Spanish Fork Press Wednesday May 22, 1974.- Story of Mary Ann Barzee

Written by Delilah B. Asay of Lovell, Wyoming.

In an article in the Spanish Fork Press Wednesday May 22, 1974. "My grandmother Mary Ann Barzee Boyce, with her husband John Boyce were called by President Brigham Young to help make a settlement at Spanish Fork, Utah. My grandmother Mary Ann Barzee Boyce was called by President Brigham Young to be an interpreter between the Indians and the white people. She had studied the Indian language and could speak it quite well and understand what the Indians said. Through her ability to speak, the Indians relied a great deal on her for advice. She settled many difficulties between the white people and the Indians. They placed much confidence in what grandmother said and many came to her for advice. One June morning the open door in her one room log shack darkened. On looking up, it was a young Indian father standing in the door. Grandmother said, "Come in, you seem so sad." The young man said, "My squaw died, we have a very little baby, I don't know how to care for it. I give to you, I never take it back." Grandmother replied, "Take it to your mother, she will know what to do for it." "No", he said, "My mother is far away, I can't take it to her." Then grandmother suggested that his wife's mother should have it. He said "She is far, far away and I cannot take it to her." Then grandmother said, "I must talk with my husband. It will be as he says. You come back when the sun is straight up in the sky. I can answer you then."

John Boyce aka Boice

The Indian left.  Grandmother soon found grandfather.  She told him what had happened.  All he said was, "Mary Ann, go to Bishop Markham, tell him we will do exactly as he says."  It was only around the block.  After hearing her story, grandmother said," Bishop we are like many of the pioneers a bit short of this worlds comforts.  I have five small children of my own.  And I have had no experience with an Indian baby."  When she had finished speaking, Bishop Markham said, “Sister Boyce, take that baby by all means and some day you will be blessed." She took her leave and rushed back to her home where she told her husband what the Bishop had said.  Grandfather of course replied, " That is exactly what we will do."
  Grandmother went in her cabin to prepare for the new arrival.  When the young father returned she said, "Yes, go and bring your baby to me.  I will do the best I can."  The young father left but was soon back with his baby, a beautiful little girl.  Grandmother gave the wee one a warm bath and food.  Oh how well the little baby responded and adjusted to all that was done for her.  Uncle Bert then only three months old shared his natural food with the tiny Indian baby, and they were raised almost as twins.  The baby grew well and fit into the family of five children very well.
     When near 2 years old, both babies took ill.  Both were fed alike, both given the same medical care.  Uncle Bert responded well to the treatment given, but little Alfaretta passed away.  The young father came daily to check on his baby.  After her passing the father said, "No morn, her mother wanted her."  After the little one was buried, the father was seen no more. Later, Grandfather's family was called, with others to go to Rodes Valley and start another settlement.  They had traveled two days by ox team, were tired and camped for the night.  The Pioneers camped on a small hill.  They turned their oxen and livestock loose to feed and rest. Just at break of day the travelers were awakened by Indian war whoops in the ravine below.  They knew the Indians meant trouble.  They dressed quickly and prepared to travel on.  Before they could get started however, forty Indians on horseback, yelling their war whoops very loud, partly surrounded the Pioneers, who offered no resistance.   My Grandfather John Boyce got out of his wagon, went to the chief offered a friendly hand and tried to talk to him.  The chief only turned his back and would not speak.  Then Grandfather said, "Mary Ann, tell him we want to be friendly."  It was then the Chief said, "White man fish all fish out of stream, kill the game that is Indian food.  Indian starve to death." Just then a young brave pulled his horse from the line and rode up to the Chief.  He jumped from his horse and cried, "Chief, Oh Chief, spare these white people they are my friends, this white woman nursed my baby after my squaw died, please spare their lives." The Chief's heart was touched he said, "You stay fish and hunt as we do.  There is plenty for all."  The Pioneers and Indians formed a treaty of which 50 pounds of flour and a beef was paid to the Indians.  They all parted in peace.  Written by Delilah B. Asay of Lovell Wyoming.  Granddaughter of Mary Ann Barzee and John Boyce.