Clara Melvina Hamblin Nicoll Staley Family History

Jacob Allred • December 6, 2018

Donated by Joan Hamblin

Clara Melvina Hamblin Nicoll Staley


Jacob,

Attached is a biography of Clara Malvina Hamblin Nicoll Staley, youngest daughter of Jacob Hamblin and Sarah Priscilla Leavitt. I thought I sent it earlier, but cannot find an outgoing email to you. Thanks for your work in organizing the Hamblin Family.


Contributed by Colleen Hutchinson

Clara Melvina Hamblin Nicoll Staley

Compiled by Granddaughter Dana Campbell


It is a treasure to find a handwritten journal of someone as special as a grandmother. I knew her as an elderly woman, strong in spite of many health problems, well into her seventies until her death at eighty-three. To me she was wonderful companionship and affection, a soft lap, and full of fascinating stories that ranged from tales of the wild west (“It was even wilder than you've heard.” she said.), to ghost stories, and best of all, her testimony of the reality of Heavenly Father and the Gospel. Much of my testimony in those days was because I knew that she ‘knew’.

How remarkable then to read her words as someone young, passionate and romantic, full of song and entertainment, playing the organ and the guitar, adding her singing with that of her husband’s legendary voice. Still enduring were her tremendous wit, her love of Roosevelt and the Democratic Party, her love of nature and its beauty everywhere, her strong, but then unpopular beliefs that children cannot be spoiled by being loved and treated well. Still she mourned her losses, tears flowing whenever she spoke of the death of the three of her thirteen children who died yet babies. She felt that she suffered inordinately because her deep feelings never seemed to be able to harden. But in the same breath she would proclaim God’s great goodness to her that she was able to feel so much joy in sunsets, flowers, ocean and music. Included here are excerpts from her own journal.


March 1934, San Diego, California. Written by Clara Hamblin Staley.
I was born in Kanab, Kane County Utah November 5, 1876. My father moved his family to Arizona when I was but two years old. He was called as a pioneer to make settlements in Arizona with other L.D.S. My father built a two room log house, plowed ground, set out an orchard of apples, plums and other fruit in Amity. I had two brothers born in Amity and when I was only six years old, we moved to Pleasant, New Mexico. This was a very beautiful valley. Our town was built on the banks of the Frisco River. The ground was fertile and the climate warm. My father planted another orchard and we had a lovely farm, flour mill and molasses mill. We could have prospered in this place but a very dishonest man who sold the land to the Mormons waited until the houses and land were paid for. Then before he made the deeds out in their name, sold all the land to a wealthy man and skipped out in the night and we were all left homeless.
Father had spent twenty years of his life as a peacemaker and missionary among the Indians. He had gone through much privation and hardship and was sick and worn out. Father started back from Round Valley sick and only with his little grandson Duane eleven years old, with steep mountains and hills to climb. It took them about ten days to make the trip. Father got very, very sick and when they got him home he was unconscious. He lived only three days and died. I remember him lying there all those days with his eyes closed and never spoke a word. Poor Father, he had done so much good and was one of the bravest and best men that ever lived.
While we lived in this beautiful place called Pleasant, I want to relate some of my Indian experiences. It was the year the Apaches, with old Geronimo at the head, left the Apache reservation and went across the White and Mogolon Mountains killing everything and everyone they ran across. One time shortly after father died, my mother, my two small brothers and myself, with my very big half brother Joseph Hamblin, and another family started on a trip to Round Valley to see my sister Ella who had been married more than a year before and had a little son. And of course we were very anxious to see them. We knew the Apaches were on the war path and shouldn't have gone. One night we arrived at a beautiful canyon, a clear stream of water running, lots of wood and plenty of grass for the horses. I remember the beautiful trees and flowers, an ideal camping spot. The men with their teams halted and started to unhitch the horses. My mother rose up so all could hear and said “We must not stop here; we will all be killed by Indians if we do. Some of the party said we must stop, our horses are tired and here is everything we need. Mother made such a fuss, so we all drove on and about 10 o'clock came to a ranch and stopped. A few days later we heard a party of Negroes camped where we wanted to camp. The Indians came on them while they were asleep and killed them all. Mother thanked the Lord for her timely warning and said never again would she tempt fate by traveling when there was so much danger. We arrived in Round Valley all right, but we had to get back home. Our sister and her husband went back with us to Pleasant. Every day we would hear of some one being killed and with fear and trembling we reached home at last where we were in almost as much danger as we were on the road.
One night in August of 1886 my sister Ella came running telling us the Indians were in town. I was sick in bed with chills and fever, but I was so badly frightened that I sprang out of bed and got ahead of the rest heading for the store and hotel (which had a high adobe stockade or fence with port holes around it. Just as I crossed the bridge over the big wash, I saw an Indian with a red handkerchief around his forehead pass under the bridge. No one believed me then, but next day they found moccasin tracks and my brother-in-law’s team of horses was stolen. That was quite a calamity as the men folk would freight ore from the Crinny Silver mines near Alma, New Mexico to Silver City.
On another occasion I went with my nephew Joe Windsor to milk his cows. He told me to get up on the shed and watch for Indians. I did as I was told and I thought I would scare him. I told him I thought I saw something that looked like Indians. He got up to see and we did see an army of soldiers with Indian scouts. We hooked the team to the buck board as quickly as possible, his mother with three smaller children got in and we drove by after mother and the rest and went to the store. The soldiers marched on to the foot of the dug way with Mountains on the right. The Indians were hidden among the rocks and commenced firing on them. It was only three miles away, and we could hear every shot. Four soldiers were killed and the young captain’s horse was shot and killed. He was shot through the leg. He rolled behind his horse. The soldiers had to run or they would all have been killed. The mail carrier came by on the run the next day and found the captain alive but badly hurt. The mail driver brought him by my sister’s who kept the inn and she took coffee and cake out to him. Although he was suffering he was smiling all over and the happiest man I ever have seen to think his life was spared. Ranchers and travelers were being killed every day and no one had power to stop them. There were no Mormons killed and our boys were on the road freighting all the time.
One night 2 men about twenty five and thirty years old stopped at the inn and said they were going back to God’s Country, one to his sister, the other to his wife and babe. They had been working in the Cooney Mines and had to go to Silver City to the Railroad to get home back east. They were very jolly and happy and could hardly wait to get started. But they only got as far as Cactus Flat six miles from Pleasant when they were cruelly murdered by the Indians. They brought them back to bury them. I saw them. It was awful. I was just a little child eight years old, but I shall never forget it. I was so badly frightened all the time that I could not sleep and could find no peace. It seemed like we were all in fear and trembling all the time.
One morning I remember so well two men came to our door and asked if they could get some breakfast with us. They said they would gladly pay us for food. They were two prospectors and were going in the mountains to find gold. Mother told them they better not go, that it was very dangerous, to wait for better times. They said, “No. We are going. We are not afraid of Geronimo nor any of his band.” Three weeks later, a man came wandering in, his hat gone, his clothes torn and his boots all busted and worn. He said: One morning after we had located what we thought to be a good mine, I told my pardner I would go and hunt a deer while he cooked breakfast. I went and killed my deer and came around the point of the rock where I left my pardner. Oh, what a terrible sight. The Indians came up on him while he was bending over the fire and tortured him cruelly. The squaws were worse then the bucks. They tore him limb from limb. I was too horrified to move until they saw me. They gave a terrible scream and made for me. I dropped my deer and ran. I jumped from a ledge forty feet and rolled in a little cave. They danced and screamed and threw rocks, but I was safe but hurt and sore, and grief stricken over my pardner’s cruel death. I hid day times and at night I waded the stream of water until I reached here.” He was more dead than alive and it was days before he was well.

