 Susan Byington Fisher
History of Susan Elizabeth Byington Fisher
The sun shone brightly down on a three room pioneer cabin near a rugged red bluff known as Red Rock. On this 30th day of Sept. in 1876 a baby girl had come to add happiness and joy to the little family of Joseph Henry and Hannah Molland Byington and their four children. This baby Susan Elizabeth was the seventh of ten children, two little girls had died prior to her birth. Times were hard for this pioneer family but nevertheless it passed quickly and when Susan was seven years old, this little family moved to Pools Island, now Annis, Idaho. For a few days they stayed with an earlier pioneer family until the father could purchase a home. It consisted of one log room with no floor and cost $50. The following summer another room and floors were added. It was November when this move was made, so the family were happy to be established in their own home once more. Schooling was hard to get in those pioneer days. Tuition was paid by the parents, and long miles were walked, through all kinds of weather, to attend for a few weeks or months each year, but they took advantage of all the education that was available. The mother was always teaching the children the things that would build character and stamina for their hard pioneer life. They were always taught to pray and have faith in our Heavenly Father, and not speak ill of anyone. The father was away most of the time, so much of this education was left to the mother and it stayed with Aunt Susan as a foundation for the kind and noble person we knew her to be. Aunt Susans mother died when she was thirteen, she stayed with relatives and friends working during the summer and going to school during the winter. When Aunt susan first moved to Pools Island the family stayed with the Joseph Martin Fisher family, she met the son Isaiah or Ike. She told her mother he was her Beau and that they were going to get married someday. At fifteen she had her first date with him, and when she was sixteen on December 5, 1892 she became his bride. The sorrows and hardship were many, they spent fifty seven happy years together, before death parted them. Their early-married life was spent in Annis. Then they moved on a homestead in Swan Valley, Idaho. During this time twelve children had cone to bless this happy home, six having died as infants, those that survive are: Lewis of Headquarters, Idaho, Leslie of Spokane, Washington, Mrs. Ila Barker of Stites, Idaho. Mrs. Arba Kelley of Burbank, California, Mrs. Avis Linville Lorrigan and Kenneth Fisher of Rigby, Idaho. Nineteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. These three were very devoted to each other, and derived much pleasure in being together each of them having lost their life's companion. During the first world war they lived in Idaho Falls and in 1921 moved to a dry farm on Pine Creek Bench where they resided until 1937 when they purchased a home in Rigby. One of the happiest days of Aunt Susan’s life was November 7, 1948 when she and Uncle Ike went to the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and were sealed for time and eternity. Sadness came into her life just one year later when her beloved companion was called home. Her life was devoted to her family and church, working in the relief society and doing temple work, for the dead. During the last two years, she has held the highest record for Temple work in her ward, with nearly 500 names for endowments having been done. And has had 100% of her Relief Society teaching. Many lovely quilt tops and fancy work pieces were given the Relief Society and friends during her lifetime. Her sorrows were many but she was not one to burden others with them. she was always willing to listen to others troubles and lend a helping hand. I have spent many happy days at Aunt Susan and Uncle Ikes both as a child and grown up. Their home was always open to anyone for a day or week, even though beds had to be made all over the place to accommodate us. Her fried fish, delicious mince pie and hot biscuits were a treat we never tired of and were served to many. We will always remember her for her sweet disposition her unselfish devotion in doing good for others and with thankfulness in our hearts for the privilege of association with her. |
Siblings and spouses;
Susan, Ike, Etta, Chas, Sara and James,
Maria, Martha, Parley and Maggie
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