Life Sketch of Mary Alice Robinson Clark
January 1, 1937
I was born, 10th of April 1879 in Farmington, Davis Co. Utah. My father’s name is Oliver Lee Robinson. He was born 8th of July, 1833 in Boonville, Oneida Co. New York. His father’s name is Joseph Lee Robinson. His mother’s maiden name is Maria Wood.
My mother’s maiden name is Esther Alice Jeffs. She was born, 18th of Sept. 1857 in Alpine Utah. Her father’s name is William Yumm Jeffs. Her mother’s maiden name is Alice Ward.
I was blessed in Farmington Davis Stake by
I was baptized 7 Oct. 1886 in Farmington Davis Sake, by T.J. Steed. Confirmed 7 Oct. 1886 in Farmington Davis Stake by J.D. Williams.
I had a number of Patriarchal Blessings given:
Feb. 20, 1901 In Farmington Utah by J.E. Robinson. (my uncle)
Mar. 8, 1901 “ “ Judson Tolman
Mar. 16, 1902 “ “ Patriarch Pace
Aug. 5 1902 “ “ John W. Hess
Sept. 17, 1907 in Logan, Utah by William Y. Jeffs (my grandfather).
Jan 23, 1818 Auburn, Wyoming by Thomas Walton.
My schooling commenced when I was about 6 ½ years old in Farmington Davis Co. Utah. I attended the public schools there, also the Academy in Farmington. The academy was for the Davis Co. students. There [were] no high schools at that time. Some of the teachers, I can remember are, Henery Steed, L.E. Abbott, Mary Woodruff, Miss Swalburg, Mr. Howells and Joshua Greenwood. I took some needle-work and painting lessons from Mary Woodruff while attending the Academy.
I was the oldest child of the third family.
When I was ten months old, I had Infantile Paralysis. The doctor did not know much about my ailment, or what was the matter [with] me at that time. Instead of them putting my limbs in a cast and treating me like the doctors do now, they put irons up the sides of my legs. I tried to walk in that condition. It pulled my hip out of place. I did not walk until I was three years old. So I have been lame ever since that time. It was quite an effort for me to walk to school, play games and try to do the things other children did during my childhood days. A great many things they did, that I was unable to do. My cousins and friends were kind to me and many times, helped me along, by me leaning on their arms.
My father died when I was eight years old. He left two wives and a large family of children. Quite a number were young children.
My mother helped to raise some of the first wife’s children, as she died some years before my father. My mother had four children at the time of my father’s death, the youngest being two years old. We were left with moderate means.
I was taught by my mother, to always remember my prayers. As young children we were sent [to] Sunday school and primary.
My mother had a weak heart and was sick a great deal after my father’s death. She had fainting spells, being the oldest child, I slept with her. I felt the responsibility of watching over her and caring for her. Sometimes, during the night, she had those fainting spells. I … got up and [went] across the road (to my uncle Joseph E. Robinson’s) to get him to come and administer to her. My uncle was a man of faith and his administrations were effective, he was a comfort and a stay unto us. As also was, our brother, James Henry Robinson. He was the son of Aunt Lucy (my father’s first wife). My mother raised him after his mother’s death, he lived with us until he was married.
My Aunt Annie (the second wife) lived one block from our place. We children grew up together and [thought] lots of each other.
As a young girl, I always enjoyed going to Sunday school and Primary. I liked to go to the primary conferences held in the different wards of the stake. As I grew older my mind turned more to spiritual things. I attended M.I.A. regularly. I was a member of the choir and went to choir practice once a week. My uncle Joseph E. Robinson was the chorister.
I was called to be a Sunday school teacher, in 1897, when I was nineteen years old. I [taught] the first intermediate grade for six years.
I was chosen to be a first counselor in the primary to sister Louie Oviatt, in the year about 1893. When sister Oviatt resigned, sister Susie Clark was chosen to be the president. I was her counselor for a number of years. After sister Clark’s resignation, I was chosen as president in 1901, which position I held for about two years. I enjoyed working with the children very much. I felt very humble and prayerful in holding these positions. As well as needing inspiration in my work to make it a success, I also depended upon our Heavenly Father for physical strength, to walk to the meetings and get around to do the things that were required of me. Before leaving home to attend my duties, I would go to a private room, kneel down, and offer up a prayer, for strength and assistance, that was so much needed to carry on my work. I had faith our Heavenly Father would help me if I would do my part.
