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.
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
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.
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