STAR VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY HISTORICAL BOOKS INVENTORY DETAILS 1. Overview Title: Ella Vietta Bruce Author: Susan Allred Kerns Subject: Personal History Publisher: Publishing Date: Number of Pages: 8 ID#: 334 Location: Website 2. Evaluation Evaluator's Name(s): Kent and Polly Erickson Date of Evaluation: December 2014 Key Words: Included Names: James Hamilton Bruce, Annie Elizabeth Clark, Nate Moffatt, Joe Clark, Seth Horace Nield 3. Svnopsis Ella Vietta was born in Smoot, Wyoming, on May 12,1899 to James H. and Annie Elizabeth Bruce. Her early life was filled with many challenges. She married James Alfred Walton in 1918. After he died in a mine explosion in 1923, leaving her with three children and one on the way, she married Seth Horace Nield. She kept busy with her family, helping on the farm, and church callings. She taught her children how to work, to pray, and to love God and other people. 4. Other
Ella VIetta Bruce 1 Ella Vietta Bruce Ella Vietta Bruce was born on May 12,1899. Her parents, James Hamilton Bruce and Annie Elizabeth Clark Bruce lived in Smoot, Wyoming at the time. Vietta was the eighth of twelve children. Vietta's parents were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints. During the early years of the church married men with families were called on missions. The wives were left at home to care for the families and support their husbands financially while they were gone. This was the case of James H. Bruce just before Vietta was bom. Annie was left to care for six children, take care of the ranch and support her husband. Grandpa Clark helped Annie on the ranch while James was on his mission. Later she was able to hire Charlie Anderson to run the ranch with the help of the two oldest boys, Lawrence and Bob. They harvested the crops and took care of things. Life for Vietta had few if any luxuries during the first years of her life. She lived in a three-room log house a mile and a quarter south of Smoot, Wyoming. They did have the wamnth of the rag carpet padded with straw on the floor. The children didn't have shoes to wear during the summer and little more during the winter. Vietta's mother knit long black stockings to help keep them warm and dry in winter. And as there were no over boots, they wrapped their feet in gunnysacks. Kids can always find some way to enjoy themselves. On a hill behind their house, Vietta would often play with her sisters, Glenn and Stella. While sleigh riding one day, Glenn put Vietta on the sled and sent her down the hill. The sled ran into a post and Vietta received a good bump on her head. Another time the girls were playing and decided to look in on the cow that was notorious for chasing people. The cow kept its reputation by chasing them. To escape they ran towards the bam and climbed to the top. As Glenn and Stella were helping Vietta up, they lost their hold and Vietta fell, bumping her head again. She sometimes said "That is the reason I got no sense."
Ella Vietta Bruce 2 All kids employ tricks when they don't get their own way. Vietta was no different. When she didn't get what she wanted she would hold her breath. This would always scare her sisters. One day when Glenn took something from Vietta, she held her breath. Stella and Glenn were scared and called for their mother. Their mother calmly picked Vietta up and threw her in the ditch. The girls thought for sure that Vietta was dead. However, they ail lived to tell the story and learned a valuable lesson also. Vietta had to walk to Smoot to attend school. In the wintertime the snow would be up to her waist making the walk extra hard. Her teachers taught her to read and write and figure. They were Lottie Baldwin for primer and first grade, Lottie Owens for second grade, Mrs. Swanson for third grade, and William Jensen for fourth grade. Vietta attended fifth grade in Eagle Rock, Idaho (now Idaho Falls, Idaho). Her teacher was Miss Beardsley. Formal education ended for Vietta with the fifth grade. However, she never quit learning. Even until a few weeks before her death she was reading books and leaming new crochet patterns. There were bright moments in Vietta's life that remained forever in memory. One such event was when her father and Uncle Joe Clark went caroling at Christmastime. Before they went out, they sang to the kids in their beds. Uncle Joe clowned with them and made them laugh. Smiles came easily, especially when Uncle Bob would tease the life right out of her and call her "Dutchy". Life was tenuous in those days and illness was frightening. Vietta lost three brothers before they became a year old. Spiers, a younger brother, contacted black measles. Mrs. Kingston came over to help Vietta's mother. They dipped from hot to cold water. However, nothing helped and he passed away. When they lived in Smoot, Elizabeth got pneumonia. Father was at the ranch and Mother was scared because Elizabeth was so bad. The family knelt down by her bed and asked Heavenly Father to bless her. By the time Father arrived Elizabeth began looking better.
