Alexander Arthur Doak Blogspot

A few photos found of Betty Ruth Doak Lindsey

2012-01-14T04:10:00.000-08:00

This photo is supposedly of her with her parents Everett and Mary Doak. The other is with her Uncle Arthur Doak and one with her sister Lois. Please correct me if I am wrong. This is just an assumption as found in
"The Book".

Alexander Doak's granddaughter Betty Ruth Doak Lindsey passes at age 90.

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Although we grew up a nation apart Betty Ruth has become a dear friend. We have visited her in her home in Wilmington, Delaware on one occasion and then at her home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My main purpose in visiting with relatives is to learn more about family history which I am very passionate about. She has visited on the phone at length to give me much of my knowledge of her father Uncle Everett and her grandfather Alexander Arthur Doak. To me Betty Ruth has the heart of a teacher. She has a way of teaching you things you do not know. A couple of coincidences I will mention: She has a son named John Jay Lindsey and I have a son named Jonathan Jay Lindsey. (Her son is deceased but her daughter- in law was kind enough to share with us her memorial service from which I will extract some of my favorite parts.) I have an older friend we visited and stayed the night there who lived in a nice retirement home in Hockessin, Delaware which was the exact home Betty Ruth told me she had wanted to get into. She ended up in a retirement home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania which is a lovely part of the state and home of the Amish who ride in buggies, farm with horses and have no electricity.

Obituary Betty Ruth Doak Lindsey

Of Willow Valley Retirement Community, in Lancaster, Pa., passed away after a lengthy illness on November 30, 2011, at the age of 90.

Betty Ruth was born in New Jersey and grew up in Tyler County, West Virginia, where she held her first teaching position as the district music teacher. She and her husband John raised their family in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was a DuPont employee. Mrs. Lindsey graduated from West Liberty Teacher's College in West Virginia and the University of Delaware, where she also received her Master's Degree in Special Education. Mrs. Lindsey taught 4th Grade and Special Education at Brandywood Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware. Betty Ruth had a great love of singing and classical music, and performed as a soloist, choir member, junior choir director and piano teacher, before retirement. She and her husband, John moved to Willow Valley Retirement Community in 1998, where they made many dear friends.

Betty Ruth was predeceased by her son, John Jay Lindsey and her husband of 62 years, John B. Lindsey. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Janice Neprash of Atlanta, Ga. and Lois Faunce, of Warminster, Pa.; her children Carol Davidson, of Wilmington, DE; Ruth Lindsey of Kapaau, HI and Bill Lindsey of Montara, CA. She is survived by 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Excepts from the sermon:
"Beloved musician, friend, mother, grandmother. This time and place are made sacred by our need to remember one so beloved who has left our midst."
"For Betty Ruth, teaching and performing gave her a passionate connection to life, and helped her to connect with others through a medium that touches the soul. Music is the language of love and the language of faith; in fact "Music is love in search of a word."
"We give thanks for Betty Ruth's musical and loving spirit and for the legacy of caring she leaves in this world. We give thanks for the light of love that persists through death and lives in human hearts."
"In the mystery that is life, let us hold fast to Love, Love which is conquered and stronger than death, which carries us to the eternal. Love which continues in our hearts so that Betty Ruth will remain alive in us as we remember her and honor her. Love is of God, for God is love."
"There are wonderful stories of a woman who loved life, loved music and loved to laugh. I learned of a woman who despite Polio of her youth managed to share her love of music, even if she had to cross a swinging bridge in the wilds of West Virginia to teach her young pupils. I learned of a loving marriage of 62 years to a man who spoiled her rotten, but with good reason it sounds to me."
"Let us rest in the knowledge that the veil has been removed. Betty Ruth can finally know truth, and she can see God, face to face."
Love is eternal.

Enjoy some wonderful memories from Grandma Sylvia 1965 Christmas

2011-12-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas day! I was sitting at my computer and noticed a letter from Grandmother Meacham. She is Alexander Arthur Doak's daughter, Sylvia. I'm not sure how it got there but thought some of you Meachams especially may enjoy some memories. Sat. Jan. 2nd 1965

Dear Pearl and all-

I have been taking down our Christmas & putting it away & there is not so much left of the old year only the thank you notes.

I was surprised to get more paper and heading from you, as I have always use tablet paper & scribbled to you on that, & had thought I never would get any more, this is the last sheet left of a year ago.

Our Christmas was so calm we hardly knew we had Christmas, Gene started to open things about three a clock and by the time we usually gather around we had had it not even a card to read.

We had a 20 pound turkey dinner & still had almost a half side for gravy New year dinner & still have some.

All last week our T.V. was out & Mr. Balan from Culdesac made 7 trips over come to see the trouble then came back next nite with tube. Dec. 31st. David & Steven came got it & took the T.V. to town & got home by noon O.K.just more tubes. So then I phoned around for people to come to see the Parade & 2 ball games. Lois & Margaret Herndon were here. Davids, Garry & 2 little ones Darryll, Norma Jean. Some of Buds were here, came after dinner. Some of the children were here for dinner. They had a N year Party the nite before the kids with there sleds, played until 2 a clock N Year a.m. before they got started home. They couldn't watch T.V. Much for coasting, snow packed down & best they had ever seen it.

We are enjoying the winter, the hi. water every place was awful for so many.

I got my V. blinds up just 2 days before Christmas. I will hold these old ones for a while. There are 4 that are 32 inches, these have two ways of hanging, but I wondered if the length, wouldn't be too short for you. Thee windows, the window man took 2 for hauling away but the blind man wouldn't take them away for them. We do like our porch so much, door open most of the time. They won't fit any of my other windows.

I hope to get a letter off to Mike. I am glad he is where he is not in some of those war zones.

Garry didn't get home until last Tuesday. Got as far as Portland on his way home for Christmas, spent the nite with a friend. If he had of come on home would have gotten stranded, so spent Christmas with this friend also.

