Okay, here's a comprehensive analysis of the Humpherys family newsletters, designed to provide a solid foundation for writing their family history book.
## PEOPLE
**Dean Gardner Humpherys:**
- Husband of Neva, father of Gordon Ray (deceased infancy), Nadean, Sharon, Ken, Florence, John/Johnny, Robert (deceased), Gerald, and Newell.
- Key life events: World War II service, marriage to Neva, fatherhood, active in the community (Boy Scouts), annual family reunions.
- Personality traits: Gentle, quiet strength, compassionate, empathetic, hard-working, had a good sense of humor.
- Approximate dates: (Implied birth year ~1920s) - Died before 2016.
**Neva Clark Humpherys:**
- Wife of Dean, mother of Gordon Ray (deceased infancy), Nadean, Sharon, Ken, Florence, John/Johnny, Robert (deceased), Gerald, and Newell.
- Key life events: Marriage to Dean, motherhood, softball player, annual family reunions.
- Personality traits: Energetic, loving, meticulous, competitive, strong-willed, believed in doing things well.
- Approximate dates: (Implied birth year ~1920s) - Still alive in 2021.
**Gordon Ray Humpherys:**
- Child of Dean and Neva.
- Key life events: Died shortly after birth.
- Approximate dates: N/A
**Nadean Cassell:**
- Child of Dean and Neva, sister of Sharon, Ken, Florence, John, Robert, Gerald, and Newell. Mother of Jimmy and Carol.
- Key life events: Organized first family reunion, lived in St. George, Utah, kidney stone removal.
- Personality traits: Humorous, resilient, positive, caring.
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Sharon:**
- Child of Dean and Neva, sister of Nadean, Ken, Florence, John, Robert, Gerald, and Newell. Mother of Kim and Pam.
- Key life events: Helped organize first family reunion, trips to Montana.
- Personality traits: Caring, family-oriented.
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Ken:**
- Child of Dean and Neva, brother of Nadean, Sharon, Florence, John, Robert, Gerald, and Newell. Father of Kelly, Sherrie, DeAna, Mary Lynn, and Barry. Spouse of Myrna.
- Key life events: Lived in Arizona and Star Valley, health problems (pneumonia, heart failure), missionary farewell for Jake Evans.
- Personality traits: Dreamer, loved the outdoors.
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Florence:**
- Child of Dean and Neva, sister of Nadean, Sharon, Ken, John, Robert, Gerald, and Newell. Mother of Vance. Spouse of Larry.
- Key life events: Helped organize first family reunion, stroke, rehab.
- Personality traits: Warm, welcoming, talented storyteller.
- Approximate dates: Died before 2024.
**John/Johnny:**
- Child of Dean and Neva, brother of Nadean, Sharon, Ken, Florence, Robert, Gerald, and Newell. Father of Curt, Chelsea, and Micky Ann. Spouse of Jan.
- Key life events: Diagnosed with progressive supranucleur palsy.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Robert:**
- Child of Dean and Neva, brother of Nadean, Sharon, Ken, Florence, John, Gerald, and Newell. Father of Rusty, Luke, Timmy, Mary Joe, (another one), and Neva.
- Key life events: Hosted family reunion in Jackson Hole, death.
- Personality traits: Adventurous, loved the outdoors.
- Approximate dates: Died before 2016.
**Gerald:**
- Child of Dean and Neva, brother of Nadean, Sharon, Ken, Florence, John, Robert, and Newell. Father of Linda, Shawn, and Shane. Spouse of Tena.
- Key life events: Hosted family reunions, horse accident, knee replacement.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Newell:**
- Child of Dean and Neva, brother of Nadean, Sharon, Ken, Florence, John, Robert, and Gerald. Father of C.J. and Camille. Spouse of Sally.
- Key life events: Edited first family newsletters, travels, family reunions.
- Personality traits: Thoughtful, detail-oriented, warm.
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2024.
**Myrna:**
- Spouse of Ken. Mother of Kelly, Sherrie, DeAna, Mary Lynn, and Barry.