April 12, 1932 San Diego
I will dwell longer on my life in Pleasant. As I stated before, the men folks made their living by freighting ore from the Coney Mines to the rail road in Silver City forty five years ago. Now my brother Jacob found on one of his trips a little white angora kid goat and gave it to me and my little brother. I just got to loving that goat too well. It was very intelligent and easy to learn. When we played hide’n’go seek, he would play with us, hide behind a big barrel or anything big enough and as soon as we left the goal, (which was the chicken coup door) he would run and butt his head against the door. He would also get on a barrel and when the barrel would roll, he would stay on top no matter how fast it would roll. He would stay on the barrel taking fast steps backward. He would love to look in our big mirror and stick his head on one side and pump. My brother came from Silver City with a load of grain, drove up to the side of the house. The horses tore a sack of grain open and the pet ate too much. Next morning I found him dead and I was broken hearted. It was my first sorrow and I really suffered. I never had a pet before or since that I loved like I did him. I can find so much in life and be deliriously happy over things; beautiful scenery, music, flowers, a good book.
We moved from this little town in New Mexico in February 1887 to a very small town, Nutrioso Arizona in a two room house of our own. We had a hard struggle to live. I spent fifteen years of my life in this little town. Happy hours I spent in school and some said I took to books like a duck to water. I didn’t have to study hard to get my lessons and I loved every subject. My only drawback was my eyes. I could not see far and could not see things written on the blackboard and I was ashamed to tell the teacher. I needed glasses but no one knew it.
I was quite popular among the young folks and could have had many beaus, but I wanted an education and did not care for boy friends.
In 1890 I went with my sister Ella and her husband Warren Tenney to Flagstaff to find work. We found work in a saw mill at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountains in Arizona. My sister cooked for the mill hands; twenty-two men. She had three small children and we had too much work to do. I wasn’t quite thirteen and small for my age and not very strong. Alden Smith, a boy then sixteen years old, came to the boarding house looking for something to do. So Warren told him he could help wash dishes for his board until he got something better and we were kept very busy from four o’clock in the morning until ten or eleven at night. (Dear Alden. I haven’t seen him for many years. I loved him like a brother.)
My little nephew Angus, two years old, was subject to croup. One morning I went out to bring him in. I found him quite wet. It was in September and in the mountainous region it was very cold nights and mornings. I brought him in and changed his clothes, but in a short time he was very sick. I told sister to quit work and come and doctor him. She was so busy, twenty two men to cook dinner for and she hurried, but she didn’t realize how sick he was. I got a flannel with grease and turpentine and put it on his chest and put him in the cradle and covered him with warm blankets and I would not leave him one minute. He was suffering so; you could hear him in the other room breathing so hard. He would say “Wock me, Caro. I hote so.” Then he would say, “Is Papa coming Caro. I so sick.” I was crying all the time and doing what I could for him. I loved him so. He would look at me with his big blue eyes and beg me to help him. About half past seven I told sister to come help Angus. I thought he was dying. Just then Warren stopped in, took him in his arms and called Ella. They worked hard to save him, but it was too late. I was suffering agony. It seemed like I was dying, I loved him so. I heard him say “Aunt Caro”. He died, just choked to death at eight o’clock. We buried him under a big pine tree.
I couldn’t get over it. I would dream at night of carrying him around in his coffin. Sometimes he would cry out to me in my dreams. I could not eat nor sleep. So finally I took very sick. I would not let them get a doctor. They all prayed for me and worked over me and then took me to Woodruff on the train. The night we got to Woodruff I took suddenly worse. I wanted the Elders. They sent for Bishop Eddie Webb. He laid hands on me, administered to me and I was healed. They had sent a telegram to my mother that I was very ill and to meet them at Woodruff, Arizona. My brother and mother came as soon as they could. They traveled night and day to get there, but it took them nearly a week and when they passed the cemetery, they saw a newly dug grave. It was a grave dug for the daughter of Bishop Webb, a girl my age. Mother thought it was for me. She was grief stricken and had to be carried in. I was standing by the gate, but they knew me not, thinking I was dead and buried.

