Emma Day Hunt History

My Life Story
by Emma Day Hunt 1961

My Father, John Day, left his home in Salt Lake City, Utah as a young man of sixteen or seventeen and came to Southern Utah seeking employment. It was at the Meadows that he met and married my Mother. He bought a small frame house and with some remodeling and building on it made a comfortable home for Mother and her family. It was in this home that I was born on August 1, 1889. I have wished many times for a picture of this home, but all I have is a vivid mind-picture. Clearly I remember a large wood box built on the outside wall of the kitchen and from the inside one could reach through a small opening near the cook-stove and get nicely cut pieces of wood.
In this home was a large fireplace with a stone hearth. It was my chore as a very small child to mix a dish of wood ashes and water into a water-paste and spread evenly over the hearth and when dry it would be a gleaming white.
I remember too, when my twin brothers, John and Henry were born. Of course love and affection was showered upon them by the family and all the neighbors around. They were so small and delicate that special care was given them. Mother would lie them cross-wise of a pillow and we could see them providing we did not touch. When I was about seven years old and the twins five. Father bought the Old Castle Ranch which was located in the mouth of the canyon above New Castle (Iron County, Utah). The New Castle reservoir now covers the spot of ground where the home stood. We moved and lived there for a year or two; I enjoyed my childhood days there. I raised some pet lambs, when grown and fat my Father would butcher them and take them to the meat markets in Pioche (Nevada). He also took garden grown vegetables and other produce to Pioche.
My eighth birthday came while we lived on this ranch, Aug 1 1897. Well, I remember Father hitching up his fine team to the wagon to take me to Pinto, Utah, where I was to be baptised. With me by his side in the high spring-seat we made the nine mile trip up the canyon to Pinto. We found the baptism services waiting for us. After leaving my Aunt Allie's home we went down a narrow lane to the creek, where I was baptized by Heber J. Harrison, Sr. He also confirmed me at the water's edge. I stayed all night with Aunt Allie.
She gave me the nicest birthday party I ever had. All the girls in town near my age were invited. At early evening we gathered on the grass under the big trees in the backyard, what fun, I even remember one of my little birthday gifts, a set of clear glass goblets was one I prized and kept for years.
We lived that winter on the ranch and Father hired Lula Harrison, a girl from Pinto, to live with us and help with the house work, as Mother's health was very poor. She also taught us two or three classes in school each day. We had a long table and chairs, slates, and a small black-board in a bedroom. This was our school room for four students, myself, John, Henry, and a boy by the name of Lorse O'Grain, whom Father had hired to live with us and do chores.
In the Spring, Father became interested in the early beginning of Enterprise, (Washington County, Utah) He had been over here and helped with some of the first wells dug. I think the very first one was for Ben Morris. After the townsite had been surveyed and lots were being sold, he bought two lots where the Snow Theater now stands, also where the old home is, (now Geneva's and Clair's) also Henry and Heneritta's lot. Across the street he bought another lot, where Day's Garage and Renza's and Jack's home now stands. Father moved one room of our home from the Meadows here and built on a kitchen. Now we were ready to move here among the tall sagebrush. I think we came in the Spring of 1898. Everyone worked hard and soon our lots were cleared, a well dug, corals and a large barn was soon built, a bedroom added to the home and then another small bedroom built for me. Father was appointed the first Postmaster and at first the postoffice was in the home. Now Father decided he wanted to be a merchant as well as Postmaster so it became necessary to make a trip to Salt Lake City to buy merchandise for the store. Father took me with him and what a glorious trip. We went with team and wagon to Lund (I believe it was), then by train to Salt Lake City -- and back to Lund. I was as happy as a child could be.
We went to school in a one-room building and Sunday School was being held in homes.
