In the 1851 Census, "Joseph Clayton" is listed as being 4 years old (born about 1847), born in Romiley, Cheshire, and residing with his parents, George Clayton (age 42) and Jane (age 42), and two siblings, at: Green Lane, Romiley, Cheshire, England.
History of Joseph Clayton and Grethe Jorgine (Margaret) Tollefsdatter (Olsen). Extracted from the book "George Clayton, 1810-1861, Roots and Shoots". by Gloria H. Jensen, 1983.
Joseph Clayton was born in Greenlane, Romily, Stockport, Cheshire, England, on 5 October 1847 to George and Jane Bingham Clayton. His parents had heard the restored Gospel taught in England and were baptized in 1842. Joseph’s father, George, left his family in England and came to Utah to help cut stone for the Salt Lake Temple. Joseph stayed with his Mother, sister Martha, and brother Edward until their father had established a home for them in Utah and saved enough money for them to come.
Joseph left England with his family in 1855. They sailed on the Charles Buck which arrived in New Orleans after six weeks at sea. They continued on to Atchison and there were outfitted for the trip across the plains. Jane and the children were in the Fourth Co. under Captain Richard Ballantyne. Joseph was only seven years old when he walked the long distance across the plains. They arrived in Salt Lake 25 September 1855. After one very hard winter in Salt Lake City the family moved to Lehi to homestead. Here Joseph was baptized 1 April 1857.
Margaret Olsen was born in Tronum, Norway 5 January 1853. She came to Utah with her parents, Toalf Hellikson and Laura Ann Olsen and her three brothers and one sister ub 1863. Their ship, the Atlanta, took eight weeks to cross the ocean and because of the long time the water became tank and food scarce. This caused much sickness and black canker. Just three days before they landed in America, Margaret’s only sister became ill and died. Her parent had such a dread of casting the little body into the sea that they asked the captain for permission to keep the child’s body until they landed and he agreed to let them.
Margaret was only nine and her girl friend, Julie Peterson, eleven when they walked across the plains a distance of one thousand miles. They walked most of the way barefooted because their shoes soon wore out or became too small. By evening most of the little children would have sore, bleeding feet. There were cows in this wagon train and so Margaret’s mother would take sweet cream from the milk and rub it onto the children’s sore feet. Margaret later recalled, “How it did smart, but it healed them up.”
One of the chores that Margaret and the other children had as they crossed the plains was to gather buffalo chips to keep the fires burning. One day as Margaret gathered chips, she strayed away from the other children and away from camp. Before she knew it, she was completely surrounded by buffalo! She couldn’t think of anything to do but she knew she didn’t want to see as the buffalo came to gore her so she picked up her apron and threw it over her head. That scared the buffalo and they turned and ran.
The Olsen family settled in Lehi where they lived for three years farming and working for other people. The Clayton family also lived in Lehi at this time and this is where Joseph Clayton and Margaret Olsen first met as children. One of the chores that Joseph Clayton had as a small boy was to herd the cattle. He would drive them up through Lehi’s main street every morning on the way to pasture. Margaret Olsen used to watch him and later told their children, “what an ugly little red-headed, freckled-face kid he was.” Both the Olsen and Clayton families joined the Saints who were homesteading in Franklin, Idaho. When they first arrived in Franklin they found that the Indians were hostile and troublesome to the Saints.
The first season that the Olsen’s were in Franklin their crops were looking very good when the grasshoppers came. They destroyed almost all the crops that the Saints had. A fast meeting was held and it was at this meeting that a sister spoke in tongues. One of the brethren arose and interpreted and said that the grasshoppers would leave. After the meeting the grasshoppers did begin to leave, flying so thick in the air that they were blessed to raise enough of their crops to get them through the winter.
Margaret’s mother was sick most of the time after they arrived in America which left most of the care of the family to Margaret as her father and brothers had to work to support the family. Margaret worked most of the time at home but also spent time working and spinning for other people. She braided straw and made hats. She made her own dyes in different colors, dyed the yarn, and had it woven into cloth for making her own dresses.
When Margaret was eighteen years old she was married to Joseph Clayton in the Endowment House on 17 October 1870. After their marriage they lived in Franklin for four years and then moved to Preston Flat in 1875. Preston at that time was a very lonely looking place with nothing but waving grass and rabbit brush for miles and miles. It wasn’t a very inviting place to live at that time. There were plenty of wild Texas cattle and nothing to hear but howling of coyotes, coo-coo birds and mourning doves.
There were three families that went to Preston with Joseph and Margaret Clayton: David Jensen, Charles Spongberg, and the Lundgreens. There was no water to cultivate the land and so to make a living the families took cattle to herd through the summer months. At times the herding took them through the summer months. At times the herding took them some distance from home and this would leave the women to look after the cows, pigs, and chickens at home. As there was not water on the flat, the cattle had to be taken to Bear River for water. While Margaret was out hunting the cows between her home and Bear River one day, she saw a great number of cattle and as they drew nearer they commenced to form in a circle, and completely surrounded her. She thought that she would surely be killed for there seemed to be no chance to escape. All at once she was prompted to take her apron and throw it over her head. This she did and the cattle became frightened and stampeded in ever direction. She then sent up a thankful prayer to God for sparing her life so that she could return home safely to her three small children whom she had left home alone.* (*This story has been told in two versions, both are presented here. Submitted by Linda S. Leavitt, 903 W. 1020 S., Provo, Utah, 84601, 30 October 1977.)
