“My Brother William”

By Franklin Rasmussen

William Hans Rasmussen, son of Hans Rasmussen and Hansine Jacobine Sorensen Rasmussen, was born in Fillmore, Utah on the 18^th of December 1883. Mother was Father’s second wife. Our “goodly” parents were married for time and eternity in the old ”Endowment House” in Salt Lake City on January 1, 1872.

William was the sixth child of this marriage. Three others were born to them later, making in all, nine children for Mother and Father. Father’s first wife, Mother’s older sister, had two children. (First wife’s name – Hannah Sorensen)

In his early years William helped Father and his brothers run the farm. We used horses in those days. It was slow work. Therefore, to accomplish our labors, we had to work from sunrise to sunset.

William was quick, and a good worker. Very early in life he showed a marked aptitude for fixing and keeping farm machines in repair. Often our neighbors came to get Will to come and fix their “consarned broke down” so and sos, such as mowers, self binders, seeders and the like. Yes, when the neighbors had miserable machine ailments they’d say, “Send for Bill Ras, he’ll doctor her up, and make her work.”

William received his education in the Fillmore Public Schools. Later in life, he attended the University of Utah where he studied certain practical courses.

William’s hobby is prospecting, collecting specimens of ore and minerals, and mining. He has worked at their hobbies from time to time with keen interest. He had read and studied a number of mining books. From there and from practice and observation he has acquired a fair knowledge of minerals, their uses and values.

I might say that greater than his liking for these is his love for invention. He has an inventive mind, and is always “coming up” with some new idea for a useful gadget or machine. He has invented and made many useful toys, tools, and machines. Some of these he has made and used with labor saving and time saving success. I will mention a few: a weeding hoe with sharp front and back edges, sleigh runners to attach on express wagons and on baby buggies, a ventilated cushion, a revolving machine for (sowing) broadcast grain, a three wheeled scooter, a garden cultivator and many others.

He has unusual ability as an actor. He made his debut in Fillmore’s Dramatic Companies when he was eighteen. Since that time he has performed in numerous plays for the Town, Ward and Sake. In 1930n he received a telegram from Philadelphia, it was from his brother, Frank, asking him to come East and play the title role in that roister comedy “Cappy Ricks”. In all the towns and cities he was enthusiastically applauded for his excellent portrayal of that old noisy salt, Cappy Ricks.

On this very interesting tour William traveled with his brother, Frank’s, theatrical company. We played a different town each night, except Sundays. We played all through the New England States and part of New York State, up Long Island and over on Staten Island.

For the greater part of his life, William has been active in Civic and Church affairs. He always looked with great hope and faith into the future, and was ever ready to promote ideas and projects that would develop the country, and make conditions better for present and for the future generations.

He was one of the first Boy Scout Leaders in Fillmore. When a young man, William filled a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in “The North Western States Mission.” He labored in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. On returning home he continued in his church activities. He was soon appointed to be President of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association. Later he was chosen to be one of the High Council of the Millard Stake of Zion. In this calling he served for several years.

William’s Two Families

His first marriage was to Catherine Woodhouse, who was a daughter of George W. Woodhouse, of Beaver, Utah. In the Salt Lake Temple, on January 10^th, 1912, they were married under the Holy Law of God. They both worked hard and managed to make a living and build a home. They were blessed with seven sons and daughters, namely: William Sterling, Julian Woodhouse, Melba, Gwendolyn, Hulda Shirley, Mary Louise, and Roene. It was a sad day when their mother passed away in January of 1926.

Two years later, William took Evangelyn Adelia Robison to the Manti Temple, there they were married for “time and eternity”, on February 8, 1928. To William and Evangelyn were born eight children: Beverly, David Marshall, Hilda Eulena, Franklyn Drew, Roberta Ynone, Donald Robison, Frances Adelia and Sheila Marsha.

All of William’s children were born and raised in Fillmore, Utah, where he has made his home since his birth.

William has always been an industrious hard worker, filled with faith and courage, and enthusiastic hope for the future.

He has cleared hundreds of acres of new ground, where he has planted hay and grain, and has been blessed with bounteous crops. Also, he has raised hogs, horses, and cattle.

All who know him call him “a good neighbor.” He is always lending help and giving hope and courage to those who are down and discouraged.

Yes, he has made a success of his work, never close, but always free and generous to his children, and to those in need. His friends who know him best call him, “Good Old Bill.”