First Dell Immigrant (in our line)

Richard Dell - 1672-1724

(information found on Ancestry.com, written by jlchipman)

"Richard Dell is believed to have immigrated to America in about 1690 and was, perhaps, an indentured servant at the time. He married Elizabeth DeCou in 1695 and had one child, Henry, in 1699 in New Jersey. The Burlington Court Book records a case with Richard Dell as plaintiff and Elizabeth Bassnett as defendant on behalf of William Frampton's children (Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah) who were also the children of her step-mother Elizabeth Potter who married second Elizabeth Bassnett's father (Richard Bassnett, 1650 England, 1694 Burlington, New Jersey) after William Frampton's death. The result of this court case was 100 pounds to each of William Frampton's children (presumably from Elizabeth Bassnett's husband on behalf of her father Richard Bassnett who was deceased in 1694).

"Son, Henry Dell (1699-1755) marred Jean Lyon (1700-1754) and they raised 5 children in New Jersey.

"Granddaughter, Anna Eva Maria Dell (1737-1803, daughter of Henry Dell, is believed to be the 'Ms Dell' that married Johann Henrich Buchner (1734-1817) and they raised 10 children in New Jersey."

A few references for you to look at:
https://books.google.com/books?id=CHXZNnppLqwC&pg=PA390&lpg=PA390&dq=%22Richard+Dell%22+immigrant&source=bl&ots=h_FhWQvB2_&sig=bpi3tAgvDCx3bGG8-B5ZEumgBoA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiM2OvLuK7SAhUSwmMKHcI6D6gQ6AEIJDAC#v=onepage&q=%22Richard%20Dell%22%20immigrant&f=false

https://www.geni.com/people/Richard-Dell/6000000007141961618

Sir William Wallace

Sir William Wallace

When Pat and I took our trip to Scotland and Ireland last year (so sad that I can say 'last year' now!) we figured since we were over there we would go and see the areas where we knew some of our ancestors were from.

The first night of our trip we were in Scotland. We stayed just outside of Glasgow in a town called Paisley. It was a cute town, kind of busy, but not where we were. We stayed in the Ashtree House Hotel (http://www.ashtreehousehotel.com/en-GB/homepage). I wish it had the history of it online because I don't remember all of it! However, I know it was built in the 1700's! It was pretty cool to begin our trip there!

We walked down the street a bit to a nearby pub (restaurant) in the rain (the only time we really got rained on during our entire trip! Not to mention one of the best meals we had during our trip!) The next morning the owner of the hotel told us that Sir William Wallace (of 'Braveheart' fame) used to walk down the street to go to school. I knew we had some Wallace's in our family history, but wasn't sure we were related. Well, we are! Since he was born in 1272 I won't even attempt to figure out how many greats he is to us... but he is a very, very, very great Uncle! Our direct relative, Sir John Wallace, is his younger brother, and of course our who-knows-how-many great grandparents are Sir Malcolm or Alan Wallace Lord Elderslie and Lady Margaret Craufurd.

Since I knew that our Wallace's were from Elderslie, Scotland, which is just west of Paisley, the next morning we drove there. I loved the area. It was pristine, and quaint... just the kind of place I'd love to retire in, but we won't, since it's all the way in Scotland!

If you'd like to learn more about Sir William Wallace, here is the link on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wallace

Oh, and if you're interested in knowing how the line gets to the Wallace's on family search... go down the Breed line until you get to Shinkle, go down that line to McConnell, and then go from there to Wallace. Follow that line for awhile and you will find them! Enjoy!!

Stanley Dwight Breed

Gloria Evon Naslund & Stanley Dwight Breed

August 7, 1946

Wedding day

I thought I'd take a few minutes today to talk about my dad, for whomever is interested. He was born to Stanley David Breed and Della Frances McAfee on July 7, 1927 (7/7/27 - which is one of the reasons #7 is my lucky number... just realize that's my personality! ;)). He was the 5th of 10 children.

I'm not really sure why I feel like I should share some stories about my dad today. Perhaps it's because the 25th anniversary of his death (6/16/92) is coming up soon. Pat and I plan to take that day and go up to Paradise to pay our respects. We also plan to spend the night up there, visit with some friends and family. At any rate, my parents have both been on my mind lately...and in my heart. Even as I write this I am tearing up, simply because of the love and gratitude I have for them.

In our church, nearly every first Sunday of the month (twice a year it's different due to General Conference, where our Prophet, Apostles, and church leaders speak to us on TV) is called Fast Sunday. On those Sunday's we fast for whatever needs we, or someone we know, have... or to simply express our gratitude for our blessings. We donate the amount of money we would have spent on food for those 2 meals (though many of us give far more than that amount - the money goes to help those in need locally), and we have what is called a testimony meeting during our church service. This is where someone from the audience can go up to the pulpit and express their testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and their love for God, our Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.

