Edgar Session
Son of Thomas Boady Sessions and Sarah T. Haws Edgar was born March 25, 1843, during stormy weather near Johnsonville, Wayne County, Illinois. His parents were living in their neat little log cabin in their clearing in the woods of Southern Illinois near what was known as the Illinois prairie. He was the first child of fourteen born to his parents.
His boyhood was much the same as that of his father. He learned the handicraft of the frontiersman, to use and care for firearms - muzzle loaders as well as later ones. He became an expert marksman, learned to handle oxen as well as
horses. He told of going with his father on trips down the Ohio River and Mississippi River as far as Memphis, Tennessee (in a 'flat boat') to market their stock and produce. As there were no daughters in the family to help with the housework, he often helped with the household tasks.
He was 21 when he came with his parents to Utah. His little sister Martha (then 5 years old) was very worried during the packing for the long trip for there seemed to be no place for the "spelling book" from which she was learning to read. She went around for days with it clutched to her breast afraid it would get lost. She even took it to bed with her! Edgar, at last, told her he would carry it in his shirt pocket. This he did all across the plains.
The trip was mostly monotonous and uneventful. The way was well defined by then, and the Indians had about learned to keep away. Once some stock was driving off, but all were located the next day. Then the night of the same day the stock was driven off either Edgar or his father was stationed in a clump of brush at the mouth of a hollow. The guards were all instructed that if anyone approached, the guards were to call "halt". If there was no answer, they were to call "halt" once more and then shoot. About 2:00 AM someone approached near their hiding place. He called "halt" No answer, none at his second halt. He cocked his rifle. At that instant the captain's voice called out the counter sign. Had he not, Edgar or his father would have surely shot him. The captain praised him. He was checking to see how alert the guards were. [Note - from Edgar's autobiography we
know this was in fact Edgar.]
Edgar always regretted that the wagon train in which he was traveling did not see the great heards of buffalo as the Sioux Indians were keeping them herded back from the Pawnees, with whom they were at war at that time.
He helped his father establish the homestead at Center Creek, just East of Heber City, Utah. He was baptized 24 September 1865. He went to school in Center Creek. He helped to cut and drag out of the mountains by ox teams many of the logs used in making the first square wooden pipes for the Great Tabernacle Organ at Salt Lake City, Utah. he was personally acquainted with Brigham Young, John Taylor and many of the early leaders of the church.
He had many experiences in the Wasatch mountains, such as meeting a bear that tore off his companions jaw. Another bear got so close that it touched his cheek with its cold nose. Another time, what he thought was a lot in the creek stood up to be a bear. Another experience that is old was about his last match that saved his life. Edgar worked as a surveyor for years and continued to be self-educated.
Taylor Kenneth Sessions said his Grandfather Edgar used to tell him stories in his life when he lived in Tombstone and worked in the Silver mines there. He was personally acquainted with Wyatt Earp. In fact he told him, once Earp deputized him to help take a prisoner to Tuscon, horseback, to the US Marshall there. That would have been a 75 mile ride.
He moved to Pima in the Gila valley, Arizona in 1879, as part of the first Mormon colony in the Gila Valley. The new settlers brought corn and wheat to sustain them. The water of the Gila River was polluted so they dug a well for domestic use. The Smithville canal was surveyed and completed so they could get water to their newly cleared farms. As time went on they were able to move out of their tents and wagon boxes into new homes made of cottonwood logs. many more people moved there in 1880. A house of worship was the first project as soon as the basic needs of food and shelter were secured. It was completed in December 1879 and dedicated in January 1880. They organized a choir in 1880.
David Patton Kimball was called to be the presiding Elder over them. He left Mesa on March 31, 1882. Edgar Sessions was appointed as the clerk.
He was living in Southern California in 1883. He met and married a widowed school teacher who had 4 children, on September 7, 1883. She was Sylvia Louise Bentley Lucas. She was educated, talented especially in music. She had graduated from high school at age 15 and graduated with honors from a seminary comparable to a college education in music, art, and education. They were together 51 years until his death.
He opened up a mercantile store and he put up the "first" kerosene lamp in front of his Santa Monica, California store. He also had 3,000 honeybees working the hills around his home and the store. They had 2 sons and 2 daughters. Taylor Bently born September 26, 1884, Martha Louise Sessions born 2 February 1887, Cecila Olive born 26 December 1889 and died 11 February 1896, and Alma Preston born 19 April 1893. All were born in Santa Monica, California.
There was no branch of the church in Southern California. The more Sylvia heard of the gospel, the more she wanted to join the church, and live among the members to raise her children. They moved to Gila Valley, Arizona, in May 1895. It was an entirely different life for her, no paved streets, no large towns near. Edgar's mother let them have her home while she lived with her daughter. Sylvia's piano was the first one in the valley and people would stand outside to hear her play. She had over 400 books and they were amazed. Needless to say, they were a popular family and added much to the community. She taught music and art and that winter she taught school.
During this time the Robinsons were building a large hall in Thatcher, Arizona. Twice the roof collapsed as they were building it. Edgar took the job of supervising the construction of the roof and finished the building. As payment, he got five acres of the Robinson land, where the canal crosses Church Street. He built a home on this property where they raised their family. Three sons and a daughter were married from this home.
