Susanna Barbara Braegger was born May 17, 1869 in Wattwil, St. Gallen, Switzerland. She and her little sister Louise traveled to America on the steam ship Nevada, leaving May 16, 1883, arriving May 28, 188315. Among the other passengers on that ship was her future husband, John Paul Kuenzler, whom she would marry 5 years later, on November 15, 1888 in Logan, Cache, Utah. After arriving in New York, the travelers continued to Utah by railroad, from about May 28, 1883 to June 3, 1883. For further information about her life, see the entry on John Paul Kuenzler. She died July 16, 1905 in Willard, Box Elder, Utah16, two days after the birth of twin boys.
http://www.richardpyoung.org/histories/SusannaBarbaraBraegger.pdf
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Abraham Braegger or Braker Sr.
Abraham Braegger (Braker in some sources), was born January 3, 1844 in Wattwil, St. Gallen, Switzerland. On April 14, 1863, he married Salome Brunner (born June 29, 1838, in the same area) in Wattwil, St. Gallen, Switzerland. They were the parents of Susanna Barbara Braegger, and followed her to America a few years after she went. They sailed on the steamship Wisconsin with another daughter named Bertha17. They left from Liverpool, England on August 27, 1887 and arrived in New York on September 8, 1887. Presumably, travel from New York to Utah was by railroad. Only a brief description of this journey was found: "The steamship Wisconsin sailed from Liverpool, England, with over four hundred Saints, in charge of John I. Hart. The company arrived in New York Aug. 27th and in Salt Lake City Sept. 15th".18 Salome Brunner Braegger died on March 18, 1893. Abraham Braegger died on February 5, 1907 in Willard, Box Elder, Utah.
http://www.richardpyoung.org/histories/AbrahamBraegger.pdf
http://www.richardpyoung.org/histories/AbrahamBraegger.pdf
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Jacob Gibson and Sarah Brower Beitler: Wilford Woodruff Company
Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868
Company:
Wilford Woodruff Company (1850)
Narrative:
In early 1850, Church leaders advised emigrants that pioneer companies would travel on a new route on the south side of the Platte River. By taking this new route they avoided some river crossings on the north side that had proved dangerous because of high water in the previous year. They also expected to receive additional military protection on a new army supply road. This was a factor in their decision because they wanted to avoid conflict with the Plains Indians, who had been agitated during the 1849 California gold rush. The 200-mile long army road connected "Old Fort Kearny," located 50 miles below Kanesville on the Missouri River, to "New Fort Kearny" following the south side of the Platte River to the west.
Outfitted emigrants traveled 18 miles south from Kanesville on the east bank of the Missouri River to the Bethlehem Ferry (across the river from present-day Plattsmouth, Nebraska). In mid-June they began ferrying over and assembling on the west bank of the river. Wilford Woodruff called the camp together and organized the company on June 21. The next day 209 people and 44 wagons started out, following the Plattsmouth-Fort Kearny trail south. After crossing Weeping Water Creek they followed a new trail west where they connected with the northward-arching new military road, which became known as the Ox-Bow Trail.
The company was somewhat spread out with the 1st and 2nd Fifties led by Leonard Hardy and Edson Whipple. Elder Woodruff, traveling with the 1st Fifty, crossed Salt Creek on June 28. After leaving Salt Creek they turned west on a cutoff trail (near present-day Swedesburg, Nebraska). All of the companies except Andrus used this cutoff (which passed near present-day David City and Bellwood, Nebraska). This cutoff trail, which bypassed the Cottonwood/Wahoo Creek drainage, saved them 12 miles. On this shortcut route, they reached the Platte about 20 miles west of the regular route taken earlier by Andrus. During this early leg of the journey, a number of people died from cholera.
The two divisions reunited on July 7 on the Platte. They followed the south bank of the Platte River a hundred miles west past Grand Island, where they joined with the Oregon Trail coming north from Missouri. At this juncture they continued 15 more miles to "New Fort Kearny", which they reached on July 15, although army reserved grazing rights and companies weren't permitted to camp within a mile of the fort. On this day they were visited by a tremendous thunderstorm, and lightning killed three oxen and one member of the company. They continued up the south side and miraculously escaped any serious accident or wagon breakage during an exciting wagon stampede on July 30. The next day they reached the Upper Crossing of the South Platte (located about three miles west of present-day Brule, Nebraska). They finished crossing here on August 1 and followed a long dry ridge for 20 miles to Ash Hollow on the south bank of the North Platte.
