"Become the Rock the River Cannot Wash Away"

We can find many stories from the lives of our ancestors that demonstrate "Spiritual Stamina".   These stories have blessed my life as I came to believe "I can do it because they did!"  Richard Maynes in LDS General Conference of October 2013 spoke of this kind of endurance and quoted an anonymous author:   "You must become the rock the river cannot wash away."

"Many of the challenges we face in life can be solved and overcome; however, others may be difficult to understand and impossible to overcome and will be with us until we pass on to the next life. As we temporarily endure the challenges we can solve and as we continue to endure the challenges we cannot solve, it is important to remember that the spiritual strength we develop will help us successfully endure all the challenges we face in life.

"Great examples of spiritual stamina come from our own family histories. Among the many stories from our ancestors, we will be able to find examples that demonstrate the positive characteristics of endurance."    (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/the-strength-to-endure)

As I have researched the lives of my family, I have found many examples of individuals who simply woke up each morning to faithfully face the challenges each day presented.  Here are but a few.

My mother: Reva Maxine Moulton Owen Webb
She is nearing 92 years and gracefully enduring to the end.  She has nurtured her faith and that of her own 9 children over all these years.  Her early years of poor health and challenging life didn't dampen her faith.  She has watched many in her own family have "crossed over" and patiently awaits her turn to join them.  Like Paul she taught by example how to "run with patience the race that is set before us."  (Hebrews 12:1)

My father:  James Austin Owen
His own father died when he was only a boy of seven.  He honored his widowed mother by living a good life.  He suffered polio when he was a young father.  As a former high school and college athlete, it was a challenge for him to relearn to walk and use his weakened legs and arms.  He returned to school to became a doctor of Chiropractic medicine in a day when some thought it was "quack medicine."  His strong ideals caused him to battle "Big Government" for many years.  Diabetes and kidney failure took his life at age 59.   He never wavered in his faith, but shared it with all who would listen.  His greatest joy was to hear that his children "walk(ed) in truth" 3 John 1:4.

My step-father:  LaVarr B. Webb
This man shared our lives for 20 years.  He was the only grandfather my children knew.  From butcher to college professor, he showed his posterity that going back to school and "re-tooling" oneself was possible.He battled with Leukemia for 17 of those 20 years and pressed forward.
He taught his children "to walk in the ways of truth and soberness." (Mosiah 4:15).

My 3rd Great Grandparents:  Thomas and Sarah Denton Moulton
It took fifteen years of scrimping and saving coins in a fruit jar and the help of the "PEF" (Perpetual Emigration Fund) for the Moulton family to come to America and join their fellow "Saints" in Zion.  They were willing to suffer, sacrifice and even start over their life in rural mountain area of northern Utah to bring the blessings of freedom and faith to their numerous posterity. 

 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

 "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"  (Isaiah 2:2-3)

My 3rd Great Grandfather:  John Griffiths
John Griffith's sacrifice touches my heart deeply.  He worked for 15 years as a tireless missionary and branch president building up "The Kingdom of God" in England.  Then he finally makes the difficult journey to America, pulls a handcart to Utah Valley, buries his two sons (ages 9 and 11) along the trail, and dies the very night he arrives in the Salt Lake Valley.
Like Paul, John Griffiths could say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I havekept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

My 2nd Great Grandparents: Henry and Margaret Griffiths Clegg
Henry "wasted and wore out his life" (D&C 123: 13)  building up Zion.  He watched  his first wife die on the trail. Then he buried their baby son in her arms. He "kept moving."  He was a soldier, a musician, a builder, a storekeeper, a beloved Heber City Bishop, and a great father.  He died young and left his widowed wives to care for a large family.   Margaret was a beloved "handcart pioneer" and a faithful visiting teacher to the end of her long and difficult life. 

My husband's 3rd Great Grandparents: Isaac and Phebe Ogden Chase
Isaac and Phebe left their good life in New York to join the cause of the restored gospel.  They gave of their resources and their time and talent to build Zion.  They sacrificed all because they recognized the truth in the doctrines taught by living prophets.   Father & Mother Chase lived faithful to the end despite what others perceived as being wronged by leaders.  They knew what mattered most. "Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you. (Alma 39:14)

My husband's 3rd Great Grandparents:  John and Amelia Croft
Leaving England to come to America and begin a new life together, the newlyweds made their way to Enterprise, Morgan County, Utah.  They built up a life and did the best they could to provide for their large posterity.   He worked the railroad, built up his farm, served as postmaster, and did whatever he could to provide. His willingness to move to Star Valley after building up a life in Morgan County showed his determination to heed the call of a living prophet.  "Yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper  those who put their trust in him" (Helaman 12:1).

