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GEORGE PEACOCK |
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GENEALOGY AND EXCERPTS FROM THE BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE PEACOCK George Peacock son of Daniel, the son of William, the son of Benjamin. My father was born in Ferndale, Yorkshire, England, August 2, 1796. He married Mary Noddings about the year 1819 and had eight children namely: Jane Born November 12, 1820 George Born July 30, 1822 Hannah Born September 25, 1823 William Born June 2, 1825 Mary Born September 30, 1826 Sarah Born March 18, 1828 John Born December 29, 1829 Elizabeth Born September 1831 In the year 1830, my father having met with reverse in business, sailed with his family on board the ship Ida, from Whitney Harbor to Quebec, upper Canada, American thence, by river to Toronto and settled near Maraum Village where he died September 1831. He was buried in the Dutch graveyard on Ramerz Farm by the side of his infant daughter Elizabeth who had died and been buried a few days previously. My mother and several children lay sick and did not attend the funeral. My mother's circumstances were such that she was forced to put all her children out to service except the two youngest, supporting herself by taking in washing.She was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church, the minister of which, introduced her to mer John Clark, a native of Ireland. She was married to Mr. John Clark, a native of Ireland April 1832. Her husband was a very austere man, so mucfh so taht the children remained away from home. I began to feel the need of education. I labored in the summer at a very low wage, only getting from three to four dollars a month, but by economy I managed to save enough to pay for my winter's schooling continuing winters until I obtained a common education. In 1937 the McKenzie Rebellion broke out in Canada. I crossed over Lake Ontario to the State of New York and settled in niagra county, near Niagra Falls, which place I left in company of my step-father and his family. I took all my brothers and sisters, except Mary, with me and journeyed to the State of Missouri. Our object in going to Missouri was ojn account of religions faith, my parents having joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. We settled near the town of De Witt, Carroll County, Missouri, where we bought property to the value of $4,000, which we were compelled to leave on account of mob violence and persecution against the Saints. This was in the fall of 1838. Being compelled to leave the State of Missouri, we removed to the Territory of Iowa and settled in Lee county, where I formed an acquaintance with and married Sarah Lowry, eldest daughter of John Lowry and Susan Groom, on April, 4 1840. In July following I was baptized by Elder John Lowry and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. I settled in Nashville, Iowa, where I remained a year and then removed to Nauvoo, where I was peersecuted in common with the Saints and looked upon the dead bodies of Hyrum and Joseph Smith and did military service in guarfding the Prophets Hyrum and Joseph Smith in the city of Nauvoo for about two months, day and night. On April 8, 1845, I left Nauvoo (this being the exodus of the Saints out of the city) with my family and overtook the main body of the Saints at Pisgah, Iowa. From this point aand place I was one of the pioneers pioneering the way through western Iowa to Council Bluffs. I assisted in making the first ferry boat and taking over the Missouri river the first load of Saints westward. At this point I joined the pioneer company led by Bishop George Miller, travelled to Pawnee village on the Loop Fork of the Platte River and thence to Puncah, or Running water river and wintered on the Missouri river near Fort Vermillion. In the Spring of 1847 I moved to the town of Weston of Platte county, Missouri, where I engaged in common labor and afterward rented and kept the Eagle Hotel, at which business I was very successful. In March, 1850, I started with my family for Salt Lake City. On my arrival at Council Bluffs I learned that my step-father was dead. Having with me some surplus means, I fitted up teams and took with me my mother and her four children. We crossed the Missouri River the second day of June 1850. Here we organized into Capt. Thomas Johnson's company, 2nd 50 of the First 100, 1850 immigration. I was elected Captain. We crossed the nplains through many fatigues, cholera, etc., only one of may dying in the company. We arrived at Salt Lake City on September 5, 1850, highly pleased with the place and the prospects. After tarrying some three days I started for Sanpete County, where I settled. On my arrival I was welcomed by my