Grovont Branch Driggs, Idaho Stake (later Teton, Idaho) August 1914 – March 17, 1963 (A short history, taken from Archives of the Church by Vern T. May, June 1996)

Note: I have tried to copy the names and spelling as it was found in the records. While I have tried to make an accurate summary of interesting events, I confess that there is a slant towards the James I. May family as part of my motivation is to gather information on my ancestors.

“James I. May, presiding Elder of the Jackson Branch, Teton Stake, Wyoming, from 1905 to 1914, was born Nov. 29, 1857, in bountiful, Utah, a son of James May and Martha Allen. He was baptized March 1, 1866, filled a mission to the Southern States in 1891- 93, and tow missions to Great Britain in 1914 and in 1921-1922. In 1914 conditions at home necessitated an early release. He was ordained a High Priest at Driggs by Rudger Clawson (Apostle), and a Bishop by Hyrum M. Smith (Apostle). In 1926 he filled a short term mission to California.” (LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, Andrew Jenson, Vol. 4, p.640)

Grovont Branch was organized as an dependent branch (Dependent on Jackson Ward) August 22, 1914, with Jacob Johnson as Branch President, Joseph Eggelson as 1st Counselor and William T. Newbold as 2nd Counselor. At this same meeting, James I. May was released as Bishop of the Jackson Ward and Hyrum Deloney was sustained as Bishop. The Sunday School records indicate that there was a Sunday School in Grovont in 1911. The records for the Jackson Ward go back to 1905.

Hadden Maria Wood May remembers: “We didn’t have an organization of the church at all when I first come into the country, or when we first was married and come to the country. They didn’t have an organization of the church until afterwards. We had to come from home up there (Grovont) clear down here (Jackson) to church and Daddy (Henrie May) was then like he is now – he always thought he had too much to do to go, but his mother was the same way, so I used to take the children and as the other children came, I’d come down with Grandpa (James I. May) to church all the time. That is, whenever it was possible for us to do it we always come to church down here. I don’t remember what year we finally got our organization up there, but we helped with the building of the church and everything and held positions in the church after it was organized – no, I didn’t hold any position there until just a few years before we moved down here (the records show Hadden May as 1st Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency on December 31, 1930!), but we saw the beginning of it and we saw the ending of it last winter. It was in March, I guess, that that they held the last meeting up there.” (History of The Samuel Leigh Wood and Mary Ann Cockerill Wood Family, compiled by Lois A. Thomas, p. 54)

The records show that on April 12th, 1914 there were three in attendance at Priesthood Meeting: Jacob Johnson, Joseph Eggleston and James I. May. The meeting was held at the residence of James I. May.

Sunday School records for February 15, 1914 show William T. Newbold as Superintendent. Opening Song was page 12, “Zion is Improving”, the opening prayer was offered by James I. May and the Sacrament Gem given by C. H. May.

On May 24, 1914 church was held at the old James I. May residence with three present. The subject was Divine Authority.

The first record of a sacrament meeting was for December 20, 1914, held at Bishop May’s home, beginning at 8:00 PM.

Singing – Softly Beams the Sacred Dawning Prayer by Presiding Elder Jacob Johnson Singing – Come O Thou King of Kings Jacob Johnson spoke on the subject of faith Sis. & Ira May sang song and Sis. Haddie May recited a recitation Bp. James I. May gave a short lecture There were seven present Singing – Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice Benediction by Bro. Ira May

Following the minutes of the sacrament meeting held February 7, 1915 was the following:

Donations from the Grovont Sunday School to make our Bp. James I. May a present of a valise and handkerchief when he was going on a mission to England.

