The 1850 marriage of "Tolli Helliksen" and "Anne Olsdr" is listed in FamilySearch (via FHL Film # 278230), which states that they were married on 21 May 1850 in Hof, Vestfoeld, Norway.
In the 1870 Census, "Tolof Oleson" is listed as being 49 years old (born about 1821), born in Norway, working as a "Farmer", and residing with his apparent wife, Annie (age 51), and their apparent four children (Ole--age 19; Margaret--age 17; Hans--age 14; and Martin--age 11), in Franklin, Cache, Utah Territory.
In the 1880 Census, "Toleff Olsen" is listed as being 58 years old (born about 1822), born in Norway, working as a "Farmer", married--although his wife and children are not listed with him in the census, and residing in Franklin, Oneida, Idaho.
In the 1900 Census, "Tolof Olsen" is listed as being 78 years old and born in May 1822 in Norway, immigrated to the United States in 1863, working as a "Gardner", married for 15 years (married about 1885), and residing with his second wife, Liza (age 51), and her widowed mother, Petremella Emerson (age 88), in Franklin, Oneida, Idaho.
The death of "Tolef Olson" is listed in the "Idaho Deaths and Burial, 1907-1965" (via FamilySearch, FHL Film # 1450637), which states that he died on 9 May 1908 in Franklin, Oneida, Idaho, at the age 86 years old (born about 1822), and that he was born in "Franklin" (which is a mistake) and that he was "Married".
The gravestone of "Tolof" Olsen is posted on FindAGrave, Memorial # 33305098, and states that he was born on "May 6 1822", died on "May 9 1908", and that he is buried in the Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Franklin Co., Idaho.
History of Tolof Helliksen and Annie Olsdatter
Written by Clayton Brough and John Brough in March 2014.
Tolof Helliksen (who was also known as Tolli Helliksen, Tolof Olsen, Tolof Oleson, Toleff Olsen and Tolef Olson), was born on 6 May 1822 in Sommerstad, Sandavaer, Buskerud, Norway, and christened on 27 May 1822 in Sandsvaer, Buskerud, Norway. He was the third son of Hellik Olsen and Anne Margrete Olsdatter.
Anne Olsdatter was born on 9 October 1819 in Raynaas, Svene in Flesberg, Buskerud, Norway, and christened on 20 December 1821 in Svene in Flesberg, Buskerud, Norway. She was the first child of Ole Sevatsen and Marith Halvorsdatter.
In 1863, "Tolli Helliksen" (listed as being 41 years old) and his wife (Anna--listed as 44 years old) and their five children (Tollelsen--listed as 13 years old; Grethe J.--listed as 10 years old;' Hans C.--listed as 7 years old; Martin--listed as 4 years old; and Anne H--listed as an "Infant") immigrated from Norway to the United States. He and his wife were baptized into the LDS Church on 30 November 1861, and shortly thereafter decided to join the Saints in the Utah Territory. They first sailed from Norway to England, where they took on the surname of "Olsen". Then on 23 May 1863, "Tollef Olsen" and his wife and children left Liverpool, England, and with several hundred other Saints sailed aboard the ship "Antarctic" across the Atlantic Ocean, arriving in New York on 10 July 1863. After arriving in New York they contined their journey by way of Albany, Niagara, Detroit, Chicago and Quincy to St. Joseph, Missouri, and then by steamer to Florence, Nebraska. They and their fellow Norwegian Saints then crossed the Plains in Captain Peter Nebeker's Company, which consisted of 50 wagons. During their journey from Nebraska to Utah, their two year old daughter, Anne Marie, died on 31 July 1863, and was buried by the wayside. They arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 24, 1863.
After arriving in Utah, "Tolof Oleson" and his family settled in Franklin, Utah Territory, where he worked as a "Farmer" (as listed in the 1870 and 1880 Census). On 22 June 1881, "Annie Olsen" died and was buried in the Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Franklin Co., Idaho. In 1885, "Toleff Olsen" married his second life, "Liza"--who was born about 1849 in Norway; no children resulted from this marriage. In 1900, "Toleff Olsen" was working as a "Gardner" and residing with his second wife, Liza, in Franklin, Oneida, Idaho (as listed in the 1900 Census). He died on 9 May 1908 and was buried in Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Franklin Co., Idaho.An account of the 1863 immigration of Norwegian Saints to Utah is listed in the online BYU "MormonMigration" website, under the title of "Liverpool to New York on the [Ship] Antarctic, 23 May 1863 - 10 July 1863" (http://mormonmigration.lib.byu.edu/), and read as follows:
"DEPARTURE. -- The fine packet ship Antarctic, Captain George C. Stouffer, sailed from this port on the 23rd instant, with 486 souls of the Saints on board. They were composed of people from thirteen different countries -- namely, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, America, France, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ..."Sat. 23. [May 1863] -- The ship Antarctic sailed from Liverpool, England, with 483 Saints, under the direction of John Needham. The emigrants landed in New York July 10th and arrived safely at Florence [Nebraska] a few days later. ...Before leaving Liverpool, President George Q. Cannon and other elders came on board and organized the company, appointing Elder John Needham president, with Philip De La Mare and Samuel H. B. Smith as his counselors. Carl C. N. Dorius was appointed steward, and together with his brother Johan F. F. Dorius given charge of the Norwegian Saints. Several deaths occurred on board, and several couples were married. The ship arrived in New York July 10, 1863, and the same day the journey was continued via Albany, Niagara, Detroit, Chicago and Quincy to St. Joseph, Missouri, and thence by steamer to Florence, Nebraska. A child (Jensen) died on the steamer and was buried in Holt County, Missouri. Sister Anneken Larsen's child died as the emigrants landed; it was buried at Florence. The greater part of the Scandinavian emigrants journeyed across the plains in three of the ox team companies sent out by the church that season to the Missouri River after immigrants. ...The Norwegian emigrants crossed the plains in Captain Peter Nebeker's company, consisting of 50 wagons. This company arrived in Salt Lake City, Aug. 24, 1863. On the journey across the plains, 2 adults and 7 children died and were buried by the wayside...."Original research on "Tolof Helliksen" and his wife and children was conducted in 1981 by Mrs. Ragnhild Holje, A.G.
