William Henry Kennington Obituary 1914

copied from Find a Grave: Obituary printed in Star Valley Independent on
10 April 1914 & 17 April 1914
Birth: Aug. 7, 1844
Boston, EnglandDeath: Apr. 7, 1914
Afton
Lincoln County
Wyoming, USA
" Another name was strickened from the ever lessening roll of our old settlers last Tuesday morning at 4 o'clock when Wm H. Kennington succumbed to death during a paralytic stroke. Apparently he was in the best of health upon retiring, and altho he had suffered two previous attacks of paralysis, it was unexpected that the end came.
Wm H. Kennington was born at Louth Lincolnshire England, on August 7th, 1842, and when a small boy his parents immigrated to this country, crossing the plains with the second had cart company who landed in Salt Lake City in 1856. Nine years later he was married to Anna Rebeecah Seward and to their union eight children were born, four girls and four boys. In 1870 they moved to Bear Lake Idaho, at which place they ranked among the first settlers. At that time plural marriages were permissible, Mr Kennington was again married in 1875 to Mrs Elizabeth Bracken, who preceded him to the Great Beyond less than a year ago. Their union was blessed with nine children, six of whom still survive him. During the year 1886 they moved, coming to Star Valley and located here in Afton, where he resided ever since.
While the deceased experienced the trials and daring adventures of a pioneer life, he was ever active and alert to the end, during which time various positions of public worth were able fulfilled. Early in life he taught school, later he was appointed U.S. Water Commissioner, and at the time of death was serving in the capacity of U.S. land Commissioner. In the Church of Latter-day Saints he was ever a staunch believer and ardent worker; and for more than twenty years fulfilled the position of Stake Clerk. He was a devoted husband and a kind and indulgent father, to his sisters, a tender brother, and to his friends the soul of fellowship. But the Greatest of all-he was a man.
And as a man it is that those who knew him best most love to contemplate him. He believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. He believed that the man who scatters flowers in the pathway of his fellowmen, who lets into the dark places of life the sunshine of human sympathy and human happiness is following in the footsteps of his Master. Such was his belief, though he is gone.
There are left to mourn his loss a wife and twelve children, on sister and one brother, besides numerous grandchildren and friends. Funeral services will be held from the Stake Tabernacle conducted under the auspices of the Bishopric. May he rest in peace."
Kennington, William H (1) (10 Apr 1914)Star Valley Independent

"Many were the friends and relatives who gathered at the Stake Tabernacle last Friday afternoon to pay their last tribute of respect to the late Wm H. Kennington. The interior was profusely decorated with flowers and green plants, the services being conducted by the ward bishopric. Those who spoke were Sake president Clarence Gardner, Second Counselor Albert Barrus, Bishop Osborne Low, Samuel Matthews and Herman Hyde. Music was furnished by the Ward Choir throughout the services after which the remains were followed by a large procession to the city cemetery where interment was made. The bereaved family have the heartfelt sympathy of this entire community."
Kennington, William H (2) (17 Apr 1914)Star Valley Independent

William Henry KENNINGTON is the son Richard KENNINGTON and Mary Ann DAVISON OR DAVIDSON
William Henry KENNINGTON married Annie Rebecca SEWARD 1 Apr 1865 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Elizabeth Ann LEE 12 Jul 1875 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Ut

Dorothy Eckersell Kennington

Dorothy Eckersell Kennington

Q. Where did your grandparents live? What was their home like?

A. The Eckersells lived in Rexburg, Idaho. It was an old brick home; it was probably built in

the early 1900s. My grandma Berry lived in Hibbard, Idaho. Her house was comfortable and

small.

Q. Do you remember any of your four grandparents and do you have memories of them?

A. Grandpa Eckersell. We lived upstairs in his house. He would hit the ceiling with the broom

if we were being too loud. I'd run errands to the butcher shop to get pickled pig's feet for

him. He died while I was in grade school.

Grandma Eckersell. She was always pleasant. She died while I was on my mission.

Grandpa Berry. He died while I was in 1^st grade.

Grandma Berry. We would visit her in Hibbard where she lived. She spent a lot of time in

Logan working. She died several years after I got married.

Q. Did you have a close relationship with your grand parents?

A. I lived in the upstairs of my Eckersell grandparents home growing up. My parents purchased the home after I was graduated from Ricks. So I was very close to them. My grandmother Berry was a widow and lived in Hibbard and Logan so I was not as acquainted with her. She was more like company.

Q. Where did your parents grow up?

A. My father Wilford Eckersell grew up in Rexburg, Idaho. My mother Cora Berry grew up in Hibbard, Idaho.

Q. When and where were you born?

A. I was born on September 25, 1926 in Rexburg, Idaho.

Q. Where did you live as a child? 
A. In Rexburg, Idaho.

Q. What did your father do for a living?

A. He worked at the seed warehouse. During the depression he worked for the WPA. He

worked in his brother's pool hall for a while, at a farm equipment store, and a boat club. He

pretty much worked where ever he could get a job.