father-in-law, John Lowry, and his family and friends, who received us with warm feelings. In 1851 I was appointed constable by Brigham Young. On the 5th day of February, 1852, I was elected by the Territorial Legislature to the office of Probate Judge for Sanpete county. In March, 1852, I organized the County by appointing the various county officers as appointed by law. In August, 1852 I was elected a member of the Utah Legislature, which position I held, by being re-elected annually, for six consecutive years, during which time I performed many ardous duties incident to a new county. The Indians being hostile, I was called to command of the militia against them. In the Spring of 1853, I was appointed postmaster of Manti. In July, 1853, the Indians commenced hostilities which caused many hardships and several deaths. October 1, 1853, my half-brother, Thomas Clark, was killed by the Indians, together with Wm. E. Reid, James Nelson and William Luke at the Uinta Springs, Sanpete County (now Fountain Green.) On the 5th day of August, 1854, I married Mary Artimesia Lowry, another daughter of John Lowry Sr., or Father Lowry, according to the celestial order of marriage. The following children were born to us: John Lowry Peacock August 5, 1855 Manti, Utah George Peacock March 8, 1857 " " Brigham James Peacock December 27, 1859 ?Manti, Utah Susan Lucretia Peacock February 19, 1861 " " Clarence Abner Peacock July 27, 1864 " " Rosabella Peacock September 6, 1866 " " Ariel Aroldo Peacock January 7, 1870 " " Daniel Movell Peacock March 15, 1872 " " Dell Roy Lynn Peacock July 18, 1872 " " Mary Luella Peacock January 26, 1879 " " On December 21, 1856, I married Sarah Bell, daughter of William Bell and Sarah Brereton Hall, according to the celestial order of marriage, and to us were born the following children: Warren Snow Peacock September 17, 1857 Manti, Utah Helen Eugene Peacock June 14, 1860 " " Lillie Bell Peacock July 3, 1864 " " William George Peacock October 3, 1865 " " Oliver Cromwell Peacock March 13, 1867 " " Edmund Peacock March 13, 1869 All Sarah Annette Peacock November 30, 1870 LeRoy Durell Peacock April 4, 1873 Olivia Peacock April 11, 1875 Velora Peacock March 30, 1877 (The balance of his life until his mission is found in the Journal of George Peacock, a separate book, but has been typed.) In April 1861 I was appointed on a mission to Europe. Left SLC May 1st, crossed the plains with ox team, train of wagons, by steamer, and cars to New York, crossed the ocean on the steamship, ETNA, landed in Liverpool July 25th and was appointed to travel and preach in Ireland. Before proceeding to Scotland, I visited several parts of England and found acquaintances. I arrived in the City of Edinburgh, Scotland on October 7th. Visited the most principal cities and places in Scotland and made a tour through England remaining in London about 10 days visiting all the notable places of that city including the International exhibition of 1862. During this mission to Britain I was an instrument in doing much good, bringing to many the knowledge of the truth and gathering them to Zion. On the 24th of June 1863 I left Liverpool for my home in Utah, having in charge George Q. Cannon's family. I arrived home on the 15th of Oct., found my family all alive and well but considerably reduced in property. In March 1864 an Indian war commenced by one Blackhawk and his band, the history of which will be found in another part of this Journal. In Aug. 1864, I was again elected member of the Legislature making the seventh time I have been returned from this County. January 19, 1865 I was elected by the joint vote of the Legislature assembled to the office of Probate Judge of Sanpete County for the term of four years. At the request of a Historical committee of the House of Representatives of the Utah Legislature I wrote the following sketch of the settlements of Sanpete County: Historical account of the settlement, rise and progress of Sanpete County, Utah Territory from 1849 to 1860. Sanpete County derives its name from a band of indians of the Ute Tribe called the San Piches. A river by the same name flows lengthwise through the center of Sanpete Valley a distance of 60 miles. In August 1849 a committee was appointed in Great Salt Lake City consisting of the following named persons; Joseph Horn, W.W. Phelps, Ira Wiley and D.B. Huntington, for the purpose of exploring Sanpete Valley. The committee entered upon their duties and traveled south to Salt Creek, thence through the canyon into Sanpete Valley having Walker, an Indian Chief, for a guide. The committee arrived at the place where Manti was afterwards located, on the 20th of August, returned from there to Salt Lake and reported favorable. Whereupon measures were taken to have