Elijah Fordham, 1798-1879

• Born:  8 March 1798 (New York City, New York)
• Died:  9 September 1879 (Wellsville, Cache Co., Utah Territory)
• Parents:  George Fordham and Mary Baker
• Spouse:  Jane Ann Fisher (md. 23 November 1822 at New York City, New York)
• Children: Ann Eliza Fordham, George Fisher Fordham, Jane Olivia Fordham

• Spouse:  Bethiah Fisher (md. 12 April 1830 at New York City, New York)
• Children: Bethiah Fordham, Mormon Moriancumer Fordham

• Spouse:  Anna Bibbins Chaffee (md. 3 October 1838 at Ashford, Windham, Connecticut)
• Children: Lydia Lovina Fordham, Amos Pierre Fordham, Anna Maria Fordham, Joseph Elijah Fordham, Mary Louisa Fordham, Emily Adelia Fordham

• Spouse:  Amelia [Brown?]

• Spouse:  Clarissa Brooks (md. 6 Feb. 1846),

• Spouse:  Elizabeth Hughes (md. 21 March 1856)
• Children: Elizabeth Mary Fordham

• Spouse:  Jane Marshall McAuslan (md. 1 April 1856 in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory)
• Children: William Elijah Fordham

Brief Life Sketch of Elijah Fordham

written by his granddaughter Ruby Fordham Bean

Pioneer of 1850

The subject of this sketch, Elijah Fordham, was born in New York City on March 8, 1798.  He lived to the ripe age of 81 years and 6 months, and died in Wellsville, Cache County, Utah September 9, 1879, after an unusual life of interesting experiences.  His parents were George Fordham and Mary Baker of New York, who were devout Christians and like most people of that day, dug their living from the soil, and the labor of their hands.
Elijah delved more deeply into other fields and learned the carpenter and carving trade which became profitible [sic] to him and to the Latter Day Saints in later days.
It was in 1832 that Elijah Fordham moved to Clinton River, Michigan, and there a year later, 1833, he embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, under the hands of Elder Fosdick.  Soon afterward, he moved to Kirtland, Ohio, where the Saints were gathered and quite fully organized.
Elijah was ordained a Seventy on February 28, 1835, by the Prophet Joseph Smith and his counselors Fredrick G. Williams and Sidney Rigdon.
The year previous 1834 was the testing time of many of the Saints, in the trying experiences of Zion’s Camp.  It was a blessed time, too, to those who understood the teachings of the prophet of the Lord who organized and really led them, although the fact was never revealed to the many spies and enemies who visited and watched the journey westward to Missouri, from Kirtland Ohio.  Elijah Fordham was one of the noted Camp, and was made historian of the members from Michigan.  The Camp was well equipped with guns and ammunition in case of need, and with some provisions, a part of which was purchased enroute [sic].  Their wagons were filled with clothing and provisions for the persecuted Saints in Missouri, so the men walked through mud and streams, having to pull wagons by ropes to aid their teams, many times.  The faith of these men was tested nearly every day in some way as described in the Volume Two, of the History of the Church in which the Prophet Joseph Smith tells the stories of:  The foundered horses, Their Relief; The Cholera Plague; Deliverence [sic] from the mob by a terrific storm on Fishing River, Etc.  Then the manifestations of the prophetic vision and almost immediate fullfilment [sic] made the faithful ones bow in gratitude, and the complainers, tremble.
On Oct. 16, 1834, on the return trip to Zion’s Camp in their various groups, the prophet spoke to the people in Pontiac, Oakland C., Michigan, and said:  “If you will obey the Gospel with honest hearts, I promise you in the name of the Lord, that the gifts as promised by our Saviour, will flow to you, and by this you may prove me to be a true servant of God.”  Some did “speak in tongues”, Elijah Fordham among them and another testimony was added to the others.
In 1837, Elijah assissted [sic] Parley P. Pratt in publishing the “Voice of Warning”, in Missouri, a “Mormon” paper.
The most marvelous experience of Elijah Fordham was on the morning of July 22, 1839.  The severe illness of the Saints in Commerce, or Nauvoo, was very hard on the Prophet Joseph and his associates, having so recently been driven from their homes in Missouri.  The Smith home and yard was an improvised hospital for the exiles.  Wilford Woodruff tells the story thus:  “On the morning of the 22 of July, 1839, the Prophet arose, reflected upon the persecutions of the Saints and the illness among them.  His house and yard were filled with these exiles.  Joseph called upon the Lord in mighty prayer, and Jesus healed all the sick around him that day.  Then he and Sidney Rigdon and several of the Twelve, went among the sick along the river bank.  He commanded in the loud voice, “In the name of Jesus Christ” to rise and be made whole, and they were healed.  He and his companions then crossed the Mississippi River in a ferry boat in Montrose, Iowa, and went first to Brigham Young’s home.  He was healed and went forth with them.  They called at the next home and Joseph said:  “Brother Woodruff, follow me.”  They then crossed the public square to the home of Elijah Fordham, who was in a dying condition for an hour, and death was expected at any moment.  The spirit of God overpowered the Prophet—he walked across to brother Fordham, took his hand, he saw Brother Fordham’s eyes were glassy and he was speechless and unconscious.  Joseph looked into his dying face and asked:  “Elijah, do you know me?”  A whisper said:  “Yes.”  Joseph then asked:  “Have you not faith to be healed?”  Elijah answered:  “I’m afraid it’s too late.  If you had come sooner I think I might have been.”  Brother Fordham had the appearance of a man waking from sleep, it was the sleep of death.  Joseph asked:  “Do you belief that Jesus is the Christ?”  With an anxious look Elijah said:  “I do, Brother Joseph.”  Then the prophet of God spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of Jehovah:  “Elijah, I command you in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and to be made whole.”  The words of the Propher [sic] were like the words of a man but like the voice of God.  It seemed to me like the house shook in its foundation” says Brother Woodruff.  He continued:  “Elijah leaped from his bed, like a man raised from the dead.  A healthy color came to his face and life was manifested in every act.  He feet had been done up in Indian meal poultices.  He kicked them off, dressed himself and asked for a bowl of bread and milk.  He ate, put on his hat and followed the brethern [sic] out with the Prophet to administer to others who were ill.”
This incident related by Wilford Woodruff, and eye-witness, is something for the Fordham family to know and remember.
Elijah Fordham was always self-sacrificing, and ready to divide his last morsel of food as shown in an incident in New York City, when he was the only Latter Day Saint known in that vicinity.  He was extremely poor, but when the missionaries who were called to England in 1837 and reached New York, they searched out Brother Fordham on the 24th of June.  They had no money, so Elijah divided his bread and water meal with them and let them sleep on the floor of his unfurnished store-room, until Elder Kimball and companions were miraculously provided with cash for their trip and went aboard their ship to the English mission.
Elijah Fordham was a master Carver on the Nauvoo Temple, he also worked and joined the saints in crossing the plains in the Edward Marton [should read Edward Hunter] Handcart Co., which arrived in Salt Lake City Sunday, Nov. 30th 1856.  This company was cought [sic] in the heavy storms of winter, they suffered much, many died, and many were badly frozen.
Father and family lived in Ogden, Salt Lake City and vicinity about Six years, then was called to the Southern Mission at the October Conference to help settle St George
While still in Salt Lake he married Carylon Gosnold as second and Jane Thompson as third wife.  [This marriage information is not correct.]
They left S.L.C. Nov 1st. 1861, driving over untravled [sic] country arriving in this valley Dec.1st.1861.
Father filled many responsible and important positions and offices here in St. George.
He was private secretary to Pres. Brigham Young and historian of Southern Utah Mission, and was Stake Clerk for many years.
He was also 1st. Recorder in the St. George Temple; Then was called to assist in the Presidency of the Temple.
He went on a mission to Europe in 1872 and part of the time while there edited the Milenial [sic] Star.
After he returned home he taught a school for young men.  Pres. Anthony W. Ivins was one of the many who attended that school.
Father was kind and gentle, all people loved him for his gentlemanly qualities.   He had their interest at heart and loved them all and wanted them to be good and happy.
After a long and useful life of 88 years he passed away Jan. 29th. 1918 at St. George, Utah.