Q. Did you and your father share any interests? Tell about your relationship.  
A. He was a good father and I tried to be a good daughter; we got along well.

Q. What do you remember about shopping with your mother? 
A. I remember shopping for my 8^th grade graduation dress at JC Penny's and shopping for my wedding dress at Classic Shop in Rexburg, Idaho.

Q. How did your mother spend her time?

A.  She spent all of her time taking care of her family; she did all of the cooking, took care of the house, and played with her kids.

Q. What is a special smell you remember from your childhood? 
A. Mother baking bread, it just smelled good.

Q. Tell about your favorite uncle.

A.   I don't like the word favorite. But the one I was probably closest to growing up was Blair; he was close to my age. We had lots of fun playing together and just growing up.

Q. Tell about your favorite aunt.

A. The aunt I was closest to was my Aunt Betty. She had a daughter my age. We always lived

fairly close until they moved to Salt Lake when I was in 6^th grade. One summer I lived with

her in Salt Lake while I worked at Montgomery Ward.

Q. Between the ages 5-10 what was your favorite activity?  
A. Making paper dolls and playing house.

Q. Did you have any pets as a child?

A. We always had a little poodle dog and cats.

Q. Were you in charge of any household chores?

A. I would help haul water into the house and bring in firewood. I would also help tend the kids.

Q. How was discipline carried out in your home?  
A. I guess if we needed a spanking we got it.

Q. Describe a childhood Christmas.

A. Grandma Berry would come on Christmas Eve, and one Christmas she stayed longer, and I was wishing she would hurry up and go home so Santa would come.

Q. Do you recall any major events that took place in your neighborhood while you were

growing up?   
A. We lived by the train tracks in Rexburg, Idaho, and a train hit an older couple when they were crossing the tracks in their car on a Sunday afternoon. In the fall my 4^th cousin who was about 2 or 3 years old went missing and they found his body in the potato warehouse pond.

Q. Tell about some of your neighbors as a child.

A. The Smart family lived right next door (to the North). We enjoyed their kids and they were

nice people. To the South lived the Lewis'. They were distant relatives of ours and they had

a daughter my age.

Q. What can you remember about the day you were baptized?

A. My cousin Vera Warnski was baptized with me in the old Rexburg tabernacle in the

basement. I got new flannel pajamas to get baptized in. I felt like I swallowed all the water in the baptismal font; that's probably why I don't like water.

Q. What was your favorite Saturday activity as a child?

A. Going to the movie matinee and sitting through it a couple times.

Q. What do you think of movies? What is your favorite movie?

A. I grew up with Saturday afternoon matinees; most of them were westerns. I had no favorites.

Actually since I have been married I could count on one hand or less the movies I have seen

at the theater.

Q. Did you have a bicycle?

A. I got a bike for my 8^th grade graduation and my whole family used it.

Q. Tell how you felt about school.

A. I was always glad to have summer vacation. I minded my own business and did my work.

Q. Tell about any schools you attended and any special teachers, friends, humorous situations,

and achievements you had. 
 A. Washington Elementary

Adams Elementary—6^th grade because Washington had too many 6^th grade students

Madison High School

Ricks College

My friends were my sisters and girls in the neighborhood—Leatrice Lewis, Griffin girls,

Naomi Buckmiller, Violet Hiari, and Fusaye Odow. Violet and Fusaye were Japanese girls.

We were close to the Odows; their brother Richard was one of Berry's and the family's close

friends.

Q. Were you ever in drama, speech, sports, pep clubs, etc.?

A. I chose to play the violin in orchestra. We would play for the high school musicals.

Q. What instrument do you play or wish you could play?

A. I started playing the violin in 5^th or 6^th grade. I didn't practice as much as I should have. I

took orchestra all through high school.   During high school graduation I played a trio with

two other girls.

Q. Extra school activities? 
A. None.

Q. What were your dreams as a teenager?

A. To go to Ricks College and become a teacher.

Q. Tell about your teenage social life.

A. I started working as a sophomore in a lady's house where I would do house work. Since I worked I missed out on mutual. Work came first before play.

Q. Were there any events, world of local that changed your life?

A. World War II. A couple of my uncles had to go over seas-Uncle Blair and Uncle Lamar. I took a great interest in the war.   I was in high school at the time, freshman or sophomore.

Q. What things do you enjoy doing today that you also enjoyed as a child? 
A.  Sewing, reading, and crocheting. Grandma Eckersell and my mother taught me how to sew and crochet.

Q. What presidents of the church have been alive while you have been alive?  
A. Heber J. Grant, George Albert Smith, David O. Mckay, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinkley, and Thomas S. Monson.

Q. Describe your conversion to the gospel.  
A. It was just part of growing up.

Q. Tell about any influential church leaders or teachers that are special to you and why? 
A. Bishop Peterson and Bishop Piper—they were the most important because I didn't even

know there was a prophet. Primary teachers took an interest in me and mutual teachers spent

time and took an interest in me.