Sylvia was baptized in November of 1895
Andrew Kimball moved to Thatcher at this time. He had a son named Spencer who was about the same age as their son, Alma. As they grew up they became great friends.
Taylor Bentley married Edna Messenger 13 November 1905 in Thatcher, Arizona. She was born 8 August 1833 in Beaver, Utah. He was killed in a mining accident in Bisbee, Graham County, Arizona, 13 October 1921.
They had four children:
Dwight Bentley born 8 September 1906 in Lowell, Cochise County, Arizona. He married Audrey Elizabeth Wolcott. He died 28 October 1948 in Baldwin Park, California.
Taylor Kenneth born 19 July 1909, in Bryce, Graham, Arizona. He married Ora Pearl Brown 24 April 1926 in Sturgis, Kentucky. He died February 1987 in Pocatello, Idaho and was buried in Thatcher, Arizona.
Harry (Hard Rock) Messinger born 9 September 1914 in Bisbee, Cochise, Arizona. He married Maxine M. Parnell. Died 1 December 1982 in Pocatello, Idaho and buried in Thatcher, Arizona.
James Clyde born 15 January 1919 in Warren, Cochise, Arizona. He married Elaine Carol 4 May 1940 in Riverside, California. He was in the US Army Air Force and
was killed when his plane flew into a mountainside in a cloud. It was Mt. Marioni in the San Jacinto range. Died 18 December 1940. Buried at Mt. Marion, San Bernardino, California.
Martha Louise Sessions was a very special girl. Her life was entwined very much with her family. She loved her brothers and was always there to support them. She must have kept a complete diary of their lives and most of these histories seem to come from her recording for the family and grand parents as well. She married Herbert George Huntzinger on 21 June 1905 in Stafford, Graham, Arizona. They had eight children: Hubert Gilead born 21 May 1906 in Globe, AZ, Edgar Bruce born 22 August 1908 in Santa Monica, CA died 19 Nov 1919, Ivan Claire born 9 Aug 1910 in Thatcher, AZ, Irene Elizabeth born 1912 in Bowie, AZ, Sylvia Ione born 21 June 1915 in Bowie, AZ, Ralph Timothy born 4 Jan 1917 in Bowie, AZ, Ida Lucille born 28 December 1918 in Bowie, AZ, and Esther Marie (Susie) born 26 May 1921 in Pima, AZ. She died 11 June 1976 in Orem, Utah and her body was taken to Whittier, California to be buried near her parents.
Edgar wrote the following letter to his niece, Lettie Perry, regarding the death of his brother, Solomon who was her father.
"Your father died at 5:10 PM May 29, 1912. Sylvia and I were at his bedside and he passed without a struggle. If I could have been where I could not lay my hand on him I would not have known he was gone, so quiet was his last breath.
I trust you will excuse me for the seeming neglect in answering your letter, but I am not very robust myself and was so completely exhausted from lifting him from eight to twelve times a day and trying to administer to his comfort that I wanted to do nothing but rest. I have not recovered my usual health yet, but am improving slowly.
Your father would have gone to you long ago but he knew he would not live in that cold and high altitude; his greatest wish was to visit all of you this summer but even that pleasure was denied him. He was very patient during his illness. If he had a regret about leaving this earth it was having to remain the few days necessary for the final dissolution. He was buried in his Temple Robe in the Thatcher Cemetary by the side of mother and Tom, May 31, 1912. He was baptized in this ward about 3 years ago and in his confirmation all of his former blessings and ordinations were reconfirmed and restored.
All who knew him as a sincere friend and those who knew him best loved him most.
I am sending you under separate cover some photos that was yours, you and Violets. Will you please divide them. They are for you girls excepts the single one of myself, which you will please give to Joe, for I don't know where he is.
With love to all we are your affectionate Uncle and Aunt." (Written by Edgar)
PS Please do write me for I love you girls. Tell little Edna to write too. Oh how her grandpa loved her. He would look at her picture and cry and say "I wish I could see her". /s/ Aunt Sylvia.
Edgar and Sylvia sold their home in Thatcher in August 1926 and moved to Los Angeles, California. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Alma, in Los Angeles just six months before he died on the 28th of March 1934 in Los Angelese, CA. He is buried at Rose Hill, Whittier, California.
Copied from records written by his daughter, Louise Sessions Huntzinger and family records by Taylor Kenneth Sessions.
Thank You Rita Osborne (#47817349) for sending me the information above to add to his bio.
***************************************
Marriage:
Edward Lucas
17 Feb 1876 / Los Angeles City, Los Angeles, California
Children:
Dora Aedna Lucas / 16 Dec 1876
Blanche Viola Lucas / 5 Jan 1879
Elouise Lucas / 31 mar 1880
Ralph Edward Lucas / 3 Jul 1882
Marriage:
Edgar Sessions
7 Sep 1883 / Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Children:
Taylor Bentley Sessions / 26 Sep 1884
Martha Louise Sessions / 2 Feb 1887
Cecilia Olive Sessions / 26 Dec 1889
Alma Preston Sessions / 29 Apr 1893
Son of Thomas Boady Sessions and Sarah T. Haws Edgar was born March 25, 1843, during stormy weather near Johnsonville, Wayne County, Illinois. His parents were living in their neat little log cabin in their clearing in the woods of Southern Illinois near what was known as the Illinois prairie. He was the first child of fourteen born to his parents.
