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Her father always read a chapter of the bible before they ate their breakfast. On Sundays that was the only book they were allowed to read as he told them Sunday was sacred as it was the Lord's Day. He always said a prayer and blessed the food before they ate.
Her parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when she was around two years old. They left Brandywine, Pennsylvania and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois to be with the Saints in 1841. Before they left, her father made each of the three girls a chest and put $50.00 in .50 pieces in each. He had many talents and being a carpenter was one of them. Rachel treasured this chest very much for it reminded her of the forest behind their home from where he had taken the wood to build it. They left behind many luxuries but Jacob was an excellent father and a good provider, seeing to the needs of his family. It wasn't long until they had a nice home again.
She was only six year old when the prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum were killed by a mob while they were in jail for their own protection. Everyone was so sad. She remembers walking around the bodies. It was something she could never forget. Joseph was tall and handsome and she had seen him at church many times.
Persecution of the Saints continued to get worse. Finally the governor of the state issued an extermination order forcing the Saints to flee Nauvoo. The Baum family crossed the Mississippi River at Madison on 16 May 1846 and started westward. Jacob was asked to prepare Garden Grove, Iowa for the Saints that were to follow. They stayed there for awhile, planting food, building houses, barns, fences etc. Her mother became very ill and did not get any better. They finally left for Council Bluff, Iowa, where the Saints decided to stay for the winter before going on. It was here that her mother died. It was a sad time for them, four small children and no mom and so many chores and hardships.
Four years later, Jacob decided he must get a mother for his children so he married Elizabeth Sperry on 26 May 1850. She had one son. Jane had sort of taken care of her until then. However Rachel was now 13 and was busy doing chores with the rest of them.
The trek across the plains and through the mountains was difficult for the family. Only by working together and having faith in their efforts were they able to finally arrive it what would someday become Salt Lake City. The family then moved south to Provo in the Utah Valley. Jacob acquired land and began building the family another home.
Rachel Janette married Daniel Alexander Sessions on 27 December 1856. In 1860 they moved to Heber City, Utah, a beautiful valley in the mountains about 27 miles east of Provo. They began a farm and raised cattle. Though there was a lot to do and many hardships, it was a challenge they accepted. It was a wonderful valley and a good place to raise a family.
Eleven children were born to them. The first two were born in Provo and the rest in Heber City.
Daniel Alexander born 27 September 1857
Jacob Richard born 20 March 1859
Rachel Ann born 13 December 1861
Adolpha (identical twin) born 13 May 1863
Adolphus (identical twin) born 13 May 1863
William Ferdinand born 13 December 1866
Jane Elizabeth born 28 January 1868
George Marion 9 January 1872
Alfred Owen born 10 February 1874
Agnes Lucretia born 13 March 1876
John Bradford born 17 May 1880
Rachel was a good mother, always looking over her children and teaching them correct principles. Her home was always clean and things in their proper place, which was a challenge with such a large family. She was very strong in character and looked only for the best for her family.
Daniel Alexander died 11 September 1904. She died 28 September 1910. They are both buried in the Sessions plot in Heber City cemetery.