Dana Campbell, Carlsbad California, 2008
While living with her sister Inez Lee around 1895, she fell in love and was engaged to Ray Curtis. He died of pneumonia shortly before they were to be wed. I remember his picture kept ever at her bedside. It was several years later before she fell in love again and married Arza Peter Nicoll in 1898.
She had a strong need for land, and though babies came along at a frightening pace, and her husband worked as a miner, she set her ambitions on having a ranch. She acquired a milk cow, sold the milk and bought another cow until she had twelve and was providing milk for the whole town. She was able then to qualify for a section of land for ranching near Ramah, New Mexico. She was able to add to that another section of land.
In the 1920's several of her grown children moved to San Diego for jobs. She visited them there and fell in love with the warmer climate, the ocean, and the opportunities in this growing town. When she returned to Ramah, she packed her children in her son-in-law’s big black car and took off for the coast. The daughters and one son settled in San Diego somewhat permanently, while four sons returned to and settled around Ramah. Grandmother died in the home of her daughter, Sabina Hill, in Lakeside, San Diego County on June 27, 1959.

New Book about Rachel Judd Hamblin

By Staff • September 29, 2025
Order a copy of the Rachel Judd Hamblin Book....

Frank Fuller Judd

By Staff • November 11, 2023
Frank F Judd is the author of the 2023 released biography of Rachel Judd Hamblin

New 2023: Rachel Judd Hamblin Book

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New Rachel Judd Hamblin Book written by descendant Frank F. Judd

2019 Jacob Hamblin Reunion

By Staff • June 27, 2019
This picture was taken in front of the Jacob Hamblin Home at the 2019 Jacob Hamblin Family Reunion that took place on June 7-8, 2019. This picture was taken on June 8th. All individuals in the picture are descendants of Jacob Hamblin.

Descendants of Lucinda and Jacob Hamblin

By Leandra Skeem • June 13, 2019
Jacob Hamblin family history on Jacob's wife Lucinda Taylor's line.

Jacob Hamblin Improves Indian Affairs

By Larry Burk • December 30, 2018
Plymouth colony was established in 1620. By 1675 pioneer settlers had clearly established procedures for handling conflict between Native Americans. Two extremely different cultures would become fearful of each other and communication would break down resulting in armed conflict. The pioneer settlers backed by a larger population and superior weapons conquered and subjugated the Native American populations. This pattern held true until the end of the Indian wars and the surrender of Geronimo in 1886. However, there is one great exception to the normal procedure of establishing peace through domination, massacre, and bloodshed. The exception was led by a missionary by the name of Jacob Hamblin. During the Indian wars in Colorado, nine federal forts were established for the protection of the pioneer settlers. In New Mexico another nine forts were established. In central and southern Arizona a total of 16 federal forts were built to control the Apache.  Jacob Hamblin's influence began in the Santa Clara/St. G...

Provo MTC's Jacob Hamblin Building

By Jacob Allred • December 22, 2018
One exciting fun fact about the church's new Provo MTC expansion is the church named one of their most popular buildings after Jacob Hamblin.  The east wing of the new Jacob Hamblin building will be used for the MTC mailroom, bookstore, and resource training center.  Now our family can send off missionaries proud to say they are a descendant of Jacob Hamblin every time the building is mentioned.