Joseph and Margaret struggled along as best they could and finally water was brought from Cub River onto the flat and from then on Preston began to look brighter. They then began to raise wheat, hay and all kinds of food.
Joseph and Margaret Olsen Clayton were the parents of then children all born in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho.
• Anna Maria, born: 12 Mar 1872
• George Joseph, born: 23 Nov 1874
• Martha Jane, born: 18 Oct 1876
• Myron, born: 15 Jan 1877
• Marinda, born: 31 Aug 1878
• Francis, born: 30 Sep 1880
• Mahala, born: 10 Jan 1885
• Nessie, born: 1 Jan 1888
• Arvilla, born: 11 Sep 1890
• Lila, born: 11 Sep 1898
Besides caring for her own family, Margaret was busy helping with the sick in the neighborhood. She was an excellent hand in sickness. At the time of the diphtheria epidemic, Margaret was very busy. She was a practical nurse and a midwife. There were hardly any and babies born around the whole valley that she didn’t help deliver. Whenever anyone was in need of help for the sick, Grandmother was always sent for. Because of this, she was gone from home many hours. Grandmother’s home was always open to travelers who needed a place to spend the night before continuing on their way. As many as 20 people at a time would surround their table. Grandmother was a great friend to the poor and needy and could comfort those in distress. She worked in Relief Society all of her married life.
Margaret’s real name was Grethe Jorgine Helliksen. When her family came to America they took their mother’s maiden name, Olsen, and Margaret also changed her given name as she didn’t like Grethe Jorgine. Whenever Joseph wanted to tease Grandmother or make her angry, he would call her Grethe Jorgine.
Joseph was a happy man. He always looked on the cheerful side of every situation. He loved to build things for his children and take them on camping trips. He loved to play jokes and pranks on his children. He also enjoyed teasing other. Once he had been away working for several months and came home unannounced. He disguised himself as a tramp and knocked on his sister’s door asking for a meal. He was able to fool her for quite a while before she discovered who he was.
Joseph did much toward helping Saints immigrate. He also helped find homes for those who came to Utah during hard times. Margaret and Joseph Clayton were always ready to help in building churches and other public buildings. Joseph donated land in Preston for a school and also for the first chapel built there. He also helped in the building of both Salt Lake and Logan Temples.
Margaret was only forty-six when she passed away shortly after her tenth child was born. She was called to rest 21 April 1899. In 1901 Joseph remarried but he was never happy after Margaret died and he was only fifty-seven when he passed away 5 October 1904. Both Joseph and Margaret are buried in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho.
The 1836 marriage of "George Clayton" and "Jane Bingham" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 1655429), which states that they were married by Banns on 26 December 1836 in Cheadle, Cheshire, England. The marriage was witnessed by Geo. Smith and Ann Clayton.
In the 1841 Census, "George Clayton" is listed as being 25 years old (born about 1812-1816), not born in Cheshire, working as a "Labourer", and residing with his apparent wife, Jane Clayton (age 30), and their two apparent children, Martha (age 4) and Edward (age 1), at: Green Lane, Stockport, Cheshire, England.
In the 1851 Census, "George Clayton " is listed as being 42 years old (born about 1809), born in Buxton, Derbyshire, married and working as an "Ag[riculture] Labourer", and residing with his wife, Jane (age 42), and their three children (Martha--age 14, Edward--age 12, and Joseph--age 4), at: Green Lane, Romiley, Cheshire, England.
History of George Clayton
History of George Clayton and Jane Bingham. Extracted from the book "George Clayton, 1810-1861, Roots and Shoots", by Gloria H. Jensen, 1983.
In 25 Sept. 1810, Edward Clayton’s wife, Elizabeth (Betty) gave birth to their fifth child. This was their second son and he was given the name of George. He was born in Fairfield township, in the Parish of Hope, in the county of Derbyshire, which is located in the North Midlands of England.
At this particular time, the nineteenth century, George III was on the throne of England. The industrial revolution (1760-1830) was in full swing. This movement had it’s beginnings in the cotton industry of the neighboring county of Lancashire. This area was also the “hot-pot” of the non-conformists (groups of religious sects that sprang up in opposition to the Church of England). At this time the population was able to move about more rapidly, there were adjustments in employment and great unemployment, and much misery among the working people.
Not much is known of George’s childhood years, but we do know that he also had three younger sisters and a younger brother, which made a total of nine children in the family of Edward Clayton. We can only draw on the events of local and national history to determine the influences and economic struggles that affected this Fairfield family.
