The Remarkable Life of Sidney Boyer Thayne
Sidney Boyer Thayne: A Legacy of Faith, Strength, and Sacrifice
In the annals of history, some stories stand out not just for their extraordinary events, but for the indomitable spirit of individuals. Sidney Boyer Thayne’s life is one such tale, painted with dreams, love, trials, and a remarkable dedication to her family and faith. This is an account of her journey, the challenges she faced, and the legacy she left behind.
Born on July 16, 1824, in the serene landscapes of Berks County, Pennsylvania, Sidney was the beacon of hope and joy for Abraham Boyer and Mary Ann Umberger Boyer, being the youngest among eleven siblings. The Boyers, with their German and Swiss roots, epitomized the values of simplicity and deep-seated religious faith. Their home echoed with readings from the Bible, discussions of spiritual quests, and a collective yearning for a life of greater purpose.
As the winds of change blew, the Boyer family relocated first to New York and then to the verdant expanses of Ontario, Canada. It was during these formative years in Sidney’s life that she experienced something profoundly mystical. A recurring dream painted a vivid picture of a man – her future husband. Every detail, from his attire to his visage, was etched in her memory. So strong was this premonition that she felt an unwavering conviction in its eventual realization.
The universe conspired to turn her dream into reality. On an evening in September 1848, as the golden hues of sunset dappled the Boyer cabin, a knock echoed. Sidney opened the door to find the man from her dreams. John Johnson Thayne, traveling through the countryside selling family glue, stood before her, dressed just as she had envisioned. Their souls recognized each other, and within a month, they were bound in matrimony.
John and Sidney set up their home in Townsend, Ontario, Canada. The air was soon filled with the laughter of their children: Mary Ann, Nephi, John Lehi, and Ellen Jane. Their association with the LDS Church became evident, not just in their faith but in the names they chose for their children, inspired by the Book of Mormon.
By 1855, the call of destiny beckoned again. The Thaynes moved to Linn County, Iowa. John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a sawmill. Sidney, inheriting her mother’s medical wisdom, became a midwife, bringing countless lives into the world and healing the ailing. Their family expanded with the births of Emma, Fannie Elizabeth, Eliza Catherine, and Janette.
The early 1860s marked a significant turn in their journey. Drawn by the teachings and community of the Latter-day Saints, they set forth towards the West in June 1861. They were accompanied by eighteen members of the Thayne family, including a young English girl named Elizabeth Hunt. Their journey, fraught with challenges, was also a testament to their unwavering faith and unity. Upon reaching the Salt Lake Valley, John’s industrious nature led him to start another sawmill, contributing to the construction of the iconic Salt Lake Temple.
Life, however, is a blend of joy and sorrow. Elizabeth Hunt, who had become an integral part of their family, passed away in 1875. Sidney, with her boundless love, took Elizabeth’s four children under her wing, raising them as her own. The subsequent years saw the family relocating to Woodland, Summit County, Utah, and later to Wellington, Carbon, Utah, where they homesteaded 160 acres.
Sidney Boyer Thayne’s life was a tapestry of love, sacrifice, and resilience. She not only raised her children but also took care of those who weren’t her own. She stood as a pillar of strength, navigating the challenges of life with grace and faith. On May 23, 1901, Sidney passed away, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for generations. Her life, as aptly described in her obituary, was a testament to the essence of motherhood and the warmth of genuine human connections.
This story draws insights from a detailed history of the Thayne Family by Kathy Thayne Rasmussen.