Potential new Jacob Hamblin Photo

By Jacob Allred • December 10, 2018
Original article can be found below at Deseret News: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700028163/Dead-ringer-or-dead-on-Jacob-Hamblin-photo-mystery.htm... CEDAR CITY — Family history is wearing many faces, from the new FamilySearch to a barrage of television shows geared at the rediscovery of roots. But some of the greatest family history adventures still happen under your own roof, sometimes by accident, sometimes through a moment of inspiration. Kathryn Ipson's son, James, was doing research on Jacob Hamblin, best known in LDS church history as a liaison to the Native Americans when the pioneers settled in the West. A Google search yielded a solitary photo of Hamblin: His mouth pulls down at one corner, his chin is nestled in a thick goatee, and his hair is smoothed back from a broad, square forehead. James shared the photo with his mother. Something about it made Ipson, 74, take pause. "Let me show you an old daguerreotype I have," she told James. She pulled a photo from a box and the two huddled over it. The image of a striking man with a thick goatee, his hair smoothed back from a broad, square forehead, stared up at them … and they stared back in amazement. "We suddenly realized it could be an earlier photo of Jacob Hamblin," Ipson said. The real research, and a real mystery, began for Ipson and her family. More than 20 years ago, Ipson's sister, Carol Dodds, 77, had given her the photo. Neither sister was familiar with it — Dodd merely knew that Ipson liked old trinkets. Ipson tucked the photo safely away, attaching a note to it that read: "I have no idea who this is a picture of." She promptly forgot about it. Upon its rediscovery, Ipson found out the photo is actually an ambrotype — an early type of photograph made by imaging a negative on glass backed by a dark surface. The technique became popular in America in the 1850s. One of Ipson's first questions was, "Did they even have ambrotypes in Utah that early?" She was able to talk to Nelson B. Wadsworth, author of "History of the Mormons: In Photographs and Text, 1830 to the Present," who confirmed that the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers have ambrotypes from the late 1850s and early 1860s. Ipson showed the ambrotype to Brent Ashworth, document expert and owner of B. Ashworth's bookstore, which is dedicated to rare books, manuscripts and other collectibles. "To me, it looks just like Jacob Hamblin," Brent Ashworth wrote via e-mail. "I believe it is a wonderful new view of this great pioneer (and) 'apostle to the Lamanites.' " "I took (the photo) to the Jacob Hamblin home in St. George and showed it to them," Ipson said. "I also took it to the BYU Library, the Church History Library … Most people believe this is of Jacob Hamblin." Ipson and Dodd have stewed over the ambrotype's origin. Their family is from Panguitch, where Hamblin had relatives settle. Dodd is also related by marriage to Ira Sterns Hatch, one of Hamblin's mission companions. Dodd wonders if she acquired the photo years ago when a friend was cleaning out an abandoned storage shed in St. George. He left a box full of papers and old photos on Dodd's doorstep since he knew of her enthusiasm for family history. Thanks to such enthusiasm, Ipson and Dodd have at the very least enjoyed the research. Ipson has even compiled possible dates the photo could have been taken, based on reading various books on Hamblin. "For me, the best thing that has come from this is getting to know (Jacob Hamblin)," Ipson said. "What a peacemaker and dedicated man he was. I hope that more people will visit his home in Santa Clara and read some of the books available about him." Ipson also hopes others will be inspired to start combing through their old papers or photos. You never know what — or who — you might find. -- During the 2019 Jacob Hamblin Family Reunion in St. George, Utah, hosted by the Jacob Hamblin Legacy Organization, Wade Wixom, Hart Wixom's son spoke and also shared this picture. Wade's opinion was this photo is a genuine photo of Jacob Hamblin. He felt it in compairing the verified photo the church has and this new one that the new one was Jacob before he fell out of a tree and injured himself and was taken when Jacob was younger. See the reunion footage from the Jacob Hamblin Legacy Organization for more details.

