Nellie Amelia May Grant
1885-1969



Rockland
Nellie Amelia May was born in Rockland, Idaho December 16, 1885, the daughter of Rosalie Elvira Perry and Jude Allen May. Many are the fond memories, she has related to her children, of her childhood years on the farm in Rockland. Nellie spent her childhood on a small farm where she was required to help with chores, housework and the care of the younger children in the family.
Baptized
When she turned eight years old on 16 Dec 1893, her father broke the ice in a creek about one mile from their house where he baptized her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One of the fond memories is of the family camping trips to the Snake River for fishing.
Big Horn Basin
In 1905 when she was 18 years old her parents moved the family to the Big Horn Basin which was being colonized by the Mormons. They moved in covered wagons traveling through the Yellowstone Park. All of her children had exciting dreams of the geysers and wild animals there, long before they even had the opportunity to see them for themselves as she was an exciting story teller, and was able to make her experiences live for others. Their first home in BigHorn was a Ranch in Cody, which is now covered by the Buffalo Bill Reservoir.
Handsome Return Missionary
About a year later they moved to Lovell she met and fell in love with Jedediah Morgan Grant (III), who had just returned after filling a mission in Ireland. On October 4, 1906 they were married in the Salt Lake, L.D.S. Temple, and returned to Lovell to make their home, on the Grant farm east of town. There they spent all the years of their married life. They had a fire that destroyed their first home. Nellie had gone to the cellar taking their small son leaving their baby daughter in the house asleep. Coming from the cellar she could see smoke. She rushed to the house but couldn't enter either door because of smoke, so she broke the bedroom window and got their baby out. They lost every thing they owned but a rocking chair and the trunk her husband used on his mission.
JedediahTheir first son Jedediah Morgan was born 3 Oct 1907. They were not allowed to enjoy him very long as the Lord called him home on the 24 Mar 1908.
Nolan
Nolan, their 2nd son, married Irene Assay. Nolan worked for Amoco Oil Co. until he was forced to retire in Jan 1973 because of ill health. Irene worked as nurse’s aid at the Powell Hospital she also had to retire because of ill health. Irene is active in the Relief Society and Nolan has held several positions in the Church. He has been one of the seven presidents of the seventies, YMMIA President, and has been in the superintendency of the Sunday School. They live in
Powell, Wyoming.
Nelliemae
Nelliemae, the oldest daughter, married Andrew E. Schow (Shorty). He worked for Big Horn Cannery until Aug 1942 they then moved to Layton, Utah. Here they were both employed at Hill Air Force Base. In 1971 both retired because of ill health. Both Nell and Shorty are active in the Church. Shorty has been in the stake Sunday School Superintendency; many teaching positions and is now working in the Ogden Temple. Nell has taught in the Sunday School, MIA and Relief Society, and has been Secretary in both the stake and ward YWMIA. All three of their boys have filled missions.
VivaViva, their 2nd daughter, married Horace H. Dove, (Toots). They lived in Deaver, Wyo. They were divorced. She then married Joe Frank Ellis. This marriage was not successful. She remarried Horace Dove the father of her children. They live in Lemon Grove, Calif.
Donna
Donna, the 3rd daughter, married Russell L. Dove. He was killed in an accident in Calif. She then married LaVern (Babe) Dove, Russell's brother. This marriage wasn't successful. She then married Bert Yogi he passed away 5 Dec 1969. Donna now lives in Riverdale, Utah.
Wilson
Wilson, their last son, married Marie McGonagle. They lived in Lovell, Wyo. then moved to Utah in 1942. Here Wilson was drafted into the Navy. Marie and the children moved to Powell, Wyoming to be near her parents. Wilson returned to Wyoming. Mobile Oil Co. transferred them to Big Piney, Wyoming, where he is still employed. Marie is a convert to the church. They are both active in the church. Wilson has served in the MIA as scout master. Marie has served in teaching primary and as Relief Society President. They are the parents of 11living children.
