Sarah Eleanor Cox Peacock

Brigham James Peacock, Sr

by: Brigham James Peacock Jr. a son

Brigham James Peacock, son of George Peacock, son of Daniel Peacock, son of William Peacock, son of Benjamin Peacock.

My father, Brigham James Peacock, was born at Manti, Utah, the 27th of December 1858, son of George Peacock and Mary Artimesia Lowry.

Parentage: George Peacock married Sarah Lowry, the eldest daughter of John Lowry and Susan Groom, the 4th of April 1840. He crossed the plains with his family, arriving in Salt Lake City, Utah, the 5th of September 1850 and three days later left for Manti, Utah. Here he was welcomed by his father-in-law John Lowry. On the 5th of August 1854 he married another daughter of John Lowry, Mary Artimesia. Her mother's name: Mary Wilson. Mary Artimesia reached Salt Lake City in the fall of 1847 with the John Lowry Company.

George Peacock was a public spirited man and was engaged in the various political and public positions: constable, postmaster, Utah legislator, Probate Judge of Sanpete Co., and perhaps many other positions.

With these numerous activities and responsibilities, including four large families, it would seem quite impossible to give much individual attention to the children. A great many acres of land were acquired and the boys, at an early age, were out on the farms to hustle for themselves.

During these busy days, just before father was twenty-two, he took time out to take his sweetheart, Sarah Eleanor Cox, in connection with four other couples on a long trip to the St. George Temple where they were married the 1st of December 1880.

The schooling of my parents was very limited. It is not likely that it would have amounted to more than the fifth or sixth grade comparable to the schooling of their children. Much of mother's schooling and training was had in her own home (the large Cox home on Depot St. Manti, Utah). However, this training was of the best in preparing the children for the establishing of their own homes and families. It consisted of housework in general, spinning, weaving, and sewing, etc., as well as singing, dancing and home plays and entertainment. There was plenty of experience with children -their care and nursing and doctoring. I dare say that the girls were much better prepared to begin their family responsibilities than even the big majority of the girls of today (1960)

I think that it was not long after their return from St.George that the young couple began their own home life on the farm about one mile south of Sterling. Her father and his brothers, John L., George “Dod", and George D., were located on the two large springs that came from the foot of the East Hills. The water was of the very best. It served the homes, gardens, cattle, and most of the water for irrigation. This set-up was a little too good to last. While I was yet a very small boy, the town of Gunnison made a claim for part of the water. It was taken into court and they (Gunnison) were granted a part of it. This was a great loss to the brothers. Gunnison did need it. I remember going down there for a Conference and their water was so bad that I thought that I would choke before getting home.

Father was extremely thrifty. He did not leave "a stone unturned" to provide for his young family. Aside from farming and the raising of cattle he devoted much of his time to freighting between Utah and Nevada. This left mother alone with her small family to care for and chores to do. There were always cattle and pigs to feed and cows to milk, butter to make and market. Can you imagine the amount of work to do in the house: washing dishes, carrying in water and heating it on the wood-stove. No buttons to push for heat, light, water, etc., and just think of the large washings, dirty clothes, and no washing machines. This had to be done over a tub with a plain old wash-board - up and down, up and down, and then to the large boiler on the stove to boil white. How many times did she go for wood and fill the stove. You guess. You cannot even imagine.

Anxious to improve his conditions, just about two years before the election of Grover Cleveland, father and two of his brothers, Uncles John and "Dod", bought a herd of sheep from Redick Allred (I think he was from Moroni, Utah). The venture was of a short duration. How could even a small boy forget it! The financial panic of that administration almost cleaned us up. Yet it could have been worse. I have heard my father speak very highly of Redick Allred for not closing in on the brothers and taking all that they possessed. The partnership was finally dissolved by turning the sheep over to Uncle "Dod". We had the sheep long enough for me to spend two summers with them during my eleventh and twelfth years.

