OTHER GARDNER HISTORIES Abel Gardner 1763-1840 (Father of George Bryant Gardner)

Abel, son of Benjamin Gardner and Rachel Smith Gardner, was born in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, on the 12 th of February 1763. At maturity, he was 5 feet 7 inches tall, with light brown hair and blue eyes. In George Bryant's history, he states: “My father never belonged to any religious sect, although he was a good moral man.” His life long trade was being a Blacksmith.

We do not know much about his childhood, but from his military pension applications and from his youngest son's (George) history we do know that Abel started his military service at the tender age of 15 years.

In Abel's own words, he says, “I served my country, in 1778, in Rhode Island, for a period of 8 months, in Captain Lemuel Woods Company; and in 1780 served 6 months at West Point; and also in New Jersey, in the 14 th regiment of the Massachusetts Line.”

When he was 18, the Revolutionary War started and he went from Abbington, Massachusetts, where he enlisted as a private on the 13 th of July 1781. He enlisted for a term of 3 years, under the Continental Establishment, and joined his Regiment at West Point, New York and enrolled in the 5 th Company, commanded by Captain Zebulon King, in the 7 th Regiment, in the Massachusetts Line, commanded by Lieutenant colonel John Brooks, in General Glover's Brigade.

Abel faithfully served his country until the end of the war in 1783, but did not get his discharge until January 1784. This discharge was given to him at West Point, with a verbal order from another officer to draw 3 more days provisions at a place called Lytchfield or Springfield, on his way home. Evidently he had a long way to hike in order to reach home.

On the 15 th of December 1785, Abel married Susannah Bryant, in Kingston, Plymouth, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Joshua Bryant and Susannah Randall, and was born in Plymouth, Plymouth, Massachusetts, on the 8 th of August 1767. At their marriage, Abel was 22 years old and Susannah was 18.

From birth records of their first six children, Abel and Susannah must have moved around a lot. Each of these children was born in a different town in Massachusetts – Kingston, Pembroke, Plymton, Hopkinton, Littleton, and Leominster. I imagine that it was hard to find steady employment after the ravages of war.

Sometime after the month of July in 1798, Abel, a blacksmith by trade, and his family moved to Temple, Hillsboro, New Hampshire. Information from “History of Temple, New Hampshire 1768-1976” states; “In 1798, the first owner of house #186 (on the city map) was Abel Gardner and he moved away from Temple in 1808”. That made him a resident there of 10 years. During this time, 5 more children were added to his large family.

Temple, New Hampshire Church Town Hall Residence of Abel Gardner Photos taken about 1980 Then he moved to New Ipswich, Hillsboro, New Hampshire, where the last two of his children were born. Abel and Susannah were the parents of 13 children.

Abel also served his country again, during what was called the “Patriot War” in 1813 and 1814. He served his country well and we should be proud of that.

At a later date, Abel moved from New Ipswich to Rindge. Library on Main Street at New Ipswich, New Hampshire Taken about 1980 On the 18 th of March 1818, Congress passed an act entitled: “An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land or naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War.”

On the 8 th of April 1818, when Abel was 56 years of age, he applied for a Veterans Pension. (The pension certificate was numbered on the back with14127) His application states; “I am not on the Pension List of invalids, but I am in reduced circumstances and stand in need of assistance from my country for my support; not being the owner of any property and being involved in debt on account of having a family of young children, which oblige me to contract small debts for provisions to keep them and myself from suffering; having nothing but my hands to help me with. My poverty is such that the Liberty-Men of New Ipswich, where I reside, abated my taxes to keep me from prison.”

Abel was granted a pension of $8 per month or $96 for one year. Out of this very small pension, he then spent some of it to buy 20 acres of land, and erected a small house and barn.

Two years later, on the 6 th of July 1820, he again put in a request for more help. By then his health was failing as well as having a wife and a daughter in poor health also. Six of his children were still living at home. The youngest one being just 7 years old. He stated that his land was poor land and unproductive and that his house and barn were in an unfinished condition. Then he lists his personal property which was very meager. one pair bellows 5.00 one anvil 5.00 one screw vice .75 3 sheep 3.00 one swine 3.00 one clock 5.00 loom and appertenances 1.50 one plough 3.50 one sled 1.50 household furniture 3.00 $188.75

I further declare that I am indebted to sundry persons in the sum of $156.75 and that I have due to me on book and otherwise about $53.00 having a balance of debt I owe of $103.75. Signed Abel Gardner

Susannah, his wife, was 55 years old in 1820 and her health continued to fail until she died on 19 July 1833...aged 65 years, 11 months, 10 days. At least she got to raise all 13 of her children. The youngest, George Bryant, was 20 years old by then. She was buried in Sharon, Hillsboro, New Hampshire.

One year later, Abel married Mrs. Mary Mansfield, on 4 June 1834, at Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Abel lived just 6 more years to the ripe old age of 77 years. He died on 29 April 1840. Evidently, he had gone to stay a few weeks at his daughter, Rachel's home where is died. Rachel was married to Mosiah Pratt and they were living in Fitchburg, Worcester, Massachusetts. A grave was dug for him in Fitchburg, but it was filled up later. George Bryant Gardner's history states that he had his father's body brought to Sharon, New Hampshire and buried by the side of his mother in the burying ground, on what was called “Germany Hill”(Jarmany)--a rough and rocky place. And that his father was laid to rest on the west side of the lot, near a stone wall.

So ends the life of a noble ancestor. Pioneer days were tough and it took a great deal of work, sweat, tears, patience and faith to live through those trying times. However, if it wasn't for their courage and stamina to face the rugged period in our nation's history, where would we be? Thank God for our stalwart and brave ancestors!

Abel and Susannah were the parents of 13 children, 3 of whom joined the Church and came West with the Saints: Penelope Randal, Rachel Smith, and George Bryant.

References History written by Morjorie Gardner Lupher, 1994 History of George Bryant Gardner Revolutionary War Pension record of Abel Gardner (GS 971,046) Temple, New Hampshire history 1768-1976 also (GS 974,28/T1?H2h) Massachusetts history, Volume 6 Compilation of American Genealogy, Volume 5, page 250 Plimpton Vital Records, page 273 & 324 History of Loni Gardner, 2223 S 400 E, Bountiful, Utah 84010 History of Randolph Hardy, Great Falls, Montana Temple Index Bureau (TIB) of Abel Gardner Temple Index Bureau (TIB) of Susannah B ryant Susannah Bryant Gardner 1767-1833 (Mother of George Bryant Gardner Susanna was born 8 Aug 1767 in Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Joshua Bryant and Susanna Randall. She was married 15 Dec 1785 to Abel Gardner at age 18 years. They moved around a lot. Her first six children were all born in Massachusetts, but each one of the six in a different town. They moved to Temple, New Hampshire in 1798 and lived there for 10 years. Five more children were born there. In 1808 they moved to New Ipswitch, New Hampshire and there her last two children were born. She had a large family of 13 children. In 1818 the family was in dire need – really on the poverty level. It was almost impossible for the father to secure work. His own health was beginning to fail and his wife, Susanna was in very poor health as well as a daughter, Olive. At that time, six of their children were still living at home. George Bryant Gardner, being the youngest, was about 7 years old.

Never-the-less, this courageous mother still took care of her family until the youngest one was 20 years old. In spite of the bad health that she had had for many years, she managed to survive long enough to raise her whole family. Susanna died 19 July 1833 at the age of 65 years 11 months 10 days. She was buried in Sharon, Hillsboro, New Hampshire.

References: History written by Morjorie Gardner Lupher Note from Morjorie - This short history was also gleaned from her husbands history. I know that some people spell Susanna with and 'h' on the end, but I did not see that way in his writing.

Another thing I want to draw attention to is the first letter of her name. Abel's application for a pension was written in his own handwriting. I studied very carefully the way he made his capitol 'S'. Examples – State, Smith, etc. and I am convinced that the true name is Susanna and not Lusannah as some of our relatives have interpreted it.

(George Bryant Gardner's history written in own handwriting uses an 'h' at the end of his mother's name also an 'S' at the beginning of her name) Penelope Randall Gardner Goodridge/Goodrich 1793-1875 (Sister to George Bryant Gardner)

BIRTHDATE: 27 Dec 1793, Hopkinton, Massachusetts DEATH: 19 Dec 1875, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah PARENTS: Abel Gardner & Susannah Bryant Gardner PIONEER: 14 Oct 1850, Wilford Woodruff Wagon Train, Edson Whipple’s 50, George Bryant Gardner’s 10 SPOUSE: Benjamin Franklin Goodridge/Goodrich MARRIED: 1 Apr 1823, Massachusetts DEATH OF SPOUSE: 2 Dec 1859, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah CHILDREN: Mary Jane 11 Jun 1825 Sophia Lois 2 Jul 1826 Harriet Ann 9 Mar 1828 Leonard Burage 4 May 1830 Sarah Louise 5 Jun 1832 Lusannah Emiline 24 Mar 1834 Esther Smylinda 16 Mar 1836 George Albert 3 Ma 1839 George Albert Goodridge

Penelope married Benjamin Goodridge on April 1, 1823. Her brother, George Bryant Gardner and Leonard Wilford Hardy, brought the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to them. Penelope and four of her daughters were baptized on September 2, 1849 by Leonard W. Hardy. They joined the Church and came West in 1850, with the Wilford Woodruff Wagon Company with Leonard W. Hardy as their captain.

They were among those saved when Wilford Woodruff listened to the spirit and did not board a steamer which later blew up. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on October 14, 1850. Penelope nursed the sick along the way.

Benjamin traded his team, wagon, and some provisions for a small house and lot in Salt Lake City. Penelope nursed her sick husband for many years until he died in 1859.

She made all her children’s clothing, she made rugs, and she dried fruit for their use. She spent much of her time helping her children, especially when their babies where born.

Penelope worked in the Relief Society in the Nineteenth Ward. After years, the old house was torn down and a new three-room house was built by Leonard W. Hardy who was married to three of Penelope’s daughters. Penelope lived in this home until her death.