* * *

Timeline

1798 March 8 (or April 12 or May 12)
Born at New York City, sixth child of George Fordham and Mary Baker 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

1822 November 23
Age 24
Marries Jane Ann Fisher, age 20, in New York City 6, 7, 8, 9

1823 December 14
Age 25
Daughter Ann Eliza is born in New York. 10, 11

1825 April 21
Age 27
Son George Fisher is born in New York. 12

1826 November or December 2 (?)
Age 28
Daughter [Jane] Olivia is born in New York. 68, 69

1828 July 18
Age 30
Wife Jane Ann dies in Manhattan, New York, New York, at age 26. 13, 14

1829 April 17
Age 31
Daughter [Jane] Olivia dies at age 2 in Manhattan, New York, New York 15, 16

1830
Age 32
Living in New York Ward 7, New York, New York  17

1830 April 12
Age 32
Marries Bethiah (Bathiah, Bathia, Bithiah) Fisher in New York City 18, 19, 20, 21

1831-1833
Age 33-35
Living at Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan Territory 22

1831 Jun 29
Age 31
Daughter Bethiah born in Michigan. 23

1833 February (by)
Age 35 (by)
Living in Pontiac, Michigan 24

1833
Age 35
Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan by an Elder Fosdick 25, 85

1833
Age 35
At a branch meeting with Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, bears testimony with the gift of tongues, speaking in French, overheard by two French travelers passing by. 26

1834 March 11
Age 36
Wife Bathia (Bathiah, Bethiah) dies in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan. 27

1834 May 5 – July 3
Age 36
Participates in Camp of Israel (also known as Zions' Camp) expedition to Missouri, along with 9-year-old son, George.  He serves as the camp historian for the group that left Pontiac, Michigan, under the direction of Hyrum Smith. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

You can read more about Zion's Camp here.

1835 February 28
Age 36
Ordained a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventies “under the hands of the prophet Joseph Smith with his two Counselors, Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery … in the town of Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio.”  33

1836 January 2
Age 37
Appointed by a council to be ordained an Elder under the hands of Joseph Smith.  34

1837 January 22 (by)
Age 38
Ordained a high priest 35, 36

22 June 1837 (by)
Age 39
Returns to New York City.  Only member of the Church there when Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards arrive on their way to England.  Joseph Fielding, Orson Hyde, John Goodson, Isaac Russell, and John Snyder had also recently arrived.  Having no house of his own, he arranges for them to stay in his father’s warehouse for a week.  They sleep on straw and blankets.  Elijah gives them $10 and wants to accompany them on their mission.  They think it best for him to stay in NYC.  Heber C. Kimball promises him that a branch would be built up there.37, 38, 39, 40, 41

1837 July
Age 39
Parley P. Pratt arrives.  They labor together without much success until April 1838. 42, 43

1838 October 3
Age 40
Marries Anna Bibbins Chaffee, age 27, in Ashford, Windham Co., Connecticut 44, 45, 46

1839 23 May (by)
Age 41
Living in Montrose, Lee, Iowa Territory when Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff arrive. 47

1839 July 22
Age 41
Miraculously healed from malaria by Prophet Joseph Smith.  48, 49, 50

1839 October 5
Age 41
Appointed to Iowa stake high council in Lee County.  The High Council meets regularly in the home of Elijah. 51, 52, 53, 54

1840
Age 42
Living in Township 66, Lee Iowa Territory 55

1840 August 17
Age 42
“Elijah Fordham, charged in an August court with slandering John Patten's character, embezzling some property from Noah Rogers, and playing ‘the violin at a negro ball,’ made reconciliation; the case was dismissed and the court adjourned.” 56

1841
Age 43
In 8 months, carves the 12 oxen for the baptismal font in the basement of the Nauvoo Temple and the ornamental moldings of the 16’ x 12’ room.  The font is dedicated on November 8, 1841. 57, 58, 59, 60

from Church History in the Fulness of Times (Salt Lake City, Utah : The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), p. 252.

