Ephraim Jefferson Nash
Born: 3 Jul 1864 – Alpine, Utah
Died: 30 Apr 1942 – American Fork, Utah
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Biography of Ephraim Jefferson Nash
On July 3, 1864, Ephraim Jefferson Nash was born in Alpine, Utah; the first child of
Ephraim Nash and Rhoda Young Mc Nichol Nash.
He was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by Bishop
Albert Marsh.
His early school years were spent at the Alpine school under the supervision of such
teachers as Elsie Booth, R.T. Booth and Arson Howard. Educational opportunities were
limited so that his school years only lasted sometimes from three to four months. As
a young man, in 1887, he attended the B. Y. U. Academy. While there he studied art,
especially pencil drawings and as a result drew some fine pictures. The following year,
1888, he continued his studies until spring when he returned to his home to herd cattle
and horses, and to do farm work for his father.
In the winter of 1889, as Ephraim was approaching his 26th birthday, he was married to
Mindwell Preston. They were united in marriage on December 18, by Bishop Holliday.
After the wedding, a large reception was held at the home of the bride's parents.
The first year after their marriage, Ephraim helped his father who owned much property
in the way of farm lands, herds of horses and cattle. For the next twelve years, he worked
with sheep eventually building a profitable business. He owned a ranch and grazing lands
near Green River in Cisco Canyon at Thompson Springs. This section was typical
western country. At that time feuds between men, gambling and the accompanying evils
were prevalent. The territory was filled with undeveloped resources. Many loads of coal
were taken from an open vein of coal which showed up, at one place on the ranch, for a
distance of about ten feet. During this time of prosperity, Ephraim traveled several times
to Chicago and Kansas City to sell his sheep.
Grave misfortune befell him when he lost nine thousand sheep, his ranch, and horses for
an eight thousand dollar debt. Had he been able to hold those sheep eight months longer
the wool alone taken at shearing time would have paid off his total indebtedness. Leaving
his ranch, twenty-five burros, and eight or nine saddle horses, he returned to Alpine. It
seemed as though he had lost everything.
In Alpine, he reared his family of nine children. At one time he served as city
councilman. During his term of office, he helped to defeat the establishing of a city pool
hall. Many were surprised at his stand since he had indulged in the sport, but he felt that it
was not a clean sport and only a "grab for the kid's money." Having young men of his
own to raise, he was only too anxious to prevent such an influence in his community. He
also served as water master for several years.
On November 6, 1927, he mourned the passing of his wife and constant companion.
From that time on, he took what consolation he could in reading and doing what farm
work he was able to do.
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Ephraim Nash liked to read, to dance and to travel. He enjoyed riding good horses, and
other sports of the typical western character. He read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and
biographies of such men as Parley P. Pratt many times. Only a short time ago, he asked
for the Book of Mormon saying he would like to read it once more before he died. As a
young man he was the possessor of a strong musical voice and was often called upon to
sing and recite for community gatherings. He was a natural musician and loved to play
the violin and guitar during his early manhood.
Ephraim Nash has always been a good father and while he didn't take part in church
affairs, he insisted that his children attend church services and was always strict in
matters concerning their social behavior.
The past few years, he has lived at the home of his daughter, Lyle in American Fork.
Here he died in the early morning of April 30, 1942 at the age of seventy-seven. He is
survived by the following children: Emiline Bealey, Lyle Grant, Ephie Nash, J. Preston
Nash of American Fork; Colby Nash of Salt Lake, Mina Adamson of Westwood
California, and Theo Nash of Sea Side, Oregon; also two sisters Dessie Johnson of
Provo and Celestia Rowlands of Salt Lake.
This biography would not be complete without the following famous quotation from
“Thanatopsis” written by William Jennings Bryant. More than once these last few months
Grandfather has said:
So live that, when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou goes not like the quarry slave at night
Scourged to his dungeon; but, sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the draperies of his couch
About him and lies down to pleasant dreams
His life seemed complete; he was anxious to join his loved ones in that “other world.”
More than once he has said that he was proud of his posterity. To him -- the little spark of
life which has been kindled again in each of us, was his greatest achievement.
Funeral services were held at the Alpine Ward Chapel on Monday May 4, 1942. He was
buried by the side of his wife at the American Fork Cemetery.
Written by his granddaughter Dorothy G. Wright
From information given by her mother.
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Mindwell and Ephraim Jefferson Nash Family Back Row Left to right: Theo Laburn,
Merma Lyle, Elynn Jay, Richard Colby, Emeline Gertrude, Noel Ephraim Front Row
Left: Mindwell Preston, James Preston and Ephraim Jefferson Baby: Mina
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Four Generations: Merma Lyle Nash, Ephraim Jefferson Nash,
Lawrence Glenn Wright and Dorothy Rose Grant
Ephraim Jefferson Nash,
Clothing is fashioned, sewed, yarn, carded, spun, dyed, woven by Rhoda Y Nash
(His mother)
Ephraim Jefferson Nash home in Alpine
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Death Certificate
American Fork Cemetery
http://www.findagrave.com/cgibin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=nash&GScid=77137&GRid=38726062&
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References
Most of this material was taken from the NASH FAMILY PUBLICATION –ALPINE “
THE PLACE WHERE WE LIVE” Merma G. Carlisle, editor (1966)
It has been my goal to capture the information that my mother, Dorothy G. Wright and
others have captured and preserve it for future generations. With the advent of the
computer I am now able to scan the large book of remembrance and convert it to text in a
word document. With the New Family search I am now finding relatives who have more
information and more pictures. Please email me with new information and pictures
Kenneth Wright [email protected] (303) 904-1108 Littleton, Colorado
Web Sites found
http://www.findagrave.com/cgibin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=nash&GScid=77137&GRid=38726062&
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=38726176
http://images.archives.utah.gov/data/81448/2260559/2260559_0000903.jpg
Last Updated: December 13, 2009
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