The story is told by a granddaughter that at one time the children of Robert and Miriam had head lice in their hair so bad that it was necessary to cut their hair off to get control of the lice. It was quite a common thing for children to get head lice that could be spread from one to another by exchanging hats, combs, etc. at school or at home.

Another granddaughter remembers her mother telling her that Miriam always made such very good homemade bread. But before mixing the bread she had to get a start of yeast from a neighbor. The womenfolk always made their own yeast for the bread and most always saved part of it for a “start” for the next time. It so happened that a dear lady, Sister Paskett, always kept yeast on hand for her neighbors if they needed it. One day Miriam sent her two girls, Amelia and Clara, to borrow a “start” of yeast from Mrs. Paskett. On their way home they drank part of the yeast and thought it was really good. Miriam was known in the community as being an expert in making bread. She made bread for the family for many years, and Robert, the father, always liked the crust on the loaf especially as he grew older. Then she made round flat loaves which were nearly all crusts. He enjoyed this special favor.

Their youngest son, Charles, remembered that when he came from school or from the fields with his father he could smell the fragrance of freshly-made bread as they approached the house. That smell caused him to forget how tired he was when his mother greeted him with a slice of new bread with one small spoonful of jam placed in the very center of the slice. He had to eat all around the bread to get to the treat in the center, that last bite.

As Miriam spent her early life on a farm in England, she had experience in taking care of some of the animals. After coming to Utah she was interested in their livestock, especially the pigs. She would always feed them herself so they wouldn’t get too fat. Then after they were killed, she cured and took care of the meat.

She probably didn’t have many little things in her home to be given as souvenirs or keepsakes to her grandchildren or descendants, but one of her grand-daughters, Edith Rippon Bond, has in her possession a tea cup and saucer that belonged to Miriam. The cup had no handle on it and was always turned upside down on the saucer when not in use. It is quite a novelty, and Edith is happy to have this souvenir.

Years passed by and William and Charlotte were still living in Provo. By this time, William’s health was failing, and he passed away December 8, 1873 at the age of sixty-seven years. He was buried in a Provo City Cemetery; he had lived in Utah only seven years. Soon after his death his wife, Charlotte, and grandson, Arthur, came to Henefer to live with Miriam and Robert Jones. Charlotte lived with them until her death in 1878. She was buried in the Henefer Cemetery.

Arthur lived part time with his mother and Robert, but he lived also with his uncles Enoch and Joseph Richins and their wives who were very good to him. As he grew to manhood he worked for different men or farmers in the valley. He met a fine young lady, Lucy Booth, and fell in love with her. They were married August 8,1878.

Miriam was the mother of seven children, namely; Arthur Richins, Alfred Richins Jones, Emma Jones, John Shill Jones, Amelia Jones, Clara Ann Jones, and Charles Richins Jones. They were all active in the Church. The youngest son, Charles (Charley) was made President of the Arizona Temple January 6, 1935 by President Heber J. Grant. His wife, Annie Faddies Jones, was Temple Matron during this time. A few years later in October 1945, he was made second counselor to Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, President of the Salt Lake Temple.

Miriam, also helped raise Robert’s three children; Robert Allen, William Seth and Mary Jane, who came with him from England. Miriam was a hard-working woman; however, her work was not only for her own family, but like most other pioneer women, she gave compassionate service to others. In her later years she was troubled with a hernia, and at this time nothing could be done to help her or relieve her suffering. During this severe pain her condition suddenly became worse and she passed away December 11, 1884, of a strangulated hernia. She was forty-seven years of age. Services were held in the ward meetinghouse, and she was laid to rest in the Henefer Cemetery by the side of her mother, Charlotte Guy Richins. She was loved by all who knew her.

Several years after Miriam’s death, Robert married Agnes Peterson. One son, Ray, was born to them. Robert was the only son of William Jones and Mary Shill Jones. He had seven sisters. He was born 9 July 1829 in Caudle Green, Gloucestershire, England. During his life he was a faithful Latter-day Saint and denied himself many comforts to please others. He was a hard working man, full of energy and was in the field plowing the day he contracted his fatal illness. He died April 26, 1906.

Services were held in the Henefer Meetinghouse, which was beautifully draped with white muslin and beautiful flowers. In earlier days most chapels were draped with white material around the pulpit and all along the side railing from the pulpit to the sidewalls. The material used was about one yard wide and was sometimes edged with white tassels or fringe. With this and the pretty flower arrangements a beautiful setting was created for funerals. The room was filled to capacity.

The services for Robert Jones were as follows:

Opening Prayer, John London of Croyden;
Several selections by choir assisted by Mesdames Roberts and Owens;
Viola Brim sang “Weary Eyes”;
consoling remarks by Elders John Paskett, W. W. Cluff, Moses W. Taylor and Micah F. Harris;
Closing Prayer, Edward Richins;
Dedicatory Prayer, James Salmon.

Robert Jones was buried in the Henefer Cemetery.

The contents of this life story were taken from family histories, records, books, and from fond memories of the loving descendants of a faithful pioneer grandmother and grandfather. Those who contributed to this history were: Edith Rippon Bond, granddaughter; Grace Toone Dickson, granddaughter; Bessie Jones Schettler, granddaughter; John (Jack) Jones, grandson; Lanore Richins Francis, great-granddaughter; and Roy A Richins, great-grandson.