OBITUARIES AND
LIFE SKETCHES
OF THE EARLY SAINTS WHO
LIVED AND DIED IN THE
KIRTLAND, OHIO AREA
--by Janet Lisonbee
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THE JOHNSON FAMILY
Ezekial and Julia Ellis Hills Johnson were the parents of sixteen children, namely: Joel
Hills, Nancy Maria, Seth Gurnsey, Delcena Diadamie, Julia Ann, David, Almera
Woodard, Susan Ellen, Joseph Ellis, Benjamin Franklin, Mary Maria, Elmer Wood,
George Washington, William Derby, Esther Meleta and Amos Partridge. All the children
except Elmer W. who died in infancy, lived to adulthood and were among the first to
embrace the Gospel. Benjamin wrote that his family “arrived at Kirtland early in June
1833. Some of our wagons and teams were traded for a home on what was then called
‘Kirtland Flat,’ close by the schoolhouse.” [Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life’s Review, p.
8]. In Joseph Ellis Johnson’s autobiography, he writes, “We remained in Kirtland five
years, in which a temple was erected and the Church fully organized. My father and
mother had separated and by sorrowful dispensation of providence we lost and buried
two brothers and two sisters…all of whom were buried near each other IN THE LITTLE
ORCHARD ON THE HILL ABOVE THE HOUSE WE THEN OWNED.” [Rufus
Johnson, Joseph Ellis Johnson – Pioneer, p. 50-51]. The home is located on the left just
inside the entrance to the Historic Kirtland Village. The hill is behind it. There are no
markers of the burial sites. The home was deeded in Joel Hills Johnson’s name. Joseph
Ellis Johnson visited the old home and gravesite in December of 1851 and wrote the
following poem:
THE GRAVES OF MY KINDRED
I stood by the graves of my kindred, so dear,
Where the greensward had closely o’erspread,
My eyes were bedimmed with memory’s sad tear
As I gazed on the tomb of the dead.
Two brothers were sleeping in death’s cold domain,
How dear doth their memory cling!
Though lost to sad friends, free from sorrow and pain,
In the haven where death cannot sting.
Two dear, lovely sisters were laid in the ground
By the side of the brothers they loved;
In sacred affection their lives here were bound,
Nor severed in bright realms above.
The garden, the orchard, and the place where they rest
And the once happy circle’s loved home
In Kirtland, is now by rude strangers possessed,
Alas! How much changed ‘tis become.
[Rufus Johnson, Joseph Ellis Johnson – Pioneer, p. 52 – 53, some verses omitted] The
four children buried there are as follows:
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JOHNSON, DAVID Sep. 10, 1810 - Oct. 30, 1833.
Son of Ezekiel Johnson and Julia Ellis Hills. David, according to his brother, died due to
over exertion in procuring wood for the brickyard that was to make bricks for the temple,
“and took severe cold, commenced bleeding at the lungs, lingered for a few weeks in
quick consumption, and died as he had lived, --a true latter-Day Saint.” [ Benjamin F.
Johnson, My Life’s Review, p. 9]
From the Evening and Morning Star - Dec. 1833
On the first day of November last, the members of the church in this place were
called upon to pay the last tribute of respect due from them, to the remains of
brother David Johnson, who departed this life on the morning of the 31st of Oct.
after an illness of five weeks and five days; aged 23 years. Encomiums cannot
salute the ears of the dead, nor the praise of the living cheer the heart of fellow-clay when once consigned to its mother earth--Still it is right to cherish some
incidents of the lives of departed friends, to console us when we meditate upon
our bereavements. And perhaps we should be found wanting in feelings of
respect and friendship, were we not to notice the departure of our beloved brother
the loss of whom we view as an afflicting, though just providence.
