Mrs. John Corbett were held on Friday, Oct. 12th in the Byron Ward chapel, with First Counselor Chas. Wolz conducting. Mrs. Vernon Condie of Cowley sang "Resignation" with Mrs. Golden Welch as piano accompanist. Invocation was by John Jensen. Mrs. Thales Smith sang "Abide With Me," accompanied by her daughter, Ida Mae. The obituary was given by Mrs. Violet Mangus. Mrs. Walter Stevens and Mrs. Chas. Wolz sang a duet, "Some Time, Some Where," with Mrs.Bruce Johnson at the piano.
The sermon befitting the occasion was given by C.S. Robertson of Lovell. The closing song was "Savior Divine," rendered by Mrs. James Simmons, accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Lois Radford. Pallbearers were Marvin, Otis, Glen, Orlo, Kirk and Earl Sessions. Interment was made in the Byron cemetery and Bishop Walter Stevens dedicated the grave.
The abundance of floral offerings bespoke the many friends and relatives these people have, as one of the largest crowds ever to attend a funeral service in Byron met to pay their last respects to this departed mother. Present from out of town were the following: Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Corbett and family, Mrs. Kenneth Stone and family of Worland, Mr. anf Mrs. Golden Boyce and family of Elk Basin, Mr. and Mrs. Thales Smith and Ida Mae of Shell, Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Graham and daughter Lylia, Mrs. Buddy Syverson of Cowley and from Lovell, S.H. Sessions, Mrs. Annie Threet, Mr. and Mrs. Thurman Sessions, and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sessions anf family, Mr. and Mrs. Monore Sessions, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bookout, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Sesions, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Whitehead of Oregon Basin, Mrs. Harry Cook, Mrs. Patty Scott, Mrs. Jim Asay, Mrs. Dan Asay, Mrs. Tena Norton of Lovell, and from Powell Mrs. Owen Farmer and Mr. and Mr.s Dave Lindsay.
Loy Idella Sessions Corbett was born Oct. 13th, 1906 and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Byron A. Sessions, who were among the early pioneers to settle in Byron in 1900. On May 16, 1921 she was married to John Corbett and except for the last few years when Mr. Corbett went elsewhere to find employment, Mrs. Corbett has spent her life in Byorn. Loy was one of thirteen childrne, of whom eleven grew to maturity. She was the mother of six children, the last one, a daughter, having died shortly after birth Dec. 16, 1943. Mrs Corbett passed away, Oct 9th, four days before her 39th birthday.
She is survived by her husband, four daughters, Mrs. Margaret Wirth, Mrs. Dorothy Wade, Bertha Ellen and Jackie Louise, and a son Jerry Horace, four years of age.
Also surivinving are her parents, Byron A. and Ellen Sessions, and the following sisters and brothers, Mrs. Chris Hitts, Mrs. Goerge Burge, Mrs. Mac McKinney, Mrs. Sam Griggs, Mrs. Kenneth Stone, Mrs. Lawrence Corbett, Mrs. Golden Boyce, Marion, Otis and Glen Sessions.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block E Lot 5 Grave 5
On same stone as Lilas Francess Threet Cowley
STONE SAYS Father, sealed 6 Jun 1940Leonard Heap Cowley
Born 14 May 1902, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
Son of James Heap Cowley & Rinnie Carlton Floyd
Md Lilas Threet, 6 Jun 1940, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Died 29 May 1953, Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah
Last Rite For Leonard H. Cowley
Funeral services were held on Wednesday morning in the LDS chapel at 11 o'clock for Leonard Heap Cowley, 51, who passed from this life at the home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Sherman Bowen at Spanish Fork, Utah, Friday, May 29th, following a lingering illness.
The services were directed by Bishop Ernest Jensen with burial in the Byron cemetery under the direction of the Haskell Funeral Home. Eugene Jones, Roy Willey, Charles Wolz, Louis Wolz, Ellis Powelson and David Jones, Sr., acted as pallbearers.
The invocation was given by George Abraham, the ward choir sang "Through Deepening Trials" under the direction of Mrs. Louis Wolz and Mrs. Walter Stevens at the organ. Miss Naomi Abraham and Mrs. Charles Hessenthaler sang "Beyond the Sunset" accompanied by Mrs. Stevens. Mrs. Stevens played "Lead Me Gently Home" on the organ.