Prior to the venture with the sheep, father had acquired a nice bunch of cattle and some milk cows. I cannot remember when he did not have them or when I began riding the range with the older men and helping to gather and move them from place to place. The care of the milk and butter was no small item and much of it was left to mother and me. The butter was a source of income that could not be overlooked. Mother took great pride in its making and in molding it ready for market. A bundle of wheat was her trade-mark on the mold and she did not like to loan it to others. This happened occasionally. When the butter was ready for the market it was my responsibility to take it to Manti on horseback.

I think that it would be hard to find a thriftier couple than were my parents. By the time I was able to climb a tree, there were plenty of them, loaded with fruit right in our front yard. Father must have planted them soon after going to Sterling for I cannot remember when they started to bear fruit. This was a great factor in feeding the family.

Turning my thoughts back to the sheep, I conclude that it was not all a loss for I remember Uncle John going into Salt Lake and returning with some clothing for the family. I have in mind some red-topped boots that I was very proud of. However, these boots may have come with an earlier trip.

There were always improvements to be made in the home. At first it was just a two-roomed house with an attic. Later the attic was used as a bedroom. Then there was a shanty for the stove added outside. Fences had to be built around the orchard, garden, corrals, pasture, sheds, and stables. The animals were well cared for, making them as comfortable as possible. A large granary was built on top of a vegetable cellar. The latter was lined with cobblestones and in time of wind (and this was frequent) it was used as a safety retreat. Even before I can remember, mother had a terrible scare by the wind. It must have been very severe for it took the roof off Uncle "Dod's" house and it landed up against the side of our house. I do remember that when the wind began we were hurried off to the cellar and there we felt quite secure.

I must not forget to mention that while father was away so much of the time, Lavern Snow (Aunt Esther's daughter) was with us some of the time.

One of the great problems in those early days, in raising a family was sickness. Mothers had to do their own doctoring and nursing of their children and we have always had children's diseases. I call to mind a sick spell and I can just see myself in mother's arms out under the tree. I can also remember having a terrible time with a hernia where a severe sore developed from wearing a truss. The scar remains to this day. What was called "proud-flesh" got into it. The closest doctor was in Manti not far away, if one had a car or a phone, but of course we had neither. There was one consolation: families were very willing to help each other and some of their remedies could be used to good advantage, even today. Rhubarb and turpentine played a great part in household remedies. I should not overlook mustard plasters and steam baths. They have all been tried on me and I think quite successfully.

We were frequently visited by Indians, begging for something to eat. It was always a great relief when they passed on, yet we never had any trouble with them that I can remember. The Indian troubles were before my time.

It was always a problem for mother, even after we moved to Emery, to keep the lamps clean and in shape - trimmed and oiled. Of course the light was not too good at the best; but rest assured, the best was not too good for mother.

Bathroom conveniences were unknown while the children were growing up. Most of us were in our own homes before we had the use of even a bathtub. Those little washtubs were most inconvenient. The water had to be brought in from the ditch and heated on a wood stove.

This brings me to another problem - wood stoves and wood. In the Fall of the year as soon as the crops could be taken care of, men would be heading for the hills, all hours even before daylight, for wood. Many trips were required to get sufficient wood for winter. At times, father would take me along. How could I forget! On one occasion we had a tip-over and Oh! how lucky I was that father could reach me and roll me out of the way. Then there was the problem of cutting the wood and making it ready for the stove or fireplace. Much has been said or written about the "Old Wood Shed". It was not a fairy story; but was real indeed. Oh, not everyone had a wood shed but rest assured there were piles of wood to be taken care of.

