Item Detail
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Rich, Mary Ann Elizabeth Stokes
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1848-1930
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MSS SC 260
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Biography
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Mary Ann Elizabeth Stokes Rich was born January 11, 1848 in Guernsey, Channel Island, England to Robert Stokes and Jane Reader Stokes. Mary's parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1850 when John Taylor was a missionary in England. They moved to London, and in 1855 they emigrated to the United States with a company of the Saints. They crossed the water on the boat Chimborazo, and Mary, who was 7 years old at the time, was terrified to climb up the rope ladder to board the boat. They sailed for a little less than five weeks in the company of Elder Edward Stevenson before arriving at the mouth of the Delaware River. Mary's family stayed in St. Louis for five years where her father passed away. Her mother and four children then joined a group of Saints in Florence, Nebraska again with Captain Edward Stevenson. There were 54 wagons in the company and her mother shared the 'widow's wagon.' Because only babies and very small children could ride in the wagon, Mary Ann walked the whole way to the Salt Lake Valley at the age of 11. Mary's family arrived in the Salt Lake Valley after 3 months, and Mary began sewing in homes to assist her mother financially. She became well know 'for her beautiful hand work.' Mary loved to read and study good books which she attributed in part to her 'father's early training' in these areas. She worked hard to educate herself even though she was never able to attend school. Mary was married to Samuel Taylor Rich December 6, 1866. They made their first home in Rush Valley west of Tooele Valley. Her husband was not familiar with farming, and they struggled greatly. While living in extreme poverty in this area, they lost one child. They also lived in Holladay, Utah before moving to Cassia County, Idaho. Her husband did not like to farm, engaged in activities that 'would not be looked upon as proper today,' and drank liquor. They were separated just before Mary had their youngest son, and later officially divorced. Mary could not run the farm and moved to Utah with her four youngest children ages 3 to 10. She built a one-room home on part of an acre lot given to her by her mother. Through the years they added to the home until it was a six-room home with cold and hot water and electricity. Mary served in the Relief Society for over 60 years and in the Primary. She was very involved in genealogy work and temple work. She officiated for many of her ancestors and was pleased to accomplish this work. Mary was involved in her community and read extensively to be informed on world events. She never remarried but raised her children faithfully. Mary passed away in August of 1930 in Draper, Utah.
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Mary's biography was most likely written by Ellen R. Clark, a daughter. It is included in the Rich family history collection. Mary suffered and endured many hardships of the early pioneers. While crossing the plains, she was scared of the deep streams they had to wade, and was occasionally carried by one of the brethren in the company. As a young married woman, she lost four of her older six children and suffered to survive on their farms. It was written that because of her example, her children are better able to deal with disappointments and sorrow in life as they have seen her overcome such trials. She was a woman of goodness and 'gloried and reveled in truth and honesty.' She was trusted, loved and well respected by those around her. Her home was spotless and she loved beautiful flowers and handiwork. She took special care of her mother who suffered from mental illness in her elderly years. It was written that, 'Her greatest joy was making others happy and she always found time to assist those needing help and to comfort and advise those who were bereaved or troubled. Her good judgment and loyalty to truth made her a desirable companion in private or public life.' As she approached her older years, she was worried that she would suffer from mental illness as did her mother. She prayed earnestly about this matter and was given the answer that if she would keep busy, she would be spared from this suffering. She made quilts for each of her children and grandchildren, crocheted, and participated in other activities to keep busy. Towards the end of her life, she lived with her daughter, Ethel, in Draper, Utah. She was greatly loved by her family and this biography is a tribute to her great character and faith.
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1839-1855