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DAVID WILLIAM CLUFF
History Submitted by..
Marcia Cluff Beatty
(Click here for Pedigree Chart)
DAVID WILLIAM CLUFF
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David William Cluff was born of ancestors determined to come west where they
could rear their children according to their new found faith. Thus it was that Dave
was born October 6, 1859, in Provo City, Utah, and blessed by William Faucett Maroh
6, 1860. His father, Moses, had two wives at this time, and all the families lived
together in a new home which Moses had built himself.
Moses was a hard worker like his father and brothers, and had learned several
trades besides that of farming which most of the pioneers followed. His habits of
thrift, hard work, and a love for beauty he taught to his eldest son of his second wife,
Ann Bond.
Dave was reared in a home of loving atmosphere with his half-brothers and
half-sisters as well as his own immediate family of four brothers and one sister. He
called his father's other wives "Aunt" and loved them dearly.
While living in Provo, Moses had the mail contract from Provo City to Echo
Summit. If Dave were not beside his father in this often perilous work because of the
snow slides in the mountain streams, he remained at home to help with the farm
chores and help care for his father's large family. He must have been a great comfort
to his mother those anxious nights Moses was not able to come home and Dave
assumed his father's place and duties until joyful cries of welcome greeted his
father's return.
Moses loved horses. He had a pair of diminutive "stags" of which he was very
proud. He taught Dave to be kind to animals and when he grew older, Dave learned
to train them to perform tricks. He always had a great pride for beautiful animals.
On July 8, 1868, David William Cluff was baptized by Andrew Watson and
confirmed by H.C. Rogers the same day.
When Dave was 10 years of age, his father took a trip into Salt Lake to attend
conference. Ann remained at home to care for Rebecca, Moses' first wife, who was
expecting a new baby. Much to the dismay of the two young wives, Moses had taken
a third wife while in Salt Lake. Both felt they should have been consulted or informed
before the event took place. Ann could not reconciler herself to the new wife and
returned to her home with David and Moroni, her two sons. Moses realized his
mistake and again courted his two wives that he might again have their confidence.
Rebecca remained with him, but Ann found her a job and never returned. She did
allow her two boys to return to Moses, and they were loved and cared for by Moses
and his other wives.
In June of 1875, when 16 years of age, Dave returned from his work in the
fields. He was bone tired from a hard days work and his clothes and body were hot
and sweaty from his labors. As he walked along the dusty road, he heard screams of
fright which seemed to come form the canal nearby. Forgetting his aching muscles
and tired back, Dave ran to the canal's edge and saw a young girl struggling in the
water in a vain attempt to reach the bank. He dived into the water and was able to
save the girl from drowning.
The sudden change of temperature to his body is believed to have caused
rheumatic fever. He wrote of this illness in his diary…"I had a very high fever for one
week and during that time my mind would ramble. I would talk about things that
happened in the past. One night when all were asleep, I got up and tried to get out,
but the doors were all locked so I went to a window, but I was unable to raise it only
enough to get my head and body out by tight squeezing and not having much
strength, I fell out onto the rocks. I then got up and tried to find my way to my Aunt
Jane's. I was so light headed I knew but little of what I was doing. My father and
Aunt Rebecca heard me out in the lot and they got up and fetched me in the house. I
was then living with Aunt Rebecca up in the river bottom at the mouth of Provo
Canyon. Then my father took me to my Aunt Jane's in town. The only relief I could
get from the pains that were past bearing at times was by calling the Elders and very
often before they would get their hands off my head, the pains would ease so I could
go off to sleep. I would often have the elders come and administer to me when I
would be suffering with pain and nothing would give me any relief. I had much faith
in the Elders. When I was moved from bed to chair it would take two to lift me. It was
like killing me to try to move. They had to teach me to walk like a child and after I
got so I could go on crutches it as two years before I could walk without them."
Even after Dave learned to walk without the aid of crutches he was left crippled
in one leg and deaf. Science today might have called is rheumatism, polio, and been
able to prevent the deafness. His parents and doctors did all they could for him, and
he tried many remedies in a vain attempt to restore his hearing. During his later
years it was learned the remedies had destroyed his ear drum so that even a hearing
aid could not benefit him.
In 1876, he pioneered to Arizona with his family where they settled at
"Showlow." They were not able to stay here long, however, for in 1879 the district
then occupied by a few families of Latter-Day Saints from Utah, who were rapidly
increasing and developing the resources of the country, was declared by the
Government to be within the "Apache Reservation" and all white settlers were ordered
to move off. Just previous to this order being made public, Moses moved his family
again. This time Dave assisted his father and mother in moving to the Gila Valley to a
settlement called Pima.
David William Cluff was in the prime of his youth. A man in his early twenties
when the world should have been his oyster, a challenge to him. There was more
than enough work to do helping his father and mother build new homes in this new
territory, but he was not without time to think. His thoughts were often bitter and
resentful of the silent future ahead of him. In later years, he wrote to Esther McBride
of this time of adjustment,"…We must learn by the things we suffer. I used to take it
to heart because I had not learned any better. Now I feel like one who has passed the
High School and prepared to face the world."
