BIRTH

In accordance with the teachings and practice of the church my father decided with Adaline's (the first wife) permission to enter into plural marriage. At that time he and his first wife, Adaline Taylor, had ten children. Father proposed and Elizabeth Ann accepted. It was decided that they should be married March 22. 1888, in the Logan Temple. She was a rather tall, slender girl, quiet and serious minded.

Soon after the marriage the law was seeking to arrest father (for the practice of plural marriage). The church immediately sent father on a mission to Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. While he was away I was born on April 6, 1889 in Payson, Utah. Soon the law discovered father's whereabouts in the mission field. President Woodruff rushed a telegram to father, "leave immediately and go to Mexico." Father did so, to a place on the upper Janos River. As soon as could be arranged he sent for mother and me, and we joined him there. My mother's second child Mildred was born in 1891. Two years later in 1893 Alvino was born and died soon after birth.

CHILDHOOD -- SPANISH FORK

Not long after this father moved mother back to Payson. Then later I remember a rush night trip to Mapleton, fleeing as it were for the protection of our lives. At Mapleton my brother, John Lester was born in August 1894. Soon after moved to Spanish Fork. I remember seeing my father only once while there. About this time mother became estranged from father, apparently due to the strain of being hunted and hounded by the officers of the law because of plural marriage. On October 8, 1895, mother married Andrew Crump.

MOTHER’S PASSING

My father by this time had moved again to Old Mexico with his first family. He wrote a letter to mother expressing a great desire to have me join him in Old Mexico. Mother was very indignant and said many harsh things about my father. Mother died a few years later (April 12, 1898) in childbirth. When mother passed away, her three Haymore children were taken to Payson to live with our Lant relatives. I had just turned nine years old.

RETURN TO MEXICO

When father learned of mother's death, he immediately came from Old Mexico to Payson to get his children. Being informed by Aunt Ella that my father was in Payson for the purpose of taking us, I fled the next morning to the cow pasture to avoid meeting him. Being a little frightened and hungry by the time night came, I returned to Aunt Ella's. I met my father face to face on the front porch and he spoke kindly to me. Although having been embittered toward him, upon seeing and talking with him, I felt confidence in him. I soon fell in line ... no child could resist the kindness of my father. Within a few days we were off by train to Old Mexico.

About a year previous to this, father's first wife Adaline had died following the birth of her 13th child. Later in 1898 father married Pearl Wilson, whose first husband had died sometime before. We soon learned to love and appreciate Pearl. She was a good, Sweet-natured woman and mothered the children of father's two families as her own children. Had I been her own son she could not have loved me more nor been better to me. And I in turn loved her as my own mother, and still cherish her memory to this day.

BAPTIZED

Sometime soon after arriving in Oaxaca, I was baptized in the Bavispe River by my father. I well remember the occasion. It was on a Sunday morning. I was confirmed on the same day by Bishop Frank Scott. The baptism and confirmation evidently took place in the summer or fall of 1898.

POWER OF PRIESTHOOD

I learned the blessing of administration of the elders for healing the sick not long after moving to Mexico. I had been riding a horse and rubbed against a big ocotilla plant. One of the thorns had pierced the kneecap and had become inflamed and badly swollen. It was just so enlarged that it became very painful, so much that I was unable to sleep. Father said, "Lynn would you like me to bless you?" I said "yes". I sat up in bed. and father laid his hands upon my head and administered to me. I immediately went to sleep and woke up the next morning feeling fine.

EARLY MEXICO

My early days in Mexico were first spent at home to do chores and help with the housework. As time went on. I was gradually needed at the farm and later at the ranch. I had never received any formal schooling before this time. My first experience in school was in Oaxaco. I must have been about ten years old. About this time father, realizing that most boys like to have a pony to ride, gave me a nice two year old filly that I called "Fanny". As a boy I also had a few range cows of my own. As I grew older, I continued to go to school off and on as it was available to me, but I particularly was interested in ranch work. One time while camping at Little Spring, some men who were not Mormons came across the ranch. The leader ask me several question about the Mormons, some of which I did not appreciate and which I resented in my heart. This was my first conscious feeling that I must and would defend our religion.

