A Family Legacy of Singing

The support and strength of a close family can lift and inspire its members to accomplish things they might never have attempted were it not for the examples they see around them. Indeed, some families nurture a common interest that continues for generations. So it was that in 2004, when Sarah Clayton joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, she became the first of a new generation—a sixth generation—to carry forth a remarkable family legacy of singing in the Choir.

Sarah’s mother, Susan Hillier Clayton ("Susie"), was already a member, so mother and daughter could share the delight of singing in this world- renowned organization. But that’s only the beginning. Sarah's grandmother, Helen Russell Hillier, and great grandfather, Valoran Russell, were members. So were great-great grandmother Hedvig “Hattie” Aurora Lundgren Dahl and great-great-great grandmother, Alma Elizabeth “Lizzie” Mineer Felt, who joined the Choir in 1883.

• Susie’s sister, Jane Hillier Clark, is a charter member of the Orchestra at Temple Square.
• Jane’s husband, Elliott, sings in the Choir.
• Elliott’s brother, Shane, was a member and sister Kim Clark Cheshire still is.
• The Clark siblings’ parents, Owen and Helen Elliott Clark, sang in the Choir.
• Three great-great grandparents of the Clarks, David James and Maggie Weihe Ross, and LDS Church Apostle Parley P. Pratt, were members.
• Maggie's brother, Willard Weihe, was violin soloist on a Choir tour.

But there are yet more:

• Susie’s second cousin, Carolyn Rudd Rogers, sang in the Choir.
• Grandmother Helen Hillier was joined by a brother, Jay Martin Russell (and wife Carolyn) as well as five cousins: Russell Trent Osguthorpe (and wife Lolly), Sharon Osguthorpe Konkurat, Carlene Osguthorpe Platt, Lavon Woods Rudd, and Evelyn Russell Evans (along with husband T. Max).
• Great grandfather Valoran Russell had two siblings in the Choir: Frank Calvin Russell and Iva LaRue Russell Osguthorpe.
• Valoran’s uncle, Eli Harvey Pierce, a nephew of President Brigham Young, was also a member.
• Great-great grandmother Dahl was joined by a brother, Oscar Martin Lundgren.

It is interesting to note that Valoran Russell, as a missionary in California, was a companion to former Tabernacle Organist Alexander Schreiner. They remained dear friends all their lives. Elder Russell often acted as chauffeur for visits by LDS Church President Heber J. Grant, who would get into the car and say, “Elder, let’s sing!” Iva Osguthorpe had in important influence upon former Choir Director Jerold Ottley; she persuaded him to pursue vocal music studies and encouraged him to conduct.

So there you have it—a total of 31 musicians who have served in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and related organizations. One would be hard- pressed to find a more fitting example of the influence a family can have upon its members—not only mom, dad and children—but multiple generations. Sarah, Susie and their ancestors are blessed that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir—an organization that has such a positive influence upon the world—has played such a big part in their lives. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is blessed to have received generations of service from this devoted family.