From Ash Hollow they traveled up the Platte River, arriving at Fort Laramie on August 18. Leaving there, they skirted the Black Hills by taking the river road. They were delayed some days looking for lost cattle but reached the Upper Crossing (at present-day Casper, Wyoming) on September 3. Along much of the road west from Fort Laramie until they reached the Sweetwater, they found little grass, which caused their cattle to wander and slowed their pace. They reached Devil's Gate on September 8. On September 14 they bypassed the established road over the Rocky Ridges by veering to the north through a draw. This variant road, scouted out by J.A. Stratton and three other men who were sent out by Brigham Young to locate better routes and help guide the companies to the Salt Lake Valley, it reportedly had an abundance of feed and water. Unfortunately, Elder Woodruff found no feed or water and said that companies should not take that road.
They rejoined the established road just east of Rock Creek. One day west of South Pass they met with a war party of 500 Snake Indians, but were able to avoid conflict. They crossed the Green River on September 23 and reached Fort Bridger on September 27. Some in the 1st Fifty began murmuring, Elder Woodruff advised that division to move on ahead of them to the valley. Woodruff's Fifty found the road very rough between Big and Little Mountain but reached Salt Lake on October 14. Deaths in the company numbered at least 17, many from cholera.
Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868
Source of Trail Excerpt:
Gibson, Jacob, Book of the generations of Jacob Gibson 1849-1881, [43-45].
Read Trail Excerpt:
I got one yoke of cattle one yoke of cows[.] Hyerd [hired] a good yoke from Bishop Hunter[.] Starting with abt 20 Hundred or in the company of capt Morcon in the ten of capt [George Bryant] Gar[d]ner traveling till past ft Kerny [Kearney.] my team falling in consequence of my ten Leaving the company and traveling farther than we aught[.] I concluded if the ten continued to run ahead I would have to hold up[.] spoke abt it to no affect finely I held up the Ballance of the company with friend foster with them whome I had to help over the river as he had Lost his money and othe[r] thing[s] that I have not time to mention[.] So f[o]r me on the Planes to do the best I could or Perish he having a good team and to Spair if rightly managed I held up ontill Elder Woodruff company came along[.] I wea..to Join Elder [Edson] Whipples division[.] Br. W.[oodruff] requested me to travle with him or in his division[.] I aggreed to do so but had a hard time as thay traveled as much to Slow as the others to fast for me[.] he had a train of Goods green cattle and Green drivers[.] made slow work [- - - - -] so many Brake down[.] all on the road Behind cot [caught] up and past us and we ware abt 17 weeks When 13 was plenty[.] our provisions wore Just out[.] the Last morning our Breckfast being all we had[.] we got in to the vally on 14 of Octobr glad and thankfull to God
Source: http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompany/1,15797,4017-1-325,00.html
Company:
Wilford Woodruff Company (1850)
Narrative:
In early 1850, Church leaders advised emigrants that pioneer companies would travel on a new route on the south side of the Platte River. By taking this new route they avoided some river crossings on the north side that had proved dangerous because of high water in the previous year. They also expected to receive additional military protection on a new army supply road. This was a factor in their decision because they wanted to avoid conflict with the Plains Indians, who had been agitated during the 1849 California gold rush. The 200-mile long army road connected "Old Fort Kearny," located 50 miles below Kanesville on the Missouri River, to "New Fort Kearny" following the south side of the Platte River to the west.
Outfitted emigrants traveled 18 miles south from Kanesville on the east bank of the Missouri River to the Bethlehem Ferry (across the river from present-day Plattsmouth, Nebraska). In mid-June they began ferrying over and assembling on the west bank of the river. Wilford Woodruff called the camp together and organized the company on June 21. The next day 209 people and 44 wagons started out, following the Plattsmouth-Fort Kearny trail south. After crossing Weeping Water Creek they followed a new trail west where they connected with the northward-arching new military road, which became known as the Ox-Bow Trail.
