Leon and Vera Wright

As found in "Bridging The Years".....

Leon was born 11 December 1909, in Beazer,  the twin son of Fredrick William Wright and Emma Elizabeth James.  When he was old enough he ran, sometimes barefoot over the two and a half miles to a one roomed school house.  His legs were moving so quickly that the sort trousers, which hung just above the ankles flapped and the rocks he stepped on left no impressions on the hard soles of his feet.  These feet were tough and calloused, and by the time he had reached home at the end of the day, his feet were also red from walking through patches of wild strawberries where he'd sit down to eat his fill, thus his hands and mouth

Grandpa is the one in the middle.  A handsome man!

were equally as red.  It was then time to climb on the old sway backed horse called "Bud" and go get the cows.  "Old Bruno" the faithful sheep dog was sent over the hill for the sheep.  While riding through the hay, the timothy was so high that it caught between his toes.

Hurrying to finish supper, all the neighborhood children would gather in the corner of  "Uncle Teds" field and play ball.  This game became an important part of his life.  he was a catcher and his twin brother Cleon pitched.  They were offered wages at one time to be the "Batteries" for an out of town team.  Leon, like all the Wright brothers was a good athlete.  He used to run and win a lot of races receiving .25 cents first prize money.

Leon and his cousin Warner, caused the school teachers lots of problems.  Staying in from school was no punishment - it just meant you missed a few chores.  They were told if they continued to cause trouble, they would be separated and have to sit by girls.  Was this punishment??

Leon learned to play the guitar and like to sing.  He sang and whistled while he drove the team "Pick and Pat" to accomplish his many tasks.  All the young people loved to go to dances and he rode his horse to attend the dances at Leavitt and Mountain View.  At one of these socials he met Vera Walburger and later

Vera is the tallest girl

they were married in the Cardston Temple, 9 July 1931.

Vera was born 9 November 1911, in a family of seven children.  She was the eldest girl and this position called upon her to assume many responsibilities.  Not only did she learn well all household skills, but how to work with horses also.  She loved horses and rode four miles to school in Leavitt.  Music lesson required her to ride on horse back to Cardston once a week for three years.  The horses were well shot and fast, so they were ridden fast.  Vera enjoyed entering horse races and usually won at the celebrations in Beazer and Leavitt.

The first few years of their married life was spent on the "Old Parker" place in Mountain View.  They remained there for four years and then moved to Beazer in April 1935.  They purchased Lot #7 in the Beazer townsite.  This was formerly owned by Samuel Cox.  It was a small place, and the room at the back was made from "mud dobbies".  The doors were very low and you had to duck your head to get through them.

In this period of time everyone seemed to be struggling to get by, and money was scarce.  Leon worked on threshing crews, sheared sheep and trapped fur bearing animals in the winter.  Since their home was the closest to the school, they were asked to be caretakers for $30 per month.  It was also Vera's responsibility to keep the exam papers each year for the Divisional School board.  The teachers would run across the road to her house to get them when it was time to write exams.  Since the Wright home was also across the road from the church, they were asked to keep the basket and volley balls and give them out when needed.  Cold,

I miss them!

refreshing water was also obtained from their well for both school and church use.  A new home was built in 1939 and some of the lumber used was from the old Cox house.

Leon's first car was a Model A Ford, for which he paid $150.  Land was purchased in Mountain View from Fred Walburger (SW 1/4-12-3-27).  After Leon's mother moved to Stirling, he purchased the old homestead quarter that belonged to his father.  Here he raised cattle until he started to work for the Cardston School District, then cattle became a hobby.  Leon spend his spare time playing and coaching many team sports.  He served on the Bishopric of the L.D.S. Church and as Assistant Stake Athletic Director.  Leon served his community on the school board and was it's last trustee.  He is most happy in the mountains getting out wood or hunting.  He knows every valley by heart and could relate volumes of tales spent there with good friends, Alvin and Del Beazer.  A special friend, Meade Beazer made many trips into those hills with him.  Leon is now retired to 'golfing and fishing'. 

Leon passed away and is buried in the Beazer Cemetary with his parents and grandparents.

All drama enthusiasts in Beazer will remember the plays that Vera directed.  She was also an excellent cook, sharing her treats freely with others.  Her grandchildren refuse to let her retire from cooking, they expect cinnamon rolls and spudnuts to always be there when they come.

Many of us remember swimming in the old swimming hole under the bridge at Beazer.  It has been a daily gathering, during the summer, for young and old alike, and for many years starting in the early 1900's.  There has been many other swimming holes as well, but this one is the most well known and brings many memories for our family.

Both of my grandparents are gone now, and I miss them, but what great memories I have of them.  What a life they must have lived.