Stories of Life and Death at the Hurricane Cemetery

Years ago I was wandering around the cemetery in Hurricane, Utah when I noticed an older lady, with snow-white hair, sitting in her walker next to a headstone. There was no car nearby, nor anyone else that I could see. I continued to meander through the grave-markers, one time facing her and nodding my head to say hello. She smiled at me and lifted her hand to wave. 

Finally, I walked up and asked her if she was waiting for someone. 

“No,” she responded. I'm just visiting with my husband. I looked down at the headstone and saw the dates engraved into the marble and learned that he had died about a year and a half ago. Her name was on the stone also, and I calculated that she was about 88 years old. Her name was Emma and we soon engaged in a brief, but heart-felt conversation. 

I learned that her husband died in his sleep. There was no pain or suffering. One of the family members came right away and took a pulse and checked his blood pressure and determined then that he had passed away. 

Then she talked about the miracle. For the previous two days before his passing, all their children were in the home. A daughter came from Virginia, and another from somewhere else in another state. All the locals were there also. Even though they didn't know it at the time, they were all there to say goodbye to Dad. 

Emma lived close enough to the cemetery to go there in her walker. This was her first time here in three months, and she was making sure that everything survived through the winter. 

Long shadows were cast behind the headstones. She told me that she had to return home before it became dark. I clasped her frail hand with both of mine, and assured her that I was grateful to have met her. 

Every headstone in a cemetery has a story behind it. There is a story of a life, and also of a death. The Hurricane cemetery is full of names familiar to me. Recently I have been reading the journal of my great-great grandfather, Charles Adelbert Workman. He, with a handful of other families, were among the first settlers of Hurricane in 1906. He writes of the first water, the first houses, the first church, and the first festivities in the newly-formed town. 

Until his own untimely passing in 1923, Charles chronicled most of the deaths in early Hurricane. The town was very small and tightly-knit. Of some of the deaths he says very little, while others he elaborates with detail. 

I have gathered some of the journal entries that are of greater interest to me, and have matched them with the headstone as it appears in 2020. Where possible I have collected a photograph of the deceased. I believe that these entries give insight to the everyday life and challenges of the early twentieth century. 

Adelia Hall and Lyndon Hyrum Dalton.

[Adelia Hall Dalton was the first burial in the Hurricane Cemetery. She died just a year after moving to Hurricane and just weeks after delivering a child. Her son, Lyndon Hyrum Dalton, died less than three years later and was buried next to his mother. He was only five years old.] 

January 30, 1908—(Mostly clear today, Rain during last night, Sleet and bleak Wind P.M.) Sister Adelia Dalton Died today about noon. She is Alonzo Dalton's wife, and leaves a large family, the youngest being only a few weeks old. The following met and selected a site for a cemetery: Bishop Samuel Isom, Ira E. Bradshaw, Amos Workman, A.L. Hall, A.F. Stout Jr., Thos. Reeve, Thos. Isom, Jas. Jepson and myself. The site selected is in our pasture north of town (3 ¾ acres). Had choir practice here at our place this evening. 

January 31—(Clear and Pleasant, Cold night) Sister Dalton's funeral was held this afternoon. The speakers in their order were Bishop David Hirschi of Rockville, Bishop Morris Wilson of LaVerkin, myself, Bishop Samuel Isom and Daniel Hirschi of Rockville. Funeral was held in the open air on the south side of our new Hall, and the corpse was buried in our new cemetery. 

October 30, 1910—(Sprinkle of Rain) No public gatherings [church meetings] today on account of scarlatina. Only two cases in town but many have been exposed. Linden Dalton died this evening of Laryngitis. 

October 31, 1910—(Clear) Attended Linden Dalton's funeral this afternoon. The speakers were Christian Larson, Frank Barber, Bishop Isom and myself. Eldon and Leonard hauled our hay today.

Jacob Louis Workman.

[Jacob Louis Workman was the younger brother to Charles and the youngest of five children to Andrew Jackson and Sariah Workman.] 

March 11, 1911—(Light Shower of Rain) Put a stove in the back room of the store. Dr. F. J. Woodbury came today to see my brother Jacob and Maria Isom who are both sick with pneumonia. Jacob took sick last Monday, but had the grippe before that. 