His boyhood was much the same as that of his father. He learned the handicraft of the frontiersman, to use and care for firearms - muzzle loaders as well as later ones. He became an expert marksman, learned to handle oxen as well as
horses. He told of going with his father on trips down the Ohio River and Mississippi River as far as Memphis, Tennessee (in a 'flat boat') to market their stock and produce. As there were no daughters in the family to help with the housework, he often helped with the household tasks.
He was 21 when he came with his parents to Utah. His little sister Martha (then 5 years old) was very worried during the packing for the long trip for there seemed to be no place for the "spelling book" from which she was learning to read. She went around for days with it clutched to her breast afraid it would get lost. She even took it to bed with her! Edgar, at last, told her he would carry it in his shirt pocket. This he did all across the plains.
The trip was mostly monotonous and uneventful. The way was well defined by then, and the Indians had about learned to keep away. Once some stock was driving off, but all were located the next day. Then the night of the same day the stock was driven off either Edgar or his father was stationed in a clump of brush at the mouth of a hollow. The guards were all instructed that if anyone approached, the guards were to call "halt". If there was no answer, they were to call "halt" once more and then shoot. About 2:00 AM someone approached near their hiding place. He called "halt" No answer, none at his second halt. He cocked his rifle. At that instant the captain's voice called out the counter sign. Had he not, Edgar or his father would have surely shot him. The captain praised him. He was checking to see how alert the guards were. [Note - from Edgar's autobiography we
know this was in fact Edgar.]
Edgar always regretted that the wagon train in which he was traveling did not see the great heards of buffalo as the Sioux Indians were keeping them herded back from the Pawnees, with whom they were at war at that time.
He helped his father establish the homestead at Center Creek, just East of Heber City, Utah. He was baptized 24 September 1865. He went to school in Center Creek. He helped to cut and drag out of the mountains by ox teams many of the logs used in making the first square wooden pipes for the Great Tabernacle Organ at Salt Lake City, Utah. he was personally acquainted with Brigham Young, John Taylor and many of the early leaders of the church.
He had many experiences in the Wasatch mountains, such as meeting a bear that tore off his companions jaw. Another bear got so close that it touched his cheek with its cold nose. Another time, what he thought was a lot in the creek stood up to be a bear. Another experience that is old was about his last match that saved his life. Edgar worked as a surveyor for years and continued to be self-educated.
Taylor Kenneth Sessions said his Grandfather Edgar used to tell him stories in his life when he lived in Tombstone and worked in the Silver mines there. He was personally acquainted with Wyatt Earp. In fact he told him, once Earp deputized him to help take a prisoner to Tuscon, horseback, to the US Marshall there. That would have been a 75 mile ride.
He moved to Pima in the Gila valley, Arizona in 1879, as part of the first Mormon colony in the Gila Valley. The new settlers brought corn and wheat to sustain them. The water of the Gila River was polluted so they dug a well for domestic use. The Smithville canal was surveyed and completed so they could get water to their newly cleared farms. As time went on they were able to move out of their tents and wagon boxes into new homes made of cottonwood logs. many more people moved there in 1880. A house of worship was the first project as soon as the basic needs of food and shelter were secured. It was completed in December 1879 and dedicated in January 1880. They organized a choir in 1880.
David Patton Kimball was called to be the presiding Elder over them. He left Mesa on March 31, 1882. Edgar Sessions was appointed as the clerk.
He was living in Southern California in 1883. He met and married a widowed school teacher who had 4 children, on September 7, 1883. She was Sylvia Louise Bentley Lucas. She was educated, talented especially in music. She had graduated from high school at age 15 and graduated with honors from a seminary comparable to a college education in music, art, and education. They were together 51 years until his death.
He opened up a mercantile store and he put up the "first" kerosene lamp in front of his Santa Monica, California store. He also had 3,000 honeybees working the hills around his home and the store. They had 2 sons and 2 daughters. Taylor Bently born September 26, 1884, Martha Louise Sessions born 2 February 1887, Cecila Olive born 26 December 1889 and died 11 February 1896, and Alma Preston born 19 April 1893. All were born in Santa Monica, California.
There was no branch of the church in Southern California. The more Sylvia heard of the gospel, the more she wanted to join the church, and live among the members to raise her children. They moved to Gila Valley, Arizona, in May 1895. It was an entirely different life for her, no paved streets, no large towns near. Edgar's mother let them have her home while she lived with her daughter. Sylvia's piano was the first one in the valley and people would stand outside to hear her play. She had over 400 books and they were amazed. Needless to say, they were a popular family and added much to the community. She taught music and art and that winter she taught school.
During this time the Robinsons were building a large hall in Thatcher, Arizona. Twice the roof collapsed as they were building it. Edgar took the job of supervising the construction of the roof and finished the building. As payment, he got five acres of the Robinson land, where the canal crosses Church Street. He built a home on this property where they raised their family. Three sons and a daughter were married from this home.