The company was somewhat spread out with the 1st and 2nd Fifties led by Leonard Hardy and Edson Whipple. Elder Woodruff, traveling with the 1st Fifty, crossed Salt Creek on June 28. After leaving Salt Creek they turned west on a cutoff trail (near present-day Swedesburg, Nebraska). All of the companies except Andrus used this cutoff (which passed near present-day David City and Bellwood, Nebraska). This cutoff trail, which bypassed the Cottonwood/Wahoo Creek drainage, saved them 12 miles. On this shortcut route, they reached the Platte about 20 miles west of the regular route taken earlier by Andrus. During this early leg of the journey, a number of people died from cholera.
The two divisions reunited on July 7 on the Platte. They followed the south bank of the Platte River a hundred miles west past Grand Island, where they joined with the Oregon Trail coming north from Missouri. At this juncture they continued 15 more miles to "New Fort Kearny", which they reached on July 15, although army reserved grazing rights and companies weren't permitted to camp within a mile of the fort. On this day they were visited by a tremendous thunderstorm, and lightning killed three oxen and one member of the company. They continued up the south side and miraculously escaped any serious accident or wagon breakage during an exciting wagon stampede on July 30. The next day they reached the Upper Crossing of the South Platte (located about three miles west of present-day Brule, Nebraska). They finished crossing here on August 1 and followed a long dry ridge for 20 miles to Ash Hollow on the south bank of the North Platte.
From Ash Hollow they traveled up the Platte River, arriving at Fort Laramie on August 18. Leaving there, they skirted the Black Hills by taking the river road. They were delayed some days looking for lost cattle but reached the Upper Crossing (at present-day Casper, Wyoming) on September 3. Along much of the road west from Fort Laramie until they reached the Sweetwater, they found little grass, which caused their cattle to wander and slowed their pace. They reached Devil's Gate on September 8. On September 14 they bypassed the established road over the Rocky Ridges by veering to the north through a draw. This variant road, scouted out by J.A. Stratton and three other men who were sent out by Brigham Young to locate better routes and help guide the companies to the Salt Lake Valley, it reportedly had an abundance of feed and water. Unfortunately, Elder Woodruff found no feed or water and said that companies should not take that road.
They rejoined the established road just east of Rock Creek. One day west of South Pass they met with a war party of 500 Snake Indians, but were able to avoid conflict. They crossed the Green River on September 23 and reached Fort Bridger on September 27. Some in the 1st Fifty began murmuring, Elder Woodruff advised that division to move on ahead of them to the valley. Woodruff's Fifty found the road very rough between Big and Little Mountain but reached Salt Lake on October 14. Deaths in the company numbered at least 17, many from cholera.
Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868
Source of Trail Excerpt:
Gibson, Jacob, Book of the generations of Jacob Gibson 1849-1881, [43-45].
Read Trail Excerpt:
I got one yoke of cattle one yoke of cows[.] Hyerd [hired] a good yoke from Bishop Hunter[.] Starting with abt 20 Hundred or in the company of capt Morcon in the ten of capt [George Bryant] Gar[d]ner traveling till past ft Kerny [Kearney.] my team falling in consequence of my ten Leaving the company and traveling farther than we aught[.] I concluded if the ten continued to run ahead I would have to hold up[.] spoke abt it to no affect finely I held up the Ballance of the company with friend foster with them whome I had to help over the river as he had Lost his money and othe[r] thing[s] that I have not time to mention[.] So f[o]r me on the Planes to do the best I could or Perish he having a good team and to Spair if rightly managed I held up ontill Elder Woodruff company came along[.] I wea..to Join Elder [Edson] Whipples division[.] Br. W.[oodruff] requested me to travle with him or in his division[.] I aggreed to do so but had a hard time as thay traveled as much to Slow as the others to fast for me[.] he had a train of Goods green cattle and Green drivers[.] made slow work [- - - - -] so many Brake down[.] all on the road Behind cot [caught] up and past us and we ware abt 17 weeks When 13 was plenty[.] our provisions wore Just out[.] the Last morning our Breckfast being all we had[.] we got in to the vally on 14 of Octobr glad and thankfull to God
Source: http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompany/1,15797,4017-1-325,00.html
Friday, July 23, 2010
Amelia "Emily" Mitchell (Frank Croft's Mother)
Elder Frank Croft was a missionary in the state of Alabama. Because he persisted in his legal rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States in preaching righteousness unto the people, he was forcefully taken to a secluded spot of the backwoods for the purpose of receiving lashings across his bare back at the hands of armed and vicious men. Having arrived at the place where they had concluded to administer the torture, Elder Croft was commanded to remove his coat and shirt and bare his back. He was then tied to a tree to prevent his moving while he received his lashing until the blood would flow.
