Robert Spence, 1811-1868 by Martha Spence

Posted by Richard N. Heywood, great grandson of Martha Spence

Robert Spence, Extracted verbatim from the Journal of Martha Spence entitled,

 Martha Spence & J. N. Heywood Diaries and Poems Book 3 which is in possession of Richard N. Heywood.  The Diary is written in the first person handwritten by Martha Spence, Robert’s sister.

 Was born in the city of Dublin on the 8^th of March 1812. My father married my mother September 1806. I believe I was their fourth child. My mother’s first child named Godfrey, died in infancy. Second child named Mary and third Robert who were older than myself.

. . .

When my sister Mary was about 18 months old (when my mother was in her confinement of my brother Robert) the first part of March . . .

. . .

My brother Robert was born Feb 25, 1811 and my mother’s health being such that she could not nurse or have the care of him he was given to nurse to a woman of the name of Gregg, an uncultivated mind & vulgar habits, my brother when an infant was of such a sober cast that this nurse of his used to remark to my mother “What a sensible lad mam”. I was born one year the following March on the eighth day & was handed over to this same woman . . .

. . .

The first duties I entered upon, was to wait on others in the store and as my brother Robert commenced at the same time we made quite an appearance and were commonly termed Lilipution Shop Keepers. When we commenced selling goods we had to stand on stools to be high enough with the counter to wait on customers.

. . .

They (Martha’s sister, Hannah and Anna Maria) were put to a boarding school in a town called Baldriggan whose proprietor was “Mrs. Steward” there was also in this town a School for Young Gentleman whose Proprietor was the Rev Mr Fenton where my brother Robert had spent one year.

. . .

In the year 1830 my sister Mary died in the town of Lusk 11 miles north of the city of Dublin, where she had been placed a few years previous under the care of an Aunt of my fathers whose husbands name was Molony. As this was the first material break in our family we felt it most severely tho considered a blessing to her who died and us who lived She had numbered 23 years in idiocy and died as if going to sleep. At this time my father and brother Robert were in London where my brother spent a year to perfect himself in the Ivory turning business and after he returned he commenced business for himself and my brother Andrew was apprenticed to him. Shortly after made acquaintance with Mary Jane Cook whose father was in the same guild as my brother the result of the acquaintance was marriage. We considered her good looking, a good singer, played a little on the piano but decidedly unsociable as she visited to our house for a week or two on purpose to get acquainted.

. . .

When my brother Robert married his wife her father passed some notes to him as security for a share of property due to her as a marriage portion. Which notes he used in his business but when due were not met by his father in --- in which threw him in apparent difficulties. In having an interview with father to counsel as to what course he had better take to avoid the said difficulty. I broke in upon their conversation and suggested to my brother the plan of starting for the New World as it was commonly called in that day. “Why not go to America while young and your family small and commence your living in a New Country where everything is so much more desirable than here?”

My brother acceded at once to my proposition and never thought otherwise from that moment and in a subsequent consultation meeting with my father I made the second move towards the accomplishment of my favorite object Poor Mary Jane said my brother in allusion to his wife’s trial in being separated as it was decided that he best go first alone and either come or send for his wife and child. Poor Mary Jane said I, “I wish it was my case to have a husband to send for me from America.”

Why not go to America, husband or not rejoined my brother Father will not let me go, said I. My father looked up at me over his spectacles (as he was sitting and I was standing before him) in one of his sternest moods saying If you want to leave your poor old father in the name of God go!! emphasizing his speech very strongly. I at once answered You say so now but when the time of my going is at hand you will not let me go He then repeated what he had said. & from that time resolved to go.

. . .

In due time my brother left her and I having arranged that I would accompany his wife if he sent for her, he left his wife under our care but not to live with us, as my mother would not consent to her taking her abode permanently as a member of the family. fearing some little family difficulty may arise and it wisdom to avoid at once the possibility of such an event by not running in the way of it she having her parents to look to. I remember well mother arguing the point with my father and wound up the argument by saying she would extend all the kindness and care to her in every other way and that she could visit us as often and as long as she pleased Their little daughter “Elizabeth” was six weeks old a very beautiful child favoring its mother in this respect

In due time letters arrived from the other world and as my brother was naturally a ready writer we had many of them, all very lengthy and enthusiastically in favor of the country and in due time sent means to pay the expenses of his wife’s trip across the Atlantic,

Event Birth:  25 Feb  1812, born about 18 months after his sister Mary Work with sister, Martha, in their father’s store School in Badriggan, Mrs. Stewards:  Spent one year Robert in London—Ivory turning business, London.  Brother, Andrew his apprentice after he returned from London. Death of sister, Mary, 1830 (23 years in idiocy) Lusk, Ireland.  Business in Dublin— Brother, Andrew his apprentice “after he returned” from London. Married Mary Jane Cook Dauther, Elizabeth—apparently born about 6 week before Robert’s emigration.  Robert, Emigrated to America Wife, Mary Jane, followed a year later

 

Leland Heywood Family Notes, 1922-1943

Notes by Margaret Josephine Heywood (Pitton)

(1922-1943)

          1922- Mother Heywood called the valuable wedding gifts “the use-less things.”