Uncle Geo. Phoned out yesterday to hear about our roads & weather. (Sun Shine) so he was here too. It seems a shame to have company & sit around in the dark, blinds all down watching T.V. I put on the dinner, had roast beef & plenty for all.

We all thought you had such a nice Christmas letter. I heard Dad remark about it 2 or 3 times. Greg as well as Dad & I will always remember 1964 the year we went to Texas.

I saw in something the other day that part of Texas one doesn't see any thing only ground & sky. It was Nov. of Ford Time. I wondered if you got it at the garage. Was going to put it in your Christmas then thought you probably got it, having all Fords.

Gene has to take a little calf to the sale to-day. It's mother died. They don't know why.

Sunday before Christmas I was out clean8ing off the snow around a little, & Kent came from the barn & helped, cleaned off all the walks of 10 – 12 inches. Then the winds & rain, real rain, & not a bit of snow was to be seen. & Thursday A.M. We had 6 to 8 inches again & beautiful again. Christmas day sun came up so beautiful. I got several snow pictures & walked over to Buds & took & saw there tree and new drapes & white walls. We had snow off and on since. We all love it that way. Hi water was awful. I wondered if you got any. No news. Thanks for the stationary.

Love all, Grandma

Pearl Meacham Celebrates 90th Birthday with Her Large Posterity

2011-12-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

The church ground around the corner from her son Doug Meacham was the gathering place for so many of Pearl's posterity who came from as far away as Mt. Vernon, Washington. There were babies there that she had never seen before and so many little ones that it was truly a joyous occasion for her. It was a beautiful fall day so most of the activities were held outside. The children enjoyed playing in the leaves and the boys and men played football and frisbee. Doug brought his great barbeque equipment and there was an abundance of food being it was potluck. Chris, Doug and Trudy Meacham's son delighted everyone with the surprise use of his pony, Lucky. The granddaughters enjoyed working on a quilt set up by Doug and Trudy. The children doned costumes to present a quite unrehearsed play written about Pearl's great grandfather the 4th president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The play took place at his 90th birthday and featured the song "How Can I Thank Thee" sung by Isabella Favero and "Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant" sung by Payton Kemp both great grandchildren. Many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren took part and though it was quite unrehearsed it presented a reminder to us all of the wonderful miracles witnessed by our ancestors and to her posterity. The faith she has given us is a priceless treasure next to life itself. It was a full afternoon with precious memories.

Ran onto a couple of old Photos

2011-11-10T21:39:00.000-08:00

The pictures are taken of the casket of Emma Elizabeth Doak at her funeral. She was buried at College City so that is likely where the photo was taken. The second picture is of the congregation of the church perhaps at Ukiah, California where Rev. Doak built a church.

The Lotion Finally Came

2011-10-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

The lotion finally came. While working in the temple I met a nice lady who was putting on her hand lotion. She said she uses Jergens lotion to remind her of her aunt. She said it was not easy to find. I smiled and thought that I wasn't so bizzar after all. I had, myself, searched to find the Baby Magic lotion without much success. I also wished to keep Aunt Clara in my memory. The lotion was found at last at Drugstore.com. With this dry Nevada weather the supply will come in handy.

Auntie Clara Meacham passes away on Father's Day

2011-06-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Clara was born August 10, 1918 near Nezperce ID to Harry John Hill and Marion Eliza Dussel Hill.

She, Clara Mary Meacham, passed away on June 19, 2011 due to a heart attack. It was quite fitting she pass on on Father's day. She always wanted to keep that a special day with the family together. She had said goodbye to her children and grandchildren who were visiting for Father's day with noone knowing it was her time to go that evening. Her death was peaceful and unexpected.

Clara attended grade school at the Fletcher School near Craigmont ID, the same school where she received her first teaching position. Clara graduated from Nezperce ID High School in 1936 and from North Idaho Normal School in 1939. Clara taught school at Fletcher, Potlatch ID and Lewiston.

She married Howard (Bud) Doak Meacham on August 23, 1942. They were married in the Hill family home in Nezperce ID by his grandfather, the Reverend A. A. Doak. Family members recall Alexander Arthur Doak, Bud's grandfather, looking at the couple and remarking that this marriage was going to last.

Bud and Clara farmed, ranched and raised their family in the Tom Beall area near Lapwai ID. She was a member of the First Christian Church, 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, Boy Scout den mother and substitute teacher for the Lapwai School District.

They moved to Clarkston in 1979. Clara was active in PEO - Chapter BR and the Clarkston Tau-Delta Book Club.

Clara is survived by one daughter, Patty and husband George Patton; three sons, Kent and wife Mary, Bruce and wife Robin and Barry and wife Sherri; 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Hazel Olson.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband Howard (Bud) Meacham in 2006, her parents and a brother, Cecil Hill.

Clara was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. The great-grandkids loved the endless supply of little square cookies. Although she couldn’t swim, she made sure all of her grandchildren had swimming lessons and learned to swim. Every Christmas Clara hung a Christmas stocking for each member of her family and at age 92 she had 58 stockings hung.

The Chapter 31 in Proverbs certainly describes Auntie Clara. "Her children arise up and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praiseth her." Auntie Clara's life was centered around her family. She had a way of making others feel special and especially loved the children. They were always" too cute" to her. I really appreciated her passing down cousin Patty's clothes as a child and the times she welcomed me and other cousins into her home. She tried to keep us busy. One time we were just idling our time away in childish play and she got me to baking cookies. She helped Patty and her friend learn to sew and they were always making matching dresses. Patty's skills in sewing and thinking of others have been passed down to bless the lives of so many. She often gave 80th birthday parties for family members which was a special gesture and a fun reason to get together. Auntie Clara had a fragrant smell of Baby Magic, her favorite lotion, long after she had babies in the house. She was an excellent housekeeper and cook and she was an example to the rest of us.