Brother J. had been a member in this church more than two years, during which
time he manifested that strict propriety in his daily walk and conversation, that
truly was becoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Kind and benevolent, his heart
ever rejoiced in the well being and happiness of his fellowmen, and always
sorrowed at their afflictions. In short, we may say, that impressed with due
reverence toward him who had called him from darkness to light, he strove with
unreserved diligence to have all his actions correspond with the pattern laid down
in the sacred record: and to do by other as he wished them to do by him. But in
the morning of his days he was called from a world of trouble and strife, to try the
realities of eternity! in the flower of his age, in the vigor of his youth he was cut
off from this life: God chose to take him to himself, though the affections of our
hearts were closely allied to him.
The afflictions of his body, curing his last illness, he bore with that
resignation and fortitude becoming a man. Not a murmur escaped his lips against
the providence of the Lord. And when his body was racked with pain, he stayed
himself upon the arm of Omnipotence, and rested his hope in the promises of him
who had given his life a ransom for his soul. And in his last moments, while
kindred spirits waited to escort him away, he says, “I am going home: there is a
place in the mansion of the Father that Christ has prepared for me, where I shall
rest: I am anxious to go: I am prepared to die! And then, without a struggle he
fell asleep, and his spirit fled to the paradise of God!
His funeral was attended with due solemnity, conducted by the direction of
brother J. Green; and a discourse suited to the occasion was delivered by brother J
S Carter, from Rev. XIV. 13. “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me,
Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence forth; yea, saith the
Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” And
while his numerous relatives and friends crowded round, eager to drop the last
tear over their kindred dust, we could not forbear reflecting, that, though this body
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is now cold and inanimate, soon it shall be reanimated again: yes, quickened and
immortalised, no more to see corruption; for we could not forbear saying in our
hearts, Ah! he only sleeps! And while we mourn his departure, may God enable
us to appreciate our loss--while he rests in peace!
JOHNSON, NANCY MARIA Aug 1, 1803 - Oct, 1836.
Daughter of Ezekiel Johnson and Julia Ellis Hills. Married Joseph J. Clark on Feb. 10,
1827 in Grafton, MA. In early 1830’s Nancy was thrown from a horse and her thigh
bone was broken close to its hip-socket and the doctors said that she would be a cripple
for life. “In the summer elder Jared Carter, a man then of mighty faith, came with other
elders to our house, and seeing sister Nancy upon her crutches commanded her in the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to leave her crutches and walk, which she at once did,
and never again did she use them, although for years she had borne no weight upon her
broken joint.” [Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life’s Review, p. 11] “Nancy, my eldest sister,
who had ministered to us in infancy and childhood, who had taught us our first lessons
both in the Sabbath and day schools, who had ever been as both mother and sister, always
self-sacrificing, and uncomplaining through all the periods of her lameness and feeble
health, --seemed now fading away in consumption….She continued to sink until the 30th
of October, when, like others, she bade us all adieu, leaving us her life’s example as a
testimony to the truth of the gospel.” [Ibid, p. 19]
JOHNSON, SETH Feb. 14, 1805 - Feb. 19, 1835.
Son of Ezekiel Johnson and Julia Ellis Hills. Married Sophia Stone on Apr. 4, 1824 in
Dana, MA. He was a member of Zion’s Camp and contracted cholera. On the return trip
back to Kirtland, Seth was quite feeble of health. He taught school in Willoughby, Ohio
but never regained his health. [Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life’s Review, p. 12-13]
In the Messenger and Advocate, Feb. 1835
DIED in this place on the evening of the 19th inst. elder Seth Johnson, aged 30
years. Elder J. was a young man of promising talents, and of strict religious
principles; ever manifesting, by his acts, the warm affection of a heart devoted to
the cause of God, and to that most dear to him of all things, the religion of the
Lord Jesus; but his Master has accepted his work and taken him home, where he
can receive that reward promised to the pure in heart.
Though dust returns to dust, and his spirit has fled to Christ, we drop this as a
tribute to his worth--HE WAS A SAINT.
From the History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 204
“The council adjourned to the day following, March 1st, when, after attending the funeral
of Seth Johnson, several who had recently been baptized, were confirmed, and the
sacrament was administered to the Church.”