References:

Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel 1847-1868 list the following as traveling in Wilford Woodruff’s Company of 1850; George Bryant Gardner (37), Elizabeth Ann Bird (20), Mary Ann Bliss (3), Elizabeth Dyer Ryan (36), Emily Amanda (1), Benjamin Franklin Goodridge (55), Penelope Randall Goodridge (59), Mary Jane Goodridge (25), Sophie Lois Goodridge(23), Harriet Ann Goodridge (22), Sarah Louise Goodridge (18), Lusannah Emiline Goodridge (16), Esther Smylinda Goodridge (14), George Albert Goodridge (11). Does not list Leonard Burage Goodridge. George Albert Goodrich 1839-1911 (Son of Penelope Gardner Goodrich, sister to George Bryant Gardner) George Albert Goodrich was born 3 arch 1839 in Lunenburg, Worcester, Massachusetts to Benjamin Franklin Goodrich and Penelope Randall Gardner. The Benjamin Franklin Goodrich family joined the Church in Massachusetts. Leonard Wilford Hardy and George Bryant Gardner were responsible for the Goodrich family conversion. They left their home 9 April 1850 and joined Wilford Woodruff’s company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At Pittsburgh they had a remarkable experience as told in the following incident from Wilford Woodruff’s life. “While returning to Utah in 1850 with a large company of Saints from Boston and the East, on my arrival at Pittsburgh I engaged a passage for myself and Penelope and son, George company on a steamer to St. Louis. But no sooner had I engaged the passage than the Spirit said to me, ‘Go not on board that steamer; neither you nor your company’. The first steamer started at dark, with two hundred passengers aboard. When five miles down the Ohio River it took fire and burned the tiller ropes, so that the vessel could not reach the shore, and the lives of nearly all on board were lost either by fire or water. We arrived in safety at our destination by obeying the revelation of the Spirit of God to us” (Published in A Story to Tell , Deseret Book Company, Salt lake City, Utah 1966, pg. 320) George Albert Goodrich was eleven years old when he left his home in the East. After his family arrived in Salt Lake City, he became active in frontier life. When Johnston’s Army came to Utah in 1857, George Albert was called into the Utah Militia and went with his company into Echo Canyon to prevent Colonel Johnston’s entrance into Salt Lake City. The Utah Militia was so poorly clad and the weather was so severe that sixteen men were badly frozen the first night out and had to return to the city for medical treatment. George was among those who remained until a compromise was effected. He helped arrange rocks to roll down the canyon walls if the army attempted to enter Salt Lake Valley; and with the others he marched around and around their campfire nearly all night in sight of Johnston’s army to give an illusion of a large body of troops. In1862 he was called by the leaders of the Church to go back East to help some of the Saints who were traveling to Utah. The following is taken from the diary of Penelope Randall Gardner Goodrich. “March 1862: George has just come and said, “Mother, they have called me to help fetch in the poor Saints. Do you think you can spare your dear son to do so?” It was giving me something of a trial, but I considered it was for the best, and said, “Go,” and I tried to “fit him off” so that he would be comfortable. 22 April 1862: George started for the East. I accompanied him as far as the Bishop’s and there parted from him with a heavy heart, asking God to protect him. 23 October 1862: George has returned with his company of Saints. He looks pretty well, considering…he says he has been in some tight spots. I am glad he got home safe again and more glad for the good report of him.” On his return from the East he again took up his work in the militia. He was made a captain and served in the Black Hawk War in the Utah Territory. In 1863 he married Eliza Ann Taggart, and in 1866 he married her half sister, Harriet Maria Taggart.

In October 1868 he was called on a special colonization mission, as explained in this entry from his mother’s diary. “October 1868: During October Conference, George was called south to help build up a new place called St. Joseph, Piute, Arizona Territory. On the 4 th of November 1868, he with his family, six in number, started for their new home in what was known as the Muddy Mission. It was rather hard parting with my only son, but I believe it is all for the best. I have received one letter from them, dated 3 January 1869, since their departure. 7 May 1869: Brother Leonard W. Hardy has lately had a letter from George. Poor boy, he seems to be sadly tried in the furnace of adversity. I hope he will come out unscathed; it is a good school for him. Hitherto he has not had the trials which have been the lot of many of the Latter-day Saints. I hope he will bear it all with patience, come off conqueror, and have plenty of faith with good works.” In consequence of the barren and unproductive conditions of the country, they were soon reduced to destitution. At times bran and melons were all they had to eat. On one occasion the men were obliged to leave their families in the wilderness and go in search of food. Crossing the desert, they were threatened with death from thirst. So desperate did their condition become that on killing a rabbit they shared its blood. They came to an old well so badly caved in that no water could be seen. At first no one dared go down to dig for water owing to the uncertainty of the walls. George Albert entered saying, “I would rather die in the attempt to get water that die for want of it.” He found water and with a tin cup dipped enough water to satisfy the men and horses. He was in the well more than two hours, and shortly after he got out the walls caved in. He and one other man sawed enough lumber with a whipsaw to complete an adobe meetinghouse. Scarcely had they completed their arduous task when it was determined by the state boundary survey that they were located in Nevada. Taxes were so high they couldn’t pay them. The state seized many of their horses and cattle and sold them for taxes. After Brigham Young sent the Goodrich family their release, they left St. Joseph and went to Orderville, in Kane County, Utah. There they planted crops only to have the grasshoppers destroy them. They were at Orderville only a short time before leaving Morgan, Morgan County, Utah. There George engaged in milling, first operating a sawmill and later, a flour mill. He served two terms as Sheriff of Morgan County. On 9 October 1879 he married Rhoda Slade. She was a school teacher in Morgan. Pioneer work was not over for George Albert Goodrich, for in 1885 he went to Ashley Valley. For eight years he operated the first grist mill in the Valley. It was owned by Lycurgus Johnson and was run by water power. This mill was located a few blocks west of Johnson’s large rock house in Maeser. This house was considered one of the finest in the Valley at that time, and George Albert helped with its construction for the Johnson family. While George was working at the Maeser Mill an Indian and his squaw came to the mill for a sack of flour. As was customary the squaw picked up the flour, and placing it on her shoulder began carrying it to her horse, which was tied nearby. However, George Albert felt to reverse this queer custom and cajoled the old brave into shouldering the flour himself. This burden was an unaccustomed one for his flabby muscles, and he fell to the ground, breaking his leg. The squaw was furious and blamed George for the accident. The only way he could atone for this unsuccessful crusade from chivalry was to keep this Indian couple at his home for six weeks. They slept in a storeroom of the mill, and George’s wife, Rhoda cooked for them. During the eight year period that he managed the mill at Maeser, a diphtheria epidemic came to the valley. Many died, among them six of the Goodrich children: Fannie Sophia 20, William Burrage 14, Julia Louisa 12, Hyrum Parks 10, Wallace 8 – children of George and Harriet. Also, Esther Fidellia 11 – child of George and Eliza.

In about 1890, under the Timber Act, George took up a homestead at Naples, where he did general farming, and he planted two acres of cottonwood trees. Planting the trees was in the agreement for obtaining land. This grove furnished a real recreational park for the children, supplying rabbit pens, green houses, seesaws, stilts, whistles, stick horses, bud blowers, bird nests, etc. The children’s toys grew mostly on trees in those days. Many of the children made frequent use of the saws, hammer and vise on the long workbench their father had built. Toy wagons and doll furniture were among the fascinating results. The few dolls they had were breakable china, but rag dolls were acceptable and paper dolls came with Arm and Hammer soda, which were rare.

From 1892 to 1894 George filled a mission in the Southern States for the LDS Church. Shortly after his mission he returned to Salt Lake City and worked in the temple until 1896.

The last big job George Albert worked on as a stone mason was the Uintah Stake Tabernacle at Vernal, which was commenced in 1900 and finished in 1907. In his later years he worked at the dinosaur Quarry in Jensen during the initial excavations. He worked with Dr. Earl Douglas and Dr. Douglas said, “We know that these dinosaur bones are millions of years old, but that doesn’t agree with the Bible.”

George Albert was a great student of the Bible and did some constructive thinking regarding science and religion and his answer to this was, “How do we know whether or not this world was formed from parts of other worlds and that these bones originated elsewhere?” He also added that “to replenish the earth” could have meant that the earth or parts of it could have been inhabited by forms of life before it was created as we know it.

Our dictionaries today use the words plenish and replenish synonymously, although other definitions are also given; that is, plenish being the original furnishing or filling and replenish being to stock anew or fill up again.

According to the Bible story of the creation, we know that the beasts were created before man, but we do not know the length of the period of time of their creation.

George was known as an honest man. At one time, when his property was being assessed, the tax assessor asked how many pigs he had. On learning the number, he said, “Oh, I’ll not put them in.” “They are good animals, put them in!” George answered.

Captain Bob Riley, an old Indian, spoke of doing business with George. “He good Man, no cheat Indian,” he said.

George loved a good joke and one time the joke turned on him. Their cabin homes were not equipped with clothes closets and built-in cupboards, so chairs often served a second purpose, that of clothes racks. Finding them filled up with dresses this one day, he remarked, “Won’t it be fine when we get all the things we want, and chairs enough to put them on.”

George Albert Goodrich died at Naples on 19 February 1911, age seventy-two years, of asthma and dropsy. He was buried in the Vernal Cemetery, Vernal, Uintah, Utah

References: Internet “Google” search of George Bryant Gardner This history was taken from the diary of Penelope Randall Gardner Goodrich and from writings and information obtained from Mary Augusta Goodrich Gagon, Albert Gardner Goodrich, Amelia Goodrich Cook, Byron Goodrich, Leona Goodrich Manwaring, Lucy Goodrich Lind, and Ruth Goodrich Stone. Daughter of the Utah Pioneers history files

Elizabeth Dyer Ryan Gardner 1814-1896 (1 st wife of George Bryant Gardner)

Virgin City, Aug. 25, 1896 – Sister Elizabeth Dia (Dyer) Ryan, wife of George B. Gardner, departed this life August 17 th . She was born in Boston, Mass. in 1814, and received the Gospel in the early days of the Church in this dispensation; went with her husband to Nauvoo, just after it was first settled, and suffered with the saints in all their trials and tribulation; Brother Gardner was a blacksmith and was detained fitting up wagons for the rest of the Saints, but came to the valleys in the year 1850. Sister Gardner suffered many trials after coming to these mountains. She was a great friend to all that were in need, and was willing, and did give, the best to those that were in want. When the call was made for this Dixie country, G. B. Gardner and wife were among the first to come. Here she suffered the trials and hardships without a murmur. She took an active part in the Relief Society for a number of years. After being here eighteen years her husband was called to Arizona to help settle that country, and she also went and remained there about two and a half years, but being hard times and the family of Brother Gardner large, she returned to Virgin City among her old friends and acquaintances, and had lived here ever since. Sister Gardner was in her 83 rd year, was a faithful Latter-day Saint, always a friend to the poor and needy; was never heard to complain, and as was said at her funeral services, there never was heard an unpleasant word escape her lips. She passed away very quietly after an illness of three weeks. Funeral services were held at Brother James Stratton’s residence. The Bishop and others spoke many good words in regard to Sister Gardner’s life; also consoling words to those who were called to mourn. She died as she had lived, an honest, faithful Latter-day Saint, worthy to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection. There were a great number of friends followed her remains to their last resting place, and when her body was laid away, and the dedicatory prayer offered, all returned home feeling that a friend had left us. James A. Stratton

Elizabeth Dyer Ryan, did not have any children. She was a nurse and helped all the time with the other children. She did not leave her husband when polygamy was abolished, but she stayed in Utah when he moved to Arizona and she raised 3 of Betsy Ann Bird's children – Emily, Mary & George Abel.