At her request, no services will be held. Interment will be at the Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston WA.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Northwest Children’s Home 419 22nd Ave Lewiston ID 83501.

CLARA MARY MEACHAM, 92 CLARKSTON

Gregory Isaiah Meacham Returns as a Missionary

2011-03-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Gregory Isaiah Meacham returned February 19, 2010 from a 2 year mission to bring people to Christ. He served in the Colorado Springs mission. He is the youngest of 27 grandchildren of George and Pearl Meacham. George is Alexander Arthur and Emma Elizabeth Doak's grandson. They are a missionary family. Listed below are the children, grandchildren and spouses who have served as missionaries. The young men served for 2 years and the young women served for 18 months at their own and families expense. The eldest of George and Pearl's son's Michael Arthur Meacham served in the Bavarian German mission. Douglas Jay Meacham served in the Western States Mission in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico. Gregory Patten Meacham served in Ireland and The Isle of Man. Roger Merritt Meacham served in the Independence mission in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Sons in laws David Edwin Lindsey served in the North British Mission. Steve Bills served in the Columbia Mission in South America.
The grandchildren that served were Douglas Scott Meacham in the Seattle - Vietnamese Mission. Christopher Meacham in the Birmingham, England Mission, Nathanial Meacham in the Austria Mission, Kirsten Lindsey went to a French Speaking Montreal Canadian Mission, Lauralee Meacham the Charlotte North Carolina Mission. David Patten Lindsey was in the St. Louis Mission. Jonathan Jay Lindsey served in Knoxville Tennessee Mission. Elizabeth Ann Lindsey was in the Buenos Aires South Argentina Mission, Taylor Meacham was in Brazilian Mission, Jon Bills served in the Equador Mission, Benjamin Adam Lindsey served in the Durban South African Mission, Craig Joseph Lindsey was in the Washington D.C. South Mission.
The spouses to the grandchildren that served missions are Travis Reber in the Spain Mission and the Canary Islands, John Kemp in Japan, Laurie Meacham served in Birmingham Mission, Nicholas Favero in the Spanish Speaking Texas Mission, Bret Barben in the Hawaiian Mission, Shannon Meacham in the Maryland Mission, Ryan Jensen in the North British Mission, Ben Campbell served in the Las Vegas South Mission, Seth Redford in the Montevideo Uruguay Mission. I will add various photos later as I get them.

Our dear Aunt Irma Elizabeth Meacham See passes on.

2011-01-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

Biography

Irma E. ‘Meachie’ See

Born March 30, 1920 in Clarkston, Washington

Died December 23, 2010 in Santa Barbara, California

Mrs. See (Meachie) was born in Clarkston, Washington and grew up nearby in Lapwai, Idaho where her parents, Merritt and Sylvia Meacham, farmed. Being the only girl in the middle of six brothers, she confessed that she was very much a tom-boy in her younger days, and her fondest memories were centered around her lifelong love of horses.

Shortly after earning her degree from the University of Portland in 1942 she married the love of her life, Bud See. Meachie then spent much of the war years moving around from base to base while her husband served as a flight instructor in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

After the war the See family made their home in Pendleton until 1967, when they moved to the Willamette Valley. Twenty one years later the Sees returned to enjoy their retirement in the log home they built near Long Creek, Oregon. After Bud’s death in 2001, Meachie continued to live in their mountain retreat on her own, sometimes having to sled her groceries ½ mile from the end of the plowed road to the cabin. These last years in the mountains were a testament to her love of the great outdoors that was instilled in her as a young girl.

Meachie enjoyed a life filled with church and family as well as a professional career as a registered nurse. Her professional career began in Pendleton in the ‘40s as a public health nurse for Umatilla County and extended well into her retirement years as a volunteer at Mountain Home Air Force base.

The legacy she has left to her family and friends is that she was a woman of disciplines, the greatest of which was her relationship with her lord Jesus Christ. She truly was the woman described in Proverbs 31.

Meachie passed away on December 23rd in Santa Barbara, Ca. where she had resided for the past year at the home of her daughter, Katie. She was preceded in death by her son Tom and husband Bud. She is survived by her other children Rob, Bud Jr., Katie, nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Graveside Service

Friday January 7, 2011, 10:00 AM at Willamette National Cemetery

Doris Wilhelmina Doak dies at 100

2010-12-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

Doris Wilhelmin

Born: February 25, 1910

Died: November 30, 2010

Doris W. Doak passed away on November 30, 2010 at over 100 years of age. She was best

known for playing the piano with the "Pep Tones" at seniors' dances in West Seattle, Greenwood Senior Center and Bitter Lake Community Center for over 25 years until illness overtook her in 2008 at age 98. The family is very grateful to the Swedish Hospice nurses who lovingly cared for her during this time. They were her angels! Doris's infectious smile and positive spirit touched the lives of many. She learned to play the piano when she was 11 and it was a part of her life ever since. When you walked into Rhodes Ten Cent Store in the 1950's you could hear Doris playing the piano as she sold sheet music there. She also spent many years at Capital Music Co. at the Terminal Sales Bldg selling wholesale sheet music and finally at Sherman Clay across from the Bon Marche until she retired in 1985. She was a great-great-great grandmother with over 30 grandchildren and is survived by her daughters, Shirley Koval and Jo Lynn Sansom, and her sons, Kenneth and Larry Doak. A memorial service will be held at the Woodland Park Presbyterian Church at 70th and Greenwood Ave N. on Monday, December 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church of which Doris was a long-time member. We are all comforted in the fact that she is with the Lord enjoying His peace and love.

