Harriet W. Earl’s Life History
By Harry Lunn (son)
Harriet W. Earl was born April 10, 1863. One of the twins, born to Jane W. and Jonathan Earl, at their home between 4th and 5th south on 9th east. Her early childhood was spent in a very interesting time, in the history and development of our state. They experienced many hardships, and were compelled to utilize whatever nature had to over in the way of food, and other requirements. Much of their clothing was homespun. The old spinning wheel had its place in a great many of the homes. Harriet was taught to sew and knit at an early age. The experience she gained in her early life, in the use of plants, fruits, and other types of food nature had to offer was a great help, and was often put to use in her adult life. One of the experiences she spoke of many times was the swarms of grasshoppers that would come in from the sagebrush covered land and would proceed to devour and destroy much of their crops. Harriet with others of the family would pound them with brooms and burlap sacks, and sweep them into furrows filled with water, where they would be plowed under and destroyed.
Harriet and Josephine were often given the chore of winnowing the grain on sheets of canvas spread at the side of Grandfather’s rockthreshing floor, while the boys were using three head of oxen to stomp the grain from the straw. Harriet attended school in a one room schoolhouse on the corner of eighth east and fourth south. In later years, more rooms were added to it; of brick construction and it was named the Tenth Ward School.
Education in Harriet’s early life was very limited. In her late teens she developed a beautiful singing voice. She became a member of the Tenth Ward Choir and was often called on to sing at ward functions and parties. She joined the Tabernacle Choir, and for a year or two was lead Soprano under the leadership of Professor Kirkman.
At the age of seventeen she went to work for the wealthy Kizer family. She worked for them several years, during that time through her association with these educated people, she learned many of their ways, also speech and manners, to the extent that she was at ease with people of all walks of life. Because of this, her brothers called her lady or laid for short.
Harriet’s first steady was John Saunders, the owner of a bakery, because of this face, and in order to tease Harriet, her brothers called him bun, which of course caused a wordy battle. About eighteen eighty two they broke up and she met and started to go with John W. Lunn. About a year later on July 12, 1883, they were married. They had a comfortable small brick home at 1157 East Fifth South. There was a nice large lot with fruit trees, a garden and a large grape ardor. The grape ardor was the scene of many parties with friends and relatives.
The Spring of 1898, they moved to a homestead ten miles north west of town on what was called the Black Sloughs. Harriet faced many hardships trying to feed and clothe her young family. But, due to her knowledge of ways and utilizing the plants and other foods existing on the lands roundabout, and the advise and good management, she was able to give her husband, they were able to eventually attain a comfortable living.
Harriet loved her brothers and sisters and their families. They were always welcome to her home. The visits with members of her family were always like parties with much wit and laughter. She loved to serve them good fillings and tasty meals.
Harriet had nine children. They were Harry E. Thomas, John William, Harriet Jane, Edgar, Josephine, Charles C, Edna, and Eirline. Harriet died August 20th 1906 at the age of 43. She had been a wonderful mother and during her life had enjoyed a host of friends.
What a beautiful story! She must have been a remarkable woman.
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