Amelia May
Nellie and Morgan had a still born baby girl on 2 Dec 1919.
Rosalia
Rosalia their 5th daughter married Wayne Sterner. They spent a few years in Wyoming before moving to California. Wayne works as a Machinist. They enjoy going to rabbit shows, Wayne acts as a judge. Rosalia was a Relief Society President in the Mt. View Ward. They now live in Menlo Park, California.
RuthRuth their 6th daughter married Allen Johnson. They made their home in Belflower until a few years ago they moved to Chino, California. Allen drives a milk truck picking up milk from dairy farmers. Allen is a convert to the church; both are active in church work. Al has been the ward clerk in every ward they have lived in. Ruth has worked in the MIA and helped Al with his clerical work. They have a son filling a mission in Argentina and one daughter living at home.
Faye
Faye their 7th daughter married Francis Robins. Frank is an electrical engineer for Boeing Air Craft. Frank and Faye are both active in the church. Frank has been a bishop in two wards in Seattle and the branch president in Huntsville, Alabama. Faye has taught in the Sunday School, Relief Society and MIA, and has been a President of the YWMIA. They have one son who has filled a mission and two sons on missions at the present time. There home is in Kirkland
Washington.
Betty
Elizabeth (Betty) was her last child. She married Ned Clark. They are now divorced. Betty has been active in the church. She has taught in the Sunday School and MIA. She has been activity counselor and President of the YWMIA. Betty worked as a key punch operator at Hill Air Force Base and Internal Revenue's Western Service Center. She also worked as a supervisor at both Hill and Internal Revenue until she was forced to take a medical retirement. Betty lives in Layton, Utah.
Church ServiceAlthough busy with her family Nellie managed to keep up an active church life working as a Sunday School Teacher, MIA Teacher and Relief Society Visiting Teacher for about 30 years.
Husband passed away
Nellie was no stranger to sorrow for she lost her beloved husband on the 5 Mar 1930. Her husband passed away with a heart condition leaving her with nine children to care for and support. She didn't have much time to grieve for her husband as it took all her time to find ways and means to feed and clothe her children. They had very little money but they did have a lot of love in their home. Her Testimony sustained her, and she was able to keep her cheerful disposition, while being both Mother and Father to her 9 (nine) children.
Busy and Singing
She was always busy and singing as she went about her duties. Her hands were never idle, when she rested they were busy crocheting, knitting, or embroidering, and many were the beautiful stitches she put into Quilts both for her family and the Relief Society. This she was able to do until the last few months of her life.
After her husbands death she moved her family into town living most of the time in her Dads old house. He and her mother were a great help to her during this time.
DonShe helped to raise her oldest grandson Don. He was a pleasure and a great help to her. In 1941 she moved to Layton, Utah, after most of her family had grown. She and her two youngest daughters and grandson moved to Layton, Utah to be near her daughter Nelliemae. Nellie worked at the Navel Supply Depot until it closed down.
Travels
She was able to do quite a lot of traveling and visited her children in California, Arizona and Washington. A highlight of her life was her trip to the eastern states where she attended the Pageant at the Hill Cumorah, Liberty Jail and Nauvoo along with many other church and national historical spots.
Nellie lived for a time with her daughter Nelliemae in Layton, Utah before her health became so poor that she was moved to the Nursing Home in Bountiful. Nellie passed away on 12 June 1969 in Bountiful, Utah at the nursing home. She was laid to rest next to her husband in Lovell, Wyoming.