My husband's 2nd Great Grandparents:  Max & Annie Weiss
Leaving Belarus to come to America in the early nineteenth century was a manifestation of their desire to provide for a better life for their young family.  Living in Vernal, Utah in pioneer times was not for the faint in heart.  Annie's faithfulness to her Jewish traditions while living in the midst of "Mormons" was an indication of her great faith.  She raised two grandchildren when their own parents died and was widowed for 21 years.    "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard? He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength... they that wait upon  the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Richard Maynes reminds us:
"Every morning when we wake up, we face a new day filled with the challenges of life. These challenges come in many forms: physical challenges, financial setbacks, difficulties with relationships, emotional trials, and even struggles with one’s faith.

"Heavenly Father has organized our journey through life to be a test of our character. We are exposed to both good and evil influences and then given the moral agency to choose for ourselves which path we will take.

"Because we face challenges every day, it is important that we work on our spiritual stamina every day. When we develop spiritual stamina, the false traditions of the world, as well as our personal daily challenges, will have little negative impact on our ability to endure in righteousness.

"Great examples of spiritual stamina come from our own family histories. Among the many stories from our ancestors, we will be able to find examples that demonstrate the positive characteristics of endurance."

I am thankful for the faithful lives of my ancestors that show me how to "become the rock the river cannot wash away."

Mary Jensen Moulton and Polygamy

Mary Moulton and children before leaving for Mexico about 1891.

I have always wondered what it must have been like to grow up in a polygamist family. My maternal second great-grandfather had three wives.   I once read a book that my own mother, Maxine Moulton Owen, said described polygamy as she had imagined it.  Written by Rodello Hunter in 1965,  A House of Many Rooms tells the story of a large Mormon family growing up at the turn of the century.  I own two copies so I always have one to loan out.

Published in 1965

One person who reviewed that book reflected my own feelings:  "This memoir of a Mormon family is one of the most touching and beautiful stories I have ever read. It warmly tells the happenings, both joyous and sad, of a family's growth. I have cried hard while reading this book and laughed out loud, neither of which I do frequently while reading. You won't ever forget this book once you read it. -Kayli"

On the other hand, I also have the personal history of a great-uncle, William A. Moulton, who grew up in a polygamous family as the son of Joseph and Mary (Jensine Marie Jensen) Moulton.  Will was the brother of my grandfather, Hyrum Chase Moulton.   His memories of the tough life his mother endured have certainly  influenced his opinion about "The Principle" of plural marriage.  (The entire ten page history written in 1933-34 is not yet available on  LDS FamilyTree.)

(Some following was taken from the biography of Joseph Moulton as found in:  How Beautiful upon the Mountains, compiled and edited by Wm. James Mortimer (Wasatch County Chapter, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake, 1963), p. 460-61; and interview notes compiled by Velma Buys in Sept. 1928.)

Joseph Moulton came from England to America in 1856 as an eleven year old.

 In December 1868, Joseph Moulton married Elizabeth Giles in the Endowment House.  Joseph had built a one-room log house for his bride on the corner of Second East and Center Street in Heber City, Utah. It was furnished with a bedstead, table and chairs made with his own hands.  To them were born nine children.

On February 26, 1876, Joseph married two Danish immigrant sisters, Annie Katrina and Jensine Marie Jensen (Mary).  Their first home was their husband's granary.  Later he built a newer home for Elizabeth (Aunt Lizzie) and moved his other two wives into Lizzie's former home.  Annie had six children and Jensine (Aunt Mary) had eight.

Three wives:  Annie, Lizzie, Mary (Annie Jensen, Elizabeth Giles, Jensine Marie Jensen) Moulton.

In 1885, Joseph was called on a mission to the Southern States.  After serving a year, President Abraham Hatch sent him home, feeling that his large family needed him.  Later he filled a mission in Colorado in the interest of the Mutual Improvement work. 

Recently I learned that my 2^nd great grandfather, Joseph Moulton, was actually arrested for u.c. (unlawful cohabitation). 

Polygamists in Utah State Prison in 1888.  Joseph Moulton was released after 2 days.