- Key life events: Lived in Arizona and Star Valley, sister's death, helped with missionary work.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Jan:**
- Spouse of John. Mother of Curt, Chelsea, and Micky Ann.
- Key life events: Travels, puppy named Kobe.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Tena:**
- Spouse of Gerald. Mother of Linda, Shawn, and Shane.
- Key life events: Travels, helped with family reunions.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Sally:**
- Spouse of Newell. Mother of C.J. and Camille.
- Key life events: Music and theater performances, broken wrist, travels.
- Personality traits: Creative, energetic, humorous.
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2024.
**Jimmy:**
- Child of Nadean.
- Key life events: Renovating barn in Star Valley.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Carol:**
- Child of Nadean.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Kim Humpherys:**
- Child of Sharon.
- Key life events: Barrel racing, worked with special needs kids, husband's illness.
- Personality traits: Strong, resilient.
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Pam:**
- Child of Sharon.
- Key life events: Works at Murdochs, visits to Montana.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Kelly:**
- Child of Ken and Myrna.
- Key life events: Heart attack, travels.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Sherrie:**
- Child of Ken and Myrna.
- Key life events: Lives in Alaska, visited by family.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**DeAna:**
- Child of Ken and Myrna.
- Key life events: Opened massage studio, travels to Alaska.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Mary Lynn:**
- Child of Ken and Myrna.
- Key life events: Wake attended by Sharon and Neva.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Died before 2021.
**Barry:**
- Child of Ken and Myrna.
- Key life events: Works in New Orleans, called into bishopric.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Vance:**
- Child of Florence.
- Key life events: Helps care for father.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2024.
**Curt:**
- Child of John and Jan.
- Key life events: Business meetings in Billings.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Chelsea:**
- Child of John and Jan.
- Key life events: Travels, homeschooling Jackson.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Micky Ann:**
- Child of John and Jan.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: N/A
**Rusty:**
- Child of Robert.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: N/A
**Luke:**
- Child of Robert.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: N/A
**Timmy:**
- Child of Robert.
- Key life events: Moved to Denver, rodeo.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Mary Joe:**
- Child of Robert.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: N/A
**(Another one):**
- Child of Robert.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: N/A
**Neva (Marisela's mom):**
- Child of Robert.
- Key life events: Works at care center.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Linda:**
- Child of Gerald and Tena.
- Key life events: Works at elementary school.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Shawn:**
- Child of Gerald and Tena.
- Key life events: Coaches basketball.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Shane:**
- Child of Gerald and Tena.
- Key life events: Coaches basketball.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**C.J.:**
- Child of Newell and Sally.
- Key life events: Works for Border Patrol.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Camille:**
- Child of Newell and Sally.
- Key life events: Married Lance, travels, has baby Sky.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Stacy:**
- Spouse of Jimmy.
- Key life events: Renovating barn in Star Valley, Kauai trip.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Annie:**
- Spouse of Logan.
- Key life events: Welcomed baby Letti, works at Traeger.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Ty:**
- Spouse of Katie.
- Key life events: Runs wildlife removal company.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Hayden Daly:**
- Spouse of Rilee.
- Key life events: Sells insurance, in a band.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Bryan:**
- Spouse of Kim.
- Key life events: Diagnosed with West Nile Virus, hunting.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Chris:**
- Spouse of Mandy.
- Key life events: Works at Trail King, converts ambulance into horse trailer.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Myrna:**
- Spouse of Ken.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Sandra:**
- Spouse of Kelly.
- Key life events: Works as dental assistant.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Teesha:**
- Spouse of Tanner.
- Key life events: Works as cosmetologist.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Brian:**
- Spouse of DeAna.
- Key life events: Works for State Road dept., trophy bull elk hunt.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Gary:**
- Spouse of Mary Lynn.
- Key life events: Snowmobiling, farming.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Jason:**
- Spouse of Chelsea.
- Key life events: New job, date days with Chelsea.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Jason:**
- Spouse of Lisa.
- Key life events: One-year anniversary, trips.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Ben:**
- Spouse of Michelle.
- Key life events: Full time actor.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Drew:**
- Spouse of Stephanie.