JOHNSON, SUSAN ELLEN Dec. 16, 1814 - Mar. 16, 1836
Daughter of Ezekial Johnson and Julia Ellis Hills. “About the lst of march of this year,
my sister Susan, about 22 years of age, was taken suddenly ill, vomiting blood. All
possible was done for her, that the loving sympathy of kindred, friends and physicians
could suggest, but without avail. She lingered but a few days and died, as she had lived,
faithful to her religion. Just before death she called each of us to her bed, bore testimony
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of the truth, of the gospel, told us to be faithful to its trusts, bade us farewell, and fell
asleep.” [Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life’s Review, p. 15].
In Joseph Smith’s journal, he records, “Friday the 18th Attended School with
morning class. At 10 o’clock went to the School house to attend the funeral of
Susan Johnson, daughter of Ezekiel Johnson. She is a member of the Church of
Latter day Saints and remained strong in the faith until her spirit took its exit from
time to eternity. May God bless and comfort her afflicted parents, family
connexions, and friends. President Rigdon delivered a fine discourse on the
occasion and much solemnity prevailed.” [Scott Faulring, An American Prophet’s
Record , The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, p. 141].
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KIRTLAND SOUTH CEMETERY
This very active City of Kirtland cemetery has grown considerably since its first
interment in 1812. Christopher Crary, well known as the first Kirtland settler, buried his
three year old grandchild on his farm in the winter of 1812 and then donated this part of
the land next to his farmhouse for use as a cemetery. Even though there is a historical
marker for Christopher Crary in the cemetery, he and his wife, Polly, are actually buried
in Zane Township, Ohio.
DIRECTIONS: From the Kirtland Temple, travel south approximately 4 miles,
cemetery on right.
EARLY MEMBERS BURIED HERE
OLNEY, CAROLINE 8 Jul 1834 - Aug 1859.
Daughter of Oliver and Alice Olney, early members of the church. They were driven
from the state of Missouri and Oliver made a redress petition (Johnson, Redress
Petitions, p. 298). Oliver was excommunicated from the church in 1842 for setting
himself up as a prophet. He claimed to have been set apart by the “Ancient of Days” for
the purpose of starting and establishing a new dispensation. He chose Squaw Grove,
Illinois as the headquarters of his church, but did not meet with much success.
OLNEY, LAURA ELIZA 31 Aug 1833 - 5 Aug. 1905.
Daughter of Oliver and Alice Olney, early members. Wife of Horace Parks.
OTHERS OF INTEREST
BILLINGS, SAMUEL (1791 – 1869) Samuel Billings, son of Ebenezer and Esther
Billings and brother to Titus Billings, came to Kirtland in the early 1830’s. He had been
twice widowed and had two daughters. He soon met Mary Russell, and they were
married in October of 1832. They were parents of six children and later settled on a farm
on what used to be known as High Street, later changed to Billings Road. He bought an
abandoned Mormon home and had it moved to his farm. He learned how to make violins
and sold them and even made a cello. He grew broom corn and made brooms to sell and
was the first one to introduce strawberries to the Kirtland area. He was also a herb doctor
and was often called Dr. Billings. His son Samuel, who is buried nearby, died in the
Civil War.
COE, TRUMAN (1788 – 1858) Reverend Truman Coe was the pastor at the First
Congregational Church from 1833 through 1848. This organization is now known as The
Old South Church. He allowed anti-Mormon meetings in his church. He wrote a lengthy
“Description of Mormonism” for The Ohio Observer, August 11, 1836, describing the
Page 25
advent of Mormonism and the influence and life of the members of the church in
Kirtland. He wrote, “…many of the common people are industrious, good neighbors,
very sincerely deceived, and possibly very sincere Christians. They seem to delight in
the duty of prayer, and the services of devotion, and their zeal goes far beyond anything
seen among sober Christians. Some are enterprising and intelligent, conversant with the
bible, and fond of reading: and here, I apprehend, many who have heard of them only by
common report, are mistaken; supposing them all to be ignorant and degraded, and
beneath the notice of all respectable people….In their view they give to those who call
themselves sober Christians a most severe rebuke. If they had half the zeal of these
misguided Mormons, the world would tremble, and the millennial day would speedily be
ushered in.”
