Margaret Morris Mathews was the youngest daughter of Richard and Eliza Morris. Born
in Pon-ty-atis, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, on the 26th day of August, 1821. While a child her
parents moved to Merthyr. Her mother died while she was quite young, and she went to live with
an uncle. Her early life was full of hardships, and hard work, and she was often compelled to go
barefooted in the winter season. Had no advantages of an education, never having been to school
in her life. It was while living at Merthyr she first heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints, and embraced the same, being baptized in May, 1844 by Elder Abel Evans.
On Christmas morning, 1843, she first met Hopkin Mathews. Their love for each other
was mutual, and they were married the 17th of May, 1844.
About three years after their marriage her husband was called on a seven years mission to
another part of her native country. She accompanied him on this mission and helped him very
much, going out on the street corners to sing, with her baby in her arms. She enjoyed the spirit of
the Lord very much. On one occasion the spirit rested upon her so strongly that she sang in
tongues. Three children were born to them while on this mission. She had a hard struggle to get
along, often being without food for herself and children, as her husband was denied work on
account of his being a Mormon.
In April, 1856, the family, consisting of father, mother and five children, left Wales to
gather with the Saints in Zion. It took them six months to make the journey, arriving in Salt Lake
City, October 2nd, 1856. They crossed the plains with the Third company of hand-carts, with
Edward Banker as captain. This part of the journey was very hard. It took them two months to
make the journey from Florence to Salt Lake City. The Saints suffered greatly on the journey,
being compelled to walk every day, also being exposed to cold, and hunger, as provisions were
very scarce. While on the journey her husband was taken with the rheumatism in his feet; this
made it doubly hard for Sister Mathews, as she had to pull her hand-cart......except for the help of
her eldest daughter. She waded every stream, often carrying her husband on her back. But
through it all was very courageous and happy.
The family first settled in Ogden, where they lived for three and one-half years.
The time of the Johnson's Army invasion in the spring of 1858, they left their home, and
moved south, where they remained till August, returning again to their home in Ogden. On the
17th of September of that year, her twin boys, Hopkin and David, were born, in the old willow
house. In the spring of 1859 the family moved to Cache Valley, settling in Providence, where the
greater part of the family has since resided.
She endured all the trials and poverty of a pioneer in helping to build up a new country.
At the time of the first organization of the Relief Society in April, 1868, she was chosen
second counselor to Sister Julia Budge. In the year 1870 Sister Julia Budge moved away, and
Sister Mathews was chosen president, which position she held for thirteen years.
For twenty-five years she acted as nurse, in which she was very successful.
Always had a kind word for everybody, and was ever ready to go where there was
sickness and suffering, and many there are who can testify to the blessings and comfort received
at her hands.
She was the mother of thirteen children, ten of whom are still living. All being members
of the church and ...holding prominent positions.
Her testimony to the truth never wavered, and she died with a full knowledge of the
Gospel and hope for a glorious resurrection, on the 14th of November, 1882 at the age of 61
years.
She was one of God's noble women, enduring much for the gospel sake. Was generous
almost to a fault, and was ever ready to do what was required at her hands without a murmur.
The memory of her acts of love and charity will ever linger in the hearts of her early associates
and fellow-workers.
Peace be to her name.