- Key life events: Law practice, sports cards.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Elliot:**
- Spouse of Melanie.
- Key life events: Shoulder surgery.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Natalie:**
- Spouse of Ryan.
- Key life events: Quit job, pursues social work.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Nathan:**
- Spouse of Linda.
- Key life events: Works at Union Pacific.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Trae:**
- Spouse of Marley.
- Key life events: Accepted into PA program.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Hilary:**
- Spouse of Shawn.
- Key life events: Goes back to school.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Shane:**
- Spouse of Nicole.
- Key life events: Finished first year as varsity head coach.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Laurie:**
- Spouse of C.J.
- Key life events: Accepted job as paraprofessional.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Lance:**
- Spouse of Camille.
- Key life events: Married Camille, medical doctor.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Mandy:**
- Child of Kim.
- Key life events: Helped care for Bryan, won barrel racing buckles.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Sawyer:**
- Child of Mandy and Chris.
- Key life events: Baseball, football, 4-H.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Sophia:**
- Child of Mandy and Chris.
- Key life events: Softball, 4-H, basketball.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Brooke:**
- Child of Kelly and Sandra.
- Key life events: Health issues, works for Vegas Golden Knights.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Tanner:**
- Child of Kelly and Sandra.
- Key life events: Builds new home, works at auto body shop.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Scarlett:**
- Child of Tanner and Teesha.
- Key life events: Started preschool.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Hendrix:**
- Child of Tanner and Teesha.
- Key life events: Growing boy.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Savannah:**
- Child of DeAna and Brian.
- Key life events: Went to Alaska, adulting like a boss.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Ian:**
- Child of DeAna and Brian.
- Key life events: Junior in high school, drivers permit.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Abby:**
- Child of DeAna and Brian.
- Key life events: 8th grade, Krav Maga.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Jake:**
- Child of Mary Lynn and Gary.
- Key life events: Graduated high school and seminary, mission to Michigan.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Megan:**
- Child of Mary Lynn and Gary.
- Key life events: Travel ball, basketball.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Landon:**
- Child of Mary Lynn and Gary.
- Key life events: Tennis, farming.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Addyson:**
- Child of Barry and Alisa.
- Key life events: 8th grade, nominated for student of the year.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Garrett:**
- Child of Barry and Alisa.
- Key life events: 5th grade, student of the month.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Wyatt:**
- Child of Barry and Alisa.
- Key life events: 2nd grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Vance:**
- Child of Florence and Larry.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Tyler:**
- Child of Chelsea and Jason.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Ella:**
- Child of Chelsea and Jason.
- Key life events: N/A
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Jackson:**
- Child of Chelsea and Jason.
- Key life events: 8 years old, Tae Kwon Do.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Paisley:**
- Child of Tim and Cassandra.
- Key life events: Started 1st grade, moved to Denver.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Zane:**
- Child of Tim and Cassandra.
- Key life events: Growing like crazy.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Allison:**
- Child of Lisa and Jason.
- Key life events: Singing in the Rain, senior prom.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Paige:**
- Child of Lisa and Jason.
- Key life events: Club volleyball, jewelry business.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Isaac:**
- Child of Lisa and Jason.
- Key life events: Special Olympics, cooking.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Brayden:**
- Child of Michelle and Ben.
- Key life events: Junior high basketball team, trek.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Jasmine:**
- Child of Michelle and Ben.
- Key life events: Basketball, piano lessons, school play.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Stasia:**
- Child of Michelle and Ben.
- Key life events: Baptized.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Taylor:**
- Child of Michelle and Ben.
- Key life events: Kindergarten.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Isabel:**
- Child of Michelle and Ben.
- Key life events: Energizer bunny.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Brooklyn:**
- Child of Stephanie and Drew.
- Key life events: Senior year, accepted to USU.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Riley:**
- Child of Stephanie and Drew.
- Key life events: Freshman in high school.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Stockton:**
- Child of Stephanie and Drew.
- Key life events: Fourth grade, soccer and basketball.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Sadie:**
- Child of Stephanie and Drew.