March 12, 1911—(Clear, Colder, Frost ‒ Sine North Wind) Jacob died this morning at 6:10. I went up to see him about 4 A.M. He had in some unaccountable manner got hold of a bottle containing about half an ounce of laudanum and drank it while his attendants, Arthur Hall and wife, were out of the room. It was not known that he had taken it until two hours or more later when they found the empty bottle in the bed. It was then too late to do anything to counteract the poison. Dr. Woodbury was called on the phone but he said he could do nothing for him. It is thought that he must have taken the poison when he was delirious and did not realize what he was doing, as he had objected to take the dose of laudanum prescribed by the Dr. earlier in the evening, saying that he did not think it would do him any good, and he had been very anxious to get well, and therefore would not likely do anything knowingly to endanger his life. Wife and I did not attend any public gatherings [church meetings] today. Amos and I went to the cemetery and laid out the grave this afternoon. 

March 13, 1911—(Clear) Jacob's sister in law, Sarah Davis, and her husband, and several other relatives came from Harmony today to attend the funeral which is to be held tomorrow. 

March 14, 1911—(Clear) Attended Jacob's funeral at 11 o'clock this morning. The speakers were President Edward H. Snow, David Spilsbury, Bishop David Hirschi, Christian Larson, President George F. Whitehead, Bishop Samuel Isom and E. N. Stansworth. He was buried in the cemetery northeast of town. Maria Isom (widow of Frank Isom who was drowned in the river between here and LaVerkin about six years ago) died of pneumonia this morning, leaving a large family of orphan children. 

March 15, 1911—(A few Clouds, Warmer) We attended Maria Isom's funeral at 10 A.M. There were quite a number of speakers among whom were President Thomas P. Cottom and Joseph T. Atkin. She was buried at Virgin. 

Adelia Mariah Gifford Hall.

[Adelia Mariah Gifford Hall's husband, John Thomas Hall, was a half-sibling from plural marriage to Adelia Hall Dalton, mentioned above.] 

March 6, 1912—(Rain – some good showers this morning) John T. Hall's wife [Adelia M.] died this morning at St. George of blood poisoning as a result of an operation performed a few days ago by Drs. Woodbury and McGregor. 

March 7, 1912—(Mostly clear and warm) Josephine attended the funeral of Sister Hall this afternoon. I wrote an affidavit for L.H. Young. 

Franklyn Howard Isom Jr.

[Franklyn Howard Isom Jr.'s obituary states: “. . . while Frank Isom was coming down the Hurricane Hill with a load of gravel his team became unmanageable and started to run. He could see the danger and tried to jump from the wagon, but his foot caught in the tugs and he was dragged under the wagon, two wheels running over him. He was unable to move but called for help and when help arrived they found him in very critical condition.”—Also note that Frank's mother, Maria Isom, is the one who died on March 14, 1911.] 

June 6, 1912—(Clear A.M., Cloudy P.M.) Wrote some business letters. We all went to LaVerkin to an ice cream party at Hattie Woodbury's. We are staying at Henry Gubler's tonight. Frank Isom was hurt by having a loaded wagon run over him this afternoon on the dugway east of town. 

June 9, 1912—(Clear) Frank Isom died as a result of his injuries this morning about 2 o'clock. We all attended the usual public gatherings [the day was Sunday]. Frank Isom's body was buried this evening. Could not keep it until the funeral, to be held tomorrow. 

July 10, 1912—(Clear) Attended Frank Isom's funeral 10 A.M. Speakers were George Spilsbury of Toquerville, Bp. David Hirschi of Rockville, Frank Barber, E.N. Stansworth and myself. We all went to LaVerkin and back this evening. Ralph Campbell has been working for me again today. Eldon cleaned a head ditch in the field. 

William Manti Workman.

[William Manti Workman was a half-brother to Charles from his father's first marriage.] 

May 6, 1914—(Mostly clear) Manti Workman was killed this afternoon about 4 o'clock. He was driving four horses on two wagons loaded with wool, and he was thrown from the wagon and the load tipped over onto him. No one saw the accident. Nephi came up in a few minutes and found him dead under the load. 

May 7, 1914—(Clear, Warmer) Attended Manti's funeral this afternoon. (4 P.M.) Cut our first crop of hay yesterday and today. 

Eldon J. Workman.

[By far the most traumatic death recorded in Charles' journal was that of his son, Eldon, not yet twenty years old.] 