Q. What church calling have you had?

A. Primary secretary (several times), primary president counselor, sunbeam primary teacher, a

teacher in relief society, Sunday school teacher, and junior Sunday school coordinator. It's a

lot of work. I liked the people I worked with.

Q. What church awards have you earned?

A. None.

Q. What are your most precious and deeply imbedded values? 
A.   The teachings of the gospel.

Q. What do you think brings good luck or blessings?  
A. Living as you should.

Q. What is your secret for good health?  
A. Live the word of wisdom.

Q. Did you go on a mission?

A. In June 1949-December 1950 I went on a mission to Northern California. It was a good

learning experience. And in October 2001-March 2003 I went on a mission to San Antonio,

Texas.

Q. What is the most adventuresome thing you've ever done?

A. Going on a mission—I went to Northern California. Also teaching the first year of school in Shelley Idaho—it was a busy time.

Q. What was the first piece of furniture you bought?

A. After I got home from my mission I bought a sewing machine. I had a postal savings account and I had saved up enough money to buy a sewing machine.

Q.   Describe your wedding day.

A.   Forest and I got married in the Idaho Falls temple and we went on our honeymoon to the West Coast right afterwards.

Q. Describe home/apt, as a young couple.

A. A little small white house on our Bedford farm.

Q. What were your cooking skills as a young spouse?

A. Forrest cooked out first meal. After living away from home for five years I still did not know how to cook. It has really been a learning experience and still is.

Q. What's the most wonderful thing that ever happened to you? 
 A. Having a family.

Q. Tell about the birth of your first child.

A. I was excited and glad to have it over with.

Q. What is your child rearing philosophy? A. Take one day at a time.

Q. Tell about your philosophy for handling money.

A. Spend your money wisely. Don't go into dept for things you don't need.

Q.   Describe a favorite vacation in your married years.

A.   For Easter vacation we drove to Whidbey Island, Washington to see Ann and Alex Macbeth.  We took a ferry to the San Juan Islands; we didn't get off of the ferry, so we spent our afternoon aboard the ferry.

Q. Tell about your life after your children moved out.

A. My life didn't change that much. I didn't have to go back to work, I still had to fix three meals a day, and the housework had to be done.

Q. How do you feel about being a grandparent? A. It's nice—it's a good experience.

Q.  Tell about your grandchildren.

A. I have 27 grandchildren including great grandchildren. Their names are Devin, Blaine,
Collette, and Andrea Hamblin, Eric, Monica, Christy, Kyle, and Danielle Macbeth, Mike,
Steve, Kelly, and Allen Cox, Tyler, Karisa, Ashley, Brittney, and Bryce Beatty, Teddye,
Grant, Nate, and Kurt Kennington, Kelsey, Riley, Kaitlyn Madeline, and Eryn Kennington, and my 15 great grandchildren are Braden, Brooke, Ashely, Jace, Jenna, and Leia Hamblin. Bridger, Corbin, Reagan, and Hudson Lake. Hannah and Lindsay Macbeth, Markus Foster, Emory and Gavin John.

Q. Tell about your family traditions.

A. We have a big family dinner on Thanksgiving Day. On Memorial Day whoever can come goes up to the cemetery and puts flowers on our family's gravestones.

Q. What is your greatest joy? What is your greatest sorrow?

A. My greatest joy is my family and my greatest sorrow would be their sorrows.

Q. What political party comes closest to representing your own point of view? How do you feel

about politics? 
 A. The Republican Party closely represents my views; Democrats are too liberal. I'm not interested in getting involved.

Q. What are your food preferences? How did they come about?

A. I like potatoes and gravy, meat pies, and homemade rolls; pretty much anything that is edible. My preferences came about just by eating the foods.

Q. What kind of music do you like?  
A. Anything besides rock and roll.

Q. What are you frightened of?  
A. Mice and horses.

Q. What are some of your favorite smells?

A.   I like the smell of lavender, things cooking on the grill, and the smell after it rains.

Q.   Describe your favorite type of clothing. 
A. Clothing that is modest and conservative.

Q.   Describe a perfect spring day.

A.   When I get to hang clothes outside to dry for the first time since winter.

Q.   Describe the perfect summer day.

A.   When it's a beautiful day and I feel like going outside to work.

Q. Describe the perfect fall day.  
A. A warm and sunny day.

Q.   Describe the perfect winter day.

A.   One that I can sit in the house and look out at the snow. I never liked playing in the snow.

* One day I made a cake and it had the best look and color but it smelled like chili. I had added chili powder by mistake instead of cinnamon.