After George Bryant Gardner was called to pioneer in Arizona, his first wife, Elizabeth decided that she wanted to return to live in Virgin. She told George and he refused to take her back, so she packed her bag and started walking to Virgin. He got the buggy, picked her up and located her in Virgin in the house next to James and her polygamist daughter, Emily Amanda Gardner Stratton. She lived there the rest of her life, and was “Grandma Stratton” to all of the Stratton children. One morning Elizabeth was hard at work pulling weeds in her garden, which was next to James' garden. James came running out to tease her and said, “Mother Gardner, you gave me such a fright this morning. You took 10 years off my life. I was having a nightmare; I dreamed that you were in your garden pulling weeds, and that you made a terrible mistake and started pulling weeds out of my garden.”

Elizabeth was the barren wife who Elizabeth Ann Bird loved so much that she trusted her with the care of her baby, George Able, at the time of her divorce. Emily was living in Virgin when she met and married James.

References: Obituary Notes, Deseret Evening News, Wednesday, September 16, 1896 Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Family Stories written by Clifford J. Stratton

Elizabeth Ann Bird Bliss Gardner (Betsy Ann) 1829-1885 (2 nd wife of George Bryant Gardner)

Elizabeth Ann was born 30 Oct 1829 in Hector, New York 3 years after the marriage of her parents and was the second child of Charles Bird born 19 Sep 1803 at Roxbury Township, Morris, New Jersey and Mary Ann Kennedy born 7 Dec 1807 at Great Barrington, Berkshire, Massachusetts.

Both the Bird and Kennedy families were prominent, respected families in their community. Mary Ann was the daughter of Dr. John Kennedy and Elizabeth Churchill. Both of these families have been documented back to two of the original families on the Mayflower. The home into which she was born was traditional for that time, built of logs and furnished with home made furniture, spinning wheel, loom for weaving, churn to make butter, etc. A good cellar under ground kept milk, cream and cheese cool. The family raised a garden, had chickens and hogs, cows and horses. Fire was a major problem. It was necessary to keep a fire continually burning or to tediously rub sticks or strike flint to get a fire started.

When Betsy was 7 years old, her parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints. According to family history, she attended the dedication of the Kirtland Temple with her parents in March 1836 and her parents were baptized five months later. Charles moved his wife, four sons and three daughters from near Kirtland to Far West, Missouri in 1839. Betsy was 10 years old when she experienced the “Far West War”. She and her family were expelled from Missouri by the mob. Although her mother's family had disowned them when her family joined the Church, her Grandfather Freeman Bird and members of his family were also at Far West, and the families were able to provide support and comfort to each other. The families relocated in Nauvoo, Illinois, and built the log cabin that has today been restored on the site that is called the “Browning House”. Betsy helped build that cabin, and later, as a young teenager, helped build the large brick home on that same property. She did not live in the large home for very long, however, because her father sold the improved property.

When Betsy was 15, she enjoyed living in Nauvoo and was particularly aware of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, since her father was one of the body guards of the Prophet, and had just left him the day before his death to return from Carthage to Nauvoo for supplies.

Betsy married Norman Ingles Bliss when she was 16 years old in 1845 in Nauvoo. Norman had a son, Orley Dwight Bliss born 25 Jul 1839, by a previous wife who went back to New York in 1842 because she could not take the hardships of Nauvoo.

Betsy and Norman lived in Nauvoo a short time. They probably left Nauvoo with her family about 25 Feb 1846, which means that they were driven out by the mob, and crossed the Mississippi on the ice. There was disharmony in the marriage with the expulsion of the saints from Nauvoo. Their daughter Mary Ann Bliss was born 19 Nov 1846 in Winter Quarters (Florence), Douglas Co., Nebraska.

Norman Bliss was called on a mission to convert his relatives in New York and there to ask them for financial help, but he had no success. When he returned from his mission early he found Betsy had left him and had boarded their two children with a neighbor. He found a temporary home for Mary Ann and took his son back to New York to finish his mission. They probably got a divorce.

Norman Ingles Bliss(33) and Orley Dwight Bliss (10) came to the Salt Lake Valley with the 1848 Brigham Young Company. Mary Ann Bliss (3) came with her mother, in the 1850 Wilford Woodruff Company, who by that time was married to George Bryant Gardner.

Betsy Ann Bird met and married George Bryant Gardner, a middle aged man, 12 May 1848, in Winter Quarters. He was a husky, strong man who had just gone through a serious illness. Betsy Ann was his second wife. Elizabeth Dyer Ryan was the first wife and did not have children so she was very helpful to Betsy’s. Emily Amanda was born in the Pottawatamie Country, Iowa, 19 Jul 1849. George Bryant was a blacksmith and helped make wagons for the Saints going west. Charles Bird and George Bryant Gardner knew each other, both being Seventies at Nauvoo. George was a gentle person, known for his musical abilities. This attracted Betsy to him, as she had come from refined parentage, which was not forgotten even in these difficult times.

Because George was a blacksmith, the Brethren asked him to stay in the vicinity of Winter Quarter to help the Saints obtain and maintain wagons to cross the plains. Shortly after their marriage, George, his first wife, and his new wife, Betsy, moved across the Missouri River to what was called “The Bluffs” in Pottawatamie County. They built two log cabins, one for each of George's families, a blacksmith shop, corral, pens, etc. They fenced eight acres of good land and commenced to make a home. In the winter of 1848, George went to Missouri to work, bought a yoke of two year old steers and some clothing for the family. He said of this period, “I was prospered in everything I undertook.” In the spring of 1850, the family sold their possessions and land, with a crop in the field, for twelve dollars.

After the birth of Emily Amanda on 19 July 1849, the family was particularly concerned about the new baby, the cholera, the disruptive weather and other trials. At one point, George felt inspired and prophesied to Betsy and the other 4 members of his family that it was the last of their troubles. A few days later they were surrounded by about 500 Indians, all mounted with good arms. “It looked rather scary for a time, but trusting the Lord with stout hearts, the Piute Captain reached out his hand for a shake and peace and friendship which soon gladdened our hearts.”

They crossed the Plains in 1850 arriving in Salt Lake City in the fall, 14 Oct 1850. George went to Mill Creek Canyon for the winter, and ran a shingle machine for 3 years, making some of the first shingles used in the city. A daughter, Mary Sedella was born in Salt Lake City, March 1851. Betsy and George had their endowments in the Salt Lake City Endowment House. He was called by Brigham Young to work in the public blacksmith shop for two years. He had a home lot in Salt Lake City.

On 17 Oct 1852 George Bryant married his third wife, Harriet Maria (Mariah) Beebe in Salt Lake City. George Abel Gardner was born 3 Jan 1853 in Salt Lake City, Utah. On 26 Sept 1853, Betsy Ann got a bill of divorcement from George Bryant Gardner. Betsy left him and took the three children. George Abel was 8 months old.

Betsy Ann decided to go to California and work. So she took the two older girls and left George Abel with Elizabeth Dyer to raise. He was too young to stay by himself and the girls were old enough to care for themselves, so they stayed with their mother. (The history of George Abel states that Emily Amanda, Mary Sedella and George Abel were left in the care of Elizabeth Dyer Ryan Gardner)

(Mary Ann was 7, Emily Amanda was 4, Mary Sedella was 2, and George Able was 8 months) (It is known that Emily Amanda lived in Virgin City, married James A. Stratton and is buried there.) In California, Betsy married Kimball Hardy in 1854, he was a good man. She had more children and died in Los Angeles, California on 15 Dec 1885, at the age of 56 years old. Her picture shows her to be a beautiful woman.

Her daughter Mary Ann Bliss was married 13 Nov 1862 at Toquerville, to Thomas Stapley (son of Charles Stapley and Sarah Bryant). Mary Ann died 8 Feb 1928 at Mesa, Arizona. She was 82 years old.

Anthony Johnson Stratton clarifies a few points in the history In 1857 a misunderstanding came between George and Elizabeth over his taking a fourth polygamous wife and they decided to separate. She had loved and supported George and his other two wives with all of her heart and soul, but could not accept, for personal reasons, the addition of Miss Mecham to the family. Her heart was broken, but George insisted on pursuing the matter, so she took her children, left George and went to work to support her fatherless family. In order to be able to work full-time, she finally had to leave her baby George Able, to be raised by one of George's wives who she loved very dearly and who was barren. She worked very hard for her family and finally sought a divorce from George. She then married Kimball Harding and moved to Los Angeles, California and lived there,m raised her family and died there. She was always totally active and true to her faith and never faltered from her testimony of the divinity of the great latter-day work the Lord was bringing to pass. The true nature of the divorce has been lost to history and it is meaningless to try and cast blame. Before marrying George, Elizabeth Ann had been married to Norman Englis Bliss and had one daughter by him, Mary Ann Bliss. She raised this daughter in Los Angeles and saw her marry Thomas Stapley. Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Council of the Twelve Apostles descended from that union.

George and Elizabeth Ann were very close associates of most of the leading brethren in the early Church. One of the most vivid experiences of their son's early life was the many times Parley P. Pratt took him on his knee in the evenings and explained to him the various constellations of the stars. The early Church records show that George and Elizabeth were married by Brigham Young at James Young's house. They were also close friends with Dr. Willard Richards and John Taylor, who were with the Prophet and Hyrum at Carthage.

Elizabeth and her parents were present in 1844, after the martyrdom, when Sydney Rigdon laid claim to the Presidency of the Church. They were also present the next day when Brigham Young was transfigured during his address to the Saints and appeared in the countenance of the Prophet Joseph Smith. As they tell the story, the transfiguration was obvious, and a very warm, peaceful feeling overcame them at that moment. They accepted it as Heavenly Father's way of making His will known that Brigham was to lead the Church.

Family Story by Clifford J. Stratton When George returned from the Salt Lake City Endowment House where he had married E. Mecham against Elizabeth Ann Bird's wishes, Elizabeth fixed them their first breakfast after their honeymoon. She fixed a beautiful breakfast, served it politely, and while they were eating she took her children. Loaded the buckboard with their belongings and left. She never returned to St. George, Utah. Betsy had undergone a very traumatic experience reaching Salt lake City. She was very happy when they settled down in Salt Lake City Twelfth Ward. Her husband was active in the Seventies quorum, and although there were still many difficulties, she was determined to make their new relationship work. In March Mary Sedilla Gardner was born. When Betsy was 6 months pregnant with her third child, George married his third polygamous wife, Harriet Beebe. On 3 Jan 1853 George Able was born. Betsy's husband was working for the Church making roofing shingles up Mill Creek Canyon when President Brigham Young asked him to come and work in Salt Lake City in the public blacksmith shop. Irreconcilable differences began to wedge Betsy and George. Finally on 23 Sept 1853, at age 24, Betsy left. She then married Kimball Hardy and moved to California, where they peacefully lived out their lives.

