Biography of
JOHN A. HYMAS
JOHN A. HYMAS
Page 1
John Hymas was born Sept 1, 1839, at Rayleigh, Essex, England, and was the son of William and Mary Ann Atkins Hymas. He was the 3rd child in the family, there being 4 other boys and 3 girls. His father was a farmer and had charge of a large farm in England. John helped with the farm work when he was a small boy and had very little chance for an education, but, because of his desire to learn, he became a good reader and writer.
In the year of 1853, a missionary of the Latter Day Saint Church, was holding a meeting one evening at the Forks of the road, in England, and as he began to sing, a group of boys and girls nearby, went to listen to him. At the close of the song, the missionary told them he had traveled 6,000 miles, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and explained that he did not receive pay for preaching, but that he loved the people, and wished to tell them of the wonderful plan of salvation. John was very interested in what the missionary had to say and was pleased when another time of meeting was announced. At the close of the meeting, John rushed home, and returning hurriedly, all out of breath, handed the missionary a small amount of money, which comprised all of his savings. He felt that this would help with the expenses of the missionary.
John was 14 years of age at this time, and he was so impressed with what he had heard, that he anxiously told his mother all about it, and asked her to go to the next meeting with him. After some coaxing, on his part, she decided to go, and thus, attended her 1st L.D.S. meeting. After this, John attended many meetings and became very interested in the Gospel. He tried to get the members of his family interested, but his mother was the only one who seemed to listen to him. He finally was convinced of the truthfulness of the Gospel, and was baptized and confirmed a member of the church, on May 21, 1854. He was the first one of his family to become a member, but his mother was baptized soon after.
The 2 years following John’s baptism, he earned and saved all the money he could, because he was very anxious to come to America. It was in February 1856 that he bade his parents, brothers and sisters farewell and left his home, for Liverpool, where he could set sail for America. He was then a boy of 16 years of age. He sailed on the boat called “The Caravan,” which left Liverpool on February 18th. He was very lonely, as he knew no one on the boat, and the voyage took about 6 weeks. However, he became friendly with some people by the name of Brown, and they were willing to do what they could to help him. It was the morning of March 27, 1856, when they landed in New York. During the first afternoon, while on the streets, the children gathered around him and made fun of his talk and clothing, so he told Mr. And Mrs. Brown, that evening, he was sure he would not like the Yankee people. The next morning he and Mr. Brown went to Long Island in search of work. John secured a job at a market, for five dollars a month, but Mr. Brown was unable to find work, so he asked John to borrow 3 months pay, in advance, and loan it to him, and at the end of this time, Mr. Brown was to mail it back to him, and John was then to go and live with the Browns. John worked hard for 3 months, to pay off the loan, and at the end of the time, no word came from Mr. Brown, and he never did hear from him again. Having quit his job, expecting to go with Mr. Brown, he was very disappointed and worried, as he had no money and no job. Soon, however, John met an Englishman, who belonged to the church, and told him his story. The old Englishman took John to his home, They were very poor, but were willing to share all they had with this young man. Being a shoemaker, there was very little work to be had, so he decided to take John and go to Newburry, about 200 miles from New York. The man’s wife had to stay in New York, as they did not have enough money for all 3 to make the trip. They took passage on a boat, up the Hudson River, and soon after sailing, the old Englishman had an idea how to earn some money. He was rather bold and John was rather bashful, but they made a very good combination, and soon became the boat’s musicians. The man had a fiddle and a concertina, and while he played the fiddle, John would play the concertina. After they played for some time, the hat was passed, and they were able to earn their support and a little money besides.
At Newburry, they secured work on a farm, for a man named Gillis, and here they cut hay with a scythe, but this was rather hard for the shoemaker, so he soon quit and started to apply his trade, making shoes. John, however, went right on working, as he needed the money. This work was very hard, as he had to work by the side of the farmer, and sometimes got so tired, he could hardly keep going. And then, to make things worse, Mr. Gillis found out that John was a Mormon, and he said that “he would rub Mormonism out of him with a piece of fat bacon,” but this only made John stronger in the faith, and when he left the farm, he was still a good Mormon boy.
