Research begins in earnest - May 6, 2008

I just made a tremendous trip to Heber and Nephi to gather information and open up lines of communications.

My Sister Nancy Hanks Roberts (yup, named after Cousin Abe's mother...honest!) and I met in Heber Friday, May 2 with three wonderful women who had some association with Cory: Donna (and Earl) Dayton, Alice Fortie and Peg Sabey, a great historian. Peg is the world's greatest expert on Eunice Murdock Cullimore, Cory's sister. I set up my field recording equipment and recorded our 90 minute conversation. I got lots of good information on Cory's manner, personality and habits. It was great!

They gave me the name of Eunice's son, Coridon ("Kip") who lived with Cory for a time and would be the best living source of detailed stories and information. I hope to meet with Kip when May 24 when he comes to Heber for a reunion.

When I mentioned the Recorded Book of UFTH, they were SOOO excited to get it. When it's ready, I will release it publicly in Heber.

On the drive back to Las Vegas Sunday, May 4, I stopped in Nephi to interview two family friends, Bars and Mary Jenkins. They took me on a drive up the east side of Mt. Nebo to show me the location of the Little Eva mine where Cory's accident happened. We couldn't get all the way because of the snow, but I got a good view of those mountains and cliffs that were Cory' "last glorious look.

We then drove to the West side of the mountain and drove to the mouth of the canyon Cory would have traversed with his pack donkeys to get to the mine. I came away with a good logistical feel for what we will need when we shoot those scenes. When I return in two week, Bars is going to take me on horseback up the trail to the mine. I get chills just thinking a bout it.

I am also researching (or trying to) Stanford's records to see what I can find about Cory's four years there and I will visit the campus this summer or fall to scout locations there. If you have any information in that regard, I'd love to have it.

I will also need information about Cory's stay in Heyburn, Idaho and more about his wife. I don't know her name or anything about her except that she died in their Heber home...don't know when or how.

I know you're awash with ideas, suggestions and information. I want to know all I can about Cory and get any information from any source. So please post anything you have here and/or email it to me.

Thanks again for any help you can give.

John
702-898-2204
john@johnhanks.com
http://www.johnhanks.com/