 Andrew Jensen's Church Chronology records that on Wed. September 9, 1885 "Deputy Marshals made a raid on Heber, Wasatch Co., and arrested Joseph Moulton, John W. Witt and John Duke, charged with u. c. (unlawful cohabitation).  The prisoners were brought to Salt Lake City with subpoenaed witnesses. . . . Fri. 11.--Joseph Moulton was discharged, after the usual examination before com. McKay, there being no testimony to hold him."  (p. 123)

Joseph Moulton

There was a great deal of agitation against plural marriage from its first public announcement.  Because of opposition to this practice the Edmund Tucker Bill was passed in 1887, making it illegal for a man to live with more than one wife.  Hoping to be able to live with his three families, Joseph moved to Old Mexico in 1891 as did many of the Saints.  The trip was made by train to Deming, New Mexico, and from there to Dublan, Old Mexico, by wagon.  That year there was a severe drought around Dublan, and there was little feed for stock.  The water homes dried up and the bleaching bones of cattle could be seen everywhere.  Without water it was impossible to raise crops and there was no work for the older boys, so Joseph and Aunt Lizzie returned to Utah with her family after spending six weeks there.  The family of Mary Moulton was there nearly a year.  

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Mary Moulton did whatever she could to help provide for her family.   She made a living for many years as a dressmaker.  

William wrote, "She raised flower seeds, gathered them, threshed them out, put them in papers, and sold them at a store for a few things needed in the house."  

Mary was among the first to buy a washing machine and would make arrangements to do washing for families in Heber.  She also made red currant jelly and sold it in Park City.  

After surviving in the "house of mud"  and nearly starving during their year in Dublan, Old Mexico, the Mary Moulton family returned to Salem, Utah, not far from Payson.  Eventually, the family moved back to Heber City but "we were soon to learn that our father would never live with us again as he had once done."  

Mary worked for Mrs. (Abraham?) Hatch in Heber earning 50 cents per day.  She cleaned the school house.   She and her daughters were the leading dressmakers in town until  Mary's eyes began to fail.  She moved to Salt Lake to live with her daughter, Millie, who had found work there.  Unfortunately, Millie (and another daughter Lyle) took sick with typhoid fever and after 3 months, Millie died.  Mary moved back to Heber City.  She was now 63 years old and her health was beginning to fail.   She was also caring for an invalid daughter, Lyle.

Mary started a store in Heber City and some thought she could not stay in business for six months, but she met all her payments promptly and worked the store for four years.  Then she sold the store to try her hand at the rooming house business "as she thought she might stand the work better.  She was a very intelligent and a real business woman, and if it had not been for her poor health and her daughter's illness, she would no doubt have become a very well-to-do woman.  But whenever her daughter needed help, mother would sacrifice everything with a hope that she might be able to bring health and happiness into the poor suffering life of her beloved daughter, Lyle."

Mary moved first to Salt Lake running a rooming house business there.   Later she moved to California, hoping the weather there would be helpful to Lyle.  She operated a rooming house again.  For a short while she moved to Arizona and then back to California.  Always she was dealing with the medical expenses for her daughter.  For a while she returned to Provo, Utah to live with her son, Will and his family.  Once again she went to Salt Lake where she ran yet another rooming house.

Mary (Jensine Marie Jensen) Moulton

In the spring of 1932, at the age of 73, Mary became ill for 2-3 months, but recovered.  Again in August, Mary "took very ill, and after six or seven weeks of patient suffering, passed away from her life of hard work, worry, and sorry. She had no fear of death as she had given her best at all times to all with who she associated.  The last words she uttered were to God, Our Heavenly Father, pleading for him to take her.  He heard and answered her call, and in a few hours she departed from this life and those who were so dear to her to join many of her loved ones who had gone before.  She had many stumbling blocks in her way, but no matter who wronged her and made her suffer, her constant prayer all through her sickness was that we all forgive each other and that God, our Heavenly father, forgive us all." 

As for her plural marriage, her son Will wrote:  "She said she did not want him (Joseph Moulton) either in this life or the life to come as she had suffered so much through him."   Yet Will was also careful to make this disclaimer:  "We who have never been married in polygamy know little of what we would do if placed in their places.  ...So let us not be too hasty to say what we would do, or to judge others."

Jensine Marie Jensen was an amazing woman. Two scriptures I would associate with her life are:

Alma 36:27
And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.

Philippians 4:13 
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The LDS website (https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah) summarizes my personal feelings:

For many who practiced it, plural marriage was a significant sacrifice. Despite the hardships some experienced, the faithfulness of those who practiced plural marriage continues to benefit the Church in innumerable ways. Through the lineage of these 19th-century Saints have come many Latter-day Saints who have been faithful to their gospel covenants as righteous mothers and fathers, loyal disciples of Jesus Christ, and devoted Church members, leaders, and missionaries. Although members of the contemporary Church are forbidden to practice plural marriage, modern Latter-day Saints honor and respect these pioneers who gave so much for their faith, families, and community.

