The following is taken from "The Haymore Family" book"

LIFE OF JOHN LESTER HAYMORE

John Lester Haymore was born 5 August 1894 in Mapleton, Utah, a son of Franklin Demarcus Haymore and Elizabeth Ann Lant. He had two brothers and one sister - David Franklin, Mildred Adeline and Alvino Antonio, who had passed away, so a new baby was welcomed.

Lester's parents had been living in Chihuahua, Mexico, but had returned to Utah. He was fortunate to have his grandparents Lant in the near vicinity so there was always good playmates that influenced his life. He grew up being gentle, kind and considerate.

His mother died in childbirth and the three children went to live with his Lant grandparents. His father, Franklin D. Haymore, was living in Colonia Oaxaca with his wife, Pearl Melissa. They decided to come to Utah and bring the children to live with them in Mexico. Lester now had other playmates and his brother Walter was near his age.

As Lester grew up there were chores to do. The rainbarrel had to be kept in the proper position so that it would catch every drop of water from the roof of the building. Rains were heavy in late summer and early fall. Otherwise the people depended on well water to drink and water from the ditch or river for household use. On wash days there were mesquite logs to be gathered to keep a fire going under the washtub or large copper kettle.

As Lester grew older he liked riding the range and living at the Pulpit Ranch. He enjoyed round-ups which were fun, profitable and interesting. Being of a very fair complexion, (he had light eyes and hair), his large brimmed hat was not large enough to make shade to protect his lips, and they were usually sunburned and peeling.

Lester was glad when he was old enough to have his own pony, chaps, spurs, saddle and lariat. The Haymore boys had little time for school as each one had to work in order to help provide for the large family.

At the time of the exodus, Lester came to the United States with LeRoy Cluff, son of Mazie. Franklin D. had married Mazie Cluff, so LeRoy was raised in the Haymore household. Lester and LeRoy were riding their horses between Nigger Head and Auga Prieta, Mexico when a group of armed Mexican Red Flaggers had them looking down their gun barrels. Lester was dodging his head from side to side to keep from looking straight at it.

After Franklin D. and Mazie returned with their family to live at Colonia Morelos, Lester accidentally killed a pig belonging to a Mexican. To keep from having trouble with them, he buried it under the floor of a granary.

Lester worked hard helping his brothers in the warehouse and flour mill, making deliveries of merchandise or loading the burro pack train with goods bought from the store.

His father moved to Mesa, Arizona. Here Lester met and married Lucille McClellan. To them was born Norma Ann, 7 October 1917. Lucille passed away with the birth of a stillborn baby, and they were buried together in the Mesa Cemetery.

Lester was sent on a mission to Mexico in 1920 after the death of his wife Lucille. Rey L. Pratt was Mission President, and he was assigned to labor in Chihuahua City with Brother Edgar L. Stott. They enjoyed their labors together. Lester was fluent in the Mexican language, having been raised in the Mormon colonies in Mexico. He soon had the confidence of the people. Upon his return visit to them he would repeat his message in the exact was he had done the first time, so they began to have confidence in him and felt he was sincere in what he was telling them. He maintained his humble spirit throughout his mission.

After his release from the mission field, Lester married Erma Romney. To them was born Elva, 30 November 1922 and she passed away the same day. Lester Demarcus was born 3 August 1924.

Some land had been purchased in Gilbert, Arizona, so Lester and Erma decided to try farming. Erma, with Norma and Lester were to go on ahead and visit her sister in Tuscon. Lester was to drive his wagon and team containing their household goods. A nice farewell was given him by the people of the Douglas Branch. During the program he sat with his legs crossed, trying to hold back the tears. On the way to Gilbert he drove as far as the Bisbee divide and camped for the night. While asleep on a bed on the ground, he took violently ill. By morning he could not rise. He waved to passing tourists, but no one would stop. The authorities in Bisbee were notified and an ambulance was sent to take him to the hospital in Warren, Arizona, where he died of ulcers 18 March 1926. He was buried at Mesa, Arizona.