Having no alternative, he complied with the demands of the mob, but in so doing, a letter he had recently received from his mother fell from his coat. A short time before, he had written his parents a letter, condemning mob violence and mistreatment of the elders. In his mother’s letter she counseled: “My beloved son, you must remember the words of the Savior when He said, ‘Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name’s sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for you will have your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’ Also remember the Savior upon the cross suffering for the sins of the world when He uttered these immortal words, ‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ Surely my boy, they who are mistreating you Elders know not what they do or they would not do it. Sometime, somewhere they will understand and then they will regret their action and they will honor you for the glorious work you are doing. So be patient, my son; love those who mistreat you and say all manner of evil against you and the Lord will bless you and magnify you in their eyes and your mission will be gloriously successful. Remember also, my son, that day and night, your mother is praying for you always.”
Elder Croft, tied to the tree, was so situated that he could see the leader of the mob, who had picked up the fallen letter and had decided to read it before giving word to his men to start the lashing. The elder observed the hardness of his features, the cruelty in his eyes.
He then realized that no sympathy could be expected from him. He closed his eyes while waiting the moment when the beating would begin. He thought of home and loved ones and in particular, of his beloved mother. Then he uttered a silent prayer in her behalf. Opening his eyes, a moment or two later, feeling that the leader had had time to finish reading the letter, he was amazed to see that the man had retired to a nearby tree stump and having seated himself, was apparently re-reading the letter; but what was more amazing to the elder was the change in the man’s countenance. He would read a line or two or a paragraph and then sit and ponder. Deep down in the elder’s conscience was the hope that the man’s heart had been touched by the loveliness and beauty of his mother’s letter.
To Elder Croft, it seemed an interminable time had elapsed when the mob leader arose and approaching the helpless elder said: “Feller, you must have a wonderful mother. You see, I once had one too.” Then, addressing the mob he said, “Men, after reading this Mormon’s mother’s letter, I just can’t go ahead with the job. Maybe we had better let him go.” Elder Croft was released and went his way. The loving influence of his mother seemed very near in his heart and mind. (See Arthur M. Richardson, The Life and Ministry of John Morgan [Nicholas G. Morgan Sr., 1965], pp. 268–68.)
Source: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ba805f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=fb7ea41f6cc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
Having no alternative, he complied with the demands of the mob, but in so doing, a letter he had recently received from his mother fell from his coat. A short time before, he had written his parents a letter, condemning mob violence and mistreatment of the elders. In his mother’s letter she counseled: “My beloved son, you must remember the words of the Savior when He said, ‘Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name’s sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for you will have your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’ Also remember the Savior upon the cross suffering for the sins of the world when He uttered these immortal words, ‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ Surely my boy, they who are mistreating you Elders know not what they do or they would not do it. Sometime, somewhere they will understand and then they will regret their action and they will honor you for the glorious work you are doing. So be patient, my son; love those who mistreat you and say all manner of evil against you and the Lord will bless you and magnify you in their eyes and your mission will be gloriously successful. Remember also, my son, that day and night, your mother is praying for you always.”
Elder Croft, tied to the tree, was so situated that he could see the leader of the mob, who had picked up the fallen letter and had decided to read it before giving word to his men to start the lashing. The elder observed the hardness of his features, the cruelty in his eyes.
