Item Detail
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Hopkins, Mary Edds Skinner
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1825-1903
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MSS SC 579
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Biography
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Mary Ann Edds Skinner Hopkins was born December 4, 1825 in Bishop, Devonshire, England to Thomas Edds and Elizabeth Weber. It is written that her mother didn't like children so she gave Mary to her sister. Mary was raised by her aunt by the name of Weber. She learned the trade of tailoring as she grew, and was known for the fine stitch she made. She married Thomas Skinner and together they joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thomas desired to emigrate to America to join the Saints in Utah, but Mary didn't want to leave England. Thomas packed their belongings, bought fares for him, Mary, and their two children, and tricked Mary into getting on the boat. While Mary was distracted, the boat set sail. She was very sea sick on this long journey. They arrived in New Orleans and joined the Saints in Winter Quarters. At Winter Quarters, Thomas and their two children died of fevers, and Mary gave birth to their third child shortly after. With this baby, Richard Edward Skinner, Mary crossed the plains in a handcart company. Upon arriving in Salt Lake City, Mary was married to Charles Hopkins on October 11, 1852 in the Saint George Temple. Mary was the third wife of Charles Hopkins, but his second living wife. They lived in Lehi, Utah until Brigham Young sent them to settle in Cedar City, Utah in 1853. Most of their children were born in Cedar City, after which they were sent to help settle Hatton (Petersburg), Utah. Charles Hopkins died in 1863, leaving Mary with their 5 children aged 3 months to 10 years. Mary was the mother of 6 living children. She remained in Hatton, Utah until Brigham Young sent the saints in that area to settle in Kanosh, Utah. Here Mary died at the home of her daughter on April 8, 1903 from a lung abscess.
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Mary's short 1 page typed biography is included in Charles Hopkin's papers written by Maryetta Wenney Williams Slaughter (granddaughter) and Ida Williams Robison (great-granddaughter). There was also information gathered from other relatives including Etta Penney Williams Slaughter (granddaughter). Mary was a hard worker and a faithful Latter-day Saint. When she joined the Church in England, she was disowned by all of her family except one sister named Rose. Mary was very faithful to Charles Hopkin's other wife, Lydia Okie Van Dyke, who had only one child and was very helpful to Mary with her large family. Brigham Young used to stop at Mary's home when he traveled through to Cedar City, and brought her a pound of sugar during one visit. She didn't know what to do with it, and only used 1 teaspoon for medicine. It was still in her home when he returned a year later. In Hatton, the family milked 25-30 head of cows and made butter and cheese. Mary made the week long trip to Salt Lake City twice a year to trade butter, cheese, and eggs for supplies. Mary was not a certified teacher but taught many children to read and write. Her granddaughter, Mary Etta Penney, stayed with her and cared for her as she neared the end of her life. One month before she passed away, her daughter, Ida Oakie Penney, moved Mary into her home and cared for her. Included are a couple of lively stories about her relationship with her husband, as well as her wit and will. Mary endured many hardships and overcame many trials during her lifetime. Polygamy, Pioneer
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1977-