Sister Aurelia S. Rogers, the originator of the primary, lived just one block from our home. I admired her very much and can remember things she taught, when I was a child, going to Primary. She was an inspiration to me in the primary work. I was in the Farmington ward that the first primary was organized.
I went to the Temple, many times to be baptized and administered to for my health, I always went fasting. At that time people were baptized in the Temple for their health.
Both of my grandfathers were Patriarchs and men of faith. I was told in a Patriarchal blessing that my gift was faith, I tried to exercise that gift by fasting and prayer and being administered to by the servants of the Lord. I was greatly blessed and was stronger in walking.
At one time, I decided to fast three days and three nights before going to the Temple and try to exercise more faith. What a joy I felt in the Temple that day. I felt almost like I could be healed, if it was the Lord’s will. I had been promised in a Patriarchal blessing (by my uncle Joseph E. Robinson) that I would be healed in due time by the Lord.
Bro. Adolph Madsen, a counselor to the president of the Temple, administered to me that day. There was a thrill from the crown of my head to my fee, while he was doing it. As soon as he took his hands from my head, he said, “Sister have you had your endowments?” I told him that I had not. I felt it was such a sacred thing for a young girl to have done before marriage, I did not want to take that responsibility, without being advised by someone in authority. He said, “ I have had that inspiration, today, while administering to you, to tell you to have your endowments. Will you come to the temple next week and have them?” I told him I would. I can hardly explain the joy that filled my soul. My heart was filled with gratitude for this special blessing. I went to the temple the next week (my mother went with me). Brother Madsen met me there and said he was glad I came. I had my endowments 16 Nov. 1898. I also went [through] the temple three days in the next week. I enjoyed it so much. At that time only one name a day was worked for in the temple. After receiving this sacred ordinance, I felt, more so than ever, the need of keeping the commandments of the Lord. I felt a protection wherever I went.
I had some very dear friends in Farmington. I associated, a great deal with Phoebe McLaughlin and Clara Kennard, also my cousin, Maud Robinson.
A crowd of us use to meet together, in our different homes, for amusement, they seemed to like to come to our home. We always enjoyed having them there. I took some organ lessons so was able to play for our singing. We use to do lots of singing. In the winter we had some good times sleigh riding. So I had amusement in different ways, even, if I was not able to dance. It was quite a sacrifice to me, to not be able to go to the dances, with my brother and two sisters. Sometimes, after they had gone I would have a good cry, never would let tem see me doing it. They were always so sweet and kind to me. I cannot remember complaining about my condition, although I felt sorrowful, at times. I turned to spiritual things for comfort. I read my Patriarchal blessings often. I read the Book of Mormon through, at one time, when I sprained my ankle and was not able to walk for six weeks.
My brother George went on a mission, when he was nineteen years old. Our family fasted for him, Sunday mornings, while he was away. We three girls tried to help out what we could. I got some work sewing for a dressmaker. My two sisters were also working. I remember, of the three, of us paying our tithing and the Bishop commenting about it. As a family we had lots of love for each other, we got along very peaceful and harmoniously together. I remember of our dear mother, taking the lead in having family prayers, before retiring for the night, even though just two or three of us were at home. She also had us take our turns in prayer.
I was the oldest child of my mother’s family. My brother George Albert Robinson was next, he was born 17 Feb. 1880. Eva Louise was born 17 June 1882. The youngest, Zina Elizabeth was born 19 Oct 1884. My sister Eva was married to William Robison, of Morgan Utah, in the Salt Lake Temple while my brother was on his mission.
At one time there was a number of people, in Farmington [inviting] their friends and neighbors to their homes. Some Patriarchs were in attendance, to give the family blessings, also to dedicate their homes. After this [was] done, it turned into a Testimony Meeting. I was invited to a number of these Meetings. It was a spiritual feast to be there, I greatly enjoyed them. I bore my testimony in some of them. I heard speaking and singing in tongues and the interpretation of tongues at some of these meetings. Apostle Taylor lived in Farmington at this time. He commenced these meetings, by having one in his home, I was invited to it, as he invited the Sunday School teachers. After there had been the gift of tongues in a number of meetings, Apostle Taylor said, there will be no more speaking in tongues in any of these meetings, there has been enough. You can go on holding them and give good meetings. I attended some after [he] said this, they were good spiritual meetings, but the gift of tongues was not there.
