Cynthia Moody Cordle Vernon

Cynthia Moody was born May 4, 1839 in Canoe Creek, near Morgantown, Burke County, North Carolina to Mary Rose and James Moody. In 1842 the family moved to Rose Creek, twelve miles from Morgantown and nine miles from the Tennessee border.

Cynthia was the fifth child in a family of ten children. When she was thirteen years old, two of her brothers that had been living in Mellonsburg, Kentucky, returned home for a visit. Because of family disputes, the brothers influenced Cynthia to return to Kentucky with them when they left in 1852. She never saw her family nor ever returned to North Carolina. Little is known of her life in Kentucky until her marriage to William Cordle in Jan 1855, while she was not yet 16 years of age.

On October 1855, she became a mother. They named the baby Mary Jane. A year later William Cordle, Cynthia, and baby Mary Jane, moved to Blaine, Lawrence County, Kentucky. There, James Monroe was born on November 3, 1857; John Alison on April 4, 1859; Ralph Holbrook on November 22, 1863; and Ellen Catherine on April 7, 1865.

William Cordle joined the Union Army on March 20, 1864 and was fatally wounded, returning to his home where he died April 21, 1865, Just two weeks after Ellen Catherine was born. Cynthia, just a girl of twenty-five years, was left a widow with five children to care for and make a living for.

While the Civil War was on, William Vernon wandered over to Lawrence County, Kentucky and made his home with William Cordle family on their farm at the mouth of Raccon Creek, and became a sincere friend of the family. He lived here while he taught school.

In the year of 1865, he took the oath of alligiance in the Union Army and went to Indiana, serving his country until the end of the war. He returned to Blaine, Kentucky, and again taught school. On December 22, 1866, he married William Cordle's widow, Cynthia. He always called Cynthia "Mammy" and she called him "Pappy". They were married at Louisa, Kentucky.

Seven children came to Cynthia and William Vernon: Esther Elizabeth was born October 20, 1867; William Preston on February 23, 1870; Peter Weston on February 24, 1873; Andrew Jackson on October 3, 1875; Thomas Brown on February 5, 1878; Martha Eunice on August 14, 1880; and little Lillie Virgina on July 22, 1882.

(compiled by Marilyn Thacker and daughter Nancy Goddard)
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CYNTHIA VERNON PIONEER OF MAESER BURIED MONDAY

Cynthia Vernon Pioneer of Maeser Ward Buried Monday. On Friday December 17, 1920 the spirit of Cynthia (Moody) Vernon winged its way to its maker there to receive its final reward.

The deceased by her ultimate traits of character through all her life has endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact.

Mrs. Vernon was the daughter of Mary Rose and James Moody who was born in Canoe, Burke County, North Carolina May 4, 1889 and was married to William Cordle in 1964 to which union five children were born: Mrs. Mary J. Justice, Mrs. Ellen C. Griffith, James and John A. all being deceased and Ralph H. now living of Blaine, Kentucky.

Her husband enlisted in the Union Army and lost his life in battle in 1865. In 1866, she was married to William Vernon in Blaine, Kentucky.

Seven children were born to them all of whom are living. They are: Mrs. Elizabeth Timothy, of Roosevelt, Utah; William P. Vernon, A J Vernon, Mrs. Martha Curtis, Mrs. Lillie Singleton, Weston Vernon of Logan, Utah; and TB Vernon of Baggs, Wyoming.

At about 1877 they joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and in 1892 the family emigrated from Kentucky to Utah and has resided in Uintah County ever since.

In 1896, Mrs. Vernon was once again left a widow through the death of her husband. Her devotion to her children, however, has held the family together as a unit notwithstanding the fact that the children have separate homes.

For years, while living in Kentucky, the Mormon elders always found hospitable treatment with the Vernons. Mrs. Vernon was cautious and brave. On one occasion about the year 1879, a mob of about 40 men kicked the door down and entered her home calling for the Mormon Elders. These Elders were taken about eleven o'clock at night, the leaders of the mob stating emphathically their lives (the elders) must pay for the doctrine which they have been promulgating. It was a dark and dreary night.

Immediately after the Elders were taken Mrs. Vernon, with a light, followed, wading the waters of the creek in order to save the elders from being killed. When she arrived within about fifty yards of the place where the mob was going to hang the Elders, she heard the report of two pistol shots. In the face of all this she did not turn back but pushed on through the rain until she could see the faces of the mob. She told the mob that she knew everyone and that they must answer to the law of the land for such an awful deed.

At this, the mob dispersed leaving the Elders to return to the house with her. This was remarkable because her baby was only ten days old and the wading in the water and being drenched with rain did not cause any illness in the least.

Where in history is there such a parallel of woman courage? She was much devoted to her friends, children, husband and her religion. Her example is worthy of emulation.

Funeral services were held at the Maeser Ward House Monday at 11 o'clock. Bishop Joseph H. Bodily residing. Opening prayer was by Robert Bodily. The speakers were N. G. Sowards, James Hacking and President Don B. Colton, all old friends of the deceased. Benediction was given by John McConkie.

N.G. Sowards when on a mission to the southern states often was entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon who always welcomed him and it was partly through his influence they came to dwell in Uintah County.

The following songs were rendered during the service by a quartet composed of Thomas Bingham, Lamar Thacker, Mrs. Lucille and Josephine Hacking "Sometime We'll Understand," "Jesus Lover of my Soul," "Oh My Father," and I Need Thee Every Hour."

Many and beautiful were the floral offerings especially a a large wreath from Cache County Board of Education of which Weston Thacker is President.

Interment was made in the Maeser Cemetery. Heber Timothy from Roosevelt dedicated the grave.

-Vernal Express, December 24, 1920

Mary Jane Cordle Justice