          Nov. 18, 1922- Josephine was born- Dr. Shupe, of Phoenix, was the doctor. Ella took care of Margaret and Mother Heywood took care of Josephine. Leland was a pharmacist in Chandler at this time.

          Jan. 23 until June 1, 1923- Mother Heywood, Josephine and Margaret went to Youngsberg, in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains, where Margaret taught school. They lived in a tent during the week, then went to Mesa for week-ends.

          The school was one room with about 40 students, from first grade through the eighth grade. Three graduated at the end of the school year.

          Soon after school was over, Leland drove Mother Heywood, Aunt Ettie, Aunt Ella, Margaret and baby to S.L.C. (Salt Lake City).

          Leland went to L.A. to go to the dental college at the University of Southern Calif. Margaret stayed with Velma at Brigham, Utah where they both taught school (Sept. 1923- June 1924). Josephine was left in Salt Lake CIty to be cared for by her Grandma and Grandpa Smurthwaite. Margaret would go to SLC on week-ends.

          In June of 1924 Margaret, Leland, Josephine, Mother Heywood, and Velma lived in a little house in Englewood, CA.

          Leland and Velma went to school and in Sept. 1924 Margaret started teaching at an elementary school in Los Angeles City. Josephine was cared for by Mother Heywood.

          After scraping the side of the house as she backed out of the drive-way each morning prior to teaching each weekday for a year, Margaret, et all moved to Budlong St. to be closer to the university.

          Budlong St. was walking distance to the Los Angeles Museum, the beautiful Rose Gardens, and the (Colosseum) as well as the University of So. Calif.

          Margaret taught at the Center St. School.  It was there that she met Mother Van Engen and Myra Banta Nelson.

          Oct 2, 1928 Soon after Barbara was born Margaret took Josephine and new baby, by train, to Holbrook, Arizona to join Leland where he had started his Dental Practice. (Barbara had a beautiful layette, handmade. Grandma Heywood felt it was extravagant & unnecessary.)

          The little baby was blessed and given the name of Barbara Lea by her father, on January 6, 1929 in Holbrook.

          When we first moved to Holbrook we lived in one of the very small rentals (little Mexican style house) about a year. Tken we bought a house from Gilbert Udall.

          While we lived in Holbrook, Leland raised fan tail pigeons to sell the squabs to the market. However, being too tenter hearted, he couldn’t do it, so he gave up the venture.

          Leland also built a garage and dug a well. We had our own tap water.

          6/17/30 Alfred Leland Heywood was born in Snowflake, Ariz. Neal (Joseph Neal Heywood Jr.), Leland’s brother was the doctor, and Sister Campbell was the mid-wife. Alfred was blessed and given his name July 3, 1930 by his father in Holbrook.

          In Sept. 1930 Margaret, Josephine, Barbara, and infant Alfred borded [sic] the train to return to Calif. In order for Margaret to keep her teaching certificate in Calif. she had to teach for at least a year.

          Mother Smurthwaite came from SLC. to care for the children. Josephine was in the second grade, Barbara was two years old and Alfred the tiny baby. Dad (alfred Smurthwaite) was with up part of the time. Leland came for a short stay at Christmas time.

          We returned to Holbrook in June 1931 (Josephine wearing corrective glasses) by train. We were glad to be home in Holbrook again. Margaret did not go back to teach school in Cal. until Sept. of 1934. In August of 1031 Josephine was baptized at the McNary Swimming pool by Leland. (He had to chase after her to catch her 1st though.) She was confirmed by Bishop O.C. Williams (he was also sheriff).

          We had many friends in Holbrook. The Udalls, Scott*, McLaughlin, Hatch, Dr. Gothard (Alfred chopped his toe nearly off- it was sewed on by Dr. Gothard), Shuster, Babbitt, Mr. Sheldon (principal), Hulet (Josephine took piano lessons from Mrs. Hulet), Hewart, Greer, McCleve, Westover, Youngblood, Gardmen, Campbell, etc.