So, testimony meeting was nearly 2 weeks ago, and I got up and shared my feelings. One of the feelings I expressed was my gratitude for my parent's willingness to listen to the missionaries when they came to their door, and turn their lives around - inevitably giving myself, my brother and sister, and our families better lives. The depth of gratitude I feel for their courage to change and make their/our lives better can't even begin to be expressed. This, my faith, is the greatest gift that my parents gave me. I thought I'd share their story... their bravery, with you.

My parents didn't have the greatest marriage. This was largely due to my dad, who was an alcoholic and was addicted to gambling. My mom had heard about the church and met with the missionaries many years before, because of her sister, my Aunt Madge (who never joined the church but introduced her to it). While she knew it was what she wanted/needed in their lives she also felt that it wasn't the right time. So, she waited.

After I was born my mom was really ill. She was unable to hold me, to nurture me. Auntie, my mom's Aunt Lillian, came to help out. We were living in Hawthorne, CA, at the time. One day while Auntie was there my mom and her had a conversation about church. Auntie told my mom that we needed religion... we needed a church. My mom then told her that the only church she'd be interested in was the "Mormon" church... which is actually The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Apparently I began to cry (I was only about 3 months old). My mom went back to take care of me while I lay in my crib. While she was taking care of me the door bell rang. There stood two LDS missionaries. Auntie invited them in. My mom came out and said they'd need to meet with her and my dad, could they return on Saturday when my dad would be home? They agreed, of course, to that!

At some point in time, I believe it was Friday night, my dad came home drunk and he had gambled away his paycheck. She told him the missionaries were coming to talk with them and that he had better be willing to listen. Because he was in the 'doghouse' (his word!) he said he would.

You should probably know that my dad was an agnostic. He didn't believe in the God that he had heard about his whole life... it just didn't make sense to him. So, when the elders came he listened. He opened his heart, he put aside any prejudgments he many have had, he listened and heard what he needed to hear. He knew that this was exactly what they needed in their lives. From then on they were dedicated to learning, and becoming more than what they were before.

This meant, no more alcohol, no more gambling, no more coffee, or cigarettes. This decision meant that they learned more about Jesus Christ and would strive to pattern their lives after Him. This meant that they would serve more, do more, be more, help others more, and certainly that they would love more. This meant that they would truly repent of their sins, not just once but daily. This meant that their faith would become their foundation; that they wouldn't just attend occasionally, but weekly, and they would attend more meetings than that! This decision would be the best, happiest, most fulfilling, decision they would ever make. There was no turning back for them.

My parents and Sue were baptized on December 23, 1955. I was 4 months old. In our church children aren't baptized until they are age 8, so they can be held accountable for their actions. If they die before age 8 they are automatically saved for eternity.

So, this didn't really turn out to be about my dad, it turned out to be about my parents... about the greatest blessing they gave me, and my husband, and our children and grandchildren. Without the gospel of Jesus Christ --- all facets of it --- I wouldn't be me. They have laid this foundation for our family, our posterity, their posterity to stand firmly on. I am simply grateful, and I love them for it.

If anyone would like to know more... I'd be happy to share what I know. All I can say is that living the gospel brings the deepest happiness and joy that one can experience in this life. Love you all!

Della Frances McAfee & Stanley David Breed

This is a picture of my dad with Grandma & Grandpa Breed.

Della was born to Samuel Francis McAfee and Katherine Isabelle Farquaharson (Ferguson) on December 7, 1898 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I have no proof that they were ever married. In fact, when I found information on Katherine I have found a marriage certificate for her marriage to James Thomas Finnigan, where she states that this was her first marriage. (She was also married to a Fred Wilson) For all I know she could have been lying… because there are other sources that say that they were married, and I discovered a pension for her from Samuel where she is noted as a widow. So, it’s a little confusing. If they were married it wasn’t for long… but I’ll get into that another time!

I don't think Grandma lived with them for long... she was 'adopted' by another couple...Frank and Lida McNamara...I found a 1910 census where she was living with them.

Stanley David Breed was born on November 11, 1893 to George Jarvis Breed and Rhoda Rhuamar Dixon in Manlius, Illinois. We don’t know a whole lot about him… but here is what we have an idea of:

1)      He had some difficulty in life due to serving in the war.

2)      He was not a good provider for his family… Patty said she remembers that he was a ‘hobo’.