Supt. William T. Newbold $1.00 Sec. Rhoda S. Newbold 1.00 1st Asst. Sec. Cuma Eggleston .50 Joseph Eggleston .50 Mrs. Blanch Murphy .15 Mrs. Alma Moulton .25 Mr. Alma Moulton .25 Mr. John Moulton .50 Mr. Thom. Murphy .15 Mr. Wallace Moulton .50 Mrs. Martha Renigar .50 Mrs. Haddie May 1.00 Mr. Henry May 1.00 Mr. Jacob Johnson .50 Mrs. Christabella Johnson .50 Mrs. Andrew Newbold .50 Mr. Andrew Chambers 1.00 Mr. Clifton May .25 Mr. Leland May .25 Mr. Murland May .25 Marie Johnson .25 Loyde Johnson .25 Total $11.05 Valise and Handkerchief 10.07 Balance .98

June 27, 1915 – Sacrament Meeting at J. I. May residence at 2:00 PM

There was a Relief Society organized of the Grovont Branch of the Jackson Ward. Sister Christabella Johnson was appointed President with Sister E. A. May and Blanche Murphy as her assistants and Cuma Eggleston as secretary and Sisters Bertha Perry, Adella May and Hattie May. Sister Cuma Eggleston was also appointed treasury. (They were then set apart) It was then announced that the Relief Society would meet at Sis. Johnsons nest Thursday at 2:30 PM.

On July 30, 1916 a new Branch Presidency was installed with Thomas Perry, Branch President, T. A. Moulton, 1st Counselor, and William T. Newbold, 2nd Counselor. Clifton H. May was set apart as Asst. Sec. Of the Sunday school by Pres. Elder Thos. Perry.(Clifton was just 11 years old at this time)

By 1917 the priesthood of the branch were listed as: High Priests – J. I. May, Jacob Johnson, T.A. Moulton; Elders – Thomas Perry, Jas. Eggleston, Wm. T. Newbold, Ira May, Jos. May; Priests – Thos. Murhpy, J. W. Moulton.

The records show that on February 5, 1917 Clifton May was sustained as a Deacon (interesting that he did not turn 12 until March 10, 1917) In sacrament meeting held April 8, 1917 Clifton H. May was set apart as a Deacon by Joseph Eggleston.

In a sacrament meeting held May 27, 1917 a primary was organized with Sis. Haddie May as president and Blanche Murphy as 1st Asst. and Lucile Moulton as 2nd Asst.

July 8, 1917 in a sacrament meeting that began at 12:15 PM Bishop Wanigar (I assume of Jackson) spoke for a few minutes concerning the attendance of the Branch saying we had better attendance than Jackson and encouraging the Saints to assist those in authority to push the work on. Also the church had given $700.00 to the Grovont Branch for a church building. There were 31 in attendance.

July 29, 1917 – Murland May was confirmed a member.

The meeting house was erected in 1917. Clifton H. May told of being picked up at days end after the chores were done, by his grandfather, James I. May, and being taken to help put lath and plaster on the church. He would hold the lantern as the men worked. Clifton would have been 12 years old when the building was finished. The first mention in the minutes of a meeting being held in the new building was on November 25, 1917. “Bro. T. A. Moulton expressed his appreciation of our new meeting house.”

February 10, 1918 – a notation made that donations totaling nearly $70.00 were made (individually listed) and paid toward the new organ.

March 10, 1918 – Wallace Moulton was sustained as 2nd Counselor and also ordained an Elder by Jas. I. May, 3

July 9, 1918 – Harley Reed Moulton blessed by James I. May

The minutes of December 1918 do not mention James I. May as being there. Up to this point he was involved in virtually every meeting. I assume that this is the time that he left on one of his missions.

February 23, 1919 – Gladys Laraine May, born Oct 24, 1918, blessed by Thos. Perry.

March 19, 1919 – Mary Ada May blessed by Joseph Johnson

April 20, 1919 – Grovont Branch called on for $50.00 donation to Ricks Academy.

May 25, 1919 – Haddie May sustained as 1st Counselor in Relief Society.

August 3, 1919 – Leland May ordained a deacon by Thos. Perry

March 29, 1920 – T. A. Moulton sustained as Presiding Elder.

