Ancestral histories

JOHN LOTHROPP 

(1584-1653)

Reformer, Sufferer, Puritan, Man of God      

From the book "John Lothropp"
Richard Woodruff Price and Associates

(Excerpts used by permission)

John Lothropp has been ranked as one of the four most prominent colonial ministers in America. His spiritual and political strength not only was emulated by his sons and daughters, but has been evidenced in the lives of thousands of his descendants in the past four centuries. They include presidents of the United States, a prime minister of Canada, authors, financiers, politicians, and last but certainly not least, key leaders among religious groups throughout the centuries and spanning the continent.

In the East Riding of Yorkshire, 180 miles due north of London, lies the small parish of Lowthorpe. The old Danish termination THORPE, usually altered to throp, refers to an outlying farmstead or hamlet. The Lowthorpe church, dedicated to Saint Martin during the reign of Richard II (1377-1400), was originally a very handsome structure, but in the twentieth century it stands partially ruined and the tower and chancel are almost entirely overgrown with ivy. The Gothic architecture of the church indicates that it was built about the time of Edward III (1327-77). One of its chaplains, not surprisingly, was Robert de Louthorp. Today the parish has 181 residents; but the family names of Lowthrop, Lothropp, Lathrop, and other variations scattered around the world derive from this parish.

    

The proven pedigree of John Lothropp begins with John Lowthrop, his great-grandfather. Early in the sixteenth century, [during the reign of King Henry VIII], John Lowthrop was living in Cherry Burton and held extensive lands there—and in neighboring areas. He appeared on a Yorkshire subsidy roll where he was assessed twice as much as any other inhabitant of the parish because he owned at least twice as much property. John Lowthrop's estate went to his son Robert.

Robert must have been shrewd or lucky or both, for during his lifetime, those properties increased considerable. Robert's oldest son, Thomas, was born in Cherry Burton. About 1576 Thomas moved to Etton, the parish bordering Cherry Burton, and it was there in 1584 that his son, our John, was born. Thomas died in Etton in 1606 when John was twenty-two years old and a student at Cambridge.

Little is known about John until his matriculation at Queens College, Cambridge, in 1601 [during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I]. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1605 and, in 1607, on his twenty-third birthday, John was ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Lincoln and began service for the Church of England as a curate of Bennington, Hertfordshire. After graduation in 1609 with a Master of Arts degree, John Lothropp was admitted as the perpetual curate in charge of the Egerton Church in Kent, a parish four miles east of Eastwell and forty-eight miles southeast of London. This was the second and last parish in which he officiated for the Anglican Church. The Egerton Church was a beautiful structure standing on the summit of a rounded hill and visible from a great distance. 

On 10 October 1610, while curate of Egerton Church, John was wed in the neighboring parish of Eastwell to Hannah Howse, the daughter of John and Alice Howse. John Howse was rector of Eastwell, the church to which Egerton was a curacy. John had, coincidentally, been the curate at Egerton previously.

In July of 1604, King James I proclaimed: "We have thought good to give time to all ministers disobedient to the orders of the Church, and to ecclesiastical authority here by law established, until the last of November now next ensuing, to bethink themselves of the course they will hold therein. In which meantime, both then may resolve either to conform themselves to the Church of England, and obey the same, or else to dispose of themselves and their families some other way, as to them shall seem meet.

Following this and other similar declarations by the King and the Church, three hundred Puritan clergymen withdrew from the Church of England, complaining bitterly of the trials and privations to which they were reduced. John Lothropp would later join the Puritans as he sought to follow his own convictions.

At Egerton, John Lothropp labored faithfully as long as he could approve of the ritual and government of the Anglican Church. But when he could bear it no longer, he renounced he orders to fulfill the ministry to which his conscience and his heart had called him. In 1623, at the age of thirty-nine, with five children to support—a sixth died in infancy - John left the Church of England and subscribed to the teachings of the Independent Church, often called the Separatist or Congregational Church.

In 1624, John Lothropp was called to succeed the Reverend Henry Jacob, the first minister of the Independent Church, who had resigned his position of eight years in London to leave for Virginia. The congregation of Jacob and Lothropp was often violently assailed by the Anglicans, and its meetings were interrupted, but the congregation remained steadfast.

Charles I who came to the throne in 1525, tried to make all political and religious institutions conform to his will. He found Parliament uncooperative in fulfilling his wishes, so he tried to rule alone. He had to raise his own money by reviving obsolete customs and duties. He levied tonnage and poundage (import/export duties). He revived compulsory knighthood, requiring every subject whose income was forty pounds a year to accept knighthood or pay a fine. (English men preferred the fines to the obligations of knighthood.) The King sold monopolies, titles, and church positions to the highest bidder and enforced the collection of fines against Roman Catholics who refused to take an oath of allegiance. He mortgaged crown lands, pawned the crown jewels, and collected free gifts from knights and other selected persons. He defied Parliament by levying taxes without approval, rousing particular furor by levy of Ship Money. This was a tax usually imposed on port cities to build and equip warships which Charles extended to all communities.

William Laud, Bishop of London, equalled the single-mindedness of his sovereign in his opposition to the Puritan movement which had begun in the 1500's. The Puritans wanted simpler forms of worship and stricter controls over morals. Bishop Laud, with the cooperation of King James I and his successor, Charles I, had canons decreed for the excommunication of all who opposed him and his doctrines, or who did not affirm that the Church of England was the true apostolic church.

Any persons who separated themselves from the Church, "and [took] unto themselves the names of another church not established by law" could be accused of heresy. Repeated offenses could lead to charges of high treason, punishable by death, usually by burning at the stake.

In 1633, Charles I elevated Bishop Laud to Archbishop of Canterbury and empowered him to reform the entire Church of England. Laud, determined to impose a uniform system of worship on all Englishmen, outlawed unadorned buildings and simple services, reviewed and licensed all publications, held public burnings of books and pamphlets which did not pass the censor, denounced landowners who were encroaching on church lands for private profit, and ordered inspection tours of all parishes to determine the orthodoxy of the clergy and the use of the Book of Common Prayer.

Together, King Charles and Archbishop Laud prosecuted scores of Puritans on charges, real and imagined, before the king's courts. Cruel punishments, long unused, were revived; branding, nose splitting, amputation of ears, enormous fines, and long imprisonments.

Laud sent out a mandate ordering constables and other authorities to seek out groups who might be having religious meetings not under Anglican jurisdiction. When they found such private and illegal church gatherings, they were to seize, apprehend, and attack all persons involved, and to keep them in safe custody until they could be dealt with by the established clergy. A special watch was kept on eleven congregations in London, one of which was John Lothropp's group.

On 22 April 1632 Reverend Lothropp's group met for worship as usual, in the house of Humphrey Barnet, a brewer's clerk in Black Friars, London. Suddenly, the room was invaded by a ruffian band led by Tomlinson, Archbishop Laud's warrant-officer. They overpowered the Christian group's resistance and seized forty-two men. Only eighteen escaped. Handed over in fetters, they lingered for months in Newgate prison, which had been made for felons.

By the spring of 1634, all but John Lothropp were released from prison on bail. As their leader and the chief offender, he was deemed too dangerous to be set free. It was said of Lothropp that "his genius will still haunt all the pulpits in ye country, when any of his scolers may be admitted to preach."

During his stay in prison, John Lothropp became convinced that the superstitious usages of the Church of England were wrong and he rejected their ceremonies as relics of idolatry. With a desire to reform the Sacrament of bread and wine, and to abandon the use of the surplice (a gown worn by the clergy), the sign of the cross in baptism, and other outward ceremonies and forms, Lothropp joined hands with the Puritans, even though he did not agree wholeheartedly with their religious views.

Even as he took this stand virtually guaranteeing to keep him behind bars, a fatal sickness weakened his wife, Hannah, and left her near death. The "New England's Memorial," (1699), by Nathaniel Morton gives this touching account of the incident and the events which followed:

His wife fell sick, of which sickness she died. He procured liberty of the bishop to visit his wife before her death, and commended her to God by prayer, who soon gave up the ghost. At his return to prison, his poor children, being many, repaired to the Bishop at Lambreth, and made known unto him their miserable condition by reason of their father's being continued in close durance, who commiserated their condition so far as to grant him liberty, who soon after came over into New England.

At Hannah's death, the seven surviving Lothropp children ranged in ages from five to eighteen years. One source indicates that Lothropp's followers dressed the children in their best and presented them to Archbishop Laud, demanding to know who was to care for them.

After the death of his wife, Lothropp petitioned for liberty to go into foreign exile, and the petition was granted 24 April 1634. He was required to give a bond and his word that he would not "be present at any private conventicles [gatherings]." He did, however, delay his departure long enough to reorganize the meetings of his congregation.

On the 12 June 1634, order was given by the High Commission Court that "John Lothropp, of Lambeth Marsh, be attached if he appear not on the next court day." 

When he did not appear, an order was given that Lothropp was to be imprisoned again if he did not appear in court on June 19. He did not appear, and another deadline, October 9, passed. Finally, on 19 February 1635, Lothropp and his compatriot, Samuel Eaton, were ordered taken into custody for contempt. By this time, however, Lothropp was in New England. John, accompanied by six of his seven living children, thirty-two members of his church, and many others, had sailed on the GRIFFIN from London to Boston. Eaton did not fare as well and reportedly died in a London prison 31 August 1639.

This band of Puritans left for New England filled with confidence that they could create a new world. They believed that God would bless their efforts with prosperity. They intended to apply their doctrine, that each person is responsible for his or her own salvation, directly to their experience in the new land. They defined social good in terms of the free individual: individual effort, plus public service, equals private profit.

The trip across the Atlantic was uneventful. John Lothropp apparently owned the only Bible aboard ship. While reading it one evening, he fell asleep; hot tallow from the candle dripped onto several pages, burning a hole through them. John later obtained paper and pasted it over the partially burned pages, then hand-printed from memory the lines of scripture which had been destroyed. This 1606 Bible is on display in the Sturgis Library in Barnstable, Massachusetts, in a room of John Lothropp's original house, now restored and made part of the library."

John(4) Lothropp (Thomas(3), Robert(2), John(1) the immigrant, was baptized at Etton 20 December 1584. He died 8 November and was buried at Barnstable, Mass., 10 November 1653. He married first, in Eastwell, Kent, 10 October 1610, HANNAH, daughter of John and Alice____ Howse. John Howse was rector of Eastwell and baptized some of John and Hannah's sons in that parish. HANNAH HOWSE died in London, 16 February 1633, before JOHN had been released from prison. JOHN subsequently married ANN____ before 14 June 1635.

Children (by first wife, HANNAH HOWSE):

Thomas, Jane, Anne, John, Barbara, Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin.

Raphael Clement is a descendant of John Lothropp through John's son, Samuel. Samuel Lothropp had a daughter named Martha. Martha married John Moss. Descended from Martha and John Moss, was Rebecca Barker who married Ebenezer Foote. Ebenezer's son David Foote married Irene Lane. 

David's daughter Betsey Foote married Thomas Clement, son of Darius Clement and Mehitable Griswold. Betsey and Thomas Clement are the parents of Darius Salem Clement, (Mormon Pioneer), who married Louisa Kelsey. Their son Darius Albert Clement married Mary Ann Cox, and they were the parents of Raphael Clement who married Pearl Olsen. Raphael and Pearl Olsen Clement had a family of ten children whose names are given below in order of their birth: Don Raph, Bud LaVon, Beverly Darlene, DeVon A, Carroll Gene, Barbara Eleane, Shanna Lee, Charles Ray, Gary, Susan Diane.

 

Foote Family

 NATHANIEL FOOTE

of Westerfield, Connecticut. Immigrant to America (early 1630s)   

The Foote Coat of Arms of Nathaniel Foote the settler, stands for "Loyalty and Truth".

The Foote, Lane, Kelsey, and Griswold families, and most likely the Clement's, were all Colonial Americans, who contributed to the establishment of the original Massachusetts Bay Colony. They were all early settlers of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, and many served as soldiers in the 1776 War of the Revolution.

Robert Foote(1), m. Ellen Warren;

Robert Foote(2), b.abt 1553, Royston, Herts., England, d. 27 Jan 1608, m. Joane Brooke, b. abt 1564 at London, London, England;

Nathaniel Foote(3), the immigrant settler in America, b.abt 1593, Colchester, Essex, England, d. 1644, Wethersfield, Hartford Co, Conn. He was born during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the I. m. abt 1615 to Elizabeth Deming, b. abt 1595, at Shalford, Essex, England, d. 28 July 1683 at Wethersfield, Hartford Co, Ct. 

Robert Foote(4), b.abt 1629, Ipswich, England, d.1679-81, m. abt 1659 to Sarah Potter, b. 22 Aug 1641 at New Haven, New Haven Co, Ct. 

Nathaniel Foote(5), b.13 April 1660, Wallingford, New Haven, Ct, (or) New Haven, New Haven Co, Ct, d.1714, m. Tabitha Bishop. 

Moses Foote(6) b.13 January 1702, Branford, New Haven Co, Ct, d. Feb.1770, m. Mary Byington, b. Farmington, Ct. 

Ebenezer Foote(7), b.21 May 1740, Plymouth, Litchfield Co, Ct, d.1778 at Mud Fort, Horse Neck, Ct, as a soldier in the war of the American Revolution, m. Rebecca Barker, b. Waterbury, New Haven Co, Ct, d. Dryden, Tompkins Co, NY.

David Foote(8), b.7 August 1768, Harwinton, Litchfield Co, Ct, d.22 Aug 1845, Nauvoo, Hancock Co, Illinois, m. Irene Lane, b. Chesterfield, Hmp, Mass, d.5 Mar 1846 at Nauvoo, Hancock Co, Ill; 

Betsey Foote Clement(9), b.8 February 1794, Windsor, Broome Co, New York, d.8 Nov 1846, m. *Thomas Clement, b. 1 Apr 1792, Brant Lake, Warren Co, NY, d.18 May 1842, Dryden, Tompkins Co, NY;

Darius Salem Clement(10), b.24 November 1834, Dryden, Tompkins Co, New York, d.22 May 1917, Mesa, Maricopa Co, Ariz, m. Louisa Kelsey, b.9 Aug 1844, Nauvoo, Hancock Co, Ill, d. 17 Nov 1919, Fairview, Sanpete Co, Utah.

Darius Albert Clement(11), b.30 December 1869, St. Joseph, Lincoln Co, Nevada, d. 19 July 1959, Kennewick, Benton Co, Washington, m. Mary Ann Cox, b.25 Jan 1871, Fairview, Sanpete Co, Utah, d. 12 Oct. 1928, Fairview, Sanpete Co, Utah.

Raphael Clement(12), b. 3 September 1899, Fairview, Sanpete Co, Utah, d. 24 November 1955, Richland, Benton, Washington, m. Pearl Olsen, b. 12 August 1904, Pigeon Hollow (six miles northeast of Ephraim), Utah, d.18 July 1991, Orem, Utah Co, Utah.

                    ...................

NATHANIEL FOOTE, the first settler in America in the early 1630's, was born about 1593; married in England about 1615 to Elizabeth Deming, sister of John Deming, who was one of the first settlers of Wethersfield, Connecticut. She was born about 1595. He d. about 1644. She married second, about 1646, Thomas Welles. He was magistrate, afterwards Governor of the Colony. He died 1644. She d. July 28, 1683.

Nathaniel Foote, one of the first settlers of Wethersfield, Ct, belongs not to that class of men who fill a large place in the world's history because called by some great emergency into positions of power and influence - but to that more meritorious class of pious and excellent persons, who, born to the great inheritance of labor, walk meekly along the paths of common life, perform every duty, public or private, love and help their fellow men, and act always as if in their Great Task Master's eye. It is to such men that society owes at once its peace, stability and progress, and yet history takes no note of such, and hence, "The world knows nothing of its greatest men."

His business in life was that of agriculture - necessarily the leading pursuit of New England in its early history, when the forests were to be felled, the soil broken up, the seeds of all the grains, and plants and fruits which constitute the food of men and beasts to be sown, and its great staples of commercial exchange supplied.

And in every period of society the agriculture population has proved of the highest importance to the wealth, dignity and strength of a State. 

It is the boast of Connecticut, and of Wethersfield in particular, to have had from the beginning a large population of intelligent, industrious and pious farmers in her population, and that the ranks of her merchants, her mechanics, her seamen and her professional men have been replenished by contributions drawn from this source. To this she undoubtedly owed her reputation for steady habits, and the domestic peace which has reigned continuously in her borders. 

To this class of her population Mr. Foote belonged - he was an intelligent, pious and industrious farmer, and, like all of that class of farmers, he was from time to time summoned to the discharge of public trusts by his neighbors and townsmen.

From all we can learn Mr. Foote came from Shalford, in Colchester, Essex, England, and settled in Watertown, Mass. The first mention made of his name is in the Records of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in 1633, when he took the oath of freeman. In the "Records of the Grants and Possession of the Lands in Watertown," in which town Mr. Foote first located himself, the following entry is made: 

                        "Nathaniel Foote"

"l. An homstall of sixteen acres by estimation, bounded ye north and northwest wth ye highway, the south and southwest wth Jeremiah Norcross, granted to him.

"2. Two acres of marsh by estimation, bounded ye south wth ye River, the north wth Henry Curtis, the east wth John Firmin, and the west wth John Smith, granted to him."

Whether Mr. Foote was among the pioneers from Watertown, who made the first lodgment in, or before, 1635, on the banks of the Connecticut at Pyquag, (now Wethersfield) is not known, but his name is found in its first Records, and among those to whom the first distribution of land was made; and he, therefore, must have shared all the dangers and privations of that long and toilsome journey through the wilderness in 1636, and have encountered all the horrors and trials of the first winter in their new home. [There is now a monument standing in Wethersfield, Conn., bearing the name of Nathaniel Foote].

And how difficult it is for us, in our comfortable dwellings, or traversing with every means and appliance of comfort, the distance between Wethersfield and Boston, to realize the sufferings of that journey and of that first winter here! 

We never can be too thankful that courage and strength was meted out to them in proportion to their trials. For them, the trail of the Indian, too narrow for teams or herds - the unbridged stream and morass - the steep hill - the dangers from wild beasts or from savage men, were not enough to cause them to turn back. It was not 'till winter had come down from the north to lock up the streams, 'till the fire in their temporary lodgments could not keep out the biting cold, 'till famine stared them in the face, that they turned again for food and shelter to the coast; and when spring returned, they were again on their way, with their thinned ranks recruited, to commence anew the work of settlement.

In a few years we find them, with their brethren in Hartford and Windsor, Connecticut, laying the foundations of a Commonwealth in which they aim "to maintain and preserve the liberty and purity of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus," and "to be governed and guided by such laws, rules, orders and decrees as shall be made, ordained and declared" by the General Court, to be appointed by the freemen of the Commonwealth. 

To found a State under any circumstances has ever been counted among the great works of great men, but to found a State, in which the equal rights of all men are so well recognized and guarded, in the wilderness, amid the trials of frost and famine, and with daily, hourly, constant apprehension of assault and butchery from the savage, is no common event in the world's history, and should be ever remembered by those who have enjoyed its protection.

In the original distribution of the lands of the town, as recorded in 1640, Mr. Foote had assigned him a house lot of ten acres on the east side of Broad street, near the south end of the street. A part of this lot is now owned and occupied by Mr. Josiah Adams. Mr. Foote became the owner of several other tracts of land, laying partly in the Great Meadow east of his house lot, and containing in the whole, upwards of four hundred acres. The cultivation of his land constituted his main business, although he was called by his neighbors to participate in the public trusts of the town, and in 1644 was appointed a delegate to the General Court.

