My History
(Written by Carrie Wrathall ca. 1967)
I was born in Ramdala, Sweden, May 20, 1888. My parents were Holger and Cecilia Peterson. They were converted to the L. D. S. church in 1889 and came to Grantsville in 1891.
As a child and young girl, I took a very active part in both school and church programs. I was blessed with a good memory, a good speaking voice, and ability to make a very careful and thorough preparation. So the officers in charge knew they could depend on me. In my young womanhood I took an active part in home dramatics, which were a popular form of entertainment before the silent movies came.
I had received my teachers certificate in 1905 and taught in the elementary school in Tooele, American Falls, Idaho, and later in Grantsville.
I was married to Paul Edward Wrathall Oct. 19, 1910 in the Salt Lake Temple. He left shortly after for a two and one half year mission to the Central States. I continued to teach school while he was gone. On his return we made our home on north Cooley Street, where I became involved in the many and various duties of home-making and being a farmer's wife. I raised chickens, turkeys and pet lambs, and preserved fruits and vegetables for winter use. In those days we prepared meals for all the hired help on the farm.
My first call to serve in the church came when I was 14 years of age. I was set apart as a teacher in the kindergarten class of the Grantsville ward Sunday school. Later I was called as Stake leader for the kindergarten class in the Tooele stake. Hugh S. Gowans was then Stake President. When released from that position I was called to teach in the ward M. I. A., and later to organize and direct the Bee Hive program in the Tooele Stake.
In 1921 I was called to be president of the Tooele Stake M. I. A. C. Alvin Orme was then Stake President. I served for 6 years and then I was called to the Stake Relief Society board. I served there first as Social Science Group leader, then as councilor to the President, Sister Lillian Anderson, and later as Relief Society Stake President. I served there for 10 years under Tooele stake presidents Alfred L. Hanks and Alex F. Dunn. When the Grantsville Stake was organized, I served for 2 years under Pres. Paul E. Wrathall. I taught regularly the Social Science and Literary lesson in the Grantsville 1st Ward Relief Society for 33 years.
When my husband, Bro. Wrathall was called to the Grantsville Stake President, It became my privilege and I have always felt my blessing to entertain in our home the General Authorities of the Church, who came to visit us at our Quarterly Stake Conferences.
In 1962 my husband and I were called as Missionary guides at the Hawaiian L.D.S. temple in Laie. We were there for 2 years. During that time I was set apart as an Ordinance worker in that Temple where I served until we were released. I have been a member of several civic betterment groups, and for 3 years I served as President of the Grantsville Garden Club.
I have had many hobbies. I learned the art of weaving rugs from my mother. I have made many articles of crocheting, embroidering and knitting for my own home and family and friends. My favorite hobby is gardening. I enjoy working with plants and flowers to make my surroundings beautiful and clean.
My husband Paul E. Wrathall passed away in 1964. Since then I have lived alone in our home, with occasional visits with my family. I have 4 children living: James L. in Hillsborough Cal., Saradele Knowlton in Oakland Cal., Pauline Hawker in Salt Lake and Irene Millward in Grantsville. I have 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons.
I am now approaching my 80th year. I have very good health and as active as my age will permit. I attend my church services, but rather as a listener and follower than a leader. I think there is a definite need for both. I am truly grateful to my Father in Heaven for my many blessings, and strive constantly to be worthy that they might continue.