          Many hrs. and many wonderful days were spent in Snowflake, about 30 miles from Holbrook. Neal & Emma Heywood and their family and Dave and Maria Heywood & their family lived in Snowflake.

          While in Holbrook Josephine had mumps, whooping cough and chicken pox. Barbara had whooping cough, chicken pox, and measels [sic] (Alfred?).

          Leland was Sunday School Superintendant [sic], Margaret was the Primary President.

          On March 31, 1932 Margaret’s father, Alfred Smurthwaite died. The next day, April fools day, we left for Utah. Soon after the funeral in Wellsville, Utah we left to go back to Arizona. Josephine stayed in S.L.C. with Mother Smurthwaite, Mary and Harry until August.

          We lived, in Holbrook, close to the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. We went camping and fishing in the White Mts. and in the Little Colorado River. Often we went on picnics with the Udalls.

          Margaret, along with doing other things, put on the musical Snow White and the Seven dwarfs.The whole town must have come to see it. (Dress rehersal [sic] day Alfred followed some horses & was finally found by the police.)

          Mary Heywood Lewis lived with us for about a year.

          On April 10, 1933 Richard Neal was born in Snowflake. Neal was the doctor and, again, Sister Campbell was the midwife.

          Leland was the President of the Rotary Club while we were in Holbrook.

          Richard was blessed July 2 1933 by his father.

          One exciting trip we made was to attend the Hopi Indian Rain Dance. It was clear and hot on the way there. On the way back it was rainy and some roads were washed out. Once a year, Leland went to the Indian reservation with Neal to help with the health of the Indians, Leland fixing teeth.

          In the early summer of 1934 Leland, Margaret, Neal, Emma, Grandma Heywood left for the Century of Congress International Exposition in Chicago. This Exposition was celebrating Chicago’s 100th anniversary. They left in Uncle Neal’s car. In Salt Lake City they picked up Mary Smurthwaite.

          When they drove off Alfred cried and rolled around in the mud.

          A woman from St. Johns took care of the four children.

          Leland, Margaret and Mother Heywood returned in Holbrook driving a new car- as Essex.

          In Sept. 1934 Margaret and Josephine left Holbrook for Los Angeles, CA. Josephine went to the 6th grade at the Hoover Ave. School. Margaret taught at the Hooper Ave. School.

          We lived on Leeward Ave. with Mother Heywood, Velma Molen and Roy Molen.

          Leland stayed in Holbrook with Barbara, Alfred and Richard. Mrs. Youngblood took care of the little ones during the fay.

          That Thanksgiving Leland, the 3 children, Mrs. Youngblood and her daughter spent that day with us on Leeward Ave. The next day, Friday, Mrs Youngblood, her daughter, and Josephine went to Catalina Island. The following day the travelers from Ariz. started on the long trip back.

          Margaret and Josephine spent Christmas of 1934 in Holbrook with the family.

          Spring of 1935 Leland moved with 3 children and their few possessions to Mesa, Arizona where he started his dental practice.

          In June of the same year Margaret and Josephine arrived at their home (red brick house on Mesa Drive) in Mesa. We belonged to the 2nd ward.

          These years were during the depression years. Times were hard. So Sept. 1935 Margaret left again to teach in California. This time she left alone to live with Velma. While here in Ariz. Mother Heywood, Ella Kvist and Roy came to live with Leland and his & Margaret’s four children.

          Margaret taught again at Hooper Ave. School. Martha Van Enger taught there also and Myra Nelson was the principal. Margaret and Velma lived in a little apt. on Southerland St. Leland came to visit at least one time during the year sporting a red mustache. He left without it. Leland had burned his hand and was unable to practice dentistry for a while.

          Christmas that year was spent in Mesa. Velma and Margaret coming from Los Angeles.

          April 1936 Velma and Margaret came to Mesa for Easter.

          In June Margaret came home and Mother Heywood, Ella Kvist and Roy Moten returned to Los Angeles. About a month before arriving home to the Red Brick house on Mesa Drive, Margaret sent home a set of China, crystal and a service of eight of silver.

          Margaret returned to Los Angeles as principal of Hooper Ave. School in Sept. of 1936. She lived with Mother Heywood, Velma and Roy. An Indian (Apache) sort of took care of the children while Leland worked for a while. Then a young girl names Clara (age 16) came to take care of the house and children.

          Margaret came home to Mesa Drive at Christmas time. Sometime in January of the year 1937 Leland moved the family to the house they were to live in for many years- 40 East 1st Street. There they belonged to the 1st ward in Mesa. In Feb of 1937 Mother Heywood died. She was buried in Thatcher, Arizona beside her husband. Those of her family from Calif. and Arizona attended the funeral in Thatcher.

