The New Year of 1860 had been ushered in but a week when on January 8, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a baby girl was born to Charles Wager Richins and his wife, Louisa Shill. She was the second daughter and fourth child of a family of ten.

The baby was named Prudence Priscilla, the given names of both her grandmothers. She was loved very dearly, being the only living daughter as her sister had died. Her round happy face and baby smile seemed to radiate sunshine.

In 1861 Prudence, a toddling child of one year, with her parents and older brother, Wellington, moved to Heneferville, Summit County, Utah. (A brother, Charles Robert, had also passed away.) Her father, Charles Wager Richins, had been called by President Brigham Young, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to go and help settle this village. He was made Presiding Elder of the Church Branch. Later, in the year of 1877 he was ordained bishop.

Prudence, the eldest daughter, proved very helpful to her parents. On one occasion, when she was only eight years of age, she was left with the responsibility of caring for the family and the small baby. Her brother, Wellington, was to take care of the chores. Her parents drove to Salt Lake City by ox team and wagon to deliver their butter, milk, and eggs and do some shopping while there. This trip took from early morning until late at night. They traveled by way of Weber Canyon, having to cross the Weber River several times.

Her mother purchased a small china jewel box made in the shape of a dresser with shining celluloid mirror. This was a surprise gift presented to Prudence for taking care of the children. Prudence loved this gift, keeping it all through the years. She gave it to her eldest daughter, Louisa Pearl, who also treasured it until her death May 6, 1958 when Prudence’s youngest daughter, Naoma, became the proud possessor of the gift. To her it is not only a valued heirloom, but also signifies love, helpfulness, and trustworthiness—exemplifying the life of her mother, Prudence.

Prudence was jovial, happy and kind. She made many friends. By her early teens she had developed into a lovely young lady with blue eyes and flaxen blonde hair. She possessed a lovely personality and had a smile for everyone.

Like most girls, Prudence loved to dance. The boys showed an interest in her as she began attending social gatherings and dancing parties. It was through these entertainments that Joseph William Bond became interested in her. As Joseph helped provide the music for the dances, he would often dance with Prudence while playing his concertina. He courted his lovely girl, Prudence, for some time before asking her to be his wife.