In the 1981 Bulletin President’s Message Larry l. Memmott, President of the Memmott Family Organization writes – “I have been told, “by those who done it”, that my father Fenton Samuel Memmott was the first president of this wonderful organization….”
In the 1986 Bulletin we read the following:
OUR MEMMOTT FAMILY HAD A NEW BEGINNING IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES
By Clifton N. ‘Clif’ Memmott
As far back as this writer can remember there was always an annual Memmott reunion and get-to-gether session held…generally in the late summer or early fall. Most of them were held in Scipio --- “First Home of the Memmotts.” There were some other location exceptions, however; such as Provo, Nephi, and perhaps Salt Lake City.
All of us will have some recollection of those fun reunions. Families provided their own lunches, but all joined together around a picnic table or in a grassy spot in the shade – whichever was most convenient and available at the time. Most of the remaining time was devoted to a volunteer program provided by family members.
It will be remembered, as the day waned, the president or chairman of the group would call a short business meeting. …Primarily to select new officers for the next reunion; set a date and place to meet. The so-called hat was passed and people made a contribution to take care of miscellaneous expenses. This was followed by those fond good-byes, and it was back home…to ponder the new memories of one more happy day for the Memmotts.
In later years, when there had developed an interest in family genealogy, short meetings were held to talk about family records. A few of our members had become involved in genealogy to the extent they wanted to share their experiences with others. This did add a new dimension to our family reunions. Perhaps it is not wise to mention names at this juncture of this story. But, by the same token, not to recall a few of those stalwarts would be unfair to all concerned.
How can some of us, now older family members, forget what Hettie Memmott and her husband Con Robins; Charles and Rilla Memmott; Calvin and Roxie Memmott, Eugene and Lillie J. Memmott; and James Edward Memmott (Nephi), did for us.
These and others not only talked about the subject, but spent hours and days studying records and doing temple work for our progenitors who did not have a chance before passing on. We should all bless those good people for their interest and contributions.
THEN THOSE REUNIONS STOPPED
In the late sixties someone overlooked calling a family reunion, and those fun days sort of ended. Perhaps the busy world took precedent… and a reunion was not thought to be important. Be that as it was. However something happened.
Late in 1970, November in fact, a few Memmotts living in the Salt Lake – Ogden areas, began thinking about the family and its future as an organization. A decision was made to meet and talk about the subject. Since Clif Memmott had made the first phone call to Evan Memmott in Ogden; Ivan Memmott in Magna; Kem, Leo and Bryce Memmott in Bountiful; Lorraine “Jack” Memmott and Paul Memmott in Salt Lake City, Clif invited the group to meet at his home in Salt Lake City.
This November meeting, as unorganized as it was, proved to be the start of something we have lived to be proud of. Many thoughts and ideas were expressed that night that were very pertinent. However, we weren’t quite ready to go. Thus, Clif invited the group to return later at 68 Hillside Ave., SLC, for a second session. In between these meting each person was assigned to contact other Memmotts for an opinion.
At the second meeting a plan was effected to get the show on the road. Evan Memmott, a professor at Weber College in Ogden, was named temporary chairman, and a family-wide organization dinner meeting was set up to be held at the Royal Inn dining room in Provo. The date was set, with committees named to call and invite Memmotts from Scipio, Nephi, Utah county, Davies County, Salt Lake areas, etc., to attend and help perfect a Memmott Family Organization, and to select a permanent executive committee to proceed.
The Provo meeting was declared a success, with over 70 representative family members present. Evan J. Memmott, PhD, was named the first president. Chosen as first Vice-president was S. Paul Memmott, Salt Lake and Jay Memmott, Scipio, second vice-president; H. Kirk Memmott, Spanish Fork, secretary; and Leo Memmott, treasurer. Additional executive committee members chosen were Clifton N. Memmott; Ivan, T. Kemner, Bryce and Jack L. Memmott; Mrs. Wanda M. Carter; and Mrs. Alice M. Adams. Each committee member was given a specific responsibility by the president. To stimulate interest and enthusiasm among Memmotts wherever they resided was stressed.
With the equipment, staff and Evan’s knowledgeable skills, many bulletins and tangible ideas came forth. A comprehensive list of Memmotts and addresses was assembled, and later utilized to a great advantage. Evan also used his officers and committees, who gave valuable assistance….and things, began to happen. Scipio was selected as the site of the first Reunion, under direction of the new set. Early August was the time to meet, and Scipio was designated as the “First Home of the Memmott Family”.
A START HAD BEEN MADE
It would be a long job and one with a better memory than this writer has to list all, or most of the little details that were important as time went by.
However, we will try to list a few incidents and events pertinent to this story. In about 1973-74, it was learned that Grandfather Thomas Memmott, son of William, had compiled a weekly diary or journal while still living in Sheffield, England. His first entry was in 1838 when he was about 13 or 14 years of age. It continued over several years, or until he came to America in 1862 to join his wife, child, and his father and mother, and other Memmotts in Utah.
