I've mentioned before that I met my husband in a college Spanish class and that when he walked past my desk the angels sang. They sang then and yelled at me a few times later, but clearly, CLEARLY, they wanted us together. And just this weekend I found a fun connection that might explain why (it also might have nothing to do with why, but it's a fun connection just the same).
For Easton's end of the year project, her class is doing an Arizona fair. She was given the assignment to write a paper and make some kind of diagram about something in Arizona history. One of her options was to write about an Arizona ancestor. Well let me tell you what, that girl's abounding in Arizona ancestors from both sides of her family. Both Rick and my peeps were among the early settlers of Arizona. We have many stories of Arizona history to share, boy howdy do we have stories. No wonder we like it here so much. We ARE Arizona.
After reviewing all of her options, Easton decided to do her report on her great-great-great grandmother on my paternal side, Alice Hanson Hatch (she picked her because she loved the story of when Alice and her family crossed the frozen Colorado river to come to Arizona).
Well in her research we learned that Alice's husband Lorenzo Hill Hatch, Easton's great-great-great grandfather on my side, was first counselor in the presidency of the Snowflake stake (in the LDS church) to Jesse N. Smith, Easton's great-great-great grandfather on Rick's side. So my and Rick's great-great grandfathers worked and served together those many years ago to establish the church in Arizona. Because of this I am sure they had a great love and admiration for one another and very well could have been among those angels trying to get my attention 20 years ago.
And if they were I say THANK YOU!
Marrying Mr. Rick is the best decision I've ever made.
P.S. It was said that Alice Hanson Hatch had a gorgeous singing voice. So much so that she helped share the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ through song in her native land of England before coming to America. So I just betcha that she was among those singing for me too.
Thank you great-great grandma Hatch, for that and for all of the sacrifices you made that have blessed my life so richly. You are an example of strength and faith and a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I feel honored to have been able to learn more about you.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Raising Arizona (for real)...
Posted by Jeanette at 8:26 AM
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9 comments:
I love this post! I love everything ancestry. That's a really great story. So interesting.
I love the Alice Hanson Hatch story, too. That is cool what you discovered. I've always thought that the plentiful Arizona ancestors on both sides of my family is one of the reasons that I told my mom when I was a child that I was homesick for Arizona when I'd never even lived there at that point. My ROOTS are firmly planted there. And now that I got to live there for 11 years, I am incurably smitten (and happy to have 3 Arizona natives of my very own.) One of my dearest friends in Arizona is related to me, but I knew her for many years before we discovered it. I was sure I was somehow related to her husband (from Show Low)or at least that our ancestors were friends, but then she named her third son Daniel Hatch and when I asked about Hatch we discovered we share great-something grandfather Jeremiah Hatch. So cool! I've also discovered that my husband and I share a common ancestor numerous generations back! Yikes! Is that legal? :)
Yes, I love that story, too! I still remember my mom crying whenever she tried to read it to us when I was a kid. I didn't understand...but I TOTALLY get it now! (And cry every time I read it to MY kids.) I've never lived in Arizona (sadly) but with all those generations of Arizonans on both sides of my family, I feel like an Arizonan!
I love the idea that our ancestors are on the other side cheering us on. (And possibly match-making!) Ryan and I had ancestors on the Mayflower that ended up owning and operating a trading post together once they settled in America. I've always taken it as a sign that hundreds of years later, we were destined to be! (At least that's the romantic story I tell myself).
What a great story!
It's been awhile. Sorry! So good to catch up on you. I wish I knew my family history like you. But it usually goes out my ears as it's coming in!!
LOVE - LOVe the head bands. I wish I could make some like that. You are so stinkin talented..
You & Rick have an amazing relationship. Very special!
My allergies have been crazy too the past month or more. Driving me crazy!!
So fun! My husband and I have a common ancestor (so we are sixth cousins) and have ancestors who were friends (our third great grandfathers were Apostles together) so we like to think there was a little match-making from Heaven going on. :) My 3rd great grandfather Erastus Snow actually helped name Snowflake.
Love this....good job Easton. I had never heard that connection between the families. So much history. Aren't we blessed to have had the gospel in our lives for generations.
That is awesome! And yes I am sure those men are looking down smiling now :)
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