Betha Tobler Wittwer
As disendents of the Toblers, we have all met here this eve To honor Grandma Bertha, Her life story we shall weave.
But before we dwell upon her life, let’s for a moment view The parents that to her gave birth. Do you recognize these two?
Barbara and Jacob Tobler as a couple stood the test. They produced 11 children, and these children were the best!
The first of these fine offspring was Bertha, our Grandmother, And in the minds of all of us, she outshines any other.
She was born on New Years Day, in 1863, In the town of Santa Clara, with a Dad proud as can be.
Because she was the eldest, she learned quite young to share. With household tasks and youngsters too, she showed her loving care.
She became an expert seamstress, sewing men’s suits for her brothers, And lovely dresses for the girls — working happily for others.
When 6-years old she went to school {twas right across the street). When she passed from the 6th reader, her school days were complete.
Faithfully she lived the Gospel and her duties did not shirk. At age 14, in the temple, she did endowment work.
She grew up a lovely maiden with fair skin and eyes of brown. Many young men tried to court her. Many young men she turned down.
She’d been taught of plural marriage, a commandment she might live, So it was to Samuel Wittwer that her love she felt to give.
How Samuel had a lovely wife. Mary Gubler was her name. But both of them loved Bertha when into their lives she came.
So she and Samuel courted, but their kisses numbered none Until that one at the alter, in 1881.
She became Samuel’s second wife; a fine match, you’ll agree. This marriage formed some good, strong roots to begin our family tree.
The two wives lived together-—rearing children, sharing all, Till in ‘84 their husband received a mission call.
Mary had 7 children, and Bertha now had two. But they supported Samuel, as the Lord’s work he did do.
When his mission days were over, problems came when he returned. A man with two wives could be Jailed. ‘Twas the new law now, they learned.
So after hours of council, and I’m sure a lot of prayer, Grandma Bertha moved to Bunkerville to raise her family there.
And she’d always said in her young days. “Bunkerville’s one place I’ll never, never live in.” Now she went, with a red face.
Bertha had two living children. Albert was now 3. And Mina was a baby yet, just one year old was she.
They first lived in a one-room house, but very soon they bought, Right snack-dab in the heart of town, a lovely building lot.
The house they built had two rooms. The bedroom was quite small. And as Kitchen, Dining, Living-Room, one big room served for all.
And soon more children came along, about two years apart. Rhoda, William, and then Lilly. A nice family — for a start.
At the birth of Lilly, Bertha tried to play a trick. She showed Samuel a new baby boy, but he caught on real quick.
Although he’d said he’d like a boy, this baby was not his! At spotting his own offspring, he surely was a while
So heres the family picture now. Can you pick them all out? The Mamma and the Papa there leave little room for doubt.
Then Albert is the eldest, and Mina’s next in line, Then Rhoda will, and baby Lilly. A family eighty fine.
By now their house was getting cramped , but they Knew what to do, Samuel started adding on — Rooms. and a grainery too.
several years they passed by quickly. A babe was born and died. With Mary then with Bertha, Samuel’s weeks he would divide
And then in 1899, Samuel took very sick. And Will had typhoid fever, which didn’t heal up quick.
Bertha in the midst of all this sickness, their lives now had new joy, Eldon was born what happiness, to have a baby
And then along came Mrytle in the year 1903. And then Vera one year later, to complete their family.
And with a family so fine, the house now looked fine, too Twas added on and painted up, and looking just like new.
A large front room downstairs, a kitchen-dining room as well. One bedroom upstairs and two down. That house was really swell!
So here their family was raised with love and tender care. Children respected parents and were always treated fair.
Holidays were always special. This big family loved to eat. On Thanksgiving, Bertha’s noodles and grape pias were quite the treat
And Christmas time was joyful. For in her quiet way Hamme Bertha saw what Santa Claus to their house found his way.
There were dishes filled with goodies, homemade toys for children dear. Doll clothes with tiny buttonholes. The best time of the year!
Bertha was always quiet, yet she always seemed to care Above all for home and family, serving at her best right there.
If she was lonesome or discouraged, she somehow carried on. Taking care of all she had to do with Samuel often gone.
In helping the unfortunate, or tending sick Polk too, She efficiently and calmly knew exactly what to do.
Her children got their schooling. (Which in those days was quite rare) To 8th Grade they went in Bunkerville, but there was no high school there,
So they were sent to Cedar City, even though twas far away, To attend and finish high school without undue delay.
Then Virgin Valley High School opened up in town. So they went and graduated there, from Will and Lilly down.
Bertha taught her children carefully the blessings they’d enjoy If they sought a Temple Marriage to a worthy girl or boy,
And her counge, was well headed. She and Samuel felt so good To see all 8 children marry in the Lord’s House, as they should.
Now their house was nearly empty as the children left the nest. So they sold their home in Bunkerville. St. George now seemed the best.
They went to the temple often. And they built a fine new house. Samuel and much of the work himself, with the help of his fine spouse.
They lived there two years together, until Samuel passed away. Then Bertha stayed on, going to the temple every day.
She opened her home to others. Someone was always there, If living space grew cramped at times, she didn’t seem to care.
“too, that weren’t her own. Women waited for their babies there. Some had them in her home
Through it all she was most gracious, kind, and helpful to them all. At 74, she paased away, fulfilling her life’s call.
And so today, most all of us are proud as we can be. To know we are decended from a women such as she.
We’d like to sing her praises. We’ll sing them loud and long. A great idea! So listen now for all of us — A song---
( - SONG - to tune of “My Favorite things” from SOUND OF MUSIC-) Poem written by Ana M. Hardy - Logansdale, ___ Tobler _____ June 21, 1975
Source:Brent Bunker