Mary Field Garner facts for kids

Mary Field Garner (born February 1, 1836 – died July 20, 1943) was an amazing woman who moved to the United States from England. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the LDS Church). She was also a brave Mormon pioneer, helping to settle new lands in the American West.

Early Life in England and America

Mary Field was born in 1836 in Stanley, County Durham, England. She was one of eight children born to William and Mary Harding Field. Her parents learned about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from a missionary named Wilford Woodruff. They decided to join the church in 1840.

After joining the church, Mary's family wanted to move to America. They wanted to live near other church members in Nauvoo, Illinois. Once they saved enough money, they sailed across the ocean. Mary remembered the trip took seven weeks. She felt seasick for most of the journey because the ocean was very rough.

When they arrived in Nauvoo, her family rented a house. They could not afford to build their own home. Sadly, Mary's father passed away while they lived there. Mary met Joseph Smith, who was the leader of the church. She remembered having long, red, curly hair. When Mary was eight years old, she went to Joseph Smith's funeral. She was also at a special meeting after his death. At this meeting, Brigham Young spoke and sounded very much like Joseph Smith.

The Pioneer Journey

In 1846, church members in Nauvoo were forced to leave Illinois. Mobs who did not like them drove them out. Mary remembered that in September 1846, about 200 men attacked Nauvoo. A group of about 400 church members, including her brother, fought them for three days. Eventually, they had to give up the city.

After the attack, Mary's family left Nauvoo for a short time. Later, they were told they could return. They crossed the Mississippi River when it was frozen solid. They lived in a house with another family. In 1848, Mary saw the Nauvoo Temple being burned by another mob. Her family later rented a house from a Mrs. Kimball. Mary lived with Mrs. Holridge, a friend of Mrs. Kimball, in Burlington, Iowa, for about three years. Eventually, the rest of Mary's family joined her as they traveled towards the Salt Lake Valley.

Moving West

Mary's family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa. There, she met William Garner Jr., who would become her husband. She lived there for two seasons. In 1850, Mary and her family continued their journey to Utah. She remembered that on their trip, they had very strict food rules. She also helped drive a team of oxen across the plains. For most of the journey, she walked because there was not enough room in the wagon.

They finally arrived at Emigration Canyon, Utah, at night. The next morning, it snowed. But the people already living there welcomed them with a warm breakfast. They settled in Weber County, Utah.

Building a New Life

Mary wrote that in 1854 and 1855, their crops failed. This was because of grasshoppers and dry weather. But the church members helped each other by sharing food and other supplies. This way, everyone survived.

Mary became reacquainted with William Garner Jr. in Slaterville, Utah. William's father was one of the first people to join the church in England. Mary and William married on November 1, 1856. William was a farmer. They had ten children together. In 1857, Mary saw Johnston's Army pass through Utah. Mary and William had five children in Slaterville. Then they moved to Hooper, Utah, where their other five children were born.

Mary was a very active member of the LDS Church her whole life. She was a leader in the Relief Society, which is a women's organization in the church. She also took part in many other church activities. She loved sharing her beliefs with others.

Later Life and Legacy

Mary's husband, William, passed away in 1915. For some time, she lived with her daughter-in-law. Mary was very active and could take care of herself even when she was old. She only needed help after she fell and broke her right hip. Before that fall, she had only seen a doctor once in her life! She also did not need glasses, even at an old age.

Mary Field Garner died on July 20, 1943, in Hooper, Utah. When she passed away, she was the oldest person living in Utah. She was also the oldest member of her church. Mary was the last living person who had known Joseph Smith. She left behind more than 600 family members. Four of her children were still alive when she died. Her life story shows her strength and faith as a pioneer.