Uncle Arthur Alexander Doak and Aunt Eloise

2010-10-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of dear Uncle Arthur and his lovely wife Eloise Doak. As far as I know Eloise is still living in her mid 90's. She was a school teacher and is retired in Jensen Beach Florida. I will try to write more on them later. They have one son Daniel and he has 4 children by his 2 wifes. They also all live in florida.

Even More Reunion Photos

2010-09-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

Even more reunion photos

2010-08-29T16:51:00.001-07:00

Yes more

More photos

2010-07-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Don't you love the pictures of the Aunties?

2010-07-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

Photos from the Meacham Reunion

2010-07-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Lewiston, Idaho was again the place of the Meacham reunion. We didn't make it this year but Sylvia Meacham Wallen, Gordon's daughter, did a great job of taking photos. She caught everybody enjoying themselves. I suppose her photographer son-in-law helped her out by watching how he takes great photos. Thanks for sharing with us Sylvia. If you want to figure out who they are you can go to Sylvia Meacham Wallen's blog and they are all labeled.

Grandpa Doak loved his chickens and his pigs.

2010-06-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

Family History Trip

2010-05-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Upper - Doak family probably Sylvia & Ruth & a brother in Colfax, Washinton with Alexander & Emma. The Doak family in front of a home.

We got to visit 2 of Sylvia Doak Meacham's neices Betty Ruth Doak Lindsey and Lois Doak Faunce and her husband Grant Faunce. They both lived in really nice retirement homes in Pennsylvania. It was great visiting with them. Thought they may like some more family pictures.

Alexander with produce from his truck farm in California.

Doris has a wonderful day

2010-03-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Kenneth, Larry, Shirley Doak are pictured with their mother on her 100th birthday.

Larry reported that Doris had a wonderful time as she was honored with an open house with near to 30 long time friends and family in attendance. Doris was Ashley Neil Doak's wife and she has been lovingly attended by her children in her illness for nearly 3 years. Jolynn is not in the picture. She goes to Florida with her husband each winter. Doris was so happy and smiling all day long. There have been very few family members that have lived to be 100. In the Doak family several generations back there was an ancestor Letita Cline Smith who lived to be 106.

Doris loved to play the piano and played for the senior dances.

Alexander Doak and all his children

2010-02-07T03:05:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of when the family all got together in California. Sylvia brought a couple of the children and Erma is there with Gordon or david as the baby. Virginia and Audrey are first, then Alexander, Sylvia, Everett, Ruth, Howard, Arthur and Ashley Neil Doak.

Pearl Meacham going strong at 88.

2010-02-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

This is a clipping from the Provo Newspaper with Pearl in the front. She does Ti Chi three days a week and hates to miss this time. She also enjoys many nice gatherings and dinners at the Eldridge Center in Provo, Utah. She is a daughter in law to Sylvia Doak and Merritt Meacham. She enjoys her grandchildren (about 25 of them). Also she has about 58 great grandchildren. Living in Provo has given her the opportunity to know many of the grandchildren who have attended Brigham Young University. For the last 20 years she has nearly always had at least one grandchild who visits her. She is a source of stability and love to them. Her son Douglas Meacham lives close and she can enjoy many special occasions in Doug and Trudy's home. She keeps healthy by taking on her mother in law's tradition of studying health and trying to apply what she has learned.

Ashley Neil Doak's Family

2009-12-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry I don't have everyone but these are a few photos I was able to get off facebook to share with you. Don't ask why some are big and some are small. On the left is Larry's daughter Angela Bakos and her family. In the middle is Larry Doak and his brother Kenneth. On the right is

their mother and grandmother Doris who is around 98 going on 99 I believe. There are 4 generations in the picture and there would have been five if Doris daughter Jo Lynn had been in the picture. I'll try to post a picture of Shirley's family later. Doris lives in Seattle with Kenneth and who ever else is around to help care for her. What a loving, attentive family she has.

Our Visit with our Aunt Erma Meacham See

2009-11-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

On our trip from Mt. Vernon Washington to Yerington, Nevada we decided to take a detour by way of Sisters and Bend, Oregon to visit our Aunt Erma whom we hadn't seen in maybe 6 years. We found her in good health and her usual happy disposition. Her hearing is very poor and she doesn't want a hearing aid. Her memory is not what it used to be as she is about 89. She couldn't even remember who I was at first but it seemed to come back to her. She enjoys walking around the Ranch and they were just finishing up with a nice gentleman who was entertaining the 5 ladies with song. She lives in a Christian home and it is nice she is in the country where she can get out and enjoy nature. She is very dear to all of us and had such a prominent place in Sylvia and Merritt's family as she was smack in the middle of 6 boys. We also got to visit Katie, her daughter, and her husband Ken. They just got a renter for their house and are almost on their way to Santa Barbara for reasons of employment and to be close to their three grandchildren. He is a very good builder but needs to change because of the economy.

More photos of Ashley Neil (Shirley danced at Disneyland when it began))

2009-10-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Family

2009-10-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

2009-10-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

The 4 children of Ashley Neil and Doris are Kenneth born in 1933, Shirley born in 1936, Jo Lynn born in 1938, and Larry born in 1943. Sylvia's children and grandchildren got to know Larry as Gene the youngest child of Sylvia and Merritt Meacham and a 1st cousin of Larry took him camping, on visits to his southern Idaho cousins,and gave him the opportunity to work on their ranch in the summers mostly in the pea harvest or perhaps the wheat harvest. The Meacham cousins enjoyed meeting Larry and are thankful he attended the reunion last summer. Hopefully we can get better acquainted with our other cousins in the future. Kenneth and Jo Lynn both live in Washington State, Shirley lives in southern California, Larry lives in Virginia but has been spending a few months a year in Seattle with his mother and brother Kenneth. Doris is 98 and will be 99 in February of 2010 if she continues on.