TITHING -- SCRIPTURES

I never recall in those early days of receiving any pay for the work that I did on the farm or ranch. However, I do recall once Father gave me a big silver Mexican peso. He taught me the principle of tithing by having me take it immediately to the Bishop. The Bishop took it and gave me 90 cents back, keeping of course the beautiful silver peso. I have always remembered this lesson which father taught me of always paying your tithing first.

I do recall that sometime following this I bought my first New Testament which cost 50 cents. I have spent many hours reading the scriptures ... even while on horseback, and I grew to have a great love for them.

AARONIC PRIESTHOOD

Although I do not have the date. I recall that I received the Aaronic Priesthood while still a young man. I was ordained a deacon by Peter A. Dillman.

FLOOD

In 1905 a disastrous flood hit Oaxaca and other colonies. I was about 15 years old. It was quite a nightmare. I can still remember the scene. The worried men and women and frightened children huddled in groups around the campfires or in the church house watching the water carry away all they owned. Homes made of adobe dissolved, frame homes were smashed. Furniture, clothing and personal belongings were washed away in the flood. The saddest part of all was the land, the very rich soil which most of these families depended upon for their livelihood was gone too. The ground was a mass of rock. These events brought ruin to most of the families and they had no alternative but to leave Oaxaca, Morelos and other colonies.

Father and two or three other families decided to remain in Oaxaca, buying rangeland of those who sold out and left. Later at the time of the Mexican Revolution, everyone was forced to leave. Thus I lived to see the fulfillment of the prophecy made by one of the apostles of the church years earlier at a ward conference. There was much contention among the members of the church in Oaxaca, and the Apostle rebuked the saints for not living the gospel as well as they should, and he told them that if they did not repent, the day would come when the town would be deserted and the wild rabbits would run the streets. This was literally fulfilled.

SCHOOLING

After finishing the 8th grade in May of 1907, I went to work for the summer at San Miguel with J.A. By this time I was 18 years old. I enrolled that fall at the Juarez Stake Academy in Colonia Juarez. I was saddened by the news that my stepmother, Pearl, had died in childbirth on November 19, 1907. Pearl had been a real mother to me. It was comfort to me in later years while searching the records of the Salt Lake Temple Annex that Pearl had received her endowments on the 20th day of September 1900, and on that same day was sealed to father for eternity. Each summer when school was out in Juarez, I would return to San Miguel to work.

MARRIAGE

During the winter, while attending the Academy at Juarez, I boarded with various families. During this time Earl Stevens and I became the best of friends. Earl's sister, Mabel, was a little older, but we frequently included her in our activities. One night when I visited the Stevens’ home, Mabel was at the piano, playing and singing. As I watched and listened to her, my heart was touched, and I saw her in a different light. We began to keep company and she became my sweetheart. Later that summer I made a trip to El Paso to request permission from Mabel's father for our marriage. Before the opening of the fall term of school. I returned to El Paso according to appointment and married Mabel on September 1, 1911.

RECEIVED MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD

Shortly after starting school that Fall, I received the Melchizedek Priesthood, being ordained an Elder on September 23, 1911 by George F. Richards of the Council of the Twelve.

PASSING OF FIRST WIFE

During the summer or 1912 we began to feel more the effect of the Mexican Revolution. Merchandise was confiscated from our store and mill in Agua Prieta. Later we re-opened the Morelos store. My wife, Mabel, joined me and we lived in Morelos. I took Mabel to Douglas in the early spring for confinement with her first child. I had a strong premonition that I would never return with Mabel to Morelos. On May 1, 1914 Mabel was delivered, a still-born son. It was a very difficult birth and complications followed. Mabel passed away on June 1, 1914. We had only a civil marriage due to distance to any temple, and financial considerations. Mabel was later endowed on October 9, 1914.