Louis Hamblin of Powell and Milas Johnson sang "In the Garden," accompanied by Avery Glenn. The speaker was Walter Stevens. The choir sang, "I Know That My Redemer Lives." Joseph Doty gave the benediction. David Jones, Sr., dedicated the grave.
Mrs. George Davis of Billings gave the following obituary: Leonard Heap Cowley, was born May 14, 1902, at Byron, the son of Rinnie Carlton Floyd and James Heap Cowley. He was the 11th child in a family of 13.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and two sisters.
He attended school in the Byron grade school and high school at the Big Horn Academy, Cowley, graduating in 1921, receiving the scholarship award. He was good in sports, especially in pole vault and track. He sang in a quartet and travelled around the Big Horn Stake singing. He belonged to choirs and other singing groups.
After leaving school he worked at Manderson, for two years. He went to Pocatello, Idaho, for two years and lived with his sister, Caddie Stewart, workng on their farm and various outside jobs. During this time he was active in mutual and other church activites.
Leonard was a farmer by trade and by this he made his livelihood. He was always active in church and community affairs, being a member of the Byron school board for a number of years.
He was a high priest in the LDS church, having served as a high councilman, at this time he acted as the stake primary advisor, and was a counselor in the bishopric also ward clerk, M-Men Mutual president, and general Aaronic Priesthood secretary.
Leonard and Lilas were in the Byron Ward Mutual Presidency from September 1950 to Janurary 1953, when Leonard was released due to ill health.
He filled two missions for the LDS church, one in the central states mission for a period of two years during 1927-1929, laboring in Texas, a second mission was filled in the state of Oregon for a six month term.
LaRu returned to the family farm in March 1930, her husband having passed away and leaving her a family of three children to live with her father and two brothers, Marion and Leonard. He was a loving companion to LaRu and shared much love and affection on her little ones.
On June 6, 1940, Leonard was married to Lilas F. Threet in the Salt Lake Temple. Their home has ben blessed with three children, one son, David L. and two daughters, Marilyn and Frances Ann.
He has been a kind and loving husband and father, always teaching the gospel by precept and example, and instilling in the heart of his loved ones a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a testimony of the Gospel. He was....
Leonard Cowley Buried At Byron
Funeral services for Leonard H. Cowley, who passed away at Spanish Fortk, Utah, after suffering from cancer for some months, were held yesterday in the Byron LDS church with Bishop Ernest Jensen in charge.
Leonard Heap Cowley was born May 4, 1902 at Penrose, the son of James and Rinnie Cowley. He was married June 6, 1940, at Salt Lake City to Miss Lilas Threet.
He leaves three children, David, Marily and Frances Ann, and the following brothers and siters; Floyd and Marion of Byron, Matthias of Missoula, Mont., Mrs. Caroline Stewart of Pocatello, Idaho, Mrs. Rinnie Rennech of Lingle, Wyo., Mrs. Pauline Monk of Cowley, Mrs. Gladys Sessions and Mrs. Annie Abraham of Byron, Mrs. C.B. Blackburn of Lovell and Mrs. LaRue Stevens of Powell.
Burial was made in the Byron cemetery with the Haskell Funeral Home in charge. We will publish the funeral account next week.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block E Lot 5 Grave 6
On same stone as Leonard Heap Cowley
STONE SAYS Mother, sealed 6 Jun 1940Lilas Francess Threet Cowley
Born 26 Nov 1913, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
Daughter of Lemuel Eldridge Threet & Annie Warren
Md Leonard Heap Cowley, 6 Jun 1940, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Died 18 Apr 1970, Payson, Utah, Utah
Buried Wednesday
Former Resident Dies in Utah
Mrs. Lilas Cowley, 56, former Lovell resident, died Saturday of unknown causes in Payson, Utah.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Byron LDS Chapel with Bishop Harold Hopkinson officiating. Interment was in the Byron cemetery under the direction of Haskell Fuenral Home.
Mrs. Cowley was born Nov. 26, 1913, in Lovell, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lemmie Threet.