Mr. Foote married in England, about the year 1615, to Elizabeth Deming, sister of Mr. John Deming, who was one of the first settlers of Wethersfield, and for many years one of the magistrates of the Colony of Connecticut, and one of the patentees named in its charter. 

His children were all born in England, except perhaps the youngest. Mr. Foote died in 1644, aged about 51 years, and was buried in the ancient burying ground in the rear of the Meeting House, where are gathered together the ashes of nine generations. He left behind him, surviving, a widow, two sons and five daughters. He left no will. At a Particular Court held at Hartford, November 20, 1644, the following inventory of his property and distribution of his real estate were exhibited, and an order of court granting administration on his estate and directing a distribution to be made, was passed.

An inventory of the goods and lands of Nathaniel Foote, of Wethersfield, deceased, being truly taken and indifferently prised by Richard Tratte, Samuel Smith and Nath. Dickinson.

                                           (pownds/shillings)

His purse and apparrell     7.16.00

in neat cattell and in hay   93.00.00

in horsse fleshe   34.00.00

in hoggs                                   66.00.00

in debts                                   29.00.00

in Englishe corne                          70.00.00

in goats                                    3.15.00

in carts, ploughs and the furniturr 

belonging theretoo                     6.00.00

in nayles                                   1.10.00

in Indian corn                             8.00.00

in old wheat and pease                      6.06.00

for certen things in the chamber            2.00.00

ffor amunition                              5.00.00

for fower beds wth the furniture            13.06.00

in fyne Lynnen                              5.10.00

2 table boards, 2 chests, Trunke wth other

Implets                                5.00.00

pewter and brasse and other useful vessell 12.00.00

in husbandry tools                          3.00.00 

in beife butter and cheese and other

necessary pvision for the howse        8.14.00

in poultry                                  1.00.00

                                              ___________ 

                                              380.17.00

                    The Land

Ten acres of home lots wth one dwelling house and 2 barnes wth other buildings thereuppon.

4 acres of home lotts.

6 acres of meadow wth an acre of swampe.

   20 acres of plaine fenced in being 14 ac broke up.

    7 acres of the plaine meadow plowed up.

   20 acres in the great meadow of hay ground.

    4 acres in the bever meadow.

   27 acres of swampe ground

   81 acres of upland in the weste field.

   32 rod broad beyond the River being three myles in length.

                                   Richard Treat

                                       Samuel Smith

                                       Nathaniel Dickenson

         Land devided to the Wydowe ffoote.    212.00.00

Land devided to the eldest sonne.     126.10.00

   *Land for the youngest sonne.           65.00.00   

          

                

The age of the 5 children Dwelling wth their mother.       Nath: ffoote 24 years

   *Rob ffoote(2) about 17 years

Frances about 15 years

Sarah about 12 years

Rebecka about 10 years

The wyddowe of the said Nath: ffoote is admitted to administer the Estate, and the eldest sonne is to have the lands before mentioned as they are valued at 1261.10s wch is to be made uppe 1481, and the youngest sonne the pticular landes above mentioned for him at 651. wich is to be made uppe 741. and the daughters disposed in marriedge are to have 301. a peece wch they have receevede made uppe 741. and the other children are to have 741 a peece prvided it is lefte at the dispose of their mother to detracte from any of them if shee see just cause 51. of the portion here sett downe, and to adde yt to such of the other as best desearve yt.

"At a Particular court holden December 12, 1644. Present - Edward Hopkins, Esq., Governor; John Haynes, Esq., Deputy Governor, and the several Magistrates.

"Mr. Heynes and Mr. Willis are desired to consider of the estate of Nath:ffoote, deceased, and to take in what help they please from any of the neighbors to advise how yt may be Disposed of, and to report there apprehensions to the next Court."

Mrs. Elizabeth Foote Welles died July 28, 1683, aged about 88 years. She left a will which was exhibited to and approved by the "Particular Court," August, 1683. 

(Ref -"Foote Family. Genealogy and History of Nathaniel Foote", by Abram W. Foote. Genealogical Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah. If interested in Elizabeth Deming Foote's will, it is published in this book.)

ELIZABETH DEMING FOOTE 

(1595 - 1683)

ELIZABETH DEMING began her career as wife, mother, and matriarch in 1615, when she married Nathaniel FOOTE. She was 20, he was 22. She was born in 1595, in England, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and was undoubtedly named after Queen Elizabeth. (Was she, like the Queen, called Bess?) Six children were born to them in the years when the Puritans found themselves more and more oppressed, and the lure of a new life in a new land grew irresistible.

The FOOTES sailed across the Atlantic during the great wave of immigration to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early 1630's. With them came Elizabeth's two young brothers, Thomas and John Deming. They must have still been minors, as they were the same age as some of her own children. We don't know whether Thomas and John were raised by their sister after their parents died, or if those parents had entrusted them to her in the hope they would find religious freedom and a better life in the New World. In any event, they were fed, clothed, educated, given a home, and taught "the doctrines and moral precepts of Christianity."

Nathaniel FOOTE settled his family in Watertown, just across the Mystic River from Boston, on a homelot of 16 acres. Nathaniel took his oath as a freeman in 1633, which meant that he and his family were members in good standing of the church and community. The following year, Elizabeth's last child, Rebecca, was born.

In 1634, Nathaniel and nine other men with their families moved to the banks of the Connecticut River - Wethersfield. While her husband accumulated and farmed 400 acres of land, Elizabeth organized her household, garden, children, servants, and guests. The house on the corner of Broad St. and Carpenter Lane was the usual Connecticut house of that time, with two downstairs rooms on either side of the chimney (a parlor/master bedroom and a kitchen/dining room); and above these were two more rooms reached by a narrow staircase. Unmarried women slept in one, and unmarried men in the other; while above, was an attic used for storage. In time, a lean-to was added which gave another bedroom and summer kitchen that served as a cold storage pantry in the winter.

Much had to be done, and it was all supervised by Elizabeth. The FOOTES raised cattle for beef that was "corned," and the milk from their cows was made into cheese and butter. Meat from hogs was salted down in large barrels for export and sale to Boston, the Barbados, and England. The "hoggs" yielded ham, bacon, sausage, head cheese, salt pork, and pickled pig's feet for the family. Goats were raised, and poultry for eggs, meat, and feathers. Horses were needed for farm use, as well as transportation; and all animals that were not slaughtered in the fall had to be fed over the long New England winter.

The most important food plants were new to the Puritans: Indian corn and pumpkin. Housewives had to experiment to create palatable dishes from these unknown foods. Beans, peas, turnips, parsnips, carrots, and cucumbers were also grown and preserved.

Elizabeth Deming FOOTE was obviously highly skilled, as the Court appointed her to administer Nathaniel's estate when he died. Normally, this duty would fall to the oldest son (Nathaniel was 24); so it was an unusual public tribute to a woman of exceptional business acumen and ability. At the age of 49, Elizabeth Deming FOOTE found herself a wealthy widow with a considerable estate; and she was eagerly sought after.

One of her suitors was a judge of the Particular Court, before which she had appeared. Thomas Welles, a widower with several small children, was Secretary of the Colony. Eventually, he became deputy governor and held the position of Governor of Connecticut for two one-year terms, in 1655 and 1658. Elizabeth insisted she would not leave Wethersfield; so having arranged their possessions to their mutual satisfaction (as was the Puritan custom), Thomas Welles bought an 18-acre homelot backing onto the river, and he brought his new wife there, joining her family with his.

Instead of "Goodwife FOOTE," she was now addressed as "Mistress Welles," which marked a distinct social class difference to the Puritans. Since her husband must be gone frequently to Hartford on government business, with her usual aptitude, his new wife ran the Welles farming enterprise and the household, while her 26-year-old son ran the FOOTE farm. In 1655, at the age of 34, her son died, leaving four small children. His widow married William Gull, and the homestead Elizabeth had carved from the wilderness passed out of her control.

On the cold night of 14 Jan 1660, Thomas Welles "being very well at supper," was dead before midnight. Elizabeth was 73. Years passed, and in 1675, the dreadful King Philip's War broke out, bringing tragedy to Elizabeth's family. The husbands of both her daughter Frances and her granddaughter Hannah were killed in a battle with the Indians. Then on 19 Sep 1678, Indians attacked the settlers at Hatfield. Frances' daughter Hannah was captured with two of her children and taken to Canada. Her husband, Stephen Jennings, upon discovering that his wife with other captives were alive in Quebec, arranged for their ransom, no doubt with a generous contribution from Elizabeth. Hannah had given birth to a daughter that she named Captivity.

In 1678, Elizabeth fell sick and dictated her will on the 28th of March. The following year, her son *Robert died. In 1683, smallpox swept through the colonies, and Elizabeth Deming FOOTE Welles caught the dread disease. She died on 28 July 1683, at the age of 88. She left more than 42 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and an extremely large estate, for those times, of 328+ pounds.

This courageous lady had led a long and busy life, surviving the voyage across the Atlantic, the first harsh winter of 1634, becoming the wife of the largest landholder in Connecticut with all of the duties that position entailed, and finally, the wife of the Governor of Connecticut. God indeed had smiled on Elizabeth Deming.

(Elizabeth Deming was condensed from an article contributed by F.B. Wichman, Amherst, MA, 01002.)

DAVID FOOTE   

(1768-1845)

                   

We now move down a few generations to David Foote, 5th in descent from Nathaniel and Elizabeth Deming Foote of Wethersfield, Connecticut, and introduce David, his wife Irene Lane Foote, and their youngest son Warren. 

From here on throughout the FOOTE and CLEMENT HISTORIES, below, will be some extracts from the journal of Warren Foote, a first rate journalist. Warren helps us get a picture of the "Old" Darius Clement/David Foote family backgrounds since both families were contemporaries living as neighbors in Dryden, New York.

Other accounts will be from the "Centennial History of the Town of Dryden, 1797-1897", by Geo. E. Goodrich.

It will begin by Warren describing his father's family; "My father David Foote was born in Harwinton, Litchfield Co. Conn., on Aug. 7th 1768, and was a descendant of Nathaniel Foote, who came from England with his wife Elizabeth Deming and their family about the year 1633, and first settled at Watertown, Mass. From this place they removed to Pyquag, Connecticut (which was later named Weathersfield) with the pioneers who settled that place in 1635. My father was the fifth in descent from him. His father Ebenezer Foote died in the Revolutionary army at Mud Fort, Horse Neck Connecticut, when father was in his tenth year. His mother married Ezekiel Sanford, a widower, and a comrade of her deceased husband. They moved from Harwinton soon after the close of the war, to Windsor, Broome Co, New York, in 1798).

At this place my father married Irene Lane, daughter of Nathan Lane and his wife Dorcas Muscroft, who were pioneers of that place. My mother, Irene Lane, was born on November 2, 1774 in Chesterfield, Mass. (Warren Foote, V3,p.185-6)

My parents had but three children when they removed to Dryden (Willow Glen), New York, namely; Laura, born 23 April 1792; *Betsey, born 8 Feb. 1794;  Nancy, born 19 May 1797. 

The rest of their children were all born in Dryden as follows: Melinda, b.21 Feb 1800; Irene, b.20 June 1803; Dorcas, b.9 Jan 1806, d. age 3 mo.; Almira, b.25 Feb 1808; Clarissa, b.16 June 1810; David, b.24 Aug 1812; George, b.16 Apr 1814; Warren, b.10 Aug 1817; Harrison, b.5 July 1819, died age 3 yrs." (Warren Foote Journal).

In the Centennial History of Dryden, p.16, there is an interesting notation which tells us that, "Upon reliable authority, Melinda, the daughter of David Foote, was born at Willow Glen, on 21 Feb. 1800, and was therefore, the first native-born child." Melinda would be David and Irene's fourth child.

The settlement of Willow Glen dates back as early as 1798, when three of the very earliest pioneer families settled at Willow Glen. They consisted of Ezekiel Sanford, his wife [Rebecca] and one son; David Foote, his wife [Irene] and three daughters - [Laura (age 6), Betsey (age 4), and Nancy, 1 yr.]; Ebenezer Clauson, his wife, one son and two daughters, making in all a party of thirteen persons, who came to Dryden over the new State Road, with a single team of oxen drawing a heavy ox sled of the olden times, which was made with wooden shoes and a heavy split pole. This conveyance carried all of the household furniture of the three families, which we infer from that fact could not then have been very rich in housekeeping materials.

Sanford located opposite the residence of the late Elias W. Cady, Clauson on the premises now owned and occupied by Moses Rowland, while Foote built his log hut between the two. They are said to have passed a very "comfortable winter," subsisting largely upon the abundant game found in the new country, the oxen being supplied with plenty of browse from the trees. That they were able to live through the winter at all in this way is a mystery to us of the present age, who are supplied with so many of the comforts and luxuries of life. 

It seemed to the writer at first impossible that cattle could be wintered on "browse" without hay or grain, but he is assured by old men that such is not the case, and that it was not uncommon in old times when fodder was scarce to fell trees in the woods, especially maple and basswood, so that cattle could have access to the tops for their subsistence. 

Of the first three families to locate there in 1798, so far as possible to learn, the Clausons have no descendants now residing in town, while Ezekiel Sanford and David Foote are the ancestors of quite a number of the present inhabitants.

On March 1802, it was voted "that the township of Dryden be set off from Ulysses." From this we infer that the name Dryden was commonly applied to Township No. 23 before it had a separate political existence, which was effected by an Act of the Legislature passed Feb. 22, 1803. At the first town meeting, held at the home of Captain George Robertson, March 1, 1803, the following officers were chosen:

Supervisor - Geo. Robertson

Town Clerk - Joel Hull

Assessors - John Ellis, Joel Hull, Peleg Ellis

Constable and Collector - Daniel Lacy

Poormasters - William Garrison, Philip S. Robertson

Commissioners of Highways - Lewis Fortner, Ezekiel Sanford, William Harned.

Fence Viewers and Overseers of Highways - Amnah Peet, Ebenezer Clauson, David Foote, Joseph Schofield.

Pound Master - John Montayney.  (Dryden Centennial Hist).

Warren gives us a well rounded picture of his father and family when living in Dryden from 1798: "My father, David Foote, was a man of a strong constitution. He was about five feet, eight and one half inches in height, compactly built, and weighed about 175 lbs. He never had the privilege of obtaining much scholastic education, as the Revolution was going on during his boyhood. He, in common with other people during the struggle of the Colonies, was inured to hardships and privations, and sometimes in want of the necessaries of life. I have heard him relate how he and his partner, when they were young men living in Windsor, New York, cut sawlogs to raft down the Susquehanna river, had nothing but buckwheat pancakes to take into the woods for their dinner, and they would freeze before noon.

He could swing an axe or a scythe all day long without much apparent fatigue, at my first recollection. Such were the characters in general of the pioneers of Dryden. The dense forests were no terror to them. 

It can readily be seen that my parents had a hard struggle to sustain their family in the early years of pioneer life in Dryden, as they had eight daughters in succession, one of whom died in infancy. But the older ones took the place of boys, [one being Betsey] in clearing off the land, by piling and burning the brush, and doing chores, etc. And besides this,Mother and the girls carded and spun the wool, (father [David Foote] had a small herd of sheep) and the flax and tow, and made it into cloth, and did considerable weaving for their neighbors. All my clothing was homespun till I was about eighteen years of age, when I bought some blue broadcloth for a suit of Sunday clothes and got a tailor to make them. But our homemade clothing was not like the shoddy of these days. A suit of clothes would last as long as two of our common suits of today.

At my first remembrance our woolen cloth was taken from the loom to the clothier's west of Dryden Village, who fulled it for men's and boy's wear, then colored it, and for Sunday suits it was carded and sheared, the carding process was done with teasels. The cloth for women's wear was generally colored a wine color, and then pressed. Our hides were tanned by Mr. Jagger on the halves, and generally the shoemakers came to our house in the fall, and made our shoes and boots, which had to last a year, but they had to be repaired occasionally.

The Hatter's name was Lampman, I think. His shop was on the east side of South street, not far from the old Schoolhouse. At my first recollection he was the only hatter in the village. He made hats of lamb's wool. Father bought our hats of him for our winter wear; in summer we wore straw hats made by our sisters. I remember how when I was quite small, father and my brothers cut some cordwood and sold it to some persons in the village, Lampman among the others. Father told me that if I would pick up the chips and put them into piles, he would haul them to Lampman and get me a hat. I did so and was proud because I was able to buy my own hat.

I remember my mother's (Irene) telling me when a boy, that father first located [at Old Willow Glen in 1798] on the corner [of lot 37] opposite (east) of what is now M. Rowland's place on the map, [not a far distance to the Darius Clement, Sr. home]. I think I could not have stayed there long before he sold his place and bought fifty acres east of Dryden village, in the southeast corner of Lot 39, on which the places of F.L.Burch and G.W. Bellenger, and W. Lorimar are located on the map. He sold fifteen acres of the east side before my recollection, and at my first recollection Randall Pease lived where F.L. Burch is now located, and the widow Lum lived in the next house west. I think Randall Pease sold to Asa M. White. This left father the small farm of thirty five acres. My first recollections are that the Stumps in the older fields were all out, and the farm cleared excepting a few acres of woodland on the north.

My father sold this place (in Dryden) to Amos Lewis, and in March, 1832, moved to Greenwood, Steuben Co. N.Y. where so many of the Dryden pioneers had gone some years before. Here he bought a place on Bennett's Creek, with some improvements on it, and cleared off several acres more. After we came to this place, my health was much better and I got able to do considerable work. Sometime about the month of February 1830 my father David Foote borrowed a Book of Mormon which I read through. I, like my father believed it to be a true record." (WF Journal, Vol 3, Chap. 12).

David Foote was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints by John Murdock, in November 1833, at Geneseo, New York, when living in Greenwood, New York.

Warren tells us, "In the spring of 1834, Elders John Murdock and Orson Pratt came to my father's house, and taught the principles of the gospel more perfectly.

About February 1835 - my father having been ordained an Elder had been preaching some during the winter, and some were believing. [During this period, David also went and preached in his old town of Dryden, New York. His daughter Betsey and husband Thomas Clement lived there, and they believed and were baptized into the church in 1835 - presumably by David]. Elder Gould baptized a few, and a branch of the church was organized, and father was appointed Presiding Elder. They now held regular meetings, which I generally attended." - (Warren Foote Journal, Vol 1, Page 5).

As Mormon history developed, it was in 1838 that David, with a few of his grown children (baptized family members consisting of son Warren, daughters Almira and Clarissa), went with the Church to Missouri. Irene went to Flint, Michigan instead to stay with their son, David, Jr. and wife. Irene was not a member of the church at that time, but after 2 1/2 years she finally rejoined her husband David, in Illinois. She traveled by water, landing at Naples, Illinois, on the Illinois River on October 12, 1840. There was great rejoicing! In February 1846, she consented to baptism into the church. She passed away the next month. 

In 1842, Thomas Clement passed away in Dryden, New York. In 1844, Betsey and her six remaining children joined her parents, David and Irene Foote, in Quincy, Illinois, and remained with the Mormons, then crossed Iowa with them. She passed away at Pigeon Hollow, near Kanesville, Iowa in November 1846, and was buried on a high hill next to her son Albert Clement. Her three youngest children went on to Utah in 1848 with their guardians, the Isaac and Almira Foote Fersuson's.

As people are prone to go back to see the old places where they grew up, so it was with Warren's two older brothers, David and George Foote. Coming from Flint and Ypsilanti, Michigan, where they lived in 1888, the two visited their family's old places in Dryden, NY, and wrote joyously about it to Warren in Utah, saying they wished so much he could have been there with them to enjoy their old pilgrimage.