CRARY, CHRISTOPHER (1806 – 1895) Came as a boy to Kirtland with his family in
July of 1811, when there was only one other family living in Kirtland, The Moores, who
soon left. The Crary family is known as the pioneer settlers of Kirtland. They witnessed
the Mormon era in Kirtland. Christopher felt that the Mormons were a deluded group,
but wrote….“I resolved to have no controversy or words with the Mormons on the
subject of their belief—to deal with and treat them the same as I did the rest of the world.
My dealings with them were quite large. I sold them some two hundred dollars worth of
lumber, much of it for the Temple. I also sold them my farm, took $275.00 in notes,
signed by President Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, payable in thirty days after
demand, which they redeemed without the delay of thirty days, much against the will and
determination of Rigdon. After I had exhausted all arguments with Rigdon, and given up
all hope of success, Smith spoke for the first time and said: ‘President Rigdon, I have
known Mr. Crary for some time, and I believe him to be straight and honorable, and I
think we had better redeem his paper.’ Rigdon then paid the money without another
word. Joseph Smith was said to be ignorant and illiterate, but contact with mankind and
native ability had given him polished manners, and his language, so far as I was qualified
to judge, was correct, forcible, right to the point, and convincing. From my acquaintance
and dealings with him, I considered him far superior to the educated Rigdon in
intellectual ability.”” (Crary, Kirtland—Personal and Pioneer Reminiscences, p. 21)
MORSE, JOHN (1771 - 1852) Bought a farm in Kirtland, just south of Kirtland South
Cemetery in 1811. Served in the War of 1812 before moving to Kirtland. He was the
first captain who refused to allow his company the use of intoxicating drinks. He came
to Kirtland in 1815 with his oldest son and built some animal shelters. The following
spring he brought the rest of his family. Built the home that still exists today. John and
his wife, Temperance (1771 - 1856) were parents of four children. His daughter, Clarrisa
was a deaf mute. His son, John Flavel, was architect for the Old South Church and
preached against the Mormons in Kirtland.
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WAITE HILL CEMETERY
This beautiful rural cemetery is fronted with a split rail fence, and has horse pastures
around it. The old sections are in the front, and the newer sections are toward the rear, in
the south end of the cemetery. In a part of an undocumented letter by a child of William
Tinkham, and in the possession of Margot Baldwin, it is written,
"Grandfather Tinkham in the autumn of 1840 purchased from William
Waite twenty-two acres on Waite Hill which is now known to the older
residents as the "Gridley Place," for the sum of $140. "It was adjoining
this place that the plot for the Waite Hill Cemetery was laid out.
Grandfather Tinkham and Jesse Tryon who owned a farm on the opposite
side, gave the plot of land for the original cemetery."
This information is consistent with the earliest death dates on gravestones. Marcia M.
Tryon, daughter of Jesse and Eunice Tryon died 12 March 1820. This was followed by
daughters of Erastus and Mercy Waite–Spedy who died 13 Aug 1822 and Clarrinda who
died 9 Aug 1822. There are several Tinkhams in the cemetery, as well. It appears that
Roxana Tinkham, William's mother, was a Waite.
DIRECTIONS: From the Kirtland Temple, travel north approximately ½ mile to
bottom of hill, turn left on Markell Road. Follow this windy road about 1 ½ miles until
it connects with Waite Hill Road. Turn right. Travel one half mile. Graveyard on left.
EARLY MEMBERS BURIED HERE
GREENHALGH, ROBERT 1795 – Apr. 25, 1869
Robert is mentioned in The Elders Quorum Record, May 22, 1841, p. 56 and on p. 61,
dated August 8, 1841, we read, “Voted that Robart Green[h]alch be not considr[e]d a
member of quorum of Elders.”
