Aldrich, C. C. ------died February 3rd; at his home at the foot of Castle Valley aged 66 years. Mr.  Aldrich has been seriously ill since last July with stomach trouble, for the past week he has been considered as improving, but on Saturday morning he passed away. The funeral took place from his home on Monday and was largely attended, Miss Emma Tibbius conducting the services, Mr. Aldrich was one of the pioneers in Grand county coming to Castle Valley over twenty years ago. He leaves a wife and two sons grown to manhood to mourn his death. Grand Valley Times February 9, 1906

Hurley, Samantha A.-----------On Saturday about seven o'clock Mrs. Samantha A. Hurley, mother of Geo. Hurley, died of heart disease. Mrs. Hurley had been ill for a day or two but her condition was not considered serious. She got up Saturday morning apparently feeling good. Later she laid down on the lounge for a nap and never woke up again. The funeral was held from the ward meeting house on Sunday morning. The speakers were Bishop Larsen, J. H. Johnson, Charles McConkie and "Uncle" Joseph Moore. Mrs. Hurley was born in Ohio 78 years ago last October. She had lived with her son George Hurley at Moab for the past six years. Grand Valley Times July 10, 1908

Skewes, John B. Sr., who was kicked in the chest by a horse on Thursday of last week died from his injuries at his home at the Big Indian mine, Saturday morning. Mr. Skewes appeared to be getting along very well Friday and hopes were entertained for his recovery. His injuries became more painful Friday night, however, and he died at 8 o'clock the following morning. The remains were brought to Moab and the funeral was held from the Baptist church Monday afternoon. The speakers were The Reverend Clarke and J. H Johnson. Where travel was frequent and settlers were few his home became the natural stopping place of the wayfarer. No one, whether a friend or stranger was ever turned away. Mr. Skewes' dream of future wealth, said the speaker, was prompted by a desire for better accommodations in order that greater hospitality could be extended to his friends. The speaker stated that he had heard Mr. Skewes' business associates, who were men high in the councils of the state, speak in the highest terms of the honesty and trustworthiness of the deceased. The choir sang "The Half Has Never Been Told" and Heber Christensen, G. P. Bryan, Arch Bronson and R. E. Mellenthin sang "Nearer My God To Thee." The pall bearers were V. P. Martin, Byron Davis, Arthur A. Taylor, James Somerville, Walter Winbourn and Don Taylor. The interment was in the Moab cemetery; John B. Skewes was born in Cornwall, England, May 16, 1849 and at the time of his death was sixty years, seven months and nine days old. He came to the United States when about eighteen years of age. He spent about two years in Massachusetts, after which he drifted west to Nevada. In Nevada he followed mining and met with more or less success. At Grass Valley, California, Mr. Skewes married Sarah Mortland. Of this union one son, J. B. Skewes, Jr., was born, Mr. Skewes, junior, is now 25 years of age and resides at Moab, He is the only child his father ever had. The mother died in 1893. In 1895 Mr. Skewes married Mrs. Elizabeth Skewes who survives him. Mr. Skewes came to South eastern Utah fourteen years ago as a representative of Ed Loose of Provo. He spent a couple of years in the Blue mountains. Twelve years ago associated with Mr. Loose and others he bought the Big Indian mining property and has been living at Big Indian ever since. He owned about one fourth of the stock in the company. The Big Indian property has been valued by its owners at about $200,000. Two years ago it was bonded to an eastern company for $250,000, the sum of $10,000 being paid down. Shortly after the bond was given the "panic" came and the promoters were unable to meet their obligations, the property reverting to the original owners. Grand Valley Times December 31, 1909

Wilson, Jane G. --------better known in this valley as "Grandma Wilson" passed away last Tuesday evening at the home of her daughter Mrs. Hyrum Allen. The funeral took place yesterday from the ward meeting house. Mrs. Wilson had nearly reached the age of 75 years. She was the first woman to settle in this valley and came at a time when pioneering here tried men and women's souls, her husband, A. G. Wilson, died at Moab in 1887, having moved here with his family in 1878. Mr. Wilson was a member of the Mormon battalion in the Mexican war. In the Indian troubles of 1880 two sons were killed in the battle at the head of Castle Valley, and their remains are buried on the battle ground where they fell. The following year their son Joseph, then a small boy, while herding cattle at the head in Moab Valley, was shot several times by Indians, but escaped crippled for life. Surely Mrs. Wilson experienced all the hardships of the pioneer and has well earned the long rest she has gone to. Grand Valley Times January 12, 1906

 

 

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