June 12, 1971 (newspaper clipping included in account, transcribed by Susan Carey, Aug 2013)
Over 175 members of the late John William (Will) Pitcher met to celebrate his 100th birthday. He was born on June 13, 1871, in Smithfield, two years after his parents John and Rebecca Pitcher had immigrated to Utah from England.
He and Mary Clarissa Thornley, daughter of John and Margaret Stringfellow Thornley were married March 23, 1892 in Smithfield. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Temple in March 1896. Twelve children were born in this family. They were Margaret, Cyril, Harvey, Phoebe, Mozelle, DeConn, Brown, Melvin, Messie, Vaudice, Valden and Bertha.
Early in their marriage Mr. Pitcher was employed by the railroad as section foreman. They moved from Thatcher, Idaho, to Camas, Idaho, and then to Smithfield. In 1906 they moved to their farm in Cornish. In 1912 they built a large two story white brick house of nine rooms and a basement. This was home for a growing family of children and grandchildren and a place for parties and dinner for their numerous relatives and friends. Will was a good provider and Mary was a good cook.
Mr. Pitcher served several years as assistant superintendent and also as superintendent of the Sunday School and as ward teacher in the Cornish Ward. In November 1920 he was called to serve an LDS mission in England. Two of his sons served on missions.
Mr. Pitcher died December 16, 1938, at his home in Cornish. Members of the family include Margaret Petersen, (deceased) H. Cyril Pitcher, Logan; Harvey, Cornish; Pheobe Boman, Lewiston; Mozelle Boman, Los Angeles, California; DeConn, Cornish; Brown (deceased), Melvin, Lewiston; Bessie Last, Bountiful; Vaudice Boman, Lewiston; Valden, Cornish and Bertha Greaves, Cleveland, Ohio.
Members of the family arranging for the reunion were: H. Cyril Pitcher, general chairman; Valden T. Pitcher, program; Melvin Pitcher, DeConn Pitcher and Carol Gregory, food; Pheobe Boman, recreation; Bessie Last, publication; Kristine Dent, Vaudice Boman, invitations.
Frank Last of Bountiful served as master of ceremonies for the following program: Julie, Linda and Diane Pitcher played “Stars and Stripes Forever” on the piano; harmonica solo, Grant P. Petersen, vocal duet by Joseph L. Myler and Douglas Myler, “Silver Haired Daddy of Mine”; vocal duet by Larry Pitcher and Darlene P. Post, “You Are My Love,” vocal solo by Marcell Pitcher accompanied by Dan Pitcher. Suzanne Boman, Diane Pitcher danced a can-can dance. There was a skit put on by Melody Boman, Jeff Boman and Bonnie Boman. Verdin Dent sang a vocal solo accompanied by Kristine Dent. Geniel Pitcher sang “Mr. Sandman” accompanied by Julie Pitcher. Vickie and Cherri Gregory of Wellsville played a guitar duet followed by a recitation by Sandie Gregory. The final number was a quartet composed of Joseph L. Myler, Boyce Pitcher, Grant Petersen and Douglas Myler accompanied by Avis P. Myler.
Mrs. Maude Hyer of Lewiston decorated a birthday cake designating the 100th birthday anniversary and presented it to the family.
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