September 22, 1918—(Heavy Thunder Shower P.M. Hail as large as hens eggs fell. The hailstones in shape of discs with jagged edges) We all attended the usual public gatherings. About 5 P.M. Eldon was killed by a current of electricity received from a high voltage wire while renewing some fuse plugs on a pole south east of Petty's store. He apparently was just in the act of putting his safety belt around the pole, but had not yet snapped it into the other side. When he received the electric shock he fell to the ground, lighting on his head. No one was there when the accident occurred except a little girl, Eleanor Isom, but several others who were some distance away saw him while falling. It was raining when Sacrament Meeting was out, so Josephine and I stayed in the Hall until it stopped; but Eldon went on home. When we reached home Eldon had changed clothes. He said that he knew of two fuse plugs that had been blown out by the lightning and there might be others. He was going down in town to put them in. He tried to start the car but only one cylinder would work so he gave it up and went into the vineyard and got some grapes and gave his mother and me each a nice bunch. He was very fond of grapes and he knew we were also, so he very often brought us the best he could find. While I was eating the grapes and trying to make the car go he left to fix up the power line. That was the last time I saw him alive. About half an hour later Jos. T. Wright came up in front of the house on horseback and called me out. When I got near enough to him I could see his lips quivering, so I knew that he had some bad news. He said “Brother Workman, I hate to tell you, but Eldon is dead.” Then he explained how it happened. I turned toward the house and my wife was standing in the door. She had noticed that something unusual had happened. I told her what it was. We could hardly believe it was true. We thought it might turn out to be a mistake. In a few minutes Dr. Wilkinson came in and told us all about the accident. He said he was there and examined the body a few minutes after it happened, and there was no life in it. In a short time (it seemed like a long time to us) they brought the body in and laid it on the davenport. It was certainly a sad blow to us to see the lifeless body of our dear boy who only a few minutes before had left us full of life and hope. We thought of the many plans he had made for the future, how he had expressed to us so many times his desire to be of use in the world, to help his fellow man, to preach the gospel to the nations, to join the army to help fight for the freedom of the world, to attend college to prepare to be most useful to society. All of these ambitions now had suddenly been shattered. He was called to another sphere of action, perhaps to a greater mission where his desires for good can be more fully realized. While his body was lying there and the house was filled with neighbors who had come to help us and comfort us, Hazel who is only 16 years of age, wrote the following poem:
 

Faith 

There's calm within my soul upon this night. 

'Tho death's dark wings o'er shadowed us this day, 

We mourn the death of one most dearly loved.

God's will it was that he should go away.

 

There's peace within my soul upon this night, 

Yes, peace! Strange 'tho it seems, 'tis there. 

He's gone, 'tis true, but to a place beyond, 

Where he is in our Heavenly Father's care.

 

There's faith within my soul upon this night. 

I fear not, for his course is well defined. 

'Tho God discloses not his plans to men, 

I know He's just and merciful and kind.

 

And so there's love within my soul this night, 

Love for humanity and God. 

He's gone to do a greater work beyond. 

He treads the path God's chosen ones have trod.

 

I have read this poem many times. It is such a comfort to me! It seems to me that it was given to us by the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord for our comfort. Every verse contains a revelation. We tried to get a message through to Flora who is at Coronado near San Diego, Cal. But did not succeed. Philena and Orson Hall are staying with us tonight. 

September 23, 1918—(Cloudy) We got a message through to Flora this morning and wired back that she would start for home this afternoon. Bro. Pickett and Ellis Pickett came from St. George this morning. They embalmed the body so that it would keep until Flora arrives. 

September 24, 1918—(Clear) Bro. Pickett returned to St. George today. Walter Stout took our car and went to Lund to meet Flora. Delsy and Hazel and Annie Hirschi went with him. 

September 25, 1918—(Clear) Flora arrived home about one o'clock this morning. Bro. Pickett and Nean came about noon. The funeral was held at 3 P.M. The speakers were Bp. Morris Wilson, Jr., J.W. Imlay, E.N. Stansworth and Bp. Samuel Isom and C.A. Thompson. The services and the burial passed in an orderly manner and we returned to our home which now seemed empty for the absence of our dearly beloved boy. Bro. and Sister Pickett are staying with us tonight. 

Raymond Ruesch.

[Raymond Ruesch was only 15 years old. He was the son of William Ulrich Ruesch and Marilla Sophronia Draper.] 

November 11, 1919—(Clear, Cold) Armistice Day. One year ago today the armistice was signed by Germany and her allies and by England, France, United States and their allies. This brought to an end the fighting in the great world war which had been waged for over four years. Raymond Ruesch died this forenoon of pneumonia. He died very suddenly, as he was at school yesterday and helped his father put on a load of baled hay last evening. 

