George Lawrence’s Beef Stew: A Taste of Family History
George Lawrence’s beef stew was a once-in-a-lifetime treat, hearty, rich, and unforgettable. But my fondest memories come from the mornings: tall stacks of pancakes socked in syrup, eggs fried just right, and the comforting scent of black coffee wafting through the kitchen. He often wandered through the house in a white tank top and jeans, the air around him was a mix of tobacco, must, and the lingering spice of his aftershave.
Best Stew
Dennis Ray (dad) recalls an evening when he stayed with Grandma Ruth. At dinnertime, Granma Ruth and Grandpa Lawrence have a scuffle. Ruth went to bed and said, “Dinner is on you, two.” Well, my dad does not cook. Therefore, Lawrence said, “Guess dinner is my job tonight.” My dad was a little worried and surprised, he did not recall my grandfather ever cooking.
A few hours later, a most delicious beef stew was set before my father. He was shocked that the beef stew was exceptional. He recalls that my grandfather had been a cowboy at a young age, living in Malta with Robert Wake’s (Great Uncle) Ranch.
Grandpa didn’t forget his roots that evening, preparing a hearty, filling dinner. What makes this story unforgettable wasn’t just that my grandfather cooked, but the moment I heard my father praise his father-in-law. Their relationship had often been marked by tension and unspoken conflict. But in this quiet exchange, just a few words of respect.1
Lawrence’s Story
George Lawrence, my grandfather, was born on August 2, 1911, in Malta, Idaho. He was the second child born to George and Laura Mortensen Wake. On April 7, 1934, he married Ruth Ilene Jones in Burley, Idaho. Lawrence took great joy in ranch work and spent time riding across the open range. He was a welder during World War II in Washington and Oregon.
He worked at the Triumph Mine in Hailey, Idaho. He moved his family from Hailey to Orem in 1953, where he worked for Geneva Steel as a welder, retiring in 1978. He passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 1995. 11
Lawrence’s mother and father separated when he was young. Shortly after remarrying, his mother kicked him out, around 8 years old. He stayed in Matla with his Uncle Bobby (Robert Wake). Bobby and Madge, they loved him more than his mother. This was difficult for Lawrence as a child.
He worked as a cowboy. He loved ranching and riding the range. His biggest job was to make the coffee. At 18 years he went to jockey training, in Chicago IL. He got so homesick he returned to Malta.
He signed right up for the World War II draft. He was deferred when they realized he was a welder. They sent him to Portland, Oregon. He worked welding ships during the war. They did not need him after the war. He moved to Idaho.
Uncle Ernie (mother’s twin brother) states, “He had 2 damn twins at home, and he took damn good care of us. He was proud of us. I cannot say enough good things about him. He was always a drinker. He was an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a disease. When it comes to my dad, I overlooked that because it is a disease, and he did not know that. He did not know how to control it.” 3
Miscellaneous
One summer day in 1983 my mom tells me, “You will take grandpa to Malta ID, and you will stay with Grandma Lucy (Great-Grandma) in Burley, ID. Just 17 and recently got my license; it seemed like a big journey. But we took a journey every day when he took me to work, at McDonalds. It was my turn to drive
He had me get off the freeway way before we needed. Malta was a small town. It’s a bit off the beaten path. I was sure lost. Driving along, he talked about riding his horse around this valley. He assured me we would see elk, deer, and moose. We sure did, I almost hit a deer. He said, there is gold buried in the hills that has never been found. He loved regaling his younger years, where he lived. I saw his deep love for the ranch work, beautiful land, and love of riding the range.
He loved my son, Samuel Ray. They were inseparable, twins. Sam was determined to be a cowboy. He had to have the same clothes as grandpa: Wrangler jeans, cowboy hat, belt, and cowboy shirt purchased at the “turtle” Reams Food Store. He would listen to The Highwaymen. The start of his love of music
We saw Waylon Jennings at the county fair shortly after moving to Portland. I lifted him on my shoulders and walk through the crowd to the stage. The next thing I knew, I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders, and Sam was on stage. Jennings was singing, Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys. This was his first “mosh pit.”
Southern Idaho Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2–2½ lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1½” cubes
3 tbsp flour (for dredging)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine (optional, or use more broth)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
3 Idaho russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 parsnip or turnip, peeled and cubed (optional)
1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
1 bay leaf - Optional Add-ins:
A splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic at the end for brightness
Mushrooms for earthiness (I added some green beans)
Barley or lentils for extra heartiness
Directions
- Prep the Beef
Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper to coat.
Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven/sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Brown beef in batches, 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add onions and cook 5 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in wine (if using) and scrape up brown bits.
Add beef broth, Worcestershire, thyme, paprika, and bay leaf.
Return Beef & Simmer
Add browned beef back to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook on low for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Add Vegetables
Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and parsnip (if using).
Simmer uncovered for another 45–60 minutes, until veggies are tender and stew thickens.Finish & Serve
Finish Stew
Stir in peas and simmer 5 more minutes.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Remove bay leaf and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, this tradition will show up again, watch for it.
