I was born in Mesa, Arizona, 27 April 1895. My parents were Joel Elmer Johnson and Mary Elizabeth Hastings, who were pioneers to the Salt River Valley soon after their marriage in 1881 in the St. George Temple. After years of hard work and privation they had a very fine farm of eighty acres and a good herd of dairy cows. There were eight of us children and we learned to work and take responsibility.

We all grew up in the Alma Ward and went to the Alma School graduating from the eighth grade. In 19O9 I attended the San Luis Academy at Manassa, Colorado. My mother passed away that year so I kept house for my father, three brothers and a younger sister for the next few years.

In 1914 I registered at the Brigham Young University in Provo. I was graduated from the Church Teacher's College in 1918 and obtained a contract to teach in Sevier County.

June Ogden and I had become very good friends so naturally I had heard of her brother, Edward. He was working in Eureka and rarely came home. However, one spring day when he came for a visit, we met and I was quite impressed. A year later when we were both working in Provo, we got better acquainted. Then I went away to teach school.

At this time (1918) we were at War with Germany and the influenza epidemic was raging everywhere. All schools and public building were closed, so I went back to Provo, where I had made my home with my aunt for the past year. I went out and cared for stricken families as it was almost impossible to get enough help to care for the sick. Edward had been frozen on his job at the Union Pacific Railroad by the government, but there was not much chance for romancing.

The next two years I taught in Beaver, Utah and the following year in Draper. We both had financial responsibilities, but by the end of that year we felt we could be married. This took place 2 June 1922 in the Salt Lake Temple.

We lived on Second South and Eleventh East where our sons J. Edward and Rulon were born. We then spent three years on e farm in Lehi. where Dene and Mary Louise were born. We decided to move back to Salt Lake City and bought a home on 4th East and 14th South where our twin girls and Eloise were born.

The depression of 1929 had caused much unemployment. Edward had a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism every winter, so in September 1935 he went to Oakland, California to seek employment in a milder climate. In February the family followed.

We lived in Oakland for 12 years, where our children grew to maturity, always taking an active part in the ward. The sons finished high school, and then went into the Military Service. After their return home Rulon and Dene went to South America on missions for the church.

I have held different positions in the church. I worked as primary and Sunday School teacher, then a Primary president. Also on the Stake Board of both organizations, and was Relief Society president for three years. I have been on the genealogical committee and Captain of the Utah Pioneers for 4 years.

During World War II I returned to teaching in the public schools, continuing for 9 years. Edward worked at the shipyards at Mare Island and attended evening classes at the Chiropractic College for 2 years. The last years required full time. He graduated in 1945, passed the State Board examination and established an office. He was very successful and happy in his profession.

I have enjoyed several trips, particularly through the Eastern States and another through Yellowstone Park and Canada in 1951. In 1955 Edward and I and Mother Louisa Ogden, had a wonderful trip to Hawaii.

We have been very happy in the Bay Area and live at 257 Behrens Ave. El Cerrito. We have resided her for 17 years.

We have a wonderful family whose association we enjoy and we are proud of their achievements. There are 23 grandchildren who give us much joy and happiness. We have both had very good health and feel that the Lord has blessed us abundantly. (1965)