Cleo Afton Call

I was born 17 August, 1892 in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico, where my parents had been sent to live the principle of plural marriage. I was the first child born to Mary Theresa after they embraced this principle. Five weeks later, my sister (Lella was born to Aunt Hattie on September 22, 1892. Less than tow years later, Aunt Hattie died, so (Lella and I were raised as twins, working, and playing together and dressing alike until we were eighteen years of age. We slept together, attended school together and were constantly at each other's side. Our bishop , Winslow Farr, often called out in passing our home, "Are my little Mormon twins ready to go to Sunday School with me?" And we loved to walk with him.

My childhood was a happy one, fun mingled with responsibilities. We carried out our assignments, as was always expected of us, and were taught that when Mother and Father spoke to us, obedience was required. (Leea and I always worked together, and one of our jobs was to carry corn cobs from the corn cribs to the kitchen, a chore we must perform several times a day. Another of our regular chores was feeding the pigs and another was herding the cows to pasture and back and rounding up the calves that strayed. (Lella was often sick, but when she was able we worked side by side. I earned money to go to the Juarez Stake Academy by assuming full responsibility for a herd of Holstein dairy cows form Canada.

One of my dearest teachers in Primary and Sunday School was Aunt Lydia K. Young, and I recall deep humiliation when Father threatened one time to report to her my misconduct.

A memorable day for me was my eight birthday, when the family rode down to the river on the hayrack for my baptism. Father baptized Hannah Hurst and me. As was the practice in our family, this was an occasion for a big party with a delicious lunch and a big birthday cake. Upon returning home, I was confirmed by Brother Edward Payne. Other festive occasions were the independence days of Mexico, 5 de mayo and 16 de septiembre, celebrated down by the river where big swings were built in the huge cotton trees for our pleasure on those special days and where great feats were prepared.

I lived in Mexico until the time of the exodus, when I was twenty years old. In Utah I met and married Nathan George Clark and moved to Syracuse then to Farmington, where Ezra and the twins, Freeman and Rodney, were born. Our next home was in Salt lake City and it was while were were living there that Clifton was born at the Jan Ann Holbrook Maternity Home in Bountiful. Again, we moved to Farmington, where Naomi came to bless our home. Next we built a home in Bountiful, where Athelia, Cleo, Clella, Marial, Marr, twins Afton and Alton, and George were born. Later we built the lovely new home nearer to the downtown area, at 65 East Fifth South, where I still reside.

Without a doubt, motherhood has brought me the greatest joys of my life. Thirteen lovely children have blessed our home. Rodney's twin brother, Freeman, died at birth, Marial passed away at age twenty; the eleven others are a constant source of pride and happiness to e, as are their choice companions. They have given liberally of themselves to make my life comfortable and happy. My husband passed away following a long illness on December 18, 1956.

Our children learned early in life to work and they developed habits of responsibility and industry that have served them well all the remainder of their lives. Everyone at times were very tried, for the some question was asked but was never answered to their satisfaction. They had to trust in their parnets. The depression came and men could not get work to provide the bare necessities. How my heart ached to see my three oldest sons have to go to work those long hours in the early morning and when they should have been playing and carefree. Then the girls as they came along, and the younger boys all went into the fields to pick peas, beans, strawberries, raspberries, etc., beginning in the wee morning hours so that the truck farmers could have their loads ready for market. After working in the field the girls had to go do tasks at home, so it seemed that their work was never done. I'm sure the older girls felt that Mother was a negger driven, but they will never know how my heart ached to see and know that they were deprived of opportunities other girls had and that they were denied. They were so understanding. Bless them. Tears fall as I remember. I'm sure that with all our ups and mostly downs, no parents ever had such wonderful children. Marial and Father were sick for years, and since he unable to take his place as provider, the burden was on the children. I'm sure no parents ever had a family who is more willing to see that my last days are my best days, that in spite of earlier trials and hardships the finale is happy. When they were younger and new babies were welcomed into our home, the older girls and boys enjoyed spending their hard earned money for gifts and extra pleasures they themselves had never had. The younger children had to earn their school clothes and spending money, for it was always a question of the survival of the fittest, and as they used to say, "no workee, no eatee." But perhaps they never knew the advantages they had by having older brothers and sisters who knew the ropes. However, the younger children, took will always remember how their father used to call out in the early morning hours, "Up, arise ye defenders of Zion!" All our children have been so lovely and kind to me. They have taught their children to hone, and I hope, to love me. Oh, how blessed am I" Thanks, kind Father.

God help my children to gorgive me, but try to understand. Most of what I would like to tell them must go with me to my grave, and then possibly God will understand me, for no one else does. My my grandsons who have pressed me so vigously for answers that I cannot divulge, understand, and my God help me. I wonder if times and things will ever be different, but I must be loyal to those who trusted me and gave me privileges. If my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and their children and then their great grandchildren will only keep the faith! Then and only then will my life be a success. I want all my descendants to know that I know God lives. He hears and answers prayer, not perhaps as we would like, but always for out food if we will acknowledge His will. Keep His commandments. Keep close to the Church work. Let your bishops be your friends. When you are asked to help in different organizations, accept. You will love the membership of the Church when you know them. You will find them to be your closest friends. And that work and companionship will give joy such as you have never know. The Church and go onward with out you, but you cannot go on without the blessings the Church has for you. Boys, do you realize the glorious honor of the priesthood? Always, above all else, my grandchildren, keep clean both in body and mind. The spirit of God will not dwell in unclean minds. Find clean and upright friends and companions. Remember you will be judged by the company you keep. Your relatives are forced cn you, but you may choose your fiends. Know yourself. If you were choosing a special friend, would you choose you? don't listen to unclean jokes or stories. A general said, "There are no ladies her, so I will tell this story." George Washington quickly replied, "No, but there are gentlemen."

Be respectful of those in authority, both civil and exxlesiastical. Learn to accept wise counsel. Those who are older are often better judges. Think for yourself. Start your day and end it with prayers to our Father in Heaven. Let Him know you care.

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Message from Grandma Clark to her family.

Girls –get acquainted in the Relief Society. You will so enjoy the lessons that are given and the friendships you make/ Attend your sacrament meetings. Accept responsibilities in the church. You will grow and become more Christlike. I have loved my work in the D. U. P. & R. S. What a blessing they have been in my life Surely the noble pioneers set a worthy example for all of us.I love to read their histories.It makes me determined to go forward and endure to the end. I hope all the mothers will be sure their children go to Primary, Mutual, and Seminary and study the gospel while they are young. They will love the people in the scriptures and pattern their lives after them.

Try to meet life with a smile and sense of humor especially during your trials. Always look for the silver lining and be courteous and kind to those who upset you. Do be forgiving and remember that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.

How thankful I am for each of you children. May all of you and your children righteously go forth and keep all of the lord's commandments.

To those who have my blood in their veins:

May you be virtuous, honest and clean in thoughts and body, obedient to your parents and those in authority. Be extra kind to the poor and underprivileged. and may all you grandchildren be as thoughtful and kind to your parents as my children and sons and daughter-in-laws have been to me. May the love for money and earthly wealth be second in your thoughts but service in the church and kingdom come first --that y life here may not have been wasted and in vain.

Forgive me of my faults and weaknesses. I know I have many. Make prayer a great part of your lives. Don't forget to tell each other of your love and appreciation. Visit each other. Don't let little differences interfere with your friendship––overlook each other's faults and weaknesses.

BOYS -- Honor your Priesthood.