A biography copied from the microfilm of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of Seventies, briefly tells some of the events in his life:
[George Clayton] Was born in the parish of Hope in the township of Fairfield, Derbyshire, England, Sept 25th 1810. Fathers name Edward, mother’s Betty. Lived in his father’s house until April 12th 1833, then went to live with Mr. Bennet of Chapel-en-le-Frith in the same county. Lived with him one year, they went to live at Apenshaw, near Manchester at Mr. John Hammond, Inn Keeper. Wished to serve the Lord and obey his commandments, thought he could no do so and live at an Inn, consequently left there on the 28th May 1834. Then went to Bredbury near Stockport, Cheshire, and resolved not to go to service again but work by the day. Went to live with his brother-in-law, Joseph Barlow and engaged to work for John Jewit in the coal pits. [Work in the coal pits was miserable job, working twelve hour shifts with nothing but candle light and without a breath of fresh air. The tunnels were usually only about three feet high so that the workers were in a crouched position for long shifts.] Worked for him about three years and during that time got married to Jane Bingham who was servant to the same man. Was married on the 26th December 1836. Wife was born in the year 1808 in the Parish of Bradway, Derbyshire. [Jane Bingham was the daughter of Thomas Bingham and Martha Dent. She was born 13 Nov 1808 at Gleadless, Handsworth, Yorkshire, England and was christened 4 Dec 1808 in Handsworth] Removed to Romily, Cheshire December 21st 1839. Did not believe in any religious persuasion. In 1840 heard the Gospel preached by Adam Lee, Henry Royle and Thomas Pollit. Was baptized by William Potts, CrossMoor, Cheshire, June 6th 1842, ordained a priest 11 June 1843 by Elder Chas. Miller, Pres. of Manchester conference. Ordained an Elder by Milton Holmes, Nov 16th 1845. Was sent out to preach after performing my weekly labor and was the means of established a branch of eleven members at Marple Bridge. Establishing a branch at Mellor and was placed President over it in 1851. Left a wife and three children behind him. Set sail from Liverpool on the 13th of April and arrived in the valley 16th Oct 1853.
From the Minute Book of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of Seventy, organized 1854, Genealogies of Presidents and members, George Clayton was listed as No. 18 with one addition item of information present address-15th Ward. In the second section of the same book (no date given) he was No. 42 with his present address- Lehi and a note in the remarks column- “dead”.
George Clayton left England 13 April 1853 from Liverpool on the ship Camillus at 12:45 p.m.. He did not have enough money to bring his wife, Jane and their three children (Martha-b 16 July 1837 at Bredbury, Stockport; Edward-b 14 May 1840 at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport and Joseph-b 5 Oct 1847, also at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport and Joseph-b 5 Oct 1847, also at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport, Cheshire), at this time. His wife and children emigrated in 1855 through the Perpetual Emigration Fund Co.
The ship Camillus sailed with 228 persons under leadership of Curtis E. Bolton and arrived at the Port of New Orleans on 7 June 1853. The passenger from this ship traveled with the John Brown Co., which left Keokuk, Iowa on 1 July 1853 with about 303 persons and arrived in Salt Lake 17 Oct., 1853.
On his journey across the plains, he took care of the Church cattle. He milked 40 cows night and morning. While taking care of the animals an ox hooked him on the lip with its horn. He arrived in Salt Lake 17 Oct 1853. The corner stone for the Salt Lake Temple had been laid in Apr. of the same year, and he went to work helping to build the Temple. He also started to build a home for his family and save enough money for him to bring them from England.
Martha and Edward worked long, hard hours in the cotton factories in England to help support the family in their father’s absence, and to save for their trip to America. All the family had been baptized into the Church before their father left. Jane was baptized into the Church before their father left. Jane was baptized 5 Aug 1843 by William Potts and confirmed 11 Aug 1843 by Frederick Thornton; Martha was baptized 23 Mar 1850 by Joshua Dakin and confirmed 24 March 1850 by Joshua Dakin; Edward was baptized 2 Sept 1849 by William Hulme and confirmed by same. These baptisms are recorded in the CrossMoor, Cheshire branch records. They remained faithful to the Church while he was away and always attended their meetings on Sunday. They would take a lunch and walk six miles to the nearest chapel with their mother. Finally after two years they bade goodbye to their native England and boarded the ship Charles Buck, for America. They left Liverpool on 17 Jan 1855, under the leadership of Richard Ballantyne. They arrived in New Orleans on 15th Mar., 1855. They traveled with the Ballantyne Co. to Salt City and arrived in Salt Lake 25 Sept. 1855
It was a happy reunion when they arrived in Salt Lake. George had built a home for his wife and family there. At last the family was together again, and it was a real luxury for them to have a home of their own in which to resume their lives together in this new country.