2009-09-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

Latest family marriage

2009-09-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

On August 27, 2009 Marae Lindsey and Benjamin Campbell wed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Many siblings, grandparents, parents and a few close friends were in attendance to witness the beautiful ceremony. A luncheon was held in their honor in Draper, Utah. The couple will honeymoon in New Hampshire prior to their trip to London where the groom will attend college for his masters in Mid- eastern studies. The bride will work on her schooling in Natural Health.

Father's Day Reunion Lewiston, Idaho

2009-07-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

Jenny Wallen Koenig left, Sheri and Barry Meacham

Norma Jean Peters, Cici and Gary Meacham

2009-07-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

Meacham Cousins & Bruce Meacham by his lonely.

2009-07-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

Greg Meacham & Larry Doak

Kent Meacham & Larry Doak

Roger & Greg Meacham

More Meacham Cousins

2009-07-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Ann, Sylvia, and Patty Meacham

Meacham Family Reunion

2009-07-10T01:51:00.000-07:00

The senior generation of those attending the reunion included Clara Meacham, Gordon Meacham, and Dave Meacham. Also Doris and Billie Meacham were there. The reunion was held on Father's Day at the Lewiston Park and Steve Meacham made the arrangements. The weather wasn't too hot and they even got rain. It was reported to be a huge success. The attendance of Larry Doak, Ashley Neil's son was reported as the highlight of the reunion. He lives in Virginia and has been staying in Seattle with his 98 year old mother Doris. Larry knew many of the cousins from his work on the ranch when he was a youth.

Rob See Erma's Son left, Scott Meacham

Dave and Doris's son below.

Ruth Doak and Oscar Peterson

2009-05-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

These are Ruth and Oscar's great grandchildren. The family is from Fair Oaks, California and Gary and Cynthia live in Arbucle, California.

Oscar with baby Gary

Gary with mom and dad -Ruth and Oscar

Gary

Ruth

We certainly haven't finished with Uncle Everett and Grandmother Sylvia's families yet but it is time to move on. The third child is Ruth. She married Oscar Peterson and they had two children, a little girl , Beverly, died at birth and Gary. Gary remembered grandpa Doak as well as his second wife Virginia. Gary married Evangeline and later Cynthia. We got to meet Gary and Cynthia at our reunion last June.

Teachers in the Family

2009-03-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

My plan is to feature teachers in the family. These first photos are of Dick and Sylvia Wallen who teach in Gig Harbor, Washington and across the River in Tacoma, Washington. They teach Elementary School. Ann Meacham teaches middle school. She teaches P.E. and Health and one period of reading and golf. The picture is with Skip and Bud. Sylvia and Ann are daughters of Gordon and Billie Meacham and Granddaughters of Sylvia Doak Meacham

Doug Meacham sent this. I also appreciate teachers. God loves you! You teach His children a good part of the day! What an important job but also very demanding.

For all you underappreciated educators out there.
Have you heard about the next planned "Survivor" show? Three businessmen and three businesswomen will be dropped in an elementary school classroom for 6 weeks.
Each business person will be provided with a copy of his/her school district's curriculum, and a class of 28 students. Each class will have five learning-disabled children, three with A.D.D., one gifted child, and two who speak limited English. Three will be labeled with severe behavior problems. (If it were only 3 in real life!)Each business person must complete lesson plans at least 3 days in advance with annotations for curriculum objectives and modify, organize, or create materials accordingly. They will be required to teach students, handle misconduct, implement technology, document attendance, write referrals, correct homework, make bulletin boards, compute grades, complete report cards, document benchmarks, communicate with parents, and arrange parent conferences. They must also supervise recess and monitor the hallways. In addition, they will complete drills for fire, tornadoes, and shooting attacks. They must attend workshops, (100 hours), faculty meetings, union meetings, and curriculum development meetings. They must also tutor those students who are behind, and strive to get their 2 non-English speaking children proficient enough to take the Terra Nova, NWEA, ISTEP and EPA tests. If they are sick or having a bad day they must not let it show.
Each day they must incorporate reading, writing, math, science, and social studies into the program. They must maintain discipline and provide an educationally stimulating environment at all times. The business people will only have access to the golf course on the weekends, but on their new salary they will not be able to afford it anyway. There will be no access to vendors who want to take them out to lunch, and lunch will be limited to 30 minutes. The business people will be permitted to use the staff restroom as long as another survival candidate is supervising their class. They will be provided with two 40-minute planning periods per week while their students are at specials. If the copier is operable, they may make copies of necessary materials at this time. The business people must continually advance their education on their own time and pay for this advanced training themselves. This can be accomplished by moonlighting at a second job or marrying someone with money. The winner of this Survivor show will be allowed to return to his or her job. Pass this to your friends who think teaching is easy and to the ones that know it is hard. They will both benefit. "The object of education is to help prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives."

2009-02-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

See vide www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzpQEA68__A o of Doug Meacham's grandson Peyton Kemp singing at the the Snow Canyon High School basketball game.

2009-02-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a coloring book about Alexander Arthur Doak. Just click on one of the 18 thumbnails to view the full page.

Weddings in the Family

2009-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

We have had at least two weddings in the family within the last year. Just last month Carolyn Betty married Eben Copple in Hawaii. Carolyn is an Opera Singer and Eben is an Executive Chef. Carolyn's mother resides in Hawaii so it must have been a beautiful background for a wedding.

April 6, 2007 John and Violet became Mr. & Mrs. Patton. You would have gotten the news earlier but the picture was having trouble loading. My son Ben is helping me change the format. It is a beautiful picture. They were married on a most special day as April 6 is the first day of the Mayan calender. It is also the day many Doak descendants believe to be the true day of Christ's birth.

