Annabella Reid Thayne: A Beacon of Resilience in Tumultuous Times
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Annabella Reid Thayne’s story is not just that of a loving mother and a diligent homemaker, but also that of a strong woman who weathered the storms of a rapidly changing world.
Born on November 12, 1858, in Beaver, Utah, Annabella’s early life was set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of transformation. The United States was recovering from the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era was in full swing. Railroads were beginning to stitch the vast nation together, and the Wild West was very much alive. It was a time of cowboys, pioneers, and the gold rush.
In this vibrant era, Annabella, the daughter of Thomas Hand and Ann McFarland Reid, married John Lehi Thayne on March 25, 1875. Together, they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, raising thirteen children. Their journey took them from Desert Lake to Mountain Home in 1908, a move driven by the challenges of water scarcity.
While John and his older sons sought better fortunes in Vernal, Annabella chose to stay behind with her younger children. Their separation lasted four years, but in 1912, the family was joyfully reunited in Mountain Home. They wasted no time in turning the barren land into a verdant paradise, complete with shade trees, gardens, orchards, and berry bushes.
Annabella was a beacon of consistency in those turbulent times. As the nation saw the dawn of the 20th century, with the Wright brothers achieving flight and the world gearing up for the Great War, she maintained a beautiful garden and home. Her gentle and kind demeanor was a contrast to the often harsh and challenging world outside. She was a symbol of peace and love in her community.
The Thayne children’s education was a unique affair. They studied in a church house, which was innovatively divided using curtains to create separate classrooms. Their two-story family home, a symbol of their hard work and dedication, stood tall amidst towering trees.
The world kept evolving, with innovations, wars, and societal changes, but on October 6, 1933, Annabella’s journey came to a tranquil end. She passed away in her favorite rocking chair, leaving behind a legacy that resonated with the values of hard work, love, and kindness.
Her children, including John, Annabell, Alice Sidney, and Albert Lehi, among others, carried forward her legacy, each navigating their way through the tapestry of history.
Annabella Reid Thayne’s life is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who not only shaped their families but also left an indelible mark on the sands of time.