August 22, 1920 Lester May confirmed by T. A. Moulton (Baptized August 15, 1919 by T. A. Moulton)

July 9, 1921 – A special meeting was held to organize an Independent Branch. Bishop Winigar from Jackson was there and Ralph R. Cordon of the Stake Presidency. T. A. Moulton, Branch President, William T. Newbold, 1st Counselor and Wallace Moulton 2nd Counselor. Haddie May was released as President of Primary and Elizabeth Moulton was sustained.

August 22, 1921 Haddie May set apart as 1st Counselor in Relief Society.

August 6, 1922 – Melba Moulton and Veda Lucy May were confirmed by T. A. Moulton (Baptized July 30, 1922 by T. A. Moulton)

January 22, 1923 – Bro. James I. May who was hear visiting his children and had just returned from a mission from England was the first speaker. He talked on the principles of the Gospel and his work while in the missionary field.

[The next series of entries are intriguing to me personally. They pertain to my mother, Fay May. Keep in mind that Fay and Clifton May were married on September 12, 1923 and that she was living in California prior to her marriage. From her Book of Remembrance, Fay records: “About Thanksgiving time in 1922 the folks sent for us, (she and her sister were in Rexburg and her parents in Los Angeles, California) but before we left I met and became engaged to my future husband, who had come from Jackson to attend school in Rexburg. I spent nearly nine months in Los Angeles and then came back to Wyoming and Clifton and I were married on Sept 12, 1923 in the Salt Lake Temple]

August 5, 1923 in Branch Conference Fay May was sustained as 2nd Counselor in Relief Society and 2nd Asst. in Primary.

September 2, 1923 – Clifton May was ordained and Elder by T. A. Moulton

December 2, 1923 – Fay May set apart as teacher of kindergarten class.

February 24, 1924 – Fay May set apart as 2nd Asst. in Primary and Lester I. May ordained Deacon by Jacob Johnson.

March 2, 1924 – Fay May set apart as 2nd Counselor in Relief Society by Jacob Johnson.

February 5, 1925 – Fay May’s recommend was read and accepted.

June 22, 1924 – Clifton May sustained as Sunday School Superintendent. Set apart by Jas. I. May who was visiting and also spoke on condition of the Branch in early days.

November 2, 1924 – Lamar Crandall Hardeman and Viola Bruce Budge accepted as members of the Branch. Clark Moulton ordained Deacon by Wm T. Newbold. Testimonies included Haddie and Clifton May.

November 30, 1924 – Veda May played a piece on the organ

Sunday School of the Grovont Branch August 30, 1925

Convened at 11:00 AM Clifton H. May, presiding. Margaret Hartshoorn, organist Opening Song: #176 “We Meet Again in Sabbath School” Sacrament Song: #115 “How Great the Wisdom and the Love” Sacrament Gem: Wallace Moulton Sacrament Administered by: Clifton May and Wallace Moulton and passed by Leland May and Clark Moulton. Concert Participation was 23rd

Psalm, verses 1-3. Singing Practice conducted by Clifton May, Song #15, “Let Us All Press On” Separated for classes at 11:25 AM 13 members present, total attendance of 33.

Classes: Theological – Controversy on the question of Grace. 1st

Intermediate – Alma, 30th

Chapter Primary – The Little Blind Boy in Holland Kindergarten – Having Eyes They Saw Not

Closing Song – “Dearest Children God is Near You” Benediction – Wallace Moulton

January 31, 1926 – The first record of Clifton May speaking in Sacrament Meeting. The subject was the Sunday School. [In those days it appears that only Melchizedek Priesthood holders spoke in Sacrament Meeting unless it was a special program featuring the Relief Society or something. For years James I. May spoke every week as had T. A. Moulton. This is the beginning of a period where Clifton would begin speak very regularly]

February 26, 1926 – W. T. Newbold spoke of Jas. I. May saying that Great Britton was sealed up unto Satan.

September 7, 1930 – Branch Conference. James I. May spoke of when he was Bishop of the whole valley.