The Blankets of Honesty

By Jacob Allred • December 7, 2018
 The Blankets of Honesty Discover the joyful true tail of Jacob Hamblin and the Blankets of Honesty from Perry Tales. This book from Perry Tales can be purchased on Amazon.com by clicking " here ". Learn more about this true tail in The Friend Magazine, July 1987 on lds.org by clicking “ here ”. Jacob Hamblin, Trustworthy Pioneer By Pat Graham Print Share They were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted ( Alma 53:20 ). Jacob Hamblin was a brave pioneer who showed his courage by always telling the truth. The Indians knew that he was fair and honest, that they could trust his word. On one occasion Jacob was confronted by twenty-four Indian warriors who believed that the Saints were responsible for the deaths of three Indians. They wanted to take Jacob’s life, but he told them that his people had not betrayed them. After eleven hours of debate, the Indians decided to settle the matter peacefully because they knew that Jacob Hamblin had never lied to them. (See Valiant B Manual, page 140.) Here are pictures for another true story that shows how Jacob Hamblin could be trusted. Cut out the characters and mount them on flannel. Place them on a flannel board as you read what each one says. You could give the story as a play for family home evening and have family members read assigned parts. The characters could be attached to tongue depressors or Popsicle sticks and held by each person. The Trade Jacob, Jr.: I am the son of Jacob Hamblin. My name is also Jacob. One day my father sent me to trade a horse for some blankets with an old Navajo Indian chief. Jacob Hamblin: I am Jacob Hamblin. I told my young son to be sure to make a good trade. Jacob, Jr.: I rode on horseback, leading the horse that was to be traded. Navajo Chief: I am the Navajo Indian chief. Young Jacob told me that his father wanted to trade a horse for some blankets. I brought out a number of handsome blankets. Jacob, Jr.: I shook my head and said that I would have to have more. Navajo Chief: I brought out two buffalo robes and quite a few more blankets. Jacob, Jr.: Thinking that I had done quite well, I bundled all the blankets and robes into a roll behind my saddle, mounted my horse, and started for home. Jacob Hamblin: When my son arrived home, I undid the roll of blankets and robes. I looked at them and began to separate them. I put blanket after blanket into a pile and then rolled them up. I told young Jacob to take them back and tell the chief that he had sent too many. Jacob, Jr.: I rode again to the Indian chief, returned the blankets to him, and told him that my father thought that he had sent too many. The old chief smiled and said: Navajo Chief: I knew that you would come back; I knew that Jacob would not cheat me. (Adapted from Valiant B Manual, page 139.) Sharing Time Ideas 1. Scramble letters of word pioneer. Ask children to think of word that describes someone who is brave, prepares the way for others, or does something new. Then tell true story “The Trade,” using flannel board figures. For large group, cutouts could be prepared for overhead projector. 2. Prepare copies of figures for each child to cut out. (Older children could cut out figures for younger ones.) Divide children into groups of four to six. Have each child choose figure; each group then retells story among themselves. 3. Three people could dress as characters of story. Use blankets for props. 4. Sing “Whenever I Think About Pioneers” ( Sing with Me, E-2, verses 1, 2, 5, and 6). 5. Discuss situations in which people show trust. Make chart listing examples from scriptures, examples of people whom children trust, and examples of people trusting children.