As a child (before my mother's passing) I became very ill, was delirious for days with fever. Mother was also ill and at that time Uncle Will Hall and his young son Ed was at our home. Father and Mother desired the Elders to lay hands upon us and bless us that we might recover. Ed was sent for Brother Elijah Adair and he with Brother Hall administered to mother and when they came over to my bed to bless me I said, "When you were blessing Mother I felt something go all through my body, I am better now." They laid their hands upon me and blessed me. Mother's health improved and I recovered rapidly. My hair came out in handfuls, but I put on the eight I had lost and was soon a robust girl. This story was told to me by my Father and others and only this summer Ed Hall reminded me of the incident and retold the story to me.
Our little town was growing now, lots were bought and homes were being built. Building material was hard to get but some rough lumber was hauled from Pine Valley. Then brick buildings were built and after sixty-five years they still stand and are in use except one or two small buildings which were torn down. The little brick building on the Church Square is dear to me. We, who were children of the town then, watched with anticipation and excitement each layer of brick, counted the floor joists and finally the roof went on. The flooring was laid and windows put in. Now our chapel, our amuzement hall and school house was finished enough for use and we were happy.
Playmates and friends were quite a few and we had our parties, sometimes inside and sometimes out. We always celebrated May 1st as May Day by braiding the May pole and having sports.
There came a May Day though, May 1, 1901, when my heart was broken by the sad news of my Mother's death. A group of girls and boys went for a May Day walk to gather wild flowers up on the volcano and Black Ridge. On returning home my Uncle Lyman Canfield was waiting to tell me the sad news. Mother had died that day in Cedar City where Father had taken her for medical care.
Now the days and nights seemed long and lonseome but I tried hard in my childish way to be a big sister to my twin brothers and a little house-keeper for Dad. Of course he hired a woman to help care for us, do the washing, ironing and patching. Especially do I remember dear Aunt Maria Pendelton who brought stacks of ironed clothes each week. Then when we had the red measels she came and cared for us, and then again when we three had the whooping cough.
I became a Sunday School and Primay teacher while yet young. I took parts in plays and loved to dance, however I was a good wall-flower. We were a happy group of young people and we made our own recreation. We very seldom left town as our only transportation was by team and buggy. Of course we had fun going for hayrack rides, always someone would suggest things to do for recreation.
Four or five years after Mother's death, Father, John Day, met Sarah Tait from Cedar City, a sister to Julia Barnum. Their courtship was short and on Jun 17 1904, they were married in Cedar City with Henry W Lunt officiating. Sarah took over the duties in the home as wife and mother and did a wonderful job.
I finished the 8th grade in school. No higher grade was taught here for many years. I went to Cedar City and took a class in dressmaking for a part of one winter. I always got so homesick when I left home I couldn't stay away for long.
I thought I was quite grown up now, had boy friends and life was happy and carefree. Along came an admirer from our little neighboring town Hebron. I fell in love with Elmer Hunt, then he went away to work and was gone for two years. During this time we had fun and merry parties as a group of young people could and then this special one came home. Our courtship soon kindled anew and on September 11, 1908, we were married in the St. George Temple by David H. Cannon. We made the trip with team and buggy. My sister Elsie, Elmer's brother Amos and sister Elva went with us. We attended Stake Conference and the County Fair while in St. George. (Our Honeymoon). On our return home a lovely reception awaited us. Father, step-mother Sarah and others had everything in readiness. Tables were set in the backyard under the trees and loaded with all the good things to eat and drink. Later in the evening a dance and program was held in our recreation hall. (the little red brick building) Many beautiful gifts were received.
Martha Barlocker (Arnold Barlocker's Mother) made my wedding dress. In my Father's store there was always a limited stock of cloth. I chose what I thought was the nicest piece of material. It was sheer and soft and made a pretty dress, trimmed with lace and insertion.
Our possession of worldly things were very limited. We lived in with Elmer's family the first winter. In early Spring 1909, we went to Modena, lived in a tent for several weeks. Elmer had a job sacking wool and when that job was completed we moved to the reservoir and lived in a tent while Elmer worked with his team and wagon on the construction of the big reservoir.