The 1850 marriage of "Tolli Helliksen" and "Anne Olsdr" is listed in FamilySearch (via FHL Film # 278230), which states that they were married on 21 May 1850 in Hof, Vestfoeld, Norway.
In the 1870 Census, "Annie Oleson" is listed as being 51 years old (born about 1819), born in Norway, working at "Keeping House", and residing with her apparent husband, Tolof Oleson (age 49), and their apparent four children (Ole--age 19; Margaret--age 17; Hans--age 14; and Martin--age 11), in Franklin, Cache, Utah Territory.
In the 1880 Census, "Anna Olson" is listed as being 61 years old (born about 1819), born in Norway, married--although her husband is not listed with her in the census, working at "Keeping House", and residing with her unmarried son, Martin Olson (age 21), in Richmond, Cache, Utah.
The gravestone of "Annie" Olsen is posted on FindAGrave, Memorial # 33304471, and states that she was born on "Oct 9 1819", died on "June 22 1881", and that she is buried in the Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Franklin Co., Idaho.
Marriage Notes for Tolof Helliksen and Annie Olsdatter-606
The 1850 marriage of "Tolli Helliksen" and "Anne Olsdr" is listed in FamilySearch (via FHL Film # 278230), which states that they were married on 21 May 1850 in Hof, Vestfoeld, Norway.
Anne Marie Tollefsdatter (Olsen)
The birth and christening of "Anne Marie Tollefsen" is listed in FamilySearch (via FHL Film # 127570), which states that she was born on 29 March 1861, christened on 23 June 1861 in Hof, Vestfoeld, Norway, and that her father was "Tollef Helliksen" and her mother was "Anne Olsdr".
Aaron Benjamin Cherry was born in 1801 in Hamilton Co., Ohio; and Mary Margaret Yelton was born in 1811 in Falmouth, Kentucky. Aaron and Margaret were married in 1829 in Falmouth, Kentucky, and had nine children. In 1842, Aaron and Margaret moved from Kentucky to Adams County, Illinois, where they heard the doctrines of the LDS Church from the lips of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his associates. They were baptized into the LDS Church in April 1846 by Orson Hyde. On June 20, 1847, Aaron and Margaret left Council Bluffs for Utah in the Charles C. Rich Company, and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on October 2, 1847. In 1848, Aaron settled his family in Centerville, Utah, where they lived and worked until their deaths.
The gravestone of Aaron Benjamin Cherry is viewable on FindAGrave, Memorial #: 44978780, which lists him as having died on 15 October 1864 and buried in the Centerville City Cemetery in Centerville, Davis, Utah.
History of Aaron Benjamin Cherry
History of Aaron Benjamin Cherry and Mary Margaret Yelton. Written by Laura Walton Barber.
Aaron Benjamin Cherry, second son of John Cherry and Rebecca Anthony, was born 21 February 1801 in Hamilton County, Ohio. He married Margaret Yelton, daughter of John Yelton and Ann Lambert, in June 1827. Margaret Yelton was born 11 February 1811 in Parish Bourbon, Pendleton, Kentucky.
When John James Cherry was about eight years old his family moved from Kentucky to Adams County, Illinois. Aaron Benjamin often told his grandchildren of their Kentucky Plantation home and that they first heard the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Prophet Joseph Smith and his associates and was soon converted.
With the exodus of the Saints from Illinois they left their home and went to Winter Quarters in western Iowa, a camp of refuge for homeless exiles. They left Council Bluffs on 20 June 1847 in the Charles C. Rich Company. They had three well stored wagons and several yoke of oxen and a band of horses. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on 5 September 1847, having left with the first company of saints after stopping in the Black Hills near Laramie, Wyoming, where their son Joseph Smith Cherry was born. In the spring of 1848, Aaron came north to find pasture for his livestock, and he settled about 12 miles north of the Fort, in what is now Centerville. Centerville was first named after the Deule Brothers, but later was called Cherry Creek settlement. Because it was half way between Bountiful and Farmington the name was later changed to Centerville.
Aaron Benjamin bought a claim from Thomas Grover who had built a log house on the north east corner of town. In 1850, Aaron built the first adobe house in Centerville and the old house stood and was quite comfortable until 1929. In 1869, his wife gave the old log house to the Relief Society along with two chairs and a rocking chair that was put in the Pioneer Cabin.
On 15 October 1864, sorrow came to Margaret, as she lost her life’s companion.
In the year 1865, Margaret received word of the death of her son, Jessie Yelton Cherry, in Nottingham, England, where he was filling a mission for the Church. He died of Smallpox on 21 May 1865, and was buried in the Nottingham Cemetery.
In the early days of Utah, freighting was done by team. These private lines operated even after the railroad came into use. Several men from Centerville were in the freighting business on into Montana and Margaret’s son, Thomas Rittenhouse Cheery was one of these companies. In 1866, Thomas left the wagon train to take his load to a little settlement and was never heard of again.
Margaret lived to be 87 years old and she died in her adobe house the 17 October 1898.
"Margaret Cherry" was re-baptized and confirmed into the LDS Church on 29 September 1856 in Centerville, Utah. This is recorded in the "Record of Members, 1856-1917, Centerville Ward, Davis Stake, Utah" (FHL Film# 25855, page 4), which states that "Margaret Cherry" was born on "February 11, 1811" in Pendleton, Kentucky, and re-baptized and confirmed into the LDS Church on "September 29, 1856".
History of Mary Margaret Yelton
History of Aaron Benjamin Cherry and Mary Margaret Yelton. Written by Laura Walton Barber.
Aaron Benjamin Cherry, second son of John Cherry and Rebecca Anthony, was born 21 February 1801 in Hamilton County, Ohio. He married Margaret Yelton, daughter of John Yelton and Ann Lambert, in June 1827. Margaret Yelton was born 11 February 1811 in Parish Bourbon, Pendleton, Kentucky.
