Memorials › Mary Melissa Walker Harper
Mary Melissa Walker Harper
8 Mar 1859 – 10 Mar 1900
| Birth | 8 Mar 1859 |
| Death | 10 Mar 1900 |
| Cemetery | Pleasant Grove City Cemetery Pleasant Grove , Utah County , Utah , USA |
| Added by | William Garvin on 23 Mar 2022 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37965 |
Bio
Daughter of Henson Walker, Jr, and Mary Green Wife of Alfred William Harper, married 18 Sep 1876 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah History. Melissa was the oldest child of a family of seven children, and her responsibilities were many. The hardships of pioneer life developed a love in her for her family and tenderness in her heart which grew with the years. In telling her life story, she once said the first thing impressive in her life happened when she was almost three years old. Her mother took Melissa and her baby brother, Will, to see an Aunt who had a tiny baby. The soldiers were in town fighting the Indians, and they wheeled their cannons into this home. Mary and her sister-in-law Pemlo Green had to take their children and flee. Mary was leading Melissa by the hand and carrying Will in her arms. As she went to the street, the Indians called, "Run Squaw, run, we shoot, we shoot." They ceased their fire until the family was across the street. The tragedy to Melissa was not of the Indians but the fact that she lost one of her new shoes in the mud of the street and her Mother daredn't let her stop for it. Melissa lived on a farm. Her life was like all pioneer daughters. She helped on the farm as well as in the house. She could handle a team of horses as well as a man could. She worked hard to help her parents get the necessities of life. Melissa was a beautiful girl, being slender, having black hair and dark brown eyes. She had a friendly, sweet disposition that endeared her to all who knew her. She was always happiest when she could help others. She married Alfred William Harper in September. 18, 1875, in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, Utah. They moved to Lindon, Utah, one mile south of Pleasant Grove, Utah. From a tent on a sagebrush flat, they built a beautiful home, surrounded by shade trees, large lawns, and flowers of every kind. Flowers such as the early Snowdrop, narcissus, violets, and chrysanthemums in the late fall could be found around our home. Melissa & Alfred were a happy and devoted couple, sharing joy and sorrow together. Alfred was called to fulfill a mission to New Zealand which he did very honorably. Melissa took over the responsibility of the home and family of four small children, the baby being but three months old. The means of their livelihood then was that of a fruit farm. In those days fruit was dried for the market, so during the fruit season our large lawn was covered with scaffolds of drying fruit. It was the custom of the neighbors to gather ten or twenty bushels of peaches or other fruit during the day, then that evening group themselves together and have a fruit cutting. Refreshments were served and all had a good time as they worked together. The Indians were no longer hostiles, yet they came often in groups to beg for food & clothing. Gypsies roamed the country and begged or stole whatever they needed. Melissa, along with her small family, was often frightened. Do we, as her family, appreciate her faith and courage and the long hours of hard work. After Alfred came home from his Mission, they purchased more land. Their home was always an open house and all were made welcome. The children's friends were as important to Melissa & Alfred as were their own friends. They loved children and enjoyed their company. their home was the center of activity whenever a party or social gathering was had. Reunions were held on our spacious lawns and in our home. Melissa was a good cook, an efficient seamstress and yet she found time to help a needy friend or neighbor. Melissa was sincere in her faith and religion. In her early married life, she worked in the Sunday School. she worked in the mutual organization, was a member of the Ward Choir, and a Relief Society teacher. She was sustained as Primary President on September 14, 1890, and held this until her death on March 10, 1900. She was governed by love and was always sincere in her religion and faith in the Lord. She will always be remembered for her love of living and her association with people. She was the mother of nine children, namely: Mary, Annie, Bertha, Alfred, Perry, Ruth, Leah, Tabitha, and Seth Roy. All of the children have thrilled many times as people have told us "You had a wonderful mother; no one ever more kind or more loved." Her last words were a regret that she must leave Alfred alone with their little children to raise. She passed away on March 10, 1900, at the age of 41, shortly after the birth of her ninth child, Seth Roy Walker Harper, her third son. This child followed her in death and was buried in her arms in the same casket. By Helen Harper
Photos
Family
Parents
Spouse
Siblings
- John Walker 1843–1846
- Henson Walker III 1848–1914
- Victoreen Elizabeth Walker Eaton 1850–1893
- Lewis Heber Walker 1853–1869
- Martha Jane Walker Mayhew 1853–1928
- Cordelia Phylinda Walker Thorne 1855–1919
- Appollos Benjamin Walker 1855–1910
- John Young Walker 1858–1922
- Mary Medora Walker 1858–1864
- Ezra Foutz Walker 1859–1950
- Susan Marie Walker 1860–1860
- William Henson Walker 1861–1940
- Eveline Walker Iverson 1862–1888
- Sanford Foutz Walker 1863–1916
- Cassa Ann "Cassie" Walker West 1866–1928
- Emma Isabelle Walker Noe 1868–1926
- Delbert "Dell" Walker 1871–1934
- Perry Walker 1874–1884
- Lewis Samuel Walker 1879–1885
Children
- Mary Elizabeth Harper Thorne 1877–1953
- Annie Melissa Harper Wright 1880–1969
- Berthenia Phipps "Bertha" Harper Cobbley 1881–1930
- Alfred Benjamin Harper 1884–1941
- Perry William Harper 1889–1966
- Ruth Harper Taylor 1892–1955
- Leah Alvenia Harper Gammon 1894–1981
- Tabetha Harper Nelson 1897–1946
- Seth Roy Walker Harper 1900–1900
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