CLARK, Marian Maria Wallace b. 22 Nov 1823 Colebrook, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States d. 24 Nov 1886 Toguerville, Washington, Utah, United States

1823 - 1886 (63 years)

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Name	CLARK, Marian Maria Wallace
Birth	22 Nov 1823	Colebrook, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States
Gender	Female
WAC	7 Jul 1852	EHOUS
_TAG	Reviewed on FS
Burial	Nov 1886	Toguerville, Washington, Utah, United States
Death	24 Nov 1886	Toguerville, Washington, Utah, United States
Headstones	Submit Headstone Photo
Person ID	I20896	Joseph Smith Sr and Lucy Mack Smith
Last Modified	19 Aug 2021

Family ID F11299 Group Sheet | Family Chart

Family	DODGE, Augustas Erastus , b. 6 Dec 1822, Six Point, Jefferson, New York, United States Six Point, Jefferson, New York, United Statesd. 12 Jun 1900, Toquerville, Washington, Utah, United States (Age 77 years)
Marriage	5 Sep 1850	Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Family ID	F10586	Group Sheet \| Family Chart
Last Modified	24 Jan 2022

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Notes

SAMUEL GILMAN CLARK August 12, 1800 - January 25, 1851 #B26
(Samuel Gilman Clark was a pioneer, an explorer, a husband and a wonderful father,
however I have almost no information whatsoever on Samuel Gilman Clark. I will attempt to piece some information that I do have together and hopefully make some semblance of sense of his life for this wonderful ancestor of ours. I will try and research the life of Samuel Clark and construct his life history in the future.)
Samuel Gilman Clark was born in the capital city of New Hampshire, Concord. He was born on August 12, 1800, the turn of the century. His parents are Samuel F. Clark and Abigail Presby.
Samuel grew up in the New England area with his family, it was here that he met his wife to be Roxana Frizzell. They moved around some and had four children. Marion Wallace was their first child born to them on November 22, 1823. Marion was born in Essex Co. Vermont. Mary Bailey was Samuel's and Roxana's second child. She was born on the 13th of January 1827 in New Hampshire. Samuel Gilman Clark Jr. was their first boy born to them while they were living in Quebec Canada. He was born on the 22nd of October 1833. William Henry was their last child born to them on the 10th of January 1839 in Madison Illinois.
Samuel was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1834, I assume that Roxana was baptized at the same time. In the history of Marion Wallace Clark Dodge we gain a few insights about her father and mother.
"Marion Wallace Clark was born 22 November 1823, in Essex Co. Vermont. Her mother died while she was a young girl; and she being the eldest had to be mother to he other three children -- one sister and two brothers. Her Father, Samuel Gilman Clark, had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints along with the other members of the family, and he was desirous of moving to Illinois with the majority of the church membership.

Life in Illinois proved to be a nightmare for these Saints. The mobs were very uncivil in their treatment of these Mormons and they had to be continually on the alert to avoid injury or harm from these misguided souls acting under the guidance of Satan. At Mount Pisgah they found temporary peace.
(The following was copied from the Deseret News 26 June 1965) It was the 26 June 1846 when some of the boys out hoeing com in the field south of camp saw four riders approach wearing the blue tunics of the U.S. Cavalry, they ran panic-stricken toward the cluster of tents and wagons.
"Soldiers! Soldiers!" they shouted as though the whole U.S. Army were pursuing them. Startled men and women looked up from their tasks. "Yep, they're government troops, all right," someone remarked. The cry spread through the camp, "The United States troops are upon us!"
The Mormons had good reason to be jittery. They had been driven from two states largely through the action of military men. Then there had come a rumor that the federal government would prevent them from moving west.
But with only four soldiers on the invasion, calmer heads quickly realized that there was no immediate danger. The dragoons reined up at the edge of the camp. Elder Woodruff of the Council of the Twelve stepped forward. The officer introduced himself: Capt James Allen of the second dragoons. He would like to have a conference with the leaders of the camp. Capt Allen was a sunburned veteran of 40. An Ohioan by birth, he had graduated from West Point in 1829 along with Robert E. Lee. During the 17 intervening years, he had served on the frontier. It had been a rather humdrum life to a man trained for battle -- supervising the Indian reservations and going on an occasional exploring expedition. Now his chance had come to see some real action. He had been commissioned to raise 500 Mormon volunteers and lead them south to assist Gen. Stephen W. Kearney. Their task would be to secure the area from Santa Fe to the West Coast against the Mexicans with whom the United States was at war.
Capt Allen explained his mission to the assembled high council of Mt. Pisgah. They listened politely, but decided that they could take no action in the matter. The captain must go on to Council Bluffs where Brigham Young and the rest of the Twelve were staying. The high council gave Capt. allen a letter of introduction to Pres. Brigham Young and wished him well on his journey. Elder Woodruff took one of the best riders of the camp aside and told him to head for Council Bluffs at high speed to give Brother Brigham advance word of the soldiers' approach.
Before leaving Mt. Pisgah, Capt. Allen issued a circular outlining the proposal he had been authorized to make to the Mormons. Four or five companies were to be recruited for a 12- month period. They were to be marched to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., to be outfitted. From there they would march to Santa Fe to join the Army of the West then cross the desert to California. This, the Captain pointed out, would give the "young and intelligent men" an opportunity to travel to their destination in the West at government ex:pense. An experienced recruiting officer couldn't have said it better. He invited all healthy, able bodied men from 18 to 45 to meet him at Council Bluffs and enlist. At Council Bluffs, the captain found the Church leaders very much interested in his proposal. Pres Young invited him to explain it at a mass meeting. Following the captain's talk, Pres. Young urged that the brethren volunteer. Their families would be cared for, he assured them.
"After we get through talking, we will callout the companies, and if there are not young