The winter of 1855 was very severe, with heavy snow and extreme cold. Food was scarce because during the summer of 1855, the grass hoppers did serious damage to crops, destroying nearly everything green in many parts of Utah. The loss and suffering were aggravated by the drought. The combined evils caused a great failure in the crops. It was necessary to eat Sego bulbs, thistle roots, and pig weed “greens” to survive. Many times Martha went to Heber C. Kimball’s home for potato peelings which they washed and cooked for food. They were very grateful to sister Kimball for saving the peelings for them.
According to family tradition the family stayed in Salt Lake only one year and then moved to Lehi, to homestead and farm. (Until 1869 the saints did not hold title to land and were merely squatters on the public domain.) (The Homestead Act came in 1862.) The family first appears in the Lehi ward records when Joseph is baptized and George and Jane are both rebaptized- 1 April 1857, at Lehi.
Following the famine of 1856, when all the settlers in Utah were fighting starvation and domestic animals were dying and there was scarcely any grain in the country, a general reformation took place throughout the Church, most of the saints renewing their covenants of baptism. It was a movement to awaken or re-awaken the people to their spiritual responsibility as members of the L.D.S. Church. It wasn’t a change in religion, but a challenge to the saints to change their practices and arouse them from the lethargy into which many had fallen. The movement began in the autumn of 1856 and continued until the close of 1857. Jedidah N. Grant, said, “Purify yourselves, your house, lots, farms and everything around you on the right and on the left, then the spirit of the Lord can dwell with you”.
The harvest of 1857 was the best Utah had ever had up to that time, but a new threat was on the horizon. The U.S. Government was sending an army to Utah. Utah citizens were organized for self-defense. Brigham Young directed all the people North of Utah Co. to leave their homes and proceed Southward. At the same time, measures were taken whereby sufficient men were left behind to set fire to all the houses and chop down all the trees upon the first sign of disorder by the invaders. Thus began the famous “Move” in which George Clayton and all the families in Lehi were destined to play so prominent a part.
The spring of 1858 found 30,000 people migrating Southward. Day after day the citizens of Lehi saw them pass through their borders, a continuous stream, from daylight till dark…covered wagons laden with all manner of household goods; handcarts; men and women mounted on horses or mules; far more of them walking, often barefoot; cattle, sheep and pigs, singly and in herds; all manner of freak conveyances; no end of confusion; and not a little suffering and sorrow. Added to all the rest was almost incessant rain which fell during that spring.
The people of Lehi responded… furnished teams and wagons to help… Every home in the little city was thrown open and each room filled to its capacity; even the Meeting House was placed at the disposal of the refugees. Twenty families stayed in the Meeting House. When all available room had been occupied, the men built cabins against the fort wall, and even made dugouts on the vacant lots in the city… Foodstuffs from the previous crops were brought into requisition, and upon the advice of Bishop Evans, many of the people raised vegetables.
From a letter dated 26 June 1858, the following account is given: Arrived at Lehi, 32 miles South of Salt Lake City… Lehi is a little town of about 1,200 inhabitants, built of sun dried adobe bricks, and like all the other towns in the valley, having its streets laid at right angles to each other. The buildings are small, sparsely located, having large gardens between them. The town is surrounded by a mud wall eight or ten feet high and four or five feet thick, so access to an exit from it can only be obtained through a gate on one principal street at each side of the wall. The wall was built to protect the inhabitants from Indian depredations.
Several meetings between Brigham Young and federal officials took place. After the meeting in Provo, they came to Lehi on June 17th. They called an open-air mass meeting near Bishop Evans’ residence, and addressed the gathering in hope on conciliating them. They affirmed that full amnesty had been granted by the President of the United States. General Johnston’s troops assumed permanent quarters at Camp Floyd in Cedar Valley, eighteen miles west of Lehi.
The shrewd farmers of Lehi immediately started up a brisk trade with the soldiers in grains, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, squash pies, and fodder. The camp was also profitable to Lehi because it furnished employment for many of its laborers. This included cutting and hauling firewood. Carpenters were in demand to build new quarters. Adobe-making also proved to be a profitable occupation. People received articles such as horses, mules, harnesses, wagons and other equipment and implements in return. This trade between Lehi and Camp Floyd continued until it was abandoned in July 1861.
The Clayton family no doubt was affected by the things that took place in the settlement of Lehi, but exactly what their contributions were, we have no record. The character of George leaves little doubt that he did a good share, and perhaps more than he was required, to assist those who had been forced from their homes.
Family tradition says that he worked on the Salt Lake Temple, as a stone mason. After moving to Lehi, he continued to work on the Temple until the time of this death. He would walk to Salk Lake on Monday morning and work all week and walk home on Friday to be with his family and to work on his farm.