When John James Cherry was about eight years old his family moved from Kentucky to Adams County, Illinois. Aaron Benjamin often told his grandchildren of their Kentucky Plantation home and that they first heard the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Prophet Joseph Smith and his associates and was soon converted.
With the exodus of the Saints from Illinois they left their home and went to Winter Quarters in western Iowa, a camp of refuge for homeless exiles. They left Council Bluffs on 20 June 1847 in the Charles C. Rich Company. They had three well stored wagons and several yoke of oxen and a band of horses. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on 5 September 1847, having left with the first company of saints after stopping in the Black Hills near Laramie, Wyoming, where their son Joseph Smith Cherry was born. In the spring of 1848, Aaron came north to find pasture for his livestock, and he settled about 12 miles north of the Fort, in what is now Centerville. Centerville was first named after the Deule Brothers, but later was called Cherry Creek settlement. Because it was half way between Bountiful and Farmington the name was later changed to Centerville.
Aaron Benjamin bought a claim from Thomas Grover who had built a log house on the north east corner of town. In 1850, Aaron built the first adobe house in Centerville and the old house stood and was quite comfortable until 1929. In 1869, his wife gave the old log house to the Relief Society along with two chairs and a rocking chair that was put in the Pioneer Cabin.
On 15 October 1864, sorrow came to Margaret, as she lost her life’s companion.
In the year 1865, Margaret received word of the death of her son, Jessie Yelton Cherry, in Nottingham, England, where he was filling a mission for the Church. He died of Smallpox on 21 May 1865, and was buried in the Nottingham Cemetery.
In the early days of Utah, freighting was done by team. These private lines operated even after the railroad came into use. Several men from Centerville were in the freighting business on into Montana and Margaret’s son, Thomas Rittenhouse Cheery was one of these companies. In 1866, Thomas left the wagon train to take his load to a little settlement and was never heard of again.
Margaret lived to be 87 years old and she died in her adobe house the 17 October 1898.
Jesse Yelton Cherry (1840-1865) was a Mormon pioneer missionary, and the son of Aaron Benjamin Cherry and Mary Margaret Yelton. He was born on 10 June 1840 in Adams Co., Illinois. In 1847 and at the age of seven years old he traveled with his family from Nebraska to Utah in the Charles C. Rich Company.
According to family records, Jesse's parents moved from Kentucky to Illinois in 1842 where they heard the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the lips of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his associates. They were baptized into the LDS Church in April 1846 by Orson Hyde. On June 20, 1847, Aaron and Margaret left Council Bluffs for Utah in the Charles C. Rich Company, and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on October 2, 1847. In 1848, Aaron settled his family in Centerville, Utah, where they lived and worked until their deaths.
In the 1850 U.S. Census, "Jesse Cherry" is listed as being 11 years old (born about 1839), born in Illinois, and residing with his father, Aaron Cherry (a "Farmer"), and his mother, Margaret, and eight siblings, in Davis, Utah Territory.
In 1858, "Jesse Cherry" took out his own LDS endowment in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, Utah. According to the "Salt Lake Temple Records, Endowment House Endowment, Book C: 1857-1861" (FHL Special Collections Film #183404, page 63), "Jesse Cherry" was born to "Aaron B. & Margt. Cherry" on "June 10, 1841" in "Adams, Illinois", and was baptized in "1857" and endowed on "Tuesday, March 2, 1858".
In the 1860 U.S. Census, "Jessee E. Cherry" is listed as being 20 years old (born about 1840), born in Illinois, and residing with his father, Aaron B. Cherry (a "Farmer"), and his mother, Margaret, and six siblings, in Centerville, Davis, Utah Territory.
In 1865, "Jessie Cherry" died and was buried in Nottingham, England. In September 2013, the Brough Family Organization obtained a copy of the death certificate of "Jessie Cherry" from England, which stated that he died on 20 May 1865 at 13 Skinner Street, Nottingham, England; that he died at the age of “21” years old (born about 1844) from “Small Pox”; that he was an “Agricultural Laborer"; and that the informant of his death was “George Marriott, present at death, 13 Skinner Street, Nottingham”. And in July 2013, the BFO was informed by the president of the Nottingham Family History Society that the grave of Jesse Yelton Cherry is located in the "lower northeast section" of the Nottingham General Cemetery in Nottingham, England. (Note: George Marriott was born in 1829 in Nottinghamshire, was listed as a "Latter Day Saint Local Preacher" in the 1861 English Census, immigrated to Utah in 1866, and died in 1907 in Sandy, Utah. He is listed in FamilySearch Tree, PID#: KWJX-KH3.)
In 1885, "Jesse Yelton Cherry" was sealed by proxy to his parents in the LDS Logan Temple. According to the "Logan Temple Records, Sealings [of] Children to [their] Parents, Book A: 1884-1891" (FHL Special Collections Film # 178087, page 248), "Jesse Yelton Cherry/dead" was born on 18 June 1842" in "Adams Co., Illinois", died on "21 May 1865" and was sealed by proxy to his parents on "July 15, 1885".
Jesse Yelton Cherry is not listed as having received a LDS Patriarchal Blessing (see FHL Film # 392642).
The book, "Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3", by Andrew Jenson, states the following about Jesse Yelton Cherry: "Cherry, Jesse Yelton, a Latter-day Saint Elder who died while filling a mission, was born June 10, 1840, in Adams county, Illinois, the son of Aaron B. Cherry and Mary Yelton, came to Utah with his parents and was baptized in 1849. On April 22, 1864, he was set apart for a mission to England by Apostle John Taylor and arrived in Liverpool July 1st, following, on the steamship 'Virginia.' He labored in the Norwich conference until the general conference held in Birmingham in January, 1865, when he was appointed to labor in the Nottingham conference and entered upon his duties in this field Feb. 21st. He labored faithfully in the land, gaining the confidence of the saints. He was seized by smallpox May 7, 1865, but no immediate danger was apprehended until the 15th, when an unexpected change took place. Every effort was made to retard its progress, but without avail. Bro. Cherry died May 20, 1865, and was buried the following day in the Nottingham cemetery."