"My experiences in this matter are worth all to me. They will be the very means
of salvation if I continue faithful. We all have our trials and our troubles to bear as no
one can bear them for us. We all came to this lower planet to be tried. That is our
mission here. When we feel our troubles and trials weighing us down we must throw
them off and rise above them. We must overcome these evil powers or be overcome
and made unhappy by them. It is not a good spirit. It is from the devil. He is
miserable himself and tries to make everybody else so. That is his mission and he
fills it and never takes a bad cold, as he is always on the job."
"Your Grandfather McBride gave me a good blessing over thirty-four years ago,
and also two of the apostles. They were given at the time when the heart would bleed
and almost break. They told me the Devil was trampling me under his feet trying to
destroy me and keep me from doing good. That I would have to strive earnestly
against him. I know that was all true."
"Apostle Moses Thatcher rebuked the devil and he left me and never had power
over me anymore. I can't begin to tell you how much happier I was. I would go out to
the dances or any place. Before that, I tried not to meet anyone or speak to anyone.
Every road had a turn against me. I used to cry like a child. Many a night has my
head laid on a wet pillow."
"Life is a ladder. We can fret and cry our joy away because there are people
above us, or we can be happy and thankful and cheerful that we are above others.
People's happiness depends on whether we look at the feet of those above us or the
heads of those below us. When we get to the end of our journey we will be more glad
for what we have given rather than for what we have kept."
Life is what we make it, but too many fail to make it what it should be. When I
look back over my trail I see where I might have done better. I am afraid such is the
case with many. They fail to see their mistake until too late."
But if there is no cross-no crown. If troubles should overtake you, let them
come. They will give you an experience you have not yet had. So just hold up your
head and let your heart go forward in your good work."
On June 10, 1883, he was re-baptized by Elder John Paskett. He was
reconfirmed this same date by Noah F. Harris. Dave felt unreconciled to life without
hearing and felt by renewing his covenants with the Lord he would gain more
humility. These covenants gave him courage to bear his burdens, but we were
disappointed in recovering his hearing.
On December 15, 1886, he was given his Patriarchal Blessing in Pima, Arizona:
"A Patriarchal Blessing given by William McBride upon the head of David William
Cluff, son of Moses and Ann Bond Cluff. Born Provo City, October 6, 1859.
Brother David William Cluff, In the name of the Lord Jesus, I lay my hands upon
your head and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood, I seal upon thee a patriarchal
blessing. For thou art of the House of Israel and out of the Blood of Ephraim and the
Lord is well pleased with thee because of the honesty and integrity of thy heart.
Thou didn't yield obedience unto the Gospel for thou was called, chosen, and
ordained in a former dispensation to bear thy part in the redemption of Zion and to
bring about the Restitution of the sons and daughters of Jacob. And thou shall do a
great and a mighty work in the salvation and redemption of thy father's house for the
living and the dead.
Marvel not of those things for thy hearing will be restored unto you. For thou
shall labor much in the temple of the Lord to the sons of Jacob in long ages that thou
shalt stand on Mount Zion as a Savior.
Messengers shall meet thee from the Celestial World and shall converse with
the and shall make known unto thee what thou shall do and who for and the Lord will
bless thee and thou shall stand on the earth and behold the Savior and the Prophets
of this dispensation and thou shall receive a crown of eternal life for I seal these
blessings upon your head. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Sarah A. Cluff, clerk"
He learned to read lips expertly so he could communicate with his friends and
relatives. He began to join again with the young people his age in the dancing socials
and go visiting and buggy riding.
Dave enjoyed writing, a pastime few men take pleasure in. He would draw
circles and lines over and over until he had mastered a beautiful hand. Because of his
earlier sickness, it was a great effort for him, but through diligent practice he was
able to achieve his objective. He was often asked to help with the printing of posters
and decorating for different social functions.
Christmas in the Cluff family was usually celebrated by all who were able to
gather at Moses' home for a large family celebration. On such occasions of visiting,
eating, and playing, collections would be taken for any missionaries who were in the
field to aid in their support.
The Fourth of July was another day for jubilant celebrating by all valley
members. It began at dawn and Dave records one such event in this manner:
"…came to the meeting house to see the stars and stripes hoisted at sunrise with a
salute of six shots from the anvil by Eli and Sime. Dodge. At 10:30 the people
gathered in the meeting house and the band from Safford played some lively tunes. A
program was composed of music, songs, stump speeches, recitations, reading of the
Declaration by Fred Webb, an ovation by U.U. Whipple, afternoon horse racing and fire
works at night. All enjoyed a happy day."
At the age of twenty-five he was ordained an Elder by James Henefer on August
31, 1884. The following year he traveled to Utah and visited with his family and
friends there. On October 7, 1885, he received his own endowments at the ST.
George Temple.