men enough, we will take old men, and if they are not enough, we will take women", the President joshed. the men and boys stepped forward in sufficient numbers. The only task left for the women was to arrange a grand ball in the branch covered bowery in honor of the departing heroes. They danced with the gay enthusiasm of people who didn't know when they would dance again. On July 20, amid hurrahs, tears and prayers, the battalion marched off toward Fort Leavenworth." (Unquote)
(Another quote from "Utah - The story of her people by Milton R. Hunter. Page 65) "A more merry dancing group has seldom been seen, though the company went without refreshment
and their ball room was of the most primitive kind. (Under a bowery where the ground had been trodden firm and hard by frequent use.) They danced to the music of violins, horns, the jingle of sleigh bells, and the jovial snoring of the tambourine. How they did dance on this eventful evening -- Virginia Reels, French fours, Copenhagen jigs, two step and the like were executed with the spirit of people too happy to be slow, or bashful, or constrained. Light hearted, lithe figures, and light feet, had it their own way from an early hour till after the sun had dipped behind the sharp sky line of the Omaha hills.
Silence was then called and a well-cultivated messo-soprano voice sang "By the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept, We wept when we remembered Zion."
There was danger of some expression of feeling when the song was over but an elder with his hard voice asked the blessing of heaven on all who with purity of heart and brotherhood of spirit had mingled in that society and then all dispersed."
At this party Marion met Augustus (Gus) Erastus Dodge and danced with him several times.
His wit and sense of humor, added with the strikingly handsome features, made a lasting impression on 23 year old Marion.
Sending forth the Mormon Battalion was a tremendous test of faith and courage on the part of those loved ones left behind to forge for themselves and even yet - to make the difficult journey to Zion alone.
Marion carefully packed her Fathers gear, because in spite of his 46 years had volunteered to march with the Battalion. Their instructions were for each soldier to take -- "blanket and great coat, shirt, pantaloons, socks and shoes on his back -- take that which you use everyday if you choose. You had better take woolen clothing which will last; blankets can be procured and they are necessary. "
Samuel Gilman Clark was assigned to Company E as a private with Daniel C. Davis as his captain. (Augustus E. Dodge was assigned as a private in Company C. with James Brown as Captain.
On July 20, 1846, the Mormon volunteers left Winter Quarters for Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where they would join with soldiers from other sections of the country for their eventful westward march. Tearfully, Marion clung to her father, promising to join the other saints and bring their family and meet him in Zion. (Hagelberg)

Roxana died in October of 1844, leaving Samuel to care and provide for his four children.
When he left with the Mormon Battalion, Marion was charged with the care of her two younger brothers to come across the plains to Salt Lake. Samuel's daughter Mary Bailey married John Howell and stayed in the East.
Church records indicate that Samuel Gilman Clark took out his endowment in the Nauvoo Temple on the 7th of February 1846. He was also sealed to Roxana by proxy on November the 5th 1880.
Samuel finished the difficult trek with the Mormon Battalion and will always be numbered among their members. He faithfully served the God he loved so much to the end of his days. Samuel didn't live long after his return from his march with the Battalion. He was 46 years old when he left on the march west and lived until he was 51.
Samuel Gilman Clark died on the 25 of January 1851 in Salt Lake and was buried there.
Samuel died a young man but during that time achieved many things that many old men can only wish to.

