SHORT LIFE STORY OF JUDSON ADONIRUM TOLMAN, JR.

JUDSON ADONIRUM TOLMAN, JR. was the son of Judson Adonirum [Tolman], Sr. and Mary Ann Howard. He was born 14 Jan. 1886 at Chesterfield, Bannock Co., Idaho. He was blessed and given the name of his father by his father in Chesterfield, Idaho.

After having six daughters and no sons, Judson's mother was very desirous of having a son, so she fasted and prayed asking the Lord to send her a son. Her next child was a son, and she always felt that Judson was given to her in answer to her prayer. It would seem that this was true because of his natural, sweet disposition. Those who knew him best, said he was mild even in anger. From the cradle to the grave he consistently brought forth from the lips of everyone who knew him the same testimony that, he was the most perfect man they ever knew. He was a living testimony of the Savior's admonition, "Do unto others as you would be done by."

Judson's father being the bishop of the ward, his son was very closely affiliated with the Mormon Church. As Deacon and Teacher, he was kept busy gathering Fast Offerings by horseback, on foot or by bob sleigh. The offerings were paid in those days in products such as ham, beans, flour, potatoes, butter, or anything one happened to raise, but seldom in money.

He was baptized 14 Jan 1894 in Chesterfield Ward by his father, Judson A. Tolman, and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ 14 Jan. 1894 by Denmark Jenson. He grew up in Chesterfield where he met Jennie Call, a neighbor girl. They married 3 Sept 1902 in the Logan Temple. Jennie was the daughter of Chester Vincent Call and Minnerett Barlow. She was born the 11 Nov. 1885 at Bountiful, Davis Co., Utah. By this union were born five lovely daughters, namely:
Minnie Meleta Tolman born 25 Nov. 1903 in Chesterfield, Bannock Co., Idaho
Mary Drucilla Tolman born 28 Aug. 1907 in Chesterfield, Bannock Co., Idaho
Genevieve Tolman born 3 Sept. 1909 in Preston, Onida Co., Idaho
Odessa Tolman born 26 March 1912 in Preston, Onida Co., Idaho
Juanita Tolman born 3 Jan 1914 in Preston, Onida Co., Idaho

At the age of eighteen he was called on a mission to Scotland. Soon after his first child, Minnie, was born he departed 14 Sept 1904 for Great Britain where he served until 25 Sept 1906, at which time he returned to Chesterfield to his family and friends.

Upon his return from his mission he worked for his father as manager of the Creamery, making all the butter for the community and shipping the surplus to Pocatello, Idaho and other towns. As the result of the depression Judson's father had to liquidate all his property, and he then moved to Preston, Idaho. Judson, Jr. and family soon followed. Their farewell party was held on Friday 5 Nov 1909. Judson gave his farewell talk in Sacrament Meeting the 31 Oct. 1909.

In Preston and surrounding towns Judson helped his father build several homes, barns, etc. He later worked on a Dairy Farm for his brother-in-law, Leonidus S. Mecham, at which time he again went into the butter making and sold it all over the country. Then he went to work for George C. Parkinson. He built himself a home in Preston but worked lots of his time in Riverdale, just north of Preston. He worked for Mr. Ben Meeks several years on his farm. He never got more than $60.00 per month, and it was hard to keep a family on that much so they had to scrimp to make ends meet.

Judson was ordained a High Priest before leaving Chesterfield and he served in the Bishopric there. Judson and Jennie loved to sing. They were blessed with rich bountiful voices. They made good use of this talent and sang often in Ward Choirs and quartets. They sang for funerals and special programs all around the valley. When their last child [Juanita Tolman] was born, Jennie never completely recovered as she had diabetes. The baby died from the effects of the poison in her system on 24 Jan. 1914 and his wife followed on 15 June 1916. The baby was buried in Riverdale, Idaho. Jennie [was buried] in Preston upon her request if they would move the baby there, which they did.