1843 July 3
Age 45
Chosen by a council of the Twelve Apostles under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith to go to Knox County, Illinois, on a special mission “to preach the gospel and disabuse the public mind with regard to my [Joseph Smith’s] arrest.”  Others are chosen to go to other Illinois counties. 61

1843 December
Age 45
Father, George Fordham, dies in Wellsville [probably New York state] at age 83. 62

1844 February 14
Age 45
Places notice in the Nauvoo Neighbor that "Notice is hereby given that George Fisher Fordham [who would have been 18 at the time], son of Elijah Fordham, has absconded from his father's house without cause or provocation.  This is to notify the public against trusting or harboring him on my account, as I shall pay no debts of his contracting.  Elijah Fordham." 63

1845
Age 47
Returns from New York (where he may have gone to support the candidacy of Joseph Smith for president of the United States or to fulfill a mission from Brigham Young to preside over a branch of the Church until the temple could be built) with $1263 for the temple. 64, 65, 66

1845 December
Age 47
High priest endowed in Nauvoo Temple 67

1846 February 6
Age 45
May have married Clarissa Brooks in New York City 68, 69

1846 May 12
Age 48
Has Jane Ann Fisher and Bathiah Fisher sealed to him. 70

1849
Age 51
Death of mother, Mary Baker Fordham, in New Hurley, Ulster, New York

1849 August 30
Age 51
Daughter Bithiah (Bathiah), age 18, marries Lyman Briggs Wells, age 19, at South Bentonsport, Van Buren, Iowa. 71

1850 June 29 to October 13
Age 52
Migrates from Kanesville, Iowa (present day Council Bluffs) to Utah Territory with the Edward Hunter Company.  It is the first Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company.  In company with Anna Bibbins Chaffee Fordham (age 39), Amos Pierre Fordham (age 9), Anna Maria Fordham (age 6), Joseph Elijah Fordham (age 2), and Mary Louisa Fordham (age 1). 72, 73

1850
Age 52
Living with Amelia Fordham, age 46, & children Julia (age 13) and Henrietta (age 12)) in Great Salt Lake County, Utah Territory 74

1853 June 29
Age 55
Son George Fisher (age 28) marries Serene Eldrick or Elrick in Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa 75

1853 August 8
Age 55
Daughter Ann Eliza (age 30) marries Henry Day Beach in New York 76, 77

1856 March 21
Age 58
Marries Elizabeth Hughes in Salt Lake City.  They have one daughter. 69, 70, 78

1856 April 1
Age 58
May have married Jane Marshall McAuslan in Salt Lake City. 69, 70

1858 July 30
Age 60
May have divorced Jane Marshall McAuslan 69

1860 July 16
Age 62
Living with Amelia Fordham (age 47) and children Elizabeth (age 20), Amos P. (age 18), Elijah (age 3), Joseph (age 11), George (age 30), Anna (age 15), & Delia (age 10) in Great Salt Lake City Ward 17, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory.  Working as a lumber dealer. 79

October 1861
Age 63
At General Conference, is called by President Brigham Young to be part of a group to go to "Dixie" to build up that part of southern Utah.  A company is organized to travel, with Angus M. Cannon as captain and Elijah as chaplain.  On this journey, one of the cattle strikes his arm, breaking it.  Along with Erastus Snow, Jacob Gates, and others, helps lay out the town of St. George. 80

1870 July 11
Age 72
Living in 16th Ward, Salt Lake City.  Working as a carpenter. 81

1877 November 28
Age 79
Daughter Ann Eliza dies at Red Bank, Monmouth, New Jersey at age 53 82, 83

1879 September 9
Age 81
Dies in Wellsville, Cache Co., Utah Territory 84

Deseret News, 1879-09-24, p. 1

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

Endnotes

[1]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham (April 12, 1798)

[2]  Temple Records Index Bureau of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 10 December 1845 to 8 February 1846. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1974, p. 22. (April 12, 1798)

[3]  Cook, Lyndon W. Nauvoo Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843–1846. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 2004, p. 82. (April 12, 1798)

[4] Gravestone (March 8, 1798)

[5]  Platt, Lyman.  LDS Member Name Index, 1830-45 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 1999.  Original data:  Index to sources for Encyclopedia of Early Mormon Names. (May 12, 1798)

[6]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[7] Cook, Lyndon W. Nauvoo Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843–1846. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 2004, p. 82.

[8] “Fordham, Elijah,” born 8 Mar. 1798, submitted by J. Edgar Deakin, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family Group Records Collection; Archives Section, 1942–1969, microfilm 1,274,079, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

[9] New York, Marriage Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1880 (Barber Collection) [database on-line].  Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2005. Viewed online 13 January 2013.

[10]  Heman Ely. Records of the descendants of Nathaniel Ely, the emigrant… (Cleveland, Ohio: Short & Forman, Printers and Stationers, 1885),  pp. 385-386.

[11]  Jones, Emma C. Brewster, Brewster Genealogy, 1566-1907 (New York, New York: Grafton Press, c1908), volume 2, part 1, page 732-734.

[12]  "Idaho, Death Certificates, 1911-1937," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLBZ-4M4 : accessed 10 Jan 2013), George F. Fordham, 02 Oct 1922.

[13]  Ancestry.com.  New York, Death Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1890 (Barber Collection) [database online].  Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2005.  Original data:  Barber, Gertrude A., comp.  Deaths taken from the “Brooklyn Eagle.”  Volumes 1-27. n.p. : n.p., 1963-66.  Barber, Gertrude A., comp.  Deaths taken from the New York Evening Post,.  Volumes 1-54, n.p. : n.p., 1933-47.

[14]  “New York Deaths and Burials, 1795-1952,” index, FamilySearch (httsp://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FD1P-M29 : accessed 15 Jan 2013), Jane Ann Fordham, 1802; citing reference, FHL microfilm 447546.

[15]  "New York Deaths and Burials, 1795-1952," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F69Q-YJQ : accessed 13 Jan 2013), Olivia Fordham, 1827; citing reference , FHL microfilm 447546.

[16]  Ancestry.com. New York, Death Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1890 (Barber Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 2005. Original data: Berber Gertrude A., comp. Deaths taken from the "Brooklyn Eagle." Volumes 1-27, n.p.: n.p., 1963-66. Barber, Gertrude A., comp. Deaths taken from the New York Evening Post. Volumes 1-54, n.p. : n.p. , 1933-47.