It would be well to digress at this point to note that Grandpa Thomas Memmott kept his diary/journal alive all his natural life in Utah, and especially in Scipio. He had filled 9 large journals, size 9” x 15”, and written on both sides of the page. Each journal had between 200 and 300 pages. Two of the last journals were lost, but seven volumes were found in the custody of Howard J. Memmott, eldest son of James Memmott, who was the oldest son of William F. Memmott, who was Thomas Memmott’s eldest son.
Before Grandpa Thomas passed on, he advised his 7 sons and 1 daughter that he had these journals, and he would place them in the custody of his oldest son, William F., who in turn would hand them down to the next generation. He stipulated this procedure was to be followed until some of his projenitors [sp=progenitors] could find better use of the journals.
SEVEN JOURNALS WERE MICROFILMED
Shortly after the permanent organization was established, and H. Kirk Memmott became the secretary, he revealed that his dad, Howard J., had seven journals, and could get access to them if there were a purpose designed. Kirk is a fourth generation oldest son. He is affiliated with Brigham Young University library program.
Actually it didn’t take long to create a project that eventually would see two volumes compiled into two separate books: Thomas Memmott Journals, No. I & II.
Prior to printing Vol. I under the supervision of Kirk and Evan, the seven volumes were microfilmed, and copies are now in the Archives of the Church, and other areas for safe keeping.
Kirk and his wife, Sandy, compiled and edited all of Vol. I, and aided with Vol. II. Since printing and making vol. I available for sale, 500 copies have been sold. They first went on in 1976. There is still a demand for more of vol. !, and perhaps later on a reprint will be made. All the information on costs, et., is now available.
Vol. II was printed in 1982, and nearly 300 of them have been sold. Hopefully, the Association will one day continue to print others of the five volumes not yet completed.
To editorialize a bit this writer is inspired to say to those responsible for these mentioned projects and some in the mill, “You are to be commended for all your efforts up to now.” However, there is no turning back or stopping. There is still much to be done. Let it suffice to say, in paraphrasing the scripture: -- “Well done thou good, faithful and dedicated servants. You may pause and take your bows for jobs so well done. But it is not yet time to rest.”
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS NOTED
There are a few other projects that the preceding administration officers have seen to fruition. In 1973 and in 1974 two delegations of Memmotts went to the Sheffield/Aston parts of England to do genealogy research on the Memmott line.
In 1973 Evan Memmott and his mother, Roxie L. Memmott, spent a couple of weeks, mostly on their own, to trace genealogy. The, in 1974, the Association sponsored Evan and Alice Memmott Adams for two more weeks of research – again in Sheffield and Aston. Much good came from these endeavors. New family and friends were made, and many names were found to stimulate genealogy work.
In the early days of our new organization, we had some legal help in preparing a set of By-laws and a Constitution, which were eventually accepted by the Memmott Family. As a part of this project we voted to name our organization, “THE WILLIAM and JOHN MEMMOTT FAMILY ASSCIATION”. After the two brothers arrived in the area they helped to settle and pioneer the town of Scipio Millard county, Utah.
On May 24, 1984 [it was 1982 see bulletin 1982]], the Association was incorporated under the statutes of the State of Utah, under the name, “The William and John Memmott Family Association.” This was compled [sp=completed] by Jon M. Memmott, an attorney, and grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Orvin Memmott.
Similar articles of incorporation were prepared and filed with the State of California (1983) by Douglas O. Memmott, an attorney from Willows, California. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Orson Memmott of Milford.
REUNIONS IN MEXICO AND CALIFORNIA
Two other projects had been conceived for some time by the officers. One was to make a family trek to the Mormon Colonies in Mexico, and another to a California area.
In 1979 approximately 120 Memmotts from Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona and California made the trip to Dublan, Mexico, under the leadership of Robert (Bob) Memmott, Association president. This is the home of the family of James Wilson Memmott, son of William Memmott, who was sent to the colonies early in life to establish a grist mill, He and his family of several generations remained in the area. His three great grandsons, Fletcher, Larry and John Memmott, their mother, Nylus Memmott and sister, Marie Brewer, were our hosts for three days of pleasantries. Wonderful hospitality, good food and entertainment provided great joy on our trip to Mexico – a time never to be forgotten, many of our group hope to return again.
In June, 1982, the site of our reunion was Van Nuys, California, where we enjoyed another pleasant day, long to be remembered. A committee composed of Buss and Althea Carson, Mae Atkin, Rodney Memmott, Jacqueline Wampler, Kent C. Memmott, Louise Davison and Muriel Roberts made all the plans and arranged the lunch, the program and place to meet. Approximately 75 were present, coming from Utah, California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona and Mexico. It was declared a very successful event.
The following two years, 1983 and 1984, we returned to Scipio to enjoy the new ward chapel and facilities for our lunch, program and meetings. Last year, 1985, under the leadership of our president, Wanda Memmott Carter, we move to the Salt Lake area for our annual meeting. We met at the Taylorsville Community Center on Redwood Road and 4700 South for a very successful reunion. Attendance was about as usual. This year, 1986, we move back to Scipio.