If this brief account were being read to a family where small boys were in attendance, they would begin to wonder, "well, what did they eat?" Surely they had something besides butter, fruit, and milk. I do not remember missing many meals, but, of course, I am quite sure I was always hungry and ready for three meals a day. There was always a flour-bin and a meat barrel after I came on the scene. However, there were some hold-over ideas from our good grandmothers that I did not enjoy too well, especially greens! I have seen grandmother go out in the garden and pull what we called pig-weeds and cook them. To this day, I draw the line on spinach or anything that resembles greens. We did enjoy watercress and nearly always had plenty of it just up at the head of the springs. It was good and fresh. In the Fall of the year the flour-bin was filled and it must have held about several hundred pounds of flour. The hogs were fattened and the meat barrel rolled out. After the curing in brine, came the smoke-house where the finishing touches were given and the delicious meat was ready to be sliced and cooked. It would be unfair to mother if I did not call to mind the lovely sausage, seasoned with sage and spices, and stored away in jars for later use. How delicious it was! The present generation does not know how much they missed of these early treats.

There is one thing regarding food that must not be overlooked. While there seemed to be plenty in the Fall of the year, there was no waste and no extravagance. Every scrap of meat not used for food, (such as rinds and fat) were saved and when there was enough accumulated and the weather was good, the big kettle was brought out and the making of soap began. Potatoes were dug and stored in pits. Fruit was picked, canned as preserves, jelly, jam and some left fresh. Where there were orchards, nearly every home would have its small apple peeler, and some were equipped with apple corers. The apples were cut into small pieces and dried. Peaches and apricots were also dried. By storing this fruit in a dry place it would last and keep good for months. Good keeping apples were stored in bins and boxes in the cellar. Even with the best of care some of them would freeze. How I remember this! Every time I look at my left hand I can still see a scar that reminds me of an accident that I had with a new knife at Christmas time in trying to cut a frozen apple.

Clothing that had served its time as clothing for the body, was used in making quilts, carpets, and rugs; and many a pair of overalls with still some good pieces in them were made into moccasins. There was nothing for the Salvation Army.

Much is said about the Welfare Plan today, but in those days it was really lived, at least in our home.

As I call to mind these many activities and the work connected with them, I keep saying to myself, "How could they do it? Were the days longer then than now? When did they rest?" Yes, the baby did have to nurse, and there was a breathing spell, with no bottles to wash and sterilize. It furnished mother with a little time to rock and sing. Oh yes, she had a rocking chair. With quilts wrapped around and some heat placed underneath, it served as a sweat box. I tried it and carried the prints of that chair bottom to bed with me.

By 1894, my parents were faced with some problems that required real thought and courage. The family now consisted of the parents, four sons: B.J. Jr., Lynn, Ralph, and Byron and two daughters: Mima and Hazel - eight in all. One son Edgar passed away as a child. With this large family and having sustained such heavy financial reverses, it seemed very necessary to look for "greener pastures" or other prospects.

Castle Valley was a new frontier, with what appeared to be a promising future for farming cattle and sheep. Good land was very plentiful, almost for the asking. I think that it was in 1894 when father and Uncle Willard went over into Emery County and decided to homestead a piece of land. They were to work it out together with Uncle Willard using his homestead right and father helping with the work and the expense and then they were to divide the land. Father returned and the next Fall (1895) the move was made. One thing stands out in father's life: "no man stands alone". As I think of him now, I call to mind many occasions where brothers or sisters in need did not stretch out their hands in vain. Uncle Movell, a younger brother, had been married only a short time. He had been out with the sheep and I am sure that father encouraged him to move with us. Let me just inject a little incident that amused me as a boy: When Uncle Movell came in from the sheep after several months on the West desert, his face was covered with a heavy growth of whiskers, he started towards his young wife for a good welcome kiss but she ran the other way - round and round they went about the room.

We reached Emery 25th of September 1895, a tired bunch after several days of slow traveling. Many of us walked a good share of the way. We had our cows along with us. Lynn was walking one day when we came in contact with some range cattle. One made a run for him; but I had seen it just in time to ride in-between and get him on the horse with me.

Father had purchased a new home (a one room log house with a lean-to on the West). An elderly couple with a son, was still living there. They moved into the one room and we had the larger room with the fireplace. Just imagine: eight of us and our belongings in one room. Uncle Movell and Aunt Clara had a one-room log house just a short distance from us. It was just across the street from the last home owned by my parents. Our home was just the old Frank Miller place.