Wilford Eckersell

WILFORD ECKERSELL

Wilford Eckersell was born at Rexburg, Idaho on his parents' farm east of town on the 7th of September 1896. A young girl by the name of Electa Tempest came to help care for things while his mother recuperated. He was the fourth child in a family of ten. His father, James McPhail Eckersell was engaged in the dual vocation of farming and freighting. While their father hauled freight summers, their mother, Diana Taylor Eckersell and the children would run the farm so Wilford learned to work hard as a child.

The family sold their farm to Wm. Huskinson and in 1901 moved into their new brick home at 165 North 1st West. This remained a family gathering place until the Teton Dam Flood of 1976 when it was demolished. Wilford's father and uncles operated Eckersell Brothers Livery Stable as well as running their freight teams. As Wilford began growing up he would go freighting with his father and brothers. From this experience he learned to care for and love horses, especially spirited horses. Through out his life Wilford made sure his horses were always well groomed and properly fed.

In 1913 Wilford and his father accompanied Mr. Peterson, a surveyor, to Camus Creek to select a homestead. When the site was selected, they hauled lumber sawed by Tom Moore to Rexburg through Wilford then to Camus to begin construction on their home. At first it was a lumber "lean-to", then later to build a more substantial house, Wilford and his brother, LaVell, hauled logs from Bishop Burns Mountain straight east of Camus Meadows. Perhaps it was building this house which developed a lifelong love for building and carpentry in Wilford. In recent years he worked on several building and carpentry projects with his dear friend Orson Smith. Orson and Wilford were always friends but they grew especially close during the depression years of the 1930's while they worked together on civic projects such as building roads and sidewalks in Rexburg under the direction of the WPA sponsored by President F. D. Roosevelt. The fall before Wilford passed on he and his son Berry built a garage and then in the spring a nice tool shed.

While the family was living on their Camus farm Wilford went to work for Woods Livestock Company. The Livestock Co. had a beautiful, but wild and spirited horse. Most men were afraid of this horse and called it a killer but Wilford was spirited too, so he took the challenge and bought and trained the horse to his hand. As he traveled about the girls would admire this handsome young man and his beautiful horse named Rock.

In the spring of 1925, the family sold their farm on Camus Creek and in the fall of 1925 bought their dry farm on Canyon Creek.

But the most important event for Wilford that fall was his marriage on October the 3rd to his sweetheart Cora Smith Berry. Wilford frequently teased Bill and Howard about how he was going to remain a bachelor and never get tied down like them. Then when friends would tease Wilford asking when was he going to get married he always responded "I cannot get married until my sisters Betty and Vera both do because nobody would be there to take them to the dances. Coincidently that's the way it did occur. Vera married in 1922 and Betty married on the 15th of October 1925 just days after Wilford and Cora. Wilford had often taken his horse drawn camper loaded with family and friends out to the Hibbard dances. While there his eyes saw a flashing dark eyed beauty. From that time on there was no one else for him but his beloved Cora and he gladly gave up his life of bachelorhood.

Together they made a very happy home, one always open to friends and family. If you stopped to visit you were always asked to stay for dinner or supper. Cora was so special and made all of Wilford's family feel totally at home with them when they visited. This was indeed a rare quality when you see how some daughters-in-law behave when they come to live with their husband's parents and family. Cora loved and cared for Wilford's parents just like her own. After Wilford's mother was widowed and living downstairs Cora would very frequently either have her upstairs to eat with them or take the meal downstairs to mother Diana. The characteristic of open hospitality was carried on by Wilford after Cora's passing. He always kept "Green Spot" orange punch or fruit punch on hand along with cookies for family and friends visiting.

Wilford and Cora were very happy together and were the parents of four children, three wonderful daughters and one son. Dorothy was born 25 September, 1926 and later married Forest W. Kennington. Charleen was born 7 March 1928 and later married Paul Conover. Maridawn was born 4 April 1930 and she married Kenneth Griffeths. Then on a very special birthday for Wilford in 1932, Cora presented him with a son whom they named Berry Jay. Still later they lost a baby boy.

After working for Woods Livestock Co., Wilford went to work for Allen Seed Co. where he worked for several years as a field supervisor in summer and in the plant in winter. Cora also worked sometime, in the seed plant. Later when his brother Bill was having difficulty getting reliable help, Wilford went to work for him. Wilford was of the opinion that one should be punctual, dependable and give an honest days work for whatever wages were received. Bill knew this about Wilford so he never worried about things being done right, only that Wilford might overwork.

During World War II, Wilford served in the Idaho State Guard. He had always been a good shot but now he learned to become a perfect marksman.

Then later Wilford and Cora spent summers at the Rexburg Boat Club in Island Park where Wilford was caretaker. He took care of everything including keeping away vermin and for that job his excellent marksmanship with a gun frequently came in very handy. While here they made many close friends. Wilford and Cora loved people especially children and children loved them. Wilford's world was his family and friends.  

Because of his love of horses Wilford made sure his son Berry had horses to grow up with. He passed on to his son a love and knowledge of the outdoors both hunting and fishing. Wilford along with being an excellent marksman always took good care of firearms, handling them with reason and caution and maintaining them in good clean working order. Guns under his care and keeping were always ready for immediate use.

