Eva Cleantha Shepard

Eva Cleantha Shepard was born June 1, 1867 in Richmond to Justin and Eliza Maria Allred Shepard. Eva is a Pioneer of Richmond. Eva served as the 3rd Relief Society President of the Richmond South Ward.

History

Eva was raised in the early pioneer life of Richmond, going to school in the city's early education system, and helping his family farm as a young girl by transporting lunch to her father and brothers.

"In the summer of 1887, a little house was built in Richmond by my Sweetheart and future companion. He had graduated from the University of Utah in the early spring. September 7, 1887, I was married to George [Moses] Thomson in the Logan Temple."

Soon after, the Thomson family moved to Lewiston, Utah where George taught school. They were there for the school year of 1887-1888 for the winter, then moved back to Richmond. After the birth of their first three children, George was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

"I had to adjust myself to living without a companion for two years or until he was released to come home. I had two cows to milk and feed, and chickens to look .after. I churned many pounds of butter and sold it for 10 cents a pound. I paid my tithing in butter and carried it down to the tithing office six blocks from my home. We had a good garden, raised all our vegetables, also strawberries and raspberries. Grandfather Thomson helped with the garden. I was surely blessed with friends. Many times they came and spent the afternoon and evening. Sister Harriet Fisher and daughters came very often and stayed all night. Bishop Skidmore was very kind and thoughtful of us. He helped us every way he could and called many times to see how we were. He had wood hauled to us, and then had some young men come and cut it up nicely.

"We got along in the day time very well, but when night came and the babies were in bed, I sat there alone with my thoughts wondering where my loved one was and praying that all might be well with him. Letters came from him often. It took a month or more for letters to go and come from England. lone and Asa would get a letter from their Father telling them to be good children and help Mamma. Millie was too young to know her Father, Asa came in from play one day holding his clothes together. He had lost a Dutton. I asked him where his button was. He said, "Gone on a mission to find Pa-Pa." Then he said, "Naughty train take Pa-Pa on a mission."

In 1894, George returned home from his mission, and the Thomson family lived as one.

Relief Society President

In 1917, when the Richmond South Ward was organized, Eva was called as a Relief Society Teacher. She served until 1920 and was called the First Councilor of the Relief Society Presidency under President Lucy C. Merrill. The following year, Lucy was called as the Relief Society President of the Benson Stake, and Eva was called as President of the Richmond South Ward Relief Society.

"Bishop McCarry told me I was to be the next President. I told him I just could not take that great responsibility. He said, 'Oh yes you can.' I was set apart for the great work a Relief Society President has to do, with Hilma Wight and Metta Hendricks as councilors, Rhoda Hendricks, secretary, and later Nellie Webb. We worked diligently visiting the sick, the poor and the needy, making clothes for the dead and helping to lay them away. We had meetings every week and met often with the Bishop to discuss Relief Society work. I think I was away from home more than I was at home. Sister Metta Hendricks became very ill and was unable to work any longer. We were honorably released."

Epilogue