Karna (Caroline) Mikkelson Mortenson
Karna (Caroline) Mikkelson Mortenson was born November 3, 1839 in a small village, Hastad, Malmohus (Skåne) Sweden. Johannes Mortenson (my 2nd great-grandfather) born October 4, 1862, before her marriage to Anders Martensson on March 13, 1863. 4
She was baptized in the Mormon faith on May 20, 1867. The family’s wish was traveling to Utah to be with the saints. They found it goodby was very difficult to their homeland, relatives, and friends knowing they would not see them again. Sweden was having harsh times as well.
There were major crop failures from long winters, short summers, and early frost. The widespread famine, malnutrition, and related illnesses claimed thousands of lives. Therefore, they turned to moss, lichen, and sego lily bulbs for food. Many became ill from eating bark bread made of lichen. 1 million Swedes migrated through 1914. Free churches influenced many to leave Sweden for support, land, and wealth. This new faith may have offered relief from these conditions. (Facts generated by ChatGPT)
Karna’s history states,
“It was a desire that their loved ones would share in this wonderful feeling, but oh the sorrow and heart aches it seemed to cause their friends and relatives. They made plans to sail to America. Then the days really passed quickly it was now time to sail and they found that leaving ones relatives, friends and the land of their birth was not an easy thing to do, especially when you never expected to see any of them again.” 8
Journey To Utah
They boarded the steamer, Waldemar, on June 13, 1868 They crossed the North Sea arriving in Hull, England, they took the train to Liverpool.9 June 20, 1868 the anchor was lifted on the Emerald Isle, and towed to open sea.
The trip was less than pleasant they were treated harsh and rough by the sailors, the distillation machine broke they had to stop in Queensland to get fresh water, which later became stagnant, measles and disease spread through the ship. This was a 7-week 3-day journey, 4,062 miles, arriving in the New York Harbor, August 11, 1868. This was the last steamer journey for LDS Scandinavian saints.9
The remaining journey was taken by steamer boat, steamer locomotives, and foot, 2,400 miles. The arrived in Salt Lake City September 24, 1868. They lost 30 members of the company, had to wait after 1 member was arrested. Karna loved Croydon UT, this is where they settle and built a home. Oct. 11, 1868 she lost an infant shortly after birth.
Living in Utah
She struggled with the language, clothing, and food upon arriving. Soon after the family arrived Andrew as assigned to work the railroad for Brigham Young (Mormon prophet).
The Weber Canyon was camp, they took his family. A short time later as the children were playing, the young children called, Charles had fallen in the water. Karna ran quickly but it was too late, she barely touched his clothes and he slipped away into the river. This mother, then pregnant, said that she did not know, with a prayer on her lips and tears in her eyes how many days and nights she spent pulling branches aside with the hope that she would find her little son’s body, but little Charley was never found. 8
Karna loss the following children before her death:
- Carl Magnus MortenssonJune 1, 1866 – May 7, 1869 (drowned) 5
- Alfred Mortensson October 11, 1868 – October 11, 1868 (died at birth)
- George Nicholasson Mortenson October 7, 1869 – July 19, 1913 (fell from the trolley in Salt Lake died from a head fracture) 7
- Andrew Mortenson Jr., April 17, 1876 – January 10, 1910 (died from pneumonia in the winter in Almo Idaho)4
- Annie Matilda Mortenson March 26, 1879 – April 6, 1881 (died from brain fever) 5
Life Changes
Life change in 1887, Anders left for a mission in Sweden. The sons assisted with chores but were not thrilled as they were not fond of their father, it is said he was abusive. The sons did not attend his funeral.
When Anders returned, he wanted to enter plural marriage. Karna did approve of plural marriage and had been outspoken regarding the practice. Andres married his 2nd wife in 1993.10
She told her husband I am not living polygamy, and you will support me. She took a stand in a time and place where this did not work out well for women especially if abuse was in the home. She is inspiring.
Karna established her own home with her son George, and was listed among the pioneers’ early doctors, listed as a doctor having a diploma. was the midwife over a large district as well as being called up on to set broken bones, remove bullets, sew up cuts and try to solve all kinds of complex issues.
The 1910 census has her listed as divorced.12 She died March 27, 1923 at the age of 84. She is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery.
Origins: Pioneer & Ranch Life
Southern Idaho’s beef stew likely developed in the late 1800s to early 1900s, when pioneers, homesteaders, and ranching families settled the Snake River Plain and surrounding valleys.
The region was rich in:
- Cattle ranching — especially in Cassia, Twin Falls, and Gooding counties
- Potato farming — Idaho’s most iconic crop
- Root vegetables — carrots, onions, parsnips, and turnips thrived in the cool climate
- Irrigated fields — made possible by the Carey Act of 1894, which helped turn arid land into productive farms
Families needed nutritious, hearty meals that could stretch ingredients, feed many mouths, and cook slowly while other chores were handled, hence the stew. (Facts generated by ChatGPT)
Uncle Wally, Taylor Ranch Beef
Uncle Wally (Grandma Ruth’s brother-in-law) was a successful rancher in Almo Idaho. Wally was inducted into the Southern Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame in 1991. He was also an inventor, electrician, plumber, carpenter, and blacksmith. A man of many trades and successful at many.