After the loss of his beloved Cora in February 1964, Wilford continued to live at his home. He cooked and prepared meals for himself and Berry. Whenever Berry came home from work he knew his meal would be ready.

Wilford never tired of loving children. He was patient with them and knew how to entertain them. Everyone who knew Wilford loved him. Neighbors, now grown, would bring their children to visit Uncle Wilford just so their little "kids" might meet this special man who so loved and understood little children. Children loved to visit him, for instance after the flood on several accessions his nephew Bill's children, instead-of coming home on time from school would slip over to visit with him which continued to the very week of his passing. Wilford's greatest joy was having grand children and great-grand children visiting him. When he knew the little ones were coming he would have toys ready for them to play with He loved holding them, walking them outside, showing them the trains and just generally entertaining them.

We all miss the fun times and pleasant visits we had with Wilford Eckersell. On Thursday, June 9, 1977, he left this earth to be again with his precious sweetheart Cora.

Forest Kennington

Post-Register, The - October 15, 1951, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Plan Wyoming Home
(Special to The Pmt-Reglsterl
REXBURG, Oct. 15. — Planning
to matte their home in Bedford,
Wyo., are ncwlyweds, Mr. and Mrs.
Forest Kennington, who were marrled
in LDS temple rites preformed on Wed. President W l. Kilpatrick preformed the cermemony.

Martha Kennington
Ogden Standard-Examiner - March 27, 1954, Ogden, Utah

Wilford Eckersell

Wilford Eckersell

Post-Register, The - Friday, June 10, 1977, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Rexburg- Wilford Eckersell, 80, a lifetime resident of Rexburg, died Thursday suddenly of an apparent heart attack.

Services will be Saturday at 1:30pm at the Flamm Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12 noon until time of services. Interment will be at the Rexburg Cemetery.

Post-Register, The - Friday, October 10, 1952, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Diana Taylor

Post-Register, The - Monday, June 27, 1955, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Dorothy Eckersell

Dorothy Eckersell

Post-Register, The - Sunday, October 07, 1951, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Fall Vows Planned by Valley

Rexburg- Oct 6- Mr. and Mrs. Wilford Eckersell Saturday announce the approaching marriage of their daughter, Dorothy, to Forrest Weber Kennington of Bedford, Wyo.

Miss Eckersell is a graduate of Madison High and graduated from junior college at Ricks. She taught school in Shelley prior to her leaving for an LDS northern California mission. Mr. Kennington is the sone of Mrs. Martha Kennington, Afton, Wyo., the young couple plan to be married October 10, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They will make their home in Bedford where Mr. Kennington is engaged in farming.

Bridal Shower

Miss Eckersell was honored at a bridal shower this week at the home of Mrs. Jack Lewis.

Cohostesses with Mrs. Lewis were Mrs. Laura Ashliman, Mrs. Edward Beck, Mrs. W.J. Lyman, Mrs. Albert Pieper, Mrs. Gilbert McKinlay, Mrs. Ruth Ricks, Mrs. Thomas Archibald and Mrs. Wayne Smart.

Original songs by Mrs. Archibald were sung by the group and were followed by her giving advice to the bride. Joyce Berry played two piano solos. Mrs. Willis Nelson and Mrs. Stanley McCulloch sang a vocal duet and Donna Walz gave a history of the bride. Following a luncheon the bride opened her gifts.

Matilda Elvira Kelsey

Matilda Elvira Kelsey

1836-1919

1836 19 Feb. Matilda Elvira Kelsey is born to Samuel Alexander Pagan “Alex” Kelsey and his wife, Jennette Averett Kelsey in Hamilton County, Illinois. An alternative birthplace is McLean, Hamilton, Illinois. (FGS)

Matilda is the 6^th child and 4^th daughter in a family which eventually grows to include 10 children, 6 of whom would live to adulthood. Her siblings at the time of her birth include: Thomas Monroe 10, Diana Elizabeth 8, Hamilton who died as an infant in 1829, Elennor (Ellen) Jennett 5, and Cecelia Eliza 2. (FGS)

Her parents, natives of South Carolina and Tennessee respectively, had joined the LDS Church in 1835, the year before Matilda’s birth. Her father supports the family as a blacksmith and farmer.

1837 Family moves to Caldwell County Missouri.

1838 2 August Brother, John Averett Kelsey is born at Caldwell County. (FGS)

1842 Family moves to Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois to gather with the Saints. Father, Alex, works as a blacksmith.

28 Nov. Sister, Sarah Pirena Kelsey is born at Nauvoo and lives 2 days.(FGS)

1844 27 Feb. Sister, Mary Melissa is born at Nauvoo, but dies March 1^st. (FGS)

27 June LDS Prophet, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum are murdered at Carthage Jail, Hancock County, Illinois.