Ella VIetta Bruce 3 At the age of seven, Vietta lost her father. After his death, the family (mother and nine children) moved out to the ranch so they could better take care of it. When Vietta was about eleven her mother married Nate Moffatt and moved down to the Old Kingston place. At this time Lawrence married Mable Jane Crook. They took over the running of the ranch and Vietta moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho with her mother, Nate, Elizabeth, and Isabella. Vietta became a "little mother" to her two younger sisters. She always made sure they were dressed right. She fought their battles. One day Elizabeth didn't mow the lawn as was her job and got a spanking. She and Isabella decided it was better to run away back to Smoot than face such punishment. Vietta caught them and proceeded to convince them not to go. She told them they didn't have any money and didn't know where to start; besides Vietta didn't want them to go. They decided to stay. As times were hard, Vietta had to give up school and go to work. She worked for about 24 different families cleaning and cooking. She lived with the Charlie Sorensen family out in the lava rocks around Idaho Falls. She lived with her sister, Stella Crook, in Smoot for a year. She worked for Mary Lyie Millward for $2.50 a week. Then she worked for Theras Allred, Jack Frome, and Lawrence Bruce, her brother. She worked for John Tolman for $4.00 a week. The money was better but the work was harder. She cooked for sixteen people, three meals a day, which included making 16 loaves of bread and a huge pan of biscuits each time. She also did housework, washing, and ironing. When she was seventeen she worked for Carl and Sarah Roberts which was a test of her patience. Even though she had to work hard, long hours, Vietta was faithful in attending Sunday school and Mutual Religion Class.
Ella Vietta Bruce 4 VIetta began dating James Alfred Walton and on February 19, 1918 they were married at Paris, Idaho. Ern Stocks and his wife went with them as friends and witnesses. That evening after they had just gotten in bed, word came that Alfred's mother had died. So instead of a honeymoon, they returned to StarValley. The weather was cold and the snow was deep. They were helped by freighters along the way and finally got home by nine o'clockthat night. They lived with Alfred's sisteruntil after their first baby daughter, Juanita, was born on December 1,1918. Times were still hard and work was scarce. Alfred hauled hay and freight between Afton, Wyoming and Montpelier, Idaho. He finally decided to move his family to Montpelier. They lived in part of Mrs. Jon Jewetts housefor a year and then moved to another small house she owned the next year. Vietta helped supportthe family by taking in boarders, Milford Gardner and Clarence Venter. They only stayed two months, however. Alfred had a wreck with his stage car and she had to let them go to care for him. Two more babies blessed their lives: Alfred Wayne, born December 4, 1920 and Donald Elwood, born March 25, 1922. Isabella, Vietta's sister, came to stay with them during this time. While there she became very sick. The doctors didn't know what she had. Mrs. Ritson thought she acted like she had quick pneumonia. Doctor Hinckley sent her to the hospital but whatever the illness, it took herquickly and she passed away. After moving his family several times, Alfred finally took them to Frontier, Wyoming where he obtained work in the coalmines. Disaster struck shortly there after. On August 14,1923, Alfred was killed in a mine explosion. Vietta was left to face life alone with three children to care for and one on the way: Udell Bruce was born on March 25,1924. She bought a house in Montpelier, but shortly thereafterdecided to move backto Afton. Sad times don't last forever. A bright spot appeared in the form of Seth Horace Nield. Vietta had known him during her school years and became reacquainted when he hauled her belongings and small family back to Star
Ella Vietta Bruce 5 Valley. Shortly after, Horace began his courtship, which resulted in their marriage on July 30,1924 in the Logan Temple at Logan, Utah. To this union came three children: Mary LaRee, born April 20,1926; Nola E, born August 2, 1928; and Horace LaRoyce, born November 1, 1930. Vietta found much happiness with Horace. In her own words she says, "We was a very happy family. Mr. Nield was a very wonderful man." Hard work was the key to existence and there was much to do. Vietta worked right along with Horace in the hay fields, milking cows, doing the many chores around the farni, plus taking care of a big garden. Times weren't easy. The country was experiencing a depression and Vietta's little family didn't escape its effects. They were purchasing the Kennington Place but lost it. Horace became sick during this time, leaving the care of the cows and farm to the kids. As Horace was recovering, Uncle Seth became unable to work. Horace purchased Seth's farm and the two families exchanged houses. Vietta didn't neglect her children with all the work she had to do. She loved each dearly and taught those skills and values that stayed with them throughout their lives. She taught her daughters to keep a neat house; to wash, hang on the line, and iron the clothes precisely; and to bake an excellent batch of bread. Every child learned the value of work and wasn't afraid to tackle any job put before them. Vietta taught all her children to pray and to love God and other people. She was proud of her children's accomplishments that extended beyond Afton. Juanita attended a 4-H Leadership course in Laramie, Wyoming and Wayne accepted a mission call to the Hawaiian Islands. And herjoy, as well as Horace's abounded when her four oldest children were sealed to them In the temple for eternity. All eventually were married there. As grandchildren began to get old enough for marriage and missions, Vietta and Horace were there to attend and help in any way they could. They truly enjoyed going to the temple.