MARION WALLACE CLARK DODGE
Born November 22, 1823 - Died November 24, 1886
by
Elaine Olds Hagelberg

Marion" Wallace Clark was born 22 November 1823, in Essex Co. Vermont. Her mother died while she was a young girl; and she being the eldest had to be mother to the other three children -- one sister and two brothers. Her father, Samuel Gilman Clark, had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints along with the other members of the family, and he was desirous of moving to Illinois with the majority of the church membership. Marion was baptized into the Church by Elder Orson Pratt in the year 1835. She was born in West Colebrook.
Life in Illinois proved to be a nightmare for these Saints. The mobs were very uncivil in their treatment of these Mormons and they had to be continually on the alert to avoid injury or harm from these misguided souls acting under the guidance of Satan. At Mount Pisgah they found temporary peace.
"It was the 26th of June 1846 when some of the boys were hoeing corn in the field south of camp when they saw four riders approach, wearing the blue tunics of the U.S. Cavalry, they ran panic stricken toward the cluster of tents and wagons.
'Soldiers! Soldiers!' they shouted as though the whole U.S. Army were pursuing them.
Startled men and women looked up from their tasks. 'Yep, they're government troops, all right,' someone remarked. The cry spread

through the camp, 'The United States troops are upon us!'
The Mormons had good reason to be jittery. They had been driven from two states largely through the action of militia-men. Then there had come a rumor that the federal government would prevent them from moving west.
But with only four soldiers on the invasion, calmer heads quickly realized that there was no immediate danger. The dragoons reined up at the edge of the camp. The officer, a captain, asked to see the man in charge. Elder Wilford Woodruff of the Council of the Twelve stepped forward. The officer introduced himself: Capt. James Allen of the second dragoons. He would like to have a conference with the leaders of the camp. Capt. Allen was a sunburned veteran of 40. An Ohioan by birth, he had graduated from West Point in 1829 along with Robert E. Lee. During the 17 intervening years, he had served on the frontier. It had been a rather humdrum life to a man trained for battle -- Supervising the Indian reservations and going on an occasional exploring expedition. Now his chance had come to see some real action. He had been commissioned to raise 500 Mormon volunteers and lead them South to assist Gen. Stephen W. Kearney. Their task would be to secure the area from Santa Fe to the West coast against the Mexicans with whom the United States was at war.
Capt. Allen explained his mission to the assembled high council of Mt. Pisgah. They listened politely, but decided that they could take

no action in the matter. The captain must go on to Council Bluffs where Brigham Young and the rest of the Twelve were staying. The High Council gave Capt. Allen a letter of introduction to Pres. Brigham Young and wished him well on his journey. Elder Woodruff took one of the best riders of the camp aside and told him to head for council Bluffs at high speed to give Brother Brigham advance wordof the soldiers' approach.
Before leaving Mt. Pisgah, Capt. Allen issued a circular outlining the proposal he had been authorized to make to the Mormons. Four or Five companies were to be recruited for a 12¬month period. They were to be marched to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., to be outfitted. From there they would march to Santa Fe to join the Army of the West then cross the desert to California. This, the Captain pointed out, would give the "young and intelligent men" an opportunity to travel to their destination in the West at government expense. An experienced recruiting officer couldn't have said it better. He invited all healthy, able bodied men from 18 to 45 to meet him at Council Bluffs and enlist. At Council Bluffs, the Captain found the Church Leaders very much interested in his proposal. Pres. Young invited him to explain it at a mass meeting. Following the Captains talk, Pres. Young urged that the brethren volunteer. The families would be cared for, he assured them.
'After we get through talking, we will call out the companies, and if there are not young men enough, we will take old men, and if they are not enough, we will take women', the President joshed. The men and boys stepped forward in sufficient numbers. The only task left for the women was to arrange a grand ball in the branch covered bowery in honor of the departing heroes. They danced with the gay enthusiasm of people who didn't know when they would dance again. On July 20, amid hurrahs, tears and prayers, the battalion marched off toward Fort Leavenworth." (Deseret News, June 26, 1965)
"A more merry dancing group has seldom been see, though the company went without refreshment and their ball room was of the most primitive kind. (Under a bowery where the ground had been trodden firm and hard by frequent use.) They danced to the music of violins, horns, the jingle of sleigh bells, and the jovial snoring of the tambourine. How they did dance on this eventful