I am thankful I never had to live in the days of plural marriage.   It is a doctrine that I don't really understand but it obviously impacted my very existence.  I might not be here if Mary hadn't agreed to join Joseph Moulton in plural marriage in 1876.  I look forward to the day when I can personally give thanks to Mary Moulton for loving and forgiving Joseph Moulton and for raising such a fine man as my grandfather, Hyrum Chase Moulton (1884-1958).

 

 

 

Thomas Moulton and Sarah Denton-Handcart Pioneers

Thomas Moulton was the "famous" ancestor I heard stories about in my youth. I am one of many  hundred Moulton descendants.  I was so impressed that some of his descendant had formed a Thomas Moulton Family Organization!  When we sang "Blessed Honored Pioneer" I would think of Thomas and Sarah.  I have since learned  much more about this venerated pioneer.   One new fact was that Thomas served as the hard working butcher on the Willie Handcart Company.   After trekking all day, he would come into camp and have to work some more.  Much additional information about him is found on LDS Family Search (click memories).

The Moulton Family joined the handcart pioneers of 1856.

"Thousands of immigrants from England and Wales who joined the Church and the trek west took on a new form of transportation to Salt Lake City. They couldn't afford wagons after leaving their homeland, so they pulled handcarts. The human-powered handcarts, which were envisioned by Brigham Young, proved to be one of the most brilliant—and tragic—experiments in all western migration."  (From the website http://history.lds.org/article/pioneer-story-iowa-city)

The more I learn of the experience of "ill fated" 1856 handcart companies, the more I admire this great man and his faithful wife.  The movie, "17 Miracles" has made the Moulton family's handcart experience even more vivid in my mind.

Thomas Moulton's 19 year old daughter, Sarah, wrote a letter and gave her impressions of the trek.

August 13, 1856:
"We are going to start for the plains to morrow—and there is not any more going this year so the brethren say.
...I feel it a great blessing that I am so far on my way to Zion and I feel still to go on for the farther I go the more I rejoice[.] I never enjoyed myself so well in my life before[.]
...Do not think of coming only by the hand carts for it is good[.] I never had my health so well in my life before I walked about three hundred miles and pulled the hand cart all the way and we walked sometimes 20 & 17 miles a day and I never had a blister on my foot & cannot think to tell you my feelings when I was coursing along the road but I often think of the prophet Brigham's words about the weak becoming strong[.] well I assure you I never was so strong in my life before[.] well I feel to thank the Lord for it for he has blessed me."  (See: http://history.lds.org/overlandtravels/)

I wonder how much of Sarah's attitude was a reflection of her father's faith?

I am grateful for all that faithful Thomas did to prepare the way for his many descendents.  His descendancy chart created on puzzilla.com is quite impressive and this is only 3 generations!

This is Thomas Moulton-3 generations of descendants-from Puzzilla.org.  Yellow is Hyrum Chase Moulton line.

The following information is taken from the book How Beautiful Upon the Mountains by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers of Wasatch County pp. 525-527

For a more complete compiled history written by Verda Hicken, go to:
http://www.ourgrandmasandgrandpas.com/OurGrandmasAndGrandpas/Moulton/HIS_Thomas_Moulton.htm

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            Thomas Moulton was born in 1810 at Irchester, England.  When he was 22 he married Esther Marsh, a young woman eight years his senior.  They had two daughters:  Susan and Sarah.

            On February 25, 1839, Esther Marsh Moulton died leaving her husband and two-year old daughter Sarah.  A year later, in April 1840, Thomas Moulton married his second wife, Sarah Denton, who as born June 5, 1818, at Rushdown, Northampton, England.  She was the daughter of Charles Denton and Charlotte Bassfield.

            By 1838 several branches of the Church had been organized in England.  The missionaries were making many converts to the Church.  Thomas Moulton and his wife had become interested in the Latter-day Saint teachings and were baptized December 29, 1841.  However, it was not until 1856 that they were able to emigrate.  In the meantime, their first six children were born in Irchester, England.  The names of the children were:  Mary Ann, William Denton, Joseph (our ancestor), James Heber, Charlotte and Sofia Elizabeth.

            In England, Thomas Moulton was a farm laborer, and the undertaking of preparations for emigration of a family on nine, with a new member momentarily expected, was no small task.  Sarah, his oldest daughter by Esther Marsh, was now a young lady of 19.  His other six children, by Sarah Denton, ranged in age from three to fifteen.

This painting hung in the stairwell of the Wasatch Tabernacle for many years.