Warren recorded the lovely reminiscence of the trip from George's letter to him, of people they had known formerly, and of places and things they saw in Dryden. Only portions of the lengthy but beautiful travelog is presented here. 

Written Nov. 28, 1888.... "We found our niece Nancy McClean Givens and husband and daughter at home, all well and glad to see us. Well the next morning Mr. Givens, David and I took a walk out to see how Dryden Four Corners looked, and to find some old landmarks. Perhaps you do not know or remember that two rods on each four corners were deeded to the Citizens of Dryden for public use. We found them built upon and occupied by hotel and stores, so the Corners did not look natural. 

We then started east...The Abram Griswold house has been taken down - not one stone left on top of another. Directly east of where it stood, is the Fair Grounds and building. 

We went on up as far as our old home, and found a young man digging potatoes in our old pasture by the side of the road. Potatoes and buckwheat are the staple crops of this country now. There is a very good house on the farm. Father's old barn and orchard remain, but the orchard is good for nothing but for firewood.

Do you remember an elm tree that Hiram McLean set out east of the well? It has grown to be a large beautiful tree - three feet in diameter. The road east to the school house appeared to be one half steeper than it used to be when we lived there. The woods have been cleared away, which makes it look very much different. 

The third day, David and I took a walk up to Nancy's son's place. He lives on the old Butts farm. Darius Givins owns 75 acres which takes in the buildings. From this place we could see the whole country. It was a very pleasant day, and we enjoyed the splendid view very much. We wished you were with us.

The woods, being entirely cleared away, we could view Dryden south and southwest farms and buildings on the south hills - the whole country was most grand. Who could appreciate better than we who had so long lived in a level country. 

The woods are all cut off our old farm, and the Griswold woods have nearly all been slaughtered. Well after dinner we started slowly for the village, stopping occasionally and looking round about, saying it does not look natural... I think I have given you as good a sketch of our visit to Dryden, and our relatives as I can in so short a space, yet I think by the time you get through as far as this you will be satisfied that it is long enough.

D. Givens has sent me the paper that has Lacy's "Remembrances" in. I will send it to you. Mary Ann sends her love to you, and wife and children, and my love to all. Your affectionate brother, Geo. L. Foote."

"I received the paper that my brother Geo. mentions. I find by Lacy's "Remembrances" of Dryden 80 years ago, that father moved to Dryden in 1798 in company with his brother inlaw Ebenezer Clauson. He mentions a great many names of the old settlers of Dryden that I well remember, as the most of them were living there when I left that country. The "Remembrances" are very interesting to me."  (WF Journal, Vol 2, p.180-83).    

  ***  LANE FAMILY  ***

William Lane(1), the settler, came from Dorchester England, b. about 1612, during the reign of King James I.

George Lane(2), Dorchester, England, b.about 1635, reign of King Charles I.

John Lane(3), b.about 1658, reign of King Charles I, d.23 Nov.1712.

Samuel Lane(4), b.16 Mar.1678, Hingham, Mass., d.7 Dec 1725. 

Ebenezer Lane(5), b.1712. Mass.

Nathan Lane(6), b.20 Mar 1750, Attleboro, Bristol Co, Mass.

Irene Lane Foote(7), b.2 Nov. 1774, Chesterfield, Hampshire, Mass.

Betsey Foote Clement(8), b.8 Feb 1794, Windsor, Broome Co, New York.

Darius Salem Clement(9), b.24 Nov 1834, Dryden, Tompkins Co, New York. 

William Lane(1) emigrated from Dorchester, England with his adult family and settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1635.

Nathan Lane was the sixth in descent from William Lane, the settler. Irene Lane was the daughter of Nathan Lane, Esq., a pioneer settler of Windsor, New York. Mr. Lane was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution. Nathan was b. 20 Mar 1750 at Attleboro, Bristol Co, Mass. His wife Dorcas Muscroft was born 1 March 1751, at Attleboro, Bristol Co, Mass. They had a family of nine children born to them, of which Irene was the second." (Warren Foote Journal, p.3).

In the Spring 1969 issue of the "BYU Studies", p. 321, there appeared a very interesting article written by Larry C. Porter about George Lane, son of Nathan Lane and Dorcas Muscroft, entitled "Reverend George Lane - Good "Gifts," Much "Grace," and Marked "Usefulness". 

This George Lane is Irene Lane's younger brother. The article shows that Nathan and Dorcas Lane were in Ulster County, New York at the time of their son George's birth, near Kingston, 13 April 1784. Irene was in her tenth year. George's birth apparently occurred, "not far from the Hudson, after his parents set off from Massachusetts for the wilds of Susquehanna. He was the sixth child of Nathan Lane and Dorcas Muscroft. His brothers and sisters were Daniel, Irene, Betsey, Nathan, David, (George), Asa, Charles and Dorcas."

"Nathan Lane remained for a short time in Ulster County and then moved to Broome County, New York, where he enjoyed the distinction of being the first white settler in Onaquaga, Windsor township. Similarly, he became the first town supervisor and erected the first gristmill in the area, about 1797. His sons, Nathan, Jr., and David, were still listed as residents in the 1820 census." (Porter)

It seems that Broome County is where Dorcas and Nathan's children grew up, received their education and married. It is here that Nathan's daughter Irene was married in 1791 to David Foote. She was age 17 and he was 23. Later, Irene's daughter in-law Mary Ann Foote had this high compliment to say about her mother in-law, Irene. "I cannot but think I shall again see our dear Mother Foote, whom I learned to love for her truly noble character and Christian principles."

George Peck, who was a fellow preacher of Irene's brother George Lane, makes a statement which points out that Irene's mother was an educator of her children. He says of Dorcas Muscroft:

"The Puritan morals, piety, books, and reading of his excellent mother exerted a strong moral influence upon his mind while very young."

While at the settlement of Windsor township, George Lane attended school, therefore it's likely that his siblings did also, studying spelling, reading and arithmetic.

In the early 1800's, the Lanes moved to Harmony township, Susquehanna (then Luzerne) County, Pennsylvania. There Nathan Lane died 17 March 1817. Afterwards, the place was called Lane's Mills, or Lanesville, and is now known as Lanesboro, Pennsylvania.

                  *** CLEMENT HISTORY ***

No connecting link has been discovered as yet about Thomas Clement's ancestry. Thomas being born about 1741-47. He is thought to be of Colonial American descent. We can only offer a few interesting below.

"Lost" Thomas Clement(1), b. about 1741-47.

Darius Clement(2), b. 21 Feb 1771, in Barton or Bolton Landing, Vermont, married Mehitable Griswold about 1791. She was born 1772, Dutchess Co, NY. 

Thomas Clement(3), b.1 Apr 1792, Brant Lake, Warren Co, New York. Married Betsey Foote, 15 May 1812, Dryden, Tompkins Co, New York, b.8 Feb.1794; 

Darius Salem Clement(4), b. 24 Nov 1834, Dryden, Tompkins Co, New York. Married Louisa Abigail Kelsey, 27 Nov. 1859, in Union, Salt Lake Co, Utah. She was born 9 Aug. 1844.

                   "Lost" THOMAS CLEMENT(1)

At this writing "Lost Thomas Clement(1)" is still lost. He was born about 1741-1747, and there are myriads of descendants looking for him. All there is to go on are bits and pieces of information given by his son Darius, which is incorporated below.

It is known that Thomas Clement(1) had two children, Phoebe and Darius because, in a letter dated Oct. 21, 1892 from Mary Carr Sperry (dau. of Amasa and Mary Clement Carr) in Dryden, NY, to her first cousin Darius Salem Clement, then living in Utah. Mary C. Sperry lived with her grandfather Clement for a time, and asked him questions about his life.

Mary stated: "Grandfather (Clement) had one sister by the name of Phoebe. She married a man by the name of Samuel Smith. They had a family of 9 children. They lived in Chataqua county, (NY). The children all moved from there - 5 to the state of Ohio and 2 to Michigan; two were Methodist Preachers." 

Another letter, written in the late 1800's to Darius Salem Clement by Thomas Jameson, (DSC's cousin), who knew intimately grandfather Darius Clement and uncle Thomas Clement - brother of his mother Phoebe Clement Jameson:

Jameson stated in his letter: "Am told that he (Thomas) had a son by the name of Darius born in 1771. That he Darius went north and settled in Warren County near Lake George. Also told that he came from Vermont to Dutchess County."

DARIUS CLEMENT, Sr. b. 1771

(Son of "Lost" Thomas Clement)

Elizabeth Williams Rogers, a Clement descendant, and family genealogist, wrote on the 15 July 1978: "Darius said, he (Darius) was born in Vermont at Barton Landing, February 21, 1771."

[There used to be a Barton Landing about five miles northwest of present day Barton. The name of "Barton Landing" was later changed to "Orleans" because when the mail was delivered by railroad through that area, it was too confusing for the train operators delivering the mail, so, logically, Railroad officials pushed for the citizens to vote that "Barton Landing" be changed to "Orleans" in order to put a stop to the R.R. operators' confusion. But some of the old pioneers of Barton Landing were dead set against the name change, and were unhappy about the change. About the county itself, Orleans County was an original county, it was not created until 1792 and organized in 1797].

Elizabeth wrote: In 1771, northern Vermont was a wilderness country. Barton, Vt. (about five miles southeast of Barton Landing) was later established on October 20, 1781, by Colonel William Barton, Ira Allen and associates. Most of these men were from Providence, Rhode Island. [Everton's Handy Book for Genealogists, ninth edition 1999, has it that Barton, Vt. was organized in 1789.]

Darius said, "My father was Thomas Clement, and I had an older sister Phoebe who was living in 1767." Apparently Darius never knew his mother. He never mentioned her name or anything about her.

Darius said, "While yet a young child, I was taken to Dutchess County, New York and there I was raised by a Quaker family." He didn't say when, where, nor by whom. 

He said, "My father was an early settler of Dutchess County."

Darius said, "When a young man, I went north and married Mehitable Griswold." Darius' daughter, Phoebe, had married Samuel Smith and was living in Saratoga County, north of Dutchess County and around that vicinity.

        

    Darius said, "My father was a prominent citizen in Dutchess County."                      

Darius and Mehitable Griswold Clement arrived in Willow Glen (later named Dryden), Tompkins Co, New York about 1811, with their family of eight of nine children, the third a daughter, having died in 1796 as a 17 mo. old child.

Their oldest offspring was Thomas Clement, who was 19 years old at this time, and when they met their new neighbors, the David Foote family, Thomas met Betsey, his future wife. The proximity of the Clement/Foote homes to each other in Dryden, can be easily figured out on the map which accompanies the "Centennial History of Dryden". They were only a short distance apart on neighboring farms.

Darius and Mehitable lived near the west end of Ferguson Rd, on the east lot line of lot 46, with C.J. Sperry, Z.B. Sperry and Charles Fitts as their neighbors. Later, John Card bought the Clement house - in what year is unknown, but it was probably after Darius's death in 1856.

David Foote lived on the southwest corner of lot 37, in the old Willow Glen section. David later moved from there, and went to the southwest corner of lot 39, on the east side of Dryden. 

It was at the old Willow Glen house on lot 37 though, that young Thomas Clement came to court Betsey Foote.

Aside from the war of 1812, there was a bright side for Thomas and Betsey, for it was the year of their marriage, 15 May 1812, Thomas was twenty and Betsey was eighteen. Thus it was during wartime years that they started their family - a family of ten children.

Following is a fun story which features Darius Clement, Sr. and his 16 year old youngest son, Darius J., which took place about 1822 in Dryden, during the time of Thomas and Betsey's rearing of their young family. The story brings to life old Grandfather Clement's personality, and of those who took part in the adventure. This treasured story appeared in the Centennial History of Dryden.

Before starting the story, we should include some other Clement participants. By 1822 (the time this story took place), Thomas and Betsey had about five children when Thomas' younger brother, Darius J. Clement was just sixteen years old. Their three oldest kids, Marilla, Nancy and Louisa - plus several of both Betsey and Thomas' younger siblings, including Betsey's brother Warren Foote - were all of school age. All these youngsters undoubtedly participated as part of the student body in the incident below, which brought some real fun and excitement to the town of Dryden one saturday afternoon.

Mr. Clement, as viewed from different sources of townspeople in Dryden, is said to have been a strict personality - including being strictly religious. 

In view of that, the stage is set for a colorful story:

"Willow Glen has always had and still maintains a good school, and with it is connected an incident which is still remembered by some of the oldest inhabitants, who were children when the events took place. It is the "Story of the Bison" and reads as follows:

On a certain autumnal Saturday afternoon about seventy-five or more years ago (in about 1822), two men entered Willow Glen by the highway from the west, leading between them a wild, shaggy animal, a buffalo recently captured on the prairies, being the first one seen in this part of the country. They stopped at the hotel, then kept by William Wigton, in whose barn they exhibited the buffalo to those who would pay ten cents for the opportunity of seeing him. During the afternoon the school was let out - Saturday was a school day in those times - and some of the scholars had ten cents with which to purchase the privilege of seeing the exhibition, but many others did not, and as an inducement to the owners of the animal the older school boys proposed that those who could should pay, but that all of the school children should see the buffalo; but the proposition was not accepted and none of the scholars were admitted to the barn. 

As night approached, Mr. Wigton, who had overheard some plans among the boys, who were displeased with the rejection of their proposition, informed the proprietors that he would lock up the barn at night but he would not be responsible for what might happen to the buffalo. They replied that there was no danger that any one would molest the animal for it was all that they could do to manage him and no one else would venture to undertake it. Matters were left in this way, but in the morning the barn doors were open and the buffalo was gone, no one knew where. There was a long watering trough which extended into the barn and some one during the night had drawn the plug, letting the water out so that he could enter the barn through the empty trough and unfasten the doors from within. The proprietors in vain spent the morning looking after the source of their income, but no track or trace of him could be found.

Early that morning Darius J. Clement, ...who was then a boy [age 16 or less living with his parents], went out before it was fairly daylight to the barn to do the milking. He returned soon after, saying to his parents that he believed the Evil One himself had taken possession of the barn during the night, for such pawing and bellowing, by a large animal with short horns, a large shaggy head, fierce, glaring eyes and a long tail, he had never seen or heard of before. 

Mr. Clement, who was a very religious man, decided that the Sabbath was no time to investigate the matter and directed that nothing should be done with the animal until the next day. But the news began to be circulated that the buffalo was in the barn of Mr. Clement and the people from all about began to congregate so that by noon all the men and boys from the neighborhood were assembled, and Mr. Clement was very willing that the cause of the disturbance should be removed. 

Some of the boys, presumably the same who had brought him there in the night, readily undertook the task of removing him and in so doing they led him through a clearing in which a vicious bull was being pastured. No sooner did the bull see the intruder ... approaching than he came rushing toward them ready for a contest for supremacy. Those who then had charge of the buffalo were very willing to let go their hold, which they did, thereby having the fun of witnessing a Sunday bull fight. The result proved that the buffalo, with his short horns and wild, vigorous habits, was too much for his domesticated cousin, who was compelled to recognize the superiority of the intruder. The fun being over the boys returned the buffalo to his owners, who went on their way sadder if not wiser men." 

Thirteen years later is a scene of what Dryden was like in the year 1835....when Thomas Clement was working in the sawmills.

"The number of sawmills in operation in Dryden was fifty-three [Thomas Clement ran one of these sawmills, age 43], all employed in working up the great quantity of timber, mostly pine, which produced the ready money for the people, the predominance of which industry greatly retarded other farming interests. The picturesque fences of pine stumps, now disappearing, but which have served their purpose in this form for half a century, often attract the attention of strangers and are reminders of the former abundance of pine.

Dryden must then have presented the appearance of a vast lumber camp, the fifty-three sawmills, all run by water power, giving employment to a great many men in cutting logs, drawing them to mill, and manufacturing and marketing the lumber, operations all requiring much more labor to produce the same results then than now."   (Dryden Centennial Hist.)

In his adulthood many years after coming to Utah, Darius Salem Clement (son of Thomas, wrote to his uncle Warren Foote saying, "I remembered that my father, Thomas Clement, ran one of these sawmills and wondered if he ever owned a farm to raise his family on."  Warren responded to Darius S. by forwarding some information sent him in a letter dated 13 Feb. 1893, from older brother George Foote (by then living in Ypsilanti, Michigan), which stated, "As for Thomas Clement owning a farm (in Dryden) I think his father never gave him a deed for it - it was a part of his father's farm." Warren later recorded in his journal: 

"With regard to what my brother George writes about Thomas Clement and Sister Betsey, his wife, I will say in explanation, that Darius S. Clement their son, wrote to me asking if his father ever owned a farm in Dryden. He wrote that the first he remembered of his father he was running a sawmill and he could not see how he could have raised his family without a farm. 

I told him that according to my recollection he lived on a farm, or land that belonged to his father expecting the old gentleman would give him a deed for it. After he (Thomas) had cleared off a portion of it and got it under cultivation, I think that there arose some difficulty between them, and his father refused to give him a deed, but gave the land to a younger son. 

Young Darius Salem's father, (Thomas Clement), broke himself down in his younger days with hard work clearing off land, etc. and several years before Darius was born, was not able to do anything but light work. He died of consumption in 1842. Darius' mother (my sister Betsey) done a great deal of weaving, and with the help of the elder girls raised their family, but they saw hard times." (Warren Foote Journal, Vol 2, p.297).

                

                -----------------------------

[Below are two legal documents, the first a land sale by Darius and Mehitable Griswold Clement in 1807 (before coming to Dryden, NY), and the second, Darius Clement's Will dated February 1843, in Dryden].

                             1807

             Salisbury, Montgomery County, New York        

                 

Darius and Mehitable Clement are seen in a Land Deed in 1807 at Montgomery County, New York, Book 11, p.316, Film #506499.

(deed 1807).  "This indenture made this fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven, between Darius Clement & Mahitable Clement, his wife of the first part, and Benjamin Griswould of the second part all of the town Salisbury, county of Montgomery and state of New York, witnesseth that the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand dollars to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the script whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold, remised, released, aligned and confirmed, and by the presents, doth grant, bargain, sell, remise, release, alien, and confirm unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever, all that certain piece or parcel of land situate and being in said Salisbury, county and state aforesaid more particularly distinguished as being the south half of lot number one hundred and thirty three in the first allotment of the Royal Grant butted and bounded as follows namely beginning at the North west corner of lot number one hundred and thirty four in the aforementioned allotment running thence (as the needle pointed in the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty five) North twenty chains, thence east twenty five chains, thence south twenty chains, thence west twenty five chains, the place of beginning. Estimated at fifty acres of land for the same more or less. Together with all and singular the hereditament and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining and the reservoir and reservoirs, remainder and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof. And all the estate rights, title, interest, claim and demands whatsoever of the said parties of the first part, either in law or equity, of in and to the above bargained premises with the said hereditament and appurtenances to have and to hold the said above described fifty acres of land, to the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, the sole and only proper use benefit and of the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, the sole and the said parties of the first part for themselves their heirs executors and administrators do covenant grant, bargain, promise, and agree, to and with the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, to warrant and forever to define the above bargained premises, and every part and parcel thereof unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns against all and every person claiming or to claim the said premises of any part thereof. In witness whereof the said parties of the first part have here unto set their hand and seals the day and year first above written Darius Clement (LS) Mahitable Clement (LS) sealed and delivered in presence of Ebenezar Whitney, Amos Griswould, state of New York county of Herkimer...(?)..[perhaps this was a mind slip. Did a present day typist mean to say Montgomery county, as above, instead of Herkimer? However, Salisbury is in present day Herkimer county, its parent being Montgomery county before 1791].... Be it remembered that on the first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight personally appeared before me Evans Whany Esquire first judge of the court of common pleas in and for said county Darius Clement and Mahitable his wife the grantors of the within written deed of conveyance and severally acknowledges that they and each of them do sign seal and deliver the same as their voluntary act and deeds for the use and purpose therein intentions and having taken his wife Mahitable previously and apart from her husband, she confessed that she did execute the same without any threats or compulsion of her said husband and I having examined and inspected the same and finding no material interlineation obliterations or erasures and I being satisfied by the oath of Thaddeus Loomis Esqr. who said that he is personally acquainted with the said grantors within named that they are the same persons and I being acquainted with said Loomis, do therefore allow the same to be recorded. Evans Whany recorded this fourteenth day of November 1808.  Henry F. Yates Clerk.  