Our troubles were not over: The next day, the 26th of September, Aunt Clara gave birth to a son (they named him Daniel Movell). He passed away the 3rd. of January 1896. Uncle Movell became sick soon after we reached Emery. It proved to be typhoid fever. He passed away the 14th of November and was laid to rest in the old cemetery, just East of town. I think that it was not long after this that Mima had this dreaded disease. She recovered but lost all her hair.

Just how long we lived in this first home in Emery, I do not remember. It must have been two or three years. I know that one winter we had to melt snow for household purposes and also for our milk cows. Father had bought a lot one block East of the meeting house. It had a good garden on it and a cellar. It was always known as the cellar-lot. We did enjoy the vegetables. I remember especially the carrots.

Our readjustment was not easy. I remember that others were sick and everything strange. How the parents ever stood it I'll never know. One thing that I do know is that the people were exceptionally good: "Uncle" Tom Williams, and sister Eunice Pettey, just to mention two of the many, were really outstanding. It is likely that I was in the right mood to accept friends when they came on the scene.

The next summer (1896) the folks let me go back to Sterling and work at Uncle John's sawmill, wheeling sawdust out of the way. Could they have sent me back there to get me out of the way? After all, one less in a bed of three or four, would make quite a difference. That Fall I returned to Emery. Eugene (Claud) Peacock and I crossed the mountain on horse-back. Neither of us had ever been over the trail; but we did fine until we reached the rim of the valley where we could look down and I recognized the town. However, we had missed the trail and in attempting to go it on our own we got ledged and had to leave our horses and walk. We had gone to the North of Wild Cat Trail. Father and Claud went back the next day, built a trail and finally succeeded in getting the horses out. At first, it seemed to father to be an almost hopeless undertaking.

It is not an uncommon thing, today, to find men walking out on their families when the going is hard or they get into tight places, but not so with father. Like the old hen with a large brood of chickens, "does she quit scratching when the food is scarce? No! She scratches a darn sight harder." So with father, always on the alert for something better. The sawed-log house East of the store (later becoming our home) was for sale. It looked good to my parents and had possibilities for improvement. Father bought it and after some additions and repairs it served very well until the Fall of 1905 when another home was needed and father bought the present home, now occupied by Riddell from Uncle Willard. This was the nicest home that they had ever had. However, many changes were made before father passed away.

During these moves, from one place or home to another, many things took place: Father was not completely discouraged with the sheep business because of failure in Sterling; but with the opportunity for another trial, he and Uncle Gardner Snow, formed a partnership on a lease basis. This was not long after reaching Emery. The desert country to the East and as far South as the Henry Mountains was a good range for Winter, while the mountains to the West were good for Summer. Emery became a focal point, good for both sheep and cattle business. The partnership was quite successful and after a few years the partnership was dissolved and each went on his own. There were many hardships to endure; one that stands out in my memory was the winter the desert was covered with snow for a long period of time and father became snow-blind. He was down in a section of the country known as "The Robber Roost Country;" this name was given to it because it served as a hiding place for robbers and outlaws, who would do their "dirty work" in the settlements and then seek shelter in this almost inaccessible country. These characters were not completely bad. They did have a heart for a man in trouble as father was and came to his assistance while he was suffering this blind spell.

Another adversity that they had to contend with was the wind and sand storms. In order to protect the wool, choice bed-grounds had to be selected and it was not always easy. The cleaner the wool the better the price. In the Spring of the year when they started towards the mountains, great care had to be taken that the sheep did not stray off in small bunches and "head for the hills". One Spring (I think it was in 1900) I was sent down to help and I found a large bunch that had became separated, and had days the start of us. In returning them to the herd, night overtook me and I had to "lay-out". It was cold but fortunately for me I found a wooded area and after my fire had burned low I cleared it away and with my saddle blankets on the warm ground I managed very well until morning. During the Summer I was able to relieve father from the sheep and he would then work on the farm. Father was also using more hired help with the sheep and putting in more time at home. Shortly after my marriage the 14th of June 1905, he sold the sheep. I spent about two weeks, after our marriage, with the sheep and that was the end. I still dream about sheep, more than anything else. I am always out with them.