              Before leaving England, Thomas Moulton felt a little hesitant about undertaking such a long and strenuous journey.  His wife went to see one of the brethren, who gave her a blessing.  He promised her that she would make the journey safely without the loss of one member of her family.  Although their trials were severe and the baby, Charles, reduced to a near skeleton, their children who crossed the plains married and reared families.

            On May 03, 1856, the Moulton family set sail on the ship “Thornton” from Liverpool, England, with 764 passengers.

Moulton family traveled on the ship Thornton from Liverpool England to New York Harbor in 1856.

            While crossing the Irish Sea, Sarah Denton gave birth to her seventh child, Charles Alma.  After a six-week trip by water, the family, consisting of 10 members, arrived in New York harbor on June 14, 1856, and embarked by railroad for Winter Quarters, later leaving for Iowa City, where they arrived June 26.

            Upon arrival in Iowa City they found the handcarts were not ready, which caused three weeks delay.  Two hundred and fifty handcarts had to be made, many of them from green, unseasoned lumber, and were unable to stand the strenuous test that they were subjected to.  Several carts had to be abandoned on the plains.

            The Thomas Moulton Family was assigned to the James C. Willie Company, composed of 500 saints, including more that the usual number of aged.

            The first 200 miles of their journey was over beautiful grassy plains with flowers and wild fruits and plenty of fish in the streams.

Handcart Pioneer statue on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

            When they reached Florence, Nebraska, it was necessary to repair many of the carts.  Some couldn’t be repaired and had to be left by the wayside.  The travelers were becoming tired and weary and unable to push or pull the heavily-loaded carts.  All unnecessary things were discarded.  The wagons and cattle were taken by the Indians, and provisions were becoming so low that food had to be rationed.  Many became ill and deaths increased daily.  Along with these and other difficulties, winter set in early and men, women and children were forced to wade through freezing streams, and to sleep in the open with insufficient bedding.  Through deep snows, piercing winds and freezing temperatures the company struggled on.  Sixty-six of their number died.

            Some Mormon missionaries returning from England overtook and passed the company and reported its plight to the Church presidency in Salt Lake City.  Immediately rescue parties were sent out carrying wagon loads of provisions, clothing and bedding.

            The Moulton family arrived in Salt Lake City on November 09, 1856, without losing one member of their family.  However, their third son, Heber, had had several fingers on his left hand frozen so badly that they had to be amputated on reaching Salt Lake.

            On December 05, 1856, their oldest daughter, Sarah, was married to John Bennett Hawkins, an established blacksmith, who had been a member of the rescue party, sent out by President Young.  They made their home in Salt Lake City, where they became a prosperous and influential family.

            Three weeks later the Thomas Moulton family moved to Provo, where he worked as a farm laborer.  Here their eighth child was born, Thomas Denton, on October 29, 1858.  He died 10 months later.  Here also their daughter, Mary Ann, was married to Fredrick Giles.  She was the mother of Fredrick W., John T. and Sarah Giles Mahoney.  Mary Ann and Fredrick moved to Heber, where she died at the age of 28.

            In 1860 the Moulton family moved from Provo to Heber.  As the settlers were having trouble with the Indians, they took refuge in the log fort built in 1859 and 1860.

Old Fort Heber

            On September 16, 1860, their ninth child, John E., was born and three years later the tenth and last, George Franklin.

            After moving from the fort, Thomas Moulton built the rock house on Second North and Second West. 

The Historic Thoms Moulton Home still stands in Heber City, UT

            He and his wife were both systematic and methodical in their work and planning.  They did their share in helping to pioneer Heber Valley.

Thomas Moulton   1810-1892

            Thomas Moulton was a Blackhawk War veteran in the infantry company of John Gallager.  Thomas died April 17, 1892.   Sarah Denton Moulton died July 07, 1888.  Both are buried in Heber City Cemetery.

Headstone of Sarah Denton and Thomas Moulton in the Heber City Cemetery

Heber City Ancestry Tour

Here are some address to help you when taking a Family History Tour the next time you are in Heber City, Utah!


(Special thanks to Lane Montgomery for providing so many of the "then" and "now" photos you see in this blog.   We still have some more editing to do here, so watch for updates.)

Hyrum Chase and Lillian Cummings Home-86 West 200 South 84032

The old home where Maxine and many of her siblings were born was torn down and a local business is now located there.

They lived here from 19... until 1936 when they moved to Salt Lake City.
Across the street is a park where once stood the Wastach High School, Seminary Building and Football field.  Hyrum did all the plumbing for the old High School (no longer there).