In closing I would like to read a poem which she often quoted to her children:

Mama's mama, on a winter's day,
Milked the cows, and fed them hay,
Slopped the hogs, saddled the mule,
And got the children off to school.
Did a washing, mopped the floors,
Washed the windows and did some chores.
Cooked a dish of home dried fruit,
Pressed her husband's Sunday suit.
Swept the parlor, made the bed,
Baked a dozen loaves of bread,
Split some firewood, and lugged it in,
Enough to fill the kitchen bin
Cleaned the lamps and put in oil,
Stewed some apples she thought might spoil.
Churned the butter, baked a cake,
Then exclaimed: "For mercy's sake,
The calves have got out of the pen!"
Went out and chased them in again.
Gathered the eggs and locked the stable,
Returned to the home ant set the table.
Cooked a supper that was delicious,
And afterwards washed all the dishes.
Fed the cat, sprinkled the clothes,
Mended a basket full of clothes.
Then opened the organ and began to play:
"When you come to the end of a perfect day."
This Obituary was written by family members and was read by Jeri Clark

Jude Allen May
1859-1946

ChildhoodJude Allen May is the son of James May and Martha Allen. He was born the 14th of October 1859 at Bountiful, Davis, Utah. He was the second child in a family of fourteen children.
In 1861 his parents moved to Calls Fort (now called Harper) Utah. It was here that he spent his childhood days and grew to manhood. He was not able to obtain much schooling but he did enjoy reading, especially church doctrine. These he loved to read to his children and grandchildren. His father was a farmer so the boys helped with work on the farm and the many chores. He loved animals and felt they should have good care they were always fed before he ate.

RosalieIn the spring of 1881 He met Rosalie Elvira Perry. She lived at Three Mile Creek (now Perry, Utah). He rode a horse 20 miles back and forth to court her. They were married 22 Dec 1881 in the old Endowment House in Salt Lake City, by Orson Wells.
The first year they lived in Harper (Calls Fort). Here their first child, a girl, was born, but they were only permitted to keep her a few weeks before she was called home.

Rockland IdahoIn 1882 they moved to Rockland, Idaho where he took up a homestead in partnership with his brother James after 14 or 15 years. Jim sold his farm to their younger brother Andrew. Jude enjoyed farming. He built a one room log house on the farm and later added two more rooms. Here the rest of the family was born.

Move to Lovell, Wyoming
He sold his farm in Rockland, Idaho and on the 27th of September 1905. He started with his family and team and wagon to move his family to the Big Horn Basin in Wyoming. On this trip his wife Rosalie kept a daily diary of how far they traveled each day, where they spent each night and of their expenses on the way.
After arriving in Wyoming he helped with the building of the Highland Canal in Cody Country and the Lovell Canal, he also worked to help build the railroad, with his helpmate, Rosalie, by his side cooking in one of the railroad camps to help finance the building of their home.

Getting settled
Jude rented the land where the Lovell Sugar Factory now stands and in 1907 raised some of the first sugar beets in Wyoming. (The sugar factory was built on this site in 1916)
He bought the old Strong saloon and moved it to a lot on the south end of town. Ten years later they completed the brick house to the east and moved there to live for the rest of their lives.

Jobs in townAfter they moved to town he held various jobs: worked on the highway, the Brick and Tile factory, the Glass factory, and the Sugar factory. He was a member of the Town council and a Justice of the Peace.
The last job he held was riding the Globe Canal. He had a two wheeled cart and a horse named Bud. He kept all the head gates clear and open so the people of Lovell could water their gardens.

RetirementLater years he spent his time gardening, raising onions, carrots and cantaloupe which he sold to make a living for Rosalie and himself.
Rosalie and Jude spent three winters working in the Salt Lake Temple, staying at the home of Aunt Ine Peters, Rosalie's sister. This they enjoyed very much, but they were always glad for spring to come so he could get back to his land.

Surgery
In August of 1946 he was finally persuaded to go to the hospital to have cataracts removed from his eyes, which had been slowly blinding him for the past twenty years, the last three being totally blind. On August 7, 1946 the bandages were removed from his eyes. He went to the window and looked out, "OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WORLD!"

Tribute to Grandpa MayGrandpa May lived about thirty minutes after the bandages were removed and he was able to see. The Doctor said his heart could not stand the shock of being able to see.

Grandpa May (as he was called by everyone young and old in the town of Lovell) had a great deal to do with making the town of Lovell a nice place to live and raise a family.

There was not a widow or a person in need that he didn't know about and help. He never waited to be asked or thanked.

The twenty acres where the cemetery is was given to the town of Lovell by Grandpa May.
His cheery whistle as he jogged along in his cart behind Bud, cheered many hearts. Every child in town got his turn to ride and listen to his stories besides getting their share of apples and good things he grew in his garden.

Grandpa May was an active member of the church and held many positions to numerous to mention here. He was always honorable in his dealings with men. He always said "A mans word is as good as his bond."