          April of 1937 Margaret spent the Easter holiday in Mesa. When she returned to Los Angeles she took Barbara with her.

          About a month before Margaret and Barbara were to come home, Jenny Baker came to take care of Alfred and Richard and clean the house so it would be nice when Margaret came home. She usually left when Josephine came home from school, about 4:30 P.M.

          Margaret and Barbara came home sometime in the middle of June. Shortly after they got home a large truck arrived with new furniture for out little 3 bedroom house on 40 E. 1st St. Margaret had bought the furniture in L.A.

          Uncle Dave & Aunt Marie had moved from Snowflake to Phoenix.

          Holidays were spent with Dave and Marie Heywood and family.

          In August of 1937 Paul, their oldest boy was very ill. Margaret, Leland and Josephine went to visit them in Phoenix. Barbara, Alfred and Richard were left home because of the seriousness of Paul’s illness. He died while we were there.

          (In 1st ward 1937- Barbara performed-gave two readings. Thats when Margaret met Mable & Grant and they became best of friends.)

          In Sept of 1937 Barbara was in the 3rd grade, Alfred was in the 1st grade and Josephine was a Freshman in Mesa Highschool [sic]. Richard was 4 years old and Margaret’s delight. Richard made friends with everyone in the neighborhood. He spent alot [sic] of his free time visiting Miss Bert, a little old maid. Also, getting acquainted with Dr. Trinball. Richard was always asking “Why?”

          Leland was already in the Rotary Club and Margaret joined the Women’s Club. As far as church was concerned Leland was ymmia [Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association] president, and Margaret was Jr. Sunday School Coordinator.

          After church was over in the evening, many evenings were spent playing bridge with Grant & Mable Macdonald.

          Special friends were the Macdonalds, Kallians, Reeds, De. Kents, Meldrims, Taylors, Shepherds, Werners. We had many good times together.

          Jenny Baker helped with the house work, washing and ironing.

          Thanksgiving was spent at uncle Dave and Aunt Marie’s house in Phoenix. Christmas was spent with Uncle Dave’s family in Mesa with us.

          As mentioned before, these were the depression days. Every other Friday Leland went to Phoenix to do dental work for the state welfare program. He was given $100.00 each time he went, but he came home feeling low because the people getting their teeth fixed did not express any thankfulness for having their work done free.

          Margaret made all of Josephine and Barbara’s clothes. Many times fixing “hand me down” clothes.

          Sept. 1938 Margaret went to school at Tempe State Teachers College. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education [ May 13, 1939].

          Alfred was baptized July 2, 1938 in the Arizona Temple.

          March 3, 1940 Leland was ordained a High Priest and was called to the High Council, Maricopa Stake (served 16 years).

          June of 1940 Josephine was sent to Los Angeles to study music. In July Margaret went to L.A. for a couple of weeks to visit Velma.

          May of 1941 Josephine graduated from highschool [sic]. In August Margaret, Josephine, Barbara, Alfred and Richard drove to S.L.C. for the first visit for a long, long time. There was also the Brown Family Reunion in S.L.C.

          July 5, 1942 Alfred was ordained a Deacon by Leland Heywood 1st ward.

          Sept 1942 Margaret started teaching at the Mesa Union High School. She took Lois Wendell’s place teaching Freshman English. Harvey L. Taylor was the Superintendant [sic]. Later Rulan Shepherd was the Superintendant [sic].

          The last of July all but Leland went to SLC. The Brown reunion this time was in Wellsville. Josephine went home to help Leland at the office. Spet. Josephine went to school at the BYU. Coming home at Christmas and again in March to get new clothes for spring.

          Summer of 1943 Leland, Margaret, Barbara, Al & Rich went to L.A. to visit (Josephine was already there). They visited with Velma, Martha & Charles, Aunt Ella & Paul also Bob & Sylvia in San Clemonte [sic].

          Oct. 1943 Josephine called (telephone) to say she was getting married in a week as her intended would have a week off about then. Margaret said come home you’ll get married the 17th (Jim had to be in camp the 19th) Margaret had ordered the announcement by the time Josephine get off the bus in Mesa. Next day she was fitted for a wedding dress by Mrs. Eleanor Brown. Photographs were taken & new clothes bought in Phoenix. The groom arrived the 12th of Oct. He stayed at the Macdonalds.

          Mother Smurthwaite and Sam arrived minutes before the ceremony. The ceremony was delayed for at least 1/2 hr. while they got read--Charles Gunnel, Margaret’s cousin sang.