evening Virginia Reels, French fours, Copenhagen jigs, two step and the like were executed with the spirit of people too happy to be slow, or bashful, or constrained. Light hearted, lithe figures, and light feet, had it their own way from an early hour till after the sun had dipped behind the sharp skyline of the Omaha hills.
Silence was then called and a well ¬cultivated mezzo - soprano voice sang 'By the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept, We wept when we remembered Zion.'
There was danger of some expression of feeling when the song was over but an elder with his hard voice asked the blessing of heaven on all who with purity of heart and brotherhood of spirit had mingled in that society and then all dispersed." (Utah - The Story of her People, Milton R. Hunter.)
At this party Marion met Augustus (Gus) Erastus Dodge and danced with him several times. His wit and sense of humor, added with the striking handsome features, made a lasting impression on 23 year old Marion.
Sending forth the Mormon Battalion was a tremendous test of faith and courage on the part of those loved ones left behind to forge for themselves and even yet - to make the difficult journey to Zion alone.

Marion carefully packed her father's gear, because in spite of his 46 years had volunteered to march with the Battalion. Their instructions were for each soldier to take -- "blanket and great coat, shirt, pantaloons, socks and shoes on his back -- take that which you use everyday if you choose. You had better take woolen clothing which will last; blankets can be procured and they are necessary." (Quoted from DUP)
Samuel Gilman Clark was assigned to Company E as a private with Daniel C. Davis as his captain. (Augustus E. Dodge was assigned as a private in Company C. with James Brown as captain.)
On July 20, 1846, the Mormon volunteers left Winter Quarters for Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where they would join with soldiers from other sections of the country for their eventful Westward march. Tearfully Marion clung to her father, promising to join the other saints and bring their family and meet him in Zion. How thrilled and excited she was when this handsome young man she had met the night before stopped to bid her farewell, jokingly asking her for another dance when they again met in Zion. Then, how empty and lonely she felt as they marched down the rad with the others, stopping to wave from time to time, and then fading into the horizon -- leaving such a short memory that Marion from time to time wondered if she had really met Gus, or if he had been a fantasy of her imagination.
Throughout the winter of 1846-47, the exiled Saints exerted their effort in making preparations for the westward migration to take place when spring arrived. Days grew warmer and gentle rains replaced the cold winter blizzards. Grass appeared on the open plains which had for months been blanketed with snow. Spring was here; the Mormon exiles must again be on the move in search of their new Zion.
Marion's sister, Mary Bailey Clark, was born 13 Jan. 1827, in New Hampshire, and in 1844 had married John Howell. She and her husband decided that they would remain in the East. Samuel Gilman Clark Jr., who was born 22 October 1833 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and the other brother, William Henry Clark who was born 10 Jan. 1839 in Madison, Madison County, Illinois were anxious to go with Marion to the West.

A covered wagon with good strong oxen to pull it was obtained, and very carefully Marion directed the preparations for herself, 14 year old Sam and 8 year old William Henry. Great care had to be used in choosing only those very essential things, so the very limited space could be properly utilized, and to keep the load as light as possible.
These three youngsters were assigned to John Taylor's company with Captain Edward Hunter serving as Captain of their group of 100 saints.
Such courage as Marion's is seldom put to use, but she unhesitatingly guided and encouraged her younger brothers - caring for their needs and making light of the problems and dangers laying ahead. She comforted and nursed them as the need required - never giving way to her own fears and worries. Naturally Sam and Will felt they were looking after their sister so it was a very close relationship between them. Sam insisted on doing most of the driving -- with occasional relief from Marion and Will. There were so many in their company with more and bigger problems -- women with several small children - those in ill health and numerous other reasons and Marion spent her spare time helping with the babies, the ill, comforting those women who had sent their husbands with the Battalion; and offering her strength to those who needed it. Often she pushed the wagons when they were stuck, helped repair broken wheels, and even driving another wagon so that some poor soul could rest for a while. She was always helping the sick, cheering the children, helping some tired mother with her cooking, or washing someone's clothes; taking over the care of a baby to ease the load of the mother. Marion was loved by everyone she came in contact with. She had a most contagious and sunny disposition.
Marion worked as hard as any man when necessary to ease their wagon down a steep incline, or pull through the gooey, sticky mud. And when the Indians caused the numerous skirmishes, she proved to be able to handle a rifle as competently as any sharpshooter. She performed these deeds when the need called, but basically she was a very feminine person and loved pretty clothes with plenty of ruffles and frills.