Very few people who lived in the town of Lovell, Wyoming will forget Grandpa & Grandma May and the wonderful heritage a loving couple can leave.

(Compiled by the children of Nellie Amelia May Grant)

Rosalie Elvira Perry May
1859-1953

Virtuous Woman
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband can safely trust in her, so that he will have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hand to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of ildeness. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31)
Thus may be summed the life of: Rosalie Elvira Perry May, born February 15, 1859 at Three-mile Creek, later called Perry, Box Elder county, Utah, daughter of Henry Elijah and Elizabeth Zabriskie Perry. The 4th of 8 children, she is the last of the original Perry family.

Pioneering Family
Her parents came to Utah with a Mormon Pioneer Handcart Company and settling in an unbroken ilderness, the family knew all the vicissitudes, heart-aches and joys of pioneering. In these surroundings Rosalie grew to young womanhood, receiving her schooling at the little pioneer school which consisted mainly of learning the three R's. However, as with many pioneers, she somehow learned the many things which go into the making of a great lady.
While stories of crossing the plains and of the Indians were being told the young girl was helping her mother and learning to weave cloth, spin yarn, strip cane to be made into molasses. After Pres. Snow organized the United Order Rosalie had the experience of living that order. When the Primary was first organized she was called to be President in Perry, although she was very young at the time.

Early LifeAs a child she was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Before her marriage she cooked and did housework for others usually receiving as pay 50 cents per week perhaps a second hand dress or pair of shoes. But she was a happy person with a pleasing appearance and personality.

Jude Allen May
When young Jude Allen May, from Harper, son of James and Martha Allen May came courting he traveled horseback, 20 miles a trip. Having won his suit, they arranged with another couple and all traveled in a spring wagon to Salt Lake City where they were married in the Old Endowment House. (Dec. 22, 1881). She brought dignity and love and special nobility to her role of wife and mother. Thus was the springtime of her life.

Rockland Idaho
A year after their marriage the Mays moved to Rockland, Idaho where they homesteaded, remaining there 23 years. Their first baby did not long remain with them, death claimed her tiny form. When Elizabeth, the second baby was about 2 years old she was lost one day and as the frantic parents searched everywhere Rosalie finally saw the baby's bright red dress in the stream near the home and rescued the little girl from drowning.

Heaven on Earth
These were the summer years with the children coming and the busy days of training them and keeping the home and assisting her husband in making a livelihood for the family. Rosalie grew up with the idea that home is one's heaven on earth and such she always tried to make her home, to make a place where her husband and children loved to be, a haven from the stress of the world, there the family worked and laughed and played and prayed together.
Often on a warm afternoon Father May would carry a rocking chair down to what the family called "The Willows" where the mother could sit with the newest baby in the shade and rest while he cut willows and fashioned whistles for the older children. Thirteen children came to bless the home three of who died in infancy. For several years she served as Primary President while still living at Rockland.

Lovell, WyomingIn 1905 when the town of Lovell was in its infancy the May family moved here to make their permanent home. Bringing their household goods and driving teams and wagons they came by way of Yellowstone National Park. In 1906-08 the railroad was being built through the basin so the Jude found work there and the Rosalie cooked for the railroad workers in order to finance the building of their home. They were both ardent church workers and also took an active part in the life of the community.

Church Membership
Rosalie’s membership in the church was an integral part of her life. She was so firm in her testimony, so sincere in the manner in which she lived the teachings of the church she was and will be an inspiration to others to emulate her example. All her life a tithe-payer, when away from home she sent it to the family to pay for her. Last Sunday a granddaughter, Mary Jane Wilkerson, gave to the Bishop her grand-mother's last tithing. She served as Treasurer in the Relief Society organization and for many years was a Relief Society Visiting Teacher. Through her regard for this work and the dignity and warm-hearted friendliness she gave to it she taught many younger women of the ward the joy and worth of it. Her religion was a workable plan. She did not speak ill of any one. She felt that since one does not know what compulsions caused another to behave in certain ways it was right to leave his judgment to God.