He then realized that no sympathy could be expected from him. He closed his eyes while waiting the moment when the beating would begin. He thought of home and loved ones and in particular, of his beloved mother. Then he uttered a silent prayer in her behalf. Opening his eyes, a moment or two later, feeling that the leader had had time to finish reading the letter, he was amazed to see that the man had retired to a nearby tree stump and having seated himself, was apparently re-reading the letter; but what was more amazing to the elder was the change in the man’s countenance. He would read a line or two or a paragraph and then sit and ponder. Deep down in the elder’s conscience was the hope that the man’s heart had been touched by the loveliness and beauty of his mother’s letter.
To Elder Croft, it seemed an interminable time had elapsed when the mob leader arose and approaching the helpless elder said: “Feller, you must have a wonderful mother. You see, I once had one too.” Then, addressing the mob he said, “Men, after reading this Mormon’s mother’s letter, I just can’t go ahead with the job. Maybe we had better let him go.” Elder Croft was released and went his way. The loving influence of his mother seemed very near in his heart and mind. (See Arthur M. Richardson, The Life and Ministry of John Morgan [Nicholas G. Morgan Sr., 1965], pp. 268–68.)
Source: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ba805f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=fb7ea41f6cc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
William and Ann Greenwood Keetch
Information comes from Zelda K Wursten in the History of Bear Lake Pioneers
William Keetch was born September 3, 1811 in Kempston, England, the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Inkley). When he was twenty-four, he married Ann Greenwood, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (White) on 30 Aug 1835. Ann was born 17 Dec 1811 in Newport, England and died 12 Sep 1856 in Florence Nebraska. Eleven children blessed their home in Kempston.
Children of William Keetch and Ann Greenwood
1. Charles Greenwood Keetch b-2 July 1837; m-Mercy Truth Barker; d-3 Sep 1896 in St Charles
2. Alfred Greenwood Keetch b-13 Jan 1840; d-27 July 1925 in Lindon Utah
3. Elizabeth Emma Keetch b-7 Apr 1842; m-Samuel Matthews 12 Oct 1864; d-11 Apr 1893 in Liberty
4. Emma Keetch b-11 June 1844; m-John Reed; d-18 May 1901 in Omaha Nebraska
5. Martha Mae Keetch b-1 Mar 1846; m-Elam Hollingsworth; d-19 Mar 1899 in Preston Idaho
6. Mary Keetch b-1 Mar 1846; d-25 June 1849
7. William Keetch b-6 Mar 1848; d-11 Oct 1856 in Florence Nebraska
8. Nephi Keetch b-10 Mar 1849; d-21 Oct 1849
9. Joseph Hyrum Keetch b-2 Dec 1850; d-30 May 1855
10. Alma Keetch b-14 Feb 1853; d-10 July 1854
11. Ann Maria Keetch b-25 Feb 1855; m-John Stevenson; d-16 Aug 1902 in Omaha Nebraska
The LDS missionaries found them in England and the parents and the four oldest children, Charles G, Alfred G, Elizabeth and Emma joined the church. William did missionary work for some time and was a branch president. On May 4 1856, William and his family immigrated to American, sailing on the ship Thornton from Liverpool England. They arrived at Iowa City June 26 and from there went to Florence Nebraska. The company had a lot of trouble and several were sick with chills and fever. William's wife and son William died there. They were in debt so much, it took them a long time to get out. After Charles sweetheart, Mercy Truth Barker, joined them from England, they left in 1861. William crossed the plains with his daughter and husband in 1875 and arrived in Bear Lake in March of 1875. He remained in Bear Lake the rest of his life living with his son in St Charles in winter and with his daughter, Elizabeth in Liberty in the summer. He died 30 July 1888 and was buried in the Liberty cemetery.
Source: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~idbearla/williamkeetch.htm
William Keetch was born September 3, 1811 in Kempston, England, the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Inkley). When he was twenty-four, he married Ann Greenwood, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (White) on 30 Aug 1835. Ann was born 17 Dec 1811 in Newport, England and died 12 Sep 1856 in Florence Nebraska. Eleven children blessed their home in Kempston.