In 1891, he returned again to Utah and worked for different people while
visiting there. On the 5th of October he traveled to the Logan Temple and was
baptized for his affliction and for one of his great uncles. After the baptism he was
anointed and prayed for. The President of the Temple told him if his faith faltered not
that he should have his hearing restored and to let the doctors alone and the Lord
would restore him.
After Dave returned home, he found more work to do to keep himself occupied.
He began barbering in different homes in the valley. Later he rented one end of
Joseph East's store and worked part time at the shop. The price of a shave and a
haircut was 40 cents. A shave was 15 cents and a haircut was 25 cents.
Many of his evenings were spent caring for the sick. His own suffering made
him sensitive to the needs of others and he had a great patience with them. His
presence was a comfort to the family.
He served as a home missionary with Brother William Moody of Thatcher. He
traveled there by buggy, and they drove to their appointments in this manner. He
also spoke in different wards in the valley because of his calling. He studied diligently
to be well-prepared for his assignments. On October 6, 1895, he baptized Sister
Finletter a member of the church. She was confirmed by Bishop John Taylor and
assisted by James A. McBride.
The valley was growing rapidly and there were many young people in this area
in need of a greater education than was being offered. The Church made plans to
build and Academy of Thatcher to serve the needs of the people in that area. Much of
the money for the building aw well as the labor was donated by the people in the
valley. Dave, too, shared his time and money in building the Academy, though he
never attended.
Because the Academy was in Thatcher, young Nancy Porter came from Utah with her
brother, Alva, to attend. At one of the school dances, Dave met Nancy and was
attracted by her charming personality. After two years of courtship they became
engaged.
It was during the golden months of Fall in 1895, when the leaves compete with one
another to see which has the most brilliant hues, that Nancy and Dave traveled by
horse team with another young couple to Salt Lake. They reached their destination in
early October, and on October 8, Dave was baptized for his affliction at the Salt Lake
Temple. On the following day, Dave acted as proxy and received his Brother William's
endowments and was then sealed to Nancy Angeline Porter.
The Porter Family
Sanford Porter Sr. was born March 7, 1790, at Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a
pioneer in the beginning history of our country. He fought in the War of 1812 and
aided in the Black Hawk War. On the first day of January in 1812, he and Nancy
Warriner pledged themselves as man and wife and together they pioneered the states
of New York, Ohio, and Illinois, helping to push back the raw materials of nature to
make a comfortable home for themselves and ten children. It was in Illinois that a
great turning point occurred in their lives which would affect not only themselves but
their posterity for all generations of time. It was in Illinois that Sanford, who had
been up until this time almost an atheist, was baptized, and became a member of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
They moved to Missouri in 1830 where they hoped they could find peace and
the opportunity to worship as they pleased. This, however, was denied them, and
they were forced to leave their homes and work to join the trek of pioneers westward.
Sanford, Jr. (pictured above) was born June 25, 1828, in Trumball, Ohio. He
was the seventh in his family of ten with a man's responsibilities at age 21.
Malinda Ann was born July 9, 1836, at Van Buren, Van Buren County, Missouri.
She was a young girl of twelve when she and her parents fled with the Saints from
Nauvoo. Although young, she too matured early and gained many responsibilities
from later experiences. Her mother, Amy Summers, died while giving birth to twins.
How bleak life must have seemed to Malinda Ann at this time as they laid her mother
and babies to rest in a shallow, unmarked plot on the plains.
Because of his age and strength, Sanford was drafted with many other young
men to serve in the Mormon Battalion. As the rest, he felt he was needed to help his
family on their long trek, but the Lord felt the need of those young men to serve their
country and prove the loyalty of the pioneers to their president and nation.
Malinda Ann and Sanford Porter, Jr. were married in the endowment house in
Salt Lake. She was sealed to him as his second wife although married the same day
as Emma Ensign, the first wife. They moved to Centerville to make their home, but
later moved to Hardscrabble. Then children were born in Porterville where they lived
for eighteen years. Of the ten children there were three sets of twins-all boys.
Nancy Angleine was born January 28, 1872, at Porterville, Morgan County, Utah,
after the last pair of twins. When Aunt Edith arrived to care for her mother, she
looked around the room for "the other one." Born twelfth in a family of thirteen
children, predominantly male, Nancy was the "baby of the family" and much loved and
cared for. A later brother died one year after his birth, and the love and care which
had been his were bestowed on the baby girl.
When Nancy was six years of age the family moved to Sunset, Arizona. Two
wagons and one ox team named Gee and Haw belonging to the Porters moved the
large company to Arizona. There were many children in the company which added to
the enjoyment as well as inconvenience of the trip. Nancy and Warren held hands all
the way and were inseparable. To add to the excitement, and annoyance of the
elders, they were lost for two hours among the pine trees.
The Cluffs who traveled in the group livened up the dreary miles with their
singing. They were entertainers and helped while away the evening hours and erase
troubled hearts with cheerful singing and playing.
It was in the fall of the year when the families arrived in Arizona. In search of
adequate water and a more comfortable home site, the following summer they moved
to Mormon Dairy, now known as Mormon Lake. There was only a rancher living there
at this time. Three other men of the company brought cows into this new country
and began to develop their herds and build homes.