The online "Membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1848", compiled by Susan Easton Black (and posted by Ancestry.com), states the following: "Jesse [Yelton Cherry] died as a missionary in Nottingham, England from contacting smallpox. He died 3 days later after 15 months in the field. Jesse came to Utah with his parents. On April 22, 1864 Jesse was set apart for a mission to England by Apostle John Taylor. Jesse arrived in Liverpool England July 1, 1864 on the steamship "Virginia." Jesse labored in the Norwich conference until the general conference held in Birmingham in January, 1865. Jesse was then appointed to labor in the Nottingham conference and entered upon his duties in this field February 21st. Jesse labored faithfully in the land."
On May 31, 1886, William F. Rigby (1933-1901), who served an LDS mission to the British Isles, visited the Nottingham gravesite of Elder Cherry and wrote the following account in his journal: "Went Monday [May 31, 1886]...and saw the grave of Bro. Jessie Yelton Cheery of Centrevillie who died May 24, 1865, of smallpox and was buired by the saints and a grave stone erected by them, stating he was from Utah, and a beautiful flowering tree grows over it." (Reference: "William F. Rigby: The True Aim of a Noble Man", by Cathryn Hendricks Housley, published in 2000, page 251. Viewable online as a digital BYU Book: http://cdm15999.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/compoundobject/collection/BYUIBooks/id/8001/rec/6.)
On November 24, 1890, Samuel Richard Brough (1857-1947), who served a four-year LDS mission to the British Isles (1886-1890), wrote the following in his missionary journal about Elder Cherry: "I started for Nottingham by railroad and arrived about 2 PM and went to the Nottingham Cemetery and visited Jesse Yelton Cherry's grave (my wife's uncle). He died while here on a mission preaching the Gospel in May 20th 1865 aged 25 years."
In June 1896, an LDS Church member visited the grave of Jesse Yelton Cherry in Nottingham, England, and the account of his visit to Jesse's gravesite was published in the "The Deseret Weekly" newspaper of 15 August 1896, page 276 (http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=336&dat=18960815&id=tIxOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lUIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5870,1049145), which stated the following: "Sunday morning we went to Sunday school, which is held in Temperance Hall, near the Vaccination station, St. Ann's street. All the more important meetings of the Saints are held here. I met Brother Barber, who invited me to dinner. We went through the cemetery, where we visited the grave of Elder Jesse Yelton Cherry, who died May 20th, 1865, aged 24 years. At Brother Barber's house I met his wife and son."
In October 2013, the Brough Family Organization commissioned photos that were taken of the gravestone of Jesse Yelton Cherry in the Nottingham General Cemetery in England. His headstone is weathered but is still readable and states: "IN / AFFECTIONATE / REMEMBRANCE OF / JESSE YELTON CHERRY / FROM UTAH USA / WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE / MAY 20th 1865 / AGED 24 YEARS".
Jessie Yelton Cherry is listed in FamilySearch Tree, PID#: KWVG-H12.
A story about Jessie Yelton Cherry from the LDS Church News of October 27, 2013 (http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/64086/Family-history-moment-A-diligent-search.html):
It was an interesting question from a cousin: "Do you know where the grave is of our Mormon pioneer ancestor who died while serving a mission in England?" When I was a young man my parents once told me that I had a relative who had crossed the plains as a Mormon pioneer and later died while serving a mission in the British Isles, but until this inquiry I had never really investigated the matter. Using several Church-related websites I soon learned that my pioneer missionary and second great-grand-uncle, Jesse Yelton Cherry, was born in 1840 in Illinois. The website Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel stated that Jesse traveled with his family from Nebraska to Utah in 1847 in the Charles C. Rich Company. The book Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia mentioned that Elder Cherry was "set apart for a mission to England by Apostle John Taylor and arrived in Liverpool" on July 1 [1864] by way of the steamship Virginia. He "labored in the Norwich conference" and the "Nottingham conference" and served "faithfully in the land, gaining the confidence of the saints. He was seized by smallpox May 7, 1865," and although "every effort was made to retard its progress" it was "without avail. Bro. Cherry died May 20, 1865, and was buried the following day in the Nottingham cemetery." Also, the Deseret Weekly News of August 15, 1896, reported that an LDS Church member "visited the grave of Elder Jesse Yelton Cherry" in June of that year.
Unfortunately, the specific location of Elder Cherry's grave site in Nottingham became lost over time and no known photograph of his gravestone existed. However, with the help of British consultants at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and the president of the Nottingham Family History Society, Elder Cherry's grave site was eventually located in the "lower northeast section" of the large Nottingham General Cemetery. The Brough Family Organization of Utah then commissioned pictures to be taken of his gravestone, which is weathered but still readable and states: "In affectionate remembrance of Jessie Yelton Cherry from Utah USA who departed this life May 20th 1865 aged 20 years."
Today, a brief history about Elder Cherry and pictures of his gravestone have been placed on the Church's FamilySearch.org FamilyTree website, which accommodates historical accounts and photographs. Thankfully, modern advancements in communication and technology have now made it possible for my cousin and other family members to learn more about the faith and service of one of the few Mormon pioneers to have ever died while serving a mission outside the United States. — R. Clayton Brough, West Jordan Utah Park Stake
"Thomas Cherry" was re-baptized and confirmed into the LDS Church on 29 September 1856 in Centerville, Utah. This is recorded in the "Record of Members, 1856-1917, Centerville Ward, Davis Stake, Utah" (FHL Film# 25855, page 4), which states that "Thomas Cherry" was the son of "Margaret Yelton" and "Aron B. Cherry" and was born on "September 15, 1842" in "Illinois", and re-baptized and confirmed into the LDS Church on "September 29, 1856".
"George Washington Bratton" is listed in the records of the "Membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1848" (via Ancestry.com: http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=LDSVitalMembership1830-1848&indiv=try&h=10218), which states that he was born on 3 September 1812 or September 3, 1814 in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and that his parents were James Bratton and Isabella.
