His wife supported him working at his side to help. All the children were taught the value of hard work and the value of living a clean moral life. He was a good farmer. Most of their working years were spent in Payson, Utah. Although for a few years they lived at Blackfoot, Idaho. We remember him telling of traveling with team and wagon loaded with farming equipment from Payson, Utah to Blackfoot, Idaho. The trip took 9 days. Mother and children went by train. The move back which he made by horse and surrey took 6 days. This experience was a fond memory. Through the years they would prosper then fail and would state over again.
William Luther had many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving as a choir leader for 7 years. The Choir was outstanding and accomplished much good. He served in the Sunday School Superintendency.
He felt their greatest success to be taking the sacrament to the homes of the ill and elderly that could not attend church.After his father became elderly William Luther became president of the Jesse Hiatt Family Organization. He served in this capacity for many years. While he was president the first book of Hiatt-Hiett genealogy was family history was published.
The family remembers him borrowing money to help finance this project. Much good has come from the efforts of all those who worked so diligently to accomplish this task. Many happy times were enjoyed from family reunions each year. Dances, good food, homemade ice cream. It is a musical family. They could usually get their own dance band together.
His wife Jeni died 1 Sept 1952 this loss was deeply felt by the whole family. The children adored their mother. William Luther filled a mission to the Southern States for the LDS Church after the death of his wife. His parents had moved from Mt. Airy, N.C. before William Luther was born, he being the first child born in Utah after the family joined the church and moved west. He married Carrie Clestella Corbett 7 July 1954 after he returned from his mission.
He recieved a very spiritual experience when called to be a ward clerk. The morning of the day he was called he arose early. He heard a voice speak to him telling him he would be called to the position of ward clerk. Not telling anyone he continued working about the yard. The voice did speak to him three times during the day. He finally did tell his wife Carrie about the voice speaking to him and the message it gave. That evening the Bishop of the ward and the Stake President came to his home and he received the call. He served in this position for nine years.
William Luther lived to be almost 91 years old. He died 4 Mar 1980 and would have been 91 the 25 April 1980. He was actively engaged in growing a garden the summer before his death. He would remark "My spirit is so young
but my body is so old." He loved life. He loved to ride up the canyon and find the tree where he carved his name when young, also to visit the areas where with team and wagon they would go every fall to bring down a load of wood. He enjoyed riding through the fields reminiscing at the places he had worked as a youth and at the places he had farmed in his mature years. He always requested "please go slow so I can get a good look at the fields." At his death his descendants included 11 children, 50 grandchildren, 107 gg granchildren and 10 gg grandchildren.He had a firm testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the earth. He tried to live the commandments and work out his own salvation to the best of his ability.
World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
about William Luther Hiatt
Name: William Luther Hiatt
County: Utah
State: Utah
Birthplace: Utah,United States of America
Birth Date: 15 Apr 1889
Race: Caucasian (White)
Web: Utah, Find A Grave Index, 1847-2012 about William Luther Hiatt
Name: William Luther Hiatt
Birth Date: 25 Apr 1889
Age at Death: 90
Death Date: 4 Mar 1980
Burial Place: Payson, Utah County, Utah, USA
URL: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-...1930 United States Federal Census about William L Hiatt
Name: William L Hiatt Gender: Male Birth Year: abt 1889 Birthplace: Utah Race: White Home in 1930: Payson, Utah, Utah
Marital Status: Married Relation to Head of House: Head Spouse's Name: Mary J Hiatt Father's Birthplace: North Carolina Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
Household Members:
Name Age
William L Hiatt 41
40
W Earl Hiatt 21
18
Harold Hiatt 16
Donna Hiatt 14
Rex Hiatt 10
Norma Hiatt 5
Helen Hiatt 4 [4 1/12]
Renee Hiatt 3 [3 1/12]
Baby Hiatt 0 [3]*******************************************
1940 United States Federal Census about Rex Hiatt
Name: Rex Hiatt
Age: 19
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1921
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Utah
Marital Status: Single
Relation to Head of House: Son
Home in 1940: Payson, Utah, Utah
Street: So 4th W
House Number: 553
Inferred Residence in 1935: Payson, Utah, Utah
Residence in 1935: Same House
Sheet Number: 14A
Occupation: Musician
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: High School, 4th year
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 40
Class of Worker: Working on own account
Weeks Worked in 1939: 48
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members: Name Age
William L Hiatt 50
Mary J Hiatt 50
Rex Hiatt 19
Helen Hiatt 14
Rene Hiatt 12
Reed Hiatt 10
Deen Hiatt 8
Barbara Hiatt 5
Betty J Hiatt 7First child b. in Salem
(5146.) WILLIAM LUTHER HIATT (2935.) (1158.) (402.) (81.) (11.) (1.):
b. 25-4MO-1889, Salem, Utah; m. 24-6mo-1906, Spanish Fork, Utah, to MARY JANE MOORE, d/o Hugh and Sarah Ann (Jones). Moore; b. 20-10mo-1889.CH: (6767.) William Earl; (6768.) Mary Beatrice; (6769.) Erma Elizabeth;
(6770.) Harold, (677l.) Donna Ann; (6772.) Gwen, (6773.) Wayne,
(6774.) Rex Arnold; (6775.) Norma, (6776.) Helen Jane, (6777.) Renee;
(6778.) Reid Moore; (6779.) Dean Luther; (6780.) Barbara. (R152).
Sent by Helen Andreason. D/o Hugh Moore and Sarah Ann Jones.
Western States Marriage Index, 1809-2011 about Mary J Moore
Name: Mary J Moore
Spouse: William L Hiatt
Marriage Date: 1907
Marriage Place: Utah, Utah
URL: http://abish.byui.edu/specialC...Utah County, Utah Cemetery Index about Mary Jane Moore Hiatt
Name: Mary Jane Moore Hiatt
Birth Date: 20 Oct 1889
Death Date: 1 Sep 1952
Cemetery: PaysonU.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 about Mary J Hiatt
Name: Mary J Hiatt
Gender: F (Female)
Residence Year: 1935
Residence Place: Provo, Utah
Spouse: Wm L Hiatt
Publication Title: Provo, Utah, City Directory, 19351910 United States Federal Census about Mary J Hiatt
Name: Mary J Hiatt
Age in 1910: 20
Birth Year: abt 1890 [1890]
Birthplace: Utah
Home in 1910: Payson, Utah, Utah
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: William L Hiatt
Father's Birthplace: England
Mother's Birthplace: WalesHousehold Members: Name Age
William L Hiatt 21
Mary J Hiatt 20
William E Hiatt 2
Mary B Hiatt 1 [1 2/12]1940 United States Federal Census about Mary J Hiatt
Name: Mary J Hiatt
Respondent: Yes
Age: 50
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1890
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthplace: Utah
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Home in 1940: Payson, Utah, Utah
Street: So 4th W
House Number: 553
Inferred Residence in 1935: Payson, Utah, Utah
Residence in 1935: Same House
Sheet Number: 14A
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 7th grade
Weeks Worked in 1939: 0
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: NoHousehold Members: Name Age
William L Hiatt 50
Mary J Hiatt 50
Rex Hiatt 19
Helen Hiatt 14
Rene Hiatt 12
Reed Hiatt 10
Deen Hiatt 8
Barbara Hiatt 5
Betty J Hiatt 7
(6772.) GWEN HIATT (5146.) (2935.) (1158.) (402.) (81.) (11.) (2.) (1.):
b. 24-2mo-1918, Payson, Payson, Utah; d. 28-4mo-1918. (R152).
(6773.) WAYNE HIATT (5146.) (2935.) (1158.) (402.) (81.) (11.) (2.) (1.):
b. 26-3m0-1919, Payson, Utah; d. 19-4mo-1919. (R152).
(6775.) NORMA HIATT (5146.) (2935.) (1158.) (402.) (81.) (11.) (2.) (1.):
b. 12-4mo-1925, Payson, Utah.d.23-7mo-1995 (R152).
His wife supported him working at his side to help. All the children were taught the value of hard work and the value of living a clean moral life. He was a good farmer. Most of their working years were spent in Payson, Utah. Although for a few years they lived at Blackfoot, Idaho. We remember him telling of traveling with team and wagon loaded with farming equipment from Payson, Utah to Blackfoot, Idaho. The trip took 9 days. Mother and children went by train. The move back which he made by horse and surrey took 6 days. This experience was a fond memory. Through the years they would prosper then fail and would state over again.
William Luther had many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving as a choir leader for 7 years. The Choir was outstanding and accomplished much good. He served in the Sunday School Superintendency.
He felt their greatest success to be taking the sacrament to the homes of the ill and elderly that could not attend church.After his father became elderly William Luther became president of the Jesse Hiatt Family Organization. He served in this capacity for many years. While he was president the first book of Hiatt-Hiett genealogy was family history was published.
The family remembers him borrowing money to help finance this project. Much good has come from the efforts of all those who worked so diligently to accomplish this task. Many happy times were enjoyed from family reunions each year. Dances, good food, homemade ice cream. It is a musical family. They could usually get their own dance band together.
