July 1952 newspaper article:
Since Friday is the 4th of July, and we all wave flags and talk loudly of independence, I should like to tell you about some good Americans. Although both Mr. and Mrs. Prigmore of Kaysville still carry their broad English accents, they are, nevertheless, as fine Americans as anyone could be.
'Way back in 1910 in Sheffield, England, Charlie Prigmore's uncle, one James Smith from Kaysville, went to study some geneology. It was not hard to persuade his nephew to come to America. Charlie, on the other hand, experienced little difficulty in persuading Bertha (who was not then Mrs. Prigmore) that here was the land of opportunity. So, in May, 1910, while hating to leave his native England, Charlie Prigmore came to America and straight to Kaysville. Bertha came a few months later, in October, and they were almost immediately married by the late Henry H. Blood.
The Prigmores were converts to the LDS church but they became Americans, too, as soon as they arrived. Immediately they started taking out citizenship papers, it took five years to complete, according to law, and they have been good citizens ever since.
Mrs. Prigmore is a dear little lady, still unmistakedly British in appearance and talk. She is a great lover of the literary. Her father was somewhat of a poet (Rose, one daughter, has some of her grandfather's writings in a scrapbook), and she inherited from and was encouraged by him to pursue matters poetic. The result is that you would travel far to find anyone with a wider knowledge of the best in English and American literature. She can quote reams of poetry-- including Shakespeare -- and for several years has been in charge of the literature lessons in the Kaysville First Ward Relief Society.
She says she has always found comfort and enjoyment from the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and likes to quote her "Psalm of Life" when she feels the need for some sort of uplift.
Charlie Prigmore, too, is an unusual person. When I was a child, I remember well the beautiful grounds surrounding the U.P station in Kaysville. There were roses, many other flowers, and a small hedge that spelled "Kaysville." He tells me that, back "on the other side of the water" he first started working with flowers when he was 16 on a huge estate.
When he had been in Kaysville only a few days, his uncle took him to Lagoon. Seeing the gardens there, Charlie said "There's a place I'd like to work." It so happened that the chief gardener there was looking for a helper, so he was hired. He worked there for five years, then later for the McDonald Roof Garden, and for seven years cared for the U.P. grounds.
There are three Prigmore sons and two daughters. Two of their sons were fighting Marines during World War II, seeing action on Pelelieu, Iwo Jima, and many other bloody places. One daughter, Edna, was a Wave, too, during the war.
The Prigmores are ideal citizend in many ways. They have raised their sons and daughters to be active members of society. I don't suppose, either, that any member of the family has ever done anything which was harmful to other people or to society. They are, indeed, the type of people who make America, and especially Davis County, the best place on earth!
---newspaper clipping does not give the author's name. The title of the column is "Personalities." Newspaper name is not known, probably not the "Davis County Clipper," but was possibly called "The Reflex."
Monday, December 7, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
About James Windross by Charles Prigmore
James Windross was Bertha's father, he was a good Christian gentleman, he believed in truth and honesty, he was a great man to study the scriptures. Sometimes in an evening we would read the bible and comment on what we had read. Sometimes Bertha (your mother) would play the piano and we would sing hymns. It was something like Home Evening. He was a writer for what was known as the Factory Times that was in Lancashire, and the pieces he used to put in the paper, he made lot of enemies because he believed in the right. Your Mother told me at one time there was a man very faithful at his job who was getting starvation wages, he felt so badly the way the factory had treated him with the hard work and low wages that he felt so sorry for him, he (Grandpa Windross) just broke down and cried. And this man had a large family. Well when the writeup was put in the Factory Times, it did not please the bosses too much. That caused a rumpuss, but Grandpa did not mind for he believed in fighting for the poor, helpless man who was being took advantage of. The last I see of him, Grandpa Windross, he had come with me from Sheffield to see me off on the ship, Zeeland. I shall never forget it, when I had to say good bye to go on the ship, he said, "Goodbye, trust in the Lord, and don't forget your prayers." And he tied his handkerchief on his cane and waved it as long as he could see. And I never shall forget his answer to my letter when I told him we were baptized into the church. His answer back: "Now you have joined the LDS Church is a sign you believe in it, so now, work for it, live for it and if needs be, die for it, and May God Bless you, love your father, James Windross. The temple work has been done for him. I am sure he is now rejoicing.
The above story was handwritten by Charles Prigmore for his children. At times I had a hard time deciphering the writing. I tried to keep it as close as possible to the way he wrote it. I have looked through Grandpa Prigmore's album dozens of times but I don't recall taking the time to read the note containing the above remembrance. I can just visualize Great Grandpa Windross tying the handkerchief to his cane and waving it.
The above story was handwritten by Charles Prigmore for his children. At times I had a hard time deciphering the writing. I tried to keep it as close as possible to the way he wrote it. I have looked through Grandpa Prigmore's album dozens of times but I don't recall taking the time to read the note containing the above remembrance. I can just visualize Great Grandpa Windross tying the handkerchief to his cane and waving it.