ENDOWED

I made the trip to Salt Lake City for my own endowments, which I received on October 7, 1915. On that same day Mabel and I were sealed, her sister acting as proxy.

PATRIARCHAL BLESSING

While in Salt Lake City I received a patriarchal blessing from Hyrum G. Smith, presiding patriarch of the church, dated October 8, 1915. While on a business assignment I was sent to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, across from El Paso. Texas. While on this assignment I was able to visit with Mabel's parents, and also spent an evening with Earl Stevens, her brother. Naturally they were all grieving Mabel's passing, as was I. But I recall in discussing this matter with Earl I told him, "Although Mabel’s death brought great sorrow to me, I did not feel however that life was over for me, and that there was still much that I could accomplish, and that life would be full and happy."

FIRST CHURCH CALLING

The Morelos store was closed soon after I had taken Mabel to Douglas, so I joined my brothers at the Agua Prieta store after her death. I had not had any opportunities in my earlier life to participate in the organizations of the church. It was a great satisfaction to me to be called as counselor in the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association of the Douglas Branch. Later I became president of the M.I.A.

COURTSHIP, MARRIAGE AND SEALING

Through my activities in the Douglas Branch, I became acquainted with the L.S. Huish family, and particularly with their daughter, Emma, whom I began courting. I was very interested in Emma, and felt myself falling in love with her, but because of my loyalty and devotion to Mabel, I felt I could not give myself wholeheartedly to Emma. Because of this a temporary misunderstanding resulted. I realized that I would have to make some adjustments before I could marry again.

We planned to be married on April 6, 1917 in Salt Lake City. However plans were changed by sickness in the family. I wired the Office of the Mission President for permission to be married civilly, which permission was granted. The wedding was a quiet affair at the Huish home, April 6, 1917. Two months later we traveled to Salt Lake City to be married in the temple on June 13, 1917.

FIRST HOME

We built our first home on a lot at 1102 5th Street. Emma's touch soon made it a real home. Our first baby was born, Franklin Lant, on February 2, 1918. The following year, on September 4. 1919 another fine son blessed our home, David Leonard. We began to feel the need for a larger home. My father suggested a home on 8th Street. We decided to buy it. It was at our new home at 1120 8th Street that our first little daughter was born. July 6, 1921, Mabel. Emma, showing her love and unselfishness, wanted to name her Mabel after my first wife.

NEW CHAPEL IN DOUGLAS

Both Emma and I were active in church work in the Douglas Branch. As membership of the branch increased it was decided that a chapel should be built. I was made chairman of the finance committee. The chapel was dedicated by President Heber J. Grant on December 5. 1920.

MOVE TO NACOZARI

In the first part of 1922 Haymore business interests bought business interest in Nacozari, Mexico. I was asked to manage this branch store. We moved to Nacozari and a Sunday school was started. I was a counselor. I taught Sunday school class in Spanish. Through our missionary efforts in Nacozari, we had soon baptized several fine Mexican people into the church.

TYPHOID FEVER

In the late summer of 1923, I became very ill with typhoid fever. Emma was expecting our 4th child. Emma called in the Elders to administer to me. The baby was born August 10, 1923, named Annie Elaine.

My condition worsened and I felt myself dying. My spirit actually started to leave my body. I thought of Emma and our four little ones. The thought of leaving them alone unprotected made me stop. This caused my spirit to return to my body. I was administered to again. I refused to drink an alcoholic drink prescribed by the doctor. When the doctor returned I was better without taking the liquor as I knew I would be.

MISSION CALL TO CALIFORNIA

The same year I first came to Nacozari, I received a letter making inquiry as to the possibility of my accepting a full-time missionary call. I was very happy to accept any call which came to me from the authorities of the church. Emma supported me 100%. After consulting it was decided to postpone the call for 2 years.

