Mary Rosetta Johnson Thompson

Rose's daughter Ila Thompson Mathews collected this information of her mother.

Mary Rosetta Johnson Thompson
[Rose]

Mary Rosetta Johnson Thompson was born 7 August 1866 at Scipio to Benjamin H. and Mary Tidwell Johnson.

In the Spring of 1866 the Indians were on the war path and made a raid on this valley. In the fall of 1866 the settlers of Graball moved into the fort or built their houses together which formed a fort for protection against the Indians. Ila mentioned, "Some tell me Mother was born inside the fort, but I am not sure whether she was born in the fort or moved there when she was a very small baby." There were 13 families that lived in the fort. They did not think there was water enough in the valley for any more people, but when danger of the Indians was over, Brigham Young laid off the town of Scipio and told them if 25 families would move into this town, he would promise there would be plenty of water to supply their needs.

Rosetta's father, Benjamin Johnson, had the first post office in his home. He kept the stables where horses were changed when the stage coach came through town. They delivered the mail, got fresh horses and continued on their journey.

Ila claimed she learned that everyone admired her mother for her sweetness, cheerfulness and even temperament. She married William Riley Thompson on 19 October 1884 at the age of 18. When they were first married, they lived in a little log cabin.

Rose loved to have her hair combed and rewarded the comber with an egg which could be traded at the store for candy. She made soda biscuits every morning for breakfast. She stood by an old flour box in the pantry. She also made "salt risen" bread often as Dad like it so well. She cooked to please him. She also made big kettles of potawatamee plumb preserves and put them away in big jar in their upstairs for the winter. Rose also kept kegs of salt pickles which lasted all winter.

Rosetta served in ward callings of Primary and Relief Society. She was good with a saw and hammer and was put in charge of building. They made small tables, cupboards, bird houses, etc. For many years, the family used a wash stand which she had built. She was a good singer and used to lead the singing for Primary. Rose was a very fast worker--especially at making quilts. With help, she could make six dresses a day.

When most of her children had left the home, Rosetta was not well and was administered to often. Rose developed neuralgia in her face after her son Riley was born, and she suffered with this for years. Ila remembered, "Dad was extra good to her and did everything in his power to relieve her of pain. She had several operations and the best of care."

The couple had two boys serve in World War I. It was a strain on her until they came home from over seas--both going into battle and Lee was wounded.

She raised a large family of four boys and seven girls. She was remembered as a hard worker and a good manager. Ila said, "Dad always wanted her to go with him wherever he went, and she enjoyed it when she was able to go."

Rosetta died 18 November 1919 in Scipio, Millard County, Utah at just 53 years of age. Ila recalled when her father was in the hospital on his death bed he told them, "I am going to meet Rose and a better woman never lived."

Rosetta and William Riley were the parents of eleven children:

William Leslie 1885
Eldora 1887
Leamon 1889
marion Glen 1892
Clara 1893
Fern 1895
Myrtle 1898
Riley Silas 1900
Ila 1903
Iona 1903
Mary Lorenda 1905