GREENHALGH, ELIZABETH 1793 – Feb 25, 1885
Wife of Robert Greenhalgh.
From the Saint’s Herald, Mar. 14, 1885, p. 175
--At the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Spear, in Kirtland, Ohio, February
25th, 1885, Elizabeth Greenhalgh, in the 84th year of her age. Born in England,
she came to America in the year 1849, made her home near Kirtland, and for a
number of years lived in the hotel opposite the Temple, her husband for a time
having control of the Temple property. Hers was a long and eventful life, fraught
with the many good deeds that tend to bind together families, neighbors and
friends, and leaves in its triumph true evidence that humanity was blessed for this
one having lived. For the last three years of her life her afflictions prevented her
from going from home, or attending church; but she was glad when the Saints
revived their meetings in Kirtland, and was ever ready to speak in their favor.
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The funeral took place from the Baptist Church, Kirtland; Elder E. L. Kelley
delivering a discourse. She leaves an only daughter, the wife of Captain Spear,
and two grand children.
HOLLISTER, ASAHEL (May 1,1763 – Feb. 12, 1839) NO HEADSTONE
Married Elizabeth Wier [July 10, 1766 - ] Parents of four children: Joseph [July 25,
1788 – Jan. 14, 1879], Elizabeth [May 3, 1790 – Oct. 21, 1879], Sylvester [Sep. 26, 1792
– Aug. 10, 1805], Lehasa [July 30, 1794 – July 2, 1876]. Served in the Revolutionary
War.
From the Painesville Republican, Feb. 28, 1839
Died in Kirtland, Ohio Feb. 12, 1839, Mr. Asahel Hollister, aged 76 years, formerly from Glastonbury, Conn., a revolutionary pensioner. Mr. Hollister made an early profession of religion, and joined the M. E. Church with which he remained for nearly twenty years, but left them and joined the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) about six years since, and died in the full faith of that doctrine. He has left a large and respectable circle of relatives and friends to mourn the loss of one who was a pattern of piety and Christian benevolence.
JENKINS, GRACE HARRIS Mar. 30, 1800 – Feb. 11, 1885
Husband and wife buried at Waite Hill Cemetery (look for TURK monument)
Grace was born in New York and married MURRY JENKINS in 1818. She joined the
church in 1830 and moved to Kirtland in 1838.
In the Saints’ Herald, Mar. 14, 1885, p. 175
--At Kirtland, Ohio, February 11th, 1885, Grace Jenkins, in the 85th year of her
age. For many long, weary years, a few of God’s chosen ones have, through both
bright clouds and dark, courageously stood for the faith once delivered to the
Saints in and about Kirtland. Grace Harris Jenkins was one of these. Born in the
town of Harrisena, New York, March 30th, 1800 she at an early day had
opportunity of hearing the gospel of Christ—heard and embraced the same in the
year 1830, under the preaching and ministration of Elder Simeon Carter, of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and continued full of hope and the
peace of Christ in the same, to the last. When she was eighteen years of age she
was married to Murry Jenkins, in the town of her girlhood, with whom she
continued till death separated them about two years ago. They came to Kirtland,
Ohio, in 1838, where they have since resided. This faithful one to the Master was
offered at the time of her leaving New York state, a fine farm if she would
renounce her faith; but she chose to stand with the people of God, rather than to
enjoy the riches of earth for a season. How glad must be every Saint, and her
children and near relatives who yet remain, and the angels, and Jesus the faithful
one, now that the time that she must quit this life has arrived, of this her choice of
a home which is to be hers forever, rather than the pleasures of the world for a
season. Her last years were passed with her daughter, Mrs. Kezia Turk, of
Kirtland, who with two sisters and a brother living a distance away, and members
of her father’s family in New York state, mourn her loss. Funeral services
conducted by E. L. Kelley, on Sabbath, February 15th; a large number of the
friends and neighbors of the deceased attending.