Under the direction of Lot Smith, the families lived the United Order for
approximately six or seven years. It fell to the lot of Uncle Nate (Nathaniel Theodore)
to make the cheese for the group in the Order every summer.
After this time, the younger children returned to Utah with their parents, but
the older had selected their mates and settled around Joseph City, Arizona. Joseph
Isiah, one of the second pair of twins, and Nancy, returned to Utah with the parents
and lived there until the death of their mother. Nancy was twelve when her mother
died at the age of fifty. She must have shared the same feelings and thoughts her
own mother had felt so many years previous.
Although only eight years her senior, sister Edith became a great source of
strength to her during this time. Edith married Thomas W. Brookbank at 19 years of
age. This marriage did not last, and she returned to Utah with her tiny son, John L.
Brookbank, and helped to care for Nancy and Joe.
An older brother, Alva, brought Nancy to the Gila Valley to attend the newly
built Academy at Thatcher when she was about twenty years of age. She attended the
school for two hears, and at one of the dances met David William Cluff. He was
gallant, fun, and had such a high standards of conduct, that who could blame this
couple for meeting again on other occasions, other dances, which they loved, buggy
rides, ice cream socials, taffy pulls, and just long walks and talks sharing similar
interests.
What is it that attracts a young girl to her mate. What makes a young man
stand forth from others to be encouraged and cherished above the rest. Not without
excellent qualities and virtues, David William Cluff was not, however, a handsome
man. He was thirty-four years of age when he met Nancy. A beautiful, well-kept
mustache was his pride and joy and only claim to beauty. He was of average height
and thinning hair. Even though physically, he could outwork many men younger than
he, his body was twisted from rheumatism, and he was deaf, not only to ugly sounds,
but to the sweetness and beauty of the words of his Nancy.
Nancy Angeline, at twenty-three, was a girl of vigor and enthusiasm. She had a
beautiful unblemished complexion. Her laughter was clear and clean, inviting
everyone to join in and become a part of her invigorating and wholesome enthusiasm.
Her eyes sparkled and reflected her sunny disposition and keen sense of humor.
Was it not natural for a young and wholesome girl to wonder if Dave were really
the right companion for her for all eternity. Alone, she sought her maker and
received a reply that brought peace to her troubled heart. She knew she would never
be unhappy with Dave as her companion. In a dream she saw her hand placed in his,
their pledge to each other.
Dave and Nancy
Dave and Nancy returned to the Gila Valley to make their home and it was in
Pima that their first child was born. A deep joy and sense of fulfillment filled the
heart of Dave Nancy when their firstborn, a son arrived in their home. Nancy said she
could hear the firecrackers and the beginning of the celebration of our country's
birthday when their tiny child was born. He was named David William Cluff, Jr. on July
3, 1896.
Dave continued his barbering while in Pima, but after a short time decided to
move to Ashton, Arizona, so he could provide a better living for his family.
Ashton, which was later to be known as Cluff's Ranch, was barren, hard soil
with few trees or vegetation other than that which "mother nature" had already
provided. It was here that David planned to make a comfortable and beautiful home
for his wife and family. Their first home was crude and certainly not as fine as David
would like to have provided for his wife, but he was willing to work ong hard hours to
provide for their needs and comforts. This first home was merely a tent built up by
boards 6x6, and a room at one end to cook in.
Just prior to the birth of their second son, Dave was given a blessing in an
administration by Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff.
"Brother David, we the servants of the Lord, confirm the anointing given by a
servant of the Lord and we pray thee, Oh Father, that thou wouldst have respect unto
this anointing and administration and inasmuch as this Brother has been faithful in
the performances of the duties required at his hands and in keeping of thy
commandments, wilst thou grant unto him the desires of his heart and cause that his
ears may be unstopped, in the own due time of the Lord. We desire not to glorify
ourselves in this. We know that thou has power to unstop the ears of the deaf and
cause the blind to see, the lame to walk, for thou art all powerful. Dear Brother, in
the name of Jesus Christ, our brother, we command your ears to become unstopped
in the due time of the Lord. This affliction has been brought upon you for a purpose
known unto our Father that His power may be made manifest to his children in the
earth.
Your hearing will be given you in the own due time of our Father. We seal these
blessings upon you not in and of ourselves but through the power of the priesthood
we hold and in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Anointed with oil by ________________of Thatcher.
Blesssed by Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff"
It was in Ashton that a second son, Clarence Leo, was born on September 22,
1898. Now there were two fine sons to carry on their names and hopes and dreams.
With the crudest of implements and great tenacity, Dave worked to clear the
land that it might bring forth grains and food. With ax and shovel, he dug at rocks
and stubborn stumps which stood in defiance, barring him from providing the level
cleared land he desired. He planned reservoirs to store moisture for the thirsty land
and with plow and scrapper, using only horse drawn equipment, he commanded hard
alkali soil to cup itself into a vessel to reserve the earth's moisture for the dry years.
