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Because of my being so closely associated with the family of Eva Tomlinson Halverson, for so many years, Sister Pearl E. Lambert thought that I should write a short sketch of my life to be included in the James Berry Family Records. I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. My parents were converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, they came from Sweden. My Father was Sven August Olson; my mother’s maiden name was Ingrid Westerdahl. Our home in Salt Lake was a 11th East and 3rd South. When I was about three years old, we moved to Brigham City, Utah. My father built a lovely home for us, and we had a small orchard. Many times when our irrigating turn came at night, I would go with my father and hold the lantern for him so that he could see to guide the water into the ditches. My father was a tailor by trade, as was his father. They had their own tailoring shop in Sweden, and when his father died in Sweden, August took over the shop. But after he came to America he did no tailoring. He had a team of horses and he contracted with the Merchants of Brigham City, to haul freight for them from Ogden Utah. It was on one of these trips, when he was on his way home to Brigham City, that he and his team of horses were killed at a railroad crossing. It was in December, and it was a very stormy night. My mother was a semi-invalid, having a bad heart condition. The death of my father was a severe blow to her and to we children. My mother died a year and four days after my father. We children went to live with relatives, there were three of us, I had an older brother and a younger sister. I went to live with my Uncle Frank and Aunt Sarah Earl (she was my father’s sister). I stayed there about two years when I came to Salt Lake City to live with another Uncle and Aunt, Charles and Hulda Olson (he was my father’s brother.) It was while living there I became acquainted with Pearl E. Tomlinson. I stayed with the Olson Family about two years, when my Uncle died leaving a large family, so circumstances brought me into the Halverson home. Being a young girl I practically grew up with their children. My association and friendship with the family was beautiful and endearing to my life. Eva and I had many interesting projects at which we worked. Eva was a brilliant and gifted woman, and everything that I learned from her was the best. Being separated from my own brother and sister this family came to be as my own. I have loved them dearly through the years, and my association with the children still continues. When I grew older I secured work at the Mountain States Telephone Co. and worked there for eleven years. Then one day the Manager called me to his desk and asked me if I would like to try out for a new job. I asked what it was and he said that it was at the Salt Lake Fire Alarm System, had come to the Manager asking for an experienced Operator. I appreciated being asked to try out for the job, which I did, and made good, for which I was thankful. I worked there twenty-four years when I retired. I had many experiences while working there, some good and some not so good, as is usually the case whenever one works. I was the first woman Fire Alarm Operator, three others were employed later. Mr. Reading was a wonderful “boss” and he helped me over the rough places. He was always kind and considerate. As I said the first acquaintance with the Tomlinson Family was when I met dear Pearl. She was so sweet and kind to me, like an angel from Heaven, and which she has always been to me. I also knew Brother and Sister Tomlinson and Leolia. These people were very dear to me, and my visit to their home was always a great pleasure. I am deeply grateful and thankful that I came to know the dear Tomlinson and Halverson families, and that I came to be a part of their lives. Dear Eva did so much for me and I loved her so dearly, there just aren’t words to express the deep appreciation I have for her and her wonderful family and for all they have done for me. Her passing was a great blow to me and I feel it keenly, but her love and inspiration will ever linger in my heart. Minnie Olson Our Precious Minnie has been a wonderful asset to our family, we are proud and grateful for the association of such noble, faithful, and dependable friends. “She does not seek the wealth of the work, nor prestige, power nor fame; She does not ask for honor to grace the plainness of her name. Her life is rich with priceless gems, when truth and faith applaud; When friends can look at her and say, “She has won the trust of God.” Pearl E. Lambert
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