William Henry Kennington barn and old cabin on Afton place

William Henry Kennington moved his families to Star Valley in about 1885. He took up land at the mouth of a small canyon on the east of the Upper Valley. His history is well documented. He raised a large family and instilled a solid value system in the children. Their descendants are spread far and wide.

When one of his sons died suddenly, he buried the boy at the southeast corner of the homestead; the land became the Afton Cemetery - and Graveyard Canyon took its name. The National Guard Armory sits on the northeast portion. Homes occupy the potato patch on the east, and the old barnyard. The old fairgrounds and now the hospital and nursing home are on the south west corner.

If William Henry hadn't donated the cemetery ground, the whole land usage in that area might have been different, perhaps industrial instead of residential. Luckily we can still have a good idea of what the Kenningtons saw 100 years ago as they settled the valley.

William Henry Kennington Reunion abt. 1915

Since we're getting ready for family reunions, I thought you might enjoy a look at one of the early Kennington reunions. Unfortunately there's no label on the back, but it looks like somewhere up Swift Creek or Grey's River about 1910-25. They're in a stand of thick timber, so probably up a canyon, but not so far that they would miss chores for long.... Anyone know where? Maybe the South End or West hills?
The ladies on the right were the aunts - maybe Molly and Belle? Everyone looks ready to rough it. I would guess the plucky little gal with her hands on her hips in the middle would be Maude K. Ranzenberg.

The George Kennington reunion in Brigham City and the big Weber one in South Jordan (moved from Freedom) will be outfitted a little differently. We'll all look pretty polished compared to this group, but important things will remain the same.

Getting re-acquainted with family is great. We will miss the ones who have passed on and enjoy seeing the new arrivals. The little kids will be running around laughing, the moms will be supervising the food, the dads will relax and visit, and the teenagers will be wishing they could get back to their friends - unless other cousins bring really "interesting" friends with them. Most importantly, we will reaffirm the fact that we are all part of an eternal family. See you this summer!

The George Kennington Children

The day of their mother's funeral, March 24, 1960, her family gatherd at Aunt Cliss' for a family photo. It's the only photo of all George's surviving children together that I know of.

What a great group of people. They were so nurturing to all the nieces and nephews such a secure feeling to be cared about by so many aunts and uncles. I believe there are about 35 grandchildren.
From my perspective as a middle grandchild, each aunt and uncle had a speciality which could let us survive in our own little world (mine was a deserted island). Aunt Ruth could take care of the doctoring, Uncles Gene and Craig, Aunts Audine, Gwen and Berniece could make sure we were educated. Uncle Forrest (Dad) could grow the food and build the houses. Uncle Arth could cut our hair, Uncle Oz could build all the water works, and Uncle Tilman the vehicles. Aunt Bev could fix the phones, Uncle Gordon our feet, Uncle Garth our college education and Aunt Cliss could supervise us all. The other aunts and uncles were great moms and dads - important rolls in little kids' lives.

What wide diversity! It reflected the opportunities and interests of the family. They accomplished so much in the face of the Depression, the death of their father, limited economic opportunities and WWII. They set the mark. They have (and are still) giving us a wonderful legacy. Thank You!