Ella VIetta Bruce 6 Her loving spirit did not only sen/e her family. She was always willing to help anyone in need, whether it be staying up with a sick neighbor or giving a bounteous meal to whoever stopped by. She extended her love to countless children in Primary having served for 35 years. She also enjoyed being a visiting teacher for 52 years. Vietta's handiwork is well known among her family members as well as her many friends. She was an accomplished quilter. It was rare to find her living room without a quilt on the frames. As the years brought new additions to the family, she made a quilt for each child and each grandchild. Great grandchildren were given crocheted articles. When you visited the home of Vietta and Horace, the door was always open and they shared whatever they had. Her brother, Joe, was a frequent visitor. He always came to Vietta when he needed something. His last need came when his appendix ruptured. The doctor operated there at her home, but Joe was unable to pull through and passed away. When her sister, Glenn, and family needed a place to live, Vietta shared her home. Glenn's family lived in the front of the house and Vietta's family in the back. Her brother, Bob, always came for a visit and advice. Frank Smith, a nephew, stayed while looking for work. Annie Izatt stayed while she was expecting her baby. Horace's brothers and sisters called it their second home after their parents passed away. Walter Clark and Mondell White boarded for a while so they could attend high school in Afton. After their children left home, they had Navajo Indian boys stay during the summers to help with the fanri work. As grandchildren came, Vietta and Horace shared their testimonies through example of daily prayers, church attendance, and a willingness to give. If they were just sitting down to the table for a meal, another place was set. And each had a loving hug and a lap for grandchildren.
Ella Vietta Bruce 7 Vietta and Horace spent most of their married life on a dairy farm about a mile west of Afton, Wyoming. They worked hard but there was always time for a picnic in some field before the work or after. A joke was given readily and Vietta didn't holler to stop a water fight, but probably threw a glassful or two herself. Even though they traveled very little, one special trip highlighted their later years. Vietta hadn't seen or heard much from her sister, Elizabeth, in many years. Finally, contact was made and a visit to Chicago, Illinois was arranged. The airplane flight was scary for them but an exciting experience. Chicago itself was quite ovenwhelming. Elizabeth and her husband, Jules Marder, took them sightseeing and to several fancy restaurants. The time went quickly but was thoroughly enjoyed. From this visit, family ties were renewed and made stronger. Elizabeth and Jules were encouraged to visit Star Valley again, which led to their moving to Afton. This move gave Vietta and Elizabeth lots of time to bond a lasting friendship and go over the old times. A milestone in their lives was recognized on July 30, 1974. Vietta and Horace celebrated their wedding anniversary with friends and family present. In November of 1975, grief came to Vietta. Her beloved husband passed away. The void left in her life was never completely filled even though her family never left her side. During the last years of her life, Vietta continued on as before: reading, learning, and making new items to give to her family. Sometimes she would spend time staying with her sons and daughters. It was hard for her to get around and a fall resulted in a pin in her leg and a pacemaker to regulate her heartbeat. In 1982, while staying with LaRee in Emmett, Idaho, she fell and broke her hip. Because her bones were so brittle, the hip wouldn't heal well and she was confined to a wheelchair, much to her dismay. She still, however, was able to get around, and always had a family member willing to help. A month before her death, a blood clot developed in her good leg. It wasn't diagnosed soon enough and so to ease the pain itwas amputated at the
Ella VIetta Bruce 8 hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her children and as many grandchildren as possible were at her side constantly giving comfort and cheer. The suffering she endured and the frustration of a clumsy body didn't bother her as much as the problem she felt herself to be to those taking care of her. The doctors and nurses in the hospital said of her, "She was a great lady." Vietta passed away in Salt Lake City and was brought home to rest by her faithful husbands, James Alfred Walton and Seth Horace Nield. Vietta's last written wish to her family was to keep love and harmony among them. She wanted them "to be agreeable with each other,... to be honest with each other,... and to live up to the teaching we gave you. We are proud of our children." Compiled by Susan Allred Kerns, granddaughter