Leon Sinfield Richman
Overview
Leon Sinfield Richman and Boston Obray Thomas had 3 children: Reta Richman, Leon T. Richman, and Lynn Thomas Richman. Leon T. Richman was born July 1, 1916 and died the same day. He lived only a few hours. He was blessed by
Edward O. Norman and was buried in the Paradise, Utah, cemetery. See notes.
- Born May 10, 1897 in Paradise, Utah. He was blessed by his grandfather, Samuel Sinfield. He attended grade school at Paradise Elementary School. He worked on his dad’s farm.
- Leon was drafted into the service during World War I. He went to Fort Lewis Washington, for training, but the war ended before he had to go into active duty. See his registration for the draft, enlistment record and certificate of honorable discharge.
- Leon married Boston Obray Thomas on October 15, 1919. Leon’s brother George married Boston’s sister Estella Thomas. Boston and Estella are daughters of John Edward Thomas & Annie Shelton Obray.
- He owned 10 acres of ground in Paradise and grew sugar beets. He was a hard worker. He was short, about 5′ 3,” and his hair was a light red. He had a good tenor voice and sang in quartets at funerals. He also played the banjo, drums, and a mandolin with a small band most Saturday nights. He was quiet spoken and his daughter said she never heard him say anything bad about anyone.
- In about 1930, Leon bought a truck and hauled potatoes and wheat in Idaho. They sold their home in Paradise and moved to St. Anthony, Idaho. When the depression hit, he lost his truck and took whatever jobs he could—shoeing horses or working in the fields.
- Leon died on July 14, 1933 at age 36 in an accident while on the way to work in the fields south of Rexburg. He was standing with other men in the back of a truck when the truck rolled over in a barrow pit. He died later that afternoon in the hospital.
- Leon’s funeral was July 16 in St. Anthony, and on July 17 in Paradise. Over 600 attended.
- Boston and her children then lived with Boston’s parents, John Edward Thomas & Annie Shelton Obray, until the next spring, when Boston bought a house in Brigham City.
Family Records
- LDS membership records for Boston, Leon, Lynn, Reta, and baby
- Personal Record Sheet version 1 and version 2
- Blessing certificate
- Priesthood ordination certificates
- The Church History Library archives do not have a copy of the patriarchal blessing for Boston nor for her husband Leon.
- Marriage certificate of Leon Sinfield Richman and Boston Obray Thomas Richman
- Paradise Ward notes and dates about Leon Sinfield, Boston, Reta, Leon T., and Lynn T.
- Newspaper articles about Leon’s accident: article 1, part A, article 1, part B, article 2, and
article 3. - Mementos of Leon Sinfield Richman.
- Death certificate
Stories
- Memories of My Dad, Leon S. Richman, by his daughter Reta Richman
- My Dad, notes by his daughter Reta Richman
- Leon Sinfield notes by Lynn Richman