Lucinda Amanda Owens

Lucina Amanda Owens was born Jan 10, 1819 in Lafayette, New York to Abel and Elisabeth Betsy Owens. She was one of the first Settlers of Richmond in 1859.

Early Life

Lucinda married Lumus Tyler on an unknown date. He was 5' 10", had grey eyes, brown hair, and a fair complexion. On March 29, 1839, Lumus was assigned to the U.S. Army. In his army records, it read that Lumus went "deserted" on the 22 June 1839 presumed dead, leaving Lucinda with two children to care on her own.2

John Bair and Kirtland, Ohio

While living in Kirtland, Ohio, Lucinda was approached by John Bair and proposed to her. She accepted and moved with John to Garden Grove. While together, John ran a ferry across the Missouri River.1 Lucinda recalled that John would bring home a half-bushel basket of money that John would make in one day.

A few days after John and Lucinda's marriage, John proposed to Lucinda's sister, Belinda. Belinda died while trying to give birth.  

"Lucinda followed her husband in his desires to believe in the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She supported him in every way. She was willing to remain in Garden Grove when he was called to stay there to direct the affairs of Saints who were stopping there. John Bair was a lawyer and was needed in the affairs of settling legally all land acquisitions and dispersals besides other personal help he could offer."1

Journey West

Lucinda was in the David Evens Com. that went from Kanesville, Iowa in June 1850. She was the age of 39. While on the trail, she continued to teach children to read and write, only using the sand and dirt on the ground to teach.

Life in Utah and Journey to Richmond

Lucinda had a difficult time after her journey to the West due to being lame. While on her way from Kay's Ward to Richmond, she had a wagon accident. While driving the wagon, it tipped over a barrel of sorghum and rolled and crushed her leg.  Due to this incident, her leg was stunted and became shorter than the other.1

During the winter of 1859, Lucinda had a child that was sick and cold. She kept a small fire burning all night long to protect and heal her small loved one.

This is not a documented statement, but while living in Richmond, she could have been a teacher for most of the children in the area.

Epilogue

After the death of John Bair, Lucinda moved out of Richmond Fort into a private home where she could enjoy the privacy of her own home.

She asked one of her boys to take her to Big Piney, Wyoming to visit one of her family members. While visiting, she died at the age of 81 on July 4, 1893. She was buried in the Pinedale, Wyoming Cemetery.

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