Father's next move was something entirely new. "It came out of the blue".

The Mercantile Business

Just what motivated it I do not know. It could have been because of my marriage and coming back to Emery and giving up my interest in the sheep. He could have seen the prospects expected for Emery as a business center for cattle, sheep, hogs, and alfalfa seed. I should mention also, good roads and the vast coal fields in the hills close by. At any rate, when Keifeim and Cooly offered their store for sale, he purchased it. This was only a short time after our marriage. Father took on a full-time job with me as a helper during my spare time while teaching. In May of 1907, I came in and relieved him to some extent. Here is where the hog business comes into the picture, and for a number of years father, and some of the other boys, hauled tons and tons of meat and grain to the camps in Carbon County and loading back with merchandise. This was not an easy life either, but father carried on, keeping his finger on the pulse of business at all times from the outside.

Business, generally, was quiet. There was a store in Orangeville, known as "The Cox and Snow Store," up for sale. Father asked me to meet him in Orangeville to look over the deal. As a result, the stock of goods and fixtures was purchased the 22nd of November 1907, through a Mr. Sloan. We took possession at once and with the help of Myrtle Peacock as clerk we began shifting some goods between the two stores, at the same time making further purchases, and on the 5th of December we opened up for business. Winter was right on to us so we had to work fast: 10th of December, Lydia and I with our two babies, Ernest and Rosalie, were moved to Orangeville and located in the home of a Mr. James Woodard. We quite enjoyed our new quarters but business was slow. Father was in the store at Emery and always, of course, had the final say in all business matters. Business in Orangeville did not justify the expense, so 26th of March 1908, with my family, I returned to Emery. Myrtle took care of the store until we finally closed it out and took the remaining goods to Emery 19th of August 1908.

The business in Emery was opened up under the name of B.J. Peacock & Sons. The store building was a very poor excuse for a place of business. The store room, itself, was dark and dingy, and the shelving and counters had the appearance of just being thrown together from boxes and scraps of lumber. The lean-to on the East side was used for a granary and served very well. The lean-to on the South had been used for the living quarters of Keifheim and Cooley, the former owners. Of course, father and the rest of us were anxious to make a success of the business and realized that there would have to be a change. A new building was the only answer. This was a big problem, but plans were made and the gathering of material began in June of 1907 with the hauling of rock for the foundation. Father took an active part in the whole project, even to assisting in laying up of the walls. He was on the road freighting a great deal of the time also. We did a great deal of the construction ourselves and of course had to take care of the store at the same time. The building was near enough completed by the latter part of August 1908 that we began to move in. Some business was taken care of and some letters written September 1908. Other finishing touches had to be made later when convenient.

Here is a little copy of an announcement taken from the Emery County Progress under the date of the 31st. of August 1908:

"B.J. Peacock & Sons are today beginning to move into their new store which is one of the best in eastern Utah. They have secured the services of Myrtle Peacock of Orangeville, who was brought over yesterday."
One of the interruptions that had taken place in our building program was the Political Campaign wherein B.J. Peacock Jr. was persuaded to enter on the Republican ticket as County Superintendent. This required some time away from the business in traveling through the county. His opponent was successful by a majority of fourteen votes.

From January 1909, father had the heavy load in the store until June, while I was in Castle Dale teaching and then in Provo for a little schooling. He was again left with the full responsibility of the store and my family for a part of the time while I was in the Southern States on a mission from October 1911 to October 1913. When I returned home he and mother came to the house and spent the evening. As they arose to leave father walked over to me and handed me the keys to the store. He was ready for a little rest, but he kept his hand upon the wheel.

