Ann Rigby

Ann Yates, Daughter of Richard and Betty Hulme Yates was born at Simister Lane, Middleton, England October 3, 1842. She was the fifth child in a family of nine. Opportunities for education were limited and at an early age Ann worked in the silk mills. In 1862 Ann became affiliated with the Latter-day Saints.

 In the early part of 1864 she left her homeland to join with other Saints in Utah upon her arrival settled in Fort Wellsville in Cache Valley. Here she became acquainted with her future husband William F. Rigby Sr they were married November 23, 1867 in the Endowment House by Wilford Woodruff. She was his fifth wife.  For three years Clarkston was her home then she moved to Newton. Ann and her children lived in Newton until October of 1883. Ann and three young children moved to Rexburg, Idaho.  She soon became acquainted with the settlers and took a leading part in the social and religious life of the community.  The summer of 1884 she spent in Beaver Canyon with her husband. While she was gone a frame addition was built to the log house in Rexburg.  On April 5, 1885 the first Relief Society of the Rexburg Ward was organized and Ann was sustained as president, remaining in that position for six years. 

 While her husband was serving in the British Mission, Ann assisted with the management of the farm as well as performing her many home and church duties. Ann maintained the upkeep of her home and the high standard of discipline of her children.  

 In April 1888, a disastrous fire destroyed the flour mill and the sheds covering the saw. 

 Early in 1890 Ann suffered a stroke which impaired her activities for some time.  In December 1898 she moved into a five room frame home with a shingled roof in Rexburg. 

 Ann passed away December 12, 1916. She was the mother of six children; Thomas, Edwin, Elizabeth, Lorenzo, Hyrum and Frances.

 She was buried in the Newton Utah Cemetery.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Mar 28 2016, 21:56:06 UTC