Are You Coming to the 2007 Reunion?
Poll for May 2007
The great 2007 family reunion is this June. Are you coming?
For more information about the reunion, check out the 2007 Reunion page.
The Lord Has Opened The Way Before Us: The Story of Milo’s First Crossing of the Plains (1850)
Milo led three wagon trains of pioneers across the plains to Salt Lake City in 1850, 1855, and 1861. What follows is an account of his first crossing in 1850. This account is gathered from journals and other historical records.
In early 1850, Church leaders advised emigrants that pioneer companies would travel on a new route on the south side of the Platte River. By taking this new route they avoided some river crossings on the north side that had proved dangerous because of high water in the previous year. They also expected to receive additional military protection on a new army supply road. This was a factor in their decision because they wanted to avoid conflict with the Plains Indians, who had been agitated during the 1849 California gold rush. The 200-mile long army road connected "Old Fort Kearny," located 50 miles below Kanesville on the Missouri River, to "New Fort Kearny" following the south side of the Platte River to the west.
Milo’s Living Grandchildren (4 of 7): Gwennie May Andrus Barfuss
This is the fourth in a seven part series highlighting Milo’s remaining living grandchildren. These profiles were written in 2006.
I, Gwennie May Andrus Barfus (Margaret Ann Boyce), was born to Benjamin Boyce Andrus and Lydia Rosetta French on August 24, 1916, in Hill Spring, Alberta, Canada. I had seven sisters, Grace, Nellie, Jacquetta, Fern, Phyllis, Alice and Beth, and one brother, Benjamin Milo, who was killed during WWII.
My dad had a farm southeast of Hill Spring. It was here that I learned what a hard days stooking as was as well as milking cows, feeding pigs, and driving six head of horses attached to a plow. I spent many hours working the fields with my dad. We were a very close family; we had to be as there was not room not to be close. Our home was very tiny in today’s standards.
All my activities centered around church, school, and family. I had good teachers both at school and church and I liked to go to both. I want to emphasize that my childhood and my growing-up years were fun and full of all good things. I was in theatre productions, participated in basketball, softball, and hockey.
Family Newsletter April 2007 — Print Edition
The April 2007 Family Newsletter was mailed this week.
If you did not recieive one and would like to be put on the mailing list for future printed newsletters, visit the Update Mailing Information page.
To read a PDF version on the newsletter, click the link below.
Andrus Family Organization Newsletter — April 2007 (PDF)
2007 Reunion Information Updated: Wife Line Meetings
The 2007 Reunion page has been updated. As part of the 2007 Family Reunion we will be holding meetings for each wife line. They will be held Friday, June 15, 2007 in various locations.
Check out the information on the 2007 Reunion page, and then join us for what will be a great family experience.