He worked as a cowboy for the famed Miller and Lux Cattle Co. employed by William Jones, future father-in-law. He lost his first ranch in the depression. He purchased his second ranch for $10 down $10 a month, $500 total purchase price.
This ranch was successful. He purchased 3 Hereford heifers to start cattle ranching. He was known for the tools he developed many should have been patented. Him and his son, a professor of animal sciences, developed a registered Hereford and hybrid cattle improving productivity and profitability.
He was recognized as a source for his breeding stock sought by many cattlemen. He consistently helped families with ranching, loans, and providing practical advice. What he lacked in education he made up with ingenuity, hard work (started sheepherding at 13 to help with family finances) and practicality. He was a steward of the land holding to traditional cowboy standards.6
Taylor Ranch Beef stands as a symbol of Almo’s heritage: clean water, open skies, and cattle raised the right way, he had respect for the land and pride in every steer. His high-quality beef was always tops when we would enjoy his hamburger or steak. It was earthy, clean did not taste like any beef from the grocery stores. The is beef told its own story in every bite.
Root Cellars Food Storage
Food preservation and storage is different than preserved foods. Farm to table is not new it is the way my ancestors lived daily. They managed the farms, food preparations, seed production, and storing food. Preservation of food was needed before refrigeration to ensure food quality, get the most nutrition from the food, prevent illness, and feed your family between harvests. Food preparation types are
- Pickling
- Water bath Canning
- Pressure canning
- Smoking
- Drying
- Root Cellar
A root cellar uses the natural insulation of the earth to maintain a cool, humid, and stable environment.
| Best Stored Crops | Notes |
| Potatoes | Store in the dark to prevent greening |
| Carrots & Parsnips | Can be stored in moist sand |
| Beets | Retain dirt; don’t wash before storing |
| Onions & Garlic | Prefer drier, slightly warmer spot |
| Cabbage | Can hang or sit on shelves |
| Apples & Pears | Wrap in newspaper to prevent spoilage |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Prefer dry, ventilated storage |
(Facts generated by ChatGPT)
Grandma Ruth’s Root Cellar
Grandma Ruth had a root cellar in her home even though she had refrigeration. Lifting the lid off the cover in the bedroom closet was damp, dark, dusty, and musty. Climbing down the small ladder I would find best canned peaches and pears. The smell of onions lingered, bright colored beets and purple, orange, yellow, red, and white carrots were a sight to see, as well as many root vegetables.
She would send me here to get veggies for her beef stew. It was dimly lit by one light bulb in the corner the dirt was cold on my feet. She made the best parsnips with dinner. I love root veggies I know because of this food experience.
Food is the great connector, linking us to our ancestors through recipes, memories, traditions, and love. It evokes the warmth of a grandmother’s kitchen and the comforting aromas of something simmering on the stove, speaking a language older than words. With every bite, we remember who we are and carry those stories forward, nourishing the future with the essence of the past.
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A Taste of Family History on Our Lifestyle Blog
Relationship
References
1 Ray, D. (2025, February 25). Oral statement.
2 Dennis, E. (2025, May 29). Oral statement [Grandfather.MP4].
3 FamilySearch. (n.d.). [Karna (Caroline) Mikkelson Mortenson] FamilySearch. Retrieved June 1, 2025, from https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/KWJ8-KTF
4 Find a Grave. (n.d.). [Andrew Mortenson Jr.] Find a Grave. Retrieved June 1, 2025, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110248507/andrew-mortenson#source
5 FamilySearch. (n.d.). [Death — Deseret News 1881-4-13]FamilySearch. Retrieved June 1, 2025, https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/KWVH-WMX
6 FamilySearch. (n.d.). [Wallace Charles Taylor, Obituary June 1999]FamilySearch. Retrieved June 1, 2025, https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/KWZC-MZJ
7 FamilySearch. (n.d.). [George Mortenson, “Utah, Death Certificates, 1904-1966”]FamilySearch. Retrieved June 1, 2025,https://tinyurl.com/4avnbmwd
8 FamilySearch. (n.d.). [Karna (Caroline) Mikkelson Mortenson]FamilySearch. Retrieved June 1, 2025, https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/KWJ8-KTF
9 XMission. (n.d.). [Narratives of the Emigration from the Scandinavian Mission 1852-1868
from excerpts of the History of the Scandinavian Mission, by Andrew Jenson.]XMission. Retrieved June 1, 2025 https://user.xmission.com/~nelsonb/enarrative.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com#1867
10 FamilySearch. (n.d.). [Andrew Mortenson Biography]FamilySearch. Retrieved June 1, 2025, https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/KWJ8-KTF
11 FamilySearch. (n.d.). [Death_ Lawrence G. – Deseret News]FamilySearch. Retrieved June 1, 2025, https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/KWCV-3XH
12 FamilySearch. (n.d.). [Utah. Census Record Indexes 1910]FamilySearch. Retrieved June 6, 2025, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YY2-WZ1?view=index&personArk=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AM5X7-6JP&action=view&cc=1727033&lang=en&groupId=