1845 7 October Brother, Samuel Alexander Kelsey is born at Nauvoo, but dies Nov. 8^th. (FGS)

1846 12 Jan. Father, Alex, is endowed in the Nauvoo Temple.

(History of A.S. P. Kelsey, by Christine Shumway Solomon Walser in Averitt Lines and Related Families)

Family moves to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Alternative location is down River to Quincy, Illinois. (Walser)

Matilda is baptized. (TIB)

1847 14 Aug. Sister, Elennor Janett (16) marries Levi Walton Everton. (FGS)

1848 8 March Sister, Diana Elizabeth (20) marries Nicholas Hendrickson. (FGS)

1850 3 June Brother, Thomas Monroe (24) marries Sarah Arinda Everton. (FGS)

27 Aug. Family is residing in the Quincy South Ward, Adams, Co. Illinois.

Census returns show:

Samuel Kelsey 44 Md Blacksmith S. C.

Janett “ 41 Md Tenn.

Cecelia E. 17 Female Ill.

Matilda A. 14 Female Ill.

John A. 12 Male Ill.

(U. S. Federal Census, 1850. Illinois, Adams County, Quincy South Ward, Dwelling #273; Household # 316)

1852 Family moves to Utah Territory with the Henry Bryant Manning Jolly Wagon Train. Matilda is 16.

The Kelsey family settles at Little Cottonwood where Alex works as a blacksmith. (Histories)

Silas Richards leaves a journal account of the establishment of the Little Cottonwood settlement from 1849 through the time the Kelseys live there:
“I lost little time in locating my family on the Little Cottonwood Creek twelve miles south of Salt Lake City, where I bought a small improvement for $150.00 or two yoke of oxen and $30.00 in merchandise. We raised our tent on the premises on November 4^th in a snowstorm… I labored all winter fencing and making other improvements… In 1850 our little settlement doubled in number and we built a comfortable adobe schoolhouse, and I taught the first school year 30 to 35 scholars and continued to do it for several winters. “In 1853, in consequence of Indian depredations and trouble, I thought it to be expedient for us to build a fortification and live inside the walls. We selected the site for the village, forty rods square, one & a half miles down the creed from my place. We built a wall of rock, clay and adobe twelve feet high around the sides and twenty- three families lived in adobe houses. We called our town Union. In 1854 we built a large adobe school house in the center; to be used for school and meeting purposes…” (Richards, Silas, “Journal of Silas Richards,” in Our Pioneer Heritage. Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Vol. 15, pgs. 112, 113)

1854 26 Nov. Sister, Cecelia Eliza (21) marries Orson Burlingame.

1855 16 April Sister Cecelia (22) dies. Matilda is 19.

1856 6 Feb. Matilda (almost 20) marries William Wilson Morrell (25) as a polygamist wife. Sealing is recorded in Temple Index Bureau.

William is the son of Cyrus Wilson Morrell and his wife, Mary Worley Morrell. He was born in Sciota Co., Ohio on May 8, 1830. He works as a blacksmith, carpenter and lumberman at Little Cottonwood. (Bill Eckersell, 1984 correspondence)

William’s first wife, Sarah Jane Richards Morrell, is the daughter of the founder of the Little Cottonwood settlement, Silas Richards. William married Sarah Jane in 1850. At the time of his marriage to Matilda, a son, Silas Wilson Morrell, is 5 years old.

1856 26 July Sarah Jane Morrell gives birth to daughter, Sarah Ellen Morrell at Fort Union, Salt Lake County, Utah Territory.

1857 23 Feb. Brother, John Averett (21) marries Emma Woodcock.

4 March From the Richard’s Journal: “Moved to Union and began making garden and planting fruit trees. 26^th; Went to the city with Wm W. Meguire and wives, Wm W. Morrell and wives, C Williams and wife, Marion H Brady and Keziah Frances [Silas’ 16 year old wife of 2 years], and they all got their endowments.” (Richards Journal, pg. 115)

26 March Matilda and Sarah Jane are endowed and sealed to William in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Utah. (Richards Journal, .g 115)

7 Nov. Daughter, Cecelia Eliza Morrell is born at Union Fort, Salt Lake Co. Utah Territory. (FGS)

1858 13 Dec. Sarah Jane gives birth to a daughter, Mary Francis Morrell at Union Fort. (FGS)

1859 22 March From the Richards Journal: “General order given for the Saints to move south because of our enemies. I accordingly prepared diligently for the move, packing a great amount of flour in boxes and barrels. One of my son-in-laws, Wm. W. Morrell, has gone southwest several hundred miles with a select exploring party to search out a county… I had their families with me the same as my own…June 5; An agreement of peace having been entered into we began our return move to our homes, and on the 12^th had comp- leted our return with our families and stock…” (Richards Journal, pg. 116)

1859 22 Aug. Daughter Elenor Janette Morrell is born at Union Fort, Salt Lake, Utah Territory. Matilda is 23 years old.