[17]  1830 US Census for New York Ward 7, New York, New York.  “United States Census, 1830,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XH5M-94X : accessed 13 Jan 2013), Elijah Fordham, New York Ward 7, New York, New York; citing p. 33, NARA microfilm publication M19, roll 97.

[18]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[19]  Cook, Lyndon W. Nauvoo Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843–1846. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 2004, p. 82

[20]  “Fordham, Elijah,” born 8 Mar. 1798, submitted by J. Edgar Deakin, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family Group Records Collection; Archives Section, 1942–1969, microfilm 1,274,079, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

[21]  New York, Marriage Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1880 (Barber Collection) [database on-line].  Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2005.  Viewed online 13 January 2013.

[22]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[23]  State of Utah Death Certificate for Bethiah Wells. County of Box Elder, Village of Willard, no. 35, file March 4 1920.

[24]  Lyman D. Platt, “Early Branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850. (http://mormonhistoricsites.org/publications/nj_1991/Platt.pdf)

[25]  Church Educational System, Church History in the Fulness of Times (Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c1989) p. 219.

[26]  Andrew Jensen, “Martin Harris,” LDS Biographical Dictionary, vol. 1, p. 272-273.

[27]  “Deaths”, Evening and Morning Star, vol. 2 (June 1833-September 1834), Vol. Ii. August, 1834. No. 23. 182.

[28]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[29]  Kirtland Elders' Quorum Record 1836-1841, quoted in Appendix A of Writings of Early Latter-day Saints, edited by Lyndon W. Cook and Milton V. Backman, Jr. (Provo, Utah: Grandin Book Co., 1985)

[30]  Pearson H. Corbett, Hyrum Smith, Patriarch, p. 125.

[31]  Marlene C. Kettley, Arnold K. Garr, and Craig K. Manscill, “Zion’s Camp,” in Mormon Thoroughfare: A History of the Church in Illinois, 1830–39 (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2006), 43–62.

[32]  Craig K. Manscill, “‘Journal of the Branch of the Church of Christ in Pontiac, . . . 1834’: Hyrum Smith’s Division of Zion’s Camp” BYU Studies 39, no. 1 (2000):167–76.)

[33]  “History of the Organization of the Seventies,” by Joseph Young, Sen. (Salt Lake City, Utah: Printed at the Deseret News Steam Printing Establishment, 1878)

[34]  Roberts, B. H. History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Volume 2. Online version, at http://boap.org/LDS/History/HISTORY.html.  Search term:  Elijah Fordham.  Dated Saturday, January 2 [1836].  Viewed online 19 January 2013.

[35]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[36]  “A list of the names of Members, belonging to the High Priest Quorum,” in Nauvoo High Priests Quorum, Record, 32–33.

[37]  Lyman D. Platt, “Early Branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850. (http://mormonhistoricsites.org/publications/nj_1991/Platt.pdf)

[38]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[39]  Lyman D. Platt, “Early Branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850. (http://mormonhistoricsites.org/publications/nj_1991/Platt.pdf)

[40]  Saintswithouthalos.com

[41]  Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Heber C. Kimball, p. 12

[42]  Saintswithouthalos.com

[43]  Parley P. Pratt, The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., c. 1938, 1985), p. 145.

[44]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[45]  Cook, Lyndon W.  Nauvoo Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843-1846.  Provo, UT: Grandin Books, 2004, p. 82.

[46]  Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Town Marriage Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2006.
Original data: White, Lorraine Cook, ed. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records. Vol. 1-55. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994-2002.

[47]  Lyman D. Platt, “Early Branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850. (http://mormonhistoricsites.org/publications/nj_1991/Platt.pdf)

[48] Church History in the Fulness of Times : The History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c1989), pp. 217-219.

[49]  Parley P. Pratt, The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., c. 1938, 1985), p. 254.

[50]  Saintswithouthalos.com

[51]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[52]  Smith, Joseph, et al.  History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. C-1, p. 968.

[53] Smith, Joseph.  “Copies of Letters, &c, &c.,” 1839-1843.  Letterbook 2, pp. 164-167.

[54]  Source:  Roberts, B. H. History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Volume 4. Online version, at http://boap.org/LDS/History/HISTORY.html.  Search term:  Elijah Fordham.  Dated Saturday, October 6,7,8, 1839.  Viewed online 19 January 2013.

[55]  1840 US Census for Township 66, Lee Iowa Territory

[56]  Nauvoo High Council Minutes, August 17, 1840, 14-16.  quoted in “Crime and Punishment in Mormon Nauvoo, 1839-1846” by Kenneth W. Godfrey (BYU Studies, vol. 32 [1992] Num. 1 and 2 - Winter and Spring 1992 , p. 195.)

[57]  Saintswithouthalos.com

[58]  “Prologue: The Spirit of Elijah,” BYU Studies, vol. 34 (1994), Number 2—1994.

[59]  William Clayton, An Interesting Journal, from The Juvenile Instructor, Vol. 21 (January 15-May 15, 1886)

[60]  Joseph Fielding Smith, “Celebrating the Foundation of the Church—Laying Corner Stones of the Temple—General Conference of April 1841,” Church History and Modern Revelation, vol. 4, p. 86-87

[61]  Joseph Smith, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. 5, p. 486.

[62]  Edmund West, comp., Family Data Collection – Individual Records [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2000.  Entry for George Fordham.

[63]  Nauvoo Neighbor, 14 February 1844, vol. 1, no. 42, p. 3, column 4.  http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor/1844/2-14-1844.pdf

[64]  Joseph Smith, History of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. 7, pp. 394-395

[65]    Roberts, B. H. History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Volume 7. Online version, at http://boap.org/LDS/History/HISTORY.html.  Search term:  Elijah Fordham.  Dated Saturday, October 8, 1844.  Viewed online 19 January 2013.

[66]    Roberts, B. H. History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Volume 7. Online version, at http://boap.org/LDS/History/HISTORY.html.  Search term:  Elijah Fordham.  Dated Saturday, April 8, 1845.  Viewed online 19 January 2013.