Sylvia was baptized in November of 1895
Andrew Kimball moved to Thatcher at this time. He had a son named Spencer who was about the same age as their son, Alma. As they grew up they became great friends.
Taylor Bentley married Edna Messenger 13 November 1905 in Thatcher, Arizona. She was born 8 August 1833 in Beaver, Utah. He was killed in a mining accident in Bisbee, Graham County, Arizona, 13 October 1921.
They had four children:
Dwight Bentley born 8 September 1906 in Lowell, Cochise County, Arizona. He married Audrey Elizabeth Wolcott. He died 28 October 1948 in Baldwin Park, California.
Taylor Kenneth born 19 July 1909, in Bryce, Graham, Arizona. He married Ora Pearl Brown 24 April 1926 in Sturgis, Kentucky. He died February 1987 in Pocatello, Idaho and was buried in Thatcher, Arizona.
Harry (Hard Rock) Messinger born 9 September 1914 in Bisbee, Cochise, Arizona. He married Maxine M. Parnell. Died 1 December 1982 in Pocatello, Idaho and buried in Thatcher, Arizona.
James Clyde born 15 January 1919 in Warren, Cochise, Arizona. He married Elaine Carol 4 May 1940 in Riverside, California. He was in the US Army Air Force and
was killed when his plane flew into a mountainside in a cloud. It was Mt. Marioni in the San Jacinto range. Died 18 December 1940. Buried at Mt. Marion, San Bernardino, California.
Martha Louise Sessions was a very special girl. Her life was entwined very much with her family. She loved her brothers and was always there to support them. She must have kept a complete diary of their lives and most of these histories seem to come from her recording for the family and grand parents as well. She married Herbert George Huntzinger on 21 June 1905 in Stafford, Graham, Arizona. They had eight children: Hubert Gilead born 21 May 1906 in Globe, AZ, Edgar Bruce born 22 August 1908 in Santa Monica, CA died 19 Nov 1919, Ivan Claire born 9 Aug 1910 in Thatcher, AZ, Irene Elizabeth born 1912 in Bowie, AZ, Sylvia Ione born 21 June 1915 in Bowie, AZ, Ralph Timothy born 4 Jan 1917 in Bowie, AZ, Ida Lucille born 28 December 1918 in Bowie, AZ, and Esther Marie (Susie) born 26 May 1921 in Pima, AZ. She died 11 June 1976 in Orem, Utah and her body was taken to Whittier, California to be buried near her parents.
Edgar wrote the following letter to his niece, Lettie Perry, regarding the death of his brother, Solomon who was her father.
"Your father died at 5:10 PM May 29, 1912. Sylvia and I were at his bedside and he passed without a struggle. If I could have been where I could not lay my hand on him I would not have known he was gone, so quiet was his last breath.
I trust you will excuse me for the seeming neglect in answering your letter, but I am not very robust myself and was so completely exhausted from lifting him from eight to twelve times a day and trying to administer to his comfort that I wanted to do nothing but rest. I have not recovered my usual health yet, but am improving slowly.
Your father would have gone to you long ago but he knew he would not live in that cold and high altitude; his greatest wish was to visit all of you this summer but even that pleasure was denied him. He was very patient during his illness. If he had a regret about leaving this earth it was having to remain the few days necessary for the final dissolution. He was buried in his Temple Robe in the Thatcher Cemetary by the side of mother and Tom, May 31, 1912. He was baptized in this ward about 3 years ago and in his confirmation all of his former blessings and ordinations were reconfirmed and restored.
All who knew him as a sincere friend and those who knew him best loved him most.
I am sending you under separate cover some photos that was yours, you and Violets. Will you please divide them. They are for you girls excepts the single one of myself, which you will please give to Joe, for I don't know where he is.
With love to all we are your affectionate Uncle and Aunt." (Written by Edgar)
PS Please do write me for I love you girls. Tell little Edna to write too. Oh how her grandpa loved her. He would look at her picture and cry and say "I wish I could see her". /s/ Aunt Sylvia.
Edgar and Sylvia sold their home in Thatcher in August 1926 and moved to Los Angeles, California. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Alma, in Los Angeles just six months before he died on the 28th of March 1934 in Los Angelese, CA. He is buried at Rose Hill, Whittier, California.
Copied from records written by his daughter, Louise Sessions Huntzinger and family records by Taylor Kenneth Sessions.
Thank You Rita Osborne (#47817349) for sending me the information above to add to his bio.
***************************************
Marriage:
Edward Lucas
17 Feb 1876 / Los Angeles City, Los Angeles, California
Children:
Dora Aedna Lucas / 16 Dec 1876
Blanche Viola Lucas / 5 Jan 1879
Elouise Lucas / 31 mar 1880
Ralph Edward Lucas / 3 Jul 1882
Marriage:
Edgar Sessions
7 Sep 1883 / Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Children:
Taylor Bentley Sessions / 26 Sep 1884
Martha Louise Sessions / 2 Feb 1887
Cecilia Olive Sessions / 26 Dec 1889
Alma Preston Sessions / 29 Apr 1893
Edgar Session
Son of Thomas Boady Sessions and Sarah T. Haws Edgar was born March 25, 1843, during stormy weather near Johnsonville, Wayne County, Illinois. His parents were living in their neat little log cabin in their clearing in the woods of Southern Illinois near what was known as the Illinois prairie. He was the first child of fourteen born to his parents.
