Clarissa, “Clara,” Decker born July 23, 1828 in Pheps, Ontario County, New York and was the daughter of Isaac Decker and Harriet Page Wheeler.

Clara joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a young age. She was “devout in her profession of faith, for she sincerely believed the revelations of God, given through Joseph Smith, the Prophet.” (1)

Clara was married to Brigham Young on May 8, 1844 at the age of 16. Her sister, Lucy Decker, was also one of Brigham’s wives.

Brigham asked Clara to join him in the advance party travelling to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. There were three women in the advance party, and one of the other two women was her mother, Harriet Young, who was married to Brigham’s older brother, Lorenzo. They arrived at the Great Salt Lake basin and began establishing the beginnings of Salt Lake City. There she lived for the rest of her life.

She was “small in stature, of medium complexion, and prepossessing in appearance, a loving wife and devoted mother, and a faithful friend to all needing her friendship.” (1) She was not one to venture out into the public eye. She “took no part in affairs outside of her home, though her sympathies were with women who were doing charitable and religious work. She was a great reader and always kept in touch with vital subjects, especially those pertaining to literature and the arts.” (2)

Susa Young Gates remembered her as follows:

Aunt Clara “was never heard to utter an unkind word or a slurring thought. Everybody lovd her who ever came near her. Mother (Lucy Bigelow) and she were devoted to each other as only soul sisters can be.”

Susa also mentioned Clara as being one of “father’s nurses in all his various spells of sickness.” (3)

1 - Pictures and Biographies of Brigham Young and His Wives. James H Cockrell, publisher.

2 - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19381716/clarissa-clara-young

3 - Susa Young Gates. Biography of and with her mother, Lucy Bigelow Young.