Issac Turley
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Isaac's parents, Theodore Turley and Francis Amelia Kimberly, joined the church in Canada, four months after his birth. In 1838, the family immigrated to Far West, and then to Nauvoo.
In Nauvoo, the Turley's lived on the same block as Joseph Smith and it became convenient for Isaac to do chores for the prophet. One of his chores was to make sure that a choice horse, a chestnut sorrel named Joe Duncan, was fed and watered. Isaac regarded the prophet as being very attractive and often mentioned later in life that he truly was a wonderful prophet. At that time, his father served as one of Joseph's bodyguards. When in the early part of 1847 the saints were preparing to go west, Hyrum Smith's wife was advised to remain in Nauvoo until later because they feared that Joseph . was too young to manage a team. Theodore suggested that he would sponsor the Smith family, the young Joseph could manage a yoke of oxen with a wagon and family if they traveled with the Turley's. Isaac, the same age, managed one yoke of oxen along with Joseph F. At Winter Quarters, Isaac's mother, Francis Amelia, died (of scurvy), along with seven other family members, who were also buried there. After reaching the Salt Lake Valley, the family moved on to San Bernardino, California. When the church leaders in Salt Lake sent word for them to return to Utah, Isaac, his father, and some of the younger family members returned. They settled in Minersville, and later moved to Beaver, Utah. Isaac married Sarah Greenwood in California in 1861. He married Clara Ann Tolton as a second wife in 1867 in Beaver. Indian raids were frequent, and Isaac was called to serve as an officer to select a group of men willing to risk their lives for the protection of small communities throughout southern Utah. Some of the Indian bands were quite hostile and reluctant to give up their raiding. With a promise that while doing his duty the enemy would never take his life, Isaac served seven years. On January 1, 1877, he responded to a call to help colonize Arizona Territory with the Daniel W. Jones Company. They settled in Jonesvillle, now known as Lehi. They began to dig out the ancient canals found there, making dams and plowing ground to plant crops. Because of the effect the heat had on Sarah, he was reassigned to St. Joseph on the Little Colorado. In November of 1877, Isaac returned to Beaver to get Clara Ann and the rest of the family. He sold their two homes and got a stock of provisions. Upon returning to St. Joseph, he entered the United Order and turned in hundreds of heads of livestock that he brought from Utah and some two tons of flour. In the Order, Isaac labored as a blacksmith while his wives helped out with the dairy work. The United Order was not an entire success and after a few years was discontinued. The settlers disbanded and moved to other small towns. Isaac, with is two families, moved to Snowflake. They set out orchards and did farming and cattle raising. Inasmuch as anti-polygamy raids were increasing, they were advised to move south to Mexico (1885). Isaac left with Sarah and her family to go to Corralitos, where they planted crops. From there, they moved to San Jose, which became known as Turley's camp; here Isaac was the presiding Elder. One crop was raised. Then they moved to the town site of Colonia Juarez. In early 1886, Isaac left for Arizona to get Clara Ann, her family, their belongings, and some livestock. While he was away, Sarah died in Mexico. Not long thereafter, the colonist were notified that they had settled on land that belonged to General Terrazas. They were also commanded to move up the river to the new site of the present Colonia Juarez. Isaac did his share in digging canals and ditches, in constructing buildings, in extending mountain roads, in establishing sawmills, and in attending to the other needs of the people. Isaac was one of the scouts that searched the mountains to locate the following town sites: Pacheco, Corrales, Hop Valley, Colonia Garcia, and Chuhuichupa. Shortly after his scouting expedition, Isaac took a four-mule team with a large, three-bedded wagon to California for nursery stock, particularly varieties of fruit trees. On his return, he divided the stock among the people according to the amount they could take care of. Apple, pear, peach, plum, quince, apricot, almond, walnut, pomegranate, and a variety of grape trees were distributed. Fruit later became the major crop in Colonia Juarez. For the most part, Isaac labored at being a blacksmith, growing fruit, and gardening. He was generous at providing for his family. He believed that every family should grow a good garden and have an orchard with a variety of fruits and berries, so that the children would not be tempted to take from the neighbors. He was a friend to children and tender-hearted to the wealthy and poor, going so far as to give a horse or team to those that were in need of one. He was a faithful tithe payer, and generous in offerings and donations. He also served for many years on the stake high council. Isaac took pride in his physical strength. Often when younger men came by and stopped in at the blacksmith shop, he would challenge them to a twist of shovel handle to determine who had the stronger grip. He was seldom beaten. He was also an exceptional marksman with a rifle. After supper, Isaac would usually read the scriptures or engage in pleasant conversation. He enjoyed telling jokes on himself, but was never heard telling a dirty joke or using foul language. He enjoyed spending the evening around the fireplace telling of his experiences with Joseph Smith's family and the influence the prophet had on his life. During the last few years of his life, Isaac's health was very poor. He died on December 3, 1908 in Colonia Juarez, Mexico. written by Alice Jo C. Ellsworth: 1997
taken from the writings of Isaac Turley, Jr., son |