Two years later, according to plan. a formal call was extended from the first presidency of the church. I accepted the call and made preparations to return with my family to Douglas, Arizona. Emma was expecting our 5th child. She was born January 2, 1925, Laverna. Thirty days later on February 2. 1925. I departed for the mission field -- the California Mission. I left with mixed feelings hating to leave my beloved wife and little ones behind, but looking forward with a great deal of anticipation to serving the Lord. It had been a desire of my heart since childhood to fill a mission.

I loved missionary work. It was a joy to me to testify to all those with whom I came in contact that the gospel as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and essential to the salvation and exaltation of every one of our Heavenly Father's children.

We had many interesting experiences while tracting. Some of these experiences later caused me to reflect on the words of my patriarchal blessing. "It will also be thy privilege to stand forth in defense of the true plan of life and salvation among strangers and even enemies of thy faith."

SEVENTY

During the month of August 1925, President McMurrin said to me. "I have special authorization from the first presidency to be alert for men who could wisely and profitably be made seventies. I would like to ordain you a seventy." I expressed my willingness. He then set me apart (ordained) as a seventy on August 31, 1925.

LETTERS FROM HOME

I was greatly sustained while in the mission field by Emma’s frequent letters. I was particularly touched and buoyed up by the very special note expressing her love and appreciation to me which she had written to me on her birthday:

"Dear Lynn,
As I near another milestone, I want you to know how dear you are to me. How you have watched over me and the children year in, year out, using your powers only to bless us all the day long. May a kind Heavenly Father make my love big enough and fine enough to match your own. I am so thankful all of our children were born in your kind love, so that it can be perpetuated and carried on to future generations. You little know how I love you. I myself can only partly understand. God bless our love and sanctify it and keep us close in the arms of his own love."
signed Emma"

As the time approached when my mission would terminate, Emma and my two sons, Lant and Leonard, came to California. I was released from my mission on June 1. 1927. Although many wonderful opportunities and honors have come to me in my lifetime. I will always cherish my first missionary experiences as one of the finest of my entire life.

BACK IN DOUGLAS

Shortly after my return from the mission field, Walter J.A. and I bought the business. I continued to serve in the Douglas Branch. The following year Donna was born August 1, 1928. The following summer we were able to carry out our plans to make a trip to North Carolina for genealogical research. On March 3, 1931 our fifth girl, Marilynn was born.

During the months that followed Emma's health was very poor. As her condition did not improve, we went to the temple in Mesa for the purpose of securing a special blessing. This was given and a restoration of Emma's health was promised with the counsel "to continue in child bearing".

As the children grew we added on to the back and side of our 8th Street home. The back yard was beginning to be filled also. I always had a love for animals and have rarely been without several pets, horses and cows.

On January 15, 1934 Emma gave birth to our 8th child. We named the baby Charles Lavell. As Emma had been promised in the blessing in the temple, she was able to continue bearing children and her health improved. We were very grateful for this blessing, as our children are our greatest joy. Each child was wanted, prayed for and welcomed.

On March 16, 1936 Emma was confined to the hospital for the birth of our 9th child. A boy was born, Alonzo Larry.

It was during this time when I had much to concern me -- sickness in the family, heavy responsibilities as branch president and in the business -- I sought help through a special blessing at the temple. It did much to comfort me and buoy me up at a time when I needed encouragement.

I served approximately three years as president of the Douglas Branch and had many fine experiences. I was released when the district president, A. B. Ballantyne called me to be his first counselor. I was happy to accept the call and found it very interesting and stimulating.

CALL TO SPANISH AMERICAN MISSION

In October of 1939 we received a surprise visit from Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Council of the Twelve. He asked us if we had ever thought about doing some more missionary work among the Mexican people. I informed him that we loved the Mexican people. Shortly after that we received a call to preside over the Spanish American Mission in El Paso, Texas. We were humbled and honored to be considered worthy. President David 0. McKay and President J. Reuben Clark set us apart. I left Douglas on July 24, 1940 for El Paso and the mission headquarters. As I visited in the branches and read the weekly missionary reports I became concerned. Most missionaries were not working up to their capacity. I preached tracting and distribution of the Book of Mormon.