Page 2
After leaving Newburry, they went to Iowa, where they worked for the railroad, John hauling cars of dirt and the shoemaker hauling water. One day, while at work, John received a letter from his brother William, telling him to meet him at the Post Office, Sunday morning, at 9 o’clock. This made John very happy, for he had been very homesick. It was surely a happy meeting for the 2 brothers, and John was glad to hear of his home and the people he loved.
For 2 years, John and William worked together and received oxen and a wagon for part of their pay, then they left Iowa City and began their journey westward. Before starting the trip, they pau all their money in one purse, ans William carried it, but when they needed money and he reached for the purse, it was gone. They were sure no one had stolen it, and remembered there was a place that it could have been lost, but it was too far to return, and look for it, so they continued on their way.
Council Bluffs, Iowa, was their next destination, and here they both secured work, but soon William was sent back to Iowa City, on business, and while making the trip, he decided to go in search of his lost money. To his surprise and delight, he found it, so upon his return to Council Bluffs, he and John traveled to Omaha, where they became friendly with a family by the name of Lewis, and it was here that John met a charming girl, Mary Ann Pitman, daughter of Mrs. Lewis. They met at Sunday School, and became very friendly, and it was not long before this friendship ripened into love.
John was very anxious to get to Salt Lake, so he planned on driving and ox team to Utah, and traveled with the Creighton Telegraph Train, in October, 1861. Mary Ann soon made arrangements with a family who was making the trip. John met her in Salt Lake City, and they were married in the Endowment House, November 10, 1861. They made a home for themselves in Salt Lake, and spent 3 happy years there. During these years, John was a body guard for Brigham Young. In the fall of 1862, just a year after their marriage, the Hymas family came from England, to join them. All of them came, with the exception of the oldest brother, George, who never did join the church. About the same time, the Lewis family came to Salt Lake, so it was a happy reunion for John, Mary and the 2 families.
In the year of 1864, John and his wife left Utah, and went to Bear Lake Valley, Idaho, to make their home. It was in the spring of the year and they went by way of Soda Springs, locating by a stream, called North Creek. Here, they soon became busy building a home and plowing the ground, in which wheat was planted. Disappointment greeted them in the fall, as the frost came so early, the wheat did not mature. This made the first winter, spent in Bear Lake Valley, a very hard one, for food was scarce. Wood, however, was very plentiful and easily gotten, so this helped the few settlers a great deal. John, and brother William, were the first settlers in Liberty, Idaho, and they had a great many trying experiences. It was during the first winter, on February 22, 1865, that John and Mary’s first child, a son, was born. Grandmother Lewis, mother of Mary Ann, stayed with them at the time. As the years went by, 5 more sons and 4 daughters came to their home. They were: John William, Mary Ann Adelia, Joseph M., Benjamin P., Hyrum, Clara D., Caddie C., Arthur J., Alice E., and David M.
Two weeks after the 10th child was born, sadness came to their home. The mother, Mary Ann, passed away, on January 22, 1878, leaving John with the responsibility of 10 children. In his deep sorrow, he penned these verses:
TO THE MEMORY OF MY DEAR DEPARTED WIFE
Died January 22, 1878
Farewell! It is a word of sorrow
To the strong and to the brave,
When we’re called upon to follow
Our beloved ones to the grave.
Oh, how sad to me, the parting
Very few on earth can tell,
While I write, the tears are starting,
While I say the word “Farewell.”
Farewell for a little season,
Dearest treasure of my heart,
How I mourn, ‘tis for that reason
That we’re called upon to part.
John A. Hymas
(continued page 3)
Oh how sadly I have missed you,
And how dreary seems my life,
Yet, I hope some day to meet you
Yes, my faithful, loving wife.
Thou was always truth defending,
And the race thou bravely run,
Always to God’s will was bending,
Thou nobly fought, the battle won.
Though I’m left to mourn, in sorrow,
And my heart is full of pain,
Though I live today, tomorrow,
May unite us once again.