His boyhood was much the same as that of his father. He learned the handicraft of the frontiersman, to use and care for firearms - muzzle loaders as well as later ones. He became an expert marksman, learned to handle oxen as well as
horses. He told of going with his father on trips down the Ohio River and Mississippi River as far as Memphis, Tennessee (in a 'flat boat') to market their stock and produce. As there were no daughters in the family to help with the housework, he often helped with the household tasks.
He was 21 when he came with his parents to Utah. His little sister Martha (then 5 years old) was very worried during the packing for the long trip for there seemed to be no place for the "spelling book" from which she was learning to read. She went around for days with it clutched to her breast afraid it would get lost. She even took it to bed with her! Edgar, at last, told her he would carry it in his shirt pocket. This he did all across the plains.
The trip was mostly monotonous and uneventful. The way was well defined by then, and the Indians had about learned to keep away. Once some stock was driving off, but all were located the next day. Then the night of the same day the stock was driven off either Edgar or his father was stationed in a clump of brush at the mouth of a hollow. The guards were all instructed that if anyone approached, the guards were to call "halt". If there was no answer, they were to call "halt" once more and then shoot. About 2:00 AM someone approached near their hiding place. He called "halt" No answer, none at his second halt. He cocked his rifle. At that instant the captain's voice called out the counter sign. Had he not, Edgar or his father would have surely shot him. The captain praised him. He was checking to see how alert the guards were. [Note - from Edgar's autobiography we
know this was in fact Edgar.]
Edgar always regretted that the wagon train in which he was traveling did not see the great heards of buffalo as the Sioux Indians were keeping them herded back from the Pawnees, with whom they were at war at that time.
He helped his father establish the homestead at Center Creek, just East of Heber City, Utah. He was baptized 24 September 1865. He went to school in Center Creek. He helped to cut and drag out of the mountains by ox teams many of the logs used in making the first square wooden pipes for the Great Tabernacle Organ at Salt Lake City, Utah. he was personally acquainted with Brigham Young, John Taylor and many of the early leaders of the church.
He had many experiences in the Wasatch mountains, such as meeting a bear that tore off his companions jaw. Another bear got so close that it touched his cheek with its cold nose. Another time, what he thought was a lot in the creek stood up to be a bear. Another experience that is old was about his last match that saved his life. Edgar worked as a surveyor for years and continued to be self-educated.
Taylor Kenneth Sessions said his Grandfather Edgar used to tell him stories in his life when he lived in Tombstone and worked in the Silver mines there. He was personally acquainted with Wyatt Earp. In fact he told him, once Earp deputized him to help take a prisoner to Tuscon, horseback, to the US Marshall there. That would have been a 75 mile ride.
He moved to Pima in the Gila valley, Arizona in 1879, as part of the first Mormon colony in the Gila Valley. The new settlers brought corn and wheat to sustain them. The water of the Gila River was polluted so they dug a well for domestic use. The Smithville canal was surveyed and completed so they could get water to their newly cleared farms. As time went on they were able to move out of their tents and wagon boxes into new homes made of cottonwood logs. many more people moved there in 1880. A house of worship was the first project as soon as the basic needs of food and shelter were secured. It was completed in December 1879 and dedicated in January 1880. They organized a choir in 1880.
David Patton Kimball was called to be the presiding Elder over them. He left Mesa on March 31, 1882. Edgar Sessions was appointed as the clerk.
He was living in Southern California in 1883. He met and married a widowed school teacher who had 4 children, on September 7, 1883. She was Sylvia Louise Bentley Lucas. She was educated, talented especially in music. She had graduated from high school at age 15 and graduated with honors from a seminary comparable to a college education in music, art, and education. They were together 51 years until his death.
He opened up a mercantile store and he put up the "first" kerosene lamp in front of his Santa Monica, California store. He also had 3,000 honeybees working the hills around his home and the store. They had 2 sons and 2 daughters. Taylor Bently born September 26, 1884, Martha Louise Sessions born 2 February 1887, Cecila Olive born 26 December 1889 and died 11 February 1896, and Alma Preston born 19 April 1893. All were born in Santa Monica, California.
There was no branch of the church in Southern California. The more Sylvia heard of the gospel, the more she wanted to join the church, and live among the members to raise her children. They moved to Gila Valley, Arizona, in May 1895. It was an entirely different life for her, no paved streets, no large towns near. Edgar's mother let them have her home while she lived with her daughter. Sylvia's piano was the first one in the valley and people would stand outside to hear her play. She had over 400 books and they were amazed. Needless to say, they were a popular family and added much to the community. She taught music and art and that winter she taught school.
During this time the Robinsons were building a large hall in Thatcher, Arizona. Twice the roof collapsed as they were building it. Edgar took the job of supervising the construction of the roof and finished the building. As payment, he got five acres of the Robinson land, where the canal crosses Church Street. He built a home on this property where they raised their family. Three sons and a daughter were married from this home.