As time went on, I felt good about the progress of the work. Baptisms were up. Distribution of the Book of Mormon and tracting were at an all time high. I was released in March of 1943. I had served almost three years.

RETURN TO DOUGLAS

We returned to Douglas. Set up house keeping at the store. Leonard had left for the army. Fortunately our faithful employee and friend, Mr. G. Estrada was still with us.

Note by Lavell: Mr. Estrada came to work for the Haymore’s to pay an outstanding debt, and remained with them to his death. He was affectionately referred to as "Tata" (grandpa in Spanish slang). On many occasions he would share with me his experiences with Mr. Lynn Haymore. With great pride he would say my dad worked him very hard, and the only way he could get a break was to ask about Joseph Smith or The Plan of Salvation. During Tata's last days I would visit him. As we visited, he'd ask me to offer prayer. Then we would embrace and tears would flow. Several times he would say there must be two true churches. To this I would reply "No, Tata no -- just one, and soon you'll understand.

Later Larry obtained permission from Mr. Estrada’s family and temple work was done for him, his wife, and several family members.

TUCSON

At the time we returned to Douglas several of the children were approaching college age. We decided to move at least part of the family to Tucson where they could have the advantages or a college education. We purchased a lovely large colonial style home. I spent much of my time on the highway between Douglas and Tucson. Our church membership was in Tucson. On June 9, 1944 Emma and I were called as stake missionaries. A few months later I was called to be president of the stake mission and Emma was called as mission secretary. We worked a great deal with part member families and the Yagui and Papago Indians. At this time I was one of the seven presidents of seventy, and we taught the adult Sunday School class.

CALL TO THE ARGENTINE MISSION

About this time, because of the Korean War crisis, missionary work (world wide) was curtailed. The Presiding brethren sent out a call for 1,000 seventies to be called into active missionary service. It appeared that I was the only man in a position to go from my quorum. I expressed my willingness to accept a call. On October 2, 1951, I received a call to the Argentine Mission. I traveled by train to Salt Lake City to report November 5, 1951.

November 4 - 15, 1951: excerpts from letters

"Unfortunate is the family in the church which has not become involved in all three great responsibilities of the church --
1) To live the gospel and be actively engaged in church work at home.
2) To be interested in and actively engaged in missionary work.
3) To be active in the work of the redemption of our loved ones who have died and gone on to the other side."

"But I am most grateful that it has always been easy and natural for me, from boyhood on, to believe all that the Lord has done and has recorded since the days of Adam to the present time, and I have the same assurance that the work will continue to go forward and that those who assist in the work either at home or abroad will be blessed therein and grow in faith and usefulness."

Nov. 8, 1951
"I was assigned to go with Brother Marion G. Romney to be set apart Nov. 15. 1951. I received a great blessing which touched my heart to the very center. I now know that I have been called by the Lord."

During the following days I spent time studying and making last minute preparations. On Monday the 26th, the day of our departure for New York, I spent the forenoon at church offices. At 1 PM I entered the office of President David 0. McKay at the request of Bro. Pierce Brady and President Ernest Young to discuss the problem of renewing visas.

To my surprise, President McKay looked at me and said "There has been a slip up -- we have other plans for Brother Haymore." We left, and I returned to Mabel’s in a quandary. Within an hour President McKay called, and recommended that I return to Arizona and await further instructions from him.

I returned home and waited for word. On April 23, 1952, I received a letter from the first presidency, stating that no further missionary assignment would be given to me. There will always be many unanswered questions. We do not always have a full picture, nor do we know the whole story. I have always had full faith and confidence in the leadership of the church. In later years I have been able to see that it was perhaps a blessing that I did return home.