[67] Kirtland Elders' Quorum Record 1836-1841, quoted in Appendix A of Writings of Early Latter-day Saints, edited by Lyndon W. Cook and Milton V. Backman, Jr. (Provo, Utah: Grandin Book Co., 1985)

[68] new.familysearch.org  Viewed online 1 February 2013.  No sources are given.

[669] http://longislandsurnames.com/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I04191&tree=Jones  Viewed online 1 February 2013.  No sources are given.

[70]  Platt, Lyman.  LDS Member Name Index, 1830-45 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 1999.  Original data:  Index to sources for Encyclopedia of Early Mormon Names.

[71]  "Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XVSV-9S5 : accessed 17 Jan 2013), Simon Wells and Bathiah Fordham, 30 Aug 1849.

[72]  JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham

[73]  Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel database (http://history.lds.org/overlandtravels/searchPage?lang=eng) Viewed online 18 January 2013.

[74]  1850 US Census for Great Salt Lake county, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory.  “United States Census, 1850,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MCS6-B96 : accessed 16 Jan 2013), Elijah Fordham in household of Elijah Fordham, Great Salt Lake County, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States; citing dwelling 229, family 229, NARA microfilm publication M432, roll 919.

[75]  "Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XJ4R-P4D : accessed 17 Jan 2013), George F. Fordham and Serena Eldrick, 1853.

[76]  Yates Publishing.  U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 [database online].  Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2004.  Source number: 904,000; Source type:  Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: EHB.

[77]  Jones, Emma C. Brewster, Brewster Genealogy, 1566-1907 (New York, New York: Grafton Press, c1908), volume 2, part 1, page 732-734.

[78]  Saintswithouthalos.com

[79]  1860 US Census for Great Salt Lake City Ward 17, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory. “United States Census, 1860,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MH24-9RC : accessed 16 Jan 2013), Elizah [sic] Fordham, Great Salt Lake, Utah; citing p. 175, family 46; NARA microfilm publication M653, FHL microfilm 805313.

[80]  Autobiography of Anna Fordham Deakin, found on FindaGrave.com.  Viewed online 22 January 2013.

[81]  US 1870 Census for Utah.  “United States Census, 1870,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MNCY-RSY : accessed 13 Jan 2013), Eligah [sic] Fordham in household of Eligah Fordham, Utah, United States; citing p. 3, family 14, NARA microfilm publication M593, FHL microfilm 553110.

[82]  Heman Ely. Records of the descendants of Nathaniel Ely, the emigrant… (Cleveland, Ohio: Short & Forman, Printers and Stationers, 1885),  pp. 385-386.

[83]  Jones, Emma C. Brewster, Brewster Genealogy, 1566-1907 (New York, New York: Grafton Press, c1908), volume 2, part 1, page 732-734.

[84]  Gravestone

[85]  Obituary for Elijah Fordham:  "Father Fordham Gone," Deseret News, 1879-09-24, p. 1

* * *

Miraculous Healing in 1839
“In the summer of 1839 the swamp area on the Nauvoo peninsula had not yet been drained.  While the Saints gathered, cleared, drained, built, and planted, they were oblivious to the danger of the Anopheles mosquito.  This tiny insect, which bred profusely in the swampland and along the Mississippi riverbank, transmitted parasites to the red blood cells of humans by its bite.  The disease this caused, characterized by periodic attacks of chills and fever, is now known as malaria, but people in the nineteenth century called it and diseases with similar symptoms the ague (pronounced `a gyu).
“Scores of Church members on both sides of the river fell ill.  The residents of the temporary tent city surrounding the Prophet’s home were stricken by the disease as were the Saints staying in his home.  Emma nursed the people night and day, while Joseph’s six-year-old son carried water for the sick until he also caught the disease.  The pestilence was indiscriminate, affecting all ages and classes. …
“Eventually Joseph Smith also became ill, but after several days confinement he was prompted to arise and extend help to others.  The day of 22 July [1839] was, in the words of Wilford Woodruff, “a day of God’s power” in Nauvoo and Montrose.1  That morning the Prophet arose and, being filled with the Spirit of the Lord, administered to the sick in his house and in the yard outside.  More sick people were down by the river, and there too he administered with great power to the faithful. … Elder Heber C. Kimball and others accompanied the Prophet across the river toe Montrose [Iowa].  One by one they visited the homes of the Twelve and administered to those who needed a blessing.  Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, and John Taylor then joined Joseph in his mission of mercy.
“One of the most memorable of the healings in Montrose was that of Elijah Fordham.  When the brethren arrived he was lying in bed unable to speak.
“’Brother Joseph walked up to Brother Fordham, and took him by the right hand. …
“’He saw the Brother Fordham’s eyes were glazed, and that he was speechless and unconscious.
“’After taking hold of his hand, he looked down into the dying man’s face and said:  ‘Brother Fordham, do you not know me?’ At first he made no reply; but we could all see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him.
“’He again said: “Elijah, do you not know me?”
“’With a low whisper, Brother Fordham answered, “Yes!”
“’The Prophet then said, “Have you not faith to be healed?”
“’The answer, which was a little plainer than before, was: “I am afraid it is too late.  If you had come sooner, I think it might have been.”
“’He had the appearance of a man waking from sleep.  It was the sleep of death.
“’Joseph then said: “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ?”
“’”I do, Brother Joseph,” was the response.
“’Then the Prophet of God spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of the Godhead: “Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!”
“’The words of the Prophet were not like the words of man, but like the voice of God.  It seemed to me that the house shook from its foundation.
“’Elijah Fordham leaped from his bed like a man raised from the dead.  A healthy color came to his face, and life was manifested in every act.’”2

1.  Wilford Woodruff Journals, 22 July 1839; punctuation standardized.
2.  Wilford Woodruff, Leaves from My Journal, 2d ed. (Salt Lake City: Juvenile Instructor Office, 1882), p. 63.

Taken from Church History in the Fulness [sic] of Times : The History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c1989), pp. 217-219.