The hot sun beat unmercifully, and the earth groaned in protest at being moved
from its original habitat. The stubborn clay soil resisted all efforts of cultivation, but
Dave refused to yield, and gradually, forty acres of hay and grain and five acres of
fruit trees were planted and began to produce.
In Ashton, David planned a building spot. This was a choice and selected site
where a future home site would be erected. It was a special place where Dave would
provide a home that he felt would be suitable for his loved ones. Around this site he
planted trees for shade and comfort, and the flowers and other vegetation to enhance
the beauty of this home. The family never lived on the building site for this was a
choice selection and only the best and finest would be erected here.
It was on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1901, that the first baby girl was born.
They named their tiny sweetheart Malinda Ann and found great joy in their beautiful
baby daughter. This joy was to be short lived, for on April 12, 1902, the frail spirit
returned to her Father in Heaven.
Nancy could not understand or reconcile herself that she would be unable to
rear her daughter to maturity. She had many tasks and duties to perform as mother
of two small mischievous boys that the loss of her first daughter was a difficult blow.
For hours she would sit in her rocking chair grieving over her tremendous loss. One
day while thus engaged, Nancy looked up and saw her mother coming through the
door. Nancy fully expected her mother to have her "Linnie" in her arms and return her
again to a mother's loving care.
"Mother, why would you come to see me without my Linnie?" asked Nancy
perplexedly. "Is she all right?"
"Hush child," said her mother. "She would be if you'd stop grieving for her. She
won't go out to play with the other children because of your grief."
Her mother left as silently as she had come. She had left her message of
reproval and Nancy must gain fresh courage and strengthen her faith in the belief that
the Father's Will be done.
The Lord must have understood Nancy's great grief and in his mercy and love
granted her desire for a daughter. Less than a year after the death of Malinda Ann,
Nancy gave birth to her second daughter, Edna Pearl, on March 23, 1903, in Central,
Arizona.
Dave always enjoyed the companionship of his relatives and friends. This love
caused him to miss the arrival of his second daughter. While visiting with his brother,
Brig, he was exposed to Smallpox, and was quarantined when Edna was born.
Leo and Bill began their schooling in Ashton, and in order to secure a teacher,
one had either to move out of Ashton and live with the family or ride horseback to
teach the few pupils who attended. The school was small but boasted a basement
underneath in which fruit was stored. When the teachers were unable to maintain the
interest of the lively charges, there was the enticing aroma of fruit to divert interest
from studies. They would attempt to secure the forbidden fruit with the aid of a
pronged stick through the cracks. A teacher's salary was low and with such a long
distance to travel, plus the over enthusiastic energies of small students, there was a
rapid exchange of teachers during a year. Emma Rogers was one of the teachers who
rode a horse named "Redwing" to Ashton endeavoring to bring "book learning" to the
Cluff children.
Before school hours and after school was finally over for the day, and there was
probably some carry over on school time as well, the enterprising boys, Leo and Bill,
would trap for skunks and other small animals which might fall into their traps.
It was at the ranch that Edna came in direct contact with that beloved
gentleman of Christmas, Santa Claus. One-half of the tent had been separated by
curtains to partition off another room. While Edna lay in bed trying hard to go to
sleep on Christmas Eve, the curtains parted and someone-(and who else could it
have been on Christmas Eve) bent and kissed her on the cheek.
Punishment was administered when needed. On one occasion, Edna was asked
to perform a particular task by her mother. Her reply was "No!" Much to her sorrow,
Father Dave read her lips and immediately got a willow twig and whipped her for her
disobedience. Even though he could not hear, his expertness at lip reading was
effective in teaching the children discipline.
The tent at Cluff's Ranch was a protection against the elements and a place for
home, but it did not prevent the snakes from entering. Water was hauled to the tent
for drinking, but before using, it was necessary to make sure a king snake was not in
the water. He felt so much at home in the Cluff kitchen that he would sometimes curl
up in the sugar bowl until someone disturbed his slumber.
The cooking and heating came from a wood stove at one end of the tent.
Mesquite trees were in abundance on the ranch, and so after cutting and drying, the
wood was cut in stove lengths and the pungent odor of the mesquite wood mixed
with the aroma of bread baking, canning, and other enticing odors.
The children enjoyed the companionship of their cousins, especially the
children of Uncle Sam and Aunt Mary. There were many happy times together. On
one occasion while living at the ranch, Nancy was quite ill and Aunt Mary came to help
the small children and Dave. One day she made a rice pudding, and thinking she had
the lemon extract, flavored it with anti-pain-oil, a good old Rawleigh product, Nancy
kept in the house. It did help to ease the aches of "growing pains" and Dave's
rheumatism. The children never recommended it for rice pudding.
Nancy's sister, Edith, later married Benjamin Franklin Whitmer in 1915 and
moved to Central. Their children were also close companions to the Dave Cluffs.
Aunt Edith lived with them much of the time when she wasn't working, usually doing
home nursing. All the children were happy when Uncle Ben came around for he
always brought a sack of peppermint candy. Aunt Edith seemed more like a second
mother and was loved in return. If any of the children were seriously ill, Aunt Edith
was always on hand if her services were not in demand elsewhere.