References: History compiled by Milba Miskin from history collected at Nauvoo in Oct 1997. Submitted to Daughters of the Utah Pioneers 12 April 1999 by Ina Merrell Howell, 1408 W. Sack Dr. Phoenix, Arizona 85027 (602) 780-4052 Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel www.lds.org/churchhistory Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Virgin City Cemetery Database Family records in possession of Lenora Hansen Temple records Hand written account of Anthony Johnson Stratton in possession of C. J. Stratton “A Tribute to Aunt Em” by Lucy Isom Vital records and family recollection in possession of C. J. Stratton Family stories by Clifford J. Stratton History written by Clifford James Stratton Emily Amanda Gardner Stratton (daughter of George Bryant Gardner and 2 nd wife Elizabeth Ann Bird Bliss Gardner)

SISTER STRATTON’S MIRACLE (A True Incident) By Diane K Cahoon/illustrated by Jerry Thompson

And whoso shall ask in my name in faith…shall cause the blind to receive their sight (Doctrine and Covenants 35:9) “She can’t see! The fever has left Sister Stratton completely blind!” The news swept rapidly though the little pioneer town of Virgin, Utah. Sister Emily Amanda Gardner Stratton, beloved Primary president in the Virgin Ward, had lost her sight following a sudden illness. She had lovingly and faithfully served the children in the southern Utah town for fifteen years, and she had helped many of the ward members in times of trouble. Now it was she who needed help. But how could they help her? The local doctor had done everything he could for her and had advised her family to take her to the nearest hospital, which was in St. George, Utah. It was her only hope if she was to see again.

For weeks, the doctors in St. George tried every treatment that they knew, but nothing seemed to work. When their last treatment failed, Sister Stratton sent word that she wanted to come home. The children and Primary workers in Virgin had prayed diligently for her recover. When they heard that the doctors had given up, they were even more determined to do whatever they could to help their dedicated Primary president. Someone suggested that they hold a special fast for her. They knew that if they had faith and fasted and prayed, Heavenly Father would help her in ways they could not. It was difficult to go without food all day, but even the youngest Primary children fasted and prayed for their beloved leader. That evening, they all met at the tiny meetinghouse to close their fast and prayer. Afterward, they felt great peace and joy and knew that Heavenly Father had heard their prayers. The sunset was glorious, casting rays of red and gold throughout the western sky as they went to their homes. A few days later, Sister Stratton’s wagon creaked as it rolled along the dusty road toward Virgin. The children and Primary leaders hurried to greet her and tell her of their special fast. “What time was your fast meeting, children? Sister Stratton asked. “It was at sunset!” one child exclaimed. Sister Stratton sat back. Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke. “At sunset on that day, I was sitting in a chair by the west window of my hospital room. As I looked up, I saw the sunset for the first time since the fever stole my sight. Yes, children, I can see!” The loving prayers and faithfilled fasting of the Virgin Ward Primary had been answered with a miracle. For the rest of Sister Stratton’s life, she was blessed with perfect eyesight. Reference: June 1997 issue of the Friend

George Abel Gardner 1853-1927 (son of George Bryant Gardner and 2 nd wife, Elizabeth Ann Bird Bliss Gardner) History was written by George Abel Gardner’s daughter, Penelope Gardner Merrell in 1954 George Abel Gardner was born January 3, 1853 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the son of George Bryant Gardner and Elizabeth Ann Bird. This was a polygamous union, Elizabeth Ann being the second wife. To this marriage was born three children, Emily Amanda, Mary Sedella, and George Abel. George Bryant felt he should marry another wife and when he asked Elizabeth Ann for her consent, she felt that he already had as much or more than he could care for, so she refused, and requested a divorce which was granted to her. This brought about a problem of how to care for her children, so she left them with the first wife, “Aunt Lizzie”, knowing they would be properly cared for during the time she sought for and obtained work. “Aunt Lizzie” did not have any children. Elizabeth soon left for California during the gold rush, and found employment there. She later married Kimball Hardy of Los Angeles, by whom she had five children. She never saw her Gardner children again. She raised her children in Los Angeles honorable. She was a very thrifty and honorable woman. They had a fine home and business in Los Angeles. George Abel wrote that no mother could have done more for him and his two sisters, than did “Aunt Lizzie”. He always spoke of the many kindnesses which she did for them, and of his very sincere love and devotion for her. As a child he remembers the nail factory across the street from their home and also sitting on the knee of Parley P. Pratt and listening to him as he told stories of the sun, moon, and stars. As a boy he helped in building the Salt Lake Temple. He was taught the arts of farming, masonry, building, and blacksmithing from his early youth, and of helping each other and sharing alike, mastering temper or ill will, and instead always being a friend to mankind in work and deed. His schooling was very limited, but “Aunt Lizzie” was willing to take time to teach him reading and writing and especially spelling in which he won many prizes at the ‘Spelling Bees”. He was ambitious to learn and on his way to and from work and when drawing cows to the pastures and back home, he would recite the times, alphabet, history, recite, sing, etc. with the determination of being able to meet life's problems. He hauled many loads of rock for the Salt Lake Temple and played on its foundation. His father, George Bryant was a fine musician and did most of the choir work in the wards and took time to teach the fundamentals to George. He would learn and teach notes by the sol-fa-me-re-do method, always using the tuning fork for his time pitch. While he was yet a youth his father moved to Virgin City, Utah where George grew up and took much pride in their farm. It was his great pride and joy to have straight rows well cultivated, and he also took good care and pride in their horses and domestic animals. He often related stories about his buckskin pants, of how they would stretch when wet and when dry they would shrink nearly beyond wearing. He told of hardly knowing what it was to have a pair of shoes. When he would get a pair which was very seldom, He would carry them under his arm until he would get to town then slip them on and go to Church and dances. He recalled how they would parch corn and make jerky, molasses cakes, cookies and candies, dried fruit, and would fill their pockets or a small bag of those foods to take with them on their long and hard days work. Singing was his joy and whistling his specialty. There were lots of fruit, especially peaches and grapes raised in all the nearby-towns. Also much cane from which they made their molasses. The neighbors would gather from home to home and all join in a peach cutting bee or molasses making, until everyone’s fruit was cared for. It was during one of these peach cutting bees that George noticed a certain young girl with long black curls who had a smile for everyone and a willing hand. There was cheer in her voice and grace in her manner. He asked her name. They told him Rosilpha; and to make a long story short, he walked home with her that night. There was joy in their spirits and union in their souls. Their courtship was short but their decision was sure, for they both had found the one they loved. Their marriage date was set for the middle of the summer, and when their bishop and committee for the annual 24 th of July celebration heard of their plans, they were invited to have the wedding as part of the regular program. Also invited were Susie Williams and Charles Brewer who had similar plans, to join in the joyous occasion. Rosilpha had planted the cotton, corded, spun, and wove the material of which her wedding gown was made.

Their first home was a log house with a dirt floor with hand hewn shakes for shingles on the roof. They cooked on a crane on the fireplace. Their first two children were born there, but died in early infancy.

One time a happy crowd of young folks were gathered at a candy pull when a band of enraged Indians broke in on them. “Uncle Kale” quickly began some of his humorous stump speeches and frolicking caper, making the Indians laugh. They gave them candy to pull and soon they were enjoying everything. The Indians were never so bad to steal from them after that. Instead, the squaws would come to the Pioneer fields to glean. The Pioneers gave them food and the Indians gave them pine nuts in exchange.

Their lives as pioneers were happy. They loved their ox teams, log houses, and handmade wagons.

Two more children were born in this humble abode, Harriet Rosabelle, and Mary Emaline. They were beautiful children, and were happy with them, and their lovely farm and orchard.

They received a call from Brigham Young to go to Arizona to live. It was with much sorrow, to leave their home where they had been so happy. They had faith in God, and his teachings to Joseph Smith, and Brigham Young. They were willing to go develop new countries so that others may receive the blessings which God had revealed, and has in store for his Saints in the latter days.

What they could not take of their belongings, they gave to their neighbors. They traveled two months following the trail of others who had received such calls. They arrived in Snowflake in 1881. It was then a small town which had just been purchased by a Mr. Snow and a Mr. Flake.

They set about, humbly and bravely, planning and working with others to lay out streets and sidewalks, farms, gardens, and homes. They were built of logs. Some of the women became midwives, who with the blessings of the Lord were successful in helping mothers have their babies. They administered to the many wants and needs of the sick. Brigham Young had promised them in their calling if they would be faithful and live the commandments of God they would be blessed more than they would be able to know.

George received a severe bruise on his ankle, by a stone thrown by a friend while driving cows home. The friend was throwing is at a cow, but accidentally hit George on the ankle. It caused him much trouble. It would get better and then get worse all the time. Sometimes he thought it was well for months, then it would get worse again. He continued on in his farming, home building, and making brick, doors, windows and all else he needed.

George was appointed chorister of the ward choir, of which few choirs can surpass. He held this position for twenty years and was so prompt in going to Church and practice that people set their clock by him. During these twenty years he was never absent without having secured someone to take his place and was only late once. That day before getting to the Church house, his wooden leg broke so he had to hop back to his blacksmith shop to repair it. When the repair work was finished, he went to church and conducted the closing hymn.

They again had a lovely farm and home, and other children came to bless them until they had fourteen in all. About this time he was working on Uncle Jim Flake’s home when he fell from the third story and rehurt his ankle and suffered for months. These were the month’s before their daughter Penelope was born. All this time Rosillpha could not change her clothes at night because she never knew when she would have to get up and help her husband. Penelope was born July 29, 1895 and the next day Dr. Wolford amputated George’s leg a little below the knee at Ellis Strattton’s home. It took five strong men to hold him, but a good job was done and it wasn’t long before he was getting around on a cork leg. While he was being operated on his spirit was permitted to be in the other world. Here he saw many, many souls whom he had known in this life. He was told by the guide that his time had not fully come to pass on. If he chose, he would be permitted to return back, and would be blessed to provide for his family. He chose to return and always bore testimony of the wonderful glimpse of Heaven.

The cork leg did not work satisfactory so he made himself a wooden leg and continued right on with his building, contracting, blacksmithing and farming. He was very generous and willing to share with others. He often said, “If you are willing to help and share with others you will always have something to share with.” His home was a stopping place for many. He had faith in God and man, and he knew kindness was the keynote to success. He was faithful and devoted to his country.