November 12, 1919—(Clear, Warm in the sunshine, Temperature 27⁰ 7 A.M.) Repaired the fence between J.W. Imlay's field and our Lemmon Field. Our animals have been getting through. Attended Raymond Ruesch's funeral 2:30 P.M. Picked over some raisins. 

Lois Bradshaw Wright.

[Lois Bradshaw Wright died just five days after giving birth to her only child.] 

February 21, 1920—(Warm – Rain – Some Good Showers) It is so wet that I have hardly been out of the house all day. Lois Bradshaw Wright died 5 P.M. today. She gave birth to a baby boy last Monday, and has had a high fever much of the time since. Just before she died her temperature was 110⁰ and several times before it was above 106⁰. Dr. Wilkinson cannot account for the fever, as she had no infection, and apparently no influenza. 

February 22, 1920—(Warm – Rain, Good heavy soaking showers, Over 3 in. rain since 18th) Washington's Birthday. No public gatherings today on account of the quarantine for the influenza (“flu”). Almonds are beginning to bloom. 

February 23, 1920—(Temp. 43⁰ 7 A.M., Clouds and Sunshine A.M., Clouds and Sunshine P.M., North and South Wind) Lois B. Wright's funeral was held 11 A.M. at their residence (next door north of us). I did not attend on account of ill health. The town is grading the street west of us. 

Mary Eleanor Jepson Isom.

[Mary Eleanor Jepson Isom died the same way her mother did, in child birth. She left behind six children under the age of fifteen. Her husband, Richard Isom, is a first cousin to Frank Isom Jr.] 

April 13, 1920—(Temp. 46⁰ 7 A.M., Clouds – Hazy) Mary Jepson Isom, wife of Richard Isom, died today of heart disease together with child birth today. Her child was born dead. Angus Ballard began to take down our barn on the other lot this afternoon. 

April 15, 1920—(Temp. 42⁰ 7 A.M., Cloudy, S.W. Wind, Sprinkle of Rain eve.) Attended the funeral of Mary J. Isom 2 P.M. 

Samuel Isom.

[The death of Samuel Isom was a major event in town. He was the first Bishop of Hurricane and served in that calling until his death. He was a brother to Richard Isom, mentioned above. A newspaper article at his passing states: “Bishop Isom was a spiritually minded man and was thoroughly converted to his calling. He accepted the Gospel as literally being all that it is claimed to be, making its promotion his life's work. He was generous and kind and was loved by all.”] 

February 2, 1923—(50% Cloudy - ½ in. Snow – Precip. .02 in., Cold North Wind P.M. Temp. 16⁰ 8 A.M.) Bishop Samuel Isom died 7 A.M. of heart trouble. Denor Ballard, Grand Sanders and Eldon Lemmon pleaded guilty to using tobacco in my court 4 P.M. They were fined $5.00 each. 

February 3, 1923—(95% Clear – Temp. 18⁰ 8 A.M. - N. Wind) Philip Barkdul's baby died. 

February 4, 1923—(98% Clear – North Wind – Temp. 16⁰ 8 A.M.) Bp. Isom's funeral was held 1 P.M. Pres. E.H. Snow and Thos. P. Cottom and a number of other from St. George were present. The Auditorium was packed to its full capacity. Many were there from towns from Springdale and Leeds.

Charles Adelbert Workman.

[Charles Workman spent most of 1922 and all of 1923 sick. He rarely mentions his illness in his diary, but I have included the few entries where he has. I also include the final entries before his death.]

December 3, 1922—(Cloudy – Sprinkle, Rain .02 in.) No public meetings were held today [Sunday] on account of plumbing repairs that are being made in the School House. I would not have attended had there been any, as I have been staying in bed the greater part of the time, trying to nurse myself back to health. I still have a little fever and am very weak. 

December 31, 1922—(Clear – 80%, Sprinkle of Rain) I have been in bed all day as usual. I always sit up a few hours in the evening. The rest of the time I spend in bed as a rule. My bed is on the sleeping porch where I can get plenty of fresh air. 

January 1, 1923—(90% Clear, Temp. 25⁰ 7 A.M.) New Year's Day. I have been sick for about ten months. Had the Influenza last Feb., and have not been strong enough to do much more than just walk around a little since. I stay in bed almost all of the time in this cold weather to keep warm and still be out in the fresh air, as my bed is on the sleeping porch. 

March 18, 1923—(90% Clear – Heavy North Wind) No public services today [Sunday], as quite a number in the ward are sick, besides many are attending Conference in St. George. 