She was married to Leonard Cowley June 6, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Cowley died in 1953.
Surving are one son David of Provo, Utah; two daughters Mrs. Lyle Emmet, Payson, Utah and Mrs. David Whitehead, Salt Lake City; five brothers, Robert and Edward Threet of California, Joseph and Kenneth Threet of Arizona and Lemmie Threet of Ralston; three sisters, Mrs. Sherman Bomen, Spanish Fork, Utah, Mrs. Larry Woods, Rhoed Island, and Mrs. Earl Sparrow; and four grandchildern.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block E Lot 9 Grave 21
On same stone as Rinnie Floyd Cowley
James Heap Cowley
Born 17 Jul 1855, Farmington, Davis, Utah
Parents James Cowley & Mary Heap
Md Rinnie Carlton Floyd, 1 Jun 1882, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Died 23 Nov 1937, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
Buried 26 Nov 1937, FridayByron Community Pioneer Passes
James Heap Cowley died at his home Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 9:30 p.m. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 26, and a large crowd attended to pay their last respects to one of Big Horns most beloved pioneers.
Bishop Malcolm LeSueur conducted. Charles Anderson opened the meeting the speakers were Elmer S. Eyre, H.C. Carlton and Frank L. Jones. They all spoke words of praise of the deceased the words of comfort to the mourners. The opening song was a trio by Mrs. Frank Whitney, Mrs. Orson Frost and Mrs. Wilford Welling, "God Moves In a Mysterious Way." The closing song was by the same trio and was "Saviour Comfort Me." Mrs. Grace Stevens sang "I will Take You Home Again Kathleen." The benediction was given by John Hinkley. The pall bearers were the grandsons of the deceased, Roland, Norman and Evan Cowley, Oliver Davis, Melvin Meeks and Amos Blackburn. Flowers were carried by twenty of his granddaughters and grandson. Interment was made in Byron cemetery.
Members of the family to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Cowley and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Monk and family, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Sessions and family, Mr. and Mrs. Griff Abraham and family, Mr. Marion and Leonard Cowley, Mr. and Mrs. James Blackburn and family, Mrs. LaRue Stevens and family, Mr. and Mrs. Matthias Cowley and family of Missoula, Mont., Mrs. Mary Langford of Billings, Mr. and Mrs. George Davis of Billings, Mr. and Mrs. George Davis of Powell, and Oliver and Carlton Davis.
James Cowley was born in Farmington, Utah, July 17, 1855. He was the only son of James Cowley and Mary Heap. He grew up to early manhood in Farmington. He was married June 1, 1882 to Rinnie Carlton Floyd and to this union thirteen children were born. In 1900 he came to the Big Horn with the Taggart company. He helped to build the canal and the Burlington railroad. He settled on a farm five miles west of Byron and lived there until the time of his death. He took an active part in building up this comminty and also in the church up to the time of his death.
Four sons, seven daughters and fifty-eight grandchildren and his only sister survive. His wife and two daughters preceded him in death.************************************
Former Farmington Resident J. Cowley Dies in Big Horn
Word was received, Wednesday morning by Aunt Elizabeth Brown Miller, to the effect that her only brother, James Cowley age 83, had passed away, Tuesday, at Byron, Wyoming.
Mr. Cowley was a resident of Farmington before going with the colonists to settle Big horn Basin.
The home when in Farmington is now occupied by Ardell Phillips in North Farmington.
The funeral will be held in Byron, this Friday, where the burial will take place.
(taken from Davis County (Utah) Clipper 1937-11-26)
GRAVE LOCATION - Block E Lot 9 Grave 22
On same stone as James Heap Cowley
Rinnie Carlton Floyd Cowley
Born 16 Sep 1864, Farmington,Davis, Utah
Parents Leonard Floyd & Caroline Amelia Burbank
Md James Heap Cowley, 1 Jun 1882, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Died 24 Mar 1920, Byron, Big Horn, WyomingRinnie's family arrived in Utah in 1862. In 1864, Rinnie was born on September 16. She is the daughter of Leonard and Caroline Amelia Burband Floyd. She married James Heap Cowley on 1 June 1882. She had met him on one of her visists to her Grandmother Holmes.
