Jacob Hamblin - His Life in His Own Words - with a foreword by Richard Lloyd Dewey

 This little book (127 pages) is a first-hand account of life here in St. George in the 1860s and 1870s. Leonard ordered this book because Brett Smith, a youngish fellow sealer, recommended it. They frequently have Brother Hamblin's grandson in their sealing sessions in the St. George Temple. Leonard wanted to learn more about him, but since he doesn't see the print well, gave it to me.

I didn't anticipate liking this book. I don't enjoy most "real" history, although I loved John Muir's memoir. So maybe my taste is maturing??? At any rate, I did enjoy this book. It was frustrating, at times, since he leaves out so many details, but there's enough meat on the bones to learn about a very hard life out here on the desert. I also learned about his unquestioning faith in God's prophecies, and in President Brigham Young's counsel. 

It was interesting that Hamblin was frequently called on to help guide parties around this area safely, and that he interacted with the local tribes very fruitfully. He learned a lot of their tribal languages, he adopted an Indian son. He could be relied on and trusted by both the whites and the Indians. I learned a lot about the differences in the tribes as well. The Navajo, for example, were always stirring up trouble. Other tribes here were more peaceful and they worked together well. Brigham Young always counseled Hamblin to treat them with respect, which was good to read!

There were many tribes and places I have never heard of before. And all of this happening then has left its mark on our area today...for example, the Jacob Hamblin home is open for tours and I am committed to go and see it!!! 

He was a brave man, and was frequently threatened by Indians, but was always able to negotiate his way out of difficulties, always relying on prayer and his experiences. He almost died in multiple ways, fording rivers, getting sick from exposure, and many other ways. He doesn't say much about his family life; indeed it sounds like he was seldom home! It was worth reading the forward, since that revealed that he had three marriages. S