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MENTOR MUNICIPAL CEMETERY
On November 8, 1854, eleven men met at Mentor Special School to organize a
cemetery association. The Association purchased 10 acres of land north of the Special
School for $400.00, to be paid in four equal payments, plus interest. On December 2,
1854, Martin Sawyer, Sellick Warren and Edward M. Ingersoll were elected trustees and
James Dickey clerk of the Cemetery Association.
Amasa Cobb, who died on March 16, 1855, was the first person buried in the
new cemetery. Prior to this people were buried at a site near Mentor Center Street School
and in a small cemetery on what is now King Memorial Road between the freeway
bridge and Little Mountain Road on the east side. Many bodies and headstones were
moved from these two cemeteries and interred in Mentor Municipal Cemetery, but not all
were removed from the Little Mountain site.
DIRECTIONS: From the Kirtland Temple, travel north across Interstate 90. Stay on Rt.
306 until it intersects with Mentor Ave. (Rt. 20—it will be the 2nd light). Turn right and
stay on Mentor Ave. until Hopkins Road, about 3 miles. Turn left on Hopkins and about
½ mile, you will see the cemetery on the right.
EARLY MEMBERS BURIED HERE
FISK, MARVIN M. Oct. 10, 1810 – 1884
Son of Sterry and Maria P. Fisk, early members of the church and probably a member at
one time. Married JULIA E. STEVENS (1822 – 1910) on Feb. 4, 1838 in Geauga
County, Ohio. Gilbert Belnap recorded in his autobiography, “About June 20, 1842, I
received a note requesting the attendance of myself and lady to a ball to be given in
Mentor at the home of Marvin Fisk on the 4th of July. In company with a number of
others, I, at the appointed time, set out to amuse myself in the festivities of the day. We
met at 10:00 a.m. and in the afternoon rode to Painesville to take dinner. Being among
my associates, time passed off merrily.”(Gilbert Belnap Autobiography, BYU
Typescript, Special Collections, Pg. 18)
HARMON, REUBEN P. Dec. 31, 1814 – 1906
Son of Oliver Harmon and Patience Wright
Reuben resided in Kirtland when the Mormons first arrived. He was personally
acquainted with Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris and others in the early church. He
frequently attended the meetings held at the Isaac Morley farm. It is not known for sure
whether he joined the church for a time, but because of his many close associations, we
included him and his family in this work. He married ANN L. WHITE (1818 – 1904) on
Aug. 14, 1843 by the Rev. Truman Coe and they were the parents of four children.
Owned over 500 acres in Kirtland and was an auctioneer in several counties. Ann had
boarded with the Whitneys and was hired by Newel K. Whitney to ornament chairs for
his store for several years. Emily (daughter of John Johnson) and Christopher Quinn,
Page 29
Emma and Jerusha Smith wrote in her personal autograph book. Reuben’s
father, HARMON, OLIVER (Feb. 13, 1788 – Apr 27, 1843 Son of Oliver Harmon and
Mary Plumb, who are buried in Kirtland South Cemetery) married Patience Wright on
Mar. 7, 1789. Patience died in 1815, leaving 2 year old Daniel and 6 month old Reuben
and was buried in Painesville, Ohio. Oliver then married LUCY POMEROY (Nov. 29,
1875 – Nov 5, 1853) and they had five children together. They built a home in Kirtland
and thirteen people were baptized in the river on his farm by Sidney Rigdon. Oliver was
a stockholder in the Kirtland Safety Society and Reuben had his name changed on that
register to Oliver Harrison to avoid litigation. Oliver and Lucy’s burial locations in
Kirtland are unknown.