Dave continued to farm the land at Ashton, but moved the family to Pima. It
would be more comfortable for them there and the schooling would be more
permanent for his children. The church was closer and more convenient, and they
would be able to visit their friends oftener.
In 1907, Christmas became a little more special for the Cluffs. On the 21st of
December a baby boy was born in Pima. They named him Alva Lavell and welcomed
him into the family group.
Their home in Pima was adjacent to the railroad tracks. Across the tracks Dave
cultivated the soil and planted an orchard and a field of hay and grain. A "building
spot" was marked off on this property by trees just as the property at Ashton.
Although his dreams were never realized, the trees grew to maturity and their shade,
protection, and beauty stand as a monument to his diligence and love for growing
things.
Dave did not neglect his own home property and set out flowers and trees here
also. Coming home from work early or unexpectedly never found Dave with nothing
to do, for he would hoe in his yard until a meal was prepared or it was time for
another obligation to be perfomed. His home boasted a lovely lawn with no bull-
heads raising their thorny eyes to penetrate unsuspecting bare feet. None were
allowed to grow in Dave Cluff's lawn. No wonder boys and girls from town loved to
congregate here and play. They were not told to "keep off the grass" but invited to
play and even bribed to return by choice fruit from the orchard.
I do not believe the fruit today compares with the fruit which came from the old
orchard above the railroad tracks. People in the valley always knew this fruit would
be the best, and they would be given more than a fair amount for their money. All
extra fruit which could not be sold in the valley was packed and shipped by passenger
train to Leo in Globe. Leo was only fourteen at the time, but it was his responsibility
to sell the fruit for a good price. The extra fruit was also hauled to Bisbee to the
mining camps by horse and wagon.
On one occasion while hauling the fruit, Dave was driving the team when it
suddenly became frightened and began to run away. The wagon missed the bridge
and hit the ditch with such force the box was thrown clear off the running gears.
Dave held onto the reins and fell on his back. For many weeks he was in much pain
and misery from the accident.
Dave and Nancy hoped their children inherited some musical talent. For this
purpose Dave and Nancy traded six horses and two cows for one piano and dreams of
a musician. Professor Bond was hired to teach the four young Cluffs their scales and
musical "A-B-C's" but none of them ever learned.
Nancy and Dave worked hard to provide a livelihood for their children and extra
money for luxuries was scarce. On one occasion, however, Nancy had saved $60.00
for some new rugs for her home. A stranger knocked on their door one day, poor and
destitute. The man was passing through Pima to work at the mines in Globe and his
car had broke down and his family was hungry. The rug money was given to the man
for his word to repay the loan when he was able. Surely the scripture, "Inasmuch as
ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,"
must have echoed in their hearts and minds.
Emerson has said, "Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The
only gift is a portion of thyself." Nancy and Dave believed this philosophy and taught
it to their children by example. Dave would often spend a day cutting wood and
hauling it to the widows in town. If he knew of a neighbor in need, it became his
obligation to offer them relief. It was a common sight for Dave to carry a sack of
flour or fruit to a widow in the valley with never a thought of pay. His children
accused him of feeding the widows better than his own family. If a hog were killed
for fresh meat, Dave would send the children out with portions of the meat for his
neighbors and friends. At Christmas, Dave would load his buggy with flour or bills.
The Sabbath Day was the Lord's day in the Cluff's home. Dave took his boys
with him to Priesthood meetings and Sunday School and Sacrament. Dave did not
believe in staying home simply because he couldn't hear. Unless poor health kept
him at home, Dave was always there. Leo was the most adept of the children at
talking with his hands, and either he or Nancy would sit beside him and interpret the
speaker's message as they went along. If her were not able to do this, he would ask
one of his friends to write a report of the conference or meeting and study the notes.
After the boys reached a certain age, Dave no longer took them with him to meetings.
He hoped they would follow his example, but the choice was theirs. They must make
their own decisions.
At the end of each days work, Dave would sit at the table in the evening and
figure what he had earned and what portion belonged to the Lord. No amount was
too small to be recorded. Tithing meant a tenth of all earnings to Dave and Nancy.
This was the first bill paid at the end of each month. Tithing and fast offering were
also paid in the produce raised. A young calf was given for $25.00 tithing at one
time. Flour, wheat, lumber, and fruit were some of the commodities used for tithing.
One more child was born to Dave and Nancy. It was in the late spring of the
year 1912 when another small son was born. Harold Eldon made his appearance on
the 5th of May at the home in Pima. Harold only lived nine months and died February
8, 1913. Dave and Nancy grieved over the loss of their last child, but their faith gave
them courage to accept the Lord's will. He had given them six children and allowed
them to rear four, three sons and one daughter. He had given back life to a small son
when science had predicted him dead. He had allowed them to provide a living for
their family and share their surplus with friends and needy. They were grateful for
these and other blessings.