When camp was made at night, the wagons were drawn in a circle with the livestock in the center. Everyone was in bed at nine-o¬clock and the fires were extinguished. At seven 0' clock they were again headed Westward. Six days they traveled -- but on Sunday's they rested and worshipped the Lord. Often they would travel for days without proper feed for the horses and cattle -- the result of a prairie fire cause by both man and nature.
Two forty gallon barrels were fastened on each side of the wagon, but many times these were very dry before they were able to be filled again. An Indian arrow shot into one of these barrels could cause panic to the owner, for water was so very important on these dusty, endless plains.
Marion and her brothers had never seen buffalo before and how excited they were when they came upon the first herd. Sam joined the older men to shoot some for food, and it was very different, but so tasty to this hungry family. The hide was made into a blanket and what fun it was to sleep under it or lay on it. Sam's family had this robe for many years.
A rain storm prevented them from choking to death from the sea of dust, but made traveling very difficult. Then again, you could go as long as 36 hours without water and the thirst could nearly drive you mad.
On September 4, they were met by Pres.
Brigham Young and 70 men who had left Salt Lake Valley on 17 of August to return to Winter Quarters so that they might use their knowledge to guide and help the Saints preparing to leave for the valley. A feast was prepared for these very special guests, then music and dancing with the loviest young women most often in demand. Marion danced all evening until she felt she would drop from exhaustion, but the gayiety was a restful relief from the problems and worries of travel. A long bearded elder in a deep voice prayed and the emigrants retired to their beds. Next morning promptly at seven 0' clock Brigham Young and his party went Eastward toward Winter Quarters and hundreds of men, women and children resumed their journey westward toward the promised land.
On the 29th of September 1847, the little Clark family arrived in Salt Lake Valley. Oh, what
an exciting day -- but what a disappointment. Perhaps there were tears in Marion's eyes as she saw the barren desert which was to be their new home at the end of such a long journey, but hiding the disappointment from her brothers they began making plans for their survival.
The first winter in the valley was a problem of survival. The food supplies were soon exhausted. Even rationing had not extended the supplies for any length of time. Sam and Will helped build the Fort which was their home for that first winter. (It was located where Pioneer Park is now.) Marion dug Sego roots, weeds, and anything that could be prepared in any way to fill up their continually empty stomachs and stop the endless pangs of hunger.
Marion was only 23 years old when they arrived in Salt Lake Valley, but she was very staunch and faithful in her religion, and she firmly believed that they would be spared and everything would come out alright if they truly believed in God and kept his commandments. She was tested to the very fullest on many occasions, but her faith never wavered.
It was on the 23 December 1847, when Augustus Dodge, recently released from the Mormon Battalion arrived in Salt Lake Valley. Shortly after, while he happened to be at Kimball's carding mill in City Creek Canyon, there sat Marion Clark working -- the same lovely young lady he had danced with back in Winter Quarters. She was employed at the mill and seemed as delighted to see Gus as he was to see her. Naturally, at the very first public dance held he claimed that dance she had promised him.
Gus purchased land in Bountiful using what little money he had to get started, but not enough to buy horses. However, this did not prevent his courting Marion. He walked, or hitched a ride as often as possible to visit her and take her dancing or to the theater. The young people held candy pulling parties often and what fun they had pulling the candy amid the tom¬foolery prevalent at such events.
In the Fall of 1849, 225 people arrived at the present site of Manti in Sanpete Valley. Gus, promising to return for Marion as soon as possible, left with this group in answer to Chief Walkers plea for settlers to this region for the
purpose of teaching the Indians a better life.
True to his word, Gus returned to see Marion, and on the 5th September 1850 they were married. With and ox team and a wagon containing all their worldly possessions they turned their faces Southward to Manti, along with several other families who were desirous of moving to the new settlement.
Gus and Marion lived in their covered wagon until they were able to build a little room. This was built of cedar posts, standing straight up, with logs for their floors and a wagon cover for their roof. Then they used their wagon box for another room, with the wagon cover over it.