By December 31, 1930 there were “86 souls” in the Grovont Branch; 1 High Priest, 5 Elders, 1 Priest, 1 Teacher, 9 Deacons, 48 Lay members and 21 Children. The Branch Presidency was T. A. Moulton, Branch President, William T. Newbold, 1st Counselor and Wallace Moulton, 2nd Counselor. The Relief Society presidency was Lucile Moulton, President, Hadden May, 1st Counselor, and Fay May, 2nd Counselor. The Sunday School Superintendency was C.H. May, Superintendent, Wallace Moulton, 1st Counselor, Leland May, 2nd Counselor and Veda Moulton, Secretary.

January 31, 1932 – Clifton and Fay May appointed to create interest in genealogy work and they will hold cottage meetings for that purpose. Clifton May said he would feel well repaid if he could create an interest in genealogical work.

A Relief Society meeting held January 2, 1940 shows Lucile Moulton presiding and testimonies born by Haddie May, Lucile Moulton, Pearl Stalen, Fay May, Margaret Harthoorn, Sallie Heningar, Eva Ricks, Bartha Moulton and Lola May.

July 1, 1945 Clifton H. May was released after 20 years as Sunday School Superintendent and set apart as 2nd Counselor to Branch President T. A. Moulton. Boyd Moulton was sustained as Branch Clerk and Clark A. Moulton as Sunday School Superintendent.

December 9, 1945 – Testimony Meeting. Testimonies born by T. A. Moulton, Lanny Ross May, Margie May, Mary May, Betty Jean Moulton, Shirley May, Junior Moulton, Vern May, Bob May, Dick May, Inez Moulton, Shirley Moulton, Bartha Moulton, Lucile Moulton, Veda Moulton and Fay May.

September 19, 1946 – 9:00 PM Thursday Night Farewell party for Arva May who was leaving for the Central States Mission. Op Song #7 – Join the Children of the Lord Op Prayer – Murland May Remarks on missionary work and the ones that had represented this ward in the past were given by Clifton May Piano Solo by Thora May followed by a peom given by Shirley May entitled “Mormon Missionary” “Dick” Charles Richard May spoke on appreciation for Arva in primary work. Solo by Arva May – “Call Me” Remarks by Bishop T. Alma Moulton Closing Song – Zion is Growing, #12 Benediction by Clark Alma Moulton, Jr. 58 present Dancing after program Donations $49.08

November 3, 1946 – Fay May set apart as Relief Society President by C. H. May

November 13, 1946 – Glenn May spoke. Just returned from over seas in W.W. II. Spoke of meeting LDS boys.

No meetings held from Jan 26, 1947 to Mar 1, 1947

August 3, 1947 – President George Albert Smith spending a few days at Jenny Lake Ranch spoke in Jackson. All members of the Grovont Ward attended Sacrament Meeting in Jackson to hear him speak to the people of the Jackson Hole Valley.

No meetings from Sept 21 – Oct 19, 1947. A notation was made: “Grovont Ward finished harvest for the first time in three years before it snowed.”

April 8, 1948 Sister Arva Lucile May returned April 8, 1948 from Southern Central States Mission – reports on her field of labors Clifton May just returned from SLC conference – reports on his trip

July 4, 1948 – Robert Henrie May confirmed by Clifton H. May (Baptized July 3, 1948 by Lester Ira May)

No meetings held from November 28, 1948 to April 24, 1949

April 24, 1949 – Song “The Lords Prayer” by Jack May and Miss Cummins

November 6, 1949 Jack Richard May ordained Priest by C. H. May Lanny Ross May ordained Priest by T. A. Moulton

August 5, 1951 – Allyn Keith May confirmed by C. H. May (Baptized 8/4/51 by C. A. Moulton)

November 11,1951 – T. A. Moulton was released as Branch President and Clifton H. May was

sustained as Branch President with Clark A. Moulton as 1st Counselor and Reed L. Moulton as 2nd Counselor and Clark A. Moulton as Clerk.

February 10, 1952 priesthood meeting minutes show that Vern May swept the church floor, Junior Moulton built the fire and Dick and Bob May passed the sacrament.

May 25, 1958 – C. H. May was released and Clark A. Moulton was sustained as Branch President.  The Grovont Branch was disorganized March 17, 1963.