During this summer Frank Winsor and Johnny Jones built for us a one room frame building (which is still our living room). In Septmeber when we moved to town our humble little home was ready to move into and later we added the kitchen.
On November 21, 1909 our first baby was born and we named her Ollie Philena. We were happy and worked hard for the necessary things of life. Two years went swiftly by and on October 21, 1911 another baby girl came to bless our home, we named her Geneva.
In the Spring of 1912 we moved to our ranch up the canyon. We owned a nice meadow, milked a few cows and raised dryland grain. Water for culinary use was always a problem at the ranch. We would pack wash water from the creek below the house but drinking water was packed from a little spring across the fields. The number of times I made the trip with two buckets cannot be counted. We dug a well and there was plenty of water, but little rodents would get into it during the winter and in the spring it seemed almost impossible to get it bailed out clean enough so we dared use the water. Our only transportation to town and back was with team and buggy or wagon, sometimes on a hayrack. We always came to town on Sunday, not always in time for Sunday School but we always attended Sacrament Meeting.
In the Fall of 1912, Ollie became very ill. Doctors were hard to get and it was difficult to take ill ones to them, a day and a half traveling by team. My Stepmother Sarah, being skilled in care of the sick did everything possible but in spite of all home remedies we used, administration and prayers, Ollie's temperature soared high. At the end of three or four days her fever left but she was paralysed from her waist down. For a while our spirits were broken but this was not time to give up. We all had to work overtime to care for her and nurse her back to health the best we knew how. We took her to Cedar City to the doctors but they knew very little of this dreaded Infantile Paralysis. Today we see her as one who never gave up.
Early in August of 1913 we moved from the ranch as Elmer had a job on the threasher, and I had to sew and make ready for our baby who was due in September. On the 15th of September, 1913, our baby boy arrived and we were so happy and thrilled with him. Clair, our first boy-dark hair and red face.
Every two years we had a special blessing given us, a child was born to our humble, happy home. I was a busy Mother caring for my home and family, while their Father worked hard to provide a living.
On October the 24th, 1915, in the wee hours of the morning, we were made proud parents of a light haired baby boy, we named him Elwin.
It was a dark stormy night, March 12, 1918, when midwife Ella Davenport, of Parawan, brought to us a lovely baby boy with lots of coal-black hair. I nestled him close to make sure he was real and we give him the name of Ellis D.
On January 24, 1920, a fat, rolly-polly, light complexioned boy was sent to us. Father and Sarah wished to name him and they chose the name of William Terrell, a good choice we thought.
It was on the 4th of June, 1923, a beautiful warm day, when another boy was born. We named him Floyd D. By this time we had given up hope of having another girl, he being the fifth boy but he brought no disappointment, just love and a place in our hearts.
Two more years went swiftly by, when on August 16, 1925, a lovely blonde baby boy was placed in my arms. He brought his love and joy as only a baby can, we gave him the name of Ivin Elmer.
Three years later on Dec 14, 1928, Preston was born. He was a delicate baby needing a lot of care and attention for several months. We were living then in Father's home, he being alone and not well, as Sarah had passed away Jun 1 1926, leaving him very lonely. About this time we bought and moved a four room house and joined it on our two rooms. Of course it took a lot of remodeling to make us a comfortable home.
On April 9, 1930, my Father passed away. At the time of his death he was living with his son, Henry and Henrietta his wife. On April 11, 1930, he was laid to rest by the side of his second wife Sarah, in his family lot in our city cemetery.
Larilla, a baby girl was born March 23, 1933. She wasn't permitted to stay with us long, her little spirit was taken back to heaven May 2, 1933. We were grieved and very sorrowful, yet we know that sometimes we will have her in our family circle.
Now last, but not least, was a great event when a bouncing baby was born to us on April 20, 1934. Lorraine was the name we chose for him.