LDS.ORG:  Friend and Brother Jacob Hamblin, Man of Peace

By Jacob Allred • December 6, 2018
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/10/friend-and-brother-jacob-hamblin-man-of-peace?lang=eng “Friend and Brother”: By Marlene Bateman Sullivan Print Share November 1863. Jacob Hamblin had just left his home in Santa Clara to get supplies in nearby Cedar City, Utah. Two Indians rode up to the Hamblin home and angrily demanded: “Where is Jacob?” When they learned he had gone to Cedar City, they dashed off in that direction with their horses. Overtaking Jacob, they called for him to stop. “We have come to kill you!” they called angrily. For a few moments there was silence. Then Jacob climbed down from the wagon seat, looked at the Indians, and pulled his shirt open—as if to say, “Shoot, I am unarmed.” The Indians stared a moment in silence. Then one muttered: “Can’t Jacob, you’ve got my heart.” They rode away. 1 Jacob Hamblin. At a time when few white people were trusted, the Indians looked upon Jacob as a true friend. Today he is considered the most influential and successful peacemaker and missionary among the Indian people in the territorial period. 2 He was a man totally committed to God and to the building up of God’s kingdom among the Indians. “Although Jacob Hamblin generally carried a gun of some sort,” writes historian John Henry Evans, “his dependable weapon was prayer and the most absolute trust in God. … He ate with the Indians, he slept with them, he talked their language, he prayed with them for the rains to save their crops … , he thought their thoughts, … till he knew more perhaps than any other American ever knew of the native, and exerted far more influence with them.” 3 Jacob Hamblin was born in Salem, Ohio, on 2 April 1819 to Isaiah and Daphne Haynes Hamblin. He married Lucinda Taylor in 1839 and they made their home in Spring Prairie, Wisconsin. Three years later, in February 1842, he attended a meeting where the missionary Lyman Stoddard was preaching. “I shall never forget the feeling that came over me when I saw his face and heard his voice,” Jacob relates. “He preached that which I had long been seeking for; I felt that it was indeed the gospel.” 4 He was baptized 3 March 1842. Jacob served as a missionary for a short time, but was called home when the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred. When word came from Church leaders to move west, his wife refused to go. But she told him to go and take the three children with him. Needing help with his motherless family , Jacob relied on the Lord. In a dream he saw a widow and two children in a log cabin. At the same time a widow, Rachel Judd, had a feeling that her future husband would soon call at her cabin. Jacob went to her home, introduced himself, and explained that he had been impressed to ask her to be his wife. She agreed; they were married on 30 September 1849, came to Utah the next year, and were later sealed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. Jacob was directed to settle his family in Tooele, Utah. At that time the Latter-day Saints had developed a policy of feeding the Indians to avoid fighting with them. However, the settlers barely had enough provisions for themselves—and giving food to the Indians proved to be a hardship. The settlers also found that their grain and livestock were often stolen. To combat the increasing thievery, a military company was formed, with Jacob as a first lieutenant. “I asked for a company of men,” he relates, “to … hunt up the Indians. … One morning at daybreak, we surrounded their camp. … The chief among them sprang to his feet, and stepping towards me, said, ‘I never hurt you, and I do not want to. If you shoot, I will; if you do not, I will not.’ I was not familiar with their language, but I knew what he said. Such an influence came over me that I would not have killed one of them for all the cattle in Tooele Valley.” Jacob wanted some of the Indians to accompany his group back to the settlement. Afraid, but confident in his assurance of safety, they went. When they arrived, a superior officer decided to ignore Jacob’s promise and have the Indians shot. “I told him I did not care to live,” writes Jacob, “after I had seen the Indians whose safety I had guaranteed, murdered, and … if there were any shot I should be the first. At the same time I placed myself in front of the Indians. This ended the matter and they were set at liberty.” 5 On a later occasion, the Spirit made it known to Jacob in a dramatic way that he was to be a friend and brother to the Indians—a peacemaker—rather than an enemy. “I … secreted myself behind a rock in a narrow pass. … I had not been there long before an Indian came within a few paces of me. “I leveled my rifle on him, and it missed fire. He sent an arrow at me, and it struck my gun. … ; he sent the second, and it passed through my hat; the third barely missed my head; the fourth passed through my coat and vest. As I could not discharge my gun, I defended myself as well as I could with stones. … “I afterwards learned … that not one [of our company] was able to discharge his gun when within range of an Indian. … It appeared evident to me that a special providence had been over us … to prevent us from shedding the blood of the Indians. The Holy Spirit forcibly impressed me that it was not my calling to shed the blood of the scattered remnant of Israel, but to be a messenger of peace to them. It was also made manifest to me that if I would not thirst for their blood, I should never fall by their hands.” 6 In the October 1853 general conference, Jacob was called to be a missionary among the Indians in Washington County. The next spring he left for the southern Utah settlement of Harmony, and then in December, he was selected, with other missionaries, to settle Santa Clara. The Indians in the area were somewhat nomadic, wandering about in search of food. The settlers had scared their game away, they said, and the white man’s cattle ate the grasses, roots, and grains that the Indians depended upon for food. Since the land was theirs, they maintained they were entitled to part of the crops and cattle the settlers produced. The conflict led to a great deal of trouble. But Jacob had much compassion for the Indians. He developed a great love for them and set about to help them improve their conditions. Blessed by the Lord, he found a measure of success. He and the other missionaries taught the Indians farming techniques so they would not suffer from hunger. “The patient and industrious Jacob Hamblin … may truly be designated ‘the Indians’ friend,’” wrote Thomas Brown, an early settler. “Under his industrious care, I doubt not they will soon be able to raise their own wheat, stock and other edibles, also cotton.” 7 Jacob completed this mission in June of 1855. But when he met with Brigham Young, the prophet told him to take his family, which by then included an adopted Indian boy, back to southern Utah—and he admonished Jacob not to neglect his mission among the Indians. On 4 August 1857 President Young appointed Jacob president of the Santa Clara Indian Mission. He urged Jacob to “continue the conciliatory policy toward the Indians … and to seek by words of righteousness to obtain their love and confidence.” 