Children of William Keetch and Ann Greenwood
1. Charles Greenwood Keetch b-2 July 1837; m-Mercy Truth Barker; d-3 Sep 1896 in St Charles
2. Alfred Greenwood Keetch b-13 Jan 1840; d-27 July 1925 in Lindon Utah
3. Elizabeth Emma Keetch b-7 Apr 1842; m-Samuel Matthews 12 Oct 1864; d-11 Apr 1893 in Liberty
4. Emma Keetch b-11 June 1844; m-John Reed; d-18 May 1901 in Omaha Nebraska
5. Martha Mae Keetch b-1 Mar 1846; m-Elam Hollingsworth; d-19 Mar 1899 in Preston Idaho
6. Mary Keetch b-1 Mar 1846; d-25 June 1849
7. William Keetch b-6 Mar 1848; d-11 Oct 1856 in Florence Nebraska
8. Nephi Keetch b-10 Mar 1849; d-21 Oct 1849
9. Joseph Hyrum Keetch b-2 Dec 1850; d-30 May 1855
10. Alma Keetch b-14 Feb 1853; d-10 July 1854
11. Ann Maria Keetch b-25 Feb 1855; m-John Stevenson; d-16 Aug 1902 in Omaha Nebraska
The LDS missionaries found them in England and the parents and the four oldest children, Charles G, Alfred G, Elizabeth and Emma joined the church. William did missionary work for some time and was a branch president. On May 4 1856, William and his family immigrated to American, sailing on the ship Thornton from Liverpool England. They arrived at Iowa City June 26 and from there went to Florence Nebraska. The company had a lot of trouble and several were sick with chills and fever. William's wife and son William died there. They were in debt so much, it took them a long time to get out. After Charles sweetheart, Mercy Truth Barker, joined them from England, they left in 1861. William crossed the plains with his daughter and husband in 1875 and arrived in Bear Lake in March of 1875. He remained in Bear Lake the rest of his life living with his son in St Charles in winter and with his daughter, Elizabeth in Liberty in the summer. He died 30 July 1888 and was buried in the Liberty cemetery.
Source: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~idbearla/williamkeetch.htm
Alfred Greenwood Keetch
From "Portrait, Genealogical & Biographical Record of the State of Utah: Containing Biographies of Many Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present," published 1902, page 271-272.
Alfred G Keetch is a name that will go down to history as one of those who took a leading part for many years in colonization work in this new Territory and also actively participated in alt all of the Indian troubles, his bravery and undaunted courage making him a prominent figure among the early settlers, and being called upon whenever there was any danger to be faced, and be it said to his honor that he never refused to respond to such calls, nor stopped to count the cost, but unhesitatingly went where duty led.
Alfred G. Keetch was born in Bedfordshire, England,
January 3, 1840, and is the son of William K. and Ann Greenwood
Keetch, natives of England. The parents of our subjects were converted to the teachings of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were among the first to be baptized in Bedfordshire. The father became President of the Bedfordshire Branch of the Church and for many years previous to his departure for America preached there. With his wife and family he emigrated to America in 1856, settling at Florence, and remained there for some years. The mother died the same year they came to America and was buried in the Mormon grave yard at Florence; also one child, William. the father later moved to the Bear Lake country in Idaho, where he died in July 1889.
Our subject came to Utah in 1862, in the independent train of David Kimball, in which he drove four yoke of oxen and haled freight across the plains. he arrived in Utah on November 4th and settled in Grantsville, where he lived for a short time and was then sent on a colonization mission to Bear Lake, Idaho, remaining there twenty months, when he again returned to Grantsville, spending the winter of 1865 in that place. In the spring of 1866 he was sent to the Missouri river with four yoke of oxen, for the purpose of bringing emigrants to Utah.
Upon returning to Utah Mr. Keetch was married on November 10, 1866, to Miss Emily Harris, daughter of John and Ann (Stanley) Harris, natives of England, who came to America in 1866. As a result of this union, twelve children have now been born, eleven of whom are now living--Emily A., now Mrs. Aston of Lindon; Lizzie, now Mrs. Cullimore, of the same place, Martha J., now the wife of Meacham Timpanogas; Luella, now Mrs. Cullimore, of Lindon,; Mary E., now Mrs. Thorne, living in Lindon; Alfred Gl, also living in Lindon. He returned June 14, 1901, from a twenty-six month's mission to the Southern States; Ruthie M., now Mrs. Walker of Lindon; Effie L., living at home, and a member of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association; William J., Hazel B. and Stanley B., all at home; Samuel C. died in infancy.