The couple had a dry farm in Sandy Ridge southwest of Ogden, they sold that and moved to North Farmington Bench, they lived there until they came to Wyoming.
Ten children were born to the Cowleys when they lived in Farmington. They were James Floyd, known as Floyd; Mary Irene, died two months after her birth; Sarah Elizabeth; Caroline Amelia, known as Caddie; Rinnie; Marion Lyman; Nancy Pauline, known as Pauline; Gladdys, Annie Laura and Phoebe. Three more children were born in Wyoming, Leonard; LaRu Estella; and the youngest Matthias Albert.
The big move to Wyoming came in 1901, it was not an easy one. As they lived in two large tents for the first 11 months. They could hear the weird howling of coyotes and the booming sounds of the nighthawks. Dust storms made housekeeping and cooking almost impossible. Their home on the farm near Byron was completed in March 1902.
On March 22, 1920, Rinnie "got up to start the days work and she was stricken with a crebral hemorrhage. We tried to get the doctor to come but he thought it was probably just a case of the flue and there was nothing he culd do When he fianlly came it was too late. She died on March 24, 1920.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block B Lot 9 Grave 18
In the same cement as Edna Juanita Cozzens, different stones
Heber Chase Cozzens
Born 24 Apr 1904, Byron, Big Horn, Wyoming
Parents John W. Cozzens, Ellen Blanche Kimball
Md Edna Parker, 20 Nov 1924, Rexburg, Madison, Idaho
Died 28 May 1980, Cowley, Big Horn, Wyoming
Buried 31 May 1980, SaturdayHeber Cozzens
Heber Chase Cozzens, 76, died at his home in Cowley of an apparent heart attack Wednesday, May 28, 1980.
He was a longtime resident of Cowley. He was born April 24, 1904, in Byron, Wyoming, the son of John W. and Ellen Cozzens.
He married Edna Parker November 20, 1924 in Rexburg, Idaho. They farmed northwest of Cowley, and he worked for the Ohio Oil Company until his retirement. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is survived by his wife, Edna of Cowley, one duaghter, Mrs. Armese E. Sanders of Lander, one son Ben Lee Cozzens of Rio Linda, California, one brother, Golden, of Cowley; one sister, Mrs. Erma Thomas, of Cody; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m. in the Lovell Stake Chapel with Sherrill Lamb officiating.
Burial was in the Byron Cemetery. Haskell Funeral Home of Lovell was in charge of arrangments.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block B Lot 9 Grave 17
In the same cement as Heber Chase Cozzens, different stones
Edna Juanita Parker Cozzens
Born 16 Nov 1908, Rexburg, Madison, Idaho
parents Flora C. Stratton, John Lee Parker
Md Heber Chase Cozzens, 20 Nov 1924, Rexburg, Madison, Idaho
Died 18 Jun 1985, Lander, Fremont, Wyoming
Buried 22 Jun 1985
GRAVE LOCATION - Block B Lot 9 Grave 21
right next to the stone of Ellen B. Cozzens
John W. Cozzens
Born 3 Feb 1873, Montpelier, Bear Lake, Idaho
Parents John Cozzens & Sarah Jane Perkins
Md Ellen Blanche Kimball, 13 Oct 1898, Pleasant Green, Salt Lake, Utah
Died 28 Sep 1916, Lovell, Big Horn, Wyoming
GRAVE LOCATION - Block B Lot 9 Grave 20
right next to the stone of John W. Cozzens
STONE SAYS Mother, LDSEllen Blanche Kimball Cozzens
Born 26 Dec 1882, Meadowville, Rich, Utah
Daughter of David Kimball & Sarah Hanlan
Md John W. Cozzens, 13 Oct 1898, Pleasant Green, Salt Lake, Utah
Died 23 Jul 1946, Billings, Yellowstone, Montana
Buried ThursdayPioneer's Funeral Held Last Week
Funeral services were held last Thursday at the Lovell West ward chapel for Mrs. Ellen Blanche Cozzens, who passed away at Billings on Tuesday, following an operation. Bishop Carmon Black conducted the services, which were opened by the singing of "Holding Thy Hand" by the West ward Singing Mothers, led by Mrs. Julia Mickelson and accompanied by Mrs. Marilyn Woods. Floyd Allred offered the invocation, followed by "Tho Deep'ning Trials," sung by the Cowley male quartet. Bishop Black read the obituary and offered remarks. Pres. Elmer Eyre, a neighbor of Mrs. Cozzens, gave a short talk with "Christ says, in Me ye shall have peace," as the theme. The quartet sang "Stars of the Summer Night," followed by a sermon by M.D. Harris on "Immortality." The chorus sang "The Lord's Prayer," and Mark Partridge pronounced the benediction. Pallbearers were: Mrs. Cozzens' sons, Ralph, Ivan, Golden, Lawrence and Heber, and her son-in-law, Garth Wilhelm. Lovely flowers in profusion were displayed. Interment was in the Byron cemetery under the direction of the Olson Mortuary.