8 Jacob worked steadily alongside the Indians and won their trust and confidence. He talked with them in their language, always spoke the truth, and honored all his promises. As a result, he had tremendous influence with them. In later years his personal code of ethics in dealing with the Indians was distributed to all missionaries and others who dealt with the Indians. He taught his children well by his example. One biographer records: “A son of Jacob Hamblin says that when he was a very small boy his father called him one day and said, ‘Son, take this horse over to my friend, Chief Frank, and exchange the horse for some blankets.’” The boy, eager to prove himself a good trader, returned with an excessive number of blankets. Jacob, seeing the uneven trade, sent him to give back the excess blankets, “whereupon the chief said, ‘I knew my friend Jacob would send you back; he is our father too.’” 9 Jacob continued to work mightily to keep peace between the Indians and the settlers, and to ensure the safety of the many emigration companies that were passing through the area. He had long been curious about a group of Indians called the Moquis. After receiving approval, he organized an expedition and left with a group of twelve men on 28 October 1858. They traveled in a southeast direction, crossing the Colorado River at the eastern end of the Grand Canyon, known as the Crossing of Our Fathers. After a ten-day journey they arrived at the Indian village in northeastern Arizona. Their visit appeared to fulfill a prophecy: “A very aged man [a member of the Moqui tribe] said that when he was a young man his father told him that he would live to see white men come among them, who would bring them great blessings … and that these men would come from the west. He believed that he had lived to see the prediction fulfilled in us.” 10 After sending a report of their trip to Salt Lake City, Jacob received a letter from President Young. The letter told him to take a second expedition to the Moquis and “as soon as they become sufficiently familiar with our language, present to them the Book of Mormon and instruct them in regards to its history and the first principle of the Gospel.” 11 Jacob did visit the tribe again the next year, staying with them several weeks. In 1864 a group of Indians made raids upon the settlers by the Colorado River. Jacob settled these difficulties and then made two more trips to the Moquis. His second trip extended into March of 1865. In 1866 Jacob started out on another missionary expedition but became ill and turned back. He sent word to his family, and his wife came and took him home to Santa Clara. He remained in very poor health for a year—his friends believed he was dying. He relates that he was willing to die. But when he heard his little children crying around him, the question came into his mind, “What will they do if I am taken away? I could not bear the thought of leaving my family in so helpless a condition.” 12 He asked for a blessing and afterwards felt a new desire for food. After this he made a slow recovery. After some settlers were murdered by Indians, Jacob was called to act as a guide and interpreter for a company of soldiers. In 1867 he was called to visit the Indians to the east of the Rio Virgin. “I had many long talks with them,” he relates, “which seemed to have a good effect. Although some of the bands were considered quite hostile and dangerous to visit, I felt that I was laboring for good, and had nothing to fear.” 13 Indeed, Jacob was fearless in the face of danger. For this quality he was much respected, especially among the Indians. He had a way of winning the hearts of the Indians by his honest ways and with his remarkable courage. For example, on one occasion, wrote an associate, “Jacob Hamblin … was captured by the Indians, and was tied to a stake and faggots and other dry wood piled up around him. The purpose then being to fire same and finish him for all time. The Indians then danced about and uttered their war cries with the blood-curdling emphases, but could in nowise shake his inherent bravery, for he smiled and bade them finish the job. The Chief of the Indians was so astonished at his utter lack [of fear, that] they ever after proved themselves in many ways to be his friends and he ever their brother.” 14 Keeping a watch on the eastern frontiers of southern Utah often kept him away from Santa Clara and home, so Jacob decided to move his family closer to him. They moved to the unfinished fort at Kanab, Utah, in September of 1869. Jacob continued to do much to settle disputes between the Indians and the settlers. He went to Kanab and helped the Paiutes plant corn and vegetables, and they held peace parleys together. 15 When President Brigham Young visited the region in April 1870, he told Jacob to continue visiting the Indian camps, maintain peaceful relations, and prevent the shedding of blood. At that time Jacob was relieved of his previous responsibility of guarding the frontier. A few months later, Major John W. Powell of the United States Geological Survey sought Jacob’s assistance as an interpreter and guide. On September 19 a peace council was held in the Mt. Trumball area. Major Powell relates: “After supper, we hold a long council. A blazing fire is built, and around this we sit—the Indians living here, the shivwits, Jacob Hamblin and myself. This man, Hamblin, speaks their language well, and has a great influence over all the Indians in the region round about. He is a silent, reserved man, and when he speaks, it is in a slow, quiet way, that inspires great awe. His talk is so low that they must listen attentively to hear, and they sit around him in deathlike silence. When he finishes a measured sentence, the chief repeats it, and they all give a solemn grunt.” 16 Jacob explained to the council the reason for Major Powell’s visit, reassuring them that they meant no harm. He told them that the Indians should be friends and help Major Powell find water. The chief of the Shevwits responded, “Your talk is good and we believe what you say. We believe in Jacob and look upon him as a father. When you are hungry you may have our game … We will show you the springs, and you may drink; the water is good. We will be friends, and when you come we will be glad.” 17 Major Powell, aware of the great abilities of Jacob as a peacemaker, asked him to accompany him to Fort Defiance. At that council Jacob again spoke to the Indians: “I have now gray hairs on my head, and from my boyhood I have been on the frontiers, doing all I could to preserve peace between white men and Indians. “I despise this killing, the shedding of blood. I hope you will stop this, and come and visit, and trade with our people.” When Jacob finished speaking Barbenceta 18 , the principal chief of the Navajos, stood up and walked over to Jacob. Tears started up in his eyes and he put his arms around him, saying: “My friend and brother, I will do all I can to bring about what you have advised.” 