Remembering the Prophet Joseph Smith

The Prophet Joseph Smith, along with his devoted brother, Hyrum, was martyred 169 years ago on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois. We remember him today through the stories of two family connections.

Happy Birthday, Nathan Greer!

Nathan 1945

Nathan Edward Greer was the twelfth child of John Harris and Orpha Nicoll Greer. He was born on the Greer Ranch near Hunt, Arizona, on June 21, 1906. He spent his early childhood there but went to school in St. Johns.  He was 20 years old when his father died in May of 1926. The following year he married Blanche Hamblin and lived for a short time in Farmington, New Mexico, working in the Blackburn fruit orchards. When Nathan worked for the highway department, the couple lived in Ash Fork and in Parker, Arizona.  They later settled in Mesa and built a home at 228 East 2nd Street where they raised their two children, Milton and Davena.  Nathan worked as a plumber. He later moved back to St. Johns and died there on July 6, 1965.

Blanche & Nathan 1945

Davena was married to Jack Tayrien on June 6, 1952, in the Arizona Temple. Milton was married to Nancy Halvorsen on October 7, 1952, in the Los Angeles Temple. Milton graduated with a degree in pharmacy from the University of Arizona.

Submitted by Milton Greer

Evelyn Greer Whiting: Celebrating 91 Years!

 Happy Birthday!

Evelyn Greer Whiting was born on May 27, 1922 to Thomas Lacy Greer and Nellie Martha Thomas. Evelyn was born and raised in St. Johns, Arizona. She remembers living out at the Hunt Ranch as a child, and also tells of living next door to her Grandpa and Grandma Greer in St. Johns. Evelyn married her high school sweetheart Fernard Carvel Whiting on September 20, 1944. They were married in St. Johns in the home of President Levi Udall. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Templeon February 13, 1965. They had three children: Carvel Thomas, Bobbie Jean, and Korliss. She has eight grandchildren, ten great children, and three great-great grandchildren. 

Remembering Two Family Heroes this Memorial Day

Jerold Thomas Greer  & George Lorenzo Crosby

Two Greers: 

grandsons of Harris & Orpha.

Both born in St. John's, Arizona.

Both served our country.

Both died in World War II.

Honoring Margaret Stradling Ballantyne

Margaret Stradling was the second child and only daughter of Catherine (Kate) Greer and Alvin Stradling. She was born April 11, 1923, in St. Johns. She attended schools in St. Johns through the tenth grade, then transferred to North High School in Phoenix, graduating in 1941.