Mrs. Cozzens and her husband and family arrived in Byron from Utah in 1900, and Mrs. Cozzens assisted her husband on farms and with construction work. She had eight children, the oldest 16 years of age and the youngest six months when Mr. Cozzens passed away. In 1917, she and her family haomesteaded near Deaver, fighting and overcoming the hardships of a homesteader, and building up a good farm. She lived there until the time of her death. She is survived by two brothers, one sister, five sons, two daughters and 27 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. and Mrs. Claude Kimball and Mrs. Heber Kimball of Garden City, Utah, Mr. and Mrs. Viro Kinball of Rock Springs and Mr. and Mrs. John Neil of Kemmerer arrived the day of the services.
This and surrounding communities extend their sympathy to the bereaved family.
Mrs. Cozzens Dies
Mrs. Ellen B. Cozzens, widow ... John Cozzens, passed away .. a Billings hospital on Tuesday... llowing an operation for goetre. was born on November 26, ...4, in Utah and was 61 yesrs ... age at her death. The body was...ought to Lovell by the Olson...rtuary and funeral services are....ng held in the Lovell West.... rd chapel this afternoon at 2:00 ...lock.
Mrs. Cozzens made her home....Deaver and is survived by two....thers, Claude Kimball of Utah, ... Kimball of Kemmerer; one..., Mrs. John Niel of Kemmer...five sons, Ivan of Deaver... rence of Red Lodge, Heber... Golden of Cowley, and Ralph... Lovell; two daughters, Mrs...is Wilhelm of Warren, Mont., .. Mrs. Cal Thoms of Hyatt... , and 27 grandchildren and ... great-grandchild.
An account of the funeral will ...published next week.
GRAVE LOCATION - Block B Lot 9 Grave 23
On same stone as Mary Belle Robison Cozzens
Born 21 Sep 1878, Montpelier, Bear Lake, Idaho
Son of John Cozzens & Sarah Jane Perkins
Md Mary Belle Robison, 5 Sep 1900, Logan, Cache, Utah
Died 17 Oct 1969, Powell, Park, Wyoming
Buried 21 Oct 1969, Tuesday"Matt" Cozzens Services Held
Funeral services were conducted from the Byron LDS chapel Tuesday, Oct. 21, for Matthew Cozzens, 91, of Byron.
Mr. Cozzens passed away in Powell Friday, Oct, 17.
Bishop Clifford Powelson officated at the services. Interment was in the Byron cemetery under the direction of Haskell Funeral Home.
Mr. Cozzens was born Sept. 21, 1878, at Montpilier, Ida., the son of John and Sarah Jane Perkins Cozzens. He had lived in Big Horn County for 69 years. At the time of his death, he was a retired agriculturalist.
He married Mary Belle Robison Sept. 5, 1900, at Logan, Utah. She preceded him in death. Mr. Cozzens was a member of the LDS church.
Survivors include nine children, Mrs. Lydia Bassett, Rosemead, Calif., Mrs. Frank Peterson of Byron; Mrs. Troy C. Foutz, Farmington, N.M., Mrs. Bill Brown, Bakersfield, Calif., Solon and Fay of Byron, David, Cowley; Lewis N., Las Vegas, Nev. and Myron E. of Connecticut; a half brother, Earl of California; a half sisters, Mary Lucile Hancock of California and 28 grandchildren.