Oh Lord, preserve my little flock,
Who’re left without a Mother’s care,
May Thy good spirit be their pro
This is Thy servant’s humble prayer.
Signed: John Hymas
Even in his sorrow, John carried on, and with the exception of the little 2 weeks old baby, who was taken to live with the Grandmother, all of the children remained at home, and were cared for by the older girls, the oldest one, not yet 12 years of age. Friends asked to take some of the children, but John wanted to keep them together, if possible, and he solved the solution in this way. He knew a good woman, Mary Ann Watkins, who was willing to share the responsibility with him, so they were united in marriage, on October 24 1878. To this union, were born 10 children, 6 girls and 4 boys, thus making 20 children in all. These children were as follows: Thomas N., Martha Jane, Birtha, Rebecca Rose, Charles E., Emily E., Wilford W., Lottie, Melvin M., and Mabel. Two of these girls passed away while very young.
After settling in Bear Lake Valley, John lived to see many changes take place. He was a leader in his community and had many sincere friends and neighbors, whom he enjoyed greatly. He was willing, at all times, to serve his church and community, and taught his children to do likewise. He was choir leader for many years, and contributed greatly, along musical lines, composing many songs, both the words and music. He also aided others who were interested in music.
In the early days, in Bear Lake, on form of amusement was home production plays, wherein the people were their own producers and actors. Here John was in the height of his glory, when he was busy making copies of plays, making scenery, and helping in many ways to make the theatre a success.
He owned and operated a fine farm, and it was at all times his desire to have everything in order.
He passed away November 8, 1917, at the age of 78, leaving a total of 176 descendents. He was greatly loved by all who knew him, and for many years, before his death, all his family gathered at the old home, on his birthday, September 1st, to honor him. And since his death, this has still been done. Many of his children have passed away, but the next generation is still carrying on the tradition of the annual reunion, and of thus honoring their early pioneer ancestor, who braved all, to have his posterity brought up in the Mormon Church, and live in the valley’s of the mountains.
_______________________________________________________
Written by Edith Parker Haddock, with some additions made by Adelia Parker Knudson, grand-daughters
Of John A. Hymas
John Hymas was born Sept 1, 1839, at Rayleigh, Essex, England, and was the son of William and Mary Ann Atkins Hymas. He was the 3rd child in the family, there being 4 other boys and 3 girls. His father was a farmer and had charge of a large farm in England. John helped with the farm work when he was a small boy and had very little chance for an education, but, because of his desire to learn, he became a good reader and writer.
In the year of 1853, a missionary of the Latter Day Saint Church, was holding a meeting one evening at the Forks of the road, in England, and as he began to sing, a group of boys and girls nearby, went to listen to him. At the close of the song, the missionary told them he had traveled 6,000 miles, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and explained that he did not receive pay for preaching, but that he loved the people, and wished to tell them of the wonderful plan of salvation. John was very interested in what the missionary had to say and was pleased when another time of meeting was announced. At the close of the meeting, John rushed home, and returning hurriedly, all out of breath, handed the missionary a small amount of money, which comprised all of his savings. He felt that this would help with the expenses of the missionary.
John was 14 years of age at this time, and he was so impressed with what he had heard, that he anxiously told his mother all about it, and asked her to go to the next meeting with him. After some coaxing, on his part, she decided to go, and thus, attended her 1st L.D.S. meeting. After this, John attended many meetings and became very interested in the Gospel. He tried to get the members of his family interested, but his mother was the only one who seemed to listen to him. He finally was convinced of the truthfulness of the Gospel, and was baptized and confirmed a member of the church, on May 21, 1854. He was the first one of his family to become a member, but his mother was baptized soon after.