George Washington Bratton was born in Pennsylvania; and Mary Palmer Graves in Concord, Vermont. George and Mary were married in 1835 in Erie, Pennsylvania, and had five children--one who settled in Pennsylvania, one in Porterville, Utah, two in Centerville, Utah, and another in Grace, Idaho.
History of George Washington Bratton
History of George W. Bratton and Mary Palmer Graves. Compiled by Chaundelle Hill Brough in July 2004.
George Washington Bratton was born to James and Isabelle Bratton on September 3, 1812, in Wayne, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. In 1835 he married Mary Palmer Graves, the daughter of Reuben Graves and Phebe Palmer, in Erie City, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Mary Palmer was born September 13, 1818, in Concord, Vermont. After they were married they resided in Erie Pennsylvania for a time. It was here that their first two children were born; Caroline (September 25, 1836), and Elizabeth (January 19, 1838).
George was a cabinet maker by trade and had decided that by moving west he would be able to increase the family fortune. They settled in Ottowa, Iowa where they were given a very good farm by a friendly Potowatoma Indian. They lived in Ottowa about two years, and while there had their third daughter Laura (November 10, 1841). It was around this same time that the Nauvoo Temple was being built. George and Mary moved their family to Nauvoo where George worked on the Nauvoo Temple for five years designing much of the beautiful wood work found inside. They both were baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on January 21, 1846. It was in Nauvoo that their fourth daughter, Eliza Jane (March 6, 1845) was born. Mary’s mother also lived with them at this time.
During their last year in Nauvoo, the first covered wagon train of Mormons, under the direction of Brigham Young, left for the journey westward. Mary’s mother Phoebe Palmer was very anxious to make this trip, as her oldest daughter, Eliza Graves Rich, had gone with her husband (Charles C. Rich) in one of the earlier companies. However, she felt she could not go and leave Mary with her family of little girls behind. Mary wanted very much to make the journey as well, but her husband George, not being as deeply impressed by the gospel felt they had moved far enough west. Mary and her mother were very sincere and firm in their beliefs. They had already suffered so much persecution that they were reluctant to remain in Nauvoo when the main body of Saints was making such an effort to gather in Zion. Mary wished to rear her family in a community where she would be free to teach her children of God in the way of her church. Her husband could not see as she did. Mary also faced the prospect of a broken home seeing as George Bratton had become interested in another woman. The couple decided to separate. In the spring of 1852 Mary Palmer decided to head west with the Saints. George went with his family as far as Council Bluffs, Nebraska. Soon after their arrival their fifth daughter, Mary Florence (February 23, 1852) was born. Her appearance at this time tended to keep the family together a little longer, but it was only a temporary reconciliation.
In May 1852 Mary joined Captain Brim’s company of about fifty wagons. At the time she and George still owned the farm in Ottowa, the selling of which was put in the hands of Orson Hyde. From the money obtained for the farm George provided Mary with two very good ox teams and wagons for the long journey. Robert Brooks, a seventeen year old boy, had consented to drive one of the wagons in payment for his board. Mary’s mother would drive the other wagon, as Mary still had a very young baby to care for.
Mary had a cow that was part of one of her teams. Each day a portion of the milk obtained from the cow was put in an earthen jar in the wagon. With the jolting of the wagon they always had a nice pat of fresh butter for their evening meal. At night all members of the camp would gather around the central camp fire and sing, dance or tell lively jokes or stories. They would have group prayer in which everyone would bow their heads in tribute to their God, who had guided them safely on their journey that day.
At last they reached the Rocky Mountains. Just as the sun was setting they reached the mouth of Emigration Canyon. They arrived in Salt Lake City in September of 1852. The winter was spent in the Old Fort, now known as Pioneer Park. This fort had been erected as a protection against the Indians. The homes consisted of rows of crude houses built together. Many times the women folk were seen cooking over the stove, with an umbrella hanging over their heads to ward off the rain that leaked through the roof.
In the spring the Brattons moved into the home of Mary’s sister, Eliza Graves Rich in Centerville, Davis County, Utah, in what is known as the old Woolley home. This home was near the Nathan Porter home where John President Porter lived with his three motherless sons; Joseph Rich, Samuel C. (father of Orin Porter), and John. It was under these circumstances that Mary Graves Bratton and John President Porter met, and then married on March 24, 1853. There were two children born of this marriage; Charles Graves and Sarah Ellen (better known as Nell). Charles Graves Porter always said that in spite of the fact that there were three families all under one roof, the Porter family was a peaceful, happy, family.
John and Mary took up land in Centerville which proved to be poor and unproductive. After a few years of struggle and disappointment they moved to Morgan County in the Weber Valley and staked off a farm in what was later called Porterville, the town taking its name from these early settlers – Sanford Porter Sr., Sanford Porter Jr., and John President Porter.
Mary died June 18, 1896 and was buried June 21, 1896 in Porterville, Morgan County, Utah. John President Porter was buried May 30, 1895 also in Porterville. A lovely marker stands at the head of their graves. George Washington Bratton died February 2, 1901 in Brownville, Nebraska. The temple records show that Mary Graves Bratton Porter was sealed on March 27, 1853 in the President’s office, and again on February 25, 1855.
Note: Information taken from the journal of Elizabeth Bratton Parrish (daughter), and from information written by Bessie Porter Brough (daughter of Charles Graves Porter), Nancy P. Moffet, and Laura Walton Barber.
History of Mary Palmer Graves.
History of George W. Bratton and Mary Palmer Graves. Compiled by Chaundelle Hill Brough in July 2004.
George Washington Bratton was born to James and Isabelle Bratton on September 3, 1812, in Wayne, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. In 1835 he married Mary Palmer Graves, the daughter of Reuben Graves and Phebe Palmer, in Erie City, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Mary Palmer was born September 13, 1818, in Concord, Vermont. After they were married they resided in Erie Pennsylvania for a time. It was here that their first two children were born; Caroline (September 25, 1836), and Elizabeth (January 19, 1838).