a settlement made in Sanpete Valley. Arriving on the spot where they located the town of Manti in November, 1849. Isaac Morley, Seth Taft and Charles Thumway called a company of about 50 families into Sanpete Valley arriving on the spot where the town of Manti now stands,in November, 1849. Now the season being late and winter setting in severely, preparations were made for the comfort of the families as the snow fell to the depth of three feet. This caused the death of nearly all the stock and provisions became scarce. So much that the men had to go out of the valley on snowshoes for provisions. They returned with provisions on hand sleds. By spring of 1850, Governor Young sent teams with provisions and seeds and so encouraged the continuation of the settlement and development of the Valley of Sanpete. Farms were opened and a beautiful harvest was realized. The settlers now became encouraged by reward. To that, additions to the numbers of inhabitants were made during the summer and fall. John Lowry was appointed presiding bishop. At the Legislative Assembly of the territory of Utah Session, from 1851 to 1852 a county was formed by the name of Sanpete. Isaac Morley and Charles Humway represented the county in the Legislature. George Peacock was elected, by a joint vote of the Legislative Assembly, to the office of probate judge, who pursued to instruction, organized the County of Sanpete in March, 1852 by appointing C. W. Taylor as county clerk, Gordon Snow, P. W. Cook, and James Ritchie as selectmen. Nelson Higgins as Sheriff, John Lowry as assessor and collector. George Pectol was treasurer, Albert Petty as surveyor, Andrew L. Tiller as notary public. All of which were deeply qualified and entered upon their duties. Manti is the County Seat, is situated near the eastern base of the mountains east side of Sanpete Valley on a tributary of the SanPitch River known as City Creek. It is 143 miles south of Salt Lake City. It was incorporated in 1851 and numbers at this time, 1860, nearly 3,000 inhabitants. Facilities for building are good as there is an extensive stone quarry of a soft white lime stone near the city and many good substantial buildings have been erected. There are now in the place at present, one meeting house, two school houses, two stores, principally one being a cooperative store, two store forts, two flouring mills, one sawmill and shingle mill, two wood carving machines, two blacksmith shops, and several mechanics such as carpenters and wheelwrights. Moreover you can find here a public library, a photographer, a painter, a sculptor, and a dramatic association. Mt. Pleasant, 25 miles north of Manti was the first laid out and settled in that direction, by Madison D. Hambleton in the spring of 1852 and flourished until July of the same year when the settlement was evacuated on account of Indian hostility, after the evacuation, the Indians burned down the town in April 1859. The place was resettled under the direction of James Ivie and WS Seeley and the town located near the eastern base of East mountain by a beautiful stream of water called Pleasant Creek. This is the flourishing town numbering about 3000 inhabitants. The citizens have erected a strong, substantial stone fort for protection against the Indians. There is also in the place one meeting house, four school houses, two flouring mills, two sawmills, two shingle and lathing mills, two thrashing machines, one reaper and mower, two tanneries, five blacksmith shops, two cabinet makers, five carpenters, two painters, one photographer, one dramatic association, one public library, one doctor and last though not least, a large number of farmers and laborers. Springtown was located in the spring of 1853 under the direction of James Allred and situated on Canal Creek, 15 miles in a north easterly course from Manti. The people of Mt. Pleasant located at this place in July, having evacuated their homes at Mt. Pleasant, and the two settlements were concentrated into one. The citizens built a fort for their protection against the Indians and about the time of completion, the Indians, headed by Chief Walker and Arapine with 200 warriors, made a raid upon the stock and drove off some 800 head of horses and cattle. On the receipt of this, intelligence at Manti, Major Higgins (Military Commander), ordered the evacuation of the fort and settlement and sent teams and removed the people to Manti. Springtown was resettled in the spring of 1864 under the direction of George Black, BH Allred superceeded by Bishop CG Larson, and up to the date 1869, the people have suffered many hardships and inconveniences, having to break up and move on account of Indians. (See history of Indian raids) The settlement is now, 1869, in a prosperous