Martha Allen

A Brief Sketch of the Life of Martha Allen May

Author: unknown

Date: unknown

Martha Allen May is the daughter of Jude Allen and Mary Ann Nicholes. She was born September 26th 1839 at Farmer, Laurin County, Ohio. She moved to Nauvoo with her parents, where they resided for about two years. During this time she remembers seeing the Prophet and his brother Hyrum Smith in their caskets all ready for burrial. She saw the tub containing the blood stained clothing which they were wearing at the time that they were assassinated, or shot to death. Thjis was vividly impressed upon her mind.

For eight years her parents were moving about from one place to another. Finally in the year of 1852, they came to Utah in the company of Benjamin Gardner, her father being captain of ten. Roving bands of Indians, prowling coyotes, wolves and large herds of buffalo were often met during the trek. She remembers distinctly walking wand driving a small band of hseep, gathering wild berries to eat and wood to burn for their campfires.

Arriving in Salt Lake City in September, they went to the church farm, where they worked for a man by the name of John Dalton.

They then moved to Bountiful, where they bought a home. Due to ill health and lack of funds with which to pay for schooling, she never had the privilege of attending school, never learning to read or write. Being blessed with a wonderful memory though, she obtained an education far above the average. Her English was almost perfect and as for arithmetic, she could do sums mentally very readily and accurately. She always encouraged her children to study and get an education, realizing the big disadvantage of not having an education.

When the Kimball Mill (named after Heber C.) was finished (year?) a big celebration was given. There was dancing, singing, feasting being enjoyed. During the fun, three girls, Mary Allen, Martha Allen, and Hannah Jones, chumming together as all girls will, were standing beneath the stair steps laughing at the awkwardness of three young men. English emigrants, trying to dance. Little dreaming that they would be their future husbands. they proved to be in the persons of John Dewey, James May, and Thomas Harper.

First Mary and John were wed, then Thomas and Hanna, and finally James and Martha. They were wed 234th of Augus6 1856. Strange as it may seem, these three families were very closely associated the remainder of their days as friends and neighbors.

The May's moved to Calls Fort, Utah on their present location in 1861. their humble beginning being a dug-out. From this, into a two room log house and then into the rock house where she has been surrounded wiht many conveniences. When the call came to move south, they with their relatives went with the rest of the Saints. [Was this move south because of the Utah War?]

From this union, 14 children were born. Eight sons and 6 daughters. through thrift, economy and hard work, they reared them to man and womanhood, all except one son who died at the age of two weeks.

Being a natural and willing nurse, she went at all times, night and day, to the assistance of the sick, suffering and dying. three grandchildren she also reared, besides her own. Her home has always been a refuge to the homeless, the tramp, and the needy. Into the mission field she has sent five sons and numerous grandsons.

She has been a staunch and faithful church member, never allowing anything disrespectful to be said of the authorities of the church. When her husband took a plural wife (and because of the troouble that arose from this practice), and moved to Canada with his second family, she was left alone with her large family of small children, which was discouraging. She would never allow her children to say one word of disrespect of their father and because of this great thing, every one of her children are firm believers in the Faith.

She worked in the Relief Society and was also president of the Young Women's Mutual Association.

She was inoffensive and patient in her kindly way and aided many young people with her council and advise. She befriended the Indians and was always a good friend and neighbor to everyone and was beloved by all who knew her. She has a great posterity. May we always follow the faithful example she has set for us.

It is interesting to note that her husband who left her to go to Canada, returned to her in his later yers and died in the home with his first wife and family. He and his second wife Rhoda, also had a large family in Canada. they had eleven children and remained in Canada.