* * *

“After the gush of feelings consequent on our happy meeting had subsided, I accompanied Joseph Smith over the Mississippi in a skiff to visit some friends in Montrose. Here many were lying sick and at the point of death. Among these was my old friend and fellow servant, Elijah Fordham, who had been with me in that extraordinary work in New York City in 1837. He was now in the last stage of a deadly fever. He lay prostrate and nearly speechless, with his feet poulticed; his eyes were sunk in their sockets; his flesh was gone; the paleness of death was upon him; and he was hardly to be distinguished from a corpse. His wife was weeping over him, and preparing clothes for his burial.
“Brother Joseph took him by the hand, and in a voice and energy which would seemingly have raised the dead, he cried: "BROTHER FORDHAM, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, ARISE AND WALK." It was a voice which could be heard from house to house and nearly through the neighborhood. It was like the roaring of a lion, or the heavy thunderbolt. Brother Fordham leaped from his dying bed in an instant, shook the poultices and bandages from his feet, put on his clothes so quick that none got a chance to assist him, and taking a cup of tea and a little refreshment, he walked with us from house to house visiting other sick beds, and joining in prayer and ministrations for them, while the people followed us, and with joy and amazement gave glory to God. Several more were called up in a similar manner and were healed.

Parley P. Pratt, The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., c. 1938, 1985), p. 254.

Robert Pearce, 1817-1885, and Sarah Brown, 1816-1898

Robert Pearce:

• Born 13 Jun 1817 Porlock, Somerset, , England
• Died 18 Oct 1885 Paradise, Cache, Utah
• Parents: Thomas Pearce and Mary Snow
• Spouse: Sarah Brown (md. 28 Dec 1844 Porlock, Somerset, , England)
• Children: Elizabeth Pearce, Mary Pearce, Sarah Pearce, Robert Pearce, Mary Pearce, Thomas Joseph Pearce, Sr., Charles Pearce

Sarah Brown:

• Christened 22 Dec 1816 Porlock, Somerset, , England
• Died 13 Apr 1898 Paradise, Cache, Utah
• Parents: John Brown and Sarah Bale

History of Robert Pearce

"Robert Pearce crossed the ocean on the John Boyd ship with William W. Cluff, leader of the company. Left Liverpool 30 April 1863 and landed in New York June 1st 1863 and arrived at Florence June the 12, 1863, Cross the plains with Captain W.B. Preston. Left July 9, 1863 with 55 wagons, 300 souls and arrive in Salt Lake Sept 10, 1863.

"Early Settlers of Paradise Utah, they first settled in hills in the southern end of the valley. The Indians were bad stealing their horses and cattle. They would come off the mountains and take their stock. The settlers desired to move 5 miles north where the country was more open so they could see the Indians coming. They called this place Paradise.

"Grandfather took an active part helping to protect the settlers against the Indians. He was a shoemaker, this was his trade in England and Wales, where he joined the church. He also was a gardener, frit and a farmer and stock raiser.

"He was active in the church work. He was true to his agreement, Grandmother that when promised to have a pair of shoes ready at a certain time he would stay up all night and have them ready. He sewed all the shoes by hand. And the boots and the half soles on with pegs.

"Robert Pearce ordained a teacher
"Ordained a priest - no date
"Ordained an elder Oct 21, 1872 by Joseph F. Smith at Salt Lake City, Utah
"ordained a Seventy Jan 7, 1884 by Robert Boxter at Paradise
"Set apart as a President of the 62nd quorum of Seventies Nov 28, 1891 by Pres. J. D. Feldjsted at Hyrum
"Set apart as President to the 118th quorum of Seventies Feb 6, 1899, Joseph G. Kimball being mouth in company with Pres. Jos. McMurrin
"Ordained a High Priest in the Hyrum Stake of Zion Feb 1, 1908 by Elder George Bradshaw Hyrum, Cache Co. Utah

"Robert Pearce baptized Sep 14 1860 at Cardiff Glamorganshire So Wales.
"Rebaptized Sep 1863 at Old Paradise Cache Co. Utah by Elder William Humphries
"Reconfirmed Sept 1863 by Bro. David James
"Rebaptized into United Order at Paradise Cache Co. Utah"

copied from records of Robert and Annie Marie Somes Pearce

* * *

Early English Pioneers Help to Found Paradise
By Viola S. Welch

"Among the first settlers were Robert Pearce and his wife Sarah Brown Pearce. He was born June 13, 1817, in Porlock, West Somerset, England. When he was a boy, he was apprenticed to a shoemaker, where he learned the trade which he followed throughout his life.

"On September 28, 1844, he married Sarah Brown. He joined the LDS Church and was baptized May 6, 1851.

"They were parents of seven children, four girls and three boys.

"In their married life they had many joys and some sorrows. Two of their daughters died and were buried in England. The rest of their family had the privilege of coming to America. This was the dream and hope of this family to come to America and eventually to Utah.

"Robert had a brother who worked for a brewery. They used a horse-drawn dray to haul the huge barrels. Some times the boys would get a chance to ride the drays. They used large Clydesdale horses for this purpose. The horses were hitched tandem and the men walked and led them. Some of the horses weighed as much as 2100 pounds. The men would take a few long hairs from the horse's tail, then Robert would knot them together for fishing line. Then would follow a nice afternoon of poaching. In England the gentry own all the land and brooks, so that was another incentive to come to America.

"Taught To Read
"His oldest son Robert was put in kindergarten when he was three years old. They were taught to read and write at an early age. When he was eight, he was able to read so well that his father would say "Bob, you read me the newspaper while I work." During this time he joined the fife and drum band. He learned the rudiments of music which were very helpful to him later in life. When he was ten he had to go to work at sewing and pegging shoes which was done by hand. This ended his schooling.

"This way of life continued until sometime in 1862 when they were able to sail to America. They crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel that took nearly six weeks to cross. Think of being out on the sea for six weeks at the mercy of the elements with a family of children. After some time of wind and weather they had crossed the wide Atlantic and came to the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. They sailed up this mighty river and crossed over to New York, then to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

"Arriving in Council Bluffs too late in the year to start overland across the plains to Utah, they decided to remain there for the winter. They rented a house and he set up his shop to have some income for the winter. They waited anxiously for the main thing in their lives to go ever onward in their travels until their destination and ambition was accomplished, a little home in the mountains of Utah.

