Written by her Daughter Agnes Meikle Thomas

My Mother Martha Gardner was born December 6, 1849 in Preston, Lancastershire, England. She was the fourth daughter of John Gardner and Martha Dunlop Gardner both of Preston. Mother was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, March 11, 1863 in her native land. Her parents were the first to embrace the gospel when the message was taken to them by Elders Parley P. Pratt and Wilford Woodruff who were the first missionaries sent to England. Grandfather was set apart to preside over that branch of the Church, his daughters helped with the singing in the choir. They walked six miles to Church on Sunday to tend to their religious duties.

When Mother was a small girl, she and her sisters were employed in the Cotton Mills where her father was an apprentice, to help to obtain means with which to emigrate to America.

On April 30, 1866, Mother with her parents, brother and sisters left their home and sailed on the ship John Bright for America. Before they left, Brigham Young Jr. came aboard the ship and promised that if the saints would do right during the journey across the ocean that not one soul should be lost and that promise was verily fulfilled.

They were six weeks on the ocean and crossed the plains in Captain White’s Company, walking part of the way and enduring the hardships and privations of that tiresome journey, but they did not get discouraged for they also had many joys and much satisfaction along their way. They arrived in Salt Lake City September 2, 1866.

Mother stayed in Salt Lake City about one year, part of the time in the home of William Jennings, who was a prominent merchant there at that time. She helped Mrs. Jennings with the children and other duties of the home. During this time her parents, brother Henry and sister Maria moved to Smithfield, Cache County, Utah and bought a home.

My Father Robert Meikle who lived in Smithfield went to Salt Lake City to attend a conference and visit his sister Isabell Meikle Blackhurst and while he was there he met my Mother Martha Gardner who was a charming modest girl. He fell in love with her and after a short courtship they were married in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, October 20, 1867.

Father had a former wife who passed away leaving three children, Robert, William, Sarah Ucilla and Joseph who died when an infant.

After Father and Mother were married they went to Smithfield where he owned a home and a tannery. Mother courageously assumed the responsibility of being a Mother to Father’s two children and she did it in a way that made them love and respect her.

To Father and Mother five children were born, Nephi, Agnes, Lottie, Martha and Alice. I was only nine years of age when my Mother died but some of her characteristics impressed me so deeply that I shall never forget them.

Mother had high standards and tried to live up to them. She was hospitable and kind to the unfortunate and respected the rights of others. Mother loved the Gospel and had a strong faith in its principles. She was interested in social and civic affairs and was a devoted wife and Mother.

We had a happy home but were only privileged to enjoy her company for a short time as Mother died the 10th day of April 1880 at the age of thirty one years and was buried in the Smithfield cemetery.