               WILL OF DARIUS CLEMENT (the first)

  Obtained from old Courthouse, Ithaca, Tompkins Co. New York

The Last Will and Testament of Darius Clement of the town of Dryden in the County of Tompkins and state of New York.

I Darius Clement considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and the necessity of being prepared to leave my earthly possessions and being, by the blessing of God, of sound mind and memory, do hereby make and publish my Last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say:

First it is my will and I hereby direct and empower my Executors or Executer herein after named and appointed as soon after my decease as may be, to pay all just and lawful debts outstanding against me including my Funeral expenses and to use therefor any monies left by me at my death and if that be insufficient to convert into cash for the purpose of discharging the balance of said debts and funeral expenses any personal property belonging to my estate.

Item. As to all the rest residue remainder of my personal Estate Goods and Chattels of every name and description including money and monied obligations I give and bequeath the same in equal undivided shares, to my daughter Loretta Clement, and my grand daughter Mary C. Sperry, wife of Gamaliel H. Sperry, to have and to hold the same to themselves their heirs and executors administrators or assigns forever, subject only to the payment of my debts and funeral expenses as before provided.

Item. I give and devise unto my said daughter, Loretta and my said grand daughter, Mary C. the farm now occupied by me, and of which I am seized and possession, Lot No. 46 in said town of Dryden, containing seventy five acres of land or thereabouts with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging together with all the other lands and real estate, of which I may die seized and possessed with their appurtenances, to have and to hold the same unto the said Loretta Clement and the said Mary C. Sperry in equal undivided shares and to their heirs and assigns forever.

And lastly, I hereby name, nominate and appoint my son in law, Thomas Lewis and my son Darius J. Clement or the survivor of them of the said Town of Dryden to be executors, or executor of this my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In testimony whereof, I the said Darius Clement, have hereto set my hand and seal the twenty sixth day of February A.D. 1843.

The above instrument consisting of one sheet was now here subscribed by Darius Clement the testator in the presence of each of us and was at the request sign our names hereto as attesting witnesses.

Hiram Bouton Residing in Dryden Tompkins County  [N.Y.]

Milo Goodrich Residing in Dryden   Tompkins County  [N.Y.]

                ***  THE GRISWOLD FAMILY  ***

    Mehitable Griswold married Darius Clement (the first).

        He was born in 1771. She was born about 1772.

             "The First Five Generations of America"

                         Compiled by    

          Esther Griswold French & Robert Lewis French          

This entry of the Griswold Family shows that our Mehitable Griswold (who married Darius(1) Clement, has at last been located and documented, that she came through the Michael Griswold line.

(Ref: Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Salt Lake City, Utah. "The Griswold Family - The First Five Generations of America, compiled by Esther Griswold French and Robert Lewis French." US/CAN 929.273, G889fe.)

Michael Griswold(1): Came to New England, America before 1640 (from England).

MICHAEL GRISWOLD(1). Much argument, speculation and conjecture has been spread upon the records as to whether any relationship existed between Michael, Edward and Matthew Griswold. Extensive search has been made through the years and the compiler of this record (G.G.) has added to that search without result. Based upon more recent investigation (EGF, RLF), it has been proved that Michael was not a brother of Edward and Matthew.

MICHAEL GRISWOLD(1), came to New England before 1640, as he owned lands in Wethersfield, Connecticut by that date. He was a mason by trade and yeoman in rank. He was the only freeman of the name in Wethersfield in 1659. He served as constable, assessor and appraiser of land. He was never prominent and apparently did not seek to be, never reaching the success in life that came to Edward and Matthew. He evidently had the confidence of his neighbors; a steady individual, content to ply his trade, yet ever ready to assist in the community welfare. He was associated in business with Emanuel Buck for a time. He had a home and two acres on New Street which street was abandoned in 1660, so that his home was located on what is now Garden Street, as shown by the illustration facing. 

The description of Michael Griswold's 1730 house (Wethersfield, Conn) in the illustration shows to be a big, wood two-story colonial style house, straight-faced front. It appears to have at least nine rooms throughout, showing five windows on the straight, front face.

Another house of Michael's in Wethersfield, Conn, shows two visible sides of the house in the picture. This is a smaller wood house than the one described above and is of "salt box style". It's a two-story on the front, graduating down the back to two stories, continuing down to one-and-a-half stories, then one story; there is also a high attic window, a rock fireplace chimney and a small additional room on the back of the house. Two visible wooden doors - one on the front of the house, one on the back addition, and has a neat, rock foundation. Ten small windows on the two visible sides of the house in the picture. Straight front face.

Connecticut Historical Society Collections XXII, shows he served on jury, and (p.196) Oct. 9, 1658 he was fined twenty shillings for taking up and selling a horse that was not his own. The General Court record of Feb. 23, 1659 shows he was freed from training, but was to maintain watch and ward.

John Riley in his will, May 13, 1674, Hartford probate records, mentions "my cousin Michael Griswold."

The maiden name of his wife, Ann, has not been established, nor has a record been found for the date of their marriage, although it probably took place in 1645, as their first child was born in October 1646. There has been a supposition that Ann's maiden name was Adams. However the only Adams in the area at that time with a daughter Ann was Jeremy Adams, b.1604; of Hartford 1636. His daughter Ann married Robert Sanford.

Michael died Sept. 26, 1684. In his will dated Sept. 10, 1678, proved Dec. 18, 1684, he left all his property to his wife Ann. After her decease it was to be divided among his sons Thomas, Isaac, Jacob and Michael, with the latter to receive the house and home lot. Monetary bequests were made to his daughter Hester Bradley and to her four daughters:Ann, Abigail, Mary and Hester; to his daughter Abigail Lattin and her daughter, Ann; and to his daughter Sarah Hill. To his son-in-law, Obadiah Wilcox (Wilcoxon), husband of his deceased daughter Mary, he left one shilling.

Children, recorded in Wethersfield:

Thomas b. Oct. 22, 1646

Hester b. May 8, 1648

Mary b. Jan. 28, 1650/51

Michael b. Feb. 14, 1652/3; d. inf.

Abigail b. June 8, 1655

Isaac b. Sept. 1658

  * Jacob(2), b. Apr. 15, 1660

Sarah b. Sept. 1662

Michael b. Mar. 7, 1666/7

References: Wethersfield, Conn. records; Stiles Ancient Wethersfield II:166; Conn. Colony records, I:3,44; II:195, 198, 520; Manwaring Hartford Probate Records I:314-5.

JACOB (2), (Michael 1): b. Wethersfield, Conn., April 15, 1660; m. in Wethersfield Dec. 10, 1685 Mary Wright b. Apr. 15, 1665, 

daughter of Dea. Joseph and Mary (Stoddard) Wright.

Children recorded in Wethersfield:

John b. Sept. 25, 1686

Mary b. June 19, 1688

Jacob b. Mar. 26, 1690/1

    Anna b. Aug 14, 1693; d. Aug. 4, 1723

Sarah b. Mar. 18, 1695/6

Esther (Hester) b. Mar. 13, 1696/7. In will of father 1735/6, n.f.r.(no further reference).

Joseph. bap. Aug. 21, 1698. Evidently died young, not in will 1735/6.

    Josiah b. Jan. 4, 1700/1

Ebenezer b. Oct. 25, 1702

  * Ephraim(3) b. Sept. 23, 1704

Lydia b. Sept. 4, 1707

References: Wethersfield town and First Church records; Diary of Rev. Stephen Mix; Conn. Mag., Vols. VII and VIII; Stiles: Ancient Wethersfield II:395, 853.

EPHRAIM(3), (Jacob 2, Michael 1): b. Wethersfield, Conn. Sept. 23, 1704; m. (1) in East Haddam, Conn., Dec. 19, 1726, Mehitable Riley, b. Mar. 6, 1702/3, daughter of Sgt. Jonathan and Sarah (Deming) Riley.

Ephraim was a farmer and keen land trader. Sharon land records show thirty-one land transactions in his name. He was a man well considered, of great energy and enterprise. He moved to Spencertown, N.Y. with his son John, but further records are lacking as to the place and date of death for both him and his wife.

Children by first wife:

Azariah b. Sept. 8, 1727

   * Ephraim(4) b. July 3, baptized Sept. 21, 1729  Jabez b. June 24, 1731, bp. May 6, 1739

         Sarah b. Oct. 9, bp. Dec. 9, 1733

Gurdon b. c. 1734

David bp. Apr. 11, 1736

Children by second wife:

John (twin) b. Nov. 3, 1747

Jacob (twin), drowned as a child b. Nov. 3, 1747

Sarah; no further references.

References:  Wethersfield, East Haddam and Sharon, Conn. records; Stiles: Ancient Wethersfield II:396,554; John Deming Family p.11; Family Bible Records, Austerlitz (NY) Town Historian.

*EPHRAIM(4), (Ephraim 3, Jacob 2, Michael l): b. East Haddam, Conn. July 3, 1729. 

He went with his father to Sharon, Conn. about 1733. He married Martha Smith, about 1754 and paid taxes in Crum Elbow Precinct, Dutchess County, New York from 1755-1762. From 1764 to 1774 he appears in "18th Century Documents of Nine Partners, Dutchess County." Nine Partners adjoins Crum Elbow on the east. Glen Griswold (II:237-8) said he went to Kingston, Ulster County, New York before going to Washington County, New York but his name does not appear in Ulster County records.

Ephraim(4) appears in the 1790 census of Westfield (Ft. Ann), Washington County as Ephraim, Sr. It would appear from the census records that he died between 1790 and 1800.

The children we have attributed to Ephraim(4) have names derived from older relatives:  Jabez, brother of Ephraim(4);  Josiah, brother of Ephraim(3);  John, brother of Ephraim(4); Ephraim, Jr.;  David, brother of Ephraim(4);  Mehitable, mother of Ephraim(4);  Olive, wife of Azariah, brother of Ephraim(4).

Except for Ephraim(5), the children of Ephraim(4) moved on west in New York State. Ephraim(5) was undoubtedly the one who married Hannah Smith and had the children listed in the Washington County History.

Ephraim(4) served in the Revolution under Capt. Tillman in Col. Schuyler's Regiment. 1755/paid taxes in Dutchess Co, NY.

The children seem to have been as follows:

Jabez b. June 8, 1757

Josiah b. 1759

John b. (circa) 1761

Ephraim b. c. 1763

David b. c. 1765

  * Mehitable(5) b. c. 1772

Olive b. Nov. 28, 1774

References: East Haddam, Conn. records; History of Fort Ann; Schuyler County, New York records; Boston Transcript photocopy from New York State Library, Albany, New York.

*MEHITABLE(5), (Ephraim(4), Ephraim(3), Jacob(2), Michael(1): 

             MEHITABLE AND SIBLINGS IN ORDER OF BIRTH

    All of these are the (5th) generation

Jabez(5), (Ephraim 4, Ephraim 3, Jacob 2, Michael 1): born at Crum Elbow, Dutchess County, New York June 8, 1757 where his father is noted on the tax rolls. He stayed in Dutchess County and married there Oct. 20, 1784 to Mary Pruitt (untraced). Their first three children were born in Dover, Dutchess County.

Between 1792 and 1796 the family moved to Saratoga County, New York. Their fifth child Squire, was born in Fort Ann, Washington County, while the parents were enroute to Rutland, Vermont for a visit.

He served in the Revolution, enlisting at Lansingburg, Albany County, New York in May 1778, serving in the Second Regiment, New York Line until Feb. 17, 1779 in Capt. Benjamin Pelton's Company; and also as a corporal in Capt. Tillman's Co., Gen. Schuyler's Regiment. Seven children. (References: U.S. Census and Pension Records; Fernow: New York in the Revolution; Dutchess County Records; Schuyler County Historical Society, Montour Falls, New York; Nolan Havens, Bedford, Texas.)

Josiah(5), (Ephraim 4, Ephraim 3, Jacob 2, Michael l):

born Crum Elbow, Dutchess County, NY about 1759. He married about 1783, his wife's maiden name being King, presumably a relative of the Samuel King whose property adjoined that of Ephraim (4), from 1764 to 1774.

The 1790 census of Westfield (Ft. Ann), New York shows him with four females. Descendants state there were ten boys and four girls in all. Josiah apparently died in Penfield, Monroe County, New York.

(References: U.S. Census records; deeds of Ontario, Orleans and Dutchess Counties, New York; Ruth M. Dykes, Aurora, Oregon).

John(5), (Ephraim 4, Ephraim 3, Jacob 2, Michael l): born about 1761 at Crum Elbow, Dutchess County, New York. About 1783 he married Rhoda Noble, b. about 1763, daughter of Constantine and Elizabeth (Hogeboom) Noble.

By 1803 John and Rhoda were in Westfield (Ft. Ann), Washington County, when he sold 40 acres in Sheffield, Mass. to William Ashley. Sometime later they moved to Starkey, Schuyler County, New York. No known children. (References: United Methodist Church Records, Starkey, NY; Sheffield, Mass. Deeds; Noble Genealogy.)

Ephraim(5), (Ephraim 4, Ephraim 3, Jacob 2, Michael 1): born about 1763, Crum Elbow, Dutchess County, New York. 

It was he who undoubtedly married and had the children listed in Vol.II:237-8, Numbers 564-572. This renders plausible a marriage to Hannah Smith, born about 1766, daughter of John Smith, a Revolutionary War veteran, who may be the John Smith 1730-1806, husband of Phebe Chapman. Ten children. (References: History of Washington County, New York; U.S. Census Records.)

David(5), (Ephraim 4, Ephraim 3, Jacob 2, Michael 1): born c. 1765 at Crum Elbow, Dutchess County, New York; m. about 1785 Mary Whitehead b. May 27, 1766.

This is probably the same David Grissell (Griswold) listed in New York in the Revolution by Fernow, showing him as a private in Capt. Muller's Company, Col. Morris Graham's regiment of Levies in 1780.

He died at Truxton, Cortland County, New York, Jan. 7, 1853. No record of children has been found, but there may have been at least one, possibly Daniel b. c. 1794, who is buried at Homer, Cortland County, New York. His gravestone gives a death date of August 21, 1876. (References: Fernow: New York in the Revolution pp. 384, 539; Truxton, NY cemetery records; Mrs. Lyle Clement, Mapleton, Utah.)

         * Mehitable(5), (Ephraim 4, Ephraim 3, Jacob 2,                    Michael 1): born about 1772 in Dutchess County, New                York; m.about 1791 to Darius Clement(1), b. Feb 21,                1771 at Barton Landing, Vermont.

They married at Fort Ann, Washington County, New York. (This explains Darius(1) statement that..."I went north to marry"). They lived until about 1807 in Montgomery County, New York when they sold property and moved to Truxton, Cortland County, New York where Mehitable's brother David lived. [concluded by Land Deed indenture date in Montgomery County.] 

Mehitable Griswold Clement died at Dryden, Tompkins County, New York in 1854. Some of their first nine children were born in Washington County, New York, but no record of their names have been found. 

Their nine children are as follows: THOMAS, 1 April 1792; OLIVE, 27 November 1793; LYDIA, 19 April 1795; MARY, 30 April 1798; PHOEBE, 17 October 1800; LORETTA, 9 August 1803; DARIUS J, 16 September 1806; SARAH, 31 May 1807; SAMUEL, 20 April 1810.

(References: Washington, Montgomery and Cortland County, New York records; Mrs. Lyle E. Clement, Mapleton, Utah.)

A PATRIOTIC PLEDGE

The news of the battle of Lexington, fought on the 19th of April, 1775, when heard by the people of Lansingburgh, awakened all their pride and love of country. They felt the necessity of defending themselves against the aggressions of the British soldiery. They held meetings and discussed the questions affecting the interests of the people. They pledged one another in an agreement which is remarkable for its patriotic fervor and loyal sentiments. It was as follows:

LANSINGBURGH, May 22, 1775 - A general association agreed to and subscribed by the freemen, freeholders and inhabitants of Lansingburgh and patent of Stone Arabia:

Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of A

merica depends, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, - convinced of the necessity of preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend a dissolution of the power of government, we, the freemen, freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Lansingburgh and patent of Stone Arabia, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the British ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scenes now enacting in Massachusetts bay government, in the most solemn manner.

Resolved, Never to become slaves, and do associate ourselves under all the ties of religion, honor and love to our country, to adopt and to endeavor to carry into execution whatever measures may be recommended by the continental congress, or resolved by our provincial convention, for the purpose of preserving our constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary and oppressive acts of the British parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles can be obtained, than which we wish for nothing more ardently, and we do hereby covenant, promise and agree that we will in all things follow the advice of our general committee respecting the purpose aforesaid, the preservation of peace, good order and safety of the individuals and private property.

Abraham Jacob Lansingh, Christopher Tillman, John D. Wynkoop, Daniel Toneray, Jonathan Severs, Henry Pollock, Michael Housewirt, John Fine, Stephen Marvin, James Boggs, Abraham Ouderkirk, EPHRAIM GRISWOULD, Samuel Higgins, James Willson, Justus Brown, John Clark, David Layton, Francis Hogle, John Sloan, Gerry Lane, Samuel Burns, Isaac Van Arnum, Robert Wendell, Pennell Brown, Frederick Weaver, Levinus Lansingh, William Thompkins, Joseph Bacon, John Dunbar, Peletiah Winchell, John Young, Levins Leverse, Gershom French, Joseph Jones, John Skiffington, Thomas Cook, William Nicholls, Alexander Boyd, John Winn, Josiah Rose, Daniel Shaw, Aaron Ward, William Conkling, Edward Bruster, Samuel Bruster, Jacob A. Lansingh

A line copy of the original association paper, drawed this 15th day of June, 1775.     CHR.TILLMAN, town Clerk.

(History of the Seventeen Towns of Rensselaer County - GS book-974.741 H2w 1975)

Patsy Clement 135 No. 1200 E. Mapleton, UT 84664  June 7, 1998

***  KELSEY FAMILY ***      

Louisa Abigail Kelsey (Clement) - Paternal grandmother of Raphael Clement. She is 7th in descent from William Kelsey the Immigrant. 

William Kelsey(1) the Immigrant to America, b.in England about 1600, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the I; married in England, 1626-28 Bethia Hopkins, born about 1605-1610. The place of his birth has not been ascertained, but it seems probable that he came from County Essex, as many of the first settlers of New Towne (now Cambridge), Massachusetts, were from Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford, County Essex, England. 

John Kelsey(2), b.about 1636, probably at Cambridge, Mass. He was the second son and presumably the fifth child of William and Bethia Kelsey. Removed to Hartford with his parents shortly after his birth; lived at Hartford; was one of the original proprietors of Killingworth in 1664, where he resided until his death on 22 July 1709. No doubt he is buried there. He married in 1668, at Hartford, Hannah Disborough. 