George was a cabinet maker by trade and had decided that by moving west he would be able to increase the family fortune. They settled in Ottowa, Iowa where they were given a very good farm by a friendly Potowatoma Indian. They lived in Ottowa about two years, and while there had their third daughter Laura (November 10, 1841). It was around this same time that the Nauvoo Temple was being built. George and Mary moved their family to Nauvoo where George worked on the Nauvoo Temple for five years designing much of the beautiful wood work found inside. They both were baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on January 21, 1846. It was in Nauvoo that their fourth daughter, Eliza Jane (March 6, 1845) was born. Mary’s mother also lived with them at this time.
During their last year in Nauvoo, the first covered wagon train of Mormons, under the direction of Brigham Young, left for the journey westward. Mary’s mother Phoebe Palmer was very anxious to make this trip, as her oldest daughter, Eliza Graves Rich, had gone with her husband (Charles C. Rich) in one of the earlier companies. However, she felt she could not go and leave Mary with her family of little girls behind. Mary wanted very much to make the journey as well, but her husband George, not being as deeply impressed by the gospel felt they had moved far enough west. Mary and her mother were very sincere and firm in their beliefs. They had already suffered so much persecution that they were reluctant to remain in Nauvoo when the main body of Saints was making such an effort to gather in Zion. Mary wished to rear her family in a community where she would be free to teach her children of God in the way of her church. Her husband could not see as she did. Mary also faced the prospect of a broken home seeing as George Bratton had become interested in another woman. The couple decided to separate. In the spring of 1852 Mary Palmer decided to head west with the Saints. George went with his family as far as Council Bluffs, Nebraska. Soon after their arrival their fifth daughter, Mary Florence (February 23, 1852) was born. Her appearance at this time tended to keep the family together a little longer, but it was only a temporary reconciliation.
In May 1852 Mary joined Captain Brim’s company of about fifty wagons. At the time she and George still owned the farm in Ottowa, the selling of which was put in the hands of Orson Hyde. From the money obtained for the farm George provided Mary with two very good ox teams and wagons for the long journey. Robert Brooks, a seventeen year old boy, had consented to drive one of the wagons in payment for his board. Mary’s mother would drive the other wagon, as Mary still had a very young baby to care for.
Mary had a cow that was part of one of her teams. Each day a portion of the milk obtained from the cow was put in an earthen jar in the wagon. With the jolting of the wagon they always had a nice pat of fresh butter for their evening meal. At night all members of the camp would gather around the central camp fire and sing, dance or tell lively jokes or stories. They would have group prayer in which everyone would bow their heads in tribute to their God, who had guided them safely on their journey that day.
At last they reached the Rocky Mountains. Just as the sun was setting they reached the mouth of Emigration Canyon. They arrived in Salt Lake City in September of 1852. The winter was spent in the Old Fort, now known as Pioneer Park. This fort had been erected as a protection against the Indians. The homes consisted of rows of crude houses built together. Many times the women folk were seen cooking over the stove, with an umbrella hanging over their heads to ward off the rain that leaked through the roof.
In the spring the Brattons moved into the home of Mary’s sister, Eliza Graves Rich in Centerville, Davis County, Utah, in what is known as the old Woolley home. This home was near the Nathan Porter home where John President Porter lived with his three motherless sons; Joseph Rich, Samuel C. (father of Orin Porter), and John. It was under these circumstances that Mary Graves Bratton and John President Porter met, and then married on March 24, 1853. There were two children born of this marriage; Charles Graves and Sarah Ellen (better known as Nell). Charles Graves Porter always said that in spite of the fact that there were three families all under one roof, the Porter family was a peaceful, happy, family.
John and Mary took up land in Centerville which proved to be poor and unproductive. After a few years of struggle and disappointment they moved to Morgan County in the Weber Valley and staked off a farm in what was later called Porterville, the town taking its name from these early settlers – Sanford Porter Sr., Sanford Porter Jr., and John President Porter.
Mary died June 18, 1896 and was buried June 21, 1896 in Porterville, Morgan County, Utah. John President Porter was buried May 30, 1895 also in Porterville. A lovely marker stands at the head of their graves. George Washington Bratton died February 2, 1901 in Brownville, Nebraska. The temple records show that Mary Graves Bratton Porter was sealed on March 27, 1853 in the President’s office, and again on February 25, 1855.
Note: Information taken from the journal of Elizabeth Bratton Parrish (daughter), and from information written by Bessie Porter Brough (daughter of Charles Graves Porter), Nancy P. Moffet, and Laura Walton Barber.
Elizabeth Walmsley had all of her children by three husbands sealed to James Corbridge on 19 December 1878.
History of Elizabeth Walmsley
History of Elizabeth Walmsley. Written by Alvaretta C. Robinson; Edited by Helen Metta Brough Rode in 1966.
Elizabeth Walmsley, daughter of William and Mary Slater Walmsley, was born on December 7, 1816, in Lancashire, England. She married James Corbridge in England in 1835. Having affiliated themselves with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they, with their three children, Mary Ann, William and James, set sail for America in the year 1840. Crossing the ocean James Jr., died, and was buried at sea.
The family was among the first Mormons to leave England. They came to Nauvoo, Illinois, where they were poor and food was so scarce they lived mostly on corn bread. While living in Nauvoo, Illinois, James Corbridge and their son, William, became very ill with cholera. The Prophet Joseph Smith administered to them. He promised the boy life, but not the father. James died in 1843 and was buried in Nauvoo. After the death of her husband, Elizabeth worked for the Prophet Joseph Smith assisting in the duties of his home.
In about 1846, Elizabeth married John Walker. To this union three boys were born to them: Solomon who was born at Winter Quarters, Hyrum Alonzo, who was born in Pottawattamie, Iowa, and Edward who died as an infant. In the early 1850’s, John Walker took a plural wife and crossed the plains to Utah, leaving Elizabeth and her family at Pottawattamie, Iowa. Putting all her earthly possessions into a wagon, she joined a company of Saints going west in 1852.