March 31, 1923—(85% Cloudy) Took Mother up to Amos' to stay for a while. March has been extremely windy not only here but all over the U.S. Throughout the Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio Valleys blizzard has followed blizzard during almost the whole month, leaving death and great destruction of property in their path. Much sickness over the state of Utah. 

April 8, 1923—(85% Clear) I attended Sacrament Meeting today for the first time since last fall. Josephine has gone to stay with Flora tonight. Her baby (Barbara) has been sick for several days. 

April 26, 1923—(55% Cloudy – Rain .01 in.) This is our Wedding Day. 31 anniversary. Received 50 baby chickens from Alfred Bleak, St. George, but they belonged to Grace Jepson. My wife planted some Sweet Corn, String Beans, etc 

April 30, 1923—(90% Clear – North Wind) The health of the people in general has improved some during April. Business conditions in almost all lines are getting better throughout the United States and in almost all of the other nations, and people are looking for better “times.” The Union Pacific R.R. Has already built a branch line to Fillmore and are now building another branch from Lund to Cedar, which will deliver iron ore from Cedar mines to Columbia Steel mills near Provo. 

May 30, 1923—(50% Cloudy – Sprinkle of Rain – W. Wind) Decoration Day. Delsy gave birth to a baby girl 3 P.M. [Vauna Mae Leany]. Hyrum arrived 5 P.M. Myra Lemmon attended her. 

June 15, 1923—(95% Cloudy) Dave Tweedie came from the Zion Saw Mill today. The first passenger train came into Cedar City last Monday, the 11th. 

June 22, 1923—(90% Clear – Warmer) Josephine and Flora and David went through the Temple today. Flora and David were endowed and married by the laws of the Church and their children, Wilden an Barbara were sealed to them. 

June 27, 1923—(95% Clear) Carl and Eloise went over to Toquerville to greet Pres. Warren G. Harding and company this forenoon. There were a great many people there from the western part of the County. Pres. Harding and company are on their way to Zion Nat. Park. They are touring the Western States en route to Alaska. In his party are Mrs. Harding, several Cabinet Officers and other Govt. officials and newspaper men. 

July 1, 1923—(90% Clear – Very Warm). 

July 2, 1923—(95% Clear) We packed eight crates of Greensboro Peaches to ship to Hancock Bros., Salt Lake City. 

July 3, 1923—(95% Clear). 

July 4, 1923—(95% Clear) Independence Day. Celebration as usual. 

July 5, 1923—(100% Clear) 

July 6, 1923—(75% Clear – Thunder) Hazel and Verlene came from Lynndyl. Arrived 7 P.M. Came through by auto with Dolphie Johnson. 

July 7, 1923—(45% Cloudy – Thunder – Rain .16 in.) Carl is working for Nephi S. Workman (Haying). He began last Thursday. 

July 8, 1923—(80% Cloudy – Thunder – Rain .20 in.). 

July 9, 1923—(80% Clear). 

July 10, 1923—(95% Clear) Hyrum and Dr. Cox came about 8 A.M. Took Delsy and the children back with them. 

July 11, 1923—(75% Cloudy). 

July 12, 1923—(50% Cloudy). 

July 13, 1923—(75% Cloudy – Thunder – Rain .10 in.). 

July 14, 1923—(80% Cloudy – Sprinkle). 

July 15, 1923—(50% Cloudy – Rain). 

July 16, 1923—(80% Clear). 

[Charles Adelbert Workman died on Sunday, July 22, 1923, at the age of 52. His wife, Josephine, would live to the age of 98, passing away on January 13, 1970. The Workman Family History book states: “Charles Adelbert Workman, fruit farmer and prominent church and civic man of Southern Utah, was one of the first vice presidents of the Workman Family organization, serving from 1920 until the time of his death.”] ♠ 

Family of Charles and Josephine Workman.

[Postscript: Gathering the material for this post has been a multi-year endeavor. Not only was there a lot of information to find, but I went in spurts, often doing nothing for months at a time. 

Do you remember Emma, the sweet old lady sitting next to her husband's grave? The encounter with her happened several years ago. Recently I returned to the Hurricane Cemetery to collect headstone photos of all the deaths I have documented. I was humbled to find that Emma Hall Bradshaw had died last year. It was surreal to think that the lady that was once sitting right there with her walker was now buried six feet below. But it was also refreshing to ponder that she was now with her husband, free from the bondage of old age. 

Of interest is that Emma's grandfather was Alfred Lorenzo Hall. Alfred was a sister to Adelia Hall Dalton, the first burial in the Hurricane Cemetery.] 

Emma Hall Bradshaw.