The returned missionary found it difficult to fit in with the rough men he had worked with on the railroad. But he endured and on September 16, 1903, Hyrum and Bessie Bird were married in the Salt Lake City LDS temple. Their first child, H. Laurance, was born in April 1905, about the time when Hyrum completed his high school courses at the Academy. He then began teaching classes himself in the preparatory school. The couple made ends meet financially with his teaching stipend, renting rooms to other students, and summer jobs for both of them. Over the next three years, Hyrum earned his teaching certificate, took on increased responsibilities (and salary) at the prep school, and progressed toward his college degree. He had shown a talent for dramatics, debating and public speaking, all of which opened up other opportunities.