Old Heber City High School was across the street from the Moulton Home. 

Old Moulton Garage on Main Street in Heber City, UT

The Moulton Garage (and Ford Dealership) on Main Street once connected to the home property.   "Cow Lady Moulton", once milked by Maxine Owen Webb and her sisters,  resided in the field between the home and the garage.  Also chickens, rabbits, pigs, barn, junk cars and a garden plot.

The Moulton Ford dealership was located just north of where the Old Library (now DUP Museum at 190 S. Main) is now located. (Note the Chick’s Cafe—the space between the Cafe and the Library that was once the Old Moulton Garage.)

Moulton Garage once stood in the space between Chick's Cafe and the Old Library.

Margaret Lillian Cummings Moulton was the first woman to drive a car down Main Street in Heber.  Grandma M. Lillian Moulton would often go down to Salt Lake City to pick up a new car for someone and drive it back to Heber.  Imagine the old Model T cars with narrow tires going up the canyon roads up through Parley’s Canyon—no heater, no auto window, no car seats.

Elisha Jones Cummings and Hannah Mary Clegg Home-190 So. 3rd West, Heber City, UT 84032   (200 West 200 So. NW corner)

Elisha Jones Cumming and Hannah Mary Cummings Home

Cummings Home in 2013

—first indoor plumbing in Heber was put into this home by Hyrum Chase Moulton (their son-in-law).
Lillian Cummings Moulton was born here in the parlor (SE corner room with 2 windows)
Elisha and Hannah were married in the Logan Temple in 1887.   They traveled by wagon to Park City and then went by train to Logan.
Elisha Jones Cummings was a member of the original City Council when Heber became a city in 1902.  Chaired the Republican party and Wasatch County Commissioner  from 1907 to 1919.  Also director of Heber City Bank for 20 years.

Henry Clegg and Margaret Ann Griffiths Home- 100 West 300 So, Heber City, UT  (NW Corner) 84032

Clegg Home on NW corner of 100 West 300 South

Margaret Griffiths was 16 when she crossed the plains in the Willie Handcart Company.  She was taken in to the home of Henry Clegg of Springville, UT following the trek where her father and two brothers died.  Later Margaret was sealed to Henry Clegg as his second wife in Salt Lake Endowment House.   You can see the note Brigham Young signed giving Henry permission to marry Margaret.
Later, Henry Clegg moved with his wives to Heber City.  He became the beloved Bishop of the 2nd Ward (The old 2nd ward building is now used by St. Lawrence Catholic Church 100 W. Center Street.) The funeral and procession from the Tabernacle for Bishop Clegg was quite an event.  Find out more at cleggfamilyhistory.org where most Clegg family documents are located.

Thomas Moulton and Sarah Denton Home-190 West, 200 North, Heber City, UT  84032
Thomas had a log cabin home in the original Heber Fort in 1859 on the south side.

Red denotes location of Thomas Moulton Family in Old Heber Fort.

The family moved out of the fort onto this property.  This home which was one of the oldest homes still standing.  Zillow.com website says it was built in 1886.  I think it might have been built before that.


The old Moulton home was listed for sale for $295,000.00 in June of 2011.  Pictures are still online of the interior.  (1480 square feet; two bedrooms; 1 bathroom; Taxes $1011.00)

Thomas Moulton home is one of Heber City's oldest homes. 

Isaac Cummings and Sarah Jones- First West and Third North
These ancestors were in the original Heber Fort.   Still need to research on which corner their home was located. The family lived in Provo until 1858 and then came to Wasatch County with their own sheep (300) and other people's sheep (1500) until they had a flock that number 1800 head!

John Cumming and Rachel Canarda-West Main and First North
John Cummings was one of Joseph Smith's body guards.  Isaac Cummings was his son.   This family left Nauvoo in 1846 and lived in Kanesville, Iowa for a few years before arriving in Provo in 1852.  The family were sheep herders and saw the potential for grazing in the Provo Canyon (later Heber Valley) area.   West Main and First North was the Cummings first home after moving out of the fort.  The family joined Isaac Cummings (son) in the Heber Valley in 1861.

Joseph Moulton home is now “Granny’s” (Hamburgers and Shakes) on East Side of Main Street--511 S Main St, Heber City, UT 84032
Joseph had 3 wives:  Lizzie Giles (8 children), and two Danish sisters, Annie Jensen (6 children) and Jensine Marie Jensen, known as Mary (8 children).  Some of the family went to Mexico for a year to escape Federal Marshals who were enforcing the Edmunds Tucker Act prohibiting "unlawful cohabitation".  Joseph spent a couple of days in Salt Lake Jail in 1885 for practicing polygamy. 