The 2 years following John’s baptism, he earned and saved all the money he could, because he was very anxious to come to America. It was in February 1856 that he bade his parents, brothers and sisters farewell and left his home, for Liverpool, where he could set sail for America. He was then a boy of 16 years of age. He sailed on the boat called “The Caravan,” which left Liverpool on February 18th. He was very lonely, as he knew no one on the boat, and the voyage took about 6 weeks. However, he became friendly with some people by the name of Brown, and they were willing to do what they could to help him. It was the morning of March 27, 1856, when they landed in New York. During the first afternoon, while on the streets, the children gathered around him and made fun of his talk and clothing, so he told Mr. And Mrs. Brown, that evening, he was sure he would not like the Yankee people. The next morning he and Mr. Brown went to Long Island in search of work. John secured a job at a market, for five dollars a month, but Mr. Brown was unable to find work, so he asked John to borrow 3 months pay, in advance, and loan it to him, and at the end of this time, Mr. Brown was to mail it back to him, and John was then to go and live with the Browns. John worked hard for 3 months, to pay off the loan, and at the end of the time, no word came from Mr. Brown, and he never did hear from him again. Having quit his job, expecting to go with Mr. Brown, he was very disappointed and worried, as he had no money and no job. Soon, however, John met an Englishman, who belonged to the church, and told him his story. The old Englishman took John to his home, They were very poor, but were willing to share all they had with this young man. Being a shoemaker, there was very little work to be had, so he decided to take John and go to Newburry, about 200 miles from New York. The man’s wife had to stay in New York, as they did not have enough money for all 3 to make the trip. They took passage on a boat, up the Hudson River, and soon after sailing, the old Englishman had an idea how to earn some money. He was rather bold and John was rather bashful, but they made a very good combination, and soon became the boat’s musicians. The man had a fiddle and a concertina, and while he played the fiddle, John would play the concertina. After they played for some time, the hat was passed, and they were able to earn their support and a little money besides.
At Newburry, they secured work on a farm, for a man named Gillis, and here they cut hay with a scythe, but this was rather hard for the shoemaker, so he soon quit and started to apply his trade, making shoes. John, however, went right on working, as he needed the money. This work was very hard, as he had to work by the side of the farmer, and sometimes got so tired, he could hardly keep going. And then, to make things worse, Mr. Gillis found out that John was a Mormon, and he said that “he would rub Mormonism out of him with a piece of fat bacon,” but this only made John stronger in the faith, and when he left the farm, he was still a good Mormon boy.
Page 2
After leaving Newburry, they went to Iowa, where they worked for the railroad, John hauling cars of dirt and the shoemaker hauling water. One day, while at work, John received a letter from his brother William, telling him to meet him at the Post Office, Sunday morning, at 9 o’clock. This made John very happy, for he had been very homesick. It was surely a happy meeting for the 2 brothers, and John was glad to hear of his home and the people he loved.
For 2 years, John and William worked together and received oxen and a wagon for part of their pay, then they left Iowa City and began their journey westward. Before starting the trip, they pau all their money in one purse, ans William carried it, but when they needed money and he reached for the purse, it was gone. They were sure no one had stolen it, and remembered there was a place that it could have been lost, but it was too far to return, and look for it, so they continued on their way.
Council Bluffs, Iowa, was their next destination, and here they both secured work, but soon William was sent back to Iowa City, on business, and while making the trip, he decided to go in search of his lost money. To his surprise and delight, he found it, so upon his return to Council Bluffs, he and John traveled to Omaha, where they became friendly with a family by the name of Lewis, and it was here that John met a charming girl, Mary Ann Pitman, daughter of Mrs. Lewis. They met at Sunday School, and became very friendly, and it was not long before this friendship ripened into love.
John was very anxious to get to Salt Lake, so he planned on driving and ox team to Utah, and traveled with the Creighton Telegraph Train, in October, 1861. Mary Ann soon made arrangements with a family who was making the trip. John met her in Salt Lake City, and they were married in the Endowment House, November 10, 1861. They made a home for themselves in Salt Lake, and spent 3 happy years there. During these years, John was a body guard for Brigham Young. In the fall of 1862, just a year after their marriage, the Hymas family came from England, to join them. All of them came, with the exception of the oldest brother, George, who never did join the church. About the same time, the Lewis family came to Salt Lake, so it was a happy reunion for John, Mary and the 2 families.