Soon after his wife's death, Judson's niece by marriage made him acquainted by correspondence with Cecelia Durfee, acting as Cupid. Through this beginning, they were later married 14 Feb. 1917 in the Logan Temple. They went on a short, short honeymoon. They then returned to Preston to the home of his first wife and took over trying to raise the family. Here they added two more girls, namely:
Jennie Arthema Tolman born 14 April 1918
Sarah Leora Tolman born 28 Jan 1920

Soon after Judson and family moved to Salt Lake City to resume his job with the Moran Paving Company. He worked for Moran for the summer then went to work for the Utah Power & Light Co. This Position he held until his death in 1942. While living in Salt Lake City, they first rented for a short time on "L" Street, then moved to Highland Park where they lived for a number of years. They moved around a bit, lived in the East Milcreek and Milcreek Wards but finally decided on a home in Holladay. So buying a piece of land he proceeded to build him a home. In all of these places they were very active in the church, serving in many ways. Their big job was in the genealogical work in the ward where he filled the capacity of chairman. He was an outstanding leader in this and put the work over in [a] big way.

Judson and his wife dearly loved to dance and each Saturday night found him with his car full going to Jackson Dance Hall where they met other of their friends and they really had a fine time.

He always owned a car and he used it both for work and pleasure. He never went for pleasure without finding someone who was homebound or without a car. He would fill the car full and away they would go, sometimes to the Logan Temple and sometimes to the Manti Temple. Our lovely canyons were often visited by him. He went weekly to the Salt Lake Temple, always with his car loaded.

He wasn't one to push himself forward and beg for a job in the Church, but when one was given he put everything he had into it and did it well or not at all. He was a wonderful father and husband. We really wonder how we have lived without him since he is gone. But our faith that we will meet again helps us to get along.

He was never a man to get angry. He was firm and just in all his dealings both at home and elsewhere. His family loved and respected his judgment. He never took sides in any argument in the home until he weighed it well then he called all parties concerned and talked things out and soon every wrong had been righted. It was his wonderful way that helped his wife, Cecelia and his girls by his first wife to get along so well.

Australia Mission Report - Part 2

About two months before leaving Bendigo, we had an Elder from our home ward in Salt Lake and a new (Kiwi) Elder from New Zealand come to live in our flat. They were extra special young missionaries. Never a moment was wasted. They were either tracting, teaching, studying, praying, or seeking answers to questions.

Shortly after we were transferred, the Elder from Salt Lake was killed in a car accident. His sister was flying to the funeral service and while enroute a famous TV Star sat down beside her and asked her questions about the Church. She didn't know the answers and suddenly she heard her brother's voice telling her what she needed to know. His study and diligence was not in vain. We feel he was called to perform a special mission on the other side.

By the time we were transferred to Millicent, we had helped in the finding, teaching, baptizing and fellowshipping of nine non-members.

After seven months in Bendigo which was a part of the Melbourne Stake, we were transferred as District President to an area in the Southwest section of the Mission. It was originally five branches, be was later condensed to four.

Each week we visited a different branch to check records and do what we could to strengthen and help them to understand more fully the programs of the Church. It was my responsibility to supervise the Relief Society and Primary. We gave special programs on how to be better teachers and leaders. We also had the responsibility of helping them understand the new Priesthood MIA.

Every three months we held District Conferences with a different branch acting as host. President and Sister Sposhian and sometimes Brother Broadhead, our Regional Representative, presided while we conducted the various Meetings.

We were blessed to attend Conference in Melbourne three different times at which a member of the Twelve apostles presided. The first one was Thomas S. Monson, next Franklin D. Richards, an Assistant to the Twelve. Then Gordon B. Hinckley. Toward the latter end of our mission Brother A. Theodore Tuttle held meetings with the missionaries in different areas.

This really gave is a boost spiritually and helped us in carrying forward in the Lord's work.

Through the week we contacted inactive members and held family home evenings and special teaching engagements in which we used tapes of General Conference and other special talks by General Authorities. It was our privilege to strengthen and fellowship new members also.

