PIONEER BISHOP OF MAESER SUCCUMBS COLD AND ATTACK OF ASTHMA

BISHOP COLLETT SUUCMBS FRIDAY AFTER USEFUL CAREER

Entire Valley Honor Splendid Life Of Former Bishop and Organizer at Impressive Services Held in Maeser Chapel Monday Afternoon

MAESER (SPECIAL) -- The whole communty was surprised to hear of the death of Bishop Sylvannus Collett at 11 a.m. Friday. For several years he had been afflicted with asthma but had felt better lately than for some time. Having been exposed to a severe wind storm recently, he took a severe cold which resulted in his death.

The commodious chapel would not hold the hugh crowds of admiring and sympathetic friends who assembled on Monday to pay respect to him and it was necessary to open the folding doors of the amusement hall to accomodate them.

The services held at 1 o'clock p.m. were under the direction of Bishop Lester Bingham. A chorus from the Maeser choir, dircted by Warren S. Jones and assisted by Mrs. Thomas E. Caldwell as accompanist and other singers from Vernal, feelingly rendered, "Providence Is Over All." The opening prayer was offered by President Ernest Eaton of the High Priest Quorum, to which Mr. Collett belonged. Mrs. May Jorgensen and Mrs. May Calder rendered the duet "Hope on Dear Heart."

Thomas Bingham who served as first counselor to Bishop Collett was the first speaker. He told of his loyal devotion to duties to the ward and his ability to unite its members. As an illustration of his interest in folks Edgar A. Guest's poem, "People Liked Him" was read. Albert G. Goodrich was the second speaker. He referred to the high esteem in which the deceased was held in Naples where he had lived many years.

Charles H. Colton, supervisor of priesthood activities in Maeser Ward, related incidents in proof of how true religion was exemplified in the life of Bishop Collett by his unselfish service to his family and people in need everywhere. Mrs. Lucille Calder sang touchingly, "There Is No Night".

R. S. Collettt of Salt Lake was the concluding speaker. With great difficulty he bore witness of the kindly disposition and loving nature of his brother. He referred to his splendid wives and honorable family which he had raised. The speaker gave eloquent utterance to the reward of a well spent life. The chorus sang "When the Mists Have Cleared Away". The benediction was pronounced by President Hugh W. Colton.

A large number of High Priests with bowed heads in columns on either side of the entrance walk in token of their high esteem of the departed. Three sons, Wiley, Orin and Byron and three brothers, Adelbert, Clarence and George acted as pallbearers. The floral tributes in the form of wreaths and house plants were profuse. A large cortege followed the remains to the Vernal Cemetery where the grave was dedicated by Phil Stringham. Sr.

Mr. Collett is survived by his wife and the following children, Wiley S. Collett of Lyman, Wyoming; Orin and Byron of Vernal; Mrs. Alice Snow of Jensen, Howard S., Edna, Edith and Carl, who are still at home with their mother. The following brothers and sisters are still living, all of whom except Charles were present at the funeral. R. S. and A. T. Collett of Salt Lake; Charles of Bennington, Idaho; Mrs. Julia Postma of Smithfield; Mrs. Princetta Bills of Meeker; Clarence of Murray; Geo Collett of Salt Lake and Mrs. Roseltha Neilson of Sandy.

Mr. Collett's first wife having died several years previously, he was married to Miss Ethelwaynne Stringham. September 27, 1904. From this very happy union two boys, Howard and Carl, and two girls, Edna and Edith survived and live with their mother. Mrs. Collett is a very useful member of the Maeser Ward and has with her family, numerous friends who mourn her untimely loss.

-Vernal Express, May 5, 1932, transcribed by Rhonda Holton
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OUR PIONEERS

SYLVANNUS COLLETT
Sylvannus Collett, the son of Reuben and Elthurah Roseltha Collett, was born in Smithfield, Utah, December 15, 1866. He spent his early life in northern Utah. His father, who built 25 homes, was called to help settle communities in Utah and Arizona. In his latter place Sulvannus married Sarah E. Simpkins, June 2, 1886. To this union were born five children. In 1887 the family moved to Ashley Valley and settled first in Maeser but later in Naples. He held many responsible ecclesiastical positions.

He was the first president of the Maeser MIA, counnselor to Bishop Shaffer of the Naples Ward, counselor to Thomas Bingham in Maeser Sunday School high counselor in Uintah Stake July 2, 1922 he was chosen bishop of Maeser Ward by George Albert Smith. During the last few years he has devoted himself to service among the afflicted and needy until his friends have become very numerous.

Most of his life has been spent in the farming and livestock business. However in 1903 he acted as forest ranger on the Ashley Forest. In 1905 he was called to act as supervisor of the Dixie National Foret, with headquarters at St. George. There he made many friends. In 1907 he returned to Uintah County where he acted as state road supervisor in the construction of the present highway to Roosevelt also the road from Vernal to Jensen.

-Vernal Express, May 5, 1932, transcribed by Rhonda Holton