His wife Jeni died 1 Sept 1952 this loss was deeply felt by the whole family. The children adored their mother. William Luther filled a mission to the Southern States for the LDS Church after the death of his wife. His parents had moved from Mt. Airy, N.C. before William Luther was born, he being the first child born in Utah after the family joined the church and moved west. He married Carrie Clestella Corbett 7 July 1954 after he returned from his mission.
He recieved a very spiritual experience when called to be a ward clerk. The morning of the day he was called he arose early. He heard a voice speak to him telling him he would be called to the position of ward clerk. Not telling anyone he continued working about the yard. The voice did speak to him three times during the day. He finally did tell his wife Carrie about the voice speaking to him and the message it gave. That evening the Bishop of the ward and the Stake President came to his home and he received the call. He served in this position for nine years.
William Luther lived to be almost 91 years old. He died 4 Mar 1980 and would have been 91 the 25 April 1980. He was actively engaged in growing a garden the summer before his death. He would remark "My spirit is so young
but my body is so old." He loved life. He loved to ride up the canyon and find the tree where he carved his name when young, also to visit the areas where with team and wagon they would go every fall to bring down a load of wood. He enjoyed riding through the fields reminiscing at the places he had worked as a youth and at the places he had farmed in his mature years. He always requested "please go slow so I can get a good look at the fields." At his death his descendants included 11 children, 50 grandchildren, 107 gg granchildren and 10 gg grandchildren.He had a firm testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the earth. He tried to live the commandments and work out his own salvation to the best of his ability.
World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
about William Luther Hiatt
Name: William Luther Hiatt
County: Utah
State: Utah
Birthplace: Utah,United States of America
Birth Date: 15 Apr 1889
Race: Caucasian (White)
Web: Utah, Find A Grave Index, 1847-2012 about William Luther Hiatt
Name: William Luther Hiatt
Birth Date: 25 Apr 1889
Age at Death: 90
Death Date: 4 Mar 1980
Burial Place: Payson, Utah County, Utah, USA
URL: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-...1930 United States Federal Census about William L Hiatt
Name: William L Hiatt Gender: Male Birth Year: abt 1889 Birthplace: Utah Race: White Home in 1930: Payson, Utah, Utah
Marital Status: Married Relation to Head of House: Head Spouse's Name: Mary J Hiatt Father's Birthplace: North Carolina Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
Household Members:
Name Age
William L Hiatt 41
40
W Earl Hiatt 21
18
Harold Hiatt 16
Donna Hiatt 14
Rex Hiatt 10
Norma Hiatt 5
Helen Hiatt 4 [4 1/12]
Renee Hiatt 3 [3 1/12]
Baby Hiatt 0 [3]*******************************************
1940 United States Federal Census about Rex Hiatt
Name: Rex Hiatt
Age: 19
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1921
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Utah
Marital Status: Single
Relation to Head of House: Son
Home in 1940: Payson, Utah, Utah
Street: So 4th W
House Number: 553
Inferred Residence in 1935: Payson, Utah, Utah
Residence in 1935: Same House
Sheet Number: 14A
Occupation: Musician
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: High School, 4th year
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 40
Class of Worker: Working on own account
Weeks Worked in 1939: 48
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members: Name Age
William L Hiatt 50
Mary J Hiatt 50
Rex Hiatt 19
Helen Hiatt 14
Rene Hiatt 12
Reed Hiatt 10
Deen Hiatt 8
Barbara Hiatt 5
Betty J Hiatt 7First child b. in Salem
(5146.) WILLIAM LUTHER HIATT (2935.) (1158.) (402.) (81.) (11.) (1.):
b. 25-4MO-1889, Salem, Utah; m. 24-6mo-1906, Spanish Fork, Utah, to MARY JANE MOORE, d/o Hugh and Sarah Ann (Jones). Moore; b. 20-10mo-1889.CH: (6767.) William Earl; (6768.) Mary Beatrice; (6769.) Erma Elizabeth;
(6770.) Harold, (677l.) Donna Ann; (6772.) Gwen, (6773.) Wayne,
(6774.) Rex Arnold; (6775.) Norma, (6776.) Helen Jane, (6777.) Renee;
(6778.) Reid Moore; (6779.) Dean Luther; (6780.) Barbara. (R152).
(2935.) EDMUND FRANKILM HIATT (1158.) (402.) (81.) (11.) (2.) (1.):
b. 21-4mo-1858, bear Mt. Airy, Surry Co., NC.; d. 11-10mo-1940, Provo Utah; bur. at Payson; m. in Surry Co., NC., 24-6mo-1877, to ELIZABETH MARTISHA HUTCHINS, d/o Zachary and Margaret (Jester). Hutchins; b. 2-3mo-1858, Forbush, Yadkin Co., NC.; d. 1-5mo-1932, Payson, Utah.CH: (5142.) Mary Ann; (5143.) Salena Ellen; (5144.) Franklin Sylvester; (5145.) Wilford Zachary; (5146.) William Luther; (5147.) James Lafayette; (5148.) Adelia Martisha; (5149.) Celia Clementine; (5150.) Alma Leon; (5151.) Don Hutchens.
HIATT HIETT FAMILY HISTORY, Volume I page 542-545
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF EDMUND FRANKLIN HIATTWritten by his own hand on this first day of December, in the year Nineteen and Thirty-seven. Written for the benefit of his posterity.
“Forward: In memory of my childhood home of the South, I shall endeavor to leave with my posterity some incidents which will give them an idea of the early days of the South and the life of a Southern planter and his family.
“On the banks of Stony Creek, near the city of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, stood a small two room log cabin. The rolling hills covered with trees and shrubs, and the winding stream flowing at their feet, gave an unusual setting for this small cabin.
“This was typical Southern plantation, and a fitting home where I entered this world in my cabin home on Stony Creek. My early childhood was spent with my brothers, learning early to assume responsibilities about the home. My father was handicapped for poor health, part of the time being unable to take the responsibilities of providing for his family.
“My father was William Hiatt and my mother, Mary Taylor. I was the youngest of five boys. My elder brothers were James Madison, Jesse Lafayette, Isaac Samuel, and John Henry. We were all born into the Quaker Church. My mother was not a member of any faith until she was baptized into the Latter Day Saint Church before the outbreak of the Civil War. Our home was a humble one, and principles of righteous living were instilled into the children at an early age.
“Before the days of the Civil War, the conditions of the average farmer were about the same as were the early colonies of Virginia. The fertile soil was cleared in the low lands near the streams, and the timber fashioned into houses. The climate was warm and damp. The principal crops of tobacco, corn, wheat, flax, and sugar cane, produced enough to give these hard working settlers a livelihood.“The home life of the southern farmer was not all labor and poverty, we had our good times as well. The parties, corn husking bees, old fashioned spelling matches, and molasses candy pulls for the young folks. The neighborly quilting bees, sewing carpet rags, and drying of fruits made up part of the social life for the wives and mothers. There was no class distinction in those days, so families entertained at barn dances and other entertainments for the entire settlement.
“When the older boys grew up to the age of toiling in the fields, the eldest brother, James Madison, worked for other settlers and also helped to feed those of us who were too young to help ourselves. In those days, money was scarce and with the products of the soil and the spinning of flax by my mothers hands, we managed to have a meager existence. Most of the clothing was homespun, and fashioned into articles to wear. The food consisted mostly of sweet potatoes, corn bread, molasses made from sugar cane, and the vegetables from the garden.“I was but three years old when the Civil War was raging and Fort Sumpter fell into the hands of the Confederates, April 21, 1861. Those were trying days for the settlers of the South. Times were hard enough for them at best, but the ravages and staggering expense of supporting an army with food and amunition, brought these humble people into direct need.
“The able bodied and all boys old enough to shoulder a musket were taken into service, leaving only the women and older men to carry on the best they could. Our family was not in favor of the rebellion and did not believe it was right to take up arms against their neighbor or friend. So myself and my brothers helped to provide food for the ones who did themselves in the timbers and refused to fight. These men were called ‘Bushwhackers.’“I was seven years old at the close of the Civil War. Well do I remember the home guard as they passed by our fields on their return to what was left of their homes. The South has had a heroic struggle to overcome the disaster which had befallen them.
“I grew up in these days of hardships, when little or no education was provided for the young folks of the settlement. The first school house I attended was located near the village church. The one lone room made of logs, consisted of a large fireplace on one side, and through the center of the room were long slabs of wood, hewn by hand, which provided the benches.
“I was about ten years old when my first schooling began, the term being one month. At intervals in the next few years, I attended, but my entire school life did not amount to more than one year.
“In the year of 1875 I met a young lady by the name of Elizabeth Hutchens, who became my wife. We were married June 24, 1877, by a Justice of the Peace at the home of my father in Mt. Airy, NC. For the first two or three years we made our home with my parents. It was there our first child, a girl was born. We named her Mary Ann. Soon after we acquired a piece of property close to my fathers home. In the course of time, another daughter, Selena Ellen, and two sons, Franklin Sylvester, and Wilford Zachary were born.“During these years, the Mormon Elders came into the community. They held meetings at my fathers house which we attended. We became interested, and on June 12, 1881, we were baptized in the Arrat River, by Elder Lashbrook Laker, and confirmed the same day. There are no words to describe the joy this ordinance brought into our lives. It also brought dissatisfaction with our surroundings, and a strong desire to join some of our relatives who had migrated before us and settled in Zion.
“My eldest brother, James Madison, who was living in Payson, Utah, offered financial assistance to help move my wife and family of four children to these valleys of the mountains. I accordingly sold my crops, alnd, and all other possessions, and decided to join a body of emmigrants who were getting ready to leave. Just as preparations were being made, we received word from Utah that my brother, James Madison, had passed away with Typhoid Fever. His good wife, however, offered the assistance we needed and so on November 11, 1886, we arrived at Mapelton Switch, being taken from there to Payson in a wagon.
“We settled in a cabin on my sister-in-law’s property and with the aid of the good Saints and what I could do in working out, we managed to get through our first winter in Utah.
“The following spring, I had earned enough to buy us some new furniture and necessities, which had been heretofore loaned to us by our friends and relatives. We also purchased a cow. On March 1887, we left Payson and moved to Salem, on a small farm of Zachariah Taylor. I accumulated more and added to what we already had, the moved back to Payson, settling there temporarily. A year later I bought a lot in Salem, settling there for a period of sixteen years, where the remainder of our children were born. William Luther, James Layfayette, Adelia M., Celia C., A. Leon, and Don Hutchens. During the time spent in Salem, we were blessed with good health. Our sacrifices in making this westward move had not been in vain. We were priviledged to take all of our children to the Temple. On September 11, 1889, we entered the portals of the Holy Temple at Manti and received our own Endowments and completed our family work.
“During our stay in Salem, I was called upon to fulfill many church and civil responsibilities, being active in Sunday School, Mutual Improvement Association, and a member of the Ward choir. I also served one term as Justice of the Peace.“After the birth of our tenth child, in 1901, I was called to fulfill a mission to my native state of North Carolina. My good, courageous, companion consented for me to leave her with this huge responsibility of caring for our family and helping furnish means that I might fulfill this calling. This responsibility, however, was too much for her slender shoulders and the following year her health began to fail and I was honorably released to return to my family and friends.
“I was ordained an Elder by David D. Sabin, a Seventy by B. H. Roberts, and a High Priest by Jonathan S. Page.
“After the return from my mission, I continued to farm. I sold my property in Salem and bought a ten acre tract of land near Payson, upon which we erected a new home. In 1906, we moved in and lived there until our sister-in-law, wife of my eldest brother, James Madison, died. Her children desired us to take care of part of the estate, so we rented the farm, and moved into my brother’s home. We lived there for a period of ten years, raising fruit, and vegetables of all kinds, also running a small dairy business. I sold the products which we produced, in the mining camps of Eureka and Mammoth, some thirty miles distance. During this time I sold my property and bought a twenty acre farm near my brothers estate, also the place where my present home is.“In 1912, together with my good wife, we decided to take a trip to our native home in North Carolina. There we spent two months, visiting our relatives and friends. While there, we did much missionary work, gathered genealogy. I also baptized into the church a number of my relatives.
“We arrived home the following February, and continued our responsibilities. In October, 1916, the wife of our eldest son died, leaving three small boys. It became our duty to assist them for a time. In February, 1917, Selena Ellen, our second daughter, died leaving three children. To them we did our full duty, assisting them at intervals until their maturity. In 1922, we were called upon to lay away our youngest son, Don. He was twenty-one years old, married, and left no children. These responsibilities we responded to as best we could. We entered our declining years with a feeling of peace and contenment.“In 1929, my wife’s health broke down with a complication of diseases, but the faith and prayers of the Elders restored her to a degree of health. September 25, 1931, she visited her sisters and near relatives in and near Joplin, Missouri. This was the climax of her life. She gathered much geneology and after an enjoyable three weeks, returned to her home. She lived only six months, and on May 1, 1932, I was called to part with the most wonderful companion God had given me. This has caused a loneliness in my life which nothing can fill.
“I am trying to spend the remainder of my life doing geneology work, and at present, I am President of the Hiatt Family Organization. I am doing what I can in my weak way to further the work in the Temples, and accomplish what has been left for us to do for our dead ancestors.” (R152).
Sent by Glenn V. Hiatt. Both Edmund and Elizabeth Hutchens were members of the LDS Church and both buried in Payson, Utah. This family has been well documented in the HH book by William P. Johnson.Baptized in the Ararat River near Mt. Airy, NC on 12 Jun 1881 by Eldr Lashbrook and confirmed the same day. Moved to Payson, UT arriving by train in Mapelton on 11 nov 1886 they by wagon to Payson.
''ON THE BANKS OF STONEY CREEK,NEAR THE CITY OF MOUNT AIRY,NORTH CAROLINA,STOOD A SMALL TWO ROOM LOG CABIN. ''THIS WAS A TYICAL SOUTHERN PLAMTATION, AND A FITTING HOME WHERE I FIRST BEGAIN MY EXISTANCE.''SUCH WERE THE SURROUNDINGS UNDER WHICH I WAS BORN. ON APRIL 21,1858, I ENTERED THIS WORLD IN MY CABIN HOME ON STONEY CREEK MY EARLY CHILDHOOD WAS SPENT WITH MY BROTHERS, LEARNING EARLY TO ASSUME RESPONSIBITIES ABOUT THE HOME. MY FATHER WAS HANDICAPPED BY POOR HEALTH, PART OF THE TIME BEING UNABLE TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROVIDING FOR HIS FAMILY .
''MY FATHER WAS WILLIAM HIATT AND MY MOTHER,MARY TAYLOR. I WAS THE YOUNGEST OF FIVE BOYS. MY ELDER BROTHERS WERE JAMES MADISON,JESSE LAFAYETTE,ISAAC SAMUEL,AND JOHN HENRY. WE WERE ALL BORN INTO THE QUAKER CHURCH. MY MOTHER WAS NOT A MEMBER OF ANY FAITH UNTIL SHE WAS BAPTIZED INTO THE LATTER DAY SAINT CHURCH BEFORE THE OUTBREAK OF THE CIVIL WAR. OUR HOME WAS A HUMBLE ONE AND PRINCIPLES OF RIGHTEOUS LIVING WERE INSTILLED INTO THE CHILDREN AT AN EARLY AGE.
''BEFORE THE DAYS OF THE CIVIL WAR, THE CONDITIONS OF THE AVERAGE FARMER WERE ABOUT THE SAME AS WERE THE EARLY COLONIES OF VIRGINIA. THE FERTILE SOIL WAS CLEARED IN THE LOW LANDS NEAR THE STREAMS, AND THE TIMBER FASHIONED INTO HOUSES. THE CLIMATE WAS WARM AND DAMP. THE PRINCIPAL CROPS OF TOBACCO, CORN, WHEAT, FLAX, AND SUGAR CANE, PRODUCED ENOUGH TO GIVE THESE HARD WORKING SETTERS A LIVLIHOOD.
''THE HOME LIFE OF THE SOUTHERN FARMER WAS NOT ALL LABOR AND POVERTY, WE HAD OUR GOOD TIMES AS WELL. THE PARTIES, CORN HUSKING BEES, OLD FASHIONED SPELLING MATCHES, AND MOLASSES CANDY PULLS FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS. THE NEIGHBORLY QUILTING BEES, SEWING CARPET RAGS, AND DRYING OF FRUITS MADE UP PART OF THE SOCIAL LIFE FOR THE WIVES AND MOTHERS. THERE WAS NO CLASS DISTINCTION IN THOSE DAYS, SO FAMILIES ENTERTAINED AT BARN DANCES AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS FOR THE ENTIRE SETTLEMENT.
''WHEN THE OLDER BOYS GREW UP TO THE AGE OF TOILING IN THE FIELDS, THE ELDEST BROTHER, JAMES MADISON, WORKED FOR OTHER SETTLERS AND ALSO HELPED TO FEED THOSE OF US WHO WERE TOO YOUNG TO HELP OURSELVES. IN THOSE DAYS, MONEY WAS SCARCE AND WITH THE PRODUCTS OF THE SOIL AND THE SPINNING OF FLAX BY MOTHERS HANDS, WE MANAGED TO HAVE A MEAGER EXISTENCE. MOST OF THE CLOTHING WAS HOME SPUN, AND FASHIONED INTO ARTICLES TO WEAR. THE FOOD CONSISTED MOSTLY OF SWEET POTATOES, CORN BREAD, MOLASSES MADE FROM SUGAR CANE,, AND THE VEGETABLES FROM THE GARDEN.
''I WAS BUT THREE YEARS OLD WHEN THE CIVIL WAR WAS RAGING AND FORT SUMPTER FELL INTO THE HANDS OF THE CONFEDERATES, APRIL 21, 1861. THOSE WERE TRYING DAYS FOR THE SETTLERS OF THE SOUTH. TIMES WERE HARD ENOUGH FOR THEM AT BEST BUT THE RAVAGES AND STAGGERING EXPENSE OF SUPPORTING AN ARMY WITH FOOD AND AMUNITION, BROUGHT THESE HUMBLE PEOPLE INTO DIRECT NEED.
''THE ABLE BODIED AND ALL BOYS OLD ENOUGH TO SHOULDER A MUSKET WERE TAKEN IN TO SERVICE,LEAVING ONLY THE WOMEN AND OLDER MEN TO CARRY ON THE BEST THEY COULD. OUR FAMILY WAS NOT IN FAVOR OF THE REBELLION AND DID NOT BELIEVE IT WAS RIGHT TO TAKE UP ARMS AGAINST THEIR NEIGHBOR OR FRIEND. SO MYSELF AND MY BROTHERS HELPED TO PROVIDE FOOD FOR THE ONES WHO HID THEMSELVES IN THE TIMBERS AND REFUSED TO FIGHT. THESE MEN WERE CALLED BUSHWHACKERS., ''I WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD AT THE CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR. WELL DO I REMEMBER THE HOME GUARD AS THEY PASSED BY OUR FIELDS ON THEIR RETURN TO WHAT WAS LEFT OF THEIR HOMES. THE SOUTH HAS HAD A HEROIC STRUGGLE TO OVERCOME THE DISASTER WHICH HAD BEFALLEN THEM.
''I GREW UP IN THESE DAYS OF HARDSHIP, WHEN LITTLE OR NO EDUCATION WAS PROVIDED FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS OF THE SETTLEMENT. THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE I ATTENDED WAS LOCATED NEAR THE VILLAGE CHURCH. THE ONE LONE ROOM MADE OF LOGS, CONSISTED OF A LARGE FIRE PLACE ON ONE SIDE, AND THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE ROOM WERE LONG SLABS OF WOOD, HEWN BY HAND, WHICH PROVIDED THE BENCHES.
''I WAS ABOUT TEN YEARS OLD WHEN MY FIRST SCHOOLING BEGAN, THE TERM BEING ONE MONTH. AT INTERVALS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, I ATTENDED, BUT MY ENTIRE SCHOOL LIFE DID NOT AMOUNT TO MORE THAN ONE YEAR.
''IN THE YEAR OF 1875 I MET A YOUNG LADY BY THE NAME OF ELIZABETH HUTCHENS, WHO BECAME MY WIFE. WE WERE MARRIED JUNE 24, 1877, BY A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AT THE HOME OF MY FATHER IN MT. AIRY, N.C. FOR THE FIRST TWO OR THREE YEARS WE MADE OUR HOME WITH MY PARENTS. IT WAS THERE OUR FIRST CHILD, A GIRL WAS BORN. WE NAMED HER MARY ANN. SOON AFTER WE ACQUIRED A PEICE OF PROPERTY CLOSE TO MY FATHERS HOME. IN THE COURSE OF TIME, ANOTHER DAUGHTER, SELENA ELLEN, AND TWO SONS, FRANKLIN SYLVESTER, AND WILFORD ZACHARY WERE BORN.
''DURING THESE YEARS, THE MORMON ELDERS CAME INTO THE COMMUNITY. THEY HELD MEETINGS AT MY FATHERS HOUSE WHICH WE ATTENDED. WE BECAME INTERESTED, AND ON JUNE 12, 1881, WE WRE BAPTIZED IN THE ARRAT RIVER, BY ELDER LASHBROOK LAKER, AND CONFIRMED THE SAME DAY. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE JOY THIS ORDINANCE BROUGHT INTO OUR LIVES. IT ALSO BROUGHT SATISFACTION WITH OUR SURROUNDINGS, AND A STRONG DESIRE TO JOIN SOME OF OUR RELATIVES WHO HAD MIGRATED BEFORE US AND SETTLED IN ZION.
''MY ELDEST BROTHER, JAMES MADISON, WHO WAS LIVING IN PAYSON,UTAH, OFFERED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO HELP MOVE MY WIFE AND FAMILY OF FOUR CHILDREN TO THESE VALLEYS OF THE MOUNTAINS. I ACCORDINGLY SOLD MY CROPS, LAND, AND ALL OTHER POSSESSIONS, AND DECIDED TO JOIN A BODY OF EMMIGRANTS WHO WERE GETTING READY TO LEAVE. JUST AS PREPARATIONS WERE BEING MADE, WE RECEIVED WORD FROM UTAH THAT MY BROTHER, JAMES MADISON, HAD PASSED AWAY WITH TYPHOID FEVER.HIS GOOD WIFE, HOWEVER, OFFERED THE ASSISTANCE WE NEEDED AND SO ON NOVEMBER 11 1886, WE ARRIVED AT MAPELTON SWITCH, BEING TAKEN FROM THERE TO PAYSON IN A WAGON.
''WE SETTLED IN A CABIN ON MY SISTER-IN-LAW,S PROPERTY AND WITH THE AID OF THE GOOD SAINTS AND WHAT I COULD DO IN WORKING OUT, WE MANAGED TO GET THROUGH OUR FIRST WINTER IN UTAH.
''THE FOLLOWING SPRING, I HAD EARNED ENOUGH TO BUY US SOME NEW FURNITURE AND NECESSITIES, WHICH HAD BEEN HERETOFORE LOANED TO US BY OUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. WE ALSO PURCHASED A COW. ON MARCH 1887, WE LEFT PAYSON AND MMOVED TO SALEM, ON A SMALL FARM OF ZACHARIAH TAYLOR. I ACCUMULATED MORE AND ADDED TO WHAT WE ALREADY HAD, THE MOVED BACK TO PAYSON, SETTLING THERE TEMPORARILY. A YEAR LATER I BOUGHT A LOT IN SALEM, SETTING THERE FOR A PERIOD OF SIXTEEN YEARS, WHERE THE REMAINDER OF OUR CHILDREN WERE BORN. WILLIAM LUTHER, JAMES LAFAYETTE, ADELIA M., CELIA C., A. LEON, AND DON HUTCHENS. DURING THE TIME SPENT IN SALEM, WE WERE BLESSED WITH GOOD HEALTH. OUR SACRIFICES IN MAKING THIS WESTWARD MOVE HAD NOT BEEN IN VAIN. WE WERE PRIVILEDGED TO TAKE ALL OF OUR CHILDREN TO THE TEMPLE. ON SEPTEMBER 11, 1889, WE ENTERED THE PORTALS OF THE HOLY TEMPLE AT MANTI AND RECEIVED OUR OWN ENDOWMENTS AND COMPLETED OUR FAMILY WORK.
''DURING OUR STAY IN SALEM, I WAS CALLED UPON TO FULFILL MANY CHURCH AND CIVIL RESPONSIBILITIES, BEING ACTIVE IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIAIONS AND A MEMBER OF THE WARD CHOIR. I ALSO SERVED ONE TERM AS JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
''AFTER THE BIRTH OF OUR TENTH CHILD, IN 1901, I WAS CALLED TO FULFILL A MISSION TO MY NATIVE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. MY GOOD, COURAGEOUS, COMPANION CONSENTED FOR ME TO LEAVE HER WITH THIS HUGE RESPONSIBILTY OF CARING FOR OUR FAMILY AND HELPING FURNISH MEANS THAT I MIGHT FULFILL THIS CALLING. THIS RESPONSIBILTY, HOWEVER, WAS TOO MUCH FOR HER SLENDER SHOULDERS AND THE FOLLOWING YEAR HER HEALTH BEGAN TO FAIL AND I WAS HONORABLY RELEASED TO RETURN TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. ''I WAS ORDAINED AN ELDER BY DAVID D. SABIN, A SEVENTY BY B.H. ROBERTS, AND A HIGH PRIEST BY JONATHAN B. PAGE.
''AFTER THE RETURN FROM MY MISSION, I CONTINUED TO FARM. I SOLD MY PROPERTY IN SALEM AND BOUGHT A TEN ACRE TRACT OF LAND NEAR PAYSON, UPON WHICH WE ERECTED A NEW HOME. IN 1906, WE MOVED IN AND LIVED THERE UNTIL OUR SISTER-IN-LAW, WIFE OF MY ELDEST BROTHER, JAMES MADISON, DIED. HER CHILDREN DESIRED ''S TO TAKE CARE OF PART OF THE ESTATE, SO WE RENTED THE FARM, AND MOVED INTO MY BROTHER,S HOME. WE LIVED THERE FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS, RAISING FRUIT, AND VEGETABLES OF ALL KINDS, ALSO RUNNING A SMALL DAIRY BUSINESS. I SOLD THE PRODUCTS WHICH WE PRODUCED, IN THE MINING CAMPS OF EUREKA AND MAMMOTH, SOME THIRTY MILES DISTANCE. DURING THIS TIME I SOLD MY PROPERTY AND BOUGHT A TWENTY ACRE FARM NEAR MY BROTHERS ESTATE, ALSO THE PLACE WHERE MY PRESENT HOME IS.
''IN 1912, TOGETHER WITH MY GOOD WIFE, WE DECIDED TO TAKE A TRIP TO OUR NATIVE HOME IN NORTH CAROLINA. THERE WE SPENT TWO MONTHS, VISITING OUR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS. WHILE THERE, WE DID MUCH MISSSIONARY WORK, GATHERED GENEOLOGY. I ALSO BAPTIZED INTO THE CHURCH A NUMBER OF MY RELATIVES.
''WE ARRIVED HOME THE FOLLOWING FEBRUARY, AND CONTINUED OUR RESPONSIBILITIES. IN OCTOBER, 1916, THE WIFE OF OUR ELDEST SON DIED, LEAVING THREE SMALL BOYS. IT BECAMEOUR DUTY TO ASSIST THEM FOR A TIME. IN FEBRUARY, 1917, SELENA ELLEN, OUR SECOND DAUGTHER, DIED. LEAVING THREE CHILDREN. TO THEM WE DID OUR FULL DUTY, ASSISTING THEM AT IMTERVALS UNTIL THEIR MATURITY. IN 1922 WE WERE CALLED UPON TO LAY AWAY OUR YOUNGEST SON DON. HE WAS TWENTY-ONE YEARS OLD, MARRIED, AND LEFT NO CHILDREN. THESE RESPONSIBILITIES WE RESPONDED TO AS BEST WE COULD. WE ENTERED OUR DECLINING YEARS WITH A FEELING OF PEACE AND CONTENTMENT.
'
'IN 1929, MY WIFE,S HEALTH BROKE DOWN WITH A COMPLICATION OF DISEASES, BUT THE FAITH AND PRAYERS OF THE ELDERS RESTORED HER TO A DEGREE OF HEALTH. SEPTEMBER 25,1931. SHE VISITED HER SISTERS AND NEAR RELATIVES IN AND NEAR JOPLIN,MISSOURI. THIS WAS THE CLIMAX OF HER LIFESHE GATHERED MUCH GENEOLOGY AND AFTER AN ENJOYABLE THREEE WEEKS, RETURNED TO HER HOME. SHE LIVED ONLY SIX MONTHS, AND ON MAY 1,1932, I WAS CALLED TO PART WITH THE MOST WONDERFUL COMPANION GOD HAD GIVEN ME. THIS HAS CAUSED A LONLINESS IN MY LIFE WHICH NOTHING CAN FILL.''I AM TRYING TO SPEND THE REMAINDER OF MY LIFE DOING GENEOLOGY WORK, AND AT PRESENT, I AM PRESIDENT OF THE HIATT FAMILY ORGANIZATION. I AM DOING WHAT I CAN IN MY WEAK WAY TO FURTHER THE WORK IN THE TEMPLES, AND ACCOMPLISH WHAT HAS BEEN LEFT FOR US TO DO FOR OUR DEAD ANCESTORS.''
Baptized in the Ararat River near Mt. Airy, NC on 12 Jun 1881 by Elder Lashbrook and confirmed the same day. Moved to Payson, UT arriving by train in Mapleton on 11 Nov 1886 then by wagon to Payson.
FROM THE CAROLINAS TO UTAH
By James Franklin Hiatt
Son of James Madison HiattAmid the rolling hills of the Carolinas, at the close of the Civil War, many people are confronted with a new problem--much different from the one with which they have so recently struggled. Now it is not, "How can we be saved from the effects of powder and ball - of shot and shell", but "How can we be saved from the effects of our own sins". Being naturally of a religious disposition, or frame of mind, they eagerly investigate any and all plans claiming to point the way in which the Master would have them go. "Therefore the Latter Day Saint Elders have little difficulty in delivering their message.
After thoroughly investigating this message, many are baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. No sooner do they comply with those sacred commandments, than an indescribable something begins to beckon and call, "Come out of her, O Ye my people that Ye be not partakers of her sins, and that Ye receive not of her plagues". This divine injunction constantly rings in their ears even with increasing emphasis, until it finally results in the newly made Saints of God starting on that long pilgrimage to the Valleys of the Rocky Mountains, to unite with their brethren and sisters whom they have never seen, and in whom they have no other interest save in the bonds of the everlasting gospel.
One couple among their number have an additional problem. They have long since cherished each other's companionship and have now decided to cast their lot together; to share each other's joy's and sorrows, and to make for themselves "a nest, out in the West, and let the rest of the world go by". Accordingly they call in the magistrate, that they may have the stamp of approval of the state placed upon their contract. And so on the 8th day of July 1869, it is said unto James Madison Hiatt and Martha Ellen Taylor, "By virtue of my office as magistrate in this precinct, I pronounce you husband and wife until death do you part." Two lives are thus dedicated to each other, two hearts are thus made to beat in unison, two souls are thus cemented together.
On the morrow, July 9, 1869, all members of this courageous company gather at the appointed place, prepared to make the start for their new home in the West. Likewise, relatives and friends gather, that they may bid a sad farewell to the ones who figured most prominently in the scenes of their childhood. Elders Henry G. Boyle and Howard Coray are present and give these undaunted saints their final instructions. They join in singing their favorite hymn, "Come, Come Ye Saints, No toil nor labor fear, But with joy wend your way. Though hard to you this journey may appear, Grace shall be as your day."Home where William and Mary Hiatt say their last farewell to James Madison Hiatt.
Affectionate leaves are taken and good-byes are said, a most solemn benediction pronounced by the Elders, the signal given, the cart-wheels roll, and soon this sturdy band disappears in the distance, leaving disappointment, tears and heartaches. On the air is wafted back in song the feeling of their innermost soul, "O Babylon, O Babylon, We Bid Thee Farewell, We're going to the mountains of Ephraim to dwell."
One by one the relatives and friends return to their own homes to resume their former labors. One however hesitates - one little woman, Mary Hiatt, mother of the bridegroom of last evening. She looks till the last particle of dust from the horses hoofs and cart-wheels has settled, then in the anguish of her soul, she stretches her hands Heavenward exclaiming, "O God! Why am I thus bereft? Thou knowest how I have nurtured my son in his infancy, how I have watched over him in his youth, how I have hoped and prayed that the cruel war would not be prolonged until he would be subject to the merciless draft; and now I am left alone in my declining year, to face a cold world, with a large family of small children and an invalid husband! Why! O why?"
(A more detailed account of this trip is found in the Personal History of David Rufus Taylor, brother of Martha Ellen Taylor. I am including this history and a diagram of the trip taken by this company of people as he has described. It is found in the Life Stories Chapter of this book.)
Time rolls on. The company arrives at Norfolk, Virginia from whence they take passage on a steamer for New York, thence by rail to Ogden, Utah. They arrive in Payson, Utah by team. Nothing of special interest takes place enroute. But on arriving in Payson, members of the company are taken ill with measles, having been exposed on the way. They go directly to the building owned by Father Douglass known as the Union Hall. Here they are met by the Ward Bishopric and many others, and given all the tender care and medical attention possible.
Despite this fact, four of their number succumb to the dread disease and pass to "The Great Beyond", their bereft ones are bowed down with grief and sorrow, yea even nigh to the point of despair. Likewise all share in the sad bereavement. Their aching hearts appeal to "Him on High", and they cry, "O Father, hast Thou forsaken us? Hast thou forsaken us"? Through their minds flash the poetic lines, sending forth rays of light and hope and consolation:And should we die before our journey's through
Happy day all is well,
We then are free from toil and sorrow too,
With the just we shall dwell.At length, the malady abates and these families begin to provide a home for themselves in this their chosen land. Thus ends the long and weary journey with trials, and tribulations and all else incident to such a pilgrimage.
However, one task completed, another is begun. Now their main objective is to provide a livelihood, and establish themselves in this new land.
Fifteen years pass away and through their industry, frugality and thrift, they find themselves reasonably comfortable and contented. The dear ones in the old home land spend these fifteen years much the same as of yore. It has now become necessary to communicate by means of the mail, which are freely used, and through which much comfort and satisfaction is derived. The little woman, still longing for her dear son writes to him, and in due time he receives and reads:
"Jesse Layfayette was born April 30, 1851, Isaac Samuel was born July 9, 1853. John Henry was born April 30, 1856. Edmund Franklin was born April 21, 1858, and as for your grandfather Hiatt, I can't tell you anything about their ages. I haint never seen no record of them and your granny can't tell, and as for your grandfather and grandmother Taylor, I have seen a record of ther ages but it has been forty years ago so I can't tell you only by recollection and if you want that kind of a date, write to me in your next letter and I will do the best that I can.
"James you may think long of the time of not getting no answer to your letter, but I wrote one some time ago and it was not mailed and then Frank took such a notion to leave the country, that I thought that I would wait and see what he would do, so he has give it up for this time on the account of not getting to sell what he had and couldn't go without it. He was not a going to regard me nor my trouble about it. James it is almost more than I can stand to see my children turn their backs upon me never to see them nor speak to them again, and it is bad of others to mourn without friend; enough on that subject.
"James, dear son, you wrote us requesting of us all to know how many of us would go home with you if you was to come in here. I can't tell you. Life is uncertain and death is sure and health is uncertain also, and the time has been that I would of rejoiced in coming home with you but now my days are far spent and little remaining. It is not worthwhile for me to go to and fro, nor to seek up nor down, a thinking I can better my condition of life, and as for bettering myself in regard to salvation, it is not worth while to go to nor fro a seeking the Lord for He is near all that wants to find him in purity. As for myself, I sought the Lord whilst I was young with a pure heart and having a eye single to the glory of the Father and not of man nor no church set up by man. James, there be many churches in the world a saying, lo this is the way, come and go with us, but what did our Lord and Master say? Did he not say if they should say, Lo he was in the desert, go not out to see, or if he should say he was in the secret chambers, believe it not. James, all the preaching and the teaching by them all cannot make our Heavenly Father's law only as it is.
"James a knowing that there is so many ways of worship, it makes me think of what the prophet Amos said. 'Behold the days cometh saith the Lord God that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine for bread nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the word of the Lord, and they shall wander from sea to sea and from the north even unto the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it.' So many will say I want to do my Masters will, but few is chosen. So then it is the chosen ones that will inherit the kingdom.
"The wheat and the tares must grow together until the harvest. The harvest is the end of the world and the angels are the reapers. So then it is not worth while for us to think that we can separate ourselves from amongst them. The all wise Ruler of Heaven and Earth will separate the just from the unjust at His own appointed time and in Him do I trust, a knowing that He is able to do all things."
She closed her missive in her usual affectionate style, expressing the hope that though parting in this life is extremely bitter, the meeting in that "Better Land" will be correspondingly sweet.
The son carefully folds the letter with fond memories, places it in his pocket nearest his heart, wipes the tears from his bedimmed eyes and yearns a prayer. "O Father, wilt Thou not touch the hearts of my loved ones in my native land, that they may heed the voice of Thy Servants the Prophets and come out of Babylon, ere it is too late, when it shall be said "Babylon is fallen, is fallen!"
He goes about his daily work with courage and determination. He hears the counsel given by the Ward bishopric on various occasions --"Brethern and Sisters, I would remind you that Brother Joseph Thatcher from our ward is at the rock quarry working for us, getting out stone with which to build the Salt Lake Temple. He is needy of provisions to live upon. He can use anything in the line of meat, flour and potatoes and the like. Please answer the call promptly, that there may be no unnecessary delay in the erection of that Sacred House. We may not all be permitted to enter therein, but our children will continue the work we've begun. We'll feel amply repaid for our efforts when we meet on the other side.
The little woman in the old home struggles on, when alas! She is faced with another trial -- one made no less hard by the experiences of the past. Seventeen years ago, she parted with her first born son, James Madison, and now as if in answer to prayer, that indescribable something has taken possession of her youngest son Edmund Franklin and he prepares to join his brother in Zion.
The two brothers, James Madison and Edmund Franklin exchange letters on the subject and finally a date is set for the departure of Edmund Franklin and family from their birthplace to the Rocky Mountains. Likewise there is made an approximate date of their arrival in Utah. The two brothers are delighted with the thought of meeting each other after seventeen years of separation, and made all arrangements possible that all may be made comfortable and happy.
With all property disposed of and all things made ready for the journey, Edmund Franklin receives a letter from his devoted brother's wife telling him of the untimely death on October 14, 1886 of this brother and her husband, James Madison. All his fond hopes and cherished desires are shattered. He thinks "How near and yet how far!, How strong and yet how weak!, How robust and yet how frail is man."
With one purpose, to gather with the Saints, forever removed, he yet has one, even of far greater worth to him! "Tis not to be valued in terms of dollars and cents, or in terms of passing pleasures, but in terms of one possessing the "Peace of God which surpasseth all understanding". Therefore he turns his face Westward and unlike Lot's wife of old, he never looks back.
He arrives at the Spanish Fork Switch near Mapleton, Utah on November 22, 1886, thirty nine days after the death of his brother. Being one day earlier than the date on which he was expected, there is no one at the cars to meet him and he is obliged to find other transportation to Payson where his journey will end. Soon he is on the way in bobsleds and soon he arrives in Payson, at the former home of his departed brother.
On entering the house, he finds the mother and three small children seated and in deep meditation. He sees the vacant chair and numerous other things, all reminding him of the recent sad departure of his brother James Madison. He is overcome with joy and sorrow, with pleasure and pain. Likewise, all are moved with the deepest emotions of which the human heart is capable.
At length they all become reconciled and begin to plan for the future. True to the cause for which he left his old home, Edmund Franklin prepares to enter the Sacred Temple of the Lord, of which he has heard so much, and of which he himself has so often sung. And on the 11th day of September 1889 he enters that Holy house with his family and receives the blessings promised to all the faithful Saints.
Again, as if in answer to the prayer of James Madison, though he having now passed away, that indescribable something makes its appearance among his people. Now the attack is made upon Isaac Samuel and he falls an easy prey. The call of both ancient and modern prophets he hears in his secret chambers [his thoughts], and the condition of the slothful servant is visualized before him. He hastens to make ready to answer the call, knowing full well in whom to trust.
He can readily appreciate what it means to his dear old mother, having seen her tears in the case of the departure of his two brothers before him. He realizes however that tears are elements of this life only, and he hopes to apply his efforts where they will avail him much more in the life to come.
Accordingly he takes his departure, arriving in Payson, April 7, 1888. He immediately sets to work to feed and shelter his family, ever bearing in mind the prime object of his sacrifice.
His devotion to his religion is shown in his daily life. The first temple work for the dead of the Hiatt Family is done by Isaac Samuel Hiatt and wife in the year 1905.Among the number whose work they do is his dear parents whom he so ruthlessly (as they thought) left behind. They feel much relieved as by dream both Edmund Franklin and Isaac Samuel are profoundly impressed that their parents are waiting on the other side for work to be done in their behalf in the Temple of the Lord.
With Temple work nearest to their heart, Edmund Franklin and Isaac Samuel are extremely anxious to effect an organization through which it can be more successfully accomplished. They consult each other on the matter, and after much thought and prayerful consideration, they unitedly put forth their every effort to accomplish that end.
Sent by Glenn V. Hiatt. D/o Zachary Hutchins and Margaet Jester.
Elizabeth was raised by her uncle Vestil and Betty Hutchens after her mother
died. See Hutchens-Hutchins Family History by Rita Townsend, pgs. 121, 124,
260-2, 599. The following story appears on pgs. 260-262 of the Hutchens family history, compiled by Zachary Hutchins.The buds of the sourwood were bursting in the spring of 1858, in the
county of Yadkin, N.C., when, on March 2nd of that year was born in a humble
but dignified home of Zachary and Margaret Jester Hutchins, a baby girl. A
second daugher and fifth child was christened Elizabeth Martisha.
It must have been with serious misgivings that the parents welcomed little Betty, when it is remembered that the Civil War was at their door, however, the mothers worries were soon over since she never recovered from the birth of her loving little girl. She passed away shortly thereafter.
Zachary Hutchens took his motherless 6 month child to his brother Vestal
Hutchins and his good wife (sister of Betsy's mother). They had a daughter of their own of the same age, so they took Betty and raised her as though she was their own. It was very hard for Zachary to give up his baby daughter, but he had decided to leave N.C. and felt little Betty was better off left in the care of a good family.
Vestal Hutchins was of Quaker faith, gentle and kind, but with positive
convictions. In his home, he insisted that each one become familiar with the
bible. He, as their shepherd, sought to make the teachings of the Master as
plain to them as it was to him. He did his work well, for all through their
life the lessons Betty learned in the Quaker home followed her.
When she was 3 years old the Civil War broke out and the Hutchins family,
although not a warlike people, was forced to play their part in feeding the
hungry army and raising large sums of money to keep their male members on the
firing lines. This meant all must work early and late and as soon as she was
old enough, Betty worked in the blacksmith shop and cornfields with "Pap" as
she affectionately called her uncle. These were serious times for the young as well as the old. But she often spoke of those days. They had some good times, such as spelling matches, Christmas party, and always at night they could hear the negroes singing. Thus, she went through childhood into young womanhood attending school a week or two each winter, mastering the 3 R's to a limited degree. Being a lover of books, she became a fluent reader.
At the age of 19 she married the young man of her choice, Edmunc Franklin
Hiatt. They lived with her husbands family for 3 years. During this time they aquired a piece of land and built a log cabin so popular in those days. During this period in their lives the "Mormon Elders" visited their home. Although Betty had been warned against them, both she and her husband became converted to the Church of Jesus Christ, or the "Mormon Church". Her rich soprano voice was a source of happiness to her and her family and a joy to all who heard her sing.
This step in their life was to bring about a big change. They desired to
go to Utah. This meant leaving all her kin and especially the quiet "Quaker
Pap". As was her custom, when troubled, she prayed. Using her own words; "I
got the bible out and the first verse I read was, 'He that is not willing to
leave father and mother and all that he hath, and follow me is not worthy of
me.'" That settled the question and preparations were made to start the
journey, leaving the only family she had ever known was very hard for Betty and she promised herself to do everything in her power to find her father, brothers and sister and to always keep track of Pap and the family that had raised her as their own.
The journey west was made by train and they arrived November 22, 1886. An early winter had set in with the snow 14 inches deep with more storm on the way. Betty stepped from the train, a tired, frail, half sick woman, with three small children clinging to her skirt and a six month old baby in her arms. She looked around at her new surroundings for the first time. The years that were before her were a test of courage bread in her from a long line of men and women.
Afer moving into a small log house on her brother in laws property, she
began with her husband the task of securing furniture. Hearing from a neighbor of an old stove for sale in southwest Payson, the town where they had gone to live, she went alone, since her husband was working. The snow was knee deep but she walked both ways, arrived home exhausted; half frozen, but very happy. She had traded some of her bed clothes for the stove, so badly needed; and with the work her husband was able to find they survived their first winter in Utah.
In the spring they moved to Salem, Utah, about 7 miles away; and for the
next year, they cared for a small farm, then moved back to Payson staying a
year, and then back to Salem, where they lived on a lot they purchased. During the next 16 years while living in Salem, the other children were born...
In 1907 they returned to Payson with their five children that were still
unmarried and rented the home of her deceased sister in law and eventually
bought a 20 acre track nearby where they lived the rest of their lives. In
1912 this fine couple returned to N.C. where they were privileged to renew old acquaintances and linger again in the homes of their loved ones.
It had been 54 years since Betty had been left by her father when he left
N.C. Always in her mind was the desire to find father Zachery or what had
happened to them. In 1910 while reading a magazine she felt prompted to write to Clara Woodworth in Joplin, Mo. whose picture was with a short article about the Mormon Church. She wrote to the woman and asked her assitance in locating remnants of the Hutchins family. This good woman advised far and wide and made trips to neighboring settlements and after many months of searching she found Betty's half sister Rhoda in Webb City, about 8 miles away. They corresponded and through an exchange of letters and pictures she was finally able to establish a close relationship with Rhoda, her sister Molly and the families of her brothers. Her father Zachery was now gone. It was her desire to stop by way of Missouri on their return from N.C. but Betty became ill after a two month visit and they returned to Utah. Her brothers families and sisters had planned on meeting them at Cassville, Mo...., so they suffered keen disappointment when the reunion was abandoned. Her hopes of ever seeing her family became dim.
Not too long after their return home the wife of their eldest son died,
leaving three small sons whom Betty took into her home and heart. In 1917 her daughter Selena died, leaving two girls and a boy who turned to Grandma Hiatt for love and understanding. Her efforts to help these children never
faltered. She cared for her daughters children at intervals for 15 years. In November 1922, her youngest son Don passed away.
She was happiest when serving others and it may be said her life was one of committment. During the first World War while her son Leon served his country there was never a more loyal member of the local Red Cross Chapter. She was always willing to serve and many soldiers were protected from the cold through her sufficient knitting of socks and sweaters. She was a life time member of the Red Cross and very proud of it.
Still determined to be reunited in Missouri, she finally realized her
desires when on Sept. 25, 1931, accompanied by her daugher Celia Jex, they left by train for Kansas City. Their were great forebodings about the trip for her husband and children for Betty's health had broken from complications to diseases. Since it had always been the desire of her heart, they sent her with all their love and prayers in her behalf. Doubt never entered her mind but that she would be united with the remnants of her loved ones after a
separation of 72 years. The .... success she achieved from making the visit
was marvelous. The meeting of Rhoda, Molly and Betty, as well as sister in
law, neices and nephews was nothing short of the joy she felt. While there
they visited the old Quaker Cemetery where lay the remains of her father.
The following April 24, she helped give a combined birthday party for her
husband and son Luther. She was her usual sunny self, enjoying the association of all young and old. She helped with the serving of lunch to about 35 guests, children included. She left for home about 5:30 to help do the chores. Her daughter Celia and family stopped to say goodnight about 7:30, leaving her sitting in her rocking chair in the kitchen. Her small frail body, tired from a full day, her loving auburn red hair slightly grey, pulled back into a bun on her neck and wearing her long sleeved dress that came to her ankle. Indeed she looked like the loveable grandmother she always had been. At 8:00 P.M. she suffered a paralitic Stroke from which she never recovered.
She lived one week. Such is the story of the life of Elizabeth Martisha
Hutchins Hiatt, improperly told by a granddaughter who loved her dearly. To
those who depended on her so much and loved her so well, her passing was like
the fall of a great cedar that has stood for ages upon the hillside protecting all who came under it's friendly broughs, and when gone, left a lonesome place against the sky.Hutchens-Hutchins Volume II, pg. 84 by Rita Townsend.
....." In addition to his large family of sons and daughters, Grandpa Hutchens took his niece, Betty Hutchens, to become a member of hhis household when Betty was six months old. Betty's mother, who was a sister of Elizabeth Jester, died and left Betty without anyuone to care for her. Her father was Zachary Hutchens, a brother of Vestal Hutchens. Betty was only two years older than Salena and the two grew up as close as sisters. Betty married Frank Hiatt and they went ot make their home in Utah, where she and her husband spent their lives and are buried.The buds of the sourwood were burstin, in the spring of 1858, in the county of Yadkin, NC, when, on March 2 of that year was born, in a humble but dignified home of Zachary and Margaret Jester Hutchins, a boby girl. The second daughter and fifth child was christened Elizabeth Martisha
It must have been with serious misgivings that the parents welcomed little Betty, when it is remembered that the Civil War was at their door. However, the mother's worries were soon over for she never recovered from the birth of her lovely little girl. She passed away shortly thereafter.
Zachary took his mothrless six month old child to his brother Vestal and his good wife. They raised her as if she was their own. It was very hard for Zachary to give up his baby daughter, but he had decided to leave NC and felt little Betty was better off left in the care of a good family.
Vestal was of quaker faith, gentle and kind, but with poositive convictions. In his home, he insisted that each one become familiar with the Bible. He, as thier shepherd sought to make the teachings of the Master as plain to them as it was to him. He did his work well, for all throught her life the lessons Betty learned in the quaker home followed with her.
When she was three years old the Civil War broke out and the Hutchins family, although not a warlike people, was forced to play their part in feeding the hungry army and raising large sums of money to keep their male members on the firing lines. This meant all must work early and late and as soon as she was old enough Betty worked in the blacksmith shop and corn fields with "Pap", as she affectionately called her uncle. These were serious times for the young as well as the old but she often spoke of those days. They had some good times such as a spelling match, the Christmas party and always at night they could listen to the Negroes singing. Thus, she went thru childhood into young womanhood atteding school a week or two each winter, mastering the three "R's" to a limited degree. Being a lover of books she became a fluent reader.
At the age of 19 she married the young man of her choice, Edmund Franklin Hiatt on June 24, 1877, at Mt. Airy, Surry , NC. They lived with her husbands family for 3 years when their first child Mary Ann was born 22 Aug. 1878. During this time they acquired a piece of land and built a log cabin so popular in those days. It was here Selena Ellen was born 7 April, 1881, followed by Franklin Sylvester, 19 Oct. 1883 and Wilford Zachary on 16 Aprl ,1886. During this period in their lives the Mormon Elders visited thier home. Although Betty had been warned against them, both she and her husband became converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints or the Mormon Church. She alsways said it was the songs which made her listen. Her rich soprano voice was a source of happiness to her and her family and a joy to all who heard her sing.
This step in their lives was to bring about a big change. They desired to go to Utah. This meant leaving all her kin and expecially the quiet Quaker "Pap". As was her custom, when troubled, she prayed. Using her own words "I got the Bible out and the first verse I read was 'He that is not willing to leave father and maother and all that he hath, and follow me is not worthy of me.'" That settled the question aand preparations were made to start the journey. Leaving the only family she had ever known was very hard for Betty and she promised herself to do everything in her power to find her fathr, brothers, and sister and to always keep track of "Pap" and the family that had raised her as their very own.
The journey west was made by train and they arrived, 22 Nov. 1886. An early winter had set in with the snow 14 inches deep with more storm on the way. Betty stepped from the train, a tired, frail and half sick woman, with three small children clinging to her skirts a and six moth old baby in her arms. She looked around at her new surroundings for the first time. The years that were before her were a test of courage bred in her from a long line of courageous men and women.
Afte moving into a small log house on her brother-in-law's property, she began with her husband, the task of securing furniture. Hearing from a neighbor of an old stove for sale in southwest Payson, the twon where they had gone to live, she went alone, since her husband was working. The snow was knee deep but she waded both ways, arriving home exhausted; half frozen, but very happy. She had traded some of her bed clothes for the stove, so badly needed, and with the work her husband was able to find they survived thir first winter in Utah.
In the spring they moved to Salem, Utah, about 7 mailes away and for the next year, they cared for a small farm, then moved back to Payson, staying ayear and then back to Salem, where they lived on a lot they purchased. During the next 16 years while living in Salem, the following children were born; William Luther, 25 April 1889, James Lafayette, 13 Oct. 1890, Adelia martisha, 12 Fe. 1893, Celia Clementine, 23 Sept. 1895, Alma Leon, 8 jJan. `1897 and Don Hutchins Hiatt, 1 June 1901. Then times her frail body had entered the shadow of motherhood before she was 44 years old, returning each time successfully with a new life to watch over. The demands on the time of her husband made it necessary for Betty to redouble her efforts int he care of her family.
In 1907 they returned to Payson, with their five children that were still unmarried and rented the home of her deceased sister-in-law and eventually bought a twenty acre tract nearby where they lived the rest of thier lives. In 1912 this fine couple returned to NC where they were privileged to renew old acquaintances and linger again in the homes of their loved ones.
It had been 54 years since Betty had been left by her father when he left NC. Always in her mind was the desire to find father Zachary or what had happened to them. In 1910 while reading a magazine she felt prompted to write to Clara Woodworth in Joplin, MO whose picture was with a short article about the sMormon Church. She wrote to the woman and asked her assistance in locating remnants of the Hutchins family. This good woman advertiesed far and wide and made trips to neighboring settlements and after many months of searching she found Betty's half-sister Rhoda in Webb City, about 8 miles away. They corresponded and thru exchanges of letters and pictures she was finally able to establish a close relationship with Rhoda, her sister Molly and the families of her brothers. Her father Zachary was now gone which saddened Betty very much. It was her desire to stop by way of MO on thir return from NC, but Betty became ill after a two moth visit and they returned to UT. Her brothers' families and sisters had planned on meeting at Cassville, MO, to greet them so they suffered keen disappointment when the reunion was abandoned. Her hopes of erver seeing her family agin became dim but the desire grew within her.
Not too long after their return home the wife of thir eldest son died, leaving 3 small sons which Betty took into her home and heart. In 1917 her daughter Selena died leaving 2 girls and a boy which turned to Grandma Hiatt for love and understanding. Her efforts to help these children never faltered, and unto her dying day she was faithful to them. She cared for her daughters children at intervals for 15 years. In Nov, 1922, her youngest son Don passed away and a part of Betty died with him, but whe bore the trials bravely. She was happiest when serving others and it may be said, her life was one of contentment, for nothing stood between her and her duty to her good compainion, her children, to a neighbor, or a friend.
During WWI while her son Leon served his country there was never a more loyal member of the laocal Red Cross chapter. She was always willing to serve and many soldiers were protected from the cold through her sufficient knitting of socks and sweaters. She was a life time member of the Red Cross and very proud of it.
Still determined to be reunited with her family in Mo, she finally realized her desires when, on 25 Sept. 1931, accompanied by her daugher Celia Jex, they left by train, for Kansas City. There were great forebodings about the trip by her husband and children for Betty's health had broken form complicatons to diseases. Since it had always been the desire of her heart they sent her with all thier love and prayers in her behalf. Doubt never entered her mind, but that whe would be untied with the remnant of her loved ones after a separation of 72 years. Te reacton of the success she achieved form making the visit was marvelous. The meeting of Rhoda, Molly and Betty as well as sister-in-law, nieces and nephews was nothing short of the joy she felt. Whitle there they visited many points of interest, including the old Quaker cemeterywhere lay the remains of her father.
They returned to Provo, 15 Oct. 1931 and it was a climax to a life of service to others and a love that knew no bounds. The following 24 april, she helped give a combined birtheday party for her husband and son Luther. She was her usual sunny self, enjoying the association of all young and old. She helped with the serving of lunch to about 35 guests, children included. She left for home about 5:30 to help do the chores. Her daughter Celia and family stopped to say goodnight about 7:30 leaving her sitting in her rocking chair in the kitchen. Her small fragile body tired from a full day, her lovely auburn red hair slightly grey, pulled back into a bun on her neck and wearing her long sleeved dress that came to her ankles. Indeed she looked like the loveable grandmother she always had been. At 8:00 pm she suffered a paralitic stroke from which she never recovered.
Betty lived one week when 1 May, `1932, she gave up the struggle for her life and crossed the silent river where sorrow never enters and the weary are at rest.
Such is the story of the life of Elizabeth Martisha Hutchins Hiatt, improperly told by a grandaughter who loved her dearly. To those who depended on her so much and loved her so well, her passing was like the fall of a great cedar that has stood for ages upon the hillside protecting all who came under its friendly boughs, and when gone, left a lonesome place against the sky.
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915 about Hugh Moore
Name: Hugh Moore
Date of Registration: Apr-May-Jun 1839
Registration district: Wolverhampton
Inferred County: Staffordshire
Volume: 17
Millennium File about Hugh Jordan Moore
Name: Hugh Jordan Moore
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 24 May 1840
Birth Place: Codsell, Staffordshire, England
Death Date: 24 Apr 1897
Death Place: Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah, USA
Marriage Date: 20 Oct 1897
Father: Henry Moore
Mother: Francis Jordan
Spouse: Sarah Ann Jones
Children: Elizabeth Francis Moore
Spouse Father: Daniel Jones
Spouse Mother: Elizabeth Palmer1870 United States Federal Census about Hugh Moore
Name: Hugh Moore
Age in 1870: 28
Birth Year: abt 1842
Birthplace: England
Home in 1870: Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah Territory
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Spanish ForkHousehold Members: Name Age
Henry Moore 30
Hugh Moore 281880 United States Federal Census about Hugh Moore
Name: Hugh Moore
Age: 40
Birth Year: abt 1840
Birthplace: England
Home in 1880: Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Sarah Moore
Father's Birthplace: England
Mother's Birthplace: EnglandOccupation: Shoemaker
Household Members: Name Age
Hugh Moore 40
Sarah Moore 25
Daniel Moore 2
Sarah A. Moore 10mEngland & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915 about Hugh Moore
Name: Hugh Moore
Date of Registration: Apr-May-Jun 1839
Registration district: Wolverhampton
Inferred County: Staffordshire
Volume: 171900 United States Federal Census about Sarah A Moore
Name: Sarah A Moore
Age: 45
Birth Date: Jan 1853
Birthplace: Wales
Home in 1900: Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah [Utah]
Race: White
Gender: Female
Immigration Year: 1870
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Wales
Mother's Birthplace: Wales
Mother: number of living children: 9
Mother: How many children: 10
Household Members: Name Age
Sarah A Moore 45
Daniel H Moore 22
Sarah Moore 21
Hugh Moore 18
Thomas Moore 17
David Moore 15
Elizabeth Moore 12
Mary J Moore 10
Leo Moore 6
Leonard Moore 4
Utah Death Registers, 1847-1966 about Sarah Ann Jones Moore
Name: Sarah Ann Jones Moore
Gender: Female
Age: 84
Birth Date: abt 1855
Death Date: 3 May 1939
Death County: Utah
State file number: 1939001722Millennium File about Sarah Ann Jones
Name: Sarah Ann Jones
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 18 Jan 1855
Birth Place: Lanelly, Wales
Death Date: 3 May 1939
Death Place: Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah, USA
Father: Daniel Jones
Mother: Elizabeth Palmer
Spouse: Hugh Jordan Moore
Children: Elizabeth Francis Moore1930 United States Federal Census about Sarah A Moore
Name: Sarah A Moore
Gender: Female
Birth Year: abt 1855
Birthplace: Wales
Race: White
Home in 1930: Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah
Marital Status: Widowed
Immigration Year: 1870
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birthplace: Wales
Mother's Birthplace: EnglandHousehold Members: Name Age
Sarah A Moore 75
Daniel H Moore 52
Thomas E Moore 47
1920 United States Federal Census about Thomas E Moore
Name: Thomas E Moore
Age: 36
Birth Year: abt 1884
Birthplace: Utah
Home in 1920: Spanish Fork Ward 4, Utah, Utah
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: England
Mother's name: Sarah A Moore
Mother's Birthplace: Wales
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members: Name Age
Sarah A Moore 63
Daniel H Moore 42
Thomas E Moore 36
Leo Moore 26
Glen Moore 2 [2 11/12]
(6767.) WILLIAM EARL HIATT (5146.) (2935.) (1158.) (402.) (81.) (11.) (2.) (1.):
b. 18-8mo-1907, Spanish Fork, Utah; m. at Salt Lake City, Utah, 24-2mo-1931, to LA VAR HARDING, d/o Joseph J. and Ida (Seamount). Harding; b. 11-1mo-1906, Provo, Utah.CH: (8095.) Ruth La Var; (8096.) William Darrell; (8097.) Carole Ida. (R152).
(6770.) HAROLD HIATT (5146.) (2935.) (1158.) (402.) (81.) (11.) (2.) (1.):
b. 4-10mo-1913, Blackfoot, Idaho; m. at Provo, Utah, 30-12mo-1933, to DOROTHY GRACE SIMMONS, d/o Charles Edward and Mary Ellen (Platt). Simmons; b. 21-4mo-1915, Payson, Utah.CH: (8105.) Mary Karen; (8106.) Harold Ned; (8107.) Sherry Dee. (R152).