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Show Nettie, Page 5 Disappointed, the children moaned, but Papa was firm and the day came to a close. Papa commanded the love and respect of all the Peterson children, not only because of his imposing size, but because of an imposing yet loving manner. He was the undisputed patriarch of the Peterson clan, but one who ruled as much with respect as with the rod. Grandma Peterson's visit was not a lengthy one but while she stayed, there were ample opportunities to hear her stories of the early days settling Arizona. The children listened wide-eyed as she told tale after tale of Indians and sod huts and massacres and cattle rustling and building ward meeting houses. Nettie especially loved stories of new towns, and cities and people she had never seen. "I recollect once old Matty Pearson was helping with the building of a church house," Grandma mused one day. "She was a weird old lady, always complaining and whining and nosing about where it didn't concern her. Pinchpenny she was, too. "That's how she happened to be working at the building. She had the money to donate, but preferred to donate her labor instead. Oh, the men in the ward tried to shoo her home as she was always getting in the way, but she prevailed upon the bishop to allow her to stay as she didn't want to be deprived of any of her 'blessings.' " "What did her husband do, Grandma?" Nettie queried. "She was a widow, dear. She lost her husband in some massacre or other. She was always telling of it, but after a while folks just kind of stopped listening. |
