ANDREW BIRD MCARTHUR PRICE &
ANNIE CHARLOTTE RENCHER
History of Andrew Bird McArthur Price
Submitted by my mother, Barbara Truman PriceWhen George Thomas Price and Adeliza Alger McArthur married they brought into their marriage a family of two boys (Don Carlos and Adelbert Price) and a girl (Emma Rhoner). Tom’s wife had died and left the two boys for him to raise. Three other children had died at an early age and only the two boys were left. Addie had taken Emma to raise after her husband (Andrew Bird McArthur) had died. Emma’s mother had died leaving a family of small children and though Addie never did formally adopt Emma, she raised her as her own daughter.
It was into this family that Andrew Bird McArthur Price was born on 27 September, 1887 in St. George, Utah. He was a welcome addition to the family which grew as a brother, Thomas Lawrence, and a sister, Sarah Erma, were born later making it a family of six. They were one family with no distinction made as to whether they were half-brothers or not; they were just family.
Andrew was known as ‘Biz’ throughout his entire life and was taught to work at an early age. His mother had acquired, with her first husband, property throughout the area and as they boys grew up, they helped their father take care of their holdings. Biz especially enjoyed working with horses and he must have gotten this trait from his mother because she was an excellent horsewoman and owned excellent horses that were used as teams as well as pleasure horses that she used. His love for horses only deepened as he grew older when he could own horses of his own. He was especially fond of race horses and owned several thoroughbreds as well as quarter-horses.
His mother owned a millinery shop on the small triangular block situated on 2nd West and between Diagonal St. and 300 North where their home was located. After Silver Reef closed down she bought a building and had it moved onto her lot and added groceries and dry goods to her already established business. It would have been an excellent opportunity for Biz to learn to work from his mother in the retail business as well as learning to work with his father on the farm or with cattle on the ranch in Dameron Valley.
Biz was only nine years old when his father, George Thomas, was killed while getting a load of wood in the area west of St. George. This happened 13 November, 1896 with his son Adelbert (Bert, Biz's half brother) being the only one with him. Bert came to town on one of the horses but by the time help arrived, it was too late. What a shock to this young family and to their mother but she carried on with the help of each one of the children, especially to young men of the family.
Grandmother Alger was living with the family in the home Biz’s mother had bought from her parents earlier. She had added on to the home so it was large and pleasant to live in. This home is still being lived in at the present time. (July, 2000)
Biz married his sweetheart, Annie Charlotte Rencher on l January, 1914 and they set up housekeeping in a home given to them by his mother at 210 Diagonal which was just across the street from her. (Note: she gave each one of her children a home when they were married.) They were blessed with three sons: Blaine Rencher, born 12 Feb, 1915 , Andrew Ronald, born 2 November, 1916, and Stanford LeGrand, born 30 August, 1918.
Biz continued to work with livestock, raising and running good thoroughbreds as well as quarter-horses and trailing herds of cattle to the railhead at Modena, Utah where he was always matching his horses against anyone wanting to race against him. These times would be the highlight of his trips with the cattle. He had one quarter-horse named "Short Tail" that could not be beat in a short race. Biz was well known in the ‘racing’ circles in the area.
One of his friends, Lewellen Brooks said of him: "When we would be out herding cattle and there was a time when we would rest, Biz would bring out his violin and play. He even taught me how to play. In fact, when he got his new Stradivarius violin, he gave me his old one which I prize very much. He was a master on the violin. He had long slender fingers that were just made for playing that instrument." From the remarks of his friend, he had a great love and skills in the field of music. It has been said of him that he could play any musical instrument, including the piano, but that his first love was for the violin.
At one time he was an instructor in music at the Dixie Academy working under the leadership of George Woodward. This must have been very fulfilling for him to teach young people to love music as he did.
It was because of his love for music, that he and Ray Forbes went into partnership and opened the ‘Biz-Ray’ located on the northwest corner of Main and Diagonal Streets. This was a favorite spot for social events and dances with Biz providing the music along with others to have an orchestra for such occasions.
Sadness came into the life of Biz again when his mother’s husband James Bennett Bracken died 19 January, 1918. She had married him 20 June, 1908 and he had provided a father figure for Biz which was welcomed by this young man.
Biz was a slender built man, average height with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was known for his fun-loving nature and his ability to always have a good time.
He became ill in 1919 and spent the last years of his life in Provo, Utah being cared for. He died 6 October, 1924 and is buried in the Provo City cemetery. It was too bad that he didn’t know when his youngest son, Stanford, preceded him in death or when his oldest son, Blaine died after him. Nor did he get to know his middle son, Andrew, who was named for him.
His music ability has been passed on down to his grandchildren for which they feel honored to have.
History of Annie Charlotte Rencher Price Williams
by her daughter-in-law, Barbara Truman Price (Oct 2000)Annie Charlotte (better known as Anne) was born 27 Nov 1892 in St. George, Utah the fifth child of seven born to James Grandison Rencher, Sr. and Mary Lorena Snow Rencher. The home she was born in was located on 2nd West about 145 North which the family owned and where they spent the winters while the older children went to school. The summers were spent in Grass Valley at the Rencher Ranch (now known as the Broken Arrow Ranch.