Mary Ann had journeyed to Utah a year before her Mother in the Bishop Edward Hunter Company. Although very young she drove an ox-team all the way. Enroute she had a serious accident, being run over by one of the wagons, and those who witnessed it marveled at her miraculous escape from death.
William, being the eldest, helped Elizabeth with the children as much as he could. He walked across the plains, driving loose cattle belonging to other members of the company, and for which service he received 25 cents a day. The company averaged about ten miles each day. After her arrival in the valley.
Elizabeth could not reconcile herself to living in polygamy, so when she heard of a company going to Tooele, she and her children went with them. In 1853, she met and married a widower, George Marshall. Of this union two sons, George (b. 1855) and Ephraim (b.1857), were born.
In 1860, George Marshall entered into plural marriage (marrying Esther Elizabeth Steel, by whom he eventually had eight children). Elizabeth did not approve of this action, so she sent Solomon to Salt Lake City to see his sister Mary Ann, who had married Oscar Hamblin, seeking information as to the date of their departure for the Santa Clara Valley (in southern Utah) where they had been called on a mission by Church authorities. When they were ready to leave Elizabeth and her children went with them.
When the two families reached Santa Clara in the autumn of 1855 a townsite was chosen and shelters built. William erected a log cabin and took up a small amount of land. They boys did their best to support their Mother and the younger members of the family. Since money was a novelty in this part of the territory they worked for produce, wool, or anything, that could be used for food and clothing. In the spring of 1862, the Santa Clara River, swollen by the spring thaw and rains, lashed its fury against the town and washed most of it away. The people camped on a hillside, but after several weeks were able to return and salvage what they could from the wreckage. A twenty foot gully had washed through the town. As soon as possible homes were rebuilt on the bench. They, with other settlers, struggled on eking out a meager livelihood, but conditions proved so unsatisfactory both families decided to move again, and Minersville was the place selected.
Elizabeth’s family and the Hamblin family lived in a one room log cabin for a time. This crude home served also as the first school house in Minersville. Long benches were moved in during the daytime and Elizabeth conducted the classes. William built the first brick home in Minersville. Hyrum often told about the scarcity of clothing during those first years, and how his Mother had made him a hat of blue denim which she washed, starched and ironed Saturday night so that it would be ready for Sunday School. Again, there was little food, and the children’s lunch, as they worked in the fields, often consisted of no more than bread spread with lard.
William was called three times to go back to the eastern states to help bring emigrants to Utah. He was very young when he received his first call to aid in bringing in one of the first handcart companies. Eliza Jane Zabriskie became his wife. She died at the age of 29 years, leaving William with eight small children. Elizabeth lived with him to help care for the children until he married Hannah Alice Conford, a convert from England.
Elizabeth Walmsley died in Minersville on April 13, 1896. However, it is interesting to note that eighteen years prior to her death, Elizabeth had all of her children by her three husbands (James Corbridge, John Walker, and George Marshall Sr.) sealed to her first husband, James Corbridge, on 19 December 1878.
Elizabeth Walmsley had all of her children by three husbands sealed to James Corbridge on 19 December 1878.
History of Elizabeth Walmsley
History of Elizabeth Walmsley. Written by Alvaretta C. Robinson; Edited by Helen Metta Brough Rode in 1966.
Elizabeth Walmsley, daughter of William and Mary Slater Walmsley, was born on December 7, 1816, in Lancashire, England. She married James Corbridge in England in 1835. Having affiliated themselves with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they, with their three children, Mary Ann, William and James, set sail for America in the year 1840. Crossing the ocean James Jr., died, and was buried at sea.
The family was among the first Mormons to leave England. They came to Nauvoo, Illinois, where they were poor and food was so scarce they lived mostly on corn bread. While living in Nauvoo, Illinois, James Corbridge and their son, William, became very ill with cholera. The Prophet Joseph Smith administered to them. He promised the boy life, but not the father. James died in 1843 and was buried in Nauvoo. After the death of her husband, Elizabeth worked for the Prophet Joseph Smith assisting in the duties of his home.
In about 1846, Elizabeth married John Walker. To this union three boys were born to them: Solomon who was born at Winter Quarters, Hyrum Alonzo, who was born in Pottawattamie, Iowa, and Edward who died as an infant. In the early 1850’s, John Walker took a plural wife and crossed the plains to Utah, leaving Elizabeth and her family at Pottawattamie, Iowa. Putting all her earthly possessions into a wagon, she joined a company of Saints going west in 1852.
Mary Ann had journeyed to Utah a year before her Mother in the Bishop Edward Hunter Company. Although very young she drove an ox-team all the way. Enroute she had a serious accident, being run over by one of the wagons, and those who witnessed it marveled at her miraculous escape from death.
William, being the eldest, helped Elizabeth with the children as much as he could. He walked across the plains, driving loose cattle belonging to other members of the company, and for which service he received 25 cents a day. The company averaged about ten miles each day. After her arrival in the valley.
Elizabeth could not reconcile herself to living in polygamy, so when she heard of a company going to Tooele, she and her children went with them. In 1853, she met and married a widower, George Marshall. Of this union two sons, George (b. 1855) and Ephraim (b.1857), were born.
In 1860, George Marshall entered into plural marriage (marrying Esther Elizabeth Steel, by whom he eventually had eight children). Elizabeth did not approve of this action, so she sent Solomon to Salt Lake City to see his sister Mary Ann, who had married Oscar Hamblin, seeking information as to the date of their departure for the Santa Clara Valley (in southern Utah) where they had been called on a mission by Church authorities. When they were ready to leave Elizabeth and her children went with them.
When the two families reached Santa Clara in the autumn of 1855 a townsite was chosen and shelters built. William erected a log cabin and took up a small amount of land. They boys did their best to support their Mother and the younger members of the family. Since money was a novelty in this part of the territory they worked for produce, wool, or anything, that could be used for food and clothing. In the spring of 1862, the Santa Clara River, swollen by the spring thaw and rains, lashed its fury against the town and washed most of it away. The people camped on a hillside, but after several weeks were able to return and salvage what they could from the wreckage. A twenty foot gully had washed through the town. As soon as possible homes were rebuilt on the bench. They, with other settlers, struggled on eking out a meager livelihood, but conditions proved so unsatisfactory both families decided to move again, and Minersville was the place selected.