No records have been found to indicate the he had been trained or apprenticed as a stone mason in England. The Seventy’s Quorum Biography does not mention learning this trade or working at it. The Census records of England and Utah designate this occupation as follows:
1841 Census - England, Cheshire, Macclesfield Hundred, Romily Twp.
George Clayton age 25 Labourer
Jane Clayton age 30
Martha Clayton age 4
Edward Clayton age 1
1851 Census -England, Cheshire, Macclesfield Hundred, Romily Twp.
George Clayton age 42 Agr. Laborer
Jane Clayton age 42
Martha Clayton age 14 Factory operator
Edward Clayton age 12
Joseph Clayton age 3
1860 Census - U.S. Utah, Utah Co. (Lehi)
George Clayton age 51 Farmer
Jane Clayton age 52
Edward Clayton age 20
Joseph Clayton age 13
It is possible that George developed this skill while working on the temple and no doubt helped lay the foundation stones of the temple, and continued to work on the construction of the building except for the times when work was curtailed during planting and harvesting seasons, specifically in 1856, and for other interruptions such as the period when inhabitants of Salt Lake City moved south in 1858.
The Gospel had a continuing influence in the lives of George Clayton and his wife. One indication of this is indicated in their having received patriarch blessings. George received his blessing by having Patriarch John Young, at Lehi. Jane also received a blessing on the same day, 16 Nov 1859, by Patriarch John Young, at Lehi. It is evident that he and his family endured many hardships of pioneer life and made many sacrifices for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The following excerpts are from the Diary of William F. Rigby, an early settler of Lehi: “3 Nov 1860 started from Wellsville back to Lehi…found wife and two children fine…I sold my house and lot to Brother George Clayton and my farm to William Curney. We left Lehi 5 March 1861.” William Rigby indicates that in 1856 he had built a two room adobe house and also dugout. It seems reasonable to believe that George probably lived in a dugout before he bought William Rigby’s house and lot. Unfortunately, George and his family were not allowed to share much time together under their new circumstances, as he died 1 May 1861, age 51. It is believed his death was caused by cancer which developed from the sore on his mouth that was incurred when he was hooked on the lip by an ox. The injury did not heal properly, and adequate treatment was not available. He is buried in the Lehi cemetery, Lot #21, Block #63.
On Aug 16, 1862, Edward and his mother went to the endowment house in Salt Lake. Edward was proxy for his father when the seal-ordinance was performed to seal his mother Jane, to her husband.
In 1860, the Northern most settlement in Cache Valley was established at Franklin. The soil was fertile and water abundant. It seemed like a good opportunity to secure good land. Lehi was becoming over-crowded, and several Lehi families were planning to make the move to Franklin. Sometime in about 1863, Edward, Joseph and other Lehi families moved to Franklin, Cache Co., (which is now Franklin, Idaho). It is believed that they brought their mother with them. Their sister Martha, who had married Joseph Dorton in 1858 remained in the Lehi area with her husband. They had established a home, and a barn to house the Pony Express horses. It was located on the divide about eight miles out of Lehi-between Lehi and Camp Floyd on the Fairfield Road. They also kept a small grocery store and Joseph continued his trade as a butcher.
Jane Clayton lived with her sons in Franklin and is listed as keeping house in Joseph’s household in the 1870 Census of Utah, Franklin, Cache Co.. She was a very strict English lady and demanded the very best manners. She thought children should be clean always, even when at play. Through all the struggles of pioneer life she held to her testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. On Nov 16, 1870 she was proxy in the Endowment House for several of her Bingham progenitors and relatives.
She spent sometime in Lehi, probably with her daughter, Martha. She received a Patriarchal Blessing in Lehi on 6 Feb 1881. There is also a note in the Franklin ward records which says-“received from Provo 1884”, which seems to indicate that she may have been there for sometime.
Jane Bingham Clayton, died 29 June 1889, age 81 and was buried in Franklin, Franklin Co., Idaho.
The birth and christening of "Jane Bingham" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 990889), which states that she was born on 13 November 1808 and that she was christened on 4 December 1808 in Handsworth, Yorkshire, England, and that her parents were "Thomas Bingham" and "Martha". Also, the birth and death of "Jane Bingham Clayton" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 100464636), which mentions that her obituary states that she was born on 8 November 1808 in "Gleadless Handsworth, Yorkshire, England"; that she died on 29 June 1889 in Franklin, Idaho, and that her parents were "Thomas Bingham" and "Martha Dent".
The 1836 marriage of "George Clayton" and "Jane Bingham" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 1655429), which states that they were married by Banns on 26 December 1836 in Cheadle, Cheshire, England. The marriage was witnessed by Geo. Smith and Ann Clayton.
In the 1841 Census, "Jane Clayton" is listed as being 30 years old (born about 1807-1811), not born in Cheshire, and residing with her apparent husband, George Clayton (age 25), and their two apparent children, Martha (age 4) and Edward (age 1), at: Green Lane, Stockport, Cheshire, England.
In the 1851 Census, "Jane Clayton (who some people have transcribed as "Ann") is listed as being 42 years old (born about 1809), born in Derbyshire, England, married residing with her husband, George Clayton (age 42), and their three children (Martha--age 14, Edward--age 12, and Joseph--age 4), at: Green Lane, Romiley, Cheshire, England.
The birth and death of "Jane Bingham Clayton" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 100464636), which mentions that her obituary states that she was born on 8 November 1808 in "Gleadless Handsworth, Yorkshire, England"; that she died on 29 June 1889 in Franklin, Idaho, and that her parents were "Thomas Bingham" and "Martha Dent".