Her growing-up summers were anyone’s dream come true, for the Rencher Ranch in those days was a good portion of paradise and as popular for not only the family but for any friends they might have - and they had plenty because everyone came from miles around to partake of and enjoy the Rencher hospitality. All summer long the dooryard was full of tents, the house full of people, and the pasture full of horses.
Anne’s mother was a marvelous cook, and their big table was always out and loaded with good food. All who were ever there recalled the elegance of this Grass Valley home with its big south verandah, lovely large rooms and he warmth of gracious living and congeniality. The family had an ideal home life with lots of love found therein. They had a wonderful garden and apple orchard. The house was at the foot of a mountain, in green meadows and wild flowers grew in abundance. Even as a child, Anne was always picking a bouquet of wild flowers, which she would place in a jar on the mantelpiece.
In the fall of the year, Anne’s father would move the family to St. George for the winter and she could remember that often she would ride to town atop a wagonload of furniture, potatoes or most any kind of produce. Or it could be a wagonload of firewood for the family to use during their stay in St. George that winter.
Because there were many fine horses on the ranch, Anne learned to ride at a young age and loved it. She became an expert horsewoman and did much riding in her younger years while she was at the ranch.
When Anne was 21 years old she married Andrew Bird McArthur Price (known as Biz) on 1 January 1914 in St. George, Utah and made their home at 210 Diagonal. His mother, Adeliza Alger Price, gave them this home when they were married and to them were born three boys, Blame Rencher born 12 February, 1915; Andrew Ronald, born 2 November, 1916; and Stanford LeGrande, born 30 August, 1918. It was upon her marriage that Anne’s life began in the house that was always such a part of her and from one tree growing at the time, she made the yards into a paradise of roses, flowers of all kinds and flowering shrubs of many varieties.
Her happiness with her little boys was short-lived because soon after Stanford was born her husband became seriously ill and spent the remainder of his life being cared for in a hospital in Provo, Utah passing away 6 October 1924. Then heartache struck again for
Anne when her little Stanford died 7 September, 1920 while they were at the ranch in Grass Valley of what was then called ‘summer complaint.’ He is buried in the St. George City Cemetery. She tried to make the best of her life in taking care of her two remaining boys but it nearly broke her heart when her Blame died 16 October, 1928 from a heart ailment. He had had a bad heart condition for several years but it didn’t prepare her for the void that this brought into her life. And she did miss his cheery disposition and loving ways.Because she had to make a living to support her boys and herself, she took her first job clerking in Whitehead’s General Store. From there she went to Enterprise for a year to work for B.J. Lund in his general mercantile store which she enjoyed very much and besides that, she was making $100.00 a month which was almost unheard of at the time. She returned to St. George where she worked for Dean Clark in his drugstore until she went to work for Southern Utah Power Company as their office manager. She worked for them for fourteen years before retiring. Her ability to calm most irate and upset clients made her very invaluable to them and she was always her most charming self with anyone who came into the office. During the 1950s Anne worked for the State Senate while the Legislature was in session (6 weeks during January and February each year). She enjoyed the association of those she worked with and, again, proved to be an excellent employee who liked everyone and everyone liked her.
Anne’s mother lived with her after she was left with her three small boys to care for. She would take them to Grass Valley in the summer and then return to St. George for the winter as she had done so many times with her own family as they were growing up. Anne said many times that she could have never made it without the help of her parents and brother, Mason, who took over the ranch after the death of her father. Both of them would see that she had produce and fire wood to help her through the winter months. Her father died 31 July, 1920 and her mother died 25 April, 1937
Anne had her schooling in St. George, as well as at BYU when her parents rented a home in Provo, Utah so their children could continue their education. Her mother would take in boarders to help with their expenses. These were good times for Anne.
Anne was talented in so many ways and one of them was writing poetry. She followed in her mother’s footsteps with this talent and wrote poems for any occasion and for many occasions, too. Her writing seemed to be done without much effort on her part and was so choice to those who might receive her gift - or enjoyed by those hearing her read one of her compositions which she wrote for many civic functions where the audience was delightfully entertained.
Anne was very active in civic and social events:
BPW (Business and Professional Women) First President of the local club and went on to become President of the Utah Federation. She stayed active in local group and was interested in helping the working women achieve some recognition for their work.Garden Club (or Dixie Beautification Club) She was instrumental in the organization of this group where she served in leadership capacities for years. This came easy for her because she had a large yard that became a showplace where she raised many beautiful flowers, especially roses. In the spring her yard was ablaze with spring flowers and all summer she could pick feverfew and columbine anytime as well as blossoms from butterfly bushes. In the fall were chrysanthemums in many colors. She was noted for her beautiful bouquets she would fix for any and all occasions. Her ability to arrange her flowers was something that seemed to come natural to her and her efforts were appreciated by everyone. Her bouquets had her special touch so you always knew her flowers. Her specialty was to make a large arrangement in one of her beautiful white wicker baskets.