During the summer early morning and evenings, it was his habit to sit on the front porch and play his accordion. His beautiful music was enjoyed by many. He also played the violin well.

George made many caskets and Rosilpha would trim them. The days were never too long or too cold but that they would finish the caskets to have ready in time for the funerals. They would charge only for the materials used. He took special pride in preparing music for the funerals. His greatest council to his children was “Never refuse to do anything no matter how small or how large, that is asked of you by leaders in the Church.”

During the year that tithing was to be paid in produce they always selected the best and largest of what they had and gave one tenth to the Bishop’s storehouse. Rosilpha would give one tenth of every pound of her butter and all else they had produced.

In the evenings and early mornings the neighbors would council with each other and exchange work for work. They surveyed their farms and ditches and helped each other in sickness or death. No one was ever neglected, but instead well cared for. When sorrow came to a family, friends would gather together and go in the evening and serenade with beautiful music.

George, with Amos Rogers, William Wesley, Bill Willis, and other men did most of the stone work for the academy. This building later burned down. They made the brick for many buildings not only in Snowflake, but for neighboring towns. William W. Willis had a brick kiln. They would get mica from the mica beds which were plentiful out east and north of town, and burn this in big boilers until it was cooked well, then they would cool and sack it and use it as we do cement. They also did their plastering with it, the plaster being very hard and smooth. George was also very professional in cabinet making.

In the winter of 1926, George contacted a severe case of flu. He was confined to his bed for a long period of time. Rosilpha also was sick with the flu. Their youngest daughter, Penelope, stayed with them to care for their many needs. At times, George would be well enough to ride out through the fields and hills which he loved very much. In October, he took a relapse of the flu and died, November 4, 1927.

Surviving him were his wife, Rosilpha, nine children, sixty-five grandchildren, and twenty-three great-grand children. Funeral services were held Saturday, November fifth at 2 P.M. in the Stake House. Burial was in the family plot in the Snowflake cemetery.

The theme of the funeral service was, that George Abel Gardner was always a “friend to man.” HISTORICAL SKETCH OF GEORGE BRYANT GARDNER, BY HIS SON (George Abel Gardner)

My father, George Bryant Gardner, was born in 1813, New Ipswich, New Hampshire. He was of Scotch descent. He was Democratical in political affairs. He was born of Methodist parents. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints in his boyhood, just before he married. He was a Polygamist, having 4 wives. My mother, Betsy Ann bird, was his second wife, and Father was Mother's second husband. Her first husband's name was Bliss, by whom she had one child, “Mary Ann”. She had three children by Father, Emily, Mary, and George Able (myself). Mother, being of a proud nature, she could not stand the idea of Polygamy, so she “divorced” Father. She gave we three children to Father's first wife, “Aunt Lizzie”, who was barren. Mother left the house, after bidding us goodbye, and that was the last time I ever saw her.

No ones own mother could have done a better part by us and loved us, and planned and sacrificed more than did “Aunt Lizzie”. She taught us the gospel by words, works and actions. Her good teaching has been a guiding star to my life. I believe in Polygamy with the principals in which it was brought to the earth.

My mother later on married a man by the name of Hardy by whom she had 5 children,

Father was a Pioneer in 1848. He stayed in Missouri one year to help make wagons, and necessities for the rest of the faithful company, he being a Carpenter, Mason and Blacksmith by trade. He built the first saw mill and shingle mill in Utah, known as “Gardner's Mill”

As far as we have any history back, the Gardners have been big, strong, health, energetic people.

Music was his delight. He loved it. He was chorister the biggest part of 50 years. He acted as chorister 18 years in virgin City, Utah and a number at Salt Lake, Snowflake, Arizona and Woodruff, Arizona.

He lived on the frontier all his life. Always willing to make any donations required of him. He always tried to help the worthy poor. He has built many homes.

He was a good, loving father, always teaching us the principals of the gospel. He died a strong believer in the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, at Woodruff, Arizona

References: History of George Abel Gardner written by Penelope Gardner Merrell History of George Bryant Gardner Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Historical Sketch of George Bryant Gardner by his son, George Abel Gardner

Albert Clifton Gardner (son of George Bryant Gardner and 4 th wife, Elizabeth Lucina Mecham)

Albert Clifton Gardner, son of George Bryant Gardner and Elizabeth Lucina Mecham, was born Sept 29, 1860, at Farmington, Davis County, Utah. When in infancy, together with my parents, we moved to Virgin City, Washington County, Utah. I remained there until I was 7 years old. While living there, my parents not having sufficient of this worlds goods, I was compelled to go hungry at the time, some times having nothing but cane seed bread, which was not very palatable, well do I remember of volunteering to go with a young man, Will Wilson, by name, to herd cows, in order to share his dinner with him. The sand was so hot and on account of me being barefooted, I was compelled to run from one bush to another and stand in the shade until my feet cooled off, each time it came my turn to herd cows.

I had no responsibility except when I got in mischief, on one occasion Oscar Beeby and I went to the ginning mill and went in the room where the cotton was laying. We played there until we got so covered with cotton. However, I escaped punishment.

My father and mother separated in the year of 1867, when I was only 7 years old. I had the privilege of meeting some of my father’s family four years later, but one of my brothers, George Able, I never met again until I was 65 years old, a period of 58 years.

My father remained in Virgin City and my mother moved to Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah where Uncle Lorenzo Don Mecham, her brother, lived. I remained there with mother for one year, of which time I had nothing to do except play.

In the fall of 1868, I went to live with a Mr. Pratt, down on North Creek, Washington County. I remained with him three years. My part of the program was to care for the milk cows, drive them off in the morning, and get them at night.

The last winter I lived with Mr. Pratt, I received from two to three months schooling it being my first schooling. I then went to my father’s home in Spoon Town, Millard County. I remained with my father about three or four months.

From there I went to Toquerville, and lived with a cousin, Appalton Harmon for a few weeks, then with a Mr. Ash Nevicar. I went to live with a cousin, Ancil P. Harmon. I was then eleven years old. It was while I was there when I was baptized. I was baptized in 1872 by John Eliot and confirmed by John Eliot, in Holden, Millard County, Utah. I lived there three years, during which time I was engaged in farming and herding cows.

At the age of fourteen years my mother and brother, John, came after me and I went with them to Grantsville, where I engaged in herding sheep.

In the spring of 1877 we moved to Grouse Creek, Box Elder County, Utah with other families. I drove the sheep, numbering about 2,800 belonging to my step-father, Levi Bectal, and Elisha Hubbard. My step-father did not belong to any religious denomination, therefore my religious training was extremely limited, if I got any at all. On the way to Grouse Creek we encountered long stretches of salt desert and we, together with the sheep and pack pony, suffered for lack of water. The pony got frightened, ran away and spilled all the water which we had in a five gallon keg, leaving us without water for two days and nights. There were four of us on this particular strip of desert. I had herded sheep long enough to learn to drink sheep milk, therefore availed myself the opportunity of drinking sheep milk but one of the crowd was too delicate for that, and he nearly perished. On the evening of the last all nights drive, a four-horse load of water reached us. Peter Furgison, the boy about my age, was so exhausted for lack of water I was forced to hold him to prevent him from drinking too much water, and only allow him to drink small quantities at frequent intervals. We reached the end of this first desert the morning of the third days drive, being then about six days on the road. The next strip of desert only required one day and night. On reaching the shore of the last stretch of desert we found feed and fresh water on the edge of the desert. Two days later we arrived at our destination of Grouse Creek. I continued to herd sheep until the fall of 1879. During this time I had fallen into the bad habit of profaning the name of deity. I knew this was not right and resolved to quit this bad habit, but would break those resolutions as easy as I made them, up until this time I had never prayed or been taught to pray, but I resolved to ask the Lord for help, which I did and the result was I ceased profaning entirely from that day. In the fall of 1879 I returned to Holden, again living with my cousin Ancil P. Harmon; during which time I was engaged in farming. I remained there about one year. During my first and second stay in Holden I received about nine months of schooling, making in all about eleven or twelve months of schooling. In the fall of 1880, in company with my brother John, I went back to Grouse Creek. I worked a little of every thing, such as heading, fencing, riding the range, looking after stock, and farming on a small scale. I took up a hay ranch under the squatter’s right, and recorded the water in my name. In the fall of 1881 my half-brother Nathan Stevens, came from Holden to gather his horses which I had been looking after for him, preparatory to moving to Huntington, Emery County, Utah. I had started attending school, and had gone about one week when he came. He persuaded me to go with him. We gathered our horses, which numbered twenty head, about the middle of Dec. We left Grouse Creek, headed for Huntington. I had sold what stuff I had that I could not take with me, except the land and water, which I gave to my uncle, Lorenzo Don Mecham. We wintered in Holden, Millard County, and left there in March 1882. We landed in Huntington on April 1, 1882. The wind was blowing extremely hard. We stayed here two days, then took our horses up the canyon and located them in Rildays Canyon and built a corral for our convenience. We then went in the canyon and chopped two sets of house logs, and threw then in the river to float them down to Huntington, but the water was falling by this time and we made a failure, so we pulled them out and hauled them home by team. After finishing hauling logs I went over to Tintic and chopped and hauled cordwood for the Mammoth Company to their smelter, and got beat out of my pay except my grub bill. From there I went to the Boulder Springs and hauled cordwood for Knute Dunion for charcoal kilns. He let us run out of grub and grain except lobsters, so we could only work half time, the other half we would roast and eat pine-nuts. In the fall I returned home broke, or nearly so. After this time I done some threshing, freighting too. D&R G camp of R.R. Construction. In the winter of 1882-83 I went to a saw mill in Price Canyon, owned by Wm. Howard and Oscar Crandal. I worked for them until spring, then went to Scofield to another saw mill and worked for Wm. Warin. I stayed with him all summer. I drove oxen in both camps. In the fall I settled up with both camps and came home and took my team and cart and went to Grouse Creek to visit my mother. After a few weeks I returned home, bringing with me one of my cousins, Wm.Mecham. After reaching home I spent some time in threshing, which lasted until midwinter, after which there was not much doing. In the spring of 1884, I started out to find work. I went to Grantsville, found my folks had returned to that place, and I started herding sheep for my step-father. I stayed with him until Oct. 1885. I was married to Miss Sarah Chase by Bishop Udell at Nephi on Aug 6, 1885. Then came home for a short visit. While coming down the canyon, the roads were so rough and chucky that the buggy broke down right at the forks of the canyon. I had my wife, my mother, sister, and one brother-in-law with me. I left them there and went down the canyon until I came to Crandal Canyon, went up Crandal canyon to the Howard Mill. I borrowed a wagon to go on with. After about ten or twelve days absence we returned to Grantsville. The last day on the road we encountered an awful rain storm. We were in an open buggy, and our clothing and bedding were wet through. I left my wife with a Brother and Sister House on a ranch, and I went to the herd about three miles distant.

