(Sketch of Sophia Stratton Bingham, daughter Or Edward Stratton, born 10 March, 1831, in Freshford, Somerstshire, England, and Adele De Saules Stratton, born 21, March, 1847 in Dombrisson, Canton of Neufchatel, Switzerland. Written by Lois Bingham Hardman.)

On a glorious day in summer, 3 June, 1880, an infant was born in a humble home, where abided the father and mother and four children. The mother, a brave and heroic pioneer, was joyous and happy with a darling babe (who was the last child). The Father, a free-hearted man loving his religion, died the following November. Thus it was that widowhood came to a noble woman and a fatherless future to a daughter whom her mother named Sophia. Her mother, being an energetic soul, with determination and perseverance succeeded by hard work in keeping her children with her and giving them some of the education she prized so much.

While this little daughter helped her mother with the household duties, her mother taught her the virtue of honesty, obedience to those in authority, kindness, and love shown in their honor. Sophia loved children and admired her brother and three sisters. When her brother and sisters needed assistance, she gladly did her part.

In the year 1886, Sophia started to school, attending the Riverdale and Burch Creek schools. There she was happy with her school friends. Not feeling content with her elementary school training, she was inspired to go on with high school work. With faith and courage she overcame some of her obstacles. She began organ lessons at the age of nine. Through her diligence she became organist for the ward for many years. It was during a part of this time that her courtship days were made very happy, because her boy friend was chosen to be chorister for the Riverdale Ward. She was also privileged to carry on other church responsibilities such as: Assistant Secretary in the Primary Association in 1893 (she became Secretary later), also various other positions in the same organization until 1911. At the age of twenty two was religion class instructor. Worked in Sunday School at the age of eighteen in the Primary and kindergarten departments, was an adult instructor in Mutual Improvement Association in 1923. Was supervisor of Junior Seminary in 1932. Being much interested in Relief Society work, she was called to teach in genealogy and theology department. Because Or her faithfulness she was called to Board of Weber Stake Relief in December 1925, holding various positions, but most important, theology instructor and secretary. Some of her happiest years were spent with these lovely sisters throughout the stake and wards.

She was a competent captain during the years of May 1926 to October 1929 for Daughters Utah Pioneers, Camp Martha, Riverdale. Some time later she was chosen registrar for this camp for many years.

She kept company with my father for about four years, having many joyous times together. June 26, 1901 dawned a beautiful day of joy and happiness. Sophia was married to Sanford James Bingham in the temple in Salt Lake City. She became the mother of ten children. Her first child, a son, died at birth. When my twin brother and I were one and one half years old in 1905, my father and mother with pioneer blood flowing in their veins, bought a home in the southwest part of Riverdale. They moved a small house, setting it on a weak foundation, the best they were able to get at that time. Later putting it on a stronger foundation, and as the family increased, added another large room. Together they cultivated the land, planted fruit trees, and fielded crops. With courage, co-operation and love, working side by side. In 1921 a modern brick house was erected, making the home restful and beautiful. In 1925 Sophia was stricken with arthritis, from which she is still suffering. It has been a great handicap to her, preventing her from accomplishing many of the greatest desires of her heart. Yet with all this, she is blessed with some power to study and help her children and friends to surmount some of their difficulties. She has become a lovely person, not because she has been spared some of the hardships of life, but because she has overcome them. She still likes order, system, and cleanliness, respect for those in authority, kindness and consideration. She desires to appear well and to associate with the best kind of people. She is very tolerant of other folks' views, admiring dignity, truth and virtue. She is very clean and chaste in her thoughts and a certain sweetness seems to linger on her countenance.

She is a woman many honor because of her good life. She has built upon the bedrock of correct principles, undeviating devotion to her religious convictions, unfaltering faith in a "Supreme Being" who is the father of mankind. Her generosity, persistence, loyalty, and moral integrity have marked her path. She has only asked what is the right and the straight way, and has done it.

Prepared February, 1940

Read May 1953