American Legion Auxiliary - Her work in this patriotic service organization is legendary where she served in most offices at the local level. She spent many years in the Saving Stamps program where she went to the local elementary school one day each week to sell stamps to the students. They loved her as much as she loved them as she taught them the wonderful trait of saving their money. Not only was she a great support to the local Unit, but she was actively supportive of the District and the Department. She would work hard with the Unit and Post to put together a Department Convention which they did several times.
Republican Women - After her second husband, Roy Williams, converted her to the ranks of the Republican Party, she became “Mrs. Republican” of Washington County working beside him in promoting the Party and letting the people within the County know of the candidates running for an office on the ticket. She was dedicated to this cause much as she was dedicated to other causes and became a loyal supporter. No task was to small or too big for her to do and in every election year you would find her hard at work for her Party.
Anne married Freeman Roy Williams on 16 April, 2943 in Las Vegas, Nevada and their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple 23 May, 1951. Her marriage to “Colonel”, as he was affectionately called (he was a Cavalry Officer in W.W.I), opened for Anne a new life as she worked beside him, or behind him, on all that he undertook to do. He was actively involved in civic affairs and loved to direct plays in behalf of the American Legion of which he was a member having served in W.W.I and in Reserves for many years. She worked right along with him as he directed a play each year (for a number of years) and she helped behind the scenes.As a hostess, Anne was exceptional. Besides being a marvelous cook, she was the life of any party, as well. She and the Colonel were noted for their hospitality as they entertained many groups in their beautiful back yard near their fireplace and sloping lawn. Their home and garden has been the setting for Teas for the graduated each spring, parties and entertainment for the Rotary Club, the American Legion and Auxiliary, the BPW club and even the Chamber of Commerce social held for the Governor of Utah. There have been countless weddings and receptions held here, as well.
Anne and Roy had a wonderful ten years together and when he died very suddenly in their back yard 23 May, 1952, she had to remind herself often of what she had always told herself and others - “The Lord will never give you more burden to bear than your shoulders can carry.” Though she went on with her life, the spark was gone and she missed him very much.
Anne served for many years in different capacities in the LDS Church. She worked in the MIA during the 1940s and then was the ever-efficient secretary for the Ward Relief Society for a number of years. She served as the Social Relations Teacher in Relief Society, as well and enjoyed that calling very much. She served in the St. George West Ward and when it was divided she served in the First and the Third Wards.
After Roy’s death, Anne’s son, Andy and his family lived with her for 8-1/2 years before they built their home on Back Diagonal (now Hope St.) just up the hill back of her It was during this time that she grew to love and care for her two grandchildren, Paul and Patricia. They loved their “Gram” as did their own children. Nothing pleased her more than to have them visit her and they loved to visit her just as much. She was ‘Grammie” to her seven great-grandchildren, Trina, Trevor and Tauna Price, Jason, Julianne, Emily and Spencer Ford. She always made her grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel that they were very special to her as she would do little special things for each of them.
In 1968 Anne was chosen as the Orchid Lady by the Literary Arts Club for her contributions to the community. This was a great honor for her though she felt that she hadn’t done anything to warrant such an honor. It was just her nature to do for someone without any acknowledgment or fanfare and to support any worthwhile cause to the best of her ability.
Anne learned to cook as a girl on the ranch and she only improved as the years went by. She was an excellent cook and her dinner rolls seemed to be her specialty. They were always so light and fluffy. Her grandson, Paul, would eat them without butter or jam saying, “Nothing can make them better.” His Gram always made her famous cinnamon rolls for him because he liked them so well. Her Sunday Dinners were something her family looked forward to. No one ever left her home hungry. Another one of her specialties was her mincemeat pies. She would call them her ‘deluxe’ pies where she would warm the piece of pie, then pour some warm sauce made with grape Kool-aid, thickening with water over it. As if that was not enough, she would then put a dab of whipped cream on top making it delicious to the taste!!
In her later years, she fell and broke her hip which required surgery. She spent some time in a rest home, then with a niece for a while before returning to her own home. This happened in the late 1970s. This was a difficult time for her to be out of her own home and she was able to care for herself until in the spring of 1980 when she had to leave her home again to live with her son, Andy, and his wife, Barbara, so she could be cared for. She was a homebody and missed her home and yards where she could walk around and move the water (day and night) from place to place. There was a spring on the property that watered her big yard but because there wasn’t much pressure, the small stream had to be moved and with several sprinklers going at the same time, it was almost a full-time job.Anne passed away 29 October, 1982 at the local hospital after having been ill for just a day or so. She just simply went to sleep and was gone when the nurse checked her after having been in her room just a few minutes before. She was buried 30 October, 1982 in the St. George City Cemetery beside Roy and her two sons.
Following is her original and personal Creed for Living:
Let me live my life from year to year
With forward face and unreluctant soul
Not hurrying to, nor scurrying from the goal,
For holding back in fear
For what the future veils
But with a whole and happy heart
That pays its toll to youth and age
And travels on with cheer.
As of 9 Aug 01
Updated 18 Sep 07
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