Mention has already been made of father's readiness to help the members of the family whenever a hand came out for help. One of the most striking examples of this came to my attention as I was reading my "Date Book of 1907". The 24th of March, father came to me with a letter from Uncle George D. Peacock; he said: "make a reply to it." Just what the letter contained or even the reply I do not remember but in my "Date Book" under the 17th of April, I find this statement, "Uncle George was the first to greet me." Then I call to mind a statement that father had made regarding a conversation he had with the judge: He met with the judge and Uncle George. As the judge questioned Uncle George he found a vital spot which aroused Uncle George and caused him to go "off the beam" a little. Father mentioned it to the judge afterwards and the judge replied, "Oh well, haven't we all got a weak spot somewhere?" There are several incidents recorded where Uncle George helped with this or that; one incident: "I gave Uncle George 50 cents to help me", etc. The 21st of May from my record I found, "I was called to the phone and notified that Uncle George was picked up at Roosevelt (insane)." There is another recording where father is "released of his responsibility regarding Uncle George". Mother, of course, shared in this great responsibility, even more than father, taking a man from a mental institution into her family of children to care for.

Things were soon quite normal after my return from the mission field. Father and I continued to work together with the store business as a basic interest. He assumed the responsibility of the outside, taking charge of the freighting and the marketing of the meat and produce. This was not an easy undertaking. It required a lot of physical work, heavy lifting, a great deal of endurance: long rides, poor beds, irregular meals, all kinds of weather (hot and cold). He was not the one to set back and "Let the other fellow do it." However, ones physical strength is sure to weaken as the years come and go.

It must have been about two years after my return, father leased the store to Lynn and me and he tried to withdraw to some extent. Lynn took his place on the road, and he worked around the home much of his time, but his interest was still with the success of the store.

In my journal under February 1914, I find, "Mother and father are in Logan attending the 'Farmer's Round-up' filled with many good suggestions on home improvement, better cattle, better hogs, chickens, etc. It certainly does me good to know that they enjoyed their trip." This is, most likely, the farthest from home that they have been since their marriage in St. George. I think that I would not be far wrong in saying, the only trip, except for a trip now and then to Manti.

In June of 1914, I made a move, that for a time, was somewhat disturbing to father. We traded homes with John Jorgensen and moved about a mile out along the main highway, south of Emery. Lydia and I could see the wisdom in the move later. We all had to look ahead to see the virtue in the move.

Again, in my journal of January 1916, "Father threw his tobacco away about eighteen months ago after using it for about forty years. His health has been better than it has for years and he has gained about fifteen pounds in weight."

The year 1918 had many dark days for America and especially for father and mother. War was on and the boys in the service, including Byron and Wilbur; but worst of all was the raging epidemic of flu and the many deaths that it caused. Ralph and Lynn were among the casualties. I was with mother and father at the bedside of Ralph when he passed away. I shall never forget the remark Ralph made during those few last minutes: "All my life it has been work, work, work! and now it is too late!" Mother was the brick, giving strength to me and father. No services could be held. Families had to stand their own sorrows almost alone except for a few who were scattered about at safe distances. Fear of the disease gripped our town, and I should say, the nation. Father had lost two brothers (Uncles John and Clarence) the early part of the year. It was really a dark period in the lives of my parents. With the opening of 1919, a ray of light began to gleam; the war closed, Byron and Wilbur were home again.

In the Spring of 1920, we were faced with another problem, yes, but a different one. Still a problem. I had been active for years in teaching in the various classes of the ward, primarily in the Parents' Class in the Sunday School. I was brought face to face with the slogan: "We stand for the non-use and non-sale of Tobacco." I took the matter up with father. He hesitated for a few minutes at first and then consented. It was a blow to business. We saw many of our customers walk away and go to our competitors. However, I heard father speak of it to others with apparent pride. This was another victory for him in the tobacco business.

