A Family’s Hardship, A Community’s Heart: The Cowlishaw Story
Beautiful Iris was born in Wales and her family immigrated when she was a few months old.
She married Ray Cowlishaw and they had 4 wonderful children.
Ray Cowlishaw (Died 1952): A Life of Hard Work and Family Commitment
Ray Cowlishaw, a dedicated family man and hardworking employee of the Utah Construction Company, lived with his family at 6997 West 3500 South in Granger. Ray’s life was tragically cut short on September 15, 1952, while working at the Bingham Strip Mine.
On that day, Ray was refueling a tractor when the barrel into which he was pumping air suddenly exploded, killing him instantly. His unexpected death left a profound void in the Cowlishaw family and community.
Despite his passing, Ray’s legacy of hard work and devotion lived on through his wife, Mrs. Ray Cowlishaw, and their four children. Just six months after his death, the family faced another devastating hardship when their home burned almost to the ground on March 22, 1953.
The resilience of the Cowlishaw family and the compassion of the Granger community became a testament to the strength Ray inspired. Though his life was brief, his memory remains a cherished part of the family’s history and the local heritage.
This left Iris a widow. with 4 young children.
5 months later the family home caught fire and was totally destroyed.
As you look through these pictures you will see how the community rallied around the Cowlishaw Family
Neighbors homes were open to the Cowlishaw family, toys were shared and food was supplied
And the community helped her rebuild
1953 Fire : Community Rally to Rebuild the Cowlishaw Home
In March 1953, tragedy struck the Cowlishaw family when their home at 6997 West 3500 South burned almost to the ground in a fast-moving blaze. Mrs. Ray Cowlishaw and her four children—Shirley (10), Kenneth (9), Dorothy (6), and Ellen (19 months)—escaped with only the clothes on their backs. The loss was especially heartbreaking as Mr. Cowlishaw had passed away just six months prior, leaving Mrs. Cowlishaw a widow to care for her young family alone.
Despite the devastation, the spirit of the Granger community shone brightly. Residents from Hunter, Magna, and nearby areas quickly organized to clear away the burned remains and began rebuilding the Cowlishaw home. A crew from the 4th LDS Ward in Salt Lake City, led by Bishop Doxey of the Hunter LDS Ward, lent hands and hearts to the effort.
To support the family, a benefit dance was held on April 2nd at the Hunter Ward, featuring an entertaining program and open donations. Those unable to attend could contribute at the Copper Printing Company office in Magna, serving as a donation center.
Generosity poured in from all directions. Donations included a shiny Norge washing machine from O.C. Finley, clothing, furniture, and other household goods. Even the Cowlishaw children’s classmates at Webster School collected over $50 through small donations, reflecting the kindness of neighbors young and old.
Local merchants Joe Shafer and Lynn Packard purchased clothing for the family the Sunday following the fire, demonstrating true community care. Chef Gerrard of the Hotel Utah sent a complete turkey dinner to help feed the family during this difficult time. Contributions and heartfelt letters came from as far as Spanish Fork, Randolph, and Coalville, Wyoming.
By early April, the basement of the new two-bedroom house was complete on the original site, with work underway on the floor joists, promising a fresh start for the Cowlishaws.
This story remains a lasting example of how neighbors came together i to support one another, turning tragedy into hope through collective kindness and action.