- Key life events: First grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Josie:**
- Child of Melanie and Elliot.
- Key life events: 9th grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Carly:**
- Child of Melanie and Elliot.
- Key life events: 6th grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Wesley:**
- Child of Melanie and Elliot.
- Key life events: 2nd grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Molly:**
- Child of Melanie and Elliot.
- Key life events: Potty trained.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Claire:**
- Child of Ryan and Natalie.
- Key life events: 3 years old, preschool.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Graham:**
- Child of Ryan and Natalie.
- Key life events: 1 year old.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Madison:**
- Child of Linda and Nathan.
- Key life events: Graduating from college.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Carter:**
- Child of Linda and Nathan.
- Key life events: Graduating this year.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Scottie:**
- Child of Trae and Marley.
- Key life events: 2 years old.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Nash:**
- Child of Shane and Nicole.
- Key life events: Freshman.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Sloane:**
- Child of Shane and Nicole.
- Key life events: 7th grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Hayes:**
- Child of Shane and Nicole.
- Key life events: 4th grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Jayde:**
- Child of Shane and Nicole.
- Key life events: 2nd grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Mercy:**
- Child of C.J. and Laurie.
- Key life events: High school senior.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Porter:**
- Child of C.J. and Laurie.
- Key life events: Sophomore.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Jameson:**
- Child of C.J. and Laurie.
- Key life events: Last year of middle school.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Quinn:**
- Child of C.J. and Laurie.
- Key life events: 5th grade.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
**Damien:**
- Child of Newell and Sally.
- Key life events: Eagle Scout, Army.
- Personality traits: N/A
- Approximate dates: Still alive in 2021.
## TIMELINE
* **1981:** First annual Dean and Neva Humpherys Family Reunion held in Etna, Wyoming.
* **April 1982:** Funeral of Grandpa Humpherys in Etna.
* **1988:** First edition of The Humpherys Herald newsletter compiled by Newell.
* **1995:** Ray takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **1996:** Kelly takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **1997:** Jim takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **1998:** Nadean takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **1999:** Sherrie takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2000:** Mary Lynn takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2001:** Linda takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2002:** Stephanie takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2003:** Pam takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2004:** DeAna takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2005:** Jim takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2006:** Lisa takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2007:** Chelsea takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2008:** Michelle takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2009:** Mary Lynn takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2010:** Nicole takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2011:** Laurie takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2012:** Hilary takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2012:** Funeral of Uncle Robert Humpherys in Etna.
* **2013:** Ryan takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2014:** Josh takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2015:** Melanie takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2016:** Curt takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2016:** Kim takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2016:** Death of Bob Humpherys.
* **2018:** Ray Humpherys goes missing and dies in the Uintah Mountains.
* **2018:** Barry and Alisa take over as editors of the newsletter.
* **2019:** Tim takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2020:** Newell takes over as editor of the newsletter.
* **2024:** Aunt Florence passes away.
* **2024:** Madison takes over as editor of the newsletter.
## THEMES
* **Family:** The most prominent theme. Reunions, newsletters, concern for each other's well-being, celebrating milestones, supporting each other through hardships.
* **Faith:** Strong religious beliefs and practices are evident throughout. Temple visits, church callings, prayers for each other.
* **Resilience:** Overcoming health challenges, economic difficulties, and the loss of loved ones.
* **Hard Work:** Valuing a strong work ethic in careers, farming, and community service.
* **Love for the Outdoors:** Camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and appreciating nature's beauty.
* **Tradition:** Maintaining family reunions and newsletters as a way to stay connected.
* **Humor:** Finding laughter in everyday life, even in difficult situations.
* **Service:** Serving in church, community, and military.
* **Education:** Valuing education and pursuing higher learning.
* **Travel and Adventure:** Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
## KEY STORIES
* **Ray's Disappearance:** The tragic story of Ray's disappearance and death in the Uintah Mountains, the massive search effort, and the family's grief.
* **Kim's Care for Bryan:** Kim's dedication to caring for her husband Bryan during his battle with West Nile Virus and meningitis.