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Early Resident Dies at Powell Some of the older Star Valley residents will be interested tohear of the death of a former early pioneer resident, Matthew Cozzens, 91, who died Oct 17, 1969 at a nursing home in Powell, Wyo. According to Ren Vail of Byron, Wyo. Mr Cozzens lived in this area at the Halfway House in Crow Creek Canyon many years ago. He was the last of seven brothers who migrated from this area to the Big Horn Basin in 1900, and made his home there from that time on. He was born Sept 21, 1878 at Montpelier, Idaho, the son of John and Sarah Jane Perkins Cozzens. He married Mary Belle Robinson Sept 5, 1900 at Logan, Utah. she preceded him in death,. Funeral services were conducted in the Byron LDS Chapel on Oct 21 and interment was in the Byron Cemetery. Cozzens, Matthew (i 6 Nov 1969)Star Valley Independent
GRAVE LOCATION - Block B Lot 9 Grave 22
On same stone as Matthew Cozzens
Mary Belle Robison Cozzens
Born 16 Jul 1882, Georgetown, Bear Lake, Idaho
Parents Solon Wells Robison & Lydia Margaret Staker
Md Matthew Cozzens, 5 Sep 1900, Logan, Cache, Utah
Died 7 Oct 1959, Powell, Park, Wyoming
Buried 10 Oct 1959, Saturday
Services Held for Byron Matron
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Belle Cozzens, 77, were held in the Byron LDS chapel with Bishop Joe Doty officiating. Interment was in the Byron cemetery with the Haskell Fuenral home of Lovell in charge.
Mrs. Cozzens was formerly Byron Postmistress and held the position for 38 years. She died last Wednesday in the Powell War Memorial hospital.
She was born July 16, 1882 in Georgetown, Ida., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Solon Robison. She married Matthew Cozzens in Logan, Utah Sept, 3, 1903 and they moved to Byron shortly afterward.
She is survived by her husband; five sons, Solon and Fay of Byron, Davie of Cowley, Lue of Las Vegas, Nev., and Myron of Bloomington, Calif.; four duaghters, Mrs. Lydia Bassett of Alhambra, Calif., Mrs. Geneve Sherrill of Byron, Mrs. Avon Brown of Bakersfield, Calif., and Mrs. Mary Belle Foutz of Bloomington; 6 grandchldren and 19 great grandchildren.Matron's Rites Held at Byron
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Belle Cozzens were held at the LDS Chapel in Byron Saturday, Oct 10, under the direction of Bishop Frank Davis.
Mrs. Charles Hessenthaler played prelude and postlude music. Bishop Frank Davis gave the opening comments on the life of Mrs. Cozzens.
The Singing Mothers directed by Mrs. Fannie Wolz and accompanied by Cody Neville, sang "The Lord's Prayer." Maurice Jensen offered the invocation.
Francis Cozzens, a nephew, read the obituary, which was written by Mrs. Joe Cozzens of Powell. Jack Stevens accompanied by Mrs. Gary Stevens, sang "Beyond the Sunset." the sermon was given by George Abraham. The Singing Mothers sang "I Shall Not Pass This Way Again." Frank Jones pronounced the benediction.
Burial was in the Byron cemetery, Edwin Bassett of Alhambra, Calif., gave the prayer at the grave. Pallbearers were grandsons, Ronald and Charles Cozzens, nephews, Fred, Melvin, Matt and John Cozzens.
Mrs. Cozzens, 77, died in the War Memorial Hospital in Powell Oct 7. She was the daugher of Lydia and Solon Robison. She was born at Georgetown, Idaho, July 16, 1882 and married Matthew Cozzens Sept. 5, 1900 at Logan, Utah. She had lived in Byron for the past 59 years. She was a member of the LDS Church.
She is survived by her husband, Matt Cozzens of Byron; five sons, Solon and Fay of Byron, Dave of Cowley, Louis of Las Vegas, Nev., and Myron of Bloomington, Calif.; four daughters, Lydia Bassett, Alhambra, Calif., Genevieve Sherrill of Byron, Marybelle Foutz of Bloomington, Calif., and Avon Brown of Bakersfield, Calif.; 26 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren