Before we read the life story of Achsah Stout, let us review a little back ground about the Colonies of Old Mexico where so many of the polygamist families moved so they could enjoy freedom of religion. From a very interesting book: Uncertain Sanctuary, by Estelle Webb Thomas we review the following:

As with the Webb family, it was a story of family sharing, learning to be joyous amid grinding poverty, and how to turn hard times into happy times. When they were expelled from Mexico they lived in a Lumber yard, and in tents. They knew the pioneering spirit of breaking new ground, and with great faith and belief in God, they found the silver linings of life. For almost two months the wagons of polygamist families trundled through the frontier towns of Arizona and New Mexico, separated by long stretches of barren desert, or climbed rocky mountains terrain and forded streams in the sparsely settled Southwest in the hot summer of 1900.

"In the evenings there were the "sings" around the campfire, the jokes and stories, and last of all the long prayers, which we were too sleepy to follow. But we were sure God heard and would answer, so what else mattered?"

Arriving in Dublan, there was tall corn, rich wheat and alfalfa fields and bushels of fruits and vegetables. Colonia Dublan, was the largest of the Mormon Mexican colonies and had been settled since 1888. The country was beautiful, semitropical, fertile, with an abundance of water. President Diaz had been president for 30 years in Mexico and had welcomed the Mormons to the colonies. The first colony, Colonia Diaz, was established in 1885 in the state of Chihuahua. Dublan was settled next and later Colonia Garcia, Colonia Chuichupa, and finally Colonia Pacheco, all in the Sierra Madre. Later, Juarez boasted an academy which all eight colonies sent their high school students.

The growth of Dublan was phenomenal partly because the colony was connected by rail to Ciudad Juarez, the Mexican city across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. In a way, the colony of Jaurez was the most important of the Mormon colonies because it was the educational center. The soil was perfect for brick making and many lovely brick homes were built there. Thomas C. Romney called it "the seat of culture." It was more like a college than a high school. The president of the school was Anthony W.Ivins, who was the McOmbers Stake President and who later became an apostle.

Wayne Stout, Achsah's brother (Of Julia), writes: "Early in September, 1912, I registered as a missionary student at the Juarez Stake Academy. I was only one in a class of 49 who took the missionary course. Charles E. McClellan was the teacher. We missionaries were required to take the regular theology Church History under Principal Guy C. Wilson. Other courses were: Agriculture, taught by Ray Oberhousley; penmanship and choir from RT Haag; carpentry from Edward McClellan and I joined the beginners' orchestra led under the direction of Walter Burgener.

A few hours after this episode we received a warning from the Stake Presidency to rush to Dublan as quickly as possible. That was a strange experience to pass through. My hay crop was ready to be cut again. The corn needed watering. Was the farm to be abandoned and left for wild nature to destroy? To me it was desertion. Little did I realize at the time how narrow was our escape from bloodshed and a general massacre.

Packing our trunks and bedding was no easy task. An old wooden box served my purpose. My large collection of family pictures, letters, and personal effects went into that box. A change of clothing and my Sunday clothes was all I possessed. We piled our trunks and boxes on the hay rack and joined the family at the old farm, where we witnessed a sight that cannot be forgotten. Women and children were frantically throwing bedding, trunks, and packages into the wagon boxes. After a strenuous hour filled with mixed feelings and emotions of fear, the Blacks, McOmbers and Stouts started with their loaded wagons of humanity toward Dublan. I shall never forget my feeling when I looked back at the old Mexican house where I had spent nine years of my life. "Was I leaving it forever?' I asked myself.

That night the families camped on a baseball diamond in Dublan where the grounds were filled with campers. A sleepless night of waiting for a delayed train. Such suspense can not be realized, wondering if the rebels would come and kill them. It required one hour for 100 men to place the hundreds of trunks and boxes in the freight cars. The women and children were piled on top of the trunks in a very hot, ill-ventilated style. It took six to seven hours to reach El Paso. One can only imagine the fretting children, hot and thirsty, mothers praying for their safety. When they reached the depot in El Paso a large army of taxicabs met them and took them to the lumber yard. For some it was their first automobile ride. Calvin and Achsah with their two small boys, Marinda Clark, the Stouts, all found a sleeping corner in the lumber yard sheds. They used their trunks for tables. The government sent a load of food for the " refugee camp". During the stay at the lumber yard, Byron H.Allred died of an heart attack. Aunt Viola remembers it all too well, because it was her father who died. Her father was the branch President and had worked day and night to see to it that his members would have a place to stay.
Aunt Viola Stout, wife of Dewey Stout, relates: (At that time she was only eight years old,Viola Allred)

Viola, who is still living as of 1995, remembers the wonderful days of her childhood in Old Mexico. They were filled with hours of contentment and joy. "The names of President Ivins and later Bentley, Romney, Huish, Bowman all linger in my memory as prominent citizens or church leaders with whom Father affiliated. I always enjoyed the rare trips (it seemed like they were every three to four months) to Dublan because I was allowed to walk up and down the aisles of Bowman's Store. This store to me was the fairyland of Mexico. What Disneyland is to our modern children, Bowman's Store was to me! Bowman's store was a symbol of all the things one dreams of one day obtaining. The most delightful sensation was the assurance that something would be purchased before we left.

Therefore, as Father transacted his business, buying needed farm implements, replacements, purchasing the lists given him by Auntie, I would gaze upon the rare edibles, dolls, etc. Pretending like little girls will, that someday . . .

The first great tragedy to touch my life came about January 22, 1910 or 1911. I awakened one morning to see four faces peering at me. It was Learne, Fern, Leland, and Arnold Mortensen, our neighbors and playmates who lived at the northern end of Guadalupe on the East side, nearly to Stouts. I was overjoyed at seeing them. My yearning for playmates was unquenchable. I hurriedly dressed. Auntie assured me they were there for the day and because of my joy, in the first while no thought of why they were there entered my head. I soon became aware of the gloom overshadowing the family and my visitors, and I soon learned that Sister Lizzy Mortensen, their mother, was dead. This, to my childish mind, was not so tragic if it meant the children would live with us. The real tragedy unfolded as details came out and I learned that a murder had been committed and our beloved Marinus Kock also was dead!

One morning I was awakened at what sounded like hail or rocks rolling on a tin roof. A battle was raging just west of us across the river. No school was held that day. I recall Father leaving the house to advise every family to remain at home. It was a day of quiet women walking back and forth in the house and protesting every time Father had to leave to milk the cows or tend the chores. One other experience relative to the revolution happened one day while we were in school. A group of soldiers came up and stopped across the street at the Jarvis' house. They had Emerald Stout on a horse and all of us peered through the windows, filled with fear that he was going to be killed. He was later released."

It was in July of 1912 when all the Mormon colonists became involved. It was because we remained neutral and did not take sides that we were ordered to leave Mexico. I know that when the terrible news of the war's significance came to us it was really unbelievable to me. I recall being out in the tomato patch (my favorite spot while they were in season) sitting on the ground eating tomatoes with my salt shaker in hand as usual, when Lavon came running out to tell me that we were going to leave--yes move away--and that in 24 hours we would not be there anymore and I recall sitting there a long time and tried to visualize what it would be to not be there, to leave, and be somewhere else!! People were coming and going, back and forth, hurrying up the street, and returning.....Father dug a hole behind Marinus' house and there many things were buried. I can see Father greasing guns and farm implements, wrapping them in burlap and after depositing them and covering over with sod, patting it down and then there was something else we could do, walk back and forth over the ground to eliminate evidence of the "Burial" place.

At the station in Dublan there was much confusion. People from all the Mormon Colonies were assembling and with limited space everyone had to eliminate part of their baggage. I only remember, as the train pulled out, many a trunk and "grip" was left lying on the ground by the side of the tracks! It seemed to me that my mother cried most of the time. Father and the boys road in the baggage cars. It was dark when we arrived...many cars were at the station, mother did not want to ride in one and as it was not many blocks distance, she took me by the hand and we walked to a large dance hall where we spent the night. The next day we were all moved to the Lumber Yard where each family was provided with a "stall" to set up temporary quarters. I remember we ate. There was a meeting where several men spoke, I remember best because of the song we sang there. It was the Mormon theme song, "Come, Come Ye Saints" and from that day to this day, that song so impresses me. It penetrates my memory to such an extent that I have never yet been able to sing that song through. A lump always prevents me from managing to sing the last two verses."
While at the lumber yard, Viola was given a job and earned 25 cents and was overjoyed. After trying to locate so many families into homes, Viola's father walked into his house and sank down, dieing of a heart attack. Later, Viola moved to Ogden Utah and when she became a young woman, she later met and married Dewey Stout, Achsah's brother. Aunt Viola has always been a wonderful Aunt to the family, sharing her home, her food, her great warm heart to all her family and relations. The McOmber family is deeply indebted to her for all of her kindnesses and hospitality to us.

From Achsah's keepsakes, her father David Fisk Stout wrote a letter dated August 14, 1912, El Paso.

Dear Calvin:

I arrived yesterday morning found yours of 7th, visit, also Rettie's of same date., writing at Colton, also Arties 6th girl Emerald is at Hachita N.M. Where I arrived with the Dublan, Juarez, Guadalupe, Pachec, Garcia crowd of 241 men and boys on Monday the 12th. We only saved three of our horses, Kit and Doll ect.. A few days before we left Dublan as the Rebs were taking all the best horses they could lay their hands on. The Dublan people tried to save their best horses by taking them to a lot Canyon east of Dublan. Some ten animals were there, was feed and water where the rebs (rebels) would not find them so Shirley and Emerald took Dick, Leone, Jula, Away, and Bess (names of horses) out there in the night where about eighty of the best riding horses of Dublan were kept. On Friday morning, August 2nd, we were aroused up at 4 am with quick orders that we must run to the J. O. Immediately and all were to leave town by day light so we took each a bridle, a quilt, and saddle, and ran. That with the three horses mentioned was all we saved. We started about sunrise and left on the quick trot for the hills on the west, where we were to meet Juarez at the Stairs, a high rough canyon about ten miles above Juarez. On the way the Rebs pursued us about three miles, shooting at us. But we detained five of our best rangers to stay behind and gave them about 15 good mares. Messengers were sent where they left in pursuit and we saw nothing more of them. I was in the rear as old Doll didn't like to run. The bullets fell all around me but I knew nothing of it. I was too interested in getting Old Doll along to notice little things.

When we got to the Mts., we had to leave the one wagon we loaded then when it got still rougher and steeper, we had to leave the one buggy we had and go all on horseback. When we got to the appointed place Juarez was not there. There had been a division of Counsel. Many were not willing to leave their towns. We stayed among the rocky crags four days until all of Juarez came, except Bro AP Spillsbury. He would not come and all of Pacheco except Joshua Stevens, he wouldn't come nor allow his family to come. He has six sons and five daughters and wife up there and we dread the consequences but I hope they will get safely out. Many of Chuichuipa came, We don't know whether they are hid in the mountains or have gone to Madrea. After waiting five days in the Mountains and being joined by the three colonies of Juarez, Parbeco (?) and Garcia , we started for the line camped at Papasita at Janos River and right at Diza Spring , sparing in God's hand where that evening August 9, we made the woods and hills ring with the: Battle Cry of Freedom, Just Before the Battle , and Stars and Stripes and S.P.Banner. Will Jones said to me the next morning, "Brother Stout I never knew you were a choir leader tel last night." We traveled more slowly after that and walked to Hachita. Monday 12, Emerald is there, taking care of the horses and will stay till we decide what we will do.

Just been talking with Jarves Mortensen who came in when I was writing at the Post Office. He has been in the counsel meeting. He says they will allow any of us to go back that want to and see if we can secure our property again. I think I will go if the risk is not too great.

I will hand in your list tomorrow. They have -------(? ) And I will do yours for you. I have mine made out and will get yours off... Mary Jane and do it tomorrow. ( A difficult account to read, due to poor hand writing.)

Daisie Stout Richardson, born August 23, 1884, in Rockville, Utah, was Achsah's older sister by five years. They were very close. Daisie had a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis which crippled and pained her body all her life. In spite of her handicap, she married Edmund Richardson at the age of 19. Polygamy was given the red light one year after she was married. Her great longing was to rear a family. She loved babies. During the Mexican Colony days, she was married as the fourth wife to Edmund who was a lawyer, a rancher with quite a good resource to care for his wives and children. He was twenty six years older than she. She admired his education, his books, his ability to take care of her.
"In spite of the difference in our ages, I was very happy; and when our oldest child was born my joy and rapture knew no bounds. I felt indeed that there was nothing left to wish for now that I was tasting the joys of the Celestial Kingdom. My days were full of delight and my nights were sweet and perfect."

After her third baby, Justin, was born, the order to leave Mexico came. "Hundreds of us boarded the train at Pearson and Dublan (on the Mexican North Western, I believe). We arrived in El Paso the same day of departure, July 28, 1912, and were met by Apostle Anthony W. Ivins, who did all in his power to find lodgings for his former Stake Members."

After she left the lumber yard shed, the make-shift temporary refuge, Edmund took her to Corner Ranch, New Mexico, a distance of 45 miles. The house was a one-roomed rock building, large enough to be rather more comfortable than a private's army tent. "At first we slept outdoors with a wagon cover stretched over us in such a manner that it would shed rain."

During this era of Daisey's life she suffered greatly. Legally she could not be married here in the U.S. Edmund was old and could not find employment and could not support his large family. After leaving the Corner Ranch she went to live near her father's family in Logan. David Stout, her father called Corner Ranch: " Poverty Flats". She raised a wonderful family and is an inspiration to all of us for her strength to endure, her determination to conquer even in the most adverse conditions. She was a great mother, a great latter day saint and an example to all of us for her endurance with adversity.

She passed away at Achsah's home in 1953. Achsah took care of her in her last days. How often we would see her holding a baby in her arms (as grandma Achsah used to baby sit children) and sing her songs to them. She crocheted a pretty little edge to a pink petty coat that my mother had made for me( Ruth). As I grew taller, she would crochet another little edge. I saved that little petty coat and later gave it to Janean Spencer, her grand daughter. I tried to explain that it was precious because it had the handy work of fingers that were so very misshapen from her arthritis, I still wonder how she was able to accomplish the task. . . But she did.

Following this great event of our son Calvin's birth, my husband found employment in building a home for Aunt Nellie Hale which afforded enough cash to buy our tickets to our home in Guadalupe, Mexico. "The Folks" gave us a room in their home there to set up housekeeping. It was here, January 24, that we were blessed by the birth of our second son, George Emerson. We had really begun our life's career. Emerson and Calvin as Children at Logan after the Exodus in 1913-14.

Achsah and Artie when they graduated from Juarez Academy

Bottom: Calvin and Axie as newly weds in the Colonies with Family and friends. Left to Right, Back: Artie, and Achsah with flowers. (They are in their graduation dresses from Juarez Academy.) Front: Dewey, Calvin D and ?, Little Calvin in front.

Soon after our arrival in Mexico, a political disturbance began to show itself in that country. These rumblings became louder until open revolution was the result. The first incident was on December 24th when the railroad bridges between San Pedro and Guidad Juarez were burned. Francisco Madero was the leader of the revolutionary forces. His platform was to take the land away from the rich and divide it among the peons or poorer classes. This platform swept him into power. He was elected President of Mexico.
The incompetency of Madero was soon recognized. His inability to inaugurate his land reforms produced counter revolutionary forces against him. At the time trouble broke out in the colonies, one Jose Inez Salazer was commanding the revolutionary forces in the Casas Grandes area.
On March 14, President Taft placed an embargo on the shipment of arms into Mexico. This antagonized the rebels against the Americans as they were in need of horses, saddles, and arms to continue their revolt against Madero.
In April, President Madero sent his General Huerta, who crushed Arozco first at Tuvison then at Barkimba. These defeats sent the rebel force into the Casas Grandes area. Since the rebel forces realized their cause was hopeless they preferred intervention on the part of the United States rather than the administration of Madero whom they considered a traitor. To bring about intervention of the U.S., the rebels planned to disarm the Americans, then attack them in force thus forcing the U.S. to intervene.
About this time, January 22, to be exact, the little town of Guadalupe experienced a terrible tragedy. On that night about four Mexicans came to the home of Elizabeth Mortensen, our nearest neighbor, raped, robbed, and finally killed her. George M. Kock, a young man who came to her assistance, was also killed. A funeral was held two days later in which A. W. Ivins was the principle speaker. The people were counseled to live closer together, arm and prepare for defense at a moment's notice. Consequently, Aunt Misha Black whose husband had been murdered in 1908 moved from her farm and occupied the north two rooms of father's home. From this time on we lived in constant fear. My husband secured two revolvers and a rifle. We kept one revolver in the East end where there was an outside entrance of the large room where we were living; the other one (revolver) was kept in the west end where we slept, and which end had also a door leading out. We were advised to shoot first! How I dreaded the thought of ever using those guns! Practically every night I would spring up, grab the gun under my pillow prepared to shoot the imagined Mexican I thought had entered our living quarters.
Exodus from the colonies of Old Mexico, Achsah, Calvin, Calvin Jr.and Emerson were there.
It was at this time the Revolution initiated by Francisco Madero against the Diaz Regime started and in the course of a few months bands of rebels were passing through our little town, ravaging out farms and homes of livestock, principally beef and cattle, grain and other farm produce. General Salazar, head of the rebel army, demanded all the arms of the LDS. (Note: "LDS" and "Mormons" are two terms commonly applied to identify the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a nickname, as it were.) He, General Salazar, informed the Mormon leaders, Junius Romney and Henry E. Bowman, that he would withdraw all guarantee of life and property if the Colonists did not comply. This ultimatum placed the Saints in a perilous position. Two thousand soldiers were waiting nearby for orders to kill. It was decided to make a show of complying while at the same time to send the women and children to the United States.
How my heart ached at leaving my dear father and brothers. There they were, standing below us as the train pulled away. Would I ever see them again? My husband's mother, Marinda, was bedfast, had to be carried, consequently he was allowed to board the train with the women and children. At 7:00 P.M. we arrived in El Paso. As I stepped off the train, I saw our beautiful flag, the stars and stripes, fluttering up above me, in the gentle breeze. My heart leaped and my eyes filled with tears. Thank God for the flag and what it stood for: security, freedom and life! The 2,000 refugees were provided with food, shelter, bedding, etc. at a large lumber yard east of El Paso and on the outskirts of the city. Bathroom and kitchen facilities were soon installed by the city aids.
For two weeks we waited in the lumber camps for word from the Church authorities as to whether to go back to our homes or not. The church leaders advised us to seek temporary residence in the U. S. until the government in Mexico was more stable. Some of my husband's relatives lived in Logan, Utah, my husband had spent his early life in this vicinity. We decided to make Logan, Utah, our home for the time being, and while here, hoping to find suitable employment. On August 12, 1912, my husband, two children, aged six months, and two years, my mother, sister, Artie, brother Dewey, my husband's invalid mother, and I bid farewell to the lumber camps in El Paso, Texas, and boarded the train for Logan, Utah, where we soon were housed in a fairly comfortable brick house with some furniture and food provided by one of the good Bishops of Logan.
My husband found employment at the A.C. College building hen houses and pig pens. My sister, Artie, entered the B. Y. College of Logan. My brother, Dewey, began his schooling at the Lowell Jr. High School. The Lumberyard in El Paso where the McOmber and Stout refugees stayed After staying two years in Logan waiting for affairs to straighten out in Mexico, word came from the Church authorities that the Mexican refugees in the U. S. were to look to the United States for their future homes as Mexico was in a disrupted state of affairs; consequently, my husband set out to go locate a suitable place to live. In Oakley, Idaho, a huge earth dam had just been completed. Dry farms near by were available, acres of dry farm land, but misfortune was still our lot. After borrowing money to build a two room house, fence forty acres of land, secure a team, harness, implements etc., we found our dry farm was dry indeed. On account of the drouth, the wheat was so shrunken that the crop did not pay for the harvesting. Had it not been for some carpentry work my husband had secured, we would have been destitute indeed. Meanwhile, the town had a setback too. The big dam failed to deliver enough water for the land it was supposed to cover.
Although our finances were in the reverse, our family was on the increase. Soon after our arrival in Oakley, our third son, Arthur, arrived, July 28, 1914. Two years later, October 30, 1916, Ferryle made his appearance while we were living at the Cramer place. My brother Emerald and wife, Geneva Black Stout, lived in the west end of the same house and they, too, were blessed by a lovely baby girl. She was born three weeks prior to our son Ferryle, and they named her Beth. Many were the games of Rook Geneva and I enjoyed together that winter.
In 1917 we bought a four acre tract located southwest of the Oakley townsite, where we moved a two room frame house, which we enlarged by adding to it a large living room, kitchen and bath. The seven years we spent there were indeed happy, although hard times were still our lot. Winston, Adrian, and David increased our family to seven boys. Here we began our weekly family nights in which the boys happily participated. What a joy and thrill it was to see each and all do their little best to perform.
About 1919 we mortgaged our dry farm and bought a 22 acre plot of ground which was also southwest of the Oakley townsite. This afforded us hay and grain for the livestock. In 1919 an abandoned school house was just north of our home was converted into a cheese factory, which factory was an asset in that it afforded us whey for our pigs and a market for our small dairy herd. I can picture my two oldest sons now, carrying whey from the cheese factory followed by 12 to 15 squealing little pigs. They seemed to make great sport of it. One little lame pig they named Brother Elison. It was fun to watch the pigs sliding and rolling on the frozen whey in zero weather.
Another picture I recall is my husband walking along the ditch bank with two or more little boys hanging onto his hand as they went to Sunday School. I recall one method I had to induce Calvin Jr. to like Sunday School. Across the street on a vacant lot, boys about the age of my eldest son used to gather and play baseball on Sunday morning. I noticed Calvin Jr. avidly watching these games. Finally one Sunday morning he said: "Mother, I don't want to go to Sunday School." I wasn't too surprised. I knew how he loved to play ball. I merely said, "Well, how nice. I've been wanting to go to Sunday School myself, but I can't seem to get the dishes and beds done up in time. Could you, oh would you wash the dishes and do up the work and let me go?" Just then his father came in and in glowing terms I told him of the new set up. Accordingly, the next Sunday, he stayed home. When I returned from Sunday School sometime later, Calvin was still struggling with the beds. I cheerfully helped him, praising him for his unselfishness, his good work and willing spirit. But the third Sunday he came up with "You know, Sunday School is made more for little boys than big folks. Don't you think it's my turn to go to Sunday School?" I replied, "Certainly, I do, and I think we can arrange the work so we can both go!" And I did. That was the only time I ever had to use subterfuge on him, to get him to attend church.
In 1925 my husband, together with Julius Neilson, became interested in the soft drink business, particularly orange juice. We decided to leave Oakley. After traveling to Portland, Oregon and other places, these two finally separated. My husband set up business in Pocatello and Julius Neilson in Salt Lake City. Our drink stand was not in operation until well along in August and because of the climate we soon closed down and rented our stand to a candy concern. The following summer we tried again, but abandoned the project. With a family of seven boys we felt it necessary to get on a farm. Luckily for us, we located a farm near Pocatello owned by a Mr. Brady, who also owned the largest hotel in town, called the Bannock Hotel.
In 1927, on February 26, we were surprised and delighted to receive into our family a baby girl, our last child and only daughter, Velma. "I'll bet she'll be spoiled!" was the universal conjecture. She got so used to this remark that when we'd introduce her, she would beat them to it and say "and I'm not spoiled!"

It was not long after this that my husband built a frame house on the above farm. In 1930 we moved our family into the country and took possession of our new home on the corner of Cedar St.and Pole Line Rd ( 2715 Pole Line Road today). What a relief to get the boys onto the land, and where I knew where they were and what they were doing. Mr. Brady also paid for the furnace and well and allowed five years rent for the construction of the house. The house cost us $2,500.00. Later he let us supply the Hotel Bannock with milk which greatly added to our small dairy route. We were now really in the dairy business, which had its beginning when I used to sell the surplus milk of one cow to our nearest neighbors on Roosevelt Street
The next fifteen years period was one of madly rushing: Father and boys running routes, milking cows, washing buckets, bottles, hauling hay, threshing grain, etc. Calvin and Emerson drove the school buses during the school terms, helped some in nearby farms during the summer. While the boys were busily engaged with the dairy herd, I was just as busy with the housework. From 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. there was a meal being served at the large kitchen table. I ran three Maytag washers, baked over 50 lbs. of flour into bread each week. Aside from my home duties, I was actively engaged in church activities. For three years I taught the adult class in Mutual, fifteen years as the Theology teacher in Relief Society, and four years the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School. In the fall of 1932, my eldest son, Calvin, was called on a mission to Czechoslovakia.
Soon after, I got word my father was very ill. I arrived at his bedside the latter part of September. He was in a coma, as the doctors had put him under morphine. I wanted to tell him of my son's call to a mission. I knew how it would thrill him! But the Doctor advised against it. To bring him back to consciousness would cause untold agony. So he passed away without knowing of his grandson's call. Early in January of 1934, Emerson was called to the Southern States. In 1934 Arthur was also called to the Southern States. In October 1937 Ferryle performed a mission in Germany. Before his mission was completed, the great World War II broke out. He was called home to the U.S.A., and finished his mission in the Central states. Winston served in the North Central States Mission. Six of the boys filled honorable missions. David, the last son, would have been called had it not been for the war. However, he performed missionary work where he was stationed in Fort Fannier, Texas, such as helping the mission locate meeting places, arranging cottage meetings, acting as Superintendent of Sunday School, etc. In 1944, July, our youngest son, David, was inducted into the service, and soon after, my husband and I were called to fill a mission in the Southern States. In November we arrived in Tampa, Florida, where we filled a six month mission. In May 1945, we left Florida in company with two young women who were responsible for us securing a car and gasoline, as they were servicemen's wives. Achsah and Calvin on their mission to Florida Arriving home, we found ourselves all alone, the children were scattered. Velma had gone to California to live with her brother Ferryle and his wife, Merial. David was in the service, Adrian had married, so we rattled around in the old home like two marbles in a big bucket. Soon after, we traded our farm for our son Calvin's brick triplex at 2715 Poleline Road, where we lived, and rented the old home. The old milk house and also the cinderblock house which had been built to house some chinchillas, were converted into rentals which afforded us an income. Added to this was a two unit house on 441 East Putnam, which brought us a small sum.
Thirty-three years we spent in Pocatello Idaho. There our family entered the schools, were called to various missions, and filled responsible assignments in the church. Because of their influence, teachings, and example, they were means of bringing into activity, other members of the church. When we first entered Pocatello, I prayed that our family would be a power for good and higher living in this town, and I'm sure the Lord answered my prayers in this respect.
In 1958, November 2, we sold our brick triplex back to our eldest son, Calvin, and moved to 549 De Soto, Salt Lake City. This arrangement worked out admirably, since we could be near the Genealogical Library. For a long time we had been interested in getting genealogical data on my husband's neglected side. Also, this new arrangement made it possible for our son, Calvin, and family to have a better dwelling place. We soon found the new ward to be very friendly. The Bishop was most cordial and the organizations were democratic and sociable. We soon were adjusted and really felt at home in the Capital Hill 2nd Ward. My husband was asked to be a Temple Officiator. I enjoyed the Relief Society sisters and was soon in the harness.
I am indeed thankful for this wonderful church where on can travel from coast to coast from Canada to Mexico and enjoy the rich out pouring of the Lord's spirit, hear the same divine truths and feel the great spirit of Christ's love and the brotherhood of his saints." McOmber Dairy Trucks

Eating around the McOmber table Piling in #3 , the bus Calvin Jr drove for three years '29-'32

Velma and Axie on the McOmber homestead, Pocatello, Idah.
A page from Achsah's memory book written in 1939

A Brief Review of Achsah's life
as told by Axie in 1939


On September 15, 1939, Achsah made a little memory book which I am going to copy: I found this among her keepsakes. Another history written with pictures:

I was born in Rockville, Utah November 14, 1889, where fruit and vegitables grew in abundance. My father loved his children and we had great sport with him. At the age of seven I began school. At the age of seven we moved to Hinckley Utah. When I was a school girl, I enjoyed jumping rope, and doing "Pepper". It was in the hey day of Queen Victoria, so my sister and I used to impersonate her, much to our brothers disgust. When I attended grade school, there were little luxuries, few necessities. My mother was a principal teacher in one. It was here I learned much of the Old Testament history. My mother was a wonderful teacher of faith and church doctrine. At the age of ten we returned to our former home in Rockville to can fruit as Hinckley had none. Because of my sister Daisie's ill health the winter of 1900 and 1901,we spent in Bunkerville Nevada because of its mild climate. I spent a delightful winter in Bunkerville, making many friends. The death of my baby brother was a hard blow and saddened an otherwise perfect winter. Leland was II months when he died of Pneumonia. I loved the winter sports in Bunkerville.

In 1901, following the winter spent in Bunkerville, my mother, with her children, David who was teamster, Daisie, Artie, Dewey, and Wendell, my half brother, with Aunt Martha Cox traveled the long journey, 1500 miles to Naco Arizona, a border town. Here we spent a hot summer. David freighting ore from a mining town in Mexico. Caninea, at which he contracted Typhoid Fever and died. After David's death, we moved into Mexico settling in the beautiful little town of Diaz where my father with his other families had preceded us some months earlier. The winter spent in Diaz was one of the disastrous in our family's history. Father buried five children, Irving, Ruth (died suddenly), Carlyle, Melvina, and Willard.

In the spring of 1902 Father moved most of his family to Hop Valley in the mountains. Aunt Julia with Juanita, Thurlow, Daisie and myself stayed in Colonia Juarez where fruit was canned, dried, and preserved. During the fall I contracted Typhoid Fever. Due to my illness, Mother, who had signed up to teach school in Diaz canceled same, and nursed me back to health. We then moved to Guadalupe, where mother taught school in spite of the lateness of the season. 1903, the remainder of the family joined us.

Our home in Guadalupe Mexico was where some of the happiest hours of my life were spent (1902-1912) See the sketched copy Achsah drew. ( She harvested fruit, milked cows, helped in the hay, loved to read, went to fun dances.) Our home was the largest in the village at The home where the Stout children were born. Achsah's happy memories which wonderful dances and parties were held. As there was no church house in Guadalupe, Sunday school, Sacrament Meeting etc. Were held in our home. Memories of swimming, picnicking, and Maying on San Pedro River Banks, and I was captain of a team. In order to win, I pitched, not because I could pitch, but I had to be in the center of the players to get them to PLAY BALL !

Jaurez was a little town nestled between the hills on the banks of the San Pedro River. Here I attended High School for three years. I was sixteen when I began High School. My favorite teachers were Guy C. Wilson, Elizabeth Cannon, and Miss Day. I kept myself fit and my figure trim with exercises each night.

I met and married Calvin Delos McOmber, June 24, 1909, married by Bishop Thurber in Guadalupe Old Mexico and October 7, 1909 we were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

After our marriage we spent the winter in Groveland where our first baby was born. She drew a little log house where Calvin D McOmber Jr. He was born on April 11, 1910. After living in Groveland one year, we moved into Mexico when there was soon war.

While she was on her mission to Tampa Florida she wrote a letter to Frances:
January 31, 1945

My Sweet Dear Daughter Frances,

Your dear little notes of letters have been much appreciated. I know you are very busy and have much to worry about but the load will eventually become lighter. We were delighted with the children's drawing. George's little picture of flowers is hanging up where we can see it while we are eating and working in the kitchen. That little horse Calvin drew is mighty good for a three year old. We are always delighted to hear about the children. Can little Charles eat scrapped apple yet? I'll never forget how he just about blew up when I gave him a tiny bit of scrapped apple. Can he eat vegetables and do you still boil his milk five minutes? Can he sit up alone?

I miss you so much when I put my hair up. I have hit upon a scheme. By rolling my hair up behind it saves me making those curls and sleeping on them. I curl my hair at the sides something like this. (Picture) Ha! Ha!

As you can see we have changed our address. We have more room, hot water, a bath room, and a three burner gas range. We're having things work out pretty nice. A couple who joined the church about three years ago are responsible for us getting this nice place. It costs us $25.00 per month. This couple, Harris, is their name, takes us every where in their car to church, to town etc. The lady does our washing-- just insists on it, and will not take any pay. Our worst trouble, the thing that spoils our mission is the fight that is raging among the members here. It seems the only solution to the trouble is for some of the members to move away. The trouble is so deep seated that I believe the only thing as I said for some to get out. Brother Meeks, the President of the mission was here last Sunday. We talked about the situation and he felt as we did about it.

Well, it's time I was getting breakfast. Papa helps with the work. He's put quite a fancy touch to the menu...puts raisins in the cereal! However nice that may be, I've decide to let him wash the dishes while I do the cooking!

May the Lord bless you. Tell Calvin he can read this too. What with our mission work and writing to so many especially Winston and David, we don't have much time to write.

Kiss those sweet children for Grandma, love to you all, Mother

From Father: Dear Frances
We speak very often of you and pray for yours, we realize you have a very heavy load to carry; glad the house is as good as it is that you have plenty hot water etc. Care for yourself all you can. The heaviest part will soon be over. George's drawing is on the wall where we see it all the time.

This letter was from Frances's keepsakes. Charles,the fourth child, had a very difficult start in life, due to brain hemorrhage at birth and damage due to a forsep delivery. He required special care all of his life. He now lives at the Yellowstone Care Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. From age 13 to about 40 years, he lived at the Nampa State School in Idaho.
Frances married Calvin D.McOmber Jr by John A Widtsoe. Left to Rt: Calvin Sr, Axie, Calvin Jr, Frances Brodil, Olga Miller, ?, Leah and John A Widtsoe.

Frances visiting the Lamanite Frot Hall Pow Wow where Calvin & Axie served Missions fulfilled by Achsah Stout McOmber: Southern States & W.Pocatello
A beautiful letter was written from Ferryle to his mother dated November 14, 1946, 21175 Cowper St., Palo Alto, Calif.

Dearest Mother,

Today is your birthday. I do hope that you found happiness in your memories, hopes, achievements and anticipations. You have ever strived for the high ideals in life and sought to promote them in others, sacrificing much which might have made life easier for you although not happier. You have an enviable record. You also have the love and admiration of seven boys and a daughter who stand ever grateful to you for what you contributed to our lives.

I wish we could all be there with you and have a celebration in your honor, as it is, I at least, must send my greetings from afar. I am enjoying law school, (I am riding the train now to San Francisco). Bryant gets cuter by the minute. We hope to start our house in the next day or two. I should like very much to have it done by summer.

May God bless and Keep you, Mother dear. With Love, Ferryle

Another beautiful letter saved by grandmother was from her son Emerson:

11-14-60

Dear Mother,
Today, you're commemorating another anniversary. We are all so very happy that you have been spared these years to inspire and guide us. May the Lord spare you many more.
Your children are spread rather widely. Each son or daughter has a family now. The children of this generation are following rather closely in the course you and Father set out on. We are all living richly one way or another. There is much to make us happy. I hope all your children's children will appreciate the value of their heritage. They think Grandfather and Grandmother are first right. Just how for your influence has and will reach cannot be known first now. It really will never stop. Last summer was such a pleasant experience to Em. And me. Thanks again for all the kindness.
By now you are asleep and I hope resting well. Take good care of your health, we need you. We still look to you for encouragement and inspiration. You mean very much to us.
We pray for your well being. You have seen us through many storms. Thank you a thousand times. We are all strong in the faith (could be stronger, of course), but we love the church.
God bless you
Always, Emerson

One of the very last letters Ashsah wrote was dated November 14, 1970 to Ruth when she was first married and living in Tucson, Arizona.

Dear Ruth and John,
Was delighted to get your letter. I remember as a little girl of about eleven or twelve, I was in Tucson Arizona. I stood by a fence and watched the shooting of water on some beautiful horses. As I remember the weather was delightful. My brother David was there. I do like the "Lizard Patch", (Our address in Arizona).
Come when you can, Grand, great grandmother.

That memory has more meaning to me now, since the heat made it so very difficult, perhaps she was very thirsty and hot and the beautiful water must have looked wonderfully cooling and inviting.
The last letter written to me from Grandmother Achsah Stout McOmber The long journey by covered wagons & teams to the colonies of Old Mexico. A map of the Old Mexian Mormon Colonies
Achsah holding little George, first grandchild, son of Frances and Calvin. Grandma helped George when he almost died.

Cynthia McOmber (Calvin III's first child) with great grandmother Achsah, in 1968 Pocatello Idaho

Some little side notes and memories of Axie:


Achsah loved to have nick- names of her children. Velma remembers she would call, in an endearing fashion, her children names such as :
Calvin Jr: Money-goose
Emerson: ?
Winston : Gumgee
Adrian: Foodrow, (from pease pass the food)
David: Sam was short for Sampson
" Ba, down hair, ba' down eyes, ba' down skin", to David meaning brown hair, brown eyes, brown skin",
Ruth was called "midget Minute" because of her delicate features
David Teerlink was called "Little Bar- Bet- Bells."
There a lot of sense, but it was fun Nonsense, and usually spoken in a high and happy voice.

During the Oakley (depression years) Achsah would go to the granaries and get bran that was usually given away. Bran was considered useless then, but today, we know that it is a very important part of our diet.

Bran Bread
Axie would make about ten to twelve loaves a week and she always said the harder, drier bread is the better digested, healthier bread. So she made a bread more crusty, which we all loved. She would scoff at white "wonder bread".

4 cups of warm water
salt to taste, about 1 tsp.
1 Tablespoon of yeast
1/4 cup oil
a little honey for the yeast (a spoonful)
add two fist fulls of bran and stir around, let this yeast mixture rest about 10 minutes.
add white flour (sift about 12 cups, more or less, depending on your flour, mixing each cup into the water one cup at a time) until the dough is satiny and firm, not too heavy, not too sticky. Let it rest until double in thickness, punch down and place in well greased bread pans, about half full dough to each pan. Let rise double in bulk and bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Axie would bake her bread at 300 for 30 minutes and then turn the stove down to 250 for 30 more minutes, making it more crusty. Remove from pans after baking and let the bread air out awhile.

Another great treat we always enjoyed was a pop corn ball which she made after our annual New Year's performance party. Grandmother never gave us a Christmas present. She was too Scotch for that. She waited until the "after Christmas" sales, and had a party for New Years. Besides, she said we had too much going on Christmas, anyway. Not a bad idea. You had to perform, or no treat. All of us grandchildren would do something to earn that pop-corn ball.! I remember Evelyn saying her poem: "The little toy soldier all dusty etc. And seeing grandmother cry. Why would she cry to see a dusty toy soldier, I wondered? Not until I was older did I realize it is a poem of a little boy who died. It would bring tears to anyones eyes. I sang a song about " a rose that peeped over a garden wall to see the world and all in all, Oh hide, Oh hide, the little bee cried, just see how the people are starring." My father taught it to me. I had to learn something or I wouldn't get that pop corn ball!

At this point, I, Ruth must relate that grandmother was a great nurse to all who needs to get well. She had her famous "Morning Glory Drink". (Or was it the morning gory drink?) It was a quart of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom Salts and 1/2 teaspoon soda, mix well, drink it up, and massage the stomach. If I ever had a complaint, grandmother would give me her remedy and say: "In goes the soap (the quart of Epsom Salts) and here comes the washing machine (the massage). It really did wonders because it certainly cleaned out ones system.

"Don't tell grandmother you don't feel well, because you know what will happen," we jokingly would say.

Calvin Delos McOmber passed away in Palo Alto, California, on November 20, 1969, at about 1 a.m.

Achsah Stout McOmber passed away in Pocatello, Idaho, on January 15, 1971, at 8 a.m, on the way to the rest home. She had spent her last years with Calvin and Frances McOmber, 2715 Pole Line Rd.

Funeral Services for Achsah Stout McOmber

Salt Lake City Utah, from her son: Calvin Delos McOmber Jr:

We are pleased at the large group here and thankful for your coming. We had a most beautiful service in Pocatello, and due to the weather condition, we feel that it is proper, so that you would not feel the necessity of making that extra drive that we have this short service here. (SLC where she was buried).

I felt that it was my duty, if I may have your assistance to control my emotions, to report to my beloved relatives, particularly my siblings the blessings we have enjoyed this last year. Since Father passed away, Mother has lived in our home, and I realize that all my brothers and my sister have wanted her in their homes but the proper thing and the most comfortable for Mother was to live with us this last year. It might have been selfishness on my part. She has been very happy there. We have been most delighted and richly blessed. She has not--because of her great faith in the gospel- grieved seriously over Father's passing. She has looked forward to this reunion. She has been such a blessing in our home. I want to express publicly my gratitude to my angel wife, Frances, who has loved her so much and been loved by her so much--to make this a happy, pleasant year. Perhaps many of you know that although she enjoyed relatively good health, in fact very good health during the year, was able to get about and care for herself well--even to our worry a little bit fearing that she might walk too far or fall. But she never fell. She was always sure on her feet. She lived a happy year. She went to our meetings in the ward every Sunday. The first Sunday after Father's funeral, she didn't stay home. She went with us always cheerfully greeting her friends in Pocatello, many of whom--although she may not have admitted it,--she had forgotten and couldn't remember their names. But they remembered her, and they treated her royally. I'm sure you will appreciate knowing that.

On November 12th with only an hour or two of discomfort from pain in her right eye, she took sick. We watched her closely. Apparently this preceded her stroke--a major stroke. We were at her side instantly and able to carry her to her bed. From that time until her passing, her life was different. She lost the use of half her body and all of her speech, but she never lost her pleasant nature. I might tell you that the nurses at the hospital actually tried to get onto her ward and care for her because of the beauty of her character. Women I had never known told me that they loved to care for her. A woman feeding her the first morning introduced herself to us saying, "I wanted to feed her. I've never seen such soulful eyes."

Mother translated into her eyes all of her vocabulary, and it was rich. And she could express such spontaneous gratitude for every little thing we or the nurses did for her. She loved our attentions. To hold that one hand that she had left--oh it was a beautiful experience.

We've prayed every day, of course, that she might not suffer and that the Lord's will for her be done; that she might return to her Father in Heaven, her earthly, and our father and to her other loved ones of whom she spoke so much. Well, for the last two months, we haven't heard those stories, those beautiful things, but we've seen in her eyes in her great expressions and her responses. I'm most grateful for that experience. Of course, this is one of the painful blessings of life, and being with her so much--so constantly. Three times during this two months I was just ready to alert my brothers and sister and other relatives, but then I restrained because I thought there was no use to frighten you now and then follow with sad news in a few days. But she recovered each time--Great Strength! Amazing strength . . . So typical of our mother . . . the way she has lived, the way she has fought for the right, done the great things she has done. When I thought it might be the last moment, I wanted to be with her, and I was for many hours, but in the moment she passed on, I wasn't there. But I want to testify to you, my beloved brothers and sister and those near that these last moments were in the Lord's hands all the time. Very sacred things happened to testify to me of the truth and the reality of the existence of our loved ones beyond.

I often hoped in her painful situations that it would be the end and she could go on to her rest yet feared that it was and that she would. Perhaps it wouldn't be out of place although this is so sacred, to relate to you that my brother, Arthur, and I a month ago, when they had done all they could in the hospital and in the rehabilitation center to revive her ability in the right side but to no avail, and she seemed to be contracting pneumonia, we asked her if she wanted to be administered to. She was a little confused whether to nod her head "yes" or "no". (We had administered to her before taking her to the hospital). I could see in her eyes that she meant "yes" though her head shook one way and the other. We felt that we should release her in this administration and bless her only with peace. I felt very disturbed both fearful and yet good. Arthur anointed her, wording the prayer most beautifully, and as I began to seal the anointing, though she had made almost no vocal sounds, she sobbed and cried a little, and I felt that she sensed a fear that this might be the end, and I changed the wording from what I had intended and prayed for health and strength as well as peace, and I felt good.

Last Thursday, I felt strongly prompted that the end was near. The doctors informed us that they could do nothing more for her, and asked that we take her to a convalescent home. The weather was so bad at that time in Pocatello that I postponed the move three or four days, and when the weather was good, we took her there. That evening she was having another serious spell and I felt prompted that we should administer to her again, and I did not have the feeling of she contest in my heart. In sealing the anointing (Arthur wished that I would seal) I had no feeling nor thought nor expression for her health or her strength but rather for her peace and rest and release and I felt better than I had since her stroke. I was surprised at her passing so soon. The nurses had instructions to call me immediately if the end seemed close, and they had not called me Friday morning, so I called them before going to my faculty meeting. I thought I'd check. The attending nurse said, "Well, she is not as well as she was last night, she has developed a little temperature which is not a good sign and we've got medicine to care for it." Well, we've had that kind of report five or six or ten times during the sickness. So I went to my meeting.

Our meeting had hardly begun when Arthur called, whom they had reached, telling that she had expired.

I want you to know this brought a peaceful, sweet spirit and feeling although it was alarm into my heart. Mother passed on to a glorious reward, and I testify that she had never looked so beautiful and peaceful and her face as beautiful and peaceful as it looks, doesn't begin to reflect the happiness that she enjoys in the reunion with her beloved relatives and loved ones on the other side.

Again I thank my brothers and sister for the privilege of having Mother this last year. She loved you all so much! It was almost humorous at the chapel how every Sunday as we walked through the corridor at Sunday School to the class rooms or practically anywhere. . . she would repeat, "I have six more boys and one daughter like him. I would joke a little and say "everyone has his troubles, Mother, you shouldn't . . . " But she was so proud of her children, as everybody knew. She loved her posterity, her grandchildren.

If I may, I would like to say to my brothers and sister: The great debt we owe to our noble parents can never be fully paid. The greatest continuous installment is that we love one another; that we are united and that we perpetuate their great teachings and you know there was nothing as precious to Mother as the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and what He taught. That is our responsibility. As we from this day, throughout all our lives, make our installments of payment to our noble parents in love for each other, and love for fellowmen, we will make them happier, ourselves happier, and we'll be better citizens of the Kingdom of God. May the Lord bless us all as his children, to enjoy the richness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ including this most precious blessing we call death, that glorious release, that great privilege which never looked to me so sweet in my life as it did Friday morning when I knew that this angel woman suffered no more. May God bless us, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen (this tribute given by her son, Calvin on January 18, 1971. He further adds: Mother passed away Jan 15th at about 8 a.m. at East Gate Rest Home, Pocatello, Idaho Jan. 15, 1971.)

The nurses were so amazed to meet a woman who had never been in the hospital in her life. They asked for her health history and it was a blank page. All her children were born at home by midwives. No man would ever see Grandmother, she often told me so. She was very strict with her ideals about diet. Much fruit and vegetables, bran bread, little milk, and avoid sweets and fats were her advice. In memory of Achsah this was her funeral program:
Obituary of Axie

Served a mission May 25 1886 -1888, called by President John Taylor serving in Minneapolis, Pennsylvania and Ohio, returned and was active in the Republican Party of Rockville
Married Sarah Cox June 26, 1888
Second mission of the Northern States Mission as Mission President April 13, 1894, returned due to rheumatism 1895, and had to avoid the Marshals
Moved to Hinckley and owned a Creamery in 1899
Engaged in making lumber 1889 at Mt. Trumbel, Arizona
October 2, 1900, moved to Old Mexico,
settled in Diaz , 1912-1918
David was a traveling grocery man, selling fruit to miners of San Pedro mines.
1907 Juarez Academy opened and Stout children attended, small home acquired
1912 Diaz home was burned, Mexican revolution forced family to exit the colonies, women leave first, David remains, later runs for his life.
David Homesteads the four corners with Edmund Richardson and Daisie
Reestablishing and rebuilding was difficult, and left for Logan 1919
Settled in Logan and Daisie moved to Logan to live by parents
The remainder of his life did gardening and temple work
Died October 1, 1932 of cancer

Letter written concerning the homesteading of the Four Corner's ranch by DF Stout David's home in Logan Utah with Calvin D McOmber Jr in front. David moved here after he left his difficult homesteading at "The Corner ranch. The address of Logan: 242 East 4th North, Logan, Utah. Letter:
Allen Joseph and Amanda Fisk Stout, Achsah's Grandparents, Crossed the Plains

On December 5, 1815 at Danville, Mercer Country, Kentucky, Allen was born being the tenth child of Joseph and Anna Smith Stout. He was born just thirty miles from Abraham Lincoln's birthplace. The family were strong Quakers. Whooping Cough and Measles took their toll on many of Joseph's brothers and sisters of the family. After the twelfth child was born, Anna died of Consumption July 28, 1824. Some of the children went into Shaker homes when Allen's mother died. After her death , Allen went from home to home, being passed around as an unwanted child, doing work for many families and often mistreated. Hosea was a protective older brother who came to his aid many times in his life. Hosea wrote:" By her death I lost the only unwavering friend that I had and our family was now left like a ship without a rudder to be the sport of misfortune, and I sure felt and realized her loss, and now when deprived of her could begin to see my own ingratitude and disobedience to her." Hosea is well known for his great journals and pioneer history. Hosea and Allen were given an education at Johnsons' school at Stout Grove.

While Allen and his father, Joseph, went on a scouting trip in 1837, there came some news that a sister Anna, had married a man named Benjamin Jones who was a Mormon. Hosia had been studying law, teaching school and taking part in the Black Hawk War of August, 1832. Hosea was troubled to think his sister had married a Mormon and went to visit her to rescue her from a bad choice. He writes: "When I arrived there I was met by her and introduced to Mr. Jones who seemed glad to see me and in fact was a very clever and pleasant man against whom I could find no fault; and, had he not been a Mormon, should have been well enough pleased with were it not for the stigma and disgrace inevitable to the name. This bore on my mind and weighed down by feelings while I endeavored to put on a cheerful and happy countenance."
Hosea remained at the Jones home several days during which time he met his old friend, Charles C. Rich, who was now a Mormon Elder. After some lively discussion Hosea confessed:
"It is not necessary to mention our investigation which resulted in all cases in the loss of my position, while he always sustained his on the fairest possible terms. The perplexity which this threw me into can only be realized by those who have been through the same thing with the same anticipations before them that I had. I saw plainly that my position was wrong, and did also verily believe Mormonism to be correct."

In spite of his conversion, he lacked the courage to be baptized, but returned to Stout Grove and began to preach the Mormon doctrine. After three years, Allen and his father Joseph returned from a scouting venture in Arkansas and Missouri. They also visited Anna in Illinois and after Allen had heard the message of the restoration from Charles Rich and Benjamin Jones, he wanted to be baptized. He writes: "I had become satisfied of the truth of the gospel and wished to embrace it, but still lingered back and had not courage to go forward and be baptized until the 22nd of April, 1838." His sister Lydia was baptized the previous day, but his father never joined. Hosea followed after four months, August 24, 1838 when he committed to the waters of baptism. The history of the church at this time was in great persecution. Allen had had some health problems and had suffered from chest complaint and fever sores. However, after his baptism he wrote: " it seemed to me that I could almost rise and fly. As soon as I was immersed I felt relieved of a seemingly great weight, and as I went home I felt as though I could almost walk and not touch the ground. I had the Elders anoint me and I was healed of both my breast complaint and fever sores after the bone had been nacked all winter on my leg." This healing sustained his testimony the rest of his life.

Hosea and Allen went with the Saints to Far West and rented ground there in 1838. They went to help the Joneses in Richmond, near Jackson co. But the Mobs became so threatening that they had to give up their contract and return to Far West. Patton, was mortally wounded and taken to Allen's home where Allen cared for him. Allen and Hosea observed the Governor's "Extermination order, and the sentence to death of the Church leaders. General Doniphan interfered and saved them, but Allen, Benjamin and Hosea were taken custody along with sixty other men from Far West, October 4, 1838. When the men arrived at Richmond, they were given a mock trial. Since they could find no law that they had broken, they were sent loose. Hosea and forty others escaped the mob, and went north into Illinois. While Allen was imprisoned he states: " I was so afflicted with the rheumatism in my hips that I could scarcely walk."

While leaving Missouri, he writes: "I saw a man walking behind me. I reined in the team to let him overtake me, and who should it be but Orson Hyde, who had apostatized in the fuss, but had seen a vision in which it was made known to him that if he did not make immediate restitution to the Quorum of the Twelve, he would be cut off and all his posterity, and that the curse of Cain would be upon him. I invited him to ride with me, which he was very thankful for as he was very much fatigued. I also divided my morsel of bread with him, but I was not much in love with apostates, so soon after my exit from prison. But I saw that Brother Hyde was on the stool of repentance, and he did repent good, and got back to his place in the Twelve."
October 6, 1839, Allen was ordained an Elder by Alpheus Cutler at the October conference in Nauvoo. April 29, 1840, Allen was set apart by Hyrum Smith to go on a mission. He began to preach at Caledonia, Washington Co. Missouri. He wrote:"but I did call on the Lord for strength and wisdom to enable me to perform my duty with an eye single to his glory." Though he had success, his life was threatened many times. July 4, 1841, Allen returned to Nauvoo due to the bad news that the Missouri Mobs were threatening the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. October 20, 1842 he received a commission as Third Lieutenant in the Nauvoo Legion and initiated into the Masonic Lodge. At age 27 he met and fell in love with Mr. Anderson's daughter, Elizabeth. July 17, 1843 he was married by Charles C. Rich, on his father's 70th birthday. July 8, 1843, Allen was promoted to Captain, first Company, Nauvoo Legion. Alan found work doing carpentry and lived at Black River to secure lumber for the Nauvoo Temple. They returned to Nauvoo and on May 1, 1844, their first child was born, Charles Heber Stout..

Trouble and mobbings caused the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Allen relates: "we saw their beloved forms reposing in the arms of death, which gave me such feelings as I am not able to describe". He had been, at times, the body guard to Joseph Smith and knew of his divine mission. He never wavered from his testimony of the truthfulness of the Church and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of the Lord. He became a policeman in Nauvoo. December 22, 1844 be was ordained a Seventy. He also worked as a carpenter and teacher at the Masonry Lodge. Brigham Young asked him to be his body guard in June, 1845. Allen also stayed at President Kimball's home to aid in case of attack. Elizabeth and Allen were sealed for all time and eternity by President Kimball at his home. By December 20, 1845, the Nauvoo Temple was completed and Allen was endowed there.

While Allen was serving as a body-guard to the Prophet Joseph Smith, they (Allen and the Prophet ) saw a man coming toward them. When he was near, the Prophet said to Allen, "Wait here while I speak with this man." Allen waited for sometime a short distance away while Joseph Smith spoke with the stranger. When the Prophet returned to where Allen was, Allen felt very sorry that he had been somewhat negligent and inattentive. The Prophet said: "That man wouldn't hurt me, he was John the Revealer."

Due to the persecution of 1845-46, Allen writes that they could no longer remain in Nauvoo any longer, without " fighting all the time." Feb 10, 1846 they crossed the Mississippi on a very cold and wet day....the snow, rain , and wind came with great violence and force. Hosea was made captain and Allen captain of tens. Allen became afflicted with sore eye, an affliction that was a great trial to him. The family was at Omaha when Allen rented some land, helped guard cattle from indian theft, and planted a crop. January 25, 1848, Elizabeth gave birth to a little girl, Martha Ann, and died five days later, January 30, 1848.

Allen relates: "In a benighted condition without a wife, with three little helpless babies, and a journey of 1100 miles to perform without an animal to help me, and what to do I did not know. So I continued to pour out my soul in prayer to God day and night for him to open up some way for me to support my little ones and get them to the Valleys of the Mountains." It wasn't long after this plea for help, that a lovely young girl of sixteen years, named Amanda Melvina Fisk was hired to take care of his children. She began to work for him April 8, 1848. Soon after, April 30th, 1848, Allen asked for her hand in marriage and she accepted. Brigham Young came to their home and married them for time and all eternity. They moved to Pigeon Creek, Iowa and planted a garden and prepared for the trek west with the help of the Perpetual Immigration Fund.

Amanda Melvina Fisk, daughter of Alfred and Mariah Sager Fisk, was born in Silver Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, June 12, 1832. Silver Creek lies on the shores of Lake Erie in western New York. Her parents joined the church soon after it was organized and moved to Kirtland Ohio. Amanda was given a blessing by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Her father Alfred made the long march in Zion's Camp to the banks of the Missouri River. Cholera took his life, which is mentioned in church history. He was buried June 29, 1834. One year later his wife died on the banks of the Missouri and she was buried near him. Amanda was orphaned at the age of three and probably lived with her grandparents. Her family was driven in 1939 and the exposure and suffering caused the death of her grandparents. She was l6 when she met Allen and we don't know who her guardians were at that time, perhaps she was living with church members. She named all of her children with the Fisk middle name to keep her family namesake.

By July, 1851 Amanda, Allen and children were ready to leave for the Rockies with the Alfred Corden's company. March 9, 1851 their first son arrived, Alfred Fisk Stout, making him only four months old when they started their journey. October 2, 1851 they came to the valley. Amanda was so sick she had to be carried into the house. July 23, 1852 she received her endowments at the endowment house Salt Lake City, Utah.

Allen was a great journal writer and we could write another book just on him. He and Hosea went to Cottonwood, later to Pleasant Grove, on to the Land of Dixie, called on a "cotton mission" to grow cotton at Brigham Young's request. David Fisk Stout was born at Centerville Utah before they headed to Southern Utah. Amanda had fourteen children and mothered three step children. Allen was a basket weaver, fruit grower and dried their produce. He farmed at St. George and helped build the St. George tabernacle. His journals are today in the St. George Library and church Archives. He staked out a claim near a place we now call Mt. Carmel, and named the place "Lydia's Canyon" after his eldest daughter,( it is still called that today). In 1865, cornmeal was their principal diet. An accident to Allen happened, causing him untold grief and pain. He accidently ran into a tree that caused blindness to his one eye. His eyes and rheumatism caused him much suffering during his life.

Amanda made all the clothes for the family and lived out of the wagon box until they could build a log home. A large woman, she suffered with rheumatism which the elements seemed to aggravate. She sacrificed much for her children and for the church. Allen did not practice polygamy. He and Amanda lived their lives at Rockville for over 21 years and found the weather good for their health. When Brigham Young came in 1974 to Rockville and organized the United Order, Allen enthusiastically joined the order. David, their son, left Rockville that spring and went to St. George to work on the new temple being constructed there. Allen spent much time doing temple work in his older years, after the temple was built. March 1884, Allen was ordained a High Priest. Allen gave his testimony to his children:

"To ever keep with the Church and observe the order of the Church. In all things obey council to the best of your ability...attend to the ordinances of the Priesthood. We have worn out our bodies in laying the foundation for you to build on; we have grappled with the powers of darkness to help to commence a work which we know will never be destroyed, but we do not expect to live to enjoy much of the fruits of our labor; but we have labored for you that we might leave a rich reward with you. Be strong in the work of the Lord, and whether in life or death, your reward will be sure, and you shall conquer at last"!

Amanda died of a strock on September 21, 1888 (age 56)
Allen died December 18, 1889, just one year after Amanda

Now let us review the Cox Family history, Achsah's mother's side.

A letter from Rettie to her daughter Achsah, dated May 15, 1914 reads:

Achsah relates: " My mother had a splendid education. Her early life was spent in Union Fort Salt Lake County, and Fairview, Sanpete County, Utah. Her later childhood and early womanhood was spent at St. George, Utah. Her early married life was spent in Rockville, She taught school many years, edited a paper, was President of the Primary, Mutual, Relief Society, and was a promoter of law, order, culture, and education. She lived in Rockville from 1875 to 1897 In 1902 Mother, with her family moved to Guadelupe Mexico. She left there with the Mormon Saints when they were driven out of warring factions of Mexico. Prior to this, Father and Mother lived in Colonia Diaz - 1901. After leaving Guadelupe, my parents moved to Logan Utah, 1912. Mother lived with me from 1912 to 1916. She returned to Logan to her husband, and stayed with her daughter Artie and husband Donald C. Black at terminal Salt Lake County, later at Oneida, Idaho and Hyrum from Nov. 22, 1925 to 1932 in Logan."

Dear Axie,
I think you could not write anything that would make me feel better than to tell me that the little boys sleep till after breakfast. That one thing has made me feel so contented, comforted, and rested that I think of it all day long with joy. Now if they eat and get to bed before you have your supper, I shall surely be fully satisfied that you have graduated in your nursery activities, with the highest honor and skill. Now you are perfect. Only "one thing thou lackest", see to it the children are taught and trained in obedience to their father and yourself. You are all right in that, also only you are "away from home", I mean you are thinking of something else. Your mind is not at home. Make it stay at home till the day's lessons are done. Then let it run away for a spell.

I am glad you took the little sweetheart, if his pa is pleased that he did not stay. May Mortenson is here. Her school closed last Friday. She is tired out and looks it. She may stay here part of the summer. We get a letter from Aunt Sadie. She is resurrected from her long tedious eleven days journey driving cows just ready to calve and lost three calves. She had to haul them ( the calves) and then some three died. They had a fearful hard journey. Aunt Sadie said there were many many "autos" and the train goes through the town where she lives, and they live in a lumber room. Earnest is here and May is teasing Snow tel he hardly knows his name and Arti and Earnest Clark are just laughing till their sides are aching so, if this letter is disconnected just think there is so much going on that even I can't keep my thoughts together. Arti says that Earnest is to be married a week from this coming Wednesday. I think it's true May will go to Salt Lake next Wed. But she expects to come back in a week and perhaps stay half the summer any way. Dewey has nearly all the garden in. Arti says there will be twenty seven teachers resigning in Logan. Earnest says he paid $4.00 per week for board and room. Earnest is going to Samaria to manage Sister Mary Clarks sister's store. He's going to start the evening after he is married in the next morning, so I think he will be married next week. Emerald was here May 9 or 10th, went home to Provo Sunday went to "Cache Junction" with Bertha and she wrote that the time was short because of the good company she had. She complimented him highly. Ethel went up in the canyon at 6 a.m. And just returned at 9 5 pm, just this minute, reported a first class joy time, but very tired. Earnest is certainly going to be married right away.

Do tell us how your trunk and the contents got there, in what condition. Don't fail and kiss my hearts treasures for me and have them write to us every time. I see the cow is the street. I see little Calvin with his stick "heading the cow". Little faithful, aristocratic, responsible character, so full of hope, faith, and promise of great things. Dear little boy. Call home once in awhile. Don't forget the "lover" and his shadow (Calvin As shadow), well, I must not think of him. (Referring to her grandchildren)

Geneive and Orson are here serenading the girls. They had their hair down preparatory to going to bed and Snow was just going to open the door and disclose the girls in Evening dress but I placed a restraining hand on him impetuous nature. Snow did not notice .....( there seems to be a missing page here) ......He will be quite expert with --? Thesopen ,if she doesn't soon come. He is surely badly affected by cupids fiery darts. It disturbs him from center to circumference. May and Arti has gone to Millville. The folks came after May and she insisted that Artie go also this 19 May. They have both been up so late so much that I am afraid they'll both collapse and I protest vigorously but to no purpose only when they have collapsed will my protests be heeded and then only till they are all right again, it's no wonder there are so many invalid women. Oh yes, Axie, I opened that bundle Aunt Jane sent and it had a can of molasses, two pears off the big winter pear tree and they were the ripest I ever saw off that tree. One side of one had begun to spoil, the other was alright and some Pine nuts and the pears were fine. We opened it Monday or Sunday night after the boys birthday. We will send you some pine nuts and molasses when Calvin comes. You must have some else Aunt Jane would feel hurt.

The garden stuff does not grow very well. It's so cold every day. I wish I could. Oh those young farmer brothers. I'll send your mother's letter if it isn't too full. Orson is going to Salt Lake next week. I do not know what for. Ethel is a sweet girl. I wish Emerald would like her. I think she's fine. I've got Calvin's quilt mended and I've made a blanket for my little sweet hearts to sleep on this coming winter out of your old white worn out ones.

Ma (Rettie)

PS
LaRoy gets $40.00 per month and board at Samaria. I do not know what Ernest will get. He will teach in Gentile Valley next winter. He seems to have enjoyed great success there. He looks well. The serenaders came in and it was Fred, Orson, and Earnest. We enjoyed their music till Earnest said,"I've got to go to bed before tomorrow". It surely was fine. Artie's pupils, some of them gave her a surprise last Saturday. Laurence Batt (or Ball) was the instigator of it. He sang and they all sang and recited and told stories, danced and played on the lawn. They reported having a great time. They did well reciting and singing too. I am just crazy to hear from you and to know the worst about your trunk. Ethel said the livery men would have charged them $18.00 for an "outfit," to carry them up the canyon. But they got two men with their teams and wagons for $ 7.00. A savings of $11.00. Snow spends about--yes all of two hours every evening writing letters.

Ethel just opened her letter from her sister. She says the people of Oakly are concerned over their damn. I hope it will stand the strain and no harm come to it. I've had to rest one day since you left. Got up two mornings a little earlier than is my want. Now, Axie, you'd better take time and tell us how your trunk got there. I am very anxious. Arti bought a tooth pick holder just like yours, so the table would not look so bare. What was the price of the washboard? We'.. Give you full price for it. It will serve your purpose. Ma

Grandmother "Rettie" signed her letters, "Ma". She often stayed in Oakley with the grandchildren and helped out Achsah when her children were born. Since it was illegal to live in Polygamy, Rettie stayed much of her time with her children, as did Mary Jane and Julia. Since Sarah, or Aunt Sadie, was the youngest wife, David stayed with her because they had the dependent children in Logan Utah. Uncle Winston remembers that she would put their pants between the bed mattresses at night to give them a pressing. She would straighten the pants and let the weight of the person sleeping, make them looked pressed. Pretty smart!
Henrietta, or "Rettie", was a great school teacher and nurse. She helped bring many babies into the world as mid-wife. She lived the law of Polygamy with two other sisters, Julia and Sarah Cox and Mary Jane Terry, making four wives of David Fisk Stout.

Wayne Stout records a little home evening of the Stout Family. It made me think of the little family get-togethers Achsah would have for her Grandchildren on New Years.:

Saturday, May 21, 1927,

Prayer by David F. Stout
Recitation by Murray Richardson : "My Shadow."
Recitation: Carlyle Stout: "The Swing"
Recitation: Naida Richardson: "In School Days."
Reading: Wendell S. Stout, Jr: "The Little Church"
Song: Justin Richardson: "The Mocking Bird."
Duet: Daisie and Justin Richardson: "Gathered in Time and Eternity"
Instrumental and vocal: Eunice and Beulah Stout: "Beautiful Bell"
Discussion led by Henrietta Stout, Topic: "How do we know there is a God?" Each member of the group was asked to make his contribution. After each had spoken Henrietta suggested that a solution to the problem might be found by singing: "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet"
Refreshments were served. The Stout home had regular home evenings.

From Fort Union, Utah, the Cox family moved to Mt. Pleasant. Isaiah Jr. was born, the first white settler there. Their third child, Julia was born in an area known as Fairview. On June 30, 1861 the Cox family was called on a mission to go and settle Dixie,a "Cotton Mission" to southern Utah from Brigham Young. Saint George, Washington County was a difficult area to pioneer. A gifted carpenter and builder, Isaiah helped build the St George Tabernacle, builder on the St. George temple, Bishop in Nevada colonization, and contributed much to the work of the Lord all of his life. He married three other woman and had a total of 29 children. Many of Martha Cragun Cox's writings are in the St. George archives of history. She wrote much about the Cox family if one wants to do further research, look up her work at the library of St.George.

In 1908 Henrietta returned to Mexico and lived there until 1912, her third time in exile for her religion. She spent much time in Hinckley after the exodus and worked in the St.George temple before 1917. She died June 17, 1917.

From Fort Union, Utah, the Cox family moved to Mt. Pleasant. Isaiah Jr. was born, the first white settler there. Their third child, Julia was born in an area known as Fairview. On June 30, 1861 the Cox family was called on a mission to go and settle Dixie,a "Cotton Mission" to southern Utah from Brigham Young. Saint George, Washington County was a difficult area to pioneer. A gifted carpenter and builder, Isaiah helped build the St George Tabernacle, builder on the St. George temple, Bishop in Nevada colonization, and contributed much to the work of the Lord all of his life. He married three other woman and had a total of 29 children. Many of Martha Cragun Cox's writings are in the St. George archives of history. She wrote much about the Cox family if one wants to do further research, look up her work at the library of St.George.

