Searching in Manti

Manti Temple

A couple of weeks ago during Spring Break we took a 2 hour drive down to Manti.  We hadn't been there in about 12 years since Mark went to school at Snow College.  I also had been reading and studying some family history and had a few things I wanted to find in Manti.  My 3rd great grandmother on my mom's side is said to be buried in the cemetery in the picture but we could not find her anywhere.  After getting back home and doing a little more research I read that she is buried there but there is no head stone or marker.  I was pretty disappointed and kind of sad that there is nothing to mark her grave.  It's really sad actually, she emigrated from Sweden, and was a pioneer who crossed the plains from Nauvoo.  She helped settle Midway, where we live now, and then was called to settle Arizona.  After being in Arizona a few years she and her husband came back to Utah.  I don't really know much more about her but I wish I did.  And it's a travesty not to have a marker for her grave.  

We hiked up the hill on the back side of the temple to where these stairs are.  The kids had a lot of fun and I am still in awe of the massive size and beauty of this temple that was built in 1888.

Another thing I wanted to see in Manti was this dug-out house.  I have read in my family history and Mark's about our ancestors living in these dug-outs during their first winter in Manti.  They sit just at the base of the hill of the temple.  The stories are heart wrenching and faith promoting and I'm so glad that they have preserved this dug-out.  It was a good lesson for my kids.

If you have never been to Manti I highly recommend it.  Especially if you live with in a couple hours drive from it.  The drive is easy and the country is so pretty.  I had forgotten how pretty it is down there and just how awe inspiring the temple is.  I don't think I will be waiting another 12 years to go back!