Absalom built another log cabin closer to Echo. It was not too far from the river between Echo and the farm of Edward Richins. They were living there when Eva and Elijah Joseph Richins were married on October 24, 1906. Eva was only 16 years old at the time. They were second cousins.

When Eva and Joseph were first married he herded sheep. They lived in a sheep camp for a while and then bought a home which still stands alone between the tracks and the freeway in Echo, Utah. The home was large enough for two families so Absalom and Ann lived in the south side of the home. While living there two daughters were born to Joseph and Eva. Edna was born August 12, 1907, and Nellie October 24, 1910, on her father and mother’s third wedding anniversary.

Ann enjoyed her great-grandchildren. While sitting in her wheelchair she put Edna and Nellie on her lap when they were just young and told them stories or read to them from the Bible or a book of poems. When Nellie was a year old her family moved to Evanston, Wyoming, where her father worked for the Union Pacific Railroad.

Absalom and Ann lived alone. He made butter in a round mold, with a perfect print of wheat on top, and took it around Echo in a two wheeled cart to sell to the families. He was independent. Gladys Richins (wife of Angus) said her father tried to pay Absalom more money than he asked for his butter but he wouldn’t take it.

Absalom worked hard all his life. He had not been sick a day. When he got ill Ann wrote to Eva and Joseph telling of his illness. He became worse and passed away November 11, 1912 at his home in Echo. His great-granddaughter, Edna, was 5 years old at the time and remembers the beautiful yellow chrysanthemums which filled the room at his death. He was buried in the Echo Cemetery. When he died, Ada Rogers wrote the following article:

“Absalom Richins was a man that seen many troubles and loss since he came to Utah, but through all his trials, he was faithful to the end. Eighteen years ago, they came to Echo, and have resided here ever since. He and his wife Ann have lived together 56 years, this 26 of Oct. of this year, over half a century. Eighteen of these years she has been a cripple through the effects of rheumatism. For the last 16 years she has sat in an invalid chair, and her devoted husband has taken care of her without a word of complaint, therefore his death is a great trial to her and she feels the separation keenly, as she always said she wanted to go first. Her granddaughter, Mrs. Jos. E. Richins has taken her to Evanston to reside with them.”

Ann went to live with Eva and Joseph in Evanston after her husband died. She lost her strength and could no longer be in a wheelchair. They bought a high bed for her and Eva gave her grandmother the best of care. She was always in their home except when Eva had her babies and then she went to a Mrs. Johnson’s home who took care of her for awhile. Ann was bedridden for eleven years. She was very patient and pleasant, never angry. Her hands were very crippled but she still fed herself. She always wore a white cap which was tied under her chin. Eva kept a clean white bedspread on Ann’s bed.

Ann passed away December 13, 1923, at the age of 89 and was buried by her husband in the Echo Cemetery. Absalom died when he was 80. Even with all their troubles and sorrow their faith was never shaken. Absalom bore his testimony of the gospel on his death bed.

At Ann’s death the following words were printed on her death announcement:

Joseph and Eva moved from Evanston to Ogden in 1926 where he continued his work with the railroad. They lived there until their death and were buried in the Ogden cemetery next to Eva’s parents Elizabeth Ann and George Richins and their first born son, Sidney. The only direct descendants to carry on the name of Absalom Richins are Ross Richins, son of Evan, and his son Rene and grandson Jason.

They have 19 grandchildren (2 have died), 28 great grandchildren (2 have died) and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

The information for this biography was gathered and written by Sarah (Nellie) Richins White (great-granddaughter). Published by Richins Surname Organization – April 1974.