Mariah Baddley Rossiter (1866-1950)

Mariah Baddley was born to Charlotte DeGrey and George Baddley on October 10, 1866. She was born at home, which was a small house on 9th East between 2nd and 3rd South in Salt Lake City. When she was but six months old, her parents moved to 346 [South] 10th East. The old house still stands and is in use by descendants at this time. (1951) Mariah grew to be a lovely dark-eyed youngster and
brought much happiness to her parents, as she occupied the spot in front of the warm cook stove in winter and the old wooden front steps in summer, loving and tending her little rag doll.

In school she was very attentive and alert, however her training was quite limited. She attended school in the old Twelth Ward School and was taught by a Mr. Van Cott. In those days the pupils were promoted according to readers instead of grades. When her father died he left money for further education for his children, but Mariah's mother was very frugal and saved the money to care for her family otherwise. As a consequence Mariah did not have much education past the 8th Reader.

Because Mariah's father died when she was quite young, Mariah worked hard as a child helping with the farming, picking and drying fruit for sale, to buy clothing and other necessities for the family. Mariah's mother was an energetic and hard working woman and her children learned early in life the meaning of industry.

Nevertheless, Mariah, as a youngster and as a young girl, had her share of happy times to play and leisure. When quite young she played with Maude Adams in the hayloft of the old Adams's barn, so there probably were many pleasant hours spent in play-acting and pretending. One of Mariah's closest friends was Martha Swanner Hoggan and another dear friend was Nida Fuller Duncan, whose father operated the Fuller Garden on 10th East and 5th South as an amusement park.

In season there were other activities for the young people in pioneer days. Among Mariah's favorite sports were hiking, sleigh riding, and dancing. She was always full of life and fun and helped to organize parties and dances at the ward recreation center.

Whenever called to serve, Mariah was always active in her church and willing to do her part. She sang in the Choir, taught Sunday School, and worked in the Primary organization. For many years she worked in the Relief Society and with the Old Folk's Committee. She lived her whole life, except for about six months, in the Tenth Ward, so she was able to serve her church faithfully and diligently.

It was through her endeavors and activities at her ward that she became acquainted with William Herbert Rossiter, who became her husband and life companion on January 1, 1896. They were married at home and friends and relatives wished them well as they celebrated in party and song the new union. The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1946 at the home where they were wed.

To them were born two daughters, Edith and Lyda, and three sons, Bryant, William, and Frank, all of whom were born in Salt Lake City. Mariah was justly proud of her children and found great pleasure and contentment in her home and family. Her oldest daughter, Edith, died when Mariah was 60 years of age, leaving five small children, the youngest of whom was but four months old. Despite her age, Mariah cared for the children, and the youngest child, a little girl, lived with her grandmother until she was twenty years old. The girl dearly loved Mariah, who had been as a mother to her. And Mariah was just as proud of the grandchildren as she was her own children. In later years, she enjoyed speaking of them and their accomplishments and showing their pictures to neighbors and friends.

Mariah belonged to a sewing club, consisting of dear friends. She was a member for nearly 50 years. She enjoyed the association of others and was always a good friend and neighbor to all who knew her.

She liked to sing and was a member of the tabernacle choir for many years. She was singing in the choir under the able leadership of Evan Stevens at the time that the choir attended the World's Fair at Chicago.

Mariah had many interesting experiences in travel. One year she went to England with her friend, Nida Fuller, and her friend's parents. She also traveled to France and Belgium. She reminisced often of the worthwhile experiences she had during her travel by ship and train in those countries, conversing with strangers concerning Mormonism. She had the opportunity of attending a street meeting in London.

During the return trip the ship went through a dreadful storm. Naturally, those aboard were fearful for their lives at certain times during the trip. Mariah, and those traveling with her, felt that their prayers were answered when the storm finally subsided.

Mariah was a faithful and good woman; she served willingly whenever she was called and was able to fulfill the calling completely. She received her endowments in February 1950. She had many friends and was ready to help anyone who needed assistance.

She was one of those who was honored during Utah's Centennial year as a pioneer, born in Salt Lake City before the coming of the railroad to Utah.

She died at her home in Salt Lake City on April 25, 1950 from causes incident to age and was survived by three sons, Bryant, Frank, and William Rossiter and one daughter, Mrs. Lyda R. Moody; fourteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She had done her life's work well and will long be remembered and honored by the descendants.