Poem by James Windross
Shadows are we one and all;
A photo is a shadows play.
And written words like shadow fall;
The shadows of the mind are they.
Then shade this page whoe'er you be;
Tho' also here your mark must fade,
Except not immortality;
Where even light itself is shade.
Yet, all the same your hand display;
Yet, all the same your mind relieve,
If like the flowers we pass away;
Like them expressive let us live.
By James Windross
April 22, 1907
This was taken from a page hand-written by Grandpa (Charles) Prigmore.
A photo is a shadows play.
And written words like shadow fall;
The shadows of the mind are they.
Then shade this page whoe'er you be;
Tho' also here your mark must fade,
Except not immortality;
Where even light itself is shade.
Yet, all the same your hand display;
Yet, all the same your mind relieve,
If like the flowers we pass away;
Like them expressive let us live.
By James Windross
April 22, 1907
This was taken from a page hand-written by Grandpa (Charles) Prigmore.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Bertha Windross' Book
Jean has Grandpa Prigmore's journals. I didn't even know he had any. It would be great if they could be digitized and his posterity have access to them.
Marsha used to have a little beaded purse that belonged to Grandma Prigmore. She is uncertain whether or not she still has it.
Marilyn has a sampler of Elizabeth Smith Prigmore, Grandpa Prigmore's cane and some candlesticks that were wedding gifts of Grandma and Grandpa. Until she gets home from her mission at the Salt Lake Family History Library, she will be unable to provide pictures.
I was straightening a bookcase and came across the following book of daily thoughts that belonged to 'Miss Windross.' It is very old and dirty.
Marsha used to have a little beaded purse that belonged to Grandma Prigmore. She is uncertain whether or not she still has it.
Marilyn has a sampler of Elizabeth Smith Prigmore, Grandpa Prigmore's cane and some candlesticks that were wedding gifts of Grandma and Grandpa. Until she gets home from her mission at the Salt Lake Family History Library, she will be unable to provide pictures.
I was straightening a bookcase and came across the following book of daily thoughts that belonged to 'Miss Windross.' It is very old and dirty.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Heirlooms
Grandma Prigmore (Bertha) kept many years' worth of the Relief Society Magazine. She had them bound into books. Mother (Edna) said she couldn't keep or store them all. I selected one for a remembrance of Grandma. The bound magazines are from 1954.
One year for my birthday, Mother (Edna) wrapped up this glass relish tray/candy dish for my birthday. My first thought was that it was rather impractical and I probably wouldn't use it. In my estimation, Tupperware would have been a better choice. Then I saw a little handwritten note that said this was a wedding gift sent to Grandma and Grandpa Prigmore (Charles and Bertha) from relatives in England. Suddenly the value of the pretty dish went up considerably! I still haven't used it, but have it on 'display' in my curio cabinet.
This is a sampler made in the Oakley School in England by my Great Grandmother, Elizabeth Smith Prigmore. She was born in 1845 and it is thought that she made this in the early 1850's. I have always wanted a granddaughter named 'Oakley Elizabeth' in her honor. Unfortunately, none of my daughters chose that name. It is still up for grabs! (Click picture to enlarge and see detail)
I know there are other priceless family momentos out there. We need to have pictures of them to share with other family members. Also, I hope to have many of you author submissions on the blog. We can add you all to the list. Thanks!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thomas Prigmore
Thomas Prigmore
A Brief History
Written by son, Charles H. Prigmore
Date of Birth: May 1839
Place of Birth: Felmersham, Bedfordshire, England
Parents: Ann Saunders and Dickens Prigmore
Spouse: Elizabeth Smith
Date of Marriage: 12 October 1882
Child: Charles Henry Prigmore
Date of Death: 7 July 1896
My father was in the British Army before he married. He was never at war but was a guard in the British colonies in India. After he left the service he married and lived at Oakley, Bedfordshire, England. He was employed on an estate owned by the Duke of Bedford. He had some kind of disagreement with the foreman of the estate, and as all the homes were owned by the Duke of Bedford, Father had to move from Oakley to Milton Ernest, a village about 2 ½ miles from Oakley. I was about 10 months old when we moved. Father was employed by farmers part of the time and part of the time he worked for himself. He used to earn money gathering mushrooms, water cress, getting violets and many other wildflowers and taking them into Bedford where the wealthy people would buy them like hotcakes. He had a pension from the British government which kept us going financially. His money from the government came through the mail every 3 months. I well remember the envelope in the mail for on the top was “On Her Majesty’s Service.” (Queen Victoria was queen at the time) I looked forward to these envelopes as Father used to hire a horse and trap (as we used to call it in England). It was a real treat to go to Bedford in a horse and trap and to eat in the restaurant, go to the grocery and clothing store, and sometimes to the store for tools to work with. I always got candies, nuts and oranges.