That winter was one of many hardships and there was a great deal of sickness. In spite of this these people were happy and had time for merriment. They visited with each other and shared each others joys and sorrows. Gus was a very hospitable man and when ever they had any company he'd always ask them if they liked pumpkin pie (his favorite pie), then he'd say, "Marion, bring out the pumpkin pie. We always have pie." Unfortunately they did not always have pumpkin pie or any other kind on hand.
In 1851, their first child was born but lived only a very short time. It was buried in Manti. (We have not been able to find definite information about it at this time.)
Now at this time the Indians became more troublesome, so they had to move into the small stone fort that had been completed. it was here that Sarah Amanda Dodge was born 15 October 1851.
Later, they moved into a larger fort called "Big Cedar Fort" that had been constructed to relieve the crowded conditions in the small one. School was held in this fort and children as young as three years were admitted; this was done primarily to keep the small ones entertained and to keep a watchful eye on them. There was one door to the Fort, it being four board thick, and above each door of the Fort houses was a strap where a gun was hanging - ready for use as soon as the door was opened.
Augustus and Marion lived in the Fort for three years and then they completed their little two
room log house down on the creek. Two more children were born in this house, two girls ¬Mallisa Jane and Mary Roxcenia.
Augustus had been building a big 5 room rock home and Marion was so anxious to move into it. Since leaving the East she had lived in very crowded, uncomfortable conditions all the time, and being a very meticulous person often became depressed in such crowded living quarters. How she planned and dreamed of their life in this spacious new home. It was all completed but the glass and few other items to add to their comfort were missing. Augustus made a special trip to Salt Lake to obtain or purchase these materials. As a special surprise he brought back two items of furniture (type unknown) for Marion.
Then it came -- word that they were to move South and help settle Southern Utah.
This was very upsetting -- Marion had worked hard for this lovely new home and she was proud of it. Now must she be denied the joy of living in it. She had endured almost more than humanly possible, so she certainly can be forgiven for giving way to weakness one time in her troublesome life. The news that they must move caused her to become ill and resulted in a complete nervous breakdown. She was bedfast and unable to help with preparations, putting a lot of responsibility upon little Sarah Amanda, her eldest child.
Augustus sold their home for 800 bushels of wheat to a man by the name of Hans Jensen. The grain was to be paid in yearly payments over a five year period. A few years ago this home was still standing in Manti, 100 years later and bore the initials above the door A.D. made of iron and inset into the rocks. It is certainly a monument to a courageous woman who dreamed and worked hard to fulfill that dream, then was denied it by the closing of a door.
In the Fall of 1861, the Dodge family departed for Toquerville. They had three wagons; the parents each driving one and ten year old Sarah Amanda driving the other. Sadie as she was affectionately called was a great help to her father, and worked as his "only son" until others came along. She was also a big help to her mother Today we can hop into a fast traveling automobile and with very little preparation drive well over 500 miles in one day. Oh what a difference it was in 1860. The preparations required that sufficient food be taken to last a full year or until the first harvest, sufficient bedding and clothing to last until it would be possible to replace them again. So the limited space was usually filled with these essential items, making it necessary to leave all kinds of luxuries behind. I feel sure that this must have been hard to do.
It took about 6 long days of labor to travel from Cedar City to Washington at that time. Imagine if you can, what it must have been like for Marion to drive one of the wagons and still oversee her small children - and little Sadie to handle such a rig.
When they finally arrived at the place that would be their home there were so many rocks that the first task was to gather up the rocks from the future fields and stack them into fences so they might protect the new crops from the starving animals. Peach pits were planted and soon supplied fresh fruit in the summer and dried fruit through the winter and a means with which to trade up north for wheat and other necessary items. Sorghum cane and corn grew well, so anyone who was raised in Dixie ate a good deal of corn bread and sorghum. Grapes grew well and were also dried into raisins for winter use.
It didn't seem to rain very often in that part of the country, but when it did it would come down in torrents and cause floods which would take out every dam that had laboriously been built so that the water could be used to the best advantage for irrigating.
The Dodge family settled in Toquerville.