In November, I wrote home for a recommend to go to the Temple. In the meantime we were rebaptized in Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah. On the 12 th we went to Logan. The 13 th we went through the Temple and back to Salt Lake City, on the 14 th we loaded our furniture and started for Nephi. The next spring, 1886, I bought a house and lot near the center of town from Chriss Johnson and moved in it. Our first baby, Elmeda, was born may 9, 1886. Our second baby Myrtle Almira, was born February 7, 1888. The third, George Albert, was born February 3, 1890. Our fourth, Loran Farr was born November 22, 1892. the fifth, Mary Mindwell, was born January 9, 1894. The sixth, Ruth Ada was born September 28, 1895. Next born, Kate Elizabeth, June 16, 1897. Next born, James Erastus July 2, 189. The next and last, Clarcie Jean born October 14, 1901.

The winter and spring of 1888, I was engaged with a man John Trimble herding sheep, and one evening as I was standing on a flat rock whittling on a willow and watching my sheep, I looked down at the rock on which I was standing, I discovered two bare foot tracks imbedded in the rock on which I was standing, evidently put there by the ancient inhabitants of this land, the Lamanites, called Indians. Within a few feet of this rock, under a dead tree, I found a number of pieces of crockery-ware such as pieces of jugs, jug handles, small plates or saucers, some of which were of very fine workmanship and skill, in numerous other places I found such articles. Also rocks placed in a round circle representing their dwellings. Soon after the discovery of these things, while walking along on top of a dead ridge I discovered the skull of a human being which was said to be one of those natives.

In 1896, together with S.S., U. W., and E. J. Grange (brothers), located and filed on coal land in Cedar Creek and operated it for about twelve years, furnishing coal for local consumption. During this time I occasionally mined coal at Sunnyside for the Utah Fuel Company.

About the year 1900 or later I was in the employ of the Utah Fuel Company. I. B. Norton being my co-worker, we were in No. 2 mine, first right 2 nd raise No. 2 room working the midnight or graveyard shift; going on 11 p.m. and off at 7 a.m. About the 1 st of March I had an experience which is very fresh on my mind yet, we came out at 7o’clock went to the bath, changed clothes and prepared for breakfast. After breakfast I returned to the room to write home. By the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost I was warned that if I wrote that letter home and went back in that room to work (meaning the room in the mine) I would never write another letter home. I finished my letter and as I was addressing the envelope the warning came to me again; if you address that letter home and go back in that room to work you will never address another letter home. I sealed the letter, placed it in a sack with my clothes to send home for laundering. Brother Jacobson was taking my clothes to and from home each week. I started out with my clothes. The same warning came again, if you send those clothes home and go back in that room to work you will never send any more clothes home. I went to the camp ground and handed my clothes up to Brother Jacobson. The warning came again, if you send any more clothes home and go back in that room to work you will never send any more clothes home. Brother Jacobson said, “you had better take those clothes back to your room and keep them until tomorrow morning, as I have not sold out all my load yet.” I started back with the clothes, the thought came to me; am I going to be disobedient to the warning I have had? I then resolved not to go back to work unless we could get a change of rooms. When I reached our room I found Brother Norton in. I told him my story of how I had been warned. He said that was a warning from heaven and we should obey it. I told him that was the way I felt about it. I decided I should go and see the Pit Boss, which I did, and ask him if he could give us another room to work in. He said, “Mr. Gardner, it is impossible to give you another room, as there isn’t an empty one in the mine, but you go back in that room and go to work and as soon as it is possible I will give you a change.” I told him I did not feel like going back in that room to work. He said, “all right, I will not persuade you.” I asked him if he would give us our time, and we settled up with the company that day. The next day we went home with Brother Jacobson. The next evening we heard the news from Sunnyside that No.’s 1, 2, & 3 rooms had all caved in not leaving a whole prop, but the props were all in splinters. This all happened on the shift we vacated. This experience taught me that I should never be disobedient to the warning given by the Holy Ghost.

Some time in July I was setting in the door yard on the farm eating ice cream when one of my girls came from town, and handed me a letter from Box B. This meant, as I well knew, an inquiry as to a mission. After finishing my ice cream I opened the letter, read what it contained, and answered the same right back. I told them I was perfectly willing to go on a mission but I wanted ten months in which to prepare. I had no more than mailed the letter until I began to fear that I had made a mistake. I knew I had always worked and never had been a spendthrift and yet I was not financially able to fill a mission, and what would it be in ten months more, but I resolved to try for I had given my word. In about three months and offer came to the Grange Brothers and myself of $500.00 net to each of us for our coal mine in Cedar Creek. We accepted the offer and received the money. I wrote a letter right straight to head quarters in Salt Lake City and told them I was ready to go on a mission.

I arrived in Salt Lake City on November 16, 1908, was set apart for the Eastern States Mission Nov 17 by Dr. Semore B. Young. My wife accompanied me to Salt Lake City and back to Price. I arrived in Chicago, stayed there until 2:30 the next day, then took a special train to New York. I went to the Mission Office and received instructions and assignments. I was assigned to East Pennsylvania Conference. Brother Rich told us that if we would be faithful we would each of us dream that we would go home in disgrace. I had my dream. I dreamed I left the mission and came home with out being released. When I arrived home my wife just turned and nodded slightly at me. The children were all just as cool. I went down in town and every one I met passed me by with out speaking so I concluded if that was the way I was going to be treated I would go back to the mission field. I didn’t go back to the house, but returned to the mission. About that time I awoke and found myself in bed in Philadelphia.

While on this mission, Elder Heiner and I baptized Emma Brady, Miss Siling Kershaw, Sister Can., and Sister Turner.

The last of August of this year, I received my release; a little early on account of my wife’s ill health. I sent immediately to New York for money. I waited a week, then wrote again and it was another week before I got my money. We went to Salt Lake City and back home. Arriving home on the 28 th of September 1910, the day before my birthday. I found my children all well. Although my wife had been very ill, she was some-what improved. Thus I gave thanks to my Heavenly Father for this blessing of being able to fill this mission and for his caring for my family while I was gone.

References: History of Albert Clifton Gardner as told to his daughter, Myrtle Rowley of Huntington, Utah February 1932. Daughters of the Utah Pioneers

Charles Frederick Gardner 1858-1926 (Son of George Bryant Gardner & Harriet Mariah Beebe Gardner)

See history of Amelia Anderson Gardner in 'Other Andersen Histories'

Charles Bird and Mary Ann Kennedy (Parents of Elizabeth Ann Bird Bliss Gardner) Charles Bird - born 19 Sep 1803, Roxbury Township, Morris, New Jersey, 81 years at death Merchant, weaver, farmer Father – Benjamin Freeman Bird Mother – Marabah Reeves Baptized – 1836 (seventies record in Nauvoo) Endowed – 3 Jan 1846 Nauvoo Temple Mary Ann Kennedy – born 7 Dec 1807, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, 60 years at death Father – John Kennedy Mother – Elizabeth Churchill Married - 22 March 1826 in Covington Tioga, Pennsylvania Children - John Pratt Kennedy 24 Aug 1827 at Burdette, Schuyler, New York Elizabeth Ann Kennedy (Betsy Ann) 30 Oct 1829 at Hector, Schuyler, New York Benjamin Freeman 19 Jun 1833 at Hector, Schuyler, New York Henrietta (Henretta) 7 Jun 1833 at Newton, Schuyler, New York Amanda Sedilla (Maude Sedilla) 23 March 1835 at Hector, Schuyler, New York Kelsey 11 Jan 1837 at Hector, Schuyler, New York Charles 13 Jan 1839 at Far West, Caldwell, Missouri Bradford Kennedy 26 Jan 1840 at Clayton, Missouri Eliza Jane 7 Feb 1841 at Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois Charles 2 Jun 1843 at Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois William 6 Apr 1845 at Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois Martin Lewis Deiney 8 Jan 1847 at Winter Quarters, Douglas, Nebraska Married Emma Gardner born 5 Apr 1848, England George A. 26 Jan 1849 at Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa Mary Ann 1851 at South Cottonwood, Salt Lake, Utah

Sarah Ann Dustan (2 nd wife) – Endowed – Feb 1853 Salt Lake Endowment House Most of the Bird’s were baptized about June 1834

Charles Bird recognized the Prophet Joseph Smith as a true prophet at a meeting in the Kirkland Temple, when the Prophet was gone to Missouri and his enemies were trying to destroy him.

The Bird family consisted of Father Benjamin and his three married sons and other children still at home. They were convinced that the Prophet was in the right and that those who had come out in open rebellion against him had the “wagging tongues of apostate devils.”

He helped the saints who were being driven out of Kirtland to go to Jackson County, Missouri in January 1838.

Charles Bird settled with his family in Far West, Missouri sometime in 1839 after Benjamin and Charles and their family was ruthlessly driven from Far West. As they left Far West, the Bird families looked back and saw their homes in flames. They left Missouri with only the clothes on their backs in the dead of winter, with nowhere to go, after having suffered the Far West holocaust war.

Charles had the power of Attorney to help settle the land problems in order to help the saints who were being driven from Independence to Caldwell County then out of Missouri, in 1838 & 1839. Charles Bird and Mary Ann Kennedy became personal, close acquaintances of Joseph and Emma Smith. At this time Betsy Ann would be about 10 years old.