Jon is a firefighter. If you get a a chance to see the old movie "Always" it reminded me of John. When I told Patty Meacham Patton that it reminded me of John she informed me that that was strange because a small part was filmed on John's Uncle's oat field in Washington. The main thing I loved about the movie was how it depicts our deceased loved ones helping us in this life. They are indeed a part of us and we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. Violet is a lawyer. They live in McCall, Idaho

Nearly 10 months later Patty and George Patton are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their 3rd grandchild with every phone call. Don't call them unless you want them to be disappointed with the news you have compared to the news they are awaiting. It has happened to me twice. I only get a disappointed voice on the other end. Hopefully we'll get a photo soon.

A Precious Picture- Newest Doak Progenitor

2008-12-31T06:03:00.000-08:00

Norma Jean Meacham Peters sent this photo of the most probable newest Doak progenitor Oden Nicholas Johnson. His parents are Hulburd Meacham's grandson Will and his wife Delly Johnson. They live in Federal Way, Washington. Oden was born on Thanksgiving Day 11/27/2008. Also pictured are grandmother Norma Jean and baby Oden and Will and Kelly with baby.
Please email any pictures of new babies, weddings, special events, or more especially just photos with names of the family members so we can all meet via email if no other way. Thanks! Lindseyfam1969@yahoo.com

Gary Meacham is Grandfather and Grandmother Doak's First Great Grandson and his father Hulburd was the first Grandson in the family

2008-11-24T04:25:00.000-08:00

Not many family members know that Gary's first name is really John. He's gone by Gary these 68 years. Gary will be 69 on the 26th of November. His little sister Norma Jean is 20 years younger than he is. Gary held onto his bachelorhood till he was 60 years old. While he was vacationing in Chili, after his retirement, he met a lovely lady named Cecelia Poblete, Cecy (say-see) for short. They live in Silverton, Oregon. She has embraced American life while still managing to see her South American family almost every year since she's been here. She works with migrant workers and the school district.

In the above picture you can barely see Gary below the beautiful ceiling which is somewhere in Mexico. Below is a picture of Cecy in Mexico.

Cousin Lois Doak Faunce Felt Cheated

2008-11-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

Cousin Lois Faunce told me she felt cheated as a youth not having the opportunity to get aquainted with her cousins in the West. We will at least try to share a few pictures. Here is a photo of Sylvia and Merritts children. The picture goes left to right the youngest to oldest as follows - left to right- Gene, David, Gordon, Erma, Bud, George, and Hulburd. The occasion was Hulburd's 80 the birthday. All the siblings were there for the occasion which was nearly 15 years ago and held at the home of Bud and Clara Meacham in Clarkston, Washington, which is across the river from Lewiston, Idaho, where many Meacham's live today.

GreatGrandaughter Carolyn Betty an Opera Singer

2008-11-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

The musical ability of the Howard's particularly and Carolyn's grandfather Everett Doak who loved to lay on the couch and listen to Opera on Saturday afternoon is a legacy that continues through greatgranddaughter Carolyn Betty. Her grandmother Betty Ruth who is now in her late 80's was undoubtedly a great musical influence on Carolyn. Betty Ruth was a high school music teacher. She described Carolyn's voice as a pure voice. By searching her name on the internet I found that Carolyn will be performing in Seattle Operas. Here is a little write -up on her just to let you know some of the great musical talent in the family. I wish I could hear her someday. Perhaps you can also.

Carolyn Betty
Carolyn Betty is quickly distinguishing herself as a one of the new up and coming sopranos to watch.
This season, Ms. Betty returns to the Pittsburgh Opera as First Lady in Die Zauberflöte. She most recently appeared there as Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte and Micaela in Carmen. Other recent opera engagements have included Anna Maurrant in Kurt Weill's Street Scene, Nanny in Miss Havisham's Fire and Annina in La Traviata at the Opera Theater of Saint Louis; Vitellia in La Clemenza di Tito and Anna Maurrant at the Wolf Trap Opera;. roles in the Opera Company of Philadelphia's productions of Aida, La Traviata, Il barbiere di Siviglia and Susannah; and the title role of Vanessa and Fiordiligi at the Curtis Institute of Music.
A recent graduate of the Pittsburgh Opera Center, Ms. Betty's roles there included Vitellia, the Fifth Maidservant in Elektra, and Amore and Melanto in Il Ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria.
In concert this season, Ms. Betty performs Mendelsssohn's Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream with the National Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Betty recently appeared at the Hollywood Bowl in a concert performance of Götterdämmerung with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in a performance of Howard Shore's The Lord of the Rings Symphony. Her other concert engagements have included First Flowermaiden in Parsifal with Pierre Boulez, and Dvorák duets with Iván Fischer at the Los Angeles Philharmonic; Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with Mariss Jansons and the Pittsburgh Symphony; Rosalinde in selections from Die Fledermaus with the National Symphony Orchestra; Handel's Messiah with the Baltimore Symphony; and recitals with Stephen Blier with both The New York Festival of Song and Wolf Trap Opera.
A Wilmington, Delaware native, Ms. Betty was a winner of the 2002 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Her other awards include the 2006 George London/Kirsten Flagstad Memorial award, a 2004 Richard Tucker Study Grant, the 2000 Richard Gaddes Career Grant, a 2002 Sullivan Award, and a 2003 Shoshana Foundation Award.

So many of Doak Descendants are Earning the Title of Mother

2008-11-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a 2 week stay with our daughter in Aptos, California. I felt like our daughter Kirsten as well as her married sisters and sister-in-laws are running a marathon. To watch and hear all they do to earn the title "Mother" is literally exhausting. If you look at the links on the AADoak Blog you will see the big job that so many of his descendants are undertaking in working to raise their families and to teach them and to keep a semblance of peace and harmony in their homes. It is inspiring to watch them work so hard to be a credit to their family name. It was interesting that one evening after a long day for Kirsten, a Cameron -Meacham cousin sent this article which I read to her and the next morning my brother Doug Meacham sent the almost exact test to earning the title Mother. All I can say is - keep in the race and do your best and you will all earn the title.