Stephen Kelsey(3), b.17 Mar or May 1682, at Killingworth, Conn, where he resided until death on 23 April 1728. He was the fourth son and eighth child of Lieut. John Kelsey and Hannah Disborough. He married, at the same place, 12 Jan. 1704/5, Concurrence Hayden, born about 1685, at Killingworth: died probably in 1753, at the same place.

Benjamin Kelsey(4), b.20 Jan 1710/11, at Killingworth, Conn., where he resided until his death on or about 15 Dec. 1752. He was the fourth son and fourth child of Stephen Kelsey and Concurrence Hayden, and twin brother to Joseph. He married 29 April 1741, at North Killingworth, Ruth Wilcox, born 19 June 1711, at Killingworth. 

Giles Kelsey(5), b.16 Oct.1745, at Killingworth, Conn; died 9 Oct.1824 at Stowe, Vt. He was the third son and third child of Benjamin Kelsey and Ruth Wilcox. He married 24 Apr.1780, at Newport, N.H., Elizabeth Buell, born 26 Nov. 1755, at Killingworth.

Stephen Kelsey(6), b.16 Aug.1782, at Newport, N.H.; He was the second son and second child of Giles Kelsey and Elizabeth Buell. He removed to Woodstock, Ohio, and probably died there. He married, about 1804, Charlotte Nichols, born 3 Dec. 1789. She died after 5 July 1818, and he married, secondly, Rachel Allen. 

Stephen did not join the Latter Day Saint church. His second wife, Rachel Allen, named one of her sons Stephen Kelsey, who was a step-brother to Easton Kelsey. Rachel joined the church of Latter Day Saints. Stephen, her husband, left his family and went back east. Rachel went with the Mormons to Utah. Rachel's son Stephen (age 17), went in the 1847 Pioneer Company with Brigham Young to the Salt Lake Valley. He is listed in Wm. Clayton's Journal as one of the people in that company.

Easton Kelsey(7), b.9 Mar. 1813, at New Lisbon, N.Y., the fourth son and fifth child of Stephen Kelsey and his first wife, Charlotte Nichols. He died 10 May 1899, at St. George, Utah. He married, first, 14 Sept.1839, *Abigail Finch, born 15 Nov. 1823, in Nova Scotia, Can., she died 4 Dec. 1892, at New Harmony, Utah, daughter of George Finch and Elizabeth Pierce. He married secondly, at Salt Lake City, Utah 4 Apr. 1852, Janette Mulliner, born 28 Feb. 1833, in Canada, she died Apr. 1904, at Kanarraville, Utah. He married, thirdly, 20 July 1852, at Union, Utah, Mary Jane Cox.

Louisa Kelsey(8), b. 9 Aug. 1844, Nauvoo, Ill. dau of Easton Kelsey and Abigail Finch. She died 17 Nov. 1919 in Fairview, Sanpete Co, Utah, buried in Fairview city cemetery in the lower, old section next to her son Easton Clement. She married Darius Salem Clement, b. 24 Nov. 1834, to Thomas Clement and Betsey Foote, in Dryden, Tompkins Co., New York. He died 22 May 1917, in Mesa, Maricopa Co., Arizona, buried in the Mesa City Cemetery, by the only palm tree in the cemetery.

                         WILLIAM KELSEY

                      IMMIGRANT TO AMERICA                                                     in 1632

William Kelsey, the first of the Kelsey name in America, was born in England about 1600. He was one of the original Braintree Company which came with the Reverend Thomas Hooker from the parishes of County Essex, in Old England, to Cambridge, in New England, in 1632. According to early passenger lists, William Kelsey was at Cambridge before March 29, 1632.

The Reverend Thomas Hooker, who had been pastor of the Non-conformist Congregation of Braintree, Chelmsford and the neighboring parishes in the County of Essex in England, had been forced to flee to Holland to escape fines and imprisonment. HIS CONGREGATION EMIGRATED ALMOST IN A BODY TO NEW ENGLAND IN 1632. On their arrival in the Massachusetts Bay Colony they "began to sit down" at Mt. Wollaston, a few miles south of Boston; but it being the policy of the Colony to keep the population as concentrated as possible, the Court ordered them to move to Cambridge, then called "New Towne," where they were known as the "Braintree Company" or "Hooker's Company," and where Hooker rejoined them the following year.

This New Towne was a "new town" in truth, and a very small one as well. The settlement was little more than a year old and consisted of but two houses. A list of the inhabitants given in the Towne Book of Newtowne, not long before the arrival of the Braintree Company, shows the names of only eight men; but during the year the number of families was increased to one hundred. The inhabitants proceeded at once to distribute "home lots," to set aside lands for cultivation and pasture, and to enclose the latter with a fence. A certain part of this fence was assigned to each man to be cared for, each one's share being proportioned according to the land which he owned, and ranged from two rods to seventy.

As William Kelsey's share was only three rods, we shall have to infer that he was not at that time blessed with much wealth.

The map of Cambridge in 1635 shows that the home lot of William Kelsey was on the outskirts of the town, at the junction of March Lane, Creek Lane and Long Street, now known as Eliot Street, Brattle Square and Winthrop Street. All we know about the house is that it stood just six feet from the street, in accordance with the law. His house was built of slate, and not of thatch.

William Kelsey was made a freeman of Massachusetts Bay Colony on March 4, 1635.

The Braintree Company did not long remain in Cambridge. Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, the teacher, arrived in Boston September 3, 1633, and very shortly after their arrival new troubles arose. Many of the emigrants, presumably those of Mr. Hooker's congregation, became dissatisfied with their location, and begged the Court for permission to move to some other place and found another settlement. 

After some hesitation the General Court gave them leave to go, and in June, 1636, Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, with more than fifty families of the First Church (Mr. Hooker's) removed to Connecticut, where, in the valley of the same name, they established another "New Towne" which was changed to Hartford on February 21, 1637. Among these was William Kelsey, with, presumably, his wife and perhaps two or more of his children.

The journey from Cambridge to Hartford is presented in very different lights by different historians. Dr. Trumbull says they "travelled more than a hundred miles through a hideous and trackless wilderness. They had no guide but their compass and made their way over mountains, through swamps, thickets and rivers, which were not passable but with great difficulty. They had no cover but the heavens, nor any lodgings but those that simple nature afforded them. They drove with them 160 head of cattle and subsisted on the milk of their cows. They were nearly a fortnight on their journey." 

Coming to Hartford with the Hooker Company, William Kelsey was one of the "original proprietors" and as such his name appears (5th from the top) on the Founders' Monument in the old cemetery of the First Congregational Church of that city. 

(From "A Genealogy of the descendants of William Kelsey by Edward A. Claypool and Azalea Clizbee" Vol l, Maine State Library, Augusta, Maine. The same book is available at the LDS Church Genealogical Library, Salt Lake City, UT).  

                     

                   ------------------------

Card Catalogue

BYU, Provo, Utah

Film #920, p91.

            EASTON KELSEY (Son of Stephen Kelsey)                                        Mormon Pioneer

             Father of Louisa Kelsey Clement

              (Father-in-law of Darius Salem Clement)

    

Easton Kelsey was the son of Stephen Kelsey and Charlotte Nichols. Stephen Kelsey was born August 17, 1782. Charlotte Nichols born December 3, 1789. Easton Kelsey, son of Stephen Kelsey, was born March 9, 1813, in the town of New Lisbon, Otsego Co. state of New York, USA. Moved to Buffalo, state of New York, Erie Co, with his father and mother in 1816.

"When I was about eleven years old we moved to Tonawanda river in the same county. Here my mother died June 10, 1824. In about two years after that my sister Hannah died, born Sept. 15, 1811. 

I was in Canada in 1824-5. In 1826 I returned and went up to Ohio and found my father and two younger brothers in Montville, Geauga Co. I remained with him until I was some over twenty. I first heard Mormonism in 1835. In the spring of 1836 I went into Kirtland to investigate the Gospel and to work at my trade, and in December following I was baptized by Joel H. Johnson in Willouby River in Kirtland and was confirmed by Sidney Rigdon and Harrison Saygos, Sidney Rigdon being mouth.

From here I went in the fall of '37 to the northwest part of the state of Ohio on the Wabash and Erie Canal, to gather means to go on to Missouri. It was here that I became acquainted with Abigail Finch to whom I was married on September 16, 1839 at Toledo, VanBuren Co, Ohio.

From this place we moved direct to Nauvoo in spring of 1840, the saints having been driven out of Missouri. This fall the Nauvoo Temple was commenced and I went to work on it. In 1842 I went to Indiana, Ohio on a mission and returned in July of the following year and resumed work on the Temple. In the fall of '43 went to Galena, Wis. together with Eliza Averett and family. Returned in April '44 amid great excitement. Everybody under arms I joined in with the people to protect the place. On the 27 June the Prophet and Patriarch was killed, and John Taylor wounded. These were times of excitement among the Latter Day Saints. I returned to work on the Temple as soon as the excitement was a little over. I continued to work on the Temple until completed or accepted. 

In 1844 I went to New Orleans, shipped aboard a steamboat as fireman, at Memphis. Then went down to New Orleans and shipped aboard the same boat as carpenter, going down the river in a small river boat and sunk it with all the deck passengers and firemen on board. In New Orleans I took the second boat and came home to Nauvoo in April of '45 and went to work on the Temple again.

In the spring of 1851 I left for the mountains. After a tedious journey of five months we arrived at Salt Lake City on the 7th day of Oct.

I moved ten miles south and bought a place at Union, Little Cottonwood. My principle occupation was building houses and mills. In '52 I was organized in the military as Major to defend ourselves against Indian depredations. In '53 the Walker war broke out, Walker being an Indian chief and created a good deal of trouble for the settlers. In '57 went to Echo Canyon as a guard to keep back Johnston's army. Started to the mountains the 18th of November. It was very cold and stormy. Remained out in Echo Canyon nearly all winter. We were camped out as soldiers. Returned home in the spring. Went to Lehi and went to work on a flour mill for Samuel Mulliner. This was about 25 miles south of Union.

In '61 was called to go south on a mission to Dixie, together with my family, and settled in St. George, Washington Co, Utah. Followed the occupation of building houses and mills. In 1885 I went down in Nevada to a place called Overton, Lincoln Co, and there built a mill and run it for about five years. I then returned to St. George in the spring of '91. I am still in St. George in 1893. 

In the fall of 1841 I was ordained a Priest under the hands of Samuel H. Smith, a brother of Joseph Smith the prophet. In 1842 was ordained an elder under the hands of Joseph Young. In the spring of 1845 at a general conference was ordained a member of the sixth quorum of seventies under the hands of Levi Hancock. At the April Conference 1877 in St. George Temple, I was ordained a High Priest and a Bishop, and set apart as president over the Priest Quorum of the St. George Stake of Zion, under the hands of Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow."  (He was 80 years old when he died, 10 May 1899 at St George, Wash. County, Utah).

Easton's wife Abigail Finch Kelsey, is the youngest of 8 children, and a twin to a brother. She was born 15 Nov. 1823 in either Leeds, or Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, Canada. 

She was the mother of ten children, Louisa Kelsey being the second child. Abigail was seven months pregnant with Louisa in Nauvoo, Illinois when the prophet Joseph Smith Jr, and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob on 27 June 1844, and Abigail watched the funeral cortege of Joseph and Hyrum go by while she leaned over her fence in Nauvoo. Abigail was undoubtedly a hard worker. It would be wonderful to be able to know more about this woman of good character.

Abigail died 4 December 1893 at New Harmony, Washington Co, Utah, and is buried there. The gravestone is still visible.

Louisa Kelsey was born 9 August 1844 in Nauvoo, Hancock Co,  Illinois, to Easton Kelsey and Abigail Finch. Louisa was the second of ten children. She was baptized about 1853. 

She was 7 years old when she crossed the plains to the Salt Lake Valley in 1851, and remembered it all her life. She rode with her father and mother and two brothers in a fine carriage all the way. Her father, Easton Kelsey, was Captain over 100 in Heber C. Kimball's Division, 1851. Louisa Married Darius Salem Clement.

Darius Salem Clement Journal is available which covers 50 years.

Darius S. Clement is buried in the Mesa, AZ city cemetery. Louisa is buried in the Fairview, UT city cemetery, in the lower old section of the cemetery. 

*** THE COX FAMILY ***

Excerpts from the biography of

JEHU COX 

1803-1893

                                   

By Wayne D. Stout

1957

[Note: Jehu Cox is Raphael Clement's maternal Great Grandfather. Raphael's mother, Mary Ann Cox, married Darius Albert Clement. This is where the Cox/Clement families joined].

        John Cox (1), the immigrant, was born about 1665, and wife Rachel, were immigrants from England to America. Nothing is known of Rachel's ancestry.

John Cox, Jr. (2), came to America with his parents, in 1708. We do not know where they lived in England - probably from some Quaker community. John was born about 1685 which means he was about 22 on arrival. It is believed the group landed at New Castle, Delaware where they lived for a season. Later the family moved to Kennett, Chester County, Pennsylvania, a Quaker center. This was their residence for about ten years. A tradition in the family says they were invited to Pennsylvania by William Penn. During that period John Cox Senior died, 1711. We have no idea when his wife Rachel passed away.

It is the opinion that John, Jr. married soon after his arrival in America probably about the year 1709. His wife's name could be Hannah Jenkins with whom he had about ten children.  

After her death he married a lady whose first name was Mary (maiden name unknown). With her he had several children, the last one was (our) Solomon. 

Solomon Cox (3), the youngest of 15 children, was born about 1745 in Warrington, York County, Pennsylvania - a live Quaker community - was the home of the Cox, Hussey, and Garretson families. These clans had stuck together for generations. Many inter-marriages had cemented the tribe into a solid unit. When Solomon was a lad of ten his father John joined the Hussey and Garretsons for a long move to Cane Creek, Orange County, North Carolina, a distance of 300 miles. They arrived in Cane Creek April 19, 1755. Solomon was the youngest of three children at this time. Cane Creek was a real Mecca for the Society of Friends. These Quakers hoped to establish a new Zion amongst the slave holders of the South. A Quaker Meeting was organized and a progressive community sprang into existence. Like the Mormons in Jackson County, the Quakers soon found themselves surrounded by intolerant neighbors. The slaveholders looked with suspicion on these strange people whose religion opposed slavery. Suspicion led to antagonism and conflicts. Finally, persecution became so violent the Quakers abandoned Cane Creek and settled in eastern Tennessee, Kentucky, and western Virginia.

Meanwhile, as indicated above, John Cox with three children arrived in Cane Creek April 19, 1755. We next hear of Solomon, the youngest of the three, in 1766 when he married Naomi Hussey. This pair obeyed the first commandment fully for within 15 years ten children came to bless their home. A tradition in the family says that Solomon was excommunicated by his Quaker Friends. He was found guilty of militant activity with the Regulators who opposed British taxes. Since the Quakers opposed war their action against Solomon is understandable. But we in our day are proud to learn that Solomon made a contribution in the cause of freedom.

Military activity was only a sideline for Solomon. He had ten children to support. Ruth the youngest, was born in 1780 or 1781. This was about the time that pressure from the slave holders became so great the family decided to move away. County records give some idea where they went. From the tax lists of Montgomery County, Virginia in 1782, Solomon and Naomi were found among 14 Cox families in that county. Later, in 1785 Solomon Cox received a land grant from the State of Virginia for 330 acres on Fox Creek in the same county. About 1789 Montgomery County was divided. The area around Fox Creek became a part of Wythe County. Solomon remained on the Fox Creek property for seven years. May 1, 1792 he sold the farm to David Pugh (Deed Book 1, page 103). After the sale was completed he seems to have moved south into Grayson County, Virginia. We find the family in Grayson County in 1795 for Solomon Cox is on the Personal Property Tax list for that year. This is the year that son Thomas married Rachel Carr.

Solomon does not appear on the Poll Tax lists after that date. This may or may not mean he moved elsewhere. The law exempted persons over 50 years from paying the tax. Since Solomon was 50 in 1795 he may have remained longer. It is also reasonable to believe that he followed his son Thomas into Tennessee the next year (1796) for that's where Thomas's first child was born. Hence forth, it seems, Solomon followed Thomas wherever he went.

Jehu writes that he was alive in 1818 when Jehu was 15 years old. Thomas Cox was living in Monroe County, Indiana in 1818. Jehu implies that his grandfather lived near the home. We might safely conclude then that Solomon Cox lived to be at least 73 years old and that he died after 1818 somewhere in Ohio or Indiana.

Thomas Cox (4), father of Jehu, was born in a Quaker Community, Cane Creek, North Carolina, December 5, 1775. Rachel Carr, wife of Thomas Cox, came from strong Quaker ancestors too. Thomas was a farmer. Naturally, wherever he lived, his home was in the country. Cane Creek, (still a rural community in 1947), was the boyhood home of Thomas during his first 20 years. In 1795 he met and married Rachel Carr. That same year he moved to Grayson County, Virginia a distance of 110 miles west of Cane Creek. We do not know whether the marriage took place before or after the move. The family could have lived in Grayson County but a short time for in 1796 their first child (Benjamin Cox) was born in Tennessee. 

Rachel Carr was born March 4, 1771 in Cane Creek, the daughter of Thomas and Mariam Carr. Her father, Thomas [Carr], was born in 1731, arrived in Cane Creek in 1753, married July 15, 1756 to Mariam Jones. Thomas Carr was the son of Benjamin Carr of Gunpowder, Maryland. Benjamin's wife and parents are all unknown.

Jehu Cox, (5).

Knox County, Kentucky was chosen by providence for the advent of Jehu Cox. Destiny ruled that he should be a great empire builder, a champion of Mormonism, and the ancestor of a great family of truth seekers. Kentucky, his "Old Kentucky Home" takes its name from an Indian name, meaning, "Land of Tomorrow," was first discovered by Marquette and Joliet in 1673. The Iroquians whom Marquette found in the region described their country as a meadow land - a truly accurate description. The area was an ideal hunting ground for the Indians. Before the coming of the white man the Indian tribes prized the area so highly that a life and death struggle ensued for its possession. It was truly a "Dark and Bloody Ground" when Daniel Boone first explored it in 1767. Eight years later (1775) Daniel built the wilderness Road from Virginia into Kentucky. This famous road (later used by the Cox family) followed an Indian trail to the top of the Appalachian Mountains - better known as Cumberland Gap - then down the Cumberland River into Kentucky and Tennessee. For a century after 1775 a stream of settlers followed that road to find new homes in the west. Kentucky was given statehood June 1, 1792, eleven years before the advent of Jehu.

The time chosen by providence for the advent of Jehu was September 5, 1803. Simultaneously with his arrival the American people were passing through a great crisis. Tensions had been caused by the Louisiana issue. The purchase was ratified by Congress a few months after our great Kentuckian arrived.

Knox County is located in the southeast part of the Blue Grass state. Crossing over the Cumberland Gap the road turns through Bell County and into Knox County. Twenty miles from the Gap is the center of Knox County. The Cumberland River originates in the hilly country east of Knox County. It is very probable that Jehu was born near that river. The county was all rural in 1803. If towns existed they were very small. Col. James Knox led a party of nine hunters into this area in 1769 and explored the country adjacent to Knox. The county was named for him. Mr. Knox made his home in that area and became one of its leading citizens.