In the giving of blessings, a patriarch does not confine his comments only to the present nor to this earth life. Often the vision of yesterday, today and tomorrow are not separated in his mind. With the Lord, I am sure He views the eternal life of man. To Him it is one eternal round. I can visualize that after I depart from this life that I will be called to associate with many honorable men and women from Argentina who have died without hearing the gospel, and that it will be my privilege then and there to literally fulfill the inspired words of a prophet of the Lord. Missionary work in this life has been my life element. Why should it not continue to be so in the world to come.

I want my descendants to know that I do not feel that I have been deprived by this incident of any blessings in this life. My life has been full of rejoicing in the blessings of the Lord, and I will eternally be indebted to Him for his goodness to me. In the spirit world I will stand ready to serve as Him as I have endeavored to do in this life.

CALL TO THE TEMPLE

I had not been back to Tucson very long when Emma and I received a call from the Arizona Temple President to become ordinance workers in the Mesa Temple. Within a few days I traveled to Tucson to get Emma for the purpose of finalizing the arrangements for a home in Mesa. We bought a home at 103 South Olive Drive.

In addition to our work in the temple, we became active in the ward we lived in. I generally spent my mornings in the temple, and my afternoons and evenings at home doing genealogical research. Our research and temple work through the years has brought the greatest joy and satisfaction to us. It is our hope and prayer that our children and grandchildren will carry on this work.

ORDAINED HIGH PRIEST

In the fall of 1956 I was approached by our stake president with a view of being ordained a high priest. Since missionary work was a great part of my life, I was very happy to remain a seventy. I was ordained a high priest on November 25, 1956.

ALL NINE MARRIED IN TEMPLE

It has been a great joy and satisfaction to us to have all our children grow up faithful to the church and all have married in the temple.

Family of David Franklin Haymore -- About 1938

BIRTHDAY

Another very memorable occasion took place April 6, 1964 in Tucson. A turkey dinner in honor of my 75^th birthday. Our four sons and their families participated in this special event. This 75^th birthday celebration was a highlight in my life and deeply appreciated by me.

50^TH WEDDING

In August of 1966 a grand family reunion of all our children and grandchildren was scheduled to honor our 50^th wedding anniversary. It was decided to hold the reunion in Douglas, Arizona, the scene of the childhood of most of our children. Lavell was named chairman with the various committees assisting him with programs, meals and housing. The family reunion was carried out in wonderful style. A family genealogical meeting, a report was made on the trip to Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.

The following day (Saturday) special activities took place at the farm and ranch. At noon every one feasted on the 400 homemade doughnuts. That evening a pit barbeque supper was prepared and served at he ranch, followed by an outstanding campfire program.

Next morning was Sunday and all the families attended Sunday school in the Douglas Chapel. Pictures were taken, a delicious dinner in the recreation hall, and the final event and highlight of the reunion was the family program and testimony meeting.

FINAL COUNSEL

There are many thoughts that run through my mind as I think of final words of counsel. I think that perhaps the best counsel I could give would be to reiterate the Admonition of the Savior when he said, "Love the Lord"; and "love one another."

As parents it is our responsibility to love and protect our children and provide for their well being both spiritually and physically. It is our duty to teach them the gospel. We have been very well blessed as a family. We have a noble heritage, where much is given much is expected. In our home have been sent some of the best spirits of heaven.

Finally, I want to leave my love and blessings with each of you. I know the gospel is true. I have the certain knowledge that our family will continue on together throughout eternities if we live worthy of this blessing. It is my greatest desire that not one be lost.

SUNDAY APRIL 21, 1968 MOTHER (EMMA) WRITES:

"It was Sunday again and many of his children were at his side. I sat by his bed and caught the last beat of his pulse as he went to sleep, then I closed his eyelids and loving kissed his brow."

SCRIPTURE

"And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in Him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see His face with pleasure, and he will say unto me; Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my father."
-- Enos 1:27

Quote from Daddy’s patriarchal blessing:

(You) "shall be blessed with a name and a posterity which shall be honorable to the latest generation."

Note: David Franklin Haymore died 21 April 1968 in Tucson, Arizona.