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES
Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks . Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes . There is no fast food . Each man must take care of his 3 kids, keep his assigned house clean , correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook , do laundry , and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money. In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week . Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time
--no emailing. Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment , a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment . He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care. He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function . Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house , planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times . The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done . The men must shave their legs , wear makeup daily , adorn themselves with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes , keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed . During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.
They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting . They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning , feed them , dress them , brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am . A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information : each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up. The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The last man wins only if... he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice. If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years, eventually earning the right to be called Mother ! After you get done laughing, send this to as many females as you think will get a kick out of it and as many men as you think can handle it. Just don't send it back to me.... I'm going to bed .

Great Granddaughter Georgia Meacham named Realtor of the Year for Idaho

2008-10-26T16:41:00.001-07:00

The Idaho Association of Realtors last week named Georgia Meacham, an agent in Century 21 Advantage's Idaho Falls office, "Idaho Realtor of the Year" for 2008. Georgia received this honor last week at the annual Idaho Association of Realtors convention in Portland. In addition, she was also elected as one of three Idaho representatives to the National Association of Realtors Board of Directors.The Idaho Realtor of the Year designation is the highest award a real estate professional in Idaho can receive. There is only one per year for the entire state."What an honor, not only to be Realtor of the Year for Idaho, but also to be elected to serve on the National Board of Directors representing realtors in the same year. Being the first woman from Idaho Falls to ever serve in these positions makes it doubly gratifying," stated Ms. Meacham."We are so proud of Georgia. This is a high honor for her, our local association, Southeast Idaho, and our company," said Steve Taggart, broker of Century 21 Advantage.Georgia Meacham first licensed in 1986. She currently represents Blake Jones Construction, a premier builder in Idaho Falls. She is currently serving on two national committess and several state and local committees.Century 21 Advantage is the area's largest single real estate agency with approximately 100 agents and offices in Rexburg, Rigby and Idaho Falls. The agency was named one of the top 500 U.S. real estate agencies by RISMedia in both 2007 and 2008.

What is Uncle Thomas Doak ?

2008-09-08T03:49:00.000-07:00

Cousin Betty Ruth recalls when women first got the right to vote with women's suffrage. Someone came to the door and ask Everett's wife Mary if she was a democrat or a republican. She didn't know which party to affiliate with so she ask the question of Uncle Everett, "What is Thomas?" He replied that he was a Republican. That settled it for Aunt Mary. She was a Republican. Alexander's brother Thomas kind of ran the town according to Betty Ruth. She said that Tyler county was the only West Virginia county that voted republican at that time. Here is a picture of Uncle Thomas and Aunt Mattie Doak. Also one with their children.

Shaped Notes

2008-08-31T05:16:00.000-07:00

You musicians in the family, have you ever heard of shaped notes?
I had never heard of them till cousin Betty Ruth, Uncle Everett's daughter told me that they often gathered around the piano and sang from their hymnal composed of songs with shaped notes. The notes would have triangles, squares, circles or whatever shape was designated for that note. Even though Betty Ruth went on to teach music in high school she said she wasn't that good on the piano at the time. I also have fond memories of the few times we gathered around the piano and sang hymns to my mother or older brother trying to pick out a few notes to keep us on key. It was a spiritual experience to me. After looking on the Internet I found pictures of the shaped notes. Particularly the Church of Christ which originally didn't use musical instruments but sang acapella used the shaped notes. Some Baptist congregations also used them. Our Doak ancestors were originally from the Church of Christ. Before his mission my son Craig and I visited the graveyard at Deep Valley West Virginia where many of our Doak ancestors are buried and also helped build the church. The neighbor who lived by the church mentioned it as a matter of some disagreement that they were now using instrumental accompaniment with their singing. The Church of Christ are very strict in following the New Testament and didn't note any musical instruments used in the services. The New Testament is such a wonderful book but it was sad to learn that they did not use the Old Testament at all. I personally would hate to miss the great stories of Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, Abraham and the 12 tribes of Israel, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego to mention a few. To me it is an important part of history and great examples of God's watchful care to the faithful which still applies today.

Sylvia's name was really Sylva

2008-08-15T08:33:00.001-07:00

While talking to Betty Ruth, Uncle Everett's oldest daughter, she let me know that Grandma Sylvia's name was really Sylva. She said Uncle Everett always corrected her when she called her Sylvia. It is Sylva. It seems there was a song about Sylvia. Perhaps she liked Sylvia better or it was easier to go by Sylvia. If anyone wants to send for her birth certificate in Sisterville, Tyler County, West Virginia it could be verified she is Sylva.

2008-08-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

2008-08-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Uncle Everett Thanks to James Wells and Greg Meacham

2008-08-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

Ernest Everett Doak

2008-08-06T00:32:00.000-07:00

I will try to feature a different child of Alexander Arthur and his wives Emma Elizabeth and Virginia Doak. We have seen some of Sylvia's family so now hopefully we can get some of Everett and Mary's children. I didn't have success with the pictures Greg sent me but eventually will get them. They were in zip file and perhaps that had something to do with it. I'll go ahead and tell you what I know about Uncle Everett. I was so happy to find this out from his daughter's. Any other posts about him or Mary his wife or anyone else in the family will be most welcome during this time.

Uncle Everett was born on May 12, 1896 in Tyler County West Virginia. He loved music and was a very good singer. He sang on the first and only radio station in the world at that time. He sang in a quartet. I'll try to find out the name of the songs he sang. His daughter remembers the limousine coming to pick him up. He wanted to make a career out of singing but that didn't work out. He loved listening to opera and a daughter recalls him resting on the couch every Saturday afternoon as he listened to opera. His one great granddaughter inherited his love for opera. If you will google on Carolyn Betty you can see her. He has many other equally special grandchildren and great grandchildren with other great talents that perhaps are just not as obvious. Now back to Uncle Everett. He became a Chiropractor but couldn't bring himself to collect from his patients who owed him money. He decided to teach at a chiropractor school instead of practicing himself. He also trained for the ministry I believe. He helped renovate the Historical Wells hotel with Uncle Arthur his younger brother. They made it into a very nice hotel and got it on the National Historical registry. They also had a restaurant which the children all helped with.