26 Sept. Sarah Jane’s infant daughter, Mary Francis Morrell dies.

1860 30 May Matilda withdraws from her marriage to William Wilson Morrell and has the Temple Sealing cancelled. (See divorce certificate)

1860 Matilda and her daughters leave Cottonwood and move north to Smithfield, Cache County with her parents.

Census records catch the family in August, before Alex leaves for the Midwest to bring Elenor Everton and her family west.

US Census, Utah Territory, Cache County, Brigham City Post Office show:

Samuel Kelsey/55/ farmer Jeanett Kelsey /51

Matilda E. Kelsey/ 24

Sam A. Kelsey / 22

Celia E. Kelsey/ 3

Ellen __ Kelsey /1

Fall Family winter at the “old Fort.”

“Smithfield. Located in Cache county, is eight miles north of Logan. Smithfield was settled in October of 1859 by Seth Langton and by Robert and John Thornley… The original pioneers were joined by additional settlers who were primarily from Salt Lake and Davis Counties in the spring of 1860. The first settlement was located approximately on-half mile west of the present site and was originally called Summit, because of its location on Summit Creek. The town was surveyed in March 1860 by the territorial surveyor, Jessie Fox…

“In July 1860 the settlers were attacked by a band of Shoshone Indians and when the skirmish was over, two white men had been killed. The settlers moved closer together and eventually sixty-eight houses were constructed in fort lines. For protection the men worked in groups whenever they left the fort…Crops were planted, including wheat, oats, corn, squash, sugarcane, beans, carrots, peas, parsnips, potatoes, and flax. A few fruit trees were also planted…” (Linda Thatcher, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/Smithfield)

1861 Alex opens a blacksmith shop at Smithfield. It is believed to be the first in the area.

1862 April Matilda (25) marries Samuel Taylor (32).

Samuel Taylor was born 15 Jan. 1830 in Woodhouse, Leeds, Yorkshire, England. He is the son of George Taylor and his wife, Hannah Swinland Taylor. Samuel joined the LDS Church around 1850-1852. He married his first wife, Mary Jane Crosby in 1852 at Woodhouse. They appear to have been active in the Church during those years. When he left England in the spring of 1859, his wife and 3 sons stayed behind. Another son was born that spring. His family eventually parted ways. (See Samuel Taylor History)

Samuel works at carpentry and brickmasonry.

1863 26 Jan. Son, Joseph Hamilton Taylor is born at Smithfield, Cache County, Utah Territory. Matilda is 26.

1864 30 Sept. Son Charles Thomas Taylor is born at Smithfield, Cache County, Utah. Matilda is 27.

1865 28 Oct. Matilda and Samuel Taylor are sealed in the Endowment House. Their two boys are also sealed to them. (FGS)

Also sealed to Samuel that day is Mary Ann Ramsden Taylor whom Samuel has taken as a second wife. She immigrated with her sister Marinda in 1863 from England. (See Samuel Taylor History)

1866 27 Dec. Daughter, Diana Matilda Taylor is born at Smithfield, Cache County, Utah Territory. Matilda is 29.

1869 19 May Matilda (33) is granted a divorce and has the temple sealing to Samuel Taylor cancelled. She returns to the Morrell name.

8 Oct. Matilda’s parents, Alex and Jennett Kelsey are sealed.

24 Dec. Daughter Elenor Janette is baptized. (Ellen H. Homer’s family group sheet)

1870 U. S. Census, Smithfield, Utah returns show:

Kelsey Samuel (Alex), 65, Blacksmith from S. Carolina Kelsey, Jennette, 61, Keeping house from Tennessee Morrill, Matilda, 34, no occupation from Illinois Morrill, Celia E., 12, at school from Utah Morrill, Jenet, 10, at school from Utah Morrill, Taylor, 7. At home from Utah Morrill, Charles, 5, at home from Utah Diana, 3, at home from Utah

1873 23 Nov. Daughter, Cecelia Eliza (16) marries Samuel Cole Swanner (21) son of Samuel Swanner and Mary Ann Cole Swanner. Samuel was born at Council Bluffs, Iowa. They marry at Smithfield.

1875 Matilda works in the Martin Harris household in Clarkston, Utah. (Bill Eckersell, “History of Diane Matilda Taylor Eckersell” no date)

Believed to be Matilda.

1878 28 Nov. Daughter Elenor Janette (19) marries William F. Harper.

1880 7 June Federal Census Records for Smithfield, Cache, Utah show Matilda living with her parents: Individual Race Sex Age Relationship Occupation Birth F Birth MBirth Kelsey Samuel WM 75 Head Blacksmith S.C. Ireland SPenn Kelsey Jennet WF 71 Wife Keeping House Tenn. Virg. Ken. Kelsey Matilda WF 44 Divorced Keeping House Illinois Kelsey, Joseph T. WM 17 Son Herder Utah Kelsey, Charles T WM 15 Son Utah Kelsey, Diana M WF 13 Daughter Utah

1883 August Matilda and three remaining children, Joe 23, Charlie 18 and Diana 16, leave Smithfield for Snake River Country, in eastern Idaho.