After the Far West War, Charles had not only his own family to provide for, but was entrusted with the safety, provision and aid for others who needed help. Sometimes several families had only one wagon. He was ordained a Seventy on 5 Jan 1839. His father was made a member of the first council, indicating the degree of their activity. Charles’ son was born in Adams, Clayton County, Illinois. We know he would be among those to fill in the swamps and make the new land habitable. Charles was sent many places where the church was endeavoring to establish itself, to encourage the saints and preach the gospel to the people. They moved to Nauvoo where Charles was Joseph’s personal body guard. Benjamin purchased the property now known as the Bird-Browning site on Main Street from the Prophet Joseph Smith for $300. They built a nice two-room log cabin with a root cellar, which has been restored by the church, and dug a well on the property edge. In the spring of 1843 they built a two-story brick structure. (Later they sold the property to Johnathen Browning, who then added-on the first story of the middle section and even later, the gunsmith and blacksmith shops. Benjamin and his family lived in the log cabin for three years and in the two story brick structure for a few months. The Bird families traded at the store of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and often attended parties and socials at the Mansion house. Benjamin’s sons Phinias, Charles, James, and Samuel all had their families at Nauvoo, and he still had living at home with him two sons by Marabah and the three children by Margaret Crain, whom he married 15 Apr 1833 after Marahah died earlier in February of 1833. In the fall of 1843 many disruptions made the Main Street home of Benjamin in the middle of all the persecution. Because Benjamin was 65 years old and had three children at home under the age of 9, he desired to move to a quieter location. He purchased a large 50 acre farm on the out skirts of Nauvoo. Charles was called by the Prophet in 1839 to the Nauvoo First Quorum of Seventies. He was ordained by Joseph Young. In Dec. 1844 Charles was made the Senior President of the Nineteenth Quorum of Seventies. Charles as Joseph’s body guard used the system that when it was Charles’s turn to take over on guard duty, one of the men previously on duty would ride to the top of the hill close to the bird home and take off his hat and wave it. Charles would wave back to let them know that he had received the signal to go and take over. Charles had been on duty at Carthage jail the day before the Prophet was murdered, and had been sent back to Nauvoo to see how things were going, and for fresh clothing and supplies for the Prophet and the men imprisoned with him in the jail. He went back to Nauvoo with the understanding that a sign would be given of how things went at the jail. If Joseph escaped, a black horse would be ridden to a high vantage point where they could see it. If he was slain, a white horse would be there. When Charles saw the white horse he knew his beloved prophet was slain. The day the Prophet was killed the messenger rode to the top of the hill, dismounted his white horse, knelt on the ground and bowed his head. Then Charles knew by this sad action that his beloved Prophet was dead. Charles went into town, and it was his team and wagon that carried the bodies of the prophet and his brother, Hyrum, away from the Mansion House. Charles was always proud of his wagons and outstanding teams and always kept them in excellent condition. It is ironic that the hill on which the messenger knelt to signal to Charles that the prophet had been murdered is the same hill on which the graveyard now stands (1980). Charles was at the meeting when the mantle of Joseph fell on Brigham Young. Charles said that Brigham looked like Joseph, and also the voice was Joseph’s. There was no doubt in Charles’ mind about the calling of Brigham Young as the next prophet of the Church. After the death of the Prophet Joseph, the Birds, worked along with the other saints, under armed guard to complete the Temple. Most of the Birds received their endowments in the third floor rooms of the Nauvoo Temple. Temple records indicate that Charles Bird was an ordained Temple worker, which means that he worked day and night to assist those Saints who desired to receive their special endowments to do so, before the mob could destroy their Temple and drive them out.

In two months, Dec. 10, 1845 to Feb. 5, 1846, Charles assisted the more than 5,000 saints who were endowed in the Nauvoo Temple in the twelve and a half hour ceremony. This included washings and anointings, the endowment and the sealing of families. The ceremony was basically the same as it is today (1980) except it was acted out on platforms. Sheets were hung from the ceiling to make rooms or compartments, and there were several lengthy discussions instructing the candidates on the covenants they were entering into.

Emma was so concerned that the mobocrats would dig up the body of her husband, the Prophet Joseph, and desecrate his grave for the $1,000 reward that was pending for him “dead or alive,” that she had ten men bury the remains of her husband and Hyrum in the basement of the Nauvoo House. Her concerns continued to mount, until one night she appeared at the home of Charles Bird and asked that he be one of four trusted men to help her rebury the bodies in a secret tomb near the Old Homestead.

Charles used his team and wagon. They loaded the dirt from the floor of the cellar of the Old Spring House into the back of Charles’ wagon. Charles then drove his wagon out as far as he could into the Mississippi River and unloaded the dirt, thereby leaving no evidence that the martyrs were buried there. Then, Charles, Emma, (Brother Grover) and the two other loyal friends, dug up the coffins from the Nauvoo House, put them in Charles’ wagon, drove them across the street to the Old Spring House, and secretly reburied them.

Emma’s trust and confidence in these four men was so complete that she did not tell anyone, not even her own children, where Joseph was buried, until on her death bed some forty years later. What a special tribute to the integrity of Charles Bird, and his reciprocal love toward Joseph, Hyrum and Emma!

Charles was at the crossing of the Mississippi River in February 1846. He lingered there giving a hand to the sick, the aged, the sorrowing, and words of encouragement to the young. His heart was heavy, but they must go on. A great task still lay before them and strong backs, minds and unyielding faith in God were required to continue. No wonder these good people loved each other. Charles traveled a good deal among the saints, and was mindful of their welfare and needs. He was a fluent speaker, with a very likeable disposition and a strong testimony of the truth of the gospel.

President Brigham Young, knowing that Charles had one of the best teams of horses in the city of Nauvoo, asked Charles if he would be the first person to cross the Mississippi River on the ice. On February 25, 1846, Benjamin Freeman Bird stood under the old tree at the end of Teardrop Lane and watched his son drive his loaded wagon across the frozen river to see if the ice was firm enough for the saints to cross.

Charles was 55 years old and had 9 children and two others who had died. Betsy Ann was 17 years old and married to Norman Bliss. Charles looked to his family, but he looked out for others, too. Tears washed his eyes and his heart as they looked back and saw their city and the beautiful Nauvoo Temple.

Because several of the Bird’s were weavers by trade, Benjamin and his sons and their families were asked to remain at Council Bluffs and Winter Quarters and assist in the outfitting of the emigrant Saints. Many had been driven out of their homes without opportunity to take the necessary clothing and other items that they would need to make the long trek into the wilderness. The Bird family set up a woolen mill, of sorts, similar to the one that they had at Nauvoo, and thereby assisted in the emigration of the thousands of homeless saints. They planted grain, corn, and kept the oncoming saints there if they did not have proper supplies to continue.

In the spring of 1850 the Bird’s got permission to go west in the Milo Andrus company. Brother Hyde gave them a blessing that if they would be prayerful, faithful and obedient to the rules laid down for the saints to travel, they would reach the valley without tragedy. They left 3 June 1850 and arrived in the Valley 3 Aug 1850 having spent just 60 days on the road. In a few days they were assigned to go to Springville, in Utah County. Father Benjamin spent all his days here. Charles went to Cottonwood. Here he married his second wife, Sarah Ann Dunston, in February 1853. At this time he had a family of fourteen children by his first wife, Mary Ann Kennedy. She died 1 Oct 1867, when she was 60 years old. They lived in Cottonwood 7 years and then he was sent to Cache County where he settled at Meadow, and Mendon near Logan. His brother-in-law, Charles Shumway, was the first Bishop of Mendon. Charles sent his teams and wagons back to the east four times, driven by his son Bradford, to bring emigrants from Council Bluffs to the Valley. His third wife Henrietta had no children. He had 25 children in all.

He was mobbed and driven out of his home four times and lost all that he had during the hard times between Kirtland and Nauvoo. He did it for the sake of the Lord and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Charles died in Mendon 29 September 1884. He was 81 years old and buried in the Mendon cemetery overlooking the entire Cache Valley.

Source Daughters of the Utah Pioneers History written by Melba Miskin October 1997, submitted to Daughters of the Utah Pioneers 12 April 1999 by Ina Merrell Howell, 1408 W. Sack Dr. Phoenix, Arizona 85027 (602) 780-4052

Mary Ann Bliss Stapley (Daughter of Elizabeth Ann Kennedy Bird Bliss Gardner Hardy and Norman Ingles Bliss) BIRTH: 19 Nov 1846 Winter Quarters, Nebraska DEATH: 8 Feb 1928 Mesa, Maricopa, Arizona MARRIED: 13 Nov 1862 SPOUSE: Thomas Stapley PARENTS: Norman Bliss & Elizabeth Bird Mary Ann was born at Winter Quarters on November 19, 1846. It was a difficult time period for members of the church, being forced from their homes in Nauvoo, and suffering a great deal from hunger and cold during the winter. It is believed that these hardships caused the end of the marriage between Norman and Elizabeth. Elizabeth divorced Norman and went back home. She left Mary Ann with Norman. Mary Ann came west with her father, Norman Bliss, and Orley who was a step brother from Norman’s first marriage. Norman was a teamster for the Brigham Young Company. While traveling in the wagon train, her father had her stand between his knees and holding to the dashboard. Mary Ann was a very small child and was delicate and was sick all of the way across the plains. When they camped at night, the women of the company would tend her while her father helped get the camp fixed up each night until they reached Salt Lake. While Norman was asked to go on a mission back to help the saints come west, Mary Ann was taken care of by Mama Kleinman. Also being taken care of by Sister Kleinman was Heber J. Grant, while he was small. The Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel lists Norman Ingles Bliss (33) and Orley DeWright (10) as traveling with the Brigham Young Company of 1848. It does not list Mary Ann Bliss. The Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel lists George Bryant Gardner’s (37), Elizabeth Dyer Ryan (36), Elizabeth Ann Bird (20), Mary Ann Bliss (3), Emily Amanda (1) as traveling with the Wilford Woodruff Company of 1850. In 1860 when Norman and Mary Ann moved to Toquerville, Mary Ann, 14 years of age, was hired out to do housework and also to work out in the fields. At one of the dances, she met Thomas Stapley whose family was also living in Toquerville, and was farming. He played the violin for all of the dances. They were married on 13 November 1862. While they were still in Toquerville, Mary Ann did all of their sewing by hand and weaving most of the material. She also was a midwife, doctoring the best she knew how. She also acted as undertaker laying our the dead and preparing the women and children for burial, sometimes lining the caskets. There were 9 children born to them in Toquerville, 6 boys and 3 girls. The 3 girls died here also. The Stapley family left Toquerville on February 1882 for Mexico. After arriving at Hackberry, Arizona by the western route, the Atlantic and Pacific, now Santa Fe Railroad, was building their track west of where Kingman is now located at a place called Beal Springs. Here Thomas and 2 of their sons worked on the railroad until about the middle of April, when they left and stated for Mexico again. While at Beal Springs, flour cost $10 a hundred pounds and barley $8 a hundred pounds. When they arrived at John T. Smith’s mill, just where the old adobe ruins are north of the “El Molino Golf Links” course is now, they bought flour for $1.90 per hundred, barley for 80 cents per hundred and bran for 15 cents per sack. They thought they had found paradise for sure. The family arrived in Mesa, Arizona at noon on the 28 th of April, 1882 and camped in the brush where the Shell service station is now located (I think this is about main St. and Country Club). They had 2 wagons, 5 horses, 1 saddle, 2 cows and a tent, their bedding and furniture. Wild hay was cut along the route for the horse feed. Immediately, they were notified that the Apache Indians were so bad east and south of Mesa, that it would be impossible for them to go any further. So Thomas and Mary Ann, with only 75 cents left, decided to locate in Mesa. William Hill, who somehow had known Thomas long before then, owned 40 acres just south of Mesa on the Chandler Road. He also had 80 acres of land ½ mile south of the Alma School. Mr. Hill told Thomas that he would give him the 80 acres if he would clear the brush off from the 40 acres just south of Mesa-which he accepted. They started farming the land and built them an adobe house with a sod roof. They had a small orchard and five acres of grapes. They located a place to dig a well. After digging 25 feet, they struck a splendid stream of water. Again, Mary Ann took up as a midwife and doctoring as there were no licensed doctors yet. She also taught a class in Sunday School for many years, sang in the choir. Thomas taught her to read print, but she never learned to write, which was too bad for if she could have kept a diary of all of her doctoring and caring for the sick and all of the babies that she brought into the world, it would have been very interesting. Mary Ann and Thomas are the parents of Apostle Stapley. (Delbert L. Stapley’s parents were Orley Seymour and Polly May Hunsaker) References: History written and submitted to the Daughter of the Utah Pioneers by Penny Cartwright 58 E. 300 N. Ephraim, Utah 84627 www.lds.org Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel Biography of Norman Ingles Bliss written by Lillian Terry S. White, granddaughter Norman Ingles Bliss (1 st Husband of Elizabeth Ann Kennedy Bird Bliss Gardner Hardy) BIRTH: 19 Aug 1819, Hartwick, Otsego, New York DEATH: 12 Dec 1880(?), Toquerville, Utah SPOUSES: (1) Elizabeth Cole (Mary Eliza Cole) -divorced Children: Orley DeWight born 1840 (2) Elizabeth Ann Bird (Betsy)-divorced Children: Mary Ann, married Thomas Stapley (3) Harriet Lee (Wilson) - divorced Children: 5 (4) Sariah Lewis (divorced) Children: Wilford Norman, Lucy, Almeda, Eliza, Frank (5) Lydia Stout, married 30 Apr 1871, daughter of Joseph Stout and Amand Melvina Fisk Children: Fanny Melvina b. 15 Jun 1873, m. John R. Terry 20 Mar 1889 Norman Ingles, Jr. b. 24 Jan 1875, m. Mary Elizabeth Morris 31 Oct 1895 Lily Ceclia, b. 26 Aug 1877, m. Ozro DeMill 26 Dec 1882 Sanford b. 10 Nov 1879, died Alfred Fisk b. 15 Dec 1882, m. Mattie Cropper Jan. 1905 PARENTS: Norman Jessie Bliss and Fanny Tuttle PIONEER: Came to Utah Sept. 20, 1848, Brigham Young Company Teamster for President Young while crossing the plains Pioneer to Dixie 1860

