Hyrum D. Clark

Hyrum D. Clark was born in a log cabin located by Big Creek in Farmington, Utah February 13, 1856. He was the sixth child of Mary Stevenson and Ezra Thompson Clark, my great-grandfather.

When I first met grandpa I was eight years old. I was nearly fearful of him, he was so tall and so stern. I felt like he just tolerated me and I was very quiet in his presence. My behavior was natural because I had not grown up around a father and did not realize a father really does love his children, though reluctant to show it. I seemed to feel and know that a step-father does not care, let alone love you.

Grandfather Clark was honest in his dealings with others. He was country Commissioner in Unita County in 1898. In Auburn, Wyoming, he was superintendent of the Sunday School for fourteen years, first counselor to Bishop Heman Hyde for ten years; he also served on the Stake High Council until 1910. He was trustworthy and well liked. By 1900 he owned 3000 acres and 1000 cattle. His ranch was probably the largest single ranch ever owned in Star Valley. He was esteemed by his church associates and his community.

In 1919 after a very light winter, Star Valley was in a very bad drought and cattle feed was scarce and expensive. Large debts were incurred to acquire feed. Most of the livestock died. Then the bottom dropped out of the cattle market. Grandfather had been endorsing notes at the bank for some of the boys to acquire property and livestock. They lost it all, and with hos own debt, he was in a bad financial bind. Then the value of land dropped severely. He was now past 65 years of age. Life had been strenuous; he did not have the vigor to recoup.

After returning from his mission to California, grandfather lived out the remained of his days in Farmington.

He passed away July 2, 1938 having known prosperity and hardship, happiness and sorrow, but always strong in the faith and trust in the Lord.