In April 1903, I resigned as president of the Primary, as our family was preparing to move to Idaho. We had lived in the same house since I was born, so this was our first move. Just a few days before I left, the Primary officers came to our home and surprised me. Sister Aurelia S. Rogers was in attendance. We had a very enjoyable time together. I was presented with a nice picture. A token of remembrance from the officers and teachers of the Primary. Sister Rogers gave me a book, “Life Sketches” by Aurelia S. Rogers, with her hand writing in front of the book, [she said] she gave it as a token of love and remembrance of our labors in the Primary. I appreciated these kind remembrances very much. I felt that I was leaving some dear kind friends in Farmington. The last primary I attended the children came and put their arms around me and said, “Will you come back and be our president again?”
Bishop Secrist was at our meeting and saw them, he said, this shows you have loved the children, Love begets love. He spoke the truth, for I have always loved children. As a young girl, I remember of gathering the neighbor’s children around me and telling them stories.
My grandmother, my mother’s mother (Alice Ward Jeffs) had lived in North Farmington as long as I could remember. We thought a great deal of her, and always enjoyed going to see her. She was also moving to Idaho at this time.
My brother George and I went ahead of the rest of the family. We lived with my grandmother for a few months, until my uncles finished building our house. We then moved on the farm.
During the summer I attended Sunday School and Sacrament meetings with our folks. We lived, just out of town, so had to ride to church. I was called to help teach the primary class, in Sunday school, with my aunt Iona Idaho. I also sang in the choir.
My Patriarchal Blessing said, that in the due time of the Lord, I should have a companion and children. I very much desired this blessing, and prayed much about it. Realizing the handicap I had, I felt, that after living as near right as I could and making it a matter of prayer, I would have to leave the rest in the hands of the Lord.
While I was staying at my Grandmother’s in Idaho, my Grandfather (being a Patriarch) held a little meeting in their home for their family. He always seemed concerned about my weakness and exercised much faith in my behalf. One of the songs we sang, that evening was “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” My grandfather laid his hands on each of our heads and blessed us, then he asked us to bear our testimonies as we felt lead. One of the things my grandfather said when he was blessing me, was, that my husband would be brought in a very miraculous way to me. The spirit of the Lord was in our midst. I distinctly remember the way I felt, while I was bearing my testimony. It seemed that I was raised from the floor, I could not feel my feet touching the floor. I felt so light, it seemed almost like I was healed. What joy fills our souls, when it is touched by the spirit of our Heavenly Father. That spirit stayed with me for three days. While I was at my work in the home, if I started to sing, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” my soul was thrilled with joy that same spirit was felt that I had in our meeting.
Not long after this-
Hyrum D. Clark came to our place, he said that it was through a dream that he had come to see me. He asked if I would become his wife, he had been praying about the matter. It was quite a surprise to me. I thought of what my grandfather had told me so recently. I told him I was very desirous of doing the right thing. I would need some time to consider the matter, so as not to make any mistake. I felt that I would need some inspiration, in deciding such an important step as this. I fasted and prayed, very humbly, concerning the matter, I was willing to submit to what ever was best for me to do.
During the night of the third day that I had fasted, I dreamed I saw a beautiful white Mansion, I could hear beautiful music. No persons were in sight. But I heard a voice, very distinctly say, “If you let this chance pass you by, somebody else will take your place.” I also dreamed another dream that night. It all seemed to convince me that there was some unseen power working in this matter and that it was the right thing for me to do.
We were married 27 Dec. 1903. Hyrum had a wife and family living in Auburn Wyoming. I desired very much to do my part and make a success of our undertakings. I felt, to be able to do this, I needed the help of our Heavenly Father, I wanted to live worthy of this and be able to meet the trials ahead of us.
I lived in Paris, Idaho about one and half years. Our first child, a girl was born there, 10 Dec. 1904. We named her Herma. I then moved to Logan, I lived there about four years. I lived in three different houses while there. Two of our sons were born in Logan. Weston Robinson 2 Oct. 1906 and Jasper Roland, born 14 Mar. 1909.