Living in their wagons while they built a one room log house, from the logs hauled, sawed and cut with their own hands and very crude tools. That first winter was one of long rains and floods, mud, leaky roofs and its accompanying hardships. Marion had to put aside any nervous problems and once again start from scratch to build a home in an unsettled area. Weakness was cast aside and this courageous woman stood up proud and tall once more to fulfill her assigned mission upon this earth.
After they had been in Toquerville about
four years, Brigham Young visited them -¬Augustus and Brigham Young had been close friends -- and he gave them the chance to go back to Manti if they desired, but they were almost settled and they loved the climate and already the results of their planting could be seen so they decided to stay.
On 24 July 1863, the Pioneers and members of the Mormon Battalion were called to Salt Lake City to a big entertainment held in the Salt Lake Theater in their honor, so Augustus and Marion and their children started for Salt Lake with a company of other Saints. It took three weeks to make the trip from Toquerville Also in 1863, Augustus received a call to accompany five other companies to Council Bluffs, Iowa to bring back converts who were waiting for help to get to Utah. This took over six months to complete, so Marion was left to care for family and fields, and flocks while her husband was away.
In the latter part of July 1864, President Erastus Snow, accompanied by members of the High Council and other prominent people -- Jacob Hamblin was with them -- visited the settlements on the upper Virgin and took a crop census of each town. James G. Bleak, one of the party, made his report on Toquerville.
Toquerville ... is found to have opened up a new field this year and by way of experiment have 4 1/2 acres of wheat...27 acres of corn; 44 acres of cane ... 24 in lucern; 19 1/3 acre of tobacco; 9 acres of vegetables. They had 41 families -- 259 souls.
When Brigham Young and party visited Toquerville in April 1867, the scribe accompanying the group wrote to the Deseret News his impression of a visit to the orchard and gardens of one of Toquerville's citizens.
"In brother Augustus Dodge's garden we measured the years shoot of a fig tree at ten feet and felt our mouths water as we saw the almond trees loaded under its fruit, and passed under bended bows of half-grown apricots and peaches, and heard the catalogue of his imported apples, the trees now yielding the fruit of their promise. Brother Dodge presented us with a choice bouquet from his floral beauties, and showed a sample of home grown sugar from China Cane cultivated on his place." (quoted from Deseret News 18:33 in MS History of Parowan Stake)
Managing an early pioneer home was a tremendous undertaking to say the last. Homemade beds had to be created and usually consisted of rough logs or boards made into head board and then rawhide ropes laced crosswise and lengthwise to form some sort of netting to hold the straw or corn-husks ticks that were used for mattresses. Later when the people were able these were substituted with feather ticks on the top of the corn husks ones, But the corn husks made a fairly comfortable bed, or perhaps the body was so tired that when it was laid down anything would have been comfortable.
House cleaning in early spring was a busy time for the entire household, but especially so for the women folk. It was several years before wall paper was available, so it was customary to whitewash the walls. White was was obtained from lime burned locally, there being a white
limestone available which produced good lime. Those that could would put a rough plaster on their walls, but for many just the kinked logs were the best they had. During the year they became very dirty from the eternal smoke from the fireplaces and greatly speckled from the ever present housefly, and it was very difficult to wash it down so often the whitewash was put right over the dirt. This not only served to improve the appearances, but the lime would make things much more sanitary for a while at least. At house cleaning time the furniture -- most if it handmade -- was moved outside and the rag carpets were taken up and outside to be hung over a fence or other suitable place so that the dust could be beaten out of them. Then the dusty straw that had been under the carpets was gathered up and burned. It was while the rooms were empty that the whitewashing was taken care of. Then the rough floors where scrubbed thoroughly, allowed to dry, and then covered with clean white straw from which the chaff had been well sifted. Then the carpets were brought back in, stretched tight and tacked down. Immediately the room would be filled with delighted children who enjoyed romping on the soft carpets. Before the beds were brought back in they too received their clean new straw, or the soft inner husks of the corn ears, which last much longer and were cleaner than the straw which tended to crumble and break after a while. Then the remainder of the furniture would be brought back in after each piece had been carefully scrubbed clean and fresh curtains hung for those who had windows.