The last month before coming home a young man and young woman from two inactive families came to our flat two or three times a week to listen to the Book Of Mormon Tapes and read along with them. (They are planning for a Temple Marriage.) We understand the young man was ordained an Elder at the last District Conference.

 
In this area the members gave the Elders several choice referrals. Because we were not withing a regular Stake and had no Chapel, our baptisms were performed in the ocean or Y.M.C.A., depending on the area. (We lived in Millicent about eight miles from the beach.) The Elders had six baptisms in Millicent. There were three in the Y.M.C.A. in Mt. Gambier.

The mother of a counselor in the Mt. Gambier Branch attended church regularly, but refused to be baptized because she was too old (in her eighties), sickly, and could not give up her coffee. The man, his wife and granddaughter went to the New Zealand Temple in January. There was such a change in their spirit and attitude that she told us she wanted to be baptized. I asked her when. We would love to have it happen before we go home. When do you go home? In two weeks. "I'll be baptized on Sunday. And I'd like to have Pres. Clawson help Len baptize me."

We were scheduled to attend Church in Warrnambool, one hundred twenty five miles away. We told her to make it for 6:30 and we would be there. She did, and we were. As she was confirmed, her face was smiling and radiant.

Although we lost a third of our American dollar when it was changed to Australian, and we did a tremendous amount of traveling (3000 miles per month) The Lord blessed us and we were able to take care of our needs. For instance, when [we] were at the Kaniva-Horsham Branch (130 miles away) we spent the night in the Branch President's home or with one of his counselors. When they hosted the District Conference and had many visitors, he paid our expense at the motel. Another couple we had helped fellowship back into activity kept us in flour and wheat germ. (He worked for a milling company.) When we went to the Warrnambool Branch we spent Saturday night in the Branch President's home. (He took our place as District President when we left.)

Besides teaching the Gospel, we had a side "hobby." In Bendigo, Orin chopped three tons of wood for a sweet widow lady. In Mt. Burr (Millicent) the last three months of our Mission we went several mornings each week and gathered, sawed and chopped wood for another widow lady, before holding an instruction period with her. When we met her she said she didn't know anything about the Gospel. We asked her why she was baptized: she said, "To make the Elder happy." How grateful we were for our tapes of the 1972 and 1973 Conferences. They were a source of enlightenment and inspiration not only to others but to us as well.

We were also grateful to have two fine Mission Couple serving in our area. (One in Mt. Gambier and one in Warrnambool.)

Each of the Branches gave us a farewell party and gifts on our last visit with them. On our way home from our mission we were permitted to spend five hours in Fiji, Four Days in New Zealand, Two Days in Hawaii and one week in California. We arrived in Salt Lake on the 4th of March. In time to see a record snow storm for our area at that time of year. (Our first snow for two years.)

While in New Zealand, we stayed in the home of a Moari family (Kakas), we met and loved and worked with in Kaniva. He was a member of the Branch Presidency, Sister Kaka's brother was the Branch President. Besides showing us a few points of interest, we attended three sessions in the Temple and helped in sealing 150 young men to their parent[s].

In Hawaii we couldn't find a vacancy in the motel at Laie. The Manager called a member of the church, a Brother Covey, and they took us into their home. We went to a session of the Temple and went to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

It was wonderful to have a week in Rialto, California with our son, Dennis, and our daughter Klar and their families. Also we were able to see and visit with some of our dear friends we loved and worked with for so many years.

We will be eternally grateful for the privilege that has been ours of getting to know and love those dear people in Australia. We also will never forget the beauties of the country and wild life through which we traveled constantly, but above all we must express our gratitude to our Father in Heaven for his guidance, blessings and sweet spirit that was showered upon us.

Dear Family, May we bear you our witness that this is truly the work of the Lord. We do have a Prophet to guide us, and if we will follow his teachings we will have the greatest joy and happiness that can be found anywhere.

Sincerely your Sister in the Gospel

Orin and Odessa