8 August Group arrives in Rexburg. (See attached DUP History for more details.)

1884 9 July Matilda and all of her siblings are sealed to their parents, Alex (79) and Jennett (75).

15 Oct. Daughter Diana (17) marries James McPhail Eckersell (22).

1885 17 Nov. Matilda’s boys may have been kicking up their heels: “Bishop’s Courts were common and supplemented civil law and order. On November 17, 1885, President William F. Rigby preferred charges against a group of boys ‘for breaching the peace in the Rexburg Ward by rolling and kicking a can (coal oil tank) on the public streets, and yelling and shouting in an uproarious manner; breaking open the door of the harness shop of T.C. Lutz & Co. on Main Street.’ “The mischievous boys were: Joe and Charlie Taylor, Joe and Garrett Dalle, Charles Edlefsen, John Ricks, Al Lutz, Mark Rigby and John and Alex McCulloch. The boys ‘confessed their wrongs and promised to do better in the future.’ President Rigby proposed the boys ‘be forgiven on the condition that the pay the assessed damages which amounts to six dollars.’ The proposal was unanimously accepted, since, they surely reasoned, youthful exuberance was a part of life.” (Crowder, David L. Rexburg, the First One Hundred Years, pg.47) Is it worth noting that Joe was 25, Charlie 20, and the others ranged in age from 25 to 23 and drinking was probably involved?

1886 Daughter Cecelia Swanner and family move to Rexburg.

1887 11 April Mother, Jennette Averett Kelsey (78) dies at Smithfield and is buried there. She had been dealing with issues now associated with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.

27 Dec. Son, Charles Thomas Taylor (23) marries Sarah Jane Cabble, (18). The daughter of James and Elizabeth Bunker Cabble, Sarah Jane was born in Salt Lake City.

1890 Federal Census: Unavailable

1891 31 Dec. Daughter, Elenor Janette Harper (32) dies of complications associated with childbirth and is buried at Smithfield leaving a husband and 3 children. Two children later drown.

1894 21 March Father, S. Alex P. Kelsey (89) dies at Smithfield and is buried there. (FGS)

1896 Utah gains statehood.

1900 2 June Census returns show Matilda Taylor, 64, living on First West street in Rexburg with her son, Joseph Taylor, 37, a day Laborer. (1900 Federal Census, Idaho, Fremont County, Rexburg Precinct #1, Rexburg Village )

1901 Son Charles looses 3 children in 4 months between Jan and April. (Elaine Hatch, 2001, FGS and photograph))

Matilda with Charles, wife, Sarah Jane and their remaining children: Joseph Warren, Matilda and Arthur Samuel.

1901 22 Nov. Daughter Cecelia Eliza Swanner (44) dies of pneumonia and is buried at Heyburn, leaving a husband and 8 children. Her daughter dies 2 years later. (Dorothy Eckersell Kennington, 2008)

1902 3 May Son Joseph Hamilton Taylor (39) marries Grace E. Melliman, a teacher who came west from Texas and was serving as the Superintendant of Public Schools in the area.

Some family accounts say he met Grace while he was in the service. (DEK, 2008)

Joe and Grace Taylor

1902 23 Aug. Son, Charles T. Taylor (39) dies of scarlet fever or diphtheria and is buried at Burton leaving a widow and 3 children. He is preceded in death by 5 children. A son is also born the following spring.

1906 13 July Ex-husband, Samuel Taylor (75), a rancher in Marysville, dies and is buried in the Pineview Cemetery east of Ashton, Idaho.

1907 14 Jan. Ex-husband, William Wilson Morrell (77) dies and is buried at Fremont, Wayne County, Utah.

1910 2 June Son, J. H. Taylor (47) dies and is buried in Rexburg. (Sawmill accident?)

Matilda and grandson Howard Eckersell

1919 25 July Matilda Elvira Kelsey (83) dies at Rexburg and is buried 2 days later in the Rexburg Cemetery. She is survived by her last child, daughter Diana Matilda Taylor Eckersell of Rexburg.

Sources:

Crowder, David L. Rexburg, Idaho: The First One Hundred Years, 1883-1983, Caxton Printers, Caldwell, Idaho, 1983.

Eckersell, Bill, personal interviews.

Hatch, Elaine Taylor, correspondence.

Kennington, Dorothy Eckersell, personal interviews.

Richards, Silas, “Journal of Silas Richards,” Our Pioneer Heritage, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Vol. 15.

Thatcher, Linda, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SMITHFIELD.

United States Federal Census Records, 18860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910 accessed through Ancestry.com and the LDS family History Research Center.

Walser, Christine Shumway Solomon, “History of S. A. P. Kelsey”, Averitt Lines and Related Families.

From Kathy Hamblin