More Memmott Family Information
Deseret News Mar 1, 1916
MEMMOTT FAMILY REUNION IN SCIPIO
(Special Correspondence.)
Scipio, Feb. 28.—In honor of Thomas Memmott, who was 78 years old Feb. 27. A family reunion was held on the 26th in the Relief society hall. There were present 115 members of the Memmott family, the majority of whom are descendants of Mr. Memmott and his deceased wife, Emma W. Memmott. All his children seven sons and on daughter their wives and husband, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present. An appropriate program was given, games were played and a ball in the evening concluded the festivities.
Thomas Memmott was born in England son of William and Ann Memmott. He was married in 1857 and came to Utah in 1862. He lived in Deseret from 1864 to 1868, when he moved to Scipio, where he has since resided. His wife, Emma died in 1898 and in 1900 he married Catherine Hunter. Mr. Memmott has always been an active Church worker; know especially for his ability as a choir leader. He has also filled civic positions or responsibility.
In the 1979 Memmott Family Bulletin is this By Thomas Kemner Memmott:
It was in the year of 1935 that I first attended a Memmott Reunion. I was attending a summer session at BYU and went to Scipio to spend a weekend. As luck would have it, they were having a reunion. Calvin Memmott was conducting the meeting.
The family continued to meet annually at Scipio in a reunion type get-to-gether. They always were entertained with a fine program, using family talent. On two different years the reunion was held at Nephi and at Provo. New officers were selected each year.
Through the years committees were formed. Sometimes the head of the committee was called “chairman”. Other years he was called “president”. According to the records, that Paul Memmott produced, I found the following:
1936 Fenton Memmott, President
1937 Fenton Memmott, President
1938 no reunion
1939 Fenton Memmott, President
1940 Fenton Memmott, President
1941 to 1952 – No minutes are available
1952 Kemner Memmott, Master of ceremonies; held in Nephi
1953 Howard Memmott, Chairman
1954 Kemner Memmott, President
1955 Chester Memmott, President
1956 LaVoy Memmott, Chairman
1957 Jay Memmott, President
1958 Angus Memmott, President
1959 Howard Memmott, President
1960 Neil Monroe, Chairman
1961 no minutes
1962 no minutes
1963 Beulah Clayson was in charge
1964 no minutes from 1963 on; however, there are rosters of members attending in 1964, 1965 and 1966
Late 1960’s & early 1970’s – interest seemed to wane and for a few consecutive years no reunions were held. He then told the story that was also written by Clifton Memmott in the Memmott Family Bulletin 1986.
1972 Evan Jed Memmott, President
1973 Evan Jed Memmott, President
1974 Evan Jed Memmott, President
1975 Paul Memmott, President
1976 Paul Memmott, President
1977 Alice Adams, President
1978 Alice Adams, President
1979 Robert ‘Bob’ Memmott, President; reunion held in Mexico
1980 Robert ‘Bob’ Memmott, President
1981 Larry L Memmott, President
1982 Larry L Memmott, President; reunion held in California
1983 Larry L Memmott, President
1984 Wanda Carter, President
1985 Wanda Carter, President
1986 William ‘Bill’ R. Memmott, President
1987 William ‘Bill’ R. Memmott, President; reunion held at Lagoon
1988 Clayton L. Memmott, President
1989 Clayton L. Memmott, President; reunion held at Wheeler Farm
1990 Robert ‘Bob’ Salmon
1991 Dorthy Sorensen Smith, President; reunion held in West Valley City
1992 Dorthy Sorensen Smith, President
1993 Bryce W Memmott, President
1994 Cola Dawn Memmott Larsen, President
1995 Karma Jean Memmott Robertson, President
1996 no mention in Bulletin who was President
1997 Clayton Memmott, conducted the meeting, held at Wheeler Farm
1998 no mention in Bulletin who was President
1999 William ‘Bill’ R. Memmott, President; reunion at This is the Place State Park
2000 William ‘Bill’ R. Memmott, President
2001 Bonny Ingle, President; reunion held at Wheeler Farm
2002 Bonny Ingle, President
2003 no mention in Bulletin who was President; reunion at the Gardener Village
2004 Kimberly Daniels, President
2005 no mention in Bulletin who was President; reunion held at Bill & Joava Good’s
home in Draper
2006 no mention in Bulletin who was President-reunion in Nephi
2007 Jill Memmott Olsen, President; reunion at the Gardener Village
2008 Jill Memmott Olsen, President
2009 William “Bill” R. Memmott, President; reunion at ‘This is the Place state park’
2010 William “Bill” R. Memmott, President
2011 Rosalie Memmott Nolan, President; reunion at the Gardener Village
2012 Rosalie Memmott Nolan, President; reunion in Scipio at Scipio ward building. Bylaws were presented and approved.
2013 Susan Memmott Allred, President Elect