In Aug. 1909 I moved to Auburn Wyoming, Hyrum had moved Aunt Eliza to Farmington, Utah.
Our son Carlos R. was born in the ranch home 4 Feb. 1911. In Jan 1912 our home was burned to the ground, most of our furniture was saved. We then moved to a smaller home on the ranch. My husband was away, a great deal of the time as he had other interests to see after in Farmington. We lived about two and a half miles from town, so had to ride to Sunday school and meetings.
In the fall of 1913, I went to Logan and lived with my mother for about nine months. Our two oldest children went to school for the first time. They should have gone sooner, but it was too far to send them from the ranch alone. School buses were not used for the children like they are now. Our fifth child, a girl, we named hazel was born 4 (6) of May, 1914 in Logan. Three of our children had their tonsils removed that winter.
We went back to the ranch in July 1914. The next winter we moved in town, in Auburn, so the children could go to school, then back to the ranch in the spring. We did that for a number of years. One winter the children had the measles, I had five of them in bed at the same time.
I had a number of sick spells for a few years. I had to be taken to the hospital several times. I had some premature births (born dead). Having lots of work to do in caring for our family (with my weakness) caused it. Through the blessings of the Lord my life was spared. I was very thankful, in being permitted, to live to raise our children to manhood and womanhood.
As the children grew older, I was able to go to Relief Society meetings. I was class leader in the Theology class for awhile. Later I was chosen a counselor, to sister Amelia Millyard. I did not hod this position very long, as my husband decided to move us to Logan. He bought us a home there.
We started on our trip in Nov. 1919 by team. (two teams, and two wagons) It took us one week to get to Logan. We all appreciated, very much, getting in a home, where we could have the conveniences.
The two oldest children went to BYU. Our oldest girl was a great help to me, just what I needed. My mother lived in Logan; she also helped me out a great deal. I had been away from her for a long time, so enjoyed associating with her again.
Not long after we moved there, I was chosen to be a teacher in the Primary, later was chosen to be a counselor in to Sister Adams. The meeting house was just across the road from our home, so I was able to walk to fill this position. I took some of our children with me. I was glad of the opportunities, our children had home in Logan. Our two oldest boys were ordained to the Priesthood, also were Scouts. Weston was ordained a teacher while we were there.
After staying in Logan two and a half years, we moved back to the ranch. Before leaving, the Primary officers, and teachers had a surprise for me at one of the counselor’s homes (Gwen McCollugh). They presented me with a nice picture, “the Madonna.” I appreciated, very much, their kind remembrance and I enjoyed associating and working with them, also with the children.
We left Logan in June 1922. Lived on the ranch during the summer, the boys were old enough to help with the haying, and milk cows.
On the 4th of Oct. 1922 our oldest daughter, Herma, was married to Byron T. Smith, of Smithfield, in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Salt Lake City that winter. I missed, our dear girl, very much, as she was my main help.
We moved to Afton, Wyoming soon after she left, so our children could go to school there. Our boys milked cows and we sent the milk to the creamery.
I was quite sick the first winter we lived in Afton, I had Pyemia (a blood poisoning). The weather being very cold, I go chilled. I always had very poor circulation. Our youngest daughter, Hazel, was also sick that winter.
The next spring we moved back to the ranch, so the boys could help there. We moved back and forth spring and fall for six years.
After Weston graduated from high school, he went one year to the A.C. college in Logan.
My dear mother died, 3 Sept. 1925. I went to Logan and helped take care of her for one month before her death. She was buried in Farmington, Utah.
In January 1927 my husband went to California on a short term Mission. While he was away I had trouble with my knee. The doctor put it in a cast and kept it on for nine weeks. I was able to get around some with crutches.
Aunt Eliza died in June 1927, before Hyrum returned home from his Mission. He immediately came home, he had been away five months.
In Sept. 1927, we moved again to Logan, and stayed five months. Our oldest son, Weston left for a Mission to England, 4 Feb. 1928. It brought joy to my soul, to have a son go on a mission. I greatly desired, to have our other two sons go. But through financial losses, we were unable to send them. In Feb. soon after Weston left, we moved to Farmington.