"Move West
"Finally spring came and caravans began moving west. They were starting on a thousand mile trip over the vast plains, across rivers and through rugged mountains where roads were merely a name. What courage and faith they must have had to face this!

"Fifteen miles a day was good traveling for the lumbering oxen. His wife walked nearly all the way. The older children walked most of the time. A great many thing happened on this long journey, many pleasant and some sad. The wagons were loaded with priceless possessions they would need in their new home. It was necessary to supplement their food supply with game, fish and fruit as they traveled along.

"After many weary months on the plains, they saw the sight that cheered the travelers. In the dim distance they got the first glimpse of the Rockies. Day by day these majestic mountains with their snow capped peaks piercing the blue sky became clearer as they approached. It was a signal and promise that their goal day by day was coming nearer. Now they were in the mountains, abundant with game and fish, plenty of wood for fires and sparkling streams of cold water. Their hearts were cheered with the assurance that they were nearing the promised land.

"On a day about two weeks out from Salt Lake, Robert Jr. was allowed to drive one of the wagons which was loaded with kegs of nails for use in building their homes.

"This brave couple with their five children were delighted with their first sight of the Salt Lake Valley.

"Settle in Ogden
"It was getting autumn time so he decided to set up shop for the winter in Ogden. During his stay there he purchased a team of oxen and a wagon. The church leaders advised the family to join the saints in Cache Valley so they loaded their belongings and started for their final destination in Paradise. They journeyed north to Brigham City, up Brigham Canyon, over the old Devil's Gate Pass, on over the mountains and down into the land of their dreams. Looking down from the top, they saw spread out before them one of the beauty spots of Utah, a verdant valley with sparkling streams, teaming with trout, wild fruit abundant everywhere, wild chickens and game for the taking and free land for a home. It was a long dry stretch over the divide and down into the valley. The end of their journey in old Paradise (Avon) was just a few miles away. Before the sun had set they rounded the last hill, crossed the last river and looming on the horizon was the place they traveled so far to see. It was just a group of log cabins and a bunch of goodly people who had traveled the same dreary road but they were met with love and sincere friendship and a hearty welcome. They were a free people in a free land where everyone was equal.

"Time was getting short until winter set in. They chose a site near a hill so they could make a half dugout and half cabin. Some of the men went into the canyon for logs and poles and others were busy digging the dugout. By community effort they soon had a snug place to live.

"Fall Harvest
"The colony was in their fall harvest so everyone turned out. The grain was cut with cradles and it took a strong man to handle one. They swept the grain around into little bundles, then with wooden hand rakes. Some of the men and women raked them into little bundles, ready for tiers. They grasped a bunch of wheat straws and whipped them around a bundle; the twisted the ends under. Many of the precious heads were dropped so the children and women gleaned them one by one. In this way they harvested twelve bushels which went a long way toward their bread stuff for the winter.

"Robert was allotted his land but he couldn't do any farming until next year so he helped the other men and got a good supply of firewood for the coming winter. He also kept the community shoes and harnesses all mended. So went their first winter in old Paradise.

"Among the neighbors living in the old fort were J. G. Crapo, Ahrin Monteith, Barnard White, William Woodhead, James Lofthouse, Enoch Rawlins, Edward Davenport, John Sperry, Jerome Remington, Winslow Farr, James Bishop, Elijah Tams, Charles Rawlins, Leonard Crapo, Dr. Ellis and Albert Crapo.

"On account of Indian uprisings and warnings, the Blackhawk Indian war in southern Utah and an increasing hostility of the Indians in northern Utah, it was thought advisable by Ezra T. Benson and Peter Maugham that the settlement be moved three miles to the north to the present site of Paradise. The country was more open here and settlers could protect themselves better. Such a move involved a considerable sacrifice to the settlers, but they made the move in the spring of 1868.

"Farming was a new occupation Robert had to learn and this with the earnings from his trade, he made a good living. His health began to fail but he kept going at light work in his garden and his trade. He died October 18, 1885, in Paradise.

"When we think of the hardships and sacrifice our noble pioneers endured we wonder, but we look at the vast number of posterity left, we know their mission was for a purpose. Their seed is rooted in the west and will live on forever. So we can say thanks to our forefathers who had the courage and made the effort and we can live a little easier in the heritage they left us."

From
THE HERALD JOURNAL
Logan, Cache County, Utah
Monday February 26, 1968

Thomas Joseph Pearce, 1857-1933

• Born 28 May 1857 Cardiff, Glamorganshire, , Wales
• Died 17 Jan 1933 Hyrum, Cache, Utah
• Parents: Robert Pearce and Sarah Brown
• Spouse: Mary Alice Davenport (md. 1 Dec 1881 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah)
• Children: Mary Agnes Pearce; Thomas Joseph Pearce, Jr.; Clarissa Pearce; William Edwin Pearce; Edward Pearce; James Albert Pearce; Sarah Elizabeth Pearce; Warren Pearce; Marcus Pearce; Eudora Pearce

History of my father Thomas Joseph Pearce Sr.

by his son Thomas Joseph Pearce Jr.

"Thomas Joseph Pearce Sr., son of Robert Pearce and Sarah Brown, was born May 28, 1857 at Cardiff, Wales, He came to America with his parents in 1863 and settled in the southern part of the Cache Valley same year. He made his home in Paradise, Utah, where he lived the rest of his life.

"His parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wales and set sail on a sailing ship for America. After six weeks on the ocean they landed in New York. They took the train to Florence, Nebraska which was the end of the railroad.

"From there they traveled to the Salt Lake Valley by ox team. After crossing the plains, they entered the Valley on September 10th, 1863. There they made their home. There were four children in the family, three brothers, Robert, Thomas Joseph, and Charles, and one sister Elizabeth. Elizabeth married Edwin Pope their Teamster on the plains.

"He was a member of the first Fife and Drum band that was organized in that part of the valley. He lived a good life. His education was limited, he had to work hard with his parents as pioneers. At the age of sixteen he was extra strong, he could cut grain (wheat) along with the older men. The cradle was all they had to cut the grain with when they first settled there. They used it by hand. The farmers would help one another to harvest their grain. They would meet at one field and cut the grain, then go on to the next field.