When Father got sick I remember the doctor coming and telling Father to have patience. Dr. Hicks said he was doing all he could for Father. I remember at times Father had to struggle to get his breath, and Mother would try to help him. I used to go to Sharnbrook to the doctor’s office for medicine. The doctor used to make up the medicine himself. We did not go to the drug store or the chemist shop as it was called in England. If we wanted a doctor in a hurry we just had to go in person to get him as there was no telephone. My father died when I was 12 years old. I do not know what caused my father’s death, but Mother used to think it was the Indian climate that had a lot to do with it.
A Brief History
Written by son, Charles H. Prigmore
Date of Birth: May 1839
Place of Birth: Felmersham, Bedfordshire, England
Parents: Ann Saunders and Dickens Prigmore
Spouse: Elizabeth Smith
Date of Marriage: 12 October 1882
Child: Charles Henry Prigmore
Date of Death: 7 July 1896
My father was in the British Army before he married. He was never at war but was a guard in the British colonies in India. After he left the service he married and lived at Oakley, Bedfordshire, England. He was employed on an estate owned by the Duke of Bedford. He had some kind of disagreement with the foreman of the estate, and as all the homes were owned by the Duke of Bedford, Father had to move from Oakley to Milton Ernest, a village about 2 ½ miles from Oakley. I was about 10 months old when we moved. Father was employed by farmers part of the time and part of the time he worked for himself. He used to earn money gathering mushrooms, water cress, getting violets and many other wildflowers and taking them into Bedford where the wealthy people would buy them like hotcakes. He had a pension from the British government which kept us going financially. His money from the government came through the mail every 3 months. I well remember the envelope in the mail for on the top was “On Her Majesty’s Service.” (Queen Victoria was queen at the time) I looked forward to these envelopes as Father used to hire a horse and trap (as we used to call it in England). It was a real treat to go to Bedford in a horse and trap and to eat in the restaurant, go to the grocery and clothing store, and sometimes to the store for tools to work with. I always got candies, nuts and oranges.
When Father got sick I remember the doctor coming and telling Father to have patience. Dr. Hicks said he was doing all he could for Father. I remember at times Father had to struggle to get his breath, and Mother would try to help him. I used to go to Sharnbrook to the doctor’s office for medicine. The doctor used to make up the medicine himself. We did not go to the drug store or the chemist shop as it was called in England. If we wanted a doctor in a hurry we just had to go in person to get him as there was no telephone. My father died when I was 12 years old. I do not know what caused my father’s death, but Mother used to think it was the Indian climate that had a lot to do with it.
Sarah Alice Booth Windross
Sarah Alice Booth Windross
A brief history of her life
written by Granddaughter, Edna P. Milligan
Date of Birth: 16 January 1851
Place: Harwood, Bolton, England
Parents: John and Elizabeth Crook Booth
Spouse: James Lowe Windross
Date of Marriage: 1878
Children: Bertha and Rose lived, Ethel died at 7, and three others died in infancy
Died: 28 February 1894
Sarah Alice Booth was the eldest of eight children born to John and Elizabeth C. Booth. Her father died young and her mother married Robert Prestwick about a year after the death of her father. Since Sarah Alice was the eldest child of a large family, she had many responsibilities caring for younger children and household chores. According to the youngest child in the family, Ann Ellen Prestwick, they were a close knit family and along with aunts, uncles and cousins they had many family gatherings and their mother cooked in large quantities.
At age 27 she married James Lowe Windross. At this time in the history of England the economic conditions were poor. However, her husband James worked hard at various types of employment to support his family.
Sarah Alice, no doubt, had poor health and difficult pregnancies and much sorrow and disappointment as she lost four of her six children. Three died as infants and one at age seven years. Sarah Alice died at age 43.
A brief history of her life
written by Granddaughter, Edna P. Milligan
Date of Birth: 16 January 1851
Place: Harwood, Bolton, England
Parents: John and Elizabeth Crook Booth
Spouse: James Lowe Windross
Date of Marriage: 1878
Children: Bertha and Rose lived, Ethel died at 7, and three others died in infancy
Died: 28 February 1894
Sarah Alice Booth was the eldest of eight children born to John and Elizabeth C. Booth. Her father died young and her mother married Robert Prestwick about a year after the death of her father. Since Sarah Alice was the eldest child of a large family, she had many responsibilities caring for younger children and household chores. According to the youngest child in the family, Ann Ellen Prestwick, they were a close knit family and along with aunts, uncles and cousins they had many family gatherings and their mother cooked in large quantities.
At age 27 she married James Lowe Windross. At this time in the history of England the economic conditions were poor. However, her husband James worked hard at various types of employment to support his family.
Sarah Alice, no doubt, had poor health and difficult pregnancies and much sorrow and disappointment as she lost four of her six children. Three died as infants and one at age seven years. Sarah Alice died at age 43.
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