Sylvia was baptized in November of 1895
Andrew Kimball moved to Thatcher at this time. He had a son named Spencer who was about the same age as their son, Alma. As they grew up they became great friends.
Taylor Bentley married Edna Messenger 13 November 1905 in Thatcher, Arizona. She was born 8 August 1833 in Beaver, Utah. He was killed in a mining accident in Bisbee, Graham County, Arizona, 13 October 1921.
They had four children:
Dwight Bentley born 8 September 1906 in Lowell, Cochise County, Arizona. He married Audrey Elizabeth Wolcott. He died 28 October 1948 in Baldwin Park, California.
Taylor Kenneth born 19 July 1909, in Bryce, Graham, Arizona. He married Ora Pearl Brown 24 April 1926 in Sturgis, Kentucky. He died February 1987 in Pocatello, Idaho and was buried in Thatcher, Arizona.
Harry (Hard Rock) Messinger born 9 September 1914 in Bisbee, Cochise, Arizona. He married Maxine M. Parnell. Died 1 December 1982 in Pocatello, Idaho and buried in Thatcher, Arizona.
James Clyde born 15 January 1919 in Warren, Cochise, Arizona. He married Elaine Carol 4 May 1940 in Riverside, California. He was in the US Army Air Force and
was killed when his plane flew into a mountainside in a cloud. It was Mt. Marioni in the San Jacinto range. Died 18 December 1940. Buried at Mt. Marion, San Bernardino, California.
Martha Louise Sessions was a very special girl. Her life was entwined very much with her family. She loved her brothers and was always there to support them. She must have kept a complete diary of their lives and most of these histories seem to come from her recording for the family and grand parents as well. She married Herbert George Huntzinger on 21 June 1905 in Stafford, Graham, Arizona. They had eight children: Hubert Gilead born 21 May 1906 in Globe, AZ, Edgar Bruce born 22 August 1908 in Santa Monica, CA died 19 Nov 1919, Ivan Claire born 9 Aug 1910 in Thatcher, AZ, Irene Elizabeth born 1912 in Bowie, AZ, Sylvia Ione born 21 June 1915 in Bowie, AZ, Ralph Timothy born 4 Jan 1917 in Bowie, AZ, Ida Lucille born 28 December 1918 in Bowie, AZ, and Esther Marie (Susie) born 26 May 1921 in Pima, AZ. She died 11 June 1976 in Orem, Utah and her body was taken to Whittier, California to be buried near her parents.
Edgar wrote the following letter to his niece, Lettie Perry, regarding the death of his brother, Solomon who was her father.
"Your father died at 5:10 PM May 29, 1912. Sylvia and I were at his bedside and he passed without a struggle. If I could have been where I could not lay my hand on him I would not have known he was gone, so quiet was his last breath.
I trust you will excuse me for the seeming neglect in answering your letter, but I am not very robust myself and was so completely exhausted from lifting him from eight to twelve times a day and trying to administer to his comfort that I wanted to do nothing but rest. I have not recovered my usual health yet, but am improving slowly.
Your father would have gone to you long ago but he knew he would not live in that cold and high altitude; his greatest wish was to visit all of you this summer but even that pleasure was denied him. He was very patient during his illness. If he had a regret about leaving this earth it was having to remain the few days necessary for the final dissolution. He was buried in his Temple Robe in the Thatcher Cemetary by the side of mother and Tom, May 31, 1912. He was baptized in this ward about 3 years ago and in his confirmation all of his former blessings and ordinations were reconfirmed and restored.
All who knew him as a sincere friend and those who knew him best loved him most.
I am sending you under separate cover some photos that was yours, you and Violets. Will you please divide them. They are for you girls excepts the single one of myself, which you will please give to Joe, for I don't know where he is.
With love to all we are your affectionate Uncle and Aunt." (Written by Edgar)
PS Please do write me for I love you girls. Tell little Edna to write too. Oh how her grandpa loved her. He would look at her picture and cry and say "I wish I could see her". /s/ Aunt Sylvia.
Edgar and Sylvia sold their home in Thatcher in August 1926 and moved to Los Angeles, California. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Alma, in Los Angeles just six months before he died on the 28th of March 1934 in Los Angelese, CA. He is buried at Rose Hill, Whittier, California.
Copied from records written by his daughter, Louise Sessions Huntzinger and family records by Taylor Kenneth Sessions.
Thank You Rita Osborne (#47817349) for sending me the information above to add to his bio.
***************************************
Marriage:
Edward Lucas
17 Feb 1876 / Los Angeles City, Los Angeles, California
Children:
Dora Aedna Lucas / 16 Dec 1876
Blanche Viola Lucas / 5 Jan 1879
Elouise Lucas / 31 mar 1880
Ralph Edward Lucas / 3 Jul 1882
Marriage:
Edgar Sessions
7 Sep 1883 / Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Children:
Taylor Bentley Sessions / 26 Sep 1884
Martha Louise Sessions / 2 Feb 1887
Cecilia Olive Sessions / 26 Dec 1889
Alma Preston Sessions / 29 Apr 1893
Son of Thomas Boady Sessions and Sarah T. Haws Edgar was born March 25, 1843, during stormy weather near Johnsonville, Wayne County, Illinois. His parents were living in their neat little log cabin in their clearing in the woods of Southern Illinois near what was known as the Illinois prairie. He was the first child of fourteen born to his parents.