Jehu was the fourth child in the family. Nathan, the brother older than he, was born in Tennessee in 1800. This means the move to Kentucky was made between November 1800 and September 1, 1803. Where the Cox family had been living in Tennessee is unknown. It is very probable they lived in the extreme north-eastern tip of the state - very likely in Sullivan or Carter County. In that area the three older children of Thomas Cox were probably born, namely: Benjamin in 1796; Solomon, May 4, 1798; and Nathan, in November 1800. There are no Census records for these eastern counties until 1830 therefore these opinions must be considered as speculation.

                   L I F E

Providence played a great role in providing a rich heritage in blood and character for the advent of Jehu Cox. A rich heritage in character was necessary to accomplish the great mission assigned him. Jehu's great mission was to accept the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. He achieved that sacred duty. An army of waiting spirits shouted for joy when they saw their earthly progenitor embrace the truth. We the descendants of Jehu were those spirits. His action signified momentous implications. We, his descendants are deeply indebted to him for his contribution to our salvation and potential exaltation. It can be truly said that Jehu Cox was indeed a "Savior on Mount Zion."

The journal he wrote is disappointingly brief but extremely valuable for what it is. It is a thousand times better than no journal. In writing up his life's experiences he depended wholly on his memory. A man 74 years old cannot be expected to remember dates and events accurately - but in general he was accurate. A few inconsistencies are allowable. From these precious writings enough facts are discovered to make a biography possible. [Biography of Jehu Cox, 1803-1893, by Wayne D. Stout, BYU Library, Provo, Utah]. 

                     

September 5, 1803 is a historical date in Cox history. It begins in Knox County, Kentucky. The area in Knox County was all rural in 1803. The county had been organized 4 years earlier. Located in the southeast part of the state, Knox was still an Indian hunting ground where white men feared to travel alone. In this wilderness Jehu first saw the light of day.

Let us now return to the infant - Jehu Cox - in the wilderness country - Knox County Kentucky. He had no memories of that beautiful country since his family moved away when he was three weeks old. The journey carried them about 190 miles northwest to the banks of the Green River which is probably in McLean County. This river empties into the Ohio above Henderson, Kentucky. The location of their new home can only be approximated. Here the family lived till Jehu was six years old. Jehu should have started school that year, but more likely he did not. The moving fever was too strong for education.

In 1809 the family journeyed 265 miles to Salt Creek, Vinton County, Ohio. Jehu says the new home was 24 miles east of Chillicothe. The map shows a town named Cox on the banks of Salt Creek which may have been named for Thomas Cox. The family lived in that community 9 years or until Jehu was 15 years old.

During the period of Salt Creek, Jehu says he went to live with his grandfather, Solomon Cox. The years in question were 1814-1817 or when Jehu was 11 to 14. This is very interesting to us for it proves that Solomon was still alive in 1817.

The moving fever struck again in 1818 "forcing" the family 205 miles to Monroe County, Indiana. (Is it possible to believe the 73 year old Solomon accompanied the family?) The family first lived in Bloomington, the county seat for about two years then moved out into the country, 12 miles from town. It seems the home was located near the banks of another Salt Creek. The year 1820 - found Jehu a young man of 17. The next four years were critical for Jehu. If he had any educational opportunities they are not mentioned. Since his father was a farmer we can easily believe Jehu was too. 

It seems providence was shaping the destiny of Jehu. The Cox family were Quakers as we have seen. One of the Cox neighbors belonged to the Episcopal Church. The two churches have little in common. In spite of this social barrier the families became friends. This fact leads to the belief that the two families lived very close together - else how could Quakers fraternalize with Episcopalians? Some of the members from each group became more than friendly. Jehu was not romantic when he related his courtship. He simply says: "i got acquainted with Sarah Pyle and we was married January 13, 1824."

Before we continue with Jehu's story we might take a look at Thomas Cox. We have no record of Thomas following his son Jehu to Warren County. Instead, Thomas and wife Rachel seem to have remained in Salt Creek, Indiana. We have no record of Thomas's death in 1845 but we do not know where he died. We assume he died in Salt Creek, but this is only speculation. We do have a record of Rachel's death on October 5, 1857 at Salt Creek. We might conclude from this fact that Thomas died there too.

Jehu and Sarah made their first home at Salt Creek. Four seasons [years] were spent in that community. During that period 3 children came to bless their home, unfortunately, two of them died in infancy. The health of the family at Salt Creek was not satisfactory so they decided to find a more healthy country. From Salt Creek, Indiana, their destination was Warren County, 110 miles northwest of Salt Creek. They rented a farm near the Wabash river (December 1827) where they remained two seasons. While there Henderson Cox joined the clan, November 6, 1829.

After the second season near the Wabash, Jehu mentions his father-in-law for the first time. He writes that he accompanied Edward G. Pyle and family across the state line into Illinois. They settled at Vermillion River, in Vermillion County. We might be safe in speculating that the Pyle family had been living in Salt Creek too. It may be unwise to suggest the presence of Solomon Cox in this group. In 1829 he was 84 years old - not impossible.

Before the first season's crops were harvested in 1830, at Vermillion River a contagious disease struck his horses and cattle causing serious losses. Jehu placed the blame for the disease on the country. Dissatisfaction resulted - the moving fever was the consequence. Early in 1831 the family returned to Indiana, settling at Green Castle, Putnam County, 50 miles southwest of Vermillion River. At Green Castle Jehu purchased 80 acres and settled down for a four [year] rest. Jehu had good health while there, and Sarah added three more children to the clan - all within a 35 month period. After the third arrival Jehu promised Sarah he would continue on the move till a healthy climate could be found. 

Jehu kept his word. When Elias was a few months old the family was marching on. The call of the west found Jehu and 6 dependents crossing the Mississippi River (probably at St. Louis) and heading southwest to Crawford County, Missouri 35 miles distance, in the heart of the Ozark mountains. Jehu writes the whole family found health and happiness in this primitive area. The region was inhabited by hillbillies whose life and habits are aptly described by Wright in his "Shepherd of the Hills." In time the Cox clan may have degenerated to their level but providence provided a different destiny.

Three seasons were spent in these hills and two more children came to grace their home before a great crisis struck the home. It was the winter of 1837-38 when two strangers came to the Cox home. They asked for a night's lodging. Jehu and Sarah were embarrassed. Their small home was inadequate to house their own seven children. Weaker characters would have refused accommodation. Like true Christians they were, a warm welcome was extended them. 

After a delicious meal was served, the family gathered to hear what the strangers had to say. "Who are you? What is your message?" Jehu wanted to know. The message which these strangers had shocked the family. They announced the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That was more than Jehu could believe. Said he, "We the Christians have been in possession of the Gospel for the last eighteen hundred years, what do you mean by restoration?" This gave the strangers the opportunity they wanted. They related the story of the Gospel being restored to Joseph Smith with all its gifts and blessings. They convinced their hosts the new Gospel which they preached was truly the same Gospel that Adam, Moses, and Christ had taught.

The men responsible for this conversion were Benjamin L. Clapp and (probably) Isaac Allred. No longer were they strangers in the Cox home. Henceforth, they were known as Mormon missionaries from Caldwell County, Missouri. He and family were greatly moved by the true story of the Mormons. The testimony of the missionaries carried a conviction of the truth. Jehu wanted the truth. He was a prayerful man. He asked his Heavenly Father for guidance. He was rewarded by a testimony that the message was true.

In January, 1838 the Mormons were the most despised people in Missouri - thanks to the Devil's influence. Jehu was a man of discernment. He saw beyond the persecutions. He concluded the Mormons were persecuted because they possessed the truth. Once this conviction had ripened he had no fear of persecution. Jehu was baptized January 12, 1838 by Elder Benjamin L. Clapp. Sarah followed her husband into the waters of baptism a month later, February 13, Elder Isaac Allred officiating. During the latter month, Jehu writes, he was ordained an Elder by Elder Clapp.

Mormonism had a powerful influence on the life of Jehu Cox. Its teachings affected his spiritual, moral and social well being. In time Jehu came to the conclusion that progress was impossible so long as he lived in isolation from the church. Jehu decided to gather with the Saints.

When the decision was made - probably late in the Summer of 1838 - the position of the Saints at Far West [Missouri] was precarious. It would have been unwise to have joined the Saints when expulsion was imminent. His decision to wait was justified in October when Governor Boggs issued his exterminating order. During the following six months the Saints were moving from Missouri. In May, 1839 Jehu had planted his crops for the season so moving before they were harvested would have been unwise. He did the only thing he could do. After the harvests were in and the dividends converted to cash he began making preparations to move. In November, 1839, Jehu writes, the family moved to Adams County, Illinois, a distance of 57 miles. Jehu rented a farm below Quincy where he remained two [years]. This was the first time the Cox family had lived among the Mormons. Jehu makes no comment that might reflect his reactions to the new life. After the 1841 harvests were converted to cash the family moved to within 3 miles of Nauvoo. There they spent 4 years.

Jehu's Journal is mighty thin during those troublous times. The higher the tensions the briefer his Journal. The Prophet's assassination was not mentioned. After the 1845 harvests were in the family moved into Nauvoo. He does not tell us why but Andrew Jensen does. The mobs had been very active in the area near Nauvoo. All families living out of town were advised to move in for protection. Jehu spent the rest of the winter making preparations for the "Exodus to Greatness."

The Nauvoo Temple records show that Jehu and Sarah were endowed February 2, 1846. Two days later the great exodus began. The Cox family, however, did not leave till May 20. Jehu does not explain the delay but there are obvious reasons. Jehu's thirteenth child (Nephi) arrived March 20, and died 39 days later (April 29). Jehu makes no mention of the Temple's dedication May 1. It is impossible to believe he did not attend those services. He and family crossed the Mississippi River 19 days later (May 20). [1846].

Finally, Jehu writes, "We left Nauvoo and came to Pisgah and planted some corn." That's a lot of traveling (173 miles) and suffering to express in 11 words. The time spent at Pisgah is unknown. When the word was passed along the camps to move on, Jehu packed his wagons and began the last jog to the Bluffs [Council Bluffs, Iowa]. He does not say when he arrived but we know within a few days of the arrival. He does say that the Mormon Battalion was organizing when he reached the Bluffs. Jehu had a reason for mentioning the Battalion. His 16 year old son, Henderson, volunteered to go with the army. He signed up July 16 and marched away. His parents never saw him again. 

If the writers translation of Jehu's handwriting is correct the family did not cross the Missouri [River] - instead - they remained on the Iowa side all winter. After the Battalion left, the family located (July 22) on the "point of the river." How this family of 9 children managed to stay alive, exposed to the ravages of the weather and starvation diets will never be known. It was probably the toughest winter ever experienced. Jehu was certainly paying a high price for his membership in the church. At no time did he falter. In Jehu's mind there was no sacrifice too great for the truth. He proved faithful to his convictions.

When Spring arrived in 1847 the Cox tribe was still alive and strong in the faith. The family crossed the Missouri River then up stream about 7 miles to the Campbell farm. There they planted a crop and remained a year.

April 28, 1848 the family left the Campbell farm and moved into Winter Quarters. The next 20 days were busy ones for the Cox clan. Intensive preparations were made for the journey west. Food stocks had to be provided. Wagons had to be conditioned for the arduous journey. Since Jehu had 9 children to transport he needed two wagons to carry the supplies. Instructions from the authorities prescribed that for each person in the family 300 to 500 pounds of food stuff be provided. It's quite obvious then that Jehu had at least two wagons. Eight children was a great responsibility to transport 1,031 miles. Their average age was 11.

The westward journey began May 18, 1848. The caravan that formed made a line as far as the eye could see. In six days the groups reached the Horn. [The Elkhorn River, Nebraska was the staging place]. At that stream the pioneers stopped for 14 days while the whole camp was reorganized. This action was in compliance with Section 136 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Jehu was assigned to travel in Heber C. Kimball's Company. 

[Note: Assigned to this same company, were three orphaned children of Betsey Foote Clement, whose names are: Darius Salem Clement, Mary Irene Clement and Thomas Clement. They were traveling with the Isaac and Almira Foote Ferguson, who were their guardians. The saints were divided into three divisions, each division being headed by a member of the First Presidency. Jehu's family was in the second division headed by President Heber C. Kimball]. 

An analysis of Kimball's Company should prove interesting: The division consisted of 662 souls, 226 wagons, 57 horses, 25 mules, 737 oxen, 284 cows, 150 loose cattle, 243 sheep, 299 chickens, [17 cats, 52 dogs, 3 hives of bees, 3 doves, 5 ducks, and 1 squirrel. Journal History of the Church]. 

The company was organized as follows: Titus Billings, Captain of First Fifty; William Burgess, Captain of First Ten; Joseph G. Hoveey, Captain of Second Tan; Newell K. Whitney, Captain of Third Ten; Jehu Cox, Captain of Fourth Ten; Albert P. Griffin, Captain of Fifth Ten; Joel Ricks, Captain of Sixth Ten; Norton Jacobs, Captain of Guard; William Clayton, Clerk; William Thompson, Historian.

The trek resumed June 7, 1848. Jehu describes this thousand mile journey in just 51 words. Jehu's future son-in-law, Hosea Stout, left a better record of the trek. He was in Brigham [Young's] Company, so what he saw Jehu saw too. (see Hosea Stout, pp. 121-125).

June 15 was a day of tragedy. The roads were very rough. The wagon little Lucretia was riding in suddenly went into a deep ditch. This jar knocked her forward onto the wagon tongue then she was pushed by the oxen into the path of the front wheel which ran directly over her body. To make the accident worse, the hind wheel ran over her neck. She died instantly. This incident is confirmed by the Journal of William Thompson, the Historian of the Company. Unknown to Jehu, the month of June was more tragic. Son Henderson, who went with the Battalion, was killed by the treachery of Indians in California. That same month Jehu himself, had contact with the Indians. At Cedar Creek a band of Omaha Indians made an attack on the Company's livestock. In the rescue, two white men were wounded and several Indians killed. This was Jehu's first fight with the red men but not his last.

The art of pioneering is not a bed of roses. The pioneer is always under a great physical strain. Such was the lot of Jehu. Drudgery is the descriptive word that depicts the life of a teamster. Oxen are mean and stubborn to handle. Driving these beasts 15 hours a day was exhausting - even to the strongest. 

The Journal of Hosea Stout.... shows that Jehu was at Fort Laramie July 22. Four days later the company passed Horse Creek....50 miles over the half-way mark. Traveling parallel with the Platte River [on the south side] the caravan found it necessary to return to the north side (August 6). The grass in that area was very poor due to alkali in the soil. Three days later the Sweet Water Mountains came into view. Independence Rock was a strange sight for the Coxes. The rock arises out of the sand like the back of a mighty elephant. On the north side of the rock is a cave large enough to hold about forty persons. This site made an excellent camping ground for plenty of grass was available. Five miles west of the rock the travelers saw Devil's Gate. This canyon box is 1,000 feet long, 130 feet wide and 400 feet deep. The walls on each side are perpendicular. The floor of the canyon was carpeted by green meadows which supplied the livestock with sufficient feed. The entire Kimball's Company experienced difficulties in this canyon making it necessary for advanced groups to turn back and send them aid [August 1848].

Hope filled the hearts of the weary Saints, August 30, when 46 wagons arrived from the Valley to aid the over loaded wagons to reach the Valley. This gave the companies new life and encouragement. There is no way of knowing whether Jehu was given assistance.

The caravans crossed the famous continental divide at South Pass (September 1) during a violent storm. The elevation on the Pass is 7,550. From the summit the road was all down hill. The first creek on the western slope is Dry Sandy, the following day, Jehu's birthday, the company crossed Big Sandy. This was a fine place to spend the middle of his life, 45 years were now behind him, he had 45 more years to go. Green River was crossed September 7. The river was not at flood stage as it was in 1847 when the first pioneers crossed it. Two days later when the company reached Black's Fork they could see in the far southwest huge mountains, their summits capped with snow, the Uintah Mountains. This was Jehu's first glimpse of Utah - his home for the rest of his life.

Fort Bridger was the next stop for the Cox clan. Jim Bridger was absent that day but his old trading post was a great attraction to the pioneers.

Leaving Fort Bridger the company spent a whole day climbing to the top of another summit. The elevation of that mountain proved to be 7,700 feet. This summit is the divide between the Green River and Bear River basins. Looking westward from this mountain Jehu could see Utah just 18 miles away.

Climbing another summit, the Cox family reached the divide between Bear River and Echo Creek basins. Rolling down into Echo

Canyon, ....they were on the soil of future Utah. The rough roads in Echo Canyon caused the wagons to make noisy thunder poundings which echoed a thousand times as the sound waves bounced between the canyon walls. An endless train of wagons could make a constant thunder. The row did not stop till the exit was safely passed. Echo Canyon was well named.

The very day our Federal Constitution was 61 years old (September 17) the victims of its tyrannical government arrived at the Weber River happy in the thought that the Weber Valley, beautiful as it was, aforeshadowed the physical condition of their future home. The climb up Big Mountain was the roughest and toughest of the thousand mile journey. The terrain up the narrow steep creek was littered with large sharp boulders that offered maximum resistance to oxen and wagons alike. The companies crossed the creek 13 times in the struggle to reach the top. The elevation of Big Mountain is 7,245 feet.... From the top of Big Mountain the Cox clan had their first glimpse of the Salt Lake Valley. A few days later the company camped in Emigration Canyon, 5 miles from their Mecca.

The arrival in the Valley, September 24, 1848 was of great significance to Jehu Cox. He was destined to spend the rest of his life "High on the mountain tops." The feelings of relief and security this family experienced in the escape from mobs cannot be imagined by us in this day. Truly the well being of the family was in the hands of providence. His greatest usefulness to society was yet to come. 

The distance from Winter Quarters, [Nebraska] to Salt Lake is 1,031 miles according to the measurements of William Clayton. The time spent in traveling was 130 days, an average of 7.9 miles per day. The day Jehu arrived happened to be on a Sunday. An important meeting was held in the Bowery that day. In that meeting Brigham Young delivered an important speech on land policy. He outlined his plan for the distribution and division of lands for the settlers. Jehu being a farmer was naturally interested in that subject.

Jehu, wife and Sarah and seven children found themselves confronted with a serious problem. These children averaged in age ll.4, the oldest was 16, the youngest 4. Elias, the oldest son was only 13, too young to aid in the family support. The food they had hauled from Winter Quarters was soon exhausted. Food in the community could not be purchased at any price. The crickets had greatly reduced the size of the 1848 crop. Andrew Jensen says that food became so scarce that winter (1848-49) that "many of the people were compelled to eat raw hides and to dig sego and thistle roots for months upon which to subsist." This was the food situation into which Jehu had landed. Seven children needed a lot of food. How Jehu filled their mouths will never by known. None of the children died of starvation so we must conclude the Lord had a hand in their survival.

Late in September, 1848 Captain Jefferson Hunt of the Mormon Battalion arrived in the Valley and made his report. He did not have a message for Jehu for he knew nothing of Henderson's fate. Later, October 1, a group of Battalion veterans arrived in the city who knew of Henderson's fate. These were the men who left Sutter's Fort May 1, 1848 with Henderson. They had survived the Indian massacres. It was on that day that Jehu and Sarah learned of the tragedy. The shock was crushing.

Except for a few items relative to his temple work and ordinations the Journal of Jehu comes to an end on arrival in the Valley. All information relating to the second half of his life comes from other sources. This indeed, is most unfortunate. His life in Utah was active and crowded with crucial decisions. He was the builder of two communities. He was a church leader, a powerful defender of the faith and his influence for good was magnificent. His contributions to the moral and spiritual welfare of the community cannot be measured. He left this world a better place for having lived in it.