Elizabeth’s family and the Hamblin family lived in a one room log cabin for a time. This crude home served also as the first school house in Minersville. Long benches were moved in during the daytime and Elizabeth conducted the classes. William built the first brick home in Minersville. Hyrum often told about the scarcity of clothing during those first years, and how his Mother had made him a hat of blue denim which she washed, starched and ironed Saturday night so that it would be ready for Sunday School. Again, there was little food, and the children’s lunch, as they worked in the fields, often consisted of no more than bread spread with lard.
William was called three times to go back to the eastern states to help bring emigrants to Utah. He was very young when he received his first call to aid in bringing in one of the first handcart companies. Eliza Jane Zabriskie became his wife. She died at the age of 29 years, leaving William with eight small children. Elizabeth lived with him to help care for the children until he married Hannah Alice Conford, a convert from England.
Elizabeth Walmsley died in Minersville on April 13, 1896. However, it is interesting to note that eighteen years prior to her death, Elizabeth had all of her children by her three husbands (James Corbridge, John Walker, and George Marshall Sr.) sealed to her first husband, James Corbridge, on 19 December 1878.
The christening of "William Walmesley" is listed in the parish register of Chipping, Lancashire (FHL Film # 1656769, Item #3), which states that he was christened on 19 July 1778 in Chipping, and that his father was "Joshua Walmesley".
Research Note: FamilySearch lists the death place of William Walmsley as having occurred in Minersville, Beaver, Utah. However, some of his descendants have suggested that he actually died in Lancashire, England. Interestingly, the GRO in England lists the death of a William Walmsley, age 93 or 98--as the index is not clear about his age when he died--that was registered in October-December 1877 in Preston, Lancashire. This death certificate should probably be ordered
from England.
Genealogical records on this family were provided by Marie B. Nielson, RBFO Genealogist, 2004.
The 1872 birth of "John Edward Denton" is listed in the online GRO Index, which states that his birth was registered in January-March 1872 in Bradford district, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, and that his mother's surname was "Smith".
The 1894 marriage record of "John Edward Denton" and "Alice Lockett" is listed and shown in FindMyPast, which states that they were married by Banns on 23 September 1894 at St. John the Baptist church in Burslem, Staffordshire, England; that John Edward Denton was "21" years old (born about 1873) and a "Bachelor" and "Collier" of "29 Victoria Street" and that his father was "John Edward Denton" a "Collier"; and that Alice Lockett was "20" years old--although her original age was listed as "27" but was crossed out by the clerk, and a "Spinster" of "23 Victoria Street" and that her father was "John Lockett" a "Potter"--but whose given name should have been listed as "Thomas" Lockett by the clerk. The marriage was witnessed by Robert Hughes (who was Alice's brother-in-law) and Annie Hughes (who was Alice's older sister).
The 1874 birth certificate of "Alice Lockett" was obtained from the GRO in England in December 2024 by the Brough Family Organization, and stated that she was born on 30 August 1874 at "Mount Pleasant" in Longton, Stoke upon Trent, Staffordshire, England, and that her parents were "Thomas Lockett" a "Potter" and "Sarah Ann Lockett formerly Brough".
In the 1881 Census, "Alice Lockett" is listed as being 6 years old (born about 1875), born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and residing with her mother, Sarah A. Lockett, and brother John Lockett (age 15), at: 2 Park Passage, Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire.
In the 1891 Census, "Alice Locket" is listed as being 17 years old (born about 1874), born in Longton, Staffordshire, single and working as a "Potters Assistant [and] Teapot Maker", and residing with her mother, Sarah Ann Locket (age 43), and her older sister, Annie Locket (age 19), at: 47, New Street, Burslem, Staffordshire.
In 1894, "Alice Lockett" is listed on 20 February 1894 in "The Staffordshire Sentinel" of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, as follows: "On Tuesday at the Hanley Borough Police Court, before Messrs. E.J. Hammersley (Mayor), and J. Charlesworth, Sarah Pickin, whose age was given as 17, but who appeared older, living in Far Green, Providence-square, was charged with stealing 3d. from the person of Alice Lockett, the monies of Thomas Lockett, of 20, Keeling's-lane, on the 24th January [1894]...."
The 1894 marriage record of "John Edward Denton" and "Alice Lockett" is listed and shown in FindMyPast, which states that they were married by Banns on 23 September 1894 at St. John the Baptist church in Burslem, Staffordshire, England; that John Edward Denton was "21" years old (born about 1873) and a "Bachelor" and "Collier" of "29 Victoria Street" and that his father was "John Edward Denton" a "Collier"; and that Alice Lockett was "20" years old--although her original age was listed as "27" but was crossed out by the clerk, and a "Spinster" of "23 Victoria Street" and that her father was "John Lockett" a "Potter"--but whose given name should have been listed as "Thomas" Lockett by the clerk. The marriage was witnessed by Robert Hughes (who was Alice's brother-in-law) and Annie Hughes (who was Alice's older sister).
Marriage Notes for John Edward Denton and Alice Lockett-226
The 1894 marriage record of "John Edward Denton" and "Alice Lockett" is listed and shown in FindMyPast, which states that they were married by Banns on 23 September 1894 at St. John the Baptist church in Burslem, Staffordshire, England; that John Edward Denton was "21" years old (born about 1873) and a "Bachelor" and "Collier" of "29 Victoria Street" and that his father was "John Edward Denton" a "Collier"; and that Alice Lockett was "20" years old--although her original age was listed as "27" but was crossed out by the clerk, and a "Spinster" of "23 Victoria Street" and that her father was "John Lockett" a "Potter"--but whose given name should have been listed as "Thomas" Lockett by the clerk. The marriage was witnessed by Robert Hughes (who was Alice's brother-in-law) and Annie Hughes (who was Alice's older sister).
Genealogical records on this family were provided by Marie B. Nielson, RBFO Genealogist, 2004.