His boyhood was much the same as that of his father. He learned the handicraft of the frontiersman, to use and care for firearms - muzzle loaders as well as later ones. He became an expert marksman, learned to handle oxen as well as
horses. He told of going with his father on trips down the Ohio River and Mississippi River as far as Memphis, Tennessee (in a 'flat boat') to market their stock and produce. As there were no daughters in the family to help with the housework, he often helped with the household tasks.
He was 21 when he came with his parents to Utah. His little sister Martha (then 5 years old) was very worried during the packing for the long trip for there seemed to be no place for the "spelling book" from which she was learning to read. She went around for days with it clutched to her breast afraid it would get lost. She even took it to bed with her! Edgar, at last, told her he would carry it in his shirt pocket. This he did all across the plains.
The trip was mostly monotonous and uneventful. The way was well defined by then, and the Indians had about learned to keep away. Once some stock was driving off, but all were located the next day. Then the night of the same day the stock was driven off either Edgar or his father was stationed in a clump of brush at the mouth of a hollow. The guards were all instructed that if anyone approached, the guards were to call "halt". If there was no answer, they were to call "halt" once more and then shoot. About 2:00 AM someone approached near their hiding place. He called "halt" No answer, none at his second halt. He cocked his rifle. At that instant the captain's voice called out the counter sign. Had he not, Edgar or his father would have surely shot him. The captain praised him. He was checking to see how alert the guards were. [Note - from Edgar's autobiography we
know this was in fact Edgar.]
Edgar always regretted that the wagon train in which he was traveling did not see the great heards of buffalo as the Sioux Indians were keeping them herded back from the Pawnees, with whom they were at war at that time.
He helped his father establish the homestead at Center Creek, just East of Heber City, Utah. He was baptized 24 September 1865. He went to school in Center Creek. He helped to cut and drag out of the mountains by ox teams many of the logs used in making the first square wooden pipes for the Great Tabernacle Organ at Salt Lake City, Utah. he was personally acquainted with Brigham Young, John Taylor and many of the early leaders of the church.
He had many experiences in the Wasatch mountains, such as meeting a bear that tore off his companions jaw. Another bear got so close that it touched his cheek with its cold nose. Another time, what he thought was a lot in the creek stood up to be a bear. Another experience that is old was about his last match that saved his life. Edgar worked as a surveyor for years and continued to be self-educated.
Taylor Kenneth Sessions said his Grandfather Edgar used to tell him stories in his life when he lived in Tombstone and worked in the Silver mines there. He was personally acquainted with Wyatt Earp. In fact he told him, once Earp deputized him to help take a prisoner to Tuscon, horseback, to the US Marshall there. That would have been a 75 mile ride.
He moved to Pima in the Gila valley, Arizona in 1879, as part of the first Mormon colony in the Gila Valley. The new settlers brought corn and wheat to sustain them. The water of the Gila River was polluted so they dug a well for domestic use. The Smithville canal was surveyed and completed so they could get water to their newly cleared farms. As time went on they were able to move out of their tents and wagon boxes into new homes made of cottonwood logs. many more people moved there in 1880. A house of worship was the first project as soon as the basic needs of food and shelter were secured. It was completed in December 1879 and dedicated in January 1880. They organized a choir in 1880.
David Patton Kimball was called to be the presiding Elder over them. He left Mesa on March 31, 1882. Edgar Sessions was appointed as the clerk.
He was living in Southern California in 1883. He met and married a widowed school teacher who had 4 children, on September 7, 1883. She was Sylvia Louise Bentley Lucas. She was educated, talented especially in music. She had graduated from high school at age 15 and graduated with honors from a seminary comparable to a college education in music, art, and education. They were together 51 years until his death.
He opened up a mercantile store and he put up the "first" kerosene lamp in front of his Santa Monica, California store. He also had 3,000 honeybees working the hills around his home and the store. They had 2 sons and 2 daughters. Taylor Bently born September 26, 1884, Martha Louise Sessions born 2 February 1887, Cecila Olive born 26 December 1889 and died 11 February 1896, and Alma Preston born 19 April 1893. All were born in Santa Monica, California.
There was no branch of the church in Southern California. The more Sylvia heard of the gospel, the more she wanted to join the church, and live among the members to raise her children. They moved to Gila Valley, Arizona, in May 1895. It was an entirely different life for her, no paved streets, no large towns near. Edgar's mother let them have her home while she lived with her daughter. Sylvia's piano was the first one in the valley and people would stand outside to hear her play. She had over 400 books and they were amazed. Needless to say, they were a popular family and added much to the community. She taught music and art and that winter she taught school.
During this time the Robinsons were building a large hall in Thatcher, Arizona. Twice the roof collapsed as they were building it. Edgar took the job of supervising the construction of the roof and finished the building. As payment, he got five acres of the Robinson land, where the canal crosses Church Street. He built a home on this property where they raised their family. Three sons and a daughter were married from this home.