During the year 1920, father's physical condition began to fail some. His trips to the store grew farther apart. He would tire more easily yet said he was in no pain, just weak and out of breath. This continued until we called in a doctor, much against his wish. This was in September. He did not think that he needed a doctor, even after he was confined to his bed. He remarked, "The doctor will just laugh at you." He did consent and finally made a property with the family that proved to be a good move and saved a big expense in the end.

His mind was perfectly clear up until the last breath. He watched the expressions on the faces of those who came to the bed-side and knew as well as we did that the doctor had given up hope.

All of the grandchildren had to be brought to him, and along with a kiss he would say, "Be a good boy or girl (as the case may be)" - taken from my journal of the 17th of October - pg.72. Just prior to the incident regarding the grandchildren (in this same recording) father said, " You know that I am going to die and I know it, the doctor has told you. I can tell it." I had to admit it and then after a few minutes I asked him if he did not want me to "anoint him and dedicate him to the Lord", he replied, "Sure I do." This was early in the morning of the 29th of September about 3 AM. I called mother and the boys and told them what had taken place. We gathered at his bed-side and after I had taken my hands from his head he said, "I wish I could pray." A few moments lapsed and then he uttered a lengthy prayer remembering first of all the fatherless children of Lynn and Ralph. He continued by remembering Wilbur and Riddell and then in the most sublime patience he waited the end, which came about 3 PM the 1st of October 1920.

(Let me here insert, that it is not recommended that one should be dedicated to the Lord or practiced as in this case. The idea had come to me from some past experience or other. I do not know. However, it brought forth a lovely prayer from father and did seem to serve a good purpose.)

Relatives and friends came from far and near. A lovely service was held Sunday the 3rd. of October at 2 PM and the body given its last resting place in the Emery Ward Cemetery.

The lines of Edgar A. Guest should serve as a fitting climax to this brief sketch and may well be kept in the minds of the descendants.

Your Name

"You got it from your father, 'twas the best he had to give.
    And right gladly he bestowed it - it is yours the while you live,
You may lose the watch he gave you and another you may claim,
    But remember when you're tempted, to be careful of his name.

It was fair the day you got it and a worthy name to wear,
    When he took it from his father there was no dishonor there;
Through the years he proudly wore it, to his father he was true,
    And that name was clean and spotless when he passed it on to you.

Oh, there's much that he has given that he values not at all,
    He has watched you break your playthings in the days when you were small,
And you've lost the knife he gave you and you've scattered many a game,
    But you'll never hurt your father if you're careful with his name.

It is yours to wear forever, yours to wear the while you live,
    Yours, perhaps, some distant morning to another boy to give,
And you'll smile as did your father smile above the baby there,
    If a clean name and a good name you are giving him to wear."

(The story of BJP Sr. was written the 2nd of May 1960, by Brigham James Peacock Jr. The 3rd of May he writes about his mother.)

So far in this sketch I have given father the "lime light" but let me add that no wife or mother has ever been more deserving of equal respect than my mother. They pulled together. The problems of one became the problems of the other. Yet each had his or her special responsibilities. Mother was queen in the home. But wait a moment: Even a queen must have had some background.

Mother was born in the Old Fort in Manti, Utah, the 20th of November 1859. The Following excerpts are taken from, "Fredrick Walter Cox and His Family", by F.M. Alder: "Her father - Fredrick Walter Cox was born the 20th of January 1812 in Plymouth, Chenango County, New York. Her mother Jemima LOSEE, was born in Zone, Kent County, Canada, the 30th of September 1823. The parents were sealed the 27th January 1846. In Silver Creek, Iowa, in 1851, Frederick was arrested, tried and sentenced for practicing plural marriage. His sentence was, "One wife or leave the country!" .•.• He said, "I will never desert these girls so help me God." in order to keep peace and to gain a little time - for he was making his own wagons to go West - he moved Cordelia and Jemima and their children into a stable in the next county, where they suffered from cold, fear, and loneliness; but were comforted by a strange woman who came to the house in the very time of need. (This strange woman happened to be a nurse, Aunt Esther was born that night, 29th of February. The nurse was not known to them and was never seen again.)