3)      He died from a heart attack on his way to meet me, I was six months old. He was on a train and had a heart attack… in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

My dad didn’t talk about his dad much. I’m pretty sure they had a rough life. In fact my dad had to quit school and go to work in 9^th grade to support the family. More on that when I go into his life!

Together they had 10 children: Dorothy, Dale, Pat (Dolores), Arelone, Dwight, Rosella, Clarence, daughter, Lineah and Dennis.

Della, Grandma Breed, was a hard worker. She was always trying to find ways to make money… she mended things for others, ironed, did whatever she could. She was very proud to have so many grandchildren and I remember her often sharing with us what the current count was. (Anyone know where we ended up at?)

Patty shared the following: “I don’t know where to start. I will have to give this some thought. As a 12 year old going through some hard times. We lived with grandma. At the time she was both mean, and looking back she was nice then too. Grandma did teach us a lot; how to clean, do laundry, to be honest. That good hard work hurt no one. She did help teach me to sew.

“I can tell you a story. When I was 12 she sent me to the store to get a can of tomatoes. I saw the candy bars by the cash register so I bought one. I ate it on the way home. I gave grandma the tomatoes and the change. Well she knew right away it was minus a nickel. So she sent me back to get the nickel. Oh boy, I prayed and watching the ground hoping to find a nickel. And I did. I looking back I wonder, what was I doing? I knew the store wasn’t going to give me a nickel. I should have owned up to what I did, but I was really scared.”

From my perspective, which is vastly different from other’s experiences with her, I’d say that Grandma was super loving, if you were on her good side… if you weren’t she let you know it, and never let up on it. 

In fact, Carol, tells the following story:

“When my girls were older, they didn’t get along with Grandma Breed, too well. Especially Kimberly, she is the youngest. One day, I had had enough of their little bickering, and told them to stop, and what was wrong with the two of them. They both were two little children… Kimberly thought that Grandma Breed didn’t like her, and Grandma thought that Kimberly didn’t like her. They both come to understand that wasn’t the truth at all… just a misperception. In fact, Grandma put on her shoes, and she and both my girls took a walk to the corner store, and were fine from that day on. I still smile when I think of that day."

Carol also shared, “She was a good woman, and taught me more than she even knew. I learned more from her than anyone. I love her beyond words. She was rough at times, but truly a softie when she let you in. I have jokingly told people that my grandmother was so tough, she ate nails for breakfast! I miss her, and always will. I am so grateful to have had her in my life. Even when my children were getting older she told me that she was disappointed in me for not having them in Sunday School. Well, guess what! I immediately found a church and we, as a family, all went together! Both my girls were baptized in this same church.”

Patty said, “When my father was still alive every Sunday we went for a Sunday drive and went to grandmas. My dad called grandma ‘old battle axe’. Grandma knew her name and liked it!”

Sharon shared this about her experiences with Grandma, “Grandma Breed was the paternal grandmother I never had. After my real father died, my paternal grandmother had nothing to do with Howard and I. Mom tried to send her school pictures and keep her posted, but she nothing to do with us, no contact. (I will NEVER understand that! Boy did she miss out!) Grandma Breed is truly my “real” paternal grandmother. She NEVER made me feel anything but her real grandchild. She was always kind to me.

“I recall her having me spend the night with her a number of times. She’d cook her famous French fries or corn fritters every time. She’d talk with me, showed me how to iron, even let her have her bed to sleep in when I stayed. It used to crack me up when she’d go off in a fit, because I knew better. It didn’t bother me a bit, it often would make me giggle inside, because in my heart I knew she was a softy in so many ways. I remember her letting my parents use her Grant Card at Christmas to buy me a bicycle for under the tree and they’d pay her back with their tax return. She didn’t want me to be without a bike. I also remember her getting so mad at dad (Clarence) and yelling at him because she wanted to buy me a hope chest on my 16^th birthday and he wouldn’t have any part of it. Boy, was she giving it to him! I remember her telling me, “I wanted to give you a hope chest, but ‘whozawitz’ wouldn’t let me! I loved her dearly and remember she’d have me laughing with all her ‘what’s her names’ and ‘whozawitz’! You know, ‘ol’ whatsername’!

“I remember when she lived with mom and dad on Clark Rd in Paradise and she had her own room. Well, when that little TV was going or her radio in the morning you knew not to disturb her because that was her time for her important radio station or soap opera!