History of Jane Bingham.
History of George Clayton and Jane Bingham. Extracted from the book "George Clayton, 1810-1861, Roots and Shoots", by Gloria H. Jensen, 1983.
In 25 Sept. 1810, Edward Clayton’s wife, Elizabeth (Betty) gave birth to their fifth child. This was their second son and he was given the name of George. He was born in Fairfield township, in the Parish of Hope, in the county of Derbyshire, which is located in the North Midlands of England.
At this particular time, the nineteenth century, George III was on the throne of England. The industrial revolution (1760-1830) was in full swing. This movement had it’s beginnings in the cotton industry of the neighboring county of Lancashire. This area was also the “hot-pot” of the non-conformists (groups of religious sects that sprang up in opposition to the Church of England). At this time the population was able to move about more rapidly, there were adjustments in employment and great unemployment, and much misery among the working people.
Not much is known of George’s childhood years, but we do know that he also had three younger sisters and a younger brother, which made a total of nine children in the family of Edward Clayton. We can only draw on the events of local and national history to determine the influences and economic struggles that affected this Fairfield family.
A biography copied from the microfilm of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of Seventies, briefly tells some of the events in his life:
[George Clayton] Was born in the parish of Hope in the township of Fairfield, Derbyshire, England, Sept 25th 1810. Fathers name Edward, mother’s Betty. Lived in his father’s house until April 12th 1833, then went to live with Mr. Bennet of Chapel-en-le-Frith in the same county. Lived with him one year, they went to live at Apenshaw, near Manchester at Mr. John Hammond, Inn Keeper. Wished to serve the Lord and obey his commandments, thought he could no do so and live at an Inn, consequently left there on the 28th May 1834. Then went to Bredbury near Stockport, Cheshire, and resolved not to go to service again but work by the day. Went to live with his brother-in-law, Joseph Barlow and engaged to work for John Jewit in the coal pits. [Work in the coal pits was miserable job, working twelve hour shifts with nothing but candle light and without a breath of fresh air. The tunnels were usually only about three feet high so that the workers were in a crouched position for long shifts.] Worked for him about three years and during that time got married to Jane Bingham who was servant to the same man. Was married on the 26th December 1836. Wife was born in the year 1808 in the Parish of Bradway, Derbyshire. [Jane Bingham was the daughter of Thomas Bingham and Martha Dent. She was born 13 Nov 1808 at Gleadless, Handsworth, Yorkshire, England and was christened 4 Dec 1808 in Handsworth] Removed to Romily, Cheshire December 21st 1839. Did not believe in any religious persuasion. In 1840 heard the Gospel preached by Adam Lee, Henry Royle and Thomas Pollit. Was baptized by William Potts, CrossMoor, Cheshire, June 6th 1872, ordained a priest 11 June 1843 by Elder Chas. Miller, Pres. of Manchester conference. Ordained an Elder by Milton Holmes, Nov 16th 1845. Was sent out to preach after performing my weekly labor and was the means of established a branch of eleven members at Marple Bridge. Establishing a branch at Mellor and was placed President over it in 1851. Left a wife and three children behind him. Set sail from Liverpool on the 13th of April and arrived in the valley 16th Oct 1853.
From the Minute Book of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of Seventy, organized 1854, Genealogies of Presidents and members, George Clayton was listed as No. 18 with one addition item of information present address-15th Ward. In the second section of the same book (no date given) he was No. 42 with his present address- Lehi and a note in the remarks column- “dead”.
George Clayton left England 13 April 1853 from Liverpool on the ship Camillus at 12:45 p.m.. He did not have enough money to bring his wife, Jane and their three children (Martha-b 16 July 1837 at Bredbury, Stockport; Edward-b 14 May 1840 at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport and Joseph-b 5 Oct 1847, also at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport and Joseph-b 5 Oct 1847, also at Greenlane, Romily, Stockport, Cheshire), at this time. His wife and children emigrated in 1855 through the Perpetual Emigration Fund Co.
The ship Camillus sailed with 228 persons under leadership of Curtis E. Bolton and arrived at the Port of New Orleans on 7 June 1853. The passenger from this ship traveled with the John Brown Co., which left Keokuk, Iowa on 1 July 1853 with about 303 persons and arrived in Salt Lake 17 Oct., 1853.
On his journey across the plains, he took care of the Church cattle. He milked 40 cows night and morning. While taking care of the animals an ox hooked him on the lip with its horn. He arrived in Salt Lake 17 Oct 1853. The corner stone for the Salt Lake Temple had been laid in Apr. of the same year, and he went to work helping to build the Temple. He also started to build a home for his family and save enough money for him to bring them from England.