Mother's prime responsibility was in the home and her children came first. The best and most tender care was none too good for them. Their food and clothing was prepared by her own hands. She was mother, doctor, nurse, and maid, but did not hesitate to call for help if she found herself overmatched. I remember being called out of bed to go for help when one of the children had the croup and her remedy did not prove effective.

Her stove, pots and pans were always ready for use. If she had any one hobby or pride it was in her stove and brass buckets. They were kept spotless and could almost be used as mirrors.

In sickness or in death, it was she who remained calm and considerate. She was called into many, many a home to do the washing, sewing and dressing of the departed. For many years she held the great responsibility of seeing to the dressing of the dead in the Emery Ward.

In her home, truly, "the latch string was always on the outside;" cattlemen, sheep men and even strangers to her found a welcome place at her table. .

She was a great lover of flowers. She needed no window blinds in the winter, for back of her lovely flowers you would always find layers of paper to keep the flowers from freezing. One of her choice ones was an oleander. It grew to be quite a tree in a large candy bucket out of doors in the summer, but back in the house before freezing time in the Fall.

We lost our close contact with mother when we moved to Palmyra, New York, in 1925, and then from there to Los Angeles in 1927. Our visits were far apart and even then very short. With the passing of years there were always adjustments to make and sometimes they were hard and serious; but with mother she seemed to take them very naturally. She was lovely and congenial at all times. We enjoyed her visit to Los Angeles with Helen and Wilbur during the winter of 1929. This large city and the large crowds were quite a thrill to her. We spent New Years Eve on Broadway in a mass of humanity and then on New Years Day at the Rose Parade in Pasadena. I remember a remark she made, "where do they all sleep?" This question, likely, was a holdover from her girlhood. She had told me that there were twenty-seven brothers and sisters, at one time, in the large Cox Home. (Still standing April 1960)

I must go back to an event a little over a year after father's passing: Wilbur left for Canada in January of 1922 on a mission. This was one of the greatest joys of her life and especially so was it when the letters came from him, containing such remarks as this, "I have found a new way to enjoy life." The spirituality that she brought with her from her home and the hardships of the early pioneer life never died out. She was humble and did not complain. She sang at her work and even tried to teach me to sing. Some of our favorite songs were: "Annie Laurie," "The Faded Coat of Blue," and "Tenting tonight."

Mother passed away the 11th of July 1937, while visiting with Wilbur and Helen (Peacock) in Salt Lake City, (Utah). The account of her passing came to us later and stated that her illness was of short duration and with no apparent suffering.

We did not go back for the services. We had a lovely visit with her in April and our funds were low. We did expect to have some expense, also, with her going and even sent a check for that purpose. It was later returned to us stating that mother, herself, was prepared for this event. We were having our Stake Conference when the telegram came. The question was serious to decide and on our way home from one of the meetings we had car trouble and accepted this event as an answer to our problem.

Her body was taken to Emery, Utah, and there placed alongside of father, in the Emery Ward Cemetery.

The objective in the writing of these sketches has been to pass on to posterity a brief account of the lives of my parents in the hope that other lives may be touched as mine has been.

The poet expresses my thoughts as to the desires of my mother much better than I am able, in the words of:

A MOTHER'S PRAYER

By: Mrs. Carl Misel, New York

'Tis evening, I sit by the fire
    With my babe asleep at my breast.
I am thinking of the days that are coming;
    When the little one leaves the nest.

Today I may guard his footsteps
    And teach his hands to do right.
But Oh the tomorrow is coming;
    With my boy in the world's bitter fight.

Will the rosy red lip I am kissing
    Utter words that my heart cannot bear?
Or will the wee hands I am holding;
    Be clasped to their Father in prayer?

I ask not, 0 God for riches,
    Or honor or wealth or fame,
But just that my boy will be noble;
     And speak with honor thy name."

(Mother would underline that last verse)

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