He was a son of Norman Jessie and Fannie Tuttle Bliss. Norman was born August 19, 1812, at Cooperstown, Ostego County, New York. His parents were established in iron works and blacksmithing. They were an influence in the community. Jessie and Fannie were the parents of nine children. Norman received his training in his father’s business. At the age of nineteen years he married Eliza Cole. His parents gave them a building lot and household gifts. He soon built a nice home.

He heard two men telling of the plates that had been found, in the Hill Cumorah, by a young man, Joseph Smith, and he became very interested in the religion attending meetings. He was baptized April 1, 1839 by Brothers B. C. Elsworth and B. L. Clapp. Eliza, his wife, was not too pleased with this new religion, but she promised to go to Missouri (Ohio?) with him and others that had joined the Mormons. When his parents found out that he was interested and had joined the Mormons, they disowned him, took back everything they had given him. It was not long until he had acquired enough to buy four oxen and some materials to make the trip to Missouri. So he and Eliza traveled with others and settled in Kirtland, Missouri (Ohio?), where their son was born. They named him Orley. Eliza did not stay long to endure the hardships. She returned to Cooperstown to her people, leaving the baby with Norman. A divorce was given to him.

(References to towns and states are confusing. They could mean Missouri, Kirtland, Ohio, or Nauvoo, Illinois)

It was hard to find some one to care for a baby. He married Betsy Bird. They had a daughter named Mary Ann. He soon had a comfortable home and was very happy to have his baby son Orley cared for.

He was a blacksmith, also a farmer. He had brought seeds from his home. He was a worker on the Kirtland Temple. Brigham Young called him to go on a mission among his family as they were financially able to help the converts, but he was not successful in converting any of his family. After about ten months of his mission, Brigham Young (?) sent for him to return to Kirtland, but to go to his office first. This was a strange request, but he did so. Brigham Young said, “Norman, your wife Betsy has gone and left your two babies with a neighbor, and your little girl Mary Ann is a very sick child. Norman, you will have many trials, but be true to your religion.” As Norman was leaving his office, Brigham Young took his hand and said, “Be true and keep your faith.” This was a great shock, and heartbreak for him to face his two babies. He was able to find a family to care for them and before the year was over he asked Brigham Young to let him go back and finish his mission. He took his son Orley, leaving little Mary Ann with a family who moved into his comfortable home. His parents would like to have taken the little boy if only Norman would leave his religion. An only sister took the son in her home and was very good to him. She also gave Norman gifts such as seeds, jewelry and valuable papers. But he was not successful in converting any of his family which was a great disappointment to him. He did have luck in converting several families and was able to purchase four oxen and a wagon to make the trip back to Missouri (Ohio?). He was happy to return to Kirtland and his baby girl 1½ years old. He was one of the witnesses of the killing of our Prophet Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Then darkness descended on the people, with fear, uncertainty, and the burning of property. Meetings were held in darkness to prepare for leaving on that long trip to the West. He was ordered by Brigham Young to work fast to prepare wagons, gather his seeds, roots of every kind, and to get his standard of supplies ready. Norman had eight oxen by now, two very good strong wagons, some household belongings, and had his wagons packed and ready to leave with the first Saints. Brigham Young looked his outfit over, said, “Norman, unload one wagon, we have a family to occupy that one.” This was done as no one disputed Brigham Young. “Norman, you are to take my team and your son can drive your own oxen.” Orley was only nine years old, but he was a good teamster. He followed his father with his wagon, learning the language of oxen driving.

The Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel lists Norman Ingles Bliss (33) and Orley DeWright (10) as traveling with the Brigham Young Company of 1848. It does not list Mary Ann Bliss.

The Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel lists George Bryant Gardner’s (37), Elizabeth Dyer Ryan (36), Elizabeth Ann Bird (20), Mary Ann Bliss (3), Emily Amanda (1) as traveling with the Wilford Woodruff Company of 1850. A lady by the name of Kalain took the baby Mary Ann who was 2½ years old by now. She was very delicate and was sick all the way across the plains. When a rest was called, Norman would go to the wagon, take her in his arms and sing and love her, milk his cow, take a cup of milk to her, and wash her diapers whenever there was water to be found. This is when the jewelry came in, to find someone with clothes for her, to keep her as clean as he could, and when camp was made at night he would have his son and baby with him.. Hunger was suffered greatly. Norman was a good marksman and would be sent out as a scout to hunt buffalo or any kind of food. He saved the pouch of a buffalo, cured it, and would try to cook a few grains of wheat, or milk for his baby girl. At one time the rawhide whip was boiled. Yes, the hunger was great. But prayer was important and seemed to ease their physical suffering. Snakes were big and numerous in places. During the few months in Council Bluffs, Norman married Harriet Wilson. They eventually, had 5 children. Norman was determined to get to the Great Valley before the year was over, arriving October 8, 1847 (?). Such rejoicing when he could hold his baby Mary Ann and his son Orley. He soon established a home and a blacksmith ship on about 10 th south. Not long after, he was established on a piece of ground which is now Sugar House. His home was where the old state prison stood. He helped with many burials during Johnston Army. He did the first plowing and surveying for irrigations, planted trees, seeds, cotton and cane. He and son hauled many loads of rock and slate for the temple. Then the President called him again to go to Southern Utah to deal with the Indians. When his wife, Harriet, saw and heard of this hardship she asked for a divorce. Such a trial to Norman, but he did not disobey Brigham Young. She left three girls, took two, and returned to the East. This left Norman with five children to care for. A family named Gardner took four of them. Orley went along with Norman to Southern Utah. He was a good teamster, knew the language of Indians and the words to drive oxen, Gee and Haw. They settled in Toquerville, built a three-room adobe house, put in seed, a flour mill and a molasses mill. The crops were always abundant.

While working on the St. George Temple he met Lydia Stout. She was a widow with a son, Joseph Griffin. The husband had left her to go to California on the gold rush; she obtained a divorce, about the first one in Utah. Her uncle was a lawyer, Hosea Stout. She and Norman were married in the St. George Endowment House as the temple was not completed. Norman made a trip back to Salt Lake to get his four girls. He and Lydia had five children. They moved to St. George where he could work on the temple. He organized the choir, and was very happy in their home. Mary Ann loved Lydia. She grew into a healthy woman. She is the mother of Apostle Stapley. (Delbert L. Stapley’s parents were Orley Seymour and Polly May Hunsaker) . Norman was killed December 12, 1877(?), three days before his youngest child, Alfred, was born. He was a good provider and insisted on his children playing some instrument. They played guitar and whistles. Orley organized the fife and drum corps in Southern Utah. Norman also made chairs, rawhide and cane, and trunks that were put together with wooden pegs for nails. References: Biography written by Lillian Terry S. White, granddaughter, Provo, Utah, submitted to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers by Penny Cartwright, 58 E. 300 N., Ephraim, Utah 84627 Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel 1847-1868 1848 Brigham Young Company Departure: 5 June 1848 Arrival: 20-24 September 1848 Company Information: 1220 individuals were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Winter Quarters, Nebraska.

Norman Ingles Bliss, Jr. (Son of Norman Ingles Bliss and Lydia Stout)

BIRTH: 24 Jan 1875, Toquerville, Utah SPOUSES: (1) Mary Elizabeth Morris, b. 16 Jun 1887, parents: Daniel M. Morris and Sophia Russell Married: 31 Oct 1895, Rockville, Utah Children: Clarence, b. 25 Oct 1896 Clark Len, b. 31 May 1898 Orin V, b. 25 Feb 1901 Maitland, b. 1 Jan 1903 Earl Morris, b. 6 Nov 1905 (2) Harriet Theobald, b. 30 Mar 1887, Washington County, Utah, parents: George Theobald and Naomi Tanner of Beaver, Utah Married: 1 Apr 1908, Salt Lake City, Utah Children: Norman Stanley, b. 31 Jan 1909 Mary Zelma, b. 19 Jan 1911

These histories were compiled by gleaning information from various sources and may have some inconsistencies in events and/or dates. Memory can be an unreliable source of information, especially when it extends over several generations, but sometimes it is the only source of information and it is better to have a history than none at all for it may serve a useful purpose through the years.

The comments that have been inserted are not meant to dispute research made by others, but only an effort to write down notes and thoughts.

I will be forever grateful to others for the research they have done that made these histories possible.

Phyllis Ann Frisby Rueckert 435 E. Pioneer Avenue Sandy, Utah 84070 801-349-7224 [email protected]