The blank period in Jehu's history ends in April, 1849. The Ward records of Little Cottonwood reveal that Jehu Cox was the first settler on the banks of Little Cottonwood Creek [South Salt Lake]. This region had previously been explored by scouts sent by Brigham Young to locate suitable farming lands with rich soil, sufficient water, abundant grass and plenty of wood. The lands on each side of Little Cottonwood satisfied all these requirements. Jehu learned from these scouts its location and straightway made preparations to take possession. Obtaining permission from Brigham Young, Jehu moved his family there in April 1849. Selecting a site on the south bank of the creek, Jehu "squatted." He built an adobe house which still stands [2001]. In a few weeks another settler joined him. Elija Elmer chose a site about a mile up stream. After Jehu had cleared a few acres a crop was planted. Before the crop could be harvested his seven children increased to eight. Martha Elizabeth joined the clan, August 2. During the next four years his dependency load was at a peak. After 1853 the size diminished rapidly by the marriage route.

The history of Little Cottonwood comes out of obscurity in October 1849 when Silas Richards moved into the community. Silas had the foresight to keep a daily diary. From that diary we have the only record of community life in that area. The Coxes and Richards' were soon friends. Relations continued to improve till a marriage between the clans cemented the ties permanently.

The harvest season of 1849 gave Jehu his first income in two years. Produce from the few acres he managed to clear could not have been large but it aided his family to stay alive another winter. Before another season began he had more land cleared so his 1850 crop was still larger. This enabled him to take his family off starvation rations. He continued to clear more land so his 1851 crop was even larger.

January 18, 1851 Jehu was ordained a Seventy by Benjamin L. Clapp, the same man who had baptized him. Jehu's sixteenth child, Elisha, joined the clan July 5, 1851. Conditions on earth did not look favorable so he departed the same day. After his departure Jehu still had a large family to support. Eight children could consume a lot of food and wear out a lot of clothes. In July, 1851 the oldest unmarried in the family was 19, the youngest 2. His oldest son, Elias, was 16, Jehu, Jr. was 14. The two boys materially increased the productive capacity of the family.

Eight days after the passing of Elisha, July 1851, Little Cottonwood was considered large enough to be organized into a Ward. Silas Richards was appointed Bishop, Jehu Cox first and Henry H. Wilson second Counselor. There were 8 families in the new Ward. Jehu writes that when he was set apart as Counselor he was also ordained a High Priest. Edward Hunter being mouth was assisted by Willard Snow and Daniel Spencer. Jehu served in the Bishopric till 1859.

The history of Little cottonwood is blank for the year 1852. The diary of Silas Richards brings the community into existence when he writes in 1853 that:

"In consequence of Indian depredations and troubles, it was thought expedient for us to build a fortification and live inside the walls. We selected a site for the village, 40 rods square. We built a wall of rock, clay and dobies, 12 feet high around the site. Twenty three families lived inside in dobie houses."

Little Cottonwood was growing rapidly in population. In 1851 there were 8 families, in 1853 there were 23 families. In 1854 there were 273 persons.

Andrew Jensen [Church historian] gives more details:

"In 1854, agreeable to council from President Brigham Young, the Saints in Little Cottonwood settlement, who now numbered 273 souls, went to work and built a fort as a protection against the Indians, who at that time were hostile and did considerable stealing and killing in various parts of the territory. The settlers on the Cottonwoods, however, were never molested by the natives.

Jehu Cox gave up 10 acres of farming land for a fort site, around which a wall 12 feet high and six feet thick at the bottom, tapering off to one foot thick at the top, was built of rocks, adobes and clay. Portholes were made a few yards apart and bastions built on two of the four corners. A twelve foot road ran around on the inside near the wall. This road enabled the men to move guns and ammunition rapidly to any part of the wall. The location of the fort was high and dry and free from water so well were dug.

Three blocks were laid out inside the fort with 24 lots in each block. Jehu Cox kept only one lot inside the wall."

George A. Smith [Church historian] wrote in the Deseret News for August 24, 1854, the following:

"Early in the history of the Fort a large community granary was built. Each man had a section of the community house in which to store his produce. The building was never locked, as each man had complete trust in all other members of the settlement. Each man also knew that should he run short of food or not have enough seed for planting, that he would be welcome to a share of what his neighbors had. It was this spirit of unity or united living that led to the naming of the community - UNION." 

Lucy Ann Richards, daughter of Silas, has compiled a list of settlers who moved into old Union Fort. She lists 55 heads of families. Below are only those who have some connection with the Cox clan.

Marion H. Brady, Lindsey A. Brady, James Gymon, Benjamin Gibson, Benjamin and his son David Jones, Easton Kelsey, Austin S. Merrill, Silas Richards and Isaac Vance. All but one  (Benjamin Gibson) were ancestors of the same descendants that claimed Jehu Cox as a progenitor.

The people of Union remained within the walls until the [Indian Chief] Walker Peace Treaty (May 1854) adjusted the difficulties between the races. Henceforth the wall became superfluous. As the settlers recognized this fact a movement began back to the farms. Old Union Fort was well nigh abandoned by the end of 1854, only the Cox family remained to till the ten acres.

Cox history after 1854 is conspicuous for its brevity. Except for the marriage socials (related elsewhere) we know nothing of the struggles and hardships the family met and conquered. Uncle Sam's Army [Johnston's Army] was coming to Utah to crush a Mormon rebellion! The people of Union were surprised to learn of their rebellion. The absurdity of the charges was appalling. They accepted the challenge, however, and voted to support the church leaders in any action recommended. Following instructions the town was prepared for destruction if the emergency warranted.

While these preparations were in progress the town was a hive of activity. Soon the town was ready to roll away on wagon wheels. The community looked like a Nauvoo in 1846. In that year a mad mob of Illinois scoundrels were driving the Saints. In 1858 it was a demented demigod using the Army to persecute the Saints. 

Jehu joined the stream of caravans which made the roads between Union and Payson a cloud of dust. Thanks to the diary of Silas Richards we know where the people of Union hibernated. By the end of March 40 families were encamped at Spring Lake Villa, 4 miles south of Payson. A cozy retreat, sheltered by embankments and cottonwoods - thus making discovery difficult. The hide-out was almost ideal. The spring water was pure, abundant grass was available for livestock and dry wood was plentiful. Crops were planted but never harvested - the crickets consumed the vines before maturity. Spring Lake Villa had its pleasant memories as well as its unpleasant memories. It was the birth place of the notorious Black Hawk who was soon to make war on the Saints. 

After the mock pardon for "rebellion and treason" had been issued the Saints at Spring Lake Villa began moving back to Union (July 1). A month later conditions at Union were normal again.

Jehu reached his 55th birthday September 5, 1858. Since coming to Union 5 of his children had committed matrimony. This left 3 unmarried children in the family. The nine years in Union saw the family expanding faster than his farm could sustain. Three married sons and three sons-in-law gave him a total of 14 grand children. The Cox clan then totaled 31 souls. All agricultural lands in the vicinity of Union was under cultivation. Land under irrigation could not be purchased at any price. This was most disheartening to the six young couples who were seeking homes. By the end of 1858 the pressure for expansion became too great for comfort. Jehu and the six couples decided to seek new homes where land was sufficient to sustain the clan.

During the winter months of 1858-59 much activity was evident behind the old crumbling walls of Fort Union. The Cox tribe was preparing to move away. The Kelsey's moved to Lehi. Jehu Cox and Lindsey A. Brady moved to Mt. Pleasant. 

The first settlers of Mount Pleasant came in 1852-3, but that attempt failed. Early in 1858 the second attempt was made and succeeded. By the first of August, 1859 there were about 800 persons in the community. By the end of that season there were about 1,200 acres under cultivation.

At a meeting of the townsmen, May 13, 1859 it was decided to take President Brigham Young's advice and build a wall as a protection against the Indians. Four men were selected to supervise the construction of the wall. The church records show the number of hours worked by the following men: Warren P Brady - 7 hours; Benjamin Jones - 12 hours; David H. Jones - 12 hours; Jehu Cox - 10 1/2 hours; Isaiah Cox - 10 1/2 hours.

The Cox and Brady clans were disappointed in not finding fertile lands that could be claimed. It was therefore necessary to look elsewhere for suitable lands. In June, 1859 Warren P. Brady, Benjamin and David Jones went north in search of unclaimed lands that might be settled. Six miles north of Mt. Pleasant they discovered a beautiful valley rich in meadow grass. Warren P. Brady needed land so he wrote to President Young and made application for a settlement there. This letter was carried to the City by Jehu Cox, Jr. Brigham Young replied that the proposal was satisfactory providing there was room for at least 30 families. In July Jehu Sr. went to Salt Lake City and had an interview with the President. He counseled Jehu against settling families outside of a fort wall.

After his return to Mt. Pleasant, August 1, Bishop Seeley wrote a letter to President Young and asked permission for Jehu and others to make a new settlement. Brigham's second reply cautioned against the danger of Indians and suggested that if a settlement is begun a strong wall be built before any women and children are brought in. Meanwhile the group who were seeking homes met and appointed a committee to select a site where a walled town might be built. James N. Jones was chosen to head this committee. Lindsey and Warren Brady were selected to assist him. Warren led them to the very site he had previously chosen as an ideal spot for settlement. At the bend of the river the landscape was beautifully decorated by meadows of wild hay. The average elevation at the site is 6,033 feet above sea level. From this vantage point the men had an excellent view of the valley to the south. From this fact the place was later named Fairview. The men were highly pleased with their discovery and concluded: "This is the place."

After the committee returned and made their report a larger group was organized to inspect the new site. At the bend of the river a conference was held. A town site was staked out, each family head was given a lot. The farming lands adjacent to the town were also equally divided between the families. Jehu, three sons and Benjamin Jones were given their proper share. The farm assigned to Jehu was located west of town, down in the meadows where the grass grew the highest. Jehu and sons spent the winter building the walls for the fort, clearing land, and building homes for their families. By March, 1860 the walls were complete so the families were brought from Mt. Pleasant and home life resumed. Since the town site was located near the bend of the Sanpitch River the people decided to name the community "North Bend. "

The first homes in North Bend were log cabins but these were better than living in covered wagons at Mt. Pleasant. Soon a goodly sized stream of water was feeding the hungry fields of grain and hay. This enabled the farmers to harvest a fair crop that fall. By the end of 1860 North Bend was potentially a real community. The Church acknowledged this fact by organizing the people into a Branch. James Naylor Jones was appointed Presiding Elder with Jehu Cox, one of his Counselors. During the years 1859-61 the Cox clan increased rapidly in numbers. Jehu, Jr. was married to Edith Maria Jones November 2, 1860, daughter of James N. Jones; born April 23, 1840.

The history of North Bend is conspicuously silent in 1862-3. This does not mean the people were entirely inactive. It does mean the events which transpired were not recorded. During those years Jehu could boast of 5 more grandchildren. We can safely conclude the town was just as peaceful as it was busy. This era of peace ended tragically in 1864.

Without warning Fairview found itself in the center of a bloody Indian War. In the Autumn of 1864 the sons of Jehu were peacefully "abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks," when suddenly without warning, Indians attacked and made off with the sheep. Highly provoked, Elias and Jehu, Jr. raced to town to report the attack. Meanwhile the Indians escaped into the hills and proceeded to feast on their loot. While thus occupied they were accidentally discovered by Martin Allred. This intrusion thoroughly alarmed the Indians. Caught cold in the act, the Indians decided to liquidate Allred. Preparations for his execution were in progress when suddenly the Indians found themselves surrounded by white men. Completely confused by this show of strength the Indians were knocked off balance. In terror they attempted to escape. In the melee that followed three red men were captured, the rest escaped. 

Jehu, Sr. who led this posse decided to teach these Indians a moral lesson. One Indian was held as a hostage, the other two were sent back to the Chief for explanations. Indian fashion, the answer soon came. The Chief and 25 of his braves appeared armed to the teeth. Their actions were highly suspicious, their demeanor indicated violence. Their countenances changed when they saw an equal number of whites well armed and ready for a fight. The challenge was more than the Indians could stomach. Suddenly the red men were ready to talk peace. In the conference that followed the Indians promised to stop stealing and be peace loving neighbors. In a few weeks the Indians, tired of being peaceful, pulled up stakes and retired into the eastern mountains. During the winter (1864-65), these savages were indoctrinated by the fanaticism of Black Hawk who drove his obedient dupes into frenzied fits of hate toward the white land robbers. By spring their passions had reached a white heat.

The failure of the Manti peace talks (April 9, 1865) set the spark for a new war. The Indians, in revenge for the Lowry incident, declared open war on the whites. The methods of fighting used by the red men were cowardly and cunning. They never attacked unless they held the advantage. They never fought in open combat. White men found alone were shot from ambush. Jens Larsen was the first victim. He too was shot from ambush. The following day the Given family was murdered at Thistle. May 29, the war came home to the Cox clan. David H. Jones was also killed from ambush. His companion, Elias Cox, escaped to tell the tale. These killings aroused Fairview to take protective measures. A scout guard was organized to protect both men and sheep. Life in Fairview became strenuous. The Cox tribe contributed its quota to the civilian army. Elias, Jehu, Jr., Warren Brady, and Jacob Jones took an active part in the conflict. Tensions continued and even increased during the year.

The fear of ambush did not intimidate Jehu and Sarah. In October, 1865 these stalwart saints made a long journey to Salt Lake City. Their objective was...they wanted to be sealed for time and all eternity. They entered the Endowment House October 28, 1865 and were sealed for the eternities by George Q. Cannon. Returning to Fairview they found the war even hotter.

When spring arrived in 1866, life at Fairview was a nightmare. Tensions were too high for comfort. A meeting was held to decide what action to take. It was decided to move all women and children to Mt. Pleasant. In May the great scramble began. Covered wagons were traveling to and fro delivering human and chattel cargo. The men returned to Fairview and began the construction of a stronger and higher wall. All the men worked in one group. On some days the gang worked on the wall, on other days the men planted or harvested wild hay. This method protected them from sniping Indians. In August the wall was considered sufficiently strong to resist attack so the families were returned to Fairview. Soon after the exile ended the Stake Presidency came to Fairview and installed the first Ward organization. Amasa Tucker was appointed Bishop. Jehu Cox who had served as Counselor to both Jones and Peterson was selected to serve in that capacity to Tucker. He remained in the Bishopric till July 28, 1877.

The early months of 1877 saw the completion of the first temple in Utah. The St. George Temple was dedicated April 6, 1877. While waiting for the temple to open he wrote up his life history. The story was brief since he could not remember all the details. Considering his age, he did an excellent job. 

The dedication reminded Jehu that he had a work to do. The gospel had endowed him with a promise of life eternal. Jehu had achieved life's greatest satisfactions and joys. His prospects for a future life of progress looked encouraging. Such a life, he believed, could not be attained unless his parents shared the same opportunities. Intuition led him to realize that all his ancestors were equally dependent on him for their progress. He was soon enveloped by the Spirit of Elijah. There was a reason for Jehu's absence from Fairview in July, 1877. Early in May Jehu and Sarah left Fairview for the 240 mile journey to St. George. [They did the temple work for their two sets of parents, grandparents, and others]. They spent most of the winter serving their ancestors.

The most important event during that nine months was the sealing of Jehu and Sarah to their own children. This event took place November 21, 1877. On that date 8 of his children had passed on, 8 were still alive.

The return to Fairview in 1878 (April or May) is the beginning of silence in the life of Jehu Cox. The thirteen years between 1878 and the death of Sarah (1891) is a complete blank. We do know, however, that two of the children passed away during that period - Sarah and Jehu, Jr. The death of Jehu, Jr. was most unfortunate. He had ten children to provide for and went to California to seek employment. While passing through Needles, he was murdered by persons unknown. It is believed these criminals killed him for his money. The crime took place December 22, 1889.

Sarah and Jehu, Sr. home was in Fairview when their son, Elias, invited them to come to Huntington to spend the rest of their lives, which they did. The death of Sarah, August 25, 1891 was not unexpected. [She died at age 83 in Huntington, Utah, and was buried in Fairview, Utah, the town she helped her husband settle, beginning in 1859. Sarah Pyle Cox is honored by her descendants with a "Mormon Pioneer, Faith in Every Footstep" plaque on her gravestone]. 

Jehu, Sr. married, second, Ann Koford. [They lived in Fairview]. Within a year after his marriage to Ann, Jehu's health broke. During the remaining two years he was an invalid. Eventually he reached the point when he could no longer walk. It became necessary to carry him wherever he had to be moved. Ann's children were very kind and diligent in giving him the necessary care. 

The end came December 26, 1893, [age 90]. He was buried beside his wife Sarah. This ends the life a great man. It is very unfortunate that we know so little of him. End.

NOTE: Jehu and Sarah's graves can be found in the Fairview City Cemetery, in the lower level, which is the older section. There are two honors on Jehu's gravestone - "PVT, UTAH TERRITORY MILITARY INFANTRY, BLACK HAWK WAR", and "Mormon Pioneer, Faith in Every Footstep".

Jehu's two-story white stucco home that he built in Little Cottonwood is situated in today's Union Park area of Midvale, UT.

The house barely escaped being torn down in favor of a modern mall. Cox descendants went up in arms and prevented the destruction of this fine Mormon Pioneer home. The house has been wonderfully preserved with some original wood inside the house and outside on the eaves, fireplace, and a few original glass window panes and framing. The house is now in the hands of the Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. It is on the list of Historical Homes, and has become an interesting historical stop for visitors. The address of the house is 7192 South Union Park Avenue, Midvale, Utah.

To get there, take I-215 East to the Union Park Avenue exit. On the exit sign, there is a choice of "north" or "south". Take the "south" one to Fort Union Blvd. Cross Fort Union Blvd. and go to 1300 East. Cross 1300 East, continuing to 7180 South. Take a right into the "Family Center Mall" shopping center. You are there!

Today, Jehu's house stands surrounded by a conglomeration of buildings in the form of mall and restaurants. At the home, there is a historical marker of significant size telling about pioneer Fort Union for which Jehu Cox donated the 10 acres, and of Jehu's house. There are tall flag poles w/flags and spotlights near the house. Cottonwood Creek runs behind the house, take a look. This house of Jehu's is where church meetings were held for two years until a ward was organized. Good Luck, and Happy Visiting!

*** PYLE FAMILY ***

Sarah Riddle Pyle, our maternal ancestor, was a woman of sterling integrity, genial in temperament, loyal as a wife and mother, was a stalwart Utah pioneer with a record of fidelity and devotion unmatched by her sex. The mother of 16 children (motherhood's greatest achievement), she was the queen of her husband's future kingdom whose foundation was laid in this life. She married at the tender age of 16 years and six months. Her children all arrived within a period of 25 1/2 years - a child every 19 months. During the infancy of her children (1825-1859) the family moved 11 times. 

The children's names are: Rosanna; Edward; Thomas; Henderson; Sarah; Mary Jane; Elias; Rachel Ann; Jehu, Jr.*; Isaiah; Lucretia; Emma Elizabeth; Nephi; Joshua; Martha; Elisha.