"Father had to help make a living in this new community. He would work cutting grain with the rest of the men. The next harvester was a mowing machine, pulled by horses, that had a dropper, or ridge to catch the grain and drop it in piles. The grain was then hand bound, the same as they did with the cradle, and tied with some of the grain stalks. The next was the self binder. I remember the first one that father had.

"Thomas Joseph Pearce Sr. married Mary Alice Davenport December 1, 1881. They were married in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, they rode to Salt Lake City in a wagon pulled by horses.

"There were ten children born to them, six boys, and four s. One of the boys died in infancy. They were Mary Agnes, Thomas Joseph Jr., Clarissa, William Edwin, Edward, James Albert, Sarah Elizabeth, Warren, Marcus who died in infancy at the age of eighteen days, and Eudora.
Father was very active in the Church. I Joseph, his oldest son recollect that he was secretary for the Sunday School. I remember standing by his knee by the table on the stand in the rock church in Paradise, Utah. He was secretary of the Seventies Quorum. He was also secretary of the High Priests Quorum.

Back row:  l. to r. Sarah E., Warren, William E., Edward, Clarissa J., Albert
Middle row:  Thomas Joseph Jr., Mary Alice D., Thomas Joseph Sr., Agnes
In front:  Eudora

"He served as police in Paradise for a term, was ton or custodian for the Cemetery for quite a while. The custodian Mr. Charles Hall died from the flu, and Thomas Sr. took his place and served for a number of years.

L to R:  Thomas Joseph, Edward, Eudora, Mary Alice Davenport Pearce

"He owned a small farm and had to struggle to raise his family. In his latter years his health was very poor. He had ulcers of the stomach.

"He spent his life in Paradise, Utah. He did not travel much, made a couple of trips to Idaho Falls, Idaho with Mother to visit their children that had located there.

"He spent a good life, always stood for things that was right."

* * * * *

MARY ALICE DAVENPORT
AND
THOMAS JOSEPH PEARCE

Mary Alive Davenport b. 4 April 1861, Draper, S.L., Utah; d. 13 Nov. 1937, Hyrum, Cache, Utah; bu. 15 Nov. 1937, Paradise, Cache, Utah; dau. of Edward Wilcox and Clarissa Danforth (Crapo) Davenport; md. 1 Dec. 1881, Salt Lake City, S.L., Utah, Thomas Joseph Pearce b. 28 May 1857, Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales; d. 18 Jan. 1933, Hyrum, Cache, Utah; bu. 20 Jan. 1933, Paradise, Cache, Utah; son of Robert and Sarah (Brown) Pearce. Ten children.

(The following is taken from a history written by Thomas Joseph and Sarah Elizabeth, children of the above.)

"The first little daughter of Edward and Clarissa Davenport was given the name, Mary Alice, after both her grandmothers. She was idolized by her older brothers. She was tall and dark like her father and had his sweet, gentle disposition. She was loved by all who knew her. She went through all the hardships of the early pioneers. Most of their work had to be done by hand, inside the house and outside on the farm. They didn't have the things to work with that we have today.

"When the threshers came, there was lots of extra work to do. The grain had to be threshed by horse power supplied by six teams of horses going in a circle. It took the work of about fourteen men to handle the machine and the grain and get the threshing done. Mother had a lot of hard work to prepare meals for them. Sometimes she was able to hire some help.

"Father would plant a good garden and Mother and the children would take care of it. There was a large orchard on our place, so we always had plenty of fruit. Mother would peel the apples and dry them in the sun, by the sackful.

"She made all our clothes when we were young. She made knee pants for the boys and long dresses for the s until we got older. We were very proud of them.

"When Mother was seventeen years old, her brothers bought a sawmill in White Pine Canyon east of Paradise, and Mother helped cook for the men until she was married.

"On December the first, 1881, Mother and Father were married in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. They traveled in a lumber wagon, with a wagon box and a spring seat on it, the eighty miles to Salt Lake City. After their marriage, they settled in Paradise, where they lived the rest of their lives. They are also buried there.

"Their first home was a two-roomed house. It was made of white pine logs, sawed on four sides, with lumber siding on the outside and lath and plaster on the inside. Later they built a larger home.

"There were lots of Indians passing through Paradise in the early days, begging for food. Many times they would come to the Pearce home. Mother made good loaves of bread and many of them went to feed the Indians.

"In the spring of 1906, Mother and Father met with a bad when their horses became frightened and ran away, and they were thrown from the wagon. The wheel ran over Father's hand and crippled it. Mother's wrist was broken and after it healed, it was always stiff.

"Among Mother's many accomplishments were soap making and her handiwork. She made beautiful knitted lace and loved to quilt. She used to quilt for the Relief Society and was paid one dollar for every spool of thread that she used on a quilt. Mother was kind and gentle and loved her family very much.

"Thomas Joseph Pearce Sr. was born in Wales. His parents had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints some years before. When he was six years old, they came to America. They left Liverpool, England, in a sailing vessel and were on the ocean for six weeks before arriving in New York. From there they rode on a train to Florence, Nebraska, where the railroad ended. They finished the journey to Salt Lake City, Utah, in a covered wagon drawn by oxen. They came in the William B. Preston Company and Edwin Pope was the driver of their wagon. They settled in Paradise, Utah, a small settlement in the southern end of Cache Valley. Here, the Indians were a menace and Joseph took his turn watching for them.

"When he was sixteen he cut grain with a cradle and kept up with the older men. After the grain was cut, it was laid in rows and then bound into bundles by hand, using grain stalks to hold them. The families helped each other with their field work, going from one farm to another.

"He helped build the first church house, which was made of lime rock and also helped with the log school house. He hauled rock to help build the Logan Temple and also helped get out the timber to the sawmill and hauled the finished lumber to the temple site. He was interested in any new project that would help the community.

"He loved to farm and raised sugar beets for the sugar factory at Logan. He also worked some for his brother-in-law, Frank Davenport in his sawmill. In his early years he was active in the church and he worked hard to provide for his family."

--from Hall, Dorothy D., compiler. Davenport Ancestry in America and Descendants of John Pope Davenport and Edward Wilcox Davenport: 1640-1962. Springville, Utah: Art City Publishing Company, 1962, pp. 364-67.