Charity, a Way of Life
A mark of how she was held in the esteem of her associates was the title we all lovingly gave her of "Grandma May". The world was her neighbor. No one was ever turned away without receiving the comfort or help for which he hoped from her. In her book of poems is pasted these lines:

A friend is blue, a heart is sad.
Do not withhold your smile.
It may be all that's needed
To make a life worthwhile:
Grey skies grow blue, and storm clouds bright,
The sun is undefiled
And broken hearts are new again
Because somebody smiled.
Grandma May was always busy, always cheerful. Her flowers were for everyone to enjoy. Her salt rising bread was a special treat for which she was famous. She believed work a blessing and to her laziness was a sin.

Sincerity
She said sincerity is one of the most beautiful words in the language.
Also found in her book are these lines she liked:
You don't have to tell how you live each day
You don't have to say if you work or you play.
A tried, true barometer serves in the place.
However you live, it will show in your face.
The false, the deceit that you bear in your heart
Will not stay inside, where it first got a start,
For sinew and blood are a thin veil of lace;
What you wear in your heart you wear in your face.
If your life is unselfish, if for others you live,
For not what you get, but how much you can give;
If you live close to God, in his infinite grace,
You don't have to tell it, it shows in your face.
Neighbor and Friend
Once she wrote when life became hard and there was time for thought; she would get much good and comfort from these lines. She hoped this could be said of her at the close of her life and truly her life is so fulfilled:
To me honors or fame appeal not at all.
I covet no treasure or wealth manifold.
Flowers and tokens you may gladly withhold,
If only some day you can say at the end
"She was a neighbor, she was a friend".
Full Life
The autumn years were busy and full and rich, too. With the children grown and now establishing homes of their own, there was the increasing number of grandchildren to love. There was more time to devote to the church where she worked on various committees and helped in many ways. She was a member of a neighborhood quilting club. On the days when they gathered at the home to sew on a quilt how the stitches and chatter flew and here she had as much fun as anyone. The young daughters of club members often proudly displayed their hope chest quilts, showing off the beautiful stitches of "Grandma May". She had few of the conveniences and luxuries we so take for granted today, but she knew the real riches; the rich gifts of the mind and spirit.

Temple Work and gardening
The Mays spent several winters in doing temple work, and, oh, the joy they experienced in doing this great work. Each spring they returned happy in the knowledge of a service rendered, then raised their garden and prepared for the next winter and trip.

Life as a widow
Her life's companion was called to his eternal home August 7, 1946. Since then Grandma May has taken a trip to California to see the ocean, one to Arizona and four to Utah, visiting her family.

She never grew old in heart but as she once said winter does come to those of many years. So in the winter of life Grandma May was kept warmed at the hearth of her children's love. She visited one or another of her children and then when she was tired of visiting come home to Ralph and Gladys Wilkerson. Last February 15th she celebrated her 93rd birthday at the home of Oliver and Grace May, with 60 members of the family present.

Nine months ago she went to visit a daughter, Mrs. I.H. Tippetts, at Hurricane, Utah. Here she continued with her hobbies of crocheting and reading the papers and keeping up with the news of world and local affairs. It was stimulating to discuss current events with her because she was so alert and had her contributions to make.

IllnessOn December 10th a blood vessel broke in a leg resulting in a serious condition which confined her to her bed from December 13th until her death, caused by bronchitis, occurred on Monday, January 26, 1953 at 4:20 a.m. During all her illness she never complained and for each and every service she repaid with her special little smile and "Thank you".

Now her spirit transplanted... To some far fairer clime ... The angels left ajar the gate... The sweet fragrance of her soul... To waft back to us waiting... To meet again in a heavenly time.Grandma May is survived by 10 sons and daughters, Oliver C. May, Lovell; J. Hyrum May of Phoenix, Ariz.; Frank P. May, Caldwell, Idaho; Richard Morgan May, Delta, Utah; G. Allen May, Burlington; Mrs. I.H. Tippetts, Hurricane, Utah; Mrs. Nellie Grant, Layton, Utah; Mrs. W.A. Tippetts, Springville, Utah; Mrs. H.C. Tippetts, Provo, Utah;, Mrs. Ralph Wilkerson, Lovell, Wyo.; 68 grandchildren, 146 great grandchildren, 8 great, great grandchildren: A total of 233 living descendants. There are 7 sets of twins in the family; 2 grandchild sets, and 5 great grandchild sets.