In 1908 Henrietta returned to Mexico and lived there until 1912, her third time in exile for her religion. She spent much time in Hinckley after the exodus and worked in the St.George temple before 1917. She died June 17, 1917.

From Josiah's account:

"Took the steem boat at Norwich for New York, April the 27, 1841. Arrived at Nauvoo about the middle of May after traveling over two thousand miles. Joseph Smith the Prophet was killed (shot) and Hyrum the Patriarch June the 27, 1844 in Carthage Jail."

Josiah Janes departed this life September the 7, 1844. Left his wife and one child and wife's mother to mourne with sorrow.
From journals, we read:

April the 27, 1841, took the steam boat for Norwich to New York. Left N.Y. The 29, 1841 for Philadelphia; Left Phelidelphia April 30 for Columbia, left Colombia for Pitsburg on our way to Nauvoo.
About the middle of May, we left Nauvoo, October the first, 1864. We crossed the Missippi River, camped on the bank of the river four weeks. Then took leave the first of November for garden Grove, arrived on the 14 November.
Aug. 28, 1847 left Garden Grove for Winter Quarters, arrived about the middle of Sept.
On the first of May 1848, crossed the Missouri River back again on the Potawatamie lands to wait for the way to open for my journey to the valley of Salt Lake City."

August the 24, 1847 we left Garden Grove for winter quarters and arrived about middle of September.

May the 1, 1844, we then crost the Missouri River back again on the Potawatamie lands to wait until the way opens for my journing to the valley of the Great Salt Lake..

June the 25, 1844, My aged mother died being 80 years and eleven months and left me and my little daughter alone.

December the 5, 1848, I was married to Benjamin Gibson after the manner of the Gentiles.(the marriage did not last).

November 1851 Brother Hyde and Benson and a number of other brethren came with.

Marching orders to all the saints in Pottawatamie to gather to the Great Bason

June the 2, 1852 we left the bluffs in Pottawatamie and traveled across the plains to the valley of the Great Salt Lake City and we arrived all well on the 12 of September being 3 months and 8 days that we was out of doors, rain or shine."

Thank you David Stout for saving this history. ( son of Daisie Stout, Achsah's Sister)
Your cut and paste page:

Achsah Stout McOmber,
wife to Calvin Delos McOmber, Sr.

Mother
Henrietta (Rettie) Cox Stout in 1912, age 56
Born Nov.24, 1856, SLC Utah
Died: Sept 9, 1935

Rettie as a young woman in Saint George Utah

Father

David Fisk Stout, missionary in 1887 David Fisk Stout in 1912

Born Feb.3,1855
Centerville, Davis, Utah
Marr:May 17 1875, SLC
Died Oct.1,1932


Henrietta Janes Cox
March 8, 1835, Connect.
walked across plains
Died June 17,1917
Hinckley Utah

Isaiah Cox
born,May 18, 1839
Crawford, Mo.
Walked across plains
Died Apr 11,1896, St.George

Asenath Slafter Janes born Aug. 18, 1796 died 1867
Married Josiah Janes, December 1882
Widow who crossed the plains with Henrietta
arrived September 12, 1852 in SLC Utah

Jehu cox,Kentucky
Sep 5, 1803-Dec.26 1894
Sarah Riddle Pyle Sarah Riddle Pyle
July 22,1808-Jul,1891
1803-1893 1807-1891

Allen Joseph Stout
Born Dec 5 1815,Kentucky
Died Dec. 18, 1889

Joseph Stout,Born
June 25, 1773
No. Carolina
Died 1839, Washington Mo.

Anna Smith Stout
Born Sept. 8, 1780
So. Carolina
Died July 28, 1824\
Clinton, Ohio

Amanda Melvina Fisk
Born June 12, 1832, NY
Died Sep 21, 1888,Rockville,

Father:
Alfred Fisk
Born Jan 8, 1806
Chautauqua, New York
Died June 29, 1834
Zion's Camp

Mother:
Mariah Sager Fisk
Born Jan.2 1810
at Chautauqua, New York
Died Sept. 1835
Missouri, near husband

Pictures for your history books:
April: April 30, 1848 Allen Joseph Stout Married Amanda Fisk at Winter Quarter, by Brigham Young

May: David Fisk Stout married Rettie Cox May17, 1875

June; June 1, 1856 Isaiah Cox married Henrietta Janes, Fort Union Utah

July: The Cox Sister & Henrietta Janes Cox, mother

August: Rockville home, of David F. Stout and family
Home in Mexico where the family resided

Sept Juarez Academy , graduates , three sister, Achsah, Valeria & Daisey Stout 3 pictures

Oct The Stout children as youth

Nov Three new children :Wendell, Emerald, and Achsah Stout

Dec :Asenath Slafter married Josiah Janes Dec 6, 1832

Jan: Jehu Cox married Sarah Riddle Pyle Jan 13, 1824

Feb :Stout reunion

March :David and family & car

Visits to Grandma: Frances B. McOmber

Monday:
Lunch 11:30 am Inez Conover 226-35818
Dinner 5:30 Pm, Aunt Rachel & Uncle David 224-4358

Tuesday
Lunch: Bonnie Valgardson 377-3910
Dinner Martina Dubcova, 226-2373

Wednesday
Lunch:
Dinner David and Buffy McOmber 377-2872

Thursday
Lunch: Andria Burns
Dinner: Kim and Mark McOmber 222-0942

Friday
Lunch
Dinner: Richard and Sarah McOmber 756-9658

Saturday & Sunday: Carol & George McOmber 1-208- 226-51

Places the Pratts will be visiting: Carol Itatani at Anaheim: 1-310-943-7473, Disney Land
Frank Medearis 1-805- 688-5341 Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara Calif. Joe Sanford: 1-714-837-8337

Frances needs help in eating, since her appetite is low and she is weak. Thankyou so much for your kindness in visiting and assisting her.

Frances is at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Provo Utah, 5th West, 1000 No. At the older area, so enter in the south entrance, go to 2nd floor, turn left, she is in 2803, A- bed.

When she was 36 years old, she met and married Josiah Janes, son of Thomas and Ruth Whitmore Janes. Josiah was born at Ashford, Connecticut, November 11, 1792. They were married December 6, 1832 in Mansfield, Connecticut. On March 12, 1834 they were blessed with twin boys, Elijah and Elisha. However, the little ones died only five days after they were born.

Their lives were again blessed with the arrival of a dear little girl named Henrietta, March 8, 1835. This little girl was her last child.

It was in the year of 1839 that the couple were taught the glorious message of the Restoration, the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Josiah Janes borrowed the Book of Mormon from the elders and never put it down until he had completed its reading. He was baptized in 1839. Asenath took her time and after two years, she was baptized in 1841. Her two younger sisters and her mother Eunice Fenton Slafter also were baptized.

After their conversion, they left their homes and moved to Nauvoo Illinois to gather with the Saints. They arrived in Nauvoo May 15, 1841.

Henrietta, who was at that time nine years old clearly remembers the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Sorrow filled their lives when the Prophet was murdered June of 1844. Soon following the Prophets death, Josiah died September 6, 1844. Henrietta and her mother Asenath were left alone. Later, Asenath remarried to Samuel Bent in the Nauvoo Temple, date is unknown. Since the temple was finished December 1, 1845 it was after that time.

Samuel had been a preacher of the Congregational Church before coming to Kirland and Nauvoo. Soon after, Brigham Young appointed Samuel the Presiding Elder at Garden Grove. Samuel unfortunately died August 16, 1846.

Asenath remained in Nauvoo until October 1, 1846. Asenath and family stayed at Nauvoo until October 1, 1846. Asenath was caring for her ailing sister, Lucinda. Lucinda passed away September 12, 1846 during the Nauvoo tribulations. In a matter of a few short months, Asenath had seen the passing of her loved ones.

She crossed the Mississippi River with the Church and remained on its banks for four weeks after the expulsion from Nauvoo. In her destitute condition, she and her mother and her little girl, Henrietta waited until a wagon could take them to Council Bluffs. Finally, on November 1, they arrived at Garden Grove, fifteen days later. They remained in that place nine months before another opportunity came to supply them transportation to Council Bluffs. They Moved across the river to Winter Quarters where they remained until May, 1848. After waiting, they were told they would have to move back to Council Bluffs due to their lack of a team and wagons. It took four more years of waiting and working for the opportunity to go to the Valley of the Mountains, Salt Lake.

In their difficult situation, Asenath's mother died June 25, 1848. Eunice Fenton Slafter was 81 years old and had suffered much for the cause of the gospel. Asenath was left with only one little girl, Henrietta.

Finally, the wonderful opportunity came to go West. Asenath and Henrietta began their journey on June 4, 1852. They left the Bluffs and walked the whole way by hand cart to the Promised Valley. It was a hundred day walk across the plains and they finally met their destination September 12, 1852. Henrietta was a lovely young woman of seventeen when she made their famous journey. They were in Salt Lake for two years and later moved to Union Fort for protection from the Indians. It was here at Union Fort (today known as Union Plaza) that Henrietta met her future husband, Isaiah Cox. They were married January 1, 1856. From this time until Asenath's death, Asenath lived wither her daughter. She died at Saint George, October 5, 1867. Though she was widowed and alone, she was relentless in her great dream: to live in God's promised Valley!

From Asenath's great endurance and faith, we have witnessed one of the greatest pioneer women of all time. Her daughter, Henrietta Janes Cox has also been a great an honored pioneer. Henrietta has been a mother of honor, true to the faith, with great conviction and testimony to the truthfulness of the Gospel. Her teachings and example have blessed thousands of lives not only in her time but today, the 20th century. Thankyou dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great, great grandmother for your dedication, your faith and your great legacy.

Written by her Gr. Gr. Grand daughter, Ruth McOmber Pratt, June 13, 1995.