Sylvia was baptized in November of 1895
Andrew Kimball moved to Thatcher at this time. He had a son named Spencer who was about the same age as their son, Alma. As they grew up they became great friends.
Taylor Bentley married Edna Messenger 13 November 1905 in Thatcher, Arizona. She was born 8 August 1833 in Beaver, Utah. He was killed in a mining accident in Bisbee, Graham County, Arizona, 13 October 1921.
They had four children:
Dwight Bentley born 8 September 1906 in Lowell, Cochise County, Arizona. He married Audrey Elizabeth Wolcott. He died 28 October 1948 in Baldwin Park, California.
Taylor Kenneth born 19 July 1909, in Bryce, Graham, Arizona. He married Ora Pearl Brown 24 April 1926 in Sturgis, Kentucky. He died February 1987 in Pocatello, Idaho and was buried in Thatcher, Arizona.
Harry (Hard Rock) Messinger born 9 September 1914 in Bisbee, Cochise, Arizona. He married Maxine M. Parnell. Died 1 December 1982 in Pocatello, Idaho and buried in Thatcher, Arizona.
James Clyde born 15 January 1919 in Warren, Cochise, Arizona. He married Elaine Carol 4 May 1940 in Riverside, California. He was in the US Army Air Force and
was killed when his plane flew into a mountainside in a cloud. It was Mt. Marioni in the San Jacinto range. Died 18 December 1940. Buried at Mt. Marion, San Bernardino, California.
Martha Louise Sessions was a very special girl. Her life was entwined very much with her family. She loved her brothers and was always there to support them. She must have kept a complete diary of their lives and most of these histories seem to come from her recording for the family and grand parents as well. She married Herbert George Huntzinger on 21 June 1905 in Stafford, Graham, Arizona. They had eight children: Hubert Gilead born 21 May 1906 in Globe, AZ, Edgar Bruce born 22 August 1908 in Santa Monica, CA died 19 Nov 1919, Ivan Claire born 9 Aug 1910 in Thatcher, AZ, Irene Elizabeth born 1912 in Bowie, AZ, Sylvia Ione born 21 June 1915 in Bowie, AZ, Ralph Timothy born 4 Jan 1917 in Bowie, AZ, Ida Lucille born 28 December 1918 in Bowie, AZ, and Esther Marie (Susie) born 26 May 1921 in Pima, AZ. She died 11 June 1976 in Orem, Utah and her body was taken to Whittier, California to be buried near her parents.
Edgar wrote the following letter to his niece, Lettie Perry, regarding the death of his brother, Solomon who was her father.
"Your father died at 5:10 PM May 29, 1912. Sylvia and I were at his bedside and he passed without a struggle. If I could have been where I could not lay my hand on him I would not have known he was gone, so quiet was his last breath.
I trust you will excuse me for the seeming neglect in answering your letter, but I am not very robust myself and was so completely exhausted from lifting him from eight to twelve times a day and trying to administer to his comfort that I wanted to do nothing but rest. I have not recovered my usual health yet, but am improving slowly.
Your father would have gone to you long ago but he knew he would not live in that cold and high altitude; his greatest wish was to visit all of you this summer but even that pleasure was denied him. He was very patient during his illness. If he had a regret about leaving this earth it was having to remain the few days necessary for the final dissolution. He was buried in his Temple Robe in the Thatcher Cemetary by the side of mother and Tom, May 31, 1912. He was baptized in this ward about 3 years ago and in his confirmation all of his former blessings and ordinations were reconfirmed and restored.
All who knew him as a sincere friend and those who knew him best loved him most.
I am sending you under separate cover some photos that was yours, you and Violets. Will you please divide them. They are for you girls excepts the single one of myself, which you will please give to Joe, for I don't know where he is.
With love to all we are your affectionate Uncle and Aunt." (Written by Edgar)
PS Please do write me for I love you girls. Tell little Edna to write too. Oh how her grandpa loved her. He would look at her picture and cry and say "I wish I could see her". /s/ Aunt Sylvia.
Edgar and Sylvia sold their home in Thatcher in August 1926 and moved to Los Angeles, California. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Alma, in Los Angeles just six months before he died on the 28th of March 1934 in Los Angelese, CA. He is buried at Rose Hill, Whittier, California.
Copied from records written by his daughter, Louise Sessions Huntzinger and family records by Taylor Kenneth Sessions.
Thank You Rita Osborne (#47817349) for sending me the information above to add to his bio.
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Marriage:
Edward Lucas
17 Feb 1876 / Los Angeles City, Los Angeles, California
Children:
Dora Aedna Lucas / 16 Dec 1876
Blanche Viola Lucas / 5 Jan 1879
Elouise Lucas / 31 mar 1880
Ralph Edward Lucas / 3 Jul 1882
Marriage:
Edgar Sessions
7 Sep 1883 / Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Children:
Taylor Bentley Sessions / 26 Sep 1884
Martha Louise Sessions / 2 Feb 1887
Cecilia Olive Sessions / 26 Dec 1889
Alma Preston Sessions / 29 Apr 1893
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