Albert R. Lyman facts for kids

Albert R. Lyman (born January 10, 1880 – died November 12, 1973) was an American writer and an early settler. He and his family were among the first people to settle in what is now the town of Blanding, Utah.

Early Life and Beliefs

Albert Robison Lyman was born on January 10, 1880, in Fillmore, Utah. His parents were Platte D. Lyman and Adelia Robinson. When Albert was born, his father was working on the road through Hole-in-the-Rock. Albert grew up in Scipio and Bluff.

He was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1888. Early in his life, Albert had questions about faith. However, after a special experience with prayer near the Colorado River, he felt sure that God exists.

In 1898, he went on a mission to Great Britain for his church. While there, he visited many libraries. This sparked his deep love for books and learning. Albert returned home in 1900 because he was not feeling well.

Starting a Family and a Town

After returning home, Albert married Mary Ellen Perkins. In 1905, they became the first settlers of White Mesa, which is now Blanding, Utah. They lived in a tent during the summer while they prepared the land. Albert worked as a farmer and also ran a small store in Blanding.

Career and Community Work

In 1908, Albert Lyman became the County Superintendent of Schools for San Juan County. At first, the school was even held in a tent! He continued to teach school and seminary for 27 years.

He later started a school for Native American children in 1946. This school was first built outside the city. Later, it was allowed to move into Blanding. On the first day, the Lymans taught and fed 28 Navajo and Paiute children. Important church leaders like President George Albert Smith visited the school to show their support.

Albert Lyman kept many detailed diaries and journals. He wrote a weekly newspaper column called "The Old Settler" for the San Juan Record. To have a quiet place to write, he built a small stone building on his property. This special writing studio was called the "Swallow’s Nest." Today, it is part of the Blanding Visitor’s Center.

Albert Lyman passed away on November 12, 1973. He was living in Provo, Utah with his daughter at the time. He was buried in the Blanding cemetery.

Religious Service

Besides his mission in his youth, Albert Lyman also served another mission with his wife. They served in the Navajo-Zuni Mission from 1944 to 1945. When he settled in Blanding, he was a leader for the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. This job meant he traveled all over southeastern Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. He also served in other important church leadership roles.

Family Life

Albert Lyman married Mary Ellen "Lell" Perkins on June 26, 1902. They had written letters to each other while he was on his mission. They moved to Blanding with their first child, Casse. All but their first child were born in the Blanding area. They had 15 children.

In 1935, his wife Mary Ellen became ill. She moved to Salt Lake City for medical care. Albert and the rest of the family moved to Salt Lake City in 1938 to be with her. Mary Ellen passed away on May 13, 1939. Albert later married her sister, Gladys, in June 1939.

Lasting Impact

Albert Lyman and his family were the first people to settle Blanding, Utah. He helped create the school system in San Juan County. He also built schools for Native American children in Blanding.

Lyman wrote many fictional stories and histories about San Juan County and Blanding. He also wrote his own life story. His many personal journals and diaries help us understand what life was like in southeastern Utah in the 1900s. His writings are kept in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections at Brigham Young University.

Works by Albert R. Lyman

Novels

• 1936: Voice of the Intangible (also known as Man to Man)
• 1948: Fort on the Firing Line Albert R Lyman
• 1963: The Outlaw of Navajo Mountain
• 1964: The Native Blood
• The Edge of the Cedars

Autobiography

• 196?: The Great Adventure: A Story with a Preamble and Told in the First Person Singular

Nonfiction Books

• 1930: Pahute Biscuits
• 1936: Bishop Jens Nielson, History and Genealogy
• 1955: History of Blanding, 1905-1955
• 1957: Amasa Mason Lyman, Trailblazer and Pioneer from the Atlantic to the Pacific
• 1957: Lucretia Hancock Robison
• 1957: Lyman Family History
• 1958: Biography Francis Marion Lyman
• 1962: Indians and Outlaws: Settling of the San Juan frontier
• 1965: History of San Juan County, 1879 - 1917
• 1966: The Edge of the Cedars: the Story of Walter C. Lyman and the San Juan Mission
• 1967: Lemuel Hardison Redd, Jr.
• 1970: A Voice Calling: from the hills of America to the children of its ancient people
• 1972: The Trail of the Ancients

Books About Lyman

• The Old Settler: A Biography of Albert R. Lyman by Karl R Lyman