Three wives of Joseph Moulton.  Annie, Lizzie, and Mary Moulton.

When Mary Moulton's family returned from Old Mexico, they lived in Payson and then moved back to Heber to live in one of the two homes owned by Joseph. Apparently the Jensen sisters’ property was in NW Heber and where Hyrum Chase Moulton (my grandfather) would spend much of his early life. 

Social Hall (behind Tabernacle at 100 West 100 North) 
is where the family, especially Hyrum and Lillian Moulton loved to dance on the spring loaded floor.  Timpanogos Valley Theater Group is now using it.   The spring loaded floor is still spring loaded, but the stage now covers half the floor.   See:    http://timpvalleytheatre.com to see what productions are playing.

Social Hall

The Heber Hop is a dance we learned in 1990 when we came here for Moulton Family reunion.  Cyndy Weiss' oldest cousin (Brent Montgomery) had his wedding reception here.

1990 Moulton Reunion.  Maxine Webb and Ralph Owen practicing the Heber Hop on the spring loaded floor.

Wasatch County-Heber City Tabernacle-100 West 100 North
The Heber City Administration Offices are in what was once the old “Tabernacle”.   Look for framed pic of Thomas and Sarah Moulton on the stairwell going up to the second floor.  Cummings, Clegg, and Moulton family funerals were often held here. 

Historic Wasatch Stake Tabernacle built in 1889.

Old Wasatch Tabernacle interior.

Central School on Main Street (400 South-East side of Main Street)
This is where most of the Moulton children attended school until they moved to SLC in 1936.
(School burned down in 1924 and the one you see replaced it.)

North Elementary-300 North turn East to 100 East—
Moulton children walked here for a while—when the new school was being built

Old Heber City Hospital-100 West 100 South-I need to collect some stories about this old building.


City Park (Main Street between 200 and 300 South) has historic plaques with our "famous" relatives names on it.   Thomas Moulton & Isaac Cummings families lived inside the Heber City fort the winter of 1859-1860.  There was a school house built within the fort.  40 feet long and twenty feet wide with fireplace in each end and a stage 10 x 12 on the west side.

Heber City Park

Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway is located on property that once belonged to Cummings Family who were sheep ranchers.  It was Clay Cummings, Lillian Cumming Moulton’s brother, who worked so hard to get it preserved as Utah State Park lands.

Great public golfing and nice campgrounds...thanks to ancestor, Clay Cummings.

LDS Heber Valley Camp is on property donated by Veigh Cummings, Maxine’s uncle.  The approach road bears his name.

Heber Valley Camp

Weiss Family had their 2013 Family Reunion at this Camp.

Heber City Cemetery-Go to 500 N. then to 550 East and go North to reach the Heber City Cemetery.
See how many of your ancestors you can find here:

Making a grave rubbing during 1997 Reunion at Heber City Cemetery

Henry Clegg Jr.
Margaret Ann Griffiths Clegg
Elisha Jones Cummings
Hanna Mary Clegg
Sara Jones Cummings
Isaac Cummings
John Cummings
Rachel Ann Canada Cummings
Thomas Moulton
Sarah Denton Moulton
Henry Clegg
Ellen Cardwell Clegg
Jensine Marie Jensen Moulton (tombstone reads “Mother Mary J.”)
Joseph Moulton

(Also, Maxine Moulton Owen Webb’s sister, Norma Moulton Montgomery, (Lane’s mother) is buried here.)

Don't forget to check out the Historic Heber Valley Railroad! 450 So. 600 West

We had an Owen Family Reunion in 1997 when we all danced on the Heber Creeper.

Journals-A Voice from the Past

Personal journals from 1977 to 1979 written by James A. Owen

My father, James A. Owen, wrote two Journals between 1977-79.   He died September 14, 1979.  I was a busy mother of three young children and lived in Washington State while Mom and Dad were in Leeds, Utah building a house with the help of David (age 13-14) and Teresa (age 11-12).  I confess, I didn't know much about what was going on down in Southern Utah, but from reading the Journal, I am learning a ton about how life was during this difficult time. 

In his entries, one can easily see his reflective mood during these last two years of his life.  He seems to know his health is failing and his time on earth is limited.  He knows he is preparing to "meet his Maker" and he is serious about getting ready.  On page two, in capital letters he writes:
"NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE TO MEET GOD--has recently been strongly on my mind" (August 30, 1977).