“I knew Grandma could get mad and yell, and so may saw her as grump…but I never did. I saw her as an older woman whose tolerance grew thinner over time due to the hardships she had endured. I look to her this day as a woman who could show me love and acceptance without reservation, even if bloodlines weren’t there…showing that her heart and soul were kind even if a wall had been built around it, and that her heart was big enough to break through that wall and still show love and express herself, even if it was just to vent! I will never have anything but love in my heart for Grandma Breed.”

Patty says, “Grandma told me many things, but I would ask. I wanted to know. Grandma had a very hard life, she was abused by her real parents and her adopted parents. She really was a hard working lady. She did people’s ironing for 10 cents apiece. She cleaned people’s houses and got on her knees and did their floors. She babysat for people. Everyone called her Miss Breed, and all the kids called her Grandma Breed…Oh, I was jealous! That was our grandma!”

I remember all of us thinking Grandma would live forever! She just kept on going, no matter how her health was! I was surprised when she passed away on September 26, 1977. She died at age 78, almost 79. She affected all of our lives… for good or bad. She was a hard worker, devoted to her family, and loved having a large family. My dad would have done anything for her. I am certain that he felt he owed her so much, especially since she basically raised them all on her own.

If you have any other stories you’d like to share regarding Grandma you can either send me a message on facebook or email me at sandydell@gmail.com. We have all been able to overcome the challenges and trials life has brought us. I am certain we received some of Grandma’s fortitude and ability to overcome obstacles. I am grateful for that!

Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins was the first in the Godfrey line to land on American soil. He has quite the history! He is believed to be the only passenger on the Mayflower who had previously been to the New World. He was in Jamestown from 1610-14. There is quite the history about him on Wikipedia. Here is the link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hopkins_(Mayflower_passenger)

Here are a few facts about him, if you don't have time to read all of that!
1. He was born in 1581, baptized April 30, 1581 in Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England.
2. He is the son of John Hopkins and Elizabeth Williams.
3. He died in June or July 1644.
4. He was one of the 41 signatories of the Mayflower Compact, and an assistant to the Plymouth  Colony governor.
5. He was a rascal, and an adventurer; the play, "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare was thought to be patterned after him.
6. He returned to England because his wife, Mary, suddenly died, leaving him with 3 young children to care for.
7. He then married Elizabeth, taking her and his three children (Constance, Giles (direct relative), and Damaris) on the Mayflower to America.
8. While living in the Plymouth Colony he kept a tavern, until his death.

He is also a direct ancestor of Gordon B. Hinckley, former Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church), which is of particular interest to Pat and our family, since we are also members and regarded President Hinckley with great love and the utmost respect.

Ellen Elaine Soderstrom Naslund

My Grandma Naslund was born on August 13, 1902 in Mora, Minnesota. She lived with her parents Carl Oscar Soderstrom and Anna Maria Samuelson. She was the oldest of 14 children (fourteen!!!). She attended school and finished the 8th grade. Then she went to work in a restaurant and made $2.50/week. When she began dating Richard he told her she should quit working in the restaurant because of the type of people that went there. After that she worked as a housekeeper.

That is all the real information I have about Ellen. She passed away when my mom was five (March 4, 1931). I grew up believing that my grandma had died from pneumonia...which is probably true to a certain extent. The story my mom told me was that she had been ill and she went outside to hang the wet clothes on the clothesline, after that she had pneumonia and died.

It wasn't until I was 18 that I learned the truth, and not from my mom, but my cousin, Dianne.

My Aunt Madge was in the hospital and things weren't going well (she died several weeks later). So, my mom asked me to fly to Minnesota with her, which I did. While we were there and were in the car with Dianne she asked me if I knew the story. I thought I did, but she proved me wrong. (and I don't think my mom was very happy that she did)

The story is that they lived in a very small house, sounds like it was about 800 sq ft, and they had 4 children all close in age... Madge, Chuck, Mom and Bev. Apparently, Grandma found out that she was pregnant again. There was no room in their little home for another child. During those days people were going door to door and offering abortions... in your home. Someone offered her that and she took them up on it. Needless to say, it didn't go well, so, I'm unsure if she hemorrhaged or what happened, but I am pretty sure pneumonia set in somewhere during that time.

This is such a sad story to me. Four children lost their mother at a very young age, and had great hardships because of it. From what my mom said about her memories of her mother she was very kind and loving. Grandpa was unable to take care of all of them so they were split up between family members. Some of them had a loving relationship with those that took them in, others were not as fortunate. My mom stayed with her dad and my grandma great, Anna Hockenson Naslund.

My mother's siblings were wonderful people. I am blessed that they were a part of my life. They were all kind and loving, and had great love and devotion for each other... I am pretty certain that they received those traits from their parents, and I am grateful for that.

If you have more info regarding any of this please email me! Thank you!