* **Nadean's Kidney Stone Removal:** Nadean's humorous account of her kidney stone removal, showcasing her resilience and positive spirit.
* **The First Family Reunion:** The story of the first Dean and Neva Humpherys Family Reunion and how it became an annual tradition.
* **Sally's Broken Wrist:** Sally's humorous account of breaking her wrist.
## HISTORICAL CONTEXT
* **Early 1900s:**
* Major world events: World War I, the Great Depression.
* National events: Prohibition, the New Deal.
* Local events: Rural life, farming, ranching.
* Technology: Limited electricity, horse-drawn vehicles.
* Social norms: Strong family values, traditional gender roles.
* **Mid-1900s:**
* Major world events: World War II, the Cold War.
* National events: The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War.
* Local events: Growth of small towns, increasing access to education.
* Technology: Automobiles, telephones, television.
* Social norms: Conformity, suburbanization.
* **Late 1900s:**
* Major world events: Fall of the Berlin Wall, end of the Cold War.
* National events: The rise of the internet, increasing globalization.
* Local events: Changing demographics, economic shifts.
* Technology: Personal computers, the internet.
* Social norms: Increasing diversity, changing family structures.
* **Early 2000s:**
* Major world events: September 11th terrorist attacks, the War on Terror.
* National events: Economic recession, political polarization.
* Local events: Continued technological advancements, changing social norms.
* Technology: Social media, smartphones.
* Social norms: Increased awareness of social issues, globalization.
* **2020s:**
* Major world events: COVID-19 pandemic, political polarization.
* National events: Economic uncertainty, social unrest.
* Local events: Adapting to new technologies, changing family structures.
* Technology: Increased reliance on technology, virtual communication.
* Social norms: Increased awareness of social issues, globalization.
## NARRATIVE POTENTIAL
* **Opening Hook:** The discovery of the old family newsletters in an attic, sparking a journey to uncover the family's history. Alternatively, begin with the dramatic search for Ray in the Uintah Mountains, immediately establishing the importance of family and the potential for loss.
* **Natural Arc:** A chronological narrative, starting with the earliest known ancestors in England and tracing their journey to America and their settlement in Etna, Wyoming. Focus on Dean and Neva as the central figures, building the family, instilling values, and creating traditions. Then follow the different branches of the family as they grow and evolve, highlighting their individual stories and achievements.
* **Emotional Throughline:** The enduring power of family bonds, the importance of faith and resilience, and the ability to find joy in the midst of hardship.
* **Book Style:**
* **Epic Saga:** The sweeping story of the Humpherys family, spanning generations and continents, capturing the spirit of the American West.
* **Warm & Personal:** Intimate glimpses into the lives of individual family members, their struggles, their triumphs, and their love for one another.
* **Literary:** Rich prose, thematic depth, and exploration of universal themes such as faith, family, and the search for meaning.
**Organization Suggestions:**
1. **Part 1: Roots and Beginnings:**
* Chapters on the early ancestors in England, their conversion to Mormonism, and their journey to America.
* Chapters on the frontier experience in Wyoming, the challenges and triumphs of taming the land.
2. **Part 2: Dean and Neva:**
* Chapters on Dean's life, his service in World War II, and his return to Etna.
* Chapters on Neva's life, her love for softball, and her role as the matriarch of the family.
* Chapters on Dean and Neva's marriage, their children, and the values they instilled in their family.
3. **Part 3: The Newsletter Years:**
* Chapters on the annual family reunions and the creation of The Humpherys Herald newsletter.
* Chapters on individual family members, their stories, their achievements, and their challenges.
4. **Part 4: Loss and Remembrance:**
* Chapters on the deaths of Robert and Ray, the family's grief, and their efforts to honor their memories.
5. **Part 5: The Next Generation:**
* Chapters on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Dean and Neva, their lives, their careers, and their families.
* Chapters on the future of the Humpherys family, their hopes, their dreams, and their commitment to carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.
This structured analysis should provide a strong framework for writing a compelling and meaningful family history book. Good luck!