Faith walked with Dave and Nancy daily in rearing and providing for the needs
of their family. When Leo was almost killed in an accident at the ranch, the extent of
their faith was supremely tried. Leo was only three years of age when a bull picked
the young child up and tossed him as if but a toy. Dave drove the animal away, but
the damage had been done, and the small boy lay on the ground apparently lifeless.
His body was torn so badly his intestines gaped from a large hole. Dave carried the
young boy tenderly to the house and the bruised and torn body was bathed and cared
for as best they knew how. The doctor was summoned from Pima, a distance of
about twenty miles by horse and buggy. Since Aunt Ethalon (Cluff) Saline had the
only rubber tired buggy, she drove the doctor back to the ranch. It was she who
helped the doctor administer the ether while the doctor washed the boy's intestines
carefully in a small basin used for washing hands. The intestines were then replaced
and Nancy hoped there were no complications. Several days later gangrene set in and
the doctor was summoned again. This time he refused, saying there was nothing
more he could do for the boy. Dave and Nancy were not content with his answer and
asked the Elders to come and administer to him. They came and anointed the body
with oil and Dave and Nancy fervently prayed that they be allowed to raise this spirit,
if it be the Lord's will.
The following evening, the doctor asked the store in Pima if the Cluff boy's
funeral clothes had been ordered. Much to his surprise they had not; so on the
following day he drove out to the ranch. When he entered the house, young Leo
raised one arm in greeting, a large smile on his freckled face. "Hi, Doc!" he said.
It was hard work to raise and educate a family, make a comfortable home, but
Dave and Nancy never lost their sense of humor or pride in good hard work. They
never complained or forgot to thank God for the blessings they enjoyed. At supper
time, when the family was altogether for the evening meal, the chairs were turned
back from the table and the family prayers were uttered. The people of the valley
knew "deaf" Davey and Nancy and loved and respected them.
Missionary work had a special place in their hearts, and they were proud when
their eldest son, Bill, was called to serve in the Eastern States. (I believe that pride
was tripled when their son, Alva, and his wife, Geneva, served a mission and their son,
Leo, and his wife, Opal, filled a mission in Australia.) Here Bill met Fred Mitchell. The
two men liked each other immediately and became close friends. Bill wrote to the
Superintendent of Schools in Thatcher and was able to secure a job for Fred there.
Fred reaches Pima in 1920 and Dave and Nancy gave him a home. They became
"Mother" and "Dad" to Fred from the first day her arrived. Fred later wrote of his
"Dad" and his regards for him in the following poem.
That Dad O'Mine
As I look in the eyes of a wonderful man,
Who had been such a Comrade to me,
And my fancy can trace through the wrinkles and tan
All the hardships from which I am free.
Then the love that I bear for this Daddy of mine
Takes me back to the time when a lad,
And I realize then what a feeling divine,
Is this love that I bear for my Dad.
He toiled though afflicted, both early and late.
His first thought was ever for me.
No problem could daunt him; no hardship too great,
To be conquered, what'er it might be.
His faith never wavered; he trusted his God,
He never was downcast or sad.
He was always my Comrade, my Pal, my Friend,
Do you wonder I love my old Dad.
Last night I sat planning; just blazing the way,
And thinking of what I could do.
The problem I studied was how to repay
My Daddy so kind and so true.
For has he not made me the man that I am.
And sacrificed all that he had.
To give the things that were out of his reach.
Who else would do this but my Dad.
I glanced at his face, as my plans I explained,
I though of how happy he'd be.
He listened and smiled-oh, he never complained,
But I fancy a shadow I see.
There are tears in his eyes and a cloud on his brow,
What is it that makes him so sad.
I have hurt him in some way, I do not know how,
What could I have said to my Dad.
I see now quite clearly how I caused him pain,
He feels that his mission is o'er.
He sees that his youth will ne'er come back again.
Why did I not see it before.
Old Comrade of mine, the time is now here
When that ugly, barefooted lad,
Is striving with purpose both true and sincere
To show you he loves his old Dad.
F.M.M.
Nancy worked hard to make a happy home for her family. She took pride in a
clean house and good cooking for her me. During harvest time she, too, would help
get the fruit ready for shipment. Not wanting any of the fruit to waste, she would
gather the corners of her apron together and pick the fruit up from off the ground.
The fruit that was to ripe or too green to pack for selling, Nancy would take home and
can. She and Edna would stand for hours working over the hot wood stove to
preserve the fruit for the following winter. In later years, it became necessary for
Nancy to go to the hospital for an operation. It was an anxious time for those prayed
for her safety and well being at home. When Dave paid the hospital bill, he recorded
on the check as the explanation, "For Love."
There were church activities, home talent shows, dances, movies, and parties
for recreation. Nancy especially loved to attend birthday parties of women her own
age. Her sunny disposition and keen sense of humor made her a welcome guest. Her
complexion remained youthful and clear, and she needed no help from cosmetics to
make her face lovely. For a Relief Society program at Thanksgiving, Nancy composed
the following poem.
Thanksgiving
"Thanksgiving"-how the very name
Sends our thoughts far, far away,
To a little band of Pilgrims
The founders of this day.