It had been twenty-five years since I had left Farmington. Most of the children that had been in my Sunday School and Primary classes were married. It seemed good to get back again, time had made many changes. The first twenty-five years of my life, I lived in the same place. The next twenty-five years made many moves and had varied experiences.
I feel I have been greatly blessed in having a dear good husband and have been able to raise five healthy children. I am thankful, to my Heavenly Father for this. Having my physical weakness, I would not have this, with out some Higher Power for assistance. Thus far in life, I have had to make many sacrifices and had things to meet up with, that have been hard to bear. But we need to have courage and perseverance and be striving each day, to take a few steps nearer it. Through humble prayer, I have taken joy in my household duties and caring for our family. I have had lots of ambition and enjoyed work. Sometimes I have felt that I have had more ambition than strength. In connection, with my husband we have desired to set good examples before our children, and have them grow up to be good honorable men and women, with a testimony of the Gospel. To have them do this, it will repay me for all the sacrifices I have made.
Weston remained on his mission two years and three months, he returned May 1930.
We moved into the brick home in Farmington, Nov 1930. We had moved so many times in our married life, I felt like I would be billing to remain here and not move any more.
Weston was married to La Von Bates, of Salt Lake City, 6 June 1932 in the Salt Lake Temple. He took out his Bachelor's degree at the University of Utah in June 1933. He took out his Master’s Degree at the George Washington University, in June 1934. He and his wife are now living in Washington D.C. He is teaching school, in the Maryland University and going to school to the George Washington University, working for his PhD.
Carlos married to Marinda Call, of Murray, Utah Nov. 14 1933 in the Salt Lake Temple. They have one son. Our oldest daughter has five children, making me six grand children.
J. Roland was married to Kathryn Palmer, of Malad, Idaho, 4 Oct. 1934 in the Salt Lake Temple. They are now living in Dayton Ohio. He is President and Manager of the Logan Garment Co. Dayton, Ohio.
Our youngest daughter, Hazel was married to Wilson B. Morrison 2 Nov, 1936. She is now living in Brigham City, Utah.
My husband went to California on a mission, 5 Jan, 1934. I lived with our son-in-law and daughter (Herma) in Salt Lake City while he was away. We got along nicely together. They made me feel welcome in their home. They took me to Sacrament meetings when I was able to go. They nursed me and took good care of me through some sick spells while I was in their home. I very much appreciate the love and kindness shown to me by all my dear children.
My husband returned from his mission 3 April, 1936. We moved back to our home in Farmington 11 June, 1936. He is now working in the temple a great deal of the time.
My health is not very good this winter, so I am kept at home most of the time. Our son Carlos and wife are here with us at present. So I am well taken care of. We are glad to have them with us.
My history, so far, was written in January 1937.
(History finished by her oldest daughter Herma, Feb. 1956)
Father passed away July 2, 1938, he was hit by a boy riding a bicycle as father was crossing the road at dusk. He was knocked to the ground hitting his head on the cement road causing concussion and paralyzing some nerves to his throat and stomach. He had to be fed in the veins until he died some three weeks later in the Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, the 2nd of July, 1938. He was buried July 5, 1938 in Farmington Cemetery. The shock of this caused Mother to have pneumonia after getting chilled and she was confined to bed so didn't go to the funeral. We were afraid of loosing her also but she recovered and continued to live in her home with Carlos, her son and his wife, Marinda and children living in part of the house.
Mother was sick again with pneumonia in the fall of 1941 and I brought her to our home in Salt Lake City for the winter and enjoyed having her with us very much. Then in the spring of 1942 she went back to her home again.
Mother was always an inspiration to me as well as to all the family with her
humble spirit, her faith and her willingness to help anybody in need. She always had a desire to do the will of the Lord at all times. She led an exemplified life and left a wonderful memory to all she met that will never be forgotten. She made the lives around her more beautiful by her living example of what she believed, portraying a wonderful God-like spirit.
Mother became sick with acute Leukemia of the blood so we took her to the Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake. She was fed through the veins and was very sick. Her two sons, Weston and Roland and their wives came from the East where they were living and the family all gathered around her when she passed away after a three week illness on June 2, 1942. She was buried June 4, 1942 in the Farmington Cemetery. For several days before she died she knew she was going and gave us instruction, advice, and her blessing. She felt she was being called home and as always was willing and ready to do the Lord’s will.
