In a quiet valley, Clover Valley, Nevada, a son was born to Edwin and Hannah "Ann" Cook Hamblin, on July 8,1872. He was named William Haines Hamblin, after his uncle by that name, known as Gunlock Bill, who had died two months earlier.

William was the youngest son, the tenth child. He had one younger sister and a brother who died the day of his birth. There was also another brother who died at age 6 months. (This is according to the Hebron Ward records).

The family then lived on a farm in Clover Valley. It is a long narrow valley in Southeastern Nevada, in Lincoln County. It was a long way from any other town. As a child a lot of Will's friends were Indian children.

In 1870 there were about 12 other families living there in the valley. John Pulsipher baptized Will into the LDS Church in July 1881 and he was confirmed by Thomas Terry.

Will's father, Edwin, is a brother of Jacob Hamblin, peacemaker to the Indians for the LDS Church. He was also known as the Lamanite Apostle. Edwin went to Santa Clara, Utah with Jacob and others to help settle it

Drawing and music were Will's favorite pastimes. He enjoyed the usual childhood games and pranks that other children enjoyed. He was never able to receive any training in music or art. He wanted to go to High School very much. The High school was far away in another town and the students who went had to leave home and board with someone to go on to school. The family couldn't afford to send both Will and Ella off to school so Ella got to go. He always felt bad to think he missed out on more education. He was also a very good writer, having a very interesting way with words and ideas.
He gave many of us good advise. He gave his son James a father's blessing. He was concerned about James because at that time James was the Bishop of the Montwell Ward. He was concerned about all of his family.

Will died at his home 20 May,1951,on his father's birthday. He was nearly 79 years old. He was loved by many. A lot of people not related to him called him Uncle Will. He is burried in the Roosevelt Cemetary, Roosevelt,Utah.

Life History of My Grandfather.
Ila V Hamblin