condition, increasing in numbers and in wealth, presided over by L. Olsen. The people of Sanpete county suffered heavy losses by the hostile Indians during the summer of 1863 (sic) and several natives were killed. In the spring of 1854 (sic) a treaty of peace was concluded with the Indians. Peace and prosperity smiled again upon the people of Sanpete. A settlement was commenced on Pine Creek, 7 miles north from Manti, under the direction of Mr. Allred which was named Ephraim. This place prospered and increased until it now numbers about 3000 inhabitants. It has a large stone meeting house, four school houses, two flouring mills, one sawmill, two threshing machines, one tanner, three stores, a strong fort for protection against the Indian raids. The people of the town were thrown into a state of excitement about the 20th of October 1865, as the Indians made a raid upon the town, killed seven persons, drove off a large head of stock and made good their escape into the mountains. The settlement is now in a flourishing condition. By the spring of 1859, a settlement was made on the SanPitch River, 18 miles north of Manti called Moroni. This settlement was made on the road leading direct from Manti to Ephraim and was constructed under the direction of George W. Bradley. The town was incorporated by act of the Legislature 1866, numbers 1500 inhabitants in 1869. It has one meeting house, 2 school houses, 2 flouring mills, 10 mechanic shops, 4 stores, a painter, a doctor, 4 lawyers, 1 public library and a dramatic association. Gunnison is situated near the mouth of SanPitch river and two miles north of the Sevier River, 18 miles southwest of Manti. It was located in the spring of 1861 and derives its name in honor of the illustrious and respected Captain Gunnison. Captain Gunnison passed through the place where this town is located on his exploration tour in 1863 and was killed by Indians a few days after passing this point. It has one meeting house, a schoolhouse, a sawmill, one threshing machine, a blacksmith shop, 2 stores, five mechanics and carpenters and shoemakers. Attached to this settlement there was a settlement 5 miles west of Gunnison named Fayette, located on Warm Creek and flourished for awhile. It was evacuated in 1866 on account of Indians, but resettled again in 1868. Fountain Green was located on (?) Creek, under the direction of George Johnston in the spring of 1861 and is 25 miles north of Manti and within six miles of the line between Sanpete and Juab counties. Immediately on the road leading direct from Manti to Nephi. It numbers now, 1869, about 1000 inhabitants. It has one meeting house, two school houses, several mechanics of various kinds, two flouring mills and two sawmills, two shingle machinery. This settlement was evacuated 1866 on account of Indian hostilities. In the Fall of 1866, the same year, the inhabitants returned and completed a good substantial fort. The inhabitants now live in said fort under presiding officer, Robert Johnson. North Bend or Fairview. This settlement was commenced in the spring of 1861, under the direction of James Jones and is situated on the SanPitch River five miles north of Mount Pleasant at the northernest end of Sanpete Valley. It numbers about 700 inhabitants and is a very flourishing town at present. But it met with a very severe reverse in 1866 when it had to be evacuated on account of Indian hostilities. The inhabitants returned late in the fall, built a good substantial fort and they now live in the same. In the place we find now one meeting house, one large school house which accommodates the scholars of the place, one gristmill, one sawmill, one shingle machine, one tannery, several mechanics such as a blacksmith, carpenters, and shoemakers. It is presided over by George Turner. Coalville, or Wales, was located in 1862, under the direction of John Reese, numbering some 15 families, mostly Welsh; who opened up a very extensive lead on a vein of coal and prospered and increased in business until 1866, when the place was evacuated onaccount of Indian hostilities. It resettled again in 1868, and is now at present in a flourishing condition. The winter of 1868 and 1869 has been a very favorable one. Hundreds of men from Sanpete County have been laboring upon the Union Pacific Railroad which has been a great blessing to the people, as a large portion of them have had to purchase the necessities of life with proceeds of their labor, as the crops of 1868 were cut off to a considerable extent by the grasshoppers. March 1869, weather beautiful, every appearance of an early spring. In 1868 and 1869 the Pacific was visited with fearful and destructive earthquakes. (Retyped from an almost unreadable copy - February 1992 - GPBIO.WP) |
Last Updated: 03.10.2018