Paulina Eliza Phelps Family

Paulina Eliza Phelps Lyman

6th Wife of Amasa Mason Lyman

Their children are as follow:

Oscar Morris Lyman

Born 16 December 1847, Florence, Douglas County, Nebraska.

Died 22 October 1874, at Parowan, Iron County, Utah.

Mason Roswell Lyman, died at age 14 of an accidental gunshot wound

Clark Lyman, died as an infant

Born 5 October 1853, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. 

Died 7 April 1854 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. 

Charles Rich Lyman

Born 18 February 1857, at Farmington, Davis County, Utah. 

Died 1 June 1922, at Cowley, Big Horn County, Wyoming.

William Horne Lyman

Born 19 February 1859, at Parowan, Iron County, Utah.

Died 26 October 1948 at Parowan, Iron County, Utah.

Solon Ezra Lyman

Born 9 August 1863, at Parowan, Iron County, Utah.

Died 3 August 1941 at La Grande, Union County, Oregon.

Laura Paulina Lyman

Born 19 August 1865, at Parowan, Iron County, Utah. 

Died 8 December 1943, at Cedar City, Iron County, Utah.

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History of Paulina Eliza Phelps Lyman

PAULINA ELIZA PHELPS LYMAN was born 20 March 1827, at Lawrence, Illinois to Morris and Laura Clark Phelps. Her parents were early converts to the Church.  She was blessed by Parley P. Pratt in a dungeon in Richmond Mo. , and baptized by her father 1 June 1835 in Crooked River, Mo.  She was one of the Children whom the Prophet Joseph Smith blessed and promised that she would come to the Rocky Mountains.

Her father was imprisoned with Parley P. Pratt and others.  Her mother, whose fourth child was under one year of age, rode 250 miles on horseback to see him, and with the aid of Orson Pratt, was successful in having him released.  It was in this prison she sewed the manuscript of the "Key to Theology" in her clothing, thus preserving it for the Church.

As a child, Paulina was melancholy and often felt lonely and sad.  One night she dreamed that if she would read one‑half hour daily, it would keep her mind occupied, relieving her despondency as well as improving her mind. This she did all her life, reserving one‑half hour each day for acquiring information and the cultivation of her mind.  When she was 14 years of age, her mother died and Paulina took over the responsibility of the home and family until her father married again.  Circumstances were very hard and Paulina had to help the family by working for other people.

She was married January 16, 1846 to Apostle Amasa M. Lyman in the Nauvoo Temple.

Later she drove a four horse team for Sidney Tanner across the plains to pay for her fare.    Paulina took care of Mrs. Tanner during her illness until her death, and then for a time cared for the eight motherless children.  Paulina's first child was born at Winter Quarters.  She arrived in Salt Lake City in October 1848, living in the fort for one year.  Food was very scarce and expensive, flour being $1.00 per pound.  She obtained a few pounds for her baby, whom she could only allow a spoonful a day.

Later when Apostle Lyman returned from a mission to the Southern States, he brought a bale of cotton.  This Paulina carded and spun, making candle wicking and thread which was sold.  She wove carpets, jeans, tablecloths, and bedspreads. 

In the late 50's she came to Parowan with her three children.  Brother Jess N. Smith invited them into his home, caring for them until one could be provided for her. Later Cornelia Lyman came from California, with her two boys to share Paulina's home.   She took care of Cornelia, who was very frail and ill, until she died and then reared the two boys, always giving them first consideration.  Mrs. Lyman was left a widow early in life.  She labored early and late to support her family, weaving and sewing, tailoring, etc., and her work was of the highest type.

When she was past 60 years of age, she went to Salt Lake to study obstetrics under Dr. Ellis R. Shipp, and obtained her diploma.  Mrs. Lyman not only presided at the birth of more than 500 babies, but was a surgeon and doctor as well, setting broken limbs, prescribing for and nursing any affliction.  She kept up with the latest methods, being interested in every advancement in medicine. She taught classes in obstetrics, passing on her knowledge that others might learn and be of service in the community.

She was the mother of seven children, six boys and on girl, two of whom met with tragic deaths early in life. Her sorrows and her responsibilities were met with faith in her Heavenly Father, and with courage and willingness to do her part.  On 8 October 1912, she passed away at her home in Parowan, at the age of 85 years, her mind keen and alert with kindness to all, the malice toward none.

(Taken from "Historical Pamphlet" by Daughters of Utah Pioneers State Central Committee, December 1940)   Compiled by Kate B. Carter

SOURCE: Amasa Mason Lyman book, Vol. I Lyman Family History.