Studies have found that learning about our ancestors is important for many reasons, one being that knowing our heritage can enrich our present lives. This knowledge helps us develop a deeper personal identity by connecting us to our roots, providing a sense of belonging, and allowing us to understand where we come from. This includes the challenges and accomplishments of our family’s lineage across generations. It can also offer valuable insights into our cultural heritage, family traditions, and even potential health concerns based on our family history. Understanding the challenges faced by our ancestors can cultivate empathy, appreciation, and emotional resilience.
An added benefit of learning those family stories is something we rarely acknowledge: It can strengthen bonds with living family members. There is something very special when we share the stories we have learned or experienced with our children or grandchildren. If we don’t share the stories we know of our ancestors with our children, those stories will be totally forgotten within two generations.
I would like to share the story of my great great grandfather, Zemira Palmer. Much of this information was found on FamilySearch.
Zemira was the sixth child of George Palmer and Phoebe Draper. He was born in 1831 in Ontario, Canada. After his father’s death, he and his siblings were raised by their mother. The family then moved to Kirtland, Ohio. His mother later married Ebeneezer Brown. When Zemira was 14 years old he joined the Mormon Battalion (a regiment of the US Army). He served along with his step-father who was a soldier, and his mother who was a cook for the company.
Because he was so young, he couldn’t serve as a regular soldier, but he was a servant to one of the officers. He carried a rifle and a ruck-sack and marched the whole way to California with the Battalion. As the group was disbanded, he along with many others in the company, was at Sutter’s Mill when gold was discovered. He made enough money to travel to Utah and settle with his Draper Family in the south end of the Salt Lake Valley, in a town which still bears the family name of Draper.
He was a pony express rider and a member of the rescue party who was sent to help the Martin and Willie Handcart pioneers. He helped colonize several cities in Utah, including Provo, Heber City, Panguitch, Springdale and Orderville. He was a cotton farmer, carpenter, blacksmith, beekeeper, and teacher.
Learning about this great man helps me to realize that no matter what challenges I confront in this life, with faith, work, and determination, I can do hard things just like he did. I love learning about the history of this great nation and the amazing state of Utah through the lives of my ancestors.
What are your family stories? The volunteers at the Springville Family Search Center are ready to lead you on a great adventure as you learn more about those who came before you and made you who you are today. Maybe you already have some great stories, pictures and documents that you could add to FamilySearch to share with others. We can help with that, too.
Additionally, if you have a great love of family history and a few extra hours, we invite you to consider becoming a volunteer. Talk to one of the members of our staff or call our volunteer coordinator, Cathy Vaughan at 801-368-0356. You don’t need to be an expert; you only need to have a love of family. The rest will come with time.
Springville Utah FamilySearch Center
260 South 700 East • Springville.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday – 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Article submitted by Sharon Ewing