Marion, so it has been said, in the arrangement and management of a house, the production of good dinners seemed to be a genius. And well she had to be because Augustus was a most hospitable man and he was forever inviting guests to eat or stay with them. She loved babies and felt very protective and motherly to all babies. She proved to be a very good doctor for all of her children's pets.
I feel that a very intimate part of their lives is shown in the fact that Marion always referred to Augustus as "The man I adore." Marion felt the cold perhaps more than most and she hated cold weather, so it was a treat for her to know that she could live in Toquerville and she would be free from the bitter cold that was so prevalent in Manti. Her family was her entire life and she gave them her earnest consideration, and their health was
the object of her solicitude. Hard work took its toil on her health as well as on her appearance. Hard work and responsibility gave her almost a masculine look, and she became a dignified stout old stout lady.
Marion worked hard to make her home as comfortable as possible and to have as much refinement as they could in this wilderness. She was never idle -- her busy fingers creating rugs, lace, stockings or other articles of clothing. She made sure that they had pretty curtains at all of their windows and these were made of bleached muslin trimmed with lace that she crochet, or occasionally she could obtain some fancy ruffling to put on them. Clothes were made out of a material called "linsey" which was wool and cotton mixed, and had been home spun and woven to make dresses and mens suits.
It was in 1871 that the measles hit Toquerville, and Marion had most of her children ill with them, so she was kept going day night for a good many days, sponging the fevered bodies, rocking the restless child and doing everything possible to ease their discomfort. By the time the children were well again she was completely exhausted, but she was only permitted to rest for a few days with Mallisa and Mary taking charge of the three little boys, Sadie was now married.
Another interesting point is that each year they would have to make a trip to Parowan to the Little Salt Lake to get their years supply of salt, or purchase it form someone who had brought home more than they would need.
Marion spent her remaining years happily settled at last, in Toquerville which she grew to love very much. Her nimble fingers never ceased to be busy creating useful things for her family and others in need. Whether with a needle or a kettle she was a master at work. Many hours were spent in the St. George Temple giving of herself that others might have the privilege of embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was very dear to her. She was always actively engaged in Church and Civic work or every type, spreading her sunny disposition about for others to partake of freely.
63 years and 2 days after she took up her body, she laid it down once more -- On the 24th November 1886, she returned to the Heavenly Father that created her, to receive her just rewards that she so earnestly earned. She left a grieved husband and six very choice children. Another monument to a very coutageous woman
Father that created her, to receive her just rewards that she so earnestly earned. She left a grieved husband and six very choice children. Another monument to a very courageous woman.
The following obituary appeared in the Deseret News: 35-768
Marion Wallace Clark Dodge, the beloved wife of A. E. Dodge: Marian Wallace Clark died on the 24th day of Nov. 1886, after 3 months of sickness, disease of the kidneys and liver. Sister Clark was born on the 22 day of Nov. 1823 in Essex C. Vermont, was baptized into the Church by Elder Orson Pratt in the year 1835. Arrived in Salt Lake Valley in the fall of 1849. In the fall of 1850 she married A. E. Dodge and moved to Manti, Sanpete Co. in 1861 was called to Dixie on a mission where she remained until her death. She was the mother of 9 children, 6 of whom are living, 3 boys and 3 girls. She was a faithful wife and good Latter Day Saint ...
There are those who will say that much has been left out about Marion Clark Dodge. I am the first to admit it, and I wish it were otherwise, but when I would approach family members for information the majority were not cooperative and unwilling to share the photos and bits of papers containing valuable information with me, so with the help of my beloved mother; Katie Dodge aids, her father Samuel C. Dodge, Nancy Dodge Scott, and my very patient husband, Ariton and two very wonderful children who support me to the very fullest in my obsession to compile and preserve the records of my pioneer grandparents, I have been able to obtain what is now written. I know there is much more that I would like to record, and I shall ever be on the alert for anything about this delightful women so that it may be recorded for those who carry her blood in their veins to read and cherish. She gave if herself so unselfishly to insure the heritage that we enjoy now. Can we do other wise.
Elaine aids Hagelberg 1970 Great Granddaughter