Two lovely girls grown to beautiful womanhood, eight handsome, stalwart men, each one married and playing a noble part in life, brings happiness and pride into their parents hearts which cannot be described in words on paper. Though the going may have been hard and disappoinging at times, the joy my family brings into my life is my reward.
Clair, being the oldest son and married young, was never eligible for military service. The other seven sons were called to serve their county.
Five of them answered the call and were in service at the same time. Elwin, Ellis, Floyd and Ivin sent overseas. William (Bill), Preston and Lorraine were stationed in our United States of America. My heart was very sad, with sleepless nights, and worried days, waiting for letters seemed an eternity. Months went by and years came and went. There were few happy days though when one came home on furlough, and there came a time when there was a silver lining to all the dark clouds when my seven sons returned home safe and unharmed.
It was in the year 1932 on October 20, that I was chosen President of our Ward Relief Society. Joseph Terry was then our Bishop. Sisters Lillie Farnsworth and Belle Staheli were chosen as Counselors. What a glorious opportunity that was to serve in this capacity, for I loved my work - my counselors and secretaries, including each and every member. After six years of service deer Belle passed away.
Belle was a wonderful friend with a heart of purest gold.
We labored and loved together sharing burdens and pleasures untold.
But God, too, loved this noble sister and needed her talents up there.
It was hard to sit and watch her go I felt He had been unfair.
But the memory of her lingers on and her life a beacon will be
To guide me on 'till I meet her in the great eternity.
In 1938 Sister Minetta Hunt was chosen as my counselor. She served faithfully and well, until we were released. A binding friendship and love is in my heart today for Lillie and Minetta. I was indeed fortunate in having lovely women for counselors and secretaries. I feel it was a rich experience in my life.
I served from Oct 1932 to Oct 1943, under two bishoprics; Arthur Barlocker was made bishop in 1937. It was about this time when the Church Welfare Plan was given to the Stakes and Wards and that meant more work and planning. At that time we belonged to the St. George Stake. All ward auxiliary officers were required to attend leadership meetings and conference sessions. My trips were always unpleasant because I would get so car sick, "very embarrassing", but my traveling companions were very kind. I had many and varied experiences, helping to nurse the sick, lay out and dress the dead for burial, mourning with those who mourned and rejoicing with those who rejoiced. I am thankful for the the rich experiences which were mine during the ten years I served in the Relief Society.
Early in 1954 Dr. Darby came to practice in our town. A small building was soon equiped and made ready for his general practice and obstetrics. It was known as the Family Clinic. Babies soon began to arrive and Dr. Darby asked me if I would like to help him and be night nurse for mother and baby. I was rather reluctant to accept this responsibility but I did and enjoyed my work very much. Dr. and Mrs. Darby are wonderful people. I cared for eighteen mothers and babies and then Dr. Darby moved away.
On Sep 11, 1958, we celebrated our Golden Wedding. A host of wonderful friends and neighbors joined with us to celebrate the occasion. A program and social in the evening was enjoyed by all, with our ten children and their families all there. We now have thirty-nine grandchildren, eighteen boys, and twenty-one girls. Four of the boys are married and we have five great-grandchildren.
Life has been good. We have struggled but rejoice in all of our blessings.

Grandma was a joy and a delight to be around. She took great care of herself after Grandpa died. She stayed in her little home as long as she could, but in the last few years of her life spent a good deal of time with her children.
She had a great talent of making others feel good about themselves and taught her grandchildren many things.
She became very ill while staying with Bill, in Beryl, and all of her family was called to come and tell her goodbye. After each had spent time with her, she turned to tell someone, we assume it was Grandpa, that she was ready. She was such a bright spot in our lives and has been greatly missed.

****Elmer passed away in St. George on 4 Jan 1965********
****Emma passed away in Beryl at Bill's home on 20 Jan 1975****
completing their life here on earth.