19 A treaty was signed as the result of this council. Sadly, this was broken by a tragedy during the last part of 1873. Four young Navajo braves were returning home when a blizzard arose. They took shelter in an empty home nearby. The storm continued, and, since they had no food, they killed a cow. When the owner heard that Indians had camped in his house and killed his cow, he gathered his friends and attacked the Indians. They killed three and wounded the fourth, who managed to escape. Jacob, upon learning of the incident, knew that to the Navajos it would appear as a flagrant violation of the treaty. The offenders were not Latter-day Saints but they were in “Mormon territory.” The Indians would consider it a Mormon treachery. Brigham Young sent word to Jacob to go immediately to the Navajos and explain that Latter-day Saints were not the perpetrators of the Grass Valley incident. Jacob was unable to find a single man willing to go with him on such a dangerous trip and was advised by many to stay home and prepare for war. “I left Kanab alone,” Jacob writes. “My son Joseph overtook me about fifteen miles out with a note from Bishop Levi Stewart, advising my return.” 20 Jacob, however, went on. Remaining overnight at Mowabby he received a second note from Bishop Stewart, saying he would surely be killed if he went on. But Jacob stoutly says of that occasion, “I felt that I had no time to lose. … My life was of small moment compared with the lives of the Saints and the interests of the kingdom of God. I determined to trust the Lord and go on.” 21 On his journey Jacob met two Smith brothers, who accompanied him. Upon arriving, Jacob found that Chief Hastile, the arbitrator, was not there. The young braves were set upon a blood revenge, but the older ones agreed to talk. One of the Smith brothers relates the following: “Into this lodge was crowded twenty-four Navajos, four of whom were Counselors of the Nation. The Council opened [the second day of talks] by the spokesman asserting that what Hamblin had said the previous night concerning the killing, was false, … that Hamblin was a party to the killings.” The spokesman then recommended death by fire for Jacob. The other two could return after witnessing the torture. Fully aware of the danger, Jacob “behaved with admirable coolness, not a muscle in his face quivered.” Then he spoke: “I have been acquainted with your people many years, and I have worked many moons to bring about peace … I hope you would not think of killing me for a wrong with which neither myself nor my people had anything to do.” He “challenged them to prove that he had ever deceived them; ever spoken with a forked tongue.” After his words, which began to soften the feelings of the elder Indians, the wounded brave was brought in and his wounds were exposed. According to one of the Smith brothers, “The sight of the wounded brave roused their passions to the utmost fury. … It seemed that our hour had come. … It was a thrilling scene; the erect proud form of the young Chief as he stood pointing at the wound in the kneeling figure before him; the circle of crouching forms; their dusky and painted faces animated by every passion that hatred and ferocity could inspire, and their glistening eyes fixed with one malignant impulse upon us. … “The suspense was broken by a Navajo … who once again raised his voice in our behalf, and, after a stormy discussion, Hamblin finally compelled them to acknowledge that he had been their friend; that he had never lied to them, and that he was worthy of belief now.” The council finally adjourned after a tense eleven hours and let the case go before the arbitrator. Jacob later said in his wry way, “For a few minutes I felt that if I were permitted to see friends and home again, I would appreciate the privilege.” At the closing of the investigation a month later, Chief Hastile said, “I am satisfied; I have gone far enough; I know our friends, the Mormons, are our true friends.” 22 At the end of 1874 Jacob was placed in charge of the Church’s livestock on the frontier and traded often with the now peaceable Navajos. A happy event occurred on the last of March 1875 when nearly two hundred Indians were baptized. During the winter of 1875–76, Jacob “had the privilege of remaining at home [in Kanab]. My family was destitute of many things. Some mining prospectors came along, and offered me five dollars a day to go with them, as protection against the Indians. … It seemed like a special providence to provide necessities for my family, and I accepted the offer.” 23 He continued in his labors and met with Brigham Young in 1876. At this time President Young gave Jacob a blessing in which he was given special status as an emissary to the Indians. President Young said to him: “You have always kept the Church and Kingdom of God first and foremost in your mind. … You can have all the blessings there are for any man in the temple.” Jacob says of this meeting, “The assurance that the Lord and his servants accepted my labors … has been a great comfort to me.” 24 At this time he was fifty-seven years old. Jacob moved his family to Arizona in 1878, but he visited Utah regularly to report on his labors in Arizona, and later in New Mexico, where he moved in 1884. During one trip to Utah in 1885, Jacob met with Wilford Woodruff, who was president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. President Woodruff recognized Jacob’s unusual abilities with the Indians and wrote him a special certificate. The certificate called him to be a missionary among the Lamanites and gave him the right and authority to go into any part of the United States and Mexico to preach the gospel. The next summer he paid a visit to the home of his son Lyman in Alpine, Arizona. While there he caught the chills and fever. He felt better after two weeks and wanted to go home. On the way back, he and his grandson camped out in the rain in a leaky shelter. Jacob became soaked and suffered a relapse. They camped out another night, and when they arrived home—now Pleasanton, New Mexico—they found everyone ill with malaria. After three days of illness he died, on 31 August 1886. His wife, the only one able to get out of bed, was assisted by some strangers in burying him. His body was later reinterred at Alpine, Arizona. On his gravestone are the words “Peacemaker In The Camps Of The Lamanites.” Jacob’s devotion to the Church was unfaltering. His faith and trust in God was absolute. And throughout the years, his love and dedication to his family was always a motivating force. Life was never easy for them. But their sacrifices and their loyalty to one another made it possible for Jacob to accomplish all that he did. Pearson Corbett, one of Jacob Hamblin’s biographers, says of him: “He loved President Brigham Young and the Prophet Joseph Smith and accepted them as direct emissaries from God. … His devotion and loyalty to his Church, his God, his family and fellow associates places his name high among his contemporaries and will be remembered among his people for generations to come.” 25 Frederick S. Dellenbaugh, an explorer and member of the Powell Colorado River Expedition, said of him: “Old Jacob was a remarkable character, and must hold a place in the annals of the Wilderness beside Jedediah Smith, Bridger, … and the rest of that gallant band. But he differed in one respect from every one of them; he sought no pecuniary gain, working for the good of his chosen people. … Old Jacob was one of the heroes of the Wilderness, and one of the last of his kind.” 26 Illustrated by Don Seegmiller Show References Notes Marlene B. Sullivan, a free-lance writer and mother of five, is a member of the North Logan Fifth Ward, North Logan Utah Stake.