 At the time in LDS Church history (October 1975, New Era, p. 5) President Spencer W. Kimball was urging all of us to keep a record:
"Get a notebook, my young folks a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity.  Begin today and write in it your going and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies.  Remember, the Savior chastised those who failed to record important events."

I randomly flipped through the 600 pages of volume 1  and found an entry written just for me on March 19, 1978!

I continued turning pages and found another entry to Steven (and to Leslie):

Jan. 8, 1979  "Steve:  If you ever read my Journal, I want you to know Steve-you are special & bring great joy to me & to your mother--by just being the special fine soul you really have become.  We love you so much and it will be a fortunate young lady that will get get you."

Truly it is like a "Voice from the Dust".   There are treasures all throughout if you can read his "hieroglyphics."   I will keep reading and putting these color coded tabs by the entries about each of his children. At 600 pages in Volume One and another 222 pages in Volume Two, I will doing this over a couple of months. 

System for marking selection by child's name.

Jim Owen especially wanted his children and grandchildren to know of his testimony.

Here is his very first entry in his first Journal (August 30, 1977):

To my children, grandchildren & my posterity & others who may read this--

May my fervid (fervent) testimony be added to all others that I know & bear witness that Jesus is the Christ--the Redeemer who died for me--yes, me--because I was important to Him that I might have my greivious sins forgiven if I would but repent & yes, that my dream will become a reality to run again--work hard again with muscles renewed to build, to run, to play--but, O God, I do thank you for my impaired physical body that has taught me lessons which could not have been learned so readily in any other fashion.  So thankful to you, Father, for allowing me the privilege of appreciating that great day of the resurrection more than most.  

Yes, I know that God the Father lives & I have a kind Heavenly Mother not unlike my Earthly mother who deserved so much respect & made me a much better person.  

I know that I can talk to God & He listens & answers--always in a fashion for my greatest welfare.  That the (LDS) Church is God's true church on Earth today as a vehicle to bring us back to Him from whence we can--that my friend, Joseph (Smith) was the instrument in our Father's hand to restore the Kingdom for the last time & he has been followed by many of God's choicest souls as subsequent prophets--that the Book of Mormon--the "Book of More Good", will help us to perfect our lives if we but learn & heed its teachings--

Also to you, my children & posterity, I would like to bear witness that prior to coming to this Earth, we all covenanted to be a family--and your mother and my Queen was one of the [noble] and great ones--who repeatedly went down into the valley of the shadow of death to bring each of you across the valle & has been my constant companion & friend for these past 29 years & has & is slowly teaching me how to live the gospel--

Always revere your Mother for her unselfish simplicity in living what others talk about.  My love for her is deep beyond my comprehension only a few short years ago--so to all you children, may I say to you that outside of our Heavenly Parent & Jesus Christ & your Angel Mother--you children provide that bright light of Hope for me as I say to myself, "I must be better than I often give myself credit for.   If I were not so, how could I & we as a family be so blessed with all of you choice souls?"  Thank you so much for coming & being OURS.

Honor your parents that your days might be long & happy in the land of promise--this can be done only through being obedient to the Law of the Gospel.

So to you--my sweet & precious children, as part of you may someday read this journal, may you get an insight to the "real Dad" whom possibly you never knew--but will on day in the not too distant Millenium.

I humbly bear my witness to the words written here--that I know Jesus is the Christ & the Power of Salvation to all that will heed His words of counsel.

In the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

I also found a pink photocopied handout about "Journals" slipped inside Dad's journal.  On it was a dozen reasons (by Elaine Cannon) to keep a journal:
 1.  Because the Lord has said to.
 2.  Because writing it down gives us perspective, direction.
 3.  Because when we record something we remember more.
 4.  Because a life recorded is twice precious-first the experience itself, an then the memory of it full and sweet when we read about it later.
 5.  Because everyone's life is history in the making
 6.  Because there is an inner drive in all of us to be remembered.
 7.  Because it is a privilege to live.
 8.  Because we can learn from ourselves-from where we have been and where not to go again; what worked and what caused pain.
 9.  Because if we don't, who will?
10.  Because a personal record can be a source of important information
11.  Because God is in the details of our life.
12.  Because the leaders of the Church are encouraging everyone to do so.


 Pres. Kimball "renewed" his admonition in the October 1979 General Conference, only a few weeks after Dad's death.

"On a number of occasions I have encouraged the Saints to keep personal journals and family records.  I renew that admonition.  We may think there is little of interest or importance in what we personally say or do--but it is remarkable how many of our families, as we pass on down the line, are interested in all that we do and all that we say."

I testify that writing in personal journals is a blessing in our lives and in the lives of our posterity.  I hope you are writing in yours.