Mary Goble Pay facts for kids

Mary Goble Pay (1843–1913) was an amazing pioneer who helped settle two towns in Utah: Nephi, Utah and Leamington, Utah. She faced many challenges but showed great strength and kindness throughout her life.

Early Life and a Difficult Journey

Mary Goble was born on June 2, 1843, in Brighton, England. When she was 12 years old, in 1855, she and her parents joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1856, Mary and her family began a long journey to America. They sailed across the ocean on a ship called the Horizon. After arriving in Iowa City, Iowa, they joined a group called the Hunt Wagon Company. This group traveled alongside the famous Martin Handcart Company. The journey west was incredibly difficult and dangerous. Mary's mother and two of her brothers and sisters sadly passed away during the trip. Mary also met Richard Pay on this journey, who had also lost his wife and new baby.

When they finally arrived in Utah, Mary had a very serious injury. She suffered from frostbite, which is when parts of your body get so cold they freeze. Because of this, some of her toes had to be removed.

Settling in Utah

In the spring of 1859, Mary moved to Nephi, Utah. Soon after, she married Richard Pay. Together, they started a new life in the growing community.

Mary was known for her kindness and willingness to help others. During a time called the Black Hawk War, she learned to speak the language of the local Ute people. She learned it from the wife of Pawania, who was a leader of the Pagwats band. This skill helped her understand and communicate with her neighbors.

In 1880, Mary and Richard Pay moved to Leamington, Utah. There, Mary continued to serve her community. She was the president of the local LDS Primary for twelve years. The Primary is a church organization for children, and Mary helped teach and care for many young people. Mary and Richard had a large family with thirteen children.

After Richard passed away in 1892, Mary moved back to Nephi, where she lived out the rest of her life.

Legacy

Mary Goble Pay's story is an important part of pioneer history. She is an ancestor of Marjorie Pay Hinckley, who was a well-known and respected woman.

To honor her memory and the challenges pioneers faced, the home that Mary and Richard built in Leamington was moved. In 2001, it was carefully taken to This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Today, visitors can see their home and learn more about the lives of early Utah settlers like Mary Goble Pay.