In 1867 Mr. And Mrs. Keetch went on a colonization mission to the Big Muddy country in Nevada, where they remained until 1871. The State of Nevada imposed and tried to collect an enormous tax from the people who colonized that section of the State, with the result that the Mormons retired from the colony and returned to Utah. Upon returning from the Big Muddy country our subject located at Pleasant Grove, which has since been his home; the section in which he settled having of late years been known as London Ward. During all these years much trouble had been experienced with the Indians and Mr. Keetch participated in many of the battles between the settlers and their savage foes. He bought twenty acres of sagebrush land, which he at once began to clear and cultivate and at this time owns fifty-six acres of land in the county, and has a splendid brick house and good improvements on his home place. In addition to a general farming he has also done considerable business in cattle and live stock, in which he has been prospered.
In politics he is a Democrat and has always been quite active in the work of that party. He served on the City Council for one term and was Mayor of Pleasant Grove for two terms before this Ward was set apart. He became a member of the Mormon Church in England, shortly before coming to the United States and has since been a faithful follower of its teachings. For many years he was very active in the Sunday Schools and Young Men's Association. In 1890 he was ordained a High Priest and set apart as first counselor to Bishop Coppley of Lindon Ward, which position he still holds. the ordination services were conducted by John W. Young. Mr. Keetch is one of the prominent and influential citizens of the part of Utah county and has by his upright and manly life won and retained the friendship and confidence of a large circle of people. His services in colonization work in the past has redounded not alone to the good of the Church, but of the State at large, and opened the way for many who were not members of the Mormon church to come into the State and make homes for themselves and their families, and too much cannot be said in praise of such men.
Source: http://books.google.com/books?id=_uQDAAAAYAAJ&lpg=PA271&ots=RYg_ZjTDno&dq=%22Ann%20Greenwood%20Keetch%22&pg=PA271#v=onepage&q=%22Ann%20Greenwood%20Keetch%22&f=false
Alfred G Keetch is a name that will go down to history as one of those who took a leading part for many years in colonization work in this new Territory and also actively participated in alt all of the Indian troubles, his bravery and undaunted courage making him a prominent figure among the early settlers, and being called upon whenever there was any danger to be faced, and be it said to his honor that he never refused to respond to such calls, nor stopped to count the cost, but unhesitatingly went where duty led.
Alfred G. Keetch was born in Bedfordshire, England,
January 3, 1840, and is the son of William K. and Ann Greenwood
Keetch, natives of England. The parents of our subjects were converted to the teachings of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were among the first to be baptized in Bedfordshire. The father became President of the Bedfordshire Branch of the Church and for many years previous to his departure for America preached there. With his wife and family he emigrated to America in 1856, settling at Florence, and remained there for some years. The mother died the same year they came to America and was buried in the Mormon grave yard at Florence; also one child, William. the father later moved to the Bear Lake country in Idaho, where he died in July 1889.
Our subject came to Utah in 1862, in the independent train of David Kimball, in which he drove four yoke of oxen and haled freight across the plains. he arrived in Utah on November 4th and settled in Grantsville, where he lived for a short time and was then sent on a colonization mission to Bear Lake, Idaho, remaining there twenty months, when he again returned to Grantsville, spending the winter of 1865 in that place. In the spring of 1866 he was sent to the Missouri river with four yoke of oxen, for the purpose of bringing emigrants to Utah.
Upon returning to Utah Mr. Keetch was married on November 10, 1866, to Miss Emily Harris, daughter of John and Ann (Stanley) Harris, natives of England, who came to America in 1866. As a result of this union, twelve children have now been born, eleven of whom are now living--Emily A., now Mrs. Aston of Lindon; Lizzie, now Mrs. Cullimore, of the same place, Martha J., now the wife of Meacham Timpanogas; Luella, now Mrs. Cullimore, of Lindon,; Mary E., now Mrs. Thorne, living in Lindon; Alfred Gl, also living in Lindon. He returned June 14, 1901, from a twenty-six month's mission to the Southern States; Ruthie M., now Mrs. Walker of Lindon; Effie L., living at home, and a member of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association; William J., Hazel B. and Stanley B., all at home; Samuel C. died in infancy.