There is so little we can say... So little we can do... When God had called a loved one home... Who means so much to you... When smiling eyes are closed in sleep... According to God's will... And that dear voice you loved to hear... Has suddenly grown still... But there are those who think of you... And those who always care... And who would help your heart to lift... The burden you must beat... And so this gentle message is... sincerely meant to be... A prayerful thought of fond regard... And heartfelt sympathy.
Her son Frank was unable to attend. He spent three days with her at Christmas time.

James May
1832-1910

James May was born June 1, 1832 in Chievely, Berkshire, England, a son of George May and Hannah Hobson.

His father was of the laboring class, being a shepherd the greater part of his life. James was a common farm laborer. At 9 & 10 years of age he received 25 cents a week, at 12 years of age he received 50 cents per week, and at the age of 17 was earning 75 cents per week.

Religion
About the year 1844 his father joined the Methodist religion. He was a very zealous worker in this religion for about four years. A man by the name of Allen came to their home with Mormonism which they gladly accepted.

In the fall of 1851 Elder Eli B. Kelsey, Franklin D. Richards, Erastus and Lorenzo Snow who were laboring as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, visited the May family and offered a chance for the family to migrate to Zion on these conditions, that after arriving in St. Louis, Mo. they would labor for three and a half years, food and clothing furnished.

Journey to ZionPreparations were soon made for the Journey and on January 10, 1852 the family consisting of father, mother, and seven children namely Elizabeth, James, Harriet, Richard, Thomas, William, and Emily saw the last of their native land and sailed on the sailing vessel Kennebac for America.
It took 63 days to cross the ocean with head winds and bad weather. Before reaching St. Louis they were almost out of food and water, the only food remaining was rice and oatmeal that had to be cooked without salt in the brackish water of the great Mississippi River, where the Kennebac was grounded fast in the mud. At the end of ten days and after having three large steam tugs pulling at the ship they were put on one of the tugs and taken 110 miles to New Orleans leaving their ten week home stuck in the mud at the mouth of the Father of Waters.

Saluda Disaster
The family stayed in New Orleans for a week after which they sailed on the boat Saluda for the Bluffs.

At Brunswick, James, his father, Eli B. Kelsey and ten others left the boat and went overland to the Bluffs. They left their family in the care of a young man by the name of Henry Ballard, a very good friend of the May family. About a week later they received word that the Saluda had blown up with all on board. But learned shortly that the family was safe with the exception of Harriet who had her foot and ankle badly burned. They were transferred to another boat, which landed them safely at the Bluffs where they were all thankful and happy to be together again.

Family DeathsThe family remained at the Bluffs most of that summer. Here the father, youngest and oldest sisters died of the dreaded disease cholera.

About the first of July the rest of the family started for the ferry on the big river, here his little brother died. The next day as they were crossing the river the mother died, and was buried on the river bank without a coffin, within eleven days, the father, mother, and three children had died, leaving four orphan children.

Journey to Utah
The four children started to Utah in Eli B. Kelsey's company. James walked most of the way driving a team of two yoke of oxen, and two yoke of cows. This was a long tiresome journey; it took three and a half months arriving in Salt Lake City Oct 14, 1852.

Jobs
The winter of 1852 & 53 he spent herding stock across the Jordan River opposite the hot springs in Salt Lake County. In April 1853 he helped Abraham Hunsaker 13 miles on the west side of the Jordan. He was never hungrier in his life as on that trip. He drove cattle on foot from early morning until late at night without one bite to eat. And to break his fast he had some buttermilk and some buttermilk with flour boiled in it sour as swill.

He worked for Lorenzo Snow for two months in Salt Lake City. In July he went to Bountiful and hired out to Joseph Holbrook for $12.00 per month for one year.

August 1, 1854 he was called to go on the plains with a company with teams and provisions to meet emigrants, returned Oct. 17, 1854. He was given credit in labor tithing for his time, these were hard years.