HARRIS, PRESERVED May 8, 1785 - April 18, 1867
Son of Nathan and Rhoda Harris, brother of Martin and Emer Harris. Married NANCY
WARREN (Dec.31, 1792 – Apr. 19, 1872, daughter of Samuel Warren). Parents of ten
children. He was called before the High Council on June 16, 1834 for a “want of
benevolence to the poor, and charity to the Church” and was dis-fellowshipped until “he
shall see that the course he is pursuing is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus.” Daughter,
HARRIET HARRIS SWEET (1811 – 1863, wife of John H. Sweet) and sons, JOB
HARRIS (1819 – 1901) and JOHN HARRIS (1827 – 1859) are also buried in Mentor
Cemetery.
Preserved Harris’ home still exists and is located on southwest corner of Rt. 84 and
Chillicothe in Mentor.
MORLEY, ALFRED Aug. 29, 1805 – Apr. 23, 1883
Son of Thomas and Editha Marsh Morley, brother to Isaac. His first wife, URANIA
LUCRETIA CONANT, is buried in Kirtland North Cemetery. His second wife, ELIZA
KNIGHT, who is buried next to him, was the daughter of Jeremiah and Roba Walker
Knight who came to Kirtland from Greenfield, Mass. in 1817. Alfred lived in Lot 19, of
Tract 1, across the street from Isaac Morley. He was the father of eleven children.
Eliza Morley wrote of her husband in 1882, “My husband, Alfred Morley, was a disciple
and one of the Mormon leaders, and lived across the road from our house.” [see Arthur
Deming’s Naked Truths About Mormonism, Vo. 1, #2, p. 2] Since this is the only record
than has been found to indicate that Alfred was a member of the church at one time in his
life, this author believes that Eliza’s memory fails her on this account. He died of
pleurisy.
STORY, ISAAC 1798 – Mar. 11, 1862
Married Lucy Ann Perry.
Was rebuked by Joseph Smith, along with Ezekiel Rider, in a Bishop’s court that “the
Church must feel the wrath of God except they repent of their sins and cast away their
murmurings and complainings one of another. Elder Rigdon also lectured them on the
same principles.” Isaac and Bro. Rider confessed their wrongs and all forgave one
another. Testified on Feb. 19, 1834 at a meeting of the Kirtland High Council “that Elder
Curtis Hodges talked so loud at a prayer meeting that the neighbors came out to see if
some one was hurt.” At a conference held in Kirtland in August 1834 to investigate
Page 30
charges of misconduct against Joseph Smith during the march of Zion’s Camp, Isaac
signed his name exonerating the Prophet’s actions.
STORY, LUCY ANN PERRY Feb. 22, 1809 – Dec. 11, 1899
Daughter of Asahel Perry and Polly Chadwick
In the Willoughby Independent – Fri., Dec. 22, 1899
“Death’s harvest seems to be on at Mentor. Since last writing, Mrs. Lucy Story, of
Jackson St., died at the age of 91”
Wife of Isaac Story, daughter of Asahel Perry and Polly Chadwick. Parents of seven
children. Their sons, ROMULUS A. STORY (Nov. 18, 1838 – May 6, 1864) who was
killed in the Civil War and FRANCIS D. STORY (1 Feb. 11, 1841 - ?) are buried with
them. Daughters, MARTHA A. STORY (1845-1920) and MARY L. STORY (1843 –
1856) are also buried with them.
OTHERS OF INTEREST
THE CLAPP FAMILY – Orris and Phebe Clapp were Julia Murdock’s parents. Julia
married John Murdock and she died while giving birth to twins on April 30, 1831. John
gave the twins to Joseph and Emma Smith. Julia’s brother, Matthew Clapp was Sidney
Rigdon’s first convert to the Disciples of Christ. Matthew wrote a lengthy article in the
Painesville Telegraph (Feb. 5, 1831) giving his perception on how Mormonism was introduced to Ohio and warned
against its delusions with “Now, courteous reader, I have given a simple statement of facts for the purpose that you might not be
deceived by the pretensions of these false prophets. They proclaim the ancient gospel, putting their own appendages to it.”
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