Though he had but very little schooling he put in much time studying the three R's. He could not only write a fair hand but was good at figures always keeping his own books. He understood the principles of the gospel and could freely expound the same either in public or at the fire side. Being a good reader he read many good books. He was also a good story teller. Being a good elocutionist he took part in many home theatricals and was ever ready to make life more pleasant for the town folks.
He also took an active part in the church other than speaking from the stand, which he seemed to enjoy, acting as ward teacher for many years. He was also on the Old Folk's Committee for many years acting as chairman. In this capacity he spent much time and means in helping to cheer up the old folks. In the parties they gave once a year they not only entertained with a program and dance but they served a big dinner to the guests. And what dinners they were. In fact Paradise had been known for and still is for its bounteous dinners at such times. At the dinners they did not forget the sick and afflicted who were not able to attend.
In the sketch of my father's life I stated that he was a lover of good books mostly historical and a good reader. I haven't the ability or words to say just what I mean by that word good. I have heard some called good readers since but they lacked the power to draw and to hold my attention like my father could, even when he read the deepest of books, such as he often choose. I can't explain it, but he was able to get the meaning, and to interpret the story or what ever he was reading without any previous study. Perhaps it was a gift as he seemed to live the story. While he was able to make one take notice at the same time there was a soothing quality in it.
My mother did not have the best of health, suffering from pains in her side and stomach and severe headaches. At such eimes she very often would lie down and have father read to her, which he was glad to do and under the soothing, quality I have spoken of, her nerves would be quieted and she would drop off to sleep, awakening refreshed both in body and mind. It is said that music hath the power to ease the restless mind then why not the spoken word and still hold its interest.
I do not remember my father taking part in the home dramatics but by what I can gather he took his part, The Villain, well. Those to take part with him as recalled by my sister Ann were James Bishop, Harry Shaw and his wife Emma, Alber Crapo 'a good negro', Harry G. Williams and wife Lizy, Harriet MonHearth, Fanny Gibbs, Elizabeth Humphres, John P. Wright, and James Hirst who played the comedy part. They played not only in Pararadise but in Hyrum and Wellsville where they drew full houses. Two of their best plays were the Stranger and All Is Not Gold That Glitters.
During this short period of life on earth one often meets some great and noble characters. People who though born in humble circumstances have become leaders of men and in passing have left something more beautiful and lasting than any shaft of granite. Such a one was my father though born in a small country village in England to humble but devout parents though having but little schooling. Unlike today when our children have so many advantages not dreamed of in those early days, he had to go to work at an early age to help his parents. He through much effort added to his lowly beginning until he became a very fluent reader.
He had a good understanding and a great faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ which he accepted as a child and could expound the same.
Truly it can be said of father, as God said of David of old He is a man after my own heart. He worshipped God by doing and giving. Here I wish it remembered that mother took a great interest in my fathers home and activities. In fact she was a great factor in helping him to attain the heights that he reached. She had a strong testimony of the gospel, which she also accepted as a child and for which she left her native land for a home in the land of Zion. Though she met with many tribulations and endured many hardships she did not complain, remembering rather the pleasant experiences of her life in which she found joy and satisfaction. She went on ever looking onward and upward.
What has been said of my parents the same can also be said of my grandparents, who like the children of Israel of old followed their leaders across the mighty waters and across wide and trackless waste places, beset by dangers and hardships, yet never complaining, into what was then a wild and desolate land. They had that bulldog spirit, do and conquer, of their fathers the English. They set to with a will to make it a place of safety and beauty.
In fact I think it would be rather hard for even those who knew them to say which one took lead or done the most for the upbuilding of their home and town and for the well fare of the people. Each one ever ready to share their wealth of what ever nature it might be a smile, a kind word or even a little to eat, with a friend or neighbor in need. They did not loose anything in so doing in fact they were the ones who gained, as was evidenced in the kindly words spoken of them at their parting.
Source: Parley Woodhead Lofthouse