Married Martha AllenAugust 24, 1856 he married Martha Allen daughter of Jude and Mary Ann Allen. In the spring of 1857 the young couple rented a small farm from Bro. Anson Call of Bountiful, it was located in Box Elder county. On Nov. 29, 1857 their first baby James Ira was born.

Mormon WarIn the fall of 1857 the Mormon war occurred when the president of the United States sent troops to Utah to clean up the unlawful Mormons. President Brigham Young was appointed Governor of the Territory. He put the territory under martial law. Every able bodied man had to fall into line. The companies of Calvary were organized and equipped under the leadership of Captain Lat Smith, Porter Rockwell and others. They burned wagons, run off with stock, burned the grass, and harassed the troops in every conceivable way for several months until the soldiers went into winter quarters at Fort Bridger. Thomas L. Kane sent by the government to find out what the trouble was, learned that reports sent to Washington were false. His message to the government cleared up the trouble.

When Brigham Young first heard the army was coming he ordered all the people to leave their homes and move south leaving everything to be burned by the few men remaining behind, if the troops entered the valley. It was not necessary to burn the homes and they moved back, finding fine crops on nearly all the farms, wheat had grown without plowing or sowing.

While south they with many others were camped on the Provo Bottoms. They had just arrived and had no tent or wagon cover, so they laid some canes over the top of the deep wagon box. It rained all night, in the morning they were wringing wet, but none of them suffered any ill effects.
ChildrenTheir second son, Jude Allen was born in Bountiful, Davis County, Utah Oct. 14, 1859. In 1861 they moved to Calls Fort, their first home was a dugout in which they lived for fifteen months, and was very happy, another baby boy George came to gladden their home Nov. 28, 1861.

Another son, Henry Lyman was born Jan. 25, 1863, but died shortly after from a cold Feb. 8, 1863. This same year they moved from the dugout into a two room log house.

On March 14, 1865 a daughter Martha Ellen was born, another daughter Sarah Margaret was born Sept. 23, 1867.

That same year in Sept. they finished their barn 30 x 40 ft. On June 26, 1869 another daughter, Evaline, was born. That same season they put up a rock house, just the walls and roof and finished the kitchen part.

MissionIn the fall of 1869 he was called on a short mission, laboring in New York and Ohio, arriving home Mar. 4, 1870. On Feb 22, 1871 another son Andrew was born, they had a small bunch of sheep the wool from them was made into clothing and bedding for their family needs.

Nov 18, 1872 another baby boy Frank was born.

Prior to 1874 they took stock in the Brigham City Co-op to the amount of $1900.00 receiving for their investment only $100.00

On Aug 7th 1874 a daughter Harriet was born.

Cotton Mission
In Sept 1874 he was called on a Cotton mission. They located a place six miles west of Washington, Utah. They built a dam in the Virgin River which took 135 loads of brush, 500 loads of rock to make a dam 5 feet high 10 feet wide 130 feet long, and 10 feet deep. This dam is still in use for irrigation purposes today. He was engaged in this work for three years.

On June 27, 1876 another son Richard Charles was born.

Married Rhoda Ann Lang
On Nov 3 & 4 he did temple work in the St. George Temple for his Father, Mother, and brother Thomas. Nov 21 of the same year of 1877 he married Rhoda Ann Lang daughter of William and Mary Lang of St. George, Utah.

April 20, 1878 baby Mary Ann was born, and on Sep 19, 1880 Emma was born and on May 24 1882 their last baby a boy was born they named him Joseph Eugene bringing into the world a total of 8 sons and 6 daughters. They were all reared to man and womanhood except Henry Lyman who died at the age of 2 weeks.

Persecution for Polygamy
In 1886 he served a six months term in the state penitentiary and paid a find of $100.00 for polygamy.

Moved to Canada with Rhoda and Family
To escape further punishment for polygamy, on Sept 20, 1888 he loaded his wife Rhoda and four children, Minnie, Missia, Ben and Agnes into a light wagon and started out to find a new home, settling in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, after traveling twenty three days.

At this time his third son George who was living in Rockland, Idaho, having just lost his wife, was called home with his three children to take care of his mother.

