Ira Hatch facts for kids

Ira Hatch (born August 5, 1835 – died September 30, 1909) was an important Mormon missionary. A missionary is someone who travels to teach people about their religion. Ira Hatch was special because he could speak 13 different languages! He spent most of his life working with Native American groups in places like Southern Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. One of his wives, Miraboots (also known as Sarah Dyson), was from the Paiute tribe. Ira Hatch also helped start the town of Ramah, New Mexico.

Early Life

Ira Hatch was born in Farmersville, New York. This was in Cattaraugus County. His father, Ira Sterns Hatch, had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kirtland, Ohio.

Missionary Adventures

Ira Hatch became a missionary when he was young. In 1854, he was one of the first missionaries sent to the "Southern Indian Mission." This mission focused on working with Native American communities.

In 1858, Ira Hatch went to work with Native Americans living along the Muddy River in Nevada. That same year, he was also one of the first missionaries from his church to visit the Hopi people. He went on another mission to the Hopi in 1862. During this trip, he was one of only three missionaries who stayed behind when the others left.

Working with Tribes

Ira Hatch often traveled to meet different Native American groups. In 1866, during a time called Utah's Black Hawk War, he led a group to visit the Shebits and Kiabab bands of Indians.

On one trip, Ira Hatch was serving a mission with Dudley Leavitt among the Mojave people. The Mojave people were upset, but Ira Hatch offered a prayer. After his prayer, the Mojave people changed their minds and let Ira Hatch and Dudley Leavitt go safely.

Later, Ira Hatch became a missionary among the Navajo people. He often worked from Ramah, New Mexico. In 1871, he helped Erastus Snow by being his interpreter during a visit with the Navajo. An interpreter helps people who speak different languages understand each other.

A Story Inspired by His Life

A writer named Blaine Yorgason wrote a novel called To Soar with the Eagle in 1993. This book is a fictional story based on the lives of Ira Hatch and Miraboots.