Hugh Roberts and Mary Owens (Parents of John Roberts) Part 2

Fort Bridger

After leaving Fort Bridger, their wagon broke down and it was necessary to stop to make repairs and the ox train went on and left them. Finally, after repairs were completed they followed the trail of the ox train until they were met by Elizabeth Roberts in the mountains about six miles east of Echo. It was sure a joyous family meeting after the years of separation and many changing scenes.  Elizabeth led them to Henefer, Summit, Utah below Echo on the Weber River, where she then lived.  The family remained for a short time until Mary Owens Roberts recovered her health.

                                           

In November, 1864, Hugh and the remainder of the family arrived in Salt Lake City, where they resided during the winter of 1864 and 1865. While living there, they were employed as best they could in various ways considering the then surrounding conditions, to sustain them. Salt Lake City then offered little or no opportunities for them. 

On April 29, 1865 Hugh and Mary were sealed together in the Endowment House. 

In July, 1865, Hugh with his family moved to Smithfield, Cache Valley, Utah.  They secured a piece of land and on it they built a good two-room log cabin. It was located two and one-half blocks north of the creek and one block east of Main Street. Here they lived many years, Hugh following his trade in a shoe shop at his home. John was farming and working in the canyons - doing the things common for young men in those days. The girls were working in various homes for those who desired their services until they were married. Here they lived in peace and happiness with plenty to eat and wear and in a comfortable home, all their own. They were free and among friends. They could go and come as they pleased and they could worship their God in their own way, unafraid and unmolested, among the people of their choice. Their children married one by one and they were soon left alone.

Hugh and Mary turned their attention, after the dedication of the Logan Temple in May, 1884, to the work of redeeming their dead kindred and friends as far as they were able to obtain the necessary records. They labored diligently to do this necessary work. Mary walked, many mornings, from the old home in North Smithfield to the Logan Temple a distance of at least eight miles to do the endowment work for one soul, and then she would walk back in the evening to her home. She did all this after she was past seventy years of age. Hugh could not walk much as he was lame, but his devotion to the cause was none the less ardent and he embraced every opportunity to go to the temple and do what he could. 

Hugh Roberts was near six feet in height, well proportioned, not of a stout, but of an athletic build. He was medium complexioned, with keen blue eyes, rather large straight nose, square chin, high cheek bones, and large ears. He was of a deeply religious nature, with an undivided love of the Gospel and with a thorough knowledge and strong testimony of it. He was kind and jovial, but firm in disposition and was good in judgment. He loved music and had a fine smooth musical deep bass voice, and exhibited superior musical talent. He found much satisfaction in his trade and had a friend in anyone who knew him. He was always willing to give to the needy and help in every worthy work and answer every call made of him.

                                               

Mary (Owens) Roberts, was short of stature and in her later life she became rather stout of build. She was round in face with evenly balanced features. She was medium light complexioned and had small piercing blue eyes. Her voice was gentle and pleasing, and in song was a rich, melodious soprano. She was very affectionate and kind, and won the love of all. She was quick in action and unswerving in purpose. She loved the Gospel with her whole soul and was willing to make any sacrifice for it. She was industrious and saving. She was a very good cook and housekeeper - everything tasty, clean and tidy in the home and she was clean and neat always in her person whether at home or elsewhere.

Many times in the evenings when the tasks of the day were done Hugh and Mary would sit and converse about the gospel and of times gone by. They would sing the old familiar songs in Welsh, especially the hymns they used to sing for years in the branch at Eglwysbach. One of those hymns was a favorite with them and gave them much comfort and joy.  When they would finish the singing of that hymn their eyes would be filled with tears and they would exclaim, "Oh! it is beautiful, it is beautiful!"

Hugh Roberts and Mary (Owens) Roberts

The time finally came for Hugh and Mary to make another move. They had lived many years in Smithfield and dearly loved the old home there and it was hard to leave it. However, John, their son, had located near Liberty, Bear Lake County, Idaho. He had a large farm there which he had bought, and desirous of being with John, Hugh and Mary, left the dear old home and moved into a comfortable log cabin on the farm near to John.

                                                        

By this time Hugh had retired from active work at his trade and spent his time in reading and visiting around the farm and in playing with the children. He loved children as did Mary and he would often, even in his advanced years enter into their play with them.

Never did they cease the raising of their voices together in song in the quiet evenings. Never did they cease their prayers of thanksgiving daily to the true and living God whom they worshiped and served with undivided hearts. Hugh had attained the ripe age of nearly ninety years and becoming ill and weakened in body gave up the struggle of life like the burning out of the candle to its end.

Hugh Roberts died October 13, 1892 in Liberty, Bear Lake, Idaho. 

Mary (Owens) Roberts died January 9, 1894 in Liberty, Bear Lake, Idaho.