Sarah came from a large family too. She was the oldest in a family of 12 children. Born July 22, 1808 in Breckinridge County, Kentucky, the daughter of sturdy pioneers who transformed Kentucky from a wilderness to a civilized state. Her birthplace is about 30 miles down the Ohio River from Louisville. Breckinridge County was all rural in 1808 so we do not know in what part the blessed event took place. The Pyle family lived in this county till Sarah was 8 years old. In 1816 the family moved across the Ohio River and north to Crawford County, Indiana, a distance of 30 miles. The clan lived in this rural area about 5 years. When Sarah was 13 years old (1821), the Pyles moved to Monroe County, a distance of 60 miles farther north. On the banks of Salt Creek the family settled down to farming. While thus engaged the Pyles discovered they were surrounded by Quakers. The Pyles were strong Episcopalians. Quakers and Episcopalians did not mix socially. Social scruples were disregarded by the new generation. One of these strange Quaker neighbors was a man named Thomas Cox. One of his sons became quite friendly with Sarah. Disregarding church conventions Sarah fell in love with this youth. Sarah and Jehu were married January 13, 1824. Before we continue with Sarah's life story suppose we [take a look] at her ancestral family tree. At the top of that tree we may find the name of Jeremiah the Prophet. [Refer to this biography for the rest of her genealogy in "Jehu Cox" by Wayne D. Stout for full details, at the Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah].

The parents of our heroine were Edward Gant and Rosannah Mary McMahon Pyle both of whom descended from aristocratic Irish families. Edward was born September 22, 1785 in Maryland. His ancestors were all Episcopalians. He was the oldest child in a family of ten. Before he was five years old his parents moved to Washington County, Kentucky. The family lived in that area till 1806. During that year Edward met and married (January 16) Rosannah Mary McMahon (born October 4, 1789) the daughter of John and Rosannah Hardin McMahon. Soon after marriage Edward and wife moved to Breckinridge County, Kentucky, 60 miles west of Washington County. In this rural area - near the Ohio River - our heroine (Sarah) was born. Two other children joined the clan before the United States declared war on England (June 18, 1812). Edward enlisted at Hardinburg, September 3, 1812 and served in the War of 1812. We do not know how long he served but we do know that his children continued to arrive regularly every two years. Before the arrival of the fourth child (Rosannah, January 17, 1814) the family had moved to Crawford County, Indiana. Edward was probably discharged when the war ended in December, 1814. In Crawford County 5 more children were added to the clan. After 1820 the family moved to Monroe County where 3 more children were born. As we have seen, it was in that county that Sarah met and married Jehu. From the Journal of Jehu we learn that Edward and family moved from Monroe County, Indiana to Vermillion River, Vermillion County, Illinois in 1830. It was in that place that Henry Pyle, the youngest child of Edward, was born February 6, 1831. The next 15 years is a complete blank in the biography of Edward G. Pyle.

H.H. Bancroft, History of California, Vol. 4, page 785 says that Edward Pyle came overland to California in 1846. It is believed the family first lived in Sacramento for that is where Rosannah died, April 20, 1847. Three days before she passed away Rosannah cut Edward's hair. That was the last time it was ever cut. This explains the long hair in the photograph. Nine months after her passing we find Edward at Sutters Fort where gold was discovered January 24, 1848. He may have been one of the men who made the discovery. Strange indeed, his grandson, Henderson Cox of Mormon Battalion fame, was also at the Fort. Did Edward and Henderson meet? - the author would like to know. The next 27 years in the life of Edward G. Pyle is a complete blank. He died at San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, October 16, 1875, age 90. 

Edward was the son of William (III) and Lucretia Keyes Pyle (henceforth the correct spelling will be Pile). This couple was the parents of ten children - Edward was the oldest. We are sure that William the III was born in Prince George County, Maryland but we are not sure when he was born. We believe it was in 1761. He was probably married in 1784, died 1815-19 in Montgomery County, Kentucky. He may have served in the American Revolution. We know very little about his wife Lucretia Keyes. She was born about 1765 in Virginia and died about 1810. She was the daughter of Humphrey and Sarah Hall Keyes. Lucretia's mother, Sarah Hall, was born about 1745 in what is now West Virginia. She was the daughter of William and Hannah Richardson Hall. William Hall was the son of William Hall. This is the end of the Hall and Richardson lines.

William Pile II, father of William III, was born April 3, 1729, married to Margaret Wright, died in 1756, son of William Pile (Senior) and Elizabeth Hutcheson. Margaret Wright was born April 25, 1733, daughter of Henry and Eleanor Sprigg Wright - both of whom have long Irish pedigrees to sustain their ancestry. Eleanor Sprigg was born in 1700, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Moriarty (or Mariarte) Sprigg both of whom have ancestors rooted in Irish Royal lines. Margaret Moriarty was born about 1672 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, daughter of Edward and Honore O'Brien Moriarty. Honore O'Brien came from Ireland and died in 1701 in Maryland. We may be doubtful about Honore's royal connections but we are more confident of her husband's royal ancestry. Edward Moriarty's background was well rooted in Irish nobility. He was born about 1645, married about 1668, died in 1688, son of Daniel Moriarty (mother unknown).

William Pile II, as we have seen, was the son of William Pile I. The latter was born December 14, 1701 in Prince George County, Maryland, married April 29, 1723 to Elizabeth Hutcheson (daughter of William and Sarah Hutcheson), died in 1733, son of Dr. Richard Pile, the immigrant. Richard was probably born in Huntingdonshire or Middlesex County in 1670-78, married June 5, 1696 to Mary  ?, came to America in 1698 and settled in Prince George County, Maryland where his descendants remained till the time of Edward, father of our Sarah. Richard had been given an excellent medical education. As and MD, he spent the major part of his life practicing medicine. He died in 1713. He may be the son of Richard and Elizabeth Quiney Pile of Middlesex County, England. If so, then this latter Richard is the son of Richard and Catherine Clowers Pile. The mother of Dr. Richard could also be Elizabeth, daughter of Richard and Elinor Sadler Quiney. This completes the paternal ancestry of Sarah Pyle.

We know too little of the personal life of Sarah Riddle Pyle. What educational advantages did she gave? What were her talents? Did she excel as a cook or as a seamstress? Was she serene or passionate? Was she frugal or lavish? If we knew the answers we could draw a clearer picture of her character.

We have followed her footsteps from birth to marriage. We shall now examine her married life. A girl, age 16 years, 5 months and 22 days was assuming the responsibilities of a mature woman. Marriage was only the beginning of life. The ocean of experience lie ahead. How did Sarah meet the Challenge?

Marriage was a great event in her life. Its significance affected the lives of all her future descendants. Every descendant in this genealogy should be eternally grateful for the privilege of being related to her. The union of these good people provided a means for the salvation of the hosts that followed. Unfortunately too many of her seed have failed to appreciate the sacrifices made and have lost the truth - thus jeopardizing their future progress and happiness.

A crucial event in the life of Sarah Pyle was her baptism into the church. Mormonism had a powerful influence on the lives of Sarah and Jehu. Their lives were completely changed by accepting the truth. The possession of truth gave them a new slant on life. To be saved had a new meaning. Salvation was not a sudden acquisition, instead a process - an achievement earned by giving service to others. Service to others could only be obtained by working in the group. Therefore, they concluded, isolation from the Saints could not foster progress. Reason dictated that they join the group. The spirit of gathering took full possession of them. As soon as Nauvoo was chosen as a gathering place the Cox family made preparations to move there.

In November 1839 the Cox clan made the 155 mile journey to Adams County, Illinois. There, 4 miles from Quincy, they rented a farm and remained two seasons. 

Early in 1842 the family moved to a rural area 4 miles from Nauvoo. During the years 1844-48 she experienced the heaviest load in child-bearing and home responsibilities. During those years three children arrived and three passed away. Her oldest child in 1846 (the crucial year) was 21 and unmarried, the youngest was an infant who died within a month. The average age of her eleven children was 10. Indeed, a great responsibility for one woman.

If the year 1846 was critical in parental care it was more crucial as a year of crisis. The major part of the Saints crossed the Mississippi in February and March 1846. The Cox family was unable to join the exiles at first. Domestic conditions prevented an early exit. Son Nephi joined the clan March 20, 1846. This probably explains the delay in crossing the river. This child's health was probably poor for he lived but 39 days (April 29, 1846). Strange name indeed. The name was not family tradition nor was it Biblical - more strange it was not modern. We must conclude that Sarah had been reading the Book of Mormon. Twenty one days after the passing of this child Sarah and family managed to cross the Mississippi (May 20). Such an adventure multiplied Sarah's duties ten fold. Ten children to watch in rough waters required all the energy and patience a person can summon. She executed her responsibilities with skill and efficiency. Fleeing from Nauvoo with angry mobs nibbling at one's heels was no experience to forget. 

The journey across Iowa ended prior to July 16. On that day Henderson signed up to join the Mormon Battalion. It was a painful ordeal for Sarah to watch her son march away. Her intuition had ominous implications. Time vindicated her apprehension. She never saw him again. 

The starvation winter of 1846-7 - spent at the bend of the river and the sojourn at the Campbell Ranch was a period of trial for Sarah. The arrival of Joshua (July 14, 1847) and his demise the same day did not contribute to her comfort and happiness. Suffering and hardships were the rule for those who had accepted the truth. The struggle to keep alive continued in April 1848 when the family moved to Winterquarters to prepare for the long move west.

The journey west began May 18, 1848. Within a month a serious accident took place. Lucretia fell from the wagon - the wheels crushed her body causing death (June 15). This was a great shock to Sarah. The caravan stopped long enough to hold a funeral, bury the body and move on, leaving the grave for the Indians and wolves to haunt. The exiles arrived in the Valley September 24, 1848.

Just one week after reaching the land of promise, Sarah was given another shock. The company with whom Henderson started from California arrived in Salt Lake. These men reported to Sarah and Jehu the violent death of Henderson [by Indians]. Two deaths from violence in the same month (June) was a blow difficult to bear. These shocks were only the beginning of the troubles that were yet to come. The winter - 1848-9, was the worst the clan ever experienced. Starvation was a daily diet. The family was still alive when spring came for they had strength enough to move to Little Cottonwood.

A few more statistics should prove worth while. The average age at which Sarah's children married was 20. At the end of 1869 Sarah was the grand mother of 46 offspring. From January 1, 1870 to her death she became the grand mother of 53 more. After her death only 13 more were added. This makes a total of 112. A glance at her great grandchildren should prove interesting. At the time of her death she added 113 great grandchildren to her crown. Since then 491 have been added. This makes a total of 604 great grandchildren (1956).

Very little is known of the personal life of Sarah. We, her descendants, would like to know what her special talents were, the church positions held, etc. Indeed, it would be thrilling to hear her testimony of the gospel. "By their fruits ye shall know them." Using this yardstick to measure her worth to humanity, she made a great contribution to the world for all her children were stalwarts as citizens and church members.

In 1890 Sarah and Jehu lost their home in Fairview. Being homeless they went to Huntington to live with son Elias. Sarah never saw Fairview again. She passed away August 25, 1891. She was taken to Fairview for burial.

This ends the life mission of Sarah Riddle Pyle Cox - a greater woman never lived. May her descendants appreciate the sacrifices she made by living the truth as she did.

It is very possible that Sarah did not know that her father was a fifth cousin to Brigham Young. Sarah's fourth great grandparents were Thomas and Mercy Hurt Brigham who were both born in England, emigrated to America, and spent their last days in Marlboro, Massachusetts:

     John Brigham - 1573 and Constance Watson Brigham - 1578

                Thomas Brigham  ----  1603-1693

                Mercy Hurd      ----  1616-1693

Hannah Brigham - 1649-1719.........Samuel Brigham --- 1653-1711

Mary Eames - 1698-1772.............Samuel Brigham --- 1689-1771

Gershom Keyes - 1698-1783..........Sibil Brigham  --- 1718-1807

Humphrey Keyes - 1721-1793......Susannah Goodard  --- 1742-1837

Lucretia Keyes - 1766-1810..........Abigail Howe  --- 1766-1815

Edward G. Pyle - 1785..............Brigham Young  --- 1801-1877

Sarah Pyle - 1808-1891

[Excerpts from Biography of Jehu Cox by Wayne D. Stout]

*** JEHU COX, JR. & EDITH JONES COX FAMILY ***

Extracts from "Histories of those Buried in the Old Pioneer Cemetery, Fairview, Utah." Compiled by the North Bend D.U.P.

Jehu Cox, Jr. was born 15 June 1837, in Crawford County, Missouri. Edith Mariah Jones was born 23 April 1840, in

Pennsville, Morgan County, Ohio, daughter of Sarah Ann Mallernee and James Naylor Jones. She was the fourth child and third daughter. Her older brother and sisters were: Elizabeth Ann, Amy Amelia, and Jacob. Her younger siblings were: Thomas Jefferson born in Lima, Hancock County, Illinois; James Naylor, Jr. at Kanesville, Iowa; and Ezra T. Benson Jones at Provo, Utah.

Edith's father was in the Stake Presidency in Provo, Utah. While they were living there Edith met William Newton Orton, and in her seventeenth year they were married. A son John was born to them in 1858. In 1859 William left Edith to go back east. A little while later Edith discovered that she was expecting another child. Not being able to care for herself, she returned to live with her parents. When they moved to Sanpete County, Edith came with them. Her second son, James, named after her father, was born in 1860. Her husband did not return. Thinking he was either dead, or did not intend to return to Utah, she divorced him.

At North Bend (Fairview) she met Jehu Cox, Jr. Jehu's father was a counselor to Bishop James Naylor Jones. Jehu became well acquainted with the Jones family. He offered marriage to Edith as his second wife. They were married 30 November 1961.

Jehu and Edith lived in Fairview for the first ten years of their marriage. They were living there during the Black Hawk War. Jehu took part in it. When circumstances became drastic, the women and children were sent to Mt. Pleasant. Edith was expecting their third child, Thomas Wilford. He was born in the Mt. Pleasant fort.

Jehu's city lot was in block 18, the southwest quarter of that block. It was located between Main Street and First East, and Center Street and First South.

Jehu seemed to constantly be on the move. He loved exploring new country, and was sent by the Church Authorities to do this. In 1872 or 73, he received a call to help settle Fredonia, Arizona. He took Edith with him. This mission lasted two or three years. Conditions there were not pleasant in that dry, dusty place. Provisions were scarce. Hunger seemed always with them. John was now fourteen and Jim twelve. The Cox children were Lovina at ten, Lorenzo eight, Thomas six, Edith Kisiah three, and Mary Ann (Raphael's mother, born 25 January 1871) four months, when they moved to Fredonia. Elizabeth was born there.

Even with the boys help Jehu became discouraged and was happy when his mission was completed to return to Fairview. As soon as the family was settled back in their Fairview home, Jehu was called again to help explore the land east of the Fairview mountains.

The men left in the fall after crops were harvested. Edith was left home to care for the family. She was expecting another child...but little Juddiah didn't live. This was the second child she had lost the day it was born. Sarah Cordelia had also died the day of her birth. When Jehu arrived home that spring, he found that his baby son had died. The next child was Henrietta Amanda. By this time Jehu had moved Edith and her family to Thistle Valley (Indianola). Edith's home was situated directly west of the monument at the Sanpete/Utah County line. It sat on the brow of the hill. This home was a log cabin that could be moved, and was, whenever Jehu had the desire.

Four months after Henrietta was born, Jehu again went with an exploring party. This party consisted of Jehu's brother Elias, Elam Cheney, Benjamin Jones (Jehu's brother in-law), and Jefferson Tidwell.  Soon Jehu took Edith to help settle Huntington, Utah.

Nine people living in a dugout not larger than 14 feet by 14 feet is not an easy thing to do. It was cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than a log cabin, but it left much to be desired. Three sides were cut into the hillside. These were lined with rock. The fourth side was made of logs or adobe. One small window and a door was in this side. There was no glass for the window and burlap was stretched over it. The roof was made of logs covered with brush and dirt. When it rained it would drip down from the ceiling. It was not unusual for the mother to be preparing food at the fireplace and holding an umbrella over her head during a storm. Edith and Jehu lived in the dugout until the spring of 1879. Either the first or second winter they were without flour for six weeks. It was a "hard winter".

Edith was expecting another child. She asked Jehu to please take her home for this birth. They left crops and a vegetable garden growing and set out for Fairview. Jehu expected to return during the summer. They retraced their tracks on the trail through Soldier Summit and "Thistle Junction. It was a hard trip for the family. There is no mention of another family making it with them.

Edith would have liked to have reached Fairview and her mother before the child was born. They felt blessed that they arrived at Thistle Valley in time for the birth. Zina was born there 17 May 1879. Edith refused to return to Huntington. Jehu tried to farm in Thistle Valley for a time.

Jehu decided to buy some land in Milburn and moved his family there. The house they lived in in Fairview and Thistle Valley was a two room log cabin. When they moved to Milburn they moved the house as well.

Edith has a cow, some chickens and her little flock of sheep. She did her own milking. She planted her own garden. If she could find some apple seeds, she would also plant them. However, Jehu never seemed to stay in one place long enough to see the trees mature. She boiled corn stalks down and made molasses. This was the sweetener the family used. Sometimes they had a little honey. Pottawattamie plums, wild currents, ground cherries, apples (when she could get them), and choke cherries were dried for use in the winter. There were no bottles to bottle fruit. Most winters the family was thankful if they had wheat for cereal.

Jehu and Edith made their home in Milburn until 1883. Annie Malinda was born there 24 May 1881 and Jehu Mallernee on 6 June 1883. That same year they moved the house and all they had to the farm east of Fairview. Edith's last child, a son Lyman Ray was born there. Edith was forty-five years old now and had given birth to fifteen children.

Jehu and Edith were always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They attended church regularly when they were living where meetings were available. They taught their children to love the Lord.

Edith made sure that the weeks he spent with her were tranquil. The children behaved when he was home. He ate off dishes that were only used by him. The quilt that he slept under was kept in the wood chest and only taken out when he was home. 

The children were obedient and docile when Jehu was at home. But when he was where he could not see or hear them, they were rowdy, normal children. Edith was a great hand to play with her children. They would laugh and sing when Jehu was not there.

Edith was a vivacious person. She was fun to be around. She had a quick temper when riled, but usually kept it under control. Friends and relatives called her a pleasant person to be around. She looked on the bright side of things. Jehu was a quiet man, but stern. The opposite of Edith.

Jehu had married his first wife when he was just seventeen. Cordellia was twenty. She was a calm, quiet, even-tempered girl. She never crossed him in anything. Edith was obedient in many things. She supported him in his church callings and family decisions, but many times she couldn't and didn't hold her tongue.

Edith loved to read. She read while she churned the butter, while she did the dishes, she even read while she did her knotting. She was very knowledgeable.

Some men in the community wanted to move to Mexico, and some had already left. He decided to go. He sold all of his Sanpete property. Whether he was somehow parted from his traveling companions we do not know. His families received word that he had been found murdered, his horse and money missing on 22 December 1889. He was buried in Needles, California.

This news was devastating to Edith. Not only had she lost a husband, but their land had been sold. The family had no home. A two-room house was moved onto a small piece of land. Edith lived on this property for the next thirty years; longer than at any other location in her life. In Edith's later life she noticed a sore on her nose. It was found to be cancer. There was nothing the doctors could do. Before she died her whole nose was eaten off. She always held a white handkerchief to her face when around other people. Even though she was in a lot of pain from the cancer until her death, she took care of her son "Ren", who had lost his legs in an accident. Her death came 31 July 1921 (age 81). Edith was buried in the lower Fairview Cemetery in Block 01 lot 50.

**********************

CONCLUSION

It is thought that the Clement family emigrated from England to America, but the data is not yet established before Darius Clement, Sr, b. 21 February 1771. There are strong efforts being made in that direction by several researchers in Raphael's family. However, it is known that Darius Clement, Sr. was raised by a Quaker family from his own words. The Quaker people kept good Friends Meetings records, but much more than that is needed in order to find the trail leading to Raphael's early Clement ancestry. If they could be found and documented, their temple work could be done for them by their descendants. What a thrilling prospect!