In 1867 Mr. And Mrs. Keetch went on a colonization mission to the Big Muddy country in Nevada, where they remained until 1871. The State of Nevada imposed and tried to collect an enormous tax from the people who colonized that section of the State, with the result that the Mormons retired from the colony and returned to Utah. Upon returning from the Big Muddy country our subject located at Pleasant Grove, which has since been his home; the section in which he settled having of late years been known as London Ward. During all these years much trouble had been experienced with the Indians and Mr. Keetch participated in many of the battles between the settlers and their savage foes. He bought twenty acres of sagebrush land, which he at once began to clear and cultivate and at this time owns fifty-six acres of land in the county, and has a splendid brick house and good improvements on his home place. In addition to a general farming he has also done considerable business in cattle and live stock, in which he has been prospered.
In politics he is a Democrat and has always been quite active in the work of that party. He served on the City Council for one term and was Mayor of Pleasant Grove for two terms before this Ward was set apart. He became a member of the Mormon Church in England, shortly before coming to the United States and has since been a faithful follower of its teachings. For many years he was very active in the Sunday Schools and Young Men's Association. In 1890 he was ordained a High Priest and set apart as first counselor to Bishop Coppley of Lindon Ward, which position he still holds. the ordination services were conducted by John W. Young. Mr. Keetch is one of the prominent and influential citizens of the part of Utah county and has by his upright and manly life won and retained the friendship and confidence of a large circle of people. His services in colonization work in the past has redounded not alone to the good of the Church, but of the State at large, and opened the way for many who were not members of the Mormon church to come into the State and make homes for themselves and their families, and too much cannot be said in praise of such men.
Jacob Gibson
Chester
Delaware County
Pennsylvania, USA
Death: May 1, 1882
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake County
Utah, USA
Jacob was born to Jacob & Jane Elizabeth (Brush) Gibson of PA
He had at least 15 children
(Obituary from a local newspaper 1882)
Death of Elder Jacob Gibson,- At 5 p.m. yesterday, May 1st, Elder Jacob Gibson died of consumption, at his residence, in Sugar House Ward. He had only been confined to his bed about ten days.
By way of finish we will state from a personal acquaintance with the deceased, that he was a straight-forward, honest man; true to his convictions. He was very strong and decided in his denunciation of what he conceived to be wrong, and as ready to sustain whatever accorded with his conceptions of right.
Family links:
Parents:
Jacob Gibson (1776 - 1843)
Jane Elizabeth Brush Gibson (1781 - 1855)
Children:
Bianca Jane Gibson Johnston (1843 - 1916)
George Marion Gibson (1847 - 1847)
Mary Leota Gibson Young (1849 - 1926)
Hannah Francis Gibson Garn (1852 - 1910)
Sarah Gibson Riches (1854 - 1938)
Georganna Gibson (1856 - 1856)
Jacob Gibson (1865 - 1940)
Jane Elizabeth Gibson (1867 - 1928)
Abraham Gibson (1868 - 1877)
Stewart (Stuart) Gibson (1869 - 1877)
John Gibson (1871 - 1909)
Ellen Violet Gibson Anderson (1873 - 1902)
Margaretta Gibson Caldwell (1875 - 1956)
Andrew Jackson Gibson (1877 - 1938)
Roslen Gibson Larson (1882 - 1946)
Spouses:
Hannah Gleason Smith Gibson (1814 - 1841)
Sarah Brower Beitler Gibson (1823 - 1908)
Margaret Robison Gibson Lilya (1852 - 1920)
Mary Jane (Jones) Point Gibson (1814 - 1847)
Burial:
Salt Lake City Cemetery
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake County
Utah, USA
Plot: B_10_3NROD_1E
Source: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=12876120
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