Daughter of Able Morgan Sargent & Sarah `Sally' Edwards

Married Charles Coulson Rich, 28 Mar 1847, Winter Quarters, Nebraska

Children - Alvin Orlando Rich, Morgan Jesse Rich, Abel George Rich, Martha Caroline Rich, Tunis Harriet Rich, Franklin David Rich, Luna Rosetta Rich, Drusilla Sarah Rich, Harley Thomas Rich, Adelbert Coulson Rich

Jas. T. Jakeman, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and Their Mothers, p. 152

Harriet Sargent Rich — Daughter of Able Morgan and Sarah Edwards Sargent, born October 23, 1832, in Fountain Co., Ind. Her father, a school teacher, passed through the sorrow of burying his wife while being driven from their home and exposed to hardships. Seven children were left in his care, the eldest, Martha J. Mowery, eleven years old, the youngest Caroline Sargent, two years. The mother a kind intelligent daughter of wealthy parents, was taken back to the old homestead in Indiana and buried. Poverty and the loss of his companion forced him to leave his youngest children with their grandparents who later refused to give them up. A skiff, or boat was made by the father. The children were stolen away and taken down the Mississippi river to a place of safety. Preparations were then made and the family started on their great journey to find a home in the West.

Harriet's father volunteered and became a member of the Mormon battalion. After returning to his company of Pioneers, and while standing guard over their cattle at night, he was suddenly stricken with cholera and died in a few hours. His only son Thomas died the same night. They were buried in the same grave.

Harriet was married to Charles C. Rich at Winter Quarters (Council Bluffs), March 1847, and drove a team from there to Salt Lake Valley, arriving October 5, 1847. Her husband in connection with Amasa Lyman, in 1849, with a small company was called by Brigham Young to go to California and organize a branch of the Church. Harriet accompanied him on that journey and thus became a Pioneer of California. While there they purchased a large grant of land known as the San Bernardino ranch, now known as the city of San Bernardino, Charles C. Rich being its first Mayor.

An incident in their travels to California has often been related to her children. While crossing the desert, their guide became confused and led them away from water. Her husband explained there was no hope, only through a special blessing from God. They knelt in prayer and implored to be delivered. It was a beautiful day and not a cloud to be seen. Very soon thunder was heard in the distance, there was every sign of rain. They were told to dig holes for the cattle to drink from and to put out every utensil that would hold water and to open their flour sacks. In a short time their prayers were answered with a heavy down pour. Their cattle and all were satisfied. Canteens were filled again for travel. They knelt in the attitude of prayer and praised the Father for their deliverance. The rain ceased clouds disappeared and they proceeded on their journey in the right direction. They returned in 1857.

In 1862 her husband and family were called to colonize Bear Lake Valley, Idaho. Harriet's life had been one of constant toil and hardship. She was the mother of ten children, 35 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. In those days, to help cloth and provide for a family, she must understand the art of making cloth, both flannel and linsey. Coloring, knitting, spinning and carding, were well understood by her. Native Indians taught her how to tan and dress the skins of animals, which she used in making gloves.

Harriet was an excellent housekeeper and while her life was crowded with work, she would make any sacrifice for the advancement of her children. She found time to work in the Relief Society as an officer. She visited the sick and cared for the dead.

Harriet Sargent Rich is a Pioneer of Utah, California and Idaho. She helped fight crickets and dug sego roots for food. Her first dress after reaching Salt Lake Valley was made from flour sacks colored with willow leaves. She has shared in all the hardships of Pioneer life and is still living now almost 83 years old. She says that the sweet influence of prayer has guided her whole life. She is a living testimony of God's goodness to all who put their trust in him.

She is thankful for her life in the large family of her husband and that she has been able to bear trials. Her sons are honorable men and her later years have been spent in a quiet restful and comfortable life with her children.

Later Sister Harriet Rich passed to her final rest, a few weeks after the above was written. One of the most honored, respected and beloved of the remaining 1847 Pioneers.

Utah Death Certificate