Scan with me the mighty ocean
See the Mayflower on her breast,
Filled with souls of true devotion
Seeking for a haven of rest.
Where they might kneel and worship
God above as they thought best.
Dear old Plymouth, how you loved her
Where your feet first touched the sod
Though your neighbors were the red men
You were free to worship God.
And as you thanked him for this land,
For fertile soil and limpid pool.
Oh, Pilgrim, did you understand
That here, no kind should ever rule.
And could you have known, dear Pilgrims,
As you bravely paved the way,
As you bore the cold, the hunger
And the dangers little band.
That the hand of God had guided you
Into this-the "Promised Land."
That within the boundary lines
Of this Land of Liberty
Was the land where Adam dwelt with Mother Eve.
Where a prophet would be born,
And the Church of God restored,
Would you have been one with us, and believed.
In my thoughts today I see you
And I think I hear you say,
Though many, many were our hardships,
It was not too much to pay.
So with reverence we thank Thee,
Father dear, in Heaven above,
For this dauntless band of Pilgrims
Sent here through Thy matchless love.
We thank Thee, Father, for the light.
And for Thy wondrous plan
To purify this world from sin,
And save the soul of man.
For everything we now enjoy in this blessed land of liberty,
Dear old Thanksgiving Day, you mean all this to me.
After the children were older, Dave spent some time working in the Temple at
Salt Lake City. The one great desire in attending the Temple was the hope of
regaining his hearing. Some of his friends suggested he go to Los Angles to the Four
Square Gospel Church of Amy McPherson who had gained a large following and was
credited with having done miraculous healings. One evening, while returning from
the Temple, a voice came to Dave telling him he would not regain his hearing in this
life, saying, "Lest ye forget, Lest ye forget."
He did go to Los Angeles, but it was not in hopes of a miraculous cure. He and
Nancy enjoyed the beautiful flowers and vegetation which grew there.
After the Arizona Temple was completed, Dave obligated himself for land only a
short distance away, but after he finished paying for it, he sold the property.
Hoping to secure a home more comfortable for Nancy and easier for her to care
for, they moved to Layton and bought the George Evans home. Unhappy away from
their many friends in Pima, they returned to their old home after a short time.
Just as Nancy enjoyed her own children, she loved her grandchildren and often
rocked Darrell and Doyle, sons of Leo and Opal, for the pleasure of feeling the tiny
bodies cuddled against her. These were the only grandchildren who were to have that
privilege for the Lord called Dave and Nancy home.
It is strange that Dave never feared the train, living so close to the tracks and
oblivious of its whistle, but he often told Nancy not to worry. He often said to her, "If
I go first, I will have a home ready for you when you come." But Nancy did worry.
Perhaps in her heart she knew this would be the natural way for her sweetheart to be
called.
David William Cluff was struck by a train and killed instantly on the 7th day of
June, 1925. Here was a man met by many afflictions. Deafness followed him from
home to field or work or play. It was a constant companion he was forced to live with.
He conquered his fear of it. Few men have suffered more than Dave, but nothing
broke his spirit. Dave was a choice servant of the Lord, for the patience which he
bore his trials and the perseverance with which he strived to overcome the despair
and remorse brought by his tribulation. Indeed, though small of stature, a body
twisted from pain and illness, he was a man among men.
Now Nancy must carry on alone, and she realized how much she depended on
David's crippled body and deaf ears for strength. Shortly after his death, a very dear
friend, Susie Sims, expressed grief over his death. Her own husband had passed away
and she, too, knew the lonely days and nights ahead of Nancy. "Yes," said Nancy, "but
I can't take it like you can. I can't live without Dave!" "Yes you can," said Susie. "You
must. There're the children." "They're good children," said Nancy, "They'll be all
right."
Only a few months later Nancy, too, passed away. The cause was diagnosed as
an enlarged heart which filled half her chest, but two sweethearts as close as Dave
and Nancy could not be separated for long. Even when there were surely flowers
growing along the path when Dave led Nancy home. His words to her had been,
"Mother, if I go first, I will have a much prettier place for you, than I have here."
**************************************
By studying and writing the life of my grandparents, I have come to know and
love them as individuals. If their lives have a message for their posterity, I believe it
has best been expressed in the following lines:
"Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two ears- the world is mine! I'm
blessed indeed! The World is Mine!"
Louise Cluff Tyron
(Published November, 1959)
The Wonderful Mother of Mine
-By Alvin L. Cluff
God gave me a mother to cherish and love
And none but the purest can come from above.
This mother, God gave me, so tender and kind
Toiled day after day, but she didn't mind.
She rose early each morning and carried a smile
As the things she was doing she thought really worth while.
She was raising a family of two girls and four boys
She shared all our troubles, also our joys.
Day after day she carried her load,
And went merrily down life's weary road.
But now she has finished her mission on earth
And has gone to the God who made possible her birth.
There are many things I would like to say
If you were here this Mother's Day.
But I am sure that God above knew best
So he called you home that you might rest.
Your son, Alva
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