Rulon Thayne: A Life Remembered in the Wilderness of Duchesne
Rulon Thayne: Nurtured by the Land of Duchesne
In the heart of a land known for its ruggedness and tenacity, Rulon Thayne was born on June 5, 1903, in Deseret, Millard, Utah, United States. Despite his birth record pointing to Mountain Home as his birthplace, he emerged into a world that demanded resilience and strength. On August 22, 1963, his journey came to an end in Farmington, Davis, Utah, United States. His final resting place, the Farmington City Cemetery, welcomed him on August 26, 1963.
Rulon’s life journey intertwined with the unforgiving terrain of Duchesne. This land, where only the hardiest of flora and fauna could thrive, demanded special handling to rear children. It was a landscape where the seeds of opportunity had to contend with the wilderness for growth. Survival became an art of shaping the environment to human needs through skilled hands, whether delicate or rough.
Rulon’s story intertwined with that of Margaret E Farnsworth. Both were transplanted to this land at a tender age, their lives destined to be intertwined. Their families had a history of intermarriage, with three children from one family already married to three members of the other. Rulon and Margaret were to become the fourth pair in this unique web of relationships.
Life in Duchesne was a proving ground for Rulon. It was a place where physical prowess was tested through activities like wrestling, bulldogging, and bareback riding at local rodeos. The harsh winter winds and strenuous tasks like log lifting shaped his body and character. His evenings were a blend of craftsmanship and stories, with his mother’s voice guiding him through braiding, sewing, and crocheting by the warm light of candles and lamps. As the youngest in the family, he was nurtured and cherished.
Margaret’s days were a mix of teasing and pampering by her eleven older siblings. Amid women’s chores, cooking, and cleaning for the many men in her family, she attended a small school. Her dreams often ventured toward distant cities and their allure. Despite the challenges and fatigue, she held onto the idea of creating her own heaven on earth, a pursuit that was exhilarating.
Rulon and Margaret’s legacy lies in the six children they raised, their lives shaped by the essence of Duchesne even though they spent most of their lives outside of Mountain Home. Rulon’s revered presence enriched their lives until he passed away at the age of 60 in 1963. Margaret, a beloved figure honored by her children, still resides in Farmington, Utah.
These narratives are drawn from the book “Memories of Moon Lake, Boneta, Mountain Home, and Talmage Wards (1975),” providing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of their lives. For a deeper understanding of their journey, you can explore the source here.
