Coleman, Jemima (Price) - Obituary

AGED RESIDENT OF MAGRATH BURIED

(Source: newspaper article)

“Grandma” Coleman Held by Indians in Pioneer Days in Utah

MAGRATH. December 5. The second ward church was filled to overflowing Sunday afternoon with those who had come to pay their respects to Magrath’s oldest lady, “Grandma” Coleman, who would have been 90 years of age next February. She had been remarkably spry and motive for her age until the past few months. About a month ago she mistook the basement door for the kitchen door in the gathering dusk, and with no one near at the moment to warn her, she entered the basement and fell to the bottom of the flight of stairs, dislocating her hip and suffering internal injuries.

Each Mother’s Day for several years “Grandma” Coleman has received the award for the oldest mother present. It was a pleasantly-anticipated event to her each year. On the arms of her daughers, Emily and Irene, she took her place and when the awards were made, graciously accepted her gift. Her heart was always deeply touched with any kindnesses shown, no matter how small, and she greatly appreciated everything anyone did for her. For 35 years she lived in Magrath and by her kind disposition and friendliness won a large circle of friends.

Pallbearers were grandsons Arlie Hudson, Eldred Hudson, Harold Evans, Dever Coleman, George Coleman. The beautiful floral offerings were carried by eight granddaughters Mable Coleman, Alice Ackroyd, LaVerna Ackroyd, Margaret Coleman, Ruth Coleman, Fay Coleman, Ruth Hudson and Enid Coleman.

Bishop Ira C. Fletcher presided at the funeral service. Favorite hymns of deceased were sung including “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “Rest for the Weary Soul” by the choir directed by Mrs. I. C. Fletcher with Mrs. J. A. Ririe accompanying; also “O, My Father,” a vocal solo by James E. Barker, accompanied by Miss Grace Bingham. The latter number was a special request of deceased. The invocation was offered by Elder A.R. Briggs, and the benediction by Elder Earl Harker.

Born in Wales

Melvin Godfrey, a nephew of Grandma Coleman, was the first speaker and gave a brief sketch of her life. Jemima Price Coleman was born February 18, 1849, in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, the daughter of Jeremiah Price and Jane Morgan Price, one of a family of 12 children. Her father was a coal miner in Cardiff, Wales. In 1855 when she was six years of age, the family emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans, where they boarded a river steamer and traveled up the Mississippi River; then they began the long trek overland by ox team to Payson, Utah, their future home. In Payson, she lived the privations of those early years. When eight years of age, she was captured by the Indians and held for two hours. She had to walk miles to get a quart of milk for the family every day. This particular day she was accosted by a group of Indian braves each bearing a bundle of stolen wheat. They put the wheat down and formed a circle. One brave took her by the hand into the center of the circle, and they all danced about her. She was terrified with fear. Gone longer than usual, her family feared for her safety and sent her brother in search of her. When the Indians saw him approaching, they ran for cover to the brush nearby, and she returned home safely, but badly frightened.

When a young woman, she lost her father by drowning. He and his young son, John, had been cutting and selling cedar posts which they obtained on the shores of Utah Lake. They had walked across the ice on the lake to collect for posts sold, and on the return journey, the ice, which had become soft with the warmth of the mild March day, broke and they fell into the lake. The boy, being lighter, was rescued by the father, and sent for help. The ice kept breaking with the father’s weight. Before help arrived, the father drowned. This left the large family without a provider. They moved to North Ogden, where Jemima met and married Moroni Coleman. To this union, 12 children were born, nine of whom survive. They are: Mrs. Mary Jane Meacham of Paul, Idaho; George and Leroy of Magrath; Ether of Beazer; Cyrus of Whiskey Gap; Leon of Magrath; Mrs. Emily Hudson; Mrs. Irene Evans, Strang; and Mrs. Laverna Ackroyd, all of Magrath. Two infant children, a grown son, Alvero, and her husband, predeceased her.

She is also survived by 54 grandchildren, 96 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. One sister survives, Mrs. Martha Jones of Portland, Oregon, aged 85 years.

She has been a faithful Latter-day Saint, occupying responsible positions in her Church, having been president of the Relief Society in Star Valley, Wyoming, a teacher, an auxiliary worker.

When her elder children were small, the family left North Ogden for Promontory, Utah; thence to Park Valley, where they lived for 12 years; thence to Smoot Star Valley, Wyoming, where they resided 15 years, coming to Canada in 1903, residing here since.

In November she attended her eldest son, George’s golden wedding anniversary and enjoyed the occasion. She had been a very active woman all her life, doing good to her associates, teaching her children and grandchildren righteousness by example and precept. She has truly earned the peace and rest of Paradise.

Elder Z. W. Jacobs spoke of his admiration and respect for deceased and her family.

Bishop Ira C. Fletcher expressed his respect for deceased, who was sincere in her religious convictions and lived righteously. He also expressed the appreciation of the family for all kindnesses shown during their bereavement.

Interment was in the family plot in Magrath cemetery.