Martha and Edward worked long, hard hours in the cotton factories in England to help support the family in their father’s absence, and to save for their trip to America. All the family had been baptized into the Church before their father left. Jane was baptized into the Church before their father left. Jane was baptized 5 Aug 1843 by William Potts and confirmed 11 Aug 1843 by Frederick Thornton; Martha was baptized 23 Mar 1850 by Joshua Dakin and confirmed 24 March 1850 by Joshua Dakin; Edward was baptized 2 Sept 1849 by William Hulme and confirmed by same. These baptisms are recorded in the CrossMoor, Cheshire branch records. They remained faithful to the Church while he was away and always attended their meetings on Sunday. They would take a lunch and walk six miles to the nearest chapel with their mother. Finally after two years they bade goodbye to their native England and boarded the ship Charles Buck, for America. They left Liverpool on 17 Jan 1855, under the leadership of Richard Ballantyne. They arrived in New Orleans on 15th Mar., 1855. They traveled with the Ballantyne Co. to Salt City and arrived in Salt Lake 25 Sept. 1855
It was a happy reunion when they arrived in Salt Lake. George had built a home for his wife and family there. At last the family was together again, and it was a real luxury for them to have a home of their own in which to resume their lives together in this new country.
The winter of 1855 was very severe, with heavy snow and extreme cold. Food was scarce because during the summer of 1855, the grass hoppers did serious damage to crops, destroying nearly everything green in many parts of Utah. The loss and suffering were aggravated by the drought. The combined evils caused a great failure in the crops. It was necessary to eat Sego bulbs, thistle roots, and pig weed “greens” to survive. Many times Martha went to Heber C. Kimball’s home for potato peelings which they washed and cooked for food. They were very grateful to sister Kimball for saving the peelings for them. According to family tradition the family stayed in Salt Lake only one year and then moved to Lehi, to homestead and farm. (Until 1869 the saints did not hold title to land and were merely squatters on the public domain.) (The Homestead Act came in 1862.) The family first appears in the Lehi ward records when Joseph is baptized and George and Jane are both rebaptized- 1 April 1857, at Lehi.
Following the famine of 1856, when all the settlers in Utah were fighting starvation and domestic animals were dying and there was scarcely any grain in the country, a general reformation took place throughout the Church, most of the saints renewing their covenants of baptism. It was a movement to awaken or re-awaken the people to their spiritual responsibility as members of the L.D.S. Church. It wasn’t a change in religion, but a challenge to the saints to change their practices and arouse them from the lethargy into which many had fallen. The movement began in the autumn of 1856 and continued until the close of 1857. Jedidah N. Grant, said, “Purify yourselves, your house, lots, farms and everything around you on the right and on the left, then the spirit of the Lord can dwell with you”.
The harvest of 1857 was the best Utah had ever had up to that time, but a new threat was on the horizon. The U.S. Government was sending an army to Utah. Utah citizens were organized for self-defense. Brigham Young directed all the people North of Utah Co. to leave their homes and proceed Southward. At the same time, measures were taken whereby sufficient men were left behind to set fire to all the houses and chop down all the trees upon the first sign of disorder by the invaders. Thus began the famous “Move” in which George Clayton and all the families in Lehi were destined to play so prominent a part.
The spring of 1858 found 30,000 people migrating Southward. Day after day the citizens of Lehi saw them pass through their borders, a continuous stream, from daylight till dark…covered wagons laden with all manner of household goods; handcarts; men and women mounted on horses or mules; far more of them walking, often barefoot; cattle, sheep and pigs, singly and in herds; all manner of freak conveyances; no end of confusion; and not a little suffering and sorrow. Added to all the rest was almost incessant rain which fell during that spring.
The people of Lehi responded… furnished teams and wagons to help… Every home in the little city was thrown open and each room filled to its capacity; even the Meeting House was placed at the disposal of the refugees. Twenty families stayed in the Meeting House. When all available room had been occupied, the men built cabins against the fort wall, and even made dugouts on the vacant lots in the city… Foodstuffs from the previous crops were brought into requisition, and upon the advice of Bishop Evans, many of the people raised vegetables.
From a letter dated 26 June 1858, the following account is given: Arrived at Lehi, 32 miles South of Salt Lake City… Lehi is a little town of about 1,200 inhabitants, built of sun dried adobe bricks, and like all the other towns in the valley, having its streets laid at right angles to each other. The buildings are small, sparsely located, having large gardens between them. The town is surrounded by a mud wall eight or ten feet high and four or five feet thick, so access to an exit from it can only be obtained through a gate on one principal street at each side of the wall. The wall was built to protect the inhabitants from Indian depredations.
Several meetings between Brigham Young and federal officials took place. After the meeting in Provo, they came to Lehi on June 17th. They called an open-air mass meeting near Bishop Evans’ residence, and addressed the gathering in hope on conciliating them. They affirmed that full amnesty had been granted by the President of the United States. General Johnston’s troops assumed permanent quarters at Camp Floyd in Cedar Valley, eighteen miles west of Lehi.