Significant news for Patty and George Patton

2008-07-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

What a happy day for Annie and Chris. They got to bring their new twins and perhaps the newest addition to the AADoak family home from the hospital. Patty spent quite a bit of time over there helping while they grew from 2 and 2 1/2 lb babies. Patty and George met them in Denver to watch the babies as they looked for a home. We are all glad they are moving to the states. No one is as happy as Patty and George I dare say. They'll get to enjoy and be such a blessing to their first grandchildren. Chris and Annie have been in Qatar for a few years as teachers and have so much to teach and share with the rest of us.

2008-07-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

It was a surprise birthday Anniversary party for Steve and Linda Meacham. Happy 40th and good job Steve. Linda was a great catch and we're certainly happy to have her as part of the family.

2008-07-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

Joanne and Rob See cousins from Colorado.

Aunt Billie, Uncle Gordon, and Aunt Clara Meacham

Stephani Wallen and her Aunt Ann Meacham

2008-07-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of Sylvia, her father Alexander, mother Emma aand brothers Everett, Howard and sister Ruth.

2008-07-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of grandmother Sylvia Doak Meacham as a girl. Her father Alexander and mother Emma and brother Everett Doak are also in the picture.

2008-06-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

This is Hamilton Doak and Martha Ann Freeman Doak. They are Alexander's father and mother. Taken in West Virginia

This is Alexander Arthurs's grandparents Alexander and Eliza (Ireland) Doak. He was born in 1805 and she in 1810. Samuel Doak his father came from Ireland. This picture reminds me of a Jewish rabbi. I heard that Doak was a Jewish name way back in Russia. It is only a rumor and no proven fact where our relatives were from before Ireland.

Alexander Arthur Doak Reunion Pictures

2008-06-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

All those who attended the reunion except Sherri Meacham was taking the photo and Bret and Micheline Barben and children had already left.

Bud Meacham's family who came. Kent & Mary Meacham, Barry and Sherri Meacham, Matt(the tall one) Clara and three of her darling grandchildren Mattie, Dallas, and Dalton, Robin and Bruce Meacham. Little Blythe is in front.

Cousins Bruce, Kent, Doug, Barry Meacham, Gary Peterson, Greg Meacham. and Linda Meacham Lindsey. Gary and Cynthia Peterson our special guests.

Clara and Pearl Meacham Sister-in-laws.

The Lindsey home with the Barben children.

Doug and Trudy Meacham

Greg and Margaret Meacham and Mother of Pearl

George Meacham's family in attendance. Greg & Margaret, Doug & Trudy, David and Linda and Pearl. John and Rachel Lindsey and Hyrum and Lydia were missing.

2008-06-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

I made a History Colorbook for the children and adults alike. Much of the info came from Betty Ruth Lindsey. She also married a Lindsey. She lives in Lancaster, Penn. in a retirement center and is in her late 80s. She is the oldest daughter of Uncle Everett, Sylvia's sibling just younger than she.

2008-06-24T18:07:00.001-07:00

Alexander, Emma and Virginia Doak Reunion

2008-06-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful seeing all our loved ones and getting better acquainted. James Wells sent a fantastic album that he inherited from Audrey. It contained many old family photos. It came the day of the reunion's starting by Fedex. I'll try to figure out how to post the links on Blogspot so you can print them out, etc. Gary and Cynthia Peterson's visit was also a much welcomed bonus. They were able to show their photos on our big screen projector and explain them all to us. On Friday night Doug and Trudy favored us with dutch oven cooking - elk meat(shot by Jon), chicken&cheese, potato dish, etc. Doug was trying out a new recipe which said after you add the water to recover it. He didn't know if you take the water out again or what? How do you recover the water after adding it. He finally was told that recover meant to put the lid on again. It was almost like Amelia Bedilia skit we did again. The younger ones did a bit of geocaching on Friday evening. It's like a treasure hunt.

We played a group game to get aquainted and some tables made up their own rules and we had fun with it. After listening to Gary's experiences with Grandpa Doak, the younger set went off for a few hours of floating the Payette River. Matt brought a raft and the rest had tubes. A wind came up and got quite powerful about ten minutes after they were pulled to safety by a rope David Lindsey threw from the bridge. It was very exciting and they seemed to be thankful that all went well. After a second round of delicious food everyone brought, they pitched horseshoes, rode horses, played water balloon volleyball.

We did miss many of you and especially Gary and Cynthia wanted to meet you. You can share in the fun and education by using the Blog. We invite any of you to join us in posting your blogs. I thoroughly expected it to take til Christmas or so to get this blog up but I felt GOD sent an angel the day the last guest went home. Our friends from Alaska had a son passing through who wanted to give his four little ones a break from driving, with the horses and waterslide. Since his business is with computers he was able to help me set up this spot. Now I'll have to figure out how to attach photos, etc.

Sheri and Greg and Margaret worked on the photos for a few hours. Mary helped so much with the serving and cleaning. She wanted Pearl and Clara our nearly ninety year old Aunts to just sit and visit. Other girl cousins helped also. Bruce and Robin got a short stay with little adorable Blythe but we're very glad they came. They got here in time for the pictures and that was good. Mattie, Dalton, Dallas, Hyrum, Lydia & Blythe were 5th generation attendies. Micheline and Brett's family had been here since Tuesday and headed back to St. George on Friday. They missed the pictures.