In the year of 1864, John and his wife left Utah, and went to Bear Lake Valley, Idaho, to make their home. It was in the spring of the year and they went by way of Soda Springs, locating by a stream, called North Creek. Here, they soon became busy building a home and plowing the ground, in which wheat was planted. Disappointment greeted them in the fall, as the frost came so early, the wheat did not mature. This made the first winter, spent in Bear Lake Valley, a very hard one, for food was scarce. Wood, however, was very plentiful and easily gotten, so this helped the few settlers a great deal. John, and brother William, were the first settlers in Liberty, Idaho, and they had a great many trying experiences. It was during the first winter, on February 22, 1865, that John and Mary’s first child, a son, was born. Grandmother Lewis, mother of Mary Ann, stayed with them at the time. As the years went by, 5 more sons and 4 daughters came to their home. They were: John William, Mary Ann Adelia, Joseph M., Benjamin P., Hyrum, Clara D., Caddie C., Arthur J., Alice E., and David M.
Two weeks after the 10th child was born, sadness came to their home. The mother, Mary Ann, passed away, on January 22, 1878, leaving John with the responsibility of 10 children. In his deep sorrow, he penned these verses:
TO THE MEMORY OF MY DEAR DEPARTED WIFE
Died January 22, 1878
Farewell! It is a word of sorrow
To the strong and to the brave,
When we’re called upon to follow
Our beloved ones to the grave.
Oh, how sad to me, the parting
Very few on earth can tell,
While I write, the tears are starting,
While I say the word “Farewell.”
Farewell for a little season,
Dearest treasure of my heart,
How I mourn, ‘tis for that reason
That we’re called upon to part.
John A. Hymas
(continued page 3)
Oh how sadly I have missed you,
And how dreary seems my life,
Yet, I hope some day to meet you
Yes, my faithful, loving wife.
Thou was always truth defending,
And the race thou bravely run,
Always to God’s will was bending,
Thou nobly fought, the battle won.
Though I’m left to mourn, in sorrow,
And my heart is full of pain,
Though I live today, tomorrow,
May unite us once again.
Oh Lord, preserve my little flock,
Who’re left without a Mother’s care,
May Thy good spirit be their pro
This is Thy servant’s humble prayer.
Signed: John Hymas
Even in his sorrow, John carried on, and with the exception of the little 2 weeks old baby, who was taken to live with the Grandmother, all of the children remained at home, and were cared for by the older girls, the oldest one, not yet 12 years of age. Friends asked to take some of the children, but John wanted to keep them together, if possible, and he solved the solution in this way. He knew a good woman, Mary Ann Watkins, who was willing to share the responsibility with him, so they were united in marriage, on October 24 1878. To this union, were born 10 children, 6 girls and 4 boys, thus making 20 children in all. These children were as follows: Thomas N., Martha Jane, Birtha, Rebecca Rose, Charles E., Emily E., Wilford W., Lottie, Melvin M., and Mabel. Two of these girls passed away while very young.
After settling in Bear Lake Valley, John lived to see many changes take place. He was a leader in his community and had many sincere friends and neighbors, whom he enjoyed greatly. He was willing, at all times, to serve his church and community, and taught his children to do likewise. He was choir leader for many years, and contributed greatly, along musical lines, composing many songs, both the words and music. He also aided others who were interested in music.
In the early days, in Bear Lake, on form of amusement was home production plays, wherein the people were their own producers and actors. Here John was in the height of his glory, when he was busy making copies of plays, making scenery, and helping in many ways to make the theatre a success.
He owned and operated a fine farm, and it was at all times his desire to have everything in order.
He passed away November 8, 1917, at the age of 78, leaving a total of 176 descendents. He was greatly loved by all who knew him, and for many years, before his death, all his family gathered at the old home, on his birthday, September 1st, to honor him. And since his death, this has still been done. Many of his children have passed away, but the next generation is still carrying on the tradition of the annual reunion, and of thus honoring their early pioneer ancestor, who braved all, to have his posterity brought up in the Mormon Church, and live in the valley’s of the mountains.
_______________________________________________________
Written by Edith Parker Haddock, with some additions made by Adelia Parker Knudson, grand-daughters
Of John A. Hymas