Returned to Idaho critically ill
After spending twenty two years with his second family in Canada, James failed in health, becoming critically ill, requested that he might finish his last days in peace and love in the old rock home, that he and his first wife had labored so hard and diligently those many long heart aching years ago, built in the springtime of their young and tender love. In Feb 1910 the youngest son Joseph Eugene was sent to Canada to bring him home. He lived but a few weeks passing quietly away on Mar 29, 1910. In the old home that he loved so dear.

James May a pioneer of the west, was the father of 18 children.

Martha Allen May
1839-1923

Martha May is the daughter of Jude Allen and Mary Ann Nicholas. She was born September 26, 1839, at Farmer, Lorain County, Ohio. Moved to Nauvoo with her parents where they resided about two years. During this time she remembers seeing the Prophet Joseph ride through the streets of Nauvoo on his famous black horse, Brigham. She also remembers seeing the Prophet’s body guards, also seeing the bodies of the Prophet and Hyrum in their caskets ready for burial, and the tub containing the blood-stained clothes. This was impressed vividly upon her mind.

For eight years her parents were moving about from one place to another. Finally in the year 1852, they came to Utah in the company of Benjamin Gardner, her father being Captain of Ten. Roving bands of Indians, prowling coyotes, and wolves and large herds of buffalo were often met during the trek. She remembers distinctly incidents of this journey, when walking and driving a small band of sheep, gathering wild berries to eat and wood to build their camp fires. Arriving at Salt Lake in September, they went to the church farm where they worked for a man by the name of John Dalton. Then they moved to Bountiful where they bought a home. Due to ill health and lack of funds with which to pay for schooling, she never had the privilege of attending school, never to learn to read or write. Being blessed with a wonderful memory, she obtained an education far above the average. Her English being almost perfect and as for arithmetic, she could do sums mentally very readily and accurately. She always encouraged her children to study and get an education, realizing the disadvantage of not having an education.

When the Kimball Mill was finished a big celebration was given, dancing, singing and feasting being enjoyed. During the fun three girls, Mary Allen, Martha Allen, and Hannah Jones, chumming together as all girls will, were standing beneath some stair steps laughing at the awkwardness of three young men – English emigrants, trying to dance, little dreaming they would be their future husbands. But such they proved to be in the persons of John Dewey, James May, and Thomas Harper. First Mary and John were wed, then Thomas and Hannah and finally James and Martha. She was wed August 24, 1856. And strange it may seem that these three families were very closely associated the remainder of their lives and friends and neighbors. The Mays moved to Calls’ Fort on their present location in 1861, their humble beginning being a dugout. From this into a two-room log house and then into the rock house where she has been surrounded with many of the conveniences. When the call came to move south they, with their relatives, went with the rest of the Saints. From this union fourteen children were born, eight sons and six daughters. Through thrift, economy, and hard work they reared them to man and womanhood, all except one son who died at the age of two weeks.

Being a natural and willing nurse, she went at all times – day and night, to the assistance of the sick, suffering and dying. Three grandchildren she reared besides her own and her home has always been a refuge to the homeless, the tramp, and needy. Into the mission field she sent five sons and numerous grandsons. She has been a staunch and faithful church member, never allowing anything disrespectful to be said of the authority of the church and when her husband took a plural wife and because of the trouble that arose from this practice – her husband moving to Canada leaving her alone with her large family of small children, which was discouraging, she would never allow her children to say one word of disrespect of their father, and because of this great thing every one of her children are firm believers in the faith. She worked in the Relief Society as first counselor for many years, and was also President of the Y.W.M.I.A. She was inoffensive, patient in her kindly way, and aided many young people with her counsel and advice. She befriended the Indians and was always a good friend and neighbor to everyone, and was beloved to all who knew her. She has a great posterity, 11 children, 103 grandchildren, 125 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, a total of 244. May we all try to follow the beautiful example she has left for us.

She died in her home, the rock house, November 17, 1923 at the age of 84 years, 2 months and 21 days; due to incidents of old age. She was buried in the Call’s Fort cemetery beside her husband, James May, who preceded her in death on March 29, 1910.

Written by Mary Duke