The shrewd farmers of Lehi immediately started up a brisk trade with the soldiers in grains, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, squash pies, and fodder. The camp was also profitable to Lehi because it furnished employment for many of its laborers. This included cutting and hauling firewood. Carpenters were in demand to build new quarters. Adobe-making also proved to be a profitable occupation. People received articles such as horses, mules, harnesses, wagons and other equipment and implements in return. This trade between Lehi and Camp Floyd continued until it was abandoned in July 1861.
The Clayton family no doubt was affected by the things that took place in the settlement of Lehi, but exactly what their contributions were, we have no record. The character of George leaves little doubt that he did a good share, and perhaps more than he was required, to assist those who had been forced from their homes.
Family tradition says that he worked on the Salt Lake Temple, as a stone mason. After moving to Lehi, he continued to work on the Temple until the time of this death. He would walk to Salk Lake on Monday morning and work all week and walk home on Friday to be with his family and to work on his farm.
No records have been found to indicate the he had been trained or apprenticed as a stone mason in England. The Seventy’s Quorum Biography does not mention learning this trade or working at it. The Census records of England and Utah designate this occupation as follows:
1841 Census - England, Cheshire, Macclesfield Hundred, Romily Twp.
George Clayton age 25 Labourer
Jane Clayton age 30
Martha Clayton age 4
Edward Clayton age 1
1851 Census -England, Cheshire, Macclesfield Hundred, Romily Twp.
George Clayton age 42 Agr. Laborer
Jane Clayton age 42
Martha Clayton age 14 Factory operator
Edward Clayton age 12
Joseph Clayton age 3
1860 Census - U.S. Utah, Utah Co. (Lehi)
George Clayton age 51 Farmer
Jane Clayton age 52
Edward Clayton age 20
Joseph Clayton age 13
It is possible that George developed this skill while working on the temple and no doubt helped lay the foundation stones of the temple, and continued to work on the construction of the building except for the times when work was curtailed during planting and harvesting seasons, specifically in 1856, and for other interruptions such as the period when inhabitants of Salt Lake City moved south in 1858.
The Gospel had a continuing influence in the lives of George Clayton and his wife. One indication of this is indicated in their having received patriarch blessings. George received his blessing by having Patriarch John Young, at Lehi. Jane also received a blessing on the same day, 16 Nov 1859, by Patriarch John Young, at Lehi. It is evident that he and his family endured many hardships of pioneer life and made many sacrifices for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The following excerpts are from the Diary of William F. Rigby, an early settler of Lehi: “3 Nov 1860 started from Wellsville back to Lehi…found wife and two children fine…I sold my house and lot to Brother George Clayton and my farm to William Curney. We left Lehi 5 March 1861.” William Rigby indicates that in 1856 he had built a two room adobe house and also dugout. It seems reasonable to believe that George probably lived in a dugout before he bought William Rigby’s house and lot. Unfortunately, George and his family were not allowed to share much time together under their new circumstances, as he died 1 May 1861, age 51. It is believed his death was caused by cancer which developed from the sore on his mouth that was incurred when he was hooked on the lip by an ox. The injury did not heal properly, and adequate treatment was not available. He is buried in the Lehi cemetery, Lot #21, Block #63.
On Aug 16, 1862, Edward and his mother went to the endowment house in Salt Lake. Edward was proxy for his father when the seal-ordinance was performed to seal his mother Jane, to her husband.
In 1860, the Northern most settlement in Cache Valley was established at Franklin. The soil was fertile and water abundant. It seemed like a good opportunity to secure good land. Lehi was becoming over-crowded, and several Lehi families were planning to make the move to Franklin. Sometime in about 1863, Edward, Joseph and other Lehi families moved to Franklin, Cache Co., (which is now Franklin, Idaho). It is believed that they brought their mother with them. Their sister Martha, who had married Joseph Dorton in 1858 remained in the Lehi area with her husband. They had established a home, and a barn to house the Pony Express horses. It was located on the divide about eight miles out of Lehi-between Lehi and Camp Floyd on the Fairfield Road. They also kept a small grocery store and Joseph continued his trade as a butcher.
Jane Clayton lived with her sons in Franklin and is listed as keeping house in Joseph’s household in the 1870 Census of Utah, Franklin, Cache Co.. She was a very strict English lady and demanded the very best manners. She thought children should be clean always, even when at play. Through all the struggles of pioneer life she held to her testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. On Nov 16, 1870 she was proxy in the Endowment House for several of her Bingham progenitors and relatives.
She spent sometime in Lehi, probably with her daughter, Martha. She received a Patriarchal Blessing in Lehi on 6 Feb 1881. There is also a note in the Franklin ward records which says-“received from Provo 1884”, which seems to indicate that she may have been there for sometime.
Jane Bingham Clayton, died 29 June 1889, age 81 and was buried in Franklin, Franklin Co., Idaho.
Marriage Notes for George Clayton and Jane Bingham-424
The 1836 marriage of "George Clayton" and "Jane Bingham" is listed in FamilySearch (FHL Film # 1655429), which states that they were married by Banns on 26 